WHY WON'T MY DOG LISTEN TO ME?

STEP ONE: ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION

Talk to your dog. Do you know how much he/she understands? When your dog first comes home with you it is as if he/she has been sent to a foreign country. Dogs know no English, French, Spanish, etc. They must be shown what each word/phrase means - EVEN THEIR OWN NAME! Dogs DO understand "dogspeak" - the tones and body language of canines. The easiest way to get a concept across to anyone (including a dog) is to speak to them in their own language. Since we are unable to bark, etc., the best we can do is use our tone of voice to communicate our desires to our dogs early in our new relationship. With proper training techniques, dogs CAN and DO learn not only English, but whatever languages their owners use.

Start with your tone of voice. Women have the easiest time with what I call the "Good Dog" tone of voice - the one that is most often high pitched, soft, sweet, and generally in a falsetto. Men have the easiest time with the "Bad Dog" tone - the one that is deep (but doesn't have to be!), stern, and sometimes gravelly. Men also have the easiest time with the "Command" tone - the one that is neither good nor bad, but has a firm (usually lower) tone. Try telling your dog that he/she is bad using the "Good Dog" tone; then try praising your dog using the "Bad Dog" tone. Watch your dog's reaction to each. Even if they understand some of the words, they generally react to the tone first.

Many people have a difficult time getting their dogs to obey their "Command" tone of voice. Often it is because they "tell" their dogs in the form of a question: "staaaaaayyyyy?" - with a voice raising at the end of the command. Remember, commands must be firm, short, and to the point, with the tone going down at the end, never letting the word drag on.

STEP TWO: BASIC TRAINING

To start to teach your dog your language, you need to combine the words with an action that shows the dog what you want, and some reinforcement - either positive or negative. Say your dog's name. Does the dog respond (look at you, wag his tail, move toward you)? Your dog should ALWAYS have a pleasant experience when s/he hears his name - NEVER unpleasant. Some people create a new "Bad Dog" name to use for those bad dog times. To teach the dog his name, position your dog close enough to touch, preferably on a leash so s/he doesn't move away. Say the name cheerfully and give his ear a tug, or his leash a tug toward you, or move his muzzle in your direction. When the dog looks in your direction, immediately use your "Good Dog" voice and praise and stroke your dog on the head or chest. Practice this until looking at you happens without the tug and continue to practice for the dog's entire life! It reinforces the communication link between the owner and dog.

Teach other words the same way. Simple one word commands work best. Say the dog's name (to get his attention - remember that communication link!), follow with a command, and then SHOW him what you want. PRAISE IMMEDIATELY when the action is completed - even if you MADE him do it! Eventually you dog will learn to respond to the command without needing to be shown - but you should never forget to praise!

STEP THREE: GETTING YOUR POINT ACROSS

Sometimes words are not enough when communicating with a dog. Since dogs must learn what each word means, all the other "extra" words are just a bunch of "Blah, Blah" to them! Consider the Gary Larson cartoon that shows an owner scolding his dog, Ginger, then shows what the dog hears "Ginger, blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah...".

I have learned that a sort of modified canine language can get a dog's attention faster than human words. Those of you who have been dog owners probably have already learned just how insignificant the word "NO" is to a puppy. This is especially true if it is said frequently (kinda like kids, in that respect...). the word "no" to a dog is a nice soft word, with no sharp sound to it. Therefore there is nothing in the word to catch a dog's attention, or to stop them from continuing the action you wish to halt. I find a gravelly, growly "EGH!" (hard to spell a sound but it's like you are vocalizing while pushing air out of your lungs) can be used to halt activity. Or try "Angh, Angh!" - our sound for no, without saying the word - only say it with a growl, and sharply. That is also a good sound to use! If you are having problems with your dog mouthing you, try a very shrill and loud "OW!!", which ususally stops them in mid-chew! Their littermates and other dogs use sounds like that to set limits on mouthing behavior.

