http://www.thedogdaily.com The Dog Daily is a site for dogs and dog lovers alike with tips, products and know how about anything dog related. en-us Copyright &copy;2001-2009 Studio One Networks Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:11:01 EST Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:11:01 EST Dogs webCOMAND http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://www.thedogdaily.com/images/logo.gif http://www.thedogdaily.com 0 0 http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>You are quite right that fear can turn into aggression. In fact, recent studies on dog aggression show that some of the smallest dog breeds are actually the most notorious biters, since their tiny size makes them feel easily threatened by others. Although mastiffs, weighing more than 80 pounds, don’t fall into that category, it’s still important to quickly resolve this problem.</p> <p>Keep in mind a couple of things. First, fear of people and a tendency to overreact to common stimuli are very common in mastiffs, so you’re not alone. Second, both fear and aggression can stem from the same root problem: antisocial behavior.</p> <p>Try to spend at least an hour each day with your dog, exposing her to various social situations in a slow, gentle and non-threatening manner. You might find Dr. Patricia McConnell’s book <em>The Cautious Canine</em> to be of some help and guidance. Working with a professional dog trainer will yield the best results. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations and check out the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Web site for names of members in your area.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>A 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever is usually full of playful energy. Your night owl dog apparently likes to work off some of that energy at odd hours. One suggestion is to take your dog for a brisk walk or to conduct an intense play session before bedtime. This should make your pet more inclined to snooze than wake you up.</p> <p>Your dog could also need a training refresher course, since any kind of irritating activity like this falls under unwanted behavior. Assuming the dog will sit and stay on command, it should also be taught the “down” command. This involves the dog sitting at the owner’s side, with a food treat used to prompt the dog’s appropriate legs-forward position.</p> <p>Once your dog has aced the “sit,” “stay” and “down” commands, it can graduate to the ever helpful “go to your bed” command, which is really a combination of all three of the aforementioned commands. A properly trained dog should know that when it hears this order, it’s bedtime without argument.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>The Pomchi is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. They make wonderful, loyal pets but do tend to be a bit nervous at times and untrusting of strangers. That’s true for many dogs, but especially so for smaller breeds like the Pomchi. On the up side, they are often good barking watchdogs as a result of their vigilance and loyalty to their owners.</p> <p>Your dog is still quite young but was most likely a puppy when her former owners had her. Puppies and young dogs tend to bond faster to people when they are about 8 months to 1 year old. This is a period when they readily absorb life’s experiences along with everything -- and everyone -- around them.</p> <p>It’s perfectly normal that she was skittish when she initially came into your home, since all dogs need time to adjust. But now that she has bonded with you, I see no problem in allowing her former owners to visit. Just show her how much you love her through verbal praise, playtime and petting, and she won’t forget your kindness. Dogs, like humans, may have their unpredictable pooch and people preferences, but it’s hard to resist a caring owner. You are likely her pack leader now.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>Dogs often want to relieve themselves after waking up, eating, drinking, playing and doing other activities. The urge could occur every few hours, since your pet is still a young pup. Generally, a dog will sniff the ground and/or start to move around in a circle beforehand. When you see this or cue into other similar signals, place some newspaper in the designated space for your dog to use. If the designated spot is outside, take your dog to that area when your pet needs to go. Always direct your dog to the same spot, using the same travel route.</p> <p>Doggy litter boxes are also available now. Cats have had them for years, so why not dogs? Some feature an attractant that encourages a dog to do its business, and even fake grass to provide a somewhat authentic “call of nature” experience.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>Your dog chorus duo sounds rather amusing, but probably not when people are trying to sleep, read or relax nearby. Most dogs bark to signal hunger, boredom, anxiety, aggression, playfulness and other emotions.</p> <p>You may be unintentionally reinforcing the barking. Sometimes, attention-seeking pets would rather have you come to yell at them to “shut up” than have no attention at all. The solution is to train each of your dogs to be “quiet” on command.</p> <p>Separate your dogs so that you can work with one at a time. When your dog barks, say “Quiet!” in a firm voice while placing your hand over your dog’s muzzle. When your dog is quiet, offer verbal praise, perhaps in combination with a bit of doggie biscuit. Over time, your dog should come to associate being quiet with something pleasant and will follow your instruction.