Another dog training hypocritical moment

I got home from teaching class the other day - one of my fabulous manners classes at The Inquisitive Canine indoor studio... My wonderful husband and dog Poncho were both waiting for me... we were all going to run errands together. I love doing that. Very rewarding for all of us. 

Anyway, as I walked into the yard my husband made mention that our dog Poncho "killed a bird". What?!! Was he sure? Was the little birdie still alive when it fell out of its nest? Or was it already dead? Did our little baby boy really take anothers life? Oh wait. Hello? Poncho is a dog. And well, this is a normal behavior for a dog, right? Yes. 

A dog is a predator. Predators hunt and kill things. Its in their DNA to do this. At first I was a bit disturbed, for a couple of reasons. But then it occurred to me that I myself have a plethora of dead animals in my own home... In the fridge, in the freezer, in cans... Just because I pay others to make the kill for me doesnt make me any less of a predator than my own dog - just lazy. (Frankly I dont think I could take the action myself...fishing yes, other methods...not so much). 

So Poncho - once again mama is sorry for any thought that had a negative ring to it... You are one incredible dog. And I appreciate you. Now, if I could only train you to use your predator skills for grocery shopping at Trader Joes then Id be set! But I have a feeling youd just spend your time hanging around the food sampling area at the back of the store... after all, youre one smart dog that has learned about rewarded behaviors! 

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Another dog training tips you should know

More dog training tips for you: 3 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know
By Antonius Januar

You’ve probably had a day or two when you felt like your dog just wasn’t paying any attention to you at all, right? You talked, you yelled, you shouted, maybe you jumped up and down and waved your arms, but she just wasn’t interested in anything you had to say to her in any tone of voice. You’re not alone.

1. Your dog isn’t human.

Unless you believe in pet psychics, there’s really no way for you to read your pooch’s mind and figure out exactly what she’s thinking. The good news is that, like many dog owners, the problems you’re having can probably be traced to one simple thing: you’re trying to communicate with your dog from a human standpoint, and your dog isn’t a human.

Sure, you know that, but lots of humans try to relate with their dogs in the ways that they think are rational as humans. The problem is that dogs are driven in every act and every moment by very strong instincts. Deciphering those instincts and leveraging them to build a productive relationship is like finding the keys to the city.

2. Your dog doesnt speak English.

Take the word “no,” for example. Does your dog speak English? Not understand English. Does she speak it? What’s meaningful to her is your tone of voice, not the word itself. Now let’s think about that – we’re taking up excess time trying to teach our dog a word she’ll never speak and that probably doesn’t mean much to her anyway.

Sure, it’s meaningful to us, but that’s only one side of the equation. What about something that’s meaningful to both human and dog?

3. Instincts save time and communicate effectively.

See that? You worked with her instinct and the information hardwired into her brain, and the result was instantaneous. Why spend tons of time trying to work against that instinct and end up frustrated, angry, and still miscommunications?

This approach works in everything from basic discipline to full-on obedience training. You just need to figure out how to apply it in each of those situations.

I’d like to help you learn to apply it, and that’s why I created the multimedia presentation Instinct vs. Man. It addresses day-to-day life with your dog as well as specific topics like playtime, training, and territory.

Beyond that, you’ll get some great insight into why your dog thinks the way she does and how it affects her actions and reactions. You’ll understand why those months of training stopped working after a few weeks and how to get her back into the routine and acting like the fun, upbeat dog you love.

If you are looking for an informative book dealing with how to communicate more effectively with your dog than you cant go past "Dog Lovers Essentials Mega Pack" i highly recommend it:

Dog Training

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Another 10 Rare Dog Breeds in The World

Today i wanted to share this another 10 rare dog breeds in the world, just like the previous post on Top 10 Most Rarest Dog Breeds In The World, this will kinda update them, because it is the newer version obviously. And i know we already posted the Top 8 Weirdest Dog Breeds In The World and the Top 9 Most Fascinating Dogs In The World,


But as we know theres this "Meet the Breeds" event about various dogs, including rare dog breeds from throughout the world. Many of these rare breeds have fewer health problems and live longer than some of the more popular breeds of dogs.


But, be advised these breeds have special grooming, training and socialization needs, too!

Barbet

Described as companionable, joyful, and intelligent, the Barbet is quick to learn and needs lifelong obedience training. This medium-sized French water dog has a wooly and curly coat which grows long and must be groomed regularly to avoid matting. This rare dog breed is great with people of all ages and prefers human companionship. Mental and physical stimulation is a must.

The lifespan of the Barbet averages 13–15 years. It is estimated that there are about 70 Barbets in the United States.

