If you want to adopt a rescue dog instead of buying a puppy you will need to spend around 10-12 years, depending on his current age and the breed, of commitment to your dog. There are also the essentials of looking after any dog like food, training, exercise, shelter, veterinary treatments, vaccinations, companionship and keeping him away from danger. However, there may be extra work involved depending on the different backgrounds of each rescue dog.
There are many reasons why a dog needs rehoming, none of which are the dog's fault. It could be anything from lack of money for veterinary care, owners moving house or because a small, cute puppy that was a Christmas present has turned into a large dog. This is why it's important to prepare for the amount of work that having a dog is going to be.
You should always adopt a rescue dog that is suited to your lifestyle. For example if you are out of the house for long periods of time throughout the day, you should get a low energy dog but still give him two walks a day. If you get a high energy dog yet haven't got the time to give it regular long walks, it will lead to the dog being bored and frustrated leading to being destructive and possibly aggressive.
When you adopt a rescue dog, he will be unsettled and frightened at first in his new home because of the unfamiliar surroundings. This is why most of us would want to fill his first days in his new life with lots of treats and affection. However, this is one of the worst things you can do. If you don't set limits and boundaries for your dog in the first few days, it will cause more confusion for your dog when you are suddenly throwing him off the sofa. If you gently ease him into a routine, your new rescue dog will be a happy new addition into your family.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Five New Year's Resolutions For Dog Owners
When New Year's Eve comes around, we all make resolutions which we hope will make the next year better than our last in some way. Here are five New Year's resolutions for dog owners that are easy to sustain throughout the year and will improve the lives of both you and your dog:
- The first New Year's resolution for dog owners should be to regularly exercise your dog. Dogs that are confined to a part of the house for long periods of time without exercise become bored and frustrated. A lack of exercise can lead to behavioural problems such as your furniture being destroyed and separation anxiety as well as your dog being hyper on the few walks you do have, whilst pulling on their lead. If you walk your dog for a minimum 20-30 minutes twice a day he will be less likely to get bored whilst confined to the home and more likely to settle with a chew toy or treat. Your walks will progressively improve as your dog will become calmer.
- Next is the commitment to train your dog which we all know is essential for basic obedience. Your dog doesn't know what you want from him unless you show him and an owner who gets frustrated and shouts will be scary and could lead to further problems. Although this may be a common New Year's resolution for dog owners, many people don't stick to it through lack of determination, patience and time. However, if you take the time and dedication to show your dog basic commands then it will help build a strong relationship between you, keep you both safe on walks and gives you a foundation for teaching your dog more advanced skills later.
- Another important New Year's resolution for dog owners is healthy eating. Healthy eating is essential for both humans and dogs if you want to stay fit and healthy and live to an old age. It is no different for dogs and in fact is a major factor in preventing certain diseases in dogs such as diabetes and heart disease, which are more common now than ever because of the unhealthy diets we feed our dogs. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best diet for your dog and it is advisable to stick to it as much as possible. It is perfectly fine to give treats as long as they are part of your dogs daily food intake and healthy.
- This leads nicely on to the next New Years resolution for dog owners, obesity! How many dogs do you know who are overweight, sometimes by a large amount. Being overweight is a contributing factor in disease which as well as being unpleasant for your dog and shortening his life, is also bad news for your wallet as you will spend a lot of time, and money, at the vets. Feeding healthy treats occasionally is fine as long as they are part of a daily allowance. Plenty of exercise will help to burn off those calories of course, but his weight should always be watched. Any dog that struggles to run around because he is overweight is not happy as he is likely to have other problems such as pain in the joints, trouble breathing and plenty more.
- The last New Years resolution should be to have fun with your dog. By incorporating fun and games into a daily routine you will not only be teaching him basic commands but also strengthening the bond between you. A dog is a faithful companion and will always be there for you no matter what, so enjoy your time together and have plenty of fun!
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Teaching the 'Watch Me' Command
Teaching the 'watch me' command to your dog is one of the simplest yet one of the most useful techniques you will use when training your dog. However, most dog owners do not think it is a useful command to teach their dog.
