Edie MacKenzie On Dogs

Posts Tagged ‘Socialization’

All of us dream of parenting the perfect dog, a pup that is a CGC or canine great citizen and is well behaved and dependable at all times. Nicely dreams do come accurate if the training is accomplished with care and dedication. Bear in mind pups understand from day 1 and need to be taught what is correct, what is wrong, and appropriate socialization.

Pups are like kids, they want constant supervision and training. Training a pup want not be an ordeal all you’ll want to maintain in mind are several easy rules. Teach the pup to respect you. Dogs live in packs and instinctively follow a leader. If you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then training will grow to be easy as the pup will obey you at all times and not challenge your authority. Aids can be bought at any Dog Accessories store.

Use only positive training strategies. By no means shout at, hit, or punish a dog. It is not just cruel but can result in behavioral difficulties. Use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so on could hurt the animal. Teach the meaning of No, from day 1. Do not encourage behaviors like jumping, mouthing, tug-o-war, barking, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise great behavior and ignore or walk away when there is bad behavior. The pup will understand that if he misbehaves he will lose his playmate.

To correct a behavior you must catch the pup within the act and startle him by rattling a can of pebbles. When you’ve accomplished this make him correct his behavior and right away supply him a treat and praise. Pups do not recall what happened earlier so scolding him soon after an event is of no use. Usually call/use his name positively. By no means say Bad TOM, or No Tom, this can trigger confusion and also the pup will think that in the event you call his name then it is some thing bad. The pup must associate his name with happy events like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and such. If this happens he will come willingly whenever you call out his name. You can get treats from any Online Pet Store

Bond using the pup and both of you will take pleasure in your lessons. The pup must appear forward to spending time with you and not avoid you by running away or hiding. Make sure to socialize the pup early. Socialization is one of the most important lessons. The pup must understand to be about other animals, folks, sounds, vehicles, along with other activities. So, slowly introduce the pup when he is little to everyday activities and sounds. Take him to the mall/ park, introduce him to kids along with other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum and garden hose.

As a pet owner it is possible to decide on to train the dog yourself or register at a skilled training school. Training a dog has numerous stages: kindergarten, obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, also as other aspects like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so on. What level you decide on to train depends upon you also as the learning abilities of your dog. As you know, distinct dogs like humans have varied talents. Select well and both you and your pup will have fun times together.

Chow Chow History and origin:

The Chow Chow is a member of the Spitz family that is known for over 2000 years.  This Chinese breed was once used for guarding and hunting.  His thick coat protected him in harsh weather and, unfortunately, provided clothing for the infamous Mongols, who also reportedly used the dog for food.

Description:
The Chow Chow stands 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds.  He is a powerful dog with a short, broad muzzle.  The coat may be rough or smooth.  Through coat is dense, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat; he sheds profusely, particularly in early summer and needs daily brushing.  The smooth coat is shorter and less dense, but sheds just as much.  The color may be red, blue, black, fawn, or cream.

About the Chow Chow:

The Chow Chow is a beautiful dog who tends to be very loyal to only one or two people.  Intelligent and intensely stubborn, the Chow is highly resistant to training, particularly when learning the “Down” command.  Proud and moody, this dog likes to take the lead and have his own way.  He does not like to be touched on the head, legs, or feet, even by his owner, and can be very difficult to groom.  The Chow is extremely aloof with strangers and can be vicious, even to family members.  He will not tolerate lots of people coming and going and prefers a consistent, predictable environment.  He can be very dog-aggressive and has a high prey drive toward small animals.  The Chow may bite a stranger who reaches out to pet him.  Training must begin early and must be firm and persistent.  This breed despises the very idea of submitting to anyone and may attempt to bite even his owner if so inclined. Socialization is crucial and will be the cornerstone of successful ownership of a Chow.  Spoiling this breed will create a bossy, dangerous animal.  As a Chow owner you will very likely have to deal with challenges to your authority, and you will probably face some aggression problems with this breed, no matter how effective a leader you are.  The Chow needs regular exercise each day to stay fit.  He is susceptible to hip dysplasia, entropion (a curling in of the eyelids), and skin disorders, and he does not do well in warm climates.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1-1 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Ideal home:
This breed is not suitable to live in an apartment.  A house with a well built-in fence and secluded yard is essential.  If you lead a predictable, quiet life, an owner with strong leadership skills, and prefers an aloof, protective, serious dog, then this might be your breed.  Chows are not advisable for those who have children.  The elderly and the disabled may not be able to establish dominance with a Chow and should consider another breed.  There should be no other small animals in the home with a Chow.  Spoilers may create a dominant, dangerous animal that bites.  Time to train and socialize the Chow Chow must be made available.

History of The Chesapeake Bay Retriever:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is of the British origin and was perfected in 19th century Maryland.  This breed filled the need for a dog that could retrieve ducks all day in the cold, turbulent waters of the Chesapeake Bay.  His greater size and strength gave him an edge over the Labrador Retriever.

Description:
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever stands approximately 21 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 90 pounds.  He has a powerful medium- to large-boned structure.  His shedding, water-resistant wavy coat, which is relatively short and easy to maintain, does an excellent job of insulating the dog against cold water.  Regular brushing should keep the coat in good condition.  The color may be brown or tan.

About The Chesapeake Bay Retriever:

This is an intelligent, hardy breed who is an excellent retriever and devoted to his owner.  He is a big, strong dog with great courage and stamina.  He is also an extremely dominant, obstinate dog that requires a strong, no-nonsense leadership.  He is very stubborn and territorial and can be dog-aggressive.  Chesapeakes are not recommended for families with young children because of their physical, controlling demeanor.  They are very suspicious of strangers and are excellent watchdogs.  The owner of a Chessie should start obedience training and socialization as early as possible.  Those who wish to avoid some of the breed’s inherent dominant aggressive behavior would do well choosing a female.  They can suffer from hip dysplasia and bloat.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.

