You are considering adopting a Beagle, but wonder what are the pros and cons of the breed. Information from breeders and the American Kennel Club (AKC) tend to gloss over any potential problems with your new dog, while highlighting the breed’s strong points. You need to know what the most common Beagle behavior problems are before you bring one home.

Compared to some breeds, the worst Beagle behavior problems are more annoying than anything else. Some, like wandering, can be easily prevented through regular exercise, supervision when outside and neutering. Beagles, as well as other dogs, have only recently moved indoors with people. It’s only natural that there are still some Beagle training pains to go through. A lot of Beagles are given up to shelters; sadly, because their owners would not take the time to learn about Beagle nutrition, exercise requirements or personality.
The most common Beagle behavior problem is wandering. Beagles have been known to ignore the invisible fences that keep in most dogs and still set off to explore. This is due to Beagle genes. Beagles were bred for fox hunting – in fact they are miniaturized versions of the English Foxhound. This means they are bred to run around for miles and miles every day.

You don’t need to look up in any dog training book to know what the prevention of wandering is. You need to take away your Beagle’s reasons for wandering off in the first place. Neutering is essential here, especially before the dog is two years old. You also need to give your Beagle regular daily exercise of playtime and at least a half hour walk every day. Remember – a tired Beagle is a good Beagle! Even if you have a fence, you should still keep an eye on your Beagle. They are escape artists.
Wandering and separation anxiety can be dealt partially with proper nutrition and exercise. Your new mantra is “A tired Beagle is a good Beagle”. Too rich a diet will make your Beagle bounce off of the walls. And Beagles worship food, so they will easily overeat. Proper exercise also makes your dog more prone to nap when you are gone instead of tear a room apart in separation anxiety.

The good news about Beagle problem behaviors is that many other breeds of dog also have them. You can pick up any dog training book and know that the techniques inside will apply to Beagles. Be sure an annual check up is part of your Beagle’s life, as this can help prevent medical conditions that may cause Beagle behavioral problems. For example, if your Beagle suddenly snarls when you pat him, perhaps he has arthritis and can’t help being grouchy. Your vet can be of great help with any and all Beagle behavior problems.

You can find lots of articles such as this one on dog problem behaviors, including proper Beagle training. This author hopes to one day author a line of breed specific dog training books.

A German Shepherd is an intelligent and loyal dog that becomes very attached to its human family and very protective. A well-trained and well-loved German Shepherd can be the best pet you will ever see and it can bring you a lifetime of love and joy. An improperly trained German Shepherd will have problems that can be both unpredictable and dangerous if not dealt with. If you do not have time to dedicate to a dog then do not get a German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd breed of dog was first domesticated in Europe over one hundred years ago and it was bred to help herd animals in Europe. That is where the German Shepherd gets its name. But this herding instinct can go horribly wrong if it is not first corrected by a responsible owner, who knows how to care for their dog. It is important to make sure your German Shepherd does not display its natural herding instincts at any time.
A German Shepherd can learn to socialize very easily as long as it is taught at a very early age to socialize with other animals and people. A German Shepherd dog craves a social atmosphere and they love to be around people so if you take the time to socialize your dog with other animals and other people you can easily eliminate this problem that seems to have grown into a huge myth that Shepherds hate other animals. A properly trained German Shepherd can interact very nicely with other animals and strangers as well.

Your German Shepherd will need a lot of exercise, it will want to constantly be in motion and it needs a job to do. That job can be as simple as to be in training to be the family dog but that requires hours of attention each day from everyone in the family and also a lot of empty outside space for your dog to run in. A bored German Shepherd will resort to its natural instinct to hunt and herd and that can lead to nothing but a lot of trouble.
There is one of the few very common German Shepherd problems that is not usually well publicized but it is absolutely something you should be aware of. A German Shepherd sheds a lot and it is all year long. It is not just a winter or summer coat they are shedding, they need year round grooming to help them deal with their shedding coat. If you hate vacuuming up pet fur then you may want to avoid getting a German Shepherd.