"Praise Sounds" are harder to create. My dog knows she has done really well when I say one of several words I reserve ONLY for really good work: EXCELLENT! or ALRIGHT!, or PERFECT! I say them very cheerfully, but not with the falsetto "Good Dog" voice. I will often follow any of these words with a beloved scratch on the chest, or an extra-special tidbit (small and chewy, not crunchy) that I use only for extra-special rewards.

Ten Peeves that Dogs hate about Humans

Ten Peeves that Dogs hate about Humans

1. Blaming your farts on me… not funny… not funny at all!!!

2. Yelling at me for barking. I’M A FRIGGIN’ DOG, YOU IDIOT!

3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose…stop it!

5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you’re not home.

6. The slight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooo. What a proud moment for the top of the food chain.

7. Taking me to the vet for “the big snip”, then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!

8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven’t quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

9. Dog sweaters. Hello???? Haven’t you noticed the fur?

10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you’re just jealous.

Now lay off me on some of these things. We both know who’s the boss here! You don’t see me picking up your poop, do you?

Why I hate dogs but despise their owners even more

Enjoying a walk through the park with my husband and children the other week, it felt good to be out with my family in the fresh air. That was until an unleashed dog decided to bound over and gatecrash the outing.

Such was this hairy beast's enthusiasm to join our party, he hurtled at my four children like a bowling ball into a line of skittles, and in the process nearly knocked my three-yearold off her feet.

The hound clearly couldn't understand the fuss as I scooped up my trembling daughter and tried to soothe her tears. But worse still, neither could its owner.

Indeed instead of inquiring if any harm had been done, she threw her mongrel a smile of absolution and excused the excitable hound's behaviour as youthful exuberance.

Anti-social: Dogs are noisy, aggressive, unhygienic and inconsiderate ... but they're not nearly as bad as their owners

With breathtaking indifference to my traumatised child, she assured us that her thumping great pet "didn't mean any harm". And with that, she clicked her mouth, swung the animal's redundant lead round her shoulder and walked off.

Incidents such as this do more than confirm my dislike of dogs. They inflame my loathing for their owners.

This dreadful strain of humanity is a breed apart. Marked by a delusional acceptance of anything their pets do, dog owners have transformed turning a blind eye into an Olympic sport.

Worse still, their intolerable, sanctimonious conduct means that the rest of us pay the price for their relentless indulgence.

But before all those pet-loving detractors start clamouring that I'm over-reacting, my experience last week was no one-off. I could list countless occasions when this kind of thing has happened.

Take the time I was sitting in a public square with my friend as she fed her baby a jar of food. A picky eater, we were delighted that the banana mush was being happily received. Until, that is, a dog hurtled over and gave the baby's lunch an expansive lick.

Its owner came over, humorously scolded the animal ("you naughty boy, you've had yours"), and offered a helpless shrug by way of explanation.

Catch me at a benign moment and I'll concede this is not really the fault of the dogs. I may dislike them because they are smelly, unhygienic, have the capacity to foul pavements indiscriminately and bark loudly when I'm trying to get to sleep.

But they're dumb animals, driven by instinct rather than reason, so I can't be too harsh. I'll even allow the view that they can make affectionate companions.

What I object to is the way this indulgent one-way relationship is foisted on the rest of us. You see, part of the problem with dog owners is that they behave even more badly than the most doting, showbiz mother.

Quick to exonerate their pet's misdemeanours with feeble explanations, they lavishly praise the unconditional love and loyalty of their four-legged friends.

Not so long ago, the Mail ran an account by a dog-owner, Elaine Everest, who planned to leave all her savings to her pets. Childless by design and not default, she apparently imagines dog-rearing to be so much more satisfying than motherhood, since she has witnessed "too many disappointed parents whose lives had been ruined by the selfishness of their offspring".

It's a jaundiced view of one of the greatest forms of love, yet sadly not unexpected since as a nation our reputation as dog-lovers is underpinned by our dismal and dysfunctional take on family life.

