My StumbleUponPageWe’re all familiar with how some native species in Florida dispose of nonnative ones, such as the occasional dog that wanders too close to a lake and become a meal for an alligator. But it isn’t just gators that dog owners should watch for, at least in the Panhandle. In Fort Walton Beach, a two-pound chihuahua was playing on a second-floor deck when a hawk tried to whisk it away, nwfdailynews.com reports.
The owner heard the dogs’ screams and arrived as the hawk, with the pup in its talons, was poised to take off, so it dropped the puppy and flew away. And the dog is recovering from its wounds.
Hawk attacks on small dogs are more frequent than people might realize, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Stan Kirkland told the website. “They’re large raptors, and they eat little animals. And a little chihuahua or a little small dog looks like food to them.”
Weird stuff Huh? but this was in the news. I like to read odd and strange stories about dogs and I know alot of you enjoy reading these stories so I shall continue to post them..Listen do sign into my googles friend connect widget and show you care bout dogs. Your donations are also appreciated .Thanks, and look me up on twitter @lilruth Follow ME
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Odd story - Dog's can't fly but Hawks do
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Mange is here and your dogs need HELP, Home remedy for MANGE
Personal Note to my readers and friends:..Please forgive me for STAYING AWAY SO LONG! as I mentioned before that my desktop computer was givinveme trouble will it finaly broke down and I then also became real ill and had to go to hospital so you see its not because I did not want to blog anymore its just that with my health not being in tip top condition and then with the computer breaking down and I still cannot get it fixed due to lack of funds and I do have to care for these dogs who I love and care for. Its really not been easy these past weeks but bear with me and I will continue to blog and let you all learn the home remeies that i have learned and have helped my dogs. I still do nto have a computer Im borrowing one for awhile since I feel better now. Listen if any of you who enjoy my blog and would like to help out I would really appreciate your donations to start coming in to help me get at least a used computer..Now let me post this remedy since MANGE is on the rise. Its awful how so many dogs are getting it. Home Remedy for MANGE................One of the best home remedies also for Mange in dogs is to create 16 ounces hydrogen peroxide solution with 3 cups of warm water and 8 tbs.Borax. Do not rinse..make sure mixture is mixed. . Once a week wash your dog in solution .. Do not wipe dog dry. Simply allow the treatment to take effect... Do this for two weeks. Also add one tablespoon of unpasturized apple cider vinegar to your pets meal to treat mange systoms..... Another way is to treat with pure aloe vera juice. Just add it onto all the skin especially his ears. Thank you Lilyruth ..do not forget to adgitize my ads......
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A FAITHFUL DOG
A Faithful Dog Will Play With You
And Laugh With You -Or Cry-
He'll Gladly Starve To Stay With You
Nor Ever Reason Why,
And When You're Feeling Out Of Sorts
Somehow He'll Understand
He'll Watch You With His Shining Eyes
And Try To Lick Your Hand.
His Blind, Implicit Faith In You
Is Matched By His Great Love -
The Kind That All Of Us Should Have
In The Master, Up Above.
When Everything Is Said And Done
I Guess This Isn't Odd
For When You Spell "Dog" Backwards
You Get The Name Of God.
By Anonymous
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Top Dog Breeds for People with Allergies
Individuals with pet allergies are not actually allergic to cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, or horse hair but to the dander that each animal sheds. Dander in furry animals is similar to dandruff in humans and even animals that do not shed fur shed dander into the environment.
Hypoallergenic Dogs
Most allergy specialists will recommend that individuals with pet allergies do not bring furry, dander-producing pets into their home. This is well-intended and sound advice - are dogs "good" for allergy sufferers? Physically, no. Allergy sufferers would likely be more physically comfortable not sharing their home with a furry pet. For allergy sufferers with mild to moderate reactions, the emotional benefits of having a pet trump the physical discomfort or a runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes. Individuals with severe allergic reaction should heed their allergist's warning and avoid adopting a furry pet.
If you're one who will not be dissuaded, there are breeds which tend to produce relatively low-allergen dogs. Generally, these breeds are characterized by an assortment of coat types - very curly coated dogs (ex. Poodles of all sizes, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bedlington Terriers, Bichon Frises), hairless dogs (ex. American Crested, Chinese Crested Hairless), corded dogs (ex. Puli, Komondor, poodles), and wirehaired dogs (Wirehaired Fox Terrier, Broken Coat Parson/Jack Russell Terrier, Wirehaired Dachshund, Rough Coat Brussels Griffon, etc.). These breeds tend to have less fur than other breeds, but more importantly, generally shed less dander.
