Tip - Aggressive dog - How to deal with aggressive dogs

There is a training technique that was taught to me by a fellow pit bull owner, and it works wonders.

As you probably know, usually a Pit Bull's #1 problem is dog aggression because historically they were bred for dog fighting.

It's called " Bar Open" "Bar Closed" when you are walking your dog, and you see (and your dog sees another dog) feed treats over and over again (aka Bar Open) until the dog is out of site.

Once the dog is out of site, stop feeding treats (AKA bar Closed). Your dog will start to associate that every time a new dog is around it's a VERY positive thing.

I'm sure if it can work on rescued pit bulls who were abused by their past owners by putting them in dog fights, then it can work on a Dalmatian.

Good luck!

(By Bruno's mom)

Tip - Dog boredom and inappropriate chewing

These days many of us are busier than ever and leave our dogs completely alone for long periods of time, sometimes for 12 hours or more. Then we come home to find that the dog has been chewing on all our favorite shoes, clothes, furniture legs, wires etc. Then of course it is the dog that gets yelled at, scolded or heaven forbid hit.

First off this really isn't fair to a dog, and if you have this busy a lifestyle, and you are thinking about getting a dog, maybe you shouldn't. Other pets may well be more appropriate. Dogs are pack animals by nature; this means that they need companionship and don't like being left alone for long periods.

If you are in this scenario perhaps you could ask a neighbor or friend to walk or play with your dog in the middle of the day. If you can afford it, a dog walker is a great idea.

The number one cause of inappropriate chewing when you are not home is boredom.

At the very least, provide your dogs with good toys to amuse themselves. Many toys can be stuffed with peanut butter or other dog treats. This gives the dog something appropriate to do when you are not around. Another tip is to keep the television or the radio on. Talk radio is thought to be better than music and is soothing to most dogs. Nothing though, can replace human interaction, not even a second dog, which is not a good idea if you don't even have time for the first one.

DOGS THAT FETCH A BALL OR TOY, BUT WON'T BRING IT BACK

Lots of dogs will chase after a ball or other retrieving toy, but when they get it they not only won't bring it back, but actually run away from you with it when you try to get it back. Actually, the dog has simply taken charge of the game and changed the rules from "fetch" to "tag" or "keep away." If you want the dog to actually retrieve you must change the game a little so that you are in control. When the toy is thrown, tell the dog, "Take it". As soon as the dog takes the toy in his mouth and looks at you, turn and run in the opposite direction. Most dogs will dash after you to try to catch up. When he gets near, take the toy, give him some praise and a treat, and immediately throw the toy again to keep the game going.