Recent reports of wheat gluten tainted with aminopterin in commercial dog food manufactured by Menu Foods has spurred a nationwide recall of at least 95 private label and major dog food brands.

Aminopterin is a rat poison that has been used to induce abortions in the past and is prohibited for use in the United States. The aminopterin apparently found its way into the dog food via wheat gluten produced in China by a new supplier of the ingredient to Menu Foods.

As a result more than 16 pets have died to date. Reports of Kidney failure in dogs who have eaten the contaminated dog food is spreading in news flashes around the globe.

Now a new potentially fatal dog killer has been discovered in the recalled food by the FDA. Government tests have uncovered a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics in the recalled dog food.

Melamine has been discovered in tested samples of recalled dog food from Menu Foods and in the previously suspect wheat gluten. This chemical which is also utilized as a fertilizer has been discovered in the urine of sick pets and in the kidney of a pet that died.

If you buy any of the commercial dog food manufactured by menu Foods and listed at menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

Then you have been feeding rat poison, and now a chemical that is used to make plastics to your dog.

It should be no surprise that dogs live shorter lives than possible. In fact, dogs have a potential life expectancy of close to 25 years but most dogs live only an average of 10 years.

We stopped buying commercial dog food such as those listed in the recall years ago after we discovered skin conditions and other ailments in our dogs.

The change for the better was evident in a few short weeks as the junk in their system was replaced by healthy and nutritious foods.

Take the initiative now. Stop buying toxic poison and killing your dogs with junk that in our view is not suitable as food.

Your dog will give you a hug and be healthier for it.

Our dogs were sickly and we couldn’t figure out why. We took them off commercial dog food and are we ever glad we did. See what is in your dog food at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html This article may be reproduced unedited with the author's link displayed

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno

Labels: Dog Health

One of the most effective ways of house breaking any boxer puppy or boxer dog is crate training. Crate training is a very efficient and very effective training method, since it works with the natural instinct of the boxer dog to achieve the desired result of a clean house and a well trained boxer dog.

Basically the concept behind crate training is that a boxer dog naturally strives to avoid soiling the area where it eats and sleeps. By placing the boxer dog in the crate, this instinct is enhanced. The boxer dog will come to see the crate as its den, and it will try to avoid soiling its den.

The key to successful crate training for a boxer puppy or an older boxer dog, as with other forms of boxer dog training, is to establish a good routine. This routine will enhance the ability of the boxer dog to do its business in the right place, and avoid eliminating in the wrong place. It is important to shower the boxer dog with praise each and every time it eliminates in the established toilet area, and not to express frustration or anger when the boxer dog makes a mistake.

It is important to confine your boxer dog or boxer puppy to a small part of the house, generally one puppy proofed room, when you are not at home. The room should contain a soft bed, fresh water and some favorite toys to prevent your boxer dog from becoming bored and frustrated.

Crate training is different from confining your boxer dog to one room, however. With crate training, your boxer puppy or boxer dog is confined to a crate when unsupervised. The idea is that the boxer dog will think of this crate as its home, and not want to soil is home.

When crate training, it is important to remove the boxer dog from the crate as soon as possible after returning home, and to take the boxer dog promptly to the previously established toilet area. When the boxer dog does its business in this toilet area, be sure to provide lots of praise and treats. It is important that the boxer dog learn to associate proper toilet procedures with good things like treats and toys. It is important to never leave the boxer dog in its crate for long periods of time, as this will confuse the dog and force it to soil its sleeping area. The crate is simply a tool, and it should not be abused by leaving the boxer dog in it for extended periods of time. If the boxer dog is left in the crate for too long, it could set back the training program by weeks if not months.

The boxer dog should only be confined to the crate when you are at home. Except for at night the boxer dog should be given the opportunity to relieve itself every 45 minutes or so. Each time the boxer dog is taken out, it should be put on a leash and immediately taken outside. Once outside the house, the boxer dog should be given three to five minutes to do its business. If the dog does not eliminate in this time period, it should be immediately returned to the create.

If the boxer dog does its business during the set time period, it should be rewarded with praise, food, play, affection and either an extended walk or a period of play inside or outside the home. During the crate training period, it is important to keep a daily diary of when the dog does its business each day. If the dog is on a regular feeding schedule, the toilet schedule should be consistent as well. Having a good idea of when the dog needs to eliminate each day will be a big help during the house training process. After the dog has used his established toilet area, you will be able to give the dog free run of the house to play and enjoy himself.

Dealing with accidents during crate training

It is very important to not punish the puppy or boxer dog when it makes a mistake or has an accident during the crate training process. If there has been an accident, simply clean it up. Accidents during house training mean that you have provided the dog with unsupervised access to the house too quickly. The dog should not be allowed unsupervised access to the home until you can trust her bowel and bladder habits. If mistakes do occur, it is best to go back to crate training. Taking a couple of steps back will help move the house training process along, while moving too quickly could set things back.

John Samuels is the proud owner of two beautiful boxers called Napoleon and Buck. If you found this tip useful and would like some more tips on boxer care please visit my Boxer Dog Trainings site at http://boxerdogtraining.evenpick.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Samuels

Labels: Dog Training

Giving your Boxer a raw, natural diet (as opposed to commercially prepared one) makes the feeding task flexible and you get to control the quality of the food your Boxer is getting.

The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or “BARF” diet is easy to prepare. You are basically feeding him “bones and raw food”, adding in or taking out supplement as needed.

It is better to first understand the principles behind this feeding method. And there are excellent reference books available on this subject matter.

Basically, the BARF diet is made up of raw meat and raw meaty bones, raw processed vegetables plus dairy products, eggs, fish, offal, muscle meats, fruit and maybe some supplements. It is a very balanced diet and you get to control the ingredients as well as the quality. Some people leave out dairy products or grains.

On the other hand, an owner suggests that you keep a Boxer healthy with occasional yogurt treats.

Boxers tend to have lots of food allergies. One owner put an ailing and lethargic Boxer on a strictly venison diet and the dog finally thrived, gained weight and became very active.

There is also a recent concern about eating a large amount of grapes or raisins, since they can be toxic to dogs, leading to acute kidney failure.

The reports concerning this grape/raisin poisoning have only just surfaced and the information is still sketchy at best. The Animal Poison Control Center in the US is investigating this new medical development.

Some questions remaining to be answered are:

• How much grapes or raisins eaten could become toxic to your dog?
• What is the toxic substance?
• How does it affect the kidney?

To be safe, have your veterinarian check your Boxer if he has eaten a large amount of grapes or raisins because a healthy kidney is key to its survival.

John Samuels is the proud owner of two beautiful boxers called Napoleon and Buck. If you found this tip useful and would like some more tips on boxer care please visit my Boxer Dog Trainings site at http://boxerdogtraining.evenpick.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Samuels

Labels: Dog Training

One of the most commonly held beliefs about dogs is that they are quite literally born to obey their respective masters - be they male or female. That's why we all collectively consider dogs to be mans best friend. Obedience is not necessarily something that comes naturally to dogs and to be honest often has to be trained into them with compassion and patience. Your dog needs to learn how to obey commands so they know how to behave around your home, people and of course other dogs and animals.

Obedience training in dogs is to allow you to "control" the dog. Remember dogs think and act with a pack instinct to a certain extent and this type of training is vital so that the dog knows who the master is in your relationship. In effect you'll become the Alpha male of this particular small "pack". The methods used to achieve this final goal vary from one trainer to the next but the ultimate goal is the same - the dog has to obey their master; it's to the benefit of all involved.

So what actually makes a dog obey their master? They (dogs) don't think the same way as humans do and don't understand our spoken language as such. So what are the core techniques to making a dog obey you? It's quite simple really... you need to train your dog in a consistent and compassionate manner and they'll respond. And you thought it was going to be rocket science eh?

Having a consistent approach in your training is critical. Dogs don't think logically as humans do. You need to be consistent in showing your dog what behaviors you appreciate and those that you don't. This way it can become more "instinctual" for the dog and they'll quite happily obey you and your dog/owner relationship can truly blossom.

Compassion is equally important. Even the smartest dog will take time to learn new commands from you. If your canine buddy doesn't instantly respond to a new commmand then don't scold, slap or shout at him or her. Your dog needs to trust you for your training to be truly effective and let's face facts nobody likes getting yelled at - dogs are the same in this regard.

Your dog is willing to obey you but he's going to take time to learn the ropes. Be patient, compassionate and consistent in your approach and you're already 50% of the way to success.

Is your dog misbehaving? If so then visit DogTrainingHelper where you can discover lots more dog training tips and learn lots more about dog training with positive reinforcement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche

Labels: Dog Training

An ongoing debate has been waging among dog owners, dog breeders, dog trainers and veterinarians for some time with regard to the safety of feeding raw meat and raw food to dogs.

Advocates of the Bones and Raw Food ( BARF) regimen argue that feeding dogs raw meat is essential in order to deliver the nutrients in a state most closely resembling those that dogs ingested in the wild 10,000 years ago.

BARF aficionados argue that by cooking, even partially, the food that we feed our dogs, we are removing critical nutrients and therefore not delivering a healthy and balanced diet to our best friend.