The curly-coated and corded dogs require significant grooming commitments. Many of these breeds are high energy and can be challenging - they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to live happily in a home. Many of them require experienced dog owners and are not good "getting your dog ownership feet wet" breeds.
If you choose to bring a pet into the home despite the inevitable allergy symptoms, consult with your allergist about appropriate air filters and vacuums - clean frequently and thoroughly. Keep your dog out of the bedroom at all times. Bathe your dog once every four weeks using anti-allergenic shampoos. Ask your allergist about cleaning products that can help reduce the allergens in the home.
Many allergists will recommend that the dog should live outside. Virtually every behavior expert would strongly disagree. Dogs are social creatures and desire companionship. Your dog would much rather live in your house than in your yard, and relegating him to the backyard may produce any number of unwanted behaviors, including but not limited to: barking, digging, destruction of property; and are also subject to injury, poisoning, attacks by other dogs or wild animals and even unscrupulous humans. If you get a dog, make him part of your family by allowing him to live inside.
Doodles And Poos
Often, the designer dog craze, which revolves around mixing a poodle with nearly every other breed on the planet to play on the heartstrings and wallets of allergy sufferers seeking hypoallergenic dogs, is misleading to potential pet owners. Do not assume that mixed breeds with one poodle parent will automatically be low-allergen dogs.
Breeders of mixed breed dogs should be held to the same high standards as any breeders - insist on health checks appropriate to both parent breeds, meet both parents if possible (and the mother at a minimum), view the areas where the puppies will be whelped, ask for detailed descriptions of the type of socialization the puppies are provided with, look for breed-appropriate titles and conformation championships.
The Future Of Hypoallergenic Pets
Science has also taken notice of the pet-owning/allergy-suffering quandary. A company called allerca has created what they call "lifestyle pets." Allerca has allegedly produced the world's first "scientifically proven hypoallergenic cats and dogs." For as "little" as $5,000 (this is a special, limited time price) and as much as $16,000, you can bring one of these lifestyle pets into your home.
Obtaining one of these pets involves a 9-12 month wait list at this time. While these prices are out of reach for many pet allergy sufferers, the fact that this type of research is being done bodes well for the future of allergy sufferers who are also animal lovers. Perhaps someday, truly hypoallergenic pets will be available to individuals with dog and cat allergies.
Until then, there are a number of low-allergen dog breeds that are worth considering. Careful research will help you decide which breed is the best match for your family. Once you bring your new pet home, meticulous cleaning to remove dander from the environment, as well as allergy medication prescribed by your allergist, and keeping your dog's coat clean and healthy will help keep the sneezing, wheezing, and red, itchy eyes to a minimum. Source: dogster.com
Please be kind enough to give a small donation here, Help us to continue to feed abandoned and stray dogs and to give shelter to these dogs who once were someones pets. Help us to Help them, Open your hearts if everyone would just give a few dolars we could make this year a better one. Donate here. Also plese sign in to my Google Friends Connect and show that you are a friend of Dogcents. Be sure to Follow me on Twitter...@lilruth
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Gift of a Dog is not just for Christmas-You don't give a gift then put it on a chain
Twas the night before Christmas
when all thru the house
Not a creature was stirring
not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nick soon would be there.
The children all nestled snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mom in her kerchief and I in my cap
Knew the dog was cold, but didn’t care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Clause with his eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog once so lively and quick
Last year’s Christmas present now painfully sick.
More rapid than eagles he called the dog’s name
and the dog ran to him despite all his pain.
Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen
On Comet on Cupid on Donner and Blitzen.
To the top of the porch to the top of the wall
Let’s find this dog a home where he will be loved by all.
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa had made one thing quite clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the dog for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing we missed
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don’t give a gift, then put it on a chain.
And I heard him explain as he rode out of site,
“You weren’t given a gift, you were given a life.”
Share this with your friends... Keep in mind a dog is a precious life to be cherished and love its not a toy to be given at christmas then forgotten and thrown away like the christmas wrappings your presents came in. A dog or puppy is a gift to be loved all year round and not played with only on Christmas day and then chained up. Think before you decide to give such a Christmas present. Don't break this puppy's heart....
