four legs and a tail – - Even though these four-legged friends share similar characteristics, are worlds apart when it comes to behavior.

A Guest House fluffy cat should never be entertained lightly. Forget about the Boy Scouts. "Be prepared" is the motto that you have on your brain, not just a tattoo of one of these sleeping Heavies would come within five meters of your house.

Life will change … and even if you do not usually allowbeat your other pets, bed-zero bit or a bird to kill someone in the house, you're the cat away with him. You do not have much choice! Finally, she is his boss and in no way, not the exit can not answer. These are the "flock" to the extent that is affected.

A dog, on the other hand, a "zealous to please," family member – with a simple, needs a simple lifestyle. Although a cushion or toilet paper can chew for fun, you cantrained to respect the house. He loves to obey – and will do anything for a biscuit!

Cats are notoriously picky, but. You decide where it is, if she eats what she does and whether it will devote all attachment or not. And if it is a family tree, will have their own characteristics, it is necessary to adjust as possible. Instead of the cat to move into your house, you are the tenant …

In terms of temperament, the dogs are free spirits. He is tied to anyone for a patlick on the back, and reward the donor with an affectionate! Show its advantage and all – runny nose to tail tip – is to shake with joy complete.

Meanwhile Pusskins prefer their own company … She will rub against you on occasion or roll around the ankles, like you are wearing socks. That is to say their inimitable way: "You are all mine." Once they are addicted around her little paw, is to roll jumps off into a corner, not to give you asecond glance.

Once perfected irritated, hoity-toity view that lets you see the food, provided their nose wheel of a different flavor of cat will moan pitifully until they give in – and feed them what they want. Meal times, in fact, never on time. For a good night's sleep, you need a closet full of cans and snacks cat, you should hear a scream echoed through the rooms of the house on three deep the clock in the morning.

For your companion dog, dinnera breeze. Put everything in his doggy bowl is sent within seconds. It will also be suggestions for a chocolate button! Throw a bone and he will be happy to chew away at for an hour or so.

With regard to personal hygiene, they spend their days cleaning and licking the hair to perfection … and catching up on beauty sleep. Dogs are not concerned about self-care. If you drag will be cut to doggy and washed out of a room, the villains who are happy, what he isrolls on

Communication is a sore point, because both make noise at different times horrible. What is different is the trigger. Their gentle, friendly mother in a snarling dog from hell, as soon as the postman to do with a walk in the steps of the veranda. incessant barking will stop only when the man shot himself in fear in their eyes. If you leave the house without him, he whine and scream in misery, it looks like your face.

The cat is not all due to gradualBanality. E 'immersed in his own little world. If she is happy (the Fed) will purr to your heart. His repertoire extends howling noise however, scraping e. Just another cat dares to conquer territory, not only will you get back on … but we will try to win the contest wheezing.

Exercise is another obstacle. lazy by nature, PAN high maintenance women during the day. Disappear in a very popular place to pamper hours, Occasionally knocking innocently as you go. As a psychotic break after sniffing a line of catnip, they will bolt up and down the stairs for ten minutes against collapse in a heap.

In a playful mood, which will allow you to torment them with string and a peacock feather. But, my cotton buds or stems in search of birds. Or cower under a bush for hours, before pouncing on some unsuspecting rodents.

to exercise the dog is different regime. Amahunting marathon, swimming the oceans and its tail! Annoyingly, is his favorite pastime, drag out for a walk first thing in the morning if you have not yet woken up. On the face of a dog lady, gone for a sniff! You're the one who gets all the exercise … to stick with it!

Whatever their differences, we are with its peculiarities, as the company wonderful and full of character. Life would not be the same without them …

Does your cat attack your other pets? And 'the cat has brought new attack at home? Or is dog fighting with your pet? behavioral scientists have different names for each of these behaviors. If your pet cat attacks a mouse or bird in the garden, it is predatory aggression. E 'to hunt only on their natural instinct for prey. Unfortunately, it is difficult to stop this kind of behavior. best you can do is put a collar with a bell on> Cat This is creeping up from its prey to keep. You should also your other small pets (such as your hamster) from your cat.

