Dog Pet Care

Selecting the Right Dog Allergy Treatment

2010-12-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

Selecting the Right Dog Allergy Treatment

If you have a dog with an allergy, selecting the right kind of treatment can be the difference between roaring success, and dismal failure. After all, the first step is matching the kind of dog allergy treatment to the type of allergy. Here is a breakdown of the types of allergy, and also the suggested treatments.

If Your Dog Is Allergic to Inhalants

It might sound strange, however, like humans, dogs can be allergic to inhalants, like dirt, pollen, and certain varieties of mold. Treatment for this sort of allergy may embody avoidance, notably in the case of dust or mould, where you retain your pet far from areas where they are likely to return into contact with the allergen.

If the allergy has resulted in itching, as it is probably to do, employing a topical treatment sort of a shampoo frequently can help. It is also been proven that adding essential fatty acids to your dog's diet is an economical dog allergy treatment for inhalant allergic dogs too. Additional dramatic allergies might need anti histamines, steroids, or perhaps immunotherapy might be required.

Food Allergies

Usually terribly troublesome to pinpoint, at least the dog allergy treatment for food allergies is simple - avoid the food stuff(s) the dog is allergic to. Place your dog on a hypoallergenic diet, or a home cooked diet with straightforward ingredients, and that ought to be the end of that. You may also use several of the treatments listed for the inhalant allergic dog on top of, but, those would be a temporary resolution only, and as soon because the treatment stopped, the allergy would return.

Contact Allergies

These are most likely the least common dog allergies - this is often when your dog becomes allergic to an item, like a particular kind of blanket, or a plant, grass, or another item in his environment. Dog allergy treatment for contact allergies is abundant the identical as for food allergies - temporary relief will be gained by using a normal treatment, except for future relief, simply remove the allergen.

Flea Allergy

Several dogs are allergic to fleas, and when bitten, they develop allergy symptoms. During this case, common dog allergy treatments might facilitate, but the secret is to stay the dog, and his setting, free from fleas.

Keep in mind, for each one flea you see on your dog, there are 100 a lot of within the atmosphere, and even one flea can drive an allergic dog crazy with biting and scratching! Bathing, dipping and collars are the first line of defense, however bear in mind to frequently treat his kennel or atmosphere too, as there might be several fleas lurking there too.

Whichever quite allergy your dog has, finding an efficient dog allergy treatment is crucial to his well being. If you have ever had hay fever or hives as an hypersensitivity, you'll recognize just how unpleasant suffering with an allergy can be. You wouldn't need to smile and bear it, would you? You'd ask for help. So do the same for your relief - realize him a dog allergy treatment that works.

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Gregory Gray has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Allergies, you can also check out latest website about

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Do Dog Breed Allergies Differ?

2010-11-30T21:40:00.000-08:00

Do Dog Breed Allergies Differ?

Once we suppose regarding canine allergies, it may not even occur to us that among the numerous dog breeds, allergies and their prevalence may differ. However, particularly when we are talking concerning skin allergies, there are dog breeds allergies seem to favor.

Dogs Prone to Allergies

Among the dog breeds allergies, significantly skin allergies, are commonplace in are the English Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Dalmation, to call however a few fashionable breeds. Shar Peis and boxers, with their skin folds, also are dog breeds allergies seem to be more common in.

If you're wanting at owning any of these breeds, and dog breeds allergies may be more doubtless to occur in, you should be ready that allergies, and their symptoms, treatment and care, might become half of your duty as a dog owner.

Dog Breeds Allergies Are Less Possible In

The great news is that simply as there are dog breeds allergies appear to favor, there are those where they are additional rare. These embrace well-liked breeds just like the German Shepherd, Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, Poodle and others. Choosing from dog breeds allergies are less likely to appear in is one way of making an attempt to avoid the additional care required by an allergy prone dog, it's no guarantee, since, though rare, those allergies don't seem to be unheard of.

As with dog breeds allergies are more common in, you must recognize there's continually a likelihood you may become the owner of a dog with allergies, and the wants that accompany that.

What to Explore for

Excessive itching, scratching, biting or chewing on themselves is almost certainly a sign of allergy, whether flea, skin, contact or food. Abdomen troubles, swelling and hives are also nearly always signs of allergy, and ought to be reported to your vet immediately.

What to Do if You Suspect an Allergy

Whether or not you select dog breeds allergies are common in, or those where they aren't, you must be looking out for the common symptoms of allergy - itching, scratching, biting, hives and therefore on. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, chances are your vet can need to try to to an IST or ELISA take a look at, to see the cause - it could be a flea allergy, or an allergy to something within the dog's environment.

If the tests your vet runs on your dog returns a positive result for allergy, you'll want to analyze correct treatment and management, so that your dog's quality of life isn't affected by his problem.

Therefore you see, that taking care to choose a dog breed allergies are rarer in might help in some little measure, however it could not be a permanent solution. Additionally keep in mind that like humans, dogs are not necessarily born with an allergy. Generally, they develop an sensitivity to a specific substance later in life. You will even realize that the food they've been eating for years suddenly produces an hypersensitive reaction, or even a move to a brand new home triggers an attack. Whatever happens though, stay calm, realize out additional, and help your ally house their allergy.

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Debbie Rice has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Allergies, you can also check out latest website about

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Toilet Training Your New Dog in 7 Steps

2010-10-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's not very tough to teach your new puppy where to go to the toilet. You only have to follow the method listed. The paper training form of dog potty training is the best method for puppies who will go to the toilet inside (like apartment puppies). You are also able to use one of the inside dog toilets with this style.

Be sure you're not going through the steps too fast. Some dogs will catch on fast and speed through the house breaking process in as little as a few days, though the rest can take more time. Permit your dog to show you how fast he or she can go.

1. Decide on a good potty training area in your house. A penned off spot or a bathroom or other tiny room for example a laundry is good. It's best to choose a vinyl or tiled floored area.

2. Coat the entire floor surface of the housetraining area with some layering of old newspaper or butchers paper.

3. When your dog pees or poops on the newspaper you have to firstly reward your pup if you were there and witnessed it, and then take the soiled sheets of paper out. Put clean sheets down, but on top of the new paper cover with one of the old lightly soiled sheets. Put the soiled sheet on the spot where you would like your dog to do his/her business.

4. Your dog will attempt to go on the paper on the floor each time after a while when he/she gets used to going potty on it. You will most likely realize that your dog has a favoured spot to eliminate, which will typically be where you put the lightly eliminated on paper.

5. Now it's time to shrink the floor area amount covered by the paper layer by removing some of the newspaper out of the paper covered room. Start by removing a few pieces of paper coating from a spot in the pen or room where your dog doesn't generally go to the toilet. The paper coating covered area is hopefully where your puppy will continue to eliminate. If this fails, have the whole section covered once again.

6. Until you only have just 1 or 2 pieces of newspaper for your puppy to urinate on, continue to gradually take away the newspaper cover. The rest of the spot will be left uncovered. You might want to swap the paper for an indoor toilet if you expect to have your dog use this area permanently.

7. You can slowly move the paper in the direction of the door and eventually outside if you have plans to eventually train your puppy to go to the toilet outdoors.

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Potty Training Your New Dog

2010-09-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

It's very simple to train your pup where to go do his or her business. The steps in the article will tell you how. Dogs who will use the bathroom indoors (such as those in apartments) the dogs who are the best to use for this paper training style. Those inside dog toilets could also be used with this style.

Make sure you're avoiding going through these steps too rapidly. While certain pups will pick it up rapidly and speed through the house training process in a few days, while the rest could take a few weeks. You will be guided by your dog.

1. In your house, Decide on a suitable puppy potty training spot. A small room for example a laundry or bathroom could be good, or a penned off space. A vinyl or tiled floored area is best.

2. Spread the entire floor area of the house training area with a couple of layers of newspaper or butchers paper.

3. Reward your pup when you see the dog go to the toilet on the paper and then take the dirty sheets of newspaper out. Put clean sheets down but put an old slightly pee stained sheets on top of the new paper. Where you want your dog to do his/her toilet, put the old sheet.

4. Your puppy will look to go on the paper you've laid down each time after a while when he/she gets used to going potty on it. Where you put the lightly eliminated on paper will usually become your dog's favoured place to go to the toilet.

5. It's now time to shrink the floor space covered by the paper layer by moving some of the paper coating out of the area in which you're keeping your dog. Begin by moving away a few pieces of newspaper from a place in the paper-lined room or pen where your dog doesn't normally go potty. go back one step and have the whole section covered if your puppy doesn't continue to go to the toilet on the paper coating and instead pees or poos on the floor.

6. Continue to slowly but surely remove the paper until you are left with just a few sheets of newspaper cover for your puppy to urinate on. The rest of the area will be have the floor showing. You might want to exchange the newspaper for an indoor toilet if you want to have your pup use this place forever.

7. You can start to slowly inch the paper in the direction of the door and eventually outside if you plan to eventually train your dog to go to the toilet outside.

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The Black Dog Still Barks

2010-03-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

At first glance, it appears that he was born with all the benefits. True, he was born into wealth and prominence. He was, after all, born in Blenheim Palace, and was a descendant of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. He has a politician-father, Lord Randolph, the third son of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. His mother was Jennie Jerome (n ้ e Jeanette Jerome) of Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of the American millionaire Leonard Jerome. It is not surprising that he would do well in world politics with all these advantages, political, social and even economic benefits.

Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a British politician and is best remembered as Britain's prime minister as a tool of the fall of Neville Chamberlain in May 1940. He was British Prime Minister through the Second World War and went down shortly after the victory against Germany. Sir Winston Churchill was elected twice as prime minister in the United Kingdom. He was in no way involved in British public life for sixty years. However, he is best known for his outstanding leadership during World War II. He was also awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953.

Although Churchill had enormous popularity during World War II, Sir Winston had to go another war ... he war against depression.

Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. Like Churchill, it is more than 20 million people in the U.S. who suffer from depression, a morose feeling that does not seem to go away. There are more than just a feeling of being "blue" or "empty" for a few days. Symptoms of depression persist and interfere with everyday life.

Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have this disorder, but also on other people around them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the lives of the sick person. But much of this suffering is unnecessary.

Depression can run in families and usually starts between 15 and 30 years. There is much more common in women. However, experience is not everyone who is depressed or manic-depressive each symptom. Some people experience no symptoms, while some may suffer from all manifestations of "clinical sadness." Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and varies over time. These are some of the most common symptoms of this disease:

ท Sadness
ท Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
ท Weight Loss
ท difficulty sleeping or over sleeping
ท Energy loss
ท Feelings of worthlessness
ท Thoughts about death or suicide

Churchill admitted that he had gone through these symptoms. He even used the phrase "Black Dog" for his own battle with depression. So what about a dog? Dog and man have a long and complex history of interaction. In both classical and modern iconography and symbolism, such as in art, literature, popular culture and images of old mythologies, a myriad of canine incarnations appear as figures whose presence resonates with a significance beyond the contours of their physical form.

Through representations of classical mythology, the dog menace, pollute, and patrol the borders, both earthly and supernatural. Nevertheless, the dogs also reconized for their ability to protect and serve as symbols of loyalty and fidelity. In a modern setting, people are using "dogs" to coin a series of phrases with different meanings. These statements are to include "we let sleeping dogs lie" ... "We go to the dogs, or die like a dog" ... "We, however, some on every turn," or compete in a "dog-eat-dog" environment. And when we put a name to our depression as "Black Dog", it just means that our sadness always wonder behind us, clinging tenaciously to his back. Churchill drew on this image to conceptualize his own struggle with depression, and it is with him that the metaphor is usually attributed.

In Australia, there is a research facility that was inspired by Churchill's metaphor. The plant, which also serves as an educational institution in a community setting, called The Black Dog Institute. It offers special expertise in mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression "). The Institute is attached to the Prince of Wales Hospital and affiliated with the University of New South Wales. Logo Black Dog Institute refers to and respect Churchill's image on its own depression.

Fortunately, unlike Churchill time, there are effective treatments to overcome depression, including antidepressant prescriptions, counseling, or talk therapy. Most people do best by using a combination of two or more treatments. The most important thing that anyone can do for the depressed person to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, which is the only way to have an effective and quick recovery. The next best is to offer emotional support. This involves giving the depressed person is much understanding, patience, love and encouragement.

Logo Black Dog Institute is a trophy that has a shadow of a figure of a black dog. It provides a metaphor for a disorder that still lurk in the background. It acknowledges that depression can actually shadow the suffering, even when the mood is upbeat and 'victorious. " Just as Churchill characters proved stronger than the evil to the contrary, carries the logo proposal that positive and should continue to be stronger than the negative.

Some Information Regarding the Kerry Blue Terrier Pet Dog

2010-02-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

The Kerry Blue Terrier dog is one of the most mysterious breeds of terriers. This is due to the fact that although the race has been known by the Irish for the Leas 150 years, no one really knows where they came from or how they were first bred.

Different stories are told to explain the appearance of the Kerry blue terrier breed. Some say that the peasants bred them in pursuit of noblemen monopolized the use of wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their wolfhounds while peasants poached with their Kerries.

Another legend tells of a wrecked Russian ship that contained a blue dog. This dog swam into Irish coast and there, mated with the local terrier population. This, of course, started the genetic pool of the Kerry Blue Terrier.

Whatever the case, Kerry Blue Terrier certainly a colorful history. It started as a working dog, helping hunters bring in prey. There will also be trained as a police dog by the English. Today is considered one of the best breeds of dogs that may own. This is part of his excellent abilities as a watchdog.

One thing that is so cool to own a Kerry Blue Terrier dog is the fact that this breed is adaptable to any situation. It can be a hard-working hunter and dog. It can be vigilant watchdog. If you want companionship, it can also provide it. People who are fortunate to have a Kerry Blue Terrier dog even say that when you are a Kerry lover, you are always a Kerry lover.

There are some terrier characteristics which may cause some problems for your dog. Like all terriers, the Kerry Blue Terrier dog get into fights with other dogs. To prevent this, make sure the Kerry Blue Terrier dog is properly socialized. Usually this is done by the breeder.

Most people, when they get a pet often ask the question of whether a pet can be housebroken easily. Fortunately, NOK, the Kerry Blue Terrier dog a disposition that is easily house trained. The Kerry Blue terrier dog is actually quite eager to learn. This means you will be able to train it very quickly.

Although Kerry Blue Terrier can be a good playmate for children, ensure that children do not show any cruelty to the dog.

The Kerry Blue terrier is also one of the more hardy types of terriers. This is because the Blue Kerry terrier has very few genetic problems. Before you buy one, however, you must ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most affected parts of the Kerry Blue Terrier.

A Kerry Blue Terrier is not really for everyone. Some people may find it a little too playful. Some people can not really be used for Kerry Blue Terrier curiosity. People can not really understand his habit of following everyone around. Today is the fate of the Kerry Blue Terrier dog in the hands of breeders who care for them, nurture them, and make sure they have big houses to live in.

Some Tips for Keeping Your Airedale Terrier Pet Dog Well-Behaved

2010-01-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

1) can not teach an old dog - You have to start training your Airedale terrier dog as early as possible. This is because the earlier an Airedale terrier dog learns a trick, the faster they will be able to learn it. This not only applies tricks. It also applies to general behavior. When Airedale Terrier dog is still just a puppy, you need to start training it. In this way, the behavioral training that you give it will be buried in the Airedale Terrier dog brain. In this way, the correct behavior almost instinctive to the Airedale Terrier dog.

2) Use, not abuse - Different training methods are made available to you by various experts. It's one thing you should know: they only work with proper use. Some people make use of the leash, or in the case to abuse their animals. What you need to know is that every training method can only be effective if used in a way that does not harm the animals. You must be firm, but gentle with animals when you try to train it.

Use different utensils human in such a way that will encourage your dog to behave well and not scare it from behaving badly.

3) Habit inside habit outside - Before taking your Airedale Terrier dog outside, try to observe its behavior inside. This will give you a hint about how the Airedale Terrier dog will be outside the house. Many say that a dog's behavior in a house is very different from the way that the same dog will behave in the outside world. This is not true. By observing the behavior inside of the Airedale Terrier dog, you will realize how it will respond to you outside.

If Airedale Terrier dog will not listen to your commands inside the house, how can you expect there to listen to your commands outside the house where there are things much more interesting for a dog than your commands are?

4) Keep your temper - Training an Airedale terrier dog can understand NOK be very frustrating. However, you should not lose your head. Negative actions such as hitting or shouting at your dog will not achieve anything positive. Sometimes we tend to take out our frustrations on helpless pets. Do not blame your problems on the dog. If you know you have a bad day, do not even think about training your dog. All that you can get from the ordeal is a bad case of hyperacidity. The dog will learn something, and it would only increase your frustration.

5) Timing - Timing is always important. You need to make corrections regarding the Airedale Terrier dog behavior while corrections are still relevant. If you praise or correct with the wrong timing, you'll only end up confusing the dog. Actually, the best time you can use to correct the Airedale terrier dog before he or she even starts to misbehave.

These five tips can help you much in keeping Airedale Terrier dog behavior in check. By following these tips, you can train your dog an easy task.

Differences between Non-Hypoallergenic Dogs and Hypoallergenic Dogs

2009-12-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

Although the differences between non hypoallergenic dogs and hypoallergenic dogs may not be large, they are NOK to reduce the amount of allergy attacks that people have when they are around certain breeds of dog. For those who want to own a dog, not to be in the same room with one for a long time, can be frustrating. Buying a hypoallergenic dog may be the only way they can have a dog in their home. While they may still experience allergy attacks, these attacks will become less frequent.

Non-allergy-friendly dogs have a tendency to throw a lot. Their fur can be loose and tight, which means that it can contain a lot of dander as well. Dander is a collection of skin cells, dust and other particles contained in the air. As the dog sheds, these particles float around in the air and cause people to have allergy attacks. These dogs can also have an undercoat, which is a thick coat that protects them from harsh temperatures. This undercoat is what gets the dog to shed frequently. It can also capture dander and other allergens.

Some non-allergy friendly dog breeds may also salivate more often than other breeds, which can also cause a person's allergies to increase. Saliva contains bacteria that people are oftentimes allergic to. Although these dogs can not control the amount of saliva they expel people who are allergic to dogs have a difficult time when these dogs are present. People with dog allergies may also be allergic to dog urine as it too can contain certain kinds of bacteria.

Allergy friendly dogs have shorter coats. Some species have no undercoat. While this makes them unprepared for cold weather, they are perfect for those with allergies. The hair on these dogs is more like human hair, which means that it will not throw as often as non-hypoallergenic dogs. The hair must be trimmed every few weeks to prevent it from growing too long. Some hypoallergenic breeds do not have hair at all. They are considered hairless, even though they have little hair on the paws and head.

Allergy friendly dogs do not salivate as much as other races. This helps those who are allergic. This means that when the dog cleans itself, it will not leave as much bacteria behind. Urine from hypoallergenic dogs does not affect as many either.

When you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should examine the following breeds to see if you are interested in any of them: Maltese, Terrier, Schnauzer, Bishōnen Frize, Portuguese Water Dog, Greyhounds, and Irish water spaniel. There are other breeds, but these are some of the more popular that the people will buy. This also means you have fewer problems finding a breeder in your area.

Learn as much as you can about grooming, brushing, and caring for your hypoallergenic dog. Most species are very friendly and will live to be at least twelve years. These dogs enjoy companionship and exercise.

All You Need Is Dog Treats

2009-10-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you have a new puppy and are looking for the secret to training your puppy in the well-behaved dog of your dreams, the secret is simple and easy, takes care of the dog.

All dog owners know sometimes slow and frustrating process of education, training and teaching their dogs good behavior and maybe even some fun tricks. The problem for many owners is that you miss one of the main reasons that all human motivation or dog will act:. Just like you need some 'motivation to begin the exercise more or to have the house cleaned out, the dogs need motivation enough reasons to make them want to stop wetting your carpet or eat holes in all her stockings . Is the dog can be a sure way to motivate your precious puppy to do almost everything you want.

Dog Treats are a great source of motivation for the puppies for the obvious reason that good taste. Only when the dogs are actually reserved for special treatment as dogs want to do everything possible to enjoy the yummy treat. Not as you can see this is true? Imagine these two choices in your life: the first option, you can eat more ice cream and every time you wanted, at the second option, you can just enjoy the ice cream, if it were put in a whole hour working out. Now tell me, you want to be very motivated to work under the first option? Of course not. Unless the ice cream can be a pleasure if exercised or not. I want you to know that your puppies and dogs are no different, and for this reason it is essential that the dog is only given as a reward for good performance.

For you, the owner of the dog, the dog treats are great because they are relatively inexpensive. Before rushing to spend a lot of money for a puppy obedience school, you should try to train your puppy for a considerable amount of time alone. And the use of the dog is. Although the process of training your puppy is just frustrating, it will be better for you and your puppy, if they received all their training from you.

If you teach your puppy how to sit or renew or how to go potty outside, using these dog can be an important element of training. Before long your dog will learn to love the reward of a dog deemed sufficient that it obeys each command is given. Run by a local pet store, take a box of dog is and let the process of training begin!

easy to teach dog tricks

2009-10-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

To teach your dog tricks, even the simplest ones we have some small reward is, in a quiet place and suitable to keep the training sessions for 10 - 15 minutes or your dog will start to get board, remember when he gets lots of something right praise and a reward treat, just be careful not to do more excited or make you lose concentration.

Get your dog to give you his paw, first get your dog to sit, then as you say the word''paw to take your dog's paw in my hand, give the dog a treat, repeat this after a couple of times, not take his paw so quickly, say the word, count to one then you should notice that he is bringing his paw as they say the word if not tantamount to saying that at the same time, do a couple of times then slow the His response again. After 2 or 3 sessions most dogs pick this one up easily.

The five high, like a bag of tricks five high is a progression of a trick before, in this cast the paw trick. Holders of a treatment in your fingers and raise your hand slightly higher than you would for the paw trick. The dog will think you want to do the trick to treat leg and reach with his paw as he has previously taught as it gets until you say "high five" and give him treatment. Once your dog has learned the paw trick this should be very easy to learn and a few sessions will be on hand signal rather than voice control.

Get your dog to jump through a circle, before starting I would like to ask you to be a little 'sensitive and not to keep the circle too high, as you do not want your dog to the heart of himself while doing the trick. Sit your dog on one side of a circle Hoole, get the dogs attention on your hand on the opposite side of the circle to take a treat in your hand and give the dog the command to release him from the sit, at first he may groped to turn around or in the circle, if this happens start again, your dog wants the process and will soon learn that going around or under does not do so soon start going through it, when he does say the noise and give him treatment. He will soon jump through the circle on command of fuss. When I started doing this trick I had a medium-sized dog (a Labrador) so I started with a circle 6 inches from the ground and slowly raised to waist height, if you have a smaller dog you can start by touching the Hoop ground so that the dog just goes through the circle and then slowly increase as you get used to the trick.

Organic Natural Dog Food

2009-08-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

A variety of natural dog foods are available in the market. An important advantage of natural organic dog food is that they do no contain any undesirable ingredients that include blood, hair and low grade wastes. All these ingredients come from rendered remains of livestock animals.

Natural organic dog foods are processed minimally and preserved using natural substances that include vitamin C. Sometimes vitamin E is also used as a preservative.

Companies manufacturing natural organic dog food adhere to strict standards while making natural organic dog food. According to these standards use of pesticides, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, preservatives or genetically engineered ingredients is not allowed. Natural organic dog foods do not have any artificial colors and preservatives.

Care should be taken while preparing natural organic dog food. It should be prepared only under hygienic conditions. These foods are considered to be the best way to train a dog. Natural organic dog foods are a blend of proteins, vitamins, minerals and whole grains that maximize digestibility, palatability and nutrient assimilation.

Your dog would love to have these foods as they have a great taste. Natural organic dog foods are made with human grade chicken. It also contains carrots, peas and organic brown rice which are extremely beneficial for your pet dog. These foods are free of chemical additives. Chemical additives are said to have a negative impact on the dog. Flavor enhancers, corn, wheat or artificial colors are not used in these foods. Natural organic dog food provides balanced and complete nutrition.

You should always feed your dog with natural organic dog food as these foods are beneficial to your dog. Some of the benefits are as follows;

Natural organic dog food contains antioxidants which are helpful in maintaining healthy immune system. A healthy immune system is susceptible to diseases. Hence your dog will remain active if you feed your dog with natural organic dog food. These foods contain nutrients which are a major source of essential nutrients.

Probiotics promote intestinal health. These foods contain omega fatty acids which maintain the skin and coat of your dog. So if you want your dog to have a shiny, lustrous skin then natural organic dog food is the best option to get it. Crunchy kibble keeps your dog’s teeth clean.

Natural organic dog foods provide a great nutritional value and are must for your growing puppy.

These foods will promote longevity and vitality to your dog. Natural dog foods are high in protein as they are prepared from natural chicken meat, chicken liver, organic soybean meal and chicken meal. All these constituents are carefully mixed to provide the right quantity of amino acids.

Amino acids play an important role in making structural tissues such as muscles. Amino acids are also used to produce antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Chicken liver is a major source of vitamin A, protein and iron and helps palatability.

These foods also contain which are a good source of energy and other important nutrients that include potassium and magnesium. With so many benefits you simply can’t think of not feeding your dog with natural organic dog food.

Natural Life Dog Foods

2009-08-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

Contain no chemicals and artificial preservatives. Natural life dog foods contain ingredients that are very essential for vitality and health of your dog. Before you keep a dog, you should have sufficient knowledge about the type of food that you will be feeding your dog.

Proper dog food that contains essential nutrients is a must. Natural life dog foods are considered to be the best diet for your dog. Natural life dog foods are nutritious and have a delicious taste. Your companion dog will definitely love the taste. Most veterinary professionals will recommend natural life dog food for your dog as hey made from high quality ingredients.