I ask your forgiveness ofr being away so long but I caught the Flu and have been bedridden all this time I felt beter today and decided to blog and let you all know that I hope to blog again more often if my health ermists. I do hope tho you all have not forgotten your friend Lilyruth and will continue to visit me here often. Know I have missed you all and I also want my friends who visited me at http://dogcents.tody.com/ that I do not know whats going on at that blog seems since I have been ill they have changed it all around nd taken all of my blogroll links off and taken off alot of other things and its filled with google ads that I do not even belong to or have placed on there I no longer use google ads nor adsense so plese know those are not my ds I did not put them on there they were placed on there by the owners of the today.com Im in the process of trying to get it all sorted out but if they do not want to change my blog http://dogcents.today.com/ back to the wy I had it then I will discontinue using that site so I wanted you all to know this. If I do not get it back the way I want it then I will just add all of my blogroll links onto this blog here so I hope everyonw that had submtted ther blog links to http://dogcents.today.com/ will come and leave theri comments here with theri blogs address so I can put your blogroll address here I know I had exchanged alot of links with alot of my dog friends who have dog blogs so I hope you all will get in touch with me here so I can start adding your links here. Thanks Lilyruth
Be sure to vote for me at http://bloginterviewer.com/animals/dogcents-ruth and please open your hearts this time of year is the time to give and share so please give a donation here and make some little precious doggie also have a Happy Christmas by donating a few dollars so he will be able to have a warm bed to sleep in and a full stomach and love to keep him warm this season of brotherly love. I speak for them for they cannot speak for themselves its not hard to give a few dollars just click on the DONATE button here and feel good about this good deed you have done and know your Christmas will be a Happier one. God bless you all and may you all have a Happy Christmas with your loved ones. thank you Lilyruth
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Do you want your child and puppy to be the best of friends?
Nothing is more adorable than seeing a small child and a loving puppy playing happily together. What's even better to know, is that psychological studies have proven that people who are fortunate enough to grow up with a dog in the family household tend to have happier childhoods.
Kids who grow up with a family dog learn respect for other creatures as well as caring for them. These kids learn empathy, sympathy, handling responsibilities. They also develop self-confidence and self-esteem by knowing they are contributing to taking care of a living creature.
You Must Help
These benefits and learning experiences between children and their pets do not occur automatically. It takes a responsible and patient adult to properly introduce the child to the new puppy and teach him/her how to properly interact with this new member of the family.
At the same time, the puppy needs to learn respect and obey the child the same way as he respects and obeys the other members of the household. This way, every member of the family can have a loving and healthy relationship.
The manner in which you approach your puppy and the experiences that you give him from his very first minute in the house will create a lasting impact throughout his entire life. From the first introduction, your child should learn the proper way to treat the puppy. Your child should realize that the puppy is a baby, and in many ways should be treated like one.
Avoiding Injuries To The Puppy & Your Child
Children around the age of 7 years and younger have the tendency to get excited when faced with new situations and experiences. This excitement may not be ideal when it comes to meeting a new puppy, or a dog of any age for that matter.
Excited behaviours such as making loud noises, chasing after the puppy, pulling at him, and other aggressive behaviours will result in the puppy getting scared.
In this situation, the puppy will more likely run away instead of letting the child pet him. A very young puppy will try to find his mum and hide under her, while a puppy around 12 weeks old will perceive these behaviours as either a threat or an aggressive play and will most likely react by nipping or jumping up.
The proper way of introducing your new pet to your child is through restraint and guidance. Your child should realise that the puppy is a baby and that your child should be gentle when handling him. To better teach your young ones how to be gentle, use a stuffed animal and teach her how to pet it properly. Practice this with your child for a few days before the puppy arrives home.
Be sure to give a small donation here to feed and give shelter to dogs wo need your help. And Subscribe to my feeds. thank you. Also do go and vote for me at http://bloginterviewer.com/animals/dogcents-ruth
Monday, October 5, 2009
Make Money ,Read E-Mails and earn cash quick
If you want to earn some cash then click on the link to http://www.inboxdollars.com/?r=lilyruth and join as soon as you do you earn five dollars and as soon as you earn thirty dollars you can request payment home. Also be sure to go to get your friends to join as well and get credit for them.. Please give a small donation to this site to help buy food and give shelter to our loyal friends the dogs who I speak for. These animals need your help, I need your help so I can help them Please open your hearts and give...... Be Sure to Leave Your Comments!
