Never hit a dog
You should not EVER hit a dog for any reason at all. Hitting does NOT teach the dog anything other than to fear you, and obedience is born of love, not fear. Not only will hitting not work, but it is completely counterproductive to effective dog training of any kind.
In order to effectively train a dog, you must learn to understand how a dog thinks - and yes, they DO think.
First of all, dogs are pack animals. That is their nature. Dogs do not expect to live in a democratic society in which everybody gets a vote. From a dog's point of view, it is absolutely essential that the "pack" (and the dog views the family as his pack) have a leader - a boss - an ALPHA dog. The alpha dog is in charge of the pack. The alpha dog makes the decisions for the pack and keeps the pack safe. It's a "dog" thing that you do need to understand.
Unless you are the alpha dog, the dog WILL become the alpha dog. He will nip at his other pack members. He may snarl, growl, and otherwise show the others that he IS in charge. So first of all, you must establish your position as alpha dog, but you don't do it by hitting the dog. Hitting is not a language that a dog understands.
When the dog misbehaves or transgresses, simply stop the behavior and roll him over onto his back. Hold him there and stand over him while saying "NO" firmly and in a forceful TONE of voice. Volume doesn't count. The only thing that matters is TONE. The next thing to do is show him what the correct and acceptable behavior is and then lavish praise on him when he complies.
Puppies
Puppies require the greatest amount of training and attention, especially over the first six months. Be prepared to dedicate much of your time to housebreaking and raising your new puppy. You dog will likely have plenty of accidents in the house and will probably chew your furniture and personal belongings. These problems will gradually resolve with dedicated training, but patience is a must. You should also be aware that your puppy might grow up to be different then you expected, especially if you adopt a mixed-breed dog. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just something to keep in mind.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs can be an excellent choice. An adult might be a better choice if you want to have a better idea of the true energy level, attitude, and temperament of your new dog. However, just because the dog is an adult does not mean he is trained, so you should still expect some degree of dedicated training at first. Fortunately, many adult dogs have been trained and socialized to some degree and can easily adjust to their new lives in their forever homes.
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs should not be forgotten! Welcoming a senior dog into your home can be a wonderful way to bring joy to the golden years of a dog. Unfortunately, senior dogs are less likely to be adopted and often end up living out their lives in shelters or being euthanized. A senior dog can make a wonderful companion if you are looking for a lower energy dog. However, it is important to know that your senior dog needs special attention, more frequent veterinary check-ups and is more likely to develop heath problems that cost time and money to address. Unlike a puppy or adult dog, you must know that you will not have as many years with your senior dog. If you are willing to accept the responsibilities, consider adopting a senior dog. It can be one of the most compassionate things you can do for these precious creatures.
Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations
Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations
A dog's mother begins training puppies from birth. She makes them wait for food; she controls when they play and how far they travel. Adult dogs need these same rules, boundaries, and limitations from you, their pack leader.
A pack leader doesn't project emotional or nervous energy, so neither should you. In the wild, the pack leader uses calm-assertive energy to influence how the dog interacts with his surroundings. She enforces these laws in a quiet way, as is the case when a mother picks up a puppy by the scruff of the neck if he strays outside the den.
Ownership of territory is very important. Dogs in the wild claim space by first asserting themselves in a calm and confident way, and then communicating this ownership through clear body language signals and eye contact. A dog who understands that you, as the pack leader, own the space in which he lives will respect your asserted authority.
Waiting is another way that pack leaders assert their position. Puppies wait to eat, and adult dogs wait until the pack leader wants them to travel. Waiting is a form of psychological work for the dog. Domestication means dogs don’t need to hunt for food, but they can still work for it.
Establish your position as pack leader by asking your dog to work. Take him on a walk before you feed him. And just as you don't give affection unless your dog is in a calm-submissive state, don’t give food until your dog acts calm and submissive. Exercise will help the dog, especially a high-energy one, to achieve this state.
In all of these ways, the pack leader in nature sets rules, boundaries, and limitations for her pack, and in doing so, nurtures her dog's healthy state of mind.
CHEESE & GARLIC DOG COOKIES
 Posted by john-ross on November 28, 2010 at 11:28 PM |  comments (0) |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHEESE & GARLIC DOG COOKIES
(Low Purine)
1½ cups white rice flour
1¼ cups grated cheddar cheese
¼ pound safflower oil -- margarine
1 clove garlic -- crushed
1 pinch salt
Grate the cheese and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt, and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball. Chill for ½ hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until slightly brown, and firm. Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size.
Recipe By : Laura Toms, Dublin, OH
Serving Size : 24 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Special Health Needs Wheat-Free
