| ||
| ||
|
Best Pet Articles | |
|
|
|
Training Your Dog?Is It Worth The Effort Or Is It Just A Waste Of Time?
Many people feel that taking the time to train their puppy or dog isn't worth the effort. What with everything else we have to do these days in our busy lives, whose got the time? Kimberley was just like that. She'd never bothered training Jack?but then, one day? Kimberly and Jack ran excitedly up to the top of the escarpment and gazed out over the deep blue ocean waves as they rolled in from the east. The sun was just appearing over the horizon, the cool sea breeze on her face made her feel completely alive, and Kimberley was as contented as she had ever been. The time she spent with Jack, the 3 year old German shepherd she had rescued from the animal shelter a few months earlier, was the most precious part of her life. He seemed to know just what she was thinking and was devoted to Kim to the point of being a fanatic. He wouldn't leave her side?unlike most of the other male companions she had previously had in her life. Jack was the perfect companion. He gave her unconditional love, he was always there for her when she needed to talk to someone, he lavished his undivided attention on her, he never spoke back, and was always waiting patiently for her when she came home from her work at the pharmacy. The early morning walks they shared helped her forget the many troubles in her life, and allowed her just enjoy herself. This morning was special. She was on the first day of her annual two-week vacation, and had plans to take Jack up to the mountains hiking and camping for a few days later in the week. The thought of getting away from the pressures of daily life made her feel a rush of adrenaline and Jack could sense her excitement, yelping and barking playfully as they frolicked in the grass at the top of the ridge. They played for over half an hour, then turned to head for home to have something to eat. Maybe it was the excitement of it all, but for whatever reason, Kimberly wasn't thinking straight as she undid Jack's leash to let him run on his own through the grassy fields as they descended the hill towards the township below. It happened in an instant. Jack caught sight of a rabbit hiding in the grass and took off after the animal in a frenzied rush of excitement and playful enthusiasm. Kimberley called him back, but he was totally focused on catching the rabbit and heard nothing but the creature's cries for help as it raced towards the safety of its borough. Jack was a beautiful sight to behold as he chased the rabbit in full flight across the grassy field. Every second he gained on the small creature, until he was only 10 feet behind it and closing fast. But Kim was looking on in horror. The rabbit had built its borough close to the edge of the cliff, and Jack was running at full speed towards the huge drop down to the ocean below. Kim could feel the fear welling up inside her and she frantically called him back as she ran towards the cliff top herself. "Stop Jack!", she cried, but he paid no attention to her commands as he chased the rabbit towards the cliff top. Just 6 feet short of the cliff's edge, the rabbit dropped into the safety of it's home below ground. Jack didn't see where the animal went, and in the few seconds it took for him to realize that the rabbit had escaped, his momentum carried him off the cliff and over the edge. Kimberley screamed as she saw her beloved companion disappear out of sight. "No!" she cried as she ran headlong towards the jagged cliff top. She peered over the edge with tears streaming down her cheeks, fearing that her best friend had fallen all the way to the rocks below. She moved closer to the edge screaming out to Jack, praying that by some miracle, he had survived. As she lay down to look over the edge, she saw Jack wedged precariously next to a tree stump on a small outcrop about 20 feet below, injured, but alive. If he had gone off the cliff just 3 feet either side of where he did, he would have fallen hundreds of feet to the rocks below. His life had been spared, at least at the moment, by the narrowest of margins. A huge feeling of relief welled up through Kimberley's body as she saw that Jack was still alive. She pulled out her mobile phone and called the police. She quickly explained what had happened to the officer on the line and a team of rescue workers were dispatched to the cliff top to rescue Jack. Kimberley watched on with trepidation as the rescue team carefully winched her beloved Jack to safety from the outcrop that had saved his life. He had broken his left rear leg and had some cuts and abrasions, but on the whole, he was a very lucky dog that day?and Kimberley knew it. She looked towards the sky and gave thanks that her best friend had been spared. She promised herself that as soon as Jack was back on four legs, she would start to train him to obey her commands so that something like this could never happen again. She felt guilty that her neglect at not training him properly from the start could have cost this beautiful animal his life. She felt sad but also happy that she had been given another chance with Jack, and she wasn't about to waste it. 3 Months Later? Kimberley and Jack are again able to take their early morning walks, but now, Jack's lead is an option. He obeys Kimberley's every command, and they have a deep, new found respect for each other's abilities that goes far beyond their roles of dog and master. They are truly great friends. Maybe you don't take your shepherd for off leash walks near cliff tops, but there are lots of hazards just as dangerous around your home that can cause your favourite pet to hurt himself?or worse. Running into moving traffic, drinking something poisonous around your home, jumping the fence and getting into fights with other dogs?these are all situations that proper training can severely restrict or eliminate. Think for a moment of how you would feel if your wonderful dog was injured or killed by a car right in front of you because he ran out onto the road despite your calls for him to come back. Training is vital for every pet so that they know what is expected of them and they stay safe in an increasingly dangerous world. And properly training your pet is your responsibility. Please, take the time to train your dog. If you don't know where to start, there are plenty of good books around to help. Another option is to take him to obedience classes in your local area. This is the most focused training you can give him (and yourself?) but it's also the most time consuming and expensive. If you have the time and financial resources, it's usually the best way (if you can find a good trainer), but if you don't, then reading a good training book and following it's instructions will give you a solid grounding on how to train your dog properly. Train him well, and he will reward you for it in so many ways that you can't imagine. Rocky Tapscott is an author and owner of Just German Shepherds.com For free information and articles on buying, training and living with German shepherds, or any dog for that matter, come and visit us at,http://www.just-german-shepherds.com/
