Browsing the archives for the Behavior category.

Labrador Problems: Territorial Invasions

Medium Dog Breeds

The Labrador retriever is essentially a creature that does not suffer from any specific behavioral problems, though as with all breeds there are always certain animals that will show some abnormalities including those related to their health and also behavior. Sometimes, these rather large animals will have problems related to their size including being too aggressive and often diagnosing the exact nature of such Labrador problems can be both confusing as well as difficult. Another common Labrador problem is that of chasing cats and smaller dogs, and this is an instinctive problem that should be addressed through providing adequate Labrador training to your pet at an early stage in his life.

To overcome such problems you may want to check out an expert behaviorist who can suggest possible methods to solve the problem, though if you choose to train your pet on your own be prepared to spend a lot of time in the training him and also exercise patience as well as be determined to teach your pet how he must behave in an appropriate and acceptable manner.
There are certain Labradors that can prove to be a handful and these pets will not easily learn to behave properly unless sent to a behaviorist. This and other Labrador problems such as having a pet that always seems to be dreaming can be reason for you to become worried, though in reality these can be overcome through proper Labrador training. A typical Labrador problem that many pet owners will have to deal with has to do with a pet that chews up everything he can sink his teeth into. Such a problem can arise when the Labrador is too energetic and it also occurs when having someone or something invade his territory frustrates the Labrador.

To overcome these Labrador problems, it would pay to talk to a veterinary behaviorist or provide strict Labrador training and also ensuring that you spend a lot of time with your dog in helping him release his energy in a more productive manner.
Typical of Labrador problems is that of chasing cats and since this is more of an instinctive driven behavioral problem it can best be changed through giving your pet proper Labrador training which may require spending a lot of time and being patient so that he is taught how to stop this instinctive reaction on his part. Another common behavioral problem that your Labrador can show is that of becoming destructive and this in turn is generally due to his becoming anxious about something. Because dogs have advanced hearing capabilities, they can become aware of things even before humans get wind of these things and thus your Labrador may behave in a manner that is incomprehensible to human beings and so, this is another common Labrador problem that pet owners will have to contend with.

It is also always possible to condition your Labrador to not become skittish when he hears various kinds of sounds and a simple Labrador training step you can use is to play recordings of certain sounds at low volumes and then increasing the volume gradually to make your Labrador get accustomed to these sounds. In fact, this is an especially useful way to becalm your Labrador who could otherwise become so nervous that you may even be forced into giving him anti-anxiety medicines to overcome his fears.

Labrador problems are generally not a major concern for pet owners and with timely Labrador training you can easily ensure that your pet behaves in an appropriate manner at all times. Besides consulting dog training books you could also read this article to learn more about common Labrador problems.

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Discover Important Secrets About Terrier Dogs

Medium Dog Breeds

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You’ll get energy you want with little grooming and added wit.

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting:

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type too is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

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Get Useful Tips About Dog Communication

Behavior

Is barking a form of language among dogs with precise significance, or just playful noise? Dogs exchange information among themselves less by voice than by a wide range of facial expressions, body postures and gestures, as well as by various scents. Dogs, who bark at night, are probably working off excess energy or announcing their presence, and this is undoubtedly the only message conveyed to other dogs within ear shot.

When a dog goes to his owner and deliberately barks, it is simply meant to attract attention. You must try to guess his general behavior, rather than from the circumstances and his general behavior, rather than from the particular form or pitch of bark he makes. The howling or baying of hunting dogs is an instinctive hunting cry informing the pack that the dog is on a trail. Barking at strange noises is a warning as well as a threat display.

A lonely dog who bowls may be sending out a gathering cry to other dogs nearby. Wild dogs on the other hand, never back, they only howl. Could the barking of domesticated dogs be a form of communication more closely resembling speech? A pet dog that shares a close relationship with his owner and has been taught to understand many words obviously makes an effort, sometimes quite successfully, to give meaning to his own utterances.

A dog who wishes to assert his importance and boldness instinctively employs all of the effects that make him look bigger and more frightening, raising his back ton increase his height and holding his head high in defiance. A dog who wants to show submission does just the opposite, making himself look small by crouching down with his tail between his legs and his ears laid back flat.

