How To Stop A Miniature Schnauzer Biting or Nipping

Biting and nipping is a common behavioral problem with miniature schnauzers.  This behavior can become very annoying and in severe cases, it can be rather scary and aggressive.  Stopping this behavior is a must.  However, you must start with understanding why your dog bites and then progress to stopping the behavior.

Reasons for Biting

Your miniature schnauzer may bite or nip for many reasons.  You must understand that it really is a natural behavior and that it is a common part of their behavior when interacting with other dogs.  You will probably notice that when there are other dogs around your dog may nip or bite at them to play, greet them or to show their dominance.

Biting and nipping humans may just be the dogs natural inclination and their way of interacting with you.  Sometimes they may bite to tell you they don’t like something you are doing to them.  They may do it to get attention or simply because they are excited.

It is very important to find out the reason behind the biting because the method you use to correct the behavior will be based on why they bite.  You should think about the times your dog has displayed this behavior and try to figure out why.  Most often your dog bites for two main reasons – to get attention or out of fear.

Stopping the Behavior

To stop your miniature schnauzer from biting, you will have to be firm and persistent.  Here are some things that you can do if your dog bites because he is trying to get attention:

-        When your dog bites or nips at you say “stop” or “no bite” in a loud voice, but not yelling.  Make sure you are consistent with what you say so not to confuse the pup.

-        When the pup bites, leave him alone right away.  If you were playing then stop and walk away.  Give him no further attention.

If your dog bites out of aggression and as a defense mechanism then you need to take different steps.  Try the following:

-        Expose your dog to more socialization.  Have him interact more with people or other dogs.

-        Try obedience training where your dog will be taught to overcome anxiety that often leads to biting.

-        Take your dog to new places and try to watch how he behaves. When he shows signs of anxiety, leave and try returning to the new place later.

-        Make sure when you are socializing him or introducing him to new places that you offer a lot of attention and praise.

Over time the methods you are using to correct the biting behavior will start to work.  You will notice that he doesn’t bite as much and it becomes something of the past.  It will take time and patience and you cannot expect him to stop biting completely since it is a natural reaction that is just part of who he is.  However, you can control the behavior so he doesn’t bite when it is inappropriate.

No Comments »admin on January 4th 2010 in Schnauzer

How to Stop a Shih Tzu Barking

All dogs will have issues with barking. They tend to bark to communicate how they are feeling and what they want. Some dogs bark more then others, however. The Shih Tzu can be over bearing with their barking. When a Shih Tzu is brought into a new home, they will bark and yelp constantly. They do this because they are frightened of their new surroundings and are wanting the attention of their parent or another animal. This barking can be remedied, but it takes work and needs to be done right away. Fixing this issue can also be difficult, not only for the puppy, but for the owner as well. The owner will want to scoop up the pet and calm it down, but this sets a bad president for future learning.

One of the biggest issues that puppies have is a barking habit due to fear of being alone. Most puppies cannot stand to even be in a different room then their people. They are used to having their litter mates, as well as their mother, there with them at all times. Soothing the puppy when they begin this behavior can give the dog the impression that it is okay to bark constantly and loudly to get the attention that they want. The best way to handle to constant barking is to ignore it, if you can, without yelling at the puppy. They are only doing what is in their nature to do and reprimanding them can be detrimental to them.

Yelling at a puppy of any kind can cause your pet to become frightened of you and will not come to you. It is better to use an even tone and not reprimand the pet at all for barking. While you are trying to train your puppy independence around the house, you can use a teaching lead. This will allow the dog to maintain a close distance to you and still be free to move around on its own. If you have to leave the house, try not to leave them alone for too long a period of time to start out. Do it gradually, leaving for longer periods of time each trip. This will slowly get them used to the idea of you being away. When you do leave, do not pet and talk sweetly to your dog as a form of comforting them. This will only add to the confusion for the pet. They will begin to associate the action of petting and talking sweetly to them as meaning that you are going to leave them. Also, do not do it when you come back. It can be equally as confusing.