Fear aggression is another instinctive behavior. How can you tell if kitty is scared? It hisses, bares his teeth, and crouches low with his tail and legs tucked under her body. Flattens her ears against the head, the pupils dilate, and want the hair on his head. For the person who seems to trigger this reaction is almost as ifYour cat has doubled in size. Exactly the same as a puffer fish doubling its size to intimidate their enemies. Kitty pushed further and may attack.

What can you do? To begin, you should not try to pet your cat or console when it is this behavior shows fear or aggression. Petting your cat in this situation could not go wrong, is strengthened to Kitty, that this behavior is in order. You do not want that to happen. Although it seems, no matterkitty is better to ignore this state of mind.
Where possible, you gradually desensitize trigger kitty in that direction. Treat it as a phobia in a human being. Kitty expose the fear of triggering a safe distance for a short period, reward them with care, if you do not show aggressive behavior. Once the trigger is applied at a distance, the distance gradually. Finally, as a man, stop your cat is afraid.

The other typeof aggression, which territorial aggression is the cause kitty to attack other animals. This means that Kitty is hunting or struggling with the new cat to take home. She tries to protect its territory. When this happens, you will need to be slowly introducing them to each other.

First, it is necessary to limit both their district. Make them feel and smell each other, but have no physical contact.
As soon as you will use them against each other, they wanttheir neighborhoods. Let kitty investigate the new smell come and inspect the newcomer Kitty smells and his new home.
Then it is placed in the same room but at opposite ends of the room. Let them eat of each food associated with this condition.
Slowly approaching.
Finally free them from their carriers and feed them, and he did not care to attack each other.
When they eat their food and remain calm at this stage, thenI managed. Be warned that this could take weeks or even months.

In the end, there is no one way to keep your cat from attacking another animal. You have to be patient and complete a process.

If you have questions confront cat behavior, the first thing to do is step back and assess the situation. Although, as it may seem, like cats, not just fly off the handle and crowds. There is something to do, even if you do not see immediately. If your cat suddenly crying and complaining, something is wrong. It might be simpler and uses a new air freshener clean or want. If you have a house cat with a tetheredacute sense of smell, we can only respond to a strong smell that you do not like or that hurts if you can not escape from it. Your notices cat things not done.

Your cat may have looked at the window and noticed a new and menacing looking dog, who has just wandered into the yard. If he is shy, you might start a plant family cat pee problem behavior as piles of clothes or digging around the house. For reasons that only the cat,This may feel better or safer. Annoying? Yes! However, it is understandable. Exactly how to calm his fears is another challenge.

I once lived with a cat, dog chased after trauma. He moved to the basement for three years of his choice! I will try to bring the most important part of the house and he was crying and complaining for so long and so hard that I decided to cure his place, and it took three years! FelineBehaviour … very mysterious!

Why do cats seem so distant and indifferent, I think underestimate the depth of his feeling. Just because we think that something that should not worry about a cat that does not mean not working. Try to understand him, no matter what he does. It 's just a kitten in a world very great!

A huge number of visitors to my exotic feline site are trying to make very important decisions. Should I get a exotic cat? Is this species the right fit for my family? Can I provide for one properly?

There are a number of things to take into consideration when deciding if exotic cat ownership is for you, and if the answer is yes, which species of exotic cat is suitable for your situation. They include:

• Your ability to make a lifetime committment to an animal who may cause you considerable headaches
• Your ability to be a responsible owner
• Local and Federal Laws
• Your financial ability to provide proper care and housing for the cat
• Your level of experience in working with animals
• Size of the cat
• Disposition of the cat
• Endangered Species Status

Owning an exotic cat requires a lifetime committment to a cat who may live to be 20 years old. If your circumstances change, the cat develops behaviors that are unacceptable to you, or you simply grow tired of caring for it, an exotic cat cannot simply be given over to your local humane society. Being placed in a new home is much more traumatic to an exotic cat than to most domestic animals and can cause a major change in their personality. In some cases, they may never accept a new owner. Qualified people willing to take in an adult exotic cat are hard to find, and no, the local zoo will not accept your cat. Large cats such as cougars and tigers are especially hard to place.

