Picking the Correct Dog Day Care

Choosing the Right Doggy Day Care For Your Dog

A dog daycare is a canine facility in which a dog owner can leave his dog for a specified length of time during the day. It is different from a long term kennel because you basically get to pick up your best buddy at the end of the day. Some people compare it to a kids daycare facility and they are not wrong. There are a lot of these around the country and the question now is how to choose the right one for your furry friend.

There are several factors that you need to consider when choosing a place for your dog to stay while you are busy. Foremost is the safety and wellbeing of your dog. There are several things that can contribute to a place where your dog will be safe and well taken care of. These include, but are not limited to, the facility and its features, the qualifications of the people who will be handling your dog and the activities that they offer. \

a female staff member at a kennel supervises several large dogs playing together

The Place

This is one of the more important aspects that you need to be clear about. Don’t be fooled by dog daycare places that offer activities and features that are more appealing to humans than canines. Some enterprising but unscrupulous individuals offer services that are aimed at the owner of the dog rather than the dog itself. A relatively small yard that features several dogs getting together very well should be viewed as hazardous if both small and large breed dogs are mixed together. Look for a place that separates the dogs by size most of the time. If the owners of the daycare always put big and small dogs together, this might not be the place for your dog. There are times when both big and small dogs can be brought together; but this should be under the watchful eye of experts who are quick to discern when a situation might turn bad.

Another reason why there has to be some boundaries between some groups of dogs if because specific breeds of dogs play differently from others. Border collies may be more active than other dogs and need to have a large space when they are exercised. Some dogs like to run wild while others might prefer a more sedate walk around the yard. Boisterous canines might irritate the more sedate ones and a fight might ensue.

Some daycare centers are only good on the outside, when they expect visitors or when it is time for the owners to drop off or pick up their dogs. Visiting unannounced can open your eyes to how suitable the place is for your dog. Expect the staff of a good center to be warm and loving towards their charges even when their owners are not there. Say a while after all the other owners have gone and chat a bit with the people in charge if they can spare some time with you. Ask to have a tour of their place out of the blue so you can see how they actually handle dogs.

The Handlers

The dog trainers of the dog daycare center should have a relevant certificate or degree related to their job. This is so that you are assured that the trainer knows what he is doing. Training through positive reinforcement is a great way to train dogs and should be the main method of teaching.

Another aspect that you should look for in the staff and workers of the dog daycare center is how efficiently they handle emergencies. There should always be a vet on hand in case of emergency. Ask how they handle emergencies and if there is a nearby pet hospital.

You should also ask how many members of the staff will be on hand at all times. There might be a long list of names of workers but they might work in shifts. Ask about the handler to dog ratio at all times and whether the dogs are left to their own devices without supervision. It is not advisable to leave a dog alone or with other dogs at any given time. Fights can break out if the dogs are not supervised.

There should also be a screening for each dog that are housed temporarily at the center. This is necessary because some dogs may have special needs or conditions that should be addressed by a doctor or an expert. Aside from that, dogs that have not been neutered or spayed may need to be monitored carefully when they are with others dogs. Screening does not necessarily mean that the daycare discriminates against specific breeds; it just means that they want to be sure that they have every detail of each dog that is brought to them for the safety and well being of all the dogs in their facility. If the center does say that they do not accept specific breeds because these are too aggressive, you might want to bring your business somewhere else. Discriminating against a specific breed could mean that they have a narrow view of dogs and just want to make an easy buck.On the other hand, there are really some aggressive dogs that might be brought to daycare for canines. Ask how potentially aggressive dogs are handled and weigh their answers wisely.

Activities and Services

More often than not, these kinds of daycare centers offer a variety of services for the dogs that they are in charge of. Ask what you want to know about the different services and activities that they advertise as well as those that they do not have listed in their advertisements. Dog training and socialization is one of the usual services that you can avail in most daycare centers for dogs. Ask to see how the dogs are trained to check if their methods are safe and updated. Beware of techniques that can potentially hurt your dog, such as choke collars, electric collars and other punishment techniques.

Grooming services may also offered in the daycare but make sure that there is a certified and qualified groomer in-house. If the center contracts a groomer only when necessary, this could mean that you will be paying more than what you should be paying outside.

Other services that some centers usually offer which you may be interested in are pickup and drop off, giving medications, dog walking and specialized exercises. Luxury places might also offer services such as treatments, massage and other spa related services. While these are great for your dog, they might actually enjoy a good play session with other dogs than an aromatherapy spa.

Pricing

The prices of a daycare center for dogs usually stay within an affordable range, unless you go to an upscale and luxurious one. Check the websites of the daycares for their pricing and compare their facility and their services to others.

