Four Ways to Make Our Pets Feel Loved and Cared For

Author: Brent McNutt

Pets have feelings too and they know when they are being taken for granted. With our busy schedules and lifestyles, itís easy to neglect our pets from time to time. Just like with any living thing, tender loving care does a lot for the overall well-being of our pets. It is not too hard to determine if a pet feels cared for in a loving household or feels neglected and depressed. Below are easy ways to show our pet some love and care, keeping them happy and healthy.

Play with your pet when you can

Playing with our pet is not only good for them; itís also good for us too! It helps ease our tensions and lessen our feelings of stress. Playing with our pets is as easy as throwing a ball and playing fetch during our coffee break or during commercial breaks of our favorite TV show. Even when weíre just resting on the couch, watching a movie or playing a board game, itís easy to find time to cuddle up with our pets and heed them a little attention.

Exercise with your pet

Exercising or jogging on our own can get boring, especially when we donít have a companion. When it comes to jogging or walking, what can be a more loyal companion than our pets? As opposed to human jogging or walking partners, pets wonít say no to you when they donít feel like walking or running. With pet as our companions, we no longer have an excuse not to jog and exercise because we donít have anyone to do it with. Not only will our pets benefit from exercise, but we will too! Just like us humans, pets also need regular physical activities to keep them from gaining weight and keep them healthy.

Feed your pet right, indulge occasionally

Just like humans, our pets need balanced, nutritious and tasty meals. Of course, we shouldnít feed our pets with human food but with well-researched pet food that contains all the right nutrients our pet needs. The right pet food is important for our petís growth especially in the early years. Asking our veterinary doctor in urbane scrubs what the best type of pet food to feed our pet is best. Treats are also crucial for feeding our pets because we also want to make them happy and enjoy life as we do, indulging occasionally.

Make them feel at home

Our pets should feel as if they are part of the family, and to do this we should make a home for them in our home. We donít necessarily have to make them live indoors but we should appropriate a place for them that they can deem as their territory. We can build a pet house for them with pet toys and feeding bowls or even mattresses. The important thing is that they do not feel as if they are an outsider. During cold weather, we shouldnít leave our pets out in the cold. It is better to bring our pets inside during winter time or when the temperature dramatically drops.

About the Author:

Brent McNutt enjoys talking about urbane scrubs and landau scrubs and networking with healthcare professionals online.

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Choosing a Veterinarian for Your Pets

Author: Brent McNutt

It is inevitable that you have to seek the services of a vet if you have even just one sorrowful eyed puppy, more so if you have a dozen adoring dogs and cats. The choice for a good and reliable veterinarian is critical because in his hands lay the health and life of your pets.

Choosing a vet among so many is difficult especially if each vet says that he is an expert in treating this illness or a specialist or trained at this Vet school with experience somewhere.

First rule, is he or she really a vet? Of course, it would be difficult to be a fake one, but there may be instances where a paramedical person may misrepresent himself. The best way is to check the veracity of diplomas or licenses that are often displayed in a vet’s clinic. If the vet college is familiar to you, chances are he is a genuine one.

Ask around your neighborhood, friends or relatives if they can recommend a good vet for you. They can relate to you how their vet had treated their pets, what sound advice he has dispensed, how caring their vet is and who they think is the best. You can always locate vets in the yellow pages, but a real vet story from friends and people is much better than just a name in the yellow pages.

One good factor in choosing a vet is one who ardently and passionately loves his profession as much as he loves his animal clients and patients. You can tell a vet that he is passionate about animals if he has pets of his own. So ask, “How many pets do you have?” Otherwise, it would be like receiving advice from one who has not experienced it firsthand from his pets. You can identify a caring and compassionate vet through their thorough care of animals and give advice even if it is not paid for. Of course, they have to earn too but at times it’s not only the money that they are practice but a genuine care and love for creatures that cannot take care of themselves on their own.

If you have a lot of pets, choose multiple vets who are familiar with all your pets. Sometimes vets band together and have just one clinic where they all practice. This is sound advice since if there had been an emergency and your favorite vet is busy elsewhere treating a patient then you can always go to another vet who is familiar with your pet.