Everyone gets an animal with a certain dream in their minds about how that animal will behave, and some people cannot handle it if things turn out differently. For instance, if you want to own a tiger, you probably imagine being able to play with it and cuddle with it. That may happen; but if you undertake this responsibility you have to be prepared for the fact that you might not be able to so much as enter the cat’s enclosure safely, even if you raise him from a cub.

If you are interested in getting a small cat like a bobcat or a serval, you probably imagine sharing your household with it, as many people do. But what if that cat grows up to spray everything in sight?

If you’ve been researching the idea of owning an exotic cat, you’ve probably discovered how much conflicting information there is. Some sources seem to indicate that living with an exotic cat is no more challenging than feeding your pet goldfish. At the other end of the extreme spectrum, many sanctuaries and animal rights activists paint them as unmanageable creatures that no ordinary mortal could hope to deal with successfully. As is usually the case, the truth lies in a rational world between the two extremes. This site exists to provide realistic and balanced information.

Like all creatures, exotic cats are all individuals, and nobody can tell you exactly how your future cat will act. Generalizations can be made about the behavior of different species, but individual personalities and behavior traits vary widely. As a dog trainer, I have seen puppies with the perfect upbringing turn out dangerously aggressive, and severely abused dogs who were stable and friendly. I have met dangerous Golden Retrievers and unprovokable Pit Bulls. It’s the same with cats; you can generalize to a certain extent, but never count on those generalizations.

If you decide that you are serious about getting an exotic feline, one of the first things you need to do is learn the federal, state, county, and city laws regulating the ownership of the species you are considering in your area. Contarary to popular myth, exotic animal ownership is pretty heavily regulated. Laws and permit requirements vary widely from area to area, and owning exotic cats is banned altogether in many places.

The legal issues will become vastly more complicated if you are interested in owning a cat that is endangered. While it is not impossible, the additional laws and permits that you have to contend with makes owning an endangered cat an unrealistic goal for most people.

Owning an exotic cat means having to remain constantly aware of changing laws and of proposed legislation, and being prepared to fight for the continued right to own your beloved pet.

Owning an exotic cat can be quite expensive. You will need to take into consideration the cost of building a secure and spacious enclosure, feeding costs, veterinary costs, the initial purchase of the kitten, and incidental expenses which seem to crop up on a continual basis. The cost of owning a smaller cat such as a serval or bobcat is more likely to be affordable than that of owning a tiger or other large cat. When you get into the large cats you will find that your feeding and enclosure costs escalate dramatically.

A major consideration is the size of the cat. Some species are smaller than a domestic cat, while others reach 500 pounds. The most common species to find in a pet household is the serval, which ranges fron roughly 18-40 pounds.

Owning a small cat is a more realistic goal for most people than a large cat such as a tiger. Large cats are very expensive to feed and house, heavily regulated by the federal government, and of course much more dangerous. Often keepers are unable to safely enter the enclosures of big cats once they mature. This does not mean that these animals are malicious, but a tiger or other big cat can easily injure you even in play. If you see yourself with a pet cat, start thinking small.

Cougars are an interesting compromise in size and temperament. They are actually classified as small cats even though most people think of them as a big cat. They are large cats and come with all of the duties, responsibilities, and cost of owning a big cat. However, they often have very gentle and affectionate natures; of all the large felines, they are probably the species that you are most likely to be able to have a pet-like relationship with after they mature. For those determined to own a big cat, I would reccommend a cougar over any other species, especially over a tiger.

Owning an exotic feline is not for someone who spends their time in fantasyland. If you are one of those pet owners who think their dog is soooo sweet that he could never, ever harm anyone, that all animals love you because you have a special touch with them, or that no animal will be dangerous as an adult if you love it enough or raise it right, you have no business owning an exotic cat.

You have to be able to objectively assess the safety of any decision you make, whether it involves handling your own cat, letting a family member or member of the public have contact with the cat, etc. You have to be able to say I love Tigger with all of my heart and he loves me back, but I can tell from the playful look in his eye that if I walk into his enclosure now he might hurt me, so I choose not to.

