Dogs are absolutely amazing creatures. Since we started domesticating them, we have given them more responsibility and jobs than you can think. They stand beside us in combat and fighting crime, they keep us warm at night, they help us raise our cattle and sheep, and the list goes on and on. One of those jobs is that of an attack dog. How, then, do you train an attack dog without them becoming a liability to the rest of your family and neighborhood?
Mainly attack dogs have a use in law enforcement, but there are some uses at home. Attack dogs differ from guard dogs in that they're taught to bite or attack on command by their owner. Guard dogs are taught to defend an area, whether it be by barking or biting. They don't require a verbal command to be protective of the area, but do it because they're trained to.
In reality, if you want to train an attack dog, you should visit a professional training program. There are too many risks and possibilities for them to get out of control during this extremely high risk training. If you don't have the right controls in place, the dog may not be able to discern the difference between when you are asking it to attack and when you're not, which will lead to them attacking at will.
Just like you have to take a firearms course, you are training yourself and your dog how to handle a lethal weapon. You shouldn't take this lightly by any means.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
How Can I Prevent Dog Bites?
When listening to the messages on our dog training school voice mail system, I have learned that most of those that begin with something along the lines of "My dog is wonderful and really sweet," usually end with a request for help in dealing with an aggression problem. In most cases, the word aggression is not actually mentioned, but referred to in a sort of pet parent code which includes: "He doesn't really like it when..." or "I'm a little concerned because..." The specifics of the situation are only brought to light once a thorough conversation has taken place. But, it is clear that nobody wants to label or have their dog labeled as aggressive. And one of the hardest things for pet parents to face is the fact that no matter how much we love our dogs, no matter how responsibly we care for them, nor how many nicknames we use as terms of endearment, underneath it all a dog is an animal, and like all animals, they have the propensity for aggression. With that said, as a person who loves dogs and greatly appreciates the many benefits of the canine/human bond it can be hard to face the fact that each year over 4 million dog bites occur in the Unites States. Of these, one in five requires medical attention. It is most often someone in a dog's immediate family who is the victim of a dog bite and likely a child. The possibility that a beloved canine family member might inflict harm to a person (especially someone in their own family) is a hard thing for people to face. However, dog bites are largely a preventable problem. May 16th-22nd is National Dog Bite Prevention Week which is a time to draw attention to this issue and raise awareness of ways to better observe and understand dog behavior, to implement careful management and supervision, and to work together as a dog community to decrease these incidents.
Dog bites occur for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that aggression is a normal part of animal behavior, and while aggression is a complex subject, there are some fairly simple steps people can take to prevent a dog bite.
1. Plan on early intervention with young animals to best prepare them for life with people. This includes early and ongoing socialization, gentling and handling exercises and habituation to a variety of experiences that might otherwise be overwhelming for a dog. Gradual exposure to the world of people, management to provide the most positive encounters possible, joining a puppy training class, attending puppy play groups, and maintaining good socialization skills and a dog with a cooperative attitude by attending refresher training classes throughout the years should all be part of a pet parenting plan.
2. Make an honest assessment of your dog's temperament and threshold for tolerance of particular people, places and things. Be careful not to inadvertently place your dog in a situation where they may not be able to handle experiences. A dogs tendency to respond aggressively will vary due to genetics, experiences and training. Many bites are the result of a dog who is in a state of fear as a result of being put in a situation where they feel stressed or threatened. When the ability to flee is blocked, an aggressive display (which might include biting) may be what the dog considers the only alternative. A dog may perceive any number of human behaviors as potentially challenging and react with a hard stare, stiffening of the body, growl or bark. These are all ways of the dog saying 'back off.' If these warnings are not heeded or are met with a perceived aggressive response (a physical or verbal reprimand) a bite may occur. Something as simple as reaching for a dog's collar or over his head to pet him might put a person at risk, especially if either behavior is confused with a previous reprimand (i.e. the dog's collar was grabbed and then the dog was punished for something). Many dogs are surprisingly tolerant, even when faced with rough handling and training techniques. But, each dog has a threshold at which they may respond aggressively. Some dogs have a very low threshold, which can be gradually raised to allow for greater tolerance and acceptance of stimuli using behavior modification. But, even the dog with the most rock solid temperament, and the most carefully planned and implemented early and ongoing socialization and habituation, may some day bite a person. Odds are for a dog like this, the bite would be extremely inhibited. However, it is vital that all pet parents consider it of prime importance to always observe their dog's behavior and consider their possible responses to particular stimuli in order to prevent an incident. Any aggression concerns should be addressed as soon as possible with the assistance of a qualified professional trainer.
3. Be aware of the possibility for redirected aggression. A dog may react to a specific stimulus (such as another dog approaching), and in a state of arousal redirect to the closest person (i.e. the one at the end of the leash). If a dog is in a state of arousal and possible aggression is suspected, great care should be given to staying calm and using a gentle approach in order to remove the dog from the situation so as to best ensure everyone's safety. Some dogs are best suited to on-leash management when around other dogs or people so as to provide an effective means for safe control.
4. Consider that as a scenario changes so does a dogs behavior. Even the most mannerly and friendly dog may react aggressively in response to specific triggers. This is especially true when multiple stimuli essentially mix together and result in a recipe for a higher state of arousal. For example, presenting a dog with a highly regarded or valued resource (such as a chew toy) in the presence of another dog may result in an aggressive response. In this case, even if the dog had not previously shown resource guarding issues with people, the presence of the other dog could be enough to trigger aggression which might be directed in any number of ways. In addition to working with a trainer to best manage any issues, pet parents should consider environmental variables from the dog's perspective and use caution so as to keep experiences at a level that the dog can handle. Most dogs are willing to offer loads of valuable information in regards to how they are feeling, it is our job to learn to most accurately interpret their language so as to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences are had by all.
