Your Dog's Health and Behavior
By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide
The Healthy Dog
Arguably the most important aspect of your dog's well-being is health. An unhealthy dog will not benefit as much from training and may also develop behavior problems. Learn the most essential steps to keeping your dog healthy, know the warning signs to watch for, and find out more about the crucial role your veterinarian plays in your dog's health.
- Keep Your Dog Healthy
- Signs of a Sick Dog
- Communicating With Your Veterinarian
- Toxins and Your Dog
- Puppy Vaccinations
Canine Diseases and Disorders
There are many diseases that can afflict your dog. The best way to keep your dog healthy is to educate yourself. Learn about various canine diseases and their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
- Heartworm Disease in Dogs
- Gastric Dilatation - Volvulus (GDV)
- Chronic Bad Breath in Dogs
- Rabies and Your Dog
Dog Training Essentials
A well-trained dog is a happier dog. Mental health and stimulation are just as important as physical health care, so dog obedience must remain a priority. Develop a basic training program and learn to teach your dog commands. It's all part of starting your dog off on the right paw!
- Dog Training 101
- Clicker Training Dogs
- The Power of Positive Training
- Housebreaking Your Puppy
- How to Crate Train Dogs and Puppies
- Teach Your Dog Self-Control
- Tips for Training Small Dogs
- Tips for Training Adult Dogs
- Training Shelter and Rescue Dogs
- Best Dog Training Books
Dog Tricks, Cues and Commands
Follow these simple steps to transform your dog from class clown to star pupil. Train your dog to sit, stay, lie down, and come when called. Teach your dog fun tricks and games. With a little practice, your dog will be able to do all kinds of useful and fun things.
- Fun and Easy Dog Tricks
- Top Basic Training Cues
- How to Train an Emergency recall
- Teach Your Dog to Fetch
- Train Your Dog to Stand
- Teaching "Kennel Up"
- Training "Go to Your Place"
- Teach your Dog "Off"
- How to Train a Dog Using Games
- More Basic Commands
Socializing Dogs
Socialization means training your dog or puppy to accept new people, animals, and places. Socialization results in a happier, more well-behaved dog. Plus, it prevents behavior problems from developing.
- Puppy Socialization
- Puppy Handling Exercises
- Socializing Adult Dogs
- Teaching Dogs to Accept Handling
- How to Childproof a Dog
Your Dog's Behavior
Despite the way many of us treat them, dogs are not humans. In fact, thinking of dogs as people has led to misinterpretations of their actions. No wonder they act out - we just cannot understand them all the time. The best way to avoid or correct dog behavior problems is to learn why they occur and what they mean. Plus, you can better communicate with your dog if you can interpret his body language.