24 Hours In The Life Of A Dog Trainer

Have you ever wonder what entitles to be a certified dog trainer? What kind of education does it take to become a dog trainer? First and for most, the dog trainer must love pets, otherwise he would not enjoy his task and would be a hard task to have to train dogs day in and day out. Then he would have to take a course to become a certified dog trainer. It would be better if the dog trainer take a course of several months duration and that he or she have spent some time at a veterinarian office or at a dog training facility doing hands on work.

If you own a dog, you are very well aware that you are the center of your dog's life. And chances are that you love your pet dearly, but do you have all the knowledge and time required to train your dog? Training a dog has become a specialist's job. Not only do trainers apply to the pets the latest dog training tips, but they also need to know why the dog is acting or behaving in a particular way.

If you are not too excited about the idea of training your dog or about taking care of your pet training requirements, you should seriously consider hiring a dog trainer. The characteristics you should look in a trainer are patience and commitment to take care of dogs. You also want to be certain that the trainer uses positive reinforcement and not negative reinforcement or punishment to train your dog.

Most people postpone the dog training classes until their pet has developed a behavioral problem or the dog has become hostile and aggresive, or had bitten someone. Don't be like them. Don't wait until is too late. Preventing dog behavioral problems is a major instrument that dog trainers can help you with.

If you have ever seen a dog trainer in action, you probably noticed that as soon as they come into contact with the dog they seem to immediately be in control of the situation, and not the dog. This is a clear indication that this trainer is confident, and probably very knowledgeable about his career.

To effectively train a dog, the trainer must know how the dog's mind and body works. They also need to know how to effectively communicate with the pet. The best time to train your dog is when he is a young pup. Puppy training tends to be easier because dogs are more receptive to learning when they are in the early states of their life.

When you hire a dog trainer, he or she will provide you with multiple training techniques and methods that are tried and proved. You will have to apply these dog training techniques at home in a consistent basis. Don't make the mistake of believing that because you hired a dog trainer, you will not have to work with your dog. The contrary is true, the trainer will teach you how to handle your dog, but you will be responsible of applying these techniques at home.

Make certain that the dog trainer is certified, and you might even ask to see his certification papers. Remember your dog's future and yours even, are in this trainer's hands.

Don't get frustrated if your dog behaves better with the dog trainer that he does with you, this is actually normal. The trainer have more experience handling dogs than you do, and therefore he will come out more dominant toward your dog than you probably will. Just apply the learned dog training techniques properly and you will enjoy a well trained dog for many years to come.

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Questions to Ask a Perspective Dog Trainer

Often when people go looking for trainers they ask a few questions before making their decision. Sometimes the questions asked involve pricing and scheduling and rarely go beyond that. Achieving the appropriate training goals for your dog can be a daunting process; however, if you find the right trainer for you and your dog it should help tremendously. If you and your dog do not feel comfortable with the format or the methodology behind the training then you will not likely to achieve the results you want. Try asking each of the below questions before making your final decision:

Q. What is your training philosophy?

A. Some trainers use positive reinforcement methods with supplements like clickers or other reward methods. Some prefer to study dogs and how they communicate in attempt to understand them and train around the way the dog thinks. Others may use corrective training methods that require some form of correction for unwanted behavior. Effective dog trainers often use a variety of philosophies to achieve the desired results. You should know the methods your trainer will use and be comfortable with them before you consider working with them.

Q. What is your educational or training background?

A. Some dog trainers complete a certification program and are ready to get started while others might have years of practical hands on experience and no certification. Ideally, you would look for someone with classroom and practical experience. Your dog also might need a specific type of training such as agility or herding so you might wish to find someone with a specialty in that particular reference. Do not feel uncomfortable asking for proof or referrals from previous clients. The dog care industry is booming and there are many unqualified people in the industry looking to make a quick buck!

Q. Can I bring my dog in for a free consultation?

A. This serves two purposes. One, it gives you the opportunity to evaluate your potential trainer as he handles your dog. Second, it allows your potential trainer to observe how you interact with your dog and his current level of behavior. If your dog is uncontrollable, aggressive or too timid then the trainer might recommend individual training, rather than placing you and your dog in a group class. If your dog isn't ready for a group class he will not succeed and he will interfere with the success of other dogs. The consultation might also yield some items to practice at home before the group class begins. You can ask all of the scheduling and pricing questions you need to at the consultation if it goes well.

