The Top 10 Most Affectionate And Playful Dog Breeds:

Just about every dog loves a member of its family, especially when that love is reciprocated.  Depending on the breed, your dog may be very enthusiastic in expressing his love for you...or maybe he expresses his love by NOT destroying your furniture while you're at work!  Certain breeds, though, are much more affectionate and playful than others.  We've listed these breeds here, taking into account not only their enthusiasm during play, but the breed's friendliness towards strangers and other pets, and energy level....
 
 #10 Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel is the most popular of the French spaniels, used extensively by bird hunters as a pointer/retriever.  But the hunters, and millions of families worldwide, have discovered they make an excellent companion at home, too.  The good-natured Brittany should be walked several times a day.
 
 #9 Japanese Chin
Once the favorite of the Japanese Imperial Court, the Japanese Chin plays boisterously and continuously until it literally drops from exhaustion!  The Chin really is the perfect pet - intelligent, full of charm, very gentle and clean.
 
 #8 Vizsla
A hard-working hunting dog originating from Hungary, the Vizsla has a keen sense of smell, is calm, sensitive, and easy to train.  You should avoid adopting a Vizsla if you live in the city -  they have tremendous energy that needs to be burned off regularly.
 
 #7 English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel does everything with gusto, and can be overly enthusiastic unless given plenty of exercise (since they originally served as game retrievers, this is understandable!).  Overall they are a cheerful, energetic, and playful breed.
 
#6 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The King Charles Spaniel is believed to have originated in China or Japan centuries ago.  The Cavalier variety, which originated in England in the 1920's, are incredibly gentle, sweet, and eager to please.  
 
 #5 Papillon
The vivacious and charming Papillon is the epitome of elegance and among the most dignified of breeds.  Like the Japanese Chin, the breed was popular with royalty as a "lap" or "companion" dog for centuries.  Tireless in play, it delights its admirers with its amusing antics.  It is extremely affectionate and loves to be cuddled, but some report the breed to be a bit possessive.  They are one of the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds.
 
 #4 Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is very popular in Italy, France, Great Britain, and North America.  This playful powder-puff charms everyone with its tricks and lively, almost human expression.  They simply love everyone, but be warned - they tend to bark a lot, and may be hard to house-train.
 
 #4 Havanese
Tied at #4 with the Bichon, the Havanese can trace its recent origins to Cuba, where they are also known as Habeneros.  This diminutive breed loves to be the center of attention, and is affectionate with just about everyone and everything.   As with many of the smaller breeds, the Havanese tend to be quite vocal.
 
 #3 Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever
The highly energetic Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever was developed in the early 19th century in, surprisingly enough, Nova Scotia.  Like many of the retriever breeds, they are gentle, eager to please, and show enthusiastic affection for just about everyone.
 
 #2 Irish Setter
Energetic and tenacious, the Irish Setter has a keen mind, and is eager to please.  Be sure to exercise your Irish regularly, or they can become frustrated, even neurotic.  They are an incredibly friendly family dog, but because of their unbridled enthusiasm in showing affection, may not be the best choice if you have small children.
 
 #1 Labrador Retriever
A deserving #1 on our list, the Labrador Retriever is loved and respected world-wide for contributions as war dogs, police dogs, and guides for the blind.  Exceptional patience, intelligence and gentleness make Labradors prized pets the world over.  What else can we say?  A truly exceptional breed, and one of the top 10 most intelligent dogs.

 
 #1 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever ties with the Lab at #1, and share most of the Lab's positive personality traits.  This overwhelmingly popular breed will use any opportunity to demonstrate its affection for you, from exhuberant play to, of course, retrieving!  The Golden also ranks highly on our list of most intelligent dogs.

