May
15
2009
0

Boston Terrier Training – How You Can Avoid Common Mistakes

In this day and age, dogs are definitely something that are extremely popular. By far, the most popular breed is going to be the Boston terrier. However, Boston terrier training is definitely something that is difficult. If there is a will, there is a way though and you can definitely train your Boston terrier easily, you really just need to know a few tips and tricks to do it.

Perhaps the most common mistake folks make with their Boston terriers is having an unrealistic vision of the time it will take to train them. They automatically assume that it will take six months or more to train their dog. Thus, your first task is to push that or any other number away. It does not have to take that long, especially if you follow the right techniques.

Another misconception held by terrier owners is the use of aggression. That will make your dog scared of you but it will not make him respect you. Moreover, it can actually backfire and be extremely ineffective. You do not need to bully your dog to make him submit. If you try that, he will never come to have any trust in you.

On the flip side, if you treat your dog like you treat your best friend, you are not going to get anywhere with it. This is something that a lot of dog owners have a lot of problems with. While you want to nurture and treat your dog with respect, you are still the dog’s owner and you need to make sure that they know that you are, in fact, an authority figure.

To make your training go well, you need to follow a few techniques. There are several tips and tricks which can make the training process go easier. For example, you cannot overload your dog. Do not attempt to teach him everything all at once. It is important to focus on one command at a time. Once it has been mastered, you can move on to the next one.

Another thing that you will want to keep in mind whenever you are dealing with dogs is that you are not having the training time too long. You can not schedule hour long training sessions because honestly – your dog will not want to listen to you for an hour and they will usually act out. Fifteen minutes or thirty minutes is perfect for a dog training session.

Finally – make it fun! You always want to make sure that your dog is having fun while they are getting trained and if you make the training sessions a good time, you will have more success with your dog being trained. Now, it does not have to be a party all of the time, but keeping it interesting for your dog is something that will stick in the long run.

It is pretty obvious that when you are training a Boston terrier, there are a lot of things to remember. However, you will definitely have a lot of success as soon you start training your puppy if you follow these tips and tricks we have outlined.

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Written by Abhik Sarkar in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
May
09
2009
0

Major decision time : Considering the ideal animal for your unique home

Many people have a good idea of just what type of pet they want around the home. Taking proper care of that pet can be a major big job however. Knowing how to select the correct pet for you may be easy. Maybe you have had many dogs as a child and know you need a companion for your own house. maybe you have always desired a ferret but been told you could not get one. Whatever the situation, you may need to rethink some key points to pet ownership when deciding what one is right for you.

As with anything in life, some kinds of animals require more time than others. Some dogs require the presence of an actual human to be around them during the day. Otherwise, you may find that they tear up part of the house while you were gone. Plus pets like dogs need to get adequate play time also.

Cats on the other hand can amuse themselves easily with some well selected cat toys. As long as you put your valuables on a shelf, they won’t be able to break them. The other things that occupy their time include lying around, lots of sleep and staring out of various windows. A nosy bird will keep a kitten occupied for quite a while.

One very important factor depending on what type of companion you intend to own is how much care they will require. Pets need attention from humans, positive reinforcement, training, and love. Fish are normally excluded from this statement, as they just need a few plants, oxygen, proper tank maintenance, and a little food. But, the point is that adequate pet care is a must when you own any pet regardless of what type. The decision will be yours alone to make in choosing what the right companion is for your house. Don’t ignore how much of your free time it will take to really care for your new friend.

Dogs can be pretty high maintenance animals, but they also make great pets. There are all sorts of benefits to having a dog as a pet. They will protect you and your family from all types of danger. They are also some of the most caring pets you could find. They are smarter than most other pets also. Make sure if you get a dog, that you have a place with decent living conditions for it. Don’t tie it out in the full sun during summertime. Don’t leave it out in the cold during winter months. Dogs live for quite a while and can really add to your quality of life.

