Dog Training - Tips and Techniques to Train your Dog

Malibu Dog Training

2011-04-26T19:56:00.001-07:00

Malibu Dog Training

Posted: 23 Apr 2011 11:44 PM PDT

It's clear from our research that if you transport an animal in the back of an open vehicle, that animal must be restrained. In the state of New South Wales a fine of...

Malibu Dog Training

2011-03-22T19:52:00.001-07:00

Malibu Dog Training

Opposition Reflex

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:25 PM PST

In the dog training world, opposition reflex is a term used to describe why a puppy first resists walking on the leash. It's a natural reflex driven by...

Malibu Dog Training

2011-03-11T19:28:00.001-08:00

Malibu Dog Training

Malibu Dog Training is on Facebook

Posted: 10 Mar 2011 09:25 PM PST

You'll definitely want to visit my page, and "Like" me. I blog more on Facebook, than I do here. I like the ease at which I can...

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2011-01-16T04:14:00.001-08:00

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What MLK can teach us about leadership

2011-01-16T04:11:00.001-08:00

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	January 16, 2011

Dear fans,

Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the holiday celebrating the life and leadership of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The American hero changed life as everyone knew it and made it better. That is true leadership. The millions who followed him from all walks of life worked together to change the world. That is the power of the pack. And he projected the ideal energy for a leader -- calm, assertive.

Read more from Cesar about mastering leadership.


Ask Cesar: Disinterested in the Walk 2011 Millan Foundation Goals & Plans Reminder -- Call for Entries: Make your own Cesar commercial! Ask the Vet: Doggie Flu Ambassador Profile: Linda de Jardin Snow Dogs Photo Gallery

Ask Cesar: Disinterested in the Walk

This fan's dog has always loved going for walks, but lately he seems disinterested in going for strolls around the neighborhood. What's going on here? Cesar answers.

2011 Millan Foundation Goals & Plans

This past year has brought with it many blessings and changes. With such a successful 2010, the Foundation is now gearing up for all of the great things to come in the New Year.

Reminder -- Call for Entries: Make your own Cesar commercial!

Get those cameras rolling! Time is running out -- with the Superbowl comes the anticipation of seeing some of the best and funniest commercials we see all year long. Get into the spirit, put on your clever caps, and create a Cesar commercial for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Learn more about the contest here!

Ask the Vet: Doggie Flu

What are the merits in immunizing your dog for the flu? Canine influenza (dog flu) is a relatively new disease that first showed up around 2004 in Florida and shortly afterwards was responsible for a massive outbreak in New York. Dr. Conn fills us in here.

Ambassador Profile: Linda de Jardin

Cesar Millan Ambassadors is a volunteer organization that helps spread Cesar's message, in addition to building a greater awareness of our dogs' needs and creating a positive "ripple effect" in the dog community. Here, meet one of our Canadian ambassadors.

Snow Dogs Photo Gallery

This winter season has brought record amounts of snow across the country. We asked you to share some pictures of your dogs enjoying the white winter wonderland! Here is a selection of some of the wonderful photos you sent in.

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*Using Cesar's Rules* In his latest book, Cesar shows you how to communicate well with your dog and shares the most effective and humane methods for teaching your dog how to be a happy, well-behaved member of your household. Learn more. *And Common Canine Misbehaviors* In Volume 5 of the Mastering Leadership series of DVDs, Cesar addresses the most common dog problems and his techniques for correcting them, from barking to aggression. Learn more.


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Canine Super Potency Megavites & Colostrum Chewable Tablets for dogs

2009-02-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

Canine Super Potency Megavites & Colostrum Chewables

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES:

Contains 23 essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants plus omega fatty acids and colostrum to provide for the optimum ratio of these essential ingredients for a healthy lifestyle for your cherished canine.
Contains the equivalent of 2+ Pet-Tab Brand Multi-vitamin tablets in only one daily dosage.
Ideal for any dog that lives an active lifestyle or who appears to have a lack of energy.
Great immune booster (with colostrum), highly recommended for dogs that have undergone surgery or are geriatric (over the age of 7).
Great ROAST BEEF and LIVER flavor, your dog will love it!

DESCRIPTION

Canine Super Potency Megavites & Colostrum Chewable Tablets for dogs offer the most complete daily supplement with 23 essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants plus omega fatty acids and colostrum. This product is designed to bolster the immune systems of geriatric dogs, or dogs that have gone through a recent surgery/ trauma, or are used for field trials or hunting. It contains unique ingredients and is loaded with the powerful immune booster - colostrum. Just think what it can do for the normal immune system.

PRODUCT DOSAGE

Offer free choice or crumble and mix with food 1 chewable tablet daily for every 20 pounds of canine bodyweight.

INGREDIENTS

Each chewable tablet contains the following:

Ingredients	Amount
Colostrum	60 mg
Linoleic Acid (Omega 6s)	30 mg
Vitamin A	1300 IU
Vitamin D3	150 IU
Vitamin E	3 IU
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	810 mcg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	1 mcg
Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate)	2 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	10 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	820 mcg
Folic Acid	800 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)	10 mcg
Choline	20 mg
Calcium	160 mg
Phosphorous	100 mg
Potassium	16 mcg
Sodium	2 mg
Magnesium	1 mg
Iron	10 mcg
Copper	500 mcg
Manganese	60 mcg
Zinc	10 mg
Iodine	52 mcg
Selenium	4 mcg

Each chewable tablet has a great ROAST BEEF and LIVER flavor! Dogs love it!

Buy This One with Cheap Cost?

How To Be A Dog Handler

2008-12-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

By Kelly Marshall

When looking into training your dog you will notice that there are quite a few different ways in which you can do it. Each different dog training school teaches differently, so how do you know which ways are right and which ways are wrong? Also what skills are actually needed to make you a god dog handler?

The Skills You Need to Be a Dog Handler

Whilst professional dog handlers may make it look easy, it can actually be a lot of hard work. This means that first of all you will need a dedication to your dog and you will also need a lot of patience. It is so easy to become agitated and frustrated throughout training but if you are to train your dog properly, you are going to have to learn to be more patient than usual and encourage them as much as possible instead of snapping and dragging your dog around.

Another thing many people do not think about is that their body language is also actually quite important in dog training. So not only do you have to be aware of what your dog is doing, but you also need to know what your body is doing too as this is what judges look at during obedience competitions. Three important tips to remember include:

· Hand Signals should be used

· Always be consistent

· Know Your Dog

Both of these tips are important and you will find that in proper dog training you will mainly be using hand signals to tell your dog what is expected of them. However in order to teach hand signals you need to first teach voice signals. Once your dog is comfortable with voice commands, start introducing hand signals into the training. At first you may need to make your signals overly enthusiastic. This will help to grab the dog’s attention and they will start associating certain commands with certain hand signals. However as the dog becomes more experienced you will need to gradually stop giving such enthusiastic signals and make them a little more subtle. In competitions dog handlers give slight signals only and it is all about subtle control of over your dog.

Consistency is also an extremely important thing to remember when training any dog. You have to be consistent in order for the dog to learn anything. All dogs are different but mainly they do take a while to learn things and training sessions should be kept short. By making lessons short and fun your dog will soon start to look forward to the sessions and they will be eager to please you also. So if in the beginning your dog does not always do everything that they are told, do not show your frustration and simply gently correct the dog and be consistent. Your consistency will pay off in the end and you will end up with a trained and happy dog.

Finally the third tip is to know your dog. You need to know how your dog will react in certain situations and you need to know if they are capable of doing what you are asking them to do. There are different training methods available and not all of them are suitable for your dog. For example, if you have a gentle dog then it is certainly not a good idea to treat them rough and firm as they will soon become scared of training and they will not want to know about what you want from them, they will simply not want to do it because they are frightened of the consequences.

Overall remember these tips and you should find that you have a well behaved dog who is capable of competing at a professional level.

Visit Oh My Dog Supplies for great deals on dog beds & car seat covers for dogs

For more articles by Kelly Marshall on EzineArticles.com, see this interesting article on dietary needs for your dog

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

Dog Training - Personal VS. Professional

2008-12-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

By Emma Everson

It is always better to opt to train your dog personally, though there is nothing wrong with hiring a professional dog trainer to handle the task. Here are some strategies to get you started on the right path. Body and Hand control can be of great value to use body and hand movements as signals, but you must be conscious of their useful application.

You can later minimise these signals or cut them out when no longer needed. A lot of repetitions and praising your dog each time he does it right will reap results. Use of Food as Reward should never be used in place of other forms of reward or encouragement, but rather to back up or reinforce encouragement and praise.

A dog is used to being allowed outside when he whines at the door, but is suddenly no longer allowed out when he whines. Dog training can be quite a challenge, but if you follow the tips here, the task will be much easier. If he does something you like and you know he loves a belly rub, then fuss over him while you rub his belly, telling him that good dogs get their bellies rubbed.

“positive”, “negative”, “reinforcement” and “punishment” are technical terms that scientists use when discussing Operant Conditioning.

“Positive” means to add something. We add the reward, or add the punishment. By contrast, “Negative” means to take something away. We take away the reward, or take away the unpleasant stimulus.

“Reinforcement” is when we increase or maintain behavior. The behavior happens more often, more intensely, for longer periods, or it continues to happen without reducing in frequency, intensity or duration. By contrast, “Punishment” is when we decrease or eliminate behavior using consequence. We reduce the frequency, intensity or duration of the behavior.

For a greater insight into training your dog why not take a look at "How To Train Your Dog In One Evening".

My name is Emma Everson and I specialize in providing dog training solutions. I have been training dogs for 20 years and have researched extensively in all areas of dog behavior. How To Train Your Dog In One Evening is an outstanding collection of dog training secrets for training your dog quickly, it has entries from experts who collectively have 80 years experience, from Police dog handlers and show dog trainers to veterinary technicians.

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

Presa Canario - Breeding and Recovery

2008-12-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

By Sergei Tsoganov

The interest in Perro de Presa Canario was revived in the beginning of the 70´s, when the group of Spanish dog-scientists, which was working on the revivement of ancient national breeds, collected several remaining thoroughbred species of Canary dog on isolated farms, which became the beginning of all modern species.

In this beginning a great role was played by cross-breeding blood of different types of Presa of the first decade of the 20 th century, which were left on the Islands and other representatives of the Moloss group. This began a slow but continuous recovery of the breed.It was especially difficult to strengthen genetic traits, i.e. to give stability and typicality to the breed. With the aim of uniting forces to revive the Canary dog, the group of the breed-fanciers on Tenerife, which is by the way responsible for the major part of the currently existing population of Perro de Presa in Spain, in 1982 founded the Club Espanol del Presa Canario. Due to their purposeful work, in ten years the number of the breed increased so much that nowadays the dogs show up on the exhibition circuit regularly and gain popularity in other countries, first of all in the USA, where its appearance and spread is due to Karl Semenchik.

This long work culminated with the approval of the Official Standart of the Presa Canario on January 24, 1986. And since 1993 registrations of the breed have extended within the Canary Archipelago to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Without any doubt this popularity was promoted by traditional annual national specialised shows, which are aimed at the analysis of morphological and temperamental aspects of the present generation for further improvement of its breed signs. Official recognition of Perro de Presa influenced its further breeding: if until that moment the numerous breeders reproduced continuing with their just personal, valuing of the temperament of the animal, the good structure, good head, good front, good bone etc., now the standard became the guiding principle. Nevertheless, Presa Canario remaind polytypic, which was explained by non-co-ordination of its use.

For example, there is an amount of tension between specialists from Canary Islands and Tenerife, where was concentrated the most important nuclei of the population. Canary Islands insisted on using the best species, which could be successfully used in dog-fighting: in the selection powerful, brave, aggressive, persistent and large size animals dominate. It mettered to them less the phenotype and they looked for the strong character of the animal mainly. In order to strengthen these qualities, for some time it was considered possible to cross Canary dog with distant and foreign breeds, for example: English and Neapolitan Mastino, in smaller part Great Dane and others.
The most important defects were coats where there was an excess of white, oval eyes, with conjunctivas open to the air, excesses in the sizes and flat ribs. As for Tenerife, local scientists are more concerned about recovering the biotype of the breed, which had began in the prior decade and gaining the antique outlook of Canary dog. Their work ruled by a model that was formalized through historical photos, oral history of all time breeders and the population of the most representative examples of the time.

Attention was paid to head structure, coat (where the special brindle color named "Verdino" was preferable), good movements. The typical or racial expression should dictate above everything. They wanted to be Presa Canario a medium animal, been accustomed to right propotions, rectangular, with balanced character. However, crossing with foreign breeds, like Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, Staffordshire bull terriers, Dogue de Bordeaux and others also took place. Nowadays the Perro de Presa Canario, as a result of all the crosses we have talked about, lacks of a precise phenotype. This is not a big problem because it could be solved by the passing of time with working in the right way.

All Presa breeders should be very responsible breeding their dogs. Selecting the crossings must be accomplished carefully in order to obtain a dog with the precise phenotype and balanced but very pronounced character with the natural working qualities of excellents guardians, man-stoppers and attack-dogs. Of course, should not breed Presa with lack of temperament or health problems like HIP and should test their dogs before using them in their breeding-programs.It is very important to remember that Presa Canario is a dog, which is more suitable for experienced trainers than for exhibition shows and prestige lovers.

Visit this site for more info.

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

Minnesota State Statutes Regarding Outdoor Dogs

2008-12-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

By Sandra McNeal

If you're going to keep a dog outdoors in the State of Minnesota, there are some specific requirements you need to be aware of. Minnesota State Statute 343.40 addresses the subject:

Minnesota State Statute 343.40 Dog Houses

Subd. 1. In general. A person in charge or control of any dog which is kept outdoors or in an unheated enclosure shall provide the dog with shelter and bedding as prescribed in this section as a minimum.

Subd. 2. Building specifications. The shelter shall include a moisture proof and windproof structure of suitable size to accommodate the dog and allow retention of body heat. It shall be made of durable material with a solid, moisture-proof floor or a floor raised at least two inches from the ground. Between November 1 and March 31 the structure must have a windbreak at the entrance. The structure shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings, blankets, or the equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness and promote retention of body heat.

Subd. 3. Shade. Shade from the direct rays of the sun, during the months of June to September shall be provided.

Subd. 4. Farm dogs. In lieu of the requirements of subdivision 2 and 3, a dog kept on a farm may be provided with access to a barn with a sufficient quantity of loose hay or bedding to protect against cold and dampness.

Subd. 5. Zoning. All shelter required by this section shall be subject to all building or zoning regulations of any city, township, county or state.

Subd. 6. Penalty. Whoever violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

In order for your dog's outdoor shelter to be in compliance with this statute, here are the key points you need to understand.

1. A dog house with windows, a leaking roof, slats in the sides, or an open doorway are all in violation.

2. For the dog house to be of 'suitable to size to retain the dog's body heat', the following is recommended: the door height should be at least 3/4 of your pet's shoulder height (from the ground to the neck), the length and width should be at least equal to but not more than 25% larger than the distance between the nose and the base of the tail, and the height of the house should be at least 25% taller and no more than 50% the height of the pet when standing.

3. The dog house floor must be 2 inches above the ground. Standing water or mud do not qualify as ground. If the house stands in water or mud, or leans into water or mud, then it must be relocated to a dry spot, where the entire floor of the house will be 2 inches above dry ground.

4. Between November 1 and March 31, it is not sufficient to have an open doorway on the dog house. A dry piece of carpet may be used, however it is preferable that the dog house be equipped with a clear plastic door to allow the dog the ability to see light, approaching people, and other movement.

5. Dry bedding must be provided within the dog house. Damp or wet bedding is not acceptable.

6. June 1 - September 30, the house must be located in shade, whether man-made or natural.

The statute is very specific and overlooking any one of these steps is a violation of the State Statute. The fine for a petty misdeameanor is approximately $300 per occurrence, plus any applicable surcharges.

So let's say you agree to all of the above and have complied on every point ~ you're now ready to house your dog outdoors, right? NO. You are now only in compliance on the minimum standard for the dog house itself. However, there is still State Statute 346.39:

Subd. 1. Food. Dogs and cats must be provided with food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or the maintenance of body weight. Feed standards shall be those recommended by the National Research Council.

Subd. 2. Water. Dogs and cats must be provided with clean, potable water in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal's needs or supplied by free choice. Snow or ice is not an adequate water source.

Snow or ice is not an adequate water source. This is possibly the most important item to understand, considering that water left in a bowl may turn to ice in mere minutes on a Minnesota winter's day, and will most certainly freeze overnight. A heated dish with an electric coil is the only practical solution, and these may be purchased for as little as $30. However, you will want to investigate various heated bowls, as not all bowls are capable of maintaining the proper temperature when the mercury drops to 30 below zero. Additionally, puddles, and stagnant or dirty water do not qualify as "potable" under the statute.

It is also important to remember that your pet may require additional calories in the winter months as it takes additional energy to keep body temperature regulated. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate daily calorie intake your dog will require to spend the winter outdoors.

Even though you provide adequate housing, warm water and food, and despite the fact that your animal has a fur coat, animals that are kept outdoors in freezing temperatures are still at risk for hypothermia and/or frostbite. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, slow or shallow respiration, and lethargy. If you suspect hypothermia, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. If you attempt to warm the animal yourself, it is essential that ONLY the pet's abdomen and thorax are warmed; warming paws, ears, or other extremities first can cause the animal to go into shock.

Frostbite occurs most commonly on ears, paws, and tails. Frostbitten body parts are unlikely to have sensation until they begin to thaw, at which time they may become very red, swollen, and painful. It is not uncommon in Minnesota for dogs and cats to lose ears and tails due to extreme frostbite. Again, treating hypothermia or frostbite should not be attempted at home, these conditions require prompt attention from a veterinarian.

If you must keep your dog outdoors, particularly during extreme temperatures, there is much to consider. Your local humane society will be able to assist with any specific questions you have regarding dog houses, appropriate kennel space, and State statutes. The most important thing to remember is that protecting your pet against the elements is not only humane, it is the law.

Sandra McNeal is a former Minnesota State Humane Agent, whose focus is on humane legislation and spay-neuter initiatives.

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

Bob

2008-12-15T05:14:00.001-08:00

By Sandra Cundy

Bob is the name of our dog. When we went to pick a dog out, we took my granddaughter with us because it was important to us that the granddaughter and the dog be compatible. Bob looked like a perfect fit. She was gentle, obedient, and seemed genuinely to want to go with us. At that time Bob was three years old. After we got through with all the formalities, we took Bob to the car, put her in the back seat with the granddaughter and headed home. About half way home, I turned in my seat and told my granddaughter, “We don’t have to call her Bob anymore. We can give her a girl’s name, like Misty or Bonnie or Sally. My granddaughter looked me right in the eye and said that Bob was a perfectly fine name. So Bob it is.

Once we got Bob home and over the ten years that we’ve had her, she has proven not to be the brightest puppy in the litter. But that’s okay with us because we really don’t expect much from her. My mother-in-law gets upset when we talk about Bob’s intelligence level. She is always asking why we would suggest that Bob is not very smart. We tell her because when the Domino ad comes on the TV, Bob goes to the door. When it rains, she sits out in the rain and gets wet and miserable. After ten years of my going to work at least 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, Bob still runs all over the house looking for me when my husband gets home from dropping me off at work.

Now that she is 13 years old, she is getting a little deaf and doesn’t hear as well as she use to. So now every time we go out somewhere and come home, Bob gets busted lying on the sofa. The sofa is actually two rocking recliners and we always knew that Bob was laying on it when we left the house, because quite often when we returned from going out and walked into the house, one side of the sofa would still be rocking. Now I can walk right up to the back of the sofa after returning home and there’s Bob, lying there listening intently for some noise. But I really don’t mind, because Bob has been a loving, loyal, gentle companion for us and I am glad that we rescued her.

http://www.my-grammys-attic.com

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

Training Your Dog - Behavior And Tricks

2008-12-15T05:13:00.001-08:00

By Pam Mitchell

I have had many dogs in my life time and one thing I can day is true is that a dog that is not trained is hard to keep. It is extremely frustrating when you own a dog and they are not well behaved, they are not house trained and they don;t know any tricks. You can't let them inside because they will make a mess by getting into everything and anything they can get into and they will defecate on your floor.

When I was young my parents never had the time to train our dogs. My siblings and I weren't quite sure how to train our dogs. We taught them a few basic tricks that they would perform once in a while if they felt like they wanted a treat, but that was the extent of their performance. We weren't quite sure how to house train our dogs so they stayed outside most of the time. The outside made them a little more wild than if they would have been kept inside. They started running away for a few days once in a while. Eventually they would run away for longer and longer periods of time and eventually they ran away and never came back. This is the reason why I decided to train the dog I have now.

Dog training is truly fantastic. It's amazing that you can get a puppy that doesn't have any behaviour training and "relieves" themself anywhere they want to having a dog that is so well behaved that not only can they do tricks, but they can make your life easier. For example if I want to sit down and relax after a hard day and I can't find the remote, I trained my dog so that he will bring me the remote if I am to lazy to find it. It also feels good having a dog that doesn't run up to people, bark and scare them when we go on walks.

I highly recommend taking the time to train your dog. With all the online books about dog training, it's really not that difficult and does not take a lot of time and effort. Plus it is great having a dog that knows how to behave themselves and can come inside your house without you having to worry.

For a review on the same ebook (electronic book) I used to train my dog go to http://trainapup.blogspot.com

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

Are You Harming Your Dog with Their Dog Food? Health Concerns Stemming from Commercial Dog Foods

2008-12-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

By Cindy McKie

Do you like eating foods laced with preservatives, fillers and potentially dangerous chemicals? I’m going to take a safe guess and say no—but most dog owners serve this to their beloved pets every day.

Death Due to Dog Food

Commercial dog food health concerns are being raised as more and more people are exposing the potentially harmful practices of commercial dog food manufacturing. On Friday March 16th a major dog and cat food recall was announced by Menu Foods, the company that makes 48 brands of pet foods including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba pet food. The Menu Foods recall was announced after it was discovered that 10 dogs and cats died and an unknown number affected from kidney failure as a result of eating these pet foods.

Do you know what’s in Your Dog’s Food?

The truth is many commercial dog foods have ingredients that would shock you.

Your Dog’s Food Could Contain:

Worms

Rancid Animal Fats

Diseased or cancerous meat

And…

Sodium Pentobarbital used to euthanize animals!

Yes, I’m sorry to tell you but dead animals could be in your dog’s dinner bowl. According to author Ann Martin, author of “Protect Your Pet” and “Food Pets Die For” it is a common practice that euthanized animals are routinely rounded up from veterinary clinics and sent to processing plants to become your dog’s food.

Now tell me—would you knowingly feed your beloved pet this type of food? Of course not! But commercial dog food health concerns stem from the fact that the manufacturers don’t have to tell you what happens to the meat before they get their hands on it.