5. Special care should be given when dogs are in the presence of children. Children are amongst those most likely to be bitten by a dog. Teach children to interact with dogs only when supervised by an adult, and in a gentle and mannerly fashion. Running and screaming in the presence of dogs should be discouraged as this may overstimulate a dog and trigger a chase and prey response. If a child wants to say hello to a dog, they should first ask their parent's permission, then the owner of the dog and then the dog's by calmly inviting the dog to walk to them to say hello. If the dog chooses not to interact then his or her decision should be respected. Forcing a dog into social interactions is highly unadvisable. Furthermore, children should never be permitted to approach a dog that is tethered or otherwise confined as they may feel cornered and/or territorial. In case a child every feels threatened by a dog, they should try to remain as still as possible and avoid eye contact. Turning to run may incite the dog to chase. Instead, slowly back away.
6. Provide your dog with appropriate and adequate mental and physical exercise as a way of reducing boredom and stress which may play a part in aggression.
7. Avoid punishments which tend to increase the possibility of an aggressive response. Fighting fire with fire will only serve to fuel the flames.
8. Teach your dog basic manners such as sit, down, hand targeting and come when called. These behaviors can be used as a way to show the dog what is expected and to build a foundation of cooperation and communication.
9. Spaying and neutering are strongly advised as intact animals display a higher incidence of aggressive behaviors.
Doing our part to manage and supervise our dogs, and to teach them to be mannerly members of the community is an essential part of keeping people and dogs safe, is at the core of being a great pet parent, and is the least we can do to thank them for all the wonderful ways they can add to the quality of our lives.
Dog bites occur for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that aggression is a normal part of animal behavior, and while aggression is a complex subject, there are some fairly simple steps people can take to prevent a dog bite.
1. Plan on early intervention with young animals to best prepare them for life with people. This includes early and ongoing socialization, gentling and handling exercises and habituation to a variety of experiences that might otherwise be overwhelming for a dog. Gradual exposure to the world of people, management to provide the most positive encounters possible, joining a puppy training class, attending puppy play groups, and maintaining good socialization skills and a dog with a cooperative attitude by attending refresher training classes throughout the years should all be part of a pet parenting plan.
2. Make an honest assessment of your dog's temperament and threshold for tolerance of particular people, places and things. Be careful not to inadvertently place your dog in a situation where they may not be able to handle experiences. A dogs tendency to respond aggressively will vary due to genetics, experiences and training. Many bites are the result of a dog who is in a state of fear as a result of being put in a situation where they feel stressed or threatened. When the ability to flee is blocked, an aggressive display (which might include biting) may be what the dog considers the only alternative. A dog may perceive any number of human behaviors as potentially challenging and react with a hard stare, stiffening of the body, growl or bark. These are all ways of the dog saying 'back off.' If these warnings are not heeded or are met with a perceived aggressive response (a physical or verbal reprimand) a bite may occur. Something as simple as reaching for a dog's collar or over his head to pet him might put a person at risk, especially if either behavior is confused with a previous reprimand (i.e. the dog's collar was grabbed and then the dog was punished for something). Many dogs are surprisingly tolerant, even when faced with rough handling and training techniques. But, each dog has a threshold at which they may respond aggressively. Some dogs have a very low threshold, which can be gradually raised to allow for greater tolerance and acceptance of stimuli using behavior modification. But, even the dog with the most rock solid temperament, and the most carefully planned and implemented early and ongoing socialization and habituation, may some day bite a person. Odds are for a dog like this, the bite would be extremely inhibited. However, it is vital that all pet parents consider it of prime importance to always observe their dog's behavior and consider their possible responses to particular stimuli in order to prevent an incident. Any aggression concerns should be addressed as soon as possible with the assistance of a qualified professional trainer.
3. Be aware of the possibility for redirected aggression. A dog may react to a specific stimulus (such as another dog approaching), and in a state of arousal redirect to the closest person (i.e. the one at the end of the leash). If a dog is in a state of arousal and possible aggression is suspected, great care should be given to staying calm and using a gentle approach in order to remove the dog from the situation so as to best ensure everyone's safety. Some dogs are best suited to on-leash management when around other dogs or people so as to provide an effective means for safe control.
4. Consider that as a scenario changes so does a dogs behavior. Even the most mannerly and friendly dog may react aggressively in response to specific triggers. This is especially true when multiple stimuli essentially mix together and result in a recipe for a higher state of arousal. For example, presenting a dog with a highly regarded or valued resource (such as a chew toy) in the presence of another dog may result in an aggressive response. In this case, even if the dog had not previously shown resource guarding issues with people, the presence of the other dog could be enough to trigger aggression which might be directed in any number of ways. In addition to working with a trainer to best manage any issues, pet parents should consider environmental variables from the dog's perspective and use caution so as to keep experiences at a level that the dog can handle. Most dogs are willing to offer loads of valuable information in regards to how they are feeling, it is our job to learn to most accurately interpret their language so as to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences are had by all.
