Socializing is always a big issue with dog owners. There are a variety of views on socialization, but after breeding and raising dogs for over 15 years I can say that the earlier they are socialized the more confident and reliable they will be in any situation.
Socialization should start ideally before the pup is even weaned. A responsible breeder will make sure pups are handled regularly and exposed to a variety of activities. It may not be possible to take them out and about town if there are quite a few pups, but it is still possible to handle them and let them hear household noises such as vacuum cleaners, blenders, etc. If you are talking with a breeder about purchasing a puppy you should question them about how they socialize their puppies before they sell them.
Once you bring your dog home, whether it is full grown or whether it is a puppy you should allow it to experience everything you will normally (or even occasionally) be exposed to when the dog is with you. For those who live in the city exposing them to the noise of traffic and many varieties of people early on is the key to having a dog that is free of fear. Introduce these things gradually and make every new experience a fun one for your dog.
Encourage your dog to climb stairs, ride elevators (if you will ever have to do that with your dog), and even take your dog for rides in the car to fun places. Your dog should ride in the car to do fun things especially if you use the car for trips to the vet. Most dogs will not enjoy a visit to the vet and will start to be difficult about riding in the car if that is the only place they ever go in the car.
If your dog shows fear it is your responsibility to demonstrate that there is no need for fear. Ensure that every new situation is a positive experience. The more experiences your dog has, especially at a young age the more likely he is to face new situations with interest instead of fear. Your dog will be comfortable in any situation once you have taken the steps to properly socialize him.
You can view more tips, sign up for a great newsletter that updates you with the latest tips and health suggestions at: http://www.acebarkery.com You can also find awesome healthy home made dog treats and more, made with your dog's health in mind.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Our Customer's LOVE These Treats!
"Clio has been enjoying these treats VERY MUCH! I can't tell if she has a favorite yet, but she has gobbled them happily with each one offered to her. She finds them chewier than her usual milkbones and it seems to me she enjoys every bite! When I offered her a regular milkbone this morning she turned her head in the opposite direction and walked away as if to say, "you've got to be kidding! Where are the GOOD BISCUITS?!?"
~Kathy Carey~Tulsa, OK
We love to hear testimonials from our customers. Please share your testimony and we will share it as space allows!
~Kathy Carey~Tulsa, OK
We love to hear testimonials from our customers. Please share your testimony and we will share it as space allows!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Can You Hear Me?
Your dog's ears are absolutely amazing. A dog can tell the difference in the sound of foots steps as well as a burrowing rodent!
A dog has such keen hearing that they can tell the difference in the foot steps of each family member. A dog's ears are amazing in their range of hearing as well as distinction of sound. Dog's ears have a variety of shapes giving each dog a unique look.
When you watch your dog's reaction to sounds in the yard and about the house you can see its unique ability to localize sound by moving its ears around to locate sound and identify it. A dog's range of hearing is a lot like a human's in the low range, but at the higher range sounds the dog's hearing is amazing. Dogs can hear the high pitched squeak of a burrowing rodent and other prey. Wild dogs seem to have an even higher range of hearing than domestic dogs.
Amazingly a dog can distinguish between nearly identical sounds. When your dog hears your foot steps he knows it is you. If he hears a foot step that is not familiar he goes on alert and if he is a guard dog he is ready to encounter a stranger and decide if they are friend or foe. Dogs can move each ear independently to help identify the direction and the cause of the sound.
Your dog's ears also help them maintain balance similar to the way human ears work only on a much finer scale. A dog ear has tiny hairs that are filled with fluid and crystals that help detect the slightest change in the position of the dog's head which allows the animal to move its head as needed to best hear the sounds. You will notice this as you watch your dog cock its head to one side to hear a sound more clearly or catch the sound better.
In domestic dogs the ears shapes vary greatly. You can find a German Shepherd with pricked ears and a Basset Hound with pendant ears or a Pug with Rose ears and an Airedale with Button ears. The dogs with pricked ears look much more like their wild cousins while selective breeding has helped bring into popularity the other ear styles we find today. The pendant ears that hang long down the side of the dog's head. The button ears have tips that hang over the ear in a V-shape and partially cover the ear opening. Rose ears hang over the ear opening but fold inward along the back edge and curves over to partially expose the ear opening.
