What is Dog Agility Training?

Have you thought about enrolling your dog in agility training? Why not? Agility training doesn’t just teach a dog how to respond well, it also enhances a dog’s physical and mental capacity. Furthermore, agility training strengthens the bond between a dog and his human.

Dog agility started in the United Kingdom at the “Cruft’s” dog show in 1978 when dog trainer Peter Meanwell demonstrated a dog’s ability to take on an obstacle course in front of a big audience. It became such a hit that official dog agility training and competitions were started.

Dog agility competitions have become a popular sport among dog lovers and dogs alike. In the US, several dog organizations such as the American Kennel Club(AKC), the United States Dog Agility Association– just to name a few- host these prestigious competitions regularly. National championships are held annually by the USDAA and AKC to award the best dog for the year.

What is agility training and how is it done? During the actual competition, dogs are expected to complete obstacles with only the support of their handler. The most common obstacles used is the A-frame, the dog walk, the teeter-totter or see-saw, the crossover, tunnels, jumps or hurdles, the pause table, pause box, weave poles, swing plank, sway bridge and others.

Handlers are not allowed to give treats to the dog through-out the obstacle course. A handler can only give direction and encouragement to help the dog finish the obstacles. A dog must not be distracted by other things or smells around him as to let off from the course.  

Thus, the competition not only tests a dog’s physical strength and intelligence, it is also a test of the dog’s ability to focus on the task at hand. Training a dog for a competition requires patience and a lot of practice. Still, winning a competition can be a really fulfilling experience for both the dog and his handler.

I had a wonderful surprise yesterday when I visited Johann’s blog. She made a post just for me, I feel so special. Johann has been training since 2005 and has competed in both the USDAA and AKC agility competitions. He is a 2007 Cynosport World Games Dog Agility Grand Prix and Steeplechase Qualifier! Yup, that’s Johann right there training! Way to go, boy! If you have more questions about agility training, ask Johann! He'll know!

A Dog's Compassion

I have not the least doubt in my heart that dogs are capable of showing the bravest compassion and unconditional love. The photo shows a dog who bravely crossed a street to save his fellow who was hit by a car. After realizing that his friend was dead, he tries to move it away from the street and since he was unable to do so, he chose to stay by his side in the middle of this busy street to keep his friend company. Isn’t this marvelous? Found this post called Why Are Dogs A Man’s Best Friend from Mindchic’s blog.

Some Things to Remember on Dog Training

Dog Catching Frisbee, originally uploaded by cindyinnc.

Every dog owner wants a well-behaved dog - a dog who responds to your commands and does not give you a problem. But all dogs need proper training. Here are some things to remember when training a dog:

Keeping expectations real. A dog owner training a dog for the first time can have too much expectation. Seeing other dogs who have been properly trained behave so well and do a lot of tricks can affect your perception. You may also expect your dog to do the same especially if it's the same breed as your neighbor's well-trained dog. 

Always remember that training a dog takes time and effort. Don't expect your dog to learn a new trick right away. In addition, different dog breeds have distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Don't expect your dog to do something that he isn't capable of or isn't in his nature.

Patience is a virtue. Canine training is a serious commitment. You can't just train a dog for a few days and then give up. Different dogs learn differently. Some dogs maybe more easily distracted than others. Some dogs can take a lot time to learn than others. If you really want your dog to learn, be patient. Continuous practice is the key to perfecting any trick or command.

Reprimanding your dog more than what is needed. Correcting a dog when he's done wrong should be done while your dog is doing it or immediately after. Reprimanding your dog for a wrong deed he committed 5 minutes ago will be useless. This will only confuse your poor dog about what you're angry about.

Do not confuse your dog. Consistency is the key to dog training. A dog can only understand two types of commands - Yes and No. A dog cannot decipher between "Yes sometimes" and "No sometimes". So if you don't want your dog jumping on you when you're all dressed up, don't let him do so even when you're wearing pajamas.

Using too many training methods. Dog trainers use different methods in canine training. However, trying to mix them all up is not the proper way of training. Find a technique that will work for you and your dog, and stick to it. Study your chosen method and focus on it.

Never hurt your dog. Whether your dog is not paying attention to your training or is not getting your commands, never punish your dog by inflicting pain. Physical injury is not the way to help your dog learn.

Always reward a dog that does well. A dog responds to positive reinforcement. A dog normally wants to please his human, he wants to know if he's doing the right thing. So, praise your dog and give him the treats he deserve if he's performing a good job.

Your Easy Guide to Dog Grooming

Grooming your dog affects not just his physical but also his psychological well-being. Sure, grooming your dog may require time and attention but as a dog owner, it is a responsibility you accepted when you agreed to keep a dog. Still, dog grooming doesn't have to be an annoying experience for you and your pet.