The result according to BARF advocates is that a dog which is not on a properly balanced dog diet will be less resistant to disease and will likely live a shorter life.

This is the essence of BARF as I understand it. I am sure that there is more to it but our discussion here is with regards to the safety as opposed to the nutrient value of the raw food.

I would acknowledge that raw meat, raw vegetables and raw fruits will contain higher nutrient levels than those that are cooked. Nutritionists have been telling us this for years.

But what if we eat raw meat? And what if Fido does?

The FDA has issued Safety Guidance with regard to the use of raw meat for pet diets.

This FDA guidance is published in the Federal Register and gives safety and nutrition information. The reason for the FDA action was due to the upswing in raw dog food diets and the fact that dog owners may not be aware of the nutritional and safety issues.

It is the finding of the FDA that raw dog food diets are not new and in fact have been used by dog racing facilities for many years.

Now the trend toward raw dog food for companion dogs presents new challenges as these dog owners may be unaware of the possible danger of using raw meat dog food.

One of the problems is that raw meat diets are classified as “foods” and as such does not need pre-marketing approval or certification.

The FDA goes on to state that data “… from commercial raw meat pet foods are sparse, the potential for risk to public health from such products is significant given the microbiological results from studies of ingredients that could compose such products….”.

There is the danger of contamination from bacteria as well as potential harm that can be caused to the dogs teeth and gastrointestinal system if bone is ingested with the raw meat.

Further risks exist with regard to the possibility of raw meat dog food contamination and associated disease. These risks exist as a result of transportation, distributors and retailers. The FDA recommends minimizing these risks by the use of irradiation and proper transport and storage.

So the FDA has chimed in and the question remains. Is a raw meat diet safe food for your dog? Maybe and maybe not. It depends on a variety of factors such as the as the source and health of the slaughtered food animal, the conditions of transport, and storage both pre and post sale.

Absent Federal legislation which has to date failed to materialize and protect dogs from the potentially unsafe and toxic additives and ingredients in commercial dog food, I would be hesitant to risk it.

It is imperative that every dog owner know exactly what his or her dog is eating, what the ingredients are and whether it is safe. Ultimately the choice is yours. If you are feeding your dog commercial dog food you must become familiar with what is in the commercial dog food you buy.

You can’t wait for a law to protect you. You must become educated in this area. Your dog’s life may depend on it !

My dog suffered from skin conditions. I did some research and found out that many commercial dog foods are full of junk and may even be toxic. I stopped using the dog food I was feeding and the results were dramatic. Do you know what your dog is eating?Find out at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html This article may be reproduced unedited with the author's link displayed

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno

Labels: Dog Health

The fact that you are reading this sentence implies, highlights, the fact that the title of every story should be captivating, forcing the reader to read further.

The Dachshund

This is a story ... story of a dachshund... Now, where there is a dog (as dachshund) involved, it can't be stray; there has to be an owner.

The Owner

The owner of this dachshund is a dynamic personality; very outgoing, friendly, and an air of cheerfulness and enthusiasm pervades his aura. This guy is such that anyone who comes in contact with him will come to know what life is all about; what he has been missing out on in life... This guy is one who can be called reincarnation of God.. this is not a fantasy, that is just how his nature is. So it is, that the dachshund and the owner are living happily. One fine day, the owner decides to go for a swim, and leaves the dog behind, untied. Hey! Don't call it a dog, it is a dachshund, dammit, and the name's Ruby... Alright, no offence taken! So while the owner was blissfully swimming, the dachshund decides to go for a stroll...

The owner returns from the swim, and to his horror, finds the house empty.. the writing was on the wall - a missing dachshund. There was a friend of the owner ... He's dead now, but was alive when this event took place.. the owner called up this friend of his.. the friend tried to console but the frantic owner did not listen. All he could think was that the dachshund has gone for ever; never to return. But even in this mayhem he cared for his friend and hung up.

The Friend

The friend.. this friend is a recluse; does not like to be among many people, would rather stay with select friends than being in a crowd. This is the sort of person who is very quiet, does not open up easily. He can be termed rude and crass by people who do not know him. His friends would know that he sounds rude, but in effect, he isn't. That's the way he speaks. He doesn't drink (except water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, milk), he doesn't smoke (except air.. he smokes in and smokes out air).... This person has a friend.. the friend who lost the dachshund...

The Connection

Now how did these diametrically opposite natures come into contact, and become good friends? Ah.. that event is a mix of God's intentions and the other person's nature... For our guy here does not like to chat without purpose; nobody will know why he was on Yahoo Chat that afternoon of January, and what made him initiate a conversation he would otherwise have avoided - this is divine intervention. It was God's wish that they meet and be friends.

So they began their journey of friendship that afternoon of January. The dog owner thought that this guy was very nice, that this new friend of his was different from others. As months passed, each began to know each other better, and the dog owner came to know what a devil he had made friends with. He started disliking him, despising the friend.. not for unknown reasons, however.

Through these months, the friend had been very cruel to the dog owner, he just wasn't a friend! He would always hurt him with his words, he never cared for him; just kept hurting and hurting! And the dog owner, although felt bad everytime, forgave him everytime. He cried and forgave, cried and forgave. The friend, howsoever heartless that he was, was not dumb. He knew this friend considered him his true friend, and that it was only his good luck that this guy was still talking to him.

God

Now, this friend of the dog owner always believed that God does not listen to him. Although God had listened to his sub-conscious prayers, and made him meet this friend, but he still felt that God was not kind with him. When he came to know that the dog owner was now just the owner, the dog had gone, he decided to give it a try once more.

The Karma Connection

This friend was into spirituality; the thoughtful side of things. He believed that all that happened was nothing but a manifestation of the person's own doings, whether in this life or the past one. And that balance must be maintained. Do wrong deeds, your account goes into negative. Do good deeds, the balance goes into positive. One negative, one positive, balance is zero.

He felt that the dachshund went missing for either of the two reasons:

1. The dachshund had done something wrong either in this life or in the past one that he is separated from his owner 2. The owner did something wrong in this life or the previous one, that now he is paying for it by losing the dog

So he asked God to settle the balance from his account, good or bad. Just let the dachshund be with the owner, and take the payment of deeds from his account.

When someone from the family goes missing, everybody prays, and their combined prayers are heard. God listened to this guy as well, may be He thought that it is time our friend payed for all that he did wrong to his friend. So the dog returned home, six hours and fifteen minutes after he went for a walk, and our friend landed up in the hospital.

Never was our friend happier. First, he got a love(ly) message from the owner thanking him, then, he felt that finally God listened to him. He thought that now God might forgive him for all the wrong he did to his friend. From then on, his faith in God has become unshakeable, he prays daily.

This friend died last night in a car accident. His last wish was to see his friend, the dachshund owner, once in his life. His wish remains unfulfilled.

The Moral

We may be able to derive two morals from the story:

1. Have full faith in your dog. In some things, the dog is smarter than you are. He does not get lost. He will return home, always, no matter the amount of time he takes to return home. The only way you can really lose your dog is when it has been kidnapped.

2. Be good, right from the start. Respect your friends, love them, you never know what life might do to you when, and how God might want you to pay for your bad deeds. Our friend, in his course of friendship with the dog owner, won and lost a few things.

He won the love of the owner, he won the trust of the owner, he won the respect of the owner. And then, through his actions, he lost all. He lost the owner's love, real love; he lost the owner's trust, now there can be no way the dachshund owner may trust him; and he lost respect. Not of the owner, but his own.

The End.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shubhanyu_Jain

Labels: Dog Training

Breeding dogs – a pastime for some, a livelihood for others – requires patience, dedication, and adequate financial resources. The reasons for breeding are various – from the earning of money to the desire to produce champion show dogs. Breeding Labradors, specifically, is a time honored tradition taken on by those who have a great reverence for this beautiful breed of dog.

Breeding Labradors is done with the utmost respect for the history of the animal as well its place in the modern family home. Equally regal and unassuming, pure-bred Labradors are stunning creatures who were traditionally bred for their hunting ability. Today, breeding Labradors takes this history into consideration while still allowing for the modern Labrador’s family-friendly temperament.

In order to go about breeding Labradors successfully, it is important to understand the general distinguishing features of the animal. The Labrador Retriever can be easily recognized by its strong, athletic body, square jaw, short-haired and shiny coat, short triangular ears, and an otter-like tail. Medium in stature, the Labrador is a sturdy breed; it’s a working dog with a sweet and gentle temperament. The shades of their coats – yellow, black, or chocolate – change their facial appearances slightly. Because of their many attributes, the Labrador does quite well in a show ring and is often bred for these purposes.

The key to breeding Labradors, therefore, is to look to combine all the beautiful features that make it such a good work and show dog with the easy-going temperament that will allow it to be amiable in the ring.

If you are considering breeding Labradors for show purposes, it is best to thoroughly research what judges look for in the ring. There are very specific sizes that judges like to see that differ between male and female Labradors, as well as a variety of face and body features. Look into what makes a successful Labrador show dog before you begin the breeding process.

But no matter what you’re reason for breeding Labradors, if you do it properly and responsibly, you will gain an enormous amount of joy from this beautiful animal.