A good vet is usually updated on his profession to be competent. You can recognize his competency when he can intelligently discuss different modes or techniques of therapy where he gives you option to choose. Also, he dispenses preventive and promotive advice. Additionally, his license is never expired, which means he currently attends training courses to renew his license as well as improve his competence.

Choose a vet who can do home visits especially in the event of an emergency. This would save your cat or dog a nasty trip to a vet’s office or an animal hospital where other ill pets might be waiting in line and may infect each other with different ailments. Also, a home visit by the vet would familiarize the vet the living conditions of your pet that can help him in advising the best home care for your pet instead of a more expensive hospital care.

A good vet charges reasonable fees and he can discuss them with you. In case of accidents, he can tell you that he has a payment plan on how you can pay that unplanned event.

The best advice is still to meet the vet, ask questions and experience how he treats.

About the Author:

Brent McNutt enjoys talking about landau uniforms and landau scrub jackets and networking with healthcare professionals online.

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Dog Food - Unhealthy By Default
Author: Madeleine Innocent

Have you ever idly wondered what goes into the packet or tin of dog food, you lovingly feed your dog? Perhaps you fear the worst and don’t want to know. Putting your head in the sand may make you feel a bit better in the short term, but it is likely to cost you dearly in the long term.

Why?

Food, by virtue of its daily consumption, is one of the most important parts of your health. And obviously the same applies to your dog.

If you don’t feed your dog quality dog food, he is likely to suffer ongoing ill health. This translates into hundreds, if not thousands, in veterinarian bills.

So let’s have a look at how dog food is produced in most countries, especially by the big commercial pet food companies.

A rendering plant is sort of an adjunct to a slaughterhouse. It’s where unusable parts of slaughtered animals or dead animals on a massive scale are disposed. It also includes retail food outlet waste.

Typical unusable waste from slaughterhouses includes heads, hooves, beaks, intestines, bones, blood, etc.

Dead animals can be road kill, euthanised pets from veterinarians or animal shelters, zoo animals or horses.

Retail food waste includes food past its use by date.

On the surface, none of this sounds too bad. Perhaps you can consider most of it as acceptable ingredients for your dog food. But let’s have a closer look.

Bones, in particular spines, and brains from the heads of cattle can be the source of bovine spongiform encephalogathy (mad-cow disease, BSE), Although these parts are not permitted now, to be included in human food, policing this is almost impossible in a rendering plant.

Animals are euthanised with sodium pentobarbital. This cannot be broken down in the processing.

Euthanised dogs and cats frequently still ware collars, including pet identification discs and flea collars. Flea collars normally contain organophosphate insecticides.

Pets, zoo and farm animals can contain heavy metals from their identi chip, or ID tags and from surgical pins.

Farm animals may contain insecticide patches.

Farm animals who have died can contain toxic levels of veterinary medications, including high levels of antibiotics, hormones or pesticides, to name just a few. Animals who have died naturally, may have done so from cancer, an organ failure, TB or a host of other hazardous diseases.

Retail food waste is often still wrapped meat, past it’s use by date. Wrapping is normally styrofoam trays covered with cling film.

Euthanised pets from veterinarians and animal shelters often come in plastic bags.

Generally there is not the strict hygiene afforded to rendering plants, that there is to slaughter houses. So carcasses can be piled up waiting in summer heat. This means that maggots are a very real part of the end product, as least for that processed in summer. Rat infestations at rendering plants may not be common in many of them, but it is not rare either.

With the ever increasing cost of labour, removing collars and plastic wrapping is just out of the question. Removing implanted identichips or surgical pins would be nearly impossible.

It is unavoidable that toxic waste is a part of the end products of a rendering plant.

So that’s the raw material of a rendering plant. What about the processing? This involves grinding the raw material and then cooking for long periods under pressure and high temperature. Some may be further dried.

Depending on the particular rendering plant, the end products are called recycled meat, meat meal, poultry meal, bone meal, blood meal, animal meal, fish meal, poultry by-products, meat by-products, tallow, beef fat, chicken fat, animal fat, yellow grease, food enhancer, protein, calcium, phosphorus. Many are sold as a source of protein, energy, mineral or enhancer for farm animals, horses and pets. In fact any livestock.