Bolognese

This rare dog breed is easy to train, eager to please and enjoys the companionship of people, making it an ideal companion dog and family pet. The small, white, compact dog has shorter hair on the face and a coat that falls in loose open ringlets all over the body.  The hairs texture is wooly, should never trimmed, but requires regular combing to prevent matting. While not yappy, they have an acute cute sense of hearing and will generally bark at strange noises.
The life expectancy of the Bolognese is 16-18 years.

Hamiltonstovare

The Hamiltonstovare, a Swedish breed, is a typical scent hound and will follow its nose. If the breed finds a scent or sees something interesting, they will not necessarily come when called. Best to practice the dog’s recall daily. Hamiltons have a soft fur that rarely sheds, and they have no "doggy" smell.
The average life span for the Hamilton is 10 to 13 years.

Hungarian Pumi

The Pumi is a medium-small terrier type of sheep dog from Hungary. Most Pumis are gray, but born black. The breeds trademark is its ears, which are always alert and very lively. The Pumi is a lively, active and intelligent breed that is easy to train, but barks easily. Pumis are very protective of their families, and often slightly reserved toward strangers, so socialization must begin at early age.
The breed has a life expectancy of 12-14 years.

Kooikerhondje

The Kooikerhondje is a small spaniel of Dutch ancestry that was originally used as a duck tolling dog. Described as intelligent, good natured, and quiet, the breed adapts to situations rather quickly. They will not always immediately like strangers, instead choosing to retreat.

The life expectancy of the breed is about 12-14 years. This breed is gaining popularity in the United States.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo, originating from the Romagna sub-region of Italy, is a gun dog, specifically a water retriever. It is also used to hunt for Truffle. 

Loyal and loving, they make great family dogs. If socialized from a young age, they get along with other household animals quite easily. Mental and physical stimulation is a must for this precocious breed. The breed loves to dig and many owners give their dogs a sandbox to satisfy their digging urges.
The life span of the Lagotto Romagnolo is 14-16 years.

Mudi

Still one of the rarest dog breeds, the Mudi is a herding dog breed from Hungary. It is a very active breed and needs to be taken on daily long, brisk walks or jogs. Additionally, they need to be able to run free in a large safe area. Considered an average shedder, the breed is easy to groom, needing combing and brushing to remove dead hair from its coat.  
The life expectancy of the Mudi is 13-14 years.

Portugese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is a sight and scent hound from Portugal. The Podengo comes in three sizes with two hair coats (smooth and wire coat). Described as hardy, intelligent, and independent, Podengos are amenable to training by experienced dog people.

They are very active and usually good with children and other animals, especially when socialized from an early age. They are watchful and observant and will bark when something gets their attention. They are excellent jumpers and climbers, and need a secure fence. The breed is a digger and will need much mental and physical stimulation. The breed does not require extensive grooming and its coat should never be trimmed.  
The life expectancy of the Portugese Podengo is 10-14 years.

Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is described as fearless, energetic and alert. Although they enjoy either a rural lifestyle or suburban lifestyle, they crave human attention and are very devoted to their owners. The Vallhund is responsive and even-tempered with most people, but they can be wary of strangers. As a result, it should be properly socialized and trained as a puppy as to avoid over-protective behavior as an adult. They are known for heel nipping due to their instinctive herding traits. The breed, an average shedder, is easy to groom with a comb and firm bristle brush.
The Swedish Vallhund can live for about 12-14 years.

Xoloitzcuintli

From Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee ) comes in three sizes – toy, miniature and standard, and two varieties – hairless and coated. Described as calm, loyal and intelligent, the breed makes an excellent companion dog. 


It is important that all family members play a role in rearing the Xolo, or it will bond to the one person who takes care of it. The breed is protective and aloof to strangers. Additionally, the coated and the hairless variety of Xolo are very easy to groom.  For hairless dogs, bathe and lotion them twice a month; for the coated dogs bath them twice a month and brush them  at least weekly to reduce shedding.  A coat is recommended in the winter and a t-shirt is recommended in the warmer month as too much sunscreen may clog its pores.
This rare dog breed may live for about 15 to 20 years.


So were here at the end of this particular post about rare dog breeds, we hope the addition of this another 10 rare dog breeds in the world, will make people of the world realize how important it is to protect animals of the nature for the sake of our human life too.

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Just Another Dog Crate Training

Here is how to crate train your dog step by step. Dog Crate training can be invaluable. Keep reading to learn more.
Crate training a dog can be invaluable. There is a lot of misconception about this way to train your dog. Let’s see how it works and if this is really as inhumane as some people are beleiving.


