Your Dog and Separation Anxiety - Training and Treatment

Your dog is scratching at the door again. You've just let her out so you can attend to a visitor, and now he's having a major freak-out - whining and wailing and gouging up the doorplanks. It seems to happen every time you're out of your dog's direct line of vision. Bad enough she tears up the house while you're away at work; lately, she's started acting up while you're still getting ready in the morning, whimpering and barking as you pick up your keys. The poor dog is a nervous wreck, and frankly you're not feeling so hot either. What to do?

You are the most important person in your dog's life, and naturally your presence is a comfort to her. But if your dog is tearing the door apart to get to you on the other side, it may be a sign of anxiety. The protective instinct is strong in dogs, and when your dog is separated from you during your workday, she may be afraid that something terrible will happen to you.

Another occasion for anxiety comes when you shut the dog outside or into another room, as to deal with a deliveryman or visitor. In such cases, her concern is for herself and her place in the hierarchy of your little pack. She feels rejected; you've sent her away, banished her, and her status within the social structure of the family is suddenly uncertain.

Whatever the cause of her insecurity, your dog needs reassurance from you before the behavior can be resolved. Desensitization training can help her to understand that separation is temporary. Research indicates that dogs, like most animals, perceive time very differently than humans do, with little functional concept of "the future" and limited ability to plan; but they can learn to associate stimulus clues with events, and thereby anticipate coming events - as in Pavlov's famous experiment.

In a weekend of intensive training, you can start conditioning your dog to disassociate your departure rituals - e.g., gathering up your keys, or putting on your jacket - from the stress of separation, simply by performing those actions several times without actually leaving the house. By repeatedly going through the motions of departure while your dog is in a calm, submissive state, you are deactivating the triggers for her fear. When you do leave the house, don't make a big goodbye. You're not going to slip away unnoticed - your dog is far too alert for that - but by keeping the event low-key, you're sending her the message that this No Big Deal.

The same desensitization approach can work to calm your dog's fear of banishment when you isolate her. Open the door to her crate or play yard and, using a toy, encourage her to enter. Allow her to explore the environment, and walk away, all the while leaving the door or gate open. The idea is to get her used to the isolation space without anxiety. Once she's comfortable with being in the crate or yard by herself, you can close the door or gate for a short time. If she scratches at the door, ignore her until she settles. Repeat the process several times, leaving the door shut for a longer time with each repetition.

The end goal of the training is to have the dog focus on what's happening on her side of the door, rather than on your presence on the other side - so it's vital to have toys and comfort items in the space. And again, don't make a big fuss when it's time to isolate the dog. If you're calm and matter-of-fact, she will take her cues from you.

These conditioning techniques are the most certain way to alleviate behavioral problems. Keep in mind, though, that they will only be effective if undertaken while your dog is calm and settled; if your dog's anxiety is particularly intense - to the degree where she cannot settle even with you present in the room - these exercises may actually make the problem worse. If this is the case, it may be necessary to have your vet prescribe an anti-anxiety medication - at least as a temporary measure, to allow your dog to relax enough to benefit from the behavior-modification training.

With the proper mix of reassurance and training, you and your dog can get back to enjoying the time you spend together, rather than stressing over the time you spend apart.

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What to Do About a Barking Dog

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If you are lucky enough to live in a pet-friendly apartment community, you know firsthand how great it can be to share life surrounded by furry friends. Unfortunately, with the bliss of pro-animal living comes that old occasional nuisance - the barking dog.

Whether it's a middle of the night 'I heard something outside' watchdog alarm going off or just a round-the-clock yapper, few things can be as sleep-depriving and annoying as man's best friend on a barking binge. So what is a sanity-drained apartment fan to do?

Your best bet is to bring the problem to the attention of the dog's owner. It's possible the barking is a result of separation anxiety brought on by your neighbor's daily departure for work, which can often be corrected with some basic dog obedience training. If this is the case, odds are good your neighbor may not even be aware of the problem, so address the situation tactfully and with a friendly demeanor.

