Training Your Dog Around Your Garden

Article Title: Training Your Dog Around Your Garden
Author: Dan Stevens

Dear Daniel Stevens:

One of our family's greatest hobbies is planting, weeding, and
growing fruits and vegetables so we can enjoy them on the
dinner table. Both my husband and I grew up eating organic,
homegrown foods so we wanted to pass this gift down to our own
children. Together, we have a blast working in the garden but
lately, we've had an unexpected helper - our dog Tasha.

While we work, Tasha prefers digging and tearing up the plants.
As you can imagine, this isn't helping the situation.
Obviously, we aren't going to give up our garden nor are we
going to get rid of the dog so we need to find some kind of
solution that will allow us to enjoy both. We've tried telling
her "NO" but I think the temptation is simply too great. Do
you have any ideas on how we can keep growing our favorite
foods without having some of our hard work undone by Tasha?

Denise
Colorado


Dear Denise:

The challenge with having a dog and a garden is that the space
is shared space. For this reason, you may need to find some
compromises in addition to training. One option that actually
works well is using treats as rewards and an inexpensive
clicker during the training period. Before you get started,
Tasha should be confident with common commands such as
"sit,"stay,"and "lie down." Once she's mastered these, the rest
of the training pertaining to the garden will be easier.

For the clicker, you want to teach Tasha about barriers
associated with your garden. For this, we recommend you use
some type of garden fencing or rocks. This way, you and your
pet will have a visual on where she can and can't go. As Tasha
nears the garden, tell her "NO". Once you have her attention,
use the clicker, which is a great distracter. Next, call the
dog to you, giving her the "sit" command. As she obeys, offer
her a small treat. If you are consistent with this type of
training, Tasha should have a good handle on the new rules in
about three to four weeks.

Another way to keep your dog out of the garden is to create a
zone just for her. For this, you could have a four by
four-foot space that has fresh grass, toys, water bowl, and
perhaps a favorite bone or two, buried down about six inches.
With Tasha on the leash, guide her to her space, telling her
"YES, good girl." Have her sit and stay as you make your way
to the garden.

If she tries to follow, guide her back to her "garden,"
repeating the process several times. If she does not understand
after five or six tries, go ahead and put her back indoors while
you garden. However, the next time you work in the garden, work
with her again on the leash. Eventually, she will connect her
getting to stay outside with you gardening, as long as she
remains in her own space.

All the best,
Daniel Stevens

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dog's
Behavior Problems
(http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/), one of
the leading dog training guides on the market today selling
over 21,000 copies (and counting).

Cyclists And Dogs

Article Title: Cyclists And Dogs
Author: Charles Jackson

Exploring new territory on your bicycle can be hazardous when
you cross into dog territory.

Like other animals, dogs mark their own territory and do not
take kindly to cyclists, motorists, joggers or other intruders.
If you enter a dog's personal space, be prepared for the dog to
enter attack mode. Snarls and furious barking will warn you,
and if you don't leave immediately, the dog can launch an
attack. This involves snapping at your heels and an attempt to
bring you down. A dog attack can throw any cyclist off balance,
and cause serious injuries. Knowing how to deal with dog
attacks is an important safeguard to cycling. Children or
inexperienced cyclists and dogs just don't mix, and these
riders should never be allowed to ride where dog attacks can
occur.

Dogs tend to attack a cyclist from the rear, usually from the
hindquarter direction. However, not all dogs pursue their
victims viciously. You can determine whether or not the dog
has serious intentions to harm you by noting the gait of the
dog. If the dog feels threatened, he will chase faster than
usual. His tail will point downward, with mouth open and ears
cocked.

If you see a dog approaching from any direction, be sure to
guard the front wheel of your bicycle. If the dog suddenly
lunges in front of you, it can cause a collision and a fall.
Move to the farthest end of the road, and quickly ride away.

Letting out a load-throated yell is another way to deal with an
angry dog. This tactic can momentarily surprise the dog and
cause him to hesitate. If successful, use the extra seconds
and ride away as fast as possible. However if the dog is still
in attack mode, ball up your fists and shout angrily. Most dogs
are afraid of human violence and may not chase after someone who
poses an apparent threat.