If your dog is allergic to soy, wheat, corn, yeast, dairy, beef or pork then you should your dog with natural life dog food products. Natural life dog food products are nutritious and are of premium quality. These foods provide complex carbohydrates along with natural fiber. They also provide right quantity of omega fatty acid which promotes a shiny coat and healthy heart function.

Natural life dog foods contain the highest quality protein. These foods also contain wheat that is grown without using any pesticides. Natural life dog food products never use artificial chemicals as preservatives. Only natural antioxidants are used as preservatives.

Dogs that are fed on natural life dog food have a lustrous, shiny skin. They are active and full of energy. They look healthy. Natural life dog food is considered to be the best way to keep your dog healthy and fit. Natural life dog food products come in 8 lb, 20lb or 35 lb bags. These products are not costly and are affordable.
Nutritional needs of your dog will be definitely satisfied by these natural life dog food products.

Dogs who have extra weight and other health problems should try for weight management natural life dog food products. These products also contain less fat and protein. If you are indeed serious about your dog’s health then you must provide your dog with natural life dog foods.

Dogs especially puppies require protein for development and energy. Natural life dog food products are an excellent source of protein. Some natural life dog food products are specially designed for puppies with sensitive digestive tracts. Some puppies are allergic to certain foods. In such a situation you should give them natural life foods.

Dogs that are fed on natural life dog food products are not vulnerable to diseases.
Even if you do is suffering from any injury or sickness, these foods will enhance the natural healing process. Natural life dog food will definitely make a difference in your dog’s life.

All ingredients of natural life dog food products are fresh. There are no fillers, no chemicals and there is nothing artificial in it.

Natural life dog food ingredients include fish meal, chicken meal, carrots, spinach, apples and celery. The ingredients are health promoting and truly superior. That is why these natural life dog food products are considered to be very safe and reliable.

Natural Balance Dog Food And Allergies

2009-08-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

The most common problem faced by a dog owner is allergies caused to their dog due to climatic conditions. Our pets are like member of the family, they need a special care and especially in the matter of diet. There are many problems caused due to irregular diet such as allergies, intestine problem, hair fall etc. Natural balance diet is good for dog’s health thus, it keep allergies away from dogs.

There are many advantages of feeding natural foods to dogs. All natural dog food is very rich in vitamin E and C, which is very important for their bodies. You can make use of natural balance dog food and allergies will cease to exist, keeping your dog healthy and happy.

Vitamin E keeps their skin glowing and Vitamin C is good for their bones. All these vitamins affect in the same manner as it affect in human body. Vitamin such as, beta – carotene is helpful in removing toxic from the body commonly known as free radicals.

Animal normally eat meat thus, their body gain lots of toxic material in their body and if toxic material is not removed from their body then, there are lots of chances to get infected with diseases such as, lungs and heart diseases. It is good to give a supplement of all natural food daily to keep their metabolic system free from infection and diseases.

The common allergies faced by dogs are related with skin and ear. Some time these problem can be very serious, in such case dogs start chewing and itching their body and some time they begin self mutilation to get rid from allergies. Allergies may lead to severe ear infection and if not properly treated this can lead to serious problem.

In such type of problem, one must go for a systematic treatment to cure the disease rather than taking it carelessly. Allergies seem to be a minute problem however, it lead to serious problem like thyroid diseases. In order to avoid allergies and disease one should feed their pets with natural balance dog food and allergies will not be a problem.

Never treat your dogs with home remedies because they are a different creature and there metabolic activities are different from human thus it is better to treat your pets with a experience vet doctor. There are certain food should not be given to dog such as meat, oily food or raw pork, cured meat and is better not to give any pasteurized milk products like ice cream, white bread, raisins, onion, milk, grapes and sugary food. It is must to keep away from junk food and fast food.

The category of dog natural food includes cooked grain, lean cut of meat beef, lamb, poultry, white fish, fatty fish and raw meat. Eggs are also considered as good healthy food for dogs. The some common practice such feeding natural balance dog food and cleaning the dog regularly can keep your pets away from allergies.

Home made foods are very good for dogs thus there is no artificial ingredients and dogs appetite will never goes for a toss.

All Natural Dog Food

2009-07-27T21:10:00.001-07:00

Pets are member of our family moreover; they need special attention in the matters of food. There are many advantages of feeding natural foods to dogs. All natural dog food is very rich in vitamin E and C, which is very important for their body. Vitamin E keeps their coat glowing and vitamin C is good for their bones. All these vitamins affect in the same manner as in a human body. Vitamin such as, beta-carotene is helpful in removing toxins from the body commonly known as free radicals.

Animals normally eat meat thus, their body gain lots of toxic material in their body and if toxic material is not removed from their body then, there are lots of chances of them getting infected with diseases of lungs and heart. It is good to give supplements of all natural food daily to keep their metabolic system free from infection and diseases.

All natural dog foods are a good source of fiber and antioxidant. Some of the natural food contain manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium all these vitamins and minerals are very much necessary in their diet. There are many vegetable rich in antioxidant such as, dark green and bright orange. By feeding all natural dogs in their meal is just like getting a insurance policy for your loving pet.

There is lots of branded natural food available in market for your pet. However, it is better to consult with your Viet nary doctor before feeding canned natural food. Advice of a doctor is very essential before going for an experiment because some canned food is especially kind of breads.

Every pet owner feel his pet should good breath, brilliant coat sheen, clean teeth, bright clear eyes and be healthy any time. For this entire thing, the pet should good quality of all natural food because a complete diet can only bring this affect to your adorable pet. One should take care about the health of their so that, pet also live a longer life.

If the pets are properly feed by rich nutrition then it will be prevention against common veterinary disease. It is always suggested veterinary doctor to give holistic food to pet because home made food thus it keep pet away from artificial ingredients.

There are certain food should be avoided such as, food contain high amount of oil and low cost food supplement such as protein capsules. Thus, this type of food lead to digestive problem and similarly some pet face hair fall problem too.

All natural dog food has there own advantages and doctor also says it is better to give natural food to pet. Natural food also affects the behavior of pet, it makes them more active and playful similarly it makes some changes in their ferocious attitude.

So feed your dogs with all natural dog food to keep them healthier.

Pets: How to Take Care of your Dog

2009-07-27T21:08:00.001-07:00

The Bond that can come between a person and a dog can be extremely strong, especially if that bond had been strengthened living with each other for many years, I have personally cried after loosing our family dog that had been like a best friend to me from my birth till I as 15 years old, when he was hit by a car one morning.

Dogs serve many different needs for people. Some people get a dog because they are lonely and need a loyal friend or because they want a dog to protect the home. A dog that is taken good care of and given attention to regularly will give his life to help protect his home and his owner. For the blind a dog can be a pair of eyes to help them get around and for the police a dog can be an important tool and a loyal partner, with a nose that nothing can beat.

The first thing you need to know about taking care of a dog is that dogs need lots of exercise. This is the same for large dogs and small dogs. All dogs need to be let out at least once every 8 hours and should given at least a 20 minute walk to give the dog some fresh air, exercise and a chance to relieve themselves.

It is also important to play with the dog on a regular basis. This can mean going to the park on a weekend or day off and having a good game of fetch, tossing the ball around in your back yard or just wrestling on the ground with the dog, just make sure if you are ruff housing with a little dog that you don’t accidentally hurt the dog. Playing with the dog for a half hour a day, is not only good for the dogs physical health but a dig that is played with regularly is mentally healthier and less likely to become a depressed dog, it also lowers your blood pressure as well and it will form an unbreakable bond between you and your pooch, which will extend to your family if you should start having one after having the dog.

What you feed your dog is very important to the dogs continued good health. The better dog foods will be marked for what are groups the food is appropriate for. Younger dogs need certain vitamins and minerals in larger amounts then an adult dog, and the same goes for an elderly dog they need more calcium in their food to help protect their bones and joints. Feeding your dog the wrong food can stunt the dog's growth and opens the dog to a larger risk of surgery when they are older.

Just like a person a dog should be taken to the veterinarian's office every 6 months, and must receive their shots every year. Regular checkups and vaccinations will also help assure that your dog grows to be an old happy dog.

Camping with Your Dogs - Ten Commandments

2009-06-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

CAMPING WITH DOGS –
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
In the U.S. alone, more than 30 million people each year take their pets with them while camping. Yet, when we first started RVing with our dogs, we were unable to find much written on the subject. Sure, there were the occasional articles in magazines that reminded us to use pet ID tags, bring plenty of water, and take their favorite toy. But in terms of providing genuine support or bottom–line information, there was nothing out there. Since it was something that we felt was badly needed, we decided to write this article.
While there are numerous issues to consider while camping with dogs, these are some of the most important.
1. Make Sure that Your Dog Can’t Get Lost
It’s one thing if your dog gets free in your neighborhood. It’s another when you’re at a rest stop, nine hundred miles from home. Either train your dog to come when called or make absolutely sure that they’re on a leash at all times.

2. Get All of their Vaccinations Up to Date
If your dog gets into an altercation with another animal (or a person), the central issue will become their rabies shots. If you stay at a campground that has a demanding pet policy, you’ll need to verify your dog’s vaccination records. If you cross into Canada, you’ll have to confirm that your dogs have had their shots. You get the idea.

3. Make Your Dogs Easy to Identify
If your dog does get lost (unfortunately, it happens all the time), the ability to easily identify them will become critical. For permanent identification purposes, consider tattoos or microchips. At a minimum, make sure they wear tags that show their name, your current phone number, and the date of their last rabies vaccination.

4. Clean Up After Your Dog
The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be helping dog owners everywhere.

5. Learn How to Provide First Aid to Your Dog
If a medical crisis occurs while at home, you drive to your local veterinarian. But if you’re heading down a dark highway in a strange town, it will seem like a bad dream. Although there are ways to get help while on the road, it always takes more time. In the meantime, your ability to provide competent first aid could save your dog’s life.

6. Involve Your Dog in Everything You Do
If you really want your dogs to have a good time, include them in your activities. Take them with you on long walks. Buy a cheap plastic wading pool and let them play in the water. Throw a ball. Cook them up a hamburger. If you do stuff like that, they’ll do cartwheels the next time you decide to take them camping.

7. Call the Campgrounds Before You Go
Even if a park claims they’re pet–friendly, always call ahead to confirm their policy regarding your dogs. We’ve arrived at parks (with our two German Shepard dogs) after a long day on the road only to discover that “pet–friendly” meant dogs weighing under 20 pounds.

8. Plan Ahead for the Unexpected
Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident, or a fire in your RV. Start with a few extra leashes, a pet carrier, and an extra fire extinguisher. Then have a fire drill to identify potential problems.

9. Learn About Your Camping Environment
The U.S. is a huge country with a vast assortment of dangerous wildlife, treacherous plants, unpredictable weather conditions, and demanding environmental challenges. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dog in danger.

10. Recognize and Respect the Views of Others
While some of us can’t imagine traveling without dogs, others can’t image traveling with them. If you keep your dog under control and clean up after them, you won’t give others much to grumble about.

Happy Camping with Rover!

Can an old dog be taught new tricks?

2009-06-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a well trained dog and thought, “I wish my dog could do tricks like that”?

It is probably the dream of most dog owners to be able to teach their pet to do some of the tricks they see other dogs doing, but there is one thing they must remember above all others before starting down the path of teaching tricks. The dog must have at least some basic obedience. There is not much chance of teaching it to do tricks if it is a badly behaved dog in the first place.

The basic commands such as sit, down, heel etc, should be known by your dog before trick training starts, as this will make life so much easier later on. Once these have been mastered you can begin to build on them and your dog will soon be amazing your friends with the following three simple tricks.

Begging

To start teaching this trick it is best to have your dog sit in a corner of the room with his back to the wall and you standing in front of him. The walls will support your dog and give him the confidence that he won’t fall over if he raises his front legs off the floor.

Take some small pieces of food and hold it above your dog whilst enticing him to reach up for it. Each time he takes the food, praise him and repeat the procedure slowly encouraging him to reach higher each time.

Whilst encouraging the dog to reach up for the food, you must make sure that he is keeping his haunches on the ground. This is achieved by moving the food back over his head slightly making the dog shift his weight back over his haunches and teaching him to keep his balance.

Once the begging trick has bee mastered in the corner of the room you can gradually begin to move away from the wall and practise the trick where the dog has no back support. You must expect at this stage that the dog will seem to go backwards in his learning, but this is to be expected until he can perfect it just using his own body weight.

Shaking hands

There are two parts of this trick for your dog to learn. A verbal part and a non-verbal part which both work together to give the dog a cue that you want him to perform the trick.

Firstly the dog should start off in a sitting position. Give him a single word verbal command such as ‘shake’, whilst at the same time reaching out with your right hand until it is just a few inches from your dogs’ right leg. Your outstretched hand is the non-verbal cue.

Initially your dog will probably just sit motionless unsure of what to do, so with your left hand, gently push or prod his right leg forwards until it rests in your right hand. When he has done this, praise him so that he knows he has done what you wanted him to do.

Practice this trick several times; praising after each successful result and gradually reducing the amount of left hand prompting until only the verbal and non-verbal cues are all that are needed.

Shaking the head: ‘No’

Before you can begin to teach this trick to your dog, you will need to find something which will make him shake his head naturally. Some things which may help are blowing gently on the ear, tickling the ear with a feather or even lightly attaching a paperclip to the ear – remembering that you should not cause the dog any pain.

Once you have found the method which makes him shake his head you will then have to decide on which verbal and non-verbal cue you want to use. A single word such as ‘head’ along with shrugging of your shoulders is just one idea.

Again your dog should start in a sitting position when first teaching him this trick. As in the shaking hands trick, use both cues together, along with the prod (tickling his ear, etc) in an effort to stimulate your dog to shake his head. Once he does, reward him, even if it is just a small movement.

This trick is best learned in short sessions with momentary breaks in between, so don’t try to repeat the exercise more that five times in one session or the dog will become confused and not learn.

Gradually reduce the amount of prodding so that all that are needed are the verbal and non-verbal cues. Once your dog has mastered the trick, he can be progressed to learn it in standing position and laying positions as well.

The main thing with training dogs to perform tricks is for the owner to learn that patience is a virtue and that the dog will learn in his own time. Do not scold the dog if he does not seem to be learning, it is always better to be patient and encourage him more.

Can Chew Treats Kill Your Dog?

2009-06-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Chew treats. You've probably given dozens of them to your dog and they love them. They clean their teeth and keep them occupied for hours. Its a perfectly harmless canine treat right? Wrong. Chew treats can harm or even kill your dog. If you are concerned about your dogs health read on.

Why are chew treats dangerous?

The two most popular kind of edible chew treats are those made of rawhide and those made from compressed vegetable protein. When your dog chews these treats, they may swallow large pieces of them. These pieces of chew treat cannot be digested by your pet and they can become lodged in their intestines. Intestinal blockages can kill your dog in hours. They can cause a condition called intestinal strangulation which is when blood flow is cut off to the intestines. The intestinal tissue then begins to die and rot.

How do I know if my dog has a blockage?

If your dog has a blockage, you may see some of the following symptoms. They may vomit, refuse to eat, regurgitate food, have diarrhea or abdominal pain. If your dog has any of these symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. If they get a blockage, it will not clear itself. They will require surgery.

Should I stop giving my dog chew treats?

You do not have to stop giving your dog chew treats altogether. You should however monitor the use of these treats. When you can not be around your pet, take the treats away. When your dog has worn the treats down into small pieces, replace them.

Remember, as a pet owner it is your responsibility to look after your dog's health. We all love out pets and it would be a shame to lose them over something as simple as a chew treat. So keep a watchful eye on your pet and help them live a long and happy life.

Brush Up On Your Dog's Dental Health

2009-05-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Many pet owners may be surprised to learn a dog's dental health is as important to overall well-being as a daily game of fetch.

Dental problems in pets go way beyond bad breath. Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in dogs today. At least 80 percent of dogs suffer from it by age 2. Left untreated, dental problems can be very painful and affect the quality of a pet's life.

Small-breed dogs under 20 pounds are at an even greater risk than larger breeds. First, small dogs have small mouths that crowd the teeth, and second, those teeth are excessively large for those small jaws.

Fortunately, small breeds don't need to suffer, says Dr. Daniel Carmichael, veterinary dental specialist with the Veterinary Medical Center in West Islip, N.Y. He recommends:

1. See your veterinarian for regular dental checkups. Work with your vet to schedule regular professional dental checkups and ask how you can maintain your pet's dental health. Monitor for bad breath, which can be a sign of a more serious dental problem.

2. Brush those canines. Daily tooth brushing is the best way to remove and prevent plaque build- up. You can try the new state-of-the-art Hartzฎ Dental™ Electric Tooth-brush to make brushing your dog's teeth easier. It features a vibrating brush head and, when used as directed, is clinically proven to reduce tartar by 85 percent and plaque by 28 percent after three weeks. Use toothpaste made for dogs (beef-flavored paste is appealing to pets) as it's designed to be swallowed and does not foam up in the mouth.

3. Choose smart snacks for your dog. Chewing rawhide has been proven in clinical studies to help reduce plaque and tartar. Tasty beef and chicken flavors encourage your pooch to chew longer, increasing the dental benefits. Another option is Hartzฎ Dental™ Nutri-Fresh Chew™ with OdorZap™ crystals to freshen breath, in addition to reducing tartar up to 61 percent.

4. Provide toys with dental benefits. Some newer chew toys have raised tips that help remove plaque and tartar. The Hartzฎ Dental™ Chew™ 'n Cleanฎ Deli Cuts are one example and come in three yummy flavors. These toys provide chewing exercise to strengthen gums and help relieve anxiety and boredom.

American Pit Bull Dog Obedience Training

2009-05-04T19:34:00.001-07:00

The Pit Bull terrier is an amazing dog and is extremely energetic and can certainly prove to be a handful if not properly trained. American Pit Bulls are extremely loyal and when a relationship is formed, it lasts forever. If you're a new Pit Bull owner, you really need to understand how demanding these dogs can be and realize that they need a lot of attention and training in order to recognize their full potential as pets. Pits are very intelligent dogs and this will work to your advantage as you're going through the training process.

Because of their high intelligence, Pit Bulls can have stubborn streak in them but don't let this scare you when it comes to obedience training time. You as the owner must remember that there will be times when you ask him to do something and he’s not going to obey, even though he knows what you are expecting him to do. Remember to remain patient in these times and don't get frustrated. The earlier you being training your Pit, the better. At 8 weeks of age, you can begin basic training and socializing your Pit Bull puppy. Remember, make sure to keep the training activities fun and use positive reinforcements to encourage desired behavior.

Socialization is one of the key areas of focus for Pit Bull training. Pits can be extremely friendly and affectionate animals but they can be dog aggressive if not properly socialized. The best way to socialize your pup is to enroll in training classes. Training classes allow your Pit to be trained side by side with other dogs.

When your Pit Bull puppy reaches the age of 13-16 weeks, you can begin a more serious training routine. During this age, your Pit will likely test his boundries with you and explore the area of dominance. He may nip and try to assume the alpha dog role. It is important to be strong during this time and maintain the dominant role in the relationship.

Pit Bulls are genuinely lovable family dogs that if properly trained, make a great pet for anyone. They are excellent dogs that love being around their "people". Be sure to train your Pit Bull as early as possible and remember to stay consistent.

Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors

2009-02-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:

Jumping up on people: This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young puppy. When that puppy is older, larger and heavier, however, this jumping up behavior ceases to be cute and begins to become annoying and even dangerous.

A large, heavy dog jumping up on people can be dangerous to young children and even to some adults, since a large, 100 pound plus dog can easily knock down a child or small adult. Since you as the owner are responsible for the behavior of your dog, it is important to nip this problem behavior in the bud.

The best time to do that, of course, is when the puppy is still small and easy to handle. When the puppy jumps up on you or someone else, gently place the puppy’s feet back on the floor. When the dog remains standing there, be sure to praise it extensively.

It is also important to give the puppy an alternative to jumping up. Puppies jump up on people to express their enthusiasm, so it is important to redirect this energy in a more socially acceptable direction. Try teaching the puppy to present his paw instead of jumping up.

When teaching the puppy to not jump up on people, it is important to be consistent. Consistency is important in any training program, and all members of the family must understand that the puppy is not permitted to jump on them.

Pulling, charging and tugging on the lead: One problem you definitely want to nip in the bud is this one. It is important that the puppy learn to respect the collar and leash now, when he is still small and light enough to handle. Teaching this lesson to a 10 pound puppy will be much easier than teaching the same lesson to a 150 pound dog.

Using a good strong body harness or head collar can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or to retrain a dog that has already learned to pull on the leash. When first fitting a harness, it is important to allow the puppy to walk around wearing it, so that he can get used to wearing it.

The first thing your puppy must learn, and the basis of all subsequent training, is teaching your dog to heel. Teaching your dog to walk quietly at your side on a loose lead is the basis of all dog training, and until your puppy has mastered this vital skill he will be unable to move onto more advanced training.

When walking with a puppy on a leash, it is important to always keep slack in the leash. If the puppy begins to pull on the leash, the handler should quickly change directions. The puppy will then find itself lagging behind instead of forging ahead. The least will be loose except for the split second it takes to change directions. It is important for the handler to use a quick tug of the leash, followed by an immediate loosening, when teaching this lesson.

When teaching the puppy to walk properly, it is important to never allow the puppy to pull you around, or to forge ahead on the leash. Allowing the puppy to pull you around will teach him exactly the wrong lesson.

Air Travel With Your Pit Bull Terrier Dog

2009-02-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

Being well prepared before traveling with your Pit Bull is crucial to having a good trip, especially if he will be going on an airplane with you. There are several things you will need so that your Pit Bull is allowed to board the plane, and many things you should take care of before leaving.

When you call the airline to arrange your flight, you should go ahead and let them know then that your Pit Bull will be traveling with you. Different countries have different guidelines for pets, so your airline should be able to give you specific instructions depending on where you are planning to go. At this time, you should also find out what the airlines rules and regulations are, so that you can be prepared in advance. It is a good idea to call back around two weeks before your scheduled flight to make sure you have everything taken care of. Surprises at the last minute can delay your plans, or stop you from going altogether.

It is not required usually that your pet have a medical exam before flying with you, but it is a good idea, so that any potential problems can be taken care of by your own veterinarian. You will also need to get a certificate from your veterinarian regarding the health of your Pit Bull. There are different guidelines for these depending on where you are traveling to and what the airline mandates. Most require the certificate be dated no more than ten days before the flight. You shouldn’t pack this paperwork, but rather keep it with you while on the plane.

To make sure you don’t lose your Pit Bull, make sure he wears a collar and tag. The tag should have all of your contact information, the date of his last rabies vaccine, and his license. It is a good idea to also have a tag with the contact information for a friend that can be reached, just in case. Purchase a kennel that meets the airline’s requirements, and make sure that you have identification on both the inside and outside of it, just as an extra precaution.

Anything that you put inside your Pit Bull’s crate should be firmly attached to it. You should check with your airline to find out exactly what is allowed. Feed your Pit Bull around four hours before your estimated departure time, and take extra food and water with you, just in case you are late leaving the terminal.

If you take all the necessary precautions, and follow your airlines recommendations, traveling by airplane with your Pit Bull should be easy and enjoyable for you both.

Your Vet: The Perfect Resource to Educate You About Your Dog's Diet

2009-02-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

Whether you have recently been blessed with a new puppy in your home, or you are a seasoned dog handler, it is wise to speak with a veterinarian about the best diet for your dog. With so many ideas, diet plans, and dog food varieties on the market, how do you know where to start?

Begin with your vet. A trusted veterinarian wants only what is best for your dog. Just like you, he or she wants to find and discover what is perfect for your dog's diet. Talk about all aspects of your dog's diet.

Your veterinarian can advise you on the basics of a dog's diet. Often, your vet will recommend a dry dog food. Dry food as the main component of your dog's diet, will increase the likelihood of good dental health for your pet, but this varies depending on specifics.

Treats are another area that you will want to discuss with the veterinarian. Do they encourage specific types of treats? What snacks are discouraged for your specific pet?

Each animal is different and you and your vet know your dog better than anyone. Working together, you will find what aspects of your dog's diet work best, and what needs to be altered. Some breeds, for example, will often have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. For this reason, your vet may recommend a smaller portion for your dog's diet than the recommended amount on the side of a dog food bag. If your older pet has trouble chewing, specific types of dog food may be beneficial as part of your dog's diet.

Your dog's diet plays a significant role in the health of your pet. Your vet can inform you about any supplements needed to boost your dog's outlook for a happy and healthy life. Glucosamine is one item that is recommended by most veterinarians to promote healthy joints. This is especially true for dog's of larger breeds.

The next time you are in the vet's office is a great time to bring up your dog's diet. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog to see if weight is an issue. He or she can take a look at the overall health of your pet. For example, if your dog has a dull coat, your veterinarian may suggest a different type of dog food or to add an egg to your dog's diet.

During the lifetime of your pet, your dog's diet may need to be changed to suit his or her needs. Puppies and older dogs may require additional amounts of protein or other vitamins and minerals. If your dog is bred, your vet may recommend other changes to your dog's diet.

With all the hype about what is healthy for a dog's diet, do not decide to go at it alone and inadvertently choose a poor diet. Speak to the vet about your dog's diet and educate yourself on what is best for your beloved pet. A healthy diet is key to longevity. Both you and your vet want to see your dog live to be happy and healthy for many years, and providing a nutritious diet for your dog is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal.

Hypoallergenic Medium Sized Dogs

2009-01-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Do you love dogs, but have allergies? If you have a smaller home, a medium sized hypoallergenic dog might be perfect. Hypoallergenic dogs have a tendency to create less allergic reactions because of an absence of fur or a very low amount compared to most pets. There are a few breeds that fit into the criteria. The Spanish Water Dog, the Bouvier des Flandres, and the Mexican Hairless are all medium sized, hypoallergenic dogs that work great for families and singles alike.