For easy to understand, in depth information about breeding labradors visit our ezGuide 2 Labradors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery

Labels: Dog Breeding

Do you love pets but having trouble with the place where your home is located? Then you need a dog containment system that will limit your dog’s curiosity to places that might be dangerous to them. Dog containment may sounds like bad idea for dog lovers, but actually it depends on the situation. Even though Dogs should be free to play around and explore their surroundings, they should be taught to avoid places where they might get an accident. After all it is solely the master’s responsibility to maintain the wellness and safety of their pets. Dogs are born curious, especially when it comes to anything that they are not familiar with. This includes new appliances and furniture that most dogs love to play around that will definitely end up filled with drool stain, scratches, bite marks and often times broken.

Over the years, dogs are considered as a member of a family or more of a man’s best friend. However, treating them that way doesn’t make them half as much as human. They may understand us though; they don’t still have the same level of mind like ours. To train your dog properly you need a dog containment device that is right for your dog’s weight and also to the kind of place you are living in. In the early years wooden fences were used for dog containment, which is not that effective especially for large stubborn dogs that usually jump across the fence or even drill under the fence. To solve this problem several innovations were developed to create the safest and the most effective pet containment device both for indoor and outdoor use. The following are the most common and effective pet containment in the market today:

* Underground/Wireless Pet Fence
In all of modern pet containment devices the Underground and Invisible Pet Fence is the most effective when it comes keeping your dogs from venturing in the off-limit areas of your home. What makes underground pet fence effective is the lightweight receiver worn on the dog’s collar that sends signal to the dog through a low electric charge or a high frequency noise and sometimes by a harmless chemical spray; every time your dog goes near the underground wiring which you set as the boundary for your pet. For dog lovers and also gardening enthusiast underground/wireless pet fence is a must have.

* Scat Mats
Scat Mats are effective when it comes on protecting your valuable furniture against your dog’s habit of sleeping on top of them. Scat Mats work as a static blanket that every time your dog touches the scat mat a mild static stimulation emits, quickly training them that the particular furniture is not a place for them.

Dog Containment, Dog Containment System, Dog Fence

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_II_Arroyo

Labels: Dog Training

Whilst having a puppy is such a rewarding experience, without proper training your puppy may never grow out of the habit of biting. Time and time again people come to me to ask how to get a puppy to stop biting. There are many techniques on how to stop a puppy from biting, but what you must remember is that puppies bite and chew a lot at a young age. It is only when this natural behavior escalates into something out of hand that you should think of addressing how to get a puppy to stop biting.

The first method of how to stop a puppy from biting involves simple obedience training with water. This method can work, but only if you are around the dog enough to identify the bad behavior and act when it is taking place. If you can’t be around when it is biting but you still want to know how to stop a puppy from biting this method is not for you. However, if you are often at home and are quick to act this can be a very effective way of how to stop a puppy from biting. To achieve this you must get a water gun, hose, or iron sprayer and simply spray the dog lightly when it is doing something wrong. Although many dogs like water, catching them off guard with a quick spray of water is a very effective method to stop your puppy from biting. Make sure you catch the puppy whilst it is in the act of biting (for example chewing up your shoes), otherwise the puppy will not understand.

Another approach that addresses the question of how to get a puppy to stop biting is the yelp approach. If the problem is the puppy biting you or other people in your household, (not items around the house), this method is far more effective than saying “NO” or getting angry at your pet. Since puppies play like this with their pack, if you yelp when they bite you, the puppy will think that they bit you too hard and will stop biting (as it is usually a game for them). If you use the yelping technique you will find it very effective in addressing the problem of how to stop a puppy from biting, as it doesn’t intimidate the dog or confuse it, it is using pack mentality in order to stop the puppy.

A third and final approach on how to get a puppy to stop biting is the orange peel method. Dogs hate orange peel, so if you put orange peel on whatever the dog is biting, it will instantly turn the dog away from the object. After a while the dog will realize that biting and chewing things is wrong if they cannot achieve this. White pepper is also sometimes used for this purpose. Both of these can be effective. But overall, remember that if you are asking how to stop a puppy from biting it is probably just a passing phase; most puppies soon grow out of this and with a little training won’t continue biting in later life.

Want to know how I stopped my dog biting in 2 days? Read My Dog Training Tip and learn about my favorite Dog Training Book at http://trainyourdoggie.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_MacKenzie

Labels: Dog Training

Like most dog owners, you are asking what do I do to get my dog to stop barking? There are many techniques on how to make a dog stop barking. As an owner of a pet myself, I tried everything to get my dog to stop barking. The traditional methods seemed to work for a limited time, but after a while the dog just went back to its old habits. Since I really wanted to get my dog to stop barking I went on the search to find how to make a dog stop barking. If you are a concerned dog owner such as myself, you will be asking these questions. There are many solutions, and these will be covered in turn.

Firstly, there are various dog collars and sprays which can be used. Unfortunately, if your dog is older these may not be as effective as training your dog when it is young. The most important part of how to make a dog stop barking is training your dog. Although sprays may work in certain situations it does not avoid the underlying problems such as dog anxiety which causes the barking problems.

Secondly, you can send your dog to obedience training. This can vary in effectiveness and can be costly for many people, I didn’t use this to get my dog to stop barking, but many have. If you have a puppy it is most effective, and most of these obedience classes are designed for young dogs. There are cheaper classes for puppies, sometimes referred to as “puppy preschools” where you and your dog go and learn the basics of obedience training and pet socialization (including how to make a dog stop barking) which often prevents problems such as barking happening later down the track. If you have an older dog sometimes you will need specialized obedience classes for problem dogs; these are likely to cost more money and be a lot more straining on your and your pets time, particularly when you are trying to address how to make a dog stop barking.

Third and finally, you can undertake the obedience training yourself. This is what I did to get my dog to stop barking. This is by far the most effective way as unlike obedience training which often leaves you out of the picture, if you do the obedience training yourself, you will be the one the dog listens to when you are trying to make a dog stop barking. Getting the knowledge to get my dog to stop barking was simple, I used a guide I purchased on the internet, but there are many paths that you can take to train your own dog. In the end, this is the cheapest, most effective and amazingly, the least time consuming of the lot. I have bred dogs for years and used various methods, but now all I do is train my own dogs with a few proven techniques provided by experts.

If you are ever asking how do I get my dog to stop barking, next time consider some simple training steps, it will save you the time, hassle and money; and in my experience is the best method out there.

Want to know how I stopped my dog barking in 10 minutes? Read My Dog Training Tip and learn about my favorite Dog Training Book at http://trainyourdoggie.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_MacKenzie

Labels: Dog Training

A common misunderstanding that dogs will be gentle and loving to infants or a child can cause injury to a child or a pet. This is a very dangerous assumption and putting the child at risk. Unless the dog has grown up with a child it may get frantic at sudden moves or noises. Never leave a child alone with a family dog or pet or a strange dog even if they seem to be ok.

Children can set a dog off with loud noises or sudden moves toward the dog. Parents need to teach their children to respect all animals and approach them with caution even the family pet. Children really don’t know about pets until the parent teaches them how to treat the animal.

Never approach any dog or pet without having the owner’s permission and when you have permission always treat the dog very kind and gentle. Never rush toward a dog or pet as you may scare them into some kind of panic and make them attack.

A lot of dogs are not comfortable around children because they are not around them much. One way to help this situation is to take your dog for walks around playgrounds. This will help the dog become used to the sounds and movements of children. When letting a child pet your dog make sure to hold your dog with both arms so the dog knows that it is safe from harm. This will help your dog become more comfortable with children.

If you have raised a dog and have no children then problems can start when you have friends over that have children. The dog is not used to the noise and movements of children and can cause problems with a normally very calm dog.

A dog can get to a point of panic and strike out in self-defense not knowing that children are just playing. When children pull their tail or ears or mess around with their food dish this is an invasion of the dog’s space. Even playing with toys and making loud noises can set a dog off.

If you think there may be a problem with your dog or something happens to set the dog off then remove the dog from the problem area. If you will make the effort to train your dog to be around children then in most cases you will not have any issues with mixing your dog with friends or children. Remember that animals can even turn on their masters under extreme circumstances.

BlueDawg
http://www.itsyourdogsworld.com

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Labels: Dog Training

Dogs are highly intelligent animals and they often detect abnormalities in their feeds and liquids offered to them by their owners. Hence, this often becomes a challenge for many dog owners to administer medication in the proper fashion. Here are a few tips for those difficult moments.

Do not force a stubborn dog to take its medicine; doing so may eventually lead to a more difficult administering in the future. Depending on the type of medicine and texture, mix them properly with either food or liquid and delay their feeding or drinking time by an hour or two.

Your dog should be hungrier or thirstier by this time. Start off by feeding them with a small portion of medicated feed. If this technique doesn't work, start off with a small portion of normal unmixed feed and progressively introduce and increase the portions of medicated feeding.

Administer Medicine by Mouth

First, restraint the dog well and open its mouth. Next, place the tablet behind the back teeth (behind the bulb of the tongue) and close its mouth. Rub at the dog's throat side to stimulate swallowing. The dog should sallow it naturally.