Ideal home:
The owner of this breed must be a strong, consistent leader from day one. These dogs will quickly fill any lack of leadership, and a spoiling, nurturing owner may be overwhelmed by the time the dog is six months old.  This is not a dog for the elderly or the disabled.  Chessies quickly perceive physical weakness or lack of confidence in an owner and will soon take over.  A house with a fenced yard is mandatory.  If left alone too long, this breed may bark excessively and be very destructive.  Obedience training and socialization with people and dogs should start from the time the puppy arrives home.  If you want a good watchdog that will be affectionate, intelligent, and athletic, and if you have great leadership skills and time to socialize the dog, then you may wish to consider the  Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Borzoi History and origin:

Once known as Russian Wolfhounds, this Russian sight hound was developed by crossing the extinct Lapp sled dog with the Collie.  The Borzoi was used as coursing hounds to chase rabbits, foxes, and wolves in packs.  His speed, agility, and strength allowed him to range far ahead of the mounted hunter, acquire the prey by sight, run it down, and hold it at bay until the hunter arrived. The first Borzoi was brought to the U.S. from England in 1889.

Description:
The Borzoi stands 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 100 pounds.  He has a lean, leggy, athletic body and a long, silky, shedding coat that requires medium maintenance.  The coat is usually white with black, tan, or lemon markings.  It was developed to protect the breed from the cruel Russian winter.

About the Borzoi:

This breed was once a favorite among the Russian aristocrats and admired by the Russian czar’s court.  He has the beauty, elegance, carriage, and personality to match his regal heritage. The Borzoi is fast, agile, aloof, and very clean.  He is faithful to his owners but cautious with strangers.  He is normally intolerant of unpredictable young children and may bite without warning.  The Borzoi needs early training and socialization. The training should not be overbearing because this breed processes information slowly and will shut down if pushed.  Patience and consistency are important.  The “Sit” command is difficult to teach because of the Borzoi’s bony, lanky structure and lack of body padding.  The “Come” command is crucial and must be perfected because his great speed enables him to disappear from sight in seconds.  The Borzoi has a high prey drive and will seize and kill small animals before his owner can react.  He can also be very dog-aggressive.  Similar to all sight hounds, the Borzoi must often be allowed time to be by himself.  Do not expect him to be as affectionate as a Golden Retriever.  Owners who are used to the mind-set of cats will appreciate this breed, though it would be a mistake to own a cat along with a Borzoi.  He needs a bed or a thick blanket to lie on because he does not have much muscle or fat on his body and can get pressure sores if his sleeping area is not cushioned properly.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of branded meaty with biscuit added in same amount or 5 cupfuls of complete dry food.

Ideal home:
The Borzoi is not suitable to live in an apartment, although he can adapt to one  as long as he is getting plenty of space and exercise.  A quiet environment free of unpredictable events and young children is preferred.  Small animals may pose a problem due to this breed’s high prey drive.  He needs to run, and activity that is possible only if you have properly trained him to come when called and if you have socialized him among other dogs and people.  Borzoi owners should be calm, easygoing leaders who do not necessarily want a dog that is too affectionate.  Nervous, hyperactive, and pampering types should avoid this breed.  The elderly and disabled may have trouble training and exercising this breed.  A Borzoi should not be left alone in a yard because can easily jump a six-foot fence.

Bloodhound History and origin:

This scent hound is an old breed, dating back to Roman times.  He is said to have been brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066.  This dog has the most powerful sense of smell of all the breeds.  In the United States, he has been used as a tracker of fugitives and lost individuals.

Description:
The Bloodhound stands 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 90 and 110 pounds.  This is a large, powerful animal with great stamina and drive. The shedding coat is short and requires regular brushing with a hound glove to keep it in good condition.  The color may be black-and-tan, red-and-tan, or all tan.  Bloodhounds have loose, wrinkled skin and long ears.

About the Bloodhound:

The Bloodhound is known to be the best tracker of all the scent hounds.  He is excellent at picking up a scent and following it relentlessly until the prey is located, but he does not kill it.  This breed is a highly specialized dog specifically designed to perform a single task: tracking.  Breeders have created not only a dog with the best nose in the business but also a dog with a relentless, determined mind-set.  The Bloodhound will follow a scent forever and ignore everything else, including you.  Choosing a Bloodhound for a family pet would be like using a bulldozer to drive to the corner store.   More than any other breed, the Bloodhound needs to perform the task for which he was bred.  Although most of them have a very good temperament, there have been few cases of very aggressive Bloodhounds.  The relentless, determined, non-thinking mind-set that is so effective in tracking can be transformed into aggressive behavior as well.  When a Bloodhound becomes aggressive, he is almost impossible to stop.  Keep in mind that this is a very big dog.  The Bloodhound needs obedience training and socialization early in life.  He is stubborn and is easily distracted by scents that you cannot perceive.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for the Bloodhound is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.

Ideal home:
This breed will be suitable for hunters, trackers, police departments, and search and rescue teams and is not really recommended as a family pet.  He can be intolerant of children and may bite if teased or provoked.  However, if you choose to have this breed as a family  pet, he needs to live in the country and requires a fenced yard or kennel.  The owner must be a strong, no nonsense leader and must use this breed to do the work he was bred for.  Keep in mind the Bloodhound needs plenty of exercise to keep him happy and healthy.