If big, friendly, shaggy dogs are your thing, the Spanish Water Dog is a good fit. They resemble the sheep dog on the Warner Brothers' Looney Tunes cartoons. The dogs live for playing, swimming and even working. When acclimated correctly, the Spanish Water Dog is a great playmate for children. If you have a pool or live near an ocean or lake, the Spanish Water Dog lives true to its name. They love swimming. As for the work aspect, these dogs have natural herding instincts and are excellent guard dogs. These dogs do require a lot of attention, so be ready for that. They must be exposed to other dogs and/or children between the ages of two to twelve months if they are to fully accept being around them, otherwise they can become aloof or guarded around them.

The Bouvier des Flandres also fits into the hypoallergenic shaggy dog category. This strong built breed is traditionally used for hard work such as cattle and sheep herding, pulling carts, and police or guard dog work. Along with their strong work abilities, they are generally gentle and protective of their adopted families. Even former United States President, Ronald Regan, chose this breed for a pet. Their thicker hair makes them great dogs for outdoor work and play in colder climates. Be ready to take care of the Bouvier des Flandres if one is added to your home. Maintenance on these dogs thick hair (not fur) does require brushing weekly and visits for a trim every six to eight weeks. This dog can be prone to both voluvus and bloat syndromes because of their deep chests. They can also be very strong-willed and intimidating animals when they feel strongly about something, especially when going after cats. Proper discipline is a must when owning a Bouvier.

The Mexican Hairless, also known as the Xoloitzcuintle or Xolo, is an extremely rare breed of dog. They range in weight anywhere from ten to fifty pounds and are almost always completely devoid of hair; they resemble dogs seen in Egyptian Hieroglyphics. Some of the Xolos do sport a very thin coat of hair or have various amounts of hair on their heads or bodies. They have been bred for over 4000 years in Mesoamerica (between central Mexico and Costa Rica). Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Mexican equivalent does recognize this breed. The dogs are hard to find in Mexico and even harder to find in the US because they were considered next to extinct prior to the 1950's.

A Dog's Diet Influences Oral Health

2009-01-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Your dog is your very best friend. Every single time you walk through the door your dog is so happy to see you that he wags his tail and practically smiles at you. How can you show your pet how much they mean to you? Well, one way is to take care of that smile for your pet. Did you know that your dog's diet can influence their oral health?

Humans need to brush and floss their teeth regularly to keep their teeth, tongue, and gums in good condition. Research has recently shown a link between good oral health in humans and a lower risk of heart disease. If good oral health can have such a profound affect on people, then it only makes sense to consider the impact it can have on man's best friend.

It is important to brush your dog's teeth frequently to keep plaque and tartar from becoming an issue. Even wiping his gums with a clean, damp cloth can be beneficial.

Your dog's diet also plays a role in your pet's oral health. Do you typically feed your dog canned or dry dog food? What kind of treats and toys do you provide for your pet? All of these things can affect the likelihood of trouble with your pet's teeth.

When your dog's diet is nutritionally sound, containing essential vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes, your pet's oral health will be at its very best. Feeding dry dog food rather than a moist canned variety is best for your dog. The tiny kibbles' hard surface rubs against the teeth to remove and reduce plaque. The simple act of moistening the dry dog food with water or gravy eliminates this property from dry dog food.

The treats you give your pet are part of your dog's diet just like snacks are part of a person's diet. As humans, we tend to want to overlook our snacking habits, so it can be easy to overlook the treats you give your dog. This is not a good idea. Carefully consider any and all items your dog will consume.

Do you give your dog bones, rawhides, jerky treats, or dog biscuits? Maybe your pet prefers greenies or corn starch chews. You may not have considered it, but tossing Spot a rawhide chew is like giving him a candy bar. The rawhide, for example, contains calories and is often provided between meals.

Many of the treats and snacks you provide in your dog's diet can be just empty wasted calories. Some treats, alternatively, provide excellent opportunity to improve oral health. Greenies, rawhides, bones, and hard dog biscuits all help to keep tartar at bay. The softer snacks, such as jerky treats, do not provide much relief from plaque. The healthy treat, on occasion, will also prevent your dog from having bad breath.

Your dog's diet must be healthy to ensure excellent oral health. Dry dog food is best whenever possible. Don't forget to select treats for your pet that will enhance your dog's diet. Consciously monitoring your dog's diet will positively influence your best friend's oral health.

Eliminating Problem Dog Behaviors – Jumping And Roaming

2009-01-20T21:37:00.000-08:00

Every dog owner must eventually deal with some unwanted behaviors on the part of their four legged companions. Some of the most frequently encountered training problems with puppies and dogs alike are jumping on people and performing those amazing feats of escape.

Jumping up on people

Jumping up on people can be a cute trick for puppies, but it quickly becomes a problem behavior as the dog gets older, larger and heavier. A very heavy dog can easily knock a child or even a small adult of his or her feet, so jumping on people can be a dangerous problem as well as an annoying one.

The reason puppies and older dogs jump on people is obvious – they are excited and happy to see them. Many people are reluctant to discourage this exuberant behavior, but it is important to redirect that happiness and energy in other ways. Many well meaning owners, family members and friends inadvertently encourage this jumping up behavior by picking the puppy up, kissing it or otherwise providing encouragement.

This type of inconsistency is anathema to proper dog training, and in order for the dog to be trained not to jump, every member of the family must recognize and accept the importance of the training. If one member of the family allows the dog to jump up while other family members do not, the dog will understandably become confused and frustrated. The training must be firm, kind and consistent in order to be effective.

One way to redirect the dog’s happiness and excited ness from jumping is to teach him to lift his paw when greeting you. This “shaking hands” posture is an acceptable way for the dog to show his happiness and his respect. Many people even teach their dogs to do simple tricks, like rolling over, instead of jumping on people.

Escaping and roaming the neighborhood

A responsible dog owner would never dream of allowing his or her dog to roam the neighborhood freely. Allowing a dog to roam on its own is irresponsible, dangerous (to the dog and the neighborhood), and probably even illegal. Most towns have ordinances which prohibit dogs from being allowed to roam around free, so you could be in legal trouble if your dog is found wandering the neighborhood unattended.

Of course sometimes that wandering dog is not the owner’s idea, and many dogs perform amazing feats of escape when left on their own. The temptations for unattended dogs are many, including passing bicycles, joggers, children, cats and other dogs. It is much easier to prevent escapes than to recapture a loose dog, so let’s talk about some preventative measures every dog owner can take.

Removing the motivation to escape is a big part of the solution. A bored dog is much more likely to spend his day plotting the great escape. A dog that is surrounded by everything he or she needs, like lots of toys, a soft bed, and plenty of fresh clean, water, is more likely to spend his or her day contentedly sleeping or playing with toys until the owner returns.

In addition, a dog with lots of pent up, unused energy is likely to try to escape. Try incorporating several vigorous play sessions with your dog into your daily routine. Make one of those play sessions right before you leave. If your dog has a chance to work of his or her energy, chances are he or she will sleep or relax much of the day.

Of course dealing with the dog is only half the problem. It is also important to make the property as escape proof as possible, through proper fencing and other measures. For dogs that dig, it may be necessary to extend the fence underground by placing metal stakes in the ground every few feet. For dogs that jump, it may be necessary to make the fence higher. And if none of these measures work, it may be necessary to confine the dog to the house when you are not at home.

Cultivating Good Behaviour In Your New Puppy

2009-01-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

The most crucial aspect of house training a puppy is to teach it how to remain clean in the house. Dogs are not shabby by nature - they would normally urinate and defecate away from their sleeping and feeding area. Puppies that have been raised in a shabby environment, living in cramped quarters, may be quite cumbersome to housetrain. When you purchase a puppy ensure that the original owner has provided a clean environment with separate feeding, sleeping and potty areas.

Puppies have a rapid learning rate and they can efficiently grasp what you teach them. You need to instill a sense of timing and schedule in your puppy from the day you bring it home. You can do this by feeding the puppy at the same time each day, and carrying out other activities at specific time slots. This way your puppy will grow up to be an obedient, disciplined dog.

You would not want your puppy to go inside its crate or in the house. Therefore, train it to urinate away from the crate or the house. Take it for a stroll in the lawn and voice train it, such that it adheres to your commands. Successfully housetraining your puppy would take a few weeks or so. It’s certainly not a piece of cake, and you must not reprimand your puppy if it fails to obey your command. Just place it back in the crate and then again take it for a stroll. Slowly but surely the puppy will learn how to get along with separate feeding, sleeping and potty areas.

It is imperative that you supervise at all times while housetraining you puppy. When no one is there to supervise it, the puppy must be confined to its crate. With time the puppy will learn to keep itself clean. Once it does so, you can try leaving him unfettered in a room of your house. If the puppy gleefully obeys your commands, does not depict aggressive behavior, manages to stay clean, and does not damage or soil any household stuff, you may let him stay in another room as well thereby continuing the housetraining process. However, if the puppy behaves in an unruly fashion, revert back to the previous stage of housetraining.

All the while be patient while housetraining your puppy. It’s not a cake walk, and therefore, it’s unrealistic to expect instant results.

Dental Care For Dogs

2009-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

Some people don’t realize that dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for human beings. Just like in people, dogs’ teeth can gather plaque after eating. When plaque builds up and hardens it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates it can work its way under the gums and cause painful infections and gum disease. This goes on in the mouths of dogs just like it does in people. You brush your teeth every day, probably three times. What does your dog do?

Teeth Brushing for Doggies

Veterinarians recommend that dog owners brush their dog’s teeth at least twice a week to keep the buildup of tartar at a minimum. Most pet supply stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs. Remember that a dog’s sense of taste and smell is far more acute than that of a human and the zesty, tingly, mint taste of toothpastes for people will be extremely awful to a dog. Try brushing Rover’s teeth with Crest just once and it will likely be the last time he lets you anywhere near him with a toothbrush. Use the specially designed doggie toothpaste.

Dental Chew

Some people don’t have the time or patience to brush their dogs’ teeth on a regular basis. If you’re one of these, you’ll want to care for Chopper’s choppers in another way. A dog’s natural tendency to chew is a built-in dental care mechanism. Dog biscuits break into small chunks when chewed and rub against the teeth, providing a cleaning service. There’s no substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth, but if you can’t do that, make sure he gets some sort of crunchy dog biscuit on a regular basis.

Mouth Diseases in Dogs

Dogs that do not receive proper dental care and do not have access to crunchy teeth cleaning foods run the risk of several types of mouth disease. These can be as mild as gingivitis (a gum disease that results in swollen, inflamed gums) and as serious as a bacterial infection that can spread through the dog’s bloodstream causing damage to vital organs. You owe it to yourself and your dog to take care of his teeth.

Doggie Dentistry

Dental services are available for dogs, just like they are for people. A dog’s teeth can be filled, capped, and extracted if necessary, just like a human’s. The best course of action, however, is to avoid the need for such services by properly caring for your dog’s teeth. If you can avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort for your furry friend, you should do so. Preventative doggie dental care can save you money as well. Doggie dental procedures can be quite costly.

Puppy Training Tips

2008-12-14T21:58:00.003-08:00

With more and more people buying dogs the need for good training is become a necessity. There are tons of people out there who are buying dogs because they are cute and lovable. And yes, that is a great reason to buy a puppy, but if you are going to purchase a dog, you must be ready to take care of it the right way. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts for you new puppy. These training rules can be used as a basic outline for ensuring that your puppy will be well behaved for its entire life. Remember, if you train them when they are puppies, and stick with it, your dog will be well behaved for its entire life (exceptions do apply of course!)

1. Be sure to train your puppy to be comfortable staying in a crate for an extended period of time. This is often overlooked because most people want to play with their new puppy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can work up to a longer period of time by first start with small durations. For example, keep your puppy in its crate for 15 minutes every night. Do not pay any attention to it. After the 15 minutes take the puppy out and reward it for its good behavior. Every night you can extend the duration of time, and soon enough your new puppy will be comfortable in its crate.

2. Teach your puppy early and often that it is not acceptable to jump up on guests when they enter your house, or while they are trying to eat. This is not only a bad habit for the dog, but it is also very disrespectful to your guests. The first couple of times that your new puppy does this be sure to correct it in a positive manner. The most important thing to remember is to not let the puppy ever get away with this. If it happens once, it can happen again. And after a habit is established it will be much tougher to break.

3. Absolutely no chasing or running after other animals, or other people. A lot of puppies get into the habit of chasing after anything that will run from it. This goes for animals that it may see in the yard, or the mailman who visits your house everyday. After breaking this habit you will be glad that you did; just ask your mailman!

4. Train your dog to quit barking when told. This can be one of the tougher habits to break, especially if you get a dog who loves to bark. The most important thing to remember is to stay persistent with this one. If your dog is barking when it should not be, correct it every time. Do not give up on your persistence, and you will have success in the end.

5. A new puppy should never be allowed to be protective of its toys, food, or bed. Try to break your new puppy of this habit as soon as possible. You will be able to tell if this is a problem by a simple test. When your dog gets done playing with a toy attempt to pick it up and take it away. If the puppy snaps at you are growls, then you have this problem. Be sure to remedy it as soon as possible. If you let it go too long this can turn into a serious problem at a later date.

6. Make sure that your new puppy can be left alone without supervision. Also make sure that when left alone, your puppy is not destructive. Again, like the crate exercise discussed above, leave your puppy at home alone for a few minutes at a time. Eventually you will be built up to the point where you can leave your new puppy at home for hours on end without ever having to worry about coming home to a huge mess!

7. Make sure that your puppy is comfortable in places other than its home. Making your puppy feel comfortable outside of its comfort zone will surely make your life easier as the years pass. This is very important because your new puppy will eventually have to spend time at the veterinarian, a kennel, groomer, or at another person’s house. If you miss out on training your dog for this, you will be held down by it for the rest of your life. If you can never leave your dogs side, you will surely feel the effects anytime it needs a haircut, a vaccine, or if you ever decide to take a vacation. Do not miss out on this training step!

Overall, these seven training rules will surely make your relationship with your new puppy a positive experience.

Puppy Training - Good Doggie

2008-12-14T21:58:00.001-08:00

Puppies are cute cuddly and so full of life throughout the infancy stage. It is at this time when puppy training is vital - because believe it or not these cute cuddly little characters can cause so much havoc in the home - with their outbursts of action packed antics all brought on by excitement.

Fun it may be at the time but when you waken to find the remains of a chewed slipper- scratch marks on the furniture and puppy poo to mark the pup`s presence then it is time for an obedience check

How do you go about house training a puppy - simple the same as you would potty train a baby? Yes your right it will take time and patience but all worthwhile in the end. To be honest the whole process of puppy training can be quite fulfilling as well as fun. There will be times when you may get frustrated throughout the process but just the fact that you have accomplished what others would see as impossible is an achievement in its self. To have an obedient dog standing at the side of its master (you) will make you proud to be the canines owner. Even evening walks are so much more enjoyable with an obedient dog.

You have to think about safety for yourself and that of your pooch if they are not trained. Dangers by the roadside and where children are concerned - have to be a couple of vital factors why puppy training is important.
Puppies need to use the bathroom regular sometimes as much as up to 8 to 10 visits a day - this gradually lessons to about 3 to four times at 30 weeks old. Our liittle four legged friends are clean animals but still need nurturing with correction lessons teaching them right from wrong.

If you are going to kennel/crate train the puppy then build the shelter to accommodate the size of the dog to have comfort. Section the kennel in half while the puppy is small and as he/she begins to grow then remove the partition. By not splitting the shelter in two the pup may decide to go to the back of the crate and leave their mark there.

The kennel/crate should be big enough to permit the dog to stand easily and stretch. As long as the dog can manoeuvre around then that is all that matters.
Timing is crucial when puppy training - have a doggie diary with a schedule of times and adhere to them. Work this pattern around what is best suited for you and your dog

For example: 10 to 10:30 am. lead the puppy from the enclosure outside and always keep to the same spot every day. The puppy will get used to this allotted space and in time will make his or her own way there. Remember puppies are like babies they need feeding. Times for this is best after the first morning release - approx about 30 minutes. A little later let the puppy out for a friendly romp in the garden for a play without commands.

Leading the puppy from the kennel is an action you have to repeat over and over again at the scheduled times you have logged in your doggie diary.
Before retiring to blanket street take the puppy outside again and let them have a little time to investigate and nosey around - in other words sniffing every nook and cranny.

If you are serious with this practice then the puppy`s needs have to be checked again around 3 am in the morning. It is a good idea to have a catchphrase for the pup to relate to. Words like (want to poo poo) will do the trick.
When your puppy is at your side and obeying your commands it is then you will know why that famous saying came about - GOOD DOGGIE.

Soft Dog Carriers & Soft Dog Crates

2008-12-14T21:56:00.005-08:00

Soft dog carriers, and soft dog crates are are great way to transport your small dog. A soft sided dog crate will give your dog a sense of comfort and home. Soft sided dog carriers allow the dog to feel comfortable when they brush or lean against the wall.

Fabric carriers allow for you and your pet to be more comfortable. Fabric carriers can be used on small dogs and on cats. A fabric dog carrier can be as unique as you are, and match what style you have. A fabric dog carrier may also be a designer dog carrier, as many companies now cater to pet owners.

A dog purse, or a carrier bag for small dogs is a great way to tote your dog with you, and not have to worry about the awkwardness of a hard dog carrier. A dog purse or a dog tote can also be unique. Soft dog carriers will make carrying your small dog or cat easy.

When looking for a soft dog carrier, you need to keep in mind that the size of your dog does matter, especially if you are looking at a carrier bag. You also have to keep in mind how heavy your dog is. If you have a small dog, but it is a heavy dog, then make sure that your soft dog crate, or soft sided dog carrier has a secure bottom, so that your dog receives the support that it needs. Keep in mind these great questions about dog crates.

What ever you decide is the best method for toting your dog, and carrying your dog, be sure that you train your dog on how to use the soft dog crate.

Should Dogs Take Supplements?

2008-12-14T21:56:00.003-08:00

It’s no mystery why we take supplements. The body is a complicated mechanism that fights every day to preserve its own well-being. Therefore, the body needs plenty of nutritional support that foods can’t always adequately provide. Because of high starch content, bleaching and over processing, many foods don’t contain enough minerals to adequately support the body. A
deficiency of just one or more nutrients can leave the body vulnerable to disease. Furthermore, we must acknowledge that we each have biochemical individuality, so our bodies require different things depending on our age, environment, activity level and genetic makeup. The same goes for our pets. Every dog and cat is unique and requires specific increases in nutrients for many reasons.

Also, our pets’ demand for certain nutrients fluctuates. Vitamin B is great support to the body during stressful periods and additional zinc is a helpful nutrient for many breeds; such as, huskies. No matter how well a diet is formulated, there are always nutrients, which are not in
the diet. The body knows what it needs and it has its ways of communicating these things to
us. It is up to us to pay attention to our animals’ behavior as well as their appearance to make
sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. For instance, is your cat sleeping more than usual these days? Or does your dog have less of an appetite? Perhaps they need supplements. It doesn’t hurt to try supplements to see how your pets respond to them. You may see a drastic change in their mannerisms or their appearance. When we give our pets supplements in conjunction with healthy well-balanced meals, their bodies intelligently draw what they need from the supplements and allocate them properly. Rather than taking a specific vitamin or mineral in calculated amounts, herbs deliver many nutrients in various amounts to the parts of the body that require it.

Chose a dog supplement that contains the rather unusual Ester C (Calcium Ascorbate), which is non-acidic, rich in calcium and other minerals and better absorbed than regular Vitamin C. It is usually not added to dog foods because it was once thought that dogs don’t require C because they manufacture it in their liver.
This way of thinking about dogs is archaic because we must now consider the way dogs’ eating
habits have evolved from years of domestication. Out in the wild, dogs ate prey that had intestines filled with grasses that contained C. Now at home, they eat the foods we give them and they occasionally take a bite out of the neighbor’s lawn. Now, it seems as if dogs aren’t getting
enough C. Vitamin C, considered a vital antioxidant, supports the bone, teeth and gums, blood vessels and the immune system. Nutritionists consider it a “conditionally essential” nutrient, meaning that it is needed in higher amounts during certain times in the animal’s life such as sickness, separation anxiety, stress from shows, visits to vets and confinement due to long distance trips.

Just like humans, it is recommended all supplements be taken along with plenty of exercise and proper diet.

Tips In Choosing The Best Dog Breeders

2008-12-14T21:56:00.001-08:00

Dog breeders could be found anywhere. However, buying the best-looking puppy in the pet store does not necessarily guarantee that you bought a pet with a top breed.

What are the different types of breeders? Which of them provide the best dog breeds?

1) Look for reputable breeders. Well known breeders know specific details about their specialized breed. They examine genetic diseases that are known to have physical and emotional impact on that breed, perform veterinary maintenance and sustain breeding records.

A breeder of good reputation will provide you with both the good and bad points about the breed you prefer. They offer useful advice and assistance to new dog owners.

You could spot a reputable breeder when they grant quality for the dogs they personally own. They would let you experience the kind of care they give the dogs and allow you to see where the dogs live.

Most outstanding breeders are not out to make money. They provide a written health guarantee with all the dogs they sell.

Majority of the reputable dog breeders belong to local or national breed organizations and clubs.

2) Avoid backyard breeders, puppy mills and pet shops.

* Backyard Breeders. These people have limited education about the breed standards. Commonly, backyard breeders do not maintain a regular check-up on the dog’s diseases and genetic makeup. Usually, these people breed to make money and allows the dogs to leave without screening the present home of the dog.

* Puppy Mills. This is a term commonly used to describe a business that produces large quantities of dogs. Majority of the puppies born and trained in puppy mills do not usually follow a regular veterinary care and appropriate feeding they need. Puppy mills do not sell directly to the public. They only allow sale to pet shops, brokers and dog auctions.

There is no generic breed testing executed in puppy mills. The dogs born here have not been adequately socialized and trained. Most of the puppies are sold in large numbers at the age of 3 to 4 weeks that could later give the dogs emotional and health problems.

* Pet shops. Many pet shops grant guarantees. However, these guarantees last for only a year while majority of genetic diseases found in dogs materialize when the animal is over a year old. Most pet shops buy their dogs from puppy mills at a very young age for a cheap price. Young puppies that are not suitably socialized could cause behavior problems and poor health.

Finding the best dog breeder means your pet could last a longer life. Find a reputable breeder now and spare yourself from possible heartache.

Tips & Guide To Looking For A Good Dog Trainer

2008-12-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier than you would expect particularly if you can get help from a good dog training book or guide. It’s also certainly possible for almost any dog owners to train their dogs themselves provided they put in adequate amount of effort.

Nevertheless, you might still want to get additional help from a professional trainer, especially if you got a tough nut to crack in your hand. Before you engage a trainer, it’s always best that you do some research first as there are many trainers with different teaching styles and not every style suit every dog or owner.

Here’s a guide for you to find a reliable trainer:

Ask someone

It wouldn’t hurt you to open your mouth to ask someone for advice or recommendation.

- Ask your friends, even strangers you meet in the park for the contacts of their trainer if you notice that he owns a particular well-train dog. Even if they don’t engage a trainer, you could still possibly pick up some valuable training tips. You’ve got nothing to lose and I’ll bet the owner would also most probably be flattered.

- Ask your veterinarian for recommendations. He deal with dogs everyday and must have seen the best and worse dog. He should have contacts for some good trainers in your area.

- Ask the local Humane Society, dog breeder or even your pet supplies shop owner. They are also a good source of information and might just be able to direct you to a trainer who is particularly suited to training your dog breed.

- You can also check out The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Trainer Directory: => http://www.apdt.com/trainers-and-owners/trainer-search/trainer-search.php

The directory has a search engine that allows you to search trainer by specific geographical location and also list out if trainers are Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) to help you make your decision.

*CPDT is certified by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers an international testing and certification program for professional pet dog trainers. It is basically to ensure that the trainer has a certain level of knowledge and expertise. To be certified, trainers must have at least 300 hours of dog training experience and have passed an exam that assesses basic knowledge of canine training. For more details, visit http://www.ccpdt.org/

There are several things to look out for before you engage a trainer. You might want to consider these factors first before you engage one from a list of good contacts you got. The Trainer must have the following traits:

- must be humane and gentle with the dogs during training.

- must be an effective communicator and teacher. Both you and your dog must be able to understand his teaching for effective training. In short, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of his mouth?” As dog training involve both you and your dog, you must also be able to understand his teachings so that you can practice them when you get home.

- must be experience and up-to-date with the latest training methods. You might want to request a sit-in session to observe him and see if he can deal with the particularly difficult dogs. Don’t be afraid to ask him questions about his training background, training techniques, methods and etc. An experience trainer should have no problem answering your questions.

Distance - This might not be a big factor but certainly one worth considering. Imagine a 4 hours drive for every training session!

Hope these tips are useful to help you look for a good dog trainer.

Good luck in your quest for a good trainer!

Tips For Choosing The Right Dog For Your Family

2008-12-14T21:54:00.003-08:00

Every family needs a dog, they are the perfect way to round out life at home. Kids love dogs and adults love dogs and lets face it they make for fantastic company. These are even the right animals to get you off your butt and exercising. Having to walk the dog each day is a great way to get yourself back in good health and good shape.

But what dog is the right one for your family? That is a good question, especially if you have other animals and children. Some animals are just not suited to be around kids or other pets. Pitbulls for example should not be owned if you have children. No matter how gentle and kind the dog seems to be, this is an unpredictable breed that you cannot depend on to stay kind and sweet. They can turn at any time and once they do, there is little that you can do. Every week there is another article in the papers about a deadly pitbull attack, you do not want this to happen to your family or neighbors so avoid pitbulls.