It is important to locate a good veterinarian who is willing to treat your exotic cat before you get one. It can sometimes be difficult to find a good, experienced vet who will be willing to treat exotics. Often, vets are uncomfortable around them or dissaprove of keeping them as pets and will therefore refuse to treat them. Many clinics also lack large enough equipment to handle larger felines like cougars or tigers. Veterinary costs for an exotic cat can be higher than those for a domestic animal, especially if your cat develops a serious problem and you are referred to a specialty clinic or university.

If you choose to own an exotic cat, you owe it to your cat and everyone else who owns exotics to be a responsible owner. What constitutes responsible ownership? Some of the criteria, in no particular order:

• Provides a ample, nutritious diet suitable to the species
• Provides ample housing for the cat to live in happily
• Provides shelter and protection from the elements
• Provides veterinary care as needed
• Purchases animals from an ethical and responsible breeder
• Does not neglect or abuse the animal
• Provides generally pleasant living conditions and has the cat’s feelings and best interests in mind
• Makes a good-faith effort to comply with all applicable laws
• Takes stringent precautions to prevent the escape of the cat
• Protects the cat from unauthorized contact or harrassment from members of the public
• Protects the safety of the public and visitors
• Makes a lifetime committment to caring for the cat

This article is written and copyrighted by Jessi Clark-White of www.exoticcatz.com. This article may be reproduced in its entirety only; permission is NOT granted to display editied versions. This article may not be used to support the ending of private ownership of exotic pets.

For more comprehensive information on exotic pets and their ownership, visit my website, http://www.exoticcatz.com. You can ask the author and other exotic pet owners questions at our online forum.

I have always contended that animals do not show bad or good behavior. They just respond to their environment, be it immediate stimulus or things they’ve been sitting on for a while.

We humans have asked our animals to behave in ways that we perceive as good. But I would contend that we actually ask them to behave in a desirable fashion. Show me the behaviors that I find acceptable and not undesirable.

Jumping up to give kisses is undesirable to many people. But to dogs, it’s a way to say hello. (Just like butt sniffing… but I digress) Cats scratch on furniture. Cat’s NEED to scratch but do they do it to be mean or bad? No, they do it to satisfy a need.

The biggest issue I hear about is inappropriate urination. I often hear things like the dog or cat is intentionally peeing on the rug or on the bed… etc etc… but in all my years of being around animals, not once have I seen this. I’ve seen dogs urinate in front of people, but more often than not, they have a urinary tract infection and need to let their people know it. Cats often refuse the litter box due to some emotional issue.

Before we label any behavior as bad, we should always look to find the root of the problem. Whenever your dog or cat (or ferret or whatever manner of critter you have) starts showing a behavior that is new (even if it’s sleeping more often), there are things you should do.

Remember, good and bad are terms that we have given to our animal’s. Animals are just trying to live their best life and are communicating in the only way that most humans listen. With their actions.

Jennifer Albertin is an internationally respected Animal Communicator. She has over 20 years experience working with energy and its applications. Visit Jennifer’s website Sacred Paws for more information on Animal Communication, Energy Work and for free information and resources on how you can support your animal companions mental and physical health.

? Copyright Jennifer Albertin, Sacred Paws 2006

Once your dog is happy in the crate he can be left there to prevent soiling and chewing when you are out for a short time, he can be restrained when the kids play noisy, energetic games which are not improved by his joining in, and he has a secure familiar bed which can be taken in the car and on holiday if needed.

A dog which is thrust unprepared into a crate and left is going to associate the crate with a most unpleasant experience and be very unhappy. A dog which is carefully introduced to a crate usually finds it a pleasant and secure place to be, so it is worth spending some time over the introduction process.

HOW TO CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG

?The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn round and stretch out when lying down. If he is a puppy, allow for growth. Cover the crate with a blanket or sheet so it is dark, den like and cosy.

?To begin with you will need to leave the crate set up all the time. Later you may prefer not to, and some crates fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

?When left in the crate your dog should have a toy or chew bone to keep him occupied when awake, soft bedding to sleep on, I prefer Vet Bed or the equivalent and a drink of water. Get a coop cup it clips or screws on the inside of the crate then you don?t get spills.