It is hard to determine whether your kitty is going to require high or low maintenance when you first get them. They could end up one way or the other. There are many variables that could influence how much time the pet will require. Kitties are known for having largely varying degrees of attitudes. Some are loaners. Some love people while others hate humans. They all seem to develop a slightly unique attitude once reaching maturity.

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Written by Mary Zweigelitz in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
May
06
2009
0

Why Is A Boston Terrier An Ideal Pet

Boston Terrier background – Boston Terriers originate from the United States of America. It is noted that the first Boston terrier was called Hooper’s Judge. He was a cross between English Bulldog and White English Terrier bred somewhere in the 1860′s. Boston’s where originally bred for fighting purposes.

Features and appearance – Boston Terriers also known as Boston Bull Terriers are small breed dogs. They are rather stocky with broad chests and arched necks. The terriers have short, rather small, fat faces with boxy noses and very pointy ears. They have dark, bright eyes, prominently positioned. Pelt colors range from mixtures of black and white, brown and white or brindle and white. They are very easy to groom with no shaving and minimum brushing required. These little dogs are clean-cut with no mess or fuss.

Doggy dimensions – Standing tall at rather impressive 38 to 43 cm for a small dog and weighing in at between 5-11 Kilograms, these dogs are well built when comparing their height to weight. However there are International show weight standards for Boston’s of no less than 5 Kilograms or more than 12.5 Kilograms to fall within a perfect range. It is very important that the dogs’ frame be considered when the weight is calculated.

Personalities- Boston Terriers have great personalities being both friendly and strong in nature. Unlike other terrier breeds that are aggressive and bad tempered. However just as humans, temperaments can range from owner pleasing to total rebels. Neurotic behavior including constant yapping and hyperactivity are commonly associated with the breed. Good news is that the dogs are rather easy to train due to their sensitivity to voice tone, eagerness to learn and extreme intelligence. All the owner needs is little patience and endurance during training process that can last approximately three to six months. Avoid harsh training methods as the will lead to the dog feeling intimidated and bullied, rather employ methods that are positive, gentle and encouraging. The dogs are excellent house dogs after proper training.

Common health problems- Common health problems associated with these dogs are breathing difficulties and related problems such as snoring. Eye injuries and illnesses are also very common due to the almost pop-out feature of the eye. Inbreed and poor breeding practices can lead to disability and retardation. Cesarean procedures are popular due to normal labor being extremely painful and dangerous to the mother due to the very narrow pelvis and large heads of the pups.

Exercise and diet- Keep hyperactivity and bad health at bay by structuring a balanced diet exercise routine. Just make sure that long strolls, running and playing is part of the routine. Avoid high fat and fiber content diets as they can cause obesity and extreme bloating in the animal.

Adaptable animals- These animals are the easiest creatures in terms of adapting to smallest or largest spaces. All the dog’s need is enough play space and a street or park to walk minimum twice daily.

Age Expectancy- The dog’s age expectancy is dependent upon his or her diet and level of activity. Your little yank companion can reach age 15 years and older.

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Written by Abhik Sarkar in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
May
02
2009
0

How Well Do You Understand Your Dog?

If you have a dog, it’s likely that he knows a lot more about you than you know about him. He has been closely monitoring your daily habits.

If you doubt that, tell me how he knows that when you grab your car keys and your wallet you are about to go for a ride.

Dogs also learn quickly how to discover if you are sad or cranky or ready to play with them. They learn the time and place for family meals and the time and place when its bed time.

He’s learned much about you but have you spent any time learning about him? More than likely his behaviors are still mostly a mystery to you. Yet it’s fairly easy to learn if you put your mind to it.

Dogs’ barking serves many different purposes. A bark can be used to repel others and another to attract. Some barking styles mean “get outta here!” while others might mean “Hey, I’m over here. Where the heck are you?”. All but the most inexperienced dog watchers will notice that dogs have a number of different types of barking ranging from a muted woof of appreciation, to the high-pitched yelp of alarm, to the loud string of angry barks that mean he’s prepared to fight.