Labradors and retrievers make wonderful family pets. They are large and cuddly and sweet and always kind. These dogs are always tons of fun and energy and they are honest and loyal companions. When you have this kind of dog you will always get to feel safe and protected but also have the peace of mind knowing that your children will not get hurt by this animal at any time under any circumstances.

Dog truly are a man’s best friend and once you have your very own you will know why this saying has survived for so many generations. Make your family complete by getting a dog that the whole family will be bale to bond with and enjoy.

Tips For Buying A Dog Collar

2008-12-14T21:54:00.001-08:00

Dog collars are very fashionable and a must for your dog outdoors. A dog collar could help your dog come back home if you have the identification ticket around the neck. It’s also a way for your dog to show to the world that he is stylish.

If you own a dog it is normal that you would have a dog collar but many people have at least half a dozen dog collars at home. It is trendy to have different types of dog collars. Dogs too like a change and love to wear different collars. There are different types and designs of dog collars available in the markets. Most dog owners buy dog collars of different colors and while they take their dog out, they try to match their dress with the dogs collar. Celebrities always try to out beat the normal people and always bring their dogs with some unique and fabulous-looking collars. For ages dog collars have been used by dog owners to make the dog look more fashionable and fabulous.

Given below are a few tips that need to be kept in mind while buying a dog collar:

The first point to keep in mind while buying a dog collar is to make sure that the dog collar is comfortable and fits the dog’s neck. If the dog’s collar does not fit the dog’s neck it would lead to soreness. At the same time if it is loose then the dog could slip out.

The dog collar and leash should not be heavy and irritate the dog’s neck and throat. While buying a dog collar you should read the specifications of the dogs collar such as weight, suitable for which age, etc.

If you are a proud owner of a big and ferocious dog then make sure the dogs collar is a little heavier so that when the dog starts running you can handle it easily with the leash in your hand.

The buckles of the dog collars should be strong and made of leather, which won’t fall apart.

You can buy a dog collar for anywhere from $10 to more than $100, but make sure the dog collar is comfortable for your dog.

Tips For Easy House Breaking Your Puppy

2008-12-14T21:53:00.005-08:00

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through.

The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outside is their favorite thing. They just cannot get enough of all the new smells out there!

The main key to housebreaking is watching. Watch your puppy AND the clock. Once every hour is not too often on a day he is active and the weather is good. The younger the pup, the more often he needs to go out, mostly because he is growing so fast. He must drink more water to fuel his metabolism than he does as an adult. Also, since he eats three or four times a day, you know what that means.

Watch him for subtle changes. If he is happily chewing his toy, and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! He is ready to squat! If he has had a nice nap, get him out of his crate and outside right away. If he has just had a good grooming, it stimulates his circulation and guess what? Time to go out again. And of course after a meal, watch him extra close.

Things to remember:
---Do not punish him for mistakes. They are YOUR fault. Every time you take him out he will go, and praise praise and praise! Happy face, laughter, happy noises! He loves your happy face. When he makes a mistake, your frown and your face turned away from him is all the punishment he needs. He will get the point.

---He is learning English, you must use the same phrases over and over. "Good go potty!" "Hafta go potty?" "Wanna go potty?" He can learn in one afternoon that "go potty" means a jaunt outside and your happy face. Whatever phrase you choose, stick with it.

---I cannot recommend strongly enough getting a crate. They truly help with all phases of his training. They make him more secure, provide him with his very own private space and a place for him to hide his favorite toys and chewies. This is even more important if you have other adult dogs in the house.

---Be consistent, always be kind and gentle, and be patient as he learns your language, and your puppy will always look forward to his training sessions. Dogs love to work!

The Many Uses of Chain Link Dog Run Kennels

2008-12-14T21:53:00.003-08:00

Dog is man's best friend, but sometimes we don't treat dogs like friends. Instead, many dogs are either cooped up in inadequate spaces or they're let to run loose in unsafe environments. Likewise, while some dogs can be left unattended others require a confined environment until their owner returns. There is a very simple and economical solution to this and that is a chain link dog run kennel.

What is a chain link dog kennel? It is a freestanding outdoor enclosure that has a galvanized steel frame and durable chain link wire mesh. It is portable and can be set in less than half an hour with no tools other than a set of pliers. Once assembled, it provides a secure outdoor containment area where dogs can play and enjoy the fresh air.

How big is a portable dog run? That varies. Kennels for small dogs or for use on a pickup truck bed may be four by four feet and four feet high. Kennels used in backyards or other open areas may be as large as ten by six feet and six feet high while still remaining portable. Even a large animal cage only weighs between 100 and 150 pounds and can easily be disassembled and moved elsewhere.

One potential problem with a smaller dog exercise pen is exposure to the sun. If a kennel is set up in the shade that's generally not an issue, but just to be safe it's best to use a cover. Most of the leading kennel products come with some sort of flexible cover. Covers should be UV-treated and offer good sun block protection so that dogs are kept cool and comfortable. Dog kennel covers are usually made of polypropylene, polyethylene or some other durable fabric and held in place with simple cable ties. If wind or other side exposure is an issue, covers can also be used for sidewalls.

Another thing to keep in mind is that portable dog kennels are meant to be a convenience for both dogs and dog owners, but they are not prisons. So always make sure that the kennel is large enough for your dog and the intended purpose. Also, while portable kennels are well made and sturdy, some training may be required to accustom the animal to the kennel and keep it from potentially harmful escape attempts. Likewise, portable kennels are not designed to contain aggressive dogs. If stability is an issue, there are anchor kits that can keep a kennel in place, or it can be installed on a specially constructed base.

The use of these chain link-type enclosures is not limited to dogs. They can also be used for other animals, including birds and poultry, or as an enclosure for whatever it is you want to keep safe from young children or roaming animals. Potential uses are endless, and the modularity and ease of assembly make chain link dog kennels a flexible solution for any number of projects.

So whether you want to keep your dog from digging up your herb garden, provide safe transportation, or simply want to provide your canine companion with a convenient open-air environment while you are away, portable chain link dog run kennels are an inexpensive and practical solution.

The Art Of Dog Training & Obedience School

2008-12-14T21:53:00.001-08:00

One of the best things about dog ownership is that they can be trained to obey commands and are able to make a connection with their owner. Dog training requires a certain amount of patience and determination, but will result in a well-behaved pet that your friends and family will adore.

The art of dog training is quite simple, but getting your dog to understand is another story. If you want to teach your dog to sit, begin by giving him/her the ‘sit’ command and push down gently on their rear while putting another hand on their chest and pushing back gently. This will place them in the sit position. If your dog is resistant at first, keep trying but remain calm and be gentle with your pet. One of the most effective methods of dog training is rewarding your pet after he/she has obeyed your command. Once your dog is in the sitting position, reward him/her with a special treat and praise them for their behavior. This dog training practice can be done several times a day, every day until your dog can sit without having to be guided into position.

It is best to begin dog training as early as possible. If you have a puppy, start early and teach him/her the basic commands. Most importantly, always have a special treat to reward your furry little friend for their behavior.

If you find that you do not have the time or energy for dog training, obedience classes are given in most areas and will involve another individual training your pet in exchange for a fee. The basic commands will generally be taught, along with behavioral techniques. Each instructor has his/her own way of conducting dog training, so be sure to ask about their methods prior to enrolling your pet. Dog training obedience classes usually last for several hours and are often held in the evening. If you are interested in obedience training for your pet, you can learn more information by watching the classified section in your local newspaper for advertisements or by contacting your local veterinarian or animal hospital for recommendations of a good dog training course.

Dog training, if done properly, will make your dog an ideal candidate for vacations and being in situations where a lot of other people are present. Some dogs become very excitable in the presence of other people, but a well-trained dog can be mild mannered in every situation. Even if they are anxious, a pet that has experienced the proper dog training will be a delight to have around and may also prove to be a safe pet to travel with.

Thay Call It "Dog Breath" For A Reason

2008-12-14T21:52:00.003-08:00

Its shame that most dog owners don’t realize that dental hygiene is as important for their dogs as it is for themselves. Teeth that have been neglected are subject to several types of mouth disease just like their human friends.

We know that if we don't brush our teeth, plague will build up and eventually cause tooth decay. The same thing happens to dogs. When plaque builds up and hardens, it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates, it can work its way under the gums and cause painful infections and gum disease. This goes on in the mouths of dogs just as it does in people. You brush your teeth every day, probably three times, but your dog depends upon you for his dental hygiene.

Veterinarians recommend that dog owners brush their dog’s teeth at least twice a week to keep the buildup of tartar at a minimum. So how do you brush his teeth? Remember your dogs taste and smell are far different form our own. If you think the zesty tingle of your favorite toothpaste will do him good, forget about it. One whiff of that stuff will have hiding behind the sofa so fast you will never get him near a toothbrush again. Most pet supply stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs. A small investment in this will make the job much more pleasant for both of you.

Some people don’t have the time or patience to brush their dogs’ teeth on a regular basis. If you’re one of these, you’ll want to find an alternative. A dog’s natural tendency to chew is a built-in dental care mechanism. Dog biscuits break into small chunks when chewed and rub against the teeth, providing a cleaning service. Biscuits are no substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth but they are the next best thing.

Dogs that do not receive proper dental care and do not have access to crunchy teeth cleaning foods run the risk of several types of mouth disease. These can be as mild as gingivitis (a gum disease that results in swollen, inflamed gums) and as serious as a bacterial infection that can spread through the dog’s bloodstream causing damage to vital organs. You owe it to yourself and your dog to take care of his teeth or a trip to the veterinarian may become necessary.

Dental services are available for dogs, just like they are for people. A dog’s teeth can be filled, capped, and extracted if necessary, just like a human’s teeth. These dental procedures can become quite costly. I picked up an old cat at the local shelter that developed dental problems from years of neglect. His teeth became infected and a couple of them had to removed for a bill of just under $600.

The best course of action, however, is to avoid the need for such services by properly caring for your dog’s teeth. If you can avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort for your furry friend, you should do so. Preventative dental care for your dog can save you money and him discomfort. As side benefit, a dog with good teeth will have fresh breath too!

Techniques in House Training your Dog

2008-12-14T21:52:00.001-08:00

When scolding your dog for doing the toilet on the carpet remember that we were once young and did not use the proper toilet either. Your dog needs to be house trained, and this can be done in a few easy steps, but over a long period.

Dog house training may be one of the hardest training techniques as it is the one that requires the most attentiveness and work. You have to be able to read your dog's body signals, as he cannot tell you when he needs the toilet. Many people make the mistake of assuming that their dog will bark when he needs the go, sometimes they are lucky to find a dog that will but believe me there are many out there who don't and accidents are found all over the house!

Dog house training requires a few simple steps, but as I said but they are time consuming ones. Firstly I would recommend putting newspaper in front of the door, that way if you see him doing an accident in the house you can quickly life him there and he will realize that if he needs to go and your not there to let him he has to do it on paper.

The next thing you need to know when dog house training is most dogs when they need the toilet will start to get restless and stat sniffing around, this is when you pick them up and take them outside, when they are really young you should take him outside at least once every hour. When you take them outside you can say things like “do the toilet” or “do your business” or whatever command you want to use for this training session. Once they have done the toilet you must give them lots of affection outside straight away (of course it's best to wait until they are done) They will soon come to realize that outside is the place to do the toilet and will after some time start asking to go out.

There are hundreds of books available on dog house training all of which use different techniques and routines. No dog is going to know straight away that outside is the place to do the toilet, they have to learn and you have to teach them (unless you don't mind accidents all over the place) Oh and don't forget to scoop!!

Teaching the Come Command to Your Dog

2008-12-14T21:51:00.005-08:00

The come command is a very useful and very important skill as it can get your dog quickly out of a difficult or dangerous situation. If your dog will instantly turn away from what it's doing and return to you, then you have a safety mechanism continually at your finger-tips. As with all training, you should begin in a quiet location with few distractions (probably inside your own home), then increase the distractions as the new exercise becomes more familiar to your dog.
You should have lots of treats ready for this training technique – it is essential to reward your dog IMMEDIATELY he exhibits the correct behaviour. He will not remember what he's just done if you leave it too long, by searching in your pocket or a bag, so you should have the treat already in your hand, anticipating his obedience. When he masters the command, you should give him his favourite treat straight away and praise him.

This exercise is best carried out with two people. (If this isn't possible, a long training leash can be used, along with the stay command.) One person should hold the dog's collar, the other should show him and let him sniff his treat. Then close your hand over the treat and back away from your dog while your companion holds his collar. If your dog already knows how to sit and stay (and he should do!) then use this command while you back away from him to about ten feet distance. Now stop and call your dog's name followed by the word “come”. You must be consistent, always use the same word in the same tone of voice. Later, if you want friends or family to use your dog's commands, you must teach them how to say them and use them correctly. Inconsistency will confuse your dog and undermine your training techniques.

Once you have called your dog's name and the word “come”, your companion should release the collar and your dog will almost certainly return to you. Give him his treat and praise him enthusiastically. Repeat the exercise many times, increasing the distance between you and your dog and even going out of his line of sight. He will soon have learned the exercise and associate “come” with a nice treat and praise.

The next part of the training is to take your dog outside to a quiet location. Your companion should hold your dog on it's leash and run over to you with the dog when you give the “come” command. Once it is clear that the dog is responding well to the command and responding to the positive reinforcement of the treat, you can try the command with the dog off the leash in a safe environment.

Remember to always use positive reinforcement for this exercise – don't call your dog to you to tell him off or to do something he dislikes, like putting his leash back on. If you want to get him back on the leash, you can trick him by calling him to you, playing a little game where he stays close to you, then putting his leash on, so he doesn't associate the command with something negative. Some dogs don't see the leash as negative and therefore you can just call him as normal and give him a treat or praise him.

As with all training exercises, the key to success is repetition, patience, consistency and positive association. Your dog will be a happier, healthier, safer dog for accomplishing this simple task in a variety of environments with differing degrees of distraction until it is an automatic response.

Teaching An Old DogTeaching An Old Dog New Tricks — How To Train Your Dog New Tricks — How To Train Your Dog

2008-12-14T21:51:00.003-08:00

Whoever said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, must not have owned a dog. If dogs are anything, they are extremely intelligent and can learn many new things given the chance to show you. When training your dog, keep in mind that yelling, hitting, cursing or punishment is uncalled for, as dogs will retreat backwards the more they are yelled at. Besides, you wouldn’t treat a child like that and dogs are essentially just little children with tails and four legs!

The first thing to learn when training your dog to do anything new is to never change your verbal expression, tone or volume. If you say, “come here, boy” then do not change to “Fido, come here”. By doing this, your dog will become confused and it will cause unneeded frustration for both of you.

A couple of tips to take into consideration when training your dog is to reward him with treats for good behavior, however be sure to also give a lot of praise and patting to ensure he does not rely totally on the treats when being good. You may also think about enrolling your dog in an obedience class. Even if training is going good at home, this will give him extra practice with interaction between other animals and people.

When training your dog don’t cram everything into one day and expect him to remember it. Dogs have short attention spans and will quickly become bored, so try to keep training time down to short sessions throughout the day. Here are a few of the easier and more popular commands to teach Fido.

• Come- Use a toy or treat to encourage him to come towards you. Say “Fido, come.” As he makes his way towards you, praise him. Once he is in front of you, hold onto his collar for 30 seconds and then let go.

• Sit- Press gently down on his backside and say “sit.” You can also hold a treat above his head. When a dog is forced to look upward, he will automatically sit on his hind legs. Just as he bends to a sitting position, say “Fido, sit.” Remember to praise and reward.

• Down- Get your dog into a sitting position. Slowly guide his legs straight down in front of him until he is flat. As you are doing this, repeat “Fido, down.” Keep him in this position for 30 seconds and then praise and treat.

• Stay- Have Fido sit. As you slowly take a couple steps backward, say “Fido, stay.” Hold your hand out as you do this, palm facing him. If he moves from position, tell him “no” and return him to the starting point. If he stays, praise and treat. Don’t forget to find a ‘release command’ like “ok”, or done.” This will tell him it is okay to move.

By using persistence, consistency and patience when training your dog, you will almost effortlessly be able to teach new commands and tricks. The ‘trick’ for you is to always praise and treat. Start with these easy commands and before long you will have him doing somersaults!

Teaching Directional Commands for the Dog Agility Beginner

2008-12-14T21:51:00.001-08:00

Playing, training or working your dog is incredibly rewarding. Dogs are generally friendly, responsive, and quick-to-learn. Agility training is a healthy sport for both canine and owner, as it gets you outside and active building your bond in the fresh air. We see dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds (including mixed breeds) come into their own when presented with a bit of agility training. This really is a great way to keep you and your dog fit, physically and mentally. The experience of being out of doors, working with "Prince," "Rover," or "Rex" is stimulating, and lets you experience the immense capacity that dogs have for fun and challenge.

Agility is a fun team sport that you and your dog can enjoy together. Agility is a combination of Advanced off-leash obedience, Directional commands, and Obstacle familiarization. In order for your dog to have off-leash control to run around a 100’ x 100’ ring, you first want to develop that control on leash. Control behaviors that are beneficial for your dog to have are “Come”, “Sit”, “Down”, and “Stay”. Your dog does not have to be perfect at these commands, but the better he is the more you can accomplish with the actual running and playing of agility. The formal obedience “Heel” on the left side is not necessary for agility because you will be working with your dog on both your left and right sides. You can develop these behaviors from your own training or taking classes. There are a multitude of books on the market on obedience training.

The main Directional Commands we teach are “Come”, “Go” and “Back”. Come means approaching and moving to you. Go means you and the dog are facing and moving in the same direction and the dog moves out ahead of you and keeps going until other wise directed. Back means the dog turns away from you. This can occur when he is facing you and turns away or when he is at either your left or right side, and turns away from you. We teach Directional Commands using a table. For training we use 12” high agility tables for all dog sizes. First the dog must be comfortable jumping up on the table. Once he is comfortable on the table, use his Sit-stay or Down-stays on the table. Develop your distance away from him slowly. Release your dog to you with Come.

Place your dog in a Sit-Stay about 3’ from the table, facing it. Leave your dog in a sit, walk to the other side of the table, call your dog, “Come Table”. When he gets on the table step toward him and praise him. This will help prevent him from jumping off the table to come to you. Build your dog’s distance from the table, move him away from the table in increments, 4’, 6’, 8’, and so on. As your dog is comfortable coming to you and sitting on the table, the next step is for you to build your distance from the table as you call him to the table. Build your distance also in increments. Have your dog sitting 10’ from the table, you walk to the other side of the table about 6’ away from the table, call your dog, “Come Table”. Build your distance slowly so that your dog can succeed at staying on the table.

Starting from about 3’ from the table, with your dog on leash, you are both facing the table, send your dog to the table by saying, “Go Table”. You may need to extend your arm, point or step to toward the table. Practice this until your dog is able to go to the table without you having to place him on the table. Practice with the dog on both your left and right side. When the dog is on your left side use your left arm to point to the table, and when the dog is on your right side point with your right arm. Develop your distance so that you can send your dog easily from 30’.

Now, its time to teach the next Directional Command, “Back”. Have your dog on leash again, and start from 3’ away from the table, but this time your dog is sitting on the ground facing you with the table behind him. From your dog sitting tell him, “Back Table”. Extend your arm pointing to the table and guide him with the leash if necessary until he understands the new word. Practice sending your dog to the table several times using your Left arm, “Back Table”, extending your left arm. Then practice with your Right arm pointing to the table, “Back Table”. When your dog is turning to go to the table then start building your distance from the table. These are three very versatile commands that you can use and develop on all obstacles and throughout an agility run.

Puppy Love: Secrets to Professional Dog Training

2008-12-14T21:50:00.001-08:00

You're proud of the new member of your family, that furry four-legged creature that is full of unconditional love and that will be with you for years to come. All too often, though, a new puppy or dog can wreak havoc on your home, yard, and neighborly relationships. For the sake of a happy home life and a contented puppy, dog training is a necessity. The right approach, combined with professional dog obedience training, will ensure that your newest family member will fit right in. Here are four secrets that the pros use for success.

1. Who's the Top Dog?

By nature, dogs travel in packs, with the alpha dog as the leader of the pack. There can only be one alpha dog per pack; otherwise, chaos would ensue and the safety of the pack would be in peril. Your dog needs to understand that you are the alpha dog of the pack. You communicate that to your dog by exerting your leadership, such as taking him for a walk when you come home from work or by successfully completing a dog obedience training course together. You also exert your alpha dog status by controlling your dog's food. When he knows that you feed him twice a day, it reinforces your position as top dog.

2. Consistency is Key

Virtually every dog trainer will tell you that humans are generally at fault when dogs don't successfully learn commands. That's because dogs see the world in black and white, whereas humans see the world in shades of gray. For humans, "Come" and "C'mon" mean the same thing; a dog, on the other hand, may understand "Come" but is clueless as to what his owner wants when he says, "C'mon." Whenever you want to modify your dog's behavior or teach it a command, use a consistent vocabulary and tone.

3. Mutual Respect Leads to Obedience

A happy and healthy human-canine relationship is based on mutual respect. Your dog respects your position as the alpha of the pack and you respect his needs. Contrary to what you may read, respect and obedience do not grow out of a package of doggie treats, nor do they grow out of fear. Excessive rewards and excessive sternness will lead to erratic behavior, while appropriate praise and correction will lead to respect.

4. Timing is Everything

Timing comes into play in various aspects of dog training. The adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," isn't entirely correct, but it is much easier to train a puppy than it is an older dog. Some people make the mistake of engaging their dogs in long, drawn-out training sessions. Like young children, the attention spans of dogs are relatively short, and fun 15-minute lessons are more likely to bring results than hour-long drills. Timing is also key when establishing your alpha role. For example, the alpha dog eats first, so you should feed your dog after you've finished with your meal.

Dog training is a necessity, but it doesn't have to be a chore. Regardless of the location of your dog training - Chicago, San Francisco, or Miami - you should find a dog trainer that both you and your dog enjoy, and work with her or him to make your new family member feel right at home.

Caring for Dogs with Hypoallergenic Conditions

2008-12-14T21:35:00.001-08:00

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to allergies than others. This may be because of small nasal passages, allergic reactions to flea bites, irritable stomachs that make digesting food difficult, or they may be allergic to their own hair and dander. Dogs that have allergies include the following breeds: Bishon frise, terrier, retrievers, beagles, setters, and boxers. All dogs have the potential to be allergic to something, however.

The most common signs of allergies include raw skin where the dog has scratched, patches of hair missing, red skin, hives, coughing, sneezing, excessive chewing and licking of paws, watery eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. While these symptoms may go away after a few days, you should monitor your dog's behavior to see if the symptoms return. If they do, then you should take your dog to see a vet. Sometimes changing the type of dog food or buying a flea collar or spray is enough to help eliminate your dog's allergy problems.

When a dog is suffering from allergies, their mood may change. They may become irritable, lethargic, clingy, or angry. Discipline will not work when the dog is having allergy issues. The best way to combat this problem is to learn how to care for your dog once you have isolated the cause of the allergies. This may mean keeping a journal of your dog's activities and symptoms that you can show the vet, who will be able to recommend treatment.

Some smaller breeds may have breathing issues as they age, there is little that can be done except to keep their sleeping area clean, vacuum often, and consider buying a hepa filter that will trap dust, particles, and other air pollutants that are in the air. While it is important that all dogs get their exercise, when it is cold outside, keep small breeds indoors and play with them. This will keep them from getting head colds, which could make breathing even worse.

If you notice that your dog has fleas or that they have been bitten by fleas, you should bathe your dog using a shampoo that will kill fleas and their eggs. You may need to rid your home of fleas as well so that reinfestation does not occur. Buy carpet spray or if the problem is too big, then you may have to call an exterminator. Once the fleas are gone, you should spray your dog every time the dog goes outside. This will prevent new attacks from occurring. If the dog has open bites or wounds from scratching, you will have to wait for them to heal before using a spray or shampoo on your dog.

Vomiting can occur if your dog is allergic to the food it receives. You should first visit the vet to see if the problem isn't internal. They may recommend a new food for the dog. This should stop the vomiting and diarrhea.

Dogs that are allergic to their own hair and dander have the worst allergies of all because there is little that can be done. You should make sure your dog is groomed regularly, brush your dog everyday to remove excess hair and dander, and bathe your dog once a month. Your vet may prescribe an anti-histamine if the allergies persist.

Your Dogs Water and Beverages - Things Pet Owners Should Consider

2008-12-07T21:59:00.007-08:00

A constant supply of fresh water is essential to your dog's good health and comfort. Water is very important, representing and estimated 70 percent of the dog's weight. Like man, a dog can go without food for a surprisingly long time, but if he is deprived of water, he can't survive for more than a few days, or even hours, in a hot, dry environment.

A dog's water consumption varies according to the climate to his activity, and to the composition of his meals. Heat and exercise dehydrate him quickly. He gets very thirsty in cars or any confined space. However, excessive thirst for not good reason should be reported to your vet, because it may be an early symptom of diabetes or kidney trouble.

At home he should have a clean, full water bowl next to his food dish, another in his play area, and possibly a third one that is accessible at night. Away from home the problem is more difficult. A thirsty dog is attracted to water in the gutter, in stagnant pools and rain puddles. Clean rain water is fine, but hard to find.

Caustic chemicals used to melt snow on streets and sidewalks, weed-killers and insecticides on lawns and golf courses contaminate most standing water and should be avoided. Try to train your dog to drink only from his own bowl or what you offer him. Try to keep a water-filled plastic container with you or in your car, especially if you plan on a lot of walking or running during hot weather.

