Children and Canines Understanding the Basics of How They Interact

•Understanding the Reasons Your Canine Barks
The family dog has only a few ways of communication his intentions or ideas. Aside from whining, howling, and growling, he can bark. The problem is, your pooch's barking as a means of expressing himself can leave you, your family, and your neighbors, feeling rattled. If he does it excessively, it can quickly become a problem. Despite the annoyance of excessive barking, most of us want our canines to warn us of intruders or imminent danger. The challenge is to find a balance. Below, we'll take...

•4 Common Fallacies About Training Dogs
There are thousands of professional trainers and each has his or her own ideas regarding the most effective approach to use with canines. For owners who wish to train their pooches at home, the disparate opinions often make the task confusing. Making matters worse, many dog-centric websites offer training tips that are inconsistent and occasionally, poorly-thought; they often do more harm than good. Because this conflicting information is easily available to owners, a number of fallacies have...

•Curbing Your Canine s Dominance Aggression
Dogs are pack animals by nature. They are most comfortable when they know their place within the hierarchy of their pack. Occasionally, they'll become assertive to establish their place if there is any question regarding their authority. This dynamic sometimes occurs within their owner's home, which is a sign of dominance aggression. Below, we'll take a closer look at this potentially dangerous behavioral problem so you'll have a better understanding regarding how to address it. You'll learn...

•The Dog Owner s Quick Guide to the Most Common Behavioral Challenges
If you own a dog, there's a good chance you have noticed at least one behavioral problem. Most canines at some point in their lives develop tendencies and habits their owners find annoying. From digging and indoor urine marking to nipping, chewing, and jumping on the furniture, there are effective ways to modify these behaviors. But it requires knowing why your pooch is doing these and other things in the first place. This article will provide an overview of the most common bad habits dogs...

•Top 4 Reasons Dog Owners Abandon Their Canines
Dogs make ideal companions. They're loyal, and will remain so throughout their lives, protecting you, your family, and your home. This is one of the reasons it is heartbreaking when owners make the decision to abandon their pets. In some cases, they'll leave them with animal shelters, consigning them to the possibility of being euthanized. In other cases, owners simply desert their pets, forcing them to find food and shelter on their own. This can lead to a fate even worse than...

•Several Behavioral Issues That Appear With Older Dogs
Most owners realize that puppies will display tendencies that will need to be modified or curbed down the road. That's the purpose of training, whether it's related to housebreaking, socialization, or crating. Older canines can also manifest behavioral issues, a development that is both surprising and frustrating for millions of owners. It's unknown why some senior dogs, including those who have never shown behavior problems in the past, suddenly develop them in their twilight years. Below,...

•The Fundamentals of Caring For Your Canine
The friendship you share with your dog is mutually beneficial. He offers his loyalty, company, and even protection against intruders or other would-be assailants. But he needs you to provide several things for him in order that he remains healthy and happy. Food and water are a given. So, too, is exercise. But he also needs periodic trips to his veterinarian, ID tags, and professional training. These are a few of the things your pooch requires from you. This article will provide the basics of...

•How to Select the Right Crate For Your Pooch
Most people who adopt a new puppy are aware of the benefits of crating. Canines are as much den animals as they are pack animals. They are instinctively comfortable within the confines of a small space if they perceive that space as their home. This is the reason many dogs will retreat to their crates on their own; they consider it a sanctuary away from others. It's where they can rest and relax when they are tired or mildly stressed. The key for owners is to choose a crate that will function...

•How to Keep Your Pooch Off Your Furniture
Suppose you own an expensive white couch. It's spotless and appears immaculate, even under close scrutiny. Unfortunately, your dog has developed a habit of resting on your couch whenever he has the opportunity. If he only left his hair behind, a quick vacuuming would solve the problem. But dirt, mud, and other debris threaten to turn your white sofa brown. How can you discourage your pooch from resting on your furniture? It's important to realize that most canines are unaware their behavior is...

•Learning the Fundamentals of Canine Grooming
Your pooch may not need to bathe as frequently as people, but he still needs to maintain his cleanliness and appearance in order to feel good. If you have ever given your dog a bath and watched him prance around eagerly, you'll already know how powerful an effect grooming has on him. Keeping his hair trimmed, nails clipped, and ears clean while making sure he's free from dirt and grime is not only good for his hygiene, but also for his happiness. In this article, we'll introduce you to the...