German Shepherds are extremely intelligent animals that get very attached to their human families and can make the most loyal and dedicated pet you have ever owned. But be ready to spend a lot of time with your dog as the German Shepherd requires a lot of attention. But you can rest easier knowing that it also trains very easily and it probably is just as anxious to learn what you want to teach it as you are to train it.

This article is full of German Shepherd training advice. If you need extra information along with your dog training books then use this article.

Dogs Use Their Tails As Signals and Gestures

Tail position is an important indicator of social standing and mental state of a dog. There will be some variations, of course, depending upon the natural tail position of the dog: a West Highland white terrier will carry its carrot-shaped tail higher than a golden retriever its flowing, feathery tail, and a greyhound’s relaxed tail position is lower yet.

Almost horizontal, pointing away from the dog but not stiff: This is a sign of attention. It roughly translates as “Something interesting may be happening here.”

Straight out horizontally, pointing away from the dog: This is part of an initial challenge when meeting a stranger or an intruder. It roughly translates as “Let’s establish who’s boss here.”

Tail up, between the horizontal and vertical position: This is the sign of a dominant dog, or one who is asserting dominance, and translates as “I’m boss here.”

Tail up and slightly curved over the back: “I’m top dog,” this says. It is the expression of a confident, dominant dog who feels in control.

Tail held lower than the horizontal but still some distance from the legs: “I’m relaxed.” “All is well.”

Tail down, near hind legs: This changes its meaning with the posture of the dog. If the legs are still straight and the tail slightly brushes back and forth, it means “I’m not feeling well” or “I’m a bit depressed.” If the legs are slightly bent inward, giving a slight downward slope to the back it means “I’m feeling a bit insecure,” especially in an unknown setting or situation.

Tail tucked between the legs: “I’m frightened!” or “Don’t hurt me!” This is especially common in the presence of a dominant dog or person, when it can also mean, “I accept my lowly role in the pack, and I’m not trying to challenge you.

Bristling hair down the tail: The bristle in the dog’s tail is a sign of aggression. It may modify any tail position. Thus, with the straight out it means “I’m ready to fight if you are!” and with the tail slightly up or over the back it means “I’m not afraid of you and will fight to prove I’m boss.”

Crick or sharp bend in the tail when held high: this is more characteristic of the dogs that look like wolves, such as the German shepherds, and means much the same as the tail bristling. It is the precursor to possible aggression.

Broad tail wag: “I like you.” This is often shown during play, when one dog seems to be attacking the other, pouncing, growling, and barking. The wagging tail serves as reassurance that this is all in fun. It also means “I’m pleased” in many contexts.

Slow tail wag, with tail at half-mast: During dog training, I interpret this as “I’m trying to understand you. I want to know what you mean, but I just can’t quite figure it out.” When the dog finally solves the problem, the speed and size of the tail wags will usually markedly increase.

Read more about free dog training (dog behavior training in particular) and how to house train dog.

When thinking about bringing home any particular breed, you are going to want to make sure that the personality and the problems that may come along with the dog are things that you can handle and get past. And when thinking about the Boston Terrier, you are going to really want to stop and think about what Boston Terrier problem behaviors you are more in likely going to deal with. Making sure that you truly understand what you are going to face will make sure that you do not make the wrong decision.

By putting proper Boston Terrier training into action, you will give yourself a better chance at avoiding some nasty problems but you are never completely safe from everything. Make sure that you check out some local dog obedience classes around your area or stock up on some of the newest in dog training books in order to learn as much as you possibly can. The more knowledge you have, the better your chances are at completely controlling the situation.
Before even beginning to figure out what Boston Terrier problem behaviors you are going to be dealing with, you need to first understand what types of training you are going to be enforcing. The types of training that you are going to put your puppy through may very well be your map to what problems you can expect. For example, someone who does not care about potty training their pet will not have a potty training issue because there is not any of that training to begin with.

