If you’ve never seen a dog with serious food-guarding issues, it’s difficult to appreciate the potential severity of this problem. Food-guarding issues are not necessarily a reflection on the personality or training level of the dog: it’s an instinctive thing, and although dogs with a general aggression problem are naturally more prone to demonstrating the condition, it’s also exhibited by otherwise-sweet, well-behaved, well-adjusted family dogs. Like an evil djinn, the problem can rear its ugly head only when food (or the food bowl) is present: a real case of Jekyll and Hyde. A dog with serious food-guarding issues can be a real danger to anyone who should approach her during a meal: it’s not a scenario in which you can expect to train your dog to “play nice”. Instinct is what’s compelling her to act in this undesirable, and even dangerous, way – you need to take steps to turn the behaviour around before your relationship with your dog suffers or somebody gets hurt.

There are different degrees of food guarding:

In the mildest case, a dog will merely tense up a little or freeze if somebody approaches her while she’s trying to eat. She may even continue eating, but her posture will be rigid and stiff: she’ll clearly be uncomfortable. Signs that the problem is more severe would include a marked increase in eating speed, a direct, hard stare right at you (often accompanied by a still, tense, “watching” posture), a lifted lip, a snarl, a snap, and finally a real bite.

NOTE: A dog exhibiting any of these last three symptoms has a pretty severe case of food-guarding aggression, and may be prepared to inflict actual harm. If this is the case with your dog, hiring a hands-on trainer may be the best answer for you: it’ll ensure your safety, and they’ll be able to examine your overall relationship with your dog and see if there are other areas contributing to the problem.

A food-guarding dog is a pretty confused one:

In her mind, she’s got your role mixed up. She fails to recognise that you are the dispenser of food (which should accord you automatic alpha-dog status, ensuring your immunity from any kind of aggression or dominance), and instead is viewing you as a threat: a blackguard who might be going to take away her precious food. Hence, the possessiveness. The degree of aggression that a food-guarding dog is capable of might be hard to understand, until you consider the fact that food is one of the greatest pleasures of your dog’s life. Dogs are scavengers by nature: they’re programmed to eat just about anything they can get their jaws around. As well as the instinctiveness of this gluttony, most dogs also simply enjoy the tactile and gustatory sensations that come with a good meal (or an indifferent one .. and sometimes even a bad one). They just … like to eat. And it’s this overwhelming importance that’s placed on food that gets some dogs a bit mixed up: their grasp of the situation gets a bit thrown off, and they begin to wonder, miser-like, who might happen upon them and take away their cherished food. The obvious conclusion: you. Or anyone else who comes along at meal-time.

To cure her of this frustrating and antisocial habit, you need to remind her that you’re actually the purveyor of that which she holds so dear: to make it clear to her that you’re the one in charge of the kitchen, and of all the delightful morsels contained therein. Dogs can develop food-guarding instincts at any point in their lives: some will have had the problem since puppyhood, but for others the tendency lies dormant until it’s awakened by an item of particular juiciness. For most dogs, the deciding factor is meat, in some shape or form – whether it’s a marrowbone, a mutton hock, or cast-off scraps from the dinner table. Meat to dogs is like money to humans: it can change them, make them do things they otherwise wouldn’t do. So it’s not entirely surprising that the intrinsic value of meat-related foodstuffs can give our dogs a new, unpleasantly skewed perspective on the sanctity of the food-bowl.

Because of the possibility of food-guarding becoming an issue in your dog’s behaviour at any point in her life, prevention is obviously the ideal path to take: whether you get your dog from puppyhood or adopt her as an adult from a shelter, you should make a point of approaching her during mealtime. Have you ever heard a friend with dogs ask you to “leave her alone when she’s eating”? This is a short-term solution at most: it’ll prevent anything untoward from happening, provided that all the humans play by the rules and ensure that they don’t disturb the dog – but the dog is still the one calling all the shots. And what will happen if the unexpected occurs? What if a toddler charges full-tilt towards the dog and makes a playful grab for her bowl? In a wolf-pack, the alpha dog is never disturbed when he or she is eating. Not only does she get to eat first, and eat the lion’s share of everything; but he or she also eats undisturbed. This is why a dog that’s permitted to eat in solitary splendor can actually become more food-aggressive, not less; without anyone to take her down a notch, she begins to assume more authority than she actually has.

To prevent your dog from getting an over-inflated sense of her own importance, make sure you disturb her plenty while she’s eating. Don’t make a point of tiptoeing around whenever the food bowl’s out; it’ll just accustom her to solitude and silence when she eats (which are things that only the alpha wolf or dog is entitled to). At the other end of the spectrum, don’t make these disturbances a negative experience for her either, or else you may actually create a problem where none previously existed. All you have to do is approach her from time to time while she eats – starting from the very day you bring her into your home – and add something tasty (and small!) to her dish while she’s eating, to make the connection in her head that ‘humans approaching food bowl = good news’. A spoonful of scrambled egg, a piece of liver treat, a few chunks of cheese – anything that she’ll enjoy, and that has a greater “food value” than the kibble she’s eating, will work perfectly.

Of course, if it’s too late for preventatives and your dog already has a problem, you’ll need to adopt a very different approach. Here’s what to do: – The dog bowl is going to be put away for the next seven to ten days. Over this time, you’re going to be feeding your dog by hand – one small handful at a time. Yes, I know this is going to be time-consuming, but the alternative is even worse: a dangerous dog that can’t be trusted around food. So feed her by hand for the next week or so. Be sure not to encourage any greedy snapping or grabbing for the food: only allow her to take the food from your hand when she does so gently. Remind her that bite inhibition is necessary to get what she wants!

Once at least a week has passed and she’s eating politely from your hand, you can reintroduce the food bowl, with one slight modification: it has to be empty. And it stays empty until you pass by and drop a small handful of kibble into it for her to eat. When that’s been polished off, wait at least a full minute before adding another, small, handful of kibble. Keep doing this until the entire meal’s been consumed – this is a very effective way of teaching your dog to actively long for your presence near her food bowl!

When she’s graduated to the next stage, you can start setting down a half-empty food bowl for her. Don’t let her lunge at the bowl and start gobbling: holding the bowl out of reach (or placing it on a handy counter), make her sit and wait before you allow her to eat. Don’t put the bowl down until she complies. Sit or crouch beside the bowl and continue to add small handfuls of kibble, just as you did in step two, until a full meal’s been eaten.

