My Dog Press

All young dogs are inquisitive by nature, and want to explore. This can make lead training difficult, as the puppy wants to be everywhere but by the owner when they go for a walk. The sights, sounds and smells of new places can be irresistible to a puppy, and it is important to catch poor lead behavior very early on before it develops in to something more difficult to control.

The Pulling Game

Many dogs don’t go through an adequate socialization or lead training programm when they are young. This leads to pulling, biting and snapping when other dogs come in to view. The dog makes a harsh rasping noise as he tries to pull away from the lead, making walking an exhaustive process for the owner. A well-trained dog can be a pleasure to walk, but a poorly-trained one can be frustrating.

The First Principles of Lead Training

Firstly, a dog needs to be well socialised. This means that he is used to other dogs and responds well to them. This is why it is very important to introduce the dog to as many others of his species as possible as soon as he has had his inoculations against disease. Going to socialisation classes early on is invaluable, or even just taking the dog to the park and letting him romp with others, or introducing him to friends and family who have dogs too, so he can get used to being around all manner of breeds and temperaments.

Starting Lead Training

As soon as the pup is ready to go out, use the lead as part of toilet training. Pop him on it when he goes in to the garden and walk with him as he has a good explore. Encourage him to go where he likes on the lead, letting him get accustomed to it and praising him for good behaviours. Reward with treats or puppy biscuits if he comes back to you, even on a lead, and wears the lead without chafing at it or jumping about. Gradually, the puppy will understand that the lead is a positive thing that lets him go out, rather than something that will tether or restrict him.

Continuing Lead Training in the Outside World

When your pup is comfortable with the lead, it is time to go on the first walk together. Get lots of treats and set out when the puppy is feeling confident. The best possible beginning is to take another dog along too, as the puppy will focus on the dog rather than pulling. If having another dog along on the walk is not possible, take the following steps to achieve a perfect walk: Reward the puppy when he stays near you without pulling Keep him focused by showing him treats and encouraging him Try not to pull on the lead, or shout, as the puppy will need to trust his owner if things get frightening Engage his attention with a favourite squeaky toy if he gets distracted Walk at an easy, gentle pace without stopping so he understand he needs to walk beside you Try to keep going – don’t stop unless he needs to go to the toilet, as this will make your pace more difficult to second-guess and understand Always keep calm, confident and relaxed, as tension from the owner will wind the puppy up. If the puppy does well, reward him with lots of love and affection. A walk that goes well the very first time should be the best possible experience for owner and puppy, and this can be repeated again and again with positive reinforcement for a happy and relaxed future together.

Canine distemper is a very serious viral disease which usually affects puppies between the ages of three and six months, and elderly or infirmed dogs and other animals.

Distemper in dogs is highly contagious and caused by airborne exposure to respiratory secretions of animals infected by the virus. It can be lethal without treatment, attacking the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Early signs include pus-like eye discharge, fever, coughing, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. In later stages, canine distemper virus could cause seizures, twitching and even paralysis.

If you are interested in learning about a breakthrough natural treatment for canine distemper follow this link to find out more. Or continue reading below to find out more about this serious dog health problem.

How is the condition usually prevented and/or treated?

Accoring to most veterinarians, 50% of pets that are infected with canine distemper will not survive, while those that do will have permanent problems such as deformities and digestive disorders. Canine distemper and seizures are very common as well.

To prevent the illness from occurring, pets are vaccinated throughout their lives. There is no cure for the disease, and conventional means merely temper symptoms and keep the dog from developing more serious complications.

However, frequent vaccinations can compromise a dog’s immune system and have serious long term implications on its health. For this reason many pet owners are turning to safer, natural treatments for distemper in dogs.

Homeopathic veterinarians have had enormous success in not only preventing the illness from occurring, but also treating distemper in those pets that have been infected with the virus. As such they have a much more optimistic outlook on the disease than conventional veterinarians.

If you are interested in preventing or treating canine distemper, you might want to consider Vi-Pro Plus, a special natural treatment with herbal and homoepathic ingredients that can protect your dog against distemper and other viral infections.