How to Stop Your Dog Digging Problem

How to Stop Your Dog Digging Problem

Dog Digging Problems--Learn Some Easy Solutions
Having a dog is wonderful. It can provide hours of fun and enjoyment; however, when your dog starts tearing up your landscape, frustration often sets in and sometimes damages that wonderful relationship.
If you have been around dogs for very long, you know one of the activities they enjoy is digging. Dogs are great diggers, but unless you have a designated area, and you have trained your dog to only dig in that certain area, they can tear up a nicely manicured yard quickly. One of the big dog digging problems is digging under fences to escape. If you have a problem with a digging dog, read on for a few tips that can help.
Take Them for a Walk
One reason dogs dig is because they are bored or lonely. If your dog starts to exhibit the desire to dig, take him for a walk. Even a short walk can take their mind off the desire to dig. Be careful; however, not to walk your dog if you catch him in the act of digging. Walking him to replace digging could reinforce his desire to dig by seeming like a reward for digging.
If you catch your dog digging, discourage the behavior with a voice command or another predetermined training technique. After the dog has stopped, remove them from the digging spot and try to gain their attention through a different activity. After some time has passed, you may then take your dog for a walk. Always try to discourage negative behavior and encourage positive behavior through reinforcement of good behavior.
Give Them a Toy
Another successful technique to stop your pet from digging is to provide them with a toy. As previously mentioned, one reason for digging is boredom. The more entertained your dog is the less of a tendency they have to dig. You can find a lot of all-purpose toys to purchase from your local store, or you can purchase toys specifically created for dogs from on-line specialty pet stores.
Whatever you decide to do, consider another tip which is to occasionally vary the toys your dog plays with. Purchase a new toy for your dog every month or so or just have a few toys you rotate around so your dog does not get bored of the same old toy. Providing new and interesting entertainment is a great way to help your dog keep his mind off the desire to dig.
Provide Then With Training
If these simple techniques do not work, you are going to have to bring out the big guns-you are going to have to actually spend the time it takes to train your dog not to dig. You can either do this yourself, or you can hire a dog trainer. Either method will require a cost. If you choose to train the dog yourself, you will need to learn specific dog training methods and take the time to consistently apply those methods to train your dog.
The most effective methods of training your pet involve positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement techniques as they are generally not as effective and can create tension or even cause injury to your pet. The cost involved with training your dog yourself is the required time and consistency it will take to complete the task. Be aware that consistency is one of the most important parts of a training program, and it will take time.
The other option in training your dog is to hire a dog trainer. This method of training will of-course cost you monetarily instead of costing you time. Fortunately, there are a lot of excellent professionals who train dogs for a living. If you have a dog you feel needs the professional touch, or even if you have tried yourself and now need help, the choice of a professional dog trainer is a good option.
When looking for a professional trainer, spend the time to get referrals and take the time to interview each candidate. You will want to make sure you hire a competent, dog-friendly trainer to work with your dog. Also make sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement as the foundation of their training program.
Choose a Method and Be Consistent
Having a dog that consistently digs in the yard can be stressful and lead to unhealthy situations for your dog if it is a behavior you wish to discourage. Sometimes digging problems can be solved easily by consistently walking your dog or providing interesting toys for it to play with. Other times, perhaps in more entrenched cases, you may need to hire a professional trainer to help. You may try all or just a few of these techniques, but as you provide the encouragement for your dog to stop the behavior of digging, you will create a happier, healthier environment for you and your dog.
Thomas Toleman is a writer who specializes in sports and pets. He has been a pet owner all his life and helps train pets with behavior problems. You can check out his latest website at Dog Training, where he provides suggestions to commons problems like, Dog Potty Training, Leash Training a Dog Training, and more.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7190434



Pet Meds that Could Make Life Easier for your Furry Friends

Pet Meds that Could Make Life Easier for your Furry Friends

 by: Jake Parkhurst

Having an animal in your life can be a remarkably rewarding experience. When you take a dog or a cat into your home you are giving them a chance at a bright and loving future. But of course, you will get a lot out of this relationship as well. 
There is nothing like walking in your front door and being greeted by a happy, slobbering puppy. Few things are more comforting than sitting on the couch and having your cat quietly crawl up into your lap.


