Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Handbook, which has additional information on how to find the canine UTI cause. The author also recommends the Pet Health Guide, which also includes information on the symptoms, cause of canine UTI and treatment options.
Stop Your Dog Barking
Perhaps one of the most annoying habits a dog can have is barking. Most dogs bark as a means of communication with others dogs and ourselves. However, do not allow this to become an annoying habit nor something that could make you open to public prosecution. A dog will bark for many reasons: o Defending his territory o Loneliness o Boredom or frustration o Attention seeking or possibly o Medical problems o Lack of training. Perhaps one of the most important points you should consider before buying a dog is - are you able to give any dog a sufficient amount of your time and attention? Having decided that you do, then the following points should be of assistance to both you and your dog. Always remember that it is far better to train a dog by reward than punishment. Start training your dog as early as possible to prevent bad habits becoming established. Get your dog used to being alone - start by putting him into another room for a few minutes then gradually build up the time you leave him alone. Don't make a fuss of him when you leave him and do not return until he is quiet for a while - when you do return praise him for his good behaviour. This will prevent the dog from barking due to separation anxiety. A dog cage or crate is also very good for reinforcing this type of good behaviour. Do not use the cage as a punishment zone, but as a place where your dog will feel safe and secure, where he can rest with his favourite toys in his own space. Get him used to being in the cage while you are in the house, then he should not feel the separation feeling when you go out. Always make sure there is water available to your dog when he is left the best way to supply this in a cage is by using a coup cup as this is unlikely to be spilt. A coup cup can be purchased from your local pet stpoe and can be attached to the inside of the cage at a suitable height for drinking. Some dogs bark because they want to join in with what going on outside - if this is the problem leave him in an area where he cannot see outside. Often dogs will calm down if they can hear a human voice - try leaving a radio on (at low volume!) with a news type programme. Possibly Radio 4. or Classic FM. Results of recent studies have proved that modern or pop music can encourage dogs to be excitable and increase barking. Try not to leave your dog for long periods, but if you have to, then make sure you walk him before you go out and leave him. Put him in his cage - as above - in a well-ventilated room. If you are unable to get back home during the day, arrange for someone to walk him or let him out in the garden if you have one. This is only fair to the dog. Dogs will not normally defecate on their own bedding, and you might be putting a tremendous strain on his internal organs if he is not walked once during the day. Defending his territory. How can I stop my dog barking at the door when people arrive? First of all, ask yourself do you really want him to completely stop this habit? This can be a very useful thing for him to do when the house is empty because he will be on guard and in charge. Some companies now manufacture 'dog alarms'. The recorded sound of a dog barking plays whenever someone knocks at the front door. Perhaps training him not to do so when you are at home and in charge would be a better idea. When someone knocks at the door and he starts barking, check whether they are friend or foe. If they are friend put him into the sit position, hold the palm of your hand out flat in front of him and sternly command No'. If they are foe or just an unwanted caller do not deter him. After a few times with this repetition he should learn what is expected of him and to sort out the good from the not so good. You can test him when the next time you go out. Close the door as usual, and if you have a car, drive off. Stop a short distance away and then ask a neighbour to go to your house and knock or ring the bell. You will then see what his reaction is. Your dog should recognise your neighbour and remain silent. Some more points for you to consider and remember: 1. Dogs that are kept outside are often the cause of complaints for barking so think carefully before you leave the dog alone in a yard or garden. If you do leave him outside make sure that his kennel is not near to an adjoining fence or in another location where he will be tempted to bark. 2. Don't blame the dog for barking - dogs are pack animals and often bark because they are left alone. It may be your lifestyle and not the dog that is the main cause of the problem. Maybe you have insufficient time to devote to your dog, so replacing this dog with another may not help. 3. Talk to your vet - sometimes a dog will bark because he is ill or anxious. Your vet will check for any problems or may be able to refer you to an animal behaviourist who can help suggest ways to improve his behaviour. 4. In extreme circumstances, you may wish to consider a bark control collar, (citronella). An electric collar is not recommended in these circumstances. Jo Withey - the author of this article has considerable personal experience in dealing with dogs. having owned many friendly pals. For more information go to her web site http://mydoggiesupplies.com. Dog Powders
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