The fourth, and final step, is to allow her access to a full food bowl. Again, it’s very important that you do not allow her to call the shots: she must sit and wait until you release her with an “OK!” before she’s permitted to eat. To keep the message clear in your head that you are in charge of the food in this house, practice calling her away from her food a few times a week and rewarding her with a super-tasty treat for her exemplary obedience while she’s trying to eat.

If at any time your dog’s behaviour gets shaky on any of these four steps, backslide until you’ve reached the stage at which she is 100% reliable. Wait at this stage for at least two or three more days before attempting to progress once more. As with any training, it’s essential that a solid foundation is built before moving on to the next level – she must be completely comfortable with each step before trying a new one.

Further Reading:

For detailed, in-depth information on canine behavioural problems (both preventing and dealing with them) take a look at “Secrets to Dog Training.” It’s the complete handbook for responsible dog owners, and is packed with valuable advice and step-by-step how-to’s for dog training.

You can visit Secrets to Dog Training by clicking on the link below:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/?aff=IJCGlobal&type=nohop

Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems that dogs develope. It’s an anxiety disorder, and is defined as a state of intense panic brought on by the dog’s isolation or separation from her owner(s). In other words, when you leave for work in the morning, your dog is plunged into a state of nervous anxiety which intensifies extremely quickly. Dogs are social animals – they need plenty of company and social interaction to keep them happy and content. No dog likes to be left alone for long stretches of time, but some dogs do a lot worse than others: these are the ones most prone to separation anxiety.

There are a number of contributing causes to the condition:

Some breeds are genetically predisposed towards anxiety and insecurity, which is something you should consider when deciding which breed you’re going to go for (particularly if you’re going to be absent for long stretches of time). A few of these breeds include Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales. A significant proportion of dogs from shelters develop separation anxiety. Most of these ‘shelter dogs’ have undergone significant trauma in their lives – they’ve been abandoned by their previous owners and thus they have little trust that their new-found owner (you) isn’t going to pull the same trick. Dogs that were separated from their mothers and siblings too early have been identified as being especially prone to separation anxiety. Puppies from pet-stores are a perfect example of this: they’re usually taken from their mothers well before the earliest possible age (which is 8 weeks), and confined to a small glass box in the petstore for anywhere between a few weeks to two months. This early weaning, coupled with the lack of exercise and affection while in the petstore, is psychologically traumatic for the dog.

Neglect is the number-one cause of sepration anxiety for dogs:

If you’re absent much more than you’re present in your dog’s life, separation anxiety is pretty much inevitable. Your dog needs your company, affection, and attention in order to be happy and content. The symptoms of separation anxiety are pretty distinctive: your dog will usually learn to tell when you’re about to leave (she’ll hear keys jingling, will see you putting on your outdoor clothes, etc) and will become anxious. She may follow you from room to room, whining, trembling, and crying. Some dogs even become aggressive, in an attempt to stop their owners from leaving. When you’ve left, the anxious behaviour will rapidly worsen and usually will peak within half an hour. She may bark incessantly, scratch and dig at windows and doors (an attempt to escape from confinement and reunite herself with you), chew inappropriate items, even urinate and defecate inside the house. In extreme cases, she might self-mutilate by licking or chewing her skin until it’s raw, or pull out fur; or engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviours, like spinning and tail-chasing.

Upon your return, she’ll be excessively excited, and will leap around you in a frenzy of delight for a protracted period of time (more than the 30 seconds to one minute of a happy, well-balanced dog.) This extended greeting is a source of some misunderstanding: without realising that such a greeting actually signifies the presence of a psychological disorder, some owners actually encourage their dog to get more and more worked up upon their return (by fuelling the dog’s excitement, encouraging her to leap around, paying her protracted attention, and so on.) If you’re behaving in this way with your dog, please stop. I know it’s tempting and very easy to do, and it seems harmless – after all, she’s so happy to see you, what harm can it do to return her attention and affection in equal measure? – but in actuality, you’re just validating her belief that your return is the high point of the day. So she’s as happy as Larry when you return – but, when it’s time for you to leave again, her now-exaggerated happiness at your presence is under threat, and she gets even more unhappy when you walk out that door. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize your dog’s tendency towards anxiety.

Here’s a short list of do’s and don’ts:

Do: – Exercise her just as much as you possibly can. Really wear her out: the longer you expect to be away, the more exercise she should get before you leave. For example, if you’re leaving for work in the morning, she’ll probably be by herself for at least four hours and, if you’ve got a dog-walker to take her out at mid-day instead of coming back yourself, she won’t see you, the person she really cares about, for at least nine hours. So she needs a good, vigorous walk (fifteen to twenty minutes is the absolute minimum here!) before you walk out that door. More is even better.

Distract her from her boredom, loneliness, and anxiety by giving her an attractive alternative to pining, pacing, and whining. All dogs love to chew, so why not play on this predisposition? Get a couple of marrowbones from the butcher, bake them in the oven for 20 minutes (so they go nice and hard and crunchy – and so she can’t smear marrow all over your furniture), slice them up into chunks of a few inches long, and give her one about 15 minutes before you leave. It’ll keep her happy and occupied, and will act as a smokescreen for your departure.

When you leave, put the radio on to a soothing station: classical music is ideal, but any station featuring lots of talk shows is also ideal. Keep the volume quite low, and it’ll calm her down a bit and give her the feeling that she’s got company. If at all possible, supply her with a view: if she can see the world going by, that’s the next best thing to being out and about in it. Acclimatize her to your leaving. Taking things nice and slowly, practice getting ready to go: jingle your keys about, put on your coat, and open the door. Then – without leaving! – sit back down and don’t go anywhere. Do this until she’s not reacting any more. When there’s no reaction, give her a treat and lavish praise for being so brave. Next, practice actually walking out the door (and returning immediately), again doing this until there’s no reaction. Gradually work up – gradually being the operative word here! – until you’re able to leave the house with no signs of stress from her.

Do not:- Act over sympathetically when she’s crying. Although it sounds very cold-hearted, trying to soothe and comfort your dog by patting her and cooing over her is actually one of the worst things you can do, as it’s essentially validating her concern. Make sure she can’t tell that you feel sorry for her. Don’t ever say, “It’s OK, good girl” when she’s upset!

If you’re interested in getting a more detailed look at how to deal with your dog’s separation anxiety, you might like to check out “Secrets to Dog Training.” It’s a great learning tool for anyone who wants to learn how to deal constructively with their dog’s problem behaviours. All of the common behavioural problems are dealt with in detail, and there’s a great section on obedience commands and tricks also.