5. Special care should be given when dogs are in the presence of children. Children are amongst those most likely to be bitten by a dog. Teach children to interact with dogs only when supervised by an adult, and in a gentle and mannerly fashion. Running and screaming in the presence of dogs should be discouraged as this may overstimulate a dog and trigger a chase and prey response. If a child wants to say hello to a dog, they should first ask their parent's permission, then the owner of the dog and then the dog's by calmly inviting the dog to walk to them to say hello. If the dog chooses not to interact then his or her decision should be respected. Forcing a dog into social interactions is highly unadvisable. Furthermore, children should never be permitted to approach a dog that is tethered or otherwise confined as they may feel cornered and/or territorial. In case a child every feels threatened by a dog, they should try to remain as still as possible and avoid eye contact. Turning to run may incite the dog to chase. Instead, slowly back away.
6. Provide your dog with appropriate and adequate mental and physical exercise as a way of reducing boredom and stress which may play a part in aggression.
7. Avoid punishments which tend to increase the possibility of an aggressive response. Fighting fire with fire will only serve to fuel the flames.
8. Teach your dog basic manners such as sit, down, hand targeting and come when called. These behaviors can be used as a way to show the dog what is expected and to build a foundation of cooperation and communication.
9. Spaying and neutering are strongly advised as intact animals display a higher incidence of aggressive behaviors.
Doing our part to manage and supervise our dogs, and to teach them to be mannerly members of the community is an essential part of keeping people and dogs safe, is at the core of being a great pet parent, and is the least we can do to thank them for all the wonderful ways they can add to the quality of our lives.
Dog Food Bowl Guarding
Some dogs, like people, learn to live by the code that what is theirs is theirs and what is yours is theirs as well. Resource guarding exists because the dog sees a vital resource and is attempting to keep it for himself. It also exists because it is, in great part, a learned behavior. While a dog may have a genetic predisposition to have a stronger personality, most aggression is learned. A dog is reinforced for low level aggression (usually unintentionally) and therefore learns that it works. A young dog who squirms, screams and nips when someone tries to groom him, is often rewarded by the person stopping. As a result, the dog learns that behavior works to make the grooming stop. As the dog matures, this squirming and screaming may progress to growling, air-snapping or actually biting. The dog has learned to behave aggressively. If a behavior is unpredictable, it can be very difficult to modify. However, as a learned behavior, many aggression cases have a predictable pattern and can therefore be modified. That is often the case with food bowl guarding.
Some believe that pups who come from very large litters may have a stronger tendency towards learning aggression since they have more pups to practice on, the dam presumably has less time to school each pup, and the pups are often taken away from the dam sooner due to the strain on her. But, from my experience aggression cases are most predictable with dogs that are raised in homes where there is a failure to practice good manners and handling and gentling exercises every day on a regular basis. When the first signs of aggression are presented they are usually not recognized as such, or are simply ignored as a stage. When the family eventually attempts to remedy the situation, the method of choice is often in the vein of fighting fire with fire. Reprimanding a dog with verbal or physical reprimands may temporarily blunt the behavior. But, in most cases this essentially creates a sort of ticking time bomb in regards to the dog's propensity to eventually cause harm. The dog may not behave aggressively with some people (i.e. an adult in the home), but may perceive other adults or children as adversaries.
When dealing with any aggression issues it is wise to work with a professional who can guide you and your dog on a path towards having a mutually cooperative, trusting, and loving relationship without aggression on either end. A general 'Learn to Earn' program, where the dog is requested to offer a behavior such as sitting, lying down, or hand targeting, in order to earn each thing he wants is a great first step. But, most importantly, you must implement careful management to prevent harm and further practicing of this behavior. Keeping the dog on leash when you are there to supervise, and keeping the dog away from environments and situations where he is likely to practice aggression is an absolute must.
In regards to food bowl guarding, some of the steps we suggest (again, in a program that is supervised by a qualified trainer) are as follows:
1. Dogs that are free fed and/or fed on demand may be more likely to have food bowl aggression issues. So, plan 2-3 feeding times a day in areas of the home where aggression hasn't occurred. Use a flat plate instead of a food bowl and during this period of behavior modification, keep the dog on leash when supervised, particularly at feeding times.
2. Begin by having the dog's feeding plate on an elevated space (a high table or cupboard) and offer one piece at a time from your hand.
3. After about a week, have the plate with food elevated and put another plate on the ground where you can drop one piece at a time. This is a superb way for a dog to learn that a hand reaching for a feeding plate is there to deliver food.
4. In week two, put the empty plate on the ground and say 'thank you' as you reach to pick it up and offer your dog a piece of his food from your treat pouch. For some dogs, tossing the treat to the ground a bit away from the empty food plate is advisable.
5. When you and the trainer you are working with feel your dog is ready, you can progress to approaching the empty plate before picking it up. When he is done, say 'thank you,' reach to take it away and offer another bit of food from your treat pouch.
6. You can also work on exercises where the dog is called to you while you hold an empty plate off the ground. When he gets to you, place one piece of food on the plate and tell the dog he can take it. As you gradually progress, place the plate lower to the ground before putting a bit of food on it.
7. An additional exercise is to put three plates on the ground and put a few pieces of food on one plate. As he is eating, move to another plate a few feet away. Call your dog to you when he is done and put a few more pieces on that plate and then repeat with the third plate. In this way your dog is learning to earn the food (by coming when called) and that people being near feeding plates is a wonderful thing.
8. Teaching your dog to hand target (see the hand targeting article on this site) so you have an effective and fun way to call him to you, is also advisable. Be sure that you mark (by saying yes or using a clicker) the moment your dog's nose touches your hand, and follow it up with a small, but very high value reward.
