Best Therapy Dog Breeds

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training dogDogs are very sensitive and empathetic animals. The relationship that is established with the man is often spectacular. Over the years, the dog has become so close to humans that today there are dogs for almost all types of characters, personalities, and tastes.

In addition to being part of a family, some breeds of dogs have innate skills and are adapted to perform particular tasks. This is the case for dogs that accompany people with special needs, such as children with autism. It has been proven that the emotional bond established between the child and the animal is so close and strong that one can not be separated from the other and that this connection greatly improves the mood and health of the child.

If a child in your family has autism and you plan to introduce a new friend, it’s important for you to know what the best autistic dog breeds are so you can make the right decision.

Best Therapy Dog Breeds:

1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an impressive dog at first sight because he is sturdy and muscular, but contrary to what his physical appearance suggests, he is very docile and considered one of the best breeds to accompany autistic children. It is sometimes called “nanny dog” because of its excellent relationship with children.

He is faithful, reliable and has an excellent character. He loves being with his family so much that you will see him accompany the child wherever he goes, even to bed. He is very affectionate and obedient. If you train him properly and give him all your love, he will be the best therapy for the child.

2. Newfoundland

Newfoundland is as big as their heart. If you opt for a dog of this breed, you will have at home a soft toy that will cuddle your child permanently. Due to its large size, its temperament is set and therefore ideal for a child with autism because it will encourage him to be calm. It can also help less active children who like to draw or play in the same space.

He is an adorable giant with a calm and very intelligent temperament.

3. Pyrenean Mountain Dog

One of the benefits of this dog with an autistic child is his role as protector and guardian. Parents can relax a little and share the responsibility to be constantly vigilant in performing other tasks at home.

He is very mentally balanced, calm and not very nervous. It does not bark a lot, which is even better in this case since it will not tend to disturb the child. He is always open to new experiences and has a lot of empathy for his teachers.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are family dogs par excellence, this is the first race considered by most parents when adopting a dog for their children. All these dogs have the characteristics adapted to become a faithful friend. It is also one of the most used breeds as “service dog” because of its docile, safe and adaptable personality.

They are very affectionate with children and have a very developed instinct with regard to emotions. For example, if one day the child is more active and happy, the dog will encourage him to play and the two will have a lot of fun together.

5. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known to be companion, rescue and assistance dogs. Here are some of the benefits of their presence in the life of an autistic child: they build confidence, help reduce anxiety attacks, stimulate the imagination and the desire to communicate, encourage self-control, and as they are very sociable and loving, help integrate children into their environment.

A Labrador can help reactivate the emotional connectors of children with this disorder.

It is very important to specify that not all dogs can be a therapy dog, even if they are part of the breeds mentioned above. As a first step, you need to choose a positive and predictable dog so that he can be part of a therapy program and training.

Before planning to adopt a dog, you must go to an educator specialized in therapy dogs that can help you choose a dog that can work with your child and live with him.

How to Teach Your Dogs Complicated Commands

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dog trainingWhen training a dog, the easiest way to deal with a behavioral problem might simply be to prevent the unwanted behavior from happening. To achieve this you can resort to training a dog in obedience. This training will teach your dog only actions you want him to have but will show him which ones to avoid.

Many behavioral problems can be prevented by providing acceptable ways for your dog to express its natural impulses. There are some things that dogs simply need to do.

So instead of trying to get your dog to stop doing things like taking everything he finds at home, what you should do is focus on channeling these impulses in the right direction. Increased physical activity and mental enrichment are excellent complements to training.

If you want to learn how to train a dog in obedience or if your dog has a behavior problem that you would like to solve, do not hesitate to get help from a professional trainer. It is common for many pet owners to believe they are able to control everything with regard to their dog.

How to Train a Dog in Obedience

Although it is advisable to seek help from a professional to train a dog in obedience, there are things you can try . Trying to control a dog that has not learned orders of obedience is exhausting and often almost impossible.

The answer to the most common question…. can dog learn complicated commands? Is YES! Keep in mind that puppies have short attention spans and it is unreasonable to expect them to pay full attention for a long period of time. Keep the sessions short at the beginning to minimize distractions and keep your dog’s attention and gradually increasing the amount of time devoted to training a dog in obedience every day. These are the main obedience commands you can work with your pet

SIT

Get to the level of your puppy. Hold a treat close to your nose and let your head follow it as you move your hand up.As your head moves up, your butt will come down.When your bottom touches the floor, drop the candy in your mouth. You immediately praise him for his brilliance.Repeat it several times a day and combine behavior with the word “sit” Repetitions are important, but your dog will surely tire of multiple repetitions. Instead, do this training several times a day in short sessions.

Reinforce the command in other situations like meals. Make it sit before putting your plate on the floor or before opening the door to take it for a walk.If he does not respond properly, remind him of his work by saying gently, “Well, let’s try it again” before opening the door.

