How Can I Help My Aggressive Dog?

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This is a good question that anybody with an aggressive dog should be asking.  There are some things that you can do to help your dog be happier without the aggression.

The first thing you must do is admit you have an aggressive dog.  I am always amazed how many people will not admit it even when their dog has bitten.  I wrote an article about this you can read it here.

The next thing to do is keep everybody safe and this also includes your dog.  What I mean by this statement is take away the opportunity for your dog to show aggression or to bite someone.

That means put your dog up, ideally in a crate or the backyard when someone comes to your front door.

Don’t have your dog in the front yard off leash, because you think it will be okay.  Things happen quickly so don’t take a chance.

If your dog has shown aggression with the grand babies put the dog up when they come to visit, don’t jeopardize the grand kid’s safety.

By taking away the opportunity for you dog to show aggression you are starting to eliminate the habit.

The next thing that needs to be done is REHABILITATION.  That means some serious obedience training as well as some behavior modification.  Everybody knows what obedience training is however quite often dog owners ask what is behavior modification.

With behavior modification we change the way you do some things at home with your dog so that he begins to understand his place in the pack.  It allows you to become the alpha or pack leader.  When that happens, hopefully you will begin to see less aggression because he understands you are in charge and are capable of handling any situation.

If you are seeing aggression with your dog, owning a crate is a very important tool to have in your home.  I prefer the plastic airline type crate and you can read why here.  The crate allows a safe refuge for you dog.  I can tell you many stories where dog owners put their aggressive dog in a bedroom and then have somebody accidently open the door.  The results can be very serious.

Another useful tool is a good muzzle.  I really like the Baskerville Ultra Muzzle.  They are made in the U.K. but are available at Petco as well as many places online.These muzzles allow your dog to pant, drink, and even take treats.  Properly fitted this muzzle will give you some peace of mind for the dog that is usually okay but not always.

I hope these tips have given you some good pointers on helping your aggressive dog.  Now go out and find a good canine behavior specialist that can help you rehabilitate your dog.

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Does your dog need help with aggression?  We can help. If you are in ,  Chattanooga, TN,  Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL and Indianapolis, IN visit our website and give us a call.

If you have an aggressive dog please be sure to visit www.DogAggressionExperts.com for help…

Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located.  In fact we have clients all over the U.S.

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P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist?  If so CLICK HERE now!

About Wayne: Wayne Booth is owner of   which is headquartered in Nashville, TN but serves clients all over the U.S..  If you have a dog with aggression, behavior problems or simply needs training feel free to contact him.

Wayne has also been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.  If you would like to become a Professional Dog Trainer he can get you started.

5 Convenient, Practical Ways to Exercise Your Dog

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Today’s article is from a guest blogger Hannah Croscutt, enjoy!

Exercise is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and is also an important part of your dog’s training. I’m a firm believer that a tired dog is a good (and happy) dog, and sometimes, with busy life and work schedules, achieving “tired dog” status is easier said than done. Here are five ways to help get you and your dog on your way to “tired dog” status:

  1. Running or walking. Take your dog on run or walking endeavors with you. With the summer heat being a dangerous factor in exercising during the middle of the day, I recommend taking your dog on either of these activities early in the morning (before your day begins) or late in the day when it’s much cooler. Studies show that people who exercise in the morning also experience a vast number of personal benefits, aside from having better behaved dogs. Way I see it, it’s a win-win!
  2. Fetch. If you have a dog that likes to play fetch, whether for a tennis ball or a stick, then you’re in luck. If you can’t make it for a walk or can’t physically walk, sitting on your back porch, playing a long game of fetch may be a good option for you and your dog.
  3. Hide and go seek. On days where I take a break from running or don’t feel like taking my dog for a walk, I take a high value treat, go hide somewhere in my apartment and call my dog to me. If you have a house with many rooms, this will be super fun. Start out simple, like somewhere fairly close to your dog (almost directly in front of them if you need to), to help them get an idea of what it is you’re doing, and get more complex as you go on. We play this game all the time, and if your dog is learning to come when called, this will help strengthen your bond in that command.
  4. Good ole fashioned training. If all else fails, your dog would benefit from some mental stimulation in the form of training. Teach your dog something new. Even if it’s 15 minutes a day, you and your dog will benefit from consistently practicing daily.
  5. Playing with another dog. Dogs can get rid of excess energy by playing with each other and taking your dog to the dog park can definitely help with this, especially if your dog is an only child. Just be conscious of how your dog reacts with other dogs to ensure the safety of your dog and other dogs. If you don’t have time to take your dog to the dog park, take them to doggy daycare. You’ll pick up your dog at the end of the day “dog tired,” and in my experience, that’s not a bad thing!

If you have a way that you particularly enjoy exercising with your dog, please leave it in the comments below!

About the author: Hannah Croscutt is a dog lover from Atlanta, Ga. She enjoys learning all about dogs from her furry buddy, Piper. She blogs at http://thefurryteacher.wordpress.com.

Do you need help training your dog?  We can help. If you are in Nashville, TN,  Chattanooga, TN,  Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL, or Indianapolis, IN  visit us at  and give us a call.

Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located.  In fact we have clients all over the U.S. simply visit    for more information and the give us a call.

Until next time,

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P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist?  If so CLICK HERE now!

My Dog Doesn’t Need To Go For Walks…Wrong!

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I hear this a bunch. Unfortunately a lot of dog owners think because they have a BIG yard their dog does not need to go for walks. They are sure wrong in their thinking. In this article I am going to try to dispel that myth and give you some answers and the reasons why it is a myth.

Having a large backyard is great for an active dog. It can allow you to play retrieve games, Frisbee and even some agility if that yard is big enough for all the equipment. However those games are great exercise which your dog definitely needs but it is in no way a substitute for going on walks.

Wild dogs walk a bunch all day long. Why? Well they are looking for food and water. I realize that your dog doesn’t need to hunt for food but the walking is still something that it needs to do make it feel good and satisfied.

You may not realize this but walking builds serotonin in the brain not only for your dog but you as well. Serotonin is a must if you want a well-balanced happy dog. Since you are walking as well, you will get all the great benefits including building serotonin in your brain as well.

Walking with your dog builds a bond. A bond that makes your dog realize that you are the pack leader. Being your dog’s pack leader actually will make him happier because he realizes that you are taking responsibility and it relieves him from having to assume that responsibility.

Remember that taking your dog for walks allows it to discover all the great things that are out there to see and experience.

One thing that you may not know is that small dogs need walks as well as their bigger brothers. Small dogs may not need or even to be able to walk as far as a larger breed however they do need to get out on a walk.

Now here is a challenge for those of you that do not currently walk your dogs. Make a pledge to give your dog a walk every day for 10 days. Watch your dog’s enthusiasm, look how happy it appears. That is because it is feeling better not only physically but mentally as well.

If you accept my challenge I think that the results will be so good that you will want to continue. The best part about this challenge is that you will feel better as well so give it a try!

Do you need help teaching you dog to walk nicely on a loose leash?  We can help. If you are in Nashville, TN,  Chattanooga, TN,  Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL and Indianapolis, IN visit us at   and give us a call.

Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located.  In fact we have clients all over the U.S. simply visit    for more information and the give us a call.

Until next time,

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P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist?  If so CLICK HERE now!

About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of   which is headquartered in Nashville, TN but serves clients all over the U.S..  If you have a dog with aggression, behavior problems or simply needs training feel free to contact him.

Wayne has also been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.  If you would like to become a Professional Dog Trainer he can get you started.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe in The Summer

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Summertime can be one of the greatest moments for you to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. However, summer months can also prove to be very uncomfortable and even dangerous not only for individuals but also pets. The truth is that summer is usually a terrific time for a dog owner since it lets you play, swim and run with your pet in the good weather compared to any other time of the year.

However, the summer season is also one that brings a lot of unique risks to your pet dog and it is important to ensure that you keep your dog safe during this period. With the high summer temperatures, it is imperative to have your pet cool and safe. This helps protect it from risks such as heat stroke, dehydration, sunburns and burned foot pads that can be a cause of discomfort to your pet. Here are some ways through which you can keep your dog safe during summer.

Never Leave Your Dog Inside A Parked Car

If you are thinking of leaving your pet in your car to grab a drink, you are making a great mistake. Your pet should not be left in a parked car not even for a minute. Even if the air conditioner is on or is running, do not dare. When the day is warm, temperatures in the vehicle can rise to some extremely dangerous levels. For instance, when the temperatures outside are 85 degrees, those inside the car can get to 102 degrees in less than ten minutes which is enough to suffocate your pet. In addition, your dog can suffer from some irreversible organ damage or end up dying.

Provide Ample Water And Shade For Your Dog

At any time your pet is outside during the summer, see to it that he or she has proper protection from the sun and heat. In addition, you should ensure that there is plenty of cold and fresh water. When there are heat waves, ice can be added to the water to keep it as cool as possible. It is advisable to have your dog sheltered under a tree in shade since it does not interfere with the flow of air. A doghouse should not be relied on for shelter during the summer since it offers no relief from heat. The truth is that it can make the situation worse.

Limit Your Pet’s Exercise During Hot Days

It is important to be cautious when taking your dog for exercise during the summer. It is advisable to adjust the duration and intensity of the exercise according to the temperature. On days that are extremely hot, it is advisable to limit the exercises to evening or early morning hours. Much caution should be taken when dealing with white-eared pets since they are more prone to skin cancer. Short-nosed dogs that have breathing troubles should also be taken care of. Walk your dog on grass to prevent its paws from getting burnt. During the exercise, it is important to always have some water with you to keep your pet hydrated.

Follow these simple rules and you and your dog will enjoy the summer.

Do you need help training your dog?  We can help. If you are in Nashville, TN,  Chattanooga, TN,  Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN or Huntsville, AL visit us at  and give us a call.

Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located.  In fact we have clients all over the U.S. simply visit    for more information and the give us a call.

Until next time,

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P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist?  If so CLICK HERE now!

About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of  in Nashville, TN.  Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.

Should You Use A Dog To Teach Your Children Responsibility?

Should you get a dog to teach your children responsibility? Getting a dog is a big responsibility for anyone or for any family. There are many things to consider: who is going to feed the dog? Who’s going to walk him or clean up after him? Who’s going to groom and bathe him? Will you and the rest of the family have time for the dog? If you work and your kids go to school, when will you make time for the dog?

Depending on your child’s age, you, as a parent, should be aware that you will probably have to do most of the work involved in taking care of a dog. Even children with the best intentions can fail to follow through and, where a dog’s concerned, someone has to be there to make sure the dog is fed, watered and cared for.

If you have a young child you can assign some of the chores involved in taking care of your dog to your child. If you think your child is responsible enough, you can assign them the job of keeping your dog’s water dish filled with clean water. For older children you could give them the task of picking up after your dog in the backyard or giving the dog a bath once a month.

Some teenagers may be eager for more responsibility. If they love dogs and they wish to be involved in all aspects of your dog’s care there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be given that responsibility. They can feed the dog, groom the dog and even become involved in training the dog. Many families with a teenager who’s crazy about dogs go to the ultimate extreme of getting the teenager their own dog for competition events. Teenagers can excel at events like Junior Showmanship, offered by the American Kennel Club, obedience, rally, agility and other events with their dogs.

Some people still think it’s a good idea to have a litter of puppies to teach their dog about “the miracle of birth” and responsibility but this is usually a bad idea. Pregnancies can sometimes be difficult and raising a litter of puppies is a lot more work than it may seem. Plus, you then have to find homes for all of the resulting puppies which isn’t always easy. If you don’t find homes for the puppies you may have to take them to the animal shelter where they could be put to sleep. So, it’s usually not a good idea to consider breeding as a way to develop responsibility in your children.

Owning a dog is a big responsibility but there are some good ways that you can include your children in the work to teach them about the responsibility involved in pet ownership. Allow them to help with some of the basic care of your dog and you will be teaching them that animals need care and work to be happy pets.

Tell us how you have used your dog to teach your children responsibility.

Until next time……….

Why Has My Dog Started Showing Aggression?

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This is a question that I as a canine behavior specialist hear multiple times per day.  There can be several different reasons for this problem so let’s talk about them and what you can do to fix this unwanted behavior.

Most of the time when I get this call the dog in question is between 12 and 24 months of age.  If you remember from my article titled “What Can I Do With My Puppy To Avoid Aggression Later” the period of socialization for a puppy is from birth to 20 weeks of age.

The dogs in question 100% of the time are UNTRAINED and the owners admit that they kept planning on training the dog but they simply kept putting it off for one reason or another.

Training is IMPORTANT.  Obedience training your dog is what establishes you as the pack leader.  If you do not become the pack leader your dog will assume that position, so start formal obedience training at 4 months of age.

Another cause of aggression is because the owner allowed it to happen gradually.  What I mean is that at 6 months of age the puppy growls or shows some type of aggression and the owner thinks isn’t that cute he is protecting me.

The problem with this scenario is that if the dog is not corrected it then assumes that it is doing exactly what the owner wants.  Over a period of time the aggression gets worse and before you know it you have a dog that has bitten.

So far we have been talking about dogs that are aggressive with people however dogs that are aggressive with other dog is a serious issue as well.  In fact, many of the calls I receive talk about dogs that are great with people however they are dog aggressive.

For some people that are very social and enjoy going to the dog park or to gatherings where people bring their dogs are devastated when they realize that their dog is not welcome because of the dog’s aggression.

Again this is a byproduct of the lack of socialization with other dogs as a young dog.  When I talk about socializing your pup with other dogs I am talking about other dogs away from your house.  Just because you have other dogs does not count as socialization, those dogs are simply part of the pack and that does not count.

Okay, so now that you realize there is problem, what can you do?  Contact a canine behavior specialist.  You want a person that has a bunch of experience dealing with and treating this type of problem.  The average dog trainer simply does not have the needed experience to solve a problem like this.

Your canine behavior specialist will want to start rehabilitation with obedience training and some behavior modification.

So before giving up on your dog give it a chance at rehabilitation with the help of a .

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Does your dog need help with aggression?  We can help. If you are in ,  Chattanooga, TN,  Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL and Indianapolis, IN visit our website and give us a call.

If you have an aggressive dog please be sure to visit www.DogAggressionExperts.com for help…

Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located.  In fact we have clients all over the U.S.

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P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist?  If so CLICK HERE now!

About Wayne: Wayne Booth is owner of   which is headquartered in Nashville, TN but serves clients all over the U.S..  If you have a dog with aggression, behavior problems or simply needs training feel free to contact him.

Wayne has also been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.  If you would like to become a Professional Dog Trainer he can get you started.