Discover How To Feed Your Dog a Healthy, Life Enhancing Diet

The key to providing dog food health benefits is to feed your beloved pet the nutrients and vitamins they need—without the preservatives, fillers and tainted meat. Just as you take care to cook healthy meals for you and the rest of your family, you can easily create healthy recipes for your dog. Making homemade meals for your dog isn’t expensive, it isn’t difficult and it will dramatically improve the health and well being of your dog.

On the days that you may not be able to “cook” for your pet you can substitute a safe brand of kibble. You will have to study up on your pet food labels but there are a precious few commercial dog foods on the market that are designed with your pet’s health in mind…but you need to read those labels to be sure you’re giving them the correct brands.

Feed your dog a healthier, chemical free diet and they will:

Have stronger immune systems

Suffer less skin conditions

Better all over health including less chance of heart conditions and kidney failure

Live much longer

If you have a dog you know what a cherished member of the family they become. What you may not know is that you may be putting them at risk for disease and a significantly shorter life span every time you serve them their dog food. Health and happiness for your dog can be as simple as taking the time to learn the truth about commercial dog foods and learning how you can better feed your four legged friend

Cindy McKie is a freelance writer and owner of a 15 year old Bichon Frise named Molly. Learn how to start feeding your dog a healthier diet today with the 5 Free Tips to a Better Dog's Diet mini-course.

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

Behavioral Training For Your New Puppy

2008-12-15T05:09:00.000-08:00

By Jim McKiel

In this article we will discuss behavioral training for the newest member of your family.

Obedience training was discussed in an earlier article titled "Obedience Training for Your New Puppy". It has been shown that obedience training is very important for a puppy and behavioral training is just as important. In some puppy/dog training camps, behavioral training is considered to be training a puppy/dog to be "good" or "well behaved". In other training camps, behavioral training is considered to be "correcting a puppy/dogs bad behavior". For the sake of arguments, we will describe behavioral training in this article as training a puppy or dog to be well behaved as in house training and good manners when around people and other animals.

One of the very first training sessions will be house training. You want your puppy to do his business outside. If you are committed to this training, you can have a puppy housebroken in as little as three weeks. There may be a mistake now and again but the main process will be complete and the puppy will be going outside to do his business in the yard. A crate for the puppy to sleep in will aid in his house training and also protect him/her when you are unable to closely observe the puppy. Put your puppy on a feeding schedule and make sure you take them outside as soon as they are finished eating. Talk to them and praise them when they relieve themselves outside. If they do have an accident inside, tell them "no" sternly and take them outside immediately. Do not punish them for any accidents inside but praise them abundantly when they relieve themselves outside. Make sure you regulate their food and water before bedtime and take them outside before putting them in the crate for the night. Be consistent and determined in your training and it will pay off.

Training your dog not to jump up on people is a must. Teach them the correct way to greet people when they are small so you don't have a 90 pound dog jumping up on grandmother or anyone else who visits your home. Many people are frightened of large dogs because a large dog can cause injury if they jump up on people. One way to train a puppy not to jump up on people is to keep the puppy on a leash when someone comes to your house. Step on the leash so the puppy can't jump up as you open the door or greet the visitors. Command the puppy to sit (they can't do much else with you standing on the leash) and when he/she does reward them with a treat or pat on the head. Have a friend or relative practice with you and the puppy until they realize that if they sit when someone arrives, they will be rewarded. If he/she does try to jump up on the visitor, reprimand in a stern loud voice and start over. Never hit the puppy or yell at him/her.

Do not let your puppy or dog on the couch or bed unless you plan to let them on the furniture at all times. An animal doesn't understand that they can sleep on the bed or couch only on certain days or certain times. It is very unfair to them to let them do something on one day but refuse them the same privilege on another day. Make up your mind what the rules are before enforcing them with your puppy or dog. It is much easier to train a little bundle of fur not to get on the furniture then a big 120 pound Rottweiler who happens to like sleeping on your bed or couch. Consistency is the key.

Behavioral training will be an on going process just like obedience training. Yes, your puppy will learn the basics and yes they will still remember these as adult dogs but there may be new situations which the animal faces and new rules for the animal to learn. Also, the obedience training the puppy/dog receives will cross over to behavioral training. Sometimes the difference in the training is miniscule. You can not have a well behaved dog that is not obedient and an obedient dog will be well behaved.

Jim McKiel lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Doris and their pet family members Buddy and Buster. They have devoted their lives to the betterment of pet ownership. For more information, visit LargeBreedFamilyDogs

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How to Care for Your New Adopted Dog

2008-12-15T05:08:00.000-08:00

By M. Bruno

Whether you and your new dog have come together as a result of a dog adoption, dog rescue or other means, one thing is certain…you must take the best care possible of your dog to assure the dog’s health and a long and rewarding life together.

Your new dog will need time to adjust to his new home and family. He just left a kennel or shelter where there were strange sounds and people.. Now he is in a new place with another set of new people and an environment that he needs to get comfortable in. He’ll want to explore. He’ll want to get to know his new home.. He’ll probably have some accidents as he gets to know his surroundings and will chew a few things. Keep on eye on him but expect this to happen. It’s all common during the adjustment period.

Here’s a few tips on dog care to get you started:

• Make sure your dog has been micro-chipped . This is a simple little device injected under the skin and will help identify your new adopted dog in case the dog ever gets lost and is brought to a dog shelter or dog rescue.

1. Another important accessory is a soft dog collar with an id tag attached. The id tag should have your name and a current phone number that you can be reached at in the event someone finds your newly adopted dog after a doggy adventure. Many careful dog guardians have discovered that their pal has slipped out a door, through a fence or run out to play only to get lost. Proper identification will enhance the probability of a quick and safe return home.

• Make sure you keep your dog on a leash at all times when you go for a walk . This will protect your dog from potential dangers such as cars and other dogs. It also will help you control your dog and protect her in the event the dog becomes excited at the site of other dogs or people.

• Spay or Neuter your Dog- Spaying and neutering is a very basic procedure that will help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Spayed or neutered fogs have fewer behavioral issues such as aggression . And finally, spaying and neutering helps control the exploding dog population. This will reduce the stress on overpopulated dog shelters and help reduce the number of unwanted dogs that are euthanized annually.

• Choose the Perfect Veterinarian- Your adopted dog should receive regular vet checkups as a preventative medicine function and to treat any problems that may arise. Certain vaccinations are required by law such as one for rabies. When you choose a vet, ask the doctor what his/her philosophy is as to vaccinations, nutrition and general treatment protocols. One you select the vet that you feel is best for your dog, you will be started on a lifelong relationship for good canine health.

• Feed a high quality dog food.-There are a number of different philosophies on the best type of food to feed your adopted dog. Some believe that dogs should eat RAW food as they would in the wild. Others believe that kibble is the best way to go. Yet others decide to cook meats, veggies and rice as a diet. Talk with your vet as to what is best for your dog nutritionally and as to quantity and frequency of feedings. If you choose a commercial dog food make sure that it is not mostly filler. You can determine this by looking at the first agreements on the package. When you see grains and by products mentioned and the price is a bargain…leave it behind. Your adopted dog needs a nutritionally based diet that will help keep him healthy, not junk food. When in doubt, ask your vet.

• Make sure your adopted dog is licensed. You will need to province proof of vaccinations and should get an id tag. Your vet, the local dog shelter or dog rescue can provide you with information.

• Make sure your adopted dog has a warm place to live in the winter and cool place in the summer. Your dog should always have access to fresh water. I don’t support the idea of “outdoor” dogs. Dogs enjoy playing in the yard but should have a safe and comfortable place to rest . And never under any circumstance chain your dog and leave her unattended. Your dog wants to be with you and share your time and space. Having a companion is why you brought your dog home in the first place, isn’t it?

• Exercise your dog with frequent walks and play. Both you and your dog will benefit from the exercise, making your relationship stronger . Walk your dog at least 2 times a day. Exercise and meeting other folks along the way with friendly dogs will also help you to socialize your dog. Ask your vet how much exercise your dog should receive.

• Join a dog training class. Many places offer group lessons on basic behavior and socialization. This is a wonderful and inexpensive opportunity for you and your new adopted dog to develop a solid foundation.

• Be a Pal to Your Dog- Dog behavior and care can at times be frustrating. But almost any situation can be resolved with a little information and help. Don’t approach your new adopted dog with rapid hand movements at his face. He will be scared and his reaction may be unexpected including fear or aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism. When you have a question or don’t know what to do next, consult with your veterinarian, dog trainers and dog rescue folks who have probably seen the exact same situation countless times. Your adopted dog is now a member of your family and is counting on you to be a guardian and a pal.

Dogs 4 Life offers news, information and resources on dog adoption, dog rescue, dog food nutrition and dog care at http://www.dogs-4life.com This article may be reproduced unedited and provided the hyperlink to the author’s site is displayed with the article.

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How to Take Care of a Black Lab Dog

2008-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

By Anna Hart

Imagine seeing this entry at an online dating site: “Avid swimmer, EBLD seeking lifetime relationship. Must haves: long runs in the park; exciting games of ball or Frisbee; constant attention. Must not haves: someone who’s too busy for me; someone who’ll put me in the doghouse.”

Who is EBLD? An Energetic Black Lab Dog! If you’re thinking of getting one, you’re going to want to know how to take care of a black Lab dog. And if you think you can take care of a black lab dog with little time, think again. This dog belongs with owners that are willing to spend time with and for it.

Attention

The most important factor in the care of a black Lab is attention. A black Lab will do without a lot of things, but it will not do without attention. A black Lab simply will not be ignored.

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most lovable, even-tempered dogs there is. He wants to share his immense supply of love with his owners, and can’t imagine they won’t take time to reciprocate.

Labrador Retrievers are also highly intelligent dogs. They can quickly sense reluctance on their owners’ part to spend time with them. They are eager to please, and use their intelligence to please you. In return, your care of a black Lab must include plenty of energetic play, and intelligent interaction.

Microchip

It is not essential to the care of a black Lab to have a microchip inserted, but it does provide a level of protection if your retriever strays.

Exercise

To provide good care of a black Lab, you will need to give it regular, daily exercise in large doses. Plan on 30 to 60 minutes daily as a minimum. Your black Lab will love to have 30 minutes morning and evening if possible.

Exercise should be varied. Include walks, on or off leash. Work in games of fetch (to allow you to breathe while he races!). Incorporate obedience or hunting training into your care of a black Lab and he will be able to exercise his intelligence, too.

Be sure the exercise is regular, as your black Lab’s boundless energy must find an outlet. If the outlet is not exercise, it may be destructive behavior.

Preventative Care

You should not limit your care of a black Lab to its present needs. You can forestall certain medical concerns, such as hip dysphasia, by giving the Labrador preventative care. Begin preventative care of a black Labrador when you first get the dog. First, check with the breeder to be sure the puppy’s parents are free of genetic problems. The puppy should have had its first shots and worming. Take it to a veterinarian for a check-up, and continue to take it for “wellness” visits.

Maintain preventative health care of a black lab by having your vet include, minimally: checks for external and internal parasites, inoculations, and heart worm preventative.

Food

The cook involved in the care of a black Lab must consider several things.

1. Black Labrador Retrievers will eat almost anything – think goat! To take care of a Black Lab, you need to guard against it eating junk.

2. The best food to give when taking care of a black Lab is real food. Give it real meat, raw or cooked: beef, chicken, and turkey. Give it fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Mix in brown rice and oatmeal for fiber, eggs and yogurt. Commercial dog foods, unknown before 1930, seem to exist as an outlet for rejected grains and meats that could not be sold to humans.

3. Watch your Labrador’s intake. If you really want to take proper care of a black Lab, you will not let it become overweight, risking heart disease, arthritis, and other health problems.

Grooming

You won’t need a professional groomer to take care of a Black Lab’s coat, but you should not assume the dog needs no grooming. Black Labradors shed a lot in spring and autumn, but they need to be groomed year-round.

To take proper care of a black Lab’s coat, you will need a narrow-toothed comb, short-haired rake, toenail clippers, wide-toothed comb, and a wire slicker brush. A bristle brush is nice for distributing oils when your Lab is not shedding.

Proper care of a black Lab will require daily grooming during seasonal blowing of the coat. The job is not nearly as large if done daily, and the sooner you remove dead hair, the sooner new hair can grow. Use the short-haired rake first, to rake out dead hairs. Use the wire slicker brush to get what the rake missed. Use the wide-toothed comb lightly to loosen matted hairs. The next step proves how intent you are on proper care of a black Lab. Go over the entire dog carefully with your narrow-toothed comb! Finish the job with your bristle brush to catch loose hairs.

Aside from spring and autumn’s major shedding periods, your Retriever will need to be brushed twice a week. Cut its toenails once every month to avoid foot problems.

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about the care of a Black Labrador Retriever at http://www.lovablelabradors.com Anna has posted additional information on that site about Labrador Retrievers of all colors. If you ever wondered about black and white labs, you’ll enjoy Anna’s perspective on the subject.

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

Our Dog Trix - A Boxer Mix Has A Really Sensitive Stomach

2008-12-15T04:58:00.000-08:00

By Bob Crane

We have a six-year old boxer mix that has had a sensitive stomach since she was a puppy. Now that she is an adult the vomiting she had experienced as a puppy is rare but she still gets indigestion a lot. We have had to keep her on a dry food diet to keep her from getting sick which has worked well now for several years.

One morning when I was preparing to feed her I noticed a loud grumbling coming from her stomach. It was so loud that I heard it across the room. That was on a Saturday morning so I took her to the Vet right away. I was afraid that she may have bloat, a problem that can occur in a dog with a deep chest. What happens when a dog gets bloat is the stomach actually rotates within the chest. The Vet told us that if bloat is not dealt with quickly the animal would die. He took x-rays and found that her stomach was in the correct position ruling out bloat.

The vet at that time figured that she must have a virus because one was going around and he had had several complaints similar to ours that same morning. He prescribed some medication for the dog and we thought that was the end of it.

Around two weeks went by and the dog's symptoms had disappeared so we thought she was ok, that it was only the virus. Then one morning we were having hard boiled eggs and the dog was crazy about eggs so we gave her some. Later that afternoon she threw up everything that she had eaten all day undigested. The food had been in her stomach for at least eight hours and no signs of digestion at all. So we went back to the Vet to try to find out what was wrong with her this time. She had never thrown up undigested food before so this was possibly a new problem. Well, after another x-ray and exam the Vet saw what was wrong right away this time. It turned out that the piece of egg that we had given her earlier in the day had plugged the outlet from her stomach preventing digestion from taking place.

It was one of the tips of the egg that acted like a plug and it fit perfectly. Our mistake was thinking that she would chew the egg but she didn't. The vet also determined that the food that we feed her is too big. The kibbles for that type of dog should be no larger than a pea so if she swallows some of them whole they will be able to pass through her digestion system. My mistake was in giving her larger kibbles thinking that they would help keep her teeth clean and that probably would have been the case if she chewed all of her food. So if you have a dog that is having some stomach problems that you really can't pinpoint the cause of make sure the food is not too large for the type of breed dog that you have. Your Vet should have a chart to show you the size kibble your dog should have.

Bob Crane is the author of http://www.fordfseriestrucks.com a website that helps you find what you need for your Ford Truck. He also runs a blog at: http://www.fixnkeep.com The blog discusses preventative maintenance and corrective fixes on cars and things around the house. "Why buy new if you can fix what you already have."

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

Breeding Pitbulls

2008-12-15T04:43:00.000-08:00

By Bill Gunning

The fashion of trying to breed pitbulls was extremely famous back in the days when the pitbull was bred for the sole purpose of being tossed into a hole in the earth with another pitbull while hundreds of savage onlookers watched the dogs rip each other to shreds. It was the one who actually took the care to breed pitbulls that won all the praise and became a leader in the breeding industry. Many people whom did breed pitbulls in those days were in a constant position to always be battling for supreme breeder of the pitbull and especially the champion pitbull fighter.

Understanding Breeding Pitbulls

There are many contributing factors that play a role in a pitbulls personality and general disposition. Despite the belief that people breed pitbulls for the purpose of being mean and extremely aggressive is a gross misunderstanding because they are not bred to fight and they haven't been for a considerable amount of years. It is the people who own the dogs, not those that breed pitbulls generally that turn the dogs aggressive and mean and as a result the dogs become quite untrustworthy because they have been taught aggression. Again it is important to repeat that those who breed pitbulls are typically not to blame for a pitbull turning on a neighbor or an owner. These people are generally very irresponsible and the people that breed pitbulls didn't pick up on it.

Breeders that breed pitbulls typically watch for those potential owners that may be abusive because they don't want their dogs going out and later coming back that they have viciously attacked a young child or worse. Those who breed pitbulls are extremely responsible people and take the pitbulls reputation to heart due to the very nature of their livelihoods. While it can't and shouldn't be ignored that these poor dogs were subject to breeding for merely fighting purposes, it also shouldn't be something that intimidates you as your raising and treatment of the dog plays a very large role.

Those who breed pitbulls and raise them always insist that pitbulls are loving dogs and they adore human interaction and human affection. The pitbull actually believes that it is a lap dog and will often try to crawl into the owners lap to smother him or her with kisses however there are also many pitbulls that can develop very severe behavior problems if they are poorly bred, abused and not socialized. Like every animal care must be taken to ensure it is comfortable and at ease with other humans as well as dogs.

If you want to learn more about Brindle Pitbulls please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Pitbulls

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Tips on Pomeranian Grooming

2008-12-15T04:41:00.000-08:00

By Nathan Dormello

The Pomeranian dog is a very small little dog that is largely composed of a very thick and doubled coat of hair. There are actually several layers to the Pomeranian hair, which gives some people the impression that Pomeranian grooming would be extremely difficult due to the amount of hair they have however, Pomeranian grooming is not that, terribly difficult at all. The only notable difference is that some short haired dogs don’t need to be combed every single day however the Pomeranian is one that does require daily brushings due to the thickness and constant shedding.

In order to understand how to properly perform Pomeranian grooming on your puppy, it is really important that you realize that this breed of dog can knot and form tangles very easily. It is also an imperative issue to understand because of the double coat that the Pomeranian dogs have and they tend to shed those undercoats a couple of times a year. The Pomeranian grooming on a regular basis also immensely helps the coat grow and form on these little spunky dogs.

The Pomeranian Touch

There is likely no other dog that is more frequently seen in the dog shows as the Pomeranian. These little things are extremely popular and unlike a lot of breeds that can be disqualified by certain markings, it is widely accepted that most if not all Pomeranians are show dogs. It is for this very reason that there is so much focus and concentration paid to Pomeranian grooming as well as the fact that the Pomeranian coat is very coarse and thick. If it isn’t regularly maintained, groomed, washed and brushed the coat of the Pomeranian will suffer and turn very ratty, matted and full of knots and this doesn’t look very attractive on the little critters.

There are many owners that take part in regular Pomeranian grooming and are highly rewarded by happy little dogs, as they generally adore the attention and doting of being groomed. There are many tips and tricks you can learn to help you with your own Pomeranian grooming needs and can even help you with purchasing products that are necessary to maintain a nice coat for you dog. There are many sprays and products that can remove urine stains and grass stains as well as many other stains that your Pomeranian may have gotten into. Before you begin a Pomeranian grooming regime for you dog, be sure to find out all the helpful useful information from your local Pomeranian breeder.

If you want to learn more about Pomeranian Rescue please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Pomeranian

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House Training Your Puppy Or Dog

2008-12-15T04:39:00.000-08:00

By Abbie Frank

One of the best things about having a pet is the companionship they offer. Many of the idealized dreams of pet owners have been destroyed by the inability to properly house train a new puppy or dog. This is unfortunate because with very few exceptions, teaching a dog to relieve themselves outside is one of the easier things to do.

Understand that dogs are pack animals and in the wild, they choose to be very social and interact with a group. When you take on dog ownership, you are seen as part of the pack. Canines also prefer to sleep in a very clean, dry and warm place. This means that a dog or puppy will not purposely soil what they see as their home and sleeping area.

The key then is to take this natural preference and use it to develop a positive behavior of asking to go outside to relieve themselves. The absolute best way of getting the behavior you want is to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement.

Yelling, raising your voice, threatening and getting aggravated or physical with your puppy or dog will not nearly be as effective as positive reinforcement and consistency on your part. A dog simply has a difficult time associating an action with a consequence. It's their desire however to make you happy so anything like going outside to the bathroom should be seen as something that makes you happy. This means lots of praise will get your puppy housebroken a lot faster than getting upset.

It also means that if your dog has an accident inside your home and you do not see it while it's happening, you should not scold or say anything negative to your pup. And even better approach when you have to clean up a pile of poo is to ignore the dog completely. You don't want to show your displeasure because your puppy will not have the ability to associate your unhappiness with the bathroom accident. The reason for this is that you don't want to interact with the animal after finding something that you don't like.

You should also face the fact that your puppy or dog will have an occasional accident during the training. It's just a fact that there will be times when your puppy will not be able to control their bowels or bladder. If you catch them in the act of relieving themselves in your home however, simply pick them up and say firmly "NO" and take them directly outside to let them finish going to the bathroom.

Stay there with them and pay careful attention to make certain that they go. While outside, if they do indeed go potty, it's very important that you focus on that positive and offer them lots of praise and physical contact heading for doing a good job. This helps connect bathroom business with outside and pleasing you.

It's only through patience and understanding that you can successfully potty train your dog. Although it doesn't take a lot of time, it's important that you stay consistent with your training and realize that accidents will unfortunately happen.

Abigail Franks and her family love dogs of all sizes. Find out how to be successful with puppy potty training and crate training for your dog.

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

What Are Golden Retrievers Like To Live With?

2008-08-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

By Carol Matthews

Best selling author Lisa Scottoline has four Golden Retrievers and one Welsh Corgi. She writes about them like this, "When you have a house full of Goldens, you think to yourself, You know, we need a dog". And which dog causes all the trouble in her home? The Corgi. Which dog literally ate part of her finger? The Corgi. Which dog is on doggy Prozac? The Corgi.

This shows the big contrast between Golden Retriever temperaments and the temperaments of most other dog breeds. Although every dog is an individual, for the most part Golden Retrievers are calm, trainable and submissive. However, they need proper nutrition, grooming and exercise to get this good-natured and stay this good-natured. Golden Retrievers aren't the perfect dogs, but for many they are worth their weight in gold for their personalities. If you are ever saddled with a Golden Retriever, you could do a lot worse.

There are some negatives to living with Golden Retrievers that you should prepare yourself for. These will be mild for some people and calamities for others. Golden Retrievers need daily grooming, or they get matted. They shed more than other breeds. It has been said they have more of a doggy odor than other breeds. They also were bred to be Retrievers (hence the name), which means they have a compulsion to pick things up in their mouths and carry them to your home. This can mean they find a big dead rat and carry in into your living room, fully expecting to be showered with praise.