Dogs that are trained to be groomed since they were puppies respond to bath time or nail-clipping time without any problems. However, if you adopted an older dog who is not used to bathing, you may need to exercise more patience and attention. Not to worry. In time, an older dog can also learn to behave properly.

If you are too busy to groom your dog, you can take him to a professional pet groomer, but be sure that you will take him to a groomer who genuinely cares for dogs. However, if your dog requires a lot of grooming, it is practical to spend a few minutes of your time each day to attend to your dog's needs. In fact, it can be the perfect time for you to strengthen your bond with your dear pet.

The exact amount and type of grooming needed depends on what breed of dog you have. Some dog breeds require more grooming than others. Thus, a dog's needs is one of the things you should consider before choosing a breed. If you're a busy person, don't choose a breed that has sensitive grooming needs.

Here are some simple dog grooming tips:

• Always do a complete check on your dog's body parts -from his paws, nails, ears, nose, hair - check for any scars, bumps, allergies, fleas, ticks and any signs of infection.
• Trim your dog's nails at least once a month.
• Brush your dog's teeth using a dog's toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles at least twice a week.
• Clean your dog's face using a damp cloth every day.
• Brush your dog's coat to prevent tangles and get rid of dead hair especially for dogs who shed a lot. Brushing your dog's coat encourages new hair growth.
• Bathe your dog regularly (depending on the breed) using a mild shampoo for dogs and lukewarm water.

Remember to start grooming your dogs early so that when they grow older, you will not have a hard time. Every dog owner must remember, "A clean dog is a healthy dog and a healthy dog is a happy dog."

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Do Dogs Look Like Their Owners?

Most dog owners choose a purebred dog that have resemblance to them, this is according to the May 2005 issue of the American Psychological Society's Psychological Science journal. The study was conducted by researchers of the University of California in San Diego where judges were given photos of dogs and humans, and were asked to match each dog with his owner.

Judges were able to match 16 purebreds with their owners out of 45 pictures of dogs which includes 25 purebreds and 22 mongrels. Judges found a harder time matching mongrels to their owners. Why are they having a difficult time matching mongrels? Because mongrels or mixed breeds have more unpredictable appearances compared with purebreds.

The theory disproves claims that dog owners came to resemble their dogs after years of being together, as do with married couples. In contrast, people seem to pick a dog that "they feel" or "unconsciously think" matches their looks of personality. With a mongrel, it's a lot harder to tell how they would look like when they grow older.

According to US Scientists, there is a remarkably large number of cases where dog owners really do resemble their dog's features. For instance, big-haired people with big haired dogs, tall people with tall dogs, big people with big dogs, and so on. However, the similarity can be far more than just the more obvious physical features.

Do you look like your dog, too?

The Hardscrabble Chronicles

Me and my friend Kat shared a common love for a lot of things. One of those things is a book called The Hardscrabble Chronicles by Laurie Bogart Morrow. I bought it on a sale for only 30 pesos, if I remember right at Booksale Baguio.

To my surprise, it was really a wonderful, nostalgic, heart-touching book. The author tells about life in the town of Hardscrabble somewhere in New England. It tells about the challenges of moving in a new and small town, anecdotes of the townspeople, and finally being part of a community that learned to love.

The book is a continuation of Field & Stream columnist Corey Ford who named the town Hardscrabble. Although it is a fictional name, the town itself is where Corey Ford and Laurie Morrow has actually lived.

What made this book so close to our hearts are the stories that tell about dogs that have been part of their lives. There's Jet of Huntress Bridge who faithfully waited for his master up to the very end; The Legend of Big Boy and George Allard's Dog; Each Year is Seven and Lost. It has been almost four years since I read that book and some of the stories I can't recall as detailed as I want to. All the dog stories in the book has truly touched me and brought me to tears. I intend to read it again one of these days. Kat loved it so much that I gave it to her when she went back home to Manila.

As I'm writing this, the Bee Gees are playing as the storm rages outside. Miss you, Kat! I miss your company!

Bugging "Johann" the dog

Yesterday, I was visited by Johann,the dog. I checked out his blog and learned that he was rescued and adopted in 2004. He was named after Johann Sebastian Bach. Johann has been competing in agility training since June 2005 and he is a 2007 Cynosport World Games Dog Agility Grand Prix Qualifier! Congratulations, Johann! Your mum must be so proud!!!

If you want to care for a dog, please visit Johann's Rescue Me blog. Everyday, a dog is featured who has been rescued through the help of the following shelter and rescue organizations.

1-800-Save-A-Pet
AnimalShelter.Org
Dogsblog.com
Petfinder.com
Pets911
PupForum.com

If you love dogs, please show your support and help save a dog's life.