It's important to realize that you can't always outrun a dog.
Bumpy roads or steep tracks can cause a cyclist to make a
particularly slow getaway. This is where a can of pepper spray
can come in handy. The spray stings the nose and eyes of the
dog, and stops him temporarily without causing any harm.

If all else fails, call out for help. If the dog is serious in
his attack, protect yourself by placing the bicycle in between
you the dog. Don't try to kick the dog, as this may make you
lose your balance. If you are attacked or are bitten seek
medical aid immediately, report the incident to the police and
lodge a complaint against the owners. The dog will need to be
quarantined to verify if it is rabid.

Cyclists and dogs don't always mix. Be prepared and know how
to react if you happen to cross a territorial dog.

About The Author: Charles Jackson contributes to several online
magazines, including http://great-recreation.com and
http://susaq.com

.

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Rescued Dogs Make Great Family Pets

Article Title: Rescued Dogs Make Great Family Pets
Author: Paula Scott

Whether you are considering becoming a first time dog owner or
adding a new canine member to your household, consider a
breed-based rescue organization as a great source for your new
pet. The advantage of selecting a pet from a breed-based
organization is the foreknowledge you have about your pet's
personality. Although your dog may not be AKC registered for
that breed, he or she will be primarily characterized by it.

You should begin your search for a dog by doing some basic
research on individual breeds. In addition to considering size,
you should think about exercise requirements, guard or watch dog
behaviors, and hereditary diseases that may be associated with
that breed. You should be honest with yourself about your
willingness to housebreak a puppy or provide an environment
that includes daily walks or outdoor play time. Once you
establish your basic requirements, select a breed that
typically exhibits the desired characteristics.

The breed-based rescue organizations, such as The Golden
Retriever Rescue, have potential pets available including
puppies, mature, and senior dogs. The rescue organizations
usually provide medical and foster care and can tell you about
individual habits and personality from direct experience. In
many cases, they will know how the dog reacts to other dogs in
the home, young children, and cats. Rescue association will
check their dogs for illnesses and heartworm. They provide
treatment when necessary and neutering before a dog is placed
on the eligible list. On organization websites, you will be
able to see pictures of the available dogs and get information
about their behavior in their foster home and any special needs
or considerations.

Dogs come to rescue organization because their owners can no
longer care for them. They are not bad, sick, or misbehaving
dogs. There are many reasons why someone must give up a pet
such as: illness, moving to a new location that does not allow
pets, a new baby in the house, or a change in financial
circumstances. These owners are being responsible and trying to
ensure that their pet has a good home. Most rescue organizations
also maintain contact with local shelters and will save breed
dogs from euthanasia when it is believed that the dog is a
viable candidate for adoption.

Rescue organizations go to extraordinary lengths to make sure
that your family and your new pet are well matched. There are
rescue organizations for most AKC recognized breeds. You can
find one close to your home through your vet, the yellow pages
and on the internet. The American Kennel Club maintains lists
of breed specific rescue organizations organized by state.
Although adoption procedures vary among organizations, the
following activities are fairly standard. In your initial
contact with the organization, you will register and provide
basic information about your expectations and the environment
you will provide. A preliminary phone interview or home visit
may be conducted to allow the caring folks from the
organization to ensure that you are worthy of being a caregiver
to one of their special dogs. The organization really wants you
and your dog to be happy together rather than just placing a
dog to decrease inventory.

When you have selected a dog that you want to become a member
of your family, the rescue organization may schedule a visit
between you. They want to know about the environment you will
provide. If you have other pets in your home, there may be a
supervised meeting to determine if there are potential
compatibility problems.

Rescue organizations are usually non-profit and staffed with
volunteers who are also pet owners. There is a fee for adoption
that typically ranges from $200 to $300. The process to adopt
from a rescue organization may seem lengthy and involved, but,
the organization exists to protect their dogs and ensure that
new homes and families work out well for both the dogs and the
new owners. You benefit greatly from their stewardship because
you get a pet that is matched to your needs and is ready to
share his or her unconditional love with you.

About The Author: Great dog articles - everything from
http://qualitydogresources.com/greyhound-rescue-2007-01-09 to
http://qualitydogresources.com/no-no-oh-no-stopping-your-dog-from-chewing-your-favorite-slippers-2006-12-07.