Dog Training Tips - The Pros and Cons of Using Electronic Fences

Title: Dog Training Tips - The Pros and Cons of Using Electronic Fences
Author: Moses Wright

Dog Training Tips - The Pros and Cons of Using Electronic Fences
There are benefits and disadvantages to electronic fences
(or `e-fences'), and these need to be considered carefully
when evaluating your need for one. E-fences utilize wire
(normally underground) and transmitters that will deliver a
noise, shock or unpleasant spray via a special collar, in
order to deter a dog approaching the set boundary. A signal
is sent to the collar when the dog nears the buried wire
and the deterrent is triggered.

As some Home Owners Association rules and city ordinances
do not allow for regular fences, an e-fence, though
expensive, may be an option. For those with no back and
front yard fences, an e-fence offers a solution if you want
a dog, but are unable to establish a regular fence.

There are negatives that need to be considered though.

Dogs require thorough training in order for the e-fence to
be successful, and it should not be used as a substitute
for behavioral training. Dogs need to be taught to
associate the deterrent with boundary limits. If this is
not done, the e-fence will be rendered useless.

As they are an electrical device, they are not fool proof.
They can be shorted by an electrical surge or lightning
strikes, though not common and digging around the perimeter
can also cause problems. When an e-fence is first
installed, flags are used to mark the boundary, but are
usually removed once the dog is trained. If they are left
in place, they can be knocked or dragged away by lawnmowers
and children, amongst other things. Once pulled out, there
is a possibility of a puncture by their sharp tips.

If a dog ignores the deterrent and moves past the fence, it
is less likely to return inside the boundary voluntarily,
and may realize that technically there is no `real'
boundary.

Many people also believe that as a deterrent, electric
shocks are cruel, and are a counteractive way of eliciting
the wanted behavior from your pet.

Your decision regarding an e-fence needs to be evaluated
according to your situation. If kept entirely indoors
except for when leashed, a dogs' need to run is denied,
resulting in an unhappy and maladjusted pet. If you can
make use of a dog park, this problem can be addressed, but
many areas do not have close access, so the problem remains.

A standard height fence might seem to be the solution, but
large dogs are often able to leap over these, and this can
cause punctures and scrapes from chain link and wooden
fence tops. Though the wound may be minor, a dogs' tendency
to bite or scratch at them can make the injury worse,
meaning a trip to the vet is required. Depending on the
circumstances, an e-fence may be the safer option.

Every circumstance and situation is different, based on
living conditions, type and character of dog and training
techniques, so there is no overall effective method that
can be implemented by every dog owner. Instead, the
requirements of each situation need to be considered and
enough information gathered so that you can make an
informed choice.

If you decide an e-fence is the best solution for your
situation, you need to be ready to disable the fence if it
turns out that instead of benefiting your dog, it is doing
more damage.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a pet lover and loves to help new pet
owners deal with their dog problems at home. You can find
more dog problems and solutions for free here:
http://www.petquery.com/dog.htm

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Dog Training. A Lesson You Must Learn Before It's Too Late

Article Title: Dog Training. A Lesson You Must Learn Before
It's Too Late
Author: John E Adams

Dog and Puppy Training for A Happy and Safe Life.

A dog has a deep rooted need to perform for us. This is clearly
apparent in "working dogs" but it is also just as strong a
desire in other breeds.

They yearn to serve, work, obey and be rewarded which in turn
gives them canine contentment.

As a form of basic dog training, once we have introduced a dog
into our lives and we should make sure the dog gets to use their
instincts by setting them sufficient tasks to complete.

This is a basic requirement of a dog's life and ensures the dog
will be happy.

The most common feature in destructive or unhappy dogs is that
they are given no function in life.

To exist is simply not enough. A dog thrives on outdoor
exercise, fetching sticks and chasing a ball as this is a dogs
life and it's what dogs do.

Dog training will not only improve the dog's life - it will
improve yours too.

You will find that when you successfully teach your dog
challenging new commands, the relationship between the two of
you becomes remarkably stronger.

This will make you and the dog keen to carry out more training
exercises and it becomes a progressive bonding which reaps
rewards for all.

Through dog training it must be shown that the world is a good
and safe place to live and the dog must learn to respect this.
There are many people who do not like dogs and really don't
understand why we would possibly want one as a pet.

Some folk with children discourage communication between the
child and our dog because they are afraid or nervous around the
animal themselves. If our dog is properly trained, these less
keen members of society will see how well the dog behaves, our
reputation as dog owners will improve and we will be regarded as
responsible people within the community.

It is vital before you start training your dog that you take a
general overview of the dog's current behavior.

Training should be specifically geared to any problem areas,
making specific allowances for the nature of the breed of the
dog. Dog training should be "reward" based and punishment for
not getting the task right, however long it takes, should not be
an option.