Q. How are classes structured?

A. This goes beyond the dates and times per week, it really refers to the pace of the class and the occupants of said class. Does your trainer group the dogs by age or by skill level? Are there several options to choose from? Is there a socialization period or is the class strictly training? These are important items to consider when selecting a trainer or a class.

Q. Can I come to observe a class?

A. Some people might think that an in person consultation in addition to sitting in on a class might be too much to ask, but most good trainers would be happy to accommodate. There is no better way to find out what a class is about than by observing it. Take notes and ask questions later.

Feel free to add other questions to this list, but please do not limit your decision regarding your dog's training to questions regarding pricing and scheduling. If a dog has a traumatic experience in the initial training process it might be difficult for him to overcome in the future. Find someone who understands your goals for your dog and can match those goals with an action plan to achieve someone. Also remember to have fun during training, but don't be misled by any trainer no matter how fun he seems; training requires work as well.

This article was written by Brian Spilner a provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring: dog training collars and hidden fences.

Therapy Dogs Bring Joy and Comfort

Because dogs are such kind and lovable creatures, they are often used in various type of therapy in order to help those who have met with unfortunate circumstances. A therapy dog can bring great relief to adults and kids alike just by their simple presence and contact. Even if they don't do anything but allow an individual to pet them they can be a great source of comfort.

Therapy dogs are utilized in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, therapy centers, and even taken to disaster areas. The underlying qualification to be a therapy dog relies upon the dog's individual personality and temperament. The dog must be calm, patient, and gentle. They need to enjoy human contact and allow themselves to be petted and hugged by total strangers.These dogs come from many different breeds but golden retrievers are among the most common due to their gentle dispositions.

Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. They have not necessarily been trained to perform any specific function other than to provide comfort. They are not given the same legal rights as service dogs and therefore are not automatically allowed access to places where animals are normally prohibited. Institutions that do allow them in general have requirements and stipulations that must be met before they are allowed entry.

The requirements might include certifications of health and vaccinations from a veterinarian and accreditation from an organization that tests the behavior of therapy dogs. The dogs may have to pass tests that show they can withstand sudden movements and noises and are not spooked by unusual equipment like canes and wheelchairs.

Some nursing homes might have a live-in therapy dog but usually a dog is brought in on a set schedule to visit the residents. The dog may do a few simple tricks for entertainment but his main job is to simply visit with the residents and let them touch him and take joy in his presence.

Oftentimes, therapy dogs and their owners are simply volunteers using their own means and time to bring joy to shut-ins or the disabled. These dogs might even do more than simply brighten someone's day. Companionship with animals has also been linked to decreasing depression, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Working with therapy dogs may also help patients improve their wheelchair maneuverability skills and fine motor skills, they could even help strengthen balance. In addition to helping alleviate depression, therapy dogs help to reduce anxiety and loneliness, increase attention and interaction, and develop an interest in group recreation. They may also help children with developmental disabilities increase vocabulary, and learn more about concepts like size and color.

These dogs have an important place in nursing homes providing companionship for the elderly and in hospitals bringing joy to the sick and injured. They are also an important aspect of treating childhood disabilities like developmental delays, mental disorders, healing from trauma, and autism.

Therapy dogs prove to us just how powerful the bond between mankind and dogs actually is. Dogs can reach us in ways another human cannot and because of that they bring comfort and joy where it is needed most.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top source for small dog carriers online.

Dog Breeding - Joint Problems

Hip problems can affect several different breeds, and they need to be identified early on. You may have thought smaller dogs were immune from hip problems but this is not the case. In fact hip problems can occur in dogs of any breed, and at any time. You cannot be sure if your own dog is suffering from hip problems, but the information in this article should help you to make a determination.

The commonest hip condition is known as hip dysplasia, a term which refers to the malformation or deterioration of the hip joint. The hip joint is sited on a socket which secures the head of the femur. When the socket is excessively shallow it gives rise hip dysplasia. Following diagnosis the problem needs to be treated urgently because it can cause a lot of pain, especially when the cartilage has already been destroyed. Asymptomatic dogs should not be used for breeding. Although the condition is common among the larger breeds studies have shown that smaller breeds including Cocker Spaniels and Shetland Sheepdogs can also be affected.