Administering Liquid Medicine

Administer the medicine by using a syringe or dropper and try not to raise the dog's head too much. Open the dog's mouth and spray/drop gently on its tongue. Close the dog's mouth and rub continuously at the dog's throat side to stimulate swallowing. You can also administer liquid medicine slowly by rubbing a small quantity on the dog's upper lip and having them automatically lick it up. This method works especially well with puppies and younger dogs.

I hoped you've enjoyed this article. For more insightful information about dog health and dog care, please visit => http://www.dognpuppies.com

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Labels: Dog Health

You will find that dogs are very nice pets. Not only are they intelligent beings, but they also are very amazing and playful animals. As for your own well-being and health, you will notice that your dog will help you to become more active and exercise. You will be more inclined to go for a walk, and you'll be able to keep your blood pressure down. Keep in mind that there are a lot of ways for you to bond with your dog, however, you will need to make sure that this is truly what you want and that you'll be able to take care of this major responsibility.

Some of the things that you will want to consider is things like if adopting a dog is right for you. Can you give up some of your time to take care of the dog? Where will the dog go if you aren't home? What can you offer to a dog? Can you make the commitment? The last thing that you will want to ask yourself is if you are physically able to take care of a dog. A lot of people will adopt because they are lonely. Dogs can be great companions, however, you have to be prepared to walk, feed, and love your dog. There is a great amount of time and attention that you have to give your dog in order for them to feel loved. You will want to make sure that you have thought about the dog's mental and physical well-being.

Another thing that you will want to consider is if you have any pet allergies. If you are looking for a dog, then you should stay around some of your friends and family members who have dogs, so that you can see if you have allergies. Also, you have to think about things like your family. Perhaps, you should consider about family allergies too. You will need adopting a dog that not only agrees with the family, but also mostly works well with children. Also, consider the size of the dog and the size of your house or apartment. Make sure that your landlord allows you to have dogs. Keep in mind that there are some insurance policies that do not go with dogs.

When it comes to the kids, you have to think about the age of the child and also the child's natural movements. You need to tell your children about how to deal with adopting a dog and how it is appropriate to act around the dog. Teasing a dog will only promote a bad situation. Also, you should never leave small children around with dogs. You will notice that dogs that they know attack children, mostly. It could be his or her own dog or the neighbor's dog. It is very important that you promote a healthy bond between the children and the dog. http://swa-pets.com

For further information please visit our site http://swa-pets.com

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Labels: Dog Breeding

Perhaps you will feel sad thinking that your beloved Labrador Retriever is blind. You will surely feel sorry for him since he won't be able to see and run after a colorful butterfly, he won't be able to enjoy fetching the stick or the ball that you threw or cannot work and detect anymore. Losing the sense of sight will possibly hinder your Labrador Retriever from doing what he is used to do.

A Labrador Retriever born with healthy eyes may not always keep his good eye sight for the rest of his life. Sometimes, a dog may become blind either because of an accident or a disease. One of the diseases that could possibly lead to your pet's blindness is Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Also called PRA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, is a genetic disorder affecting dogs of certain breeds. This is a disease of a retina, causing progressive loss of vision and eventually lead to blindness.

The retina is an important part of the eye. This part contains photoreceptors that absorb the light gathered and focused on them by the eye's lens. The light is then converted into electrical nerve signals and these nerve signals, through optic nerve, are carried to the brain and interpreted as vision. The photoreceptors in the retina are rods, for vision in darkness and cones, for vision in bright light and colors. PRA usually affects the rods first that is why early signs of this disease is night blindness. Later, the cones will be affected too, causing failure in their daytime vision.

As the disease progresses, the pupil of their eyes become increasingly dilated because of their attempt to gather more light. However, signs like redness, excess tearing or squinting may not be seen. What you will notice is a change in the characteristics of your dog. Your daring and curious dog may show reluctance going to dark places. Dogs with PRA may exhibit shine in their eyes and the lens of the eye may become cloudy or opaque.

PRA is diagnosed by observing the parts of the eye by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Test such as electroretinography may also be used to determine the presence of PRA. Unluckily, there is no cure for this disease neither slow the progression. However, dogs can adapt to progressive blindness and perform normally in their usual environment.

This disease affects some breeds early in life. Labrador Retrievers may have later onset but the bottom line is, they are still at risk. Breeders should always be careful in selecting dogs that are to be included in the breeding process to prevent the spread of the disease.

Richard Cussons is a writer with tons of knowledge on Labrador Retriever. Discover effective Labrador training tips at labradorsavvy.com

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Labels: Dog Training

It does not matter if it is tasty, edible, disgusting or not, it will always end up in a dog's mouth. There seems to be no limit as to what our precious dogs find interesting to chew upon or eat.

Dogs seem to have an oral obsession for anything that looks of interest.

Young dogs seem to be the worst offenders; you can consider them young toddlers, as children seem prone to put things into their mouths, too.

Some researchers say it is an inherent throwback to the days when dogs had to hunt for a living.

For some reason undergarments, socks, stockings and pantyhose seem to be the most offending items our dogs like. Some say it is just a "ripe' smell that attracts the dogs, however, it can be embarrassing and expensive all at the same time.

Food related objects also have a great appeal, from corncobs to plastic pop-up timers used for roasting meats.

Many dogs just chew and eat things because they are curious about them. Sometimes it becomes an addiction for certain dogs. When I speak of an addiction I am meaning a dog becoming addicted to say, chewing and swallowing small stones or gravel. These items create serious intestinal problems that require surgery and expensive veterinary bills,

What can we do? Actually nothing, other than keeping things out of our dog's reach, there is not much you can do. I know of no type of training that will teach a dog to keep things out of its mouth. A dog uses its mouth as we use our hands, so anything is fair game.

Here is a list of some of the common hazards that can be found in the home besides the dirty laundry (which needs to be kept in a hamper or in a closet with the door shut.)

Things rescued from the trash like diapers or tampons. Keep these things in closed containers, if your dog should decide to swallow either of these things, surgery would be necessary.

Sewing needles, things with thread on them, fishing hooks, safety pins, bottle caps, for some reason these bright shiny objects become an attraction. Should you see a thread or string hanging out of your dog's mouth, do not pull it out as you do not know where or what is on the other end. Call your vet at once.

Coins - pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, not good for a puppy or dog's tummy and they need to be removed. Keep loose change up and out of reach.

Small toys or even rubber duckies have a way of finding their way into a dog's innards. Make certain any dog toys are large enough and do not have any eyes or other things that a dog can chew off.

Most household glues will not cause problems, but Gorilla Glue expands and creates a large glob of stuff. Surgery is required and at once.

Batteries, now who would want to chew a battery, not I say the mouse, but your dog might find it interesting and if it leaked and was swallowed it can cause serious problems. If it was a small battery and you are certain it was swallowed whole, you can try to induce vomiting by giving your dog a dose of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Call your vet for the exact amount, as it has to be given according to the dog's body weight.

I cannot imagine a dog swallowing refrigerator magnets, but it has been done and it has been known that they can swallow more than one. This is also very serious and you need to call and see your vet at once.

Well, who said that having a dog can be boring? Having a dog is one way to keep you alert and on your toes, especially through the first few years, when a dog's curiosity is at its peak.

The best advice I can give is to keep things picked up, do a double check on the floors and keep dirty laundry put away and out of reach. If you look at having a young dog around with the same insight, that you would have if you had a toddler around, you will save yourself a lot of money and a great deal of wear and tear on your dog.

Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only to the pet, but to our pocketbooks. If the only time you need to visit the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and necessary shots you are saving money. Nutrition is very important in keeping a dog healthy, proper quality food that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals is a good way to start. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

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Labels: Dog Health

Kate, my 'grandpuppy' went to see the Veterinarian today. This was her regular checkup and time for her vaccinations. Both her human parents went with her and she was a trooper. She hardly even notices when the doctor takes blood or gives her the vaccination. The Veterinarian is really very kind and professional. He has a good relationship with his clients. I went with them the last time she needed to go and I was surprised how well she behaved. In fact she was excited to see the doctor and his staff. That says a lot about the Veterinarian and his staff. Kate is a very friendly puppy and she just loves the attention and so does not mind it when the doctor handles her.

When I went with her, they drew blood in front of me and I did not really notice it and Kate did not whimper at all. The vaccinations helps her build up immunity so that she will not catch any of the serious illnesses that a dog may catch. When she was a tiny puppy and feeding from her mom, she would have gotten some immunity from her, but after they are separated and human parents step in, it is important for your pet to:

1. Have their regular vaccinations

2. Have regular checkups with the Veterinarian

3. Treat for heart worms

4. Treat for allergies

Kate actually has allergies, and her tears stain her face. It is important to clean her tears before it gets too dry. I use wet wipes and she does not mind that at all. However, there are products on the market to clear the stains from the tears. Kate has a dark body (Yorkie coloration) and so it does not show up too bad. But her brothers are pure white Maltese, and I am sure that the tear stains are much more visible than Kate's, but it still needs to be cleaned and her allergy medications have to be administered regularly.

Evangeline Samuel PhD. is a retired nurse who enjoys her daughter's dog, Kate's company, and loves dressing her up in designer dog clothes, unique dog collars and designer dog beds.

