Dog Socialization at the Beach Today

My wife and I own two Rat Terriers - Zoe (4yrs) & Jasper (3yrs), and we take them to the beach every weekend to play with other dogs. Today we met Cisco (Rat Terrier/Chihuahua Mix - above) and Bean (Chihuahua). The were accompanied by the great owners - Pete and Mary Alice.

Our dogs (Zoe & Jasper) meet a lot of playmates whether on the beach, at the dog park, or down the street, which assists with any dog socialization barriers that may exist. While on the beach Pete and I got to talking about a previous weight problem with his dog Cisco (above pic) and how he rose to the challenge.

Simply by cutting back on Cisco's food as well as his consumption rate (food intake frequency), Cisco was able to shed dogie pounds rather quickly. Cisco was crossing the 20lb mark when Pete put his foot down in the name of Cisco's health. Cisco is now well below 20lbs and as healthy as can be according to Pete. Pete did reveal a little secret about his success which was small amounts of fresh beef to speed up his dogie metabolism.

But Cisco wasn't the only pup that wa soaking up the warm weather today on the beach. No no. We also met Bean (aka Beany-Baby), a resuce Chihuahua that has been part of Pete an Mary Alice's family for only one month. Beany, Cisco, Zoe and Jasper, were in dogie heaven today playing on that beach and we counldn't be happy. I want to thank Pete and Mary Alice for their perrmission and their company today. Happy trails dog lovers.

Dog Socialization Growth - How to Overcome Socialization Boundaries

Taking a look at this very important aspect of of dog training and dog obedience, dog socialization is priority to achieving health growth in you dog - mentally. It is real simple - start young.

Dog socialization is a practice that is started between 5 months old and beyond. Taking your dog to the beach or your local dog park is the only way your dog will ever learn - experience. When introducing dog socialization to your puppy or new rescued dog, at first many dogs become territorial or curious at the least.

Other dogs may be a little aggressive or even shy. Constant dog socialization overcomes these minor hiccups in your dog's training practices. Taking your dog 1-3 times a week along with consistant regular exercise should do the trick. Happy trails.

Exercise Your Dog - Burning Off Pent-Up Energy

This is an important one folks. OK - assuming you work everyday like the rest of us poor shleps, it is safe to say your dog or dogs are couped up in the house until quitting time. That being said, it is very important for your dog's health - mentally and physically, to be exercised at least twice a day minimum. And I'm not talking about walking down to the end of the block and back, I'm talking exercised like running a dog 1/2 mile or so to burn off all of the pent-up energy s/he accumulates all day.

I know what your thinking - oh great he wants me to work all day and come home and run 1/2 mile. Yes! Exactly and you don't necessarily have to run. I was thinking more along the lines of riding a bike or rollerblading while running you dog(s). This will definitely do the trick. In addition, I sure getting a little exercise yourself won't kill you either but let's stick to dogs for now.

Once the pent-up energy is burnt off a dog becomes more trainable due to the fact that they are no longer distracted by pent-up energy. Pretty simple concept, right? You'll notice a dog pulls fiercely on their leash at the beginning of the walk and if you burn some energy during that time, notice the pulling is must less on your way home. That big uncoachable doggie barrier is now down which allows the dog to absorb your calm, assertive commands. Notice how I said clam and assertive. Yelling does not work on so many levels. So remember, in addition to committing to at least a 1/2 mile a day with your four legged friends, also remember to remain calm and assertive at all times.

What is Clicker Dog Training? How Does it Work?

Quite simply clicker dog training is the most humane and effective way we know how to shape any new behavior in our dogs and extinguish any existing behavior problems.

Clicker dog training utilizes proven behavioral science methodology to clearly communicate and interact with our dogs. We now have a greater understanding of how animals (including our dogs!) think and learn - clicker training is the practical application of this knowledge in real life everyday situations.

Clicker dog training is a positive, reward based dog training method which relies on co-operation, consistency, repetition and positive reinforcement. Clicker training is free from any violence or harsh corrections. The best thing about clicker training are the results you and your dog will achieve - plus you'll have a heap of fun in the process.

Dog Treadmills? What's the Deal? Are They Worth It?

