How old should my dog be before I start bringing him to the dog park?

Q. My dog is currently 4 months old. How old should he be before I start bringing him to the dog park to socialize with other dogs?
More details: He's had all of his vaccinations and is scheduled to be neutered in December once he's six months ago.

A. If he is up to date on his shots, he is ok in the dog park. You can always call your vet just to make sure.

I agree about using caution at dog parks. Not every dog or owner in the park will be well behaved and careful.

Male dogs' testosterone levels begin to rise at about 4-5 months and they may get harassed by adult males. It doesn't always happen but it is something to look out for.

Good luck, I hope he has lots of fun.

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What is the best dog food for a dog that is sensitive to it's food and will start scratching?

Q. My dog is really picky about food and I notice when she eats cheap brand foods she starts scratching. What is the best dog food any one out there has used for a sensitive dog.

A. Any dog who's "sensitive" to food is allergic to one of three things. Number 1: Grains in grocery store brand dog foods. Number 2: Cooked proteins. Number 3: The fillers and other junk that's dumped into dog food. The best way to make sure your dog isn't eating any of those things is to stop feeding dog food...they're all cooked, most have grains, and all have some sort of filler...research a raw prey modeled diet...

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How to train dog to use dog house when raining?

Q. My dog is an outside dog and it rains during the winter months. Every time I come home he's sitting next to his doghouse wet. I don't know how to train him to use the dog house. Plz don't give answers about keeping him inside.
Just to clear the air we keep him inside when we're home, we leave him outside when we're not home which is about 8 hours.

A. He has to feel good in the dog house. So start by putting treats in the dog house. If you can fit in it, get in with him cuddle and praise him for being inside. Perhaps try spreading something like peanut butter inside on the walls, something that will force him to spend some time in there getting the treat (i.e. can't just grab treat and get out). Once he starts feeling safe in it he will begin to use it.

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How do I get my dog to be less aggressive towards other dogs and people?

Q. My dog is 7 and I am thinking of adopting another dog. He is an aggressive dog until he trusts you. How do i train my dog to be less aggressive towards others? Thanks!

A. You find a good trainer to assist you to become a confident leader that your dog needs. It sounds like he's never had the leadership he needs and has taken the position himself. Part of doing this is to put him on an nilif (nothing in life is free) program as well as daily obedience training and a power walk daily. A power walk is one where he must walk on a loose lead at your side or slightly behind you without stopping unless you call a break first. These things will take time to achieve and you should start out with no distractions until the dog understands what's expected. Once he understands the routine, you add distractions slowly.

I would teach him to wear a basket-style muzzle by associating it with good things such as treats, walks, playtime, etc. This way you'll be able to relax knowing he won't be able to bite anyone (assuming he might). You being relaxed and confident is the best way to make him confident in your leadership and able to relax himself.

If you do get another dog, keep the two separated except under very careful supervision until you get the aggression under control. And, be aware that some dogs do not ever get along with other dogs and you might have to make the decision to separate the two always or re-home one. Just something to be aware of before deciding to add a 2nd dog.

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What kind of dog is the most powerful and best watch dog?

Q. Which dog out of all dogs can protect anyone the most as in which is the most strongest kind of dog?

A. You are asking two diffrent questions..

The strongest dog is a ABPT or a Pitbull
They can pull HUGE amounts of weight, much more then their own body.

The best protector dog as far as alertness would probably be a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) or a Doberman. Both were used in herding and guarding.

If you have children or are planning on them I would go with a Doberman. I personally have a GSD in my family, and it's only because thats what my fiance grew up with and loves, he wouldn't be talked into a Doberman for any bribe *lol*

If you need a small dog, for apt life.. the best is a dachshund.. My dachshunds have excellent hearing and even alert me to people if they are in the back alley, which is outside and about 200 ft back from the house. They also have very deep chests, so the standards produce a "big dog" bark that most people are put off by because they sound like a much larger dog that means business.

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Can dogs really tell the difference between the various flavors of dog food?

Q. My dog doesn't seem to care one bit what he eats.

A. Some dogs (and cats) are picky eaters, some are somewhere in-between, and some will eat anything you put in front of them. They really are a lot like people. Even if a dog will eat anything and everything you give them, I think it's our responsibility as pet owners to try to make sure they get the most nutritious food for their needs. Since my husband kind of took over the dog I got, she has gotten fat. I've tried to tell him he gives her too much of the wrong food, too many table scraps. He really loves that dog, and he keeps showing his love by sharing his food with her.
I think dogs can tell the difference in foods, though, unless they inhale it, lol! Some of them scarf it down so fast, they probably can't taste it.

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What dog would be really friendly with a chinese shar-pei?

Q. I have a dog that is about 10 months old and planning to get another what other kind of dog would be really friendly with him. (my dog is a boy)

A. I believe that the question is not what breed of dog would be a good companion for your shar-pei but moreso what type of personality in a dog would be ideal for your dog. This is obviously a hit or miss situation. I had a female cocker spaniel for 4 years before I decided to get another cocker (male). They fought for almost a year before they actually started to like each other. They had to establish between each other the alpha dog (leader). Once that is established through their own battle, everything begins to simmer down.

My first dog was depressed for a very long time (years) before she came to accept the new dog. It was terrible. She would sit and face the wall with her head hanging. But eventually she began to accept him.

It is always a big risk to bring a new dog into the house with an existing dog. They may learn to live together, but then again, they may not. There may be an instant connection or they will have to work at it. Whatever the case may be, be prepared for your shar-pei to experience depression. It is not a pretty sight. It is heart wrenching.

Really think it over before you make your decision.

Nancy
http://www.happyk-9.com

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How to stop my dog from behaving aggressively towards other dogs and growling?

Q. Dog is a cairn terrier about 1 year and 6 months old and he growls and behaves aggressively sometimes towards other dogs at the park.

Solutions?

A. If he is on the lead when he growls he does this because he is frightened.

In the wild and when our dogs are loose they do not walk straight past another dog, they CURVE or sometimes they go into a play stance to see if the other dog is friendly. If your dog is restricted by the lead, he cannot follow his natural instincts. For now try to keep your distance from other dogs. When he is on lead you must either CURVE or cross to the other side of the road. If he barks or growls don't chastise him or pull on the lead, you must ignore his barking and keep silent.
When he looks at dogs from a distance without barking or growling, praise him and give him a treat. Eventually your dog will realize that looking at another dog without barking, prompts you to praise him and give him a treat, he will stop barking. I suspect that your dog will play happily with another dog if he is off lead in a safe fenced area.

Training classes are brilliant for socialization, unfortunately at a class he will be restricted by a lead. Wait until you help him to overcome his fears before you join a class, at present it would be akin to throwing a none swimmer into the deep end.

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