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Latest in Doggie Fashion
eppy looks and elegant sportiness with a certain urbanity.Alligator Lock Collar
And it doesn't just offer apparel for men and women, but its pieces seem to find themselves on children, babies and dogs, as well.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Animal Attraction-the dog Or the Cat? Or ? Speak your mind!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Obamas Girls finally get their Dog- BO
The girls - Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7 - were promised a puppy by their father, US President Barack Obama, as a reward for coping with the election campaign.
The water dog, which does not shed hair, is said to be less aggravating for Malia who suffers from allergies.
The identity of the puppy - which had been one of Washington's best kept secrets - was officially revealed yesterday in the news for all the world to see. I must say I did enjoy watching it for I love dogs and Bo is so cute..Evem the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan was on hand to welcome the pooch and give the girls some dog tips.
'Good behaviour'
They said young Bo - who sports a white chest, white paws and a white goatee - was a gift to the Obama daughters from close family friend, Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
Choosing the First Puppy
Mr Kennedy, who owns three water dogs himself, said in January that he was "proud to endorse the Portuguese water dog as the next First Dog of the United States".
He said the breed would be a "perfect fit for the Obama Family" as the dogs have a "can-do and hopeful spirit" and were smart, resilient, determined, optimistic and tireless.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Second Hand Smoke Can Kill Your Dog
The American Legacy Foundation(R) is challenging pet owners to quit smoking for their pets during the month of April, which kicks off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. A growing body of research shows there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke — for humans or for animals. And one new study shows that nearly 30 percent of pet owners live with at least one smoker — a number far too high given the consequences of exposure to secondhand smoke (”SHS”).
“Secondhand smoke doesn’t just affect people,” said Dr. Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH, President and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation(R), the national independent public health foundation dedicated to keeping young people from smoking and providing resources to smokers who want to quit. “While most Americans have been educated about the dangers of smoking to their own bodies, it is equally important that pet owners take action to protect their beloved domestic pets from the dangers of secondhand smoke.”
An estimated 50,000 Americans lose their lives to secondhand smoke annually and 4 million youth (16 percent) are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes. A number of studies have indicated that animals, too, face health risks when exposed to the toxins in secondhand smoke, from respiratory problems, allergies and even nasal and lung cancer in dogs and lymphoma in cats. In addition, the ASPCA, one of the largest animal rights groups in the U.S., lists tobacco smoke as a toxin that is dangerous to pets.
“Nicotine from secondhand smoke can have effects to the nervous systems of cats and dogs,” said Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. “Environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans. Studies have shown increases in certain types of respiratory cancers in dogs that live in homes with smokers. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts. For these reasons, owners should not expose their pets to secondhand smoke in order to minimize the risk of their pets developing lung disease or cancer.”
According to a study published in the February 2009 edition of Tobacco Control, 28 percent of pet owners who smoke reported that information on the dangers of pet exposure to SHS would motivate them to try to quit smoking. These findings, coupled with the research on the effects of SHS exposure to animals, signals a new front in the public health community’s battle to save lives from tobacco-related disease.
In order to better protect dogs, cats or other pets, the foundation and ASPCA recommend that smokers — who often consider their domestic pets a part of the family — “take it outside” when they are smoking. The foundation also provides resources and information to smokers who want to quit for their own health through a national campaign called EX(R), including a Web site for smokers who are quitting just for their pets:
– EX encourages smokers to approach quitting smoking as “re-learning
life without cigarettes”
– The resources from the campaign help smokers consider the “triggers”
that make them want to smoke each day. The program is based on helping
people understand that if they can get through each part of their day
without a cigarette, they can quit for good.
– The campaign features www.BecomeAnEX.org, a state-of-the-art Web site
with interactive tools and information to help smokers prepare for
quitting by developing a personalized plan. The EX Web site offers a
virtual community and forums where smokers can share stories and best
practices about their quit attempt.
Source: K9 Magazine
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Fight against animal cruelty Vote thumbs up
I blog because I love dogs. I try to make their lives better. IF you love animals , any kind of animal then please join my cause to fight against animal cruelty and go and vote, give me a thumbs up at http://bloginterviewer.com/animals/dogcents-ruth ( you can vote each day) Each of your votes counts . Leave me a short note there so I know you voted and I can thank you. It only takes a minute of your time to vote and keep in mind that its for a good cause. So click on the link now and VOTE. Thank you
Rainbow Ridge- Author Unknown
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together. Source: The Web
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Sometimes even St. Bernards need rescuing
Firefighters use mallet to break ice around his frozen tail
A firefighter heads out on an ice rescue sled to retrieve Duke, a St. Bernard dog frozen to ice in Billings, Mont.,
BILLINGS, Mont. - There was a rescue involving a St. Bernard in Billings, Mont., but this time it was the humans who saved the day.