You're a dog owner, you find yourself to busy to excercise yourself, let alone your dog. Right? Unfortunately, you know your pet is suffering, because you just don't have the time to exercise him/her the way they deserve or require.

Your dog is often cooped up in the house for days without getting out for a good run in due to your schedule. You know he needs exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, but you're confused about how to give him what s/he needs. This would be a good time to buy your dog treadmill which will give him the exercise he should be getting.

You aren't alone in this problem. A majority of dogs today aren't getting the exercise they need. Since dogs were basically bred to be working animals who toiled along side of their owners, this sedentary lifestyle is taking a toll of their well-being. If you've noticed your dog has developed some inappropriate behaviors, such as pooping on the floor or excessive barking, it could be because he has so much pent up energy inside him that it's manifesting itself the wrong ways. Providing your dog with a treadmill will give him a chance to get in the cardiovascular exercise he needs. There are some questions you need to consider before buying a treadmill for your dog:

1) Would your dog benefit more from a dog-powered treadmill or a motorized one? A dog-powered treadmill will give your dog more control of his exercise routine. A motorized treadmill, on the other hand, gives you more control of the speed at which he's moving.

2) How large of a treadmill does your dog need? If the treadmill isn't large enough, he's not going to be able to get the benefits he'll get from a larger one.

3) What is the incline of the treadmill? Some treadmills aren't made with enough incline, so do some research prior to going out to buy one for your dog.

4) Do you really need all the gadgets that are attached to it? All the little extras some treadmills have might seem nice, but they will substantially add to the cost. Are they really necessary?

Dog treadmills are made to fit into any environment, including the smallest apartments, so lack of space is no excuse for not providing your dog with the proper exercise. Start looking for the right treadmill today, and soon you'll see your dog become a much happier, more energetic pet.

For more information on top treadmill ratings including effective treadmill exercises visit http://www.toptreadmillratings.com

Rat Terriers

The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a rich and varied background as an all-around farm dog. Traditionally more of a type than a breed they share much ancestry with the tough little mixed breed dogs known as 'feists.' Several private associations have maintained Rat Terriers registries for some decades, but more recently there have been movements to obtain breed recognition by the major canine organizations.


Common throughout America on family farms in the 1920s and 30s, they are generally considered a rare breed[1]. Today's Rat Terrier is a handsome, intelligent, active little dog that is equally cherished as a farm helper and as a family pet.


The Rat Terrier ranges from about 10 to 25 pounds and stands 13 to 18 inches at the shoulder. The miniature size (13 inches and under as defined by the UKC) is becoming increasingly popular as a house pet and companion dog. A larger strain, often in excess of 25 pounds, has been developed.


These Deckers or Decker Giants were named after a breeder named Milton Decker to create a larger hunting companion and are recognized by the National Rat Terrier Association (NRTA, see Breed recognition below). The NRTA recognizes a Toy Variety weighing 10 pounds or less, and continues to classify the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier as the Type B Rat Terrier. In any event the Toy and Miniature Rat Terriers display the same hardiness, prey drive, and stamina as their standard sized counterparts.


Although often mistaken for a Jacl Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a different profile and a very different temperament. Rat Terriers are finer of bone and have a more refined head. They always have a short single coat, i.e. they are never wire coated. Rat Terriers tend to be less aggressive than Jack Russells; while they have a definite terrier personality they also have an "off switch" and love lounging on the sofa in a lap as much as tearing about the yard.

Rat Terriers are normally cheerful dogs but they tend to be more sensitive and at times calmer than Jack Russells to changes in their environment, owner's moods, or to unexpected noises, people, and activities.


The "social sensitivity" of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Proper socialization of a rat terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first 3 months of life. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise.

In the 1970s, a hairless mutation appeared in a single Rat Terrier bitch, and was propagated into a strain of the Rat Terrier. After a period of development by crossing to coated dogs, the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the American Hairless Terrier as a separate breed in 2004.

Source of Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_Terrier

Golden Retriever Dogs | Their Ancestry

Golden retrievers became increasingly popular in Britain in the 1800s with the growth of the sport of bird hunting. Golden Retrievers were considered the elite of the sporting breeds, as they were so versatile and could be used for waterfowl and upland game.

There were many crosses of breeds used during this time, and there is no doubt that several retrievers very Golden like in appearance existed prior to the actual development of the Golden as we know him today.