If you think that's harsh, check out the response one reader posted on the Daily Mail website after reading Elaine Everest's article: "I have both dogs and children, and if I had my time over I would not have the children. It's not that I don't love them - I would do anything for them. I just wouldn't have them if I knew then what I know now."

Man's best friend?: What to some is charming playfulness can to others be annoying over-exuberance

Of course, dogs are easier than children. They don't throw tantrums, nag you for money or slam doors. By comparison, chewing the carpet or barking at the postman seem much more agreeable. But aren't children just possibly worth the extra trouble?

But what is particularly deplorable about the dog-owning psyche is the way a negative reaction to their pets is regarded as the fault of the objector, not the animal.

During a recent dinner party, the hostess was baffled by my lack of enthusiasm for the fact that her dog was licking my ankles while I ate my hors d'oeuvre. Another time, I went to pick up a friend and had my white shirt accessorised by a Jack Russell who made a leap for me at the door. Its owner dismissed me as a sour party-pooper for not enjoying this display of affection.

Yet the dog-owner's glossary of self-serving excuses is boundless. Dogs are friendly/enthusiastic/playful - even when their jaws drip, their paws scratch and their tongues seek places you have no desire for them to go. The canine world is an anarchical place which the rest of us, it seems, should have to accept.

One friend tells me of the time she took her children to visit a dog-owning cousin. As her brood trooped off into the garden, the call was: "Mind the dog poo, we never got round to clearing it up."

Can you imagine leaving dirty nappies scattered across the lawn when expecting visitors?

I'm not suggesting all dog-owners are incapable of practising good hygiene. But I'm not prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt

.

stylish so likely of dogs

Introducing the winter collection of colourful dog clothes

The Artsydog shops are gearing up for the fall/winter season with some fabulous new timely additions. One such shop is The Doggie Market, their new line of dog apparelintroduces some adorable dog sweaters, funky dog bandanas, warm quilted dog jackets and adorable dog dresses for those special holiday occasions.

All dog clothes are custom made in a variety of sizes,view the collection:

How to Best Clothe your Dog

The latest fashion craze and trends are not only concentrated on humans but also on dogs. More and more dog owner are buying dog clothes for their canine friends. This trend is catching on first and has brought about the increase of these clothes into the market. A lot has been said about this but to echo the sentiments of most people it has been said that dog owners enjoy this more than their pets.

There are different breeds of dogs and they may react different to being dressed up. One such breed is the pug which is known to be quite cooperative when being dressed up by their owners. With this said it is important for a dog owner to carefully watch for the reaction of their dog before dressing them. Some dogs will actually run of whenever you remove their dog clothes, this is a clear indication that they are not for the idea.

Pugs have usually very comical and are known to try almost anything at least once. The cold season is one of the best times to introduce your dog to wearing dog clothes. During such a time a sweater would be most appropriate as it would help to keep it warm. When it comes to summer one has to take extra precaution on the type of clothing they select for their dogs no matter how beautiful they look in order to avoid a scenario where your dog overheats. The best to know whether your dog is overheating is when it begins to pant in a very rapid manner. This is the only way through which dogs release their body temperature, when overdressed they will then being to struggle to control their temperature.

When out shopping for your dog you have to place its safety as your first priority. Choose the perfect size of clothing, one which is not too big causing it to trip or one which is too small and uncomfortable bringing it to near suffocation. Buying your dog beautiful clothes and dressing it up is a good thing, however it is very important to make sure this action does not endanger the life or health of your dog. Dog outfit fashion designers have the interest of dogs at hand and have therefore come up with numerous safe outfits for different occasions and seasons. During the holidays you can also include your dog in the fun and the holiday spirit as you dress them accordingly. They will surely enjoy being the center of attention.

It is not within the normal behavior of a dog to dress up. However just like most other activities you can train your dog and have them adapt well to this habit. The best time to start your dog on this is when it is still a puppy. This will allow it to steadily grow and adapt into it. When all is said and done, one has to be careful not to force this on their dog especially when they adamantly refuse to adapt to it.