You can visit the “Secrets to Dog Training” site by clicking on the link below:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/index.php?aff=IJCGlobal&type=separationanxiety

Different aggression types:

There are several different types of canine aggression, the two most common being aggression towards strangers and aggression towards family members. You may be wondering why we’re bothering categorising this stuff: after all, aggression is aggression, and we want to be rid of it NOW, not waste time with the details … right? Well … not quite. These two different types of aggression stem from very different causes, and require different types of treatment.

Aggression towards strangers:

What is it? It’s pretty easy to tell when a dog’s nervous around strange people. He’s jumpy and on the alert: either he can’t sit still and is constantly fidgeting, leaping at the smallest sound, and pacing around barking and whining; or he’s veerrrry still indeed, sitting rock-steady in one place, staring hard at the object of his suspicions (a visitor, the mailman, or someone approaching him on the street while he’s tied up outside a store.)

Why does it happen?

There’s one major reason why a dog doesn’t like strange people. It’s because he’s never had the chance to get used to them. Remember, your dog relies 100% on you to broaden horizons for him. Without being taken on lots of outings to see the world and realise for himself, through consistent and positive experiences that the unknown doesn’t necessarily equal bad news for him, how can he realistically be expected to relax in an unfamiliar situation?

What can I do about it?

The process of accustoming your dog to the world and all the strange people (and animals) that it comprises is called socialisation. This is an incredibly important aspect of your dog’s upbringing, in fact, it’s pretty hard to overemphasise just how important it is. Socialising your dog means exposing him from a young age (generally speaking, as soon as he’s had his vaccinations) to a wide variety of new experiences, new people, and new animals.

Secrets to Dog Training – Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Aggression Problems!

How does socialization prevent stranger aggression?

When you socialise your dog, you’re getting him to learn through experience that new sights and sounds are fun, not scary. It’s not enough to expose an adult dog to a crowd of unfamiliar people and tell him to: “Settle down, Rory, it’s OK” – he has to learn that it’s OK for himself. And he needs to do it from puppyhood for the lesson to sink in. The more types of people and animals he meets (babies, toddlers, teenagers, old people, men, women, people wearing uniforms, people wearing motorcycle helmets, people carrying umbrellas, etc) in a fun and relaxed context, the more at ease and happy – and safe around strangers – he’ll be in general.

How can I socialise my dog so that he doesn’t develop a fear of strangers?

Socialising your dog is pretty easy to do – it’s more of a general effort than a specific training regime. First of all, you should take him to puppy classes, a series of easy group-training classes for puppies (often performed at the local hall). In a puppy class, about ten or so puppy owners get together with a qualified trainer (often there’ll be at least two trainers present – the more there are the better, since it means you get more one-on-one time with a professional) and start teaching their puppies the basic obedience commands: sit, stay, and so on. Even though the obedience work is very helpful and is a great way to start your puppy on the road to being a trustworthy adult dog, the best part of puppy classes is really the play sessions. Several times throughout the class, the puppies are encouraged to run around off-leash and play amongst themselves. This is an ideal environment for them to learn good social skills. There’s a whole lot of unfamiliar dogs present (which teaches them how to interact with strange dogs). There are unfamiliar people present (which teaches them that new faces are nothing to be afraid of), and the environment is safe and controlled (there’s at least one certified trainer present to make sure that things don’t get out of hand). Socialisation doesn’t just stop with puppy classes, though. It’s an on-going effort throughout the life of your puppy and dog. He needs to be taken to many new places and environments. Remember not to overwhelm him: start off slow, and build up his tolerance gradually.

Aggression towards family members:

There are two common reasons why a dog is aggressive towards members of his own human family: – He’s trying to defend something he thinks of as his from a perceived threat (you). This is known as resource guarding, and though it may sound innocuous, there’s actually a lot more going on here than your dog simply trying to keep his soother to himself. – He’s not comfortable with the treatment/handling he’s getting from you or other members of the family.

What’s resource guarding?

Resource guarding is pretty common among dogs. The term refers to overly-possessive behaviour on behalf of your dog: for instance, snarling at you if you approach him when he’s eating, or giving you “the eye” (a direct stare) if you reach your hand out to take a toy away from him. All dogs can be possessive from time to time – it’s in their natures. Sometimes they’re possessive over things with no conceivable value: inedible trash, rolls of paper or tissue, or old socks. More frequently, however, resource-guarding becomes an issue over items with a very real and understandable value: food and toys.

Why does it happen?

It all boils down to the issue of dominance. Let me take a moment to explain this concept: dogs are pack animals. This means that they’re used to a very structured environment: in a dog-pack, each individual animal is ranked in a hierarchy of position and power (or “dominance”) in relation to every other animal. Each animal is aware of the rank of every other animal, which means he knows specifically how to act in any given situation (whether to back down, whether to push the issue, whether to muscle in or not on somebody else’s turf, etc etc). To your dog, the family environment is no different to the dog-pack environment. Your dog has ranked each member of the family, and has his own perception of where he ranks in that environment as well. This is where it gets interesting: if your dog perceives himself as higher up on the social ladder than other family members, he’s going to get cheeky. If he’s really got an over-inflated sense of his own importance, he’ll start to act aggressively. Why? Because dominance and aggression are the exclusive rights of a superior-ranked animal. No underdog would ever show aggression or act dominantly to a higher-ranked animal (the consequences would be dire, and he knows that!) Resource guarding is a classic example of dominant behavior: only a higher-ranked dog (a “dominant” dog) would act aggressively in defence of resources. To put it plainly: if it was clear to your dog that he is not, in fact, the leader of the family, he’d never even dream of trying to prevent you from taking his food or toys – because a lower-ranking dog (him) will always go along with what the higher-ranking dogs (you and your family) say.

So what can I do about it?

The best treatment for dominant, aggressive behaviour is consistent, frequent obedience work, which will underline your authority over your dog. Just two fifteen-minute sessions a day will make it perfectly clear to your dog that you’re the boss, and that it pays to do what you say. You can make this fact clear to him by rewarding him (with treats and lavish praise) for obeying a command, and isolating him (putting him in “time-out”, either outside the house or in a room by himself) for misbehaviour. If you’re not entirely confident doing this yourself, you may wish to consider enlisting the assistance of a qualified dog-trainer. Brush up on your understanding of canine psychology and communication, so that you understand what he’s trying to say – this will help you to nip any dominant behaviours in the bud, and to communicate your own authority more effectively.