It is Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later Lord Tweedmouth, who is credited with the actual creation of the Golden Retriever due to his breeding program in Scotland in the mid to late 1800s.

All modern day Goldens can trace their origins to Lord Tweedmouth's breedings. Lord Tweedmouth acquired a young male yellow Wavy (Flat) Coated Retriever in 1866. The yellow color is recessive, and to this day occurs occasionally in the Flat Coated Retriever breed.

Existing photos of this dog, which was names Nous, show a large, wavy coated dog that looked very much like a Golden Retriever. Also acquired was a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch names Belle, a member of another popular hunting breed of the region.

These dogs were known for their swimming ability, superior intelligence and wonderful temperaments. They were medium in size, liver colored (any shade of yellow to brown) and had a tightly curled coat with very little feathering.

When one considers that all retriever breeds share a similar genetic base, and that the major difference in the Golden's development from the others is the Tweed Water Spaniel, it is understandable how some of the traits that make the Golden unique from other retriever breeds are derived.

The Golden Retriever's ancestry includes a long history as a hunting dog and therefore makes him great outdoor company.

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Training Your Aggressive Chihuahua with Ceasar Milan

How to Stop Your Dog from Barking

Barking is normal for all dogs, but what happens when your dog barks non-stop day and night causing frustration to you and to your neighbors? If this is the case, there is no reason to despair.

There are some simple ways you can use to control excessive barking.

Top 5 tips to stop your dog from barking:

1) Don't try to stop barking altogether: She barks because she wants to communicate with the world, so you can't really expect her to be completely silent all the time. Sometimes dogs perceive someone or something as a potential danger, some other times the cause might be boredom, loneliness or lack of exercise. Also keep in mind that some breeds tend to bark more than others.

2) Use Positive Reinforcement: First create a trigger word to let your dog know that it's time to stop barking. If she obeys, praise her and give her food rewards. If she doesn't, try the technique described below.

3) Ignore your dog: If she doesn't obey your commands to stop barking, simply walk away from her. This way, you will show her that when she acts in such an annoying manner, she is not worthy of your attention. At first she may bark harder, but be persistent and don't look or talk to her. She will soon realize that by displaying this behavior she might lose your attention and your love.

4) Distract her: Many times dogs bark because they are bored or lonely, so do something to entertain her. You can leave the television or the radio on to give her a sense of company and you can also give her an entertaining toy.

5) Don't keep her too confined: Walk your dog everyday and try to exercise her for at least half an hour daily, or else she will become restless and frustrated. You can greatly improve your dog's behavior with proper training.

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Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

You can normally easily recognize the signs of dog separation anxiety even though many people think their dog has just been naughty or is asking for attention after having been left alone. Also it is important to understand that some dogs don´t mind as much while others go completely out of control.

Shelter dogs also have the fame of being dog separation anxiety prone, not because of their genes but because of the possible traumatic experiences they have been through before ending up in the shelter. Once they are taking in by a loving owner and start building trust it will become very hard for them to left home alone.

When buying a puppy in a pet shop be aware to check the age the pup was separated from its mom. Dogs being separated from their mom too early on in life (before being 8 weeks old) and then put in cages like is the case in most pet shops, very easily develop feelings of anxiety and stress later on in life.

The number one reason for your dog to develop anxiety is neglect. Now this might sound harsh but I am referring to the type of neglect like leaving your dog alone for longer periods of time without having him prepared properly for you absence. Your dog needs a lot of attention, love and company to become a happy and content pet.

Some signs are dogs becoming nervous the moment you are leaving the house (or even as soon as they notice you are preparing to go) and in the extreme cases your dog will completely trash your house while you are away.

Solving your dog´s problem in the case of separation anxiety can be complicated and it will take time for your dog to understand nothing is going to happen and that he will be okay when being left alone. But with the proper training methods, big improvement can be achieved.

Finding a dog behavior training system that gave me the tools I could start building up the confidence of my dog which turned out to be the solution to dog separation anxiety.

Learn the secrets to dog training and you will be amazed to find there is a lot you can do to solve your dogs separation anxiety and many other dog behavior problems. Pick up a FREE copy of this dog training course and you are well on your way to solving your dog´s problems.