About a third of rendering plant end products are used as the basis of commercial cat and dog food.

The quality bit.

The meat source,

The protein.

Thereafter, the ingredients deteriorate, with filler (perhaps sugar or melamine from China or any other cheap ‘food’), isolated and synthetic nutrients and toxic preservatives, making up the balance. Then it may be irradiated.

You may find it hard to believe that any part of the entire produce could possibly translate as nourishing dog food, that a vet would recommend for a healthy life.

The end result means that commercialisation has forced your dog to become a cannibal.

About the Author:

Madeleine Innocent is a practicing homeopath, a specialised modality of natural health care. She treats both people and animals in her busy West Australian practice. Madeleine loves to spread the good work of homeopathy and other areas of natural health care and writes extensively on the subject. For a complimentary ebook on how to have a healthy dog, starting today, visit http://naturallyhealthydogs.com or http://www.bestdoghealth.blogspot.com

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How to treat Heartworm in Dogs

Author: kinal

Heartworm is caused in pets via a roundworm called Dirofilaria immitis.

Heartworms are parasitic worms, which inhabit the heart muscle and lungs of infected dogs. If not trated in a timely manner, it can lead to death due to heart failure or pneumonia. Heartworms may infect more than 30 species of animals and humans as well apart from dogs.

Heartworms are parasitic worms that normally live free floating in the right ventricle of the heart and nearby blood vessels. They are transmitted from one individual to another by mosquitoes. They can be diagnosed with blood tests, and/or X-rays, along with other tests. One major concern about this disease is that its symptoms don’t show right away. Most of the time it may even take a full year before your dog suffers from its common effects like coughing, fatigue, or blood discharge. Worse, it could even be too late for your dog to recover from the disease at this point and may prove fatal.

While easy to prevent, heartworms continue to be a major health problem for dogs all over the world. Preventing heartworms is as simple as giving your pet a monthly medication containing ivermectin. Heartworm preventative should not be administered without testing your dog beforehand or without a prescription. Veterinarians will give a blood test to your pet to check for parasites before issuing a prescription. This is important because the medication in these preventatives can cause life-threatening reactions to dogs who already have heartworm disease.

If your dog has a chronic cough that is soft and dry, nervousness, shortness of breath, listlessness or general weakness, then it could be infected with heartworm. Dogs typically have heartworm for years before any physical symptoms appear, so they should not be treated lightly when they do appear.

Dog heartworm disease can be treated by the following pet medications.

Adulticide

Microfilaricide

Melarsomine dihydrochloride

An antigen detection test is widely popular for dogs. Another type of blood test looks for microfilaria. Veterinarians can also perform a blood smear test to determine the presence of microfilaria. If they are found in the blood, then they are also in the heart.

You should readily treat your dog for heartworms because infected dogs can move into the area with new owners and spread it. While treatment options vary consistent year round protection is the best course of action as they say 'Prevention is better than cure'.

About the Author:

April O'neil Email ID: Aprilo@totalpetsupply.com Total Pet Supply is today's trusted online">http://www.totalpetsupply.com”">online pet medicine store, dispensing the best quality in over-the-counter products, at the most affordable prices.

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A Letter to My Dog Jake Author: Scott Riecke

This week’s letter is a little on the creative side. The birth of my daughter is now imminent and my wife and I have been working diligently to get everything ready. On the other hand, our dog Jake has absolutely no idea what’s going on. We like to think that he has some idea… but he probably doesn’t.

I am hoping that the statute of limitations on ripping off the “Marley & Me” popularity craze has expired. This week’s letter is to my dog Jake.

-----------------------

Dear Jake,

Have a seat, pal… we gotta chat. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but over the past few months Mommy has grown this big, round belly. You might find that strange. I know she’s been eating a lot more than normal, but there’s more to it than that. See Jake, mommy’s belly got bigger because there’s a little baby person in there – like the puppies we see in the park, but a person. And some time in the next few weeks, that baby is going to come out.

The baby is going to be a girl, Jakey. We already picked out her name – Samantha. You have probably already heard Daddy trying to talk to her through Mommy’s belly.