The 'watch me' command gives you an easy technique to put into practice if you are in a dangerous situation. For example, if your dog is aggressive towards any pets, children or bicycles then teaching the 'watch me' command will give you a simple way to distract your dog until the other person has walked past you. All you need to teach your dog the 'watch me' command is spare time and treats to reward your dog.
Teaching the 'watch me' command shouldn't take your dog long to understand if you practice regularly throughout the day. At first, start teaching your dog in a quiet area so that he can get an understanding of what the 'watch me' command means.
To begin teaching the 'watch me' command place a treat in front of the dogs nose. Then lift the treat up to your eye, making sure that your dog can still see the treat. Once your dog looks you in the eye give him the treat. If you do this regularly your dog will recognise lifting your hand up to your eye as a hand signal. Gradually your dog will follow this command without having to use treats. Once your dog understands this command you will be able to use this in many different situations which will keep you and your dog out of danger.
The 'watch me' command gives you an easy technique to put into practice if you are in a dangerous situation. For example, if your dog is aggressive towards any pets, children or bicycles then teaching the 'watch me' command will give you a simple way to distract your dog until the other person has walked past you. All you need to teach your dog the 'watch me' command is spare time and treats to reward your dog.
Teaching the 'watch me' command shouldn't take your dog long to understand if you practice regularly throughout the day. At first, start teaching your dog in a quiet area so that he can get an understanding of what the 'watch me' command means.
To begin teaching the 'watch me' command place a treat in front of the dogs nose. Then lift the treat up to your eye, making sure that your dog can still see the treat. Once your dog looks you in the eye give him the treat. If you do this regularly your dog will recognise lifting your hand up to your eye as a hand signal. Gradually your dog will follow this command without having to use treats. Once your dog understands this command you will be able to use this in many different situations which will keep you and your dog out of danger.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Using Positive Reinforcement to Train Your Dog
Using positive reinforcement to train your dog is essential if you want your dog to obey you all the time. Positive reinforcement is giving your dog something he loves e.g. a toy or a treat as praise for a command that he has just completed successfully. This is the animal equivalent to a parent giving their child money for doing household chores or for getting good grades in an exam. This kind of positive reinforcement teaches the dog that commands such as the recall or ‘leave it’ are good to obey because they will get rewarded at the end of it.
Shouting, hitting and punishing is the complete opposite of using positive reinforcement to train your dog, so should never be used. If you shout or hit your dog because he didn’t return to you when you first used the recall command your dog will eventually connect obeying the recall command with being punished and hit. This will reverse all your hard work and you will be back to square one with training your dog.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money buying the latest hi-tech equipment to train your dog effectively. All you need is time, dedication and a lot of patience. Using positive reinforcement to train your dog will improve your dogs training for both of you as you will have a lot more fun if your dog is willing to learn.
Alongside using positive reinforcement to train your dog and voice commands try to use hand gestures as much as possible. This will make it easier for your dog to understand what you want. For example, if you are practicing the recall command your dog will be far away from you. Therefore if you only use a voice command your dog could become confused if he has misheard what you said. If you use hand signals as well as voice commands, your dog will be able to see you from a distance so the training will be a success every time.
Shouting, hitting and punishing is the complete opposite of using positive reinforcement to train your dog, so should never be used. If you shout or hit your dog because he didn’t return to you when you first used the recall command your dog will eventually connect obeying the recall command with being punished and hit. This will reverse all your hard work and you will be back to square one with training your dog.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money buying the latest hi-tech equipment to train your dog effectively. All you need is time, dedication and a lot of patience. Using positive reinforcement to train your dog will improve your dogs training for both of you as you will have a lot more fun if your dog is willing to learn.
