So you’ve decided to buy a puppy? Dogs can bring joy, laughter, love, loyalty, protection and companionship into your life. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you choose the puppy you wish to bring into your home. Use the following checklist to ensure you purchase the puppy that’s right for you.

The Breeder

* Is the breeder experienced with the breed of puppy you are choosing? Can she answer any questions you have? Will she stand behind the puppy if problems arise?

* Has the breeder explained all the pros and cons of the breed you have chosen? Every dog has good and bad characteristics and the breeder should make you aware of them.

* Has the breeder insisted the puppy be enrolled in obedience school? Today many reputable breeders insist on this.

* Has the breeder offered you a starter kit? Many breeders offer customers a package when they purchase a puppy. It should include instruction on the care of the dog, at least one dog care book for the specific breed you are purchasing, a sample of the puppy chow that the puppy has been being fed, a list of supplies you will need for your puppy and information on obedience schools, dog trainers with experience in behavioral problems and veterinarians in your area.

* Has the breeder discussed crate training with you? The breeder should inform you on how important it is to crate train your puppy, explain how useful crates can be and instruct you on how to use the crate. Crates can keep your puppy safe from harm.

* Does the dog breeder have your puppy’s papers in order? You and the breeder should have a contract that you both sign, as well as a pedigree. Reputable breeders sell puppies with a spay and neuter requirement. This means you don’t receive your puppy’s papers registration application until the puppy has been spayed or neutered. All stipulations should be specified in the contract and explained to you so that you fully understand what your responsibilities are. There should never be an extra fee for your puppy’s pedigree.

* Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, or an equivalent to ensure the breeder that you are buying from is reputable.

Health

* When a breeder takes you to see the puppies, take note if they appear healthy and clean. Puppies should have bright, sparkling eyes, a healthy looking coat, clean ears and no odor. They should be active, frisky and full of life.

* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been de-wormed and vaccinated. If they have, the veterinarian would have issued a report stating exactly what was done.

* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been checked for hereditary diseases and conditions. Ask if the pups have been certified in these areas.

Socialization

* Are the puppies active, friendly and fascinated by people? Do they come running to meet you when approached? Puppies love being held, petted, played with and they should have outgoing personalities. If puppies shy away when you approach, buyer beware. You might want to consider choosing a different breeder.

* Is the mother dog attractive and friendly? Is she clean and does she look as if she is well cared for? By the time puppies are old enough to be weaned, the mother shouldn’t be overprotective of them or act in an aggressive way when you approach. If the puppy’s father is around, he should be friendly and greet you with ease. Never buy a puppy if either of his parents is aggressive. Dog aggression is often hereditary and you don’t want a dog that has a bad temperament.

* Are the puppies old enough to be sold? Puppies should not be separated from their litter until they are between 6 and 8 weeks old; 8 are best. On the other hand, puppies should have homes before they are 10 weeks old to prevent them from becoming dependent on their mother and siblings.

* Has the breeder begun to socialize the puppies? If the puppies have spent time with humans and have been given proper care, attention and training, it will be obvious in the puppy’s reaction to you. It’s imperative that puppies become socialized at a very early age.

Your Responsibilities

* Are you committed to the dog that you’re planning on purchasing for the rest of its life? Purchasing a puppy is not something to be taken lightly. You are committing to the care, training and health of the dog and to love it and tend to its every need. Dogs, depending on the breed and life’s circumstances, usually live 10 years or more.

It is your responsibility to make sure it is in good health and happy as long as it lives. A dog is not a toy that you buy and then toss it in the corner when you’re tired of it. Dogs are living things that have to be nurtured. They have to be cared for and take as much, or more, care as a child. Owning a puppy is a very serious commitment and not to be taken lightly. If you are willing to spend the next dozen or more years caring for your dog, then by all means bring one into your life. You will have a firm bond to each other and spend many happy hours interacting together.

Author Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties.

For more information about matching dog lovers with breeders visit dog-breeders.biz dog-breeders.biz

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Aggressive problems actually quite a normal problem of almost any dogs. Even other animals or we as human do a lot of time display aggressive behavior.

It is instilled by nature as an automatic response for protection of existence. However normal, it is for dog to show aggressions, it is mostly unacceptable on a lot of time. Normal Aggression behavior such as growling, barking, and even biting are sometimes mistaken by the owners as “vicious” or “psychotic” which sadly resulted in the dog being put down. This happen because human and dog do not have the common communication channel.