Golden Retrievers, because of their popularity, have been victims of their own success. Some unscrupulous breeders more concerned about how many puppies they can sell as opposed to how healthy the puppies are have over bred them. There is an effort of Golden Retriever breeders to try and reverse health problems that can be passed on through genes. Just to be on the safe side, expect your Golden Retriever to have skin problems, hip dysplasia, eye problems and heart problems.

You can greatly help your Golden Retriever's behavior, trainability and health by getting your dog spayed or neutered. The dog will already be neutered if you adopt from a Golden Retriever rescue center. Neutering makes the dog more relaxed, more willing to accept people as the ones in charge and less likely to run away in search of love. Neutered dogs also tend to live longer and get less cancer.

Golden Retrievers are prone to some health conditions, so you should be prepared for such a possibility. They are often prone to eye problems, hip dysplasia, heart conditions and itchy skin problems. However, a Golden Retriever will usually not be so terrified of going to the vet like other dogs. There is a big effort by responsible Golden Retriever breeders to weed out all unhealthy Golden Retrievers from the breeding population. On average, Golden Retrievers live to be between ten and twelve years old.

A dog-lover and professional breeder, Carol Matthews has extensive experience in raising and caring for the dogs. The Golden Retriever is the perfect combination of action with beauty. It is widely accepted for its intelligence, obedience, golden shade and liveliness. This article offers all the basic the Golden Retriever information including its history.

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

Using A Bark Collar To Train Your Dog

2008-08-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

By Craig Thornburrow

Sometimes it becomes necessary to implement a bark collar into your dog's training. "Man's best friend" can become the biggest sore spot in your life if you cannot get your dog to realize that it is not necessary to bark constantly. The reasons that dogs continually bark can vary, for example some dogs are just nervous ticks so they bark at anything and everything. Other dogs maybe a "Type A" dominant dog and attempting to set its boundaries. No matter what the reason for your dog's barking you know that you just want it to cease, now.

Implementing a bark collar for your dog's training maybe just the solution you need. This is especially true if you have tried other training methods to no avail. It is unfortunate but collars used to control barking have over the years gotten a bad rap. There is a misconception that these collars actually harm the dog physically or psychologically. When you use these collars properly nothing can be further from the truth. There will be no adverse impact on your dog. In fact the opposite is true.

When a dog's barking becomes a nuisance everyone around the dog begins to yell at the dog. Yelling and screaming at the dog won't actually solve the problem but you will feel a little better for a few minutes. The dog however will be impacted by the constant barrage of yelling. You will begin to see your dog cower each time you raise your voice. Some dogs will just lower their heads and walk away none of which is good for your dog's mental well being.

With a collar you can teach your dog when it is not appropriate to bark. For example when you are out taking the dog for a walk you can put the collar on. This way your dog will quit barking at every car that passes by. The collar works this way. When your dog begins to bark the vibrations from his vocal cords will trigger the mechanism in the collar and it will correct the dog with either an electric stimulus or a spray. So you have two types of bark collars to choice from.

Some owners prefer the spray type of collar to the electric stimulus. With the spray type of collar the dog will receive a corrective burst of bad smelling spray to their snout when they bark. The spray is harmless to both humans and dogs however to dogs it is a very unpleasant smell. The dog will eventually connect the idea that when they bark they get the spray and will begin to bark less.

No matter which one you decide to use make sure you read and understand the instructions for the collar before you being your training sessions. Following the directions will insure that your dog will learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. Implementing a bark collar can help you break the bad habits your dog has formed in regards to its barking.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on bark collars and bark control collars at http://www.barkcollarsfordogs.com

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Guide To Shar Pei Breeders

2008-08-24T23:02:00.002-07:00

By Melissa Coleman

One of the most rare dog breeds in the world is the Shar Pei (pronounced Shar-Pay). This ancient Chinese breed's name translates to "sand skin" after its short, coarse coat. This dog faced extinction and was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most rare dog in 1978. The breed has gained popularity since that time and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.

The Shar Pei is easily distinguished from other breeds by its unique wrinkled appearance and blue-black tongue. Puppies have wrinkles all over their bodies when born but as adults grow into their wrinkles. The original Chinese Shar Pei grew out of its wrinkles almost completely so that the body was smooth and only the face and neck retained wrinkles. A modern breeder maintains a western version of the dog, which retains more wrinkles. A Shar Pei comes in many colors including red, tan, white, blue-grey and black. The breed's coat comes in three types, horse, brush and bear. they also have high-set, short, curly tails.

Finding a good Shar Pei breeder may be a daunting task at first because the breed is so rare. Potential buyers can utilize the Internet, the local ASPCA and word of mouth to find a good breeder. Most breeders also run or are at least affiliated with rescue centers that save purebred Shar Pei from abuse and neglect. Buying a rescued dog may be a good option for some buyers.

Some traits to identify a good breeder include maintaining a kennel to whelp and raise healthy puppies, encourage visits to the kennel to see the puppies and mothers, the puppies are friendly, happy, and do not appear afraid of people and they also interview potential buyers to make sure dog and new owner are a good match. Professional breeders are also affiliated with other animal support groups and rescue centers, recognized by the American Kennel Club and are able to provide references of other owners who have bought Shar Pei from them. Before turning over a puppy to a new owner an experienced breeder will have had the puppies evaluated for typical health conditions common to the Shar Pei breed, provide medical records and history of vaccinations and evaluations and provide pedigree information and registration papers

A good breeder will never sell Shar Pei to a pet store. There are several reasons for this. First, pet stores sell animals just like any other merchandise. Puppies are shipped from one place to another and put on display for hours at a time. Second, buyers are not screened, as they would be by a breeder. Anyone with a credit card can buy a puppy. Third, unsold puppies may be shipped to yet another store, sold to a smaller pet store or euthanized. Shar Pei breeders ensure that their puppies remain in a stable environment until they are sold to a good home. Lastly, pet stores do no follow-up on sold puppies.

Breeders, on the other hand, usually keep one out of every litter for themselves and ask for buyers to return dogs to the breeder if owners cannot keep them for any reason. Pet stores cannot offer a real guarantee or warranty on health or pedigree since their merchandise comes from illegitimate backyard breeders. An ethical Shar Pei breeder offers pedigree information, registration papers and a warranty.

Melissa Coleman has published hundreds of articles on dogs, including Shar Peis. The Shar Pei has a sketchy history at best. By learning Shar Pei information, there will be fewer Shar Peis abandoned.

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

Important To Have The Right Food For Your Dog

2008-08-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

By Dechen KsLau

We love our dogs and we want the best for them. We buy them expensive beds, toys, clothes(!?), and other accessories. It seems that there is no end to the lengths we will go to make our little friends' lives better. But how do we decide which food to feed him?

To begin, there is not a single dog food that is right for every dog. Many dog foods are well-formulated and will be great for most dogs. However, those same foods may not be so good for some dogs - they may even cause gastrointestinal upset in some.

A good starting point in determining the appropriate food is your dog's stage of life. Puppies need higher amounts of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals for proper growth. If an adult dog eats a food formulated for puppies he is likely to become overweight. Senior dog foods are formulated in a way that makes it more easily digested.

Dry dog food is usually recommended more often but some dogs prefer semi-moist or canned. Moist dog food is often recommended for dogs with missing teeth or other dental problems.

Good nutrition is essential to good health. When making decisions related to the food your dog eats consider comparing nutritional labels. Some cheaper or economy brands of dog food use inexpensive ingredients, many of which are not easily digested, which of course means they do not provide the best nutrition for your dog. These foods may meet the legal specifications but many have lower-grade proteins and lower energy values.

In many cases the healthy nutrients may pass through the dog's digestive system without being absorbed. This leads to another disadvantage of feeding your dog such lower quality food - your dog will need to eat more in order to get the same amount of nutrition that he could get in a smaller amount of premium dog food. In the end you may find the economy brands cost more because you go through the bags more quickly.

Always compare the ingredients between the various brands before making a choice. The ingredients are listed by weight. The first or second ingredient listed in a quality food should be meat, fish, egg, or some type of meat meal or fish meal. These ingredients all have a high biological value. That means they have a high percentage of protein.

The "Guaranteed Analysis" is a chart that lists the percentages of various ingredients contained in that particular dog food. But keep in mind that the analysis does not take into account the amount of moisture in that food. Even dry dog foods have some moisture content.

After careful consideration make a selection. If you decide to switch from one dog food to another you will need to allow time for the transition. A gradual change will assist your dog with the adjustment to the new food choice. Plan the transition over a course of about a week or a little longer depending on your dog's acceptance of the new food.

Start by mixing three parts of the current or old dog food brand to one part of the new. Feed that mixture for 2 - 3 days. If your dog does well with that you can then mix the foods half and half. Feed the 50/50 mixture for two or three days, again depending on your dog's adjustment. You can then switch to the three parts new - one part old mixture and then make the complete switch.

By carefully selecting a quality food for your dog you will enrich and lengthen his life. That means he will be there to be your friend and companion longer - and that makes all of us happier!

Dechen KsLau is an Author, Speaker, and Consultant specializing in Internet Marketing and Puppy Lover

http://www.puppylover.us

http://www.squidoo.com/lucky-dog

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

Free Shih Tzu Puppies - 3 Ideas for Adopting a Shih Tzu Puppy

2008-08-24T23:01:00.001-07:00

By Kathryn McDonald

Shih Tzu puppies are arguably the cutest and most lovable pets one could dream of owning. Their friendly and lively personality makes them the perfect pet. Many hope to have a one as a pet, but where does one start to look to own one? How do you avoid those breeders who are asking outrageous amounts of money for a "special" breed? Better yet, where do you find free Shih Tzu puppies?! I have some ideas.

1.) Check out your local newspaper's classifieds

Sometimes you can get lucky and find free Shih Tzu puppies by browsing the pets section of the classifieds in your local newspaper. This can be rare, but even if you can't find some, you might still be able to find puppies that are fairer priced. Also, don't be afraid to give the breeder a call to see if you can arrange for a lower price!

2.) Call your local or surrounding animal shelters or humane societies

Go ahead and pull out the phone book and call your local animal shelter or animal shelters in surrounding cities. They might be trying to find a home for any puppies they've recently rescued or picked up. Not only is this a chance to find free Shih Tzu puppies but make a difference in one's life!

3.) Visit adoption and rescue websites online

Similar to calling animal shelters, a lot of websites online are focused to finding people to adopt or rescue a Shih Tzu. Again, this would not only be a great way to find free Shih Tzu puppies, but to provide companionship for a lost or abandoned dog. With adoption, you might only have to option to adopt an adult rather than a puppy.

However, there are many advantages to adopting an adult. You can read more about these advantages here.

While it isn't easy to find free Shih Tzu puppies, you aren't obligated to paying outrageous prices to buy what breeders might advertise as a "special" breed of Shih Tzu. Check out all your options available before you settle on buying one from any single place.

If you have more questions about Shih Tzus, or owning a Shih Tzu, then check out Shih-Tzu-Information.com for more helpful articles like this one!

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

Dog Health Problems Veterinarians Will Not Tell You About

2008-08-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

By Jay Jacovitz

If we want to avoid a dog or cat health problem and quickly get our pet health questions answered, be prepared to take an active role in avoiding dog or cat health problems with more informed communication with your veterinarian when needed. Avoiding dog and cat health problems and extending their life is not an accident. This can be accomplished by simply knowing how to examine, diagnose and often treat your pet at home.

Today there is such a manual available to effectively deal with pet health problems that can save you a tremendous amount of money while drastically improving the overall health of your pets.

In some cases, this could be a matter of life or death for your pet.

Unlike anything ever seen or available before now, veterinary doctor Andrew Jones writes without medical jargon, without complicated procedures, and without an eye on the pharmaceutical companies' bottom line. With the help and guidance of this manual, all that is required is the willingness to comfort and care for your sick or injured pet so you can alleviate pain or begin treatment before you even reach your vet.

The truth is that veterinarians have STRONGLY discouraged pet owners from treating their dog and cat health problems at home. The entire pet health industry has a vested interest in discrediting alternative medicines which can safely, naturally and effectively allow pet owners to care for their pets at home.

Dr. Jones, owner of the Nelson Animal Hospital in Nelson, BC, Canada, unequivocally states: "If you're not ready to make some simple changes to the way you provide veterinary care to your pet, beginning today, your dog or cat could be seriously ill and live a shortened life. I came to realize that I and most other veterinarians are not 'getting it' - that in the process of trying to heal pets through technological advances, we are actually making them sicker!" Dr. Jones further states: "Regular veterinary care has lost it's effectiveness over the years, and in some cases is causing illness in our pets".

Veterinarians for the most part are wonderful people who want only the best for their clients and your pets that are their patients. Like in any profession, there are terrific, good, passable and poor practitioners and this has nothing to do with their personalities.

Too many pets, both dogs and cats, and their owners suffer with a health problem because they relied exclusively on their vets to receive medical care.

When a vet is the only care option for a dog or cat health problem, guardians sometimes delay bringing their pet in for treatment because the pet becomes ill "after hours".

A dog or cat may have a health problem exasperated due to exclusive reliance on harsh drug treatments because guardians (and their vets) are unaware of effective, gentle, and natural treatments; or, treatment for chronic illnesses was discontinued by the owner because it was complicated or expensive, or the guardian was unable to afford the follow-up office visits and treatment.

There are some very real and common dangers your veterinarian will not tell you about for various reasons that result in dog health problems including the fact that he or she may not even know about them. However, given the opportunity, most pet guardians would want to know all the information that affects or could affect their companions.

Would you as a pet guardian give your dog something that might cause a "side effect" health problem such as: cancerous sarcomas, autoimmune diseases of the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system, including anaphylactic shock, aggression, seizures, and epilepsy? Believe it or not, shockingly these are adverse reactions to the RABIES VACCINE, especially from unnecessary over-vaccination.

Many pet owners have no idea that numerous dog health problems are a result of rabies over-vaccination.

Vets will often give a 3-YEAR dose of the rabies vaccine once a year, although the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) instructs them of the toxic dangers of this type of over-vaccination. Even more alarming, dogs may not need the vaccination for 5 years, and older dogs don't need it at all. You can avoid the dangers and associated health problems for your dog by asking if the rabies vaccine is a 3-year dose, which it should be. If "yes", and the vet insists on giving it annually, direct them to the AAHA website which is clear on the danger and states the extra vaccination is proven to not improve the dog's resistance to the rabies and can pose a health problem to your dog.

Certain dog health problems are caused by vets themselves, such as vaccinosis which requires hospitalization with IV fluids. The onset of vaccinosis is typically two weeks to a month following vaccinations. Symptoms that can appear in the dog include autoimmune diseases, such as irritable bowel disorders, lupus, pemphigus, hypothyroidism, chronic skin disease or allergic dermatitis.

Avoid over-immunization and you can avoid a health problem for your canine.

Have vaccine titers tested measuring the number of antibodies in your dog's bloodstream, for a particular viral disease. If the titers are adequate, no vaccine is needed. Both the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the AAHA now say vaccinations should be assessed yearly and tailored to an animal's age, health and lifestyle.

Often misdiagnosed as a sign of older age, Cushing's syndrome is another example of a dog health problem often caused by a vet's medication or over-medication of cortico-steroids.

Dr. Jean Dodds, one of the world's foremost experts in canine vaccine reactions, says: "Recent vaccinations with single or combination modified live virus (MLV) vaccines are increasingly recognized contributors to immune-mediated blood diseases, bone marrow failure, organ dysfunction and cancer". Dr. Wendell O. Belfield, author of "How to Have a Healthier Dog", further contributes that: "BHA and BHT [preservatives] are known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction and are banned in some European countries. Ethoxyquin is suspected of causing cancer, and that propylene glycol, another common pet food ingredient, causes the destruction of red blood cells."

It doesn't matter what category your pet's health problem falls under.

Dr. Andrew Jones, in his manual, discusses these dog and cat health problem issues, and reveals simple secrets to safeguard your pet's health. His purpose was to make available an informative manual that instructs dog and cat owners to care for and treat their pets on their own, and to help slash vet bills and even save your dog or cat's life, with over 1,000 safe, natural and effective solutions and information for healing your pet. The manual may well be one of the best investments you ever make for your pet's health.

To those who are truly devoted to their dogs or cats and want to give the best possible care in dealing with or avoiding health problems, the manual offers every available treatment option if your pet becomes sick. It will also help you prevent diseases so your pet is less likely to become ill and require veterinary care in the first place.

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com - created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.

Interested pet owners can find out more Here.

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

Training Your Dog Yourself

2008-08-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

By Nicholas Hunt

A good dog training program is something that all dog owners should look into. Not only will this help your dog be able to obey better but it will also strengthen the bond with your dog. However, this does not have to be done by a professional as there really is nobody better equipped to train your dog than you, yourself.

Whenever you are working with a dog training program, you need to remember that you are the one that is in control. However, you do not want to come across as being too forceful either. The goal here is to be both friendly and assertive at the same time.

So, how do you train your dog to obey you? Of course, you do not want to just start yelling commands at your dog. Instead, you are going to need to have a good game plan. Part of this has to do with ensuring that your dog is in the right mindset before you even get started. As such, you should not try to train your dog right after he has eaten and you may wish to take him for a quick walk before you get started. Another thing that it is good to do before training him is to take a little time to play with him so that he will feel relaxed and comfortable with you. All of this will help to eliminate distractions and help you get down to business.

Whenever you are training your dog and he does something right, make sure that you have a treat available to give to him. This helps your dog to know when he has done something right. On the other hand, do not get upset when he occasionally runs off during a training session - this is normal. Simply call him back and get back on task right away. It is also normal for him to seem absolutely clueless at times. Herein you simply need to find a better way in which to communicate with him, even if this means showing him what you want him to do.

Training your own dog is a rewarding experience that has huge benefits. In the end, you will be happy that you have made this decision.

Nicholas writes on pet insurance, and his site offers advice on such topics as insurance for aged pets, horse insurance, and buying pet insurance online.

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

Vegetarian Dog Treats And Where To Find Them

2008-08-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

By Jake Poole

Vegetarian dog treats are becoming more popular as more dog lovers become concerned about meeting the nutritional needs of the four-legged members of the household. However, there are a still people who are not sure what is in these types of treats, and where they can find them. Here are some things you should know about these treats, and my they may be ideal for your dog.

One of the problems with many commercial treats for pets is that they contain a lot of animal by-products. In some cases, this may mean that your pet is getting a higher amount of fat in the diet than you would like. Because a vegetarian dog treat is free of animal fats, the treat will not promote the accumulation of fatty deposits throughout the body. Your dog will retain a lean figure, and there will be fewer worries about being able to control and maintain your dog's weight.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that a vegetarian dog treat is not short on essential vitamins,proteins and other supplements. In fact, the treat will actually be easier for your dog to digest, since all the ingredients are vegetable based. Many people do not realize that natural organic matter can be an excellent source of protein, and one that contains none of the other elements that could have adverse effects on the long-term health of your pet. Look for vegetarian treats that contain a rich balance of greens, legumes, and similar vegetables,and your dog will be healthy for a long time to come.

Finding a vegetarian dog treat is not as hard as you may think. Many health food stores will carry vegetarian alternatives that are both tasty and nutritious. Local pet markets may also include a few vegetarian based dog treats that are made locally, and completely free of any preservatives. You can even go online and find several vegetarian dog treat options that are especially created for various breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs. While you will pay a little more for a vegetarian dog treat, keep in mind that you are helping to ensure that your beloved pet remains happy and healthy for a long time to come.

Find more information about these treats and where to find vegetarian dog treats here.

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

Dog Training Aids - How To Stop Your Puppies Chewing and Nipping Habits

2008-08-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

By Finley Zhang

Puppies are cute but can also be painful to play with. When puppies get too excited as you play with them they are prone to nip. This is at the least annoying and at the most can do real harm to young children who may be playing with the new pup.

That's not the only problem from their teeth. When you are not keeping an eye on them they are testing out those powerful teeth on everything in your home. Veterinarians have found all sorts of things in the bellies of puppies after they got into a chewing frenzy. From drywall to clothing and even pieces of doors, puppies have no discretion when it comes to what they should be chewing on. Not only can this make a mess of your home, but it can also be dangerous to their bodies as they are taking in foreign substances that can make them sick.

When they are puppies, these are annoying habits, but as they grow up, it will only get worse, unless you stop it. So, how do you stop the chewing and nipping habits?

First you have to understand puppies. Just like small children, puppies use their mouths to get to know the world around them. They like to chew and nip at things. It is instinctual.

So, the first way to break this habit is by giving them things that are acceptable to chew on. From day one you need to teach your puppy what items are okay to chew on, and which ones are not. While many people like to punish their puppies for doing the wrong thing, this is not the best way to train them what you would like them to do. Instead the better way is to encourage them to chew on toys they should be chewing on. When you catch them doing something they should not you can point and tell them 'no' sternly, then show them what is acceptable to chew on. Once they start chewing on their toys, praise the behavior and play with them so they know this is the right thing to do.

When it comes to nipping, usually it is hands that are nipped by puppies. This may well be because you are moving your hands around in play and they see this is as natural response to the action in front of them. One of the obvious answers to the situation is to make sure your hand isn't where they can bite it. That means using toys that do not involve your hands being close to the puppy mouth. Instead of tug of war games, teach them fetching games where your hand is nowhere near the toy when they grab a hold of it.

If the puppy is nipping, it is time to correct the behavior. You need to firmly tell the pup 'no' and then pull your hand away. Sometimes a pup will come forward and try to nip again. At this point you have a few options. The first is to say 'no' again and walk away from the puppy, and isolate him for a minute or two (no longer). Puppies don't like to be alone and this will be something they do not want repeated. The other option is to tell the puppy 'no' and then hold their mouth closed for a few seconds. Most puppies will whimper and may back away once you let loose. Again, it will be an action they don't want. Other puppies like the challenge and may try to nip again. This is when you need to switch to the isolation response. Another option is to make the puppy not like the taste of nipping. There are many bitter tasting training liquids at pet stores. You can put some of this on your hands and when the puppy starts nipping, he will get a bitter aftertaste, and realize the results are not what he had hoped.

When working with puppies and chewing and nipping habits remember it is a puppy you are working with. Just like a small child it may take them a while for him understand the rules and get them right. It is important to be persistent but also patient.

Finley Zhang is a dog lover, and he enjoys sharing information and knowledge about dog. He is owner of YummyHealthyDogFood, It has helped dog owners increase dog's lifespan by sharing dog food recipes, dog care, and dog health tips. Access the tips now by visiting http://www.YummyHealthyDogFood.com/blog

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

Dog Information and What You Really Need To Know

2008-08-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

By Brigitte Smith

Your dog is really a member of your family, and you will do anything you can to make sure that he is happy and healthy. In order to do this, you need the right dog information to make the right decisions regarding your best friend. Perhaps the most important decision you will ever make in this regard is the decision of which dog food to feed your pet. This is an important decision, as it will affect every other part of your dog's life.