While that may be an extreme example, it is important to establish just what it is that you are going to be expecting out of your dog. You want to make sure that you set your expectations at a reachable height because if they are set too high, you will become upset that your dog is not making the mark and this may cause the dog emotional pain. Make sure that you are setting reasonable standards and by doing that you will help eliminate some potential problems between you and your pet.
Something that needs to be kept in mind is that just because a pup is experiencing some of or a lot of the typical Boston Terrier problem behaviors, does not mean that he or she is a bad dog. It does not mean that they are wrong or that you need to get rid of him or her. It is natural for every dog, no matter the breed, to experience some degree of problem behaviors and it is up to the owner to solve the situation.

Generally speaking, when a dog is always having problems with their behavior, it is the lack of proper training on part of the owner that is the problem and the reason behind it all. And when it comes to this particular breed, it is the potty training that is the biggest problem simply because the Boston Terrier likes to not listen. And since no potty training habits are a bad thing when your floors are concerned, it is important that you are strict and firm with your training.

When there is proper Boston Terrier training enforced, you are less likely to experience a lot of the common problem behaviors. Also, when wanting to take care of or prevent Boston Terrier problem behaviors, check out some dog training books, as they are often an excellent source for what to do to properly train your dog.

Add A Furry Friend (dog) To Your Family

I believe most people will prefer furry friend (dog) and cats, but now the trend is also to raise exotic pets like monitor lizard, snakes, frogs, spider and so on. But still the first preference will be furry friend (dog) and cats.

For people who desire to own a dog but do not want or cannot have a large dog due to their living quarters, the dog to consider is the Lhasa Apso breed. This small dog breed is a wonderful little dog that does not have many of the other small breed characteristics such as excessive barking.

The Lhasa Apso originally came from Tibet. They were used as personal guard dog to the holy men in the temples, as well as to the noblemen, because of their very keen hearing plus their loyalty.

The Lhasa Apso is highly intelligent and could often tell whether friend or foe was approaching and alert their master accordingly. In the early days you could not purchase one. It had to be given as a gift by the Tibetan ruler.

What are the physical characteristics of these little furry friend?

They have long, straight fur that cascades to the floor. Their facial fur gives off an appearance of having a mustache and beard and should be darker in color.

The color of their fur often changes from puppyhood to adulthood, ranging from gold, cream, honey, smoke, dark-grizzle, slate, and multicolor which includes white, brown and black. The muzzle of the Lhasa Apso is of medium length. Their eyes are deep set and the fur from their head falls over them. Their tail is plumed and curls to fall over their back.

A Lhasa Apso male grows to a height of approximately ten to eleven inches, and they weigh around thirteen to fifteen pounds. The female Lhasa Apso is usually slightly smaller in size.

Very intelligent, active, affectionate, devoted, and assertive, they are very loyal to their family but leery of people they are not familiar with. A family with children should think carefully about getting one because this particular dog breed does not like to be mishandled. But this problem can be avoided by teaching children to love and respect the dog.

Lhasa Apsos need to be socialized very early so that they will adapt well to children and other pets.

They can be stubborn when it comes to training. They do love treats so motivational training works best. Do not give up on training your Lhasa Apso, as you do not want them to control your household.

While fairly free of most ailments and genetic defects that plague many dog breeds, skin conditions can develop if their coat is not brushed regularly to avoid parasite infestations. Other maladies that may affect your Lhasa Apso include hip dysplasia, kidney trouble, problems with eyesight, and very rarely, bleeding ulcers. This breed tends to live a long life, anywhere from twelve to eighteen years of age.

All in all, if you want a loving and loyal furry companion to warm your heart and your lap, you cannot go wrong with bringing a Lhasa Apso into your home. This furry little mop will entertain you and love you for many, many years.

dog illnesses symptoms

The Pomeranian is a cute and courageous animal that will win your heart not only because of its affectionate and adorable nature, but because it is a great watch dog as well and despite its small size, it is not going to back down when confronted with danger. However, it is not so easily housebroken and Pomeranian potty training is something for which you need plenty of patience and also a great deal of perseverance, especially in the first few weeks when a new puppy comes into your home.