Games to Play With Your Dog

Playing with your dog on a regular basis builds good understanding, respect, and communication between you and your pet. Dogs love to play and especially so, with their owner.
Fun aside, games generally help stimulate your dog's mind and provide an outlet for them to burn off their extra energy. Games can also be used to teach your dog impulse control and discipline. Listed below are some common fun games you can play with your dog regardless of breed.
Soccer
To play soccer, you must first teach the dog to dribble the ball. To do so, simply show your dog a food treat, put it just below the ball. When your dog reaches out to get the treat, he will invariably move the ball with his muzzle, simulating a dribble action. Take the opportunity to cue "dribble" the moment it makes contact. Over time, fade off the use of the food treat as a lure (i.e. do not leave it under the ball) and get your dog to dribble with just your verbal cue "dribble."
Fetch
Another common game is fetch. Many dogs instinctive know how to go get an object after you have thrown it. Some though will not return it to you. Assuming your dog is totally clueless, here's a simple way to teach the retrieve. Buy a retrieve object (e.g. a dumbbell) from any pet shop. Coat it with peanut butter, show it to your dog and throw it a distance away. Your dog should run towards the object. The moment he grabs it, cue "come" or whatever cue you give your dog to come towards you. Once next to you, offer a tasty treat in exchange for the dumbbell and cue "give" as you take the dumbbell out of his mouth. Once your dog will come back on its own (to give you the dumbbell) without you needing to cue "come," you can add the "fetch" cue the moment the dog charges towards the dumbbell.
As with the soccer game, you will need to fade off the use of the coat of peanut butter and food treat before the dog becomes reliant on it (e.g. won't fetch an item unless it is coated with peanut butter or won't give you the dumbbell unless you exchange it for food treats).
Finally, a word of caution. If your dog gets aggressive each time you try to remove something from its mouth, you may need to seek help from a professional rather than play this game on your own. You will know your dog best.
Tug of War
To initiate the game you can use tug-of-war toys for dogs and let your dog bite the other end of the toy. While your dog's teeth are on it, you may slowly pull it away from him while giving the verbal cue "tug." Hearing the cue "tug" often will slowly make your dog understand the game.
However, do note that there are lots of debates about whether this game causes aggression issues. Our best advice is not to play this game unless you have full control of your dog. By that we mean you are able to set the rules and your dog abides by these rules 100% of the time. If you are able to, this game is excellent for exercising your dog, teaching him impulse control and building up his drive.
Rule 1
Leave it mean leave it - Once you cue "leave it," your dog has to drop the object immediately.
Rule 2
No tugging unless cued to - If the dog tries to tug an object without you cueing, drop the object immediately and institute a time out. Some trainers even go as far as mandating that tug should be played only with a designated tug toy. Hence for them, their dogs are not allowed to tug unless both the verbal cue and tug toy is present. If one is present without the other (e.g. owner cues tug with a different toy), strictly no tugging is allowed. They do this to prevent accidents e.g. dog jumping on someone who mistakenly lifts up the tug toy or dog initiating tug on hearing someone say out the word "tug" in his normal conversation with someone else.
Rule 3
Game stops the moment dog sinks teeth on you - Even if it is an accident, the game should stop. This will teach your dog to be extra careful when playing this game with you.
Rule 4
Stop the moment he displays any sign of aggression - Growling while tugging is okay as long as you have control e.g. he stops and drops the object the instant you cue "leave it." However if your dog attempts to snap at you at any time when you reach out for the object, it is sign that you are not in control. Stop the game immediately for safety reasons and find a safer game to play with your dog.
Rule 5
Frequent breaks - You decide when the breaks are and if the dog gets too boisterous, take a break. Use the break as an opportunity to practice some obedience cue with your dog before re-initiating the game again.
Do not even attempt to play tug of war if you are already having difficulty taking something out of your dog's mouth or if he is already showing signs of aggression.
Lastly, when playing this game, do consider your dog's safety. Don't jerk his head back and forth too much as it may cause neck problems. Don't tug till all four of his feet are off the ground as well.It is fun to teach your dog playing.

Significant Specifics of Golden Retriever Health – Obtaining Guidance

Golden Retrievers are beautiful, friendly, loyal dogs. After dark companionship could be the necessity to spotlight Golden Retriever health. If you look closely at their own health, you will have a long happy relationship. Your pet will appear and feel great and stay happy to hear the best choice of his pack, you.

The initial step in golden medical care is often a stop by at the veterinarian when it is still a puppy. It will need timed vaccinations and health checkups. Along with this, you will have to feed your golden nutritious food, give you the necessary training, exercise and grooming. Young dogs should check out the veterinarian one or more times each year. To maintain prime Golden Retriever health, it is recommended that seniors visit the vet twice each year.

The most widespread vaccinations which can be suited to Golden Retriever health are:

Rabies
Distemper
Parvovirus
Kennel cough
Hepatitis
Para influenza

Discuss the requirements using your vet and follow their recommendations. You can find different opinions on the vaccinations older dogs need to be given. Rabies vaccinations are ordered by law, which enable it to simply be administered by the veterinarian.