Each kind of ear gives the dog a distinctive look but all ears are equally amazing in the way they give the dog the information it needs to interpret the sounds around it. Watching your dog will give you more insight into its ears and how it hears the world. Remember when you are listening to music that if you are playing too loud it might affect your dog's ability to hear as well, so protect your dog's hearing as well as your own and keep that stereo at a reasonable level.
A dog has such keen hearing that they can tell the difference in the foot steps of each family member. A dog's ears are amazing in their range of hearing as well as distinction of sound. Dog's ears have a variety of shapes giving each dog a unique look.
When you watch your dog's reaction to sounds in the yard and about the house you can see its unique ability to localize sound by moving its ears around to locate sound and identify it. A dog's range of hearing is a lot like a human's in the low range, but at the higher range sounds the dog's hearing is amazing. Dogs can hear the high pitched squeak of a burrowing rodent and other prey. Wild dogs seem to have an even higher range of hearing than domestic dogs.
Amazingly a dog can distinguish between nearly identical sounds. When your dog hears your foot steps he knows it is you. If he hears a foot step that is not familiar he goes on alert and if he is a guard dog he is ready to encounter a stranger and decide if they are friend or foe. Dogs can move each ear independently to help identify the direction and the cause of the sound.
Your dog's ears also help them maintain balance similar to the way human ears work only on a much finer scale. A dog ear has tiny hairs that are filled with fluid and crystals that help detect the slightest change in the position of the dog's head which allows the animal to move its head as needed to best hear the sounds. You will notice this as you watch your dog cock its head to one side to hear a sound more clearly or catch the sound better.
In domestic dogs the ears shapes vary greatly. You can find a German Shepherd with pricked ears and a Basset Hound with pendant ears or a Pug with Rose ears and an Airedale with Button ears. The dogs with pricked ears look much more like their wild cousins while selective breeding has helped bring into popularity the other ear styles we find today. The pendant ears that hang long down the side of the dog's head. The button ears have tips that hang over the ear in a V-shape and partially cover the ear opening. Rose ears hang over the ear opening but fold inward along the back edge and curves over to partially expose the ear opening.
Each kind of ear gives the dog a distinctive look but all ears are equally amazing in the way they give the dog the information it needs to interpret the sounds around it. Watching your dog will give you more insight into its ears and how it hears the world. Remember when you are listening to music that if you are playing too loud it might affect your dog's ability to hear as well, so protect your dog's hearing as well as your own and keep that stereo at a reasonable level.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Children & Dogs: Make it a Success
Many problems can arise from mixing children and dogs but all are easily avoided with a few simple steps.
Having a dog seems like a great idea before the dog arrives but if you have children any number of problems may arise with the arrival of a new dog to the household. Whether the dog is a puppy or a more mature dog there are potential problems. The relationship between a child and a dog can be a life changing event. You can help ensure that this is a great time for your family by preparing your family properly for a new addition.
Supervise your children especially if children are very young or there is a puppy involved. Even very rowdy children should be taught to treat a dog gently and with respect. A dog is not something for them to boss around. The dog will need to learn to obey them with a few simple commands but this should come later. Some children will see this as a chance for them to finally be the boss but this should not be the case! If your child is excitable then allow them time with the dog in small doses as they can handle it.
Proper supervision of children and pets is the key to lifelong happiness for both. Young children should never be left alone with a pet. Many a pet has bitten a toddler because the toddler got rough and twisted its ear or any number of other things. This could lead to having to put down a favored family pet. To avoid this grief, simply supervise your small children at all times when any dog is present.
Children should be involved with obedience training of the dog; however a child should not be allowed to use commands just to be bossy. Commands for a dog should clear and consistent. Children should be taught to use the correct commands for each situation. Having children use consistent commands with your dog will help the dog be clear on what is expected. Dogs like consistency and will learn to trust their family when everyone is working together for the happiness and safety of the dog.