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Labels: Dog Health

Last week, here in March it snowed! It was really coming down hard and in big fluffy flakes. We were so used to Spring weather that it was exciting to watch. All of a sudden everything was white and cold. It was difficult for dogs to go for walks as usual. They stayed indoors or they needed a dog rain coat and boots to go outside, or else they would be soaking wet and cold when they came indoors. I hate it when they come in all wet and shake themselves all over the place. So to keep from that happening they would need something to protect themselves. That would have required them to wear a coat to keep them warm. Normally dogs don't need to wear coats, because they have their own fur coats. But when they have become domesticated, they get used to the temperature inside the house and their under fur does not grow, thus exposing them to the elements. These house dogs are unable to protect themselves from the cold, so we have to provide them with warm clothing, or fleece lining for the raincoats to protect them from the wetness and the cold.

It would have been difficult for them to walk on their bare feet. A couple of my friends decided to go out for a walk in the snow, and found that pretty soon they could not see very well due to the amount of snow coming down. They came to visit me and could not see my house because it was white too. They used to have a dog, a Boston Terrier, named Molly. Molly died in September of 2006, and when I saw them out, I knew that if Molly was alive she would have been out in the snow with them. But she did not have much hair, so she would have been frozen out there. I told my daughter to take her little Morkie out in the snow to see how she would react to it, but she was afraid her dog would be too cold, and besides the snow was about 6" and that was too deep for her. Besides, Kate the Morkie, is a Prissy dog, so she would not have wanted to walk in the freezing snow.

I was thrilled to watch the snow come down but did not want to go out in the snow. I don't wear shoes at all because it hurts my feet. I wear flip flops all the time, and that would not do in the snow. I hunted for some shoes and found some boots I did not know I had (brand new), so I was able to go to church on Saturday. However, by Saturday afternoon the sun came out and melted most of the snow away. It had snowed on Friday. It is important for us to have raincoats or warm coats for our domesticated dogs if we plan to take them out in the cold weather. I guess they would need some boots too!

Evangeline Samuel PhD. is a retired nurse who enjoys her daughter's dog, Kate's company, and loves dressing her up in designer dog clothes, jeweled dog collars and dog rain coats.

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Labels: Dog Training

You already know that your mastiff is an individual animal with needs that might not be best served by putting him into a regimented environment when he is unnerved, so make sure that when you are looking for a good mastiff boarding solution for him that you explore all of the options. When you are looking for mastiff kennels, you are already under the assumption that you will be leaving your dog behind for a matter of weeks or even month. As you already know, mastiffs will bond very strongly with their owners and their property, so the switch can be very difficult for your dog. Make sure that when you are looking to board your mastiff that you ask yourself a few simple questions.

1.Who has used this kennel before?

A good kennel will have references, but you'll find that it is usually for the best to pick up personal recommendations. Grill your friends, especially ones that also have mastiffs, on where they have boarded their dogs before. Go beyond just getting the name of the place; ask for the names of staff members that were particularly good to them, and find out whether or not they still work their. You'll also find that your veterinarian will often have good recommendations, and occasionally might be willing to board your pet herself.

2.What do the mastiff kennels look like?

When you go to take a look at the mastiff boarding kennels that are available, take a look at what kind of conditions that they are kept in. Does the space smell badly, or do the dogs seem listless or irritable? In either case, it might be good to give this place a pass. Remember that when you are looking into a kennel that the staff there should be very helpful and organized. Ask to set up an appointment to see the place and see what they have to offer.

3.What kind of schedule can your dog keep?

You'll find that the better types of mastiff kennels will give you some say over the schedule if you only ask. You'll find that if your mastiff can have his meals at the time when he is the most used to them, this will lessen his stress a little as well as keep him eating well. Similarly, ask how often the dogs are exercised and whether they receive any socialization beyond that. This is profoundly important if you are going to be out of town for a while. Mastiffs are an intelligent, social breed and need a high degree of mental stimulation.

Take some time to make sure that the situation where you are sending your mastiff is the best one that you can find. With just a little bit of research, you can guarantee that your dog will receive excellent care while you're away.

Barbara Joseph is a loving and experienced Mastiff owner who, for a limited time, is offering her extensive Mastiff Care Secrets course free of charge. It is jam-packed full of must-have information for Mastiff owners! To learn more about finding the right kennel for your mastiff just go here http://www.mastiff-care-secrets.com/finding-the-right-mastiff-kennels.html

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Labels: Dog Health

Mastiffs were made to attack various animals that were chained up and bound.

These animals consisted of lions, bears, bulls and even other dogs. A lot of the time, they were even fed the remains of the carcase they killed. Back then they were even known for getting an elephant down.Some claim that the mastiff has been around during the ancient Babylonian era. There are pictures that appear to be depicted from about 5000 years ago even. Some writers have even included them in their stories.

Those writers include Caesar, Marco polo, Herodotus, Chaucer and Shakespeare. As time went on the Mastiff became more like a guard dog then anything. they would guard the castle grounds.In 1873 the Mastiff was crossbred with various other dogs. This is when the pedigree initially started.

Then a club called the Old English Mastiff Club had launched. Then again they were used in the many blood sporting events. For all of those Mastiff lovers, there is a man from Canada named C.W. Dickinson that you can thank for preserving this awesome breed. Then the Mastiff Club of America was born, in 1929. America holds more Mastiffs then any other country in the world.

You may be curious as to what famous people happen to own a Mastiff. Those people include Kubla Khan, Randy Bish, Hannibal, FLEA (bass guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, King Henry VII, Bob Dylan, George C Scott, Kirsty Alley and Marlon Brando.

The different breeds of Mastiff that have come about over the years also brings about a little bit of personality differences. For instance, the Bullmastiff has taken on the pit bull stance. Most of the Mastiff breeds are extremely friendly and loving towards their own family. Certain others are not friendly towards anyone other then their family. Good news for those who have children because despite it's huge size, the Mastiff is actually very gentle towards kids. Some of the Mastiff breeds are totally aggressive towards other dogs. Then there are those that have been raised, say around a cat. They grow up together and are the best of friends. You will find that most Mastiffs are on average about 27-31 inches from their shoulders to the ground. That is for both male and female. Their average weight is about 120-220 pounds. You will find one quality that is the same in all of the Mastiff breeds and that quality is the fact that they are very well behaved.

Not to mention they are extremely loyal to their master and gentle with their family. There is even one in particular that will not bark, not even with an intruder. However, if you leave him his separation anxiety kicks in and he barks, just ask your neighbors.The Mastiff breed is very easy to manage. They have short fur that can easily be brushed. They do have a tendency to be a little bit on the slobbery side.

They are full of courage and pride. With their obedience comes train ability. The biggest dog ever recorded was a Mastiff. He weighed about 315 pounds and when stretched from nose to tip of tail, he was over eight feet long. Then there was another record broken when a Neapolitan Mastiff gave birth to twenty four puppies. They had to be the most beautiful puppies, with blue fur and cure wrinkly faces.

Most of the different Mastiff breeds are actually short haired. Then there is the Tibetan Mastiff. he has a longer coat and is one of the smaller of the Mastiff family.

Rest assured that whichever Mastiff that you decide is the best for you and your family, they all are a great family dog. They are well rounded dogs. So if you have energy and room for a huge dog, the Mastiff is perfect!

Tom Ambrozewicz is a caring and loving mastiff dog owner. He also owns and maintains Mastiff Secrets website at http://www.mastiffwhisperer.com

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Labels: Dog Health

There are many arthritis supplements for dogs on the market today. Many claim they can help and even cure arthritis in dogs. Supplements are a wonderful addition to helping a dog with arthritis, but they are not a cure all. The first step is to get your dog in to the best of health. Here are a few tips...

Before starting any supplements, make sure you have your dog on a good holistic food. Improper nutrition is one of the leading causes of many diseases in dogs including arthritis. Many dog foods on the market today are filled with inferior ingredients and by-products, such as... chicken feet, chicken heads, etc... things that you would not knowingly feed your dog. So if you see the word by-product, don't buy the food!

Look for a food with quality protein like chicken meal. Make sure you also stay away from any food that has corn, wheat, soy, wheat gluten or milk products in it. These ingredients have no nutritional value and are generally only used as a cheap filler. They can also contribute to allergies in dogs. So remember, don't underestimate the power of a good quality dog food! It can do miracles...

Besides good quality dog food, make sure they are getting plenty of exercise. Exercise is key in maintaining their health and helping with arthritis symptoms.

When a quality dog food has been started and you have your dog on a good exercise schedule, THEN add a high quality, natural supplement to their diet. When choosing a supplement make sure it is all natural and has glucosamine and MSM in it.

Research studies suggest that Glucosamine supports healthy joint flexibility, mobility and lubrication. MSM, which is short for Methylsulfonylmethane, is a natural source of organic sulfur, an element vital to the maintenance of healthy joints, bones, ligaments and tendons.

Also look for arthritis supplements that have high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oil. Fish oil is known to help improve healthy joint function.

So remember... quality food, plenty of exercise and supplementation all work together to get your dog in the best of health. They'll love ya for it!

Looking for high quality, natural arthritis supplements for dogs? Visit us at http://AgilityForDogs.blogspot.com and get a free dog food sample!