A dog who wishes to assert his dominance will take a perpendicular position with his head over the other dog’s shoulders, while nudging or pushing, with his neck arched, head and tail raised and tense. The conventional play invitation is a posture with the forehead crouched, the hind quarters high, a wagging tail, bright eye and a little yap. A rigid stance with a steady gaze and a high, trembling tail is hostile. A high, steady tail signifies self confidence, and held low indicates inferiority, fatigue, ill health, or a bad mood.

Pawing at the neck is an expression of affection, nose-nudging is another invitation to play. Paw-giving is a conventional canine gesture with two possible meanings. When he gives his paw to his owner while avoiding eye contact he’s saying “Please forgive me” or when he wants attention, he is saying “I’m here, don’t forget me.” When he offers his paw to another dog, it’s a sign of submission.

An owner, who takes the trouble to observe his dog and pay him the courtesy of listening to him, can establish a simple two-way communications system with his pet. Canine messages are generally very elementary, as he asks much less of us than we do of him. “I’m hungry,” “I’m thirsty”, “I need to go out”, or “Come with me I think something is wrong” are among the messages he manages to convey very well considering his limited means. His most eloquent utterance is the emotional gurgle of barks that means to say “I’ve missed you!”

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Get Important Information About Hybrid Vigor In Labadoodles

Medium Dog Breeds

Various contentions have been put forward in the dog world by some, (eg those against mixed breeds), that ‘hybrid vigor’ is allegedly not possible (for example) when breeding labadoodles (ie mixed breeding of Labradors and Poodles) as it is alleged that hybrid vigor is only possible with mixed breeding of unrelated animals (eg horse and donkey). However, that it not correct.

For example, see http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/ER-IS-03-01.pdf:

“What is a hybrid?

A hybrid is an organism resulting from a cross between genetically different parents. Hybrids can arise from crosses between closely related species (interspecific hybrids) or by crosses between different types (subspecies, varieties, cultivars) within a species (intraspecific hybrids).

Hybridisation occurs naturally, but it is also widely used in selective breeding programmes for both plants and animals. The mule is an interspecific hybrid between the horse and the donkey, bred to combine some of the favourable characteristics of each parent. Intraspecific hybrids often show ‘hybrid vigour’ (heterosis), growing more vigorously and yielding more than in-bredlines.”

Hence, laberdoodles are ‘intraspecific hybrids’ (ie are within species breeding) and do show hybrid vigor.

Also, see http://www.country-wide.co.nz/article/449.html:

Another important but often forgotten principle is what happens when you interbreed the first cross (F1) progeny. In essence if you breed (F1) sires and dams together, there will be less hybrid vigour in the progeny. Like wise hybrid vigour also drops if you breed back to either of the parent breeds.

Our Labordoodle puppies are F1 generation (ie first cross between Labrador & Poodle), maximising hybrid vigor (or heterosis), and minimising inbreeding depression, etc. And have purebred parents with champion bloodlines/pedigrees.

The F1 (ie first generation) of Labradoodle puppies have more hybrid vigor than the second or so generation, are less likely to be more variable then some other generations, and also have the least inbreeding depression.

Another interesting scientific point to note about our F1 Labradoodles is that research has shown that these have increased longevity or rates of survival (eg research has shown up to 4 years longer), due to the absence of inbreeding (such as that occurring in purebred dogs). And the same research has shown that the higher the rate of inbreeding (eg in purebreds), the lower or shorter the longevity or survival rates. This relates to the term known as ‘inbreeding depression’, and which is
described in more detail at inbreeding depression and inbreeding depression.

And this may be due to the benefits from hybrid vigour, especially compared to the negative effects known as ‘inbreeding depression’ present in purebreds.

Unlike some breeders, we can guarantee the genetics of the puppies are solely Labrador/Poodle, as the parents of our Labradoodle puppies are purebred, and with pedigree papers. And this also ensures that they are definitely F1 puppies.

The term ‘hybrid vigor’ is used in various fields, such as breeding livestock, rabbits, aquaculture, plants, cats, dogs, etc.

And rather than just us giving you our opinion etc re hybrid vigor, we thought you may like to read information from other sources. So that you can make an informed choice or decision.

So, below are some relevant extracts re hybrid vigor, and links to their sources:

From MSN encarta online:

‘hy-brid vig-or

improved traits resulting from crossbreeding: the increased growth, disease resistance, or fertility seen in hybrid species.’

From Encylopedia Brittanica online:

‘Increase in such characteristics as size, growth rate, fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its parents.’

