hwvsil
Monday, March 24, 2008
Stop your Dog Barking When You're Away
Obviously, most problems with barking dogs result from dogs that dont have their owner around to quiet them down. In fact, the owners absence in many cases is whats rousing the dogs vocal chords.
Most of what you can do to get your dogs barking under control is done directly by you when you catch your dog in the act. For instance, if you know that your dog is barking at, say people who walk their dogs past your house when youre away, then it is possible to recreate this scenario with you present so you can correct the behavior. However, intermittent barking such as this may be tolerated, by you, the neighborhood, and indeed your local dog legislation, provided your dog is not menacing passers-by through a crumbling fence.
A lonely dog barking or whining can be both much more of a nuisance and much more difficult to address, but there are still some things you should be doing. Try to come home more often, or try to arrange for a friend to visit, ideally with their friendly and energetic dog. It may nip the problem right in the bud. Enough said.
If you know youve got a barking dog problem that has the potential to anger neighbors, a little public relations work can go a long way. If possible, ask your neighbors if there is a barking nuisance coming from your place and, if there is, tell them youre working on it. Then work on it.
You might also try staging a false exit. Walk once around the house or whatever it takes so they think youre gone. When your dog barks, correct the behavior with a Quiet command (though your sudden appearance will likely be enough).
You can use special bark collars, that either use sonic or electric power to correct your dog. Others squirt a substance such as citronella when they bark, a scent they despise. I dont use them, and the ones I have seen in use were awkward and not 100 percent effective. But I stay away from them less because they train through discomfort (they do not harm your pet), and more because they displace the source of authority from you to some device they dont understand. Furthermore, they dont differentiate between acceptable - even necessary - barking on one hand, and noise pollution on the other.
Theres also a medieval-like procedure whereby the dogs voice-box is removed to render them barkless, or at least takes the bite out of their bark. This is simply abhorrent.
A better option for desperate dog owners is arranging some form of doggy day care, whether its a professional service or a personal arrangement. Some dogs simply do not get enough stimulation during the day, and they will let the world know about it until they do.
Martin Olliver is a proud member of the Kingdom of Pets team (http://www.kingdomofpets.com). For more great articles on problem barking, visit: http://kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/articles/barking_dogs.php.
¶ 11:21 PM 0 comments
Most of what you can do to get your dogs barking under control is done directly by you when you catch your dog in the act. For instance, if you know that your dog is barking at, say people who walk their dogs past your house when youre away, then it is possible to recreate this scenario with you present so you can correct the behavior. However, intermittent barking such as this may be tolerated, by you, the neighborhood, and indeed your local dog legislation, provided your dog is not menacing passers-by through a crumbling fence.
A lonely dog barking or whining can be both much more of a nuisance and much more difficult to address, but there are still some things you should be doing. Try to come home more often, or try to arrange for a friend to visit, ideally with their friendly and energetic dog. It may nip the problem right in the bud. Enough said.
If you know youve got a barking dog problem that has the potential to anger neighbors, a little public relations work can go a long way. If possible, ask your neighbors if there is a barking nuisance coming from your place and, if there is, tell them youre working on it. Then work on it.
You might also try staging a false exit. Walk once around the house or whatever it takes so they think youre gone. When your dog barks, correct the behavior with a Quiet command (though your sudden appearance will likely be enough).
You can use special bark collars, that either use sonic or electric power to correct your dog. Others squirt a substance such as citronella when they bark, a scent they despise. I dont use them, and the ones I have seen in use were awkward and not 100 percent effective. But I stay away from them less because they train through discomfort (they do not harm your pet), and more because they displace the source of authority from you to some device they dont understand. Furthermore, they dont differentiate between acceptable - even necessary - barking on one hand, and noise pollution on the other.
Theres also a medieval-like procedure whereby the dogs voice-box is removed to render them barkless, or at least takes the bite out of their bark. This is simply abhorrent.
A better option for desperate dog owners is arranging some form of doggy day care, whether its a professional service or a personal arrangement. Some dogs simply do not get enough stimulation during the day, and they will let the world know about it until they do.
Martin Olliver is a proud member of the Kingdom of Pets team (http://www.kingdomofpets.com). For more great articles on problem barking, visit: http://kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/articles/barking_dogs.php.
¶ 11:21 PM 0 comments
The Teacup Chihuahua Myth
The term teacup Chihuahua is merely a marketing strategy used by breeders who want to make their Chihuahuas stand out or appear to be more rare or special than other Chihuahuas.
The term teacup refers to the size and the American Kennel Club does not recognize it as an official type of chihuahua.
The American Kennel Club is seen as the industries main source on all topics related to dogs and dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club there are only two types of Chihuahuas - long hair and short hair.
Chihuahuas vary in size as do other dogs and living things. However, the size difference between Chihuahuas does not mean they are a different type of chihuahua.