From the Dog view, a friendly stranger behavior may seems like a threatening and intimidating behavior which give the dog all the motives to protect himself or the pack he is in. Before we can solve your dog aggression behavior, we need to understand the different type of aggression normally displayed and then we will deal with each one of them:

Dominance aggression:

Dominance aggression always happen when dogs are trying to established their place or status in the family. This occurs as your dog is a pack animal and he will view your family members as part of the pack and he will try to establish the hierarchy ranking of each member.

Since a lot of time children are at eye level with the dog, it makes it easier for him to confront them first before trying his way to go up higher in the hierarchy. This might happen also because the owner behavior towards the dog that diminishes the owner ranking to be lowered than the dog.

For examples:

During play time, owner promotes the dog to be at higher ranking in the hierarchy by allowing the dog to overpower him in a game of wrestling with the dog. Or during eating time, where the owner permit the dog to eat first and have a place on the dinner table or consenting the dog to sleep on the owner’s bed. These behavior and activities without the owner’s awareness, establishes the dog higher ranking and therefore encourages aggression behavior in the dog.

To stop your dog dominance aggression, you need to re-establish his position in the family. He must understand that he ranks last in the family. Establish routines for him and only reward him if he does them well. You have to eat first before him and you should never permit him to be in a superior position such as being on top of you during playing time.

Fear / anxiety aggression:

Fear or anxiety aggression happens as a need for self defense and a natural reaction for the need to protect its existence from any harm. Of course this is triggered by the perception of the dog of threatening situation or possible harmful action taken by you or strangers.

For example, a passerby might be passing by rushing to get into the bus and was running toward you and your dog. Your dog might sees this stranger as posing possible threat which can be potentially dangerous to him.

If this is the case, you need to expose him more to people and different environment or situation. This means you have to take him out more often. Remember to put a leash or muzzle in the beginning when you are taking him out for a walk. You do not want him go out of sight. This is for his own well being and for the safety of general public.

Possessive / protective aggression:

Possessive or protective aggression is almost the same to fear aggression however this type of behavior normally associated to guarding the property that the dog feels belong to him. This can be guarding your family, or your house, his food or toy. This could in a way be a helpful type of aggression, as this type of aggression normally prevents your house from robbers or burglars.

The solution to this aggression type would be to powerfully establishing your position as the dog master that complete obedience is required from him. Eliminating totally your dog aggression behavior is not possible, but directing them is. So conducting proper training session with your dog is important
It is a great misunderstanding that aggression is cause by the breed of the dogs, which causes some states or even countries to ban certain breed of dogs or required them to wear muzzles whenever they are out in the public.

There are no bad dogs but there are many bad owners and bad breeders. Learning where aggression behavior comes from and how to prevent it may help us to enjoy the breed we love.

For Free Information and Tips To Stop Your Dog Behavior Problems, Leo Enoch recommend that you visit:
DogTrainingSolution.com DogTrainingSolution.com

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Dog Aggression is a serious dog behavior issue, but can be stopped once you understand the cause of aggression in your dog.

Looking at it through the eyes of your dog, they would always tell you that there is a good explanation for the aggressive behavior which is causing so much stress and is so potentially dangerous.

Your neighbor, Giuseppe, may want to run up and say hi to your dog with all good intentions, but your dog may think that Giuseppe is acting in a threatening manner, and therefore displays defensive aggressive behavior as protection.

Causes of Dog Aggression

Your dog’s family history is another important factor in determining the source of dog aggression. Some dogs have a greater propensity for dog aggression than others. For example, a pit bull may be a more dog aggressive than a poodle.

Your dog’s upbringing, his socialization or lack thereof, can be a significant cause of aggressive behavior. This should be a major reason for every dog owner to properly socialize their dog as early as possible, preferably starting in puppy hood. Improper socialization is also evidenced in dogs that are abused or pampered when disobedient.

Types of Dog Aggression

Dominant-Aggression- This type of behavior is evident when your dog’s status within the pack (your household) or the community (other dogs and/or people) is threatened.
.
Fear Aggression- This type of behavior is evident when your dog become frightened and believes that his physical safety is at risk.