In the next few weeks there will be a day where Mom and I leave and when we come back, Samantha is going to come home with us. She’s not going to be like other guests who come by for a few days and then go home. She’s going to be living with us for good.

Unfortunately, when the baby arrives we’re going to have to make some changes in your behavior. Don’t get nervous – I’m not saying that you’re a bad boy. But I think over the last few months we’ve let you slide on a few things.

First off, let’s address the barking. Every morning our newspaper delivery lady drops the Wall Street Journal at our doorstep, and every morning you charge the door barking holy hell as if the Wall Street Journal Lady was a mass murderer. Jake, we appreciate your natural inclination to protect our home. But if Samantha is sleeping and you wake her up because of the Wall Street Journal lady, you and I are going to have issues.

This is why when you bark in the morning I grab at your neck and make that “Shh” noise. The Dog Whisperer told me that if I nipped your neck with my hand, I’d be asserting myself as “pack leader” like they do in the wild. By doing that you would eventually learn to behave properly. Unfortunately, I think you saw that episode too because it hasn’t been working.

Since we took you home almost a year ago, we have bought you countless toys. Most of these toys have little squeakers in them or little rattles that make you excited. These toys never seem to last very long because you usually rip them apart in some sort of canine quest to remove that little plastic squeaker. Entering the room after you have mutilated some poor stuffed ducky or bunny, I often find their mutilated cottony innards scattered on the floor. But hey, it’s your toy so you can do what you want with it.

What you did not know is that most of the toys we give you are made specifically for dogs. Similarly, Samantha is going to have toys that are made specifically for babies. Unfortunately, the difference between dog toys and baby toys is not always clear. They often look quite similar. Can you see where I’m going with this Jake? The baby’s toys are not yours, and we would really like it if you left them alone.

There’s one more thing we need to talk about. Whenever Mommy and I leave you home alone for a while, you always sit by the door until we return. When we get back, you are always so excited to see us that you jump all over us. Your paws often hit our faces as we bend down but we laugh and laugh because we think that it’s so cute that you could miss us so much.

What you don’t understand is that Mommy and I are much bigger than you and we are smart enough to prepare ourselves for your excited leaps. Samantha will be smaller than you and unfortunately not as smart as Mommy and Daddy… at least not yet. Believe it or not, for the first few months she may not even be as smart as you, Jakey! I mean, no offense… but you are a dog. When we bring the baby home, she won’t even be able to sit or fetch! So you can imagine that she won’t be very well prepared to defend herself from your excitement.

If you decide to leap at the baby, you could knock her out of our arms or scratch her face with your claws. I know you’ll be as excited to see her as you are to see us, but please use sound decision making while leaping. I don’t want to have to start hip-checking you into the walls until you learn.

I think you’re going to be very happy when Samantha comes home. You’re going to fall in love with her right away, Jake. Some people have told us to be careful with the baby around you – because you might get jealous and hurt her somehow. Do you believe people think that about you? Neither do I. I think you guys are going to get along great – and as she grows up, you’ll become best of friends.

I’m glad I got that off my chest, Jake. I hope you understand how important you are to us and how we really don’t want to have to call the dogcatcher and put you in the pound. Gotcha! We’re not going to put you in the pound – I was just joking. Let’s just work on the barking thing… and the toy thing… and the not jumping on us thing. If you can get those down, then I’m going to train you how to fetch Daddy a beer. You can have one too, Jakey. I think we’re going to need a few with all these women in the house.

Love,

Daddy

About the Author:

Scott Riecke

Founder, A Letter A Week

Husband, New Father, Pet-Owner of one dog named "Jake"

Facebook Group: "A Letter A Week"

Please visit us sometime.

Original article found at: http://www.aletteraweek.com/Archives/2009-04-30.html

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The Dog Days of Summer - Vacation With Your Pooch

Author: Joseph Sabol

Its that time of year again, time for Summer vacation! Summer vacation means something different for all of us, but we all look forward to getting away from work and our everyday routine. Whether your family plans to go camping in the mountains, hit the beach, or fly across the country to visit family, you are probably thinking about bringing the family dog. At one time, this would not have been an option. Most of us would board our pal at the local kennel or have the teenager next door take care care of him. Today however, it is a well known fact that people consider their dogs to be part of the family, and as such, want to include their pet in vacation plans.