Train regularly:

Keep obedience sessions short and productive (no more than fifteen minutes – maybe two or three of these per day).

Why doesn’t my dog like to be handled?

All dogs have different handling thresholds. Some dogs like lots of cuddles, and are perfectly content to be hugged, kissed, and have arms slung over their shoulders (this is the ultimate “I’m the boss” gesture to a dog, which is why a lot of them won’t tolerate it.) Others – usually the ones not accustomed to a great deal of physical contact from a very young age – aren’t comfortable with too much full-body contact and will get nervous and agitated if someone persists in trying to hug them. Another common cause of handling-induced aggression is a bad grooming experience: nail-clipping and bathing are the two common culprits. When you clip a dog’s nails, it’s very easy to “quick” him – that is, cut the blood vessel that runs inside the nail. This is extremely painful to a dog, and is a sure-fire way to cause a long-lasting aversion to those clippers. Being washed is something that a great many dogs have difficulty dealing with – a lot of owners, when confronted with a wild-eyed, half-washed, upset dog, feel that in order to complete the wash they have to forcibly restrain him. This only adds to the dog’s sense of panic, and reinforces his impression of a wash as something to be avoided at all costs –and  if necessary, to defend himself from it with a display of teeth and hackles.

Can I “retrain” him to enjoy being handled and groomed?

In a word: yes. It’s a lot easier if you start from a young age – handle your puppy a lot, get him used to being touched and rubbed all over. Young dogs generally enjoy being handled – it’s only older ones who haven’t had a lot of physical contact throughout their lives that sometimes find physical affection difficult to accept. Practice picking up his paws and touching them with the clippers; practice taking him into the bath (or outside, under the shower tap – whatever works for you, but warm water is much more pleasant for a dog than a freezing spray of ice-water!) Augment the process throughout with lots of praise and the occasional small treat. For an older dog that may already have had several unpleasant handling/grooming experiences, things are a little more difficult. You need to undo the damage already caused by those bad experiences, which you can do by taking things very slowly – with an emphasis on keeping your dog calm. The instant he starts to show signs of stress, stop immediately and let him relax. Try to make the whole thing into a game: give him lots of praise, pats, and treats. Take things slowly. Don’t push it too far: if you get nervous, stop. Dogs show aggression for a reason: they’re warning you to back off, or else! If your dog just can’t seem to accept being groomed, no matter how much practice you put in, it’s best to hand the job over to the professionals. Your vet will clip his nails for you (make sure you tell him first that he gets aggressive when the clippers come out, so your vet can take the necessary precautions!). As far as washing and brushing goes, the dog-grooming business is a flourishing industry: for a small fee, you can get your dog washed, clipped, brushed, and whatever else you require by experienced professionals (again, make sure you tell them about your dog’s reaction to the experience first!) For more information on handling aggressive and dominant behaviors, as well as a great deal of detailed information on a host of other common dog behaviour problems, check out “Secrets to Dog Training.” It’s a complete owner’s guide to owning, rearing, and training your dog, and it deals with all aspects of dog ownership. To get the inside story on preventing and dealing with problem behaviours like aggression and dominance in your dog, “Secrets to Dog Training” is well worth a look. You can visit the “Secrets to Dog Training” site by clicking on the link below:

Secrets to Dog Training – Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Aggression Problems!

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The phrase “destructive chewing” may sound contradictive, because – by its very nature! – all chewing is destructive. Your dog has strong jaws full of sharp, pointed teeth: just about anything he/she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects within a minute. So just to be clear here, in using the phrase “destructive chewing”, I’m referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that’s focused on your personal possessions and household items, instead of on your dog’s own designated toys, chews and the likes.

What are the three main reasons why dogs chew:

As we said, most dogs do have a natural desire to chew for one reason or the other. It’s fun, it passes the time, and it’s a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, chewing on something that tastes good.)

Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for their emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing – it’s the doggie equivalent of comfort food.

Under-exercised dogs often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and just to give themselves something to do.

How can you prevent destructive chewing:

Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff – you simply must put in a little effort first, that’s all that’s required.

1. Take control of the situation: manage your personal possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there’s still no reason to test their self-control – after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths.

Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don’t want to end up in their mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider your dog’s size and agility when deciding whether something’s out of reach: how high can they jump? Can they climb, or leap onto something else to reach the object of desire? Consider reach when standing on their hind legs.

Common targets in the home include books, items of clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchable products like cameras, mobile phones, and remote controls.

It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don’t leave snacks on low tables (or even counter-tops – you’d be surprised how acrobatic a dog can be when there’s food at stake!) Put all food into containers or cupboards. Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink.

2. It’s important to prevent your dog from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times a mouthful of a forbidden substance is successfully nabbed– a chair-leg, a sock, a running shoe – the more readily those items wil be targetted in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it’s a lot easier for them to understand what you expect of them. Practically speaking, this means confining your pooch in a dog-proofed area until you’re confident thathouse rules are understood.

3. Clarify the boundaries between her stuff (OK to chew) and your stuff (not OK to chew) to help avoid failure. Don’t offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can’t possibly expect your dog to be able to tell the difference between your current shoes and the one she’s got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago.

4. Provide lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. If the environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame your dog for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; adolescents (under three years), or puppies (under one year), needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a dog toy and chew shopping spree, then provide two or three to play with at any one time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things new and interesting.

5. Spend lots of time in active supervision. Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the garden – but that’s boring and horrible for your best friend, and hardly much fun for you either (if you wanted a pet that you didn’t need to interact with, you’d have got a goldfish, right?) If your dog or puppy is being forced to spend all their time boxed up in the dog-proof zone, they won’t be able to learn what you expect of them: they need the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, to be able to understand what is appropriate and what is not.

6. When you catch them chewing something inappropriate, interrupt with a loud noise: clap your hands or make an “Ah-oh-ooooh!” noise. Then, immediately provide a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy); as soon as you give it, offer lavish praise. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing “their” toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.

Maintain a productive attitude:

Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic. You’re not perfect, and neither is your dog: there’s likely to be at least one incident where a cherished item is damaged due to “being there” and out of natural curiosity.

Particularly in the early stages of your relationship, remember that your dog or puppy is still learning the ropes: it’ll take a while before they are completely reliable (and even then, if left alone for too long or has feelings of neglect, they may choose your stuff over their own to occupy their time and jaws with.) Remember to give them time to learn the rules, and plenty of ‘you-time’ to help learn them faster – and don’t forget to take precautions and keep things out of reach until the chewing rules are understood!