Your dog will learn to trust the children more if the child is given age appropriate chores to help with the care of the dog. Children can feed, water and clean up after a dog. Be sure you check up to ensure that your child takes the responsibility seriously. Helping with the responsibility of your dog can help with bonding between your dog and your child as well as increasing your child's self esteem.
When you go out in public be sure that your children understand that it is important not to rush up to dogs they do not know. They may be so delighted with your dog that they fail to realize that some dogs are not as tolerant of strangers or children. If your child wants to greet a dog they do not know they should ask permission of the owner first and then proceed quietly and cautiously as the owner allows contact.
Proceeding with these few simple steps can ensure a lifetime of happiness for your children and your pets. Your child will remember these times in his life when he is older. Make sure these are treasured memories.
See more articles and healthy treats at. http://www.acebarkery.com
Having a dog seems like a great idea before the dog arrives but if you have children any number of problems may arise with the arrival of a new dog to the household. Whether the dog is a puppy or a more mature dog there are potential problems. The relationship between a child and a dog can be a life changing event. You can help ensure that this is a great time for your family by preparing your family properly for a new addition.
Supervise your children especially if children are very young or there is a puppy involved. Even very rowdy children should be taught to treat a dog gently and with respect. A dog is not something for them to boss around. The dog will need to learn to obey them with a few simple commands but this should come later. Some children will see this as a chance for them to finally be the boss but this should not be the case! If your child is excitable then allow them time with the dog in small doses as they can handle it.
Proper supervision of children and pets is the key to lifelong happiness for both. Young children should never be left alone with a pet. Many a pet has bitten a toddler because the toddler got rough and twisted its ear or any number of other things. This could lead to having to put down a favored family pet. To avoid this grief, simply supervise your small children at all times when any dog is present.
Children should be involved with obedience training of the dog; however a child should not be allowed to use commands just to be bossy. Commands for a dog should clear and consistent. Children should be taught to use the correct commands for each situation. Having children use consistent commands with your dog will help the dog be clear on what is expected. Dogs like consistency and will learn to trust their family when everyone is working together for the happiness and safety of the dog.
Your dog will learn to trust the children more if the child is given age appropriate chores to help with the care of the dog. Children can feed, water and clean up after a dog. Be sure you check up to ensure that your child takes the responsibility seriously. Helping with the responsibility of your dog can help with bonding between your dog and your child as well as increasing your child's self esteem.
When you go out in public be sure that your children understand that it is important not to rush up to dogs they do not know. They may be so delighted with your dog that they fail to realize that some dogs are not as tolerant of strangers or children. If your child wants to greet a dog they do not know they should ask permission of the owner first and then proceed quietly and cautiously as the owner allows contact.
Proceeding with these few simple steps can ensure a lifetime of happiness for your children and your pets. Your child will remember these times in his life when he is older. Make sure these are treasured memories.
See more articles and healthy treats at. http://www.acebarkery.com
Monday, March 17, 2008
Help! My Dog is Chewing Everything!
Have you ever wondered how to control chewing when you leave your dog alone? Do you wish your furniture was still in one piece?
Nearly every dog owner has had their dog chew up something they were not supposed to. It is easier than you might think to control the chewing. Usually puppies are the worst culprits for chewing anything in site, but even older dogs can be a problem. You can direct your dog to more appropriate activities and save your furniture, garbage and sanity!
First you should understand there are some very basic reasons that your dog chews. If your dog or puppy is getting in new teeth this can cause them to chew anything they can get a hold of to relieve the pressure and help bring the new teeth in. If your dog does not have enough activities he may chew because he is bored or has excess energy. Dogs that have excess energy will chew to relieve some of that pent up energy.. A dog may use his mouth to explore and find out more about things around him. Dogs like new smells and if something smells interesting he may chew on it just to satisfy his curiosity. Dogs may also chew because they are anxious when their owners leave.