?Initially feed the dog in the crate every day, with the door open. This is an easy way to get him to like it!

?Set the crate up in a quiet corner, and put the dog’s bed into it. At this stage, leave the door pinned open so that the dog is never fastened in by mistake and never gets stressed.

?Soon the dog should happily use the crate voluntarily. When you reach this stage, (NOT BEFORE) wait until he goes in for a sleep, then close the door. Stay in the room, and let him out as he starts to wake up.

?When your dog is used to this routine, leave him for a minute after he wakes up, with you still in the room. Gradually (over about a week) increase the time you can do this. If your dog gets distressed, reassure him briefly but firmly and shorten the time on the next attempt. Don’t make a big fuss – sweet nothings and lots of attention can make him think you’re praising him for being distressed, and he’ll do it all the more. Aim for the nursing sister approach when she comes to give you a big injection, sympathetic but business like!

?When you can leave the dog like this, leave the room for a few minutes but stay in the house. Again, gradually increase the time you are out of sight till you can put the dog into his crate when you go shopping.

?Your dog should never be left in a crate for more than 3 or 4 of hours. Except overnight

About the Author

Stan Rawlinson
Dog Behaviourist & Trainer
H 0208 979 2019
M 07976 153161
enquiries@doglistener.co.uk
www.doglistener.co.uk
www.paact.co.uk

Stan Rawlinson is a Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer, who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with gundogs then moving to the behavioural and obedience side of training companion dogs. He now has a successful practice covering Greater London, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Stan is recommended by numerous Vets, Rescue Centres, and Charities. He writes articles and comments on behavioural issues and techniques for dog magazines including Our Dogs, Dogs Monthly, and K9 Magazine and Shooting Times. He is the founder member and chairman of PAACT; The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers. He is also the behavioural expert and spokesperson for Disney.

The problem with ear medications is that they can be quite uncomfortable for your dog, the medication often needs to be administered in liquid form directly into the ear canal.

Your dog may find this uncomfortable and start avoiding you, or even becoming aggressive towards you.

If your dog becomes aggressive, consult with your vet and seek help from a competent behavioral trainer knowledgeable in desensitisation and counter-conditioning. Avoid anyone who suggests punishing your dog for this behavior.

If the problem is only mild, then you can begin this simple and effective desensitisation procedure yourself.

Have some small, yummy treats ready. Do this exercise before a meal, not after. The exercise involves forming a positive association with the ear medication and having the ear touched by pairing with yummy treats (for more information, Google Pavlov).

The first step is to have your dog used to having his ears handled – without medication. Touch the outside of his ear and give a treat, do this a few times. Then touch the inside of the ear and give a treat. Don’t stick your finger into the ear canal, just touch the actual ear and give a treat. Do this a few times, as many times a day as you can. Gently massage your dogs ears if he likes it, tell him how good he is!

When your dog seems to enjoy having his ears touched, show him the medicine bottle and give a treat. You can do this a number of times.

Next, leave the lid on the medicine bottle and touch the inside of his ear with it, then give a treat. This step is probably the most critical, particularly if your dog has already had ear medication and doesn’t like it.

Now we get to the point where we need to administer some medication. I would suggest you administer just a small amount unless your vet insists upon a full dosage all in one go. Feed treats while you administer the medication, and after. Now tell your dog how proud you are while you gently massage the outside of his ears (if he enjoys having his ears massaged, of course, we are building positive associations!)

Remember to keep it positive, don’t move ahead too fast, and give plenty of treats and praise as you go!

Aidan Bindoff is intensely interested in dog behaviour and training and works to remediate fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs in Australia. He also runs the Training Levels list providing a step-by-step program for people training their own dog. For more information visit http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/traininglevels/

Many dog or puppy owners find themselves blaming their dog for not listening. When you have invested time and effort into training, it can seem like a bit of a disappointment when your dog suddenly decides to stop listening to you, or that something else in his world is more exciting or interesting than you are.

The truth is, dogs just do what works for them. It is up to you, as a puppy or dog owner to teach your pet to listen to you by making ‘listening to you’ work for them. Many dog owners inadvertantly teach their dog to ignore them!