If this command is reinforced every time you ask your dog to sit away from the door, it will be less likely to run when the door is opened. In this case, the sit command may be more like a lifeguard.

COME

The command “come” is another useful tool for training a dog in obedience. Especially for the handling of unpleasant behaviors in puppies. This command can help keep a dog out of danger or gives him a job to do. If you escape from a fenced yard or walk out an open door, this command can also save your life. This basic skill is one that you both will use and refine for the rest of your life.

How to teach the “Come” command:

Tie a leash on your dog’s collar and let it drag it around.
After he gets accustomed to the leash, pick up the end and hold him while you follow him around the yard. As you get used to this, you will begin to understand that the two are bound.

With some goodies in your hand, he walks backward, encouraging him to follow you. Once you turn to him, say “yes” and give him a treat. Tell him he’s the smartest dog breeds in the world!

Begin to associate behavior with the word “come”. Whenever you respond correctly, praise and reward. Make the command “come” a game your puppy wants to play.

Do not make the bad habit of shouting repeatedly “Come, come, come” if you do not respond to the order. Remember the rule is a single word and a single order. Once your dog understands the command, if he does not react the first time you ask, go to him and guide him gently to where you want him to be.

If you are standing in the yard or at the door and you indicate the order repeatedly, he or she does not understand the command yet, or you are expecting very little.

Never use this command to bring it when you are going to scold it. If so, you will learn to associate the command with a negative consequence. If your dog is behaving badly, always address him instead of calling him to you.

STAY

A dog that just wants to sit at its owner’s feet to stay in another area is to order too! This is why it is the most difficult commands to teach when training a dog in obedience. Like the other basic commands, the “Stay” command is another lifeguard.

A dog who is taught to stay, will not chase a duck or a cat in the street. The dog that understands this command can also learn more advanced obedience commands. The goal you want to accomplish with this order is to teach your dog that its job is to stay right where it is until further instructions are given.

How to teach the command: “Stay”:

Put a leash on your dog and make him feel comfortable next to you.
Slap him gently on his snout and say “Stay”
Walk in front of your dog, wait a few seconds, and then step back and stand at his side.
Reward it for not breaking the order.
If he moves, quietly say “Ups” or “No” and guide him back to where he was initially. Again, repeat the “Stay” command along with a hand signal.
Practice this several times a day in different places.
After rewarding him with praise and a treat, teach him a word of deliverance. That is to say, the word that you will say when the time comes for him to be released from the order. A good word of liberation is “ok”.

NO

Hold a very tasty treat in your closed hand and place it on the muzzle of your dog.
When you notice the smell of the candy, move your hand to the floor. You should follow the hand that hides the candy.
While the dog’s head follows your hand, move it along the floor in front of him. Your body will follow your head and once you lie down, open your hand to let him eat the treat.

Repeat several times a day and accompany the behavior with the word “échate”.
If your dog throws itself into your hand, say “No” and withdraw your hand before it can reach the candy. If you try to sit down, you interrupt the workout and start again. Never push it down.

Like any intelligent dog, he will try everything to get the treat. It is showing efforts to fulfill the command and should not be punished for thinking. Encourage him in every progress, however small, until he understands the command. After a successful attempt, always release your dog from training and play with it.

To walk on a leash this is one of the most common reasons why an owner wants to train a dog in obedience. A dog that does not pull his leash shows his neighbors and friends who have trained him and who is a good member of the community. In addition, a dog that walks closely with its owner is less likely to become fearful in the face of new situations.

TEACH HIM TO WALK ON LEASH

Your dog has already begun to learn the “ride on a leash” command. And to understand that the strap connects to both, it’s time to start training it to walk politely and quietly by your side.

How to teach him to walk on a leash:

Hold your leash around its neck and say “Come on” using a kind voice. Put the treats in your pocket on the left side or in a bag to please him.
He animates his forward movement by stroking his left leg. When he is near you, put a candy in his mouth.

When he steps forward or stands back, stand up and let him explore until he reaches the end of the leash.
A slight tension on the belt will make you turn around. As soon as you feel the slack in the right spot, say a verbal reinforcement “Yes” as a compliment and the treat when it comes back to you.

Do not leave without knowing the benefits of training a dog.

Training a dog in obedience should not be an impossible task if you have the right tools. In addition, you have to have a lot of patience and understanding of how the mind of your pet works…

Top Watchdog Breeds

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Some dog breeds have evolved with capabilities to guard, protect their family and their habitat through instinct. Even if these watchdog breeds are naturally predisposed to do this, they should be trained like all other dogs, and in particular by being associated with people early on so they can distinguish between a malicious intruder or a friend or family member.

In order to carry out this list, we selected the breed dogs with the highest guarding skills based on the number of break-ins for the year 2014, based on the statistics we have gathered.