Many vacation destinations not only allow dogs, they encourage families to bring their pets. Many cities advertise dog-friendly accommodations, attractions, shopping and even restaurants. I live near Philadelphia and there are lots of things to do and places to go in and around the city. There is a whole list of outdoor restaurants where your pooch is welcome. Many of the shops will allow well behaved, leashed dogs inside, and you can even take your well- mannered dog on a horse and carriage ride around Independence Mall. All over the country, their are campgrounds, national parks and beaches that are happy to have your furry family member. You can take your dog boating or attend an event like a doggy fest which raises money for local shelters.

If you are planning to travel by air and want to bring your dog with you, do some research to check which airlines can best accommodate your family. They can have different policies and requirements. You will need to have a certificate of health from your veterinarian. Many airlines have restrictions concerning the weather as well as length of flight and number or layovers and plane changes. It may seem scary to fly your dog in the cargo section of a plane, but certain airlines have employees trained specifically for for this purpose. The airline will advise you what kind of flight kennel you will need and if you should provide food. Most vets discourage sedating your pet as they cannot be certain how it will effect them. If you have a small dog, you should be able to carry him on and stow him under your seat.

If you are loading up your pooch for a road trip, plan on making several stops along the way. Have water available for breaks and don't forget the leash. A crate or a doggie seat belt or safety harness is the best way to keep your dog out of harm's way and keep your dog out of the driver's way. Be sure to pack favorite treats and toys and a blanket to sleep on. No matter what kind of Summer vacation you are planning, if you're including the family dog, make sure to have shots current, a kennel cough vaccine, and an identification tag that will not get lost.

It may be a little extra planning and work, but it is so worth it to have your family pet join you on your Summer travels. Have fun everyone!

About the Author:

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.

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Summer Dog Fashion Clothing : Make Your Doggy Say Wow Wow!

Author: Dexter James

Lying under the umbrella, in your lush green garden or on any beautiful sea beach around the globe, with the scorching sun just overhead might bring you closer to nature than ever.

But have you ever thought how it would hurt your delicate and lovely pet doggy when it hangs around carelessly once you close your eyes?

Definitely, the hot rays of the sun affect your dog in the same way as they harm our delicate skin. And the fatality of the UV rays of the sun goes up manifolds if your doggy hails from some of the coolest breeds such as Doberman, Miniature Poodles, Chinese Crested, Chihuahuas etc.

So lets see how to choose some befitting fashion products to make our pet dog look stylish as well as safe from deadly UV rays too.

Make Its Torso Safe : Of course, like its master your dog too needs some amazing looks while roaming around but not at the cost of harming its bare body, isn't it? Thus what could be better than buying it a shirt to make its torso as beautiful as you. Once you make your dog wear a beautiful dog shirt, you have done your best to safeguard its body from further skin burns.

As the summer 2009 has brought a rage of fashion apparel with floral prints and polka dots, you will find no dearth of such shirts for your dog too. Buy a designer cotton shirt with multiple stripes or small lotus prints to make your pet the coolest doggy on the block.

You can have a variety of printed and colorful shirt dog shirts. Give it a semi-formal look with a printed button down shirt or a dress shirt. If you prefer a sporty look for it then printed or striped polo shirts or sailor shirts will work nicely. You can even buy it hooded shirts if it hates sunlight completely.

Make It Swim Fashionably : Planning to jump into the swimming pool along with your doggy? Definitely, a very good idea to make your female doggy feel cool this summer, indeed. But? What? Are you embarrassed to make her jump into the water completely naked? Well! Your cool etiquette has got an answer.

Buy it some beautiful and hot pairs of dog bikinis to make its swimming session as charming as possible. I am sure, hundred percent, only your doggy can beat you if people look around for the most attractive swimming beauty. Colors like yellow and pink make gorgeous dog bikinis.

