Five Tips to Ensure an Obedient Dog

Training a dog is one of the most important factors of ownership. A well-trained pooch is likely to be much safer, because of the reduced risk of running away from you. In addition, it is recognized by pet behaviorists that obedient dogs are far happier, as they are not stressed with the pressure of being the dominant member of their packs. The domesticated dog has been modified, through selective breeding, to accentuate its submissiveness. Therefore, your family pet is at its most content when it considers you as the alpha animal.

1. The first step in training your dog is to start as early as possible. Of course, a puppy is far easier to train. If you've adopted an adult dog, you may need to exercise more patience, but an adult can still be successfully trained. Whether you've welcomed a puppy or a mature dog into your home, its training should begin as soon as possible. For example, if you do not want your dog to sit on the couch, don't allow it to from the very beginning. Many owners make a huge fuss of new dogs and permit behavior that they later find unacceptable.

2. Similarly, consistency is key. It is always a good idea to establish a routine for your dog. In other words, he, or she, is fed and walked at approximately the same time everyday. Dogs tend to respond well to structure and deviations from this can stress them.

3. Depending on the age and temperament of your dog, you may find it beneficial to begin with small sessions of obedience training. It is important not to bombard your dog with too much information at once. Start simply with the basics, such as sit and stay.

4. Try to avoid shouting at your dog. Most dogs do not respond well to harsh criticism. Of course, if the dog is doing something unacceptable then it should be told "No" firmly. However, less destructive and non-worrying behavior should simply be ignored. The natural instinct of a domesticated dog is to please its owner. Therefore, praise for the positive behavior and a lack of reaction for the negative should be enough for your dog to understand what is required of it.

5. The single most important thing when training a dog is that it recognizes you as the pack leader. As pack animals, wolves (a domestic dog's ancestors) work as an efficient hierarchical group. Put simply, every pack must have a leader and, in this instance, it needs to be you. Some trainers and owners believe that 'alpha rolling', which mimics the behavior of dogs and wolves in the wild, is an effective way of asserting authority. However, some simple measures can have an equally successful response. For example, when your dog is young, it is advisable to remove its food bowl while it is eating. Alternatively, you may choose to take a favorite toy away from your dog. This only needs to be done very briefly, as most dogs will not react aggressively and the food, or toy, can be replaced with lots of praise. If your dog does bark or growl at you, ignore the negative response and remove the food or toys more frequently until he, or she, understands that you are the boss.

Try to remain calm and patient throughout your dog's obedience training. Remember, training a dog is an opportunity for you to bond with your pet. If you perceive at as a chance to play and have fun, then your dog will be infinitely more receptive towards it. If you're experiencing difficulties in your dog's obedience training, then there are many schools that can provide advice and support. Your local veterinarian should be able to put you in touch with a reputable obedience trainer in your area.

Samantha Markham is a professional writer who is currently working on behalf of Remmeer.com, which is a supplier of a variety of pet products including, unique dog gift ideas and backpack dog carriers with wheels.

Ten Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Whenever possible, it is nice to include your dog during a family holiday. There can be no doubt that a dog-friendly vacation is far preferable to finding boarding accommodation. However, before setting off, it is advisable to make some provisions and you may wish to consider a few things. Below are ten tips for traveling with the four-legged member of your family.

1. Before taking your dog on any trip, it is advisable to have him, or her, reasonably well trained. To avoid a runaway dog in a strange place, it is essential that he, or she, understands the basic commands, such as come, stay and sit.

2. It is recommended that you take your dog to the veterinarian at least two weeks before you plan to travel. Your vet can ensure that your dog is in good health and has all necessary vaccinations.

3. Once you have established that your dog is in the picture of health, you should take all of his, or her, paperwork. In other words, ensure that you have your dog's license, health certificate and proof of vaccinations.

4. If your dog suffers from carsickness or travel anxiety, it is a good idea to acclimatize him, or her, before you plan to travel. At first, you may choose to let your dog become accustomed to the car while it is motionless. Then start with small journeys of approximately 10 minutes. Make sure that you take your dog somewhere fun, like the park or beach. If he, or she, associates car journeys with a treat there will be less reluctance to travel. Never make your dog's first car journey a trip to the vet.

5. Ensure that your dog is always wearing a sturdy collar with his, or her, identification attached. Your dog's ID should have all the necessary contact details. Additionally, you may choose to include contact information for the hotel, motel or house that you are staying in while on vacation.