For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behaviour (like chewing), check out “Secrets to Dog Training.” It’s the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog’s learning.

You can visit the “Secrets to Dog Training” website by clicking on the link below:
Dog Obedience Chewing – Obedience

Yours Sincerely,

James & Mags

http://toydogtoys.wordpress.com/

Secrets to Dog Training presents an unusually detailed and thorough look at how to both prevent and deal with the more common problem behaviors exhibited by dogs. As the owner of a moderately troublesome mutt myself, I’ve spent a fair amount of time searching the Net for reliable resources on this topic, and I have to say that the level of knowledge and detail contained within the pages of this compendium is unusually exacting for an online book.

Secrets to Dog Training – Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

Not only that, but – again, unusually for this medium – the information at hand is actually (gasp!) reliable. Yes, that’s right – this one’s a whole new kettle of fish. Written by a seasoned dog trainer, you can relax in the knowledge that all the tips and advice included are tried and true, and come from Stevens’ real-life experiences as a professional dog trainer. There is also a straight-talking, easy to follow 30-minute downloadable video which provides real-life examples of doggy bad behavior along with solutions and remedies to change them.

What’s Covered?

There’s a pretty impressive range of information packed into this guide. It’s not just the problem behaviors that are covered: the book starts off with new-owner advice (how to choose a puppy/dog, the best places to get one from, breed information, puppy/dog-proofing your home, the first vet visit, housetraining, etc) and then moves on to the more advanced stuff: behavioral problems (such as aggression, dominance, chewing, digging, excessive barking, separation anxiety, to name a few), intermediate-level obedience commands, health-related dog problems (allergies, cat/dog coexistence, fleas, heatstroke, and so on), and advanced commands and tricks.

The 30-minute downloadable video gives a great insight into a dog’s quest to be the alpha dog and how you can prevent this. Its quick steps to stop bad behaviors such as housebreaking right through to leash pulling are so simple you can start trying them out on your dog straight away.

Particularly Good Parts:

In addition to the contents listed above, there’s also a pretty impressive section on dog whispering, which – in case you haven’t heard of it already – is a method of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect. It’s been popularized in recent years by Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer”), and is becoming increasingly well-known as an alternative and humane method for disciplining and training your dog. Secrets to Dog Training has dedicated an entire section to dog whispering: Daniel Stevens explains the background of the technique, how to utilize voice and body language to your best advantage, and how to use the technique to calmly, assertively, and effectively correct and train your dog. Step-by-set instructions are included for the common commands (sit, down, come, stay, quiet, etc).

It makes for some pretty interesting reading – and, after trying out the basics on my own recalcitrant pooch, I was amazed at how effective the techniques suggested are. Highly recommended!

I Love Freebies (Who Doesn’t?)

There’s just something about getting something for nothing. And, although my magpie-like acquisitiveness may have led me into less-than-productive purchases in the past, in this particular case I’m happy to report that Secrets to Dog Training hasn’t let me down: the freebies included with this book are not only numerous, they’re actually useful(wow!)

The book itself costs $39.95. For this price, you get a complete and detailed manual on training your dog, preventing and handling behavioral problems, and a whole bunch of general-knowledge tips and advice.

You also get a handful of practical freebies: four bonus books, dealing respectively with advanced housetraining how-to’s and troubleshooting (including both the crate- and paper-training methods); a detailed study on resolving canine aggression; how to effectively groom your dog (including information on coat care for specific breeds, dental care, and nail-clipping how-to’s); and finally, how to begin training your dog for security work.

As mentioned earlier, there is a bonus 30-minute downloadable video which takes a no-fuss approach to practical solutions for dog obedience issues.

Another particularly useful freebie: a personalized consultation with a member of the Kingdom of Pets team. If you’ve got an issue with your dog that you’d like some individual attention on, you can flick them a quick email and receive a personalized, thorough reply packed with expert advice and practical tips.

Secrets to Dog Training: A Thumbnail Sketch:

Altogether, I’m pretty impressed with this package. I’ve owned dogs on and off my whole life, starting from when I was ten – I would have thought that I was better-prepared than most to handle the quirks and caprices of my canine friends.

But since reading this book, I think my pre-Secrets to Dog Training self was (embarrassingly) perhaps a trifle more complacent than knowledgeable – I’ve learned more since reading this manual than I’ve picked up in a near-lifetime’s worth of contact with dogs (do you know how to stop your dog from tugging on the leash, without using a check-chain? Well, I do – but until I got my hands on a copy of this book, I certainly didn’t!)

Several of the training techniques present a refreshingly common-sense, down-to-earth approach to dog training; others require a little more effort (take dog whispering as an example) but yield some pretty dramatic results. I liked the way that more than one training technique is detailed, to allow the reader to pick and choose the techniques that best suit themselves and their individual dogs.

I have no qualms in recommending this package to anyone who owns, or is thinking about owning, a dog. You don’t need to have a “problem pet” for the manual to be of assistance: there’s information included that’ll be useful to any and all dog owners.

In a nutshell: highly recommended.

Secrets to Dog Training – Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

1. Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: Cesar’s Toughest Cases:

For twenty years Cesar has dealt with all types of canines. This episode features several of Cesar’s toughest cases including: Matilda the skateboard munching Bulldog vicious Min-Pin Chip and ferocious Chihuahua Bandit just to name a few. See how Cesar deals with each of these unique issues in this special episode of Dog Whisperer. How will Cesar rehabilitate some of his toughest cases?

Buy “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: Cesar’s Toughest Cases” Today.

2. Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: The Complete Third Season:

Cesar Millan has an uncanny ability to rehabilitate problem dogs of all shapes and sizes. With the major success of his hit show on National Geographic Channel and DVD, Cesar has captured the national spotlight as America’s favourite dog expert. Each episode of the Dog Whisperer documents the remarkable transformations that take place under Cesar’s guidance by teaching and helping dogs and their owners achieve happier lives together.

Buy “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: The Complete Third Season” Today.

3. Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan – Aggression:

Cesar Millan has been called the Dr. Phil for Dogs. With an uncanny ability to rehabilitate problem dogs of all shapes and sizes, Cesar has captured the national spotlight with his hit TV show on the National Geographic Channel. Each episode of the Dog Whisperer documents the remarkable transformations that take place under Cesar’s guidance and teaching, helping dogs and their owners live happier lives together.