A 16-month-old St. Bernard named Duke apparently fell through the ice on a golf-course pond after escaping from his yard. He was able to pull himself out but ended up getting frozen to the ice.
A maintenance worker saw the dog and got help. Two firefighters in dry suits pushed an ice rescue sled over about 10 feet of hip-deep water and 10 feet of ice to reach the shivering, 118-pound dog on Friday.
The firefighters broke the ice around Duke's tail with a mallet before hauling the dog and a chunk of ice back to shore.
Duke was feeling better after being de-iced and warmed up under a blow dryer at a veterinary clinic. Source: Web News
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Dog missing from his family for 9 years is finally home
The Geary family was shocked when they recently received a call from an animal control officer who said that Astro had been found.
The Geary's adopted Astro, an 80-pound black and off-white German shepherd, about 9 years ago from the Treasure Coast Humane Society near Port St. Lucie, Fla. A month later, Astro went missing.
Since then, the family moved three times and ended up in Louisville, Ky.
On Jan. 29, 2009, an animal control officer in Tennessee picked up Astro after receiving a report about a dog running loose. Officers tracked down the family through a microchip implanted in the canine when he was adopted.
Dennis Geary says he wasn't sure if Astro would remember him. But when they were reunited, the dog sat down and began licking him.
"It's still a real shock that he is actually here," his wife Linda Geary told TCPalm.com about having the family's dog back. "We are getting used to the fact that we don't know where he has been or who had him, but he's our dog and has always been our dog."
It's now been three weeks since the pooch has been home. Even though Astro was gone for so long, Dennis says he's never forgotten him — all these years he kept Astro's picture in his wallet.
Source: Web News
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Friday, March 6, 2009
Funny picture of the day
Do poker playing dogs have pictures of people playing fetch? If you love animals and hate animal cruelty then please click the Donate Button and give a donation to save the dogs for they deserve better. Click here
Sunday, February 22, 2009
How to bathe your Dog
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
Original Dawn
Dog Shampoo of your choice
Old, worn out, frayed "doggie" towels
dog hairbrush
dog tooth supplies (might as well get it all done)
Bucket or pitcher
bathing suit (for yourself)
Luke warm water
SHOWER
Blanket
Step1 Showers are quicker Traditional bath tub bathing for your dog is more cumbersome and arduous than letting the dog step into your shower stall. Showers are quicker, easier and if you have a hand-held sprayer, PERFECT!
Step2 just for dogs If your dog is prone to getting fleas, using original DAWN liquid dish soap will eliminate them. Otherwise, a bottle of dog shampoo from any store where pet supplies are sold will suffice.
Step3 lather up After initially getting the fur all wet between the bucket and sprayer, starting at the head and going to the tail, make a straight line of shampoo and lather up! Scrub using your finger tips as you would shampooing your own head. Rinse, repeat.
Step4 don't forget the back ones! Now is a good time to break out the toothbrush and doggie's toothpaste. Be thorough with this, and if done routinely, you will potentially add years to your dog's life!
Step5 brrrr ! I'm cccCccold! Upon completion, make sure your dog's towel is ready to go, or he will shake excess water all over EVERYWHERE! Towel dry your best friend, and keep him warm with a dry blanket.
Step6 dirty dog! Don't let him run outside, the first thing he'll do is find some dirt to roll in!
Step7 brush out the knots When your dog's fur is all dry, brush him all over, smoothing out knots and freshening up his coat. Put his collar back on his neck, and praise him some more for being such a good dog!!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentines Day to all of my Friends
Look me up on FACEBOOK: http://profile.to/lilyruth and join my group there Save the DogsMonday, February 9, 2009
Leash Training for Adult Dogs
Leashes are wonderful things for dogs. Leashes mean getting to go out of the house and yard to all sorts of interesting places. Leashes mean enjoying the outside world, protected from myriad dangers. With a little training, your dog will happily greet the sight of the leash, and walk along on it easily without pulling.
