Behaviours that can become problematic if allowed to develop unimpeded include:
-digging
-barking
-jumping up on people
-biting
-chewing
-fence jumping

Keep in mind that while some behaviors may be cute when your dog is still a puppy, as he gets bigger they could lead to serious problems. It is therefore important to address unwanted behaviors as early as possible in order to prevent unnecessary inconveniences, or worse, later on.

It is also important to note that many of these “problem” behaviors are very normal for a dog, and therefore require redirecting rather than trying to eliminate them completely. This can take a certain amount of patience, persistence, understanding and finesse, as you and your puppy develop methods of communicating that are effective and consistent. Rather than a trial and error approach which can be costly in terms of time and damage to your personal belongings, why not consult with a professional and benefit from tried and true approaches to the same issues you are encountering?

In order to train your dog effectively, a certain amount of knowledge is required to understand the reasons for the behavior issues, before you can adequately resolve them. Unless you are a professional dog trainer yourself, or have an extensive amount of experience raising dogs, there may be much you do not realize about what environmental factors are contributing to your dogs behavior. Dogs are highly intelligent and sensitive animals, and require a significant amount of social contact and stimulation in addition to play time and exercise, in order to keep them happy and fulfilled.

Very often there are things you can control around your home and yard that will naturally lead to better behavior in your dog. Simple things like making sure they always have access to water and shelter, toys that are okay for chewing, and regular walks will prevent a number of destructive habits from developing. A dog that feels loved will not feel the need to seek attention in inappropriate ways, or go looking for ways to entertain or comfort itself outside of the established rules. If your dog is developing bad habits, you may need to look at how you are contributing to the behavior, and work together to improve the situation. Do not hesitate to consult with the professional training resources available to create a harmonious environment for you, your family, and your dog.

About the Author
Terence Young – For more dog training tips and ideas visit http://www.obediencedoggytraining.com

Article source:
Professional Dog Training Reveals His Secrets

Continous Shaking of the Head

Constant Scratching at the Head and Ears

Continuous rubbing of the head and ears on the ground or floor

A distinct redness or irritation in the ear canal

Liquid leaking from the ears

A brown or yellowish discharge present in the ears

Foul smell emanating from the ear

Severe pain whenever the ears are touched or petted

The Veterinary Visit – Diagnosis of an Ear Infection

When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.

For those dogs that experience frequent ear infections or ear infections resistant to treatment, it is highly imperative to seek out the underlying cause. In most cases, a physical examination can deliver this information. Upon examination, small ear canals, excessive hair in the ear and floppy pinnae can easily be seen. In addition, foreign objects or tumors are also easily visualized with a physical exam.

Food allergies are usually ruled out with a food trial. During a food trial, a special hypoallergenic food is fed for a period of 8-12 weeks. The dog is monitored during this time to see if its symptoms improve.

Blood tests and skin tests are used to rule out Atopy or seasonal or inhalant allergies. These are performed just as they are in humans and can provide specifically what your dog is allergic to.

One or two blood tests may be given to determine if a certain endocrine organ is functioning properly. Usually, other symptoms present themselves besides ear infections to indicate there may be an endocrine problem.

Ear Infection Treatment

Addressing the underlying reason is an important part of treating ear infections. For dogs with food allergies, it is important to avoid those foods that they are allergic to. Dogs with atopy will probably be on a combination of medications to control their symptoms for the rest of their lives. This usually consists of a combination of corticosteroids, antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine.

In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.

Most ear infections are treated with a combination of topical medication that you put in your dogs ear and oral medication. While treating an ear infection, it is important to clean a dogs ears once or twice weekly to prevent build-up of medication and debris in the ear. The ear must be dried well after cleaning. Ear infections are usually treated for at least two weeks but may need to be treated for longer. If an ear infection will not clear up, a culture should be done as well.

Preventing Ear Infections

Treat any underlying diseases that might be present.

Dry ears completely after bathing

Dry your dogs ears out every time it swims.

Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.

Always remember: Keeping dogs ears dry is the key element to prevention and treatment of ear infections.

An experience veterinarian with great passion for writing, Heather Fox loves to share her knowledge about Dog Illness Diagnosis with fellow pet lovers. You can find more of her lessons including Dog Flea Allergy Dermatitis Symptoms on Clivir.com.