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Labels: Dog Health

The symptoms to look out for in case of suspected Dog Pyometra or uterine/womb infections are the following:

1. Loss of appetite 2. The dog is urinating and drinking more water than usual 3. Diarrhea and vomiting. 4. Only happens in female dogs and usually ones that are older or middle aged. 5. An open cervix, that is when a dog is in heat or season, may result in pus discharge from the vagina. This may be hard to notice as the dog may usually lick this off.

Pyometra will only happen or initiate during the dog's season or heat because when a female dog reaches this time it releases eggs from its ovaries which are used for fertilisation. Then, if the dog gets mated and the egg becomes fertilised by the sperm, the bitch will become pregnant and an embryo will develop. After this, these embryos will travel into the dog's womb where they will stay for up to about seven days for a placenta to develop. Once the placenta is developed it will attach itself to the side of the womb allowing the embryos to have food and oxygen from the mother. During the time the embryo is not attached to the placenta, the wall of the womb produces a fluid to accommodate for the lack of food and oxygen and to help the placenta grow.

When cells that attach themselves with the line of the womb and produce food and oxygen for the embryo become overactive and start producing too much fluid it causes pyometra. Stray bacteria from the body find this as the idea environment to breed. Over time, this worsens and turns into an infection.

When the dog's body realises that it has been infected and discovers this infection it releases thousands of white blood cells in order to fight the infection. As the white blood cells combat this infection those that have done their job will die and form the puss. In large quantities, puss can be very toxic to the dog's body and can make them very sick.

The dog will drink more water in order to flush this unwanted puss out. Drinking more water than usual will cause more urinating, vomiting and diarrhea and if the dog is still in season it may also cause a discharge through the vaginal area. Open cervix pyometra occurs when a dogs vagina is still open and leakage of unwanted puss is possible where as closed cervix pyometra occurs when the dog is out of season and thus the unwanted puss cannot leak out of the vagina in which case the puss builds up inside the dog and worsens the toxic effects.

The symptoms in your dog will start off as being mild and barely noticeable but over time they will start getting worse and reach a point where the toxins in the dog's body will cause it to collapse. Hence, the earlier you visit the vet and get treatment the better and safer the cure will be.

If your dog has been infected by open cervix pyometra the vet may want to know when your dog was last in season. If this was within the last two months or so and the dog had all the symptoms listed above such as diarrhea, drinking more water, vaginal discharge and vomiting it will confirm that the dog has been infected.

The symptoms get harder to prove if the dog has closed cervix pyometra because of no vaginal discharge. The vet will probably look out for a slightly sagging belly and if the other symptoms listed above also occur this will confirm their suspicion. Furthermore, the vet may also use ultrasound or X-ray in order to look for an enlarged womb and confirm whether the dog is infected by this condition or not.

After the vet has confirmed that your dog is infected by pyometra intravenous fluids via a drip line and antibiotics will be used to get the dog as healthy as possible before performing surgery. The surgery will consist of removing the diseased womb and ovaries and will be very similar to routine sterilisation although there will be a higher risk involved because of the illness of the dog and because all the toxins that have been built up inside of the dogs body will need to be removed completely after the surgery in order to avoid any damage or possible infections to the kidneys.

After the surgery the dog will be left on antibiotics and intravenous fluids so that any remaining toxins can be killed off. Once it seems as though the dog is recovering and eating and drinking consistently your vet will discharge the dog so it can go home and recover.

It may be important to note that in high value breeding dogs or in rare breeds the vet may make an effort and try to save the dog's womb and ovaries so it can continue breeding but this procedure is highly risky and can have further side effects that may end up worsening the dog's condition.

For more information on Dog Pyometra and Uterine or Womb Infections or Dog Health take a look at this Dog Training website.

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Labels: Dog Health

Symptoms which may indicate that a dog is straining to pass urine or in other words suffering from dog stranguria are:

1. Very little or no urine is passed. The little amount of urine that is produced will most likely contain blood.

2. May appear similar to dog constipation

3. The dog may strain to pass urine even after repeated attempts and will probably look uneasy or uncomfortable while passing it.

The urinary tract of a dog is separated into two different parts upper and lower. Stranguria is a condition which affects the dog's lower urinary tract.

The kidneys and uterus, the tube which carries the urine down from the kidneys, are contained in the upper urinary tract of the dog. The kidneys of a dog are to the left and right of their body. The left kidney is slightly behind the right one and both of them are located under the last rib just below the backbone. The function of the kidney is to produce urine, among other things. The urine that these kidneys produce travels down the uterus and into the bladder.

The lower part of the urinary tract consists of the vagina or penis of your dog, the bladder and the urethra which is a tube that takes the urine from the bladder through the prostate and out the penis or the vagina of the dog. The urine produces by the kidneys is collected into the bladder, which simply defined is like a bag. It has a very thin layer of muscle and the urine is collected and stored in it till it becomes full which results in this thin layer of muscles contracting and pushing the urine through the tube which is called the urethra. The urine then comes out of the dog's penis or vagina, thus completing the urination process

A problem in the lower urinary tract would most likely result in dog stranguria. This problem could be anywhere in the dogs urethra, its bladder or its vagina or penis. Several different causes may be responsible for dog stranguria and at times it may happen for no apparent reason at all.

For more information on dog straining to pass_urine and stranguria or Dog Health take a look at this Dog Training website.

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Labels: Dog Training

For the next couple days start randomly saying the word “COME” in an upbeat happy voice anytime your dog looks at you and quickly give him a treat. Then go about your business again and ignore him. The idea is to teach the dog to associate the word “come” with something good, hence the treats.

Once your dog is eagerly anticipating his cookie after you command “COME” then start doing this when he’s not looking at you, maybe even a few steps away. With any luck he’ll whip around and start looking for that treat he’s expecting. Good! He’s got the idea. Take a few steps back which will encourage him to come toward you then reward him with the treat and go about your business again.

It’s a good idea to always touch the collar first before giving the treat. If your dog gets loose outside you’ll want him to easily accept you taking hold of his collar when he comes to you.

Now we can start adding a little more distance and distractions to the mix. Call your dog when he’s across the room, then in another room, then move on to calling him when he’s slightly distracted. Always be sure to reward him when he gets to you, and mix up the treats every once in a while to keep him on his toes. Varying the amount of treats he gets upon his arrival to you is also a good idea . If he’s not sure if he’ll get one treat or three then he’s more likely to rush over to you quickly each time you call.

Start with low expectations and then raise them as your dog progresses. It’s unfair to expect a dog who’s only being in training for a week to come when called off leash when outside and distracted. If he hasn’t been trained in such conditions, then he won’t respond. Start in low distraction environments like the living room and then work up to more distractions as your dog becomes more and more successful.

But shouldn’t he be coming to me just because I call, not because he wants food?

In the beginning it’s up to us to teach the dog what the word COME means. Using food treats for this make the process go much faster and helps the dog to learn easier because he’s more motivated to focus. After your dog is reliably coming when called every time, even around distractions, then you can start to wean him off the treats and only offer them for extra quick responses or when he’s highly distracted.

Important Points

Use a leash! This will give you greater control over the situation. It’s a good idea to let the dog drag around a six foot lead so if he decides to ignore your call you can simply pick up the lead, give it a gentle tug and encourage him to come to you.

Never give a command you won’t enforce. If you command him to come, then you better make it happen should be choose to ignore you. Allowing him to do so is only teaching him that he doesn’t have to obey your commands every time. Either help your dog to make the right choice if he is still learning by backing up a few steps to encourage him, or pick up the lead and give a gentle tug to let him know that come means come NOW.

Practice make perfect. Plan on doing at least fifty repetitions at each stage before moving on to add more distance or more distractions. Don’t rush it, make sure your dog is consistently responding before moving forward and expecting more of him. Asking too much to soon will only cause frustration for both you and your dog.

Use small treats. No need to break out the big milk bones for this exercise. Small, smelly treats should do just fine. The smellier, the better. Tiny pieces of beef jerky work very well and are easy to keep in your pocket.

Ann Griffin runs a pet resource website at CentralPetz.com, a place for pet owners to find dog training articles, contests, dog forums and more.

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Labels: Dog Training

Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation, is a condition in dogs that can kill the dog in a matter of hours. Unlike in human where the person simply sits down and relaxes for a little while after feeling bloated and it will go away, when there is a bloat in a dog, it could literally kill your dog. When a dog is suffering from bloat, it means that its stomach is distended. This is sometimes followed by the stomach getting twisted. If the stomach gets twisted, the food substances in the stomach will get trapped while the gas volume continues to increase.

This is dangerous in that as the gas volume continues to increase, it can literally press against blood veins and arteries inhibiting the flow of blood. If this is not stopped on time, the dog will get less blood in its brain causing the brain to shut down and the dog to go into shock. With consistent swelling, the spleen will get affected resulting in it being dislodged from its normal position. This has been known to both twist the spleen and stop the flow of blood completely. With increased gas pressure and lack of blood flow on the stomach walls, the areas that tighten in the stomach pack up and die.

