Barking Dogs
Abistop is a French invention, this is a remarkable application of
Chemosensory research of the common problem of dog barking.
It works by emitting a small volumn of citronella under the dog's
head, triggered automatically by the dogs barking. Brief exposure to
cintronella immediately distracts dogs, yet does not cause distress
and even smells pleasant to humans. If owners want their dogs to bark
like a guard dog then they should remove the Abistop and he will
return to his former ways. This product is highly effective and is
sold by most vets.
Grooming
Grooming is an intensely social activity amongst wild dogs, where
ethologists refer to it as allogrooming or mutual licking. All social
animals do it: primates engage in intense bouts of hair care and flea
picking and horses love to nibble one another's manes and backs.
Grooming is, therefore, an important behavioral activity of man with
his dog, and in return, dogs like to groom us by licking our hands and
exposed skin.
I recommend the Zoom Groom which in my opinion provides the ultimate
massage and grooming experience pure please for pet and person alike.
The Zoom Groom has rubber fingers that reach through thick or matted
hair to the underlying skin and gently pluck out dead hair and dirt.
The Zoom Groom is a must, it is sold in most
pet shops and many vets
are now stocking them.
Head Shaking
I have found that many dogs that are of dominant nature are inclined
to shake their heads when they first start in training classes. Of
course one must keep in mind that all leash work is attached to a
collar, which is fitted. A short pull and loose on the leash reminds
the dog of being corrected by another dog. He does not like being
corrected and the head shaking is an attempt to throw off your
authority. Keep in mind that if anyone was to attempt correcting a
dominant dog he could well end up correcting the owner by biting, or
as some owners 'kindly' refer play biting.
Whispering Commands
Over the years I have noticed that many owners are inclined to shout
commands at their dogs. How often do I hear 'Sit' 'Siiit' 'Siiiiiiit'
and the dog does not sit. It is obviously not because the dog cannot
hear. Most owners do not realize that they have taught their dogs not
to listen to a command. Repeating a command teaches a dog to wait for
more commands.
Young Dogs in kennels
I strongly recommend that all young dogs be put into kennels as soon
as possible even if it is for a day whilst you go shopping. Think
about this from the dogs point of view. He is happy at home with his
family pack when suddenly one day he is taken to a kennel, left, and
locked up.
How often do I hear that a kennel has starved a dog, well this is not
true. Kennels normally have a strict feeding routine and are most
unlikely to offer you're a dog a 'Menu' The dog will pine and loose
weight.
Dogs that are trained from a young age to separate from the family for
a few hours get used to kennels and the kennels get used to the dog.
Often we have visitors to our homes. The dog must get irritated might
it not be an idea to put him into a local kennel for the day? I know
many dogs that look forward to going to kennels.
If dogs are not trained at a young age for kennels they could well
suffer stress. Often stress is shown with a dull coat and often
kennels incorrectly get blamed for not looking after dogs.
My favorite saying about kennels.
Look before you book.
By David the Dogman