So how do we teach a dog to listen to us?

Dog owners frequently repeat commands over and over. If your dog didn’t respond the first time, repetition isn’t going to help. Repeating commands teaches a dog that either the command is meaningless or that it’s ok to respond in their own sweet time!

We should never ask for a behavior that we aren’t at least 80% sure we will get after asking the first time. If there are too many distractions, we’re in a new situation, or the behavior just isn’t very well learned; then we probably won’t get the behavior we want.

Train quietly. It’s a hang-over from the old military-style dog training that we bellow commands at our dogs. Dogs actually have a powerful sense of hearing, and can hear our tiniest whispers. That’s not to say that a command shouldn’t be clear and audible, but if you only ever bellow commands during training, don’t expect your dog to learn to pay attention to you unless you are bellowing. A dog who has learned to listen carefully will tend to pay more attention.

A bit of meaningless chitter-chatter is ok every so often, but dogs don’t speak our language and we don’t want our cues to become lost amongst the noise. When training, try not to talk too much. Effective communication comes through quality and clarity, not quantity.

If you find yourself in a situation where your dog won’t respond to a cue, and you’re sure he knows it in other situations then ask yourself what is different about this situation? It could be that there are too many distractions for your dog to focus. It could be that the situation is vastly different from any that you have trained in.

Go back to basics when this happens. Remove distractions if you can, and re-introduce them slowly. Start at the beginning in a new situation, even if it means using a food lure briefly to ‘get the behavior’. If there’s too much going on, move away from the action a bit.

Remember to always set your dog up for success. If your dog can’t succeed, you can’t reinforce. If you can’t reinforce, nothing useful has been learned.

While we’re on the topic of reinforcement – make sure your rewards are meaningful. By definition, reinforcement is only reinforcement if it increases or maintains behavior. A full-up dog being offered lousy treats, or a dog-tired dog being offered a chance to chase a ball is probably not going to be too interested in training.

Quit while you are ahead. Don’t try to train for too long. If you train too long you start getting sub-standard behavior. Reinforcing sub-standard behavior will only give you more sub-standard behavior in the future.

Don’t feel like you have to reinforce every behavior you ask for and get. Once the behavior is well learned, stop reinforcing the worst offerings. e.g If your dog is trained to come when called, don’t reinforce if he takes too long to respond. Set him up for success, and reinforce the faster responses only.

Train often. Dogs need to learn to learn, and by training often and training consistently, your dog will learn how to play the training game with you. It should be a game, too. If training isn’t like playing a game with your dog, it stops being fun for both of you.

Be worth listening to. Be someone your dog trusts and respects. Be predictable, confident, calm, and decisive. When you make a decision, stick with it. If you decide that your dog can’t sit on the couch, lead him onto his mat every time he sits on the couch. Don’t give in just because he’s giving you those eyes. It’s another matter altogether if you decide to invite your dog onto the couch as a reward for giving you some other behaviour you asked for, though.

Aidan Bindoff is Editor of Positive Petzine, a free resource for people training their own dogs. Join now, and for a limited time you can download all available back issues (a $29.95 value) for free!

Canine Possession Aggression……..object guarding, this is the act of aggressively protecting objects such as toys, pigs ears, rawhide chews, bones, or articles that the dog has found or stolen, such as socks shoes underwear tissues and human food.

The ears going back will be part of typical body language relating to this behaviour. The dog then will go into a crouch over the object, displaying a whale eye, that is the head turned away but the eyes are swivelled back towards you the perceived threat to his possession, the whites showing, you may also find the lips are slightly pulled back almost in a grin. Look at pictures of whales and you will see why whale eye gets its name. Mine! All Mine.

So why would the dog want to protect these objects? Simple answer is that its normally a learned experience. Either it is a reaction from their siblings taking and tugging objects away at an early age, or we teach them this behaviour by our actions and reactions. As a puppy, your dog wandered through parts of the house, picking up and investigating any little object left lying around. However as soon as he picked up something we did not want him to have, we immediately snatched this precious possession away.