All Chihuahuas are considered just a chihuahua, no matter their different characteristics, just as all humans are considered human despite their variances.
This is an important point to know because many people who are buying Chihuahuas see teacup Chihuahuas as something special that they are willing to pay much more money for than any other chihuahua.
Breeders have caught on to the fact that marketing a chihuahua as a 'teacup' Chihuahua makes them more valuable to buyers. So, breeders will sell the smallest pups of a litter as teacup Chihuahuas so they can earn a bigger profit.
In fact, some breeders go to extremes and breed smaller Chihuahuas simply to get a teacup chihuahua.This practice is dangerous to the dogs health and is highly discouraged.
A smart buyer will know that these smaller pups are not worth anymore than their larger counterparts and therefore will not cave to the higher price tag.
Teacup Chihuahuas are nicknamed due to their small size. Chihuahuas range from 2 to 6 pounds and those at the lower end tend to get labeled with the nickname teacup. This does not make them more valuable or rare.
Reese Spiers
¶ 3:09 PM 0 comments
The term teacup refers to the size and the American Kennel Club does not recognize it as an official type of chihuahua.
The American Kennel Club is seen as the industries main source on all topics related to dogs and dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club there are only two types of Chihuahuas - long hair and short hair.
Chihuahuas vary in size as do other dogs and living things. However, the size difference between Chihuahuas does not mean they are a different type of chihuahua.
All Chihuahuas are considered just a chihuahua, no matter their different characteristics, just as all humans are considered human despite their variances.
This is an important point to know because many people who are buying Chihuahuas see teacup Chihuahuas as something special that they are willing to pay much more money for than any other chihuahua.
Breeders have caught on to the fact that marketing a chihuahua as a 'teacup' Chihuahua makes them more valuable to buyers. So, breeders will sell the smallest pups of a litter as teacup Chihuahuas so they can earn a bigger profit.
In fact, some breeders go to extremes and breed smaller Chihuahuas simply to get a teacup chihuahua.This practice is dangerous to the dogs health and is highly discouraged.
A smart buyer will know that these smaller pups are not worth anymore than their larger counterparts and therefore will not cave to the higher price tag.
Teacup Chihuahuas are nicknamed due to their small size. Chihuahuas range from 2 to 6 pounds and those at the lower end tend to get labeled with the nickname teacup. This does not make them more valuable or rare.
Reese Spiers
¶ 3:09 PM 0 comments
A Little Bit About The Chinese Crested
Other names the Chinese Crested is known as are:
Chinese Edible Dog
Chinese Ship Dog
Chinese Hairless
Chinese Royal Hairless
Pyramid or Giza Hairless
South African Hairless
Turkish Hairless
The crest in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair that graces the dogs head.
The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, but has never reached great popularity. It has often been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a freak. However, this little dog has many assets that go unrecognized.
There are two types of the Chinese Crested:
Hairless
With a full coat, which is called the Powderpuff
The Powderpuff is just about identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. If you breed a hairless to a hairless or a Powderpuff to a hairless you can end up with either type or both types of puppies. Breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the Powderpuff type puppies.
Some authors claim the origin of the Chinese Crested is Africa. Others find its origin in Mexico or any of several other warm countries. The Chinese Crested is known to have been carried by trading ships from and to many different ports where it was bought and sold. Therefore, its origin is shrouded by sea tales.
The date of origin of the Chinese Crested is considered to be during the thirteenth century. Oriental countries concentrated on breeding miniaturized dogs, so the Chinese Crested ancestors probably include some of these small, hairless mutations.
The Chinese Crested originally enjoyed a pampered life with few duties except those associated with being a good companion. Very early in the development of the Chinese Crested breed it was probably used as a ratter on trading ships and was even sometimes eaten by human residents of these trading ships (how horribly awful to think of eating such a beautiful creature).
Personality
The Chinese Crested is said to be a nimble and cunning playmate. He is a vigilant and sensitive house dog. The Chinese Crested is a loving and obedient pet. He socializes well with other pets and is only a little cautious of strangers. The Chinese Crested is lively and active, but is rarely seen in agility contests. He is easily trained and should do well in obedience work.
Appearance
The Chinese Crested is fine-boned and graceful. He stands about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighs 5 to 12 pounds. He is athletic-looking and well muscled. The legs of a Chinese Crested are straight and strong. The Chinese Crested has a copious shock of silky hair that graces his head. Hair is absent over much of the remainder of its body except for tufts of hair on the tail and feet.
The Powderpuff has a flowing double coat of silky hair that covers its entire body. It is seen in any coat color or combination of colors.
Exercise Requirements
As with most toy breeds the Chinese Crested needs a minimal amount of exercise which can be obtained in your backyard.