In addition to these exercises, teaching your dog new behaviors to do on request (such as rollover, give paw, spin, etc.) will help continue to improve your dog's understanding in regards to the cooperative and trusting bond that is necessary to the canine/human relationship.
Some believe that pups who come from very large litters may have a stronger tendency towards learning aggression since they have more pups to practice on, the dam presumably has less time to school each pup, and the pups are often taken away from the dam sooner due to the strain on her. But, from my experience aggression cases are most predictable with dogs that are raised in homes where there is a failure to practice good manners and handling and gentling exercises every day on a regular basis. When the first signs of aggression are presented they are usually not recognized as such, or are simply ignored as a stage. When the family eventually attempts to remedy the situation, the method of choice is often in the vein of fighting fire with fire. Reprimanding a dog with verbal or physical reprimands may temporarily blunt the behavior. But, in most cases this essentially creates a sort of ticking time bomb in regards to the dog's propensity to eventually cause harm. The dog may not behave aggressively with some people (i.e. an adult in the home), but may perceive other adults or children as adversaries.
When dealing with any aggression issues it is wise to work with a professional who can guide you and your dog on a path towards having a mutually cooperative, trusting, and loving relationship without aggression on either end. A general 'Learn to Earn' program, where the dog is requested to offer a behavior such as sitting, lying down, or hand targeting, in order to earn each thing he wants is a great first step. But, most importantly, you must implement careful management to prevent harm and further practicing of this behavior. Keeping the dog on leash when you are there to supervise, and keeping the dog away from environments and situations where he is likely to practice aggression is an absolute must.
In regards to food bowl guarding, some of the steps we suggest (again, in a program that is supervised by a qualified trainer) are as follows:
1. Dogs that are free fed and/or fed on demand may be more likely to have food bowl aggression issues. So, plan 2-3 feeding times a day in areas of the home where aggression hasn't occurred. Use a flat plate instead of a food bowl and during this period of behavior modification, keep the dog on leash when supervised, particularly at feeding times.
2. Begin by having the dog's feeding plate on an elevated space (a high table or cupboard) and offer one piece at a time from your hand.
3. After about a week, have the plate with food elevated and put another plate on the ground where you can drop one piece at a time. This is a superb way for a dog to learn that a hand reaching for a feeding plate is there to deliver food.
4. In week two, put the empty plate on the ground and say 'thank you' as you reach to pick it up and offer your dog a piece of his food from your treat pouch. For some dogs, tossing the treat to the ground a bit away from the empty food plate is advisable.
5. When you and the trainer you are working with feel your dog is ready, you can progress to approaching the empty plate before picking it up. When he is done, say 'thank you,' reach to take it away and offer another bit of food from your treat pouch.
6. You can also work on exercises where the dog is called to you while you hold an empty plate off the ground. When he gets to you, place one piece of food on the plate and tell the dog he can take it. As you gradually progress, place the plate lower to the ground before putting a bit of food on it.
7. An additional exercise is to put three plates on the ground and put a few pieces of food on one plate. As he is eating, move to another plate a few feet away. Call your dog to you when he is done and put a few more pieces on that plate and then repeat with the third plate. In this way your dog is learning to earn the food (by coming when called) and that people being near feeding plates is a wonderful thing.
8. Teaching your dog to hand target (see the hand targeting article on this site) so you have an effective and fun way to call him to you, is also advisable. Be sure that you mark (by saying yes or using a clicker) the moment your dog's nose touches your hand, and follow it up with a small, but very high value reward.
In addition to these exercises, teaching your dog new behaviors to do on request (such as rollover, give paw, spin, etc.) will help continue to improve your dog's understanding in regards to the cooperative and trusting bond that is necessary to the canine/human relationship.
Coaching Your New Puppy How to Greet People
So you now have a new puppy and of course the kids are thrilled as they first set eyes on their new pet. It's all so exciting and puppies are of course adorable, fun, playful and they are very very energetic!
However, they also have a great deal to learn. Nobody really wants to feel embarrassed when a visitor arrives at the front door only to be greeted by an over excited puppy dog greeting them in the way puppies do-by jumping up on them with maybe nice muddy paws and certainly very sharp claws! All puppy really wants is attention and that's the reason it leaps up on anyone the moment they see them.
The best way to train a puppy how to act in the presence of somebody new is to first train it how to greet members of your immediate family when they arrive home. It's a relatively simple step in the early instruction of any dog. As mentioned above, the reason puppies leap up is for attention. So all members of the family should be asked to help in the puppy's training by resisting its advances.
This resistance will take the form of turning away and ignoring the puppy the minute it tries to jump up.
Now at first your pup may be persistent and continue trying to jump up in hopes that it will obtain what it is it wants- somebody to reach down and make a fuss over it. But that kind of attention only encourages undesirable behavior. But rest assured dogs are very intelligent creatures and yours will very soon learn. Once it becomes calm or, even much better, sits down, then it can be greeted by the rest of the family with a pat on the head and told it's a "good puppy"!
You will also find that it's a good idea to let anybody outside the family, friends, neighbors, postmen etc., know about about your new puppy. Tell them its name and explain to them how you' would like them to act on meeting it when they enter your home. Most people will be very happy to cooperate with this your instructions. After all who really wants muddy paw marks or doggy hairs all over their cloths!.
If everyone rallies round to help by ignoring it when it tries to jump up your puppy will very quickly learn how to say hello nicely to anyone new.