If you are met with a less-than-friendly response to your complaint, you will probably need to bring the problem to the attention of the apartment community manager. Even the friendliest of pet communities usually have noise ordinances in place, and if the barking is constant and disruptive it may constitute a lease violation. Strengthen your case by letting a tape recorder run to document the non-stop noise barrage, and keep yourself a 'bark journal', noting the date, time and duration.

If the barking is the result of blatant neglect, such as a neighbor keeping an unreasonable amount of animals in their apartment (two dogs is usually the limit with most leases) or leaving their pet unattended for the weekend, you are well within your rights to contact animal control. However, if at all possible you should try and reach a friendly resolution to the problem. Remember, a little communication goes a long way, and a majority of the time you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn your neighbor's bark is far worse than their bite.

A freelance writer, journalist, editor and all around info hound, Philip Hicks has been creating content since birth it seems. As an expert in a number of industries and subjects, Philip offers tremendous insight to help readers better understand a variety of topics. Some of Philip's work can be seen on ApartmentHomeLiving.com, Altercation.net as well as a variety of other web and non-web locations. With a mind on always staying topical, Philip always strives to entertain, enlighten and engage. Enjoy!

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Why Vitamins Are Important for Dogs

It goes without saying that humans need the right amount of vitamins and minerals to ensure that we are in the pink of health. Our doctors will prescribe us different nutritional requirements, depending on our age, body type, activity and genes. The same is true for dogs. You may be feeding them all-natural dog food or they may be sticking to a raw food diet, but essential nutrients is still crucial to their growth. If only your dog knew what his body needed to ensure that he grows up healthy and strong, he would have probably barked all the way to the vet!

As your dogs grow older, you will notice that their appetites are not the same as before. This is especially true when they are already in the mature age. This is where vitamin supplements come in. Older canines should receive the right amount of vitamins, and providing them supplements when their appetites have decreased will really help.

There has been countless forums on whether vitamin supplements are mandatory for a dog's diet. Some may say that the right dog food will already have the combination of what a dog needs; others would argue that this may not be enough. Since the manufactured dog food that we buy in groceries and supermarkets are packed and canned, there is a possibility that the potency of some of the vitamins are lost in the process. Exposing the food through extreme heat may somehow lessen the effects of these vitamins to our pets and so we might need to provide them additional alternatives. Majority of the pet food available nowadays would tell you how much vitamins a dog needs to have, but again, this is only a recommendation. It will only provide us an average estimate but will not give us information on how we are able to prevent certain pet diseases.

The amount of vitamins that your dog needs is actually dependent on the type of breed. For example, golden retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis and other diseases concerning the bones. If untreated, they have a tendency to be crippled. That would be the last thing that we want to see happening to our dog! This is why vitamin D will be important to your canine. This will directly impact your dogs' bones, as well their teeth.

Other vitamins would also help keep your dog healthy and strong; vitamin E is for their skin and can act as an antioxidant; vitamin K aids in regular blood flow and circulation. Healthy muscles should also be important, and vitamin B is a good source for it. As with humans, vitamin C also helps as an antioxidant as well as for stress.

The appetite of your dog is extremely important as well. Fortunately, there are also specific vitamins that can help increase your dog's appetite and control your dog's metabolism. Water soluble vitamins like vitamin B and C are daily supplements and should be taken every day; Vitamins A,K,E and D are called fat soluble and this stays longer in the body.

Your pet is an important part of your home and you want to make sure that the right amount of vitamins are available to them. Read up on nutritional content and your dog will be at their healthiest!

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Feeding German Shepherds - The Raw, BARF, Or Bones And Raw Foods Diet

RAW, BARF, what's the difference?
There are probably as many ways to define and describe the diet as there are people feeding it to their dogs. Several typical titles are RAW, Bones And Raw Foods, and Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

How Does It Work?
Implementation of the raw diet is probably just as varied as the titles you'll hear. Some owners alternate between high quality dog food (also known as kibble), and others feed 100 percent raw meats and bones. Some believe that only muscle and bones should be fed, while others agree that organs and intestines are also important.