The best way to narrow down your search is to ask your veterinarian or some of your friends who have dogs for their recommendations. Personally visit the centers that you think may take better care of your dog. Bring your dog along for a look-see. You can draw some insight on how the staff interacts with your dog. It pays to do some research about the place that you are interested in so you know your dog will be in good hands.

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Adopt a Rottweiler Adult or Puppy

What You Need to Know to Adopt a Rottweiler

Adopting a dog is a great way to meet the needs of your family and at the same time help the many dogs that are abandoned and left at shelters every year all over the country. If you want to adopt a Rottweiler, or any other kind of dog, the process is fairly simple. In most states, all you have to do to adopt a pet is undergo a casual interview with the representative of the shelter or center of your choice. The goal of the discussion is to ensure that you will be getting the pet that suits you and to ensure forever homes for the dogs and other pets in their care. The application form that you are required to fill up will likely contain questions about your housing situation, the other people and pets that will be interacting with the dog, your pet history, your lifestyle and what you expect from the dog that you want to adopt.

If you are wondering why there is a need for the questions and discussion, you should understand that there are so many different reasons why dogs and other pets are surrendered annually in the United States alone. The people who are responsible for the shelters and adoptions would like to make sure that the possibility of returning the adopted animal is nonexistent, or at the very least, minimal. This is why it is important for these people to ask the questions that will help them place the right animal with the right family or individual. It is also important that you, the adopter, be honest with your capabilities and you should know the limitations of the place you live in and that of the other family members. Depending on which state you might plan on adopting, there might be a minimal fee that you need to pay in order to process the adoption.

There are several notions that some people have about dogs from shelters and rescue centers. Some people think that these dogs may be the problem and are unwilling to adopt a dog from rescue centers and shelters because they believe that these animals are bad or may have done something bad. The truth of the matter is that it is the owners of the dog that gave up on their dog not the other way around. If the dog was properly socialized and trained, he will be readily available for adoption. The people in charge of the rescue centers and shelters will not make an unsuitable dog available for adoption.

Another belief that some people have regarding rescue animals or animals from shelters is that they are inferior from those which are sold by breeders. The fact of the matter is that any kind of dog can be placed in a shelter or be rescued. You can easily encounter purebred dogs and mixed breed dogs in these places. These dogs and pets have specific circumstances in which they are left in shelters, abandoned by their previous owners or rescued from abuse. They are not in any way, defective or inferior from other animals. The dogs and other pets in rescue centers and shelters are evaluated and assessed by qualified individuals before they are made available for adoption. The assessment and evaluation will check whether they can function well in society and what kind of family they are best suited for.

Adopting a Rottweiler

A Rottweiler is an intelligent animal that is very capable of much love, given the chance. These strong and loyal dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to function well in society. You might think that big dogs like Rotties need a large yard or a large house to run around in but they can be quite content to live in an apartment provided they are exercised and walked daily. A Rottweiler can become obese if you overfeed him and this can result to other complications such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Aside from physical stimulation, all dogs that are often left home alone need to have some form of mental stimulation regularly. This will help entertain them and keep them out of trouble while you are away.

It is important to let the Rottweiler know who is the boss in your relationship because they tend to be a bit bossy if you show that you are afraid of them or if you are not firm in training and discipline. Ideally, training a dog should start while they are around three to five months of age but older dogs are not difficult to train as well. It might just take some effort to train older dogs but there are actually a lot of benefits of adopting a full grown dog compared to adopting a puppy. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

– when you have children

– when you have expensive furniture and things

– when you work outside the house the whole day

When you have kids, you are usually tempted to adopt a Rottweiler puppy because of the nostalgic notion of the dog growing up with your children and your kids having a playmate. The reality of it is that puppies tend to chew a lot until they are about three years of age. This means that if your kids let the puppy into their rooms, you can expect the puppy to find something to chew on. They are not discriminate when it comes to trying to ease the throbbing of growing teeth. They might chew on your child’s favorite toy or shoes and this will lead to some tears on the part of your child. Another danger is that puppies tend to playfully bite and your child might be accidentally nipped.

Aside from indiscriminately chewing on your child’s precious belongings, puppies will also chew on wooden furniture, carpeting, shoes, clothes and anything that they find which they think might soothe their swollen gums and growing teeth. This is why it is important to give your Rottweiler puppy a chew toy that is entirely his to enjoy. Giving such a toy is no guarantee that he will not chew on other items in the house, though.