The most popular types of dog food on the market today can be grouped into three categories: grocery store pet food, premium pet food, and natural pet food. All three kinds are readily available online and from a variety of local stores. Search the internet to find out more about the types of pet food available, as well as other dog information.

Grocery store foods are the most commonly seen type of pet food. They are targeted to the largest amount of people and are in relatively high profile. But unfortunately, these foods are often sub par and contain poor-quality ingredients. These companies often outsource their labor, and the substantial pet food recall in the news last year goes to show you what can happen.

Premium foods are somewhat more expensive to buy, and can be found only in pet specialty stores. These foods can range in quality from the grocery store foods all the way up to natural foods. This is a large category of dog foods. If you want dog information regarding a particular food, your pet store employees should be able to tell you what you want to know.

The third category of pet foods is that of natural and organic food. Examples of brands from this category would be Life's Abundance dog food and Wysong dog food. Almost without exception, foods in this category are great in quality and offer optimum nutrition for your dog. They have everything your dog needs to maintain his energy and youth for a long time to come. You'll have to shop at specialty stores (either physical stores or online ones) to find this type of food, since they aren't mass marketed. When you order from these stores, you'll typically have the option of having the product delivered right to your door.

Each breed is different and have different nutritional needs. The food requirements also are affected by weight. Collecting enough dog information is paramount before choosing a particular brand of dog food. There aren't many brands that meet the highest standards of pet food manufacturing.

Proper dog information is important in helping you care for your beloved pet. It's especially important to make an informed choice about your dog's food. While grocery store dog foods and premium food may be readily available, natural and organic foods such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Wysong Dog Food are made with human-grade ingredients and all the nutrients dogs need for a healthy and happy life. These foods are a little harder to find, but they are worth seeking out. Check to see if they are available at specialty retail stores in your area. Online ordering is a convenient option.

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

Free Dog House Plans

2008-08-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

By Finley Zhang

If you have a dog that spends a lot of time outside, you need a dog house. If you have a little do-it-yourself skill, you may be able to make your own with the help of some free dog house plans.

Making the plans for a dog house is easy. Decide how large you want the dog house to be. This is going to depend on the size of your dog. You want the dog to be able to move around inside and not be uncomfortable.

We will use a medium dog as our example for creating free dog house plans.

First you will need to make a template for the base of the house. This will be the entire floor space, minus walls, that the house will have. We are going to create a house that is 21 inches wide and 24 inches deep, a good amount of space for a small to medium dog.

Next you need walls and a front. The side walls are going to be 24 inches long (since that is the size floor you cut out, and 24-27 inches high, depending on if you have a tall or short dog. The front and back walls will be 21 inches wide and as high as you have decided the side walls should be. Remember, one of these pieces needs to have a door drawn in it that is large enough for your pet to climb through.

The pieces of the roof need to be created in a width and length to cover while allowing sloping to the roof. In this case we are going to use one piece that is 21 inches x 32 inches and a second piece that is 21 ½ inches by 32 inches. That extra half-inch is not a typo, it is going to be the space you need to attach the two pieces together.

Now you can decide how much wood you need to use for your free dog house plans. Add up the measurements from the free dog house plans you just made and decide how much wood you need to make it work.

If you want an extra strong house you may want to use 2x4's to make a frame that fits the shape and attach the pieces of plywood to it.

Put the pieces of the dog house together with decking screws. Make sure to do this carefully. While 5/8 inch wood is a good amount of space to work with, if you tilt a little too much one way or the other you could send a screw end sticking into the dog house, and injuring your pet.

Next put the two roof pieces together. You will attach the pieces at a right angle with the longer piece facing you, as the piece you will put the screws through the top of.

If you want to add a little more strength, you can cut some of the extra plywood into right angle triangles to offer extra support at the angle of the top. You should glue them in first then screw them in place.

You have two ways to put the top on the house. The first is to make it removable, by putting two strips of wood, spaced evenly on both sides, underneath the long sides of the roof. When it is set on the top of the house, those strips of wood will balance the roof on top of the house frame. If you would prefer to have your roof permanent, nail down from the outside of the roof and into the walls of the house to hold it in place.

NOTES:

It is important to select exterior woods, as the dog house will have to put up with the weather.

You may want to put shingles on the roof to offer an extra layer of protection

Don't use pressure treated woods if your dog is prone to chewing on things. The chemicals used in the wood can be toxic.

Use exterior paint on the outside of the house to offer an extra layer of protection against the elements.

Keep the doghouse off the ground. Either build it on cement blocks or use pressure treated 2x4s to create a rectangular base to hold it off the ground and away from any standing water. Just add this wood to your list of supplies from on your free dog house plans.

Finley Zhang is a dog lover, and he enjoy sharing information and knowledge to improve dog's health. He is owner of YummyHealthyDogFood. YummyHealthyDogFood has helped dog owners improve their dog's life by sharing dog food recipes and dog tips. You can instantly access the recipes and tips by visiting http://www.YummyHealthyDogFood.com/blog

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

Origin of the Chinese Crested and Other Hairless Breeds

2008-08-24T22:52:00.002-07:00

By Connie Limon

The true origin of hairless breeds, including the Chinese Crested, of the world is steeped in myths and legends. Because of its genus Canis Africanus name, it is felt the numerous hairless breeds originated in Africa. The hairless breeds have survived through centuries and are found in many sub-tropical locations throughout the world. They have been found in Mexico, China, Turkey, Peru, Ethiopia, Paraguay, Argentina, the Caribbean and the Philippines.

Tombs in ancient burial sites revealed skeletons and clay figures of hairless dogs suggesting evidence that a small hairless dog lived in Mexico for thousands of years.

The hairless breeds were held in great reverence during the Toltec period of 900 - 1200 AD and was classed as one of the ten symbols of good, belonging to the Kingdom of the god Quetzalcoatl, the all-good. It represented love.

The ancient Toltecs thought a dog's love for its master was the most perfect manifestation of unselfish love. The master's dog was buried in the same grave when the master died, and according to legend, the spirit of the dog followed its master. When the master had to account for all his good and evil deeds, the dog testified in his favour. The dog was the only possession taken to the other world. Later, the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs and the spiritual image of the dog was destroyed. The dog was eaten at sacred festivals as food.

The hairless dog breeds were also thought to have medicinal properties. Relief from asthma and other aches and pains were attributed to the hairless breeds. The hairless dogs were also used as body warmers.

It seems that no one knows when the first hairless dogs arrived in China. It is known that they were bred in the 16th century and that Chinese merchants took them to the number of different countries.

There is often confusion between the Chinese Crested and the Mexican hairless and vice versa.

Other hairless breeds include:

• The larger Xoloitzcuintli

• Inca Orchid

• Abyssinian Sand Dog

• Turkish Greyhound

• African Elephant Dog

• Indian Rampur Dog

Hairless dogs have also been found in Central and South America, West Indies, China, the Philippines and parts of Africa.

If all the historical descriptions of hairless breeds are correct, the Mexican hairless is probably one of the oldest unchanged breeds in America.

Source: Book of the Breed, the Complete Chinese Crested by Brenda Jones

Written by: Connie Limon. For more information about the Chinese Crested breed visit http://smalldogs2.com/ChineseCrested for a variety of FREE reprint articles visit http://www.camelotarticles.com

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

Training Labrador Puppy

2008-08-24T22:52:00.001-07:00

By Karel Micek

Start training labrador puppy. Behavioral problems left unattended are very bad for yours dog's mental development, confidence and relationship with you and other people.

Is your labrador puppy ignoring your commands?

Are you calling to your labrador to come, and he/she ignores you?

What to avoid when training labrador puppy:

1. Never chase after a dog that won't come

2. Never call your labrador to you to reprimand them.

3. Never call your dog over for something they clearly do not enjoy (getting their nails clipped, taking a bath)

* In the short term it stresses out the canine.

* In the long term this technique establishes a relationship based on fear and threats rather than a healthy serving of respect.

Your little labrador disobeys commands because:

1. He does not understand you

If your tone contradicts your command you may not be giving your dog a clear idea of what you want him to do.

You are asking a lab puppy to do something rather then telling.

Make sure your commands are simple enough.

It is always better to pair hand signals with your verbal commands.

2. Your lab is ignoring you

If your dog is posturing confidently and does not appear stressed then it is more likely that he has opted not to listen. This suggest dominance issue.

What you can do when training labrador puppy:

1. Use a positive, happy, even excited tone of voice.

2. Try squatting down when calling. Open your arms as if to suggest an embrace or praise when they arrive.

3. If you can try walking the opposite way. This forces your dog to make a decision: Stay and get left or go home with you and get dinner.

4. Praise your puppy whenever they come, no matter how long it takes.

Benefits:

* The real benefit of not having to deal with obedience issues is the fact that you can put all of your energy into making your relationship a fulfilling one.

* Dog training is very important for your labrador puppy and for your stress levels.

Be patient.

Start training labrador puppy as soon as possible. It will help to create relationship with your lab.

http://www.squidoo.com/TrainingLabPuppy

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

Karel Micek - EzineArticles Expert Author

All About The Mastiff Dog Breed

2008-08-24T22:51:00.001-07:00

By Michael Burows

Mastiffs are a powerful, muscular type of dog, generally classified as a working breed. While they make great pets, they're also classically used for guarding homes and other areas. They're reliable, watchful, and intelligent, and known for their loyalty and devotion. They can be very good with children, and are possessive and protective of the home and family that they're associated with. Despite their enormous size (a hundred and seventy to over two hundred pounds on average, with individuals over three hundred pounds), mastiffs are gentle and very sweet. They do not respond well to harsh methods, and require early socialization. A firm, fair, and patient trainer will get the most out of the mastiff dog breed. Don't be tempted to allow your mastiff to do whatever he or she wants, however. What's cute when your dog is a puppy can be a real problem when it gets to weigh as much as a large person.

Mastiffs come in a few color variations. All members of the mastiff dog breed have a short, coarse outer coat with a dense under coat and a dark nose, ears, and muzzle. However, the coat itself can be apricot, fawn, or brindle. White marks are considered bad in show dogs, but make no difference in pet animals. The breed doesn't shed a great deal, but you should expect to do occasional grooming. Use a firm bristle brush to remove loose hair. When necessary, you can give your mastiff a wet or dry bath.

Like most purebred dogs, the mastiff dog breed has several health problems that are common. Dysplasia of the hips and elbows, bloating, and heart problems are common. This doesn't mean that your dog will develop these problems, but that there is a risk. Mastiffs are also prone to obesity and laziness in old age, and will have to be encouraged to exercise. Some larger mastiffs will be prone to snoring and drooling.

The mastiff was developed primarily as a guard animal, though they were also favored by nobles for use in hunting. Bear, bull, and lion baiting were common until these practices were outlawed, as was the use of mastiffs in dogfight pits. The outlawing of these cruel practices actually caused a sudden drop in their numbers, since fewer dogs were being bred, and the breed was nearly extinct by the end of the 1940s. Imports into England from North America revived it, and mastiffs are now fairly common.

If you're thinking about getting a mastiff, be sure that you can offer it the socialization, time, and space it needs. The mastiff dog breed is known for its attachment to families, and that means that individual dogs are often needy. It's important to be able to give your dog lots of attention, as animals who are often left alone may feel neglected. Mastiffs are also not good at dealing with other animals, unless they have been raised around them, so households with one of these dogs will be unable to introduce new pets once their dog is out of puppyhood.

Michael Burrows is a caring and loving Mastiff owner with more than 20 years experience in Mastiff care and training. To find out more about The Mastiff Dog Breed. Check Out:

http://www.MyMastiffSecrets.com

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

The Do's and Don'ts of Dog Crate Training

2008-08-24T22:50:00.001-07:00

By Andrei A Smith

Want to know the do's and don'ts of crate training your dog? This article will acquaint you with the most effective ways and methods to assist your dog to his new crate.

DO's

• Slowly get your pup used to his new crate. Don't push or force him to go inside the crate, instead praise him or give some treats or toys.

• It is fine to get a larger crate if you are not sure which one is the right size. If it is too big for your puppies, you can use divider panel to minimize the space.

• It is advisable to use soft pet bed to cover the surface so your dog will feel more comfortable and your dog will keep coming back to his crate. You may also use crate wear accessories to keep your pet warm and comfy.

• If your pet is out of his cage, find time to supervise him. Supervision will correct your pet's bad behavior like excessive barking, chewing and eliminating anywhere he wants to.

• Be patient while giving your pet a time to adjust. You must give an enough time for him to get used to the new crate when there is a change to a pet's habit, At first you may find your pet is nervous in entering but this is normal, day after day you will see some improvements.

DON'Ts

• Leave your dog particularly the puppies in his home all day. No dogs can hold their bowels and bladders over a long period of time. Maintain a regular schedule every few hours for your pet to eliminate. A six week old puppy can hold his bladder about 4 hours.

• Letting your pet go around your house unsupervised. If you see your pet feeling awkward to go inside or outside of the crate, gently guide him.

• Forcefully put your pet inside the crate as a punishment. The crate is made to be your pet's secured home and not to be associated with punishment.

• Put your pet inside the crate when he has diarrhea and is vomiting. If your pet is sick, the surface of the crate might have some remains of bacteria or worms. Try to adjust on the foods he eats and give him a balance diet. Crate him again when he backs to normal condition.

The author is a pet lover connected to a company that provides safe and effective dog crates, dog houses and dog agility equipment at affordable rates.

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

Crate Training Your Puppy

2008-08-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

By Eric Gehler

Crate training your dog is one of the most important parts of creating a healthy relationship between you and your canine. Crate training teaches young dogs how to hold it in, so that they need less frequent bathroom breaks. Also, crate training is useful because if your dog displays any bad behaviors when you leave your home for short periods of time (like excessive chewing, ripping up carpet, or "going" on your furniture), a dog that likes its crate can be placed inside the crate when you leaving so it feels safe while you are gone.

How to Crate Train

Choose a crate that is not too much larger than your dog, because you do not want your dog to be able to wander around in the crate (dogs will not pee where they sleep, but with enough room, your dog can go in a corner and sleep on the opposite end - so smaller is better). Crate training involves a significant amount of time and effort, but properly crate training your dog can be accomplished in these simple steps.

1) Slowly introduce your dog to the crate - Place the crate in a social area of the house, like the living room or dining room.

2) Try to talk your dog near crate, using a kind, helpful tone so that your dog feels safe around the crate. The crate door should be open all the way so that it does not accidentally swing into your dog's face.

3) Use treats and toys to convince your dog to enter the crate - depending on how frightening the dog finds the crate, this may be a difficult task, but throwing a few treats in there and rewarding the dog with kindness whenever it moves further inside is the best way to teach your dog that the crate is safe and harmless. Do not lock the crate behind your dog. These exercises are only meant to introduce your dog to the crate.

4) Place food near the crate during meals - Once your dog has been inside the crate, putting food in or near the crate will help make the crate a positive experience for the dog. Each time you feed it, you can put the meal a little further back in his crate until eventually the puppy is fully inside the crate just to eat its food.

5) After the dog has been inside the crate a few times while eating, it is okay to close the door behind it. The first time you do this, you should open the door right after your dog finishes eating, in order to avoid any added pressure. But later, as your dog becomes more used to the door being closed on it, you can keep the door closed for longer. If your dog whines, do not remove it from the crate. Always wait until your dog has stopped whining before you let it out of the crate, otherwise your dog will think that whining is the only way for it to leave, and will continue to do so.

6) Once your dog has been inside the crate a few times without too much anxiety, it is time to try to start putting the dog in the crate for short periods of time while you are home. Throw a treat in there, possibly use a command, like "Crate," and close the door behind it. Leave your dog in there for no more than 30 minutes at first, but as you continue this process on different days, you can increase the amount of time by a little bit each trial.

a. Once you are going to leave your dog in the crate for more than a few hours, it is important your dog gets a walk first in order to not become anxious due to having too much energy.

b. After any crate trip, it is a vital to take your dog out for a walk and try to get it to use the bathroom. Eventually, your dog will learn that the crate is a place for sitting, sleeping and resting and only afterwards does it get to go to the bathroom.

c. If your dog ever has an accident in its crate, it can cause serious problems with crate training. Don't crate train if your dog has not gone to the bathroom for a long time. And, if your dog does have an accident, it is vital that you clean the crate out thoroughly in order to remove any trace of the smell. Dogs like to go to the bathroom in places they can smell that they've been previously.

Once you have completed all of these steps, your dog will be able to stay in the crate for long periods of time, and you can use the create as a way to teach your dog to hold its urine until you have taken it outside and given it the opportunity to go to the bathroom. This is key not only to teaching your dog to go outside the house, but also to be more comfortable when you are absent.

Healthy Dogs enjoy Dog Treats and Bully Sticks

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

Eric Gehler - EzineArticles Expert Author

Adopting a Dog - Four Things to Consider

2008-08-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

By Charles Essmeier

Dogs are wildly popular pets; in 2006, there were more than sixty one million dogs in the United States alone. While dogs have utilitarian uses, such as hunting, security, or aiding the handicapped, most people have them as pets simply because they provide companionship. Dogs do make good companions, and they are loyal and attentive pets. They are not suitable for everyone, however.

Prior to adopting a dog, there are a few things you may wish to consider ahead of time:

Maintenance issues. Dogs require a lot of maintenance. Unlike cats, they will need to go outside from time to time. If you don't have a fenced yard where the animal can run unattended, you will have to personally walk your pet several times a day. You could hire that job out, but either way, you will have to provide either money or time in order to tend to your pet's outside needs.

Suitability issues. If you have young children, you should choose your pet carefully. It's not uncommon for parents of small children to choose a "puppy" for a pet without considering what sort of puppy they are adopting. While a young Dachshund and a young Labrador Retriever may be similar in size, they will not be the same size in six months or a year. Your dog will grow much faster than your children, so you should keep the pet's future size in mind if adopting a puppy.

Expense issues. Owning a pet of any type can be expensive, and dogs are no exception. Pets need to be fed daily, and the cost of food can add up quickly, particularly if you have a larger animal. In addition, there will be occasional visits to the veterinarian, along with vaccinations and even licenses, depending on where you live.

Responsibility issues. Owning a pet comes with great responsibility. Dogs need to be regularly fed. They need time outside the house. They need to see a vet from time to time, and they need attention. Pet ownership comes with an obligation on the part of the owner to see to it that all of the pet's needs are met. If you are an adult and you are buying a pet for your child, keep in mind that these responsibilities ultimately become yours.

Owning a pet in general, and a dog in particular, can be a rewarding experience. Prospective owners need to be aware of all that is involved in owning a pet prior to adopting one. The better you understand what you will need to do ahead of time, the better off you and your dog will be.

Copyright 2008 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier owns several Websites, including FatLoss4Idiots-Review.net, a site that reviews the FatLoss4Idiots weight loss program, and SitStayFetch-Review.net, a site that reviews the ebook Sit Stay Fetch.

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

Here's A Really Quick Way To Train Your Dog Or New Puppy - Do It Like The Professionals Do!

2008-08-24T22:46:00.002-07:00

By Jim Olio

For a complete manual on training your dog as well as free dog training tips, the Sit Stay Fetch product is outstanding. As a dog owner, I have always wanted to learn more about the different methods and approaches used by professional dog trainers.. This is a complete guide which covers the basic and more advanced techniques.

This manual is just full of excellent information. How to choose the right dog for your family, where to find him or her, how to get your home ready for this new family member, how to deal with behavior problems, how to house train your new friend, what are the health issues that you need to be concerned about, and what are some advanced tricks that we can work on ? All of the above are covered in good detail, to help you make the right choices and decisions.

In addition to the contents listed above, there is also a pretty impressive section on dog whispering, which " in case you have not heard of it already " is a method of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect. Its been popularized in recent years by Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer), and is becoming increasingly well-known as an alternative and humane method for disciplining and training your dog. SitStayFetch has dedicated an entire section to dog whispering: Daniel Stevens explains the background of the technique, how to utilize voice and body language to your best advantage, and how to use the technique to calmly, assertively, and effectively correct and train your dog. Step-by-set instructions are included for the common commands (sit, down, come, stay, quiet, etc).

Four bonus books are included in the package. Some of the information provided covers topics such as how to resolve aggressive behavior, how to groom your dog, what about dental care, help with house training, and using your dog for security.

There is such a wealth of knowledge provided with this package, that even an experienced dog handler will be impressed. You are even provided with an email address to receive free additional instruction or guidance and tips, if needed.

Many the methods provide a basic conventional approach to dog training while others will require more effort from both you and your dog in order to achieve some rather dramatic changes, as is the case with dog whispering. Because there is so much to choose from, you are free to select the best solution or approach for both you and your favorite pet.

If you thinking about getting a new dog, or if you just want to have more fun and enjoyment for both you and your best friend, look no further. This book with all its info and step by step guides will provide an interesting development exercise. I have been able to learn things that a lifetime around dogs could never teach me. Highly Recommended.

Sit Stay Fetch is available at our blog http://www.WhizDogs.com/blog and take advantage of the lowest prices at our Dog Training Store at WhizDogs.com/store

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

House Training Puppies - The Keys To Success

2008-08-24T22:46:00.001-07:00

By Ben Sinclair

As a puppy owner one of your most important tasks is to teach your puppy not to use the home as a toilet. And believe me, house training puppies can be quite a challenge. Here are the keys to success.

Accept that owning a puppy is a major responsibility. Yes, they are cute and cuddly and fun to play with but you have to be a teacher too.

It takes time, patience and a consistent approach to potty train a child. Well, the same holds true when it comes to puppy toilet training. This is especially true for younger puppies as they will not have control of their urinary and bowel functions.

Your puppy should have its own personal space. The crate, also known as a cage, kennel or den, must be big enough for the puppy to easily stand up and turn around in. I hate the word cage as it makes it sound like a punishment cell and that is most definitely not its purpose. A puppy should be able to go to its crate whenever it wants during the day.

You have to consciously watch your puppy to learn its body language. This will give you clues as to when it needs to go to the toilet.

You have to praise your puppy every time it does the toilet outside. The tone of your voice should be really enthusiastic but keep it soft not loud.

But the top key to house training puppies is ROUTINE. That means within a 5-15 minute window the following happens at the same time EVERY day

* taken outside first thing in the morning;
* feeding time;
* taken outside 10-20 minutes after eating; and
* taken out last thing at night before bedtime.

Make sure you get puppy toilet training right. It is essential to a strong, happy relationship between you and your dog.

Discover the easiest and most reliable method for house training puppies. Whatever the age. Whatever the breed.

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

Dealing With Incontinence In Older Or Infirm Dogs

2008-08-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

By Jill Taylor

With better veterinary care and more knowledge in dietary and exercise needs, our pet dogs are living longer lives. In most cases this is an excellent upward trend. But we must also remember, that like us humans, the older the body, the less control over certain aspects.

