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| Fact: Chow Chows are great dogs, but are prone to hip dysplasia as they age. They also tend to get an eyelid abnormality called entropion, but this can be corrected with surgery. |
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Comforting Your Previously Abused DogNature-and-pets :: PetsYour relationship with your dog can be one of the most rewarding you will ever have. Dogs are constant, loyal companions who love their families. However, there are many people who mistreat these devoted friends. Abused dogs looking for loving homes overwhelm animal shelters. Because most dogs tend to be trusting animals, abuse has a tremendous affect on them. When adopting an abused dog, it is important to realize that they will require special attention and patience. Adopting an abused dog is not for everyone. They typically have many behavioral problems. They also tend to be older dogs with very distinct behavior patterns that are harder to break than those of puppies. Building Trust Patience is the most important thing you can bring to your relationship with your new dog. Abused dogs have very serious trust issues. It could be weeks, if not months, before your dog will trust you enough to let you pet him. All creatures form attachments in the same way. If they have a basic need being met, they will become attached to the one meeting it. This is how babies become attached to their parents. The baby cries when upset and someone shows up and makes them comfortable. They depend on this person for everything. If these needs are consistently met, they begin to trust in their caretaker. Dogs are a lot like babies. Meet their needs consistently and they will begin to trust you. Make sure your dog has constant access to water and toys. Develop a feeding schedule that is easy for you to maintain. Your new dog will have many behavior issues. Most abused dogs have not ever received enough attention to learn the basics of good behavior. It is very important that you not lose your temper with your previously abused dog. This will just frighten them and make trust building even harder Providing a Stable Home Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you get him. Most abused dogs have health problems. A full check-up will give you a clear idea of what to expect from your dog in the coming months. You should begin treatment for any illness and start vaccinations immediately. Make sure you provide your new pet with a comfortable place in your home that it can call its own. If you are going to kennel-train your new dog, make sure the kennel is large enough for them to comfortably stand and turn around. Wherever you decide to put your dog, make sure you include a soft blanket or pillow and a toy for them. Dogs value consistency. While your dog is adjusting to life in your home, be as consistent as possible in your treatment of them. If your dog can learn to predict how you will respond to their behavior, it will make it easier for them to trust you. The more consistent a schedule you provide your dog, the more comfortable they will become with the predictability of their lives. If your dog expects to be taken on a walk everyday after you get home from work, he begins to look forward to this and feels as though he can trust you to be reliable. Keeping Your Pet Busy Exercise and activities do a lot to help your dog behave well. An active lifestyle allows your dog use up most of their energy when they are with you. This leaves them less likely to act out when they are alone. If they are sleeping, they cannot chew up your favorite shoes. Providing your dog with training also goes a long way towards building up your dog’s comfort level. Dogs thrive on mental stimulation. Boredom and loneliness are the main causes of destructive behavior in dogs. A good dog-trainer will help you learn how to work with your dog, building trust. Training provides you with many opportunities to provide your dog with reassurances that they are making progress. Trainers teach you how to discipline your dogs without punishing them. Most dog-trainers encourage positive reinforcement instead of punishing misbehavior. Positive reinforcement is based off of the idea that dogs need to be given rewards for good behavior, instead of being punished for bad. This way, they will behave properly to receive rewards. Be certain you are ready for the commitment of an abused dog before you bring one home. These dogs have had traumatic lives. It is best to avoid the risk of hurting them further, by bringing them home only to realize you cannot care for them as well as you thought. Bringing a new dog into your home always requires a period of adjustment. Bringing an abused dog into your home requires even more of an adjustment. The relationship you cultivate with a previously abused dog can be much more rewarding than any other relationship with a dog. Rescued dogs tend to form incredibly strong bonds with their adoptive families and will forever be devoted companions. Nature-and-pets :: Pets Additional Resources... Free Reprint Right Articles Automotive Information Gas Saving Strategies See also: Blackhat Fish FSBO Homes |
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