Custmer Review: Quote – “Great tips, great techniques, sanity saver! I was not sold on some of the techniques, but I watched the show and rented a few of his DVDss after being super frustrated with our Siberian Husky. He’s a wonderful dog, but very powerful and I didn’t particularly enjoy being pushed and jumped on, or when he did this to a guest or knocked down children. Walking him was not enjoyable, it was basically our dog dragging us! Often… half way across the street, once throwing my back out. I had enough. I pleaded with my husband to try something new. Basically our dog hardly responded to any commands. We tried regular obedience training. We finally started to use some of Cesar’s techniques and with consistency, we are so much less stressed and our home is more peaceful! We have taught him to stay and sit and to reward him when he is calm etc. He no longer rushes people, which is phenomenal to us. Even our kids love watching the shows, they understand why we are responding or not responding to our dog. I don’t agree that Cesar is aggressive, rather he uses his energy and specific touch techniques. I think some people are oversensitive to correcting any behaviour issues. Everyone needs to feel safe and secure, with specific boundaries and expectations, whether it be kids, people or pets. I think it helps keep us all balanced :- Cesar shows immense patience and compassion. Hope this helps someone else.

Buy “Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan – Aggression” Today.

4. How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With:

DVD video which contains material not included in the book, How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With, and it makes the training methods taught in the book absolutely clear and understandable. Covers general care, socialization, communication, and methods of shaping puppy behavior, veterinary care, and basic training.

Buy “How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With” Today.

5. Beethoven’s Big Break:

Toydogtoys.com: Beethoven is back and he’s about to get his big Hollywood break and perhaps find a new family in the process. Lizard trainer Eddie (Jonathan Silverman) has a very no-nonsense attitude toward animals: they are a business investment, not pets. Eddie’s son Billie (Hannah Montana’s Moises Arias) yearns for a dog of his own, but his father refuses to bend his no-pets policy, even when Billie rescues a huge St. Bernard from the city streets. Billie quickly dubs the dog Beethoven due to the dog’s fascination with a televised concert of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Eddie grudgingly agrees to let Beethoven spend one night at the house. When a movie-star dog is dognapped, Eddie is fired, but in a fluke is hired as head animal trainer when the film’s director, Stanley (Eddie Griffin), and producer Patricia (Cheers’Rhea Perlman) choose Beethoven to replace Frizzy in the film. As Beethoven worms his way into the home and hearts of Eddie and Billie, show writer Lisa (Jennifer Finnigan) starts hanging out at their house to rewrite the show and Billie and Eddie have never been happier in their lives. When Beethoven is dognapped, Eddie, Billie, and Lisa learn a lot about themselves, what comprises a family, and what’s really important in life as they battle to save Beethoven. This film is full of hilarious escapades by the lovable, overly exuberant Beethoven and is appealing to the entire family despite its PG rating for some mild rude humor. For the serious Beethoven fans, Beethoven’s Dog-Gone Best Movie Pack contains all six Beethoven movies including Beethoven’s Big Break.

Buy “Beethoven’s Big Break” Today.

6. Nature: Dogs That Changed the World:

Academy Award-winner F. Murray Abraham narrates this NATURE miniseries about the remarkable and enduring relationship between dogs and humans, and why dogs have earned a unique and fundamental place in the human heart. More than 750 million of us share our lives with dogs. We love and cherish them. But this most adored of animal companions was once the wild and savage wolf. How did this astonishing transformation take place? In spectacular location footage, NATURE shows how indispensable certain breeds have been to their people, from the Arctic’s native Inuit and their sled dogs to desert dwelling Jordanians and the speedy saluki.

Buy “Nature: Dogs That Changed the World” Today.

“ToyDogToys.com:  Home of The Best Online Dog Toys“

1. The IQube Interactive Dog Toy – Puzzle Solving for IQ Development – Helps Eliminate Boredom – LARGE SIZE

• The IQube! Plush Puppy Puzzle Plush Dog Toy.
• The IQube will not only keep pets occupied and eliminate boredom, but they also develop a dog’s intelligence and puzzle-solving skills.
• Just place the soft plush balls inside the plush qube for dogs to remove over and over again.
• Durable and long lasting.
• Available Sizes: Junior – 4.5 inch square; Large – 6.5 inch square. THIS LISTING IS FOR THE SIZE, COLOR AND STYLE IN THE LISTING TITLE! For other sizes or colors mentioned, please read our further information.

The IQube Interactive Dog Toy

2. Everlasting Fun Ball Large

• Extremely durable
• Can be filled with treats or dog food
• Bounces and floats
• Dishwasher safe
• 4″ diameter

Everlasting Fun Ball Large

3. Premier Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug, Medium/Large

• Ultimate interactive toy!
• See Treats. Smell Treats. Hear Treats.
• Made with non-toxic bullet-proof material.

Premier Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug

4. Nina Ottosson Dog Magic

• Interactive dog toy
• Made from high quality plastic

Nina Ottosson Dog Magic

5. Nylabone Outdoor Dog Fun & Fitness Course

• 11 piece course set
• The Nylabone Outdoor Fun & Fitness Course is an excellent starting package to try basic Agility training with your dog. It provides the exercise dogs need, the fun they enjoy and the mental stimulus they crave.

Nylabone Outdoor Dog Fun & Fitness Course

6. Hide-A-Bird Large

• Eliminates boredom
• Develop a dog’s intelligence
• Fun puzzle solving skills
• Keeps pet occupied

Hide-A-Bird Large

Brain activity is important to keep dogs healthy; these toys are meant for the dog to develop problem solving skills in a variety of ways. The objective of each game is for them to find hidden treats by lifting blocks, pushing blocks, turning discs, and other activities. This provides your pet with a fun game that is stimulating and enjoyable for the dog and pet-lover. These games for dogs are wonderful toys to utilize during times when exercising outside isn’t possible, because of extreme heat or cold and these brilliant dog toys are a perfect addition to our selection of interactive dog toys.

"What a Little Cutie ....!

We count ourselves very fortunate to have literally “stumbled upon” this wonderful mixed breed of dog, when going to see some pedigree Schi-Tzu puppies at a highly respected breeder’s home. On arrival, we were greeted by the owner and then shown her beautiful Schi-Tzu, Maltese Terrier, Pomeranian and Miniature Schnauzer puppies. Obviously, myself, my wife and my two young daughters were “falling in love” with them all as we met them, one by one!