Before long, our intrepid pup would pick up an object then run away so we couldnt take away his find, he would scamper either to another room, the garden, under or behind a table, settee, or chair anywhere where we could not easily relieve him of his treasure.

So what do we do? We follow him to wherever he has hidden away, shouting leave it, or drop! What does the little monster do, he whale eyes you and starts to growl. He has now learned a couple of very valuable lessons.

1.When you give a command, he does not always need to

obey.

2.If he shows aggression, you back off. And by our

actions, we have successfully taught him to resource

guard.

Advice?
Well meaning friends and of course the inimitable doggy experts. You will find these in abundance in any park, street, pub or internet forum, they will tell you to grab the dog by the scruff of the neck then forcibly remove the object, put the dog into an alpha roll position, or give it a good thump. The tips and advice are endless. If you analyse them all you will find that nearly every suggestion will be confrontational, these methods will inevitably have the exact opposite effect to what you are hoping to cure.

What you will rarely be told is to train the dog so that it wants to give up the object, that the dog will think it is fun and rewarding to let you have these treasured articles back.

Start Early
Your puppies and adult dogs should be used to having their mouth touched, when you then wish to remove something it isnt seen as confrontational. From the day you get your dog, either as a puppy or adult dog, brush his teeth, play with his flews (the floppy bits on the upper lip), open his mouth, check his tonsils, look down his throat, do this in a positive fun way with lots of praise and the occasional treat.

Purchase a long rawhide knot or bone. Hold on to one end of the knot while the dog chews on the other. He may want to play tug, but just hold do not pull away, in time he will get used to your presence and relax and just chew.

It is important for your dog to view you as the provider of all good things. You can do this by tightly controlling the dog’s environment. Keep all but one or two toys up off the floor and take the others down only when you want to play. Make sure you offer an item with a command like Take it. When you are tired of the game (you that is, not the dog), tell the dog to Drop or Dead Give him another item or treat in exchange, and then pick up the first object and put it away.

Do you know your dog’s likes and dislikes? Compose a list of all the things your dog really enjoys including food, toys, treats and activities, rank them in a hierarchical order, In exchange for dropping the first item give your dog a second, better item. For instance, if tennis ball retrieving is third on your dog’s list, reward him with cheese, frankfurter or puffed jerky for dropping the tennis ball. If your dog attempts to pick up a bit of rubbish in the street, command him to drop and then throw or give him his tennis ball.

Give a Cue
Teach the word dead, drop, or give, do it in a fun way with a happy high silly voice. Start by allowing him to have something that is not so valuable then trade with him for his favourite treat, what is his favourite treats or game? Do you really know your dog’s likes and dislikes?

This is fine for teaching young pups or dogs that are not presently guarding but what about ones that are already way down the road of resource guarding. Training a young puppy is relatively easy. Re-training an older dog is more difficult, but not impossible.

Trade and Reward
Firstly take away all objects the dog is guarding, that could be toys, tissues, chews, bones, pigs ears or sleeping places, that includes beds, sofas or chairs. You may not be able to move the latter but you can cover it, put a box or something else on it that will restrict access. Do not allow access to these precious resources a number of days.

You need to prepare for the next stage if the guarding is articles such as toys chews bones etc, prepare some of the dogs really favourite treats, cheese or frankfurter tends to be high on the list. Then get a low value object, it may be a tissue or a sock, a pigs ear for instance may be perceived as high value. Try to be slightly to the side of the dog rather than face on and relax, take the tension you may feel out of your body as the dog will both smell and sense your fear and this could trigger a reaction.

Offer the object to the dog but try and keep hold of it as the dog takes it, use whatever release command you have decided on it could be dead drop leave or trade immediately produce the tasty treat from behind your back and exchange. Praise when the exchange takes place and give back the object you first exchanged.

Set scheduled times to repeat this exercise at least four times a day but also just do it in opportune moments. Gradually up the anti of treasured goods. Over a period of time the dog will start to look forward to your approach and game. It is at this time that you give your dog the object and walk away, at first come back immediately and trade gradually making the time and distance you walk away longer, until you clearly see the dog is having no problems with your approach whatsoever. Then only give a treat every third time, then every tenth, take the object away and immediately give it back extending the period on this until the guarding behaviour disappears.