Bladder control in older or ill dogs can become a serious issue for your carpets and flooring. There are a few solutions to keep your home neat, but first the cause must be determined. If your dog is suddenly urinating in the house, the problem may not be old age. First: establish whether there have been any major changes or upsets in the dog's life. Anything from a new pet, to new baby, to a nasty next door dog may cause your dog to "forget" that he is not outside. Second: take your dog to the vet for a check up. Your vet can determine whether or not there is a medical issue causing the problem. Third: try to watch your dog. Is he signalling to go out and you're not catching it? Does he/she seem anxious before or after an "accident". You know your dog better than anyone else. Look for behaviour changes in food and water intake.

Once you have determined that there are probably no other reasons for your dog's incontinence other than old age, you could be faced with a dilemma. How do you keep your older dog happy and healthy and your house clean at the same time? Confinement in one specific area is one way. Constant watching is another, but not very effect. The easiest and least aggravating to you and your dog is probably with the use of doggy diapers and doggy belly bands. Your dog will get used to wearing these very quickly, and if you don't want them as visible as most, then look for colours that will blend into your dog as much as possible. For the elderly or ill dog, I would suggest a washable, reusable diaper over the disposable kinds for cost savings.

Doggy diapers and belly bands may seem like a fad to most, but for the owners of elderly dogs, ill dogs, rescue dogs and female dogs in heat, they can mean the difference between living happily with your dog and keeping your home clean.

Jill Taylor - http://www.dogsuppliessite.com

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

Dog Training Aids

2008-08-24T22:43:00.002-07:00

By Pam Phipps

It used to be the only dog training aids you had available would be to either take your dog to a training site and with gas prices these days who needs the extra added cost. You could also pay to have a dog trainer come to your home but the cost for these types of lessons can be very expensive.

As with anything else the Internet has made available tons of dog training aids. Every year more and more top trainers around the world are putting together dog training aids in the form of down-loadable ebooks, audio and video training lessons. These dog training aids allow you access to some of the best trainers at only a fraction of the cost and in many opinions a better format because you are training your dog.

It serves to build a better relationship with your pet when you are the one providing the training rather than a stranger who is going to spend time training once a week or so and then be gone.

With these new dog training aids you can take the time to go over the training and then work with your dog as much as needed to ensure it is being effective. Using a trainer at your home you always have the worry of cost and if something is taking longer than normal then it is costing you more money.

Many of the new online dog training aids also come with access to member forum areas, question/answer session with top trainers and access to support if you are experiencing problems with the lessons. In most cases you have the same or more support than you would using a local dog trainer.

Trainers like Dove Cresswell who has spend years training dogs and other animals for the movies and television are creating outstanding dog training aids. You can choose a complete course or there are specific types of training for obedience, house breaking, chewing / biting, etc.

If you would like to get more information about some of the top online dog training aids you can visit a review of the top programs provided by onlinemoneytruth at the link below.

Dog Training Aids Reviewed

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

Flyball Jumps

2008-08-24T22:43:00.001-07:00

By Blake Mead

The jumps used for flyball are very basic structures. Flyball jumps can be bought from several online sources or can be easily made with very few tools and minimal material.

The only material you need to make your own set of flyball jumps is a single 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of 1/2" plywood. No glue, nails, or any other fasteners are required!

Each flyball lane requires a set of four jumps. Each jump consists of two uprights and a set of jump boards that fit in between the uprights.

The uprights can be any color. They must be at least 24 inches high, but no more that 36 inches high. A slot must be cut in the center of each upright to accommodate the jump boards. The slot should be slightly wider than the jump board material (1/2") and should start at 4 inches from the base and go up to a height of 16.5 inches above the base.

The jumps must be 24 inches between uprights, so the jump boards should be cut about 32 inches to span the uprights and provide some stability to both sides of the jump.

The base board is the first jump board placed between the uprights. The base board is always the minimum jump height of 8 inches high. A 4 inch slot needs to be cut about 3.5 inches from either end of the base board. This slot will allow the base board to fit securely on the uprights to form a sturdy base for the jump.

The remaining jump boards need to be cut to 1 inch high by 32 inches long, 2 inches by 32 inches, and 4 inches by 32 inches. Various combinations of these jump boards will be used to make up the total jump height needed for each jump. And while the uprights can be any color, the rules say that the jump boards must all be white.

Once you have enough uprights and jump boards for four complete jumps, you're ready to set up a flyball lane.

Listen to your dog! Go to http://www.fly-ball.com for more info on flyball training and equipment.

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

What You Need To Know About Yorkshire Terrier Breeders

2008-08-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

By Susan Bailey

Pet stores used to make their money by hoping that you are an impulse shopper. That was why there were puppies in the shop window - to break your heart and open your wallet before you realized what you were doing. Thankfully, this trend is changing, but not fast enough. There are still pet stores unscrupulous enough to sell puppies to impulse buyers, especially Yorkshire Terrier puppies. No reputable Yorkshire Terrier breeder will send their puppies to a pet store!

If you don't know any basic Yorkshire Terrier information, then that would be like moving to a country where you don't speak the language or know any of the customs. After the cute stage wears off, the Yorkshire Terrier puppy often turns out to be a lot more work and a lot more money than the impulse shopper bargained for. The puppy then gets sent to an animal shelter, where he has a fifty percent chance of being euthanized.

You get many advantages by getting your Yorkie puppy from a Yorkshire Terrier breeder. You get a contract, usually with a limited health guarantee for the puppy. You get to see what conditions the puppy will grow up in. You get to see the puppy's mother, which will have a lasting impact on the puppy's temperament. You also get reassurance that your puppy is a purebred Yorkshire Terrier, so you know you are getting your money's worth.

Don't just go to the first Yorkshire Terrier breeder you happen to come across. Since the Yorkshire Terrier breeder will have a profound impact on the health and training of your puppy, you want to choose the breeder as carefully as the puppy. You can find licensed Yorkshire Terrier breeders from your vet, from dog magazines, from going to dog shows and from the Internet. You can also ask the American Kennel Club for any help.

You also are free to ask a lot of questions to a good Yorkshire Terrier breeder that you just can't ask a pet store clerk. You get access to years of experience living and training all kinds of Yorkies. A good Yorkshire Terrier breeder will be a bit possessive about their puppies. The money is not that important to them (although they will expect you to pay when promised). They want to be sure their "babies" will not end up abandoned or abused. And, unlike pet store puppies, you usually get to see the parents and the parent's health certificates.

Take your time finding the right Yorkshire Terrier breeder that you can get along with and has the dogs you can get along with. You can find them from the American Kennel Club, from the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, any proud Yorkie owners where you live, your vet or your local animal shelter. You can also look on the Internet for Yorkshire Terrier rescue groups which will have older puppies as well as adults.

Susan Bailey loves everything having to do with dogs, including Yorkshire Terrier history. The Yorkshire Terrier was a much larger breed in the beginning. This author is currently writing a series of articles containing Yorkshire Terrier information for interested readers.

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

Training Your Dog The Easy Way

2008-08-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

By William McRand

Well trained dogs are more likely to stay around home and with the same owner. Stay at home dogs don't get in to the pound, they are happy at home with their master. Most dogs in shelters has not had any training.

Start training your dog as soon as posible. It is never too soon to start training a puppy, however give your puppy as much freedom as possible until he is about 4 to 6 months of age. Always keep a lead and collar on your puppy in public places where there is danger. In many countries it is against the law to allow a dog to run free, so be careful if that applies to your country.

Training your dog helps to teach them boundaries, thus making them more comfortable around people. Whether you train your dog yourself or find a professional, teaching your dog commands and socializing it is important. Areas to cover in training include:

Some dog training tips:

This first one is easy. You just start by saying "sit" every time the puppy sits itself. He learns to associate the word sit with the action. This is a tip you can use in all training. Sit down on the floor so you get to the same level as the dog. You are less threatening when you sit. More important is that you are close to the dog so you can reward him faster.

Teaching a Puppy to Heel

You will need to Walk at a steady pace with your puppy with a good fitting collar and lead. keep him on your left side, keep saying the command HEEL. every time you say HEEL, slap your thigh or the side of your leg. If your pup trys to pull away or gets distracted, just keep walking, he'll soon get the message and follow along. If you don't stop, he'll have to follow. As he follows you after a distraction, pat him a little saying good dog or good boy or girl.

Teaching a Puppy to Sit

It's time to teach your dog to sit. while walking your pup stop and transfer the lead to your right side. Pull up on the collar and press down on his back end with your left hand. He will have no choice but to sit. While lifting with the collar takes weight off his front legs the motion causes the pup to want to sit, especially with your hand pressing him down. While telling him to sit as you press down. Repeat this several times, praising him each time he sits. Now walk further along and repeat this exercise several more times in a 10 minute walk.

Leash walking

Leash walking at a steady pace, you can start this training as soon as you get your new dog. This is
important, especially to build up a tolerance to stay in a kennel environment for several hours.
There are many benefits to having a well trained dog. But it doesn't necessarily mean the dog will not develop behavioral problems down the road, like separation anxiety. Simply put a well trained dog is a joy to be around and strengthens the human-animal bond.

William McRand Author: Freelance Writer specializing in Internet marketing, Self help, Blogging, and online income. If you found his articles helpful, read his Blog which is loaded with more useful content on this, and related topics. http://mcranddogtraining.blogspot.com/

http://mcranddogtraining.blogspot.com/

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

How To Locate Siberian Husky Puppies For Sale

2008-08-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

By Andrew A Preston

Now that you have finally given in to the urge to bring a new puppy into your home, you need to find that perfect dog. With all of the different types of dogs on the market and the many places that they can be found, it is no wonder that someone can easily get confused. But as with any type of dog, when looking for Siberian Husky puppies for sale you must be cautious of where you purchase one.

It is important to weigh out the pros and cons about where there are puppies for sale. By educating yourself first on the subject matter, you are less likely to end up with a bad dog or being taken advantage of, like getting a dog that is ill. By doing a little research first, you will be saving yourself a lot of wasted time and money and even maybe a little heartache.
With a lot of people getting used to purchasing their every day items off of the Internet, it is no wonder that a lot of people are turning that direction when deciding to look for Siberian Husky Puppies for sale. By using the Internet for your search, you will have a bigger variety to pick from and you can compare prices in order to get a better deal or so you may think, but you may want to beware.

But by purchasing your puppy from the Internet you may end up actually costing yourself more money as you are not being given the chance to see the puppy in person and may end up with a pup that has medical conditions you couldn't notice on a picture. And with the Internet, it is not possible to clearly see what type of living arrangements the puppies have been living in up to that point.

When you finally decide that you want to actually see your potential puppy in person, it is important to understand that even pet stores who have Siberian Husky puppies for sale are a risky venture as you still do not know about their history or where they came from. Pet stores do not release breeder information and when they purchase them to bring into their stores, they often times do not check the conditions of the breeder's location.

This can cause an angry dog or a dog with emotional and behavioral problems that can end up costing you a lot of money, time, energy, and love. It is best to try and know everything you can about a puppy's past before bringing him or her into your home because when you adopt a dog, it should be with the thought that it will be for the rest of that dog's natural life.

With the love and concern that Andrew Preston has towards Siberian Husky puppies, potential owners should really know what they are getting into. When looking at Siberian Husky puppies for sale, it is important to take your time and look the puppies over really well. When glancing at the many puppies for sale, it is vital to keep in mind that their prior Siberian Husky puppy care should be considered.

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

Dog CPR

2008-08-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

By Evangeline Samuel

I was reading the newspaper today and found an interesting article about a dog rescue. In West Monroe LA, a firefighter performed mouth-snout resuscitation and revived a small dog that he found lifeless inside a burning mobile home. I was really impressed that this firefighter, Stephen "Odie" Odom entered the blazing home when he was told that there were 2 dogs inside. When he went in he found two tiny terriers in pet carriers in a smoke filled room. These were tiny dogs, and he had the presence of mind to give it CPR and revive it.

Giving CPR to a small dog would be similar to giving a baby CPR. The first thing one looks for is to clear the airway, and then cover both it's mouth and nose with your mouth and breathe. In adult humans we hold the nose and breathe mouth to mouth. But for a baby, we would cover both mouth and nose in one breath. There were two things the owners of the home did not do right.

First they left the house with their tiny dogs closed up in dog carriers so there was no way for the little pups to run out and save themselves. Dog owners must take proper care of their dogs, and could have carried them out with themselves. As thrilled as I am that the dogs were safe, I believe that dog owners ought to watch out for their babies, especially if they are detained and contained, and could not find freedom on their own.

My daughter owns this cute puppy, Kate, who is a mix of Maltese and and Yorkie, and she is so adorable! We only put her in the crate when the family is out of the house. When she spends time with me, she knows that she will be free most of the day. I hated putting her in the crate. But it is only so she won't tear up the house looking for her family. She is terrified of thunderstorms and will run under the covers and shake, and we hold her tight to let her know that she is the most important baby there.

I am so relieved that the firefighter went in at the right time to be able to rescue the puppies. With babies, CPR is similar. You cove the mouth and nose and breathe, the chest compressions can be given with 2 fingers. Should pets be left in their carriers during the day? Yes, but if there is any sign of trouble we must the responsible party to let them out of harm's way. Pet carriers or crate are proper for keeping pet. There are nice soft crate bed mats to keep the puppies comfortable. I pray that they do not have any lingering problems. Tiny dogs tend to run into more respiratory problems than larger animals. I just want to commend the firefighter for saving the lives of these tiny pups.

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 have her sleep in designer dog beds

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

The "Off" Command (Or, Don't Touch That Thing You're Thinking About Touching)

2008-08-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

By Suzanne Harris

The way you train "Off" is a perfect example of the positive reinforcement mantra: Any behavior will increase with reinforcement, and any behavior will decrease without reinforcement. "Off" is a lot of fun to teach your pup, and it's very helpful in many situations.

Some people use the phrase "Leave it" instead of "Off", but it means the same thing. Use "Leave it" if you prefer. Either way, "Off" will get your dog to

* stop jumping on people
* get off the couch
* stay away from that chicken wing on the sidewalk
* wait to grab something until you give the OK

If you're training a young pup, you'll be amazed at how quickly he learns "Off". As a matter of fact, most pups under 5 months pick it up in less than 10 minutes. That's not to say they will respond to it in all of the various situations listed above in that short time. But if you practice the following exercise in a wide variety of situations, locations, and distraction levels, your pup will master even these in a matter of 3-4 days.

Dogs older than 6-7 months often take a little longer to get it, but don't give up particularly in your first few trials. If you, the human, are patient and follow these instructions exactly, you'll see the same wonderful results even with your older dog.

"Off" means "Don't touch that thing you're thinking about touching." We will also simultaneously be teaching him "Take it", which means "OK, now you can touch it".

Step 1: The "Off" and "Take It" Exercise

Put about 10 pea-sized soft pieces of food in your hand. Any meat will do, or soft cat or dog treats cut into pea-sized pieces. Crunchy kibble pieces take too long to chew for this exercise.

Sit on the floor or crouch down to your dog's nose level. Hold your pup back from you with your non-food hand, and hold your food hand out 1-2 feet in front of his face at his nose level or below his nose level.

Now once and only once, command "Off" as you open your food hand and let go of your pup.

When your puppy lunges for your food hand (very likely), simply close your hand. Do not repeat the word "Off" or say anything else, and do not move your hand around. Your pup will likely chew on your food hand for a few minutes, trying to get at the food.

Simply wait silently until he gets distracted or bored or for any other reason stops touching your hand for an instant.

The instant he stops touching your food hand, quickly say "Take it" and deliver one piece of food to his mouth with your non-food hand.

Repeat this exercise 10 times until your hand is empty. You are allowed to command "Off" only once during each trial, so for 10 exercises, you'll say "Off" a total of 10 times. Just remember not to speak at all after you have commanded "Off" the first time until he moves away and you say "Take it."

Your pup will chew and paw at your hand for shorter periods each time before he chooses to move his face away from your hand, allowing you to say "Take it" and give him a treat. This shows that he is learning that moving away from your hand is the fastest way to get a treat.

Over the 2-3 days, practice a set of about 10 trials (as described above) several times daily, each time in a different room in the house or better yet outside in a low distraction area. Each trial, add tiny (1/2 second to 1 second) increments of time to the time between his moving away response and your "Take it" food delivery. By the second day you should also be withholding your "Take it" delivery until he has moved at least 5 inches from your hand.

Note: Some pups will sit when you say "Off". This is OK for the first day or two, but we don't want him to think that "Off" is just another word for "Sit". After the first day or two, try to train him out of his sit response by delivering the Take It treat just before he sits.

He may also be sitting because you're holding the food too high. Your food hand must be at his nose level or below nose level.

Never give your pup a piece of the food while he is touching your hand, nor before you have said "Take it". You may deliver the food to his mouth only while he is not touching your hand.

Step 2: Adding Distance and Time to "Off"

When he can hold his "Off" for at least 5 full seconds in several different locations inside and outside, alter the exercise in the following way: Command "Off" as usual and wait for him to move away. Now wordlessly open your food hand without saying anything.

If he holds his "Off" while your hand is open for 2 seconds, say "Take it" and deliver several treats one at a time, praising throughout because he just accomplished something big: Learning that no matter what's in front of his nose, "Off" means "Off" until you say "Take it." Gradually add more time and hand distance to each trial.

If he does not hold his "Off" for 2 seconds while your hand is open, it's because most pups think that when you open your hand, that's the same as you saying "Take it". It is not. So if you open your food hand and he lunges for the food before 2 seconds have passed, quickly and wordlessly close your hand before he gets to your hand and wait again for him to back off. Once again, open your hand and wait without saying anything. If he lunges again, quickly close your hand again. Do not let him reach the food! This may go on for a while - you open your hand, he lunges, you close your hand and wait, he backs off, you open, he lunges, you wait, etc.

After a while, a light bulb will go off in his head and he'll figure out that he must hold his "Off" until you say "Take it" even though there is an open hand of food in front of him. When this happens, he'll hold his "Off" for the 2 seconds, and you may say "Take it" and deliver several treats one at a time to reward this wonderful accomplishment!

"Off" Generalization

The goal with "Off" is to get him to back off no matter what the item is and no matter where he is. Once he can hold a solid "Off" for 10+ seconds with your hand 10+ inches away at or below nose level in a wide variety of locations inside and out, you'll start to lower your food hand toward the floor, 1 inch per trial, until he can hold a solid 10 second "Off" with your open food hand on the floor.

When he's mastered that, it's time to try "Off" with food on the floor that you are not holding. This starts out the same way as before but now you simply put the treat on the floor instead of holding your hand open. The first few times you try this, don't stand up. Remember to practice this in a wide variety of locations inside and out before you move to the level of standing up which food on the floor. It's also a good idea to vary the distance between your dog and the food each time.

If he lunges for the food while it's on the floor, hurl your entire body on top of the food to prevent him from getting it. Yes, I'm joking here but don't let him get to that food before you can clamp your hand or foot down on top of it! We can't have him learning that he's faster than you are, can we?

Add distance from the food and add time from the food. Whenever you feel your pup has accomplished a very difficult feat, don't hesitate to reward him amply with several treats delivered one at a time with great praise and fanfare - he deserves it!

When Can I Use "Off" for Jumping, Couches, and Chicken Wings?

Once you've accomplished a 5 foot "Off" for 20 seconds, his response should be reflexive and you have earned the right to use the "Off" command for jumping, couches and chicken wings on the sidewalk. Congratulations!

"Off" is also excellent preparation for "Stay", which is also trained by showing your dog that the profit arrives when he displays self-control. As a matter of fact, I've trained many dogs the "Stay" by simply combining a strong "Off" response with the command "Off-Stay" and gradually fading out the word "Off", but that's the subject of another article, here or at http://www.dogdaysUSA.com.

For more great dog and puppy obedience articles, go to http://www.dogdaysUSA.com

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

Tips On Bathing Your Labrador Retriever

2008-08-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

By Richard Cussons

Who wouldn't be tempted to cuddle a well-groomed and clean Labrador Retriever? They are every dog owners pride. But every dog owner should always remember that grooming and cleaning is not merely to make your Labrador Retriever look good. Grooming and cleaning is important in maintaining the general health condition of your dog.

Bathing is one of the many responsibilities of a dog owner. However, bathing your dog too often is not good for his skin. The frequency of the bath depends on your dog's breed and his type of activities. As for the Labrador Retriever, give him a bath when he is really dirty especially if he has stayed out and worked a lot. You can also use your nose to tell if your dog needs a bath. Bathing him too often than needed will strip the skin's natural protective oil resulting to dry, itchy skin and will irritate the skin further when scratched.

If the weather is good and warm, you can bath your dog outside. Make sure to choose a place that will not turn into mud when it gets wet. If you think that bathing outside seems unappealing to your dog, wash him inside and try to use warm water. But before the bath begins, prepare everything- shampoo or conditioner, towel, comb and even dog treats or toys. Remember to use a shampoo specially formulated to work on problems such as fleas and ticks, dry itchy skin, doggy odor, abnormal shedding and others.

Start bathing your dog from the head and work towards the tail. Wash his face with wash cloth. Avoid pouring lots of water in his face to prevent it from getting inside the ears. You may also want to place cotton balls inside his ears to make sure water cannot enter. Water in the ears is not good for dogs and can cause health problems such as ear infection.

Thoroughly wet your dog with water using a pitcher or a spray nozzle. If you are using spray nozzle, make sure that the spray is not too strong. Avoid spraying directly into your dog's face or genital. Apply dog shampoo and work from the head to the tail. Remember to read and understand the product labels carefully. While shampooing, pay particular attention to parts like rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin.

After shampoo, rinse your dog thoroughly to prevent shampoo residue that may possibly cause skin irritations. Dry your dog's coat using towel. But be careful not to rub because coats of some breeds tangle easily.

Some dog owners think that bathing a dog is so difficult, but with the right knowledge and technique, bathing a dog is not a challenge anymore.

Richard Cussons writes articles about Labrador Retriever and other dog breeds. Discover Labrador dog training tips at labradorsavvy.com.

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

Australian Cattle Dog

2008-08-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

By Sarmad Sohail

Dog Breed Name:

Australian cattle dog

Dog Type:

AKC herding

Breed Size:

Medium

Average Adult Height:

20 inches

Average Adult Weight:

35 lbs

Availability:

The specie is easily available and can be found from Australia much easily.

Overview:

The dog which came into existence in the early nineteenth century is regarded as a very powerful and an intelligent dog and has helped thousand of farmers in herding. He has a unique resemblance to the hyenas which is very interesting feature about this dog.

Short History:

In the early nineteenth century when the individuals started moving to the Australian continent and found the land fertile they moved their herd of sheep and decided to move in to Australia but the normal dogs that they had did little to control the herds and adjust to the Australian climate and therefore these people experimented by crossing the old collies with other dogs and this is how the Australian cattle dog was formed. Since last century the dog has been known for his contribution as a sheep dog.

Description:

The Australian cattle dogs have a very interesting body features. The face is normally round shaped and is somewhat muscular. The eyes are not widely open and are thin but very sharp. The front legs are straight when viewed from the front and the tail is long which reached the hock. The coat is double layered with a dense coat form the inside and a thick one from the outside.