Milk is the only liquid, aside from water, that appeals to dogs and still agrees with them, (although it may cause loose stools). They are seldom tempted by other drinks and particularly dislike carbonated drinks. Milk is always another good source of protein but should not be used as a substitute for meat. Most any flavored drink should be avoided, as it only tends to irritate the kidneys, causing frequent urination and dehydration.

Train Your Dog - The Groundwork

2008-12-07T21:59:00.005-08:00

You should start training dogs as young as you possibly can. Puppies learn quicker and far from being cruel it helps them to adapt and be happier animals. It is absolutely essential that you get dogs into a routine before you can start any formal training and this should include set meal times and walk times. If you let your dogs out in the yard then you should try to do so at a time when they need to go out.

Some people express concern that training a young puppy is cruel. However, as its parent you are responsible for ensuring your dog learns right from wrong and performs the right actions at the right time. Without a structured life and input from you, your puppy is likely to become down and depressed. Start young and start relatively lightly, there is certainly no need to start agility training immediately but you should learn a few basic commands. Training your dog can also ensure it’s future safety. For example an obedient dog is less likely to run away from home or run out into the street. Obedient dogs are usually exceptionally responsive to their masters call and therefore it is possible to keep them out of harms way.

You should always be prepared to praise your dogs when they do something you like. Initially you may want to include an edible treat as well, but in time you can and should revert to solely using verbal praise. By instilling these positive feelings your dog will be only too pleased to listen to your commands and aim to please you. This makes training very easy.

Puppy training classes are excellent for giving you the groundwork to continue at home, and they also provide you with the perfect opportunity to socialize your dog in an understanding environment. Your puppy will get to meet other dogs and other people and you will be able to learn how he or she copes with the situation. Don’t believe that going to puppy classes once a week should be considered a fill training program for your dog though. You must continue with the training when you get home. Try to set aside some time every single day to carry on the training.

Tips On Choosing The Best Dog Tracking System

2008-12-07T21:59:00.003-08:00

Dogs are man’s best friend, and this is not an understatement. This is because man and dogs find things that they can both enjoy such as playing, wrestling, running, and even hunting.

There are people who bring their dogs along whenever they are out for a hunting activity. They do this because they find their dog’s company during hunting a worthwhile inclusion.

Moreover, there are dogs that are also adept in hunting activities especially those that were trained for specific types of hunting activities.

It is for this reason that certain devices were created in order to help hunters monitor the activities of their dogs. An example of these devices is the dog tracking system.

Basically, a dog tracking system is a device that is used by hunters to track the activities of their dogs while they are out hunting. These tracking systems are typically used to monitor dogs on their location, their current activity, or to check whenever dogs have already gotten its prey.

So, for people who are not aware of how dog tracking system works or why they are so important for some people, here’s a list of some facts regarding this marvelous device.

1. Dog tracking systems are used mainly by hunters like coon hunters, upland bird hunters, hounds men, etc. They use this system in order to monitor their dogs that are out on the field.

2. This particular tracking system is also used whenever the hunters can no longer see their dogs because of distance or terrain.

3. Dog tracking collars are great alternatives when hunters can no longer use their dog bells or their beeper collars.

4. With dog tracking collars, they can easily spot their dogs and call their attention. Best of all, dog tracking collars are also applicable in tracking numerous dogs in a certain hunting activity.

5. There are some dog tracking systems that allow the handler to verify or find out what the dog is doing. All they have to do is to use some performance systems that are included in the collar.

In this way, the handler can tell if the dog is currently walking, if it has stopped, if it is barking at something, or if it has already caught its prey.

Moreover, dog tracking systems are not only for hunting purposes. There are people who can make use of this device whenever their dogs are lost.

With dog tracking system, hunting can be fun for both dogs and their handlers.

Tips For Buying Dog Food

2008-12-07T21:59:00.001-08:00

It is not enough for dogs to have a full stomach after every meal. Besides a non-sedentary lifestyle, pets need proper nutrition in order to be healthy, happy and their coats soft and glossy. The cost of dog food and its brand is only important if dogs can read or pay for his meal. The easiest and best way to find out which food is best for man's best friend is to observe how their response is to the chow they take in.

The following are tips that one should remember in feeding dog any kibbles, nibbles or whatever kinds of treat.

• Chocolate is lethal to dogs.

Specifically the dark chocolate kind. The major components methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine in a regular chocolate is digested & excreted by humans in as little as 3 hours but the same compounds when ingested by dogs stays inside them for 18 hours. This has been proven to be fatal. Symptoms of chocolate dog poisoning include vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, diarrhea, followed by seizure, coma, and death.

• Read the label.

Dogs should have a diet rich in meat. When purchasing canned foods, look for chicken, turkey meat, pork meals or other animal by products as these keep the dog's coat smooth and healthy. Dogs prefer foods which contain high vegetable protein levels because these are easily digestible and are a great source of energy.

• Don’t give a dog a bone!

Contrary to the popular nursery song, feeding bones to dogs is not a good idea. Small soft bones gnawed and eaten by dogs feel like splinters inside their throat causing them to choke. Remember, dogs have short digestive tracts. They also have no saliva amylase, an enzyme that is used to pre-digest starch.

• Dog food supplements are unnecessary…

...only if one is sure that their dog receives a regular intake of complete and balanced food nutrients. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, corn, oatmeal, wheat. However, a highly specialized nutrition is only necessary if dogs do not get enough physical activity or are currently undergoing a stressful routine change.

• Raw fish and eggs are a no-no.

Consistent consumption of raw eggs make a dog’s skin breakout. In canine terms - since eggs diminish the biotin available in their body – dermatitis and hair loss are its usual effects. Raw fish meanwhile results in thiamine-deficiency in a dog. Its effects usually are loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness and in some cases death.

things that new and old dog owners should know

2008-12-07T21:58:00.008-08:00

Well has you are looking at this article I take it that you are thinking of buying a puppy/dog. We do know that there can be a lot of work and will take up a lot of your time. And at first training your dog can be hard work. I would like to ask you do you know how to train a dog, have you ever had a dog. Maybe this will be the best article that you are going to read about puppy’s/dogs in the terms of information.
But just one more topic before I give you that information, that topic is are you ready for a dog do you want a dog for the right reasons. You ready to clean up dog poo every day until dog is house trained. Well if your answer is yes to all the above then, I will tell you about a website that will help you on your way from picking your new puppy’s name to dog training what treat are good for your and what treats are not. Also where to buy your new dog from, also there is a large selection of dog pictures and hints and tips on what the best way to go about things.
It is pack full of information for dog owners if there is anything that you need to know you will find it there. You can also visit a forum where you can ask other dog owners question about dogs. You can get a great dog training guide with is like a gold mine jammed full of useful topics here are just a few topics covered
• Decided on a breed that is suitable for your lifestyle or personality.
• Decided what breed is best for your living environment.
• Make sure you can afford it!
• Pick a place for you to pick a pup.
• Prepare yourself for training a dog.
• Train your dog.
• Understanding dog behavior
• Housebreak your dog.
• Grooming your dog.
• Teach your dog some basic commands.
• Teach your dog some fancy tricks.
• Other tips in caring and training your dog.
• Emergency remedy for swallowed objects.
• Plus lots more useful information

If you are a first time puppy/dog buyer then you will find this site very useful, even if you already own a puppy/dog then you will also find something that will be of use to you. The site is http://www.dogbuyersguide.com and the best part of this article is that for this information it cost not a dime. Some think that we must all remember is that a dog is for life and not just a present. Many people make this mistake and that why we see so many puppy’s/dog in places like the R.S.P.C.A. If this article has just changed the mind of one person who was thinking of buying a dog but for the wrong reasons then I am happy. And who said that good advise was not free. Just before I end this article we do need to keep in mind when choosing a puppy/dog is this type of breed of dog best for us as you may well know that different kinds of breeds of dogs have different needs, let me put it like this some bigger breeds of dog need more excersie then smaller breeds also is you home the right size to take on a large dog. Many of us over look these point that are very important, are you in rented accomandation does the landlord allow dogs. Then there is that vet bills the list goes on and on, in a dog life time the amount of money that you spend is unreal. I am not trying to put you off the idea that you have in getting your new best friend, just giving you the facts. If you do want to find out much more before you take the step, go to the website and find out as much information as you can take your time think about it. Don’t join the many other who buy puppy’s/dog for all the wrong reason, like then who think that they are money making machines just keep them breeding to sell there puppy’s or them who cross breed them and turn them in to fighting dogs. It is people like that who give mans best friend a bad name. I wish you the best start with you and your puppy/dog

The Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier

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The Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotland's terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.

Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves. During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy.

This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of "Toto" in "The Wizard of Oz" as Dorothy's companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the variety's talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Cairns:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat Colors: any color except white

Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches

Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds

Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Atopy, a type of allergy
• Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes
• Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum
• Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye
• Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap Care and Exercise:

• Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.
• Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.
• Do not over feed them as they gain weight easily.
• Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.
• They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.

Origin/History:

As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers.

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns.

In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in cairns. However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club.

The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.

The lowdown on dog clicker training

2008-12-07T21:58:00.005-08:00

Dog training is a necessity when you make the decision to keep a dog as a pet.Dogs, particularly larger ones, must be obedient, or keeping them becomes extremely hard work.

In addition to their appreciation for being fed, as pack animals dogs have natural instincts that favour training. These instincts are manifested as a desire to please a trainer. This gives the dog trainer an unbeatable edge in shaping the dog's behaviour.

While dogs can be trained for complicated, serious actions, such as rescue work, circus acts, or medical diagnosis, there are certain elements of training that almost all dogs can learn, to the benefit of both dog and trainer.

Basically, dog training is about communication. The trainer is communicating to the dog what behaviours are correct in what circumstances. A successful trainer must also understand the communication that the dog sends to the them. The dog can signal that he is unsure, confused, nervous, happy, excited, etc. The emotional state of the dog is an important consideration in directing the training.

Dog training clickers are great training tools. They are effective training tools for puppies or dogs because dog clickers make a very distinct sound, letting you control your timing, and eliminate the inflection in your voice that can hinder dog training.

Dogs are very sensitive to inflections in your voice, and training your dog with a clicker eliminates the inflections and you can train more effectively, even if you are in a crabby mood or are getting short-tempered during the training session.

Now that you've got a dog clicker it is time to train your dog to get used to the tool. First thing, get a pocket full of small, edible treats ready and, for easy access, get a nice clicker treat bag. Then you can lure the dog with the treat or go to the dog with the clicker and some treats.

Click the clicker, and give the dog a nice treat. At this point, it doesn’t matter what he’s doing at the moment, since you basically are training your dog to learn that when there's a click there's a treat. You can continue the process of making clicks and rewarding with treats until you've trained your dog to react quickly with the turn of his head and he gives you all his attention when he hears the sound of the clicker. This process probably won't really take much time, but you've got to make him react with your clicker before you move on to the next clicker training step.

Whatever stage of training you have reached,or whatever method of training you may have chosen, always remember these golden rules;

1. Be Positive -- It is necessary to use positive reinforcement when you train your dog or puppy by offering some dog treats and a lot of praise if he does something correctly. During the initial training sessions you can offer both praise and treats.

2. Firm and Friendly -- When you give commands such as stay and come, you want to use a happy, friendly voice. On the other hand, you will want a lower, firmer voice for sit, down, and stay.

3. Start Young…but not too early - The ideal time to start training begins at six to eight weeks, maybe even earlier depending on the puppy. But remember, you can teach old dogs new tricks.

4. Be Patient - Patience is vital when you work with your dog or puppy. If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope before you’ve even started, don’t attempt to train your dog. Your dog is incredibly smart and will pick up on your emotions.

5. Keep it Short - Fifteen minutes or so is about the right time for learning simple commands, so consentrate on a single command a session and end it on a positive note. If your dog or pup has successfully done the command several times in a row remember to smother him with praise. After the dog training session, spend some time playing. He will associate time with you as positive and look forward to his training.

6. No Distractions - Try to pick a quiet place free of distractions when training your dog. A secluded garden or a quiet inside room works best. If there are other pets in the family, put them separate so they won’t interfere with training.

7. Remember,both you and the dog should enjoy. - Dog training, of course, should be a pleasant time for you and your dog. The time can be used to bond closely with your dog and learn each other’s personalities. When you do this, you will not only have a well-trained dog or puppy, but a longtime, loyal companion and friend.

The Commands That Every Dog Owner Should Know That Will Lead To An Obedient Dog

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The Commands That Every Dog Owner Should Know And How This Will Lead To A Happy, Clean And Obedient Dog That Will Not Cause Problems

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems – dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.

And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.

When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:

• Heel – it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind

• Respond to the word No – the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.

• Sit – Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.

• Stay – A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.

• Down – Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.

• Off – Forms the basis for later training, especially when training the dog not to chase people, cars, bikes, cats, etc.

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.

A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.

In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dog’s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.

Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.

Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.

Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you – the pack leader – and your dog.

Spite Isn’t A Dog Thing – Separation Anxiety Is

2008-12-07T21:58:00.001-08:00

Dog owners, when they get together, will tell stories of their amazing, brilliant, astonishing and misbehaving dogs. How many times have you heard about the pet who, displeased by its owners’ absence, left a “present” of the most unpleasant kind?

The truth is – he didn’t do it out of spite. Dogs aren’t people. People are the only animals that have an idea of “spite,” “revenge,” or “getting even.” That’s not to say that dogs don’t have emotions – any dog owner knows better. But most will agree that dogs aren’t planners – they live completely in the moment - a skill humans can only attempt.

The only time to correct a dog for improper behavior is when you catch the dog in the act. Revisiting the scene of the crime doesn’t help. The dog doesn’t remember committing the crime. Yelling at the dog when you find the mess teaches the dog that finding a mess is bad. Therefore, in dog logic, it will learn to hide the mess, not refrain from creating it.

If you’ve been tempted to accuse your dog of “spiteful” behavior because it does leave messes when you’re gone, it’s time to rethink what’s going on. Your dog isn’t telling you that it’s angry you left – it’s telling you it’s anxious and unsure when you’re not there.

It’s been said many times that dogs are pack animals. If you are the leader of the pack – as you should be – then your dog is, for its entire life, a juvenile member of the group. Your dog may be a victim of separation anxiety; it doesn’t know what to do when its leader isn’t there to tell him.

Now that we understand, somewhat, how a dog thinks, we can use that to create the behavior we want. Crate training your dog is a good way to alleviate many sources of anxiety – both yours and your dog’s. A crate, or cage, is civilization’s answer to a cave or den. Your dog can feel safe and secure in its den. A crate should be big enough to allow the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down. That’s it.

Don’t project your claustrophobia onto your dog. It likes feeling safe, secure and enclosed. It likes not being responsible for checking out every noise. It’s happy when it has no decisions to make. Never let a dog make a decision – it will choose wrong.

There are people who resist the idea of a crate. They think they are being kind to the dog. And there are some dogs who do not need their crates past puppyhood. But if your dog is prone to separation anxiety, you’ll both be better off with a crate. If you’ve never used a crate, or put it away as your dog matured, introduce it gradually. Leave it out, door open. Feed the dog in the crate. Throw toys into the crate for it to fetch. Never, ever use the crate as punishment, nor as a substitute for a trip outside to eliminate. Dogs shouldn’t be left alone more than six to eight hours. If your schedule requires an animal to be left alone 10 or 12 hours a day – get a dogwalker, or settle for a cat.

When you begin crate training, only leave the dog in the crate for a few minutes. Have a special treat or toy that the dog gets only in his crate. Many people use a hollow rubber toy with a bit of peanut butter or soft cheese spread inside. Happily tell your dog it’s time to “kennel,” (the word you choose doesn’t matter, just be consistent) and put the toy in the crate.

If the dog doesn’t come – go get it. Never tell your dog to “come” to you for something it doesn’t enjoy. Place it in the crate, close the latch and walk away. Just a few minutes the first time. If the dog whines or cries, ignore it. When it’s quiet, let the dog out and tell her she’s wonderful.

Build up the time your dog is left in the crate gradually. Conventional wisdom says that the first 15 minutes are the best indicator. If the dog settles within that time he’ll be fine. And you’ll both be happy – Fido has no decisions to make, and you’ll have no messes to clean.

Small Hypoallergenic Dogs

2008-12-07T21:57:00.001-08:00

Taking care of any dog can be rewarding and fun. But there is a great deal of responsibility as well. Small dogs can require more attention from their owners, they cannot be left alone for more than a day, and they may have health problems as they age. Smaller dogs also do not require as much exercise as other breeds. Small dog breeds such as the poodle, maltese, shiz tu, and bichon frise are considered hypoallergenic because they do not shed as much as other breeds and they produce less dander.

Small dog breeds want to spend a lot of time with their owners. This may mean being in the same room, sitting on your lap, or being next to your bed at night. Depending on your dog's personality, you may need to adjust your schedule in order to spend more time at home with your dog. As your dog ages, it may need less attention, but as a rule, small dogs will demand a lot more of your time than larger breeds.

You will have to keep your dog occupied with toys and games so that it does not get bored. Some small dogs enjoy completing tasks and are considered 'working dogs.' If you notice that your dog seems lethargic or does not want to play with their toys anymore, you may need to buy them some new ones. Playing fetch everyday mimics a task which will keep your dog happy.

When you need to travel, you should board your dog so that it will not feel lonely. Dogs that are left alone for a few days will usually not eat their food in order to conserve it. They may become angry or nervous and destroy your home or they may make themselves sick with worry. If you do not want to board your dog, you should have someone pet sit or at least check in on the dog everyday.

As small dogs age, they may be susceptible to many health problems. Because of their small frame, they may suffer broken or fractured bones, arthritis, and other motor skill problems. Loss of eye sight, sense of smell, and hair loss are also common. While these breeds tend to live fifteen to eighteen years on average, they may have health problems for a few years.

If you are looking for a dog to run with on the beach or take for long walks, then you may need to look elsewhere for a dog. Small breeds, even though they love to run, play, and jump, do not need as much exercise. Walking the dog around the block is enough as the dogs will become tired and agitated. Some small breeders such as the terrier can walk and run for a little while longer, but they still do not have to energy that larger breeds have.

When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should consider your lifestyle and what you want from a pet. If you want to walk your dog short distances each day and play fetch, then a small breed may be for you.

Puppy Training: What Type Of Collar Should Your Puppy Have?

2008-12-07T21:56:00.006-08:00

Whether the concern is to train your dog or impart an identity to it, dog collars and leashes play a crucial role. Dog collars come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, and are much of a fashion statement nowadays. A dog collar could be a lifesaver for your puppy if, God forbid, it disappears from your residence.

With such a wide variety of dog collars available, choosing the right one for your puppy can be quite intimidating. The collar should be selected based on your preferences and your puppy’s habits. For a fairly obedient puppy, a soft fabric collar is quite appropriate. However, an obstinate puppy has to be controlled by a quick yank of a pronged collar. A dog trainer may assist you in making the correct choice of a dog collar for your faithful canine companion.

The buckle variety is the most common type of dog collar. A wide variety of fabric may be used to manufacture a buckle collar, bearing different colors and designs. Your puppy’s name may be embroidered onto the collar for identification purposes. Buckle collar consists of a series of spaced holes, and the buckle is fastened to attain the required size.

Buckle collar is the most basic type, which can be enhanced to ensure added safety for the puppy. For instance, breakaway collars are designed to pull apart under extreme stress. Some collar types are equipped with release tabs that ensure a hasty removal of the collar, relative to the conventional buckle type. Such variations may help prevent your puppy from choking in unforeseen circumstances.

Another collar type is a prong collar, which is quite beneficial if your puppy is rather rigid and typically pulls hard while on lead. A prong collar has perpendicular metal prongs that are evenly spaced around the inside of the collar. Upon pulling the attached leash, the prongs prod your puppy's neck, thereby inhibiting its unruly behavior. The phrase "prong collar" does sound as something harmful for your canine. However, when used appropriately, prong collars never cause any injury to the puppy, and are much safer than even other types of dog collars.

Puppy Owners Turn to Interactive Training Videos

2008-12-07T21:56:00.005-08:00

Five million puppies are born each year in need of love, patience and round-the-clock training. And their owners know all too well that training issues can arise at any time. Now puppy owners will find expert training guidance they need right at their fingertips.

Those with access to podcasting devices can download a series of free puppy care and training videos for immediate help. The videos are approximately two minutes in length and cover such topics as crate training, house training, biting and chewing, barking and simple commands such as "sit," "off," "stay" and "heel."

Puppy owners can download select videos on iTunes; this interactive Web-based guide provides a comprehensive selection of articles and videos on puppy training, nutrition and health.

Owners who have access to this virtual training library can reap the benefits of a well-behaved, well-socialized dog. The videos offer many other advantages:

* Take me with you: According to the Association of Pet Products Manufacturers, 40 million pets will travel with their owners in 2006. This has its unique challenges, especially when the pet in question is a puppy being trained. But there's no need to stay tethered to home base when training guidance is at your fingertips.

* Owner see, puppy do: Reading about training techniques and seeing them in action are two different experiences. With video training, owners view step-by-step training instructions, which make the methods as clear and useful as possible.

* Whenever, wherever: A busy life is a fact of life for most Americans, which can make it a challenge for puppy owners to follow a consistent, time-consuming training routine and stay educated about their puppies' needs. Having access to a virtual puppy care library gives owners an opportunity to review proper training techniques and other pertinent information about their puppies when it's convenient for them.

Poodles – One Adorable Dog In Many Convenient Sizes

2008-12-07T21:56:00.003-08:00

People love their poodles! A very popular but often misunderstood breed of dog, the poodle has been with us for centuries. Artifacts from ancient Egypt and Rome have been found bearing the images of poodles engaged in such activities as herding animals, retrieving game animals (small game animals, of course – especially birds), and assisting the dragging of game nets. In fact, the intentional breeding of various sized poodles (the American Kennel Club or AKC recognizes three sizes of poodles – Standard, Miniature, and Toy – which are all considered to be the same breed) likely dates back hundreds of years as opposed to other types of dogs which were bred this way only recently. Suffice to say that there have been oodles of poodles roaming the Earth for a very long time.

Defining the Poodles’ Sizes

The three sizes of poodle have distinct definitions according to the AKC. For purposes of competition in dog shows, the different sizes are determined by the poodle’s height at the shoulder. Standard poodles are defined by being taller than fifteen inches at the shoulder. Miniature poodles must stand no more than fifteen inches but more than ten inches at the shoulder, and Toy poodles must be ten inches or less. Recently breeders have been offering Teacup poodles as well. While the AKC does not recognize the Teacup distinction, most breeders consider a poodle that stands eight inches or less at the shoulder when full grown to be a Teacup poodle. Teacup poodles are proving to be very popular and fetch some of the higher prices for poodle pups.

Poodle Popularity

The popularity of poodles is particularly due to a plethora of pleasant attributes in poodle personalities. Poodles are proud dogs and usually very active. It is said that the poodle carries an air of regal dignity unseen in other breeds of dog. Some poodles, however, can be exceptionally shy while others may be very cross creatures. These are the exception rather than the rule. Generally speaking, pet poodles please people.

Primping the Poodle

Poodle grooming is nearly an art form and there are four generally accepted styles used for show poodles. These are called “show quality clips” and generally include shaping the poodle’s coat to exact specifications in some areas while completely shaving other areas. These four show quality poodle cuts are the Puppy Show Clip, English Saddle Clip, Continental Clip, and Sporting Clip. In addition to these there are five common “pet quality” poodle clips that are employed with non-show dogs. They are known as the Kennel Clip, Dutch Clip (there are two styles of Dutch clip), Bikini Clip, and Puppy Pet Clip.

For those thinking about becoming poodle owners, the AKC has plenty of information on what to look for in a purebred poodle. The can help potential poodle procurers avoid unnecessary poodle pitfalls and start on the road to a long and happy relationship of poodle puppy love.

Paper Training A Puppy Without Ruining Your Floor, Staining Your Carpet, And Pulling Out Your Hair!

2008-12-07T21:56:00.001-08:00

You've just adopted the cutest, tiniest teacup Chihuahua puppy! You've brought him home and got him accustomed to his surroundings.

And now it's "housetraining a new puppy" time!

Uh, oh! But, there's one small problem. You've got to keep your puppy inside or that big ol' dog next door will eat him for breakfast! Or perhaps you live in an area, such as a city, house, or apartment where there is no access to a yard or fenced-in area?

Obviously, your cute teacup puppy can't use the litter box with the cat!

Now you're sweating at the thought of urine stains on your beautiful Persian carpet or a pile of poop on your expensive exotic hardwood flooring! You can relax, because there is a solution!

Housetraining a new puppy can easily be done inside by paper training!

Here are some basic guidelines for paper training a puppy:

1. Place several layers of newspaper in a spot that is away from the puppy's feeding and watering dishes.
After your puppy eats and drinks, take him to the papers. Also take your puppy to the papers, to urinate and defecate, the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. He must also be taken to the papers after he chews, plays hard, and comes out of his crate.

2. Change the papers after each time that the puppy uses them.
Under the fresh papers, put a lightly soiled one. Your puppy will be encouraged to go to the bathroom by the scent left on the soiled paper.

3. Clean underneath the papers with an odor neutralizer.
If you fail to do so, your puppy will smell his scent on the floor and start sniffing around the edge of the paper. That's a no, no! You want to keep your puppy ON the paper and using an odor neutralizer will keep him focused on using the bathroom on the paper!

4. Clap your hands to startle your puppy if he makes a mistake.
Please! Just startle him. Don't scare the poor thing half to death! This will distract your puppy and stop him from urinating. Pick him up and take him to the paper where you want him to go. Lavishly praise your puppy when he finishes going to the bathroom!