The first step in Pomeranian potty training is to keep it in a playpen that also has clean newspaper down and where its food and water are kept along with a comfortable bed where it can sleep. It is a good idea to begin its potty training by taking it out when he wakes up in the morning and show him the area where he should go. The same can be done after each meal and when he does the right thing you should always reward him to reinforce the training. There is no doubt that accidents will often occur, but with patience and perseverance you should be able to see things through. However, make sure not to physically punish or rub its nose in an accident, as these won’t do your pet any good.
Pomeranian training requires a good deal of effort on your part and it involves teaching your pet more than just showing it where to go out and poop. What’s more, when it does mess up within the home, you need to clean up the mess so thoroughly that there is no smell of remaining. You can, on the other hand, use products that smell just like urine and put them where you want your Pomeranian to poop. The smell of urine will immediately mark it as being the right place to eliminate.

Another notable feature of proper Pomeranian potty training is that you should never strike your Pomeranian even if it is caught pooping in the wrong place. It is much better to clap loudly and make a negative sound, which your Pomeranian will be able to associate with having done something wrong. Your voice and the clapping sound should make it realize the error, and should not repeat the action again.
There is not much to Pomeranian potty training if you address it in the proper manner ensuring that your pet pick it up quickly. However, remember that if you catch your pet having an accident and more than a few seconds have passed since the act, there will be no sense in punishing it because pups can only understand what has just taken place. And if you attempt to correct the problem well after it has happened, it will only end up confusing and instilling fear in your Pomeranian. Dogs tend to have short memories and may not be able to link your reaction to any specific action, especially an accident.

What is important is that Pomeranian potty training means being successful in getting your pet to associate a place or places (preferably outside the home) where it should do his potty. It is through positive reinforcement that the best results will come about making a happy and harmonious home for both you and your pet.

Pomeranian training exercises can be made considerably easier with lots of patience. Dog training books are meant to provide more information about Pomeranian training and particularly potty training.

There are many different breeds of dog that you can choose from and the Golden Retriever is definitely a fan favorite. There are certain things that you should be aware of before you decide to go ahead and get one of these dogs however, and in particular this refers to the Golden Retriever problem behaviors that are commonly an issue.

There are a few behavioral problems that are common among this breed, one of the most common being separation anxiety. These dogs are very friendly and love their owners very much and become very close to them. Then when their owners leave they obviously find this hard to deal with and although they typically do not lash out over this as many other breeds do, they will usually change in terms of their personality. The issue you should be worried about here then is how you can work to solve this problem.
Separation anxiety may be one of the most common Golden Retriever problem behaviors, but there are things that you can do to help deal with this behavioral problem. First, if you are the type of owner who likes to lavish your dog with extra attention right before leaving, then know that you are making a giant mistake by doing this. Although you may be trying to help and make up for the time that you are going to be missing while you are gone, what you are doing is drawing even more attention to the fact that you are leaving and this affects the dog more significantly.

Instead you want to provide them with a distraction of some sort and use this to draw the dog’s attention away from you as you are headed out. If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time and feel the need to connect with your dog before heading out then the best idea is to find ways to do so earlier in the day rather than at the last minute. They may even be sleeping when you leave and not even notice that you are gone until you return.
The bottom line is that although there may be a few common Golden Retriever problem behaviors>, there are ways to fix these problems and so this is really nothing serious. You can also speak to a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for more information on this and to learn more about the different tips that can help you to change your dog’s behavior where needed.

Dog training is actually one of the best solutions when it comes to dealing with dog problem behaviors of any sort, and so you may want to find a professional dog trainer who will be able to help you out here. There are even some who will come directly into your home and show you how they train the dog so that you can use these skills on your dog once they have left. As an owner you should never think that your dog’s problem behaviors are unfixable, and remember that you can make them have a desirable personality.

Proper Golden Retriever training is going to be really valuable here and help solve their behavior problems. Dog training books can also be very helpful here, and there are many high quality books to choose from.

How To Control Your Dog’s Barking Habit

If your dog is not trained to bark only at the appropriate times (as a warning sign, when he detects strange situations, disturbance outside the window, or when strangers are intruding), you and your dog may become a nuisance to the whole neighborhood. Dogs need physical and mental stimulation as well as companionship, it is rare for a dog to have a pack leader mentality, most are comfortable and feel very safe and secure following their leader, which is you.