It is difficult to tell if your dog has dysplasia without a radiograph. Your vet will not be able to analyse the results, and therefore you will need to send the hip x-ray to the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals in the US. The evaluation process normally takes several weeks. There are similar programs available in Britain, Europe, or Canada, but the certification will vary depending on the age of the dog.

Some organizations issue certification for dogs aged one year and above, whilst others wait until the dog is at least two years old. Look for an organization which provides the appropriate certification.

There is another joint problem called OCD or Osteochondrosis Dessicans which is located in the elbow area. This condition arises when the flake or bone spur wears out, giving rise to a lot of pain and stiffness. In order to obtain the correct diagnosis your dog's elbow joints will have to be x-rayed. Dogs with hip dysplasia may also be suffering with OCD.

Patellar Luxation is another joint problem sometimes seen in dogs. It is a condition which affects the dog's kneecaps, and is usually associated with the smaller breeds. When the kneecap slips out of position it causes the dog's leg to become locked in a straight position. Fortunately this condition can be treated successfully with surgery. Nevertheless, it is not a good idea to breed dogs suffering with this condition because of its hereditary nature. There is a strong possibility that any pups will inherit the condition.

If you speak to an expert they will be able to tell you more about the various joint problems. As well as the problems already mentioned dogs can suffer from a condition known as hock which affects the spine; and there are many other joint problems you need to be aware of. You will need to learn as much as possible about the dog breed you're handling. Carry out research into bloodlines and potential joint problems; and since most of the conditions are hereditary in nature you will need to take extra care when selecting a breed.

Dog breeding is not an easy task. Learn as much as you can about the subject, and keep up to date with any developments. To be a successful breeder you will need to keep your dogs fit and healthy.

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Dogs for the Deaf and Hearing-Impaired

Dogs have incredible hearing capabilities. In fact, a dog's sense of hearing is second only to his sense of smell. Dogs can detect sounds that are far too faint for any human ear to hear.

The first hearing dog was trained by a man named Anthony Blunt in England. He trained the dog for his own use. The first hearing dog's name was Favour. Since then, hearing dogs have become increasingly in demand by those who are deaf or who are hearing-impaired.

While most guide dogs for the blind are purebred dogs, most hearing dogs are mixed breeds that are rescued from animal shelters. The first thing that happens to a dog that has been rescued in order to be trained as a hearing dog is that they are given all of their vaccinations, they are spayed or neutered, and their health is brought to top form. Usually younger dogs are chosen to become hearing dogs, although occasionally older dogs and even dogs with disabilities themselves are chosen and trained as hearing dogs.

Hearing dogs go through intensive training before they become certified. They are trained to respond to sounds - all kinds of sounds. The dog is taught to identify and locate a sound and then touch his owner and show him where the sound is coming from. This system is called the Touch and Tell system. The only sound that a hearing dog responds to differently is a fire alarm. If the dog hears a fire alarm, he touches his owner and then lies down flat. This is a signal to the owner that the sound is a fire alarm.

Hearing dogs allow those who are deaf or severely hearing-impaired to live independently and to lead normal lives.

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training [http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/] information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

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What is the Best Human Grade Dog Food?

If you're looking for the best human grade dog food, Life's Abundance Dog Food rates right at the top. It is made by the highest standards at a human grade facility plant and contains all human grade ingredients.

So, what is human grade dog food? By simple definition, it is a food that a human could actually eat! It is made and supervised under FDA inspection and every ingredient in it must be approved for human consumption before it can even come in to the dog food manufacturing facility. Some companies even have it tasted by humans as part of the quality control!

The best human grade dog food will be APHIS certified. This is the certification used in Europe for all pet foods. The Aphis certification has much tighter regulations than the US when it comes to the manufacturing of dog food. Life's Abundance dog food is certified by both the U.S. and Europe.

There are many manufacturers in the U.S. that choose to use the bare minimums required by law when it comes to what goes in a dog food. There are huge profits to made in this industry and by using inferior ingredients that are cheaper, more profit can be made. Because of the current regulations they are allowed by law to do this and you can usually tell if a food is poor quality by looking at the bag and seeing if it has the word "by products" in it.