Temperament:

The dog is known for its intelligence and its amazing skills to control the sheep. It is used for herding and also known for its muscular features and amazing intelligence. The dog is a very friendly dog and it can be easily trained provided that the owner has the temperament to control him and train him. They can be very successful as the guard dogs too and they can be very happy when in crowd. They need to be with the family and not left alone in the backyard. They are very happy to play with the children and should therefore be kept with the children. They can prove to be ferocious to people or dogs that they don't know and therefore they should be socialized.

Common Ailments:

They are not very easy to handle and needs a lot of your attention. They are highly prone to hip dysplasia and to deafness. Deafness is their inherited disease and therefore they require regular checkups from the veterinary. If your dog becomes ferocious and shows some change in the behavior then you need to get him a check up for deafness.

Grooming/ Physical Needs

They do not require a lot of grooming since they are easy to handle and they can be easily groomed by brushing regularly and not much of the baths required. Since they are known as the cattle dogs therefore they require a lot of exercise. They should be taken on long walks and should also be let to run free in a wide area.

Special Abilities/Talents:

They are regarded as extremely excellent for herding but they can also prove to be very good guard dogs.

http://www.cattledog.com

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

Sarmad Sohail - EzineArticles Expert Author

Preparing Your Dog For The New Baby

2008-08-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

By Christy Tuller

You've been trying for awhile and you are finally pregnant! Congratulations! This is a very exciting time in your life. You will be having lots of visitors. Lots of doctors appointments, doing lots of shopping and preparing for baby. You will also being going through a lot of emotional changes. In all the excitement you can't forget your best friend. I'm talking about the four legged kind of course! Up until now they have been your child. They have gotten all your attention and love. So what can you do to prepare them for the new baby?

Before the baby is born you can make sure the dog gets to see the changes taking place in the house. While they might not understand you can talk to them while you work painting the nursery and setting up the new furniture. You will need to decide now how you feel about the dog spending time in baby's room. When allowed to be involved and supervised at all times, a dog can be very helpful in watching over baby.

The day has come and you go to the hospital to deliver! You will be in the hospital for a couple of days usually. This is a great time for your significant other to take the next step in preparing your dog for the new baby. Your little one will be wearing a little outfit in the hospital. When the baby's clothes are changed ask the nurse to put the outfit in a bag for your husband to take home. At home he can let your dog smell the clothes. This will familiarize your dog with the baby's scent. When you bring baby home have someone hold your dog back just enough that she can smell the baby's foot and recognize the scent. You will need to supervise all contact between dog and baby. Most importantly, when you go out for a walk with your new baby, don't forget the dog!

Please remember to continue giving your dog as much love and attention as possible so they don't feel abandoned by you. These suggestions can help you, your baby and your dog remain a loving family for years to come!

Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and a dog lover. For more tips and ideas check out my blog Dogs Are Family Too! at http://www.dogs-are-family.blogspot.com

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

Hip Dysplasia - A Quick Intro

2008-08-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

By Hans Lynch

As the name implies, hip dysplasia is an ailment affecting the hip joints in dogs. It is commonly found among large breed dogs and sometimes in smaller breeds. It is readily seen in breeds that are pure more than in mixed breeds. Breeds such as the Great Dane, Labrador and Golden Retrievers seem to have a noticeable occurrence while the incidence is negligible in the Borzois and Greyhounds. Please note that there are other breeds not mentioned here that also suffer from it.

Up till now, not much is known about the ailment. One of the most important keys to understanding hip dysplasia is the hip joint. Hip dysplasia is caused by the malformation of the hip in dogs. This usually occurs at a young age when they are still growing and the bones are just getting formed. The hip joint which is a ball and socket joint thus grows crookedly causing the right and left hind legs to become affected. This usually happens as a result of the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues surrounding and supporting the hip joint becoming lax.

This is not to say that affected dogs are born that way. No; most times, they are normal when given birth to. But as they grow, the muscles and supporting tissues form abnormally. The major cause has been attributed to genetic factors mostly. The thing with hip dysplasia is that instead of the bones growing towards each other, they grow apart as the ligament and capsule holding the bones together become strained and stretched. This goes on to add more problems to the joint as the two bones -pelvis and femur- get separated from each other. Thus, creating a subluxation, the bones are no longer in alignment and put pressure on or otherwise irritate nerves, which is actually what is responsible for the symptoms and evident signs associated with the ailment.

So what are the signs and symptoms evident in dogs when they are suffering from hip dysplasia?

Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia are usually labeled as osteoathritic, or a joint disease that affects the cartilage. They feel pain after exercise and during the usual day's activities. They tend to stop walking. Their hind legs tend to be stiff during and after exercising. They also find it hard to stand on their hind feet in the morning. When they run, it is evident that they try to avoid putting any pressure at all on their rear legs. If it gets too painful -like it would with time- most dogs just reduce the activity rate and they will find it hard to stand up without any form of help.

What can be done to prevent it?

In most genetically influenced cases, nothing can be done. But it can be managed and discouraged if the dog isn't allowed to become overweight. This coupled with reduced high protein and calorie meals should help out significantly. There are a few products on the market today that are specifically designed to help dogs with hip issues, including hip dysplasia. At the high end there are dog wheelchairs, and somewhere in the middle of the price range is the Helping Hands from Mikki. It allows you to hold up your dog's hind legs giving taking some or even most of the weight off of the hind legs, while still giving them the exercise that they need.

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

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

The Benefits Of Good Dog Training Aids

2008-08-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

By Garnett Johnston

Dog training aids involve more than just a simple collar and leash and over the years have seen good improvements in the range and availability of these training tools. If you are taking on the task of training your own dog then there are several advantages you can benefit from by using good dog training aids to assist you in achieving the goals of your training with your dog.

An obvious case of where this is true is whilst teaching your dog to fetch. It simply can't be done without having something to be thrown, collected by the dog and brought back to you. Typically a stick is a good choice, but if you are in a park and there are dozens of similar sticks then your dog may become confused and you won't have the same success.

An alternative to the stick would be something like a training dumb-bell. These can be thrown a good distance without much effort. They are bright and easy to retrieve - even when your dog doesn't and many of these float on water if you are using it on a pond or lake. These are also easy and comfortable for your dog to pick up whereas I have seen sticks cause damage to a dogs mouth and gums over time.

Teaching your dog to heel can be aided by the use of a dog training line. This is essentially a long leash that can be used to indicate, by tugging, that you wish the dog to return to you when you issue the heel command. These training methods do not do away with the need for voice commands but instead make it easier for your dog to understand the desired response you are looking for when you do call to him.

Other training aids can include collars that discourage barking. These collars emit a pungent spray when your dog barks. The smell is not liked by the dog and over time the dog will realise that not barking prevents the release of the spray. The collar can be removed and hopefully the dog will not bark just as often as before.

If you are training your dog for more sporting activities then the use of whistles can be effective. Here you will typically issue a command to the dog like heel or sit and then back this up with a whistle command. The dog will eventually associate the whistle with the desired response. The trainer or owner can now issue the same command to the dog but over a larger distance. This technique is also used extensively by sheep farmers or herding dog owners for the same reason.

Training your own dog can provide lots of rewards and satisfaction, however it does take considerable patience. Good dog training aids can help reduce the amount of time required to reinforce the training and provide positive results. Remember to reward your dog when you see them showing the right response regardless of what training aid is being used.

The author runs a free dog training information site where you can pick up lots of hints and tips on training your dog. There are also some useful free dog training videos that can make the whole process of training your dog much easier to understand. For more advice on dogs please visit http://www.dogtraininghut.com. Training your own dog can be a rewarding and satisfying experience and will help you bond more closely with your dog.

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

Dog Behavior Problems and Solutions - Biting, Barking, and Whining

2008-08-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

By Sean Winter

Dog disobedience and aggression are things dog owners will most likely always have to deal with. You are not alone in this boat. About 75% of dog owners have some type of trouble with their pet. Surprisingly a lot of these owners do not even get help. They let their dog walk all over them until something bad happens. This could be an attack, or even your dog ending up dead. Both of these are horrible options, especially when with just a little work you can have your dog trained. The longer you take to control and train your dog, the harder it will be for you to train it further down the road. So do you and your dog a favor, and get help.

Dog disobedience can include:

* Biting
* excessive barking
* fighting other dogs
* whining
* and of course relieving themselves inside

There are many other issues you might be having with your dog. I just listed the basics.

Not only will these problems embarrass you, but your pet could seriously injure someone.

That is when the real problems start.

Your dog's disobedience can sometimes be caused by poor guidance by the owner, not knowing how or what to say to your dog, and not using the proven strategies.

The good thing is all of these problems can be fixed before they get real bad. You can sometimes fix a problem with an older dog, but obviously they will need more work.

You know you cannot teach old dogs new tricks(Well not always). Some types of dogs are easier than others to train. Some might be a little more trouble. Either way, it's not to hard if you know the right steps.

Check out Pet's, Pet's, and more Pet's for more info.

Sean Winter has been a writer for 10+ years and is skilled in many areas. Sean is also creator of Pet's, Pet's, and more Pet's

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

Nutrition For Your Puppy

2008-08-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

By Jim McKiel

This article focuses on some of the nutritional foundations needed to insure your puppy grows into a healthy adult.

The mother's milk provides the puppy with all the nutrients and antibodies he needs for the first four weeks of life. You can introduce moistened puppy kibble around the age of four weeks. This will be introduced to the puppy as he continues to nurse. You may feed the puppy his kibble twice a day as long as he is still getting enough of his mother's milk. Whenever he gives up his nursing, which will be around the age of seven to eight weeks, his dry food feeding will increase. It is still advisable to moisten his dry food with warm water for a few weeks until he has adjusted. Unless your breeder or vet advises, it is not necessary to add canned puppy food to your puppy's dry kibble. The dry puppy kibble is sufficient as long as you use a high quality puppy food.

Giving your puppy the right nutrition will provide him a healthy beginning for a healthy life. During a puppy's first six months, he will need a highly digestible diet consisting of more protein and fat. A puppy is usually fed three to four small meals a day until he is about four months old. The amount at each feeding will be determined by the brand of food and the advice of the breeder and your vet. It is very important not to over feed the puppy as this may lead to problems later in their life. Along with the vet, your breeder will be able to guide you on the proper feeding plan of your new puppy.

When the puppy is four months old, you may start feeding him three times a day. Once again, the amount of each feeding will be determined by many factors including brand of food, breeder and vet advice. Around nine months of age a puppy is fed twice a day. Some vets recommend feeding a puppy once a day when they reach a year in age. There are some who think you should continue feeding a dog twice a day; just feed them smaller amounts in the morning and evening. This will help avoid gastro-intestinal problems, especially in larger breed dogs. This varies of course and should be discussed with the vet and breeder.

There are many commercial pet foods available for puppies and the quality of these foods vary. Normally the higher quality foods cost more as they use higher quality ingredients and less fillers. This means your puppy will be able to get more nutrients while consuming less food. During a puppy's growing stage is not the time to try to save money on cheaper pet food or to feed your puppy table scraps. A quality puppy food will have all the necessary vitamins, proteins and nutrients the animal needs. Also, it is not necessary to give your puppy extra vitamins or supplements if the animal is on a quality pet food unless your vet advises you to do so. Along with quality puppy food make sure your puppy has fresh water at all times.

Large breed puppies actually need less calories and calcium in their diets. A puppy who consumes too many calories and too much calcium may develop joint problems. Large breed dogs have a slower metabolic rate and actually reach their adult weight later then smaller breed dogs. It is essential that large breed puppies don't grow too fast or put on too much weight as puppies as this could cause developmental skeletal problems in later life. Large breeds are usually kept on puppy food longer then smaller breeds; sometimes from one year to eighteen months. Ask your vet or breeder when the large breed puppy should be switched to adult dog food.

As discussed before, table scraps are not recommended for dogs. Any human food that contains salt, sugar or other addictives may upset the puppies or dogs gastro system. Animals don't need salt or sugar in their diet and human food is loaded in these ingredients.

Good nutrition for your puppy is the stepping stone to a healthy, happy dog. A well cared for puppy is easier to train and will make an obedient and trusted member of the family.

Jim McKiel lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Doris and their pet family members Buddy and Buster. They have devoted their lives to the betterment of pet ownership. For more information, visit Large Breed Family Dogs

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

The German Shepherd or Alsatian Dog

2008-08-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

By Edward Linton

The German Shepherd, also known as Alsatian, is a very intelligent dog with a very noble look, he has elegant flowing lines and intelligent expression. He is an active dog and an obedient worker. He has all the qualities to make him what is considered to be the ideal dog. He has a very good nature and is a natural sportsman, being nimble and fast he makes a fantastic pet or work dog. They enjoy being around people and other animals. German Shepherds are well suited to obedience training.

The Alsatian is most often black with tan but can also have variations of coat color including all black. There are three varieties of coat, rough coated (short), long rough coated and long haired.

As a working dog German Shepherds are suited to various jobs, some of the more obvious are police and guard dog, in this role they can be used to apprehend criminals, sniff out drugs and explosives and find lost people. They are also used by rescue associations to find people trapped in collapsed building or buried alive in disaster zones. German Shepherds can also be used as guide or help dogs due to their high level of intelligence they are ideally suited to the task.

In the case of the German Shepherd its history is not very old, in fact the dogs you see now have only been around since the end of the 19th century, which came about from a breeding amalgamation between various Shepherding dogs by Capt Max von Stephanitz who is classed the father of the breed.

There are lots of famous German Shepherds in the history vaults, this is due to the popularity of the breed and the versatile and intelligence of the animal. Some have even become movie stars such as The Littlest Hobo and Rin Tin Tin who made 26 movies and at his peak was receiving 10,000 fan letters a week. Others just have famous owners such as Clipper who was president Kennedy’s dog. Over the years German Shepherds have rescued and saved hundreds of lives either by being trained to or just because they love their owners.

The German Shepherd will live for approximately 10 to 12 years and will need lots of exercise, including a large play area or garden. You will have to give extensive training in the early years, but with its high ability to learn good training is essential. They will also shed hair all the time and seasonally it will shed heavily. Brushing twice weekly is recommended but if hair is a problem in the home daily brushing is recommended. Bathing should happen rarely and at the most only twice a year to avoid removal of essential skin oils. Watch out for hip problems as this is an area where German Shepherds are prone to having problems.

Above all if you decide to have a German Shepherd as a pet or working dog you will have a animal which is intelligent, loving, loyal and will give you lots of enjoyment.

If you would like more information, tips and secrets on training German Shepherd dogs check out http://www.usfreeads.com/741051-cls.html

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Flyball Training - It's All About The Treat

2008-04-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

By Blake Mead

What motivates your dog? You must know this to successfully train your dog to be a flyball dog.

Is what motivates your dog a treat? If so, what kind? Is it a toy? If so, which one? Maybe it's a game of tug o' war or a wrestling match. Whatever it is, you must use what motivates your dog as the treat that awaits your dog after each new learned behavior.

It's also very important that your dog knows what the reward is. The treat, or the toy, or the game must be there each and every time for your dog. The treat is the target. If you train without a target, your dog will not be focused. Training will not be effective and your dog will be unmotivated.

Your dog needs the treat as a target to focus on during each stage of training.

In the beginning, when your dog is learning the basics, a treat must be waiting after each behavior in the chain. Your dog needs to have a reason to perform each behavior. That reason is the treat.

Once your dog has learned all the behaviors in the chain and can successfully run the course and bring the ball to you, then one treat after running the course is enough. That one treat will be the focus for your dog to run the entire sequence and bring you the ball.

When both you and your dog know what the treat is and it's always there waiting, then your dog knows why he's there. That's his motivation.

Listen to your dog! Go to http://www.fly-ball.com for more info on flyball training and equipment.

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Understanding Dogs Diseases and Dog Kidney Diseases

2008-04-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

By Kelly Marshall

Dogs get sick from parasites, viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungus. In some cases, these diseases and infestations are fatal unless caught early and treated. Sometimes they sow the seeds of death or debilitation years down the road by causing chronic illness or damaging organs.

The term "chronic kidney failure" suggests that the kidneys have quit working and are, therefore, not making urine. The typical form of chronic kidney failure is the result of aging; it is simply a "wearing out" process. The age of onset is related to the size of the dog. For most small dogs, the early signs occur at about 8-14 years of age. Large dogs have a shorter age span and may go into kidney failure as early as seven years of age.

Causes of acute kidney disease

• Trauma - Any type of trauma that causes the blood pressure to fall dramatically, such as shock and blood loss from being hit by a car.

• Disease - Leptospirosis (a type of bacteria), fungal infections, heart disease

• Poison - Ingestion of antifreeze or rat poison

• Medications - Certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs

When aging causes the filtration process to become inefficient and ineffective, blood flow to the kidneys is increased in an attempt to increase filtration. The clinical signs of more advanced kidney failure include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, and very bad breath.

The diagnosis of kidney failure is made by determining the level of two waste products in the blood: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood creatinine. The urinalysis is also needed to complete the study of kidney function.

In some cases, the kidneys are worn out so that they cannot be revived. However, with aggressive treatment many dogs will live for several more months or years.

Treatments - Treatments for acute kidney disease focus primarily on treating the underlying cause first. Other therapies may include: IV fluids - Helps to remove toxins from the body

Temporary dialysis:

If treating the underlying cause and IV fluids aren't enough, temporary dialysis may be used to eliminate toxins from the body, giving the dog's kidneys a chance to heal. For peritoneal dialysis, fluid is injected into the belly and later drawn back out to help remove toxins. In hemodialysis, a machine is used to filter the toxins from the bloodstream. Hemodialysis is quite expensive and not all veterinary facilities are equipped to provide this treatment.

To get help with your dog and any health issues, contact your local veterinarian. He or she can often recommend treatments, care tips and even books for further learning on the subject. Health books for dogs are also available in local pet stores as well as online at popular websites like Amazon and Ebay. Simply search keywords phrases in their individual search engines like, "dog diseases" or "dog healthcare" and then review listings that turn up. Also search top search engines like Google and Yahoo in a similar manner for websites and other resources.

Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the top place to buy dog beds online

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Mites and Demodectic Mange

2008-04-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

By Kelly Marshall

The gameplan of the mite is to burrow 3-5 layers deep and attack the hair follicles. Dogs with demodetic mites will experience major hair loss and lowered immune systems. The microscopic mange mite usually shows up in all puppies, but mostly puppies from 6 weeks to over one year of age.

The minute eight legged bloodsuckers will appear in the pores causing localized infestation in the beginning (if left untreated, these areas can quickly become "generalized" making it a far more serious condition to treat). Veterinarian and medical treatments are very costly and take months to treat with poisons and insecticides.

With Demodetic mange, there is usually a characteristic smell - sort of a "wet puppy dog" smell. Veterinarians can usually diagnose demodex just by looking, although a skin scraping will give a more definite diagnosis. The itch, although not quite as severe as that caused by the toxins from sarcastic mites, can be intense (or there can be no itching at all), and many times demodex can cause severe secondary bacterial infections, not only from the infected pores, but from the abused skin from the dog scratching itself.

Unlike the mites that bite and live off the blood of the dog, the mites that cause demodex don't bite and they don't consume blood from the animal. They live in skin pores and hair follicles and literally feed on the skin and hair oil they find there.

Mites are similar in appearance to Narcotic Mange mites. Notoedres cati is the primary cause of mange in cats. It will also infect dogs, but will not live a full life cycle on humans, but will cause itching and possible rash. Also known as 'face mange', the infection usually begins at the tips of the ears, progresses over the face and, if untreated, over the body. If your cat suffers from severe itching or hair loss on the head and neck you should consider having her examined for the neoteric mange mite.

The female mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs several times as she continues burrowing. These tunnels can actually reach the length of several centimeters. After she deposits the eggs, the female mite dies. In 3-8 days the eggs hatch into larvae, which have 6 legs. The larvae mature into nymphs, which have 8 legs. The nymph then molts into an adult while it is still in the burrow. The adult's mate, and the process continue. The entire life cycle requires 2-3 weeks.

The symptoms usually start with hair loss and itching on the ears spreading rapidly to the face, eyelids and neck. The mites can also spread to the feet and lower abdomen. This characteristic spread probably occurs from the cat's habit of grooming, and sleeping curled up in a ball. As the disease progresses the skin will become thickened, wrinkled and covered with grayish/yellow crusts. Because of the intense itching the infected cat will often scratch and irritate the skin causing secondary infections to develop. The surrounding lymph nodes may also become enlarged as the problem worsens.

Authored by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the place to go for dog steps in all shapes and sizes

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Discovering Aggression Within Dogs

2008-04-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

By Kelly Marshall

The highest incidence of dominance aggression occurs in intact males, followed, in decreasing order of frequency, by castrated males, spayed females and unsprayed females. English Springer spaniels, Lhaso apsos, cocker spaniels, Doberman pinschers, and toy poodle and terrier breeds have been reported to have a higher incidence of this type of aggression, but it can occur in any breed of dog.

Dogs may become aggressive towards their owners if they perceive that their dominance is being challenged or that there is a threat to a "critical resource" such as food, a resting place, a prized object, a favored person, or anything else that is important to them. Owners seek professional advice about dominance aggression more often than about any other type of canine aggression. The intensity of dominance aggression ranges from mild to severe. Dominance aggression develops around the time a dog reaches social maturity, which is about two years of age. Treatment involves life-long management using a combination of therapeutic techniques.

Dominance aggression has its roots in the social organization of wolves, the closest wild relatives of domestic dogs. Wolves live in social groups called packs. Within the pack there is a social hierarchy in which each individual animal knows its rank in relation to every other animal. The dominant individuals have a priority to the critical resources of food, water, and resting places. Dynamic, rather than rigid, the hierarchy is maintained through a complex communication system using signals of dominance and submission; thus, the social relationships within a pack of wolves are quite complex. One of the functions of the hierarchy is to reduce aggression within the pack. When the hierarchy is stable, overt aggression is minimized. Presumably, domestic dogs manifest dominance aggression when they perceive that the hierarchy within the household is unstable.

Important step in diagnosis requires looking at the components of the animal's behavior while it is acting aggressively. Dogs exhibiting dominance aggression often, but not always, assume a dominant posture, such as an erect or stiff body position, with erect ears and tail, raised hackles, and a direct stare. Depending on the intensity of the aggressive display, there can be snarling, growling, lunging, snapping, and biting. However, a significant number of dogs with dominance aggression do not exhibit this classical dominance posture and instead, some may exhibit a fear posture or, more commonly, a posture that includes varying degrees of both dominance and fear.

The intensity of dominance aggression ranges from mild to severe. Dominance aggression develops around the time a dog reaches social maturity, which is about two years of age. Treatment involves life-long management using a combination of therapeutic techniques. This behavioral problem, which is common among canines, can pose a safety threat to humans. Children that live in households with dogs that have dominance aggression are at greatest risk for serious or fatal injury.

Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - where you can find designer dog bowls to match any decor

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Food Quality for Your Dog

2008-04-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

By Kelly Marshall

Three and a half million unwanted dogs are put to death in this country every year, with millions more dying through starvation, disease, accidents, and abuse. Nearly a quarter of these victims are purebred dogs. It is important to learn the facts and possible consequences if you are considering breeding your dog. In today's overcrowded world, we must make responsible decisions for our pets and for ourselves. Consider the following points carefully.

Just like humans, dogs are different depending on age, breed, overall health, severity of infestation and activity level. If you are not sure what is the best recipe for your dog, please email me and include: age, weight and breed of your dog, when diagnosed and how severe of a case your dog has, list all symptoms, tell me about your pet's health in general and list all vitamins/medications/herbs your dog is taking and what brand of food you are feeding. This site is not meant to diagnose or prescribe, information provided is a general guideline - for a dog with a mild to moderate case, which is in good health.

Know the typical genetic diseases for your breed. Test for them, and do not breed a dog that may pass on serious genetic disease. Do not let your love for your dog make you blind to your obligation to others. Your dog may be healthy, but may still pass on serious genetic disease. Do what you can to avoid causing heartache. Do not breed your dog if you have no information on the health and fitness of both the parents of your dog, and its prospective mate. You need more than a single generation to make a good decision.

When a dog refuses to eat or eats only a portion of the dog food he needs or what he usually eats every day will produce an imbalance in his dog nutrition. The term Anorexia is used to describe the condition when a dog refuses to eat. A dog's eating habits are normally controlled by hunger. Another thing that causes a disturbance of the dog's natural eating behavior is mechanical interruption.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for the average consumer to tell which one is the best for their pet; In particular any allergies that your dog may have. While others have a sensitivity to lamb. Through a process of trial and error you can usually find a dog food that your pet will eat. Dog owners are faced with a difficult choice when comes to the right food for their dog. Others will take the opposite view and see no reason to spend extra on a premium brand dog food. Of course we are not just talking about canned dog food. Juicy food contained in a can but it is important for them to also to chew on hard crunchy dog food such as dry kibble and dog biscuits.

Article written by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - visit for dog food storage containers in every size

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Learning about Vitamins & Minerals for Dogs

2008-04-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

By Kelly Marshall

Vitamins can improve the quality of your pet's life. They help regulate body processes, protect the body from environmental toxins, and break down nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats so the body can utilize them.

Here are noteworthy points about vitamins for dogs:

1) Vitamins work with minerals and enzymes for digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth, and maintenance of healthy skin and hair coat.

2) All multi-vitamins for pets are not created equal.

3) Vitamins are necessary for literally tens of thousands of different chemical reactions in the body.

4) They often work in conjunction with minerals and enzymes to ensure normal digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth and function, healthy skin and hair, clotting of blood, and the use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates by the body.

5) Their unique set of nutritional requirements has been passed on from generation to generation just like the breed's unique coat, body size and temperament.

We have found that we cannot change the genetic makeup of the animals we are feeding just by exposing them to a different diet for a small amount of time. Therefore, I suggest that Burmese mountain dog owners try to feed their present companion pets with foods that contain what this breed requires. The food should contain: nutrient sources that are similar to those found in the native environment of the breed's ancestors (sources which are not foreign to the digestive and glandular systems of today's Burmese Mountain Dog and which are easy for them to assimilate) and the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that match the breed specific nutritional requirements - those which have been passed on by their ancestors.

There are over 170 different molecular forms of the mineral "calcium." The source of the mineral calcium that a Burmese Mountain Dog can easily assimilate can be hard for a different breed to assimilate and thus that other breed can develop kidney stones on the best source of calcium for a Burmese Mountain Dog. The reverse of this is also true. Below you will find a list of the best sources of vitamins and minerals for the dietary requirements of a Burmese Mountain Dog.

The balance or amounts are not listed because each individual animal can have different requirements depending on: the sex of the animal; the age (a puppy will have different needs than an adolescent, who even though it may be the same size as an adult will have different requirements than an adult); the activity level (if a dog is very active the dog will need more of the B complex than a couch potato of the same breed); stress levels; medical conditions; and other dietary factors (i.e. does the water supply contain high amounts of minerals). There are many factors come into play when considering the proper amount of each nutrient in an individual dogs diet.

To learn more about your dog and the best dietary needs for it, you can visit your local pet store for books on health topics and see what type of clinics are available for your enrichment. Also check with your local Human Society chapter similarly. They often host workshops all around your area and can mail or email you a calendar of upcoming events.

Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - to find designer dog beds, visit http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-beds/

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Beware of These Tick Problems with Your Dog!

2008-04-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

By Kelly Marshall

The first kind of 'ticks' that you would hate!

Generally, we love ticks, especially, as a child. What a feeling we had, when we got them on our Math papers! But beware! These are some fatal ones!

Are you enjoying a walk with your dog, especially, in a shrubby area, full of grass and bushes? If yes, better take care. Ticks will lie in the grass and bushes sometimes climbing higher for a better chance of making contact. They can detect vibrations of an animal walking through and are also able to use their modified scent to detect the carbon dioxide and odors of a mammal's breath. Once detected, they will just jump on you.

Ticks on dogs and puppies are unsightly, painful, and sometimes very dangerous. These blood sucking insects feed on all vertebrates but are particularly kin to dogs and cats as they tend to enjoy the same places your pets do. And they can expand 20 to 100 times its size as it feeds. And the scariest thing about them is the fact that ticks can go unnoticed. Tiny as they are, they can attach themselves to you or your dog without being seen or felt. If your dog has a light coat, then you are just as lucky, for you will notice the ticks quickly. But, if your dog has a dark coat, ticks will often continue to go unnoticed until they're well engorged with blood.

Then how do you check for them? You'll certainly feel them by running your fingers or a fine toothed comb or a flea comb through your dog's coat. Check your dog all over, but especially around the head and neck, ears and paws. In most ticks, it can take 12 - 24 hours from the time it attaches itself to regurgitate the bacteria back into the host.

What can ticks do your pet? They can spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, making them potentially lethal. Also, too many ticks feeding on a single dog can cause severe anemia or a condition called tick paralysis.

Alright, then how do you control and prevent ticks? This is especially important in avoiding diseases associated with them. To prevent tick exposure, use a flea and tick spray before taking your dog into thick, shrubby area. Also keep your grass and plants well trimmed. This decreases the amount of ticks you and your dog may run into. If you are living in a tick-populated area, then your vet may suggest your dog be vaccinated against ticks. Always make sure ticks you find and remove are dead before you dispose of them. A good way to kill them is to stomp the life out of them. Most importantly, keep a close eye on your dog for the next few days to make sure he or she doesn't get sick!

To remove ticks off your dog, use tweezers, not your fingers, petroleum jelly or a match. Simply place the tweezers level with the skin, squeeze, and then rock it with a firm grip while pulling straight up. Be sure not to compress the belly of the tick as you could facilitate a regurgitation of its contents which could spell a disease. After all, your diligence in finding and removing ticks before they attach is the best preventive measure of all.

So, do enjoy a walk with your dog. But avoid wooded areas, tall grass, and damp areas!

Provided by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the largest choice of dog feeders online, visit http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/

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How To Train Your Dog

2008-04-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

By David Whitby

Every owner wants to give training to his dog. But it is not as simple as it looks like. To train a dog, one should have a great patient and knowledge about how to train a dog.

Normally you can see that puppies are habitual of biting and grabbing each other by their mouths. The very first thing you have to teach your dog is that human skin is more sensitive than a puppies or a doggie skin and his habit of biting hurts you. Although a puppy biting is not so harmful but a adult can cause a severe damage when it bites. For this, what you have to do is that whenever your puppy tries to touch you with its teeth, in harsh tone say “OUCH”. It will show to your puppy that it will hurt you. Also you have to teach your puppy that “OFF” means not to touch. For this every time when you give meals to your puppy, do the following process for at least 5 minutes:

Hold some dry food in your hand, say “Take it” with love and give a piece of food to your puppy. In the mean time hide rest of the food in your hand and say “Off” with a lovely voice. If your puppy has not touched your hand for next 5 seconds then say “Take it” and give him a piece of food again. Do like this daily for 5 to 10 minutes. It will also help to stop your dog from mouthing.

The most important thing you should do to civilize your dog is:

1. Always REWARD your dog whenever it will do something, which you expect from him. By doing this the result is that your dog will continue to do that thing.

2. Never REWARD it for what you don’t want from it to do.

But always remember that a reward for a dog is different from the reward for a person. As a reward, give it something what it likes. For example: Freedom, Food, Ball, which your dog likes most.

Sometimes punishment is also necessary, but it should be very rare. Punishment should be given to it only for “Anti-Social” behavior. As a punishment you can hit your dog or do something what the dog doesn’t like. For example: ignore it for some time etc. This will help you to train your dog very much. Dogs like to listen their name in your talks. So use its name when you want to call it. Or if you want to give it snacks or food, use your dog’s name instead of saying “Snacks” etc. It will also help you to call it back.

You should give around one hour to train your dog. It should be five to ten minutes at a time and two to three times per day. So that it will be habitual of those things which you want to teach your dog

Mydogspics provides information on different types of dog breeds, pictures of dogs, blogs, latest dog news, discussion forums, classifieds etc. For more information, write back to us at articles@mydogspics.com

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Alternative Pet Food

2008-04-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

By Bill Carr

Should you be concerned about your dog or cats health these days? With all the dog and cat food companies that are recalling there food, for poisonings, you most likely should be. As a pet owner now there are limited products for your loved pets.

But there is a solution to this problem, why not cook or bake for your cats and dogs. At least you know what your putting in there pet food, and not to mention your cat and dog will enjoy there new found pet food much better than that old canned byproduct anyway.

With limited choices of what to feed your pets, more and more pet owners are feeding them table food and dinner scrapes. It is important to keep your pet healthy with a balanced meal, with the right nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and proteins for your type of cat or dog.

It's really not that hard to prepare meals and treats for your pets: There are many different recipes you can prepare for them that are healthy and good for them. Just put aside a little time each week to make your dog or cat treats, and you will be able to give them there treats for the week and the same goes for there meals, except you might have to prepare them a little more often, maybe two or three times a week just to keep it fresh. But you can prepare one batch for the whole week and freeze half of it in your freezer, provided you have the space, or if you have a kitchen vacuum sealer for moist food, dry food you can just save in a container.

Article by Bill Carr

Safe Pet Food Recipes http://www.petfoodrecipessite.com

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Should You Adopt An Old Dog?

2008-04-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

By Kirsten Frisch

Have you ever thought about adopting an older dog?

You know, sometimes it just might be the perfect dog. What about all those illnesses old dogs have? And old dog might have some issues, but usually not any more than a young puppy. If you add up the cost of veterinary visits for a young puppy and the cost of an older dog, it is almost the same. Puppies require training, toys, crates, tons of exercise (that is a time factor), and veterinary visits for shots and spaying or neutering.

An old dog will need some medical attention, of course, but most likely he will have some training, he may or may not need a crate, and he will want a bone to chew on. Most importantly, he needs your love. He will want to go on walks, but he may be just as happy hanging out while you, ahem...surf the web.

Lets get serious about time. If you are the average person in the average family, you work over 60 hours a week. If you have children, you spend almost all your time shuffling them from one event to the next, helping with homework, or curing a cough. When you do have free time, you might just want some "me" time. An old dog will be happy to give you your space.

Where does a puppy fit into all this? Often, they don't. Do you really have 2 hours a day to dedicate to exercising and training a puppy? Because that is the minimum requirement. And they have to be supervised ALL THE TIME. When you don't supervise a puppy they get into all sorts of trouble.

You might think you can solve all that trouble with crate training, but have you really considered how much time a puppy can spend in a crate? 8 hours? 10 hours? 12 hours? The more time a puppy spends in a crate the better his chances for becoming destructive. After all, you have to put that puppy energy somewhere.

Old dogs like to play, there is no question about that. And many old dogs grew up in families with children, other dogs, and even cats. They aren't any more fragile than a puppy. They even try to keep up with the younger generation. Unfortunately, even if those old joints keep up with the younger generation, they will probably spend the next couple of days recovering. So let them play, and then let them recover.

Finally, the sad truth about commitment. Have you thought about the length of commitment you are taking on with a puppy? 12 years? 15 years? Hopefully longer. Do you know where you will be in 15 years? Unfortunately, there are many old dogs in shelters whose owners didn't know where they would be in 15 years. They took on a puppy, but could only give them 10 years. What's an old guy to do? He worked hard for his retirement, but after 10 years the company fired him.

Consider adopting an old dog. It just might be the perfect pet.

Kirsten Frisch has worked with sled dogs for over 10 years. She has handled dogs in Alaska for mid and long distance races such as the Copper Basin 300 and Yukon Quest 1000 mile race. Her background also includes Veterinary Technician, sled dog rescue and foster, dog trainer, and webmaster. You can learn more about Kirsten dogs at http://www.alaskan-husky-behavior.com and http://www.new-dog-owner.com

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Are Vitamin And Mineral Supplements Necessary For Your Pregnant Dog?

2008-04-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

By Charley Hwang

Are vitamin and mineral supplements that necessary for your pregnant dog? Yes. Besides a balanced and healthy diet, pregnant dogs that are into their fourth week of pregnancy need more vitamins and minerals in their system. Also, a balanced di-calcium phosphate may be needed to be added into their diet as well.

“Where should I purchase these dog supplements?”

Di-calcium phosphate tablets and vitamin/mineral supplements can be obtained from most veterinarians or animal hospitals, and even some grocery stores. Health food stores are common to carry these types of animal supplements as well, so you should not have too many problems trying to locate some for your dog.

“What forms do these prenatal supplements come in?”

Just like what is supplied for humans, vitamins and minerals for prenatal dogs are sold in both powder and tablet forms. A lot of dog owners get bothered over choosing the right kind of supplements for their dogs, but it is an individual choice for you and your dog. Regardless if its form, the quality of both types of supplements is the same.

“How do I know what dosage of supplement to administer to my pregnant dog?”

You will find the correct supplement for your dog by looking at the labels of the supplements. The correct supplement for your pregnant dog will be stated clearly, and there are supplements for matrons as well as puppies. It is very important that you realize that prenatal dog supplements have gone through lab testing before they are approved to be marketed and sold in stores. There will also be specific instructions on the labels on how to give the supplements to your dog regarding the dosages or stages of pregnancy.

Your dog may not be used to swallowing tablets, or the tablet may be too big for a dog its size. What you can do is crush the tablet up into powder form and then putting it into your dog’s food for it to consume. If your dog has no problems with swallowing tablets, like my Chihuahua for instance, who swallows tablets easily when I place it at the back of his throat, you may want to choose that. But powder form supplements is also a good choice if that is what your dog is better at ingesting. See below for more information on Vitamins for Dogs.

For more information on Supplements For Pregnant Dogs or visit http://www.puppydogobedience.com/dog-pregnancy-3-common-questions-regarding-vitamin-mineral-supplementation/, a popular website that offers information on Dogs, Dog Training, and Dog Breeds. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks

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Dog Breeders: A Good Way To Buy A Dog?

2008-04-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

By Cynthia Alexander

Purebred dogs are all the rage. For many people who are looking to purchase a purebred dog, they do a dog breeder search in order to buy it. Before you rush out and plop down several hundred dollars for your pure breed pup, there are a few things that are important to know. It is very important to educate yourself BEFORE you buy your puppy from a breeder.

You can find breeders by searching the newspaper or using the Internet, and a number of different places. But what do you really know about the breeder? Some breeders are nothing more than "puppy mills" or farms. Since you don't have to be licensed to be a breeder, the backyard breeder - the dog owner who decides to raise puppies for sale as an income generally has little knowledge – or do they bother to understand – the genetics of the breed or proper nutritional requirements to keep the dog healthy. And it's not uncommon for puppies that come from unlicensed breeders to be sickly and harboring diseases. And puppy mill puppies frequently turn up in pet stores.

Ironically, pet stores are the WORST place to buy a dog. These dogs come from puppy farms where they are often abused, neglected and inbred. Dogs from pet stores are many times nearly impossible to train, prone to illness and disease, prone to behavioral problems like compulsive chewing or barking, as well as being almost impossible to crate train.

Believe it or not, practically any breed that you could want to purchase is available in your local area. Purebred dogs are increasingly found at your local animal shelter. And there are breed specific rescue organizations. Of course most of these dogs are no longer young puppies because people turn them in once the fad has worn off - generally that happens around 6 months to one year from the time they got the pup.

If you are insistant on getting a puppy, the safest route is to find a dog breeder who is licensed. Some of the best options for finding a professional dog breeder would be to attend local dog shows, visit pet supply stores, pet expos or ask a veterinarian for recommendations. However you still need to do your own homework.

Ask lots of questions about the dog you're getting, expect the breeder to ask you questions about yourself and your lifestyle as well. If they don't, be cautious. Good breeders don't want their dogs to end up in homes where the potential owner doesn't have time for the dog or doesn't understand the work involved in raising one. A store clerk or amateur breeder who simply hands you a dog in exchange for your money is not doing you any favors.

Many people buy their puppies over the Internet via some sort of dog breeder directory, but it is highly recommended that you buy from a breeder that you can visit. You can never be 100% sure of what you're getting over the Net. You need to be able to see the facility where the dogs are being bred. Is it clean, is the breeder a caring person, do the mothers look healthy, do the puppies have room to play? These are just a few things you'll need to see with your own eyes. And the answers to these questions will determine whether or not you buy your puppy from that breeder. Don't neglect this vital step. It could mean the difference between getting a healthy pup and a pup that may have eventually have problems.

Did you know that barking is one of the major reasons that people end up losing their dog? Discover how to get your dog to stop barking once and for all. Read Cynthia Alexander's "Ultimate Guide to Stop Your Dog from Barking…FAST."

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

Training Your Dog - The Basics

2008-04-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

By Blue Dawg

Training your dog can be frustrating and overwhelming at first, but do not get discouraged. Remember you are the trainer and the dog is the trainee. There are some simple rules to follow that will help you get the training done and without the major problems. Remember to keep a level head, stay consistent and reward your dog for doing well. We will discuss these three basics in the following paragraphs.

In the daily lives of dogs the routine is everything as they are creatures of habit. They know when you are coming home and wait for you or they know when it time to eat. If you miss a feeding some dogs will bring you the empty food bowl or do something to alert you that something is wrong. New dog trainers can use this knowledge to their advantage and make their job easier. Dog training must involve repetition of actions as repetition becomes habit or routine. Having your dog respond with a certain action when you give a command is the goal you are trying to reach. To make use of dogs being creatures of habit, be sure to be consistent with your commands. Teach your commands the same way every time and keep at it until the dog responds the same way ever time before you move on to a new command. Consistency is the first basic of training a dog and will help you achieve what you want from your dog.

A very hard point in training is keeping a level head. When you have had a long day and you are tired it is very frustrating when the dog does not comply with your command and you become angry. This is the time when some dog owners say that the dog just can’t be trained or I am not good enough to train my dog. If this happens to you then don’t give up but wait until another time when you are more rested and can have more patience with your training. Keep in mind that your dog will not be trained in one day and that taking your time and having patience will get the job done in the end. Keeping a level head is a basic you don’t want to overlook.

A very important part of training your dog is giving a reward for following your commands. The reward part of training will help build a relationship between you and your dog. Now you don’t want to give your dog a treat or food on every command because this is unhealthy for the dog and will build a habit in the dog that you don’t want. When you are training, give the dog a “Good Boy” or “Good Girl” if they follow your command and remember to be consistent. You could even let the dog play with a favorite toy for doing well and you will always want to show affection for your dog. The reward you give will build a relationship and make other training much easier.

What you need to remember is consistency, patience and rewards as a way to start training your dog with success.

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

Dog Psychology - Inside Your Dog's Mind

2008-04-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Strachan

If you are the owner of a dog, it is more than likely at some point that you will want to train a bad habit or annoying behavioral trait out of your dog. Nobody likes having their shoes chewed to bits, or the dog urinating over the floor when it feels so inclined.

Before you can start to train your dog, it is imperative that you have some insight into dog psychology and how a dog thinks. Without some insight into dog psychology, your training efforts will be wasted.

Dog psychology is mainly centered on one main area - The Pack. By this we mean that as wild animals, dogs will live together in groups known as 'Packs'. Within this pack there will be young pups, teenaged dogs and adults. Sometimes you may even find quite old dogs in a pack where the hunting is easy.

Now this is the key point. Within every dog pack, there will be a 'top dog' known as the 'alpha male'. There will also be an alpha female who will be the top female dog in the pack. This is where you can take advantage of the psychology of dogs when related to training your dog. If you can position yourself as the alpha male, your training and teachings will sink in far quicker than if your dog had little to no respect for you.

The trick is to ensure that within your family unit, all members of your family are classed as higher members in the pack with you as the Alpha Male (even if you are not male of course). This ensures that if you have children, the dog will listen to them as well. The dog will see them as a higher authority. Sometimes if the dog is older and the children quite young, they will form more of an 'Equal' relationship than 'Pack leader' relationship. This is O.K. as long as the dog respects them. This will prevent the dog from biting at the children or behaving in a threatening manner.

Dog psychologists differ in opinion about how to maintain the Alpha role but there are a few proven methods.

Never feed your dog at or near your dining area. Your dog should always eat in its own separate area. Also do not allow your dog onto the bed as this elevates the dog to your height and in some dogs can give the impression that you are behaving submissively.

Also if your dog is misbehaving, a strong firm vocal 'NO!' will show the dog who is boss. If the behavior persists, a physical (but not over forceful) chastisement may be required. This is what happens in the wild. The alpha male will snarl or growl at subordinates. If this fails to work, the alpha male will often bite or 'rough up' the subordinate dog, reminding it who is boss.

It is important to realize that dogs can very easily fall into bad habits. The reason for this is that they react far more readily to a 'stimulus - response' situation and will retain that association for a long time, whereas humans can overcome these associations by rationalizing them.

For example, if you shout 'Walkies' every time you take your dog out for a walk it, will not be very long before your dog has associated the term 'Walkies' with the 'treat' of going for a walk. Now, if you shout 'Walkies' and then DO NOT take your dog for a walk, this won't prevent the dog getting just as excited the next time you shout it.

Another important aspect of dog psychology is the inability of a dog to associate two events separated by a long time interval. You need to know this when you are training your dog. If your dog urinates on the floor and you don't reprimand your dog until two hours later, your dog is not going to know what it is being reprimanded for! Your dog will NEVER associate the urinating earlier in the day with the punishment later on.

It is vital that you understand HOW your dog thinks before you can begin training. If your dog is taught incorrectly, it will take a long time to undo those mistakes.