Parasites are something in Golden Retriever health. That heavy coat can hide lots of parasites and other damage to a while. Things such as mange mites, lice, foxtails, ringworm, ticks and fleas are always a risk. Ticks are carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Fleas ought to be prevented with effective natural home remedies or with commercially prepared preventatives. If your dog has fleas, your own home and yard should also be treated.

Internal parasites are another issue inside their health. Worms like hookworms, heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms and whipworms need to be managed. Your veterinarian can pay attention to every one of them.
Golden Retriever Health issues

Every breed of dog has specific problems that these are predisposed to. A few of the common difficulties with goldens are:

Eczema
Elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia
Allergies
Lick sores
Locations

Some health issues are systemic.

Stomach ache
Eye problems including cataracts
Ear problems
Heart related illnesses
Oral problems; including mouth, gums and teeth
Reproductive issues
Urinary system problems include bladder stones, kidney stones, cystitis, utis.

Goldens can also be predisposed to some illnesses which can be frequently related to humans.

Cancer
Bronchitis
Epilepsy
Diabetes

There are many problems that should be avoided instead of the need to institute a cure. Obesity falls into that category. Obesity is increasing in dogs and will turned into a major health concern. Goldens wish to eat. Their beautiful expression can make it difficult to refuse. Obesity impacts the dog’s life. Quality is going to be diminished as well as their lives could be shortened by obesity. It also predisposes them to diabetes. A dog is known as obese if their weight is thirty percent greater than their ideal bodyweight.

Golden Retriever health tip. Keep a check up on your canine’s body. If you don’t go to a waist and can’t feel the ribs, odds are your puppy is obese. This can affect your dog’s heart, diabetes, muscle and joint issues. Pudgy just isn’t cute, it is just a danger to your dog.For more information of dog health you can learn more here.

Keep Your Dog Healthy With Routine Health Care

As a dog owner you are responsible to keep your dog healthy with routine health care. This involves so much more that just regular feeding and exercise. Much of a dog's care can depend on its age and general health. It can also be driven by your work or social schedule. Regardless, you should keep the following in mind to help
ensure that your dog lives a happy, healthy and long life. So, in no particular order:

• Be watchful- Dog are actually great communicators, if you pay attention. This is true from "puppyhood" through to their elder years. You will come to know their demeanor at various times of the day. Changes in this can be signaling a change in health. Watch for reduced energy, a lackluster coat, excessive weight gain or loss, unusual growths, restlessness/anxiety or even the loss of the usual spark in the eye. If you are a dog owner already, you will know what I mean. In all cases, seek the advice of your dog's healthcare professional.
• Establish a daily routine- Dog's love routine. It is through this routine that they come to understand their role in you family (read Pack). Create a morning, daytime and evening series of events that your dog will respect and look forward to such as:
  • Morning walks and light playtime.
  • Feeding - Depending on your pet's age and health, daily feeding times and amounts do vary. In all cases, ensure that the feedings are earned with a simple wait command for a brief moment prior to allowing the feeding to begin. Some animal behaviorists argue that your pet should never be feed before you and your family, re-enforcing the Pack process in the wild.
  • Potty times. Again this will depend on the age and health of your pet. Generally, our experience is that a puppy will need a break one hour for its monthly age. For example, a two month old puppy will need a break approximately every two hours; a three month old will require a break every three hours, and so on. Adult dogs will usually need approximately 2-3 breaks per day depending on time of year, food and water intake, etc.
  • Evening Playtime - Your dog will want to play with you especially if you have been absent through the day. Establish a playtime/routine that will convey to your dog that this is a time to be happily anticipated. Also, to help with the understanding that there is also a downtime required so that you may get on with your other obligations or interests at home.
  • Bedtime On Time - Just like humans, bedtime at a regular time in the evening is preferred. Have your pet either kenneled or directed to its "lay down" space at approximately the same time each night. Ensure that they have done their business and have not been overly excited prior to this time.
• Kenneling- This is becoming the much preferred way for your pet to be trained and be housed in doors. It has been our experience that a dog will, if introduced to a kennel properly, heartedly accept it as a secure, comfortable place to occupy. Allow your pet to run the house especially as a pup or younger dog will make house training more difficult. The kennel represents a positive place for your to put your dog between feeding/potty trip early on and also a place for an older dog to rest, sleep or just plain chill. The size of the kennel is very important and dependent on your pet's size. Seek the advice of your sales clerk prior to purchase.
• Choose healthy, age appropriate dog food- This is so important for your dog. The adage that we are what we eat applies to your pet as well. Take some time to read the label of various dog food bags at your place of purchase. You will be shocked at the ingredients found in the offerings. Price is not an indicator of healthy food either. Obviously, natural ingredients are the best. The better the food intake, the better your dog will look, feel and act. This is very important folks!
• Exercise your dog - Exercise yourself- Your pet is going to need exercise. Some breeds admittedly require less exercise but generally all dogs need some level of exercise. Beyond the physical benefits of the routine, don't underestimate the psychological benefits as well. A dog without exercise is going to become frustrated, anxious or even aggressive at times. Also, each time you walk or play with your pet you are increasing the bond between you. This is emotionally beneficial to both of you. Lastly, each step you take during this routine is a step closer to good health for you. Vary the routine if you can. It will be more enjoyable and interesting for your dog.
• Toys should be age appropriate- Toys that are not age appropriate can actually be dangerous for your dog. Certain types of rawhide bones could, after being chewed by a puppy, lodge in its throat and be quite a threat. Dogs at each age plateau have unique needs and abilities with respect to toys. They can help to stimulate, educate, develop structurally and amuse your pet. The use of toys are also important. It has been suggested, for example, that playing tug of war with your pup and letting them tug the toy from you may be sending it the wrong message. It may learn that it can beat your or dominate that particular exercise. Check with your Vet for advice in this area.
• Prevention save money and extends life- Regular checkups with your Vet are absolutely essential to the quality of life for your dog. Beyond the physical assessment that will be taken, this is a good opportunity for the following:
  • Update vaccinations and apply boosters if necessary
  • Treatments for tick, heartworm and fleas may be applied
  • Tests for bloodworm and fecal evaluation may be done