I think it was Sir John Lubbock, 19th century British behaviorist, who noted that a dogs bark is an effort to copy the human voice. Wild dogs, he pointed out, do not bark. Neither do their cousins the wolves, nor does any member of the canine family that has not heard humans speak or the barking of domestic dogs.

There is all the difference in the world between a bark and a growl. When a dog barks he flings his head high, leaving the throat exposed. It is definitely not a war cry. But when he growls he lowers his head in order to protect the vulnerable throat area, preparing for an impending attack.

When you walk up the path to a house and the family dog comes barking to meet you, you are in no immediate danger. But if he advances toward you, growling and with his head lowered and his tail as stiff as a ramrod, then look out for trouble.

If you stand absolutely still with your hands on your chest not one barking dog in ten will actually bite. However, if you make threatening gestures, or if you turn and run, your chances of one or more bites are extremely high. A strange dogs growl should never be disregarded by anyone who values his skin.

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Apr
24
2009
0

Finding Other Dog Lovers is Just a Twitter Away

The best thing about Twitter is that you can do a quick search to find like-minded people. Teachers, writers, photographers, celebrities, Susan Boyle lovers, all are tweeting away and just waiting to have another follower. Oh yeah”thats the other thing. On Twitter you get to follow and be followed. Its great fun to see how many people you can woo in 140-characters or less.

I did a search for dog-lovers and found a long list of people who care about all things dog. Twitter is a great networking tool to find free advice on breeding, caring for, and training your dog. Here are some of the most helpful Twitterers:

@ EcoPup: Boasts Eco-friendly clothing and accessories for your pawsitively posh pets!

@ Dogfessions: Its Nikki Moustaki, author, TV/Radio personality, dog trainer, pet industry expert. She also runs www.dogfessions.com and www.dogvice.com.

@Petigreeworld: On Twitter to educate, inspire and create a world of entertainment for you, your lifestyle and your trusted pet. Can be found at www.petigreeworld.com

@Bluebeagle2: Just a cute beagle who checks in.

@TheHusky: The life and times of Misty The Siberian Husky.

@TheDogExpert: Sheryl Matthys, The Dog Expert, Dog Trainer, CEO of www.leashesandlovers.com. Lots of fun tips on behavior.

@dogdiaries: Its a social community for dog lovers. Check them out at www.dogdiaries.com/au.

@sylviedog: Chicagoan Sylvie whose hobbies include sleeping, eating cookies and yelling at Mugsy. www.sylviedog.blogspot.com.

@iPuppyCam: all about puppies!! Gotta love it! www.ipuppycam.com.

@Woofcp. Pet gifts. www.bigpawdesigns.com.

This list are some of my favorites, but there are many more who contribute great information. If you get a chance, do your own search and find out what’s going on in the world of dogs on Twitter.

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Written by Anya Dee in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
Apr
22
2009
0

Boston Terriers – Breed Specific Issues

When it comes to owning a dog, Boston Terriers are a great choice. Like every different breed of dog, these dogs come with their own traits and genetic issues that need to be known by anyone considering owning one.

Keeping your dog healthy and happy should be your first priority. Knowing their health concerns and different things that they are commonly susceptible to is the first step in keeping them healthy. Pure bred dogs like these are often more susceptible to illness than mixed breed dogs.

Some people who know this opt to own mixed breeds or mutts, because they are less likely to have health problems. However, you shouldn’t avoid getting the dog that you want just because they might develop a condition at some point. Isn’t it better to know in the first place? Getting your dog from a proper breeder who knows about the breed and their genetic line can be a great advantage when getting Boston Terriers.

Boston Terriers are especially susceptible to knee problems, heart problems, mange, and breathing problems. Therefore, making sure that they are taken care of in all of these areas is essential. This might require extra care, but it is well worth it for a healthy and happy dog.