5. Don't go BALISTIC if your puppy urinates or defecates off of the papers.
Don't punish him by spanking, yelling, or rubbing his nose in the mess! Remember, your puppy is just a baby. He made a mistake; he did not commit the crime of the century!

6. Do not use a product containing ammonia to clean up after your puppy.
Urine contains ammonia and that lovely familiar scent will invite your puppy to urinate again on that very same spot! If you are concerned about permanent odor or staining, putting plastic or waxed paper underneath the papers will help preserve your carpet or flooring.

7. You must be consistent.
Put your puppy on a schedule. If you alter the schedule or let your puppy do something differently one day and not the next, he will get confused!

8. Keep a close eye on your puppy.
Never, ever leave an untrained puppy alone in your house! Doing so is just asking for trouble!

9. Carry your puppy to different parts of your apartment or house and say "papers!"
Then, carry him back to the papers. This will train your puppy to go to the papers when he has the desire to go to the bathroom!

Paper training a puppy requires a great deal of consistency, a little common sense, and meticulous attention to clean up. With a little effort and patience, your puppy will eventually understand what you want him to do. In time, going to the bathroom on the papers will become second nature to him.

And you will have survived paper training a puppy!

obedience training for dogs and puppies

2008-12-07T21:55:00.005-08:00

Obedience training is one of the best things you can do for your dog and yourself. In fact, a well trained dog is by far a happier dog! Why? Because a trained dog requires much fewer restrictions, so the more reliable the dog, the more freedom he/she is given.

Dogs are social animals and without proper training, they will behave just like animals.(A dog is a pack animal. It prefers to be with companions) They can soil your house, chew your belongings, bark at everything that moves, dig up your back garden, attack other dogs and even attack you or your children! Training serves to strengthen the bond between a dog and his owner. It builds communication and mutual respect, and effectively demonstrates to your dog that you're the leader of the pack without resorting to smacking or hitting. Dogs have their own personalities and mindset. They can be stubborn, dominant, submissive, or fearful, characteristics that can make them difficult to own and train.

Obedience training is also an easy way to establish the social hierarchy. Training can be accomplished at home, in an obedience class, or with a private trainer. When your dog obeys a simple command he/she is showing compliance and respect for you. A well-behaved, obedient trained dog is a pleasure to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others or themselves ( an untrained dog loose near traffic is an accident waiting to happen). At the end of the day dog obedience training really benefits everybody. Remember dog ownership is a big responsibility and there is nothing fast and simple about it, consistency is important in dog training, in fact patience, persistence and consistency are the most important concepts in any kind of teaching. Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your dog.

When searching for a trainer or instructor to help with training your dog there are different types of training available, remember an obedience instructor works with people not dogs, then the people work with their pets. Whereas a dog trainer teaches your dog to obey, then teaches you how to get the dog to listen to you.
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My Dog is Lost! What Should I Do Now

2008-12-07T21:55:00.003-08:00

Your dog is lost. You are worried and clueless on how to get started to bring your lost dog home. Follow these tips here and I’m sure it will increase your chances of finding your lost dog.

1. Make sure that your dog is actually lost – Search your house and back yard completely first. Your dog might just be too distracted by his new found toy in the yard.

2. Search around your neighborhood. Most dogs don’t usually wander off far from their house.

3. Use your voice – Call out his name when finding your lost dog. It is a more useful searching tool than your eyes. Dogs can hear a lot better than we do and the distance from which dogs can hear things is four times further than man.

4. Ask around during the search – Talk to people especially people walking their dog, because they are the group to be most concern and take notice with a wandering dog.

5. Alert your neighbors and people in your neighborhood that your dog is missing. You can put up poster at eye level and in areas where people frequent. You can also E-mail your friends to keep a “lookout” for your dog.

6. Put up or distribute useful information. A poster with a large “Lost Dog” and “Reward” heading might be most eyes catching. Also remember to include your dog’s name, breed, color, distinct features (if any) and ways to contact you like your phone number.

7. Call local shelters and pet related places within a 100 miles radius of your house. Leave your contactable number with them so that they can reach you if your dog turns up. Visit these places if possible to pass them a poster of your lost dog so that it can reach out to more people.

8. Post lost dog ads on the internet - With the ever increase use of the net. A lot of people have found their pets through this avenue. You can start off with FidoFinder.com and TerrificPets.com. Find more lost pet ads posting site on the search engine - Key in ‘find lost dog’ or ‘lost dog ads’.

9. Beware of money scams. There are people who are out to cheat you out of your money. Knowing that you are worried, it’s easy for these people to take advantage of you in many different ways. Think logically and ask for advice if necessary before you give someone money to return your dog.

10. Don’t give up easily. Dogs have been known to find their way back home after being lost for several months. Your dog might be just one of them!

Before you lost your beloved dog, it’s good to take measures to ensure that YOU can be located if your lost dog is found - An ID dog tag would usually be the most efficient and important form of ID for your dog.

Looking for a Dog Trainer in New York?

2008-12-07T21:55:00.001-08:00

If you are searching for a reputable dog trainer in New York, the first place to look would be your kennel or veterinarian’s office. Because both of these places come in contact with dog owners on a daily basis, they are bound to know of someone who has used a reputable trainer for their dog in New York. Asking around at the kennel your dog visits regularly, might end up with you finding the perfect trainer. Veterinarians’ are also a great resource when looking for a dog trainer because they are mostly one on one with many dogs and their owners, and have a chance to see which dogs are trained well and which ones are not.

Another excellent resource for finding a dog trainer in New York would be word of mouth. Asking everyone, who you come in contact with on a daily basis, might lead you to a reputable trainer for your pooch. The reason word of mouth is such a great way to find information is because you have a chance to talk with someone who has personally experienced their dog going into training with a particular dog trainer. This gives that person who has had that experience, a chance to tell you what they like and did not like about any given trainer that they may have used. As well as them telling you why they picked the particular trainer they did over another. This may also give you some insight on which trainer you want for your dog, and for what reasons.

Finding a dog trainer in New York can also be as simple as picking up your local newspaper and looking through the classified section. Many times in local newspapers there will be a section I the classifieds specifically for services to be advertised. Checking this part of your newspaper out may land you a reputable trainer looking to take on more clients.

Whichever way you choose to find a dog trainer in New York, be sure they have been in business for a while and have a good reputation. Knowing that your beloved dog is in the hands of a reputable dog trainer will ease your mind and make your dog more comfortable during training.

Is the Schoodle a True Hypoallergenic Dog?

2008-12-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

The Schoodle, which is considered by some to be hypoallergenic, is the result of breeding Giant Schnauzers and Standard Poodles. Depending on how they are bred, the Schoodle may or may not be hypoallergenic. This is because if two dogs that are different breeds are not of similar age or height, their offspring may not be hypoallergenic. This is because the dog may take longer to mature; their hair may be a mix of different textures and lengths, or because their skin may shed more often than other breeds.

Even though the Schoodle is not considered a hypoallergenic dog by all, you can judge for yourself by visiting a breeder to see if the dogs cause you to have an allergic reaction. Visiting a breeder is a great way to see which dogs are the right ones for you. While some hypoallergenic dogs will not cause an allergic reaction in some people, it might in others. The best way to tell if you will be able to have a dog in your home is to be around the dog before you take it home.

The Schoodle can vary in size and color. The dogs are considered friendly and intelligent. If you decide to visit a breeder, you should ask about the dogs that are bred together to see if they are using the right mix. While the Schoodle is considered to be a mongrel dog in some circles, in others it is considered a successful hybrid. Depending on which breeders you talk to, they may tell you that the Schoodle is safe from health risks that purebred dogs suffer from because of hybrid vigor. While this condition has not been proven, many breeders claim that hybrid dogs will not suffer from the health ailments that their parents will suffer from.

Since a Schoodle can be an expensive dog to purchase, visiting a breeder is recommended. If you do not like the way the dogs are treated or if you feel the kennels are not safe or clean, then you should not buy a dog. Many dogs produced in 'puppy mills' are sickly are will not survive long. The demand for the Schoodle has risen in the past few years, so more 'puppy mills' have opened. Make sure the breeder you buy the dog from is licensed.

As your Schoodle gets older, it may suffer some health problems. Many hypoallergenic dogs suffer from muscle ailments, allergies, tumors, and other problems. There is no way to know what a dog may develop over time. It is important to treat the dog with respect at all times and also to learn as much as you can about the breed so that you can have the possible relationship possible. The Schoodle enjoys exercise, playing, and socializing. While it may be difficult to train at first, the dog will usually develop a routine. The Schoodle does not like to be left alone for long periods of time, but with a little training, you will be able to leave the dog alone during the day when you are at work.

Agility Dog Training And Pit Bull Terriers

2008-11-28T21:05:00.002-08:00

Spending time training your Pit Bull can be very rewarding and fun for you both. It helps build a stronger bond between dog and owner that is important for the happiness of both parties. There are many different types of training that you can choose to do with your Pit Bull, one such is agility training.

Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is successful, your pet should be able to do it by only listening to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must not make any mistakes and must have the fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog and trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls because it gives them a good outlet for all the extra energy they seem to have.

Most experts recommend not starting agility training until your dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter in a competition before that age. Many owners who train their dogs to participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to have at home, so that they can begin training the dog at an earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so some trainers prefer to build their own equipment. Instructions can be found online and in books that should be available either in your local library or bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury, because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy is still growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have your dog cleared by a veterinarian before beginning any type of agility training.

The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to build a better relationship with each other, allowing them to work better and better together as time goes on. You should also work through any behavior or aggression issues your Pit Bull may have before considering agility training. The results will be less satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.

Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog competing in agility competitions will enroll him in a training class, at least to help teach him the basics, then work with the dog on their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will also help your dog work on his socialization, which will make him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend to want to fight when around other dogs, especially those of the same gender.

The most important thing to remember is no matter what type of training you do with your Pit Bull, you both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help build a better bond, leading to a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the benefits for both you and the dog are many.

Agility Builds Confidence in Your Dog

2008-11-28T21:05:00.001-08:00

Is your dog timid around people or other dogs? Is your dog sensitive to sounds? Agility training can provide the environment and structure to build confidence in your dog. Agility classes are a great place for people to learn about the sport and learn how to train, but the timid dog may take a long time before he is ready to venture from under your chair or off your lap.

A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning take place for your dog.

So, how do you train at home? You will need guidelines and equipment. There is a multitude of websites that can give you information on agility training. There are also books and videos that will give details and visual aids and lesson plans for beginners thru expert levels.

There is a variety of equipment that is useful and helpful to have at home. Equipment recommendations are based on your available space and location of training. Do you have a large yard that will hold 10 obstacles? Do you have a small yard where you will need setup equipment and then tear down before you can setup again? Will you be training in your garage or basement, or as some agility addicts, in your living room.

For the timid dogs make sure your equipment is safe and sturdy. The pause table is a good place to begin your agility training. A 12” high pause table, with adjustable legs for later use, is a good starting place for all size dogs. Remember with your shy dog, setup your table in an area that is very familiar to your dog. If your dog barks at anything new, just leave your pause table in your house or yard for several days, let your dog inspect and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing, but don’t push to fast, remember baby steps with the insecure dog. With treats in a dish or his favorite toy placed on the table encourage your dog to get up on the table. This may take more than one lesson, be patient. If your timid dog looses interest in food or toys when you attempt something new, trying holding him and you sit on the table. If your dog is too big to hold, have him on leash and you sit on the table. If he backs away coax him, only treat or reward him when he comes to you, never when he’s pulling back away from you or the table.

Eventually, you want your dog to be able to jump on the table with your cue word, “Table”, “Box”, “Kennel”, whatever word you use, Stay on the table as you back away and then Come when you call. Build your distance slowly so that your dog is not pushed to soon.

From Pause Table to Contact Trainer is a nice transition for shy dog. A Contact Trainer comes in different designs. We recommend a 3-Piece Contact Trainer that has one mini A-frame side, a Pause Table, and then a mini Dog-walk side. Your dog can Sit on the table and then be coaxed down the A-frame side or the Dog-walk side. Just remember with the shy dog, training is done in increments, slowly and comfortably, with a little push to stretch him, but not enough to overwhelm him to cause a shutdown.

You can follow the above techniques introducing new obstacles as your dog is able to succeed. As your dog succeeds on each new piece of equipment you will see his confidence grow.

A Tale Of Four Dog Foods: Finding The Best Chow For Your Hound

2008-11-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

We all love our dogs and want to give them the best life has to offer. But with so many variations of dog food in the market, it isn't always easy to identify the best food for our dog. Who can possibly feel confident when so many brands trumpet buzzwords that hit the human aisles not long ago, such as "rich in antioxidants," "highly digestible," "Omega-3 fatty acids" and "Ultra Premium Formula"?

What we can do, though, is to conduct a simple dog food comparison to determine which foods best fit our dog's requirements and our personal schedule. After all, some foods offer much greater convenience than the more natural, less processed types of food which may require freezing, thawing, cooking and preparation.

Convenience aside, the best food to give your dog depends not on the brand or the style, but rather on your dog's age and any special requirements he might have. For example, older dogs require food containing a careful balance of protein, fat and fiber. Most commercial dog food companies address this need with offerings such as senior dog food, containing about 18 % protein, and food for dogs diagnosed with renal failure, containing about 14% protein.

Dare to Compare Dry Dog Food

The vast majority of dog owners go for dry dog food. Between the supermarket and specialty pet stores, owners enjoy many brands to choose from. Dry dog food consists of kibble typically made from one primary ingredient such as chicken, beef or lamb. More specifically, the main ingredient is usually a meat byproduct that's been processed, dried and sold in packs or bags for easy dispensing. Needless to say, meat byproducts are far cheaper than meat, so this type of dog food is not only easy to store, it's much less expensive than other types.

Hard kibble comes with some advantages. For example, it gives your dog's mouth some exercise, and kibble's less likely to contribute to plaque than softer foods.

When comparing brands, it helps to remember that there are essentially two types of dry dog food on the market: premium dog food and economy dog food. A smart owner will avoid purchasing the economy food, which is made from lower grade ingredients (for example, economy dog food will often substitute cheap corn for the more expensive meat byproducts). The "end" result, as it were, is that your dog can't absorb many nutrients but simply passes the food through his body. So in addition to enjoying less nutrition, your dog will produce larger stools -- and you might find yourself with more frequent vet bills.

Other Popular Contenders: Canned, Semi-Moist and More

Other categories of dog food include the semi-moist type and canned food. Many owners like to mix in some canned food with dry food, to potentially cover more nutritional bases without taking too big a hit to the pocketbook.

Semi-moist food is attractively convenient to owners, and dogs love it. Unfortunately, it may cause dental problems in the mid-term and worse in the long term, because semi-moist food is loaded with corn syrup and other sugars, which dogs just aren't designed to process.

Recently, more natural, "premium" dog food has been introduced to the market, in which higher quantities of quality, nutritious ingredients are used to manufacture the food -- often human-grade, in fact. Since vegetables, fruits, real meat and quality grains are used as the primary protein source in the highest-quality dog foods, these foods are a fast route to healthy skin and beautiful fur. For the most part, they contain no artificial coloring and preservatives, but are chock-full of vitamins and minerals instead.

Although this food costs more, you can feed your dog less of it, because it's more nutritionally dense. So in terms of both convenience and nutrition, a premium, natural dog food is one of the best choices available to your dog, whether off-the-shelf or purchased online.

7 Tips to Naming Your Puppy

2008-11-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

You’ve picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on the internet, researching the right breed for you and your family. Then you went from breeder to breeder or humane society to humane society, meeting and greeting pups until you find just the right match.

Now what? He needs a name!

Over the course of its life, you will use your dog’s name more than 35,000 times. So be sure you’re picking a name you can live with and love.

With these seven simple steps, the key to finding the perfect puppy name is at your fingertips!

Dogs understand short commands. Easy names with two or fewer syllables work well.
Your puppy’s name shouldn’t sound like any commands. “Stacy” and “stay” are too close for comfort. Such a name will only confuse the issue.
Remember, you’ll be using your pup’s name in public. “Stinky” may be cute among your fellow fraternity members, but it won’t go over well at the veterinarian.
Make your kids part of the decision process. Kids like it simple, too, so if calling your Champion Cavalier King Spaniel “Bootsie” works for them, consider keeping the hoity toity name strictly for AKC purposes.
You may think it’s an honor to name your pup after you’re favorite Uncle Norbert. Naming your baby after him may keep you in the will, but naming your puppy after him may not.
If you’re bringing home an older dog, ideally, stick with the name it already owns. Can’t stand it because “Barney” was the first boy who broke your heart? Then stick with similar sounds when choosing a new dog name. “Barney” morphs into “Farley” easily.
Once you’ve chosen a name, try it out for a day or so. You’ll know right away whether it’s a keeper. If not, there’s always more puppy names on your list!

Take a look around you. Everywhere you are, you'll find a variety of terrific ideas on what to name your pooch.

At first glance, a couple things will stand out about your new puppy. Enjoy him or her for a day or two and take these into consideration.

Appearance. What’s your dog look like? His color, size, and personal style inspires a variety of name choices. “Stubbs” would be a great name for a dachshund pup. Or you may call a cream colored cock-a-poo “Buffy.”
Personality. Given a couple of days, your new dog’s personality will really shine through. Try “Cuddles” for the sweet little guy who loves to get cozy or “Puddles” for the pooch who can’t seem to find the doggie door.

If you want to go beyond the basics, many famous dog names or foreign dog names can fit the bill. Consider these favorite puppy names when making your decision.

Celebrity puppy names. Today, pooches have more celebrity following than their famous owners. Chew on “Lola,” a name used by both Hilary Duff and the Osbournes.
TV dogs. “Scooby” and “Astro” come to mind if you want to honor a famous TV pup.
Movie dogs. Cool movies and cool dog names seem to go hand in hand. Cool Hand Luke’s “Blue” would be a fitting label for a variety of dogs.
Comic dogs. “Snoopy” will always be a favorite, but also consider “Daisy” or “Odie.”
German dog names. For starters, try out “Fritz” or “Kaiser.”
Irish dog names. “Finn” fits well for any pup, as does “Murphy,” which just happens to mean “hound of the sea.”
French puppy names. “Pierre” and “Gigi” are top contenders for any dog, especially those with a little oo-la-la in their genes.

The choices are endless. However, with these simple tips and some thought, before long, you’ll have found the perfect puppy name!

A Look At Unique Pet Supplies For Dogs

2008-11-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

If you have a pet, then you are undoubtedly in the market for pet supplies and plenty of them. If that’s the case, you are in luck because there is a world full of pet products just waiting to be purchased and a lot of eager pets waiting to try them out. We all know about pet beds and brushes, toys and other goodies, which is why this article is aimed at focusing on unique pet supplies and why they are important to your furry little friend.

A harness is often used to walk dogs that are strong or tend to pull their masters when walking. If you have a larger breed dog and he/she isn’t well mannered on a walk, this could end with you being in pain if the dog pulls frequently or changes direction without notice. Smaller dogs are easy to control, but larger dogs often need a harness. This is one of the best pet supplies in existence because it reduces pulling on both your dog and, in turn, your dog pulling on you. A harness is made of either fabric or leather, just as standard collars, and fits comfortably around the dogs legs and chest. While wearing a harness, the dog is prevented from pulling as hard and will result in less injury to it’s owner. Depending on the material and manufacturer, a dog harness can often be found for as little as $10.00 and will go up from there.

Did you know that one of the latest crazes in pet supplies is a seat belt? Well, it’s true. If you’re dog is known to wander around inside the vehicle, this may pose as a distraction and is not a safe situation. Therefore, some manufacturers have introduced a seat belt, which connects to the buckle of most automobiles and secures your dog safely in a seat.

If you are house training a new puppy or trying to retrain an adult dog, training pads may be the pet supplies that you have been looking for. These pads feature a scent that will draw your dog to it’s location when he/she has to use the bathroom. This always beats having to clean up a mess on the carpet and, even better yet, they are disposable.

Pet supplies are everywhere, including online and at most retail stores. Perhaps the largest variety of pet supplies is found on the world wide web simply because it has a wider reach than most local stores. Everything from beds to litter boxes and even sporty little outfits is available for your pup, including Halloween costumes.

Advice To Using Positive Reinforcement And Rewards To Train Your Dog

2008-11-28T21:01:00.001-08:00

Training dogs using positive reinforcement and reward training has long been recognized as both highly effective for the owner and a positive experience for the dog. Positive reinforcement training is so important that it is the only method used to train dangerous animals like lions and tigers for work in circuses and in the movie and television industry.

Proponents of positive reinforcement swear by the effectiveness of their techniques, and it is true that the vast majority of dogs respond well to these training methods.

One reason that positive reinforcement training is so effective is that is uses rewards to teach the dog what is expected of it. When the dog performs the desired behavior, he is provided with a reward, most often in the form of a food treat, but it could be a scratch behind the ears, a rub under the chin or a pat on the head as well. The important thing is that the dog is rewarded consistently for doing the right thing.

Reward training has become increasingly popular in recent years, but chances are some sort of reward training between humans and dogs has been going on for hundreds if not thousands of years.

When understanding what makes reward training so effective, some knowledge of the history of humans and dogs is very helpful. The earliest dogs were probably wolf pups that were tamed and used by early humans for protection from predators, as alarm systems and later for guarding and herding livestock.

It is possible that the wolf pups that made the best companions were the most easily trained, or it is possible that these early dogs were orphaned or abandoned wolf pups. Whatever their origin, there is little doubt today that the vast variety of dogs we see today have their origin in the humble wolf.

Wolf packs, like packs of wild dogs, operate on a strict pack hierarchy. Since wolf and dog packs hunt as a group, this type of hierarchy, and the cooperation it brings, is essential to the survival of the species. Every dog in the pack knows his or her place in the pack, and except in the event of death or injury, the hierarchy, once established, rarely changes.

Every dog, therefore, is hard wired by nature to look to the pack leader for guidance. The basis of all good dog training, including reward based training, is for the handler to set him or herself up as the pack leader. The pack leader is more than just the dominant dog, or the one who tells all the subordinates what to do. More importantly, the pack leader provides leadership and protection, and his or her leadership is vital to the success and survival of the pack.

It is important for the dog to see itself as part of a pack, to recognize the human as the leader of that pack, and to respect his or her authority. Some dogs are much easier to dominate than others. If you watch a group of puppies playing for a little while, you will quickly recognize the dominant and submissive personalities.

A dog with a more submissive personality will generally be easier to train using positive reinforcement, since he or she will not want to challenge the handler for leadership. Even dominant dogs, however, respond very well to positive reinforcement. There are, in fact, few dogs that do not respond well to positive reinforcement, also known as reward training.

Positive reinforcement is also the best way to retrain a dog that has behavior problems, especially one that has been abused in the past. Getting the respect and trust of an abused dog can be very difficult, and positive reinforcement is better than any other training method at creating this important bond.

No matter what type of dog you are working with, chances are it can be helped with positive reinforcement training methods. Based training methods on respect and trust, rather than on intimidation and fear, is the best way to get the most from any dog.

Adopting A Dog – Puppy Or Adult?

2008-11-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change too when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire these valuable data from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dog may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. They have over grown the impulse of chewing things he has his eyes on.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them. Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Accessories You Need Before Bringing Puppy Home

2008-11-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

Pet accessories are an important part of taking care of your dog. Generally we use accessories to accentuate the beauty of things. When it comes to pet care accessories are used to protect your pet from harmful elements. You can also gain a lot of satisfaction from buying accessories for you pet. There is a wide variety to choose from and you might wonder where to start, particularly if this is your first pet.

Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing accessories for your pet:

1. Food and water bowls:

The most important thing about choosing good bowls is that they are not easily tipped over. You will probably want to check that especially the water bowl is pretty sturdy. It's vital that your dog has free access to water at all times and one of the ways people are doing this is by buying large water systems for their pets. Much like human watering systems these will keep your dog with fresh water for longer.

2. Dog Collar:

Whether you want a plain or fancy variety - collars are important and will be an item you use daily. This means the comfort and fit are important. Experts recommend a space between the dog’s neck and the collar to be at least 2 fingers wide. A collar should never be too loose or too tight. Make sure you get a good fit and take your dog along when you buying a collar.

3. Dog leash:

It's not hard to choose a leash - you just want to keep in mind that it needs to be strong enough to hold your dog. Leashes are often sold clearly marked with the breeds the leash is suitable for.

4. Grooming accessories:

Depending on the kind of breed you have the amount of grooming accessories needed will vary.

If you have a dog that will need relatively little grooming, that is with a short coat, then you will need only a basic toolkit.

You will need
- dog shampoo
- dog clippers
- styptic powder
- dog toothbrush
- dog toothpaste
- dog brush or comb

These are the basics. There are many other products you can use to keep your dog clean and fragrant. If you have a more high maintenance dog you will need these plus a wider variety of brushes and combs to care for your pets coat and grooming needs.

5. Dog houses:

If your dog will be sleeping outside then it’s important that they have their own place for shelter. A dog house will keep your dog out of the harsh sunlight or rain or even snow. When choosing a dog house try to choose the right size. The dog should fit snuggly inside with enough space to move around.

6. Dog beds:

If your dog will be spending time inside it's also a good idea to buy a dog bed. This gives your dog a 'retreat' and they will value having their own comfy space where they can go when cold or sleepy. Again just try to choose the right size. Many dog beds are designed for specific breeds so you won't have a problem finding a bed for your dog.

7. Dog toys and treats:

Most dogs love playing, and just like children, love being spoilt. It is especially important if you are away for long periods of time that your dog has something to play with. It's best to give them a variety of toys; this will keep them away from your slippers!

Again the most important thing is the size. Treats and toys should be size appropriate. If the toy is too big they won't be able to play with it and it won't be fun for anyone.