Grooming
The Chinese Crested needs to be kept clean with frequent baths using a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer like baby oil or baby lotion. This routine is especially true for the hairless type.
The Powderpuff requires regular brushing and combing. The teeth need cleaning regularly.
You will need a good-quality bristle brush and a safety razor (to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. For the Powderpuff coat you will need a good-quality bristle brush, a wide-toothed comb and clippers.
The skin of the Hairless type responds well to frequent oiling by massaging baby oil or Nivea face cream into the hairless parts. This helps to keep the skin on the Chinese Crested Hairless type smooth and nicely moisturized.
The Powderpuff puppy requires frequent brushing with a bristle or pin brush particularly when the puppy coat changes to the adult coat, at which time daily grooming may be needed. The coat of a Powderpuff Chinese Crested should be brushed in layers with the lie of the coat.
After bathing, grooming and blow-drying, the face should be shaved using clippers (10 mm blade). Take a line from the outer corner of the eye to the ear and in a gentle curve from the ear down to the Adams apple. This cut is similar to the face of a Poodle. In the U.S. the Powderpuff face is not shaved. Finish off the entire body with a wide-toothed comb if desired. The comb will find any remaining tangles in the coat. Of note in the Chinese Crested is that the dogs nails should be moderately long.
Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.
¶ 6:49 AM 0 comments
Chinese Edible Dog
Chinese Ship Dog
Chinese Hairless
Chinese Royal Hairless
Pyramid or Giza Hairless
South African Hairless
Turkish Hairless
The crest in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair that graces the dogs head.
The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, but has never reached great popularity. It has often been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a freak. However, this little dog has many assets that go unrecognized.
There are two types of the Chinese Crested:
Hairless
With a full coat, which is called the Powderpuff
The Powderpuff is just about identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. If you breed a hairless to a hairless or a Powderpuff to a hairless you can end up with either type or both types of puppies. Breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the Powderpuff type puppies.
Some authors claim the origin of the Chinese Crested is Africa. Others find its origin in Mexico or any of several other warm countries. The Chinese Crested is known to have been carried by trading ships from and to many different ports where it was bought and sold. Therefore, its origin is shrouded by sea tales.
The date of origin of the Chinese Crested is considered to be during the thirteenth century. Oriental countries concentrated on breeding miniaturized dogs, so the Chinese Crested ancestors probably include some of these small, hairless mutations.
The Chinese Crested originally enjoyed a pampered life with few duties except those associated with being a good companion. Very early in the development of the Chinese Crested breed it was probably used as a ratter on trading ships and was even sometimes eaten by human residents of these trading ships (how horribly awful to think of eating such a beautiful creature).
Personality
The Chinese Crested is said to be a nimble and cunning playmate. He is a vigilant and sensitive house dog. The Chinese Crested is a loving and obedient pet. He socializes well with other pets and is only a little cautious of strangers. The Chinese Crested is lively and active, but is rarely seen in agility contests. He is easily trained and should do well in obedience work.
Appearance
The Chinese Crested is fine-boned and graceful. He stands about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighs 5 to 12 pounds. He is athletic-looking and well muscled. The legs of a Chinese Crested are straight and strong. The Chinese Crested has a copious shock of silky hair that graces his head. Hair is absent over much of the remainder of its body except for tufts of hair on the tail and feet.
The Powderpuff has a flowing double coat of silky hair that covers its entire body. It is seen in any coat color or combination of colors.
Exercise Requirements
As with most toy breeds the Chinese Crested needs a minimal amount of exercise which can be obtained in your backyard.
Grooming
The Chinese Crested needs to be kept clean with frequent baths using a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer like baby oil or baby lotion. This routine is especially true for the hairless type.
The Powderpuff requires regular brushing and combing. The teeth need cleaning regularly.
You will need a good-quality bristle brush and a safety razor (to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. For the Powderpuff coat you will need a good-quality bristle brush, a wide-toothed comb and clippers.
The skin of the Hairless type responds well to frequent oiling by massaging baby oil or Nivea face cream into the hairless parts. This helps to keep the skin on the Chinese Crested Hairless type smooth and nicely moisturized.
The Powderpuff puppy requires frequent brushing with a bristle or pin brush particularly when the puppy coat changes to the adult coat, at which time daily grooming may be needed. The coat of a Powderpuff Chinese Crested should be brushed in layers with the lie of the coat.
After bathing, grooming and blow-drying, the face should be shaved using clippers (10 mm blade). Take a line from the outer corner of the eye to the ear and in a gentle curve from the ear down to the Adams apple. This cut is similar to the face of a Poodle. In the U.S. the Powderpuff face is not shaved. Finish off the entire body with a wide-toothed comb if desired. The comb will find any remaining tangles in the coat. Of note in the Chinese Crested is that the dogs nails should be moderately long.
Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.
¶ 6:49 AM 0 comments