If you’re not familiar with the term, a dog crate is a rectangular enclosure with a floor, a top and four sides. A door, usually called a “gate,” constitutes the front side of the crate. Crates can be made from a variety of materials, but most are made of wire, molded plastic or a combination of both.

The crate’s purpose is to provide a safe, secure place where you can confine your dog for short periods. A dog should never be confined to his crate to punish him. Instead, a crate should be used for training purposes (when you want to housetrain your dog, for example), to protect your household goods from potential damage while you’re away, to provide a place for your dog to sleep, and for increased safety while you’re traveling with your dog.


Some people believe that crate training a dog is cruel and inhumane. That belief could not be more mistaken, especially if the crate training is done properly. The reality is that once your dog becomes accustomed to the crate, he’ll go into it voluntarily and love spending time there.


The Importance of Crate Training a Dog


Every year, millions of people go through the process of crate training a dog. In short, crate training involves teaching a dog to accept his crate as a good place to be. Crate training has a number of benefits for every dog owner – and every dog. Once your dog accepts his crate as his den, he’ll be less likely to experience separation anxiety when you leave the home. As a result, he’ll be much less likely to bark incessantly or destroy household items while you’re away.


A dog crate can also be an extremely helpful tool when you’re housetraining a new puppy, and it gives your dog a comfortable place to sleep if you don’t want him on your bed or other furniture.


Crate Training a Dog – The Process
Crate training a dog involves a number of steps, but everything begins with choosing the right crate and then introducing the dog to the crate properly. If you do things right, your dog will not only go into his crate voluntarily, he’ll enjoy being there. In fact, he will come to think of his crate as his own little “home” – a private haven where he’ll feel safe.


1. Select the Right Size. Your dog’s crate should be just large enough for him to sleep in and be able to turn around, but he should not be able to take more than a step or two while he’s inside. If the crate is any larger, a puppy will be tempted to use one end of the crate as a place to eliminate. As long as your dog is able to turn around inside, putting him in the crate will not be inhumane. Once you choose the right crate, make it comfortable for your dog by lining the bottom with something soft. Put a safe toy or two inside while you’re at it.


2. Find the Right Spot. Place the crate in a quiet area of your home. Many dog owners place their crates in their bedrooms. That way, your dog will have a nice place to nap in, but he’ll also have a safe, quiet place to escape to if he becomes overwhelmed by children, hectic household activities and so forth.


3. Introduce Your Dog to the Crate Slowly and Gently. Begin by opening the crate’s gate and placing treats inside. Don’t force or coerce your dog to go in – instead, let him wander in on his own to find the treats. Once he goes in, don’t close the gate. Let him enter and exit whenever he wants. Once he’s comfortable going in and out, you can close the gate with your dog inside for very short periods of time. This slow, gentle introduction will make sure your dog doesn’t feel trapped and will teach him good things happen when he’s in his crate – he gets the treats.


4. Stay Nearby at First. Until your dog is perfectly comfortable being inside the crate, stay within sight. If you close him inside and leave the room before he’s used to the crate, he’ll probably think he’s being punished. Your presence during the crate training process will comfort him and make him feel safe despite being confined. Don’t confine him inside for more than an hour or two until you’re certain he’s fully acclimated. However, once he’s accustomed to the crate, you can start closing him inside for gradually lengthening periods. Eventually you’ll be able to crate your dog for the entire work day or overnight.


5. Don’t Reward Misbehavior by Letting Him Out. If your dog starts whining, crying or barking while he’s inside the crate, letting him out is the worst mistake you can make, because you’ll be teaching him that he’ll be able to get out if he misbehaves. Instead of letting him out when he starts misbehaving, wait until he’s been quiet and calm for five minutes or so. Once he calms down and you let him out, praise him lavishly and give him a treat to reward him for being calm when he’s inside the crate.


6. Unless He’s being Confined, Keep the Gate Open. If your dog is able to wander in and out of the crate on his own, he’ll probably start viewing his crate as his den – a spot where he can sleep safely and comfortably. You can increase the likelihood your dog will adopt the crate as his den by making it cozy and comfortable and by leaving treats inside occasionally.


Crate training a dog is easy, provided you introduce your dog to the crate gradually, make it comfortable for him to be in, and never use it as punishment. When done properly, crate training almost always results in a dog that loves being in the crate, and most dog owners love using crates because they can reduce the occurrence of canine anxiety, property destruction and incessant barking while they’re away from home. They can also be invaluable aids during housetraining and other types of training aside from dog crate training.
Source: Aboutdogsandpets.com

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