Although at times you will both get frustrated, you will find
for every bit of effort you put into correctly training your dog
you will be given much more back in the long run.

Of course, the younger the animal is when you start the dog
training, the better. If you give the dog a chance to get into
bad habits early on in life, this will make dog training much
harder, although not altogether impossible, in the future.

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks" - well you can!

However, the experience will be far less demanding and much
more enjoyable for you and your dog if you start early with some
basic puppy training exercises.

This is a positive way to ensure your puppy reaches adulthood
and continues to live a happy and safe life.

About The Author: By John Adams. Helping you solve a problem!
If you make a positive start to dog training. You live a happy
life. Free Advice here
http://www.dog-breeds-explained.com/dog-breed-training.html

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Poodle Is As Poodle Does

Article Title: Poodle Is As Poodle Does
Author: Walt Day

I read the phrase in the title somewhere, and even though it is
a blatant rip off of a line from Forest Gump, I thought it was a
pretty appropriate way to describe the world's oldest water
retriever, circus performer and truffle hunter.

Poodles are lively and active dogs, are very loyal and
absolutely love (crave?) attention. The life span of the Poodle
is about 12 to 15 years or more, with some that I've heard of
living up to 18. They are a very smart dog - one of the smartest
by any method you care to apply. I witnessed a doggy "IQ test"
in which the dog's head was covered by a blanket and the dog
timed to see how long it would take to uncover itself. Not
surprisingly, the winner was the border collie - with the poodle
coming in a very close second place.

The Standard Poodle is the largest of the Poodle breed,
standing at least 15 in. (38 cm) at the shoulder, and is more
than just a pretty face. Experts agree that the Standard Poodle
is one of the oldest breeds specializing in hunting after game
in the water, and is still sometimes used as a gun dog. History
shows that the Standard Poodles that we know and enjoy today
probably developed around the 17th century in Germany. They are
most likely descended from early German water retrievers, but
may in addition be related to spaniels from the Iberian
Peninsula. Although originally a hunting dog, the Standard
Poodle today is primarily a companion and show dog. They are
proud, elegant, dignified, gentle and good-natured.

The Toy, or French Poodle, is the smallest at 11 in. (29cm) or
under at the highest point of the shoulders. Originating from
the German "Pudel", the French developed the "Poodle" into the
miniaturized version we know today as the Toy Poodle. These
small dogs are almost exclusively companion and show dogs, but
can be occasionally seen performing tricks on a stage or in
circuses. The Toy Poodle is sensitive and remarkably
intelligent.

Dogs ranging in size larger than the Toy Poodle yet smaller
than the Standard Poodle are classified as Miniature Poodles.
The Miniature Poodle is considered a cheerful, super smart,
sensitive and highly trainable companion dog.

The Poodle has a very attractive, sturdy appearance, and
displays an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to the
breed. Although they come in different sizes, the shape and
appearance of the breed is consistent. The general appearance of
the body of a poodle is of good proportions, the length of the
body generally exceeding the height at the withers.

The coat of a Poodle is curly, harsh and dense. Poodles
actually have a double coat that has the quality and appearance
of lamb's wool. It is fine, fluffy, light in texture and knots
readily when not cared for. Because of variations in grooming, a
Poodle can be the most elegant of dogs or nearly the most
wretched. Most purebred puppies will have their tails docked,
giving them a distinctive, powder-puff appearance.

The Poodle's temperament is without a doubt one of the breeds
best qualities - however it often depends on its size. There is
generally a noticeable temperament difference between a toy,
miniature and standard poodle.

Perhaps no other dog has been cross-bred as much as the Poodle
to try to enhance two breeds' qualities. "Poo" hybrid dogs crop
up everywhere. Examples include the Labradoodle (Labrador
Retriever) and Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever), which were bred
primarily as hypoallergenic companion dogs. The appearance of
these dogs range from a shaggy looking Golden Retriever to a
curl relaxed Poodle, but usually something in between. The
Schnoodle (Schnauzer) presents the temperament features of the
Schnauzer (liveliness of the Terrier) and the
appearance/intelligence of the Poodle. The Cockapoo (Cocker
Spaniel) has a squarely built appearance with full but less
kinky fur. Other variations include the Maltipoo (Maltese),
Bich-poo (Bichon Frise), and Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier).

The poodle certainly is a pretty amazing breed. Intelligent and
cheery, the Poodle can be counted as one of the most popular
breeds of dogs in America, as well as worldwide. The Poodle is
commonly acknowledged to be the most wisely intelligent of all
members of the canine race. If you are looking for a dog to do
just about anything, a Poodle might be right for you. But always
keep in mind - "Poodle is as Poodle does".

About The Author: Walt writes about dogs and dog breeds for
http://dog-gonnit.com - Mutt or Purebred, Dogs Rule! You can
find other intriguing articles about poodles at
http://dog-gonnit.com/breed/poodle

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