Why is This So Complicated?
Feeding RAW can be as simple or as complex as owners want to get. It certainly does not have to be complicated, nor should it. Just remember that dogs have ancestors, and those ancestors did not go down to the local grocery store for their food. They hunted for it! Large dogs like German Shepherds and Rottweilers are much closer to their ancestors than say, a poodle, so it stands to reason that feeding them the foods their close ancestors ate would be more beneficial than the chemical and preservative filled commercial kibble.

So How Do I Do It?
It's very easy to get started. Just give a pound of raw meat to your dog and watch what happens. You can feed chicken, beef, lamb, or anything you find on sale. Even puppies will get excited, and growl and tug at the meat! It's hilarious to watch puppies act tough as they eat the raw meat, and also interesting. They certainly don't act like that about their boring dry dog food! The more often you feed RAW, the more you will learn. It is OK to alternate between RAW and kibble, but buying high quality, grain free kibble is important to your dog's health.

What Will It Do For My Dog?
The first thing you'll probably notice is that your dog is finally enjoying what he or she is eating. Most large breeds get excited and eat really fast when fed raw meats and bones. Not to worry, this hoarding is instinctive. In the wild, dogs compete for their meal with other dogs in their pack and also other predators, so they eat fast and with vigor.

Health issues may get better or vanish. This is because commercial dog food is not the right food for dogs. It is full of chemicals, preservatives, and grains that dogs just don't need. By converting your dog to raw foods, you are providing the nutrition that their bodies need to thrive.

Your dog's coat (fur or hair) will probably start to appear healthier, with more shine and gloss. This is because your dog is getting the nutrition it needs to keep the skin and growing hair healthy.

Overweight dogs may slim, while underweight dogs may gain weight. Overweight dogs may be particularly affected by the grains in kibble while underweight dogs may be deterred by the dog food you are currently feeding. Be careful though, because too much of a good thing is also bad. An overweight dog may have developed a habit of overeating, trying to compensate for the lack of nutrition in their foods. Savvy owners will limit how much RAW is fed to an overweight dog.

Exactly How Much RAW Should I Feed My Dog?
This is the million dollar question. All dogs are different, and owners must watch their dog to determine how much food to present to each animal. Some dogs require more than others to keep them at the ideal weight. The smart owner will attend to each animal as an individual and adjust the feedings as necessary. To get started, try giving the dog the same amount of food in weight as you have been in kibble. If the dog is underweight, you can increase a little. If the dog is overweight, try sticking to the amount you've been feeding. Overweight dogs may slim down because they are no longer eating all those processed grains that was never meant for canines.

Author is Tammie Earl, webmaster of http://anotsolazranch.com/. Tammie is the mother of two children in elementary school and the proud wife of an enlisted Marine. She is currently pursuing her Master's of Arts in Education Degree at Central Michigan University and is a school volunteer and cub scout leader. She manages several other websites, including her own personal site, http://sweettspad.com/.

A Not So La-Z Ranch is owned and operated by Stephanie Ward. On her ranch, she raises her own free range turkeys and egg laying hens. She is the owner and manager of Von Ward Kennels located in Campo, California, east San Diego County. Stephanie raises German Shepherd Dogs for their loyalty, temperament, and large, intimidating size. She has several high quality dams to choose from and if she doesn't have a litter on the ground, she takes deposits and maintains waiting lists for future litters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tammie_Earl

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Engaging Your Dog

So you can tell your dog is bored but it's way too hot out or it's pouring rain, or maybe you've caught a cold.

There are many reasons why you may have to skip your walk today, but now your dog has much excess energy and you need a way for him to let loose.

Provided you aren't just making an excuse so you can be lazy, although a day or two here and there of being lazy doesn't hurt anyone, here are a few ways to keep your dog occupied and allow him to burn off some of that energy.

