Do Barking Collars Really Work?

Do Barking Collars Really Work?
By Morgan Hamilton

Do you have a pet dog? If you have, then you know that a barking dog can be quite a nuisance that disturbs and startles pedestrians. If you have a loud pet, then you are also aware that keeping your neighbors awake at night is also a big no-no. A dog’s bark can be irritating, even for the dog's loving owner. Wayward dogs in need of gentle, human correction can be cured by barking collars. However, you have to make sure that you understand why your dog is barking before you start a barking collar treatment.

A dog may bark constantly because of several things. A dog will inevitably bark if the animal is kept in an area that is fenced off, but with a clear view of annoyances like loud cars and noisy kids. Things will only get worse if you have a neighbor who regularly walks by, and perpetually yells at or scares your pet. You should talk to the neighbor and ask him to treat the dog properly if this is the case with your pet.

Hunger, thirst, excessive heat and cold can make your pet an overly vocal canine. Remember that dogs need food, water, and a cozy indoor spot during extreme weather. Barking collars may be your last resort if you've checked all of the above possibilities. Some people may either consider barking collars humane or inhumane, but I‘ll tell you about all of them for the sake of information.

Spray barking collars are popular devices that can reduce your dog’s barking. This collar has a device in the front that is positioned directly beneath the dogs' chin. An unpleasant smelling spray is emitted whenever the dog barks. Dogs don't like a spray in their noses, and the sound may also startle them. This treatment is considered by most to be humane because it is not painful.

Choke barking collars are considered safe but these collars may be scary for your dog. This collar automatically constricts, in a choking action when the dog barks. It has a sensor that detects the correct width at which to close. However, these barking collars can malfunction and choke the dog to death.

People consider shock barking collars cruel and inhumane so they are not commonly used today. This device may also cause a negative effect on the dog. This is because a dog will develop an association with what or who caused him to bark. For instance, if a child causes the dog to bark which will then cause the collar to chock the animal, then you may have a dangerous situation. Since a dog doesn't know barking is wrong, the animal may think that looking at that person or object is wrong. A dog may associate the child with his pain, and may attack him as soon as the collar comes off.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Barking Collars. Visit our site for more helpful information about how to Stop Barking Dogs and other simiilar topics.
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Read another dog article: The Lost Art of Potty Training an Adult Dog

The Chihuahua Pomeranian Hybrid Dog Mix
By Lee Dobbins

Sometimes called a Pomchi or even a Chiranian, the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix is not a breed itself, but is a mixture of a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. Mixing these two breeds can make for a pretty darn cute little dog!

This mixed breed dog weighs between 5 and 12 pounds and is a short dog that is intelligent and alert often having the sweet expression characteristic of both sides of its lineage. He has a short body and a rounded wedge-shaped head with round eyes that should not protrude too much like that of some Chihuahuas. The tail is medium in length and is carried in the loop over the back or flat but should never be tucked between the legs.

Since the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix can be the product of a shorthaired or long hair to allow a bit type of coach you may get with this dog can be varied. The coat could be a double coat like that found on the Pomeranian or it could be a single coat. It is usually at least medium length, although I do see some that have short hair much like a short haired Chihuahua. They usually have quite a furry tail typical of the Pomeranian.

The Pomchi can be any color much like its parent's. Common color variations include party college, sable, solid and merle.

Although each dog is individual, generally the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix will have much the same personality traits of his parents. In general both Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are very intelligent dogs that love to be with their family and are great lapdogs. They can learn tricks very easily, however house training may be a challenge. When training any small dog like this you need to remember that training with kindness is best. These tiny creatures do not respond well to punishment and positive reinforcement is your best bet to get your Ponchi house broken.

A Pomeranian Chihuahua mix that is long-haired will require more grooming than a short haired dog. You will probably need to trim the hair that grows out in between the pads on the bottom of his dainty little feet as well as a little sani-trim under the tail.