‘Plant and animal breeders exploit heterosis by mating two different purebred lines that have desirable traits. The first-generation offspring generally show, in greater measure, the desired characteristics of both parents. Since this vigour may decrease if the hybrids are actually mated together, the parental lines must be maintained and crossed for each new crop or group desired.’

From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

‘heterosis

the marked vigor or capacity for growth often exhibited by crossbred animals or plants — called also hybrid vigor’

From report by CSIRO:

“The benefits of hybrid vigor only appear in crossbred animals that have parents of completely different breeds.”

From a transcript of the Senate:

“veterinarians recognize the concept of ‘hybrid vigor,’ especially in first generation hybrids”

From United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and County Governments Cooperating:

“The highest level of hybrid vigor is obtained from F1’s, the first cross of unrelated populations.”

“Hybrid Vigor - An increase in the performance of crossbred animals over that of purebreds, also known as heterosis.”

So, there should be little (if any) doubt that the first generation (ie F1) Labradoodles have the maximum hybrid vigor and the least inbreeding depression compared to other generations etc.

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What Fear Can Do To Your Poodle

Medium Dog Breeds

The Poodle is a hot favorite for many mostly because it is very docile animal, easy to train and even easier to exercise. However, there are many Poodle problems that you might encounter if the training you impart is faulty or the dog was rescued and had been badly mistreated when it was younger.

There are many ways that will indicate that your Poodle is not well adjusted to its environment. The most obvious is that it will bark incessantly when you have people visiting and you do not pay enough attention to it. These dogs suffer from separation anxiety and at the same time might feel threatened by the large crowd it finds around them. Some Poodles will act aggressive or go on a chewing rampage destroying everything that they can put their teeth on. These dogs too suffer from separation anxiety and the destructive behavior is to attract your attention towards them; particularly asking you not to leave them out of your sight.
Fear is one of the most common causes for all Poodle problems. This fear can be of many types. The Poodle might fear to be left alone or it might fear rough handling. At other times it might fear other animals or it might fear your strict attitude. Take a close look at what it might be scaring it before launching into a disciplinary action when your Poodle is exhibiting bad behavior.

Whatever it might be that causes your Poodle to misbehave, you need to know that it can be redressed with easy steps. The Poodle is a dog that responds very well to love and positive reinforcement. If you want your dog to behave better, all you have to do is praise it, reward it and be with it as much as you can.
Pay attention to the fact that sometimes – and this is as often as you will find it misbehaving or being aggressive – your Poodle is a spoilt brat. In other words, its tantrums and bad behavior are due to too much pampering and attention, which is causing it to become too demanding.
Poodle problems nay be caused by boredom. These animals love company and become very upset if they are neglected or kept aloof from you or the family they live with. A bored Poodle is simply dynamite. They will throw tantrums exactly as a small child will do to attract the attention of their parents. That means they will do everything that you will not want them to do – such as chewing everything that they find within their reach, urinating in your bed and shoes, etc.

The good news is that all these Poodle problems can disappear if you start paying attention to your dog. Avoid these problems by training the dog well from the beginning. In case your Poodle is from a rescue center, you will need to be very patient and kind with the dog to make it forget its traumatic past before it accepts you. You will need to have a lot of patience, while at the same time you will have to reinforce good behavior with treats and praise until your dog behaves properly.

When you are planning to go for Poodle training remember to use only positive reinforcement and praise. Before you buy those big and voluminous dog training books, read this article. You might find all your answers here.

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Havanese Looks For Their Family Role

Small Dog Breeds

Whenever a new puppy comes into the house, it will have to learn its boundaries as well as what the new owner expects in the way of behavior. If that new puppy happens to be Havanese training can be anywhere from fun to troublesome as these active little dogs love to play and often confuse playing with learning. However, their eagerness to make a god impression on their new owner also makes them very good students.

Despite their small size, Havanese make great watchdogs, if for nothing else but their lack of fear and relatively loud bark. It is not so much that they are mean spirited as it is they are trying to protect their human family. Despite them being a loyal and friendly breed, Havanese problems can include the need to be the center of attention as well as having a short attention span. They can also be destructive if left alone very long and they grow bored.
When a new Havanese puppy enters the home its first impulse is to take charge. The new owner must make it understand that the human run the household and the dog has a special place in the family, and can have a role but it is not in charge. This can easily be accomplished by allowing the dog to provide the entertainment, a role they take on gladly, and when they see the human’s appreciation for their antics they will continue in that role.