These dogs are also sensitive to extremely hot or cold weather. They need to be kept indoors at all times, and only let out for short periods of time when it is hot, humid, or extremely cold outside. Otherwise, they can easily become ill as a result.

Wheezing is common in these dogs, as well as other breeds that have short snouts. That doesn’t mean that you can write it off, though. Any medical concern or odd behavior that occurs needs to be checked by a vet before it is dismissed as being unimportant.

Another common problem for these dogs is eye issues. They are more prone to eye infections, cuts, and scrapes because their eyes are so prominent. This means that you need to pay special attention to their eyes so that they don’t get to a point where they need emergency medical attention.

Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and owning Boston Terriers is no different. You should take the time to check your dog out regularly to make sure they are feeling well and don’t have any concerning bumps, bruises, or other problems. They can’t tell you when they’re sick, so they depend on you to pay attention to their behavior on a regular basis.

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Written by Abhik Sarkar in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr
17
2009
0

Why Boston Terriers Are A Great Addition To Any Family

Boston Terriers are known for being loyal, lovable dogs that provide a great addition to any family. They are great family pets, and are very intelligent, friendly, and outgoing. Many breeds of dogs are not good family dogs, but these dogs love having a family of their own.

Boston Terriers socialize well, which means that they’ll be great with any family unit. As long as you start when the puppy is young and give them as much interaction as you can, he or she will provide you will a lifetime of fun and friendly memories.

You don’t want to take your puppy anywhere before he or she gets shots, though. Proper vaccinations for Boston Terriers will keep them from getting sick and causing devastation and financial problems that are unnecessary. No one wants their dog to get sick, which is why vaccines are so important.

Dog training is another essential part of owning Boston Terriers. These dogs, like all dogs, should not be treated aggressively or picked on excessively by children or adults. They will become defensive if they feel threatened enough, and even the best trained and tamest dog can bite if provoked to a certain point.

Training your puppy will eliminate many potential issues that could arise in owning a dog. You also need to train yourself and your family, though. You shouldn’t let anyone pick on the dog or be mean to it for any reason. If treated badly, the dog will become defensive and not be a good pet in the long run.

It might prove to be a little more difficult to train Boston Terriers than larger dogs, because small dogs are known for being more stubborn and set in their ways. Establishing boundaries and sticking with a consistent routine from the time that you get the puppy will ensure that you are in control and that your dog doesn’t take over your home.

While having a new dog can be very exciting, it is also a lot of responsibility. When you elect to get a dog, you should assume that you are getting another child, and be prepared for training and teaching the dog everything that he or she needs to know.

As long as your family and your new pet are properly trained, you will enjoy many years of fun and companionship from Boston Terriers. These dogs will give your life more value and allow your family to have a lifetime of memories that you might not have otherwise had.

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Written by Abhik Sarkar in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Feb
17
2009
0

What You Need to Ask Your Dog Breeder

You need to ask many questions when you are considering adopting a dog. After all, a dog is a lifetime commitment that you need to prepare for.

A. How old is the puppy?

B. How long will it be before you can take your dog home? Your dog needs to be at least eight weeks old before they can be taken to their new home.

C. Is there a waiting list? Most good breeders have some type waiting list for their animals.

D. What kind of Vet Care, if any, has the puppies received? All puppies should receive basic medical care before they are taken away from their birth place.

E. Are you required to neuter your dog? if your dog is of pet quality a good breeder will require the dog to be altered.

F. Did previous litters suffer any genetic diseases? If so, what type of genetic diseases were present?

G. Do they have a return policy? A good breeder will allow you to bring the puppies back to the kennel.

H. How long have you been breeding “X” dog? Optimally, a breeder should have few years experience in dog breeding. At all costs avoid puppy mills and back yard breeder that are out to make a quick buck.

I. How many breeds? Legitimate breeders generally do not breed more that two different types of dogs. Avoid puppy mills!!

J. How many times a year does the dog breed? A good breeder only breeds their dog once a year

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