The Belgian Shepherd

Formidable companion dog and born super dog, the Belgian Shepherd is divided into four varieties distinguished in particular by the length, the aspect and the colors of its coat.  The Belgian Shepherd is an excellent watchdog and defense dog used by the police and the military, which is very suitable for families who are rather dynamic because it is a dog that needs a lot of exercises and which Is very rambunctious. Besides, the Belgian Shepherd excels in Agility.

The American Staffordshire Terrier

Victim of unfounded myths about his aggressiveness because of a mistaken law and hawkers media, the American Staffordshire terrier is a great companion dog, good with children and protective of his family. Like the Akita Inu, this canine has unfortunately long been used as a fighting dog for its strength and courage by terrible and greedy people. A symbol of loyalty, docility, and intelligence, the American Staffordshire terrier is also a formidable watchdog and protection dog for its family, who will watch over him with vigilance and discernment. Used by the police in some countries, it is also a great aid dog for the sick. Beware, however, where you adopt an Amstaff, This breed of dog is unfortunately restricted by the law on the categorization of dogs called “dangerous” in some countries which induce obligations if not followed can result in penalty or confiscation, fines and especially euthanasia.

The Rottweiler

Balanced and calm, the Rottweiler impresses with its huge and intimidating physique. A true protector of his family and has a certain sweetness with children, Rottweilers have wrongly suffered from a reputation as an aggressive dog, accentuated by the dark color of their coat which also affects the Doberman. A very good guardian, the Rottweiler is devoted to his family and very loving of his territory. PS, the Rottweiler is unfortunately also restricted by the law of categorization on dogs in some countries. If you get a Rottweiler it helps to have a heavy duty dog crate like the ones on this site http://www.bestdogcrates.net/escape-proof-cages/.

The Boxer

Probably one of the kindest guard dogs, the Boxer is an easy going dog, docile and obedient. Good with children, it is a formidable guardian, courageous and without fear when it comes to defending its family and its home. The Boxer will suit most families on condition of giving him long walks so that he runs a lot and gets good exercise.

The German Shepherd

Faithful, intelligent, protective and athletic, the German Shepherd is known for his natural working abilities and his elegant and athletic physique. A very good watchdog with remarkable abilities of strength and action in a given situation, the German Shepherd needs to be stimulated intellectually and to walk regularly to burn up his energy. Very versatile, the German Shepherd is used by police and army forces for protection and military missions. It is also a very good aid dog for the sick.

Different Species of Tropical Fish

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pet fishIf you want to take care of your fish and their aquarium, you should try to understand their needs. You can pick between freshwater and saltwater fish. The freshwater fish are composed of two types: Coldwater and tropical. There are a number of types that you can get if you want to start a tank. Therefore, What is the most popular types?

 

The Pantodontidae Species: This type of fish includes a few subspecies, like the butterfly. Their origin is Africa and their maximum size is 9cm. The body of the butterflyfish is generally flat and has small patterns on it. Tropical fish have an interesting look to them.

They have a mouth that turns up and boat-shaped bodies. You will also notice a big chest that is like wings almost. Some of them will be darker, while others will be grayish. In some cases, you will see dark spots or stripes on their scales.

This is a species that is generally quite non-aggressive, but you should still keep them together with fish of the same species.

This is not a fish that will mate easily in the tank. If you want fish that will mate, pick a species that is easier to accomplish that with. If you still want to go with the Pandotidae and they do mate, give their offspring small insects to eat. It takes around three days for the eggs to hatch.

The Gnathonemus Petersi Species: Another name for this species is the elephant fish. Their maximum size in an aquarium is around 10-11cm and they can be found in Africa and specifically Cameroon. However, in the wild, they can get much bigger and up to 23cm (9 inches). Their chins are long and squeezed against their body. They have both a back and an anal fin. Their color is usually either dark brown or black, with white stripes.

As for where to keep these fish, a self-cleaning tank is your best bet.  Go here to view some www.bestautomaticfishfeeders.com/self-cleaning-tank-reviews/.  They will take all the work away for you and make fish keeping more enjoyable.

Leaping the Bull

Leaping the Bull

was a revered sport and a favorite pastime of Ancient Minoan Youth. They were diligently trained for years as expert gymnasts. Girls and boys trained equally as they prepared for the day they would face the beast.

They learned to approach the bull and as he lowered his massive head to charge them, the children fearlessly stood fast preparing to grasp his horns. Upon contact, the bull reared his head to loose them, but these gracefully trained athletes used the momentum to effortlessly flip over his back. It must have been spectacular and breathtaking to see.

Children are incredible and magical beings. They thrive on the nurturing encouragement of their parents and families. They tend to be fearless and most of them will try any sport or activity. They are amazingly willing to learn if someone will take the time to teach them in a positive environment. They truly have limitless potential.

We believe in instilling the pursuit of excellence in every child who enters the LOV and our goal is to encourage each one to pursue excellence for themselves…being the best they can be, not because anyone else expects them to, but because it’s what they want.