How to Select Dog Clothes

Having a funny and adorable dog is a very pleasant thing. There are many things we can do with our beloved dog, play together, take walking path, can even dress our dogs in clothes that fit with our dog and it would be nice for us.

Some dog clothes can really benefit pets, keeping them warmer in winter and cooler in summer. But it is important that you do not ever make fun or ridicule your dog while the dog animals wearing clothes. They may believe that they have done something wrong, and will become resistant to be dressed. So what should you look for when buying dog clothes?

Features Consider When Buying Dog Clothes

• Materials

• Size

• Color

• Resilience

• Security

• washable

• Style

• Design

Desirable feature in Dog Clothes

• Easy to use

• Comfortable for pets

• Interest

• can be washed / won ‘t shrink

• Color stable

• Does not show the dirt – for dogs who like to roll in the mud

You’ll want to choose a dog clothes made of sturdy, lightweight fabric easy to clean. Check the care label carefully and make sure you buy a dog clothes will not shrink, fade or wearing excessively in a normal wash. Check sewing stitches and the quality and durability.

Design, color and style of your dress-up dog your dog may not be expressing a preference. Hat, sunglasses, shirts and more can add color, fun and style your dog walk next. Even the dog clothes are designed for safety, such as reflector vests and rain gear, can be styled as dog clothing color coordinated with your dog’s coat.

Make sure the dog clothes fit comfortably, without rubbing or blisters, especially in sensitive areas such as the stomach and under arms. Unless your dog is wearing a ‘diaper’ is recommended by veterinarians for intestinal problems or bladder, dog clothes have to stop at the rib cage, so that your dog is safe without removing soiled clothing.

About Dog Clothes

Furry dogs are as stylish as they come but humans have infectious fantasy world of their own and even dogs take on some of the spirit of their owners and like to wear clean beautiful outfits sometimes. The dog clothes must be easily washable and should not shrink easily. Fabric is very important and if you can sew a little, it can save you much money and come up with better designs and patterns to suit your tastes and your dog's comfort. Avoid using choking hazards to decorate dog clothes such as attractive buttons, sequins or glittering objects that may motivate the togs to chew upon the clothes. Velcro snaps are much better to be used in dog clothes, as they are self-sticking and are quite adjustable to allow for the perfect fit. The clothes should also have a slit or a buckle at the back to allow the leash to be attached to it. The distance between the cuts for the paws should be comfortable for your dog.

Clothes for active dogs and outdoor wear for dogs should be safe and warm. They should be sturdy enough to keep of cuts, scratches and bad weather from affecting your dog while on adventure. Dog garments can be of many types such as dog coats, dog vests and dog booties. They should be able to keep your pooch dry, warm and save it from rain, wind and storm. Latest style of dog clothes may also include reflective materials that make it easy to search the dog and stitching that is not visible on top. Clothes for active dogs are designed especially to keep them from getting scratches and cuts in the woods by the sharp bushes and splintering brambles. Even the long furry dogs may need coats to protect them from chilly winds in cold weather.

The clothes for dogs should have a good fitting. Their coats, vests, boots and hats should not be very tight but should remain securely in place while the dog is on hunt or a hike with you. Rough bushes and elements of weather can be as much a pain in neck as they are to you, so the clothes for outdoors must be sturdy enough to protect them. The type of coat also determines the types of clothes chosen for a dog. Dogs with short hair may suffer more from rain and cold while thick fur may absorb lots of water. Fleece dog clothing is suitable for cold windy days but are not good enough for rain and thorns. For maximum protection, you may choose a dog coat with a warm fleece lining and a durable nylon shell.