6. If you plan to stay in a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast, it is always wise to book well in advance. It can be hard to find residences that will allow pets and places for dogs can be limited.

7. On a long car journey, make sure to bring plenty of clean water and make sufficient stops for exercise. Whenever you let a dog out of the car to relieve itself, ensure that you clean up afterwards.

8. Never leave your dog alone in the car, especially in the summer. It only takes a matter of minutes for a dog to suffer life-threatening hypothermia. If your dog must be left in the car, ensure that one member of the family stays with him, or her.

9. Your dog may experience anxiety while away from its usual environment. Subsequently, it is a good idea to recreate 'home' whenever possible. In other words, feed your dog at the same time with his, or her, regular food. Take a walk at the normal time and, if possible, bring the dog's bed. These familiarities will all help to relax your pet.

10. It is always advisable to take your veterinarian's telephone number with you. In a non-emergency situation, this could prevent you from having to make an expensive trip to an unfamiliar vet.

Many dogs find journeys exciting and enjoyable experiences, but for some it can be anxiety-ridden and stressful. A vacation can be a wonderful time for the entire family, but it is important to ensure that your dog is safe, healthy and happy while traveling.

Samantha Markham writes for Remmeer.com, which supplys an array of pet travel equipment, including backpack dog pet carriers and dog pet strollers.

Pet Ownership is Good For Your Health

The companionship afforded by our pets is widely recognized, but, recently, research has been carried out to confirm the therapeutic advantages of sharing your life with an animal. In fact, benefits of pet ownership include increased physical and mental well-being. In turn, it is believed that people who have pets are typically happier and are likely to live longer than their non-pet owning counterparts are.

The Problem of Pet Allergies

Obviously, this does not extend to those with allergies or phobias. If you are scared of, or allergic to, your animal then, clearly, it is unlikely to have a positive effect on either physical or mental wellbeing.

However, pet allergies can be overcome if you still wish to welcome a pet into your life. For example, many people can find a pet that does not cause an allergic reaction, such as fish, lizards or snakes. On the other hand, there is the option of allergy shots, which can reduce the reaction caused by pet hair, feathers and fur, but this should always be discussed with a medical professional.

Health Benefits of Pets

The principle benefit of pet ownership is a positive effect on a human's level of stress. It is believed that stress levels are markedly reduced by the presence of an animal. In turn, this leads to healthier blood pressure and less chance of a heart attack, or other medical issues connected with stress. Additionally, conditions such as depression are believed to be alleviated by pet ownership. Moreover, biologists believe that the deterioration of Alzheimer's patients can be reduced with the help of a pet in the house.

In fact, elderly people are thought to be particularly helped by owning an animal, because a pet provides a source of company. Therefore, a pet ensures that feelings of loneliness are decreased. Additionally, a pet can offer a sense of purpose, which is crucial to all human beings. For those who live alone, it is nice to feel needed and wanted.

Of course, there are many other therapeutic benefits to pet ownership. For example, it is recognized that the routine required when looking after an animal is good for psychological wellbeing. In addition, a dog's requirement for daily exercise gives its owner a workout and, as is widely recognized, the health benefits of fresh air. Simply walking a dog can help an owner to control his, or her, weight and provide much needed activity, which releases endorphins (otherwise known as the happy hormone).

Moreover, having a pet that is always pleased to see you can be infinitely good for your health. The bond between animals and humans is incredible and is thought to have homeopathic benefits. Many owners look upon their pets as members of the family and an overwhelming high proportion admit to talking to their animals. In other words, although the companionship of animals should not be a replacement for human friends and family, the unconditional love provided by them is incredibly good for our mental health.

Responsibility of Pet Ownership

On the other hand, it is important for all pet owners to realize the great responsibility involved in taking on an animal of any kind. No pet should be purchased purely for the potential health benefits. In addition, owners should not be fooled into thinking that more pets will offer greater therapeutic benefits. In fact, the reverse can be true, because you may be overwhelmed by the work to look after multiple animals. Typically, one or two pets are ample to produce a discernible improvement in overall health.

Most importantly, it is crucial for potential pet owners to recognize the life-long commitment that an animal requires. Therefore, it is wise to research your pet of choice and ensure that he, or she, is the right animal for your house.

Samantha Markham is writing on behalf of Remmeer.com, a supplier of pet gifts, such as pet lover gifts and dog picture frames & albums.