If there is a problem, chances are it will be diagnosed, treated and resolved quick saving you pet unnecessary discomfort, trauma, or a more serious outcome down the road.

• Grooming is more that just looking good- Regular grooming is important on a number of levels. You want your dog to look good and this will do the trick. If you decide to do this yourself, it is yet another chance to increase the bond that you have with it. In addition, the groomer may be able to spot any unusual skin ailments that can be brought to your attention and assessed by your Vet. Grooming for your pet can be as anticipated as a long awaited massage for you. Most dogs will love the attention. This is also a time to trim nails. This is important to your dog's health. Not trimming them properly or very infrequently can hurt your pet or actually affect its ability to run, walk or remain stable on certain types of flooring. Regular trimming alleviates this.

Just a few ideas that will help you to keep your dog healthy with routine health care. It takes some work and attention but the benefits to your dog are immense. This is your companion after all. Do all you can to provide it with a long, healthy and happy life.

German Shepherd Dog Imformation

        The German Shepherd Dog is well proportioned and very strong. The GSD has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black however, blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but is considered a fault and can not be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond-shaped, and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may droop slightly. The bushy tail reaches below the hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, the plush coat, and the long-haired coat. The coat most often comes in black with tan, sable or all black, but also can come in blue, liver and white, but those colors are considered a fault according to most standards. White is not an acceptable color for the German Shepherd, however they are now being recognized as a separate breed, called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred in a single GSD bloodline which are now being called Panda Shepherds. A Panda is 35% white, the remainder of color is black and tan, and has no white German Shepherds in its ancestry.

Temperament

Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Tranquil, confident, serious and clever. GSDs are extremely faithful, and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the German Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and are extremely loyal to their handler. Socialized this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. Problems arise when an owner allows the dog to believe he is pack leader over humans and or does not give the dog the mental and physical daily exercise they need to be stable. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. German Shepherds who have passive owners and or who's instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish and may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. They should be trained and socialized from an early age. German Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. German Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show them guidance. They need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed who will be happy simply laying around your living room or locked out in the back yard. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The German Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion.

Height, Weight

Height: Dogs 24-26 inches (60-65cm.) Females 22-24 inches (55-60cm.)
Weight: 77-85 pounds (35-40kg.)

Health Problems
Indiscriminate breeding has lead to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, bloat, epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), dwarfism and flea allergies. Also prone to DM (degenerative myelitis), EPI (endocrine pancreatic insufficiency), and perianal fistulas and Von Willebrand's disease.

Living Conditions
The German Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard.