Bad Breath (halitosis)

Bleeding of the Gums

Blood on chew toys after a dog chews

As gingivitis and dental disease become more severe, other symptoms may appear. These include:

Unwillingness to Eat

Drooling

Inability or difficulty in picking up or chewing hard food

Pain when the mouth is opened

Enlargement of lymph nodes underneath the jaw

Swelling under the eyes

Bacteria from advanced dental disease can spread to other organs of the body such as the heart, kidneys and brain causing severe infection.

Visiting Your Veterinarian – Diagnosis and Treatment

Generally, a physical examination performed by your veterinarian can determine if your dog has dental disease. All that is needed is a thorough view of the inside of the mouth and teeth. However, tartar below the gum line cannot be seen by the naked eye. For this, your veterinarian will require X-rays. This procedure will require your dog to undergo general anesthesia. This is typically performed during the treatment process as both require anesthetic.

To treat tartar buildup and gingivitis, your dog will need a professional veterinary cleaning. Performed as an outpatient procedure, it is simple and easy, but does require general anesthetic.

While under sedation, a dog’s teeth are cleaned and polished both above and below the gum line much like a human dentist does for people.

If severe dental disease and gingivitis are present, x-rays of the teeth and jaws should be taken while the dog is under anesthesia to have its teeth cleaned. This allows assessment of the health of the jawbone and root of the tooth and helps in preparing a treatment plan. In some cases, where there is an abscess or severe infection under or around the tooth root, a tooth may need to be pulled. X-rays of the jaw allow the veterinarian to decide which teeth may or may not need to be pulled. Most dogs do very well after having teeth pulled. A great many of them can even continue to eat dry food after losing a large number of teeth.

Many owners opt not to have their dogs teeth removed. Instead, they choose to visit a veterinary dental specialist where root canals and other procedures can be performed.

Dog Dental Disease Prevention

Brushing your dogs teeth is the best and most effective way to prevent dental disease. Always use a soft brush and toothpaste made especially for your dogs. It is important to note not to use human toothpaste as it was not meant to be swallowed and it tends to foam too much. Below you will find a detailed video on how to brush your dogs teeth.

Heather Fox is an experience veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge about Dog Health Symptoms. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Dog Ringworm Symptoms.

Bad Smelling Breath or Halitosis

Bleeding of the Gums

Blood on chew toys after a dog chews

As the progression of gingivitis and dental disease progress, other symptoms will appear. These include:

Unwillingness to Eat

Drooling from the Mouth

Difficulty picking up food or chewing hard food

Pain when the mouth is opened

Enlargement of the lymph nodes under the jaw

Swelling under the eyes

With advanced dental disease; it is possible for bacteria from the mouth to spread to other organs and cause infections. Organs which may be affected include the heart, kidneys, and brain.

The Vet Visit – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of dental disease is based on physical examination. By opening a dogs mouth and examining its teeth, it is easy to tell whether or not calculus and gingivitis are present. While calculus and gingivitis above the gum are easy to diagnose, tartar accumulation and infection below the gum line cannot be diagnosed with a physical examination. They are usually diagnosed with x-rays of the jaw. Normally this is done during treatment because it requires general anesthesia.

The best way to treat gingivitis and tartar accumulation is with a professional veterinary cleaning. This procedure is usually an outpatient procedure that is done in the veterinary office. It requires general anesthesia.

While under sedation, a dog’s teeth are cleaned and polished both above and below the gum line much like a human dentist does for people.

When severe dental disease is present, a veterinarian will perform x-rays while the dog is under sedation in order to check for severe infection or abscesses. This allows the veterinarian to determine if a tooth or teeth must be pulled. In most cases, dogs do very well after tooth extraction and can still enjoy solid food.

In some cases, owners may wish to not have teeth pulled. In this case, it is wise to see a board certified veterinary dentist. Root canals and other procedures may be done which might salvage a broken or infected tooth.

Preventing Canine Dental Disease

Brushing your dogs teeth is the best and most effective way to prevent dental disease. Always use a soft brush and toothpaste made especially for your dogs. It is important to note not to use human toothpaste as it was not meant to be swallowed and it tends to foam too much. Below you will find a detailed video on how to brush your dogs teeth.

Heather Fox is an experience veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge about Dog Health Problems. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Dog Ringworm Diagnosis.