The best technique for curbing the barking Shih Tzu is the squirt bottle method. When the dog begins to bark when you leave its side, squirt it with a quick shot of water and it will startle it and divert its attention from barking. It also works for barking at inopportune moments. If you want your Shih Tzu to still warn of an approaching person at the door, you can use a method similar with the “quiet” command and treats. However, a barking Shih Tzu is a difficult thing to contend with. They are very stubborn and it takes a lot of work. However, in the end, your neighbors will thank you.

No Comments »admin on January 2nd 2010 in Shih Tzu

How to Stop a Yorkshire Terrier Barking

Barking dogs can be a nuisance for the owner, as well as any neighbors that are within hearing range. While barking is a typical form of communication, excessive barking can become a problem. A Yorkshire Terriers bark is usually a higher pitched bark then a larger breed dog, making it even more abrasive. In order to stop excessive barking, understanding the cause for most barking is very important. A Yorkshire Terrier will bark for many reasons. The average barking is meant to warn their humans that there is something that they view as a possible threat. A person at the door, or a dog walking in front of the house, gives the Yorkshire Terrier call for barking. However, they will also bark to get the attention of their human.

Barking as a warning is good and should not be discouraged, only limited. Constant barking at a door bell can become monotonous, however, barking at unwanted intruders is acceptable. Barking at sirens is also another issue with Yorkshire Terriers. There are many different ways to handle this kind of unnecessary barking. Desensitizing training is a recommended method. To do this, simply find the cause of the barking, for instance, a ringing door bell. Have a helper stand outside the door and ring the door bell once every few seconds. When your dog begins barking, give a sit command. Tell the dog that it is okay in a calm and even tone. This shows the dog that you are not afraid and that it is alright for them to stop giving their warning. Whenever your dog stops barking for a few seconds at a time, reward them with a treat. After several times of repeating this, the dog will begin to become desensitized to the sound of the door bell. Continue to give the dog a treat from time to time when they do not bark when the door bell rings.

There are many different ways to stop barking for attention. Ignoring the pet when they bark is one of the most effective ways. While it can be difficult to ignore a barking Yorkshire Terrier, eventually the dog will fall silent. When they do, give them a treat. If they begin barking again, continue to ignore them. Another technique that works for barking at outside stimuli is the squirt bottle method. Whenever they begin unwanted barking, give the dog a quick squirt with a squirt bottle. They will eventually see that barking for no reason will result in an unpleasant sensation and will modify, or correct, the behavior.

You never want your dog to stop barking altogether. This is one of very few forms of communication that a dog has. Getting control of the unnecessary barking, however, is very important. Knowing the triggers for the behavior can help you find the controls to stopping it. Modifying the barking behavior should be taken care at a young age. Yorkshire Terriers are easier to train as puppies and will be more receptive to the behavioral modifications.

No Comments »admin on January 1st 2010 in Yorkshire Terrier

How to Stop a Yorkshire Terrier Digging

All dogs enjoy digging. There are many reasons for this, but the most common is that it gives them something to do. Yorkshire Terriers, like all terrier breeds, were originally bred for hunting and for catching vermin, such as mice and rats. Later, people stopped using them for hunting vermin and made them lap pets. While they make excellent companions, the desire to dig was still there. A Yorkshire Terrier will dig anywhere that there is access to any kind of dirt or sand. It very difficult to teach them not to dig, however, it is easier to do so as a puppy.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier not to dig can begin with a simple control of the access that the dog has to an area to dig. If you watch your dog while you are walking, he will be less likely to dig at all. However, when the owner is not around, the Yorkshire Terrier will start digging again. If you are taking your dog out for a walk to go to the bathroom, do only that. Once they have finished going to the bathroom, take them back inside. Ensuring that they do not have a chance to dig is the first key to training them not to dig.

You can also keep them from digging by using a distraction method. When you see them digging, get their attention with a toy. Toys that keep them busy, like dogs toys that can hide treats inside them, will keep their minds occupied long enough that they will not think about digging. You will also want to keep a close eye on your Yorkshire Terrier. Do not leave him outside alone, even if your yard is fenced in. A dog that is left alone will get bored and will dig under the fence and run away. Keeping your dog well occupied can keep your dog from developing further behavioral issues.