Exercise

German Shepherd Dogs love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Whether it is ball chasing, frisbee catching, obedience training, participation in a canine playgroup or just taking long walks/jogs, you must be willing to provide some form of daily, constructive exercise. The daily exercise must always include daily walks/jogs to satisfy the dogs migration instinct. If under-exercised and or mentally challenged, this breed can become restless and destructive. Does best with a job to do.

Life Expectancy
Around 13 years.
Grooming
This breed sheds bits of hair constantly and is a seasonally heavy shedder. They should be brushed daily or you will have hair all over your home. Bathe only when necessary, over bathing can cause skin irritation from oil depletion. Check ears and trim claws regularly.
Origin

In Karlsruhe, Germany, Captian Max von Stephanitz and other dedicated breeders produced a responsive, obedient, and handsome German Shepherd using long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs from Wurtemberg, Thurginia, and Bavaria. The dogs were presented at Hanover in 1882, and the short-haired variety was first presented in Berlin in 1889. In April 1899, von Stephanitz registered a dog named Horan as the first Deutsche Schäferhunde, which means German Shepherd Dog in English. Until 1915, both long-haired and wire-haired varieties were shown. Today, in most countries, only the short coat is recognized for show purposes. The first GSD was shown in America in 1907 and the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1908. The German Shepherd dogs used in movies Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart brought a lot of attention to the breed making it very popular.

Can You Teach Your Dog To Lie Down?

Teaching simple obedience commands to your pet is something that all owners should do, as not only will this result in your pet living like a civilized member of your family but it also gives you the opportunity to learn a little about how they think, along with the added bonus of spending some quality time with him/her. Believe it or not your beloved puppy wants to please you and if you show it how to do just that, then you can avoid the frustrations that go along with an ill-mannered pet.
One of the easier obedience commands to teach your pet is the down command. This can come in very handy for pet owners when they want to confine their beloved Fido to a certain spot without having to secure him there, and it can be taught very quickly, as long as you have some sort of idea how to do it. Too often people take the approach of simply muscling their dog into the desired position and expect the dog to grasp the concept over time, which simply will never happen as the dog has no freaken clue what is going on.
When do I break out the down command for Lars? Not as often as I used too, simply because Lars has developed his own little routine that he puts into great practice when I am performing certain chores around my apartment, but in the beginning when we were just figuring each other out, I would break it out quite often. When I am in the kitchen making dinner, there is no reason for Bar to be hanging out with me, so he now knows that when I am making food he is not allowed to be 'hovering,' which also eliminates the likelihood of him scarfing food that I may accidentally drop. Besides this scenario, there is not many other times I command Lars to lie down, but it is nice to know that I have that option to go to if I ever need a way to control him.
Some people will bring out the trusted clicker when training the down command, but I myself am not the biggest fan of it. Why you ask? Well what if you are out and about with Fido and you forgot your clicker at home? Clicker training has its advantages in certain situations, but I will say that for something as simple as training the down command, I would not use it.
So how exactly do I teach my dog to go down on command? First I make sure that my dog is paying attention to me, and the best way of doing that is to bait him with treats as nine times out of 10 dogs think with their bellies. Maneuver your dog into a sitting position, making sure that they are within reach of you at all times. Then simply hold a treat just out of his reach, making sure to keep it close to the floor. You also want to make sure that your pet simply does not just jump to his feet and grab the treat and you can do this by making sure that you apply a little resistance to his lower back so he can not stand up. You want your pet to simply lean forward to reach the treat, which they will do, thus they are already initiating the first part of the down command on their own. If fixating your pet's rear end is too difficult for you to do, simply enlist the assistance of a friend or family member to hold the dog in place while you offer the treat and utter the down command.
As your pet becomes comfortable reaching out to take the treat, simply move it further from him so he has to reach further and further. This will inevitably result in him having to walk out his front paws and by keeping his back end secure, eventually he will have no choice but to lie down to reach it. Every time you offer the treat, also give the down command so the dog will learn to associate not only your hand gesture with the act of lying down, but the verbal command as well. Remember to make your dog feel like a million bucks every time he performs the command successfully and this along with lots of eatable rewards will just help to speed up the learning process.