But caring for an animal is a lot of hard work as well. Not only do you have to make sure that they are eating right, exercising and getting a lot of love and affection, but you have to do everything in your power to heal them when they are sick.

Animals get sick just like people do, but the problem is they can’t tell you their symptoms. That is why it is important to take your dog or cat straight to the vet whenever anything seems out of the ordinary. Here are a few pet medications that you might encounter the next time your special friend is feeling under the weather.

Novox (carpofen) Caplets

There are several different occasions when your veterinarian might prescribe your dog Novox caplets. For one, they might help to reduce pain after your dog has had orthopedic or soft tissue surgery. More commonly, however, your vet will recommend Novox for dogs that suffer from osteoarthritis.

Arthritis in dogs is becoming almost as common as it is in humans. Part of this is due to over-breeding, but the main reason is that because of advances in veterinary technology, dogs are simply living to an older age these days. This medication will help to reduce inflammation in the joints and can also help to reduce pain.

In many instances, your vet will recommend a glucosamine product in addition to anti-inflammatory medicine. The Novox will help to reduce pain at the moment, but the glucosamine will help prevent it from getting worse.

Cosequin Soft Chews

Human beings will often use a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to help maintain full functionality in their joints. Veterinarians have now developed similar supplements designed specifically for dogs.

Cosequin is administered to provide cartilage support to pets who suffer from arthritis. Even if your dog doesn’t have arthritis, you can talk to your vet and see if a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement like Cosequin can help to prevent it from developing in the future.

Cosequin is convenient because you can administer the chewable tablet with food. The best way to get your pet to swallow it is to wrap it up in a piece of cheese and pretend you are giving them a special treat. Just make sure they swallow the medicine and don’t just eat the good stuff and spit out the pill.

Amitriptyline Tablets

It can be frightening when your cat starts exhibiting erratic behavior. Grooming is normal, but sometimes cats do it so excessively that they can hurt themselves. Other times you might catch them spraying urine around the house. And sometimes you can just tell that they are going through separation anxiety every time you walk out the door.

Cats go through mental problems just like human beings do. Amitriptyline is a drug that can treat many of these behavioral problems in your cat. Not only can it help to curb behavior issues, but your vet may also prescribe it to reduce chronic pain from a nerve injury or to treat inflammation from a urinary tract infection. As with any medication regiment, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to see if these tablets are right for your cat.

Gabapentin Capsules and Tablets

The first time you see your pet go through a seizure can be a frightening experience. Living with an epileptic pet can also make you nervous all the time. What if you are at the dog park and your pup suffers a seizure? Will it freak out the other dogs and lead them to attack your pet?

Gabapentin is a medication that is designed to help control seizures in cats or dogs. Sometimes your vet may also prescribe this drug to reduce chronic pain from a recent surgery or due to arthritis. For seizure control, your vet will normally recommend that you administer the drug three times every day. However, if you are only using it for a pain reducer, then you might only have to give it to your dog or cat once or twice a day.

The responsibilities that come with having a pet are well worth the rewards. When you do everything in your power to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy, they will be sure to repay you with unconditional love for years to come.

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.vetrxdirect.com


Does Your Family Really Want a Dog?


Does Your Family Really Want a Dog?
 by: Brigitte Synesael

Look at that adorable little face! Can anything warm your heart as quickly and completely as the tiny soft body of a puppy... any puppy? Their little bodies nuzzle right up to you. Their little eyes melt your heart in a second. Who doesn't want a puppy? How wonderful they are; unconditional love, unlimited cuteness, too adorable for words.


This article was not intended to discourage you, but rather to help you prepare for this new addition and make sure this is the right decision for your family. There are several things to consider as your family discusses the possibility of getting a puppy.

1. The first thing is that every puppy becomes a dog within 1-2 years depending on the breed. You'll have up to 2 years of puppydom and up to another 13 or so years of adult dog. So don't think about how a puppy will affect the family. Think about how a DOG will affect the family; a much bigger, not quite so cute, likely not well-trained dog. So before you go looking for a puppy, spend some time with adult dogs of the breed you've chosen and see if you're still interested.

