You put a lot of work into understanding dog behavior so that you can train your dog to be a good obedient pet. Do you realize just how much time you commit to your dog?

Would it surprise you to know that you think about your dog all the time? You probably don’t realize just how much you do spend on him. You aren’t consciously thinking about him. A lot of it is subconscious.

But how much is your dog thinking about you? You can be sure it is not nearly as much as you think about him.

All day long, you think about what your dog might need at any given moment. Does he need feeding? Does he need water? Does he want to play? Does he need to go outside? Is it time for his brushing?

You are always conscious of where he is so that you will not trip over him. You like to know what he is doing and that he is not getting himself into trouble.

When you aren’t thinking about his presence in the house, you’re thinking about what you might need to get for him as you’re going out the door. Does he have enough food? Should I get him a new toy? Does he deserve more treats?

Any time he changes his behavior, you immediately begin to question his health. Should I take him to the vet? Or is he going to recover on his own?

All of this thinking about your dog is why that huge silence left when he or she goes is so… loud.

Your dog, on the other hand, is mostly focused on things that serve his immediate needs. Remember, dogs think in the moment. They do not care when their next meal will arrive or if you will be going out soon or what you did together 10 minutes ago.

The truth of the matter is that your dog only thinks about you when he wants something.

He will think about you when he gets hungry or thirsty or needs to go outside. He will think about you when he wants some social interaction. And he might think about you if he suspects he has done something bad.

The rest of the time he is thinking about protecting his home and his pack. In other words, his attention is focused on the outside world. He is constantly on the alert for different sounds and smells that pass down the street. He is on the lookout for intruders who could decide to challenge him.

This is why dog training can be difficult. Your dog is quick to change his focus away from you and onto other things that are more important to him. You have probably noticed how much of a challenge it can be to hold your dog’s attention, especially early in your relationship.

Knowing why your dog is so easily distracted will help you in your training efforts. It will enable you to provide your dog with the things he needs so that he is ready to put his attention on you.

Make sure he has been fed, watered and exercised before you begin your training. Find a place that is free of distractions. Hold his attention by working with his need for socialization and rewards.

You won’t likely get him to think about you as often as you think about him, but catering to his needs will certainly help.

In the end, understanding dog behavior takes a lot of your time, but the rewards are well worth it.

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The holidays can be a busy, chaotic time; but also a very special time when we give gifts to the special ones in our lives and receive gifts as well. Now, some of those gifts are just what we wanted, others may not be as special but are warmly received none the less.

As a pet owner it can be a pretty scary time, with all the forbidden chocolate candies laying around, or the small toys received in a child’s stocking that an be chewed on and possibly chocked on. And then there’s the lights that flash and blink so beautifully.

Ok you’ve got your list made out and are ready to begin the shopping adventure. But, did you remember your best friend? I’m not talking about your 2 legged one, but the other one, You know, that 4 legged little one who is always there for you with love that is absolutely unconditional.

When the rest of the family is busy opening gifts; Where will they be?

Maybe safely confined in their new kennel, if they got one? Or lying on their new bed, maybe off playing with a new toy or busy chomping on a new treat, if they received any of these.

Dogs, cats or other pets don’t know there’s a certain time to open gifts so theirs can be and should be given early and with thought.

That new kennel will keep them safe from all the human excitement and a new toy or special treat will keep them occupied

A new sweater or doggy coat will be great for them as they don their new collar and leash and quietly wait for their special walk with you. How about a new scratching post or play toy for kitty as well as a bright new collar for when they’re out and about.

Maybe you have to be more on the practical side and look into training aids, whether it is to help with housebreaking or some behavior training aids. These are those dual purpose gifts, kinda like a new toaster is to the family, used and enjoyed by all.

I’ve talked mostly about pets already in the family, now let’s talk about a new pet that will be given or received as a gift. I am a Chihuahua breeder and this is the first time I will have puppies available for Christmas.

What an awesome gift, a new little Chihuahua puppy or any puppy for that matter. Take some time and consider, puppies need a quiet time to adjust to a new family and new surroundings.

Don’t just thrust them into a group of excited humans (adults or children), you will end up with a terrorized frightened puppy and it may take days, weeks or even months to get them back on track.

Chihuahuas get a bad rap for not being good around children when in reality it’s normally children who are not good around Chihuahuas. Now don’t get me wrong children don’t intentially do things to frighten a puppy, that’s where parents intervine with explanations and supervision.

Much of this bad rap has to do with how the puppy was socialized from the beginning and when they were brought into new surroundings. Giving them a safe and secure introduction to the family is the key. If you’re giving or getting a new puppy at Christmas prepare ahead for their needs.

A new pet is not a Christmas gift, but rather a lifetime friend and family member.

I can pretty much guarantee you your pet will not judge you for what you got them nor will they ask; “Where’s mine?” They will be right there by your side regardless of the any one sided gift exchange.

Patricia Ellison is a Chihuahua breeder and animal lover visit her site and see her puppies at Patz-dogs.com You can shop for many of the products mentioned in this article at Patzpetstore.comArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/pet-christmas-shopping-1517747.html