Characteristics Of The Boxer Dog

Is A Boxer Right For You?
Country of Origin: Germany
First Registered: 1904
Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings
Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth
Height: 21 - 25 inches
Weight: 66 - 70 lbs.
Life Span: 10 - 12 Years
Average Litter Size: 5 - 10
Health Concerns:. May have problems with heart murmurs, skin tumors, digestive problems and hypothyroidism
Temperament: good-natured, affectionate, sociable, headstrong, high-energy
Active, playful, loyal, family oriented, are just a few of the characteristics of the boxer. A breed full of love for people and a zest for life, the boxer can be an ideal family dog. The boxer is unlike any other breed. Often described as the "clown," of the dog community, boxers are a class all their own.. Those who own boxers can attest to their unique characteristics.
With their lean muscular builds, smooth coats, and square stance, the boxer is truly an impressive looking animal. Being a working class breed, the boxer demonstrates an instinctive willingness to please, while at the same time showing an alertness, caution and courage in the face of the unknown.
However, the boxer is NOT for everyone. Being a breed of high-energy, they require plenty of love, and even more patience.
So, if you are considering owning a boxer, web-rover.com offers some information on this wonderful breed.
Origin
Originally breed in Germany, it is believe that the boxer is of Brabanter Bullenbessier descent. The Bullenbeisser was used by the elite to hunt wild boar in and around the 1800's In order to prevent injury during the hunt, the ears were cropped.
As time passed the the Barbanter Bullenbeisser was used by cattle dealers, and by the end of the 1800's was officially recognized as a working class dog. As well as being renowned for being an intelligent working dog, the Barbanter Bullenbessier was recognized as an excellent companion dog who was always eager to please humans.. When not working, the breed was known to be an excellent family pet, who was great with children.
It is believed that around 1830, the Babnanter Bullenbeisser was bred with an early breed of the English Bulldog, and thus, the boxer was born.
In the early days of the breed, many changes took place. Many older pictures show boxers as being white. It is believed that white boxers were no longer accepted because in order to be police dogs, a darker coat was needed. Therefore, the Boxer Klub of Germany set the breed standard to no longer allow white boxers. To this day, there is still huge debate over white boxers.
Typical Boxer Characteristics
- The boxer is an extremely high-energy dog. As a result, they need a great deal of attention and supervision.
- The boxer is an intelligent dog. As should be with all dogs, the boxer needs obedience training on a regular basis starting from a young pup. Being a bright energetic breed, they will find many ways to get in to trouble if not properly trained and watched.
- Boxers are typically great with children. If properly socialized from a pup, the boxer makes an ideal playmate.
The boxer is a natural guardian. Always alert, the boxer is on constant guard. Usually weary of strangers, and always protective of their people.
- The boxer temperament is "fundamentally playful," but if treated will display unwavering courage..
Here are some "other" Characteristics of the boxer that you most likely wont find in any dog book:
laying on back, feet up, not a care!
GAS...bad gas
Kidney Beans (the boxer dance)
Boxer Woo Woo Song
Catching bugs
Using paws in cat like movements
Zipping around the backyard for no apparent reason.
Bounces like a rabbit when running at times
The "woo woo" song
Lay their head on you like it is too heavy to hold up!
Constantly following their humans wherever they go.
So is a boxer right for you?
The boxer is an affectionate loyal dog, that if treated with love and respect can be a wonderful addition to any household. Yet the boxer is also a a dog with very high energy, who will need strict obedience and even more patience.. The key is to properly socialize and train your dog from a young age. By doing so, you and your dog will both enjoy your time together more more.
So If you are looking for a dog who will lay at your feet, only occasionally moving to eat, or keeps to himself and requires little attention,then maybe a boxer isn't exactly what you need. But If you want a dog who is full of life and a constant source of entertainment then perhaps a boxer is exactly what you need.

Advanced Dog Training Exercises

    