Every dog, like every person has its own distinct personality, this causes the difference in their ability to be trained, how intelligent they are and how much patience they have during their training. Barking is as a means of communication for the dog just like whining, howling and growling, but too much barking can create distress and unnecessary pressure on you and your neighbors. As you can see, it goes beyond dog supplies issues.

While dog’s barking can be disturbing, it is desired that your dog bark to alert you and your neighbors of any possible territorial invasion.

If you train your dog properly he/she will bark as a warning that initially tells the dog owner about the present problem or any intruder that is trying to enter the vicinity. Knowledge is more important than dog exercise pen.

To train your dog to bark when your safety/security is at stake, do the following steps:

1. Tie his leash to a fence or any other fixed item. Stand approximately 3 feet away and tease him with a toy or food, as he begins to bark, give the reward.

2. Use verbal praise as a treat replacing the food whenever he starts to bark. The command guard should be commanded as soon as the dog barks.

3. The timing is indispensable here, watching his body language, you can tell when he’s ready to bark.

4. Once he becomes cognizant of the guard command, give the quiet command when he’s barking; give the reward as soon as he quits barking. If the barking carries on, give the no command. When he’s successfully learned the command, move farther away and carry on the training.

5. After this training is successful, untie him from the fence and continue to train him the commands guard and quiet. You and your neighbors will appreciate this training when they have a peaceful night, and they will learn that if he is barking, there is something wrong.

If your dog continues to bark excessively, then it is possible that one of the following is taking place:

1. Dogs typically bark when prompted by something or someone or some kind of stimulus.

Some of these stimuli are: the sound of other dogs barking, the rumbling sound of thunder or machineries, ringing phones, people shouting, and many other noises that may trigger your dog to barks.

If this is the case, one of the fastest and easiest ways to stop your dog from barking is to simply remove the stimulus.

2. Your dog may continue barking when he is restricted to a specific spot. If this is the case, your dog may be undergoing separation anxiety feeling.

If this is the case, you can provide him with a few toys to keep him busy while confine to that particular place or what you can do is to take him for an exercise or walk by the park.

3. If your dog is aggressive, then it might just be possible that he or she may bark at the minimum indication of irritation such as an unfamiliar person walking pass your property.

In this case an enhancement of the environment may be needed.

4. Other ways which may help your dogs from excessive barking include intervention such as spraying your dog with water or using high frequency sounds that interrupt barking. These devices can be quite helpful and can be controlled by you or automatically when the dog barks.

5. I personally do not really agree with de-barking your dog and the use of shock collar. I believe that with good training drills, you will be able to solve the barking problems.

Dog training requires patience, money and time, however doing it correctly will create a more lasting and meaningful relationship with the owner.

Read more tips about how to house train dogs.

Boxers are a superb all around breed. They are a distinguished canine and the coolest, most lovable dog out there! Okay, as a long time owner of Boxer dogs perhaps I’m somewhat biased.

It is a medium-built and strong breed that is so named because of its habit of standing on the hind legs to begin a fight and boxing with the front paws.

By their nature, Boxers are working dogs. Throughout history they have been used as:
- circus dog
- courier dog on the battlefields during World War I and World War II
- Fighting dog in the once popular sport of dog fighting.
- hunting dog
- police dog
- seeing-eye dog for the blind
- guard dog
The American Kennel Club (AKC) splits dogs into 7 groups:
• herding
• hound
• non-sporting
• sporting
• terrier
• toy
• working
And the largest breed registered in the working dog category is the Boxer.

No doubt the Boxer breed makes for great utility dog but the greatest advantage to owning one is that a Boxer can be your most outstanding companion on four legs.