2. The second thing to consider is the expense of having a dog. Costs will vary depending on the size, the breed, and the health of the dog. There's the initial cost of your new pet. A truly responsible dog owner will NOT support puppy mills. Watch for future articles about puppy mills. It suffices to say that puppy mills exist only because people buy the puppies. No customers, no business, no more torturing and abusing dogs. So you'll either get your puppy from a reliable breeder or from a rescue shelter. There will be a cost associated regardless of which you choose. Most rescue shelters charge approximately $500 regardless of the breed. Rescue shelters are non-profit. This fee pays for food and vet bills to spay or neuter our furry friends. Occasionally dogs require surgery or other medical attention. You can see that this figure is by no means an absolute. The purchase price from a breeder will vary depending on the breed of dog and the breeder.

So many of the costs are dependent on the decisions you make. Will you use a dog crate for house training or when no one is home? What sources will you use for training; books, videos, training lessons, a combination of all three? Will you provide your pet with just a bowl on the floor or a water fountain which constantly circulates the water ensuring your dog has fresh water at all times. You could spend up to $2,000 in your first year for basic essentials; licence, collar, dog walking leash (perhaps a couple of different kinds), water bowl, food bowl, food, toys, dog bed, grooming equipment, dog crate, gates and fences for the yard, vet bills (puppies need check-ups, dental checks and vaccinations just like your children did), flea treatments, heart worm medication, some dogs require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, any behaviour training supplies.

After the first year, depending on your dogs' health, you can expect to spend between $500 and $2,500 each year for basic maintenance; again this amount has a lot to do with the breed of dog you've chosen. This does not include additional carpet/furniture cleaning as a result of inevitable pet "accidents". There is also the cost of replacing "doggie chewed" items like children's toys, nic nacs, shoes, wallets, purses, pillows, bedding, and other items your dog naughtily entertained him/herself with. This also does not include medical emergencies like your dog eating chocolate, or aspirins, or other poisonous items, or any accidental injuries that may occur.

3. Next, examine your lifestyle. Dogs are incredibly social animals. Your dog, just like your children, will require large amounts of quality time. (No wonder people get their pets confused with their children. There are so many similarities.) It's irresponsible to bring a dog into your family and then leave him/her alone for 10 hours every day. Think about how many hours will your pooch be left alone each day? Remember to include after school or work activities like baseball, soccer, hockey, karate, ballet, tennis, overtime work hours, etc. in your "away" time.

How many people are in the family? What age are your children? Toddlers or smaller children may not be a good combination with a larger, more aggressive dog.

Puppies have little bladders and need to go out about every 1 to 2 hours; adult dogs at least 3 times a day. That's just a "potty" out.

Your dog will also need exercise. All dogs need exercise! Think in terms of 30 to 60 minutes each day for all dogs. Beyond that you need to take your specific pet into consideration for additional exercise needs. Ignoring this means that your dog will be bored and may start behaving badly. How much more exercise depends on the breed. Border Collies, Jack Russells, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Irish Setters, and Huskies, typically herding dogs to name a few require at least an hour of vigorous exercise at least twice each day.

Many dogs require mental stimulation in addition to the physical. This is playtime and training time and it's equally important as physical exercise. Time... time... time. If you can't commit to this for your dog, you will want to consider a breed that is less demanding. Shih Tzus, Pugs, Poodles, Basset Hounds, and Beagles require much less of an exercise commitment. Will your children be able to help you walk the dog each day? Will they be able to handle a large dog or perhaps a smaller dog would be more suited to your family? Or perhaps this isn't the right time for a dog.

I cannot impress upon you enough how important it is to seriously consider these points before making a decision. Think of this as important a decision as having a baby. You can't "try it out and see if it works". If it doesn't "oh well" and do away with it. It's not fair to you or your family, and it's not fair to the dog. Perhaps you're reading this and logically thinking "She's right. I don't have the time, or the money." But still your heart is yearning for a dog. There is a solution. Offer to babysit someone else's dog while they go away on vacation. If that works out well, try fostering a dog. Fostering means that you will care for a "rescued" dog until a forever home can be found. Because this is a temporary situation, once your "charge" is placed, you can choose not to take any more, if you decide that having a dog is not the right thing for your family. This is a great way to "test the waters"; to see if your family is truly ready for the responsibility of having a dog. You'll learn a lot about training and how to deal with dogs and at the same time you are offering a tremendous service to our wonderful canine companions.

Remember to hug your dog today.

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.fabulouspetsupplies.com


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