Puppies need to be supervised a lot when they are at this stage, which is why adopting a grown and mature Rottweiler may be best for some families. If you go to work daily at around eight in the morning and return home past five in the afternoon, you can expect a mess from your Rottie puppy. Puppies need to go potty or pee every two to three hours, usually depending on how often they are fed. Puppies need to be feed frequently because they still have little tummies. Mature Rottweiler dogs, on the other hand, have a better handle on their chewing urges and may have been already potty trained in their previous homes.

Most of the mature or older dogs from shelters have also developed personalities. This means that the people from the shelter will be able to assess the mature dog correctly. The assessment will help the people in charge of adoption place the Rottweiler in a home that suits his personality.

There are several shelters and rescue centers that focus on Rottweilers. If you would like to adopt a Rottweiler or want to know more about the process, you will benefit greatly from contacting your local shelter. When it comes to choosing the dog for you, it is always a good idea to personally go to the shelter and interact with the dogs there. The following groups, organizations and rescue centers are a good place to start your search for your next best buddy.

Search For Your Rottweiler Here:

http://www.southernstatesrescuedrottweilers.org

http://www.rottrescuela.org

http://www.rottsoffriends.com/adopt.php

http://www.rottieaid.org/

http://www.rottrescue.org/

http://awos.petfinder.com/shelters/majestyrescue.html

http://www.ggar.org

http://www.rsrr.org/

http://www.dogwoodrottweilerclub.com

http://thorr.org//welcome

http://www.adoptarott.org

http://www.rottierescuesnm.com

http://rottieempirerescue.com

http://www.arrfnc.com

http://scrottierescue.iwarp.com

http://www.md-novarotties.org

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Best Playpen for Dogs

Recommendations for the Best Playpen for Dogs

Playpens for dogs may seem too babyish for some people but in reality, having one for your dog makes a lot of sense. With a playpen, you can keep your dog with you in the same room or area, but in a controlled space where he will not be underfoot while you do something important. In most cases, our pets are less agitated in a playpen with their owners in the same room or area compared to them tied up outside or kept in a room where they are alone. Your four legged buddy will likely be calm and content to sit in his playpen while you bustle about the house. These enclosures allow the dogs to move around without a leash or chain to hinder their movements. When a dog is tied up outside, the possibility of him getting choked or tangled up in his chain or leash is quite high. Another advantage of choosing the best playpen for dogs is the space that it provides for them to move around. A crate or kennel is much too small even for toy breeds to be kept for an extended period of time. The playpen’s size varies depending on the manufacturer and the need that the owner sees for her dog.

Aside from being able to keep your dog with you during the times when you are busy with something at home, the playpen can also provide the necessary security and safety that you would want if you were to leave your dog for a long period of time. Large, sturdy pens designed to house dogs from large breeds can be used as a sort of cage for your German Shepherd or Rottweiler in a sheltered area in your yard. Even smaller breeds can enjoy the freedom that a large pen can provide them outdoors.

Points to Ponder

There are several factors that you need to consider when you are looking around for the best playpen for dogs. Things that you should ask yourself include, but are not limited to; What do you need the playpen for? Where are you most likely to use it, indoors or outdoors? How often will you need to put your dog in the playpen? These are just a few of the questions that will influence the kind of playpen that you need to buy.

The size of the play pen should correspond to the size of your dog, especially if you have a large pet. It would be useless to get a medium sized playpen for an extra large dog because this would still make the dog feel confined and agitated. Although smaller breeds of dogs might benefit a lot from an extra large play pen, you should also consider the size of the room where you will be putting up the pen. If the extra large enclosure takes up so much room, you would be the one feeling cramped and restricted. In some cases, small, agile dogs might be able to escape from a large enclosure because they can take a running leap in the large space that you have provided.

The quality of the enclosure is also another thing that you should consider. If you are going to use the playpen most of the time, you would be better off spending more on a more expensive but durable playpen made from a material that can give you more bang for your buck. Some playpens are made from thin plastic or thin wires. These are only good until your dog realizes that he can chew his way out of them or he can push the enclosure around with his weight. If you want a playpen that will last a long time, go for the more expensive ones made from good quality steel, plastic or wood. In most cases, the more expensive the enclosure is, the better quality it usually has.

The main purpose why you are buying a playpen is also another thing to consider. If you are buying the playpen because you want to contain your dog while you have visitors in the house, you are better off with a playpen that blends well with the theme or ambiance of your home. If you want a pen that can house your dog outside in your yard while you are at work, get a sturdy enclosure that your dog cannot climb over or knock down easily. You should also think about how easy the playpen can be put up and taken down. These enclosures take up space in your home and you might need them most of the time, hence the need to have one that you can put up easily when you need it.