Article by Andrew Strachan. Find out more about dog behavior training and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com

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

How To Teach A Dog To Sit

2008-04-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

By Barbara K

Teaching a dog to sit is easily accomplished if you follow a few simple rules and as my own personal experience shows, it can be embarrassing if you don't!

When I was young we had a beautiful, loving and overly boisterous golden labrador called Jackie. Because Mom and Dad had not taught him how to “sit”, he was always jumping up to greet people. One day a man arrived at our house to see Dad on business and as soon as Jackie saw him he just sort of pounced on him and ended up getting his claws caught in the man's zipper of his pants. Ouch! My red-faced Mom spent the next few minutes trying to extract Jackie from his pants while apologising profusely at the same time. Although looking back it was funny, for Dad it wasn't. The end result – the poor man couldn't wait to get out of the house so Dad didn't get the business, but he vowed from that moment on Jackie would be trained properly and set about doing it.

So how do you teach your dog to sit?

No distractions

For anyone starting out to teach a dog to sit you need to be in a room on your own with your dog. Grab a few doggy treats and ask your children or partner to give you a few minutes alone, about ten should be enough. If you don't, your dog will become easily distracted by their presence and you'll get nowhere. Remember that a dogs attention span is very short so its better if you repeat what you are trying to teach them later on in the day but again only for short periods of time.

Praise and reward

With the dog in front of you move one of your hands holding a treat over your dogs nose and slowly move it above his head. His nose would have picked up the smell of his treat so he'll know what you are holding. This action of moving the treat above his head should make his nose and eyes follow the scent and he should sit down as a result. If he doesn't a gentle push on his backside should give him the idea. As soon as he is sitting give him lots of praise and the reward. Repeat this a few times and he should be getting the idea of what you want him to do.

“Sit”

Now you can bring the command into the equation. Again use the action as before but this time speak a firm “sit” while you are moving your hand. He will begin to associate the command with the action you want him to do but again repetition is the key to his understanding. Always follow with lots of praise and of course give him his expected treat.

Phase out the treat

With patience on your part and constant repetition of the technique you will be able to get to the point where he will sit on command without receiving a treat at the end. So try it, phase out the treat and give lots more praise instead when he sits for you.

Daily routine

Once the treat has been phased out you can bring in the “sit” command into your general day to day routine. Get your dog to “sit” before he receives his dinner or before you give him his ball or any other toy. Other family members can take part now to reinforce the command so that he understands that the result of the command is expected of him no matter who asks it.

So teaching your dog to sit is achieved quite easily by the use of constant repetition. Ultimately your dog should be able to sit on command whenever he is asked, wherever he is and with whoever is around. By using the technique shown here there is every reason to believe that he will. With your patience and understanding you will be rewarded with a dog that will be a joy to behold and a delightful companion to boot and not the least bit embarrassing.

If you need help in trying to train your dog, come along to http://www.easy-dog-obedience-training.com where you'll find techniques that are certain to stop your dog's bad behavior.

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

How To Choose The Perfect Pomeranian Clothes

2008-04-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

By Lee Dobbins

Dog clothing is growing in popularity and is great for keeping your furry friend warm and safe. Pomeranian clothes can help you Pom look cool while protecting him from bad weather. Dressing your Pomeranian in practical but stylish attire can be fun as well as practical.

Protecting your dog from the bitter cold is one practical reason for dog clothing. Although your Pomeranian does have a thick coat to protect him, he is sure to appreciate an additional layer against the cold. Your pet is sure to appreciate the extra warmth a dog coat or sweater can provide. If you are taking your Pom for a long walk, you might consider a thick coat, but a quick trip out to do his business may only require a sweater.

You can buy all different kinds of clothes for your Pomeranian. Everything from party clothes, to tuxedos, to raincoats to boots can be found. For girl Poms, you might try a pink sweater with fur on the edges or maybe a Harley Davidson jacket for a boy. Many dogs don't mind being dressed up and appreciate the extra protection. You want to go slowly the first time you put a piece of clothing on our Pomeranian as they will not be used to it, but after a fashion it won't bother them at all. For safety sake, make sure to pick clothes that don't have loose strings that could get wrapped around his neck or legs and no embillishements he could chew off. It's better to spend more on quality clothes that are safe for your dog.

Most Pomeranian clothes manufacturers keep safety in mind when designing outfits. Many coats have a reflective piece for safety when walking. To keep your Pomeranians paws clean, you can buy boots for dogs that will also give him comfort on cold and rainy days You can get rain slickers for dogs too, and hats to protect them from the fierce rays of the sun. If your Pomeranian like to romp in the woods, a coat will also help keep burrs off his fur and save you the trouble of having to try to get them out.. When choosing a coat, one that has a nylon shell as well as a fleece lining will help keep your pet snug and dry.

If you are dressing your Pomeranian, you need to make sure the clothing is a good fit, not too loose or tight, and also that he has enough room underneath to do his business if necessary. It's great if you an actually try the clothing on your dog before you buy it, that way you can be sure it fits him well and has no loose parts that may catch on trees and furniture.

Finding Pomeranian clothes that suit your dogs needs should be easy as there is a large variety available both on and offline..

Lee Dobbins writes for The Pomeranian Pages where you can learn more about caring for your pom and how to pick Pomeranian clothes.

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

Crate Train Your Dog - The Right Way!

2008-04-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Strachan

Crate training can be considered to be one of the best (and quickest) ways to train your dog.

One of the most important and powerful tools when training your puppy or dog, is to reinforce good behavior with praise and reward. This inevitably means that you will have to be present when this good behavior takes place. It is vital that the puppy associates the action with the reward. This can be problematic when you have to be out of the house for several hours and your puppy is in the house. Any good behavior goes unnoticed and any bad behavior continues un-checked.

The usual training method is to restrict your puppy’s movements in the house. Ensure that your puppy has one room to itself. That way you can lay down paper or other absorbent material and if your puppy eliminates, it is in a restricted area. There is a big problem with this though. Your puppy is learning that it can eliminate INSIDE the house every time you go out. This is where crate training comes in.

What Is Crate Training?

Crate training takes advantage of one very useful instinctive behavior of your dog. Your puppy or dog WILL NOT eliminate in its own personal space if it can be avoided. This means that if you can temporarily restrict your dogs' personal space, then it will hold on longer when it wants to eliminate. This is the point at which you take your dog outside on a leash and allow it to eliminate outside in your presence. Giving you the chance to heap a lot of praise on your puppy and reward his good behavior. This positive reinforcement teaches your puppy bladder and bowel control as well as setting out an acceptable area that your dog can eliminate.

There is a BIG difference between crate training and just using a crate to restrict your dog while you are not home.

You should only ever use a crate when you can be sure that you are going to be home for the duration of the confinement. You should never leave your puppy in the crate for more than two hours at a time. After this time, you should take your puppy outside and check whether it wants to eliminate. NEVER put your puppy in its crate and then leave the house.

If you abuse the use of the crate, your puppy will eventually eliminate in it's own crate, This will not only undo all the hard work that you have put into training your puppy, but it will be unhygienic and distressing for your puppy.

Every time you take your puppy out to eliminate, if she does so, it is time for lots of praise and a treat. You can also give her the run of the house until her bladder and bowels fill up again. This is approximately every 45 minutes to an hour in a young puppy. If she fails to eliminate, put her back into the crate but check every hour whether she wants to go again.

You will soon learn the habits of your puppy and will be able to put her in her crate for the correct duration. If you do ever find that your puppy has eliminated inside your house, do not punish her. This is YOUR mistake for not correctly judging when she is next ready to go. Just make a note of the time and adjust as necessary.

Article by Andrew Strachan. Find out more about dog behavior training and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com

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

Dog Behavior Training

2008-04-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Strachan

As any dog owner will tell you, dogs can be very complex animals and can have very individual personalities. This can manifest itself as bad behavior at times but there is no reason why good behavior training cannot put your dog onto the right path to being the perfect pooch.

Before considering training your dog to improve its behavior, it is important to look into the background of what makes your dog...... a dog.

It is estimated that in the Western world alone, there are probably 800 or so different types of dog breeds. Although it could be said that the difference between some of these breeds is often very little, it is still an amazing concept from a human perspective. Especially when you consider that all modern dogs are believed to have come from one single mating pair of wolves thousands of years ago. Who could imagine that a St.Bernard could be related to a Chihuahua!

Dogs are predatory animals.

Now this doesn't mean that your dog will try and hunt every moving thing but the instinctive desire to hunt is always in them. This behavior is originally why humans and dogs became such close partners in the first place.

Understanding this behavior is the key to successfully training your dog.

Acute hearing enables them to pinpoint potential prey and coupled with their other abilities they can be very successful predatory animals.

The field of vision for a domestic dog is much better than that of humans - 180 to 270 degrees. If you compare this to a human who has a 100 to 150 degree field of vision it's easy to see why a dog can easily track prey.

Let's not forget a dogs amazing sense of smell. A dog is capable of detecting scents 100 million times smaller than that which a human can sense. A Golden Retriever can smell its prey through feet of frozen snow and a foot of frozen earth!

That is why your family dog will often exhibit predatory behavior.

Dogs will exhibit very social behavior.

Although everybody knows that dogs are very sociable animals, it is often overlooked by dog owners. This can lead to problems in the way they behave and can cause disobedience and bad behavior. People will often lock a dog away in a pen or on a leash outside for long periods of time. This isolation can often lead to fear, aggression, over excitement etc. Dogs need companionship in order to maintain healthy behavior.

Prolonged periods devoid of social contact with another dog, human or even a cat will harm the dogs’ personality and ultimately lead to unwanted behavior.

Dogs love to explore.

An adult dog is said to have a similar mental level of a two year old human. Similarly, dogs will learn through exploration of their environment. Unfortunately, what a dog perceives as exploration, you may perceive as chewing the furniture, eating shoes etc.

A quick and effective way to avoid this is to ensure that your dogs’ toys and chews etc are distinctly different from any human toysshoes etc. that may be lying around. Providing rawhide bones as oppose to rubber balls and plastic toys is one option.

Adequate behavior training for your dog will overcome these issues and lead to a better relationship between you both. Your will get a long lasting trusting relationship that you can both enjoy.

Article by Andrew Strachan. Find out more about dog behavior training and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com

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

Electric Dog Fences - The Facts

2008-04-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Strachan

Electronic dog fences are intended to be used as a control device for your dog. They are designed to keep your dog within a specified area, either by means of an electric shock, unpleasant noise or offensive smell. Electronic dog fences can be a mixed blessing though. Not only for humans but for your dog also.

The electronic dog fence will consist of a wire that is buried in the ground around the perimeter of where you want to allow your dog freedom. When the dog strays too close to this wire, a signal is sent to the dogs' collar that will in response, administer the deterrent to your dog. This has the effect of discouraging your dog from straying over the boundary.

Although electronic dog fences can be quite expensive, they have the big advantage that they are invisible to the eye. This means that they can be used in areas where front or back fences are prohibited. So for somebody without a yard or area where their dog can be kept, they can be very advantageous.

Unfortunately, they have their disadvantages too.

The first problem is that most dog owners will use the electronic dog fence as a substitute for proper dog training. It is a quick fix and can be very frightening for a dog that is not used to the collar. Most dogs will not immediately associate the shock, or noise from the collar with the fact that it has strayed outside of its boundaries. For nervous dogs especially, or dogs that have been adopted from rescue homes and may have history of abuse, this type of 'punishment control' can be very disturbing for the dog.

Also, if your dog is not correctly trained to understand where its boundaries are, what happens if the system fails? Electronic dog fences can be shorted (by lightening or careless digging). Your dog is then free to go wherever it pleases. Additionally, a very active dog (or an un-neutered dog finding a female) may stray over the border and then have trouble returning home due to the repeated shocks he might be getting.

Above all of these problems, it should be considered whether giving your dog electric shocks as a method of training is an acceptable method of dog training in the first place.

With all that said, your decision whether to get an electric dog fence should be weighed up against the pros and cons of other types of fence. Small fences can be jumped by larger dogs. Chain link fences can be unsightly and are not allowed in some areas. In some cases, an electronic fence may work out to be your best option.

When it comes to dog fences, there is no 'one size fits all' solution. Consider all of the facts like breed, personality, size, your living circumstances, health of your dog etc. and you can decide if an electronic dog fence is for you (and your dog.)

Article by Andrew Strachan. Find out more about dog behavior training and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com

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

Dog Training Equipment - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

2008-04-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Strachan

When thinking about what type of dog training equipment to get, it is important to consider the difference between dog training and dog control. For example, using hand gestures and reward for a given action by your dog, is classed as training. Whereas the use of choke chains and anti-bark collars, would be considered as a form of control.

Controlling your dog should not be considered a bad thing. Your dog will need to be aware that you are the leader (alpha) in the pack. If you do not adopt this role, you will end up with an unruly, destructive noisy dog that has little respect for you. So a certain level of enforced control is essential.

In the same sense, the alpha male in a pack of wild dogs will take control.

Choke Collars

Choke collars are used to assist you in gaining control of your dog. Some dogs, especially the larger ones can be very assertive when on a leash. Pulling the owner is a big problem and can be dangerous. Certain breeds are also known to be slow learners. For dogs that do not respond well to leather or nylon collars, a metal choke collar can provide that extra bit of discouragement.

The big problem with the use of a choke collar as a form of dog training equipment is that they can easily be used the wrong way which can be dangerous for the dog.

A choke collar fits only one way. If fitted the wrong way around, it can cause problems such as pinching and even suffocation.

Also a collar of incorrect length will cause problems. As a general rule, the collar should be two inches longer than the circumference of the dogs’ neck.

Prong Collars

Prong collars can look like a form of medieval torture machine for a dog but thankfully they are a lot less dangerous than they first appear. That said, it is our view that these collars have little to no positive value as a piece of dog training equipment. The only good aspect of these collars is that they can only be closed down so far.

An animal that has got to the stage where a prong collar is needed is in need of more than a bit of poking and choking. They will need a committed dog behavior training regime designed to correct the behavioral problems of the dog.

Halter Collars

A Halter collar is a harness type collar that wraps around the dogs face and neck without interfering with drinking or panting. This type of collar can give extra control but they have a BIG down side. They do not prevent biting or grasping and therefore have limited use.

It may be preferable to go for a good leash and collar or a chest halter. Both of these will provide equivalent forms of control.

No Bark Collars

'No bark' collars are designed to help with dogs that tend to bark for long periods of time and often for no reason.

They come in two main types. Noise collars and Shock collars.

Noise collars produce an unpleasant sound that distracts the dog from its barking.

Shock collars produce an electric shock that is produced in response to the noise of the barking.

Using some forms of dog training equipment as a quick fix is very tempting to most dog owners. The problem is, they become a fix-all substitute for longer term training which is more beneficial to both dog and owner.

Taking the time to learn more about your dog and how you can both work together will produce a happier dog and a happier owner!

Article by Andrew Strachan. Find out more about dog behavior training and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com

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

Teaching Dog Tricks - The Easy Way

2008-04-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Strachan

If you were to ask what the quickest and easiest method was for teaching your dog a new trick, the answer would be - work with the nature of your dog, not against it. What we mean here is that you should look at what tricks your dog naturally does, or look for a dog trick 'in the making', like naturally putting a paw on your knee or rolling over etc.

If you choose a dog trick that naturally occurs, half your work is already done. Your dog will probably be eager to please as most dogs are and should therefore respond well to rewards. You can build on this to reinforce your dogs’ natural ability rather than starting an entirely new dog trick.

Which Dog Trick Do You Choose?

Observe your dog and watch out for a potential dog trick. This may be something as simple as crawling along on its belly to, catching a Frisbee or a ball. As soon as your dog 'performs' one of it's natural tricks, associate it with a hand gesture or verbal command and then reward your dog with its favorite treat. It won't be long before your dog learns the procedure.

Eventually over time, you will be able to cut back on the rewards until your dog will perform the dog trick with just the hand gesture or verbal command such as 'fetch' or 'go get'. Now that the new trick is firmly lodged in your dogs' head, you will be able to build on it.

For example, if you have taught your dog to catch a Frisbee, how about increasing the distance that he will catch it from, or throw two Frisbee’s one after the other. Get your dog to catch one, drop it and then run for the other!

Popular Dog Tricks

Some of the most popular dog tricks are 'sit' and 'come' etc. These are pretty simple to teach. To teach your dog to sit, with your dog standing firmly press on its hind quarters directly above it's back legs whilst at the same time saying the word 'Sit' quite assertively but NOT shouting. Most dogs will naturally sit. At this point, heap lots of praise on your dog and then give them a treat. After several repetitions of this, your dog will soon learn what 'Sit' means. Do not try this on older dogs that may have arthritis in their hind legs or hips.

If your dog does not sit when told, NEVER scold it. Just ignore it and try again another time. Otherwise your dog will associate 'Sit' with being scolded. If your dog persistently fails to sit, try another trick.

Each dog has different talents.

To teach your dog to come is simple. When your dog is at a distance, say loudly but not shouting 'Come here' or 'Come'. This will usually get your dogs' attention. Repeat the statement 'Come on', 'Come here'. Most untrained dogs at this point will probably look away and carry on with whatever it was doing.

At this point walk up to your dog but keep within around 5 feet away. Say 'Come here'. Your dog will probably now come to you. When he does, it's time for a lot of praise and a treat. Repeat this but increase the distance that your dog has to walk towards you more each time. Eventually, your dog will instinctively come to you whenever it hears you shout 'Come here', from any distance.

Again, if your dog fails to come to you, DO NOT scold it. I once got asked "Why won't my dog come to me?” On further investigation I found out that every time the dog ran away and then failed to come back, the owners would scold the dog when they got hold of it again. WRONG! The dog started to associate the command 'Come here' with a scolding. Totally the opposite. No wonder the dog failed to come to command.

Another dog trick you can try is 'Paw'. This involves saying 'Paw' then gently lifting the dogs paw with your hand followed by lots of praisetreats. After a while saying 'Paw' will cause your dog to raise its paw. You can extend this to two paws where your dog 'Sits pretty' on its haunches.

Another trick is 'Speak'. This usually works best with a naturally vocal dog. Every time your dog howls or makes a funny noise, praise the dog whilst saying the command ' Speak'. Eventually your dog will speak on command.

Teaching your dog a new dog trick should be a fun experience for both of you, and will give you lots of quality time together. Enjoy!

Article by Andrew Strachan. Find out more about dog behavior training and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com

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

Dog Food Labeling Better Than Human Food , Industry Claims

2008-04-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

By M. Bruno

The dog food industry announced in a recent statement that labeling on pet and dog food is actually better than labeling requirements on food for human consumption.

This would be the best news that we have heard since the beginning of the dog food recall that has claimed the lives of thousands of dogs, while an ever growing number of dogs continue to suffer from kidney failure after eating contaminated dog food.

Let’s take a look at how the pet dog food industry supports this claim.

The dog food industry has the option of including ingredients that they deem safe and nutritious in the dog food that they produce and sell.

Some of those ingredients are:

Dead, dying, diseased and downed animals. Well, this confuses me a bit. I don’t know of any regulation permitting the inclusion of these unsuitable proteins on any human food label. The fact is that these 4Ds, can not be used in human food but are used by dog food manufacturers. Ever see those listed on a dog food label?

Rendered animal tissue, such as acquired from the remains of euthanized dogs and pets from animal shelters are used in some dog food products. Hmmm, I never saw any of that on an approved for human consumption food label.

Dog food labels often have statements that claim the dog food is complete, balanced and safe. This would be almost an impossible claim to have approved by the FDA for food destined for human consumption. But dog food manufacturers make this claim as almost as a matter of course. Just check their label.

The dog food industry is fond of pointing to the oversight of the industry by AAFCO the, Association Of American Feed Control Officials. AAFCO has no real regulatory authority and the testing of dog food is little more than a joke.

Here’s a synopsis of AAFCO testing requirements

• Eight dogs more than a year old must participate

• The dogs must be of normal health and weight

• Blood tests are taken at the inception and conclusion of the test

• No dog (of the eight participants) die or are taken off the dog food because of nutritional problems.

Results of a Successful Dog Food Tests

• At least six of the original eight dogs that began the test must complete it.

• During the test, none of the dogs used are to die or be removed because of nutritional causes.

• Six of the eight dogs starting must finish the test.

AAFCO, with no real authority conducts a test on all of eight dogs. If none die or are excluded and a very basic blood test is passed, that dog food gets the green light.

Are you willing to risk your dog’s life on the claims made by the dog food industry? Do you think that a test which will determine the safety and nutrient values of your dog food is adequate when the test involves only eight dogs?

Do you believe that the FDA should be more directly involved or is the oversight of a group such as AAFCO sufficient to assure the health and safety of your dog?

What is happening in the dog food recall is the product of the claims and performance of the dog food industry, AAFCO, and their marketing and business efforts.

Before chancing our dog’s life to the claims of dog food manufacturers that their labeling requirements are safe, that their dog food is safe, and that their industry is regulated, become an informed consumer. Spend some time and learn what your dog food label really says at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petlabel.htm

Dog food companies claim that the products they manufacturer are safe.

Sadly, the recent dog food recall and recalls prior to this one suggest otherwise. The dog food industry has in many cases been untruthful in their sales pitch, unsavory in their ethics and have produced a product that in many instances belong in a landfill, not eaten by your dog. A few good apples exist in the commercial dog food world. Make absolutely sure that your dog food comes from one of the good guys or consider making your own dog food at home

By doing so you can make sure that the food you give your dog is truly healthy and not a potential death sentence.

Do you buy your dog food at a supermarket? Pet superstore? Online? Is it healthy and safe? Find out what’s the dog food you feed your pooch at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html This article may be reproduced with the author's link

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

FDA Finds Plastic in Your Dog Food

2008-03-31T05:28:00.000-07:00

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

Boxer Dog Training - Crate Training With Boxer Dogs

2008-03-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

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

Boxer Dog Training Tips - Diet Advice For Boxer Dogs

2008-03-31T05:26:00.002-07:00

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

Help Your Dog Quickly Learn Obedience Training

2008-03-31T05:26:00.001-07:00

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

Is Raw Meat Safe For Your Dog?

2008-03-31T05:25:00.000-07:00

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

A Dachshund - Six Hours, Fifteen Minutes

2008-03-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

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

What To Know About Breeding Labradors

2008-03-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

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

Importance Of Dog Containment Devices

2008-03-31T05:20:00.000-07:00

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

How To Stop A Puppy From Biting

2008-03-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

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

Get My Dog To Stop Barking - A Guide On How To Make A Dog Stop Barking

2008-03-31T05:18:00.000-07:00

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

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Children and Dogs

2008-03-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

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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Smart Tips To Administer Medicine To Stubborn Dogs

2008-03-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

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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Things To Consider When Adopting A Dog

2008-03-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

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

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PRA In Labrador Retriever - What You Must Know

2008-03-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

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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Tasty, Edible, Disgusting or Not It Goes into a Dog's Mouth!

2008-03-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

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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Dog Vaccinations

2008-03-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

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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