Life's Abundance dog food does rate right at the top as one of the best human grade dog foods on the market today. It has quality protein, fresh vegetables, plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxoidants. So just remember, no matter what kind of dog food you decide to use, be sure and do your homework and read your labels make SURE you are getting a quality dog food.

Did you know that dogs fed a high quality dog food live on average 5 or more years longer than dogs fed lesser-quality food?

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OFA Certification and Hip Dysplasia

If you own a larger breed of dog or are looking for one, you may have heard the term OFA Certified. This refers to the dog's hip joints and is an indicator of potential problems for your dog. Hip problems for any active dog will cause pain and discomfort that will get progressively worse. The unstable hip joint will lead to osteoarthritis.

So, what is OFA certification? The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is the recognized certifying body to evaluate and determine if a dog will have problem hips. The foundation was established in 1966 by John M. Olin after he found that hip dysplasia was affecting his sporting dogs. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition and can be evaluated by radiographs. The OFA maintains a database for hip dysplasia and now also maintains databases on other genetic disorders.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has defined 7 categories to describe canine hip joints. They are: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, Severe. There are several different ways to treat hip dysplasia depending on the age of the dog and the severity of the problem.

For young dogs, under the age of 10 months, veterinarians can do surgery to stabilize the joint. This surgery is called triple pelvic osteotomy. It involves cutting 3 places in the pelvic bone, rotating the socket and stabilizing the ball part of the joint with plates and screws. This procedure is only for puppies because once there are arthritic changes in the joint, the surgery is not possible. Another surgical option is a total hip replacement. This is a complex procedure, usually done only at teaching hospitals and large specialty practices. It can cost as much as $1750.00 for one hip, which is usually all that needs to be done.

There are other non-surgical options available. One of the simplest and least expensive treatments includes weight management and exercise. Exercise should start with short leash walks which should gradually increase as the muscles get stronger. Strong muscles will help stabilize the joint and if the dog is overweight, losing weight will put less stress on the joint. This is effective treatment as long as the dog is not having pain from the exercise. You may have to backtrack to shorter walks. Cold and damp weather will aggravate joint pain for your dog, and warmth is soothing. If you suffer arthritis or joint pain and stiffness, your can understand how your dog feels.

Dogs can also be given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Your vet will know if and when this is an appropriate coarse. As with any medications, there are risks for side effects. Don't ever give your dog your NSAID medication. Side effects of these drugs in dogs is the same it is for us. Side effects include, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite. Some vets may recommend an all natural, human grade, pet supplement for your dog. It has been shown that glucosamine and chondroitin are helpful in rebuilding cartilage in the joint. It can take about a week of giving the supplement before the necessary level for results is reached.

It is important for you to consult with your dog's veterinarian to discuss the best coarse of action for your pooch. With some help from you and the vet, your dog can live a full, active and pain free life.

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5 Things to Consider When Buying Your First Ice Cream Cart

There are five main considerations that you have take into account before you buy your first ice cream cart. These are:

1. The kind of products that you'll be serving in your ice cream vending cart
2. The number of flavors you want to offer
3. The health department regulations and requirements in your area
4. NSF and UL certifications
5. Availability of electricity or power supply for your food cart

What kind of products will I be serving to my customers?

The kind of product you're planning to sell is important in determining the right food cart for you. Bear in mind that each products will have its own optimal storage and serving temperatures. So it's a good idea to specify what your product offering is going to be. Fortunately, there are several ice cream vending carts available for a wide variety of different products and temperatures.

How many flavors should I offer to my patrons?

You need to consider how many flavors you want to offer in your ice cream cart. On the average, you'll probably need 4 to 12 tubs. But if you're going to sell prepackaged products, you need to have an idea of how much variety you want to have and how many of these you think you can sell in a day.

What are the health department regulations and requirements in my area?

For you to get started with your cart business, you'll have to meet the exact requirements of the health department in your area. Otherwise, you won't be allowed to do business in your area.

Does the ice cream cart have both NSF and UL certification?

An unscrupulous ice cream cart manufacturer may mislead you by claiming to have a NSF certified unit. As it turns out, the freezer in your food cart may be NSF certified. But its approval for its intended use is for selling ice cream inside a convenience store and not on an ice cream cart.

When the health inspector conducts a surprise inspection of your cart, you might find yourself at out of business. Better safe than sorry.