Alongside using positive reinforcement to train your dog and voice commands try to use hand gestures as much as possible. This will make it easier for your dog to understand what you want. For example, if you are practicing the recall command your dog will be far away from you. Therefore if you only use a voice command your dog could become confused if he has misheard what you said. If you use hand signals as well as voice commands, your dog will be able to see you from a distance so the training will be a success every time.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Teach Your Dog the 'Leave It' Command
To teach your dog the 'leave it' command is an essential exercise if you have a dog that chews furniture, clothes or even chasing bicycles. This command could keep you and your dog out of danger.
Even though you many want to teach your dog the 'leave it' command to prevent them from chasing vehicles or destroying household items, begin teaching the command using dog treats or a chew toy. This is so they understand the command fully before proceeding to more advanced techniques.
Begin by putting a small treat or dog toy in your right hand and place it in front of your dog. Keep a reward in your left hand and place it behind your back. As your dog advances for the treat in your right hand say 'leave it'. Once he has moved away from the treat, either by moving his nose away from your hand or looking straight at you, reward him with the treat or toy in your left hand. To teach your dog the 'leave it' command successfully this exercise will need to be repeated several times until your dog understands this basic command.
Once your dog understands this basic exercise you can then teach your dog the 'leave it' command using different objects that will challenge each individual dog e.g. if your dog chases bicycles practice by asking a friend or a member of your family to cycle past you on in the street while you tell the dog to 'leave it'. If he does, reward him and praise him and then repeat the command. If not, walk in the opposite direction, focus the dog's attention back onto you, and when he is calm start again.
Obedience lessons are often easier understood if you can watch them being demonstrated by a professional trainer such as Dove Cresswell. To watch a free lesson of dog obedience tricks click here.
Even though you many want to teach your dog the 'leave it' command to prevent them from chasing vehicles or destroying household items, begin teaching the command using dog treats or a chew toy. This is so they understand the command fully before proceeding to more advanced techniques.
Begin by putting a small treat or dog toy in your right hand and place it in front of your dog. Keep a reward in your left hand and place it behind your back. As your dog advances for the treat in your right hand say 'leave it'. Once he has moved away from the treat, either by moving his nose away from your hand or looking straight at you, reward him with the treat or toy in your left hand. To teach your dog the 'leave it' command successfully this exercise will need to be repeated several times until your dog understands this basic command.
Once your dog understands this basic exercise you can then teach your dog the 'leave it' command using different objects that will challenge each individual dog e.g. if your dog chases bicycles practice by asking a friend or a member of your family to cycle past you on in the street while you tell the dog to 'leave it'. If he does, reward him and praise him and then repeat the command. If not, walk in the opposite direction, focus the dog's attention back onto you, and when he is calm start again.
Obedience lessons are often easier understood if you can watch them being demonstrated by a professional trainer such as Dove Cresswell. To watch a free lesson of dog obedience tricks click here.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety in dogs often involves whining, barking and being destructive. This is mostly caused by letting your dog have access to you at all times as a puppy and then suddenly leaving him in a restricted area for a long period of time. However if you teach your puppy that being left alone isn't a negative thing your dog will not suffer from separation anxiety and you will have a stronger relationship with your dog.
A key rule to prevent separation anxiety in dogs is to start leaving your dog on his own for short periods of time when you are still in the house. Separate a specific area away from the rest of the house by a dog gate and treat it as your dog's area. Once there is a bed or a kennel with food and water in this area your dog will start to see this as a positive place.
After your dog has become used to his area in the house begin leaving your dog on his own for short periods of time, making sure that you are always in the house to check on him. When you are leaving him don't give your dog any treats or talk to him. This is a common mistake with separation anxiety in dogs, as giving him what you think is reassurance gives him a reason to become worried. When you return to your dog remember to praise him if he's calm and settled. This will reinforce this positive behaviour.
Sometimes, separation anxiety in dogs is mistaken for boredom. A dog that is unstimulated and full of energy will chew your furniture out of boredom. Walk your dog before you leave the house and after you return to ensure that your dog has burnt off excess energy. It may also be a good idea to leave stimulating toys such as a stuffed Kong for your dog to pass the time.