Small Dog Breeds I Love

Beagle

Beagles are energetic, fun-loving dogs, and great around children which makes them a wonderful family companion. A very smart dog that is easily trained with a highly sensitive sense of smell. Beagles have short coats which makes grooming easy.

However, because Beagles have a natural flare for hunting, and have a tendency to follow the nose, they should be kept in a well-fenced home. In addition, because they are very active dogs, they need to be taken out for walks at least twice a day.

Dachshund

Dachshunds come in three different kinds – the smooth haired, wirehaired and the longhaired dachshund. Its coat ranges from cream, tan, grayish, red, black and a combination of these colors. There is a miniature dachshund and a larger one.

In Germany, Dachshunds were used as Badger hunters. It got its name from the German word “Dachs” which meands Bader. These dogs have long body and short legs which give it a fun, clownish appearance.  Quite appropriate because these buddies are fun-loving, friendly and simply dogs who love people.

However, dachshunds do have a temper so they can get easily become annoyed being with small children. If you have other dogs in your home, you should also be aware that Dachshunds have a tendency to get jealous and stubborn. However, when properly treated, dachshunds can be the sweetest dog breed you can ever have.

Chinese Shar-Pei

Isn’t he cute??? This wrinkled buddy is an intelligent, calm, very devoted breed which makes it great as a family dog. Despite the size, a Shar-pei is a very alert and reliable guard dog. A Shar-pei is a strong breed so they must not be left alone with children. Shar-peis also need proper training as they can be stubborn, shy, or overprotective when not handled correctly.

Goldendoodle

As its name suggest, the Goldendoodle is a combination of two breeds –the Golden Retriever and Poodle. This breed is an intelligent, loving, friendly dog both to children and other animals. This breed does not shed so much and is easily groomed. Goldendoodles love to learn and they respond to training very well. They also love water when trained at an early age. Awwww…. how adorable!!!

Do Dogs Love Too?

Many scientists would argue the point that dogs are able to feel love. Nevertheless, for many dog lovers in the world, to say that dogs do love does not need a scientific explanation. That dogs feel love is an undeniable truth that you can only experience from building a bond with a dog of your own.

Ask anyone who has dog.  This person will tell you how much he/she feels love from a dog who does not ask for anything in return. Unconditional love- no other way to define it. It does not matter if you're grouchy on some days or sweet on others; if you're beautiful or ugly; if you're not in the mood- at any time of the day, whenever you need a friend, you can count on your dog to be there for you.

Well, maybe not to solve your problems... just to make you smile, cheer you up, make you realize that you're not alone, forget your troubles even for a moment, make you feel special. But if that isn't love, what is?

A Journey of One Dog's Battle to Cancer

One of the hardest things about taming a friend is saying goodbye. Losing a friend, a loved one to sickness is such a painful and unbearable loss.

It is true, "One runs the risk of crying when one allows himself to be tamed." - The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint Exupery)

I planned to skip a post today, tired from work. But I found the Red Dog Diary:A Dogumentary and met Raja, an 8 year old Golden Retriever who have been diagnosed with bone cancer. I knew when I read the blog caption that watching the trailer would make me cry. But I did anyway, and I just had to share this. Visit the blog and see the inspiring trailer of one dog's battle with cancer.

A Closer Look at Dogs and Anxiety

love sitter, originally uploaded by oceanoaloha.

When dogs are not responding to us in their best form, they may be suffering from anxiety or fear on their own. Remember that there is always an underlying cause for a dog’s behavioral problem and it is up to us humans to find out what it is. Whether it is from a traumatic episode in the dog’s life or a genetic issue, there are ways to deal about it correctly.

The most important things to bear in mind are:

• Never re-assure your dog if he is afraid. Re-assurance only reinforces fear.
• Do not force your dog to get over his fear instantly. It takes time and practice.
• Do not punish your dog if he is not behaving well because of his fear. 
• Do not add to the tension that your dog already feels. Instead, introduce relaxation, calmness, ease.

When desensitizing your dog, never forget to

• Give your dog the reward he deserves if he’s done well. Dogs respond best when their deeds are appreciated.
• Give lots and lots of pats and praises after every practice.
• Work at your dog’s phase.
• Practice with your dog every day. 
• Conduct short training sessions with your dog each day instead of long sessions that are done sporadically.

In some cases, it maybe necessary to give medication exclusively for dogs. These are called canine anxiety reducers. It is absolutely important to seek an expert’s advice on these matters. If trying to desensitize your dog on your own does not give out any progressive result, it is best to see a veterinary or an animal trainer for further advice and assistance.

Ultimately, we do love our pets and we want to care for them as best as we can. The one thing every dog owner must always remember is that dogs with anxiety problems can get well. Through consistent practice, accurate information and support, your dog will surely learn to get over these fears. Don’t give up on your dog just because he’s not one hundred percent worry-free. After all, dogs are family too.