There is a wide variety of toys for you dog to chew, play and bite. Spend some time choosing some fun toys for your dog.

These are the most important accessories you will need for your dog. There are many more things you could buy your dog but by catering for the items on this list your dog should have everything he needs to be a healthy, happy dog.

Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 "Don'ts" Rules

2008-11-28T20:58:00.003-08:00

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life and its owner also can enjoy a trouble-free life long companion. Dog training - basic obedience, house and potty training are therefore essential and important to a dog’s education.

The conventional method of dog training tips and guide would be to list a series of things that you should “Do” and you might even know the A-Z of dog training! But sometimes what should be done can be said best by telling what should not be done. Hope you agree with me!

This article seeks to list 18 “Don’t” when you train your dog. The reasons for the don'ts will become evident as the lessons continue and each one is based upon the distinctive psychology of the dog's mind.

1. DON'T punish your dog while you are angry or lack control of yourself.

2. DON'T punish your dog with the lead or any instrument of training or anything he should associate with duty or pleasure.

3. DON'T sneak up on your dog or grab him from the rear.

4. DON'T chase your dog to catch him; he must come to you or run after you.

5. DON'T coax your dog to you and then turn upon him with the whip. You will regret the deception.

6. DON'T trick or fool or taunt your dog. It is cruel and inconsistent to tease your dog to come to you when he can not.

7. DON'T punish a dog by stepping on his paws needlessly. They are exceedingly sensitive. Don't twist his ears playfully or otherwise. Never strike him on the backbone, in the face or on the ears.

8. DON'T grab your dog or reach for him quickly. He should never fear his master, should not be made nervous by his master, and should feel that punishment given is deserved.

9. DON'T nag your dog; don't be giving orders to him constantly; don't pester him with your shoutings.

10. DON'T praise a dog for doing a certain act, then at a later time, scold him for doing the same act. If you permit him to bite your toes today and think it fun, do not strike him for doing it tomorrow, when you are not in good humor. Consistency is a chief virtue in dog training.

11. DON'T train your dog immediately or soon after he has eaten.

12. DON'T lose patience with a puppy younger than six months. Never throw or kick a puppy nor lift him by the head or leg or skin of the neck.

13. DON'T train him in feats requiring much strength or endurance until he is at least six months old.

14. DON'T work your dog without some short rest or play periods during training. A five-minute rest for every fifteen minutes of training is desirable.

15. DON'T permit everyone to give commands to your dog. While you are training him, he must be a one-man dog, depending on you alone to feed him and care for him.

16. DON'T consider tricks the chief end or the chief part of training. Usefulness is the object sought in all instruction of the dog. Acts that spring naturally from the dog's instincts are to be fostered.

17. DON'T expect your dog to be a wonderful dog after a few weeks of training; four months to a year may be necessary in order to make the master proud of him, but the work is worth the effort. Training never ends.

18. DON'T jump to the conclusion that your dog is dumb. He may differ with you believing that the trainer should know more than the dog.

To end, try to remember these 18 Don’ts rules, enjoy training your dog and most importantly have lots of fun along the way!

A Look at Custom Dog Tags

2008-11-28T20:58:00.001-08:00

Have you been shopping and shopping for just the right dog tag, without finding what you’re looking for to suit your dog’s personality? Choose your exact specifications, give them to the manufacturer, and they’ll produce a dog tag to your liking. Some retailers even specialize in custom dog tags.

Do you like the look and solid feel of stainless steel, brass, or aluminum? Or perhaps you are not picky, and just need a plastic tag. Plastic won’t last quite as long, but they are inexpensive and easily replaceable. A metal or plastic dog tag shouldn’t cost more than $40 in most cases, and in many cases they cost under $10. You can have all of your dog’s ID information imprinted in the surface of any metal or plastic dog tag.

Some dog tags are jeweled. You can sometimes choose an exact pattern that you wish the design to be in. If you want the shape of a cursive “R” for Rex, and you want it done in rhinestone, you can find someone to do that. Some retailers will offer a more limited array of options, but you can still usually choose from two or three types of embedded stones.

When it comes to really high-end dog tags, such as sapphire, real silver, gold, or diamond, there tend to be more choices. This is because you will be paying many hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for the material itself, so it’s worth it for the retailer to give you as many options as you like.

You also must choose the material and style of the dog tag’s collar or necklace. There are leather, nylon, rubber, and so on, on the lower financial end; and silk or silver chains on the higher end. Choose a collar or necklace that compliments whatever dog tag you go with. Just make sure your dog is comfortable with it.

A good Dog Fence Makes For Better Neighbors

2008-11-28T20:57:00.001-08:00

Believe it or not, not everyone likes your family pet. By keeping your pet in an identified space with a good quality dog fence, Fido can remain as a good neighbor. I know, I know, it's almost impossible to imagine that anyone who knows Fido doesn't immediately fall in love with her. She might just be ok with the neighbors but the things she does in their yard make for some unhappy relationships. This is just one of the main reasons why every pet owner has an obligation to control their pets traveling range with pet fencing.

The problem of course is the about relieving themselves in someone else's yard, Yes, your pet may be friendly and would like to visit the neighbors but the fact is, many people do not share your love affair with your pet. They don't want the bother of picking up after an animal that's not theirs nor having their yards soiled with urine "hot spots" and doggie piles. Dogs, although usually very friendly also can be destructive of plants and landscaping, making many breeds poor neighbors.

That's not to say that your dog isn't a nice animal. Dogs are typically social and enjoys the interaction with a variety of people. This play interaction however is not without consequences. Things get broken, chewed on and otherwise "enjoyed" by your pet no matter if they belong to you or the neighbor. Having to face an angry neighbor because your dog destroyed his prize winning rose bush garden isn't something to be desired.

There's also the issue of community security. This is especially true if your dog is a larger breed. Having a large dog escape the security of their yard could be seen as negligence on your part. Communities are becoming increasingly upset at pet owners who allow their animals free run of a neighborhood. Heaven forbid if your dog, while free, attacks someone or another animal. This is especially serious if the other dog or pet was on a leash.

The saying is that a good fence makes for good neighbors. A good dog fence also makes for a happy and healthy environment for your pet. By securing your dog using secure fencing, your best friend also has the security of knowing where his yard boundaries are located. There is no need to "guard" anything beyond the fence lines so you pet is more inclined to stay in his yard to better "watch" his property. Overall, electronic dog fencing is a good investment no matter what type of dog you may have as a pet.

A Guide To Dog Training

2008-11-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

Before starting dog training, it is best that you know your options well. These days you can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course. Here, once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course, except for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk beside their owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen training course. The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local dog trainers to know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!

A Look at Discount Dog Beds

2008-11-28T20:51:00.002-08:00

Many people want to make sure their family pet has just the right bed, but might not be willing to pay the (often quite hefty) price. It’s actually more difficult to find designer and luxury dog beds especially for oversized pets than it is to find discount dog beds for average sized animals. If you’re not too fussy about the design of the fabrics being used in the bed; if your dog is of average size and weight; and if her sleeping habits are not too extreme in the curling up or stretching out situations; you can probably save a lot of money when you purchase a dog bed that’s right for her.

To begin with, a lot of the more expensive bed-makers change their designs just like clothing designers do for people, if not quite as often. The changes do result in closeouts and discontinued items being drastically marked down at pet shops across the country and on the Internet. Then there are the many pet supermarkets and discount retailers who carry a variety of comfortable beds, in a variety of colors at prices much reduced from the luxury beds available at upscale pet shops.

Then there is always the option to go ahead and make your own dog bed. If you’ve got any sewing ability at all, (and for the most part, a dog bed is more about being comfortable and durable than about looking great) you can produce an average-sized, comfortable, washable dog bed for just a few dollars worth of fabric and filler material. Cut a couple of pieces of fabric – it can be from an old sheet, a shower curtain, or a nice comfy old bathrobe – and sew them together to make a pillow of the right size. Stuff it with filler material and you have a comfy, simple dog bed. You may also create a fancier dog bed with an upper ring by cutting a long rectangle of fabric and creating a tubular pillow to go around the edge. Then fasten the upper ring to the original base with hand stitching.

You have just created a comfortable, washable bed for your dog made with love by your own two hands using a piece of fabric you’d probably throw away, some kind of filler material and a little bit of your precious time. What better way to save money and take care of your loving pet at the same time? You’ll enjoy the process of making the bed just as much as your pet will enjoy sleeping in it.

A Dogs Golden Years

2008-11-28T20:51:00.001-08:00

With appropriate care most dogs live complete and happy lives. Unfortunately, an adored pet never seems to live long enough. Each breed has different life spans. While taking care of your aging dog you need to adapt his environment for his comfort. As dogs get older, they develop aches, joint pain, generalized weakness and an almost definite increase in medical problems.

Adjust his surroundings to minimize discomfort. Protect him from excessive heat and cold. Older dogs are unable to regulate body temperature as a younger dog.

Try to give your dog regular exercise. Make sure your dogs health matches his exercise routine. If your dog exhibits signs of heavy panting or opposes exercise you need to change his routine.

Adapt his diet and feeding schedule to his needs. As dogs age they are less active and need fewer calories. Prescription diets are available. Discuss special diets with your veterinarian.

Older dogs can experience hearing loss and declining eyesight. Accommodate for his safety.

Senior dogs require special dental care. They are more likely to develop gum problems and disease. Complete dental cleaning should be performed by your vet every six months which does require anesthesia. Make sure complete bloodwork is performed.

Older dogs need extra bathing and grooming. Dry skin can be a normal part of aging or it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. They also require more frequent nail trimming.

Take into consideration his age in human years. If he is 13 in dog years, he may suffer the same aging ailments as a 75 year old human.

Continue with bi-annual vet exams. Senior dogs need extra care with their aging problems.

Give his life quality! Keep those memories alive!

A Look at Diamond Dog Tags

2008-11-28T20:48:00.000-08:00

Diamond dog tags are the cream of the crop, the best of the best, the most luxurious type of dog tag you can buy.

Diamond dog tags can cost up to $7500 or more. If you can afford such luxuries, a diamond dog tag is the perfect addition to your collection. Give your dog a diamond bone, heart, fire hydrant, or any of a limitless number of shapes and designs.

You can even buy dog-and-owner tag duos. Put one on your dog’s collar, and hang one as a pendant from your neck (or as a charm on your bracelet.)

A diamond dog tag deserves a great collar or necklace. You wouldn’t frame a masterpiece painting with cardboard, would you? The same principle applies to dog tags. Most retailers of diamond dog tags also carry luxury collars. Ask them about the selection. You can have diamonds on the collar (for maximum effect), rhinestones, crystals, sapphires, gold, silver, or any other precious stone. Perhaps a series of your dog’s birthstone would be the perfect touch.

Diamonds for dogs are about the same as diamonds for humans. They start at a few hundred dollars, and can go as high as tens of thousands of dollars, depending on size, cut, and supplier.

Where can you buy a diamond dog tag? There are many sources online. The award-winning pet accessories website animalstars.com is a great place to start. There you will find a wide selection of dog tags, and not only diamond, but also gold, silver, and pearl. You can even find cheap ones – great for use as a backup in case your diamond dog tag ever falls off your rambunctious pup.

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

2008-11-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. Lots of people think that getting doggy toilet trained is a tough task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but the best age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business. A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and most dogs learn quickly that if they make in their crate they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.

The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don't leave so much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does, praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. It is better to take the dog out and nothing happens then take a chance of an accident happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. Try and take the dog out around the same time everyday so they will be able to adjust their bodily functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate and don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.

Don't Let the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure fire way to have accidents. If you have decided you don't want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised in case of an accident.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There will be times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. There is no need to be discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you can say hurray and know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no.

5 Tips For Training Dogs Successfully

2008-11-23T16:35:00.001-08:00

Training dogs is not a hard. You just need patience, dedication and some simple tactics and you will teach them successfully.

Here are five top tips on how to train your dogs successfully:

1. To avoid your dog getting confused and so that they can learn to recognize commands easily only one person should be responsible for training the dog initially. If too many people are trying to train the dog at the same time this can stop progress in its tracks.

2. You should use positive reinforcements. If the dog does something good, you should reward this behavior so that he will know that what he did was right. If the dog cannot understand or follow your commands, never push him. Dogs are not as intelligent as humans, they make mistakes. What you should understand is that they won’t easily understand your commands in just one teaching, it takes repetition to train a dog successfully. Do not scold your dog as he might develop fear which will hinder his learning and willingness to be trained. You can use treats in order to encourage your dogs, although don’t overdue it.

3. Teach commands one at a time. Try to teach him one command after the other. If he cannot absorb it, try to stay on that command only because adding additional commands will just confuse the dog. Start with the basics.

4. In executing commands, you should keep your voice cheerful so that the dog will happily follow your commands. Dogs will respond to a low and coaxing voice. If you shout out loud, he may become startled and unresponsive.

5. Train your dog in various places. If you keep your dogs in a certain place like your home, he will not be able to adjust with the environment new people. Take him to the park or through the neighborhood. This will help your dog associate with other dogs and people.

Training your dog can sometime be tough, but it will be worth it. In the end, you will be the one to benefit when your dog is trained. You don’t know he might even save your life one day and pay back everything you taught him.

'Sit Up' Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You

2008-11-23T16:26:00.002-08:00

The trick of “sitting up” is easily taught to small dogs, but should try not be included in a big dog’s education, as it is difficult for them to preserve their balance.

The training of sitting up is one of the first tricks to teach and forms the groundwork for many other dog tricks. To train a dog to sit up, prepare some treats as a reward, and set your dog on his haunches in a corner, so that he cannot fall either backward or sideways and has very little or no space to lose balance.

Keep him from pitching forward by holding one hand under his chin and with the other hand hold the treat above his nose and keep repeating distinctly and deliberately say, “sit up.” Do not make him sit up too long at any one time, but repeat the lesson frequently and reward him often with plentiful of praise and treats.

During his first lesson he will require considerable assistance from your hand to prevent him from pitching forward, but as he gets control of the balancing muscles and understands what you want, he will depend less and less upon your hand to keep him in position and you can gradually render him less assistance until you will only have to keep one hand in position two or three inches from his neck or chin, so as to be ready to prevent him pitching forward; later on you can withdraw this hand entirely and simply hold the treat just above the level of his head.

By constant practice he will sit up well after you set him up; then he should be set up against the wall, so as to afford him a support for his back only, and after he has been well schooled at this and can keep his position easily, practice him against chair legs, cushions or other objects that afford him less and less assistance, until finally he learns to preserve his balance and sits up without anything to lean against.

During all these lessons the words “sit up” have been impressed upon his mind by frequent repetition, and now comes the final lesson to teach him to sit up as soon as he hears the words, and the chances are, if he has been diligently drilled, it will be necessary only to call him out in the room, show him a treat, hold it up a suitable distance from the floor, say “sit up” and he will do so, when he should be given the treat while still in position.

The only necessity to perfection is to practice him several times a day until he will sit up at the word and without being shown a reward; that can be given him after he has obeyed.

You have now a foundation for many other tricks. He can be taught to beg by moving your hand up and down just in front of his paws, which he will move in unison with yours. He can also be taught to salute by bringing one paw up to the side of his head, or to hold a wooden pipe in his mouth, or to wear a cap on his head or other articles of wearing apparel.

In teaching a dog to submit to being dressed up, do not attempt to get him to wear too many things at once; try him at first with a cap and after he becomes accustomed to that you can put on a coat and gradually accustom him to the other clothing articles.

Enjoy teaching your dog the “sit up” trick and most importantly have fun along the way!

“Dog Toys For The Brain, Teeth And Feet”

2008-11-23T16:26:00.001-08:00

Thinking of the best toys that suit your dog? Browse through the dog toys below and see what fits your pet and your budget.

For dogs who love to chew:

1. Kong Jump’n Jack

Prices:
$5.60 (small)
$7.50 (medium)
$8.80 (large)

Kong Jump’n Jack is a dog toy and a teeth cleaner and gum exerciser at the same time. It has a very unpredictable bounce that makes it a lot more fun for the dog to play with. It has a lot more surfaces that clean dog’s teeth. Kong Jump’n Jack also has slits that are useful for the gums to be exercised.

2. Squirrel Dude (Busy Buddy)

Prices:
$5.99 (small)
$8.99 (medium)
$11.99 (large)

This is a unique and innovative rubber toy. It has four rubber prongs that cover the hole a bit which challenges the dog to give more effort to taste the food treats inside. The Squirrel Dude is durable and very chewable.

3. Biscuit Block (Animal Planet)

$4.50 (small)
$9.90 (medium)

This chew toy has four grabbing chambers distributed throughout the toy. Varieties of dog treats can be inserted inside to keep pets happy and busy. It has a crazy bounce brought about by its square shape with cut corners.

4. Ball Stomp’r (Launch and Throw Ball Toys)

Price:
$10.99 (regular, red)
$8.99 (mini, green)

This dog toy enables both young and old to have a great time playing with their dogs. The Ball Stomp’r is the first ball launcher of its kind. The ball needs to be loaded, then stomped on and it will eject to a height reaching 100 feet with the regular ball. The mini Ball Stom’r can reach up to a height of 60 feet. This toy has its own ball but tennis balls are a good substitute. This toy is tough, water proof and very dog friendly. This is not chew-proof though so it should be kept after using. The dimension of a regular-sized Ball Stomp’r is 12 inches in length that uses a tennis ball sized ball. The smaller type is 9 inches long and uses a ball with the size of 2 inches.

4. Dinosaur Egg Baby (Plush Puppies) – Intelligence Building Toy ($6.90)

The Dinosaur Egg Baby has three eggs inside that give out a squeaking sound. It has a secret opening underneath to test dog’s instinct in getting hidden rewards. It is 6 inches in height, 5 inches wide and 12 inches long.

Toys that exercise dogs, cleanse their teeth, rejuvenate their jumping ability and test their intelligence. A complete set of these toys would definitely make owners be much more loved by their pets.

"Daddy, Can I Have A Puppy?"

2008-11-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

Sooner or later, every parent is likely to hear: "Please, can I have a puppy?"

Rather than dodge the question, parents should consider whether their family is ready for a pet, says Sharon Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation's leading provider of early childhood care and education.

Bergen suggests that parents weigh the pros and cons of adding a pet to the household before agreeing to a child's request. "A pet can teach children responsibility and become a wonderful addition to a family-or it can be a burden," she says. Bergen recommends families consider the following before deciding.

Who will care for the pet? Families should agree beforehand who will be responsible for feeding, walking, bathing and cleaning up after the pet.

Do you have space for a pet? Families living in apartments or townhouses may prefer a cat, a bird or fish, rather than a Labrador retriever. Check the library or Internet to learn more about different types and breeds of pets to determine the one most suitable for your family.

Owning a pet is time consuming and may be expensive. Family members should realize that they may have to give up other activities to properly care for a pet. If the prospect seems too daunting, parents may suggest waiting until the child is old enough to help care for an animal.

Bergen recommends the whole family meet the animal before deciding to take it home. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, so think carefully before adopting a furry new family member.

“Basic Principles In A Dog Lovers Club”

2008-11-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

There are lots of dog lovers clubs in the US that offer a lot more for both the dog lovers and their dogs. Here are some of them.

The American Kennel Club has a dog lovers sections called “For the Love of the Purebred Dog”. This article is more than a canine purebred section. It is dedicated to living at home with dogs. This dog club gives informative and educational materials pertaining to pet care, training, nutrition and a lot more. It also includes funny stories, art, pet history and the more popular Companion Animal Recovery method. There are also more popular sites like the dog breeds and events page.

The American Mixed Breed Obedience Registration or (AMBOR) on the other hand was created in 1983 with the objective of taking into accounts the perseverance and accolades in obedience contests of mix breed dogs and handlers. This dog lovers club also gives support and inspiration to dog handlers.

Important Information for Members:

1. Mixed-breeds

Unlimited full membership is open to handlers and owners of mixed-breed dogs as long as the pet is spayed and nails are cut. There should be front and side photo shots of the dog that will be included in the application. This is the ticket to all the obedience and agility programs, automatic tabulation in the agility and obedience nationwide ranking system. This also includes a given eligibility for the annual awards.

This achievement will be given honor in AMBOR highlights (AMBOR’S newsletter) and on the website. The member will be eligible to any agility and obedience national competition in the future. Dogs with assigned numbers are marked as purebred and should be enlisted as a purebred. Also, dogs that are listed as mixed-breeds that are given a number based on the owner’s application causes its membership to be changed to a status of a purebred.

2. Purebreds

Purebred dogs can be listed with AMBOR with a rule that entry is limited to the AMBOR-supported agility program. All dogs that are purebred, listed with AMBOR and exhibits AMBOR-supported programs on agility will have competition points monitored and there will be an automatic issuance of certificates.

Dogs that are purebred and listed with AMBOR are not qualified to be a part of the agility and obedience scoring systems. They will also not be included in the website on highlights and not qualified for any mixed-breeds national competition in the future.

Handlers that register to the AMBOR-supported trials on agility should put their AMBOR number on the form at the club’s entrance so that competition points will be monitored.

Bathing a dog

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Bathing a dog needs to be given more emphasis. This is because of the fact that if you are careless in bathing, the animal may end up having some infections. For example, if you don’t close the ears with large cotton ball, the water may enter into ear canals and may cause some ear infections with signs like constant discharge from the ears and shaking of head.

Frequency of bathing actually depends on the breed of the dog. If the dog is of a hairy type like the cocker spaniel, then the bathing is to be carried out once in six to eight weeks. If these breeds are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat loose the protective characters. However, when the dog has defecated on the skin due to the frequent digestive upsets leading to diarrhea, to avoid the bad smell, the dog may be subjected to frequent bathing some times by the owners.

Take more care in avoiding some irritant soaps or human soaps. The soap materials used for human beings are not suitable for dogs. Similarly, many human shampoo products are having some ingredients that are not suitable in the proportions that are to be used in case of dogs. Hence, always try to use the shampoo products that are mentioned mainly for use in dogs. Take more care in using any new product.

Always have good time and patience for products required for bathing in one place with availability of water source. Dogs love the sprinkling of water, river, and oceans. Even when you are using bathtub, have everything in one place and then start bathing of the dog. Try to have a leash, conditioner, towel, and shampoo in the bath place.

Conditioner is of helpful to make the combing activity easier later. Bathing should be a convenient activity to both the dog and the owner. This should not be a burden.

Why Hypoallergenic Dogs Need Love

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All dogs need love in order to lead happy, healthy lives. Since most breeds of hypoallergenic dogs are smaller, they will need even more love. There are several ways that you can show your dog that you love them. Spending time together, exercising, giving them healthy, nutritious food, and treating the dog with respect are all ways to show your love. In return, you will have a loyal companion that will respect and protect you, your family, and your home.

Most small breeds need to be around people in order to feel safe. Hypoallergenic breeds enjoy sitting on the couch together, curling up by their owner’s feet, and following you around the house when you are home. Spending time with your dog by playing fetch, sitting on the floor, and talking to your dog are all activities that your dog wants to do with you.

Since some breeds can get into trouble when they are left alone all day, you should keep your dog in one room of your home or you should crate train your dog. Dogs that are left alone may get angry or become anxious and nervous. As a result, they will chew on furniture, walls, clothing, or they will break items and rummage through the trash. Keeping your dog in a small room will help them stay calm.

Walking your dog once or twice a day and letting it outside to play is another way to show the dog love. Exercise is a great way to bond with your dog. Not only will the dog be able to spend time with you, you and the dog will benefit from the exercise. Even if you do not have time to walk the dog everyday, you should still let the dog run around your back yard so it gets the exercise it needs.

Making sure your dog has enough food during the day is the third way that you can show your dog love. There are dog foods for different breeds and stages of life. You should research which dog food is the best by asking the vet, reading about what your dog needs, and by reading the labels on the food. As dogs age, they will need different nutrients to keep their teeth and coat healthy. It is best not to switch dog food brands often because you may upset the dog’s stomach. If you want to introduce a new dog food, do it slowly until the dog gets used to it.

Respecting your hypoallergenic dog’s space will result in the more respect from your dog. Make sure your dog has a clean bed or blanket and they receive enough attention during the day. If your dog is sleeping, then you should not disturb it. This will only make the dog angry. Taking care of a dog also means respecting the dog’s boundaries. Some small breeds will become angry when their space in invaded during times when they do not want to be disturbed. As your dogs grows, you will learn when to socialize with the dog and when leave it alone.

Why Do Small Dogs Help with Hypoallergenic Conditions?

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There are several reasons why small dogs are hypoallergenic. Since they are small, many breeds cannot climb on the couch, bed, or other furniture. With fewer allergens on the furniture, you will not be as affected by them. Small dogs want to have their own space. They will sleep in a dog bed or blanket that you should wash often. Keeping small dogs in a crate during the day while you are gone will make them feel safer and also prevent them from destroying your home. This will also reduce allergens from getting into the carpets and on the walls.

Small dogs usually have shorter hair or they have hair that is long and thin. This hair does not seem to cause as many problems to those with dog allergies. Their hair is easy to take care of and does not shed as often as other breeds. While you will have to take these dogs to be groomed more often, you should be able to breathe easily around them. Since the dogs do not shed as often, less dander is present in carpeting and on walls as well.
Most small dog breeds do not produce a lot of saliva. Saliva can also cause people to have allergy attacks. This is because of bacteria that are found in the saliva.

When you are looking for a small dog, you should find a breed that fits your lifestyle. This will allow you to build a trusting relationship that will last a long time. Small dogs enjoy being with their owners and do not like being apart. As long as the dog is in the same room with you, it will be fine. If you do not feel you can build this trust, then you should find another breed of hypoallergenic dog. Not all breeds are small. There are a few medium breeds that do not need as much one on one time.