A raincoat for a dog can protect him from the rain and cold too. Choose a raincoat with a hat with flaps to cover the ears. A coat that extends to the underside of the dog must have a hole at the rear end to allow the dog to urinate. Thorns and bugs away from the long fur of your canine pal is quite a bonus too. The clothes should allow a full range of motion and should not restrict its motions, especially those of legs. Garments must have clean lines and invisible close stitching that won't get caught easily or may not prompt dog to chew upon. Clothes for particular breeds of dogs are also available at bigger pet stores. They are specially designed to suit their needs and comforts.

Do Dog Clothes Make The Pug?

Dog clothes have become very popular. It’s a pretty safe bet that the dog owners take more pleasure in this area than the dogs. Pugs are fairly cooperative when it comes to getting dressed up for their owner. This obviously depends on the individual dog and, no matter what anyone else says, you know your dog the best. If your Pug runs the other way when you get out “your” favorite outfit, he’s obviously sending you a message.

Pugs, by nature, are quite comical and, in general, will try anything once. On a cold day a little sweater may actually be quite welcome by your furry friend. A word of warning about clothing in the summer for your Pug is appropriate here. Dog clothes are cute but you need to be very careful not to let your Pug “overheat”. This applies not only in the summer but for anytime you want to dress up your pet but he will be staying inside. Remember dogs release their body heat by panting. Your Pug has a less efficient respiratory system because of their head structure. Their flat face (they are called a Brachycephalic breed) inhibits their ability to release heat. Rapid panting is a warning sign that your dog is being stressed in his effort to regulate his temperature. Make sure all clothing is off your dog if he is exhibiting these symptoms.

Safety should be your primary concern in choosing any dog clothes for your Pug. Make sure the clothing is not too big which could cause tripping or becoming tangled in the clothes. Clothing that is too small could also be a problem because it may be too restrictive.

The bottom line is that clothing is something that usually something that makes owners feel better than the Pugs. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying an outfit for your dog but safety and health concerns should be the primary concern here. Having said that, there are some rather cute outfits that are available and they are made to be safe. Holidays are great occasions for getting your Pug “dressed to the paws” and, as you know, they love to be the center of attention.

The best way to get your dog to at least tolerate a wardrobe is to get them started early and not to force anything on them. You’ll soon have one of the best dressed dogs in town. For more help on having well trained Pug, be sure to get your Free Pug Training Mini Course!

Holidays are always a great occasion for a little outfit. Dog clothes and photography are a natural combination. Halloween is popular as well as Christmas and New Years. Valentine's Day is also a big favorite. It's not a coincidence that the non-summer holidays are the best. Dressing your Pug up for 4th of July may sound like a good idea but you have to be very careful about the heat. As we said before Pugs are prone to overheating.

You should take some care in how the clothing fits on your dog. Measure your dog and make sure the clothing is not too big to cause tripping or too small to cause breathing or blood flow problems. Generally, you measure the dog from the back of his neck to his tail, around his neck and around the chest just behind his front legs.

It is quite comical to see a Pug strutting around in their Sunday best.Pug strutting around in their Sunday best. The variations on Pug clothing is almost endless. Keep in mind, however, all dogs are different and some won't want any part of clothing but, generally, if it makes the owner happy it will make the Pug happy. Be especially sensitive, however, if your Pug has come from a "rescue" situation. You never know what experiences your dog is bringing with them and some of them can be rather 

Why does a dog eat its own puppy?

Answer: Why Dog Eats Its Own PuppyI'm not sure, but it could be because they sense something is wrong with it so they eat it so it doesn't have to suffer. 

Blabale: That's sad. They would have to be on like some kind of drug or just gone crazy. Did that happen to you? Well, if it did I feel sorry for you. If you know the dog's background info, it might help to answer why. The answer above just like saying that the dog killed the puppy for being ugly, which does not make sense. If it was in pain and suffering, the dog would try to help it, not eat it.

 

Dogs do naturally eat there puppies if they can sense somethings wrong with it. they aren't us and don't have motherly instincts. Her instincts are to protect the ones that will do well in life. They weed out the weak ones.