However, they also have a great deal to learn. Nobody really wants to feel embarrassed when a visitor arrives at the front door only to be greeted by an over excited puppy dog greeting them in the way puppies do-by jumping up on them with maybe nice muddy paws and certainly very sharp claws! All puppy really wants is attention and that's the reason it leaps up on anyone the moment they see them.
The best way to train a puppy how to act in the presence of somebody new is to first train it how to greet members of your immediate family when they arrive home. It's a relatively simple step in the early instruction of any dog. As mentioned above, the reason puppies leap up is for attention. So all members of the family should be asked to help in the puppy's training by resisting its advances.
This resistance will take the form of turning away and ignoring the puppy the minute it tries to jump up.
Now at first your pup may be persistent and continue trying to jump up in hopes that it will obtain what it is it wants- somebody to reach down and make a fuss over it. But that kind of attention only encourages undesirable behavior. But rest assured dogs are very intelligent creatures and yours will very soon learn. Once it becomes calm or, even much better, sits down, then it can be greeted by the rest of the family with a pat on the head and told it's a "good puppy"!
You will also find that it's a good idea to let anybody outside the family, friends, neighbors, postmen etc., know about about your new puppy. Tell them its name and explain to them how you' would like them to act on meeting it when they enter your home. Most people will be very happy to cooperate with this your instructions. After all who really wants muddy paw marks or doggy hairs all over their cloths!.
If everyone rallies round to help by ignoring it when it tries to jump up your puppy will very quickly learn how to say hello nicely to anyone new.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Get a Full Understanding of Your Dogs Cancer in Three Minutes
If your dog has canine cancer, you are most likely feeling overwhelmed and confused. Often our veterinarians automatically suggest medical procedures without giving us ample information about the state of the dog's cancer. However, there is a way that in just about three minutes, you can find out more about your dog's current state of health including details about his or her emotions. This revolutionary method is called biofeedback.
Biofeedback integrates a variety of forms of science including math, quantum physics and computer programming. The process includes a computer, biofeedback unit and leg and forehead sensors. These devices can easily be placed on your dog and the procedure is completely pain free. If you are looking for a specialized way to treat your dog's cancer, biofeedback simply must be explored.
Biofeedback can diagnose problems in your dog's cancer as well as his or her entire system. This is similar to how you would scan your computer for viruses. Once this energy data is collected, it is sent to the computer to be analyzed. Basically, the process involves sending out a series of questions out to your dog's body and receiving answers. The results can tell you a wide variety of things about your dog's entire health picture including shortages of vitamins, minerals and hormones, digestion issues, emotional and mental outlook, levels of toxins, brain wave patterns and much more. There is a 9000-point analysis that takes place.
As the scan measures your dog's pulse, it can also send out an alternative pulse that works to repair your dog's system. The signals are modified until they work. Thorough the dog cancer treatment, you can find out if there have been improvements with your dog.
In many areas of the world today, it is possible to hire a biofeedback expert who will work with your dog's cancer and who will assess the entire state of health of your four-legged friend. Even if you can't find a specialist directly in your area that works with animals, you may want to consider traveling for this essential procedure, as this holistic process will connect with your dog on every level.
The end result of biofeedback is that your dog's health picture won't only be analyzed, but also his or her energy system will be corrected as well. This will almost instantly help your dog to start feeling relief. Additionally, once your dog is relieved from some of his or her anxiety, the body's natural healing elements can kick to assist your dog to recover from illness.
Biofeedback integrates a variety of forms of science including math, quantum physics and computer programming. The process includes a computer, biofeedback unit and leg and forehead sensors. These devices can easily be placed on your dog and the procedure is completely pain free. If you are looking for a specialized way to treat your dog's cancer, biofeedback simply must be explored.
Biofeedback can diagnose problems in your dog's cancer as well as his or her entire system. This is similar to how you would scan your computer for viruses. Once this energy data is collected, it is sent to the computer to be analyzed. Basically, the process involves sending out a series of questions out to your dog's body and receiving answers. The results can tell you a wide variety of things about your dog's entire health picture including shortages of vitamins, minerals and hormones, digestion issues, emotional and mental outlook, levels of toxins, brain wave patterns and much more. There is a 9000-point analysis that takes place.
As the scan measures your dog's pulse, it can also send out an alternative pulse that works to repair your dog's system. The signals are modified until they work. Thorough the dog cancer treatment, you can find out if there have been improvements with your dog.
In many areas of the world today, it is possible to hire a biofeedback expert who will work with your dog's cancer and who will assess the entire state of health of your four-legged friend. Even if you can't find a specialist directly in your area that works with animals, you may want to consider traveling for this essential procedure, as this holistic process will connect with your dog on every level.
The end result of biofeedback is that your dog's health picture won't only be analyzed, but also his or her energy system will be corrected as well. This will almost instantly help your dog to start feeling relief. Additionally, once your dog is relieved from some of his or her anxiety, the body's natural healing elements can kick to assist your dog to recover from illness.
Get a Full Understanding of Your Dogs Cancer in Three Minutes
If your dog has canine cancer, you are most likely feeling overwhelmed and confused. Often our veterinarians automatically suggest medical procedures without giving us ample information about the state of the dog's cancer. However, there is a way that in just about three minutes, you can find out more about your dog's current state of health including details about his or her emotions. This revolutionary method is called biofeedback.
Biofeedback integrates a variety of forms of science including math, quantum physics and computer programming. The process includes a computer, biofeedback unit and leg and forehead sensors. These devices can easily be placed on your dog and the procedure is completely pain free. If you are looking for a specialized way to treat your dog's cancer, biofeedback simply must be explored.