So what can you do to stop the destructive chewing? First, you may need to confine your puppy or dog to a kennel or a secure room that does not have any inappropriate items for him to chew on. This confining may be temporary while you work on training him to know what is appropriate to chew on and what is not. You can keep him confined while you are away to protect them as well as your furnishings. There are many items you can get for your dog to chew on that are safe and will keep him entertained for long periods of time. Get several different toys or bones and change them periodically to keep him interested. Do not give your dog old socks, shoes or other household items to chew on. Your dog will not know the difference between an old pair of boots and new ones!
If your dogs chews because he is bored or has excess energy it is your job to make sure that he gets plenty of exercise when you are home so that he does not take out his frustrations in other ways. Make sure your dog gets plenty of time outside running and playing with you. Research to find out how much good exercise time per day your breed needs to be healthy and happy and make sure they get at least that much time in good solid exercise as well as relaxation time with you.
It is your job to dog proof the house as much as possible even when you are home. Keep tempting items such as socks, shoes, clothing or cords put away or out of reach of your dog. Keep approved chew toys and items he can have out where they are accessible so that it is easy for your dog to choose those items.
If your dog chews because he does not like it when you leave you can try to make your leaving as painless as possible by spending quality time with your dog before you leave and making sure you leave your scent on a special toy or bone. Make your leaving as inconspicuous as possible. Try to have your dog distracted with something they enjoy so they do not think so much about you being away.
Whenever you catch your dog chewing on something other than an appropriate toy take away the item and give him a chew toy and if he chews that praise him. Praise is always more effective than discipline when dealing with your dog. There are times for corrections however, so don't be afraid to say "No!" and take the inappropriate item away. Be firm but loving with correction, and always be liberal with praise.
You can teach your dog to ignore the items you do not want him to chew on by spending a little time working with him. Try setting out two items out that he might chew on and make sure one of them is something that you approve for him to chew. When he chooses the right item praise him, if he chooses the wrong one say "NO!" and point him to the correct chew toy. You can do this many times while you are in the room and they start trying it when you leave the room. Plan to come back and catch him in the act. If he is doing good praise him, if not, re-direct him to the correct item after saying "NO!"
If you are consistent with training your dog what is OK to chew on, confining him while you are away until he learns to be reliable and if you make sure that he has enough exercise you will have a happy dog who contributes to the joy in your home rather than making it a nightmare to come home to! Remember a happy dog is a well disciplined dog!
Nearly every dog owner has had their dog chew up something they were not supposed to. It is easier than you might think to control the chewing. Usually puppies are the worst culprits for chewing anything in site, but even older dogs can be a problem. You can direct your dog to more appropriate activities and save your furniture, garbage and sanity!
First you should understand there are some very basic reasons that your dog chews. If your dog or puppy is getting in new teeth this can cause them to chew anything they can get a hold of to relieve the pressure and help bring the new teeth in. If your dog does not have enough activities he may chew because he is bored or has excess energy. Dogs that have excess energy will chew to relieve some of that pent up energy.. A dog may use his mouth to explore and find out more about things around him. Dogs like new smells and if something smells interesting he may chew on it just to satisfy his curiosity. Dogs may also chew because they are anxious when their owners leave.
So what can you do to stop the destructive chewing? First, you may need to confine your puppy or dog to a kennel or a secure room that does not have any inappropriate items for him to chew on. This confining may be temporary while you work on training him to know what is appropriate to chew on and what is not. You can keep him confined while you are away to protect them as well as your furnishings. There are many items you can get for your dog to chew on that are safe and will keep him entertained for long periods of time. Get several different toys or bones and change them periodically to keep him interested. Do not give your dog old socks, shoes or other household items to chew on. Your dog will not know the difference between an old pair of boots and new ones!
If your dogs chews because he is bored or has excess energy it is your job to make sure that he gets plenty of exercise when you are home so that he does not take out his frustrations in other ways. Make sure your dog gets plenty of time outside running and playing with you. Research to find out how much good exercise time per day your breed needs to be healthy and happy and make sure they get at least that much time in good solid exercise as well as relaxation time with you.
It is your job to dog proof the house as much as possible even when you are home. Keep tempting items such as socks, shoes, clothing or cords put away or out of reach of your dog. Keep approved chew toys and items he can have out where they are accessible so that it is easy for your dog to choose those items.