Does this sound too good to be true? There's a trick to it! The hardest part is remembering to use the trick every single time you and your dog use the leash together. Once you form the habit, your dog will too.
It's a good idea to start with treats in the early stages, to develop the ability to bring the dog to your side with a minimum of effort and without stress to either of you. See Attention, Please! for those instructions. If your dog is still a puppy, you'll want to do the foundation training as noted in Leash Training for Puppies. The puppy leash training also applies with a timid dog who is afraid of the leash.
For competition training to heel in formal obedience, it's wise to continue the treats. The sport of obedience requires precise position and movement from the dog, and skillful treat training achieves such precision while keeping the dog happy.
Going for walks is not the same as obedience competition, though. Treats will help make walks into happy experiences for dogs who tend to be fearful, so don't hesitate to continue the treats if they seem to help at all. Observe your dog's body language to make sure the dog enjoys the walks as much as you do.
If you are training your dog for dog sports, you'll need a different word cue for recreational walking. The heel or other competition cue word means precision, and certain other things, depending on the sport involved. It also means full attention.
Walking down the street to exercise and socialize, you'll take your attention off your dog and allow the dog's attention to wander, too. So you need a cue for this walking that doesn't require full attention. It can be any word or phrase you like. You can also teach your dog one word cue for walking on your left and another for walking on your right side!
When the dog pulls on the leash, pressure on the dog can cause damage, no matter what type of collar you use. The constant pressure also reduces the dog's ability to feel your motions with the leash, resulting in the need for excessive pressure to restrain the dog if that should become necessary. This excessive pressure can cause temperament problems in some dogs.
Keeping a loose leash is really simple. All you have to do is react every time the leash goes tight. Don't try to determine when the dog is pulling. Instead, make it black and white by reacting whenever there is tension on the leash.
So here's what you do. Start out for your walk. Make sure your arm holding the leash is comfortably bent, elbow in to your side. Walking along with your arm extended is not a good control position for working a dog. The instant the leash goes tight use one of three options. 1) Stop -- works well for sensitive dogs and young puppies. 2) Back up -- works well for highly trained dogs. You can have the dog come to heel position from left or right directions (vary it), or take backward steps. 3) Quickly straighten your arm to create momentary slack in the leash, and step off abruptly in a new direction, taking a right turn or right-about turn.
With the third option, the dog may feel a slight pop on the leash, but will immediately realize that you made a move and the dog missed it. This doesn't feel unfair or upsetting to the dog, and gives the dog an easy way to prevent it from happening again, by simply paying more attention to your movements. Moving this way gives the dog something to DO, and you employ body language to clearly communicate what you need. You don't have to be athletic, either. Just a few quick steps are enough of a change of direction for even a large dog.
When the dog turns attention to you and moves to get back close to you, praise, praise, praise! And keep moving -- make yourself and your actions unpredictable enough and interesting enough that the dog has to make an effort to keep with you. Continue to generously praise the dog for this effort.
The loose leash needs to be your new habit, for all situations. Never stand there, or walk along, with the leash tight again. The dog will quickly think you WANT it tight if you go back to that habit, even after you've taught the dog to walk on a loose leash. It's so natural for the dog to pull when the leash is tight that most dogs, even trained dogs, will nearly always do it when someone tightens up on the leash. In fact, the dog may HAVE to pull on the leash when the leash is tight, to keep from being off balance.
It's really we humans who cause this problem because by holding the leash tight, we teach dogs that a tight leash is normal. That's why it is so quick to retrain a dog on this. And forever afterward, you'll have an easier dog!
When you get used to this handling, it's very good-natured and happy on your part, and the dog has a great time, too. You'll always need to react to a tight leash with some sort of change in direction for the life of the dog, but it becomes second nature. You won't look foolish to the neighbors, you'll look fantastic.
By Kathy Diamond Davis
Author and Trainer
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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Vote for me at Bloginterviewer. Make my day a Happy one by showing your support and voting for Dogcents at Bloginterviewer. Click on the TEXT Link here VOTE FOR ME CLICK HERE > 
VOTE for me by clicking on the TEXT LINK here. Show your support and please give a small donation to help by food and give shelter to these poor dogs. A few dollars can make a difference. GIve thanks to what you have but share and give to those who have nothing. Share and give a small donation, to DOGCENTS. VOTE FOR ME CLICK HERE >
Im trying to open my own Shelter or Refuge for Stray Dogs but I need your donations to make this dream come true Please Donate.....