The following enclosures are ideal choices for the best playpen for dogs.

North States Super Yard Play Yard – This enclosure is made of lightweight plastic which makes it a breeze to carry around and set up. It consists of 6 panels of colorful plastic with a dimension of 32×25 inches per panel. This means that it is more than two feet high. It is made so that you can add more panels to make a bigger playpen. The playpen can also double as a baby or toddler play area and can be quite attractive with its colorful panels.

The downside to this playpen is that it may be too lightweight to contain a large dog but sturdy enough to keep a medium sized to smaller dog in. The 26 inch height means that tall dogs may be able to jump over it. While adding to the original 6 panels can make the enclosure bigger, it might also contribute to it becoming more flimsy.

Midwest Black E-coat Exercise Pen – This metal enclosure is made of durable steel wires with an E-coat finish that provides resistance to the elements. This is important because it is metal and prone to rust and corrosion. It is easy to set up and take down but much sturdier than lightweight plastic playpens. Although there is no door, you can easily swing one of the metal panels with the provided clips. Just like the previous playpen, it can also be used for child care.

Although it is more durable than a lightweight plastic enclosure, it can still be moved by a large, heavy dog. You might like to drive in spikes or a metal peg to keep the pen from being moved.

Iris Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen

This is probably one of the best enclosures for dogs available because a lot of reviews have been praising it and sales have never been better. It is made of high grade, durable plastic designed with a slight arch on the top of each panel. It comes in either a 4 panel version or an 8 panel variation. One panel has a small doggie door which make it very convenient to use instead taking off one entire panel to swing in or out when you need a door. The door has two metal latches so your furry friend will not be able to paw his way out of the playpen. The panels are quite wide which makes the 4 piece variation just right for a medium sized dog.

In terms of this being the best playpen for dogs, it might be for small to medium sized dogs, especially if you consider its price and how nice it is to look at. However, it is an inch or two shorter from the other two enclosures mentioned above which makes it much easier for a tall dog to skip out of.

Richell Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Pet Playpen

This lovely looking enclosure works as a playpen when closed at both sides but can also be stretched long enough to be a gate. It is very sturdy and comes in either 4 or 6 panels. You can combine two purchases to make a bigger playpen suitable for large and tall dogs. The dimension per panel is 29(W)x35(H) which is high enough to deter a tall dog from stepping out or jumping out.

With all these benefits, you can expect this enclosure to have a higher price than the others mentioned above. Aside from the higher price, the size it can reach and its other use as a gate is very appealing.

Richell 3-in-1 Convertible Elite Pet Gate 

As stated in its name, this product is actually sold as a pet gate instead of a playpen. It can be converted into a playpen by making ends meet and can also be made as a divider for your house. It features a door on one of the panels that can be locked for your convenience. It has a very elegant wood and metal combination that is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

The products mentioned here are great recommendations for the best playpen for dogs, in terms of durability, price and design. Bear in mind that while a couple of them may be on the high end when it comes to pricing, the products are well made and will surely last longer then necessary.

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How Much Exercise Do Dogs Need?

How Much Should I Exercise My Dog Daily?

Dogs are physical animals that enjoy play time, walks and other activities. They must be among the few animals that stay child-like in their enjoyment of play and spending time with their human family. Another reason why it is important for your dog to expend his energy is to keep him out of trouble and out of boredom. There are so many videos on the internet today showing the results of a bored dog left to his own devices at home. In the videos, they are so cute but if it happens to you, the destruction can be daunting. Exercising your dog daily is really necessary so he has an outlet for all that boundless energy. Releasing the energy that your dog has pent up daily will lead to a normal, well adjusted dog with very few, if there are even any, mental issues. Canines are intelligent animals that can be anxious when left all alone for the entire day at home; they can also be bored being on their own and can devise their own activity to ease their anxiety or boredom. Anxious dogs can also be prone to aggression and insecurities which may lead them to bite or nip people. Exercise and play are great outlets especially when both you and your dog do these together.

Aside from boredom and mental health, another very real reason why a dog needs daily exercise is obesity. Dogs are prone to this if they are left on their own at home with little or no activity. A lot of breeds are also susceptible to gaining weight more than others. Another benefit that your dog can get from daily exercise are better muscle strength and increased bone density. Being naturally fit will also help your dog recover from sickness and injuries.

Despite their enjoyment and need for play and activity, there is also a limit to how much to exercise your dog because over doing it just might land him in the hospital or result to an injury. The amount of activity and exercise that a canine should have is dependent on a lot of things; such as the kind of breed, the size, their breed purpose and each individual dog’s personality and needs as well as environmental factors.

Breed Factor

A lot of dog breeds have similar needs when it comes to exercise. Working dogs from the herding and sporting group are among the most kinds of dogs that need more than an hour’s exercise everyday. Experts recommend up to 90 minutes of extensive activities and play once a day. Dogs that compete in shows for agility may need more activities, depending on what they are training for. It will do a competition dog a lot of good if they have exercise for an hour once in the morning and another hour in the late afternoon. Experts suggest mixing up the exercise routine sporadically to keep your dog from getting bored since most dogs of this group are highly intelligent and can learn routines very quickly.

Hounds come in two different kinds; the ones that use their sense of smell and the ones that use sight to hunt. Those that use smell may need less exercise than those that use their sight. This is because scent-based hunters usually need to stop every now and them to locate the scent and track it. Sight based hunting dogs, on the other hand, need to see their prey to track it so they need to be quick and energetic.

Dogs from the terrier group are usually quite active despite their diminutive size. They need to have about an hour’s worth od running around and physical activity everyday to get rid of their destructive energy. These are also quite smart dogs and will need to have different activities that they can do. Yorkies, Dachshunds and Airedales love to run around and will enjoy being let off the leash in a dog run or a park with your vigilant supervision.

Toy breeds are small dogs that do not need an expansive area to exercise or play but still need to have some sort of activity for them to keep fit, physically and mentally. A walk for about thirty minutes to an hour daily will do wonders for them. You can also play with your toy breed dog for about thirty minutes inside your home if the weather is bad. Some of the smaller breeds might have pug noses. These dogs need to be supervised all the time when exercising or running around because they tend to have difficulty breathing when they exert a lot of effort. Try to keep their running around to a minimum. A sedate walk for about thirty minutes to an hour may be better than intense running and playing. Despite this, these dogs will also enjoy fooling around with their owners during play time. Just make sure to take a break every now and then and give him lots of water. It is also advisable to keep them cool since their breathing difficulties can lead to overheating.

Individuality

Dogs have their own personalities that differ from each other. Some dogs crave activity and play while others may participate in rigorous activities for just a short time and them sit it out. Adapt your activity to your dog’s personality. A sedate dog might enjoy a quiet walk around the neighborhood, just sniffing around and enjoying the smells. A lively dog might benefit more from a game of fetch or Frisbee rather than a walk.

The age of the dog should also be factored into his exercise regimen. Older dogs tend to be less active than those in their prime. This means, that eventually, even the most active dogs might just want to be taken out for a walk rather than have a prolonged game of fetch. A prior injury can also affect the desire of your dog to be active. In spite of being afraid to move around at first, injured dogs will benefit from moving around and going back to normal activity when the vet sees fit. 

Weather and Environment

The weather can also affect the length of time that you exercise your dog. When it is snowing heavily, it might be better to stay indoors for the day and play with your dog. Light snow might be worthy of a stroll and playing in the snow but make sure that your short haired dog is warm but his movements should not be impeded by his clothes. Dogs also enjoy walking in the rain but will need to be patted dry when you get home. If you do not enjoy going out in the rain or snow, try to accommodate your dog’s exercise needs inside the house or just in your yard.

If the weather is a bit too warm, bring a bottle of water and a small bowl for your dog when you go out for a walk. Long haired dogs benefit from taking a walk in a shady area or neighborhood; the same with dogs with loose and folded skin like Bulldogs and Sharpeis. Both kinds will also appreciate some water in the middle of their half an hour walk.

Kinds of Activities

Aside from a run or a walk, you can also help your dog expel excess energy by playing fetch or Frisbee. Games and activities that stimulate their mind can also be a great way to keep your dog mentally sharp such as a food toy or a game of hide and seek. Swimming is a great exercise for older dogs since there is very little impact for their joints. Since swimming can be tiring, limit your dog to just thirty minutes of swimming with lots of rest in between.

Observe your dog and try to mold your activity to his personality and needs. Each dog has its own preferences and you can tailor a program that fits the bill. Not only will your dog benefit from the daily exercise but you, the owner, will also be able to get some exercises as well.

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Rottweiler Potty Training

Effective Way to Potty Train Your Rottweiler

When you have a new dog, one of the more challenging aspects of owning it is potty training. While it might be easier to train mature dogs than puppies, you will need to be patient as well as persevere in your endeavor. It is all just a matter of persevering in this method and having faith that your Rottweiler is really smart enough to learn. You just have to bear in mind that it will not happen in just a day’s time. You really need to put in some effort and take the time to ensure that your puppy or mature dog will get what you need him to do.

Be Consistent

Two things that you must have when you begin Rottweiler potty training is consistency and perseverance. Being consistent means that you should take out your puppy or mature dog to the yard or garden after he has eaten. In some cases, taking a short, mild walk will do.

Puppies below the age of three months will not have a fully developed digestive system yet. This means that after they eat and when they feel full, they will have an almost immediate urge to poop and /or pee. It is important to take your Rottie puppy out as soon as he finishes his food or shows signs that he is full. He will be conditioned to do his business outside of the house if he gets used to being taken out. His understanding might not be clear for the first several weeks but you can be sure that with the level of intelligence that a Rottweiler has, he will get it sooner rather than later.

The same consistency is necessary for mature dogs that you may have rescued or adopted. When you bring home a mature dog, you can expect that he has had some sort of potty training before but he may have been taught differently. You still need to put in some effort to make him understand what you expect him to do when he feels the urge to poop or pee. This is especially true for dogs that are used to being in a kennel or left inside the house for long periods of time.

The first step to Rottweiler potty training is to always bring the dog out after a full meal. Puppies need to be let out more often than mature dogs because they have an underdeveloped digestive system. Mature dogs tend have a timetable when it comes to defecating and urinating, so you should observe your dog for the first several days. Some full grown dogs will “ask” to be let out when they feel the urge to poop or pee and you should accommodate this for the first few days or weeks.

This will be especially difficult at night so you should let them out or take them for a long walk before you go to sleep. Despite this effort, there is a very big chance that your puppy will poop or maybe just pee in the middle of the night. Try to be as patient as possible when this happens. The best thing to do is to make an effort to actually wake up every two hours and taken him out for his potty break. Don’t worry as your puppy grows older, the hours that he needs to poop or pee should grow longer as well. If you have a mature dog, he should be able to last until the morning before he will need a potty break.

The second step to successful Rottweiler potty training is to let your dog know that he has done something right. When you have your dog outside, do not just leave him to do his business. Observe him carefully and when he does poop or pee, praise him well. It might help to have a cue word that he will associate with pooping and peeing. Dogs often respond very well to cue words as a signal that they are expected to poop and pee. Be consistent with the cue word or words and be generous with your praises and hugs when they do as you expected. Another thing that you should be consistent with is to take him back inside once he is finished with his business. It is not advisable to play with him right after he has pooped or peed when you are still training him because he will be confused with what you expect from him when you take him out. The point of Rottweiler potty training is to teach your dog the routine so he will eventually do what you expect him to do without much prompting or supervision.

As mentioned before, puppies need to be taken out every couple of hours or so. Persevere with taking him out every two hours and adjust it according to his habits. Heap praise, pats and hugs when he does what you expect. You might be tempted to give your puppy or mature dog a tasty treat but please hold off on giving treats when potty training. You dog might think that every time he poops or pees he will get a treat and it will get really messy when he realizes this!

On the other hand, your Rottie might not poop every time you take him out. This will happen when your puppy understands what you expect from him and as his digestive system develops. Try to adjust brining him out according to his schedule but at the same time, you should still praise him when he does poop or pee while he is outside. Your Rottie is a smart dog and he should have no difficulty picking up on what you want him to do.

Accidents

Accidents can happen even when you think your dog is already housebroken. Maybe he has an upset stomach or he might not have been able to hold on to his poop or pee; whatever the reason, accidents can happen even to the best of dogs. Do not be angry with your dog or hit your dog for his accident. The definition of an accident is something that happens that is out of our control; so it follows that your dog did not want it to happen but he could not control it. The best thing to do when you arrive home and find an accident on the floor is to clean it up and firmly tell your dog, in an authoritative voice, “NO. “Poop outside” or “Pee outside”. It would help if you bring him out to remind him where h is supposed to do his business.

It would also help if you could be consistent with your schedule. Your dog relies on you to take him out everyday so he could relieve himself. Dogs that do not have access outside might benefit from you coming home at least a couple of times a day just so he could go potty. If this is not doable on your part, you should get a dog sitter or walker to take him out. Another alternative is to designate a potty area inside the house where he can go when necessary.

Consistency and patience are two things which you really need to keep in mind when training your Rottweiler. This is not just true for potty training but also for other commands and tricks as well.

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Clicker Training Basics For Your Puppy and Useful Tips

Clicker Training Basics and Useful Tips

Clicker training is a highly effective method of training dogs and other animals. A clicker or any mechanical noisemaker is used to reinforce the positive behavior of the dog. The positive reinforcement is accompanied by a treat. This is especially handy when a new behavior or trick is taught to the dog. The clicking sound helps the dog realize that he needs to act in a certain way to get a treat. Basically, this kind of training is based on giving the dog a signal that he should respond to a command accordingly. Other trainers used different sound “signals” to train dogs such as a whistle. Many believe that this method of training is not only highly effective but also humane and safe for both animal and trainer.

Marking good behavior is the actual goal of a clicker. When this is followed by a reward or a treat, the animal realizes that every time the clicking sound is made by the trainer, a reward will follow. The dog will understand that the way he acted got him the reward and he will be more enthusiastic the next time.

The reason why a clicker is used to mark good behavior is that it is fairly consistent as a sound. There is not much variation in clicking because there is a standard clicker that is usually used for training. Compared to a voice, a click has no emotion and the dog will not be able to read anything from it. If the trainer is despondent or has a personal problem, a voice command will have different undertones which the dog might pick up on. While dogs are very good at reading people through their voices and actions, a click is neutral and carries no baggage.

Clicker training also works very well with puppies because they learn very quickly to associate the clicking sound with a treat. This means that they will also associate good behavior to getting a treat. The use of the clicker is mainly to teach new behavior or tricks. Once the dog learns the desired trick or behavior, the behavior can be associated with a command or a hand signal. The clicker is used to facilitate better retention of the behavior and faster learning.

Step 1

The first thing that you need to do if you want to start clicker training is to get a standard clicker. If you have no access to one, you might want to get another item that makes a sharp, clicking sound very much like a clicker. The important thing is that it should make a consistent sound that does not change or run out of batteries. Stock up on treats if you wish to start training your dog. Treats may consist of chopped up cooked liver or chicken, whatever your dog likes.

Step 2

There are two basic ways of imprinting the behavior that you want from your dog. The first is to lure your dog to act the way you want and the other is to capture the moment.

When teaching your puppy to sit from a standing position, you can “lure” or manipulate him to sit by getting his attention with a tasty treat. You can do this by putting the treat close to his nose (not close enough for him to snap it up!) and raising it a bit backwards so his head will tilt up. His rear end should go down to a sitting position. Make the clicking sound as soon as his rear end touches the ground, because this is the trick that you wanted him to perform.

Capturing the moment means being with your dog for a period of time and waiting for him to sit on his own. As soon as your dog sits, click on this desired behavior. It is important to always click when he sits for the first few training sessions so he understand that this is the behavior that you want.

Step 3

The next step is to reward your dog with a tasty treat as soon as you are finished making the clicking sound. This form of positive reinforcement will instill the desired behavior in your dog as well as make him aware that the sound means he needs to behave accordingly to get a reward.

Step 4

Adding a command or a signal for each behavior is necessary because the clicks are just generic reminders for your dog to behave well and to anticipate a treat. The clicks will not tell the dog what your command is. A cue word or signal should tell your dog what your command is once he has a grasp of several commands.

Tips for Effective Training

It is important for clicker training to be effective so your dog will be properly socialized and will be able to understand the different behaviors you expect from him. The following are tips for this type of method to succeed.

1. Always click first before offering the tasty treat or reward. The clicking sound will teach your dog to behave well in anticipation of a treat.

2. Treats should be small. Big treats will fill up your dog and may make him want to lie down and sleep. It is not a good idea to train or play with your dog while he has a full stomach.

3. Click while your dog is doing the desired behavior but preferably towards the end of the trick. Clicking too early might excite your dog (he will think he has a treat coming) and clicking too late might instill a different behavior. It should be heard during the behavior is performed. Timing is everything when it comes to clicker training.

4. If you are especially happy with the progress of your dog, it is better to give a more treats rather than clicking enthusiastically several times. More than one click for one good performance might confuse your dog.

5. Your dog might try to act out desired behaviors just to get a treat or two from you. If he has already learned the trick and knows it very well, you should not reward these spontaneous performances. This is the right time to introduce hand signals or voice commands so that your dog will understand that when you issue the signals or command, he should behave accordingly. You can train hand signals or voice commands with a clicker at first, and then do away with the clicker if your dog has learned the signals or commands well.

These are just the basics for clicker training and a few helpful tips that will surely help you socialize your dog and make him a better member of your household. You can use this method of training to housebreak your puppy or to train your mature dog for a show.

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How to Tell if You Have an American Rottweiler or German Rottweiler

Differentiate Between an American Rottweiler and A German Rottweiler

Rottweilers are a popular breed and quite distinctive even for those who are not dog aficionados. Their robust build and trademark appearance sets them apart from the other dogs with the same coloring. But, did you know that there are American Rottweilers and German Rottweilers? For most of the world, Rotties are one and the same breed but there are actually two kinds of Rottweilers. The differences are actually not so discernible to the untrained eye and some of the differences are not in the appearance of the dogs at all but in their temperament or their personalities.