If your dog chews because he does not like it when you leave you can try to make your leaving as painless as possible by spending quality time with your dog before you leave and making sure you leave your scent on a special toy or bone. Make your leaving as inconspicuous as possible. Try to have your dog distracted with something they enjoy so they do not think so much about you being away.
Whenever you catch your dog chewing on something other than an appropriate toy take away the item and give him a chew toy and if he chews that praise him. Praise is always more effective than discipline when dealing with your dog. There are times for corrections however, so don't be afraid to say "No!" and take the inappropriate item away. Be firm but loving with correction, and always be liberal with praise.
You can teach your dog to ignore the items you do not want him to chew on by spending a little time working with him. Try setting out two items out that he might chew on and make sure one of them is something that you approve for him to chew. When he chooses the right item praise him, if he chooses the wrong one say "NO!" and point him to the correct chew toy. You can do this many times while you are in the room and they start trying it when you leave the room. Plan to come back and catch him in the act. If he is doing good praise him, if not, re-direct him to the correct item after saying "NO!"
If you are consistent with training your dog what is OK to chew on, confining him while you are away until he learns to be reliable and if you make sure that he has enough exercise you will have a happy dog who contributes to the joy in your home rather than making it a nightmare to come home to! Remember a happy dog is a well disciplined dog!
Why Healthy Dog Treats?
At least 95% of commercial dog foods and treats have artificial colors, flavors & chemicals that have been linked to deadly pet diseases. These commercial dog foods & treats (even many of the ones claiming to be the "best" on the market) have little or no nutritional value and more than likely these products have exposed your dog to the toxins that could cause a number of deadly health issues.
With over 15 years experience raising, breeding, training and loving dogs I think we have the best homemade treats that you can purchase because we have tested each recipe until we found the perfect blend that satisfies even the pickiest pets while still providing great nutrition. I invite you to visit my online store to find an ever changing assortment of these great treats.In this website you will find links to sites that can give you more information about healthier food for your dog and you can order healthy treats that will aid in training and rewarding your dog as well as helping to keep your dog healthy.
My dogs are an important part of my family and I know you feel the same about yours. That is why your dog's health will always come FIRST on this site. Our healthy treats are always made with only the best human grade ingredients. These treats contain NO artificial colors, preservatives, or chemicals. These treats are made especially for your dog in our home where they have all been taste tested and approved by the furry members of our family. We cater to the many health needs of your dog. We offer wheat free treats and all of our treats are made with top quality natural ingredients. All of our treats have only natural sugars, and are low in oils and sodium.
We ship these treats nationwide, year round. Please sign up for our FREE Newsletter where we share dog training tips, health news and nutrition tips each week. One person on my newsletter list receives 20oz. of treats as a gift from me each month. I randomly choose a name from the list of people who are subscribed to my newsletter. You could be the lucky winner this month so be sure to sign up for our newsletter today!
With over 15 years experience raising, breeding, training and loving dogs I think we have the best homemade treats that you can purchase because we have tested each recipe until we found the perfect blend that satisfies even the pickiest pets while still providing great nutrition. I invite you to visit my online store to find an ever changing assortment of these great treats.In this website you will find links to sites that can give you more information about healthier food for your dog and you can order healthy treats that will aid in training and rewarding your dog as well as helping to keep your dog healthy.
My dogs are an important part of my family and I know you feel the same about yours. That is why your dog's health will always come FIRST on this site. Our healthy treats are always made with only the best human grade ingredients. These treats contain NO artificial colors, preservatives, or chemicals. These treats are made especially for your dog in our home where they have all been taste tested and approved by the furry members of our family. We cater to the many health needs of your dog. We offer wheat free treats and all of our treats are made with top quality natural ingredients. All of our treats have only natural sugars, and are low in oils and sodium.
We ship these treats nationwide, year round. Please sign up for our FREE Newsletter where we share dog training tips, health news and nutrition tips each week. One person on my newsletter list receives 20oz. of treats as a gift from me each month. I randomly choose a name from the list of people who are subscribed to my newsletter. You could be the lucky winner this month so be sure to sign up for our newsletter today!
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