Protection Aggression- This type of behavior is evident when your dog believes that he must protect something or someone. This type of aggressive behavior may also be manifested as Territorial or Possession Aggression, when your dog displays aggressive behavior to prevent danger to someone or something that he controls or owns. Similar in nature, they vary primarily by the factual setting where they are occur.

Redirection Aggression- remember Giuseppe the neighbor who wanted to say hi in our first example? Well, suppose that another neighbor comes over and is unfriendly toward your dog. He might throw a rock at him. Your dog gets riled up, his anger starts to boil. The rock throwing neighbor hops the fence and leaves. Guess what might happen? Yup, Giuseppe might be on the receiving end of growling or in the worse case scenario, a bite.

4 Ways to Stop Dog Aggression

You must understand that dog aggression is a serious and dangerous situation. While it can be corrected and stopped from being a problem, the first step that you must take is to protect your family. Your dog must be under vigilant supervision when around people. Don’t take your aggressive dog for a walk without a muzzle. Don’t let your aggressive dog loose to roam the neighborhood or the dog park.

Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a checkup. Dog aggression can be caused by a medical problem which is affecting your dog’s behavior due to a chemical imbalance, irritability, fever or other causes. If this is the cause, your veterinarian can provide a treatment protocol to heal the medical condition and in the process lessen or eliminate the aggression in your dog.

Spay/ Neuter- Dog Aggression is less evident in female dogs that have been spayed and male dogs that have been neutered. If you are making an appointment at the vet for a checkup, this might be a good time to get this safe and beneficial procedure performed.

Not only will you make progress toward the elimination of dog aggression but you will also be doing something to help your dog live a long and healthy life. Dogs that have been spayed /neutered have less incidence of certain cancers and this is a great reason to have the procedure. And, of course, controlling the surplus population of unwanted puppies and dogs that are often euthanized at dog shelters is another wonderful bonus.

See a professional dog trainer who has experience with resolving dog aggression issues. Different dog trainers will have different approaches. Ask the trainer about his philosophy of handling behavior issues and make sure that you are comfortable with his approach. Our preference is for dog trainers that have training as dog behavioralists.

Keep your dog away from situations that are likely to provoke aggression. This may mean no playing in the yard or walks in the neighborhood until a dog trainer has helped you resolve this unwanted behavior. If he exhibits signs of aggression when he is in your car, you should avoid taking him into the car. By isolating from the place where his territoriality reigns, you will not have to deal with this type of behavior until the root cause is identified and corrected.

Very Important

When dealing with dog aggression it is critical that you remember this important rule. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, STRIKE OR PUNISH YOUR DOG. Your actions will only intensify the problem you are trying to resolve and in the case of physical punishment, is also inhumane and unlawful.

Your dog needs your help. He will reward you with loyalty, love and companionship for the rest of his life.

Does your dog growl at visitors, charge the mailman or maybe runs and hides when Grandma comes to visit? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Find out how to easily solve any dog behavior issue at dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html

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It’s important to do your research before deciding to adopt a dog. Different breeds have different temperaments and qualities. Here we have outlined some common dog breeds to help you select the right dog.

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog, nicknames Bobtail, is a British breed that belongs to the herding group of dogs. They are a large breed that stands between 22 and 24 inches tall and they usually weigh around 66 pounds, giver or take 5 pounds. They have a long fluffy coat that includes shades of white, gray, blue, and grizzle. This is a playful and smart dog that has a natural instinct to protect its family. Because of these traits they make a great family dog, and they even get along with other pets.

Samoyed

The Samoyed, also called the Samayedskaya, is a Russian working breed. These dogs were originally used as herding dogs and guard dogs for reindeer herds. Today they still a very active working dog taking on responsibilities for herding, pulling sleds, guarding homes, and caring for their human families.

The Samoyed is a medium sized dog that stands between 18 and 22 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds. They have a medium to long overcoat that is harsh and straight and a soft downy undercoat. This dog is mainly found in shades of white and cream.

Foxhound (English)

The English Foxhound is a British hunting dog that can be traced back to at least the 16th century. They were originally bred to hunt in packs. This breed was the result of mixing several hounds including the greyhound, with a bulldog and a fox terrier. Today these dogs are still used for fox hunting, however they also are used for family pets.

The English Foxhound stands between 23 and 27 inches tall and they weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Their hair is short and hard, like the American Foxhound, and their coat comes in black, white, tan, bicolor and tricolor coats. In order to train this dog you need to be firm and consistent. They are a smart dog, however, they get distracted easily by fresh scents.

Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel, also called the Prayer Dog, is a an ancient non-sporting dog that originated in Tibet. It was originally developed as a companion and watch dog. They are a cute little dog that stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 9 and 15 pounds. They have a medium to long silky coat that comes in a variety of spaniel colors. The Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent breed that is good with kids, cats, and other dogs. However, they have a tendency to display female to female dog aggression.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also called the Korthals Griffon, the Pointing Wirehaired Griffon and the Griffon D’Arret a Poil Dur, is a hunting dog that originated in France. This breed was created by crossing a Griffon of Barbet with Small Munsterlanders, Setters, Pointers and the Braque Francais.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands between 22 and 24 inches tall and they usually weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. Their coat is coarse, hard, and variegated. Some of the color combinations that are typically associated with this breed include white and chestnut, gray and chestnut, and pure white.

Briard

The Briard, also referred to as the Berger de Brie, is a French breed that was originally bred over 1,000 years ago as shepherd. They are a good sized dog that usually stands between 23 and 27 inches tall, and they usually weigh about 75 pounds. They have a long and wavy top coat that protects their dense undercoat. This breed can be found in shades of black and fawn.

To care for this breed you will need to brush its coat semi-daily. This will help to keep their hair free of tangles and matting, and it will help to distribute their natural oils which will protect their skin and hair from drying out. They do not need a lot of exercise, however, a gentle walk after dinner is always appreciated. This breed has a couple of health problems including hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is a Canadian breed that belongs to the gundog class. They stand between 17 and 21 inches tall and usually weigh between 37 and 51 pounds. They have a medium to long length coat that is thick and wavy. Their coats are red fox with markings on their faces, feet, chests, and on the tips of their tails. This is a great family dog as they are patient and playful.

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner, also called the Weimaraner Vorstehhund, is a German breed that developed at least 125 years ago. They are a large dog breed that stands between 22 and 27 inches tall and that weigh between 70 and 86 pounds. They have a short sleek coat that comes in shades of silvers and grays. They are good with kids and other pets, however, they will need to be socialized and trained to make living together peaceful.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is an Irish breed that was created to be a waterfowl retriever. Today they are used as a hunting dog and as a family dog. They have a very friendly and playful temperament and they get along with kids as long as the play doesn’t get too rough. This breed does have a tendency to be dog aggressive so they will need to be either an only pet or they will need to be properly socialized and trained to accept a housemate.

The Irish Water Spaniel stands between 20 and 23 inches tall and they weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. Its coat is designed to help protect the Irish Water Spaniel from the water is works in. It is made up of a dense layer of tight liver colored curls.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a German breed that has existed since at least the 18th century. It is suspected that they developed from a Spitz-like founding breed. This toy breed stands between 8 and 11 inches tall and weighs between 3 and 7 pounds. They have a long and fluffy coat that can come in just about any color. They are a very active and friendly dog, however, they usually don’t get along well with young children. They do make a great companion dog for the elderly as they don’t need a lot of exercise beyond what they get running around inside.

Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher, also called the Reh Pinscher, the Zwergpinscher, and the Mini Pin, is a German breed. They belong to the toy group and it is suspected that they descended from a crossing of the German Pinscher, the Dachshund, and the Italian Greyhound. This breed was developed as a ratter and as a watchdog. Today this little dog is used mostly as a family pet.

The Miniature Pinscher stands between 10 and 12 inches tall and weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. Their coat is short, hard and smooth. They come in three basic coat colors, black, chocolate, and blue. This dog is best suited for families with older kids, as they don’t like to be pestered and rough housed with. They also get along well with other pets. Some of the health concerns that this breed has include eye problems and patella luxation.

Dog behavior, pet training and puppy breeder information all in one place online. The ultimate resource for dog owners. Learn expert dogbehavioronline.com/” target=”_blank dog training technique, advice to help with dog behavior problems, a dog training forum as well as a directory of dog trainers and breeders all over the country to help you locate a professional near you. Learn about dogbehavioronline.com/crate_training.html” target=”_blank puppy obedience training, pet nutrition, dog obedience, housebreaking and more. Check out our dogbehavioronline.com/ebook.html” target=”_blank puppy training e-book for more tips to help you raise an obedient pet and companion.

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Aggression in dogs can be found in a variety of different behaviors and personality traits. Most dog owners only focus on the common aggressive dog behaviors such as barking, biting, growling etc… But it vital that you get to know your dog, that you can distinguish all types of dog aggression. Aggression and dominant behavior are natural instinct for pack animals such as dogs, they play an important role in the survival of wild dogs, giving each member of the pack a place in the hierarchy, using aggression to defend against predators, to hunt, and to assert dominance.

The level of aggression your dog demonstrates is determined by how much of a threat the individual or animal is seen to be. We class these as low and high level aggression. Low level aggression is the everyday aggression most dogs display. This is generally passive aggression, giving the other dog or person a warning that your dog is aggressive and in control of the situation. Low level aggressive behaviors include

1. Growling
2. Ignoring owners commands
3. Pushing and leaning into people
4. Jumping up on people or animals to intimidate
5. Aggressive stance

You will notice your dog displaying this lower level aggression when he or she begins to feel threatened. A common time to observe your dog in ‘low level aggressive’ mode is when he or she is introduced to another dog for the first time. Both dogs will take a stiff stance, observing and keeping their head up, tails up, and ears pointed. This is intended to make themselves appear dominant, and to look as tall as possible. After getting a good observation of the other dog and getting comfortable with the situation, one dog will generally back away, and you will notice the aggression begins to die, and the two dogs will start to become familiar with each other. Generally speaking, a spayed female will usually be the first to back down, followed by a neutered male, then an intact female, and last to back down will be an intact male. The build and stature of a dog is often irrelevant when it comes to introductions and this first aggressive encounter. The exception to this hierarchy is in instances when neither dog backs down, the aggression then builds as the battle for dominance begins. This will often lead to an extremely loud vocal display and often physical interaction.

When dogs meet a human for the first time, aggression will be shown through jumping up, pushing or leaning until the person becomes unstable and looses their footing, or growling with an intense stare. With smaller dogs and young puppies this behavior can often be portrayed as cute behavior and go un-noticed. Failure to identify and deal with this behavior can lead to more serious when the puppy has grown to be a larger dog, it can become dangerous and difficult to train. Whether your dog is a new/small puppy or a larger dog, it is important to deal with these aggression issues as early as possible, so your dog’s ‘low level aggression’ doesn’t become a problem in years to come.

If your dogs passive (low level) aggressive behavior is ineffective, it will escalate to higher levels of aggression in an attempt to recover dominance. Higher level dog aggression includes:

1. Snarling and snapping viciously
2. Biting
3. Jumping up and barking in an aggressive manner
4. Nipping at heels or legs
5. Staring and displaying teeth

Higher level aggressive behavior means business, your dog is still feeling threatened or non-dominant and your dog will move on to actual physical aggression, fighting, biting or attempting to bite. This is where things get serious and potentially dangerous. If you notice your dog’s behavior escalating to high aggression levels, you must look into behavior modification training immediately. It is your responsibility to keep the public, other dogs, children and visitors to your home safe by isolating or sufficiently restraining your dog.

Aggression is a natural instinct for dogs, and it is essential that the owner is in control of the dog’s aggression. Through early socialization and a firm understanding of the dog-owner relationship, your dog should not show aggressive behavior. If aggression does become a problem it is important to deal with the issue immediately. Re-training using positive methods works much better than punishment, but often professional assistance is needed.

Neutering a dog will control the hormonal causes of aggression, but not all aggression is hormonally caused. Spaying and neutering dogs does not guarantee that they will be docile, and breeds that are bred as watch dogs or herding animals will need specific training on being non-aggressive. Some dogs are not good with other animals or dogs, just like some breeds are less tolerant of children. It is important to understand the natural aggressive tendencies of the breed of dog that you are considering obtaining to make sure you get a good match for you and your family.

Colin Pederson is a self-confessed ‘Dog Fanatic’ residing in California with his wife and black Lab Casey. Colin runs ‘Dog Obedience Advice,’ offering free advice on dealing with dogobedienceadvice.com/dog_aggression Dog Aggression, and other issues all dog owners face.

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