Devoted and delighted owners of Boxers have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet. These include:
• Friendly
• Hearing dog
• Highly trainable
• Intelligent
• Intuitive
• Keen judge of character
• Loving
• Loyal
• Patient with children
• People dog
• Poor swimmer
• Playful
• Quick learner
• Self-assured
• Smart
• Alertness
• Boisterous
• Boundless energy
• Brave
• Canine clown
• Courageous
• Devil dog
• Devoted
• Dignified
• Exuberance
• Family dog
• Soulful
• Spirited
• Stoical
• Vigilant
• Working dog
• Wonderful pet

The Boxer’s history could be traced back to feudal Germany, where it was a small hunting dog that could strongly cling onto a bull, boar, or bear till its master arrived. It was also a utility dog for peasants and shop owners, and even a performing dog in circus.

The Boxer as we know it today is a bigger breed – a blend of the German Boxer with a taller, more elegant English import. The era of this modern Boxer began in the 1880s and became really popular in America in the late 1930s-1940s.

Within the canine world, the Boxer is a medium-sized dog standing at 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder for a full-grown female, and weighs around 50 to 65 pounds. The male is normally taller and around 15 pounds heavier.

It has a striking good look with chiseled head, square jaw and muscled body that make for a very handsome silhouette.
The ears are cropped and erect that enhance its hearing – the Boxer’s most developed sense. It is always alert and vigilant, a natural guard dog.

Its shortened muzzle makes hot and humid weather uncomfortable for the Boxer.

The coat is short, hard and smooth, and possesses a natural sheen that can be improved with rubdowns with a chamois cloth (especially after a bath).

The short coat does not protect him well from extreme elements of the weather. Therefore a Boxer should definitely not be kept outdoors. It is a definitely a housedog, sensitive to temperature extremes and does not enjoy the draft

Every dog, no matter the breed should be correctly house trained.
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If you would like to have a small but sturdy pet dog, then the Border terrier might be for you. This pet is no delicate lapdog. The Border terrier pet dog is full of fun for the whole family.

But, before getting a Border terrier pet dog you might want to consider some of the major concerns regarding the breed. This will help you weigh up the pros against the cons and will let you reach a decision that is best for you.

Here are some concerns regarding Border terrier pet dogs:

1) Temperament – when people talk about terriers, they all comment on the same behavior using different words. Some owners say that their dogs are feisty. Some say that their dogs are obstinate. Other owners would prefer to use the word impulsive. The point is, they all relate to the same behavior. A terrier is naturally dynamic in its behavior. It is what makes a terrier, a terrier.

The temperament of the Border terrier pet dog may be quite surprising, if not outright shocking for most owners because of its size. For a little dog, a Border terrier certainly packs a lot of energy.

2) Aggression - Border terriers are not really as aggressive as some other breeds. But, its instincts as a terrier will still urge it to run after anything smaller than it. This means that if you own a cat or even a pet rabbit, you should not get a Border terrier. This means that you cannot trust a Border terrier out of its leash. If it even sees something running, it will take off, leaving you calling uselessly. This, of course, can cause accidents to make sure that your Border terrier pet dog does not get hit by a car, you should keep that pet on a leash outdoors.

3) Escape – it is recommended by many experts that Border terriers should be kept in a fenced-in yard to let it have some roaming space while making sure that it is safe. But, you should know that these dogs are inventive escape artists. Even if a Border terrier pet dog is within a closed in fence, you need to try to watch over it.

4) The noise - Border terrier pet dogs will bark at practically anything that catches their attention. Because of this, you should properly train them to bark only when needed. You have to also be quick to stop them if they are barking inappropriately.

For this reason, you should not really get a Border terrier if you live with very close neighbors and if you work during the day. A Border Terrier left alone is sure to keep barking the whole day. This, of course, can draw complaints from your neighbors.

5) Independent thinking – what owners love about Border terrier pet dogs is the fact that they can learn very quickly. They are inherently curious and tough. But, the same qualities that make them prize-winners can also make them very stubborn when they want to. You have to be consistent with your commands and show the dog that you mean what you say. In doing so, you will be training the dog properly.

And training begins as soon as you bring your Border Terrier home. It is never to early to begin house training.
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These articles are packed with tips and advice on the best ways to house train your dog.