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Materials for Snake and other Reptile Cages What kind of materials should you use when constructing a reptile cage? This question was posed to me once by someone wishing to build their own reptile cage. They were particularly asking about pine and cedar as they had heard these were no good. Does Your Dog Need Puppy Prozac? Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did he eat your socks? Knock your drink off the coffee table? Chew through your favorite vintage record album? Should you invest in Doggy Prozac? Should you think about dropping him off at the local pound?Goodness no. There's a reason why your dog's been behaving badly. Maintaining your Fish Bowls Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your fish bowl should be kept as hygienic as possible. Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You? Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog? Not an obsession, mind you - not the sort of longing that would send you rushing to a breeder, thousand-dollar-bill in your sweaty palm - but just a gentle appreciation for the virtues of the Poodle, Pug or Pyrenean Mastiff?Let's say you have -- but you thought buying a purebred pup was a less-than-ideal use of your family's resources. If that's the case, it might be time to look up your local Dog Rescue organization! Dog Rescues are organized by breed, so prospective parents can sign up to be notified when new poodles or pugs come in. Training Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize to teach their pets boundaries. There are several different types and several different options available to the consumer. Keeping Your Cat Healthy Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and water and they will be quite healthy most of the time. Like any other living thing, however, they can get sick and can come down with anything from a minor cold to a major ailment. Dog Training - Early Training Is Essential Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like all youngsters they need training. If you do not train your puppy now it will take a serious amount of help from a training school to get him to be obedient later on. 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All TimeAccording to Dog Training Experts10) When trying to settle a puppy into a new home, providing them with a warm hot water bottle and placing a ticking clock in the room where they sleep will help to replicate the body heat and heartbeat of their litter mates and can really help them to relax in their new environment.9) When taking your puppy to the Vet for its first inoculations, health checks etc, it is good practice to sit with your puppy on your lap and not have him or her on the floor. Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make suure that the dog is happy and there isn't too much upheaval in your home?If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. How to Train Your Puppy to Sit Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of joy and excitement in the old and young alike. The innocent eyes and cute antics of this new member of the family immediately starts attracting a lot of love and affection from all quarters. Reincarnating Pets It is always sad when a beloved animal family member leaves their body and goes into spirit. We call this death, but truly, no one dies. Natural Dog Shampoos are Good for Your Dogs Skin and Coat A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog .. Mind Over Matter Understanding where horses come from has been a long road for most equestrians. Using that new understanding can dramatically change how one handles, cares for, and trains or rides their horse. Give a Homeless Cat or Dog a Gift of Good Cheer The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of excitement , expectation, and celebration.But for many it's also a difficult time. Characteristics Of The Boxer Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany First Registered: 1904 Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth Height: 21 - 25 inches Weight: 66 - 70 lbs. Life Span: 10 - 12 Years Average Litter Size: 5 - 10 Health Concerns:. Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year supposedly ensure your dog's immunity to some common infectious diseases. Antibiotics? I Think Not Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more reluctant to give you a prescription for antibiotics unless it's proven that you are indeed suffering from a bacterial infection? Well, I wish I could say better late than never, but in the case of antibiotics, we're far too late.Antibiotics were once touted as a modern miracle and they did indeed save lives, once upon a time. Down On The Farm As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's farm, I begin to hit that little corner that always takes me back in time. I now live in town or the city, but my roots run deep, back in time I go to that little community I once lived in, where I grew up, where I was raised. Reuniting Lost Pets With Their Owners Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially on children who are close to the lost pet. But, one in three pet owners fail to take the steps needed to ensure that this tragedy does not occur in their home.
|
| home | site map | SubArticle |
| © 2008 |