As with food guarding, you want to build a positive association around people approaching the objects being guarded. The dog needs to understand that approaching people and the removal of objects can be positive and rewarding. Location or Bed Guarding

This is not always as simple as it may seem, as the severity or incidence may be related to who is approaching. It may be that a woman can approach the bed or sleeping place but not a man, an adult but not a child. It is not always tied to the object being guarded, but more to the relationship or lack of it of the person approaching the resource.

Sometimes this behaviour manifests itself when we try to move the dog off a sofa or when we handle or stroke the dog. It is worth in these cases making sure the dog is not ill or in pain as this could stimulate aggressive reactions.

As with other forms of guarding, make this a positive experience. Gauge how far you can approach before any aggressive reaction occurs. Initially keep to this distance and as you pass throw a treat, praising the dog at the same time. Make sure you do not praise or treat if there is growling or any show of aggression. Gradually decrease the distance over a period of time, do not rush the exercise, if the dog starts to react go back a few steps and start again. Change your angle of approach and the person who is approaching. Always try not to approach head on come in at an angle from the side give lots of verbal praise for a calm and passive reaction from the dog.

Maintain the Status Quo
Over time your pet will come to realise that your approach is a positive experience and the guarding will hopefully cease. However if it starts up again repeat the exercise. You should practice once a week exchange or trade, for the remainder 0of the dogs life.

If you are already at the point where the dog has actually bitten you, then I would suggest you get professional help. This should be from a behaviourist or a trainer who understands aggression. You should look for one that comes to your house. I never understand how professionals can assess your dogs behaviour from the confines of a vets or an office. The dog reacts very differently when out of its own environment. Stan Rawlinson

24 July 2005

Stan Rawlinson.
Dog Behaviourist & Trainer
www.doglistener.co.uk
enquiries@doglistener.co.uk
H 0208 979 2019
M 07976 153161

Stan Rawlinson Dip MTCBPT. PAACT
Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer, who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with gundogs then moving to the behavioural and obedience side of training companion dogs. He now has a successful practice covering Greater London, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Stan is recommended by numerous Vets, Rescue Centres, and Charities. He writes articles and comments on behavioural issues and techniques for dog magazines including Our Dogs, Dogs Monthly, K9 Magazine, Shooting Times, Pet Talk and Pet Owner Magazine. He is also a behavioural spokesman for Disney and has appeared on Television, Radio and in National Newspapers on many occassions

Stan Rawlinson
Telephone: 0208 979 2019
Mobile Number: 07976 153161
E-mail:enquiries@doglistener.co.uk
http://www.doglistener.co.uk
Founder Member
PAACT
Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers
Membership Number 101
http://www.paact.co.uk

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FIE causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and the cat develops a very high temperature. Before the vaccine was introduced, it killed a great many cats by dehydration due to the bowel symptoms. Cat flu is caused by two viruses: the feline rhinotracheitis (FCV). FVR is the more severe of the two, causing coughing, sneezing, and nasal and eye discharges.

FVC has milder discharges but more gum inflammation and mouth ulcers. Neither FCV nor FVR is usually deadly but the infection can linger on in the form of snuffles, and some cats become symptomless carriers of the disease. When stressed, these cats develop mild symptoms and spread the virus.

FeLV suppresses the activity of the cat’s immune system, allowing a wide range of symptoms to develop. It often results in the death of the cat after several months of illness. The virus is spread mainly in the cat’s saliva. It is a disease of cats that fight a lot, and of cats in large colonies, who share the same food and water bowls. It should not be a threat in a well-run boarding cattery, where the feeding and grooming utensils are properly cleaned, and the cats do not mix with each other.

A vaccine exists against the chlamydial organism, which can cause not only mild eye and nasal symptoms, but more importantly, infertility and abortion. This vaccine is used mainly in breeding colonies to protect against infertility.

1st Cat Care is to provide information and guidance to pet cat lovers in taking care of their cats’ health, cat toilet training, tips on using the cat litter box, vaccinations, pregnancy and more …