While all dogs need to get their exercise, small dogs do not need as much. Small dogs cannot go for long walks, but they can go for short ones in places that they know and feel comfortable in. Trips to the park or walking around the neighborhood are good exercise for the dog. Small dogs are very playful and enjoy playing games at home. Since some breeds do not have undercoats, they will need small sweaters when the weather gets cold. You should not leave small breeds outside in the cold for too long as their coats will not protect them.

If you live in a small apartment or home, a small dog will be better for you. Some breeds do not bark too much and since they don’t require much exercise, living in an apartment will not inhibit them in any way. Small dogs are wonderful companions for those who suffer from allergies or those who don’t. You should research the breeds you are interested in before buying one so that you will know how to train, discipline, and show your new dog affection.

When to Buy Hypoallergenic Dogs

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You can buy a hypoallergenic dog at any time as long as the breeder has dogs available . Many people are unsure whether to buy a puppy, a young adult, or an older dog when they are looking for a dog. A hypoallergenic dog is a good choice at any stage in the dog’s life. The time and energy you have to devote to the dog should play a major role in the age of the dog that you bring home. All dogs require love and attention, but puppies can be more work because they are playful, curious, and do not like being alone.

If you decide to buy a hypoallergenic puppy, you will have to train it, make sure that it has a warm place to sleep when you are not at home, and you will have to discipline it when it misbehaves. Puppies are fun to watch, but they can be very destructive. For many people, however, training a dog from the time it is very young makes it easier to discipline throughout the dog’s life. Dogs are intelligent animals that can be taught a routine within a few weeks of their arrival. Having the time to train the dog is what is required from pet owners who buy puppies.

Puppies are not for everyone. Buying a hypoallergenic dog that is a year or older is the answer for those who have limited time to train their dog. Young adult dogs are still active, but they are less curious than puppies. If you want a dog that enjoys getting exercise, lets you know when they need to pee, and sleeps for longer periods of time, then a young adult is the right dog for you. Depending on the breed, you will have to board your dog when travelling as some breeds can panic when left alone.

Dogs that are five or older can usually be found in animal shelters or dog pounds. These dogs probably had previous owners and were either abandoned or mistreated. If you want an older dog that will require even less training than a young adult, then you should visit your local animal shelter. While some of these dogs may need extra love and time to earn your trust, you will find that they will adjust to their new home quickly.

Hypoallergenic dogs need more care than other dogs because they are usually smaller and have coats that need to be groomed more often. The age of the dog you buy will be determined by the breed you are looking for, the availability of different breeds from breeders, pet stores and animal shelters, and the amount of time you have to train and build trust in your new dog. If you have a family, you will also have to consider which breed to buy as well as the age of the dog. Buying the right dog may take some time, but if you look in different places, you will find the right hypoallergenic dog for you and your family.

What is a Hypoallergenic Giant Schoodle?

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A hypoallergenic giant schoodle is a mix between a giant schnauzer and a standard poodle. This means that the dogs are medium size and have short hair, which is why they are considered good for those who suffer from allergies. Since they are a new breed of dog, there aren’t many breeders that currently have them. When looking for this breed, you should look on the internet to find a breeder that is certified to breed these dogs.

Giant schoodles have an even temperament and are easy going. They are friendly to most people and have some of the same traits as the Giant Schnauzer and Standard Poodle. Like its relatives, the Giant Schoodle will have to be groomed often in order to protect it from skin problems and matting. Since the coat is springy and short, there are some cuts that will look better than others. Grooming every other month will keep your dog happy and healthy.

Most Giant Schoodles have a black coat. They enjoy getting exercise and will need to go outside at least twice a day. If you have a backyard or a park nearby, then you should consider buying one of these breeds. The Giant Schoodle is one of the first hypoallergenic dogs that is not a purebred. While its parents are both purebred dogs, the Giant Schoodle is considered a hybrid of the two breeds. This means that you may see other breeds being created soon since the demand for hypoallergenic dogs is on the rise.

When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should take the breed into consideration. Some breeds need constant exercise, while others such as the greyhound are content to lie on the couch and run around once a day. You should have an understanding of what it will take to keep your new dog healthy and happy before bringing it home. If you are interested in a hybrid like the Giant Schoodle, you should ask breeders what the dog will need in terms of discipline, affection, exercise, and food.

A Giant Schoodle can live to be at least twelve years old, which is another consideration you will need to think about. As the Schoodle ages, it may have health problems including arthritis, tumors, and cataracts. You will need to be prepared to take care of the animal for its entire life. This is a long term commitment that should not be taken lightly. Unlike other breeds, the Giant Schoodle bonds with its family quickly and is resistant to bonding with other people.

You should also keep in mind that just because a dog is considered hypoallergenic, you may still suffer from allergies. While you may notice a reduction in allergy attacks, they may still occur. Keeping your home clean, making sure the dog is groomed often enough, and by buying an air filtration system, you will be able to breathe and enjoy your pet’s company more often. Having an allergy to dogs is very common and can be from hair, dander, saliva, urine, or dust that the dog tracks in from the outside.

What Humans Can Do to Help Hypoallergenic Dogs

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Human beings are not the only species that can suffer from allergies. Dogs can also have allergic reactions to objects in the home, chemicals and pollutants in the air, dog food, and their own hair and dander. Finding the source of these allergies can be difficult especially if the dog is allergic to a few things. If you have a dog that suffers from allergies, you may notice that they sneeze when around harmful chemicals, vomit after eating, have skin rashes, patches of fur missing, runny nose and eyes, or they may show signs of fatigue or restlessness.

Noticing these signs is the first step to helping your dog lead a normal, healthy life. You should monitor your dog for a month to see how it reacts to its environment, its food, and its own hair and dander. Since dogs need to keep themselves clean, they may be swallowing allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. The best way to combat a hair and dander allergy is to bathe your dog once a month and brushing the dog once a day.

If your dog has a thick undercoating, it will trap allergens and dander and keep it from falling off the body. After a while the dander will build up and fall off or be swallowed. If you have allergies, this could be one of the causes. Brushing the undercoating every day will help remove excess hair before it is swallowed or falls on the floor or carpeting. This will reduce your allergy problems as well.

Sometimes chemicals in dog food can lead to food allergies. If your dog vomits at least once a day, then they may be allergic to the food they are eating. Hypoallergenic dog food is available. The food contains fewer chemicals while providing your dog with enough nutrition. Try this dog food to see if it will reduce the vomiting. Wet dog food may also help your dog digest their foods easily. If the vomiting does not stop, you should visit the vet to see if your dog has other health problems.

Dogs that are allergic to cleaning supplies, mold, and shampoo may be more difficult to treat. You can switch to natural cleaning supplies that do not contain bleach and other harmful chemicals. This may help your dog breathe a little better. You can also have your home tested for mold, which could be causing your own allergies, and you can switch dog shampoos and try one for hypoallergenic dogs. You should not wash your dog more than twice a month as you could make the dog’s skin dry and flaky, which is why they are scratching and pulling more often than usual.

Taking care of a dog with allergies is easy once you have identified the problem. Asking a vet for advice is a good idea if you do not know where to begin. They will be able to ask the right questions and help you find the answers so you will be able to administer the proper treatments.

Which Breed of Hypoallergenic Dog is Right for Your Family

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If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you will have many breeds to choose from. From smaller dogs like the Maltese, to larger breeds such as the Greyhound, these dogs tend to shed less, and do not product as much saliva or urine. When researching dog breeds, you should keep in mind not only whether they are hypoallergenic, but also which living conditions they prefer, how they behave around children, and how much care and maintenance they will need. Certain breeds require constant companionship, while other breeds can be left along all day while you are at work.

Smaller hypoallergenic breeds such as the Poodle, Maltese, Labradoodle, and Bishon Frise require much from their owners. Not only do they need companionship, they will also need to be bathed once a month and will also need to be brushed once a day in order to keep knots from developing in their fur. While these dogs have shorter hair and no undercoating, they may not be the best choice if you have small children. Territorial and moody, these dogs will get upset when they are competing with children for your attention.

Small to medium dogs that are hypoallergenic and will behave around children include terriers, greyhounds, and the Mexican hairless. These dogs have short fur or none at all and do not shed as much dander as other breeds. If you live in a small apartment, these dogs are the better choice. They do not need a lot of room to run around in and they do not make too much noise. If you need to leave these dogs for the day while you are working or running errands, they will not be as nervous or scared as other breeds.

Hypoallergenic dogs are usually the smaller breeds, even though greyhounds come in a variety of sizes. Deciding on the breed of dog will depend on your lifestyle and what you expect from a pet. If you already have a pet, you will want to buy a breed that will get along with other pets.

Typically, hypoallergenic dogs will live ten to fifteen years. Many smaller breeds may experience health issues during this time, but for the most part, the dogs make great pets for those who do not have children or who do not have to travel for work. Because these dogs are small, they will usually not be able to reach couches, chairs, beds, or other furniture unless you help them up. This will also reduce allergens that can cause an allergy attack.

Having your hypoallergenic dog groomed once every two months or so will not only keep the dog looking its best, but it will also help reduce the amount of allergens. Smaller dogs need to be bathed once a month in order to keep them clean. Over bathing will result in dry skin, so you should ask your veterinarian for instructions on how to bathe small dogs. Maintaining a clean coat and brushing your dog once a day will help reduce the allergens in your home.

What Are Common Signs of Dogs with Hypoallergenic Problems?

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Dogs that have allergies show many signs including watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, excessive scratching and biting, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and moodiness. When your dog is suffering from allergies, you may notice one or more of these symptoms. Learning what causes these allergies is the first step toward treating your dog and preventing further attacks.

Many allergies that dogs suffer from are caused by insects such as fleas and ticks, or by parasites. When you bring your dog home from a breeder or from a shelter or pet store, schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as possible. Make sure the dog has all of its shots and that is has been dewormed. This will prevent parasites from causing an allergic reaction in your dog. While you may have to do this more than once during their lifetime, getting rid of the parasites will help your dog’s temperament and keep them healthy.

If you noticed small red bites on your dog or if the dog has been scratching the same area until bald spots appear, then they may have fleas, ticks, or mites. This allergic reaction is caused by insect saliva. If your dog has open wounds, you should wait until the wounds heal before spraying or bathing them with medicine that kills the insects and their eggs. Take your dog to the vet if this is the first occurrence. The vet may be able to prescribe an ingestible pill that will protect them from future infestation. You may also want to keep your dog indoors during flea and tick season.

When your dog vomits more than once a week or has diarrhea for more than one or two days, they may have an allergy to dog food. Switching to another brand or feeding the dog softer food may solve this problem. You should take the dog to the vet anyway so that they can make sure the dog is healthy. Extreme diarrhea will lead to dehydration, so make sure you have plenty of water for your dog to drink.

If your dog’s mood changes suddenly or you notice that they are not as playful as they once were, then you should take the dog to the vet. If the dog has eaten something it shouldn’t or if it is suffering from allergies, it will not want to play as much as it used to. Finding out the cause of their allergy may be difficult because, much like human beings, your dog may be allergic to more than one thing.

Research your dog’s breed to see if there are specific items it could be allergic to and see if they are present in your home. Monitor your dog to see how it behaves and what it is eating. Sometimes eating too much grass can cause an allergy attack. Once you find the causes of the allergy, take the steps necessary to reduce the dog’s exposure what is causing the allergy as much as possible.

Types of Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs

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Hunting dogs, though traditionally used for hunting small game including foxes, rabbits, and others, have become household pets to many. Intelligent, graceful, and energetic, these dogs can bring joy and comfort to any home. Hypoallergenic hunting dogs are available for those who have problems with dog allergies. Three popular breeds include the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Afghan Hound, and the Basenji.

The German Shorthaired Pointer still used for hunting purposes today, is also considered a good choice for a family dog. The dog has a short coat that can be brushed easily. A short coat will not shed as much as longer coats and will not hold as much dander either. This is why the German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Long and lean, these dogs are very friendly and enjoy getting their exercise. Not much extra care is needed as the dogs do not have to be groomed often and they should only be bathed when they are extremely dirty.

A cross between a German Pointer and an English Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a good dog to have when on a hunt. The dog responds to noise and movement very quickly and is a loyal companion to have when outdoors.

The Afghan Hound may not look like a hypoallergenic dog with its long hair, but since the hair is similar to human hair, the dogs do not shed as frequently, which cause fewer allergy issues for owners and those who visit. While this dog was once used to hunt foxes, wolves, and deer, it is not longer used today. Instead, it is kept as a pet or for dog showing. With its beautiful brown coat, this dog is a showpiece.

The Afghan hound is a pleasant dog, but it does not take commands as often as it should. Unlike other hypoallergenic breeds, this dog will ignore commands made by its owner on occasion as it tries to maintain its independence. If you are looking for a dog that is easy to control, the Afghan Hound may not be the one for you.

The Basenji is one of the few breeds of hypoallergenic dog that does not bark. It will imitate sounds heard in its environment, but it does not bark on its own. Instead, the dog will yelp once or twice, but otherwise, it is a very quiet breed. If you live in an apartment, this dog is a good choice. Small dogs that originated in Africa, the Basenji is no longer used for hunting. The dog has shorter hair that does not shed as often. This is another reason why it is a popular hypoallergenic breed.

The Basenji, like the Afghan Hound does not take commands too often from owners. The dog is quiet, but likes to explore new places. This dog has been compared to a cat in terms of its behavior and temperament. While you may be able to train the dog to perform certain tasks, many times the Basenji will not want to obey.

Types of Hypoallergenic Sporting Dogs

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Even though many breeds are no longer used just for sporting or hunting, these dogs have become popular favorites among those who need a hypoallergenic dog that has an easy temperament. Sporting dogs are considered intelligent, playful, and obey their owners when given commands. Hypoallergenic sporting dogs include Poodles, Australian Terriers, and Kerry Blue Terriers. Each of these dogs has been used to hunt small and large game and also to hunt for rodents and other pesky animals that carried disease. Now these animals are kept in the home as pets. While still playful and easy going, these dogs are now treated more like friends that as sporting partners.

Each of these breeds has a short coat that is more like human hair because it is soft and thin. Unlike other breeds, these dogs do not shed as often and when they do, it is usually not noticeable. People who want to own a medium sized dog will appreciate any of the breeds mentioned above. Grooming is an essential part of their care as is brushing their coats once or twice a week to prevent matting.

The Poodle comes in a few different varieties that are all hypoallergenic. Poodles have been used a sporting dogs, show dogs, and lap dogs for those who wanted a breed that would sit still on command. The Poodle is a friendly dog that does not make a lot of noise. They are very active and enjoy getting their exercise. People who want are thinking about buying a Poodle should conduct more research to see if this is the dog they truly want. Even though the Poodle can live for many years, they may suffer some health problems as they age.

The Australian Terrier was once used to catch mice and rats, but today it is kept at home because of its pleasant disposition and its long hair that does not shed. You can choose to cut the hair closer to the body if you choose. For those looking for a smaller dog, the Australian Terrier is a good choice. These dogs are considered companion dogs, meaning that they enjoy the company of people.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a relative of the Australian Terrier, but is much larger and has a more pronounced head and chest. Their head is almost square shaped. Their cost is soft and curly. It will not shed and needs to be groomed often to prevent matting. While the dogs are actually gray or black in color, a blue sheen can be found on their coat. This is where they got their name.

Kerry Blue Terriers need daily exercise that can range from long walks to running in the park with other dogs. If you have a backyard, you can let the dog run around and it will tire itself out. People who live in larger homes should consider buying a hypoallergenic dog like this one.

Even though these dogs are no longer used primarily as sporting dogs, this does not mean the dogs prefer to sit around all day long. Exercise is very important for dogs like these because they have been used for generations for sporting parties and long hunts in the woods.

Training Your Dog

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If you have a puppy or a dog, you have to worry about your dog listening to your commands, and even more importantly, you have to worry about how they interact with people and other dogs. Dogs are not born knowing the right and wrong way to act, and it is important that training your dog is one of the first things you think about when you bring a new one into your home. You will be responsible for what your dog does, so it is for your own benefit as well.

You can go to classes designed to help you in training your dog, or you can buy DVDs to help you do it yourself. The most important aspect in training your dog is to teach your dog that you are in charge. Believe it or not, they want you to be in charge. Dogs are pack animals, and they need a leader to know what to do and how to act. If your dog or dogs seem to be out of control, the problem is usually that you are not being a strong leader for them, and they don’t know what to do.

Training your dog doesn’t even have to be that hard, and again, it’s a matter of letting them know who is boss. This is more than just how you talk to them. It is also about your body language and your tone of voice. You may issue a command you learned with training your dog, but if they don’t believe you mean it, they won’t pay any attention. Dogs need your leadership in much the same way that your children need you to be strong and in charge. Everyone feels more secure when they know someone is taking care of business.

If you are having trouble training your dog, there is no reason why you should keep trying. Go to a different class, or try to find someone to work one on one with your pet. If you have chosen to use a DVD for training your dog, you may be missing something as you go about teaching them what you want them to do and how to act. If this hasn’t worked, you most definitely should try an obedience class. If nothing is working even after that, you should have your veterinarian look at your dog to see if there is any medical issue that may be causing the problem.

Tips on Buying a Hypoallergenic Dog

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If you suffer from allergies, you are not alone. Even though most people suffer from some type of allergy, whether it is food, plant, or pet, they can usually find a way to enjoy their lives, which in many cases, includes having a few pets. Depending on the severity of your allergies, you will be able to bring a dog into your home as long as you take the time to find the breed that is right for you.

Hypoallergenic dogs are specific breeds that shed less hair and dander than other dogs, and produce fewer allergens in their saliva and urine. You should keep in mind that all breeds carry a certain amount of allergens, but hypoallergenic dogs carry less. Allergens can become stuck in carpets, on walls, and in bedding and clothing. This is why people have allergic reactions to their pets. In order to have pets, these allergens must be removed through frequent house cleaning, designating certain spots in the house for your pets to sleep, and by finding pets that have shorter hair and do not shed their skin cells as often.

When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should research breeds that have short hair, shed their skin cells (dander) every few weeks rather then every few days, and do not product as much saliva. Since allergies can occur at different times during your life, you should spend some time with the breed of dog you are thinking of adopting. Visiting a dog breeder or a friend who has a dog will give you a better idea of which dog to adopt.

You should also consider your current living conditions. If you live in a small house or apartment, you may experience more allergy attacks because the dander and hair is confined to a small space. Adopting a small hypoallergenic dog is the best way to remedy this problem. If you live in a larger home, you should be able to purchase a larger dog. Letting the dog outside to run in the yard or by taking it for frequent walks will also help because your dog will be able to shed outside instead of inside on your carpeting and bedding.

Once you bring your new dog home, you should give it a few weeks for your body to adjust. Your allergies may become worse before they get better, but after a month, you should see a difference. A hypoallergenic dog does not need any special care unless the breeder has specific health advice about the breed you are buying.

Taking of your home by cleaning often and invest in a quality vacuum that will thoroughly clean your carpeting. If possible, you should replace your carpeting with hardwood flooring. This will keep allergens from piling up and causing an allergy attack. Wipe down the walls once a week and try to keep your new pet off your bed. These precautions will help reduce allergy attacks and help you have a fun, loving relationship with your dog for many years to come.

Small Hypoallergenic Dogs

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Taking care of any dog can be rewarding and fun. But there is a great deal of responsibility as well. Small dogs can require more attention from their owners, they cannot be left alone for more than a day, and they may have health problems as they age. Smaller dogs also do not require as much exercise as other breeds. Small dog breeds such as the poodle, maltese, shiz tu, and bichon frise are considered hypoallergenic because they do not shed as much as other breeds and they produce less dander.

Small dog breeds want to spend a lot of time with their owners. This may mean being in the same room, sitting on your lap, or being next to your bed at night. Depending on your dog’s personality, you may need to adjust your schedule in order to spend more time at home with your dog. As your dog ages, it may need less attention, but as a rule, small dogs will demand a lot more of your time than larger breeds.

You will have to keep your dog occupied with toys and games so that it does not get bored. Some small dogs enjoy completing tasks and are considered ‘working dogs.’ If you notice that your dog seems lethargic or does not want to play with their toys anymore, you may need to buy them some new ones. Playing fetch everyday mimics a task which will keep your dog happy.

When you need to travel, you should board your dog so that it will not feel lonely. Dogs that are left alone for a few days will usually not eat their food in order to conserve it. They may become angry or nervous and destroy your home or they may make themselves sick with worry. If you do not want to board your dog, you should have someone pet sit or at least check in on the dog everyday.

As small dogs age, they may be susceptible to many health problems. Because of their small frame, they may suffer broken or fractured bones, arthritis, and other motor skill problems. Loss of eye sight, sense of smell, and hair loss are also common. While these breeds tend to live fifteen to eighteen years on average, they may have health problems for a few years.

If you are looking for a dog to run with on the beach or take for long walks, then you may need to look elsewhere for a dog. Small breeds, even though they love to run, play, and jump, do not need as much exercise. Walking the dog around the block is enough as the dogs will become tired and agitated. Some small breeders such as the terrier can walk and run for a little while longer, but they still do not have to energy that larger breeds have.

When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should consider your lifestyle and what you want from a pet. If you want to walk your dog short distances each day and play fetch, then a small breed may be for you.

Small Dogs With Hypoallergenic Fur

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Are you a dog lover? Do you live in an apartment or small home? Do you have allergies? A small dog with hypoallergenic fur might be the answer for you. “Hypo” is a Greek suffix meaning less or below. A hypoallergenic dog might still put out allergens, but at a much lower level. A few dogs that take up less space, making them better for apartment living, are the Silky Terrier, the Havanese, and the Coton de Tulear. These dogs are all considered of the “Toy” size by the America Kennel Club.

The Silky Terrier was developed through a cross of a Yorkshire Terrier and an Australian Terrier in the late 19th century. Even with these early dates, it was not fully recognized as a breed of its own until 1955 as the Australian Silky Terrier. These dogs have terrier qualities such as enjoying activity and a very sharp alertness. Their hair is long, but the Silky Terriers do not shed. This long hair also is partially where their name is derived from. It has very soft and smooth qualities. The dog does require more than average care for this silky coat to stay in good condition. The terriers can get along with other dogs and children, but will get aggressive when provoked or teased. Proper education should be given to as well as the people around the animal as well as the dogs themselves in how to act around one another.

The Havanese were originally developed by the Spanish from a now extinct breed called the Bichon Tenerife, making them part of the Bichon family of dogs. Grooming isn’t a worry with this breed, even with Havanese that are shown in competition. They are meant to look playful and friendly, much like their temperament. These dogs are great around children, other dogs, and people in general without becoming overly possessive. Their sturdy frame makes them that much better around curious children, unlike most fragile “Toy” sized dogs. Although they love playing and winning, they can be easily calmed when spoken to sternly by their owners. One of the major downsides to owning a Havanese is that they seem to suffer from many ailments such as cataracts and hip dysplasia. These are actually uncommon, unless the dog is adopted from a less than reputable breeder.

A Coton de Tulear is another dog with Spanish roots from the Bichon family. Its actual home is Madagascar, where it is the official dog of the country. This intelligent breed is extremely playful, and when pure bred, is white in color. This white coat, while hypoallergenic, does shed more than that of their Havanese cousin, so it requires brushing once every week or two. The Coton de Tulears love people and enjoy playing with them, going on daily walks, and can even keep up on longer hikes. They get easily attached to their owners and suffer from separation anxiety at times. Overall, these dogs are very healthy, living anywhere from fourteen to eighteen years.

Seeing Eye Dogs and Healthy Aging

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Aging alone is hard on us all, yet being blind too does not make life easier. You have support however. Being blind makes it hard to be independent, feel safe and secure, which could lead into stress and depression. Even if you have blurred vision but can’t read, a guide dog might just be the answer for you or someone you know.

With the help of a guide dog, one could live independent and go about living a normal life. Imagine living in darkness. This is when a qualified Seeing Eye dog could give someone the healthy life they deserve by guiding them to the light of safety. The feeling of being safe and still be able to have a social life could make one safer and healthier knowing they have protection with them at all times. The giving of dignity and self-confidence that a guide dog can give a person is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened for the blind.

There are also hearing ear dogs trained to keep their masters safe and help them live a normal and healthy life. Hearing ear dogs are trained just like the Seeing Eye dogs to listen and watch for danger giving their master a safe environment. They too are to protect them and help give them a healthier and happy normal life.

A seeing eye dog and the hearing ear dogs have the life of 7-10 years and than is retired and can be replaced. These seeing and hearing guide dogs are trained to watch where the master is walking, to hear and see things that might harm them in some way. People even work regular jobs with their friend beside them guiding them through the everyday working tasks. Seeing and hearing dogs are trained to work not play at all times taking care of their master always watching and listening.

As we age, we need our exercise and socializing to keep us healthy. Being blind and not being able to hear are two very emotional things that can be very depressing especially if they were not born this way. If at one time a person could see or hear normally and all of a sudden diabetes or maybe even a stroke happens to cause them to lose their independence they are naturally going to feel lost and be afraid. A dog is man’s best friend and will give protection where and when it is needed.

When someone decides they might want to have a guide dog but are afraid it might not work out for them or can they trust each other enough to feel safe. The dogs and the new owners are trained together once the dog has learned their manners. The trainer will supervise during the training to teach the dog all your needs and the area so he can guide you through a large city street even. Don’t worry these dogs are trained to keep you healthy and happiness will help provide you with healthy aging?

Healthy aging means many things and one of them is the independence, dignity, safe feeling of protection at all times. What better way to aging if you can’t see or hear than to have a guide dog be your best friend?

If you can’t see or hear and thinking about getting you a guide dog do it soon. You will not forget the experience. Just think you’ll become more independent and will be able to stay alone to have your own personal life again. Keep safe with guide dogs, since being blind puts you at a deeper and higher risk in society.