Make It Look More Luxurious : So you think that wearing fashion jewelry comes only in your domain, then you are not right. Go down the street and see some of your friends walking with their doggies wearing some designer collars.Buy some wide collars as they protect the neck nicely.

The collars are full of many costly beads, pearls and stones. Apart from a beautiful collar, you can buy it costly dog clips or dog necklaces made of pearls or crystal too. Buy it some sunglasses too. They make your doggy feel and look cool. Even walking in summer on the heated roads may cause burns on his feet, so to ensure safe feet buy it some pairs of summer booties too as part of its fashion footwear.

About the Author:

Dogs apart, now check out some of the greatest collections of Womens Clothing on web. Dexter James is an online fashion experts. His experience as fashion trend analyst becomes handy when he writes exclusively on his blog Exploring Fashion.

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Hypoallergic Dog Problems - Their Symptoms

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

Dogs that are allergic show common signs that tell you they're suffering. They may have excessively watery eyes. They may cough and sneeze frequently. Obsessive scratching and biting may indicate a problem with their skin. More serious symptoms include diarrhea, exhaustion, and moodiness. An allergic dog may exhibit one or a combination of several of these symptoms.

If your beloved pet is showing these signs, particularly an increasing or chronic rate, make an appointment with your vet and take them in as soon as possible. Be sure your dog has all the needed shots and has been dewormed. This preventive measure is one sure way to avoid allergic reactions in allergic dogs and keep them healthy and happy.

Learning what caused the allergy is the first step in treating the symptoms or avoiding the problem completely. Allergic dogs may react to insects like fleas and ticks or other parasites that they pick up outdoors or bring home with them from the breeder, shelter, or pet store. A careful inspection of the skin near the base of the fur will help you identify fleas, mites, and ticks. While fleas and mites are small busy insects, ticks will attach themselves to the dog's skin and bloat as they suck your dog dry of its blood. Ticks may not only cause allergic reactions, but they can introduce infections into your dog's blood system.

While skin allergies and irritations are most common, allergic dogs can also react badly to specific foods, and these allergic reactions can be serious, even life-threatening. Allergic dogs can also react to mold, pollen, and household dust. So frequent vacuuming and dusting can be as important for your allergic dog as it is for you and your family.

Particularly with fleas and mites, you may find small red bites or marks on your allergic dog. Or perhaps the dog has been scratching the same area so long that he's created bald spots in his coat. Normally, the allergic dog is reacting to the insect's saliva. It is important to shampoo your flea- or mite-infested allergic dog as soon as possible with a commercial flea and tick shampoo. You may need to do this several times until the insects have completely disappeared. Of course, the best way to avoid fleas, mites, and ticks is to keep your allergic dog indoors during the warmer summer months when these insects are plentiful.

If your allergic dog has open sores or wounds, you may have to wait until they healed before spraying or bathing with a medicine that skills the insects and their eggs. These solutions are, after all, pesticides and can be dangerous if they enter your dog's blood stream. To assure prompt treatment of the allergy and pest removal, you should visit your vet as quickly as possible. Your vet may have medications that can be administered orally or by injection that will not also irritate or infect existing sores and wounds.

If your dog vomits or has diarrhea more than once a week, or if these problems continue for more than a day or two, they may be having an allergic reaction to their food. Switching to a different brand may quickly solve the problem. Also be sure that you're giving your allergic dog enough water to avoid dehydration, which can also cause and result from these symptoms. But you should probably visit the vet anyway to assure your allergic dog doesn't have another serious illness or injury that needs special medicines or treatments. Your vet will also be able to recommend different types of food that won't create a problem for your allergic dog.

Frequent and unexpected changes in behavior may also reveal mood changes that signal allergic reactions in dogs. If you notice that your dog's energy level has gone down for no reason, it could be an allergy (or many other problems like anemia). An allergic dog may also show uncharacteristic aggression by growling, nipping, or biting people that touch or threaten to touch the inflamed area. In this case, you should immediately visit your vet to learn the cause of unwanted behaviors. Subtle injuries and diseases, in addition to allergies, may be driving your dog to do the unthinkable.