Another thing to watch out for in grooming is the gunk that can accumulate around their eyes. You want to be very careful that this does not build up as it can turn into a hardened glob that is nearly impossible to get off and you can actually hurt your dog when trying to remove it. Your best bet is to gently clean around the eyes each night, being careful not to poke your dog in the by, and this will help stop any buildup from accumulating as well as help to take care of any tears staining in the fur around the eyes.

As with many toy dogs, this mix will also have to have a good dental program in place. This includes not only taking him to the vet once a year to have his teeth checked and to have any tartar scraped, but also regular brushing. Bacteria buildup on the teeth is a common problem of small dogs they can be very hazardous to their health so it's worth it for you to get your Pomchi used to having his teeth brushed. If you use a flavored toothpaste that he likes you may even find he looks forward to it every night!

Hybrid dog mixes are becoming more and more popular and the American Canine Hybrid Club has even recognized the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix and given it the name “Chiranian”. There is even a special club for this hybrid called the Pomchi Club Of America.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.pomeranian-pages.com where you can learn about caring for your Pomeranian as well as more about the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix.

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Other article to read: Potty Training a Chihuahua

How To Potty Train Your Dog

How To Potty Train Your Dog
By Mike Strawbridge

Dogs have two natural instincts that you can use to your advantage when potty training them. One is that they prefer not to pee or poop where they sleep. They will move to another area if given the chance. Two is that they will pee or poop where there is already the residual smell of a previous pee or poop.

When potty training a dog there are basically two options to use - Indoors or outdoors.

Indoor training:

To train your dog to go indoors, you will need to set up an area in your home where you want him to learn to do his business and give him free access to that area. Make sure it is not the area where he sleeps.

Put some newspaper down on the floor of the area where you want him to go. Carefully observe your dog and the moment you see him starting to urinate or defecate, immediately take him to the papered area. You may leave a trail in the way but get him to the right area.

Praise your dog once he is in the correct area. As you are cleaning up, leave a small trace of the pee or poop on the paper in the area you want him to use. Remember your dog has much keener sense of smell than you do. Just a trace is all he needs to find his way back to the spot.

Now you must carefully and completely clean up any material that may have been deposited elsewhere. You must leave no smell trace that your dog can find on any other part of the house or your dog may return there and think he is doing just what he is supposed to do. Remember again that your dog’s nose is much more powerful than yours is. Many pet supply stores have cleaning sprays that help to mask the odor for dogs.

The idea is to use your dog’s natural instinct to return to his previous safe spot for each subsequent deposit. Also, to make sure that one and only one spot is made so inviting.

After a couple of weeks, your dog should get the hang of where you want him to go and you will no longer have to save a portion of each deposit to carry the smell over.

Outdoor training:

To train your dog to go outdoors, you will have to develop a communication method so that you and your dog know when it is time to go outside. The frequency is highly variable among breeds and dog size and is also affected by diet.

Just like indoor training you will need to establish a safe spot outside where you want your dog to go. Take him there often so he gets used to the place. Make it as far from his sleep or play area as possible.

If you catch him in the act of going in the house, immediately scoop him up and take him to the outdoor spot. It does not matter if you leave a trail, just get him to the spot. Praise him once he uses the spot.

Leave a small amount of the fecal matter in his safe spot as a scent trace for him to find later. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any indoor traces so that there is not scent trace left.

If your dog is trained to go outdoors, you must be consistent. Make sure that you are available often enough so that he can hold it between trips outside.

You can also hang a bell on a string at the door and ring it each time you take the dog out to potty. Teach the dog to nudge the bell when he needs to go out. This makes a simple and effective communication tool that won’t be confused with other behavior. Don’t teach him to scratch on the door unless you wanted to buy a new door anyway.

Whichever method you choose be consistent. Don’t try to mix indoor and outdoor training, as you will only confuse your dog.

Work with your dogs natural instincts to make this training go much smoother.

To learn more dog training tips and tricks see Mike's blog

my-dog-smash.blogspot.com

Mike Strawbridge is a contributor to the Potty Training Site where he shares information on potty training human toddlers.

www.pottytrainingsite.com

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You can read about potty training an indoor dog.