It is best to reward your dog for any good behavior that they display. Having the opportunity to dig and not taking the opportunity deserves a reward. Stopping the behavior on a command also will merit a reward. However, you must first start a base of commands. Association techniques can also help. When your Yorkshire Terrier begins to dig, give a sharp, sudden sound that startles them. The sound of a fog horn can do the trick. Just a short burst of noise and the dog will eventually associate digging with a scary noise. When they come to you after being startled, reward them for not digging. After a time, the actions will begin to be associated with positive behavior and the negative behavior will be modified.

Once your dog has learned not to dig, it is still not a good idea to leave them in a yard alone. They may begin to exhibit some of the same behavior and will begin digging again. Keep your pet well occupied and inside when you are not home. This is the best way to ensure that the Yorkshire Terrier will not dig at the yard.

No Comments »admin on December 31st 2009 in Yorkshire Terrier

How to Stop a Yorkshire Terrier Chewing

Yorkshire Terriers love to chew, especially as puppies. During the ten, or more, months that a Yorkshire Puppy are teething, they will chew on anything that they can. While perfectly normal, it should be controlled right away. Understanding the reasons for a Yorkshire Terriers chewing behavior can help in finding a solution. The first thing that you must understand that puppies learn about their surroundings through their mouths. As adults, they will develop chewing fixations that usually stem from boredom. Fixing the chewing issues early can save, not only time later, but also your belongings.

During teething, a chewing puppy will gnaw on anything that it can reach. Therefore, it is best to remove objects that are dangerous to them, or that you do not want destroyed, from their reach. Keeping chew toys for puppies close at hand is also a good idea. This will ultimately give you something that you can replace an unwanted object with. It is also best to teach your puppy what is appropriate to chew on and what is not. When you see your Yorkshire Terrier puppy chewing on something inappropriate, immediately remove it from their mouth and replace it with a chew toy. If they are teething, give them a frozen chew toy. The cold will numb the nerves and they will be more likely to enjoy chewing that then something you do not want them to have.

Keeping you Yorkshire Terrier entertained is very important. As an adult, they can develop an unhealthy chewing habit out of boredom. Keeping chew toys around for them will distract them from wanting to chew on the things that are unacceptable. With any dog, it is best to reprimand any negative, or unwanted, behavior when it is seen. Doing so after the dog has already committed the offense will only confuse them. Playing with your Yorkshire Terrier regularly can also help curb the boredom. Taking your dog for long walks if you are going to be gone all day will keep your dog tired. They will most likely sleep during the rest of the day and will not be awake long enough to be bored.

Another way to protect your belongings is to make them unattractive to your pet. This can prove to be an effective method of keeping your Yorkshire Terrier from chewing on your furniture, as well as anything else that you do not want them to chew on. Using prays such as bitter apple spray can make the furniture taste bad and the pet will loose interest in chewing on it. It is not toxic, therefore it will not hurt them. Hot sauce can also be used for the same principle, however, it tends to leave a smell.

Keeping your Yorkshire Terrier from chewing on unwanted things is simple. Ensuring that they have something that they are allowed to chew on is the first step. Also, keep things that could be potentially hazardous to them out of their reach. Most chewing is a phase that will eventually pass. However, you must put a stop to this behavior before it becomes problematic.

No Comments »admin on December 31st 2009 in Yorkshire Terrier

How to Stop a Yorkshire Terrier Biting

Biting issues with Yorkshire Terriers are common, but can be easy to remedy. There are many causes for the biting behavior. A lot of the behavior problems in Yorkshire Terriers begin as a puppy. Starting young on correcting behavioral patterns can help out a great deal. Many of the reasons for biting include teething as a puppy, fear or pain, and even being territorial. These are all bad habits that need to be addressed immediately. While Yorkshire Terriers have small mouths, their teeth are incredibly sharp.