</p> <p>If the problem persists, you may have to hire a professional trainer to help you out. Pet stores also sell anti-barking collars that spray a smelly yet nontoxic mist whenever your dog barks. I would use those as a true last resort, however, and rely more on patient training of your bark-happy dogs.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>You are off to a good start, since introducing a new dog to a home that has a resident adult dog is easier when the second dog is a puppy. Your 8-month-old is already into puberty but is young enough to not be too much of a threat to your 3-year-old Weimaraner.</p> <p>Confine your adult dog to a specific part of your house, where it will be out of sight when the younger pup arrives. Let your new dog roam around the house. It will detect the scent of your adult dog and realize it’s not alone.</p> <p>It is best to introduce the two dogs on neutral ground, such as on the sidewalk in front of your house. Keep them both leashed and supervise them closely at this time. If they get along, continue to supervise their interactions, but your dogs should work out territory and pack-order issues on their own.</p> <p>If they don’t tolerate each other during this first introduction, you may have to crate the new dog for a while, giving your older dog time to adjust. Then reverse the crating, giving your new pup run of the house. Over time, your dogs should accept each other’s presence and develop a closer bond.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>Since dogs are creatures of habit, their happiness and comfort level is often tied to anticipating something good -- like breakfast -- and then getting it when they expect it. Your pet sitter should try to follow your Chihuahuas’ usual daily schedule so your dogs feel better about the situation.</p> <p>Before your trip, have your pet sitter come to your home and visit with your dogs. If possible, also introduce your sitter to a neighbor who will be home during your vacation, especially if the sitter will be staying in your home throughout the duration of your trip.</p> <p>In a prominent spot in your home, such as on the refrigerator door, post information about each of your dogs, including their medications, favorite foods and leash locations. Other important information includes contact numbers for your veterinarian and the local pet emergency hospital, as well as instructions about operating your home’s thermostat.</p> <p>Finally, anticipate any problems you have faced before. The more preparation you do ahead of time, the better off your sitter and your Chihuahuas will be while you’re enjoying the trip.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>You’re not alone in that thought. Pet Sitters International holds a Take Your Dog to Work Day event, which has the appropriate motto: “It’s the leash you can do.” In fact, there’s evidence that dogs promote productivity, creativity and teamwork, which all businesses value.</p> <p>Consult with your colleagues first to see how they feel about the idea; some may be allergic or afraid of dogs. But if they all agree to the idea and necessary permissions can be granted, set aside some ground rules to make the plan work.</p> <p>For example, electrical cords should be out of your dog’s reach, along with potentially toxic items, like correction fluid. Dogs must still be fed and walked regularly, with pooper-scooper in hand. Each dog should have its own crate that serves as a familiar resting spot. It also helps to have toys and treats on hand when making introductions to colleagues and visitors. For more general information, please visit the Take Your Dog Web site.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>Dogs aren't the only ones that enjoy this activity. The "air massage" against a head or hand sticking out of a car can be a pleasant sensation for kids too. When driving in a remote area, it's also a fun way to teach children about the physics of flight, since an outstretched hand can illustrate the sensation of air uplift underneath the hand.</p> <p>That said, it's not a good idea to allow any of your passengers -- human or canine -- to stick their head or limbs outside the window, particularly in busy, urban areas. Rocks, glass or even worse objects could cause severe injury. You can, however, roll down the window just enough to let your dog feel a small wind rush. Pet stores also sell safety goggles for dogs, which offer some protection if your dog must place its head outside the car window -- but be prepared for a lot of bemused stares!</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html <p>A critical learning period for your puppy is when she is between 4 and 14 weeks old. During this time, she will absorb information about the world that could affect her for the rest of her life. It is therefore important that you expose her to as many different places, people and experiences as possible. When doing so, make sure these times are positive and quell any fears you detect. We humans undergo a similar period of intense learning, only ours goes further into childhood and adolescence.</p> <p>Usually, puppies that encounter cats at this time can later bond with felines, so try to introduce your dog to a cat during this period. A trick to get your puppy geared up for future veterinary office visits is to place your pet on your washing machine when it is turned off. The height and slippery surface mimic the metal tables at veterinary clinics, allowing your pet to get accustomed to this sensation in a more relaxed environment.</p> Latest Ask Experts http://www.thedogdaily.com/ask-expert/index.html Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT