Why The Best Number Of Dog Agility Jumps Are 4 To 8

By Martin Elmer

So how many jumps should you start with? Well, when practicing agility you can never have too many single jumps. But we do not recommend less than four jumps as a beginning point for good agility training.

You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can setup a "box" with your jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps.

It is possible to teach you dog to jump right and left. You can stand outside the box and send your dog; or handle from inside the box. You can practice serpentines and treadles by setting up the jumps in a horizontal line.

Go the next step and get eight jumps. Now you can setup two boxes with one introductory jump. You've now multiplied your drills that you can practice with your dog. Your jump grids can be of recommended size and quantity of jumps.

Another option is to setup the jumps in circles with jump bars at a 90 degree angle to the circle or on the bounds of the circle. With this pattern you can train a lot of various skills.

Now you can think about double and triple jumps. You can choose to setup two or even three single jumps to make your extended jump, but the real value of practice comes when doubling or tripling the jumps. You see it every time; the dog runs a clean course until the last triple jump obstacle, and then the dog is not ready for it. The result: the bar comes down.

You can really be ahead of the pack and have two sets of eight jumps. This is the ultimate in training because you can keep a jump grip up at all times that is separate from your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work. And when you include your double and triple, you can really practice all the jumping skills and drills necessary to get you those "Qs". - 29895

About the Author:

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hunde ting. Here you can also read about foderautomater.

The Easiest Way To Select The Right Dog Food?

By David E. Broadhead

Everyone wants their pet to be healthy. The diet of your pet dog plays a critical role in keeping it healthy and happy. It is vital that you be extra careful in picking the dog food for your pet. Read on for some considerations and recommendations about choosing dog food.

The 1st and the basic step in this direction is to keep a look out for the ingredients of the dog food. For this it is essential that you completely go through the list of ingredient as debated on the product package. Ensure that the product is free from any sort of constituents that might prove damaging to your pet's health. Remember that any dog food that has chicken spinoff, bone meal, birds derivative and meat spinoff as the first few ingredients on the list ; then such dog food is a complete no-no.

Besides ingredients; another thing to be noted out for is the nutritive value of dog food. It is vital that the product must have satisfactory quantity of all the essenatial nutrients. In addition to checking the nutritional value; it is suggested that you should always check the share of calories as present in a dog food. If a categorical dog food is observed to be running high on the calorie content; it's better to desist from purchasing such dog food.

When selecting a dog food, you also need to make sure that the dog food of your choice meets the nuritional needs of your pet. This is because different dog breeds have different nutritional requirements. While smaller dogs need more of carbohydrates, the larger ones need minerals and vitamins and minerals in a greater quantity. Check the nutritive wants of your pet and select a dog food that suits the same.

In the procedure of choosing dog food, you may also be careful about the preservatives employed in the dog food. There have been cases of companies selling dog food with chemicals which are harmful for your dog. The common suspects here are BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. It is mostly suggested that you choose dog food that has Vitamin C as preservative.

An APHIS authentication is the stamp of good quality dog food. APHIS certified dog food isn't just much safer you will rely on it to be highly nutritive. The validation is only given to those products which are made using ingredients fit for human consumption. You may be guaranteed assured that APHIS certified food shall never cause any harm to your pet.

Be truly carful when you are choosing the dog food. In fact, be as careful as you would be when you are choosing food for your baby. Remember that your dog also experiences pain but unlike you, it may not tell you when it is in pain. So it is best to avoid any possibility of pain in the 1st place by making certain the best diet. - 29895

About the Author:

To know more about Dog Training and Dog Products visit: http://www.dogs-help.com

Top Puppy Training Tips

By Miyagii Moto

Dogs are the most preferred pets by majority of the population ever since the beginning of history. They have proven themselves to be efficient, loyal, highly intellectual and trainable in various tasks. They can be sweet and meek to their owners but ferocious to total strangers. This makes them a perfect companion for those who are single and unattached as well as to couples who are just planning to start their own families. People from all ages can also quickly adapt to the presence of an adorable canine.

It has been said that a dog's behavior only reflect his breeding and training. Obviously, there is nothing that you can do anymore to change his breeding. However, there is still a lot you can do with his training. You can still teach new tricks. Now, if you are thinking of getting another puppy as a pet, here are some of the best-kept secrets of puppy training that you should bear in mind.

The first thing that you have to do is to make your pet feel secure in your company. Spend some quality time by playing with him after you have gotten home from your office. This process will ensure that you have established a good rapport. It's a no-no to start implementing difficult tricks that would boggle his mind because it will not lead to any learning. After making your pet comfortable, slowly impose discipline by taking away his comfortable lifestyle.

Chain him, put him in his kennel or place him inside a crate to show that you mean business. At first, they might get a little noisy and howl until the wee hours of the morning, especially if they have been previously used to a very free lifestyle. Try to be immune to this kind of suffering. Sooner or later, they will realize that all their whimpering will have no effect on you. This will inculcate the fact that you are the boss and your orders must be followed strictly down to the last letter. It won't be long before they get used to this set up and will look forward to your arrival.

Second, teach him a simple trick followed by a treat. The treat could come in the form of a small chewable bone or a piece meat. Just like the classic conditioning method by renowned psychologist Ivan Pavlov, they will learn to associate the new trick with food. This will stroke their interest and whet their appetite for more food.

Third, you can go the opposite way of the second step and let your dog learn through the negative conditioning process. Instead of giving a nice reward, teach him the power of the words no, stop and don't in a strong and authoritative tone. They will distinguish that it is something significant in relation to your voice.

Fourth, you have to follow through. Be consistent when giving commands and orders as well as their corresponding rewards or punishments. Do not flip flop when it comes to this. Your dog will get confuse if you did something once then change the rules the second time. He must realize that everything is well-established when it comes to your instructions.

Lastly, give plenty of alternatives. If there are chores that your dog can't easily do as told, like not peeing on the plant, then provide another option like giving him a pee box. This will shift his attention and result to a more favorable attitude. Don't be such a strict disciplinarian all the time that you will take the fun out of this training exercise. Have fun with your pet dog. - 29895

About the Author:

The author is a specialist on all animals and has recent written a wonderful text piece on the controversial topic of locating a cheap pet insurance. Most people pay too much for the pet animal insurances and Moto can help. He recent help a group of struggling cat owners cheap cat insurance on the Internet.

Finding a Large Dog Bed for Your Canine Companion

By John Gaddy

Finding the right large dog bed for your canine companion can be difficult. Sure, it sounds easy, but walk into the pet store and you'll find that finding the right large dog bed isnt as simple of a task as you would have thought. Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the appropriate bed for your dog can be a tricky endeavor.

All dog beds come in some several basic styles and types. Pillow-type beds are the most common, and most often are either circular or rectangular shaped. Such beds usually come with a removable cover that can be washed, with the inside "fluff" of the bed consisting of standard stuffing, foam, or cedar. While any padding provide excellent comfort, cedar is especially useful for use outdoors, as it serves as a natural flea repellent, and provides a pleasant, natural scent. Dogs that like to sleep stretched out tend to like these beds, as they allow them to spread out fully while sleeping and resting.

Doughnut style dog beds are very common for small dogs, but many large dog beds also available in this style. Such beds can come in two sections, such as a low-sided basket with a flat bed inside, or an all fabric design where the outer portion is padded and the doughnut hole is less padded, giving the dog a nest to cuddle into. Some dogs prefer these beds to others, especially dogs who like to nest to feel secure. Many a large dog has tried rather comically to fit into doughnut beds for their much smaller animal siblings. If your dog is a "nester" it will appreciate a doughnut bed in the right size!

Elevated dog beds are a newer type, with many variations of construction and design, from miniature couches to suspended hammock-type beds. The idea of these types of beds are to keep dogs above the cold ground and drafty floor level, also allowing older dogs to get up from laying down more easily. Your dog may take some convincing at first that its a safe place to sleep, but after an introduction, most dogs decide that the strange look is worth the added comfort!

Orthopedic dog beds are another type of large dog bed that can be especially useful for big dogs. All dogs, but especially big dogs tend to develop arthritis as they get older, and often experience stiffness or even difficulty getting up after laying down for a long time. Orthopedic dog beds can help to alleviate that stiffness and make it easier for an older dog to get up and moving after resting. Orthopedic dog beds come in many of the common styles of beds that are already available, but utilize more modern types of padding for increased comfort, such as orthopedic mattress foam, gel-foam and even built in heating devices to increase comfort and circulation within the joints.

Choosing the best dog bed for a large breed dog can be confusing at first, but if you carefully match the needs of your dog with his or her preferences and your needs, finding the selecting the right bed for your home can be done easily. - 29895

About the Author:

Before buying your next dog beds, be sure to check out dog-beds.com for informative large dog bed buying advice.

Dealing With An Aggressive Dog - The Do's And Dont's

By Carl Covason

All dogs have the possibility of being aggressive. Some people believe that certain breeds of dogs are naturally aggressive but the truth is that the dogs that get a bad rap for being aggressive are the ones that people tend to train to be aggressive.

For example, take the pit bull. In the long and short of it, pit bulls are not overly aggressive by themselves. The reason people believe they are is because people like to train pit bulls to be aggressive.

While it is true that a dog of a certain breed is not guaranteed to be mean, all dogs have a personality of their own. If you find yourself with an aggressive dog then you need to take precautions for your safety and the safety of any children you have.

So what do you do if you get a dog that is a bit on the aggressive side?

Well it actually depends on how aggressive they are and what they get aggressive about.

One form of aggression is when your dog crouches down with their belly close to the ground like they are ready to spring in for the attack while growling and barking. If your dog does this it is best to completely ignore him. Make no eye contact because if you do it will be taken as a challenge and could easily turn into a game of who has the power.

Never lash out or spank your dog if he is doing this or it will turn into a game where he tries to dog you and lunge at you for his turn. Once it becomes a game you will have a very difficult time of breaking your dog's aggressive habit.

If your dog gets aggressive when he is eating the best way to deal with it is to stay around him every time he is eating. Do not touch an aggressive dog when he is eating. Start out by staying in the same room and gradually work your way closer every meal.

Always use your best judgment when doing this and pay very close attention to the signs your dog is giving you. If he is getting agitated then do not get any closer to him.

If you have a very aggressive dog then you need to use caution around him and get him trained either by training him yourself or by going to a local dog trainer. - 29895

About the Author:

Whether you need to stop your dog digging holes or trying to learn how to keep dog off furniture safedogobedienceadvice.com has the answer to your problem.

The Barking Dog, What Can I Do?

By Matt Closson

Control Barking With Respect

Your dog looks to you for leadership and must respect that leadership in order to be a well behaved and a happy pet. If a dog barks until you give in, there is no respect being given by your dog. You are being harassed into giving your dog what he/she wants. Giving into your dogs barking demands by reacting (punishing or rewarding) you are reinforcing your dogs barking behavior. By reacting, whether it is to discipline your dog for barking or to give them what they want, you have effectively trained your dog to make noise and keep it up until you respond.

Affection and play-times are obviously necessary aspects of life with a dog, but they have to be doled out on your own terms. If she learns that she can get what she wants by barking, then your house is going to become a Noise Pollution Zone (and this is not going to endear you to your neighbors, either).

You can prevent this type of pushy, demanding behavior and eliminate this form of communication between you and your dog, by simply proving to him/her that you will not be manipulated. The best way to do this is by ignoring the unwanted behavior. I am not taking about turning a blind eye to the misbehaving, I am talking about using a more active role with your body language, making it clear that barking at this time will not be tolerated.

Ignoring your dog in the right way is the most effective way to end the barking manipulation. Simply put, give your dog the cold shoulder. When he/she tries to manipulate you with their bark, turn your back to them. Don't look their way, turn your head and eyes away and present your back to them. Don't even say"no!' to them. This will likely dumbfound your dog and cause the to bark louder and harder. This is especially true if you have given into them before and reinforced the barking behavior. Expect the barking to get worse before it gets better. Remember if you give in at anytime, the dog wins and you reinforce its behavior.

As with any dog training, you must remain consistent. Giving in half way though the lesson will only teach your dog, "the more persistent I am the more I will get what I want." If it used to take five minutes of barking to get a walk out of you and now it takes ten minutes, be sure that you have just trained your dog to bark for ten minutes to get a walk out of you. Now, what can you do if your dog is not the manipulative type, and you just want then to stop the noise? You can safely and humanely, quiet your dogs barking by using your hands. No, I don't mean beating your dog until they shut up, no matter bad you may have wanted to do this in the past. No, this is a pain free method of getting your point across, that right now is the time for peace and quiet.

You can do this by:

It is best to allow for dog to calm the barking it's self. (it is kinder and more effective if your dog is allowed to express him/herself before asking to be quiet.) If he/she does not stop barking in a reasonable time, reach out and clasp your dogs muzzle gently, but firmly, in your hand. He/she may try to shake you off or pull away, so it helps to also grab the collar with your other hand for more control. This method works for two reasons: One, it automatically stops the barking(because a dog can not bark with its mouth shut.) Two, it make things perfectly clear that you are in-charge and should be listened to without hesitation.

Hold onto your dogs muzzle and collar until they stop trying to break free: only when your dog stops trying to break free does it mean that they have accepted your authority. When your dog has become still, hold for one or two seconds longer then let go and praise them. In addition to this short term method, lets take a look that some things we can do to reduce the amount of barking altogether.

Unwarranted or excessive unwanted barking(repetitive barking directed at nothing) can usually be calmed by more attention and exercise. Most dogs respond best to at lease 90 minutes of exercise a day. This can very depending on the dog, it's breed, age and health. If you feel you exercise your dog as much as you possibly can, but your dog still barks too much and shows signs of an agitated demeanor(fidgeting, acting more aggressively than you'd like, restless or destructive) chances are your dog needs more exercise to burn up that energy.

The good news is you can fix this problem fairly easily: you will just have to exercise your dog a little more. Try working in an extra half hour of exercise a day, that 30 minutes a day can make a world of difference. If this is impossible, you may consider hiring some one to walk your dog for you. If this is still impossible, you may have to except the fact that you are going to have a loud, frustrated and agitated dog until things change.

The second leading cause of excessive barking can be traced back to, too much 'alone time'. Dogs by nature, love to be social: they need a great deal of attention, interaction and communication. A dog that lacks these social activity can become anxious and restless. Just because you are at home does not mean you are giving your dog enough attention. If you find that your dog is spending a lot of time barking at nothing it might be time for some love and attention. - 29895

About the Author:

To learn more about dog training basics Stop by Matt Closson's site where you can find out all about leash training a dog and how you can get a free 6 day training course.

Educating Your Dog

By Charles Mackey

Dogs are one of the animals that are considered as clean animals. Dogs have natural tendency not to soil the area where they eat and sleep. Dogs also have the habit to relieve on grass or on dirt rather on concrete. With this natural habit of a dog, dogs can be train successfully at your own home.

There are two ways you can do to set up your dog for successful house training. First, you have to establish a living area (den) for your dog. You can do this in a small confined area such as bathroom, part of the kitchen or garage. Spend some time with your dog in his den. Let him play, eat and sleep in this area. You can also give him special bed whether it is an open crate or a large cardboard box. He might eliminate in this are at the beginning but once he realizes that this is his den, he will try to avoid dirtying the place.

Once your dog gets comfortable with his own bed, you can now move it anywhere you want inside the house. You can also leash your dog to yourself so that your dog can follow you around your home and you can monitor his behavior.

Another thing you need to set up is a toilet area for your dog. But you have to make sure that this area is easily accessible to your dog. During the first few days or weeks, you will have to accompany your dog while it is eliminating. But it will eventually develop a habit of eliminating in the specified toilet area. Having an established toilet area will make it easier for a regular feeding schedule. Note that a healthy adult dog can control its bladder and bowels for 8 hours, so you will also know when it's time for your dog to eliminate.

Most importantly, avoid confining your dog to an area where it won't have access to its toilet area. This is not good, as your dog will develop a habit of soiling itself, its bed or its den. And this will also make it difficult for you to train your dog.

Another way that you can speed up the training process is through reward. You can reward your dog every time it eliminates in its toilet area. You must also avoid shouting at your dog for accidents or mistakes that it did. This can confuse your dog and might slow down his training process.

Creating a large room for your dog can sometimes make your dog relieves on his room. Make it a bit smaller and take your dog often to his toilet. Urinary problems and medical conditions in your dog can also cause him to soil in his bed when he is sleeping. Lastly, most dogs relieve more often if he drinks too much water due to boredom or habit. So owners should minimize their dog's water intake and try putting something in his room so he won't get bored. Keep in mind that if you don't introduce your dog to his room, he might feel imprisoned and will show signs of anxiety, barking, chewing and whining. And always ensure that your dog is enjoying his room. - 29895

About the Author:

If you want some more good tips on house training your dog, then head on over to directdogtraining.com for some good dog training tricks.