The Havanese, while a generally healthy, happy breed of dog is not without their issues. One of the most troublesome Havanese problems is being slow to understand what it means to be housebroken. It can take several months before this behavior can be modified to the owner’s satisfaction and, while the dog is quickly learning tricks and learning how to follow other commands, the owner can not give up on them. They will figure it out eventually.
The Havanese breed may be small but they can keep a family on its toes trying to keep up with them. They can be loyal to a fault and are willing to learn new behaviors and entertain the entire family, but they do expect the family’s time in return. If they do not feel they are getting enough attention, out of boredom they can be somewhat destructive around the house, especially if left alone for long periods. Chewed shoes and furniture are Havanese problems of behavior that may greet a family upon its return from a long outing.

Their ability to learn through positive feedback makes Havanese training easier than many other breeds and once they understand what their owners have in mind, they are usually more than willing to comply. It takes time and patience to train a young Havanese but the effort is worth it once the animal begins to display their affection for all members in the household.

The Havanese breed is a fun loving and gentle dog and Havanese training is made easier by its desire to please its owner. There a lot that can be learned by reading dog training books, but since each animal has a unique personality, the owner must take the time to know their pet.

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Some Of The Tips To Find Out Why Your Dog’s Barking

Behavior

Barking is a perfectly natural canine behavior. Birds sing; frogs croak; and a dog barks, whines and howls. If you have a dog, you better expect some barking, whining or howling. It is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dog to stop barking altogether. However, you, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier if the barking is under control.

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Before you can fix barking dog problems, you should first identify what is making your dog bark. In general, dogs bark because they are:

The Weather

When it comes to vocalizing dogs, the general rule is: the warmer the weather, the more the dogs will bark. Of course, you expect to hear more barking as the weather gets warmer, because the dogs are more likely to be outside and you are more likely to have your windows open. But I don’t think it’s just that you hear them more, I’m convinced they actually bark more as things heat up, especially at night.

Nature Versus Nurture

Beyond the weather though, what accounts for the differences in barking patterns between dogs? Why does one dog bark while another dog, in the exact same situation, remains silent, or, for that matter, why does a given dog bark at one thing and not another?

Nurture

The extent to which a dog will tend to bark is determined by his genetics. However, whether or not the dog actually barks is ultimately determined by the consequences of vocalizing. If barking works out well for the dog, he will bark some more. If barking consistently brings about an undesirable consequence, the dog will soon stop barking. So, like most other behavior, barking is the product of its consequences.

Use Diversionary Tactics

Get a tin can, fill it with pennies, and snap the lid back on top. When it shakes it makes a noise that many dog owners find attracts their dog’s attention to the can and away from whatever their barking at. If you have hard floors, you might just drop the can on the floor.

Squirt guns and spray bottles also work well as a diversionary technique to stop a barking dog. Your dog barks, you squirt her. She forgets the kid on the bike outside and looks for the source of the water.

Use and elaborate on these techniques and you’ll finally have the peace you’re looking for.

Make your dog comfortable and control their barking problem. Understand them, check out some of the best information on dog training advice

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I Need Clothes For My Large Dog

Large Dog Breeds

If you have a huge breed puppy, then you already know and understand how much of a daunting task it can be finding the right clothes for large dogs for your puppy. Of course in the past, shopping for these items also meant driving around and checking out the various pet stores and specialty shops, however times have changed significantly and today it is so much easier just shopping online where there is tons of great looking and very affordable options that you can choose from for your puppy.

Just because you have a huge puppy, does not mean that he cannot also be in style with the latest trends and fashions in the puppy fashion industry. You will always be able to find great huge puppy outfit for your puppy no matter what season you are shopping for. If you want a puppy sweater or a puppy jacket to keep your puppy warm through the cold winter months, the available selection today is enormous. You can choose from denim or even camouflage. There are hooded sweat shirts for You will also want to take a look at these sales on dog pajamas and cheap dog apparel.

Your puppy is cute; you already know that, but when it comes to making your huge breed puppy even more adorable and irresistible to anyone, you need to get them huge puppy outfit because nothing says cute quite like a puppy all dressed up for a walk in the park or a night out on the town.

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Shih Tzu Behavior Problems And How To Get Back To Normal

Small Dog Breeds

Dealing with Shih Tzu problem behaviors can not only be an embarrassing part of your day but also leave a lot of stress on your dog and those affected by your dog’s wrong actions. It is important to know that it is important to bring attention to the wrong behavior right away because if it is left un-addressed, then it is considered by the dog to be an okay action. There is even the chance that your dog will bring about new bad behaviors because of your lack of attention to the problem.