Yorkshire Terrier puppies that are teething tend to want to chew and bite anything that they can get their tiny mouths on. It is during this time that it is best to train your dog what to bite and what not to bite to avoid any issues with biting in the future. A teething puppy grows their teeth in stages over a period of time. Within the first month of life, they will begin growing their puppy teeth. Once the teeth have finished growing in, there will be a total of twenty-eight teeth. Between four and seven months, they will begin losing their puppy teeth, which will be replaced with forty-two adult teeth. These teeth will start with the incisors at four months old and will continue with the canines at five months and the molars at six months. By ten months old, all of the adult teeth should be fully grown. It is in this time that they will want to bite and chew on anything and everything in their path.

The best way to handle a teething puppy is by the use of chew toys. Keeping chew toys that can be frozen is good for the puppies teeth. It will provide something positive to chew on and it will help with the pain of exposed nerves. The most important thing to do is keep anything that can harm the puppy, such as electrical cords, shoes, and anything small, out of reach. Some Yorkshire Terrier puppies will seek to chew on their owners hands to relieve the pain. This is not a good behavioral pattern and needs to stopped before it really gets started. The best way to do this is, when your Yorkshire Terrier puppy starts to chew on your hand, shout “ouch”, or something similar, rather loudly and pull your hand away. When a Yorkshire Terrier puppy is with their litter mates, they become accustomed to having their litter mates yelping when they are bitten while playing. Immediately put a teething toy with your dog and praise them when they start to bite and chew on it.

Biting in adults can be a bit more difficult to remedy. First, you will need to know what is causing the behavior. Yorkshire Terriers will bite out of aggression if they feel that their territory is being invaded. This over protective behavior should be stopped right away. The best way to handle this is by using the same techniques you would use on an unruly toddler. The time out technique is actually quite effective. When your dog bite you or nips at you out of aggression, remove him from the area that he is protecting and put him in a room by himself, preferably a bathroom, for a short period of time. At the end of that time, take him out of time out and put him back in the place that was problematic. If he still bites, repeat the process until the behavioral issues stop.

However, if your Yorkshire Terrier is biting for a different reason, you must find what the problem is. Using other behavioral ques, you can decide whether the issue is internal or external. If he is hiding more often, or does not want to be picked up or held, he may be injured, in pain, or sick. Dogs do not outwardly show it when they are sick or in pain. It is animal logic that showing pain or illness means showing weakness and another animal may take advantage of that. Using the behavioral ques, you can determine whether or not to take your Yorkshire Terrier to the Vet. Sometimes, however, to modify the behavior of a dog, we must examine the behavior of the human. If you are acting outwardly aggressive towards your dog, especially while it is backed into a corner, it will most likely bite you. Be mindful of how you manage your pet. Some behavior are instinctual and cannot be stopped by simple training.

No Comments »admin on December 30th 2009 in Yorkshire Terrier

How To Stop A Miniature Schnauzer Barking

Barking is something that can be tricky to deal with.  It is the only means your dog has to communicate and in some situations you might encourage barking.  This can be so confusing for your miniature schnauzer.  He doesn’t always easily understand why sometimes he can bark and sometimes he cannot.  This makes it challenging to put an end to annoying barking.

Reasons for Barking

Obviously, barking is most often done to communicate something.  A dog could be trying to warn you, greet someone, express emotion or simply just wanting to let other dogs know he is around.  It is a very natural behavior that all dogs will do.

Barking becomes a problem, though, when it is excessive or annoying.  Some dogs tend to bark for no reason at all and they can become a nuisance, especially to neighbors.  Many times such annoying barking comes from boredom.  A bored dog is often a barking dog.

With a miniature schnauzer, barking is often a side effect of a lack of stimulation.  If your dog stays alone a lot then they will likely develop a barking problem.  Your dog needs socialization and when he doesn’t get it he will try to get your attention by barking.  Chances are when his barking gets annoying you yell at him, so gets the reward he wants.

How to Stop the Behavior

One rule of putting an end to barking is never to yell at the dog to stop.  Yelling gives them attention and in some cases, may make the dog think you are talking back to him.  If you start with a puppy and you yell every time they bark, then you are setting yourself up for trouble as the puppy is basically being taught barking gets a response so keep doing it.

