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World's Meanest Dog May Not Be the Breed You Think It Is!

PetSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:03 -0700

When we think about stereotypically "mean dogs," I'm pretty sure we can all name those most maligned. But statistically, the world's meanest breed isn't a Pit Bull, Bulldog, or even a Doberman - it's an English Cocker Spaniel!

A recent study by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Barcelona shows more reported cases of aggression by the English Cocker Spaniel than any other breed, followed by Rottweilers, Boxers, Yorkshire Terriers, and German Shepherds. Yes, the Yorkie is tiny, but can apparently pack quite a punch! With over 1,040 acts of aggression studied, the report shows that the Cocker Spaniel is more likely than other breeds to show aggression towards their owners and unfamiliar people.

But not all is lost for the breed. With proper training and discipline, the Cocker Spaniel (and any other breed for that matter) can be well behaved and friendly to other dogs and people. I'm a firm believer that there are no "bad breeds," so here's to hoping that owners can take the time to train their pups to be civil four-legged members of society! Check out some of my favorite training tips and tricks when you read more.

Training classes aren't just for puppies - you can always enroll your pup in an obedience class, no matter how old they are!
Have your pup's next playtime include strangers to get used to unfamiliar faces, er, scents!
Pick up a training book for 24/7 advice. Here are some of your favorites!
Know the difference between training methods, then pick the one that is right for you and your pet.
Help your pooch learn proper dog park etiquette as early as possible.
Take an online class led by Cesar Milan, and learn at your (and your dog's) own pace.
Use the hand touch to get your pup under control.

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Do Tell: Share Your Favorite Pet Training Books!

PetSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:15:25 -0800

Whether you're a fan of Cesar, clicker or Kilcommons and Wilson, there are tons of famous trainers and training methods to choose from as pet owners.

Since everyone can find some ways to improve training or teaching tricks at home, let's recommend books for new puppies, refresher courses, or just plain fun. If we each share titles, authors or methods in the comments below, together we can create a great library!

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Pete and Ashlee Enlist Cesar's Help With Baby Bronx

PetSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:15:08 -0800

Well before Bronx Mowgli entered the world, Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson asked Cesar Millan for help with prepping their two dogs, Hemingway and new pup, Rigby, for the baby's arrival. The trainer offered tips on consistency and a rather unusual way to work off the bulldogs' excess energy. Watch a sneak peek of the episode of The Dog Whisperer starring this fam (airing on Dec. 28) to learn more.

To the Rescue: Jumping Dog Just Won't Quit

PetSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:50:36 -0800

Do you have a jumpy dog? My lil guy definitely tries to leap on strangers (for kisses) and it's something we're constantly working on since he doesn't do this to me. If I have company over, my friends all know the training method I use:

Grabbing his paws! When a dog jumps up on you (or strangers), gently grasp his paws and hold them firmly in place. While at first most pups won't care, when you don't let go, chances are they'll get more uncomfortable, struggle, and try to get away. When this happens, say "off" or "down" (depending on the word you favor) and let go. Immediately follow this by asking him to sit and rewarding when he follows through. Repeat this process every time your dog jumps up.

Learn one more commonly accepted method to limit jumping when you read more.

Stepping on the leash! Simply leave a leash on your pet indoors when company's coming so it drags around behind him. Whenever you notice your pooch ready to jump, place your foot on the leash. Don't stomp so close that he immediately notices your foot, but don't leave enough slack for him to jump all the way up. When he jumps, say "off" or "down," and the leash should help correct him. Follow up with a sit command and reward as above. Please note, this really works best on collared pets – I tried it with North's harness and he was either able to jump or got tangled (and fell sideways) which wasn't too effective on my lil guy!

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Pet Peeves: I'm Begging Him to Stop Begging!

PetSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:10:55 -0700

Q: My dog has the very annoying habit of begging for food. It's especially bad when we have people over for dinner – he literally walks from person to person waiting, sometimes jumping with paws up on their laps to see what's on the table or go for the food right off their fork (or plate) – help!

A: Consistency is key to solving this problem. After all, dogs can't magically tell the difference between "OK begging" and "not OK begging" so you must make begging never OK. While banishing a dog to another room is one option, space may not make this possible . . . and, with enough effort, you can retrain your pup.

I'd recommend never giving your pet any treats while you are making or eating food. (Right before dinnertime is not the time to work on a sit-stay.) Teach your furry friend that he's not going to get food just because you're preparing food. In fact, I make North do a full sit before I put his dish on the ground – he's not allowed to go to it until I give him the release command.

See one more tip when you read more.

I like to give my pet a long-lasting toy or treat just before a meal with company. Offering it up to him before everyone takes their seats will not have him mistakenly perceive this as a reward because he hasn't had a chance to start fussing yet . . . and keeps him occupied, too!

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Do You Point at Your Pets When Speaking?

PetSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:15:00 -0700

I have a friend whose stepfather freaked out when I once pointed at their pooch. I was telling the dog to sit, and the pointing came naturally. I never really understood why he didn't want me to point, and honestly it was an instant reflex, but his reaction stuck with me all these years.Now I'm self-conscious about raising my finger – do you do it, too?

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I Never Tell My Dog "No"! Do You?

PetSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:30:27 -0700

He's spoiled . . . but not that spoiled! What I mean is that I don't use the word "no" to reprimand my pooch. I always worried that it sounded too much like his name (North), and didn't want him to get confused when I was teaching that.

Then, I saw an article on Wag Reflex actually recommending to teach the concept of no by using different words instead! Here I was doing something great . . . pretty much by accident. The reasoning explains that, since no one rewards no, it's harder for a pup to learn it and claims a success-focused approach will work much better. Makes sense to me so, try using a word that directs your pooch to what you want him to do (off, leave it, wait, etc.) followed by a positive command (come, sit, etc.) and words of praise (good boy) and see how it works at your home.

Do you use the word no?

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Greatest American Dog: Which Training Method's For You?

PetSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:50:31 -0700

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Dog Park Etiquette: For The Dogs

PetSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:00:49 -0700

Now that we know how humans should behave at the dog park, let's focus on the reason we are there – our doggies! The dog park can be a great time for all . . . if the pups are well behaved that is. Check out some helpful guidelines to ensure that your four-legged friend (and everyone else's) have a enjoyable day at the park! Source

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Beijing Rescue Dogs Have a Big Job Ahead

PetSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:00:09 -0700

I know I mentioned Dogs With Jobs the other day when I introduced you to Ellie, the pup who has been caring for motherless bunnies, but these rescue dogs have a whole career ahead of them! Rescue dogs in Beijing animal shelters are getting a second chance at life, and plenty of new responsibilities now that they have been drafted into Chinese military forces as search and rescue trainees, and will also use their noses at this year's Beijing Olympics to sniff out drugs and bombs. Over 160 poochies have been sent to the capital from across the country, and from these pics, they've already made some real progress in their training! Check out this slideshow to see some of the pups in action. And let me just say – it's amazing what they can do! Source

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