It is a matter of safety not only for your dog but also for the safety of you and those who come into contact with your dog. While the Shih Tzu looks are innocent and harmless, a lot of damage can be done to someone who gets too close or a child who just wants to give your dog some love. Even if you have avoided addressing the obedience issue with your dog, it is never too late to start taking steps in the right direction.
It is important to diagnose possible Shih Tzu problem behaviors before they even arise. And although they may never come up, it is vital that you know a few of the problems that always seem to come up with Shih Tzus. While these problems appear on the surface to be innocent enough, if left alone, they can turn into so much more. One of the most talked about problems that owners have is that their Shih Tzu wants to always jump up onto company.

And while that may be okay in some cases, if your Shih Tzu jumps up onto a small toddler, they can cause that small child to fall onto the floor with the Shih Tzu jumping on top. This can lead to many different injuries including scratches and bumps to the head of the toddler. This behavior must be stopped right away as it can turn into a game of who can get whom with your dog.
Have you ever seen a dog walk their owner? It happens all the time as more and more owners report that their tiny dog is dragging them all over town or the park. This often becomes a Shih Tzu problem behavior with inexperienced owners. The dog that pulls or tugs at their leash is simply trying to walk you and you show you where to go. Remember, that dogs are pack animals and in their minds, there is one pack leader. If you are not taking that role, they will assume it and take control of you and your home.

The reason why Shih Tzu problem behaviors like leash pulling must be stopped is for their safety and for control over your dog. You are the pack leader and that is what has to be seen through the eyes of your dog. Generally, dogs that break free when pulling on a lease are lost for good or hit by a passing car. For their protection and to prevent more behavior problems from arising, it is vital to put an end to this behavior right away.

Proper and strict Shih Tzu training can help avoid or correct common Shih Tzu problem behaviors. dog training books can often give hints and tips on how to correct different Shih Tzu problem behaviors.

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Common Behavior Problems In Bichon Frise Dogs

Small Dog Breeds

It is important that you recognize Bichon Frise problem behaviors early so that they can be easily corrected. As owners we sometimes mistake Bichon Frise problem behaviors as cute or natural dog behavior. Little things like holding onto something when you want to take it away or try to get your attention while you are doing something may seem cute at first but they are indications of behavior problems.

It is important to recognize that rather than being cute these behaviors are problems and your Bichon Frise needs training. Bichon Frise training is best carried out when your dog is still a puppy and the behavior has not yet become a habit. Dog training books will tell you this and anyone else you talk to will advise you to start training as soon as you can. Bichon Frise training does not need to be a chore, as it can be great fun for both owner and pet.
All dogs chew things at one point of their life. Usually it is when they are puppies and their adult teeth are coming through. Being firm with your dog and reprimanding it when it chews furniture or clothes and providing good chew toys can easily solve this. However this aspect of Bichon Frise behavior problems can extend into adulthood. Bichon Frise dogs do not like being left alone for hours and can turn destructive by chewing your belongings out of boredom and anxiety.

If you are not home for most of the day then this dog may not be the best type of dog for you. To solve this problem you can pair your Bichon Frise with another dog for companionship while you are away. Make sure that your Bichon Frise has plenty of toys and access to a place to exercise. If possible a small exercise area will be good for your dog to keep it stimulated.
Barking loudly is one of the Bichon Frise problem behaviors that needs to be corrected quickly. Stop your dog from barking by firmly reprimanding your dog and using body language to convey that this is negative behavior you will not tolerate. Above all your Bichon Frise training should be consistent. Never waver and laugh at misbehavior because it looks cute. Your dog needs to always know that something bad must not be repeated. It can only learn this if you are consistent in your actions. Bad behavior always earns a scolding while good behavior earns rewards and praise.

Keep playing with your Bichon Frise. This is actually an important part of Bichon Frise training. Dog training books aimed at the Bichon Frise will advocate this too. Make sure that you socialize your dog by introducing it to other people and animals. Otherwise your dog will be excessively shy and suspicious of strangers.

The Bichon Frise is a lovable, intelligent and sociable dog that is easily trained. These characteristics make it easy for Bichon Frise training. You might not find everything you need in dog training books when training your pet. However it is helpful to have dog training books when training your pet.

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