A key rule to prevent separation anxiety in dogs is to start leaving your dog on his own for short periods of time when you are still in the house. Separate a specific area away from the rest of the house by a dog gate and treat it as your dog's area. Once there is a bed or a kennel with food and water in this area your dog will start to see this as a positive place.
After your dog has become used to his area in the house begin leaving your dog on his own for short periods of time, making sure that you are always in the house to check on him. When you are leaving him don't give your dog any treats or talk to him. This is a common mistake with separation anxiety in dogs, as giving him what you think is reassurance gives him a reason to become worried. When you return to your dog remember to praise him if he's calm and settled. This will reinforce this positive behaviour.
Sometimes, separation anxiety in dogs is mistaken for boredom. A dog that is unstimulated and full of energy will chew your furniture out of boredom. Walk your dog before you leave the house and after you return to ensure that your dog has burnt off excess energy. It may also be a good idea to leave stimulating toys such as a stuffed Kong for your dog to pass the time.
Friday, 13 November 2009
How To Teach Your Dog Recall
How to teach your dog recall is one of the most common questions asked by dog owners everywhere. When out on walks with your dog it is essential to keep your dog safe and also to avoid him becoming a nuisance to other dog owners when out on your adventures.
Walking with your dog is an enjoyable experience as well as being good for your health and social well being but becomes a chore when your dog refuses to return to you on command. This can leave you frustrated, scared for his safety and also make you very unpopular in the dog park.
Here are some tips to teach your dog recall:
* The first step is to ensure that your dog wants to be with you on walks and finds you fun and interesting to be with. Just walking round a field and ignoring him will leave him to find his interests elsewhere such as chasing the local wildlife!
* Before letting him run off lead, begin to teach your dog recall on a long training line and keep calling him back to you when out. Use a specific command such as 'here' and only use this command so you don't confuse your dog. Call in a happy, excited tone and make sure you have a tasty titbit waiting to reward him. Of course, the treats should make up his daily food allowance to avoid piling on the pounds!
* Don't keep calling him back to you while you are out, as this will become boring. Focus on the quality of the recall rather than the quantity as cramming loads of training into your walk will be counter productive.
* If your dog doesn't come to you immediately on your initial recall, turn around quickly and run the other way so that he has to follow you. Don't forget to praise him with a tasty treat!
* If you have a bad day when you try to teach your dog recall, take a break. If you become frustrated your dog will sense this and will be less likely to respond and may see the command as a punishment. The aim is to make the recall fun, your dog will want to come back to you as he gets loads of praise and treats.
It can be easier to watch a video or DVD on the television and see how the training is done before putting it into action. For a free demonstration click here!
Walking with your dog is an enjoyable experience as well as being good for your health and social well being but becomes a chore when your dog refuses to return to you on command. This can leave you frustrated, scared for his safety and also make you very unpopular in the dog park.
Here are some tips to teach your dog recall:
* The first step is to ensure that your dog wants to be with you on walks and finds you fun and interesting to be with. Just walking round a field and ignoring him will leave him to find his interests elsewhere such as chasing the local wildlife!
* Before letting him run off lead, begin to teach your dog recall on a long training line and keep calling him back to you when out. Use a specific command such as 'here' and only use this command so you don't confuse your dog. Call in a happy, excited tone and make sure you have a tasty titbit waiting to reward him. Of course, the treats should make up his daily food allowance to avoid piling on the pounds!
* Don't keep calling him back to you while you are out, as this will become boring. Focus on the quality of the recall rather than the quantity as cramming loads of training into your walk will be counter productive.
* If your dog doesn't come to you immediately on your initial recall, turn around quickly and run the other way so that he has to follow you. Don't forget to praise him with a tasty treat!
* If you have a bad day when you try to teach your dog recall, take a break. If you become frustrated your dog will sense this and will be less likely to respond and may see the command as a punishment. The aim is to make the recall fun, your dog will want to come back to you as he gets loads of praise and treats.
It can be easier to watch a video or DVD on the television and see how the training is done before putting it into action. For a free demonstration click here!
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