Coming when called is a vital skill that every dog must learn, both for its own safety and that of those around it. A disobedient dog that refuses to come when called could easily be hit by a car, get into a fight with another dog, or suffer a variety of other bad experiences. A well trained dog that comes when called can safely be taken out to play in the local park, at the beach, on the hiking trail, or anywhere else the owner and dog may wish to go.
Basic training to come when called is relatively easy and straightforward, and involves providing praise, treats and other perks when the dog does as his owner wants. After these basic come when called training exercises are mastered, there are a number of fun exercises that can be introduced to challenge the dog and pique its interest.
Making training into a fun game is one of the best ways to motivate dog and handler alike. It is easy for training sessions to become routine and boring, and it is important to keep them from degenerating into this state.
Before beginning any food based training exercise, it is important to make sure that the dog is properly motivated and ready to respond to treat based training. Testing the dog is simply a matter of taking a piece of his regular food and waving it in front of the dog's nose. If the dog shows great enthusiasm for the food, it is ready to start the training. If not, it is best to wait until the dog is in a more receptive mood.
The treats that work best for treat based training games like hide and seek are cut up quarter inch or smaller pieces of chicken, cheese or liver. In other words, something your dog will love. It is best to use very small pieces to avoid overfeeding the dog during he training sessions.
One great game for you and another family member or friend to play with your dog is simply back and forth recall. This is a great exercise for teaching your dog to come whenever it is called by a member of the family. Dogs often learn to only respond to one person, and this can be a problem when other people are watching the dog. That is one reason why professional dog trainers always insist on working with the owner as well as the dog. A well trained dog must learn to respond to whoever is in charge, not just the owner or usual handler.
In the back and forth recall game, two or more people stand approximately ten yards apart, in a safe place like a fenced in yard. One person calls the dog and asks him to sit and say until another person asks the dog to come. When the dog responds to the command to come, it is rewarded with a treat. Most dogs respond wonderfully to this exercise and love playing this game. When playing the back and forth recall game, it is important that only the person who called the dog be allowed to give the dog a treat.
After the dog has mastered the back and forth recall game, the humans in the game can start to spread further out, thus turning the back and forth recall game into a fun game of hide and seek. The hide and seek game starts with two or more people in the center room of the house. Every time they call the dog to come, they spread out further away from where they started. As the game continues, one person will be at one end of the house, while another may be at the opposite end. What makes the hide and seek game so much fun for the dog is that he must seek out the person to get the treat, instead of simply running up to a person in plain sight. This type of seeking behavior appeals to many of the dog's natural instincts. After all, dogs are naturally hunting animals, and seeking out food is second nature to them.

The Importance Of Dog Training

     Dog training is an important part of owning a pet. Many people do not fully understand the importance of puppy training. Some even believe that training is used to turn dogs into mindless robots or show dogs. This is not the case. A properly trained dog will be a safe pet and a pleasant companion.
Puppy Training is All About Communication
Training a dog is not about subduing an animal into following the whims of its owner. It is about communicating with the dog so that it knows which behaviors are undesirable. Animals that are trained are less likely to have behavioral problems.
Experts recommend that dogs are trained regardless of the owner's lifestyle or the dog's breed. Ideally, owners will start training their dog while it is still a puppy. This is because it is much harder to train an older dog. It is worth noting that different breeds may require different training techniques. For example, a Great Dane and a Chihuahua are very different types of dogs. Each puppy will need techniques specific to their size and temperament.
How to Train a Puppy
Puppy training starts with obedience training techniques. Firstly, the dog must learn its name and start responding to it when the owner calls it out. The next step is teaching the puppy to come when its name is called. Eventually, owners can start teaching their puppies to sit and lie down. Training is most successful when dog owners start with simple commands. Once the puppy has mastered these simple commands, the owner can move on to more complicated tasks.
When a dog has been trained, it will become a disciplined and docile pet. It will follow commands and stop engaging in destructive behavior such as chewing. A well-trained dog will also be safer for family, friends and neighbors. Training is especially important for dogs that are capable of damage or injury. Trained dogs will not chase cats or be aggressive to children, other animals or adults. Dog owners should be aware that if their pet bites somebody, they may be forced to put it down. This depends on the laws in their area.
Dog training is not an easy task. It requires a great deal of patience and perseverance. As most people are not experts in this field, it may be wise to consider hiring a professional. Professional puppy trainers can come into the home, assess the puppy and teach the owner basic training skills. Learning dog training skills and techniques can be time consuming without the help of a professional. Due to this, most dog owners would benefit from a few training sessions. These sessions will show the owner how to start training their dog and how to continue when the trainer has left. After a few weeks, the owner can ask the trainer to come back and assess their progress. Canine owners that do this will have a happy well-trained dog. This will improve the overall quality of life in their home.