Everything that was just described in the first paragraph can happen in a matter of minutes depending on the severity of the bloating. So what are the signs and symptoms one should look for in a dog so as to quickly detect if the dog is having a bloat? The signs are many. This is coupled with the fact that the symptoms can vary in different dogs. For example, five dogs may be having a bloat in the same compound and all the symptoms would look different from each other.

Some of the more common symptoms in a bloat are panting, pacing forwards and backwards, agitation, drooling, foaming at the mouth, difficulty walking, anxiety, discomfort, retching, inability to lie on its side, stomach distension and restlessness. The stomach in this case usually appears abnormally huge in size -more like when a dog has swallowed a basket ball or two- and is hard to the touch. Other obvious symptoms are pale gums bordering on grey or ash, weak pulse rate and a fast heart beat. If you notice symptoms of bloat in your dog you must consult your vet immediately. If the pressure is not released it can, as already described, be fatal for your dog.

The causes of bloating in a dog can be prevented. Some of the preventive methods are making your dog eat calmly; not by gulping or snorting its food, and avoid stress as much as possible. Whether the stress is in the form of boarding stress or stress of travel it could potentially be harmful around meal time. Avoid giving your dog too much bread and by not mixing soy with its diet - while this has not been proven yet; some breeders and dog owners have noticed their dog developing bloat after a meal mixed with soy. Keeping your dog calm immediately after eating is also an excellent way to prevent bloat from occurring. It is challenging as many dogs including mine get very excited around meal time and that translates into playful excitement after the meal as well.

There are few products on the market today that are specifically designed to slow your dog's eating. Most notably is the Brake-Fast bowl which has three columns in the bowl area to prevent your dog from taking large mouthfuls of food at the same time.

Hans is the owner of http://www.lucysdoghouse.net and is a life long dog owner. Lucy's Dog House offers a selection of dog beds and much more to make your dog's life happier and healthier. A percentage of all sales goes to support Great Dane Rescues.

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Labels: Dog Training

Dog owners now a days are more aware of their pet's nutritional needs and they increasingly recognize the advantage of providing their pets with natural dog treats. Natural dog treats usually contain no added chemical preservatives or fillers, leaving your dog with correct nutritional value. Natural treats are also known to use the highest grade of edible products and processing techniques to ensure they're even fit for human consumption.

Pig ears are one of the commercially available natural dog treats. Many dogs love these. They have flavor that dogs love and contain a reasonable amount of fat. Make sure that the pig ears you get are baked, and not chemically processed, and that they have no artificial flavors or colors. Checking the label carefully can tell you this information.

Another type of dog treat is Greenies, which are used to freshen the dog's breath with the help of chlorophyll. Artificial flavors, extra colors or preservatives are not added in Greenies. Most of the pets like them and their owners feel that the pet's breath becomes fresh in a safe manner. The dog's teeth are cleaned by chewing these treats.

You might be surprised to know that natural dog treats exist right in your refrigerator, or in your garden. Carrots, apple slices, and celery are all wonderful natural dog treats, providing vitamins without added chemical enhancers. Just give these treats a thorough wash before giving them to your dogs. Whether commercially made or straight from the garden, natural dog treats are a great way to give your dogs a dash of extra nutrition without any artificial ingredients.

Today our pets are having a wide variety of dog food to meet their tastes and needs and we have our choice of what kind of food we choose to feed them. Despite the variety, dog foods usually fall into three major categories. These categories are: Grocery store foods, which are usually found in grocery stores and mass marketed and may contain lower quality, less expensive ingredients.

Though they're only found in pet stores instead of regular supermarkets, premium dog foods are another option. Some pet doctors stock pet foods of this designation. Unfortunately, sometimes these so-called "premium foods" are hardly any better than the cheaper foods one might find at the supermarket. In fact, some pet foods have cheap and low quality ingredients, though other premium foods are made with better ingredients. The only way to be sure is to check the food's labeling; only ones marked "human grade" should be bought. This holds true regardless of if you're hoping to buy organic, premium, or natural dog foods or whether you're buying dog food online or in a brick and mortar store.

Homemade dog food is what the final category is called. There are growing numbers of people who are now making their pet's food at home. Food you make at home does not contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, which can be harmful to you pet. You are also able to purchase dog food online, which can provide you with the prices for various dog foods.

These days, animal owners are more cognizant of their pets' dietary requirements and they see the benefit of giving them natural dog treats. They also consist of a very high level of ingredients and are packaged so carefully that they could even be eaten safely by people. Homemade dog food is what the final category is called. There are growing numbers of people who are now making their pet's food at home. You are also able to purchase dog food online, which can provide you with the prices for various dog foods.

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Labels: Dog Training

Whether your Labrador Retriever is out in the field working or just right beside you enjoying the dog show, chances of contracting parvovirus exist. Parvovirus is a contagious virus affecting dogs, more frequently puppies. Canine Parvovirus or CPV is a highly infectious disease and is spread from dog to dog with physical contact and contact with infected feces. The virus is not capable of reproducing on its own because of the fact that they contain only DNA or RNA. They invade the cell, reproduce inside it and kills the cells causing dogs and puppies not to be able to absorb nutrients or liquids.

CPV has two forms: intestinal and cardiac. The less common is the cardiac form in which the virus attacks the heart muscle and the dog dies suddenly because of heart failure. Some infected dogs will show no symptoms. But some infected dogs show symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, high fever, diarrhea, depression and lack of appetite. In severe cases, stool can be very watery, foul smelling, yellow in color and usually bloody. Abdominal pain is also present as well as pain when eating. The possibility of dehydration exist because of severe dehydration and vomiting and the fact that he is not able to replace the nutrients and fluids lost.

To diagnose the presence of parvovirus, positive diagnostic test is done. Canine parvovirus disease requires aggressive or intense treatment. There is no specific cure for this disease. Your vet can only treat the symptoms to keep the pet alive. Measures should be taken to prevent diarrhea, loss of proteins and to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. These measures include giving of fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when needed. Antibiotic therapy may be needed to control secondary bacterial infections.

To ensure that you're beloved Labrador Retriever will not suffer this kind of health problem, you should adhere to the required or recommended vaccination. Vaccine against parvovirus is usually administered to puppies six to eight weeks of age and should only be allowed to mingle with other dogs two weeks after their last vaccination. There is no use vaccinating new born puppies since they are still protected by maternal antibodies. However, these antibodies wear off before the puppy's system became mature enough to fight parvovirus.

CPV cannot be treated at home so consult your vet immediately if you see signs of the existence of this disease.

Richard Cussons writes information articles on different breed of dog such as Labrador Retriever. For more tips on training Labradors, check out labradorsavvy.com

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Labels: Dog Training

Bull mastiffs make great pets for the right owner. They're wonderful guard dogs who are loyal and will love you with everything they have. This also means that they require a lot of attention, as well as regular exercise. Bull mastiffs can also need special veterinary care. In addition to finding the right bull mastiff puppies for sale, you should also make sure you know all about these great dogs before you start the adoption process. Bull mastiffs are among the best dogs you can have, but they can be a real problem for people who aren't prepared.

Part one of finding bull mastiff puppies for sale is getting to know your mastiffs. Talk to owners of these dogs and meet a lot of them. Most people who love bull mastiffs are highly enthusiastic, and will want to tell you everything about them. This gives you a great chance to learn about the ups and downs of mastiffs as pets, before you get one of your own. Once you know that the dog you want is a bull mastiff, you can ask your friends about breeders.

It's important not to just go with any breeder that has bull mastiff puppies. Some of them are interested in money a lot more than they are the benefit of their dogs. That means that they're sending puppies out into the world without socializing them correctly, and without breeding to minimize genetic flaws. Instead, look for a breeder who really cares about their dogs and has a long history of working with them. They're not hard to identify. Quality mastiff breeders are the ones who love their dogs and want you to know about them.

Of course, it's a good idea to interview each bull mastiff breeder several times before you choose. You should find out a lot about the dogs, their genetic backgrounds, and the way the breeder feels about mastiffs. In turn, a good bull mastiff breeder will probably ask you some questions too. These might be about your intended environment, how you'll care for your dog, and why you want a bull mastiff. Don't be insulted by this. The breeder just wants to know that his or her puppies will go to a good home.

After you've found a breeder you trust with bull mastiff puppies for sale, you can arrange to meet them. Be sure to play with the whole litter and get to know them all, but remember that some puppies may have been reserved for someone else. Don't set your heart on one until you know you can take it home. If possible, bring your family, too. That way, you'll get a mastiff who's compatible with everyone.

Michael Burrows has been a caring and loving Mastiff Breed owner and trainer for 21 years for more information on Mastiff Puppies for Sale. please visit: http://www.mymastiffsecrets.com/finding-mastiff-puppies-for-sale.html

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Labels: Dog Training

Most people are completely aware of what commercially prepared dog food is actually comprised of, and you would be shocked to know the truth about some of the foods that are commercially available today. Your dog's health can suffer if you are feeding them the wrong food, and many commercially prepared dog food brands are simply not designed to keep a dog healthy, happy and active.

Dogs are in fact carnivores. There are situations where they will eat other foods, but that does not mean that their stable diet should not be as carnivorous as possible. The first ingredient in the dog food that you purchase should absolutely be a source of meat based protein. If the first ingredient in your commercially available dog food is a grain or a vegetable then our advise to you is to switch brands. The first five or six ingredients should be primarily meat based protein sources, like chicken, beef and turkey. Fish or rice are moderately okay choices, but primarily you want to go for natural, meaty dog food when possible.