If you have trouble identifying the source of the problem, it may be that your allergic dog is reacting to more than one allergen. Perhaps he has fleas, but he's also eating an unknown grass or plant outdoors. Treating the fleas alone won't solve the problem in this case. Or he may have a problem with his food, but there may also be more mold spores drifting in your indoor air that make the allergic reaction worse. It can be difficult to identify and treat an allergic dog when there are a combination of sources.

Common sense tells us that you may need to do the same things to protect your allergic dog that you do to reduce your own allergic reactions. Keeping your home free of dust and dander by frequent regular cleaning and vacuuming is important. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your air conditioning and/or heating system will also reduce the number of allergens in your indoor air. Avoiding going outside when the grass is tall, especially during the summer, will reduce exposure to harmful insects. A regular routine of grooming and bathing maintains health and well-being and removes potential allergens for long-term comfort.

One final point: Research your dog’s breed to learn about specific substances that could cause allergic reactions, then inspect your home to be sure it's free of these potential threats to your allergic dog's health. And as with any allergy problem, taking the steps necessary to reduce exposure will help avoid problems for your allergic dog.

About the Author:

Abhishek is an avid dog lover and he has got some great Dog Health Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, "How To Take Care Of Your Dog's Health" from his website http://www.Dog-Tale.com/192/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

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Stop Dogs From Digging -- Uncover These Five Secrets To Prevent Dog Digging

Author: Darlene Norris

Let's face it, while dog digging behavior is completely normal, it's irritating to see your lawn and garden pockmarked with holes. All canines have the instinct to dig, although some breeds are more prone to it than others. Is there anything you can do to stop dogs from digging?

Why Dogs Dig Holes

Before you address the problem, you need to understand why dogs dig in the first place. There are several reasons for this behavior.

In the wild, canines had to hunt for their food. If they couldn't finish it all off in one sitting, they would bury it so that other animals wouldn't eat it before they could get back to it. Even though your canine friend doesn't have to hunt his own food any more, this instinctive behavior persists even now.

Digging holes is a way your pup provides himself a cool place to escape the summer heat. If he's outside in the winter, he'll dig into the ground or into the snow to provide a snug warm place for himself. And, of course, wild canines dig dens for themselves and their offspring.

Certain breeds are more inclined to dig holes. Terriers dig to hunt for rodents and other creatures living in the ground. Retrievers and hounds are prone to digging, too. Plan ahead when choosing a dog breed if you want to prevent dog digging problems.

Five Ways To Stop Dogs From Digging

1.Keep your canine buddy occupied. A dog that's bored will find ways to amuse himself that won't amuse you. Digging holes and excessive barking are two common dog behavior problems caused by boredom. Lots of exercise will tire him out and use up excess energy. Giving your pet lots of time and attention, and providing him with toys to play with goes a long way towards preventing dog behavior issues.

2. Provide him with his own digging pit. It can be as simple as letting him have a corner of the yard to call his own. When you catch him digging someplace that's off-limits, redirect him to his own spot. Praise him when he excavates his own area instead of yours.

3. Provide shelter for your canine. He needs a warm, snug doghouse in the winter, and a cool shady area in the summer. During really hot weather, you may want to provide him with his own wading pool. Not only will it help keep him cool, but he'll also enjoy playing in the water.

4. If your pooch is always digging in the garden when you're not there, set up a sprinkler, and put it on a timer so that it goes off when he doesn't expect it. This is effective because he thinks the garden is doing it to him, not you. Set the timer to come on at a different time each day.

5. You can discourage him from digging around your shrubs by watering them with a mixture of chili powder and water. Spraying them with Bitter Apple can help too.

You Can Prevent Dog Digging

To conclude, this dog behavior problem can often be prevented by thinking ahead and providing your dog with lots of things to do. Spending at least ten minutes a day training him will keep his mind occupied. Dogs like to learn new things too, and he'll enjoy the extra attention from you.

About the Author:

Darlene Norris has worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. If you need to stop dogs from digging, and solve other dog behavior problems, visit No More Bad Dogs at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com to learn about a dog training course that will work wonders!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Stop Dogs From Digging -- Uncover These Five Secrets To Prevent Dog Digging

Finding Two Perfect Dog Houses

Author: MJ Marks

I was recently shopping for a couple of dog houses (I have an Irish Wolfhound and a Labrador Retriever), and was surprised about all that was available. Not only in styles and materials, but I also came across some unusual things.