So, with owning a Mal-Shi, I can highly recommend our cute little “Mitzi’s” temperament! We were also lucky that the breeder introduced us to Mitzi’s mum and dad, so we were able to get an idea about Mitzi’s emotional stability likeliehood. As it has turned out, 18 months later, her character and temperament are just wonderful! We also have a fourteen year old rescue dog, “Muffin,” who is a cross Briard and Mitzi and her are real best pals.

There are people in the dog world who think that it’s hard to tell when it comes to assessing the temperament of a mixed breed, since it is a design ‘mix’ of two different specific breeds of dog. (Maltese Terrier crossed with Schi-Tzu.) Whenever you get into breeding two separate breeds, you’ll have to rely more on the temperaments of the immediate parents to really get an idea on the emotional stability of the puppy.

"Muffin and Mitzi"

The Mal-Shi is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Maltese Terrier and the Shih-Tzu. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Our cute little Mal-Shi puppy is called “Mitzi” and she is a wonderful dog!

Breed Description:

Coat: The coat of the Mal-Shi is typically long, straight, and dense. They may or may not have a double coat.

Overview: The Mal-Shi, also called the Malte Tzu, is created by the crossing of two breeds: the Maltese Terrier and Schi-Tzu. They are commonly referred to as “designer dogs” and have become very popular companions.

Character: Sturdy, well-built, and compact, the Mal-Shi is agile and lively. They exhibit a keen expression and hardy appearance.

Temperament: The ideal Mal-Shi is affectionate, loving, and devoted. They should be playful, spunky, and clever. They do best in a home with older, considerate children, but we can vouch for the fact that ours was also excellent with younger children. They generally do well with dogs and non-canine pets and again, our Mal-Shi loves all of our other pets, which include 3 guinea pigs, two rabbits and two hamsters! Mal-Shis are wary and suspicious of strangers and are quick to alert their family to visitors and out of the ordinary sounds …. and Mitzi is no exception to this rule.

""Mitzi - Santa Paws!" Click to Subscribe to our "Mitzi Newsletter": Dog Toy reviews, dog quizes and Lots More!

Care: The Mal-Shi requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Bathing should be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. The ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection, particular attention being taken to remove hair growth within the folds of internal skin. Dental hygiene is important to prevent early tooth loss. They may be prone to such health issues as slipped stifle, skin problems, eye and respiratory problems, and spinal disc disease.

Training: Early socialisation and obedience are recommended. The Mal-Shi may be stubborn and difficult to housebreak. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. The rewards of the initial hard work we put in with Mitzi have paid off and resulted in a very well behaved and obedient loving family companion.

Activity: The Mal-Shi is well suited for apartment living provided they are sufficiently exercised and mentally stimulated, but do be warned that, although very small and cute, they will require a lot of exercise, attention and mental stimulation to channel their extremely high energy levels the right way. They enjoy good walks, family fun and play sessions, and off-lead play time, which we did experience some early stubborn recall difficulties, so again … be warned about that one … (they will do anything for a treat though!)

Ownership: If you are looking for a Mal-Shi, Malshi puppies for sale from reputable Mal-Shi, Mal-Shi breeders, or to adopt a Mal-Shi from a Mal-Shi rescue, then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. We hope that we have given you a good idea of our cute little dog’s characteristics and qualities and that you may be so lucky if you decide to become the owner of a Mal-Shi or Mal-Shi puppy!

What Is This All About? …..

Secrets to Dog Training presents an unusually detailed and thorough look at how to both prevent and deal with the more common problem behaviours exhibited by dogs. As the owner of a moderately troublesome mutt myself, I’ve spent a fair amount of time searching the Net for reliable resources on this topic, and I have to say that the level of knowledge and detail contained within the pages of this compendium is unusually exacting for an online book.

Not only that, but – again, unusually for this medium – the information at hand is actually (gasp!) reliable. Yes, that’s right – this one’s a whole new kettle of fish. Written by a seasoned dog trainer, you can relax in the knowledge that all the tips and advice included are tried and true, and come from Stevens’ real-life experiences as a professional dog trainer. There is also a straight-talking, easy to follow 30-minute downloadable video which provides real-life examples of doggy bad behavior along with solutions and remedies to change them.

What’s Covered?

There’s a pretty impressive range of information packed into this guide. It’s not just the problem behaviours that are covered: the book starts off with new-owner advice (how to choose a puppy/dog, the best places to get one from, breed information, puppy/dog-proofing your home, the first vet visit, housetraining, etc) and then moves on to the more advanced stuff: behavioural problems (such as aggression, dominance, chewing, digging, excessive barking, separation anxiety, to name a few), intermediate-level obedience commands, health-related dog problems (allergies, cat/dog coexistence, fleas, heatstroke, and so on), and advanced commands and tricks.

<a href=”http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/?aff=chess7156&type=nohop”>Secrets to Dog Training – Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!<br /></a>

The 30-minute downloadable video gives a great insight into a dog’s quest to be the alpha dog and how you can prevent this. Its quick steps to stop bad behaviours such as housebreaking right through to leash pulling are so simple you can start trying them out on your dog straight away.
Particularly Good Parts

In addition to the contents listed above, there’s also a pretty impressive section on dog whispering, which – in case you haven’t heard of it already – is a method of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect. It’s been popularised in recent years by Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer”), and is becoming increasingly well-known as an alternative and humane method for disciplining and training your dog. Secrets to Dog Training has dedicated an entire section to dog whispering: Daniel Stevens explains the background of the technique, how to utilise voice and body language to your best advantage, and how to use the technique to calmly, assertively, and effectively correct and train your dog. Step-by-set instructions are included for the common commands (sit, down, come, stay, quiet, etc).

It makes for some pretty interesting reading – and, after trying out the basics on my own recalcitrant pooch, I was amazed at how effective the techniques suggested are. Highly recommended!

I Love Freebies (Who Doesn’t?)

There’s just something about getting something for nothing. And, although my magpie-like acquisitiveness may have led me into less-than-productive purchases in the past, in this particular case I’m happy to report that Secrets to Dog Training hasn’t let me down: the freebies included with this book are not only numerous, they’re actually useful(wow!)

The book itself costs $39.95. For this price, you get a complete and detailed manual on training your dog, preventing and handling behavioural problems, and a whole bunch of general-knowledge tips and advice.

You also get a handful of practical freebies: four bonus books, dealing respectively with advanced housetraining how-to’s and troubleshooting (including both the crate- and paper-training methods); a detailed study on resolving canine aggression; how to effectively groom your dog (including information on coat care for specific breeds, dental care, and nail-clipping how-to’s); and finally, how to begin training your dog for security work.