Your dog should be eating kibble primarily. Many pet owners will opt for canned wet food, mainly due to the convenience of it, and the fact that many dogs seem to prefer it. However, there is a reason why kibble is so important: It helps keep teeth clean, and healthy, and it aids in digestion. Wet food is a nice snack, but should not be the primary source of nutrients for the dog.

Some diets are better than others. Many people are beginning to get into the concept of raw diets, and the BARF diet which stands for Bones and Raw Food. While this is an ideal diet for a lot of breeds, it is not your only option. There are kibble brands out there that provide balanced nutrition, as they are created by dog food companies that are consistently updating their recipes and formulas in order to deliver the most efficient diets available based on scientific research and studies.

Are you ready to find a balanced nutritional diet for your dog? Check the label. Anything you buy for your dog to eat, you should check the label first. Just because there's vegetables and chunks of meat on the cover of the bag, that does not mean you are getting real, natural ingredients.

The ingredients should be primarily meat sources, and the grain sources should be adequately processed for maximum absorption by the dog's digestive system. The more artificial products and chemicals you find; the less healthy and nutritious the food should be considered to be. There are a lot of excellent dog food brands.

Your best bet is to shop around for different brands, flavours and types, compare the labels in order to get to know the ingredients, and find something that you really feel comfortable feeding. There's no harm in changing your dog's food if you find something better - Just make sure that you are always keeping your pet's best interest in mind.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on pet food, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of pet supplies.

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Labels: Dog Training

When a disaster strikes, are you prepared? Disasters can happen anywhere at any time. The public doesn't usually get a lot of notice before a disaster strikes, so you must be prepared in advance and know what to do quickly if there is an emergency.

Here`s a handy Disaster Preparedness Checklist and a List of Most Important Pet Care Numbers. A cat owner or a dog owner, one pet or multiple pets, this list should help you get an idea of how prepared you are and point you in the right direction. Get Prepared NOW so you don`t have to worry later!

N.B.: A printer-friendly version of this article is also available on our Website.

* Make sure your pets I.D. tags are current

* Update your pets immunization cards

* Make a list of your pets medications

* Have your pets first aid kit ready

* Stack up on emergency food and water supplies

* Pack at least two travel bowls

* Get a flashing collar/ID tag to find your pet quickly

* Pack a picture of your pets in case you get separated.

* Get a safety harness and leash.

* Know your pets hiding places in and out of the house.

* Develop a pet buddy system. Pets, unlike service animals, may not be allowed in emergency shelters. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors. Plan how you will help each other in an emergency.

* Designate an out-of-state and a local friend or relative as contacts. A contact can be used by family members or others to call if you are separated from each other. Identify a location where you can reunite.

* Place Rescue Pet Decals on your windows and doors to alert rescue teams to save your pets inside the house

Important Pet Care Numbers

National Animal Poison Control Center Hotline: (888) 426-4435 (24/7/365)

American Animal Hospital Associations (AAHA): (800) 883-6301

American Humane Association (AHA): (800) 227-4645

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): (212) 876-7700

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): (847) 925-8070

Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS): (800) 440-EARS

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): (202) 452-1100

Help Me Find My Pet: (866) 699-FIND (3463)

Pet Finders (PetFinder.com): (800) 666-5678 Other Important Numbers to Write Down Local Pet Clinic/Emergency Room:

Your Veterinarian:

Emergency Contact:

After seeing the terrible images of animals endangered in Katrina, Deborah and her family decided to start a company to help you protect the most helpless members of your family.

Millions of animal owners worldwide consider their pets an indispensable part of their family. If your area is struck by a hurricane or flood, terrorist attack, fire or tornado, your pets' chance to survive depends directly on how prepared you get today. Whether you have to evacuate or stay put, our emergency supplies kits will help you to stay prepared and informed.

Please Visit her site http://www.PetsReady.com for more tips on how to get your pets ready TODAY!

PetsReady.com is exclusively focused on pet disaster preparedness and is the only informational portal on the web to provide you with the latest pet news and food recalls, pet care and safety tips, and guides on how to get your furry family members ready and prepared for any emergency situation.

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Labels: Dog Training

Why is my dog a barking dog?

Babies cry, dogs bark. It is their way of communicating to us their needs and wants. Babies cry when they are lonely, sad, hungry, bored, sick or when their diaper need to be changed. Dogs will bark for many of these same reasons, well, with the exception of the whole diaper thing. But they may bark when they need to go out. Learning the meaning of your dog's bark takes time, but eventually you will begin to develop an understanding of what your barking dog is trying to tell you.

To understand why your dog barks, you have to run through a mental list of what your dog is telling you. Is your dog hungry or hurt? Are they in need of a walk? Are they trying to announce a visitor or worse an intruder?

The first thing to realize is that dogs do not bark for no reason. Barking is a dog behavior that at times may seem unrelated to anything, but the truth is when a dog barks there is always a purpose and a reason.

Often times your dog will actually point with his or her nose in the direction of what is so concerning him or her. If you are studying the dogs behavior you will notice this is often their way of communicating. If your dog starts non-stop barking this means that your dog has a need that is not being met. Be sure to watch their other means of expression and communication in hopes to determine what exactly it is that they need. Some barking requires meeting easy needs like providing water, food, or simply a visit outside. . There are other reasons for barking behavior such as separation anxiety, fear, or dominance issues that are more complex. While these situations require more attention, time and specific training, it is very important to address this barking as overlooking it could potentially progress to aggression or destructive behavior.

Once you understand the reason for your dog's bark then you will be able to fulfill or correct the behavior

Barking dogs not only act similar to crying babies, they can also act like a defiant teenager. If your dog barks back at you after being disciplined, you have a "typical teen" on your hands. This dog is in need of a refresher on who is the boss or alpha.

Regardless of what your barking dog is trying to convey to you, it is always important to remain patient. Remember, your dog's goal is to please you and at times they are just trying to express their needs and wants.

For more information on dogs visit http://www.calmingdog.com/index.php/barking-dog.html

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Labels: Dog Training

House training a new puppy can be a treacherous chore. These house training tips will make things a lot easier than you may think.

When you first bring the new puppy home...and I mean immediately upon arrival...you must take her outside to the area you have designated as her toilet area. Gently set her down in the grass and watch as she circles and sniffs the area. Your doing this immediately for a couple of reasons. The ride home in the car was probably her first ride ever, and I'm pretty sure the kids have met you at the door, all excited about the new family member. The ride, coupled with new sights and sounds will excite the puppy beyond control. She will want to, or have to, eliminate at once. Puppies have very small bladders and bowels, so her control won't be very good. By taking her to the new toilet area she can do her job in the right area the first time, and hopefully, every time!

Now, just placing her in the right area is not enough. When she actually begins to pee, you need to say things like, "go pee", or "outside", or "go potty", whatever phrase you're comfortable with. Use it each time she goes potty outside. When she is finished, make a big deal out of it. Pet her and say something like, "good girl...outside", over and over and maybe even give her a small treat. All dogs, regardless of age, want to please us. Giving her lavish praise and a treat lets her know you are happy with her.

Once you go into the house the training process begins in full! The easiest house training will take place if you use a crate as your main tool. What's a crate? Just as it sounds, a crate is a small kennel that your new puppy will learn to call home. It should be just big enough for her to sleep in and stand and stretch a bit, but not big enough to run around in. Here's why. Dogs have a distinct dislike for eliminating where they sleep. If the crate is too big your new puppy will sleep at one end and pee and poop at the other. That will defeat the whole purpose of "crate training". If you want to get a crate large enough for her to "grow" into you will need to section it off so as to keep her on one end.

You will need to keep her in the crate at all times when she is not totally supervised. If she is allowed free roam of the house she will no doubt find a quiet, unoccupied part of the house to pee in. Once she has started to "go" inside it will be doubly difficult to teach her to do her business outside.

She may not take to the crate at first. To help matters, keep it in a family friendly part of the house. The kitchen, den or family room are great locations. Just because she is kenneled doesn't mean she can't be with the rest of the family. Being in the crate should not be considered punishment. Keep it comfy with an old blanket or two and you may want to toss in a chew toy or two. When she is not in the crate she must be constantly supervised. Watch for circling and sniffing the carpet. That is a sure sign she is about to go. Take her outside and repeat the "go pee" and "go potty" routine like you did when you first brought her home. Don't forget to praise her when she is finished.

The main thing to remember in crate training is that, as stated earlier, puppies have small bladders and bowels. They can't hold it in for long periods of "crate time". Take her out to her designated potty area frequently. How frequently? A good rule of thumb is the pup's age in months plus one. For example, if she is 2 months old she needs to be taken outside for a potty break every 3 hours.( 2 months plus 1). When she is out of her crate for play time, especially while the excitement is new to her, more frequent trips may be necessary.

By using a crate, and following these few tips your new puppy will be house trained in no time at all.

Steve Kettle is a freelance writer and publisher of a pet website. You can visit it at http://www.pawspawspaws.com

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Labels: Dog Training