Sudden changes in dog behavior can cause owners to become worried. Is their dog sick? Upset? Have a personality disorder?
These are all possible causes of changes in dog behavior, but not necessarily the right ones. Take a look at the symptoms and do a quick step by step elimination of possible causes.
1. Note what has changed in your dog.
Some common changes include loss of energy or playfulness, apparent sadness, loss of or reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, whimpering, crying and aggressiveness. Dogs that are in pain can be a threat by trying to bite family members. This is normal behavior when pain exists and should stop once the pain has been eliminated.
If any of these symptoms last for more than a few days, see your vet. If the vomiting and diarrhea are severe and alarming don't wait. Take your dog to the vet immediately as dehydration can threaten your dog's life.
Don't forget. While your dog is in distress, he is losing vital fluids and nutrition. Until the vet can correct the problem, these conditions will continue, so in deciding when to see the vet, take this diagnosis and recovery time into consideration.
In many cases, the changes are temporary and your dog will recover in a day or two.
2. Are there changes in the household?
Adding members including babies and other pets, can cause sudden changes in your dog's behavior. Has someone moved out, gone into hospital or died? Our dogs are affected by this change in family dynamics, especially if that person is someone the dog was close to. Dogs grieve too.
If you have moved or changed schedules, this will affect your dog. Generally, it can take your dog a few days to adapt to a new home or a new routine.
3. Is there stress in the household?
Dogs sense when things are not running smoothly and will respond by changing their behavior. Some dogs will have accidents in the house because they feel nervous. Others will start chewing things they shouldn't. They might become quiet or isolate themselves from the family because they feel insecure in this type of environment.
4. Check your smoke and carbon dioxide alarms
Dogs are highly sensitive to unusual odors and sounds. If the batteries in your detectors are low, your dog might hear a beep that is inaudible to humans, especially if the detector is on another level of the house. If there is a strange odor some dogs will have a sudden change in behavior. Even if your alarms are working, it doesn't hurt to go through your house to make sure nothing is amiss.
Pay attention to sudden changes in your dog's behavior. It could be something minor, but your dog could be sending you a warning.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Manual Review Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Dog Training Tools How To Choose The Right Dog Training Tools
Having the right dog training tools will make a huge difference in your success as a dog owner. Choose the wrong tools, and you can end up with more dog problems. The wrong equipment or tools used the wrong way can make your dog uncomfortable and distressed, which is not conducive to training.
There are some things to consider first.
1. The breed of dog (size, strength, physical peculiarities)
2. Your dog's level of training 3. The purpose (walking, playing, unsupervised restraint)
Most likely, you will need more than one leash and collar. If in doubt, ask your dog supply provider which is best for your needs. For specialized collars as those needed for agility training, seek the advice of a dog training professional to be sure you get the right information.
Flat Collar
These come in varying styles and are made from leather, nylon or other fabric. A proper fit allows you to slide two fingers between the dog's neck and the collar. This particular style does not give you much control and can be slipped off easily by dogs that are determined to be free. It is the best choice for young puppies because they are not yet at the stage when strong correction or restraint is necessary.
Choke Chain
The choke chain is usually made from links of chain with a large ring on each end. The chain is slipped through one of the rings to form a loop that is then slid on over the dog's neck. When the chain is pulled, it tightens on the dog's throat encouraging it to stop pulling. It's effectiveness lies in how the handler applies any correction. However, as a training tool, it is one of the worst choices.
Some dogs learn to ignore the choking and pull anyway. If the chain is allowed to hang loosely, it can fall over the dog's head when he sniffs the ground.
It is essential that the choke chain be put on and used correctly, otherwise injuries to the dog's throat and neck can occur. If it is put on backwards, the chain will not tighten and release properly as it is tightened.
The Halter
The halter is one of the better dog training tools because there is little if any chance of harming your dog. This style fits over the dog's muzzle like a horse halter, giving you control over your dog's head. It is great for redirecting your dog's attention, especially if your dog tends to become focused on what he wants to do rather than on what you want him to do.
There are other collars available that are designed for agility training and other types of activities. You want to make sure you have the right one so there is no risk of your dog's collar getting caught and causing injury.
As with any dog training tools, a collar alone will not provide training. You must put your dog through the proper lessons and use the collar as a tool, otherwise you will have a dog that walks fine with the collar, but has little to no obedience without it.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Manual Review Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
There are some things to consider first.
1. The breed of dog (size, strength, physical peculiarities)
2. Your dog's level of training 3. The purpose (walking, playing, unsupervised restraint)
Most likely, you will need more than one leash and collar. If in doubt, ask your dog supply provider which is best for your needs. For specialized collars as those needed for agility training, seek the advice of a dog training professional to be sure you get the right information.
Flat Collar
These come in varying styles and are made from leather, nylon or other fabric. A proper fit allows you to slide two fingers between the dog's neck and the collar. This particular style does not give you much control and can be slipped off easily by dogs that are determined to be free. It is the best choice for young puppies because they are not yet at the stage when strong correction or restraint is necessary.
Choke Chain
The choke chain is usually made from links of chain with a large ring on each end. The chain is slipped through one of the rings to form a loop that is then slid on over the dog's neck. When the chain is pulled, it tightens on the dog's throat encouraging it to stop pulling. It's effectiveness lies in how the handler applies any correction. However, as a training tool, it is one of the worst choices.
Some dogs learn to ignore the choking and pull anyway. If the chain is allowed to hang loosely, it can fall over the dog's head when he sniffs the ground.
It is essential that the choke chain be put on and used correctly, otherwise injuries to the dog's throat and neck can occur. If it is put on backwards, the chain will not tighten and release properly as it is tightened.
The Halter
The halter is one of the better dog training tools because there is little if any chance of harming your dog. This style fits over the dog's muzzle like a horse halter, giving you control over your dog's head. It is great for redirecting your dog's attention, especially if your dog tends to become focused on what he wants to do rather than on what you want him to do.
There are other collars available that are designed for agility training and other types of activities. You want to make sure you have the right one so there is no risk of your dog's collar getting caught and causing injury.
As with any dog training tools, a collar alone will not provide training. You must put your dog through the proper lessons and use the collar as a tool, otherwise you will have a dog that walks fine with the collar, but has little to no obedience without it.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Manual Review Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
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