Master Dog Training

     Home dog training is quite popular nowadays, thanks to the high availability of reliable teaching guides and resources for beginning trainers. If you have a healthy, happy dog at home, there is no reason for you to not train it at home.
You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to pay for obedience lessons. If you have a clicker, and some form of reward for your dog, you are all set to teach him any action or behavior that you want him to perform. You can accomplish all of this through clicker training.
What is clicker training?
Clicker pet training is simply teaching a dog to perform an action because it will bring a positive experience to the animal (i.e. edible treats, toys, etc.).
Unlike more traditional forms of dog training, clicker training avoids the common pitfalls of animal training (e.g. the use of aversive control, direct commands, etc.), and uses more natural means of getting results during training.
This training works extremely well because it teaches things to dogs in a phases. First, the dog is taught that a click will bring a reward. This is repeated many times to solidify the association between the metallic click, and the treat.
When this association has finally been made, the trainer can then proceed to teach the dog different tricks. The second set of associations uses nonverbal signals (such as hand movements). This practice emphasizes that the dog has to figure out on his own what you want it to do.
Demystifying clicker training
There are many misconceptions about clicker training that prevent people from using this simple method from training not only dogs, but also cats, and other pets. The most common myth about clicker training is that it doesn't use any form of discipline.
That is clearly false, since trainers have been known to use non-aversive means of correcting bad behavior. When a trainer says "no" or "wrong," the trainer is helping the dog understand which activities are target activities, and which ones are not.
The second most common myth is that when you start clicker training, the dog will forever be dependent on the clicker. Again, this is a misconception; dogs are very capable of responding to verbal, and nonverbal, commands. You can use gestures and words to tell your dog what you want it to do.
The third myth, that I hear all the time, is that this training cannot be used on other animals. That's false, since clicker training has been used countless times on different animals (including parrots, and dolphins), and each time, the trainers got good results. Dogs are only the most commonly trained through clicker training.
That doesn't mean that you can only train dogs. If you have a cat or a chinchilla at home, you can train those animals just as easily. You just need to know the basic strategies, such as loading and targeting, and you are all set to train your pets at home. Train one or ten - it doesn't matter how many. As long as you have time to spare and a clicker, you can do it.

Dog Training Tips Anyone Can Apply

Dog Training Tips
If you're looking for some good dog training tips, then you have reached your destination. Before we get into some cool dog training tips, you should first understand what your dog actually needs from you in a training situation and then learn how to give it to them. Most dog owners make the false assumption that a dog is much smarter than it actually is. In reality, a dog simply reacts to you. It wants to be part of the pack and it wants to be accepted, but it's still an animal with animal instincts.
So, I say if you want to change any negative behaviors, the absolute best way to approach your dog is NOT to scold them or yell at them, but to focus on changing how they express those instincts.
Core Dog Training Tips
There are a few basic things that every dog owner should consider when training their furry friend. These tasks can make dog training so much easier, I'm not lying.
Crate Training - Crate training provides your dog with a home that it can call its own. Also, try to remember this, a crate should never be used as a punishment. Make sure to spend time at home with your dog in the crate so he can get used to it. As most dog training tips will tell you, a crate can make house breaking, bark reduction, and anxiety issues much better.
Leash Training - I know what you're thinking, dogs and leashes do not go together well. And I'm here to say you're wrong. The most important thing you can do is teach them to reach a controlled, calm state and NOT forcing the leash on them. This controlled state will allow them to respond to your commands without getting too excited(or frightened) about the upcoming walk. Most dogs with leash issues are simply allowed to run around outside and pull. If your dog pulls on the leash, make them sit and wait by your side before walking again. In short order, they will associate that pulling sensation with the stop of their walk.
The Alpha Position - Ah, this. Surprisingly, the most important dog training tips relate to the position you hold in the house, yet most dog owners don't even know this. Despite what most people think, dog training is not the burden of your dog. He doesn't know what you want and doesn't generally understand what you're saying(he is a dog after all). It is on you to teach your dog that YOU are pack leader and YOU have control of the situation. They can then relax, follow your commands and stop worrying about who will protect them.
Obedience Training - Another dog training tip you'll get can come from an obedience class. These classes teach new dog owners how to maintain the alpha leadership position in their household, display control over their new pup and give them specific, strong commands. If you have a new puppy or are simply having trouble controlling your older dog, consider an obedience class to supplement your home training.
The Importance of Consistency
The one thing that all dog training tips have in common is the need for consistency. It's so simple yet is's always overlooked. Much of what dogs learn is in response to a repeated, consistent environment. If you only make them sit before going out when you have time for it, they will get confused and excited and stop following your commands. If you set a rule, be consistent with it and ensure everyone in your home does the same. Good dog training can actually be harder for you than your dog, but it is almost always well worth it.