Will there be electricity to supply power to my ice cream cart?

If there's a reliable source of electricity in your location, then that's good news for you. If there's none, then you'll need a cart with a "cold plate system". Cold plates are filled with a solution that will maintain the food cart cold for up to twelve hours even without access to an electrical outlet. You just need to charge the plates for at least eight hours and then it's ready to keep your products chilled.

Oftentimes, a well insulated cart will solve the problem - but for a limited time frame. But if it's within your budget, your best bet is to go with cold plates or a fully loaded cart with refrigeration. So you have three options:

• An ice cream cart with cold plates without the need for electricity
• A well insulated cart with no refrigeration that can be used to dip Italian ice cream or can be used with dry ice to sell novelties
• A cart with refrigeration that needs to remain plugged into an electrical socket.

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Dog Training - How To Stop Your Dog From Acting Aggresively

There is always a reason for aggressive behavior in dogs. If you can discover the reason for the aggression, you can usually correct or at least control a dog's aggression. Some breeds of dogs have gotten a really bad reputation of late; pit bulls, rottweilers, and chows, for example. Some breeds are even forbidden in certain communities. This is just sad. Aggressive dogs are MADE and not born. All puppies come into this world completely innocent. They are like blank slates that have yet to be written upon, and they become products of their environment and training, or lack thereof.

There are many breeds of dogs. There are large breed dogs and small breed dogs; long hair dog breeds and short hair dog breeds; but there are simply not aggressive breeds and non aggressive breeds.

Dog aggression is caused by health issues, environment issues, or training issues. There are, of course, several subheadings under all of these causes for dog aggression.

If you see that your dog is aggressive or is becoming aggressive, the very first thing to do is to take him to see his veterinarian. The vet will examine the dog to see if he has any health issues that are causing him pain or discomfort.

If the dog doesn't have any underlying health issues that are causing his aggressiveness, the next thing to consider is his environment. Is the dog being walked with a gentle lead? Does the dog have a crate that he calls home? An environment that the dog considers unsafe or uncomfortable will often be the cause of his aggressive behavior.

If the dog is healthy and if his environment is good, the next thing to consider is the structure of his pack. You see, dogs are pack animals. They need and expect order. You may have inadvertently put the dog in charge. He thinks that he is the alpha dog and as such is responsible for the pack (the family). Aggression caused by a dog's belief that he is the alpha dog can be easily changed by simply providing obedience training and convincing him that he is NOT the responsible party.

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training [http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/] information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

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Three Dog Training Tips for Breaking Bad Habits

There are three things that dogs do that can simply drive their owners crazy. Those three things are just natural doggy things to do; chewing, barking, and begging for food.

Chewing:

First, let's talk about breaking your dog's destructive chewing habit. We've all lost one of an expensive pair of shoes to puppy teeth. The fact is you are not ever going to stop a puppy or even a grown dog from chewing on things. You can, however, stop him from chewing on YOUR stuff.

Dogs chew for a variety of reasons. First, puppies will chew on anything that might be handy when they are cutting teeth. It helps the teeth to come through the gum. But dogs continue to chew after the puppy teeth are cut. The best way to stop a dog from chewing is first to provide
him with toys that are acceptable for him to chew on. Remove all of the unacceptable objects and put them out of reach. When you catch him chewing on something that he shouldn't chew on (the dining room table for example), you say a firm "NO," remove him from the object (do not remove the object from him), and then give him an acceptable chew toy. When he chews the acceptable toy, praise him.

Barking:

Dogs bark. There is some barking that you will never stop. For example, if your dog barks at the postman, the postman goes away, the dog succeeded. You will never break that habit, so just forget about it. Other incessant and unnecessary barking can be corrected, however. When our dog is barking unnecessarily, hold his mouth closed (gently, you don't need to hurt him) and say a firm "NO"! With the other hand, make a closing motion. After you repeat this exercise a few times, simply showing him the "don't bark" sign (closing motion with your hand) will stop the barking.

Begging for food:

Okay, pretty simple! Do not EVER feed the dog when YOU are eating. You ALWAYS feed a dog after you have eaten. If you never start this, you won't have to break the habit. If the habit has already been formed, then just stop doing it. When he begs, firmly say "NO," and don't weaken and feed him.

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training [http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/] information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

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