German Origins

Before anything else, let us have a look at the origins of the Rottweiler. These strong and noble dogs originated from Germany as products of interbreeding of local German dogs and dogs that the Romans brought with them to watch their cattle. The Roman drover dogs were described as mastiff-like dogs that were intelligent and protective of their cattle charges. Eventually, the Romans left that part of Germany but some of their drover dogs got left behind and mated with the local dogs. The result is a sturdy dog that was used by the local butchers in the town of Rottweil as guard dogs.

As time passed, the popularity and the use of the butcher’s guard dog faded and the breed was actually in danger of losing its singularity. World War I came about and the interest in the breed was revived due to their protective nature, intelligence and strength. After the war, some of the dogs were brought out of Germany, specifically to the United States. Due to the limited dogs in the United States, care was taken in breeding them and maintaining the standards. At the same time, Rottweiler fanciers in Germany redefined their standards for the remaining Rottweiler dogs.

So, it is safe to say that all Rottweilers are from German stock. The actual defining point between a German Rottweiler and an American one is where the dogs are born. In Germany, the ADRK (Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub) is the kennel club that defines the standards of the breed nationwide. They are very strict when it comes to which dogs can be bred and whether the puppies that they produce shall be registered with the kennel club. Suffice to say that this particular kennel club is serious in maintaining the standard of the Rottweiler. Before the puppies are registered, they have to pass a test that will check their physical and mental attributes. Having parents that have passed the test, does not mean that the puppies will pass. The puppies will be judged on their own attributes and merits. Once the puppies pass, they will be registered with the ADRK and may be deemed suitable to breed with other Rotties that have also passed and are registered with the club.

On the other hand, the AKC has a very similar set of standards for their Rottweilers but the kennel club is not very discriminate when it comes to which dogs can be bred and which puppies can be registered. Herein lies the difference between the two. While the German club micromanages the selection process of the dogs, the American one is not as discriminate. As long as the American sire and the dam are registered with the club, their puppies can be registered. In some cases, breeders do not even need to bring their dogs in to be inspected by the club, registration can be done through mail.

Actual Differences

If you are still interested in the slight differences between the two, you should know that two differences lie in the height and weight of the dog. The AKC accepts Rotties which are just a few centimeters shorter than the standards written in the ADRK. The same goes for the weight standard for American registered Rottweilers; it is slightly less than those of the ADRK and even the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). So, you should not be surprised to see Rotties which are a bit small or less bulky compared to those that you might see in movies or advertising. This may be the reason why some people prefer the so called German Rottweiler; because they appear bulkier and stronger.

Another difference is tail docking. Most, if not all Rottweilers in Germany which are registered with the ADRK, are not docked. The AKC is not as discriminate when it comes to docking even though a lot of breeders have left the practice behind. Docking is the practice of purposely removing most of the animal’s tail. This is done by surgically cutting off the tail of the puppies or applying a band on a specific area to discontinue blood flow which results in the tail eventually falling off. Many dog breeds feature docked tails and the length is often specified in some breed standards. Expect to see more Rotties with docked tails in America than in Germany. This does not mean that German breeders cannot dock the tails of their puppies if they want to.

Another aspect that may be different between dogs born in Germany and in the United States is their mental attributes. In Germany, dogs registered with ADRK are usually bred for working purposes. This means that they need to be stable enough to work with people all the time. Being calm and intelligent are among the desirable attributes that their national kennel club want to maintain. Since the Rottweiler started out as a protective, herding dog that is comfortable in the company of people and other animals, German fanciers of the breed would like the Rottweiler to stay true to its origins. Many of the Rottweilers in this country work as companions for the disabled, in the police or security forces and some are companion dogs. In the United States, some Rotties are bred purely as companion dogs and the desire to maintain their original purpose may not matter as much.

This is not to say that there is no indiscriminate breeding of Rottweilers in Germany. Not all German breeders adhere to the breed standards set by the national kennel club and they do not even have to register their puppies with the ADRK to sell them. The same thing goes for Rotties born in the United States. Not all breeders are fanciers of the breed and a few prefer to make a quick buck by selling dogs indiscriminately.

To sum it up, the differences between the American and German Rottweiler is how the official kennel clubs of their birth countries have defined the breed standards. Now you know what to say if someone asks you if your Rottie is an American or German Rottweiler. In the long run, the Rottweiler is just as good as its owner and how it has been raised.

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