First, I did not know that you could get an indoor dog house. Most of these are soft houses that are designed for small dogs, you can get them in a variety of colors and styles, many are cute. Other are made of wicker like a basket, and some are functional and will double as an end table. But none of these really work for my dogs, they are just too big! Inside they like to stretch out and be one of the family, it is for outside that I need a couple of dog houses.

The two main types of material that you find dog houses made of are plastic and wood. With plastic you can get different colors such as pink, blue, green, red and brown. They also come in many styles. The ones that I have seen around a lot lately are the igloo dog houses. You can also find houses in a barn type style, and the standard A-frame style like Snoopy has, and even one with a flatter roof line in case your dog wants to lay on top of his house like snoopy! Many plastic dog houses are insulated, so they keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They weigh less than a traditional wood house, and are really easy to clean with a garden hose. A plastic dog house can be shipped flat, and then be easily assembled in a few minutes by just snapping it together.

Personally, I prefer wood, I just like the look of them better. Most I found are made of fir, though cedar is also popular. I really liked the variety of styles available in wood dog houses. Naturally, you could find the A-frame style, but also the single slant roof design. One feature that I really like that you can find on either of these styles of dog houses is a hinged roof for easy cleaning. A raised floor is also important to help keep your dog cool in summer and warm in winter. Besides just getting the basic dog house, many companies also offer optional porches (some covered and some open), so your dog can lounge outside his door, or half in and half out of his house. I also found a house that had a flat roof with a balcony on top, so your dog really can pretend to be Snoopy! I did find an interesting option that I had not seen before, and that is a duplex dog house. The inner panel is optional, so you can either separate two dogs, or let them bunk together.

Wooden dog houses also usually ship flat and can be assembled with a screw driver. Most are finished to withstand the weather, and of course, a cedar dog house would weather nicely. You can find painted wood houses (often to imitate a country cottage), but most can be appreciated with a natural wood finish.

Well, it looks like I have many options, and I am mainly limited by the size of my dogs! But I think that I am going to go with two insulated wood dog houses with a single slant roof line, or the doggy duplex.

About the Author:

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc. where you can find a great selection of dog houses at www.doghouses.us.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Finding Two Perfect Dog Houses

Give Back the Love to Your Senior Dog!

Author: V.Witt
Let's be honest, it's easy to love a puppy and enjoy playtimes with him. But, what will be your response be as he grows older, eventually entering his golden years and isn't quite as chipper? Will you still be committed to him?>br>
Sometimes when families bring home a cute puppy, they haven't thought much beyond the pleasure of having a pet who will joyfully greet them every time they come home and give them years of loving companionship.

Hopefully your dog will remain just as special and beloved when he starts to show signs of aging and slowing down. This is the time you can give back the love by being more aware of your aging dog's needs. With some dog breeds, you'll need to be particularly observant for signs of age related conditions. I'm speaking of those dogs with a high pain tolerance, that are able to carry on as normal showing no signs of any discomfort they may be enduring. Retrievers and terriers are typically in this category.

Checkups And Your Aging Dog:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so the saying goes, and there's a lot of truth in that statement. The best way to spot changes in your aging dog's health is to learn how to give a weekly checkup. When you do this you'll be able to notice subtle differences in his condition that may indicate a problem. Early discovery of a potential illness can make all the difference in curing an illness. Not only that, but you may just be saving your aging dog from a lot of needless suffering - something really worthwhile for your best friend!

So, how to do go about doing this checkup thing?
One way is to schedule a visit to the vet and have him demonstrate how to check your dog's vital signs so you'll be able to tell what is normal vs. abnormal. Things like, pulse, temperature, respiration, circulation and fluids. Once you start doing this at home, keep a journal to record the information so you'll have an accurate record from week to week.

In addition to recording vital signs, you can go one step beyond this with a very convenient in-home monitoring test called ThePetCheckup - an innovative and simple to use, in-home early detection test kit that enables you to detect possible illnesses