Here are some tips on how to deal with barking:

-        While it may seem counteractive, teaching your pup to speak on command can actually help stop barking.  This is because once they learn to speak you can teach them to respond to the command for quiet.  The way to do this is to use a reward.  Show them the reward and teach them to speak.  When they speak give it to them.  Soon they will bark every time they see the reward.  At this point you can show them the reward and they will bark and then you will teach them the command for quiet.  When they stop barking they get the reward. Eventually they learn that the reward comes when they are quiet.

-        If your dog barks a lot when you are not home, try leaving on a radio or the TV.  The sound often soothes them and makes them feel like they are not alone.

-        Make sure your dog gets regular exercise.
Barking can be controlled.  Most owners who have trained their dog and keep them well exercised will not have issues with excessive barking.  You will have to work on training your dog and curbing the behavior, but eventually you should be able to teach your dog to respond with a simple quiet command.

No Comments »admin on December 28th 2009 in Schnauzer

How to Stop a Beagle Barking

Beagles are bred hunters and are trained to be scent hounds. Therefore, they are naturally accustomed to bellowing a deep and throaty baying bark when they sight game. For this reason, beagles tend to be loud dogs. Although the domestic beagle is most likely not being used for hunting, it will still want to utilize these typical beagle habits. A lot of pet owners, as well as some vets, believe that barking is something to be ceased at any cost. This is not exactly a good way of viewing the issue of barking. Dogs tend to bark for many different reasons and taking away there only means of communication can be detrimental to the animals mental and physical well being.

Most beagles bark simply because they enjoy the sound of their own voices. A lot of times, they are bored and will bay to voice their disapproval. Also, the sound of their barking, as well as the sensation of it is pleasing to the beagle. They will also bay loudly to signal their human that it is meal time and they are hungry. They will also bark if they need to go out. Beagles are also very protective of their territory and are very alert. If something seems to be going on outside, or seems unusual, or if they hear or smell people outside, they will bark a warning to their human as much as to whomever, or whatever, is outside. They will do the same anytime they see another dog.

A bored beagle will sometimes get obnoxious with their intense barking when they are wanting their humans attention. Getting the attention of their person is not necessarily a bad thing. It is generally a good sign that the beagle wants the interaction. However, they can start to use the communication as a way of manipulation to get what they want, like extra food or more attention. If the owner has given in to these actions before, the beagle is most likely to attempt the same behavior again. It is not acceptable to allow the beagle to determine the time of the affection and food. That should be up to the owner.

All dogs need some form of stimulation, including lots of exercise, company, toys, and even games. They also need the company of other dogs to keep them content. The best ways to keep a beagle from barking obnoxiously is keep your beagle happy and occupied. Do not leave your beagle alone for a long period of time. You can also try praising silence. Any time your beagle does not bark when they normally would, praise them and give a reward. This will enforce a time and need for vocalization. Whenever a beagle barks for manipulation purposes, it is best to simply ignore them. Any form of reinforcement at that point can be construed by the dog as a positive reinforcement. When the beagle begins acting in this unwanted behavior, ignore it until they stop. Once the beagle has stopped barking, praise him for being silent.

It is better to channel a beagles extra barking then it is to stop it altogether. Teach the beagle to bark on command. This will help in enforcing when it is acceptable to bark and when it is not. It will also teach the beagle to be quiet when the command for to be quiet is given. Getting your pet to understand when it is good to bark and when it is not can be more beneficial, and easier, then teaching the beagle not to bark at all.

No Comments »admin on December 27th 2009 in Beagle

How to Potty Train a Shih Tzu

Potty training a dog of any breed can be difficult. There are many different ideas on what it takes, or how to do it. However, most these ideas do not work. Keeping in mind that the Shih Tzu is a small breed dog, and that it is a Shih Tzu, can determine the best way to train your puppy the correct way. Teaching a Shih Tzu when and where to go to the bathroom can be harder then with any other breed. Their bladders are smaller and more finicky and they may need to go out more frequently, which means that accidents will be more common. However, the crate method works the best.