Biofeedback can diagnose problems in your dog's cancer as well as his or her entire system. This is similar to how you would scan your computer for viruses. Once this energy data is collected, it is sent to the computer to be analyzed. Basically, the process involves sending out a series of questions out to your dog's body and receiving answers. The results can tell you a wide variety of things about your dog's entire health picture including shortages of vitamins, minerals and hormones, digestion issues, emotional and mental outlook, levels of toxins, brain wave patterns and much more. There is a 9000-point analysis that takes place.
As the scan measures your dog's pulse, it can also send out an alternative pulse that works to repair your dog's system. The signals are modified until they work. Thorough the dog cancer treatment, you can find out if there have been improvements with your dog.
In many areas of the world today, it is possible to hire a biofeedback expert who will work with your dog's cancer and who will assess the entire state of health of your four-legged friend. Even if you can't find a specialist directly in your area that works with animals, you may want to consider traveling for this essential procedure, as this holistic process will connect with your dog on every level.
The end result of biofeedback is that your dog's health picture won't only be analyzed, but also his or her energy system will be corrected as well. This will almost instantly help your dog to start feeling relief. Additionally, once your dog is relieved from some of his or her anxiety, the body's natural healing elements can kick to assist your dog to recover from illness.
Biofeedback integrates a variety of forms of science including math, quantum physics and computer programming. The process includes a computer, biofeedback unit and leg and forehead sensors. These devices can easily be placed on your dog and the procedure is completely pain free. If you are looking for a specialized way to treat your dog's cancer, biofeedback simply must be explored.
Biofeedback can diagnose problems in your dog's cancer as well as his or her entire system. This is similar to how you would scan your computer for viruses. Once this energy data is collected, it is sent to the computer to be analyzed. Basically, the process involves sending out a series of questions out to your dog's body and receiving answers. The results can tell you a wide variety of things about your dog's entire health picture including shortages of vitamins, minerals and hormones, digestion issues, emotional and mental outlook, levels of toxins, brain wave patterns and much more. There is a 9000-point analysis that takes place.
As the scan measures your dog's pulse, it can also send out an alternative pulse that works to repair your dog's system. The signals are modified until they work. Thorough the dog cancer treatment, you can find out if there have been improvements with your dog.
In many areas of the world today, it is possible to hire a biofeedback expert who will work with your dog's cancer and who will assess the entire state of health of your four-legged friend. Even if you can't find a specialist directly in your area that works with animals, you may want to consider traveling for this essential procedure, as this holistic process will connect with your dog on every level.
The end result of biofeedback is that your dog's health picture won't only be analyzed, but also his or her energy system will be corrected as well. This will almost instantly help your dog to start feeling relief. Additionally, once your dog is relieved from some of his or her anxiety, the body's natural healing elements can kick to assist your dog to recover from illness.
Important Things to Know About Epilepsy in Dogs
Epilepsy in dogs isn't a very common condition (2% of dogs), but does exist and happen to dogs all over on a daily basis. One of the most important things you can do to help your dog is to make sure they're in a padded area with no solid objects, stairs, or other animals around that can do them harm as the seizures run their course.
Provide comfort
You won't always have a choice as to where the seizure takes place, so at least keep an eye on their head to make sure it doesn't bang on anything harmful. Holding on to them while their seizure is taking place might be difficult, but it can be very comforting to them to hear your voice or feel your hand gently touching them, especially if the seizure is light enough that you can cradle their head in your arm.
Beware of bad advice
There is a lot of poor advice that circulates around about easing epilepsy in dogs: One of which is the belief that you need to pull their tongue out of their throat. Not only is it impossible for a dog to swallow their tongue, but it's extremely dangerous for you to stick your hand in between the super-strong jaws of a canine. If their breathing seems erratic or uneven, it's more than likely due to muscle spasms taking place in their chest or stomach, but should still be closely watched.
Get out your stopwatch
The best thing you can do to help reduce symptoms of epilepsy of dogs in your home, is to make a point of timing your dog's seizures and making sure they're protected from obstructions. Timing the seizures will help your veterinarian make assessments of their condition since treatment for dogs who have Grand Mal epileptic seizures will be much different from those who have less frequent Petit Mal types. Timing each event will serve as a barometer to let you know if any medications your pet is taking are improving/worsening your dog's condition
Provide comfort
You won't always have a choice as to where the seizure takes place, so at least keep an eye on their head to make sure it doesn't bang on anything harmful. Holding on to them while their seizure is taking place might be difficult, but it can be very comforting to them to hear your voice or feel your hand gently touching them, especially if the seizure is light enough that you can cradle their head in your arm.
Beware of bad advice
There is a lot of poor advice that circulates around about easing epilepsy in dogs: One of which is the belief that you need to pull their tongue out of their throat. Not only is it impossible for a dog to swallow their tongue, but it's extremely dangerous for you to stick your hand in between the super-strong jaws of a canine. If their breathing seems erratic or uneven, it's more than likely due to muscle spasms taking place in their chest or stomach, but should still be closely watched.