As mentioned earlier, there is a bonus 30-minute downloadable video which takes a no-fuss approach to practical solutions for dog obedience issues.

Another particularly useful freebie: a personalised consultation with a member of the Kingdom of Pets team. If you’ve got an issue with your dog that you’d like some individual attention on, you can flick them a quick email and receive a personalized, thorough reply packed with expert advice and practical tips.

Secrets to Dog Training: A Thumbnail Sketch:

Altogether, I’m pretty impressed with this package. I’ve owned dogs on and off my whole life, starting from when I was ten – I would have thought that I was better-prepared than most to handle the quirks and caprices of my canine friends.

But since reading this book, I think my pre-Secrets to Dog Training self was (embarrassingly) perhaps a trifle more complacent than knowledgeable – I’ve learned more since reading this manual than I’ve picked up in a near-lifetime’s worth of contact with dogs (do you know how to stop your dog from tugging on the leash, without using a check-chain? Well, I do – but until I got my hands on a copy of this book, I certainly didn’t!)

Several of the training techniques present a refreshingly common-sense, down-to-earth approach to dog training; others require a little more effort (take dog whispering as an example) but yield some pretty dramatic results. I liked the way that more than one training technique is detailed, to allow the reader to pick and choose the techniques that best suit themselves and their individual dogs.

I have no qualms in recommending this package to anyone who owns, or is thinking about owning, a dog. You don’t need to have a “problem pet” for the manual to be of assistance: there’s information included that’ll be useful to any and all dog owners.

In a nutshell: highly recommended.

1. A Member of the Family: A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan’s Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog:

Many of us think of our dogs not as pets, but as full-fledged members of our families. If you own a dog or are thinking about getting one: “A Member of the Family” is the ultimate resource for integrating your canine companion into the life of your household.

What should you do if you need to leave him alone at home while everyone’s at work? Are you giving him the space or time to give him the exercise he needs? How can you make sure your children and dog get along well? How do events in the human family – like birth, marriage, or divorce – affect the family dog? All of these questions, and many more, are answered by bestselling author Cesar Millan in this new book.

Brimming with practical tips and techniques, A Member of the Family addresses the most common issues and questions that emerge over the course of your lifetime relationship with your dog, explaining what it takes to be a good dog owner. From helping you choose the right dog for your particular family’s needs to setting the rules of the house (yes, you and your family are in charge) to finding a quality vet and monitoring your dog’s health, Cesar offers essential advice for a harmonious household. No topic is left untouched. With success stories from Cesar’s fans and clients included throughout, A Member of the Family includes sections on travel and doggie day care, caring for an aging dog, and dealing with the death of a pet and its long-lasting effects on a family.

In his frank, simple, and calm manner, Millan acts as your personal expert as you build a fulfilling, satisfying relationship with your dog.

Buy “A Member of the Family“ Today.

2. The Complete Dog Book: 20th Edition:

Toydogtoys.com Review: There’s the Scottish Terrier or “Scottie,” (“an earth dog used in hunting, amongst others, the fox”), the Boston Terrier (“a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short- tailed, well balanced dog”), or the Great Dane (“one of the most elegant and distinguished varieties of giant-type dog”). In fact, there are 146 AKC-recognised breeds profiled within the pages of the Complete Dog Book, and the pictures and text provide great “doggie” browsing. The breed descriptions help you choose among the hounds, terriers, toys, and working breeds, the herders, guard dogs, and sporting breeds. Measurements help determine which dogs will best fit your home circumstances (Chesapeake Bay Retrievers measure 21 to 26 inches high at the shoulder, Chinese Cresteds are a mere 11 to 13 inches off the ground, while the Irish Wolfhound stands 30 to 32 inches tall). Breed temperaments help you choose your ideal pet, and show criteria helps you to know what you’re looking for when you actually start to shop for a puppy. In the meantime, there are interesting stories about breed origins, and a useful glossary of dog terms, while the chapters on grooming, training, and Canine Health and First Aid will come in handy once you’ve brought your new dog home.

Buy “The Complete Dog Book: 20th Edition“ Today.

3. Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar’s Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life:

Review:- Be the Pack Leader is a HIT! This book is a huge hit with our organization! Adopters find themselves learning how “they” can be better pet owners through calm / assertive pack leadership.

Kudo’s to Cesar Millan for sharing his wisdom, expertise and special gifts to the world! We are grateful for it.

Linda R. Blakely
Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue

Buy “Be the Pack Leader“ Today.

4. 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog:

101 Dog Tricks is the largest trick book on the market and the only one presenting full-color photos of each trick and its training steps. The step-by-step approach, difficulty rating, and prerequisites, allow readers to start training immediately. Tips and trouble-shooting boxes cover common problems, while “build-on” ideas suggest more complicated tricks which build on each new skill. No special tools (such as clickers) or knowledge of specific training methods are required. Trick training is a great way to bond with your dog and help him/her integrate into your family. It keeps him/her mentally and physically challenged and helps to establish paths of communication between you. Many tricks build skills needed for common dog sports, such as dog dancing and dog therapy work. It’s every dog lover’s privilege that Kyra and Chalcy took time from their performing schedule to share their secrets in 101 Dog Tricks.

Buy “101 Dog Tricks“ Today.

5. The Complete Dog Book for Kids (American Kennel Club):

Watch the magical world of dogs come alive in “The Complete Dog Book For Kids.”

Also Includes:

• Tips for finding the right dog for you.
• Health care and training basics.
• Information about the world of purebred dogs, from Junior Showmanship competitions to the informal Canine Good Citizen programme.

Buy “The Complete Dog Book for Kids“ Today.

6. Puppy Whisperer: A Compassionate, Non Violent Guide to Early Training and Care:

Following the success of his book The Dog Whisperer, Paul Owens turns his attention to puppies. In The Puppy Whisperer, Owens and his protoge Terence Cranendonk offer a compassionate step-by-step guide to all things puppy, including how to:

• Evaluate temperament.
• Choose the right pup personality for your family.
• Monitor diet, play, and exercise.
• Train and problem solve.
• Provide early socialization and positive training.
• Potty train, step-by-step.
• Ensure safety and health care, including the latest on vaccinations.

Puppies can be a lot of work, but they can also be a furry bundle of joy. If youíre thinking of bringing a puppy into your home, The Puppy Whisperer is your must-have guide.

Buy “Puppy Whisperer: A Compassionate, Non Violent Guide to Early Training and Care“ Today.