1. Play Hide and Seek

No don't go and hide and expect your dog to come find you, after all he'll probably just follow you there anyway. Put your dog in another room, then go and hide some food in certain areas around the house.

Not too much food that he eats too much and becomes over weight, but a little here and there. Make sure the places are easy to get to, but have one or two that may require a little effort.

At first you may have to show your dog what you are doing, by taking him around and acting all surprised by what you find. Then eventually, after some practice, your dog will catch on and it will be a fun game for him to play.

2. Call up a Play Mate

Now this is assuming you don't have another cat or dog for your dog to play with. Simply call a friend or family member who has a dog, that your dog gets along with and likes to play with.

Now the two of them can chase each other up and down the hall, burning excess energy and having social interaction at the same time.

3. Food Dispensing Toys

Here's another fun way to keep your dog occupied. Get a few food dispensing toys, a couple that aren't so complicated and then a few that are a bit tougher.

Then start off by giving your dog the easy ones and let him figure out how to get the food out, as he rolls it around on the floor or tries to tear it open. Next as he starts to get used to it and finds them easier and easier to get into, up the complication a bit and make it a bit tougher.

This not only burns off his energy, but builds on his intelligence as well. Although a smarter dog may not be what you looking for if you want to keep him from doing such activities, such as climbing on the counter.

4. Go for a Drive

Yeah it's not much exercise for your dog, but if he likes car rides, this option at least will provide your dog with plenty of amusement.

5. Do Some Training

Yeah it may not be a whole lot of fun for some dogs, but if you remain positive and give plenty of treat rewards then your dog may soon learn to like it.

Plus this way you are, hopefully, improving your dogs behavior and at the same time providing your dog with some much needed exercise and one on one time.

6. A Good Old Fashion Game of Fetch

Get a ball and find a hallway and then just have some fun. Now your dog may not want to bring the ball back but eventually he'll learn that if he brings it back you'll throw it again. Or maybe your dog will just find the fun in keeping the ball away from you.

These are all good ways and there are plenty more. You can even make up games and other activities yourself. But what you want is something where you know you'll remain positive, burn that excess energy your dog has and something that is generally fun for your dog.

Personally, depending on the dog, money situation, etc., I'd recommend getting your dog a friend. That way your dog will always have someone to play with, whether you are around or not, sick or whatever else.

You don't necessarily need another dog, as some dogs like playing with cats just as much as another dog.

But then most cats don't like to play once they get a bit older. Although there is the odd exception, such as a Savannah cat, one of those will where your dog out and still have plenty of energy.

But that all depends on whether you want and/or can afford another pet. If not just use these and other fun ways to keep your dog occupied on those days where you come up with an excuse not to go for a walk.

And that's the lets Face it Facts.

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Dog Breeders Bible

Dog training, Dog Obedience, Dog Nutrition/Health, Dog Breeding

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My Dog Is Chasing His Tail! Why Is He Doing This And What Can I Do About It?

If you want to learn why your dog is chasing his tail, and what you can do about it - then this guide was written with you in mind! Specifically, we are going to address some of the main reasons why your dog may be acting like this.

The most common reason is simply down to excitement! During they day they may become frustrated, as their energy levels bulid up without an outlet - especially if they have been inside the house for most of the day. It can also be something to do when they are bored, and they just don't have anything else to do!

Also, some breeds of dog are more likely to develop this behavioral trait than others - especially dog breeds that are known for being constantly full of energy. There is also reason to believe that it helps them "train" to catch smaller animals, such as rodents and other small creatures.

But if this behavior has become excessive, what can you do about it? The first step is to determine the reasons why it is happening. Is you dog bored? Cooped up all day? Has no interesting toys to play with? All of these reasons can create a habit such as tail chasing.

To summarize, this article has given you a quick overview of the tail chasing behavior that some dog breeds display, as well as the reasons as to why they do this - and some simple steps you can take to determine why it is happening and what you can do about it!

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