Get out your stopwatch
The best thing you can do to help reduce symptoms of epilepsy of dogs in your home, is to make a point of timing your dog's seizures and making sure they're protected from obstructions. Timing the seizures will help your veterinarian make assessments of their condition since treatment for dogs who have Grand Mal epileptic seizures will be much different from those who have less frequent Petit Mal types. Timing each event will serve as a barometer to let you know if any medications your pet is taking are improving/worsening your dog's condition
How to Wash Your Dog Properly
Even if you have the most easy-care dog in the world, she'll still require some attention to be paid to her appearance once in a while so it's worth spending a little bit of time learning the best strategies for straightforward, unstressed grooming. Dogs were seen as something that lived in the yard (usually in a dusty, hard-floored dog house), ate whatever was put in their bowls, and existed as a sometime-playmate for the household's kids. Today, we have a tendency to care for our dogs more, and view them more as members of the household than the Thing in the Yard.
Ever since this rise in the estimation of our beloved pooches became widespread, grooming has been increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of your dog's regular health-care.
Our dogs can't let us know where it stings, but taking just a little amount of time every now and then to wash them over ourselves can save lots of grief over time. The trick is getting your dog to put up with (and even enjoy. Something that many owners lack experience in is the best way to wash their dogs. Dry-grooming (brushing and 'buffing ' the coat) appears to present a small problem for the general public; the rot has a tendency to set in when water is introduced to the mix. First off, the most crucial thing you can do is make your dog happy with the grooming process. As your young dog or dog becomes acclimatized to the feeling of being rubbed and handled, she'll slowly come to like it.
Dogs are social creatures by instinct, and physical sentiment and contact is an important part of their lives it should not take long before she starts to trust you, and permits herself to get some pleasure out of your touch. All you've got to do is start rubbing her slowly all over. Handle her ears, touch her cheeks and neck, rub her back and belly, pick up her paws and if she'll let you give them a delicate squeeze ( treating and praising her whenever she allows you to do this, since paw touching is normally a kind of big deal for most dogs ). If she has a tail, rub it between your fingers; make her roll over on her back so that you can rub and stroke her belly and hocks. This may not look like such a big deal, but it is essentially a very vital part of the grooming process: the more your dog enjoys it, the more relaxed the full event will be for you both and the more frequently you are able to groom her which increases the health advantages for her. Bathing always comes before dry-grooming, since it makes brushing and trimming far simpler as well as a lot more effective (there's not too much point in brushing a tangled, grimy coat. You'll need some basic tools: a tub, a non-slip mat, a plastic jug, some warm water, a little sponge, and some dog shampoo (not human shampoo: the pH is very bad for dogs, and will give her dry and flaky skin.). If she is a large or uncontrolled dog, you might want to clean her outside to reduce mess either that, or you can restrain her by tying one end of a light nylon leash to her collar, and the other end to the tap. Mix a little shampoo with another jug of warm water, and rub it comprehensively into your dog's fur.
Be particularly careful here dogs ' eyes are delicate too, and if you get any water in her ears, she'll likely get an ear infection. (You can plug her ears with a tiny twist of cotton wool to help prevent this from occurring, if you like.). Don't forget to clean under her tail before you wash her off dip the sponge into the shampoo blend to try this correctly. Now it is time to wash: using the jug and some clean, warm, shampoo-free water, scrupulously tip it all over her and use your fingers to help dissipate the lather from her coat.
Now you will need to dry her off: if she has got short fur, you may use a towel (an old one will do very nicely, though enormous dogs sometimes need 2); for dogs with longer fur, give her a mild towelling-off first, and then utilise a hairdryer to lose the last moistness. Be sure that it's set on low heat, and hold it a long way away from your dog's fur to stop burning either the skin or the fur. Remember that most dogs have an inherent detest of being washed, which may cause nervousness and even outright panic.
Your dog takes a large amount of her emotional cues from you, so be sure you act like a good role model for the occasion. Assure your dog often, keeping your voice well-modulated, low, and even; keep your movements slow and deliberate; praise her lavishly for good behaviour, and give her 2 treats across the process to make it more delightful for her.
For a total, encyclopaedic survival guide to every aspect of dog health, from preventive care to choosing a vet to doggie first aid (even the canine Heimlich manoeuvre. A survival guide for well informed, effective, and life-saving dog care, this manual keeps your dog's health and wellbeing decisively in your control which is precisely where you would like it to be. To be the best and most responsible owner you may be, have a quick look at The Final Guide to Dog Health.
Ever since this rise in the estimation of our beloved pooches became widespread, grooming has been increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of your dog's regular health-care.
Our dogs can't let us know where it stings, but taking just a little amount of time every now and then to wash them over ourselves can save lots of grief over time. The trick is getting your dog to put up with (and even enjoy. Something that many owners lack experience in is the best way to wash their dogs. Dry-grooming (brushing and 'buffing ' the coat) appears to present a small problem for the general public; the rot has a tendency to set in when water is introduced to the mix. First off, the most crucial thing you can do is make your dog happy with the grooming process. As your young dog or dog becomes acclimatized to the feeling of being rubbed and handled, she'll slowly come to like it.
Dogs are social creatures by instinct, and physical sentiment and contact is an important part of their lives it should not take long before she starts to trust you, and permits herself to get some pleasure out of your touch. All you've got to do is start rubbing her slowly all over. Handle her ears, touch her cheeks and neck, rub her back and belly, pick up her paws and if she'll let you give them a delicate squeeze ( treating and praising her whenever she allows you to do this, since paw touching is normally a kind of big deal for most dogs ). If she has a tail, rub it between your fingers; make her roll over on her back so that you can rub and stroke her belly and hocks. This may not look like such a big deal, but it is essentially a very vital part of the grooming process: the more your dog enjoys it, the more relaxed the full event will be for you both and the more frequently you are able to groom her which increases the health advantages for her. Bathing always comes before dry-grooming, since it makes brushing and trimming far simpler as well as a lot more effective (there's not too much point in brushing a tangled, grimy coat. You'll need some basic tools: a tub, a non-slip mat, a plastic jug, some warm water, a little sponge, and some dog shampoo (not human shampoo: the pH is very bad for dogs, and will give her dry and flaky skin.). If she is a large or uncontrolled dog, you might want to clean her outside to reduce mess either that, or you can restrain her by tying one end of a light nylon leash to her collar, and the other end to the tap. Mix a little shampoo with another jug of warm water, and rub it comprehensively into your dog's fur.
Be particularly careful here dogs ' eyes are delicate too, and if you get any water in her ears, she'll likely get an ear infection. (You can plug her ears with a tiny twist of cotton wool to help prevent this from occurring, if you like.). Don't forget to clean under her tail before you wash her off dip the sponge into the shampoo blend to try this correctly. Now it is time to wash: using the jug and some clean, warm, shampoo-free water, scrupulously tip it all over her and use your fingers to help dissipate the lather from her coat.
Now you will need to dry her off: if she has got short fur, you may use a towel (an old one will do very nicely, though enormous dogs sometimes need 2); for dogs with longer fur, give her a mild towelling-off first, and then utilise a hairdryer to lose the last moistness. Be sure that it's set on low heat, and hold it a long way away from your dog's fur to stop burning either the skin or the fur. Remember that most dogs have an inherent detest of being washed, which may cause nervousness and even outright panic.
Your dog takes a large amount of her emotional cues from you, so be sure you act like a good role model for the occasion. Assure your dog often, keeping your voice well-modulated, low, and even; keep your movements slow and deliberate; praise her lavishly for good behaviour, and give her 2 treats across the process to make it more delightful for her.
For a total, encyclopaedic survival guide to every aspect of dog health, from preventive care to choosing a vet to doggie first aid (even the canine Heimlich manoeuvre. A survival guide for well informed, effective, and life-saving dog care, this manual keeps your dog's health and wellbeing decisively in your control which is precisely where you would like it to be. To be the best and most responsible owner you may be, have a quick look at The Final Guide to Dog Health.
Mans Best Friend - The Family Dog!
We have all heard of dogs being called a man's best friend. This is because if you treat a dog well, he will be your best friend forever.
When we first got our dog, it was mainly for the kids. The kids wanted a puppy, so we got the life long puppy, the Chihuahua. This little dark haired white spotted puppy was going to be the family "puppy" forever. The kids quickly named him "Jacob" aka Jake after a guy in the Twilight movies.
So after buying Jacob and making him our puppy, we ran into a few problems. Jacob needed a place to sleep and a place to use the potty when everyone was a way at school and work. So we invested in a Dog Pedic Sleep System and purchased him a Potty Patch.
Our puppy loved to sleep with in our blankets, so getting him to use the Dog Pedic was going to be a challenge. Well it turned out my son had a brilliant idea. He took the blanket Jacob loved to sleep in and laid it on the Dog Pedic. About a month later, Jacob now uses the Dog Pedic without any problem, just say bed time and off he goes.
The potty training/potty problem solution was to buy the Potty Patch. You see it all the time online and on television and we thought this could be our solution. So we decided to get the larger of the potty patches and man I glad we did. We ended up cutting the carpet/grass in half and making to potty patches.
The first potty patch is used on our balcony shoved away in a corner. We go outside and sit Jacob follows and usually without any problems will use the potty patch. We put the other half down by the main doorway; he goes down there and uses that when no one is home. It took about a month to train our Jacob to use the potty patch, but we are glad that we do not have messes on the carpet anymore.
Clean up is easy, we use the scooper to clean up his poop and we take them out in the driveway and spray them with water once a week to remove the urine. We learned not to do this in the yard because it was killing our grass.
Over all our Best Friend has become very loved and cherished in the house.
Check out the Dog Pedic and Potty Patch and Bark Off.
When we first got our dog, it was mainly for the kids. The kids wanted a puppy, so we got the life long puppy, the Chihuahua. This little dark haired white spotted puppy was going to be the family "puppy" forever. The kids quickly named him "Jacob" aka Jake after a guy in the Twilight movies.
So after buying Jacob and making him our puppy, we ran into a few problems. Jacob needed a place to sleep and a place to use the potty when everyone was a way at school and work. So we invested in a Dog Pedic Sleep System and purchased him a Potty Patch.
Our puppy loved to sleep with in our blankets, so getting him to use the Dog Pedic was going to be a challenge. Well it turned out my son had a brilliant idea. He took the blanket Jacob loved to sleep in and laid it on the Dog Pedic. About a month later, Jacob now uses the Dog Pedic without any problem, just say bed time and off he goes.
The potty training/potty problem solution was to buy the Potty Patch. You see it all the time online and on television and we thought this could be our solution. So we decided to get the larger of the potty patches and man I glad we did. We ended up cutting the carpet/grass in half and making to potty patches.
The first potty patch is used on our balcony shoved away in a corner. We go outside and sit Jacob follows and usually without any problems will use the potty patch. We put the other half down by the main doorway; he goes down there and uses that when no one is home. It took about a month to train our Jacob to use the potty patch, but we are glad that we do not have messes on the carpet anymore.
Clean up is easy, we use the scooper to clean up his poop and we take them out in the driveway and spray them with water once a week to remove the urine. We learned not to do this in the yard because it was killing our grass.
Over all our Best Friend has become very loved and cherished in the house.
Check out the Dog Pedic and Potty Patch and Bark Off.
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