As with any dog, you will need patience to help you deal with potty training. Every dog learns at their own speed and every dog can have different levels of set backs. Cage training is considered to be cruel to some people, however, it is far more cruel to force a puppy to sit in a bathroom or a designated room by themselves. Dogs are social animals and need the company of other animals or of their people. They will also begin to view the bathroom area as punishment.

The kennel or cage should only be used when you are not going to be able to watch the your pet for long periods of time. Remember that when a puppy has to go to the bathroom, it has to go right then. There is no waiting and no holding on. However, a dog will not go to the bathroom in the same area that they sleep in. Keeping their kennel adjusted so that they have enough room to stand up in, lay down in, and turn around in will keep them from being able to go to the bathroom in the kennel. This should be a temporary state for teaching your dog how to “hold it.”

Another benefit of kennel training is that the dog can still see you through the kennel and will not feel alone. With a Shih Tzu puppy, the kennel should be just a little bit larger then the dog itself. You will want to make sure that there is some sort of carpet under the kennel to insulate, as well as a blanket in the kennel for comfort and insulation. While you are away, you will want to put the puppy in the kennel with some food and water as well as some chew toys to keep the dog entertained. Getting an adult potty trained is a lot more difficult. Kennel training is still the best way to train them, but it can take longer. Making sure that animal is walked regularly and knows the good place to go to the bathroom and the bad place to go is very important. Any accident can cause a set back. Stress can also play an important factor in the learning process for potty training, especially in adult Shih Tzu’s. If they feel overwhelmed by a situation, they can easily have an accident in the house, and the training will have to begin from the start.

No Comments »admin on December 26th 2009 in Shih Tzu

How to Stop a Beagle Digging

Digging is a very common behavior in beagles. They are a hunting breed and are prone to digging to get to what the scent that they are tracking. They, like all dogs, will also dig if bored. There are very few things that can be done to eliminate digging altogether. However, there are ways to modify the behavior. Most behavioral issues are a simple matter of reprimanding, but only when the timing is right. Reprimanding the pet after they have committed the offense only proves to confuse them. It is more important to catch the animal in the act of digging and punishing them then.

Preventative measures to save the needless destruction of your yard can be taken. Covering the ground with small rocks will cause your pet some minor discomfort in their paws, but will not overtly harm them, it will just be an unpleasant feeling. Spreading ground pepper over the ground can also deter most dogs because the smell is offensive, especially to beagles, who’s breed is entirely dependent on their sense of smell. Another way to deter the need to dig in inappropriate places is to place chicken wire in your plant beds, around the plants and bushes that you need protected. You can also place it under the ground in the area that your pet prefers to dig.

Digging in the ground will expose cooler earth, and during the warmer months of the year, this can be very important to dogs, who will dig holes and lay in them to keep cool. It is necessary for dogs to have enough shade and plenty of cool water to stay healthy in the heat. To help stop the occurrences of digging for cool soil, ensure that your pet has plenty of shade and lots of water to drink. It is also a good idea to fill a shallow child’s pool with water and leave it near your pet to splash about in and keep cool, as well as entertained.

Boredom can lead to many unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking and, of course, digging. For companionship-oriented pets such as dogs, especially beagles, being left alone for long periods of time can be terribly boring. Beagles need to have something that stimulates their mind and their bodies. One solution to the bored pet is to take them for a brisk walk for the day. Start the morning with a good walk with your pet. Make sure that they are well exercised. Thirty minutes to an hour walk is ample. This will ensure that your pet sleeps during some of that time that it will be home alone. You can also ask a neighbor that you trust to take your pet for a walk while you are away, or to pet sit for you and keep your beagle company.

There are many different ways to ensure that your beagle does not become a digging problem. Ensuring that they are well entertained is one of the more simple ways to do this. A bored pet is more likely to dig then a pet that is being played with. Also, make sure that your beagle has everything that they need to stay cool in the summer months. Keeping them out of areas where you do not want them to dig can help preserve the plant beds that are around the house, as well as keep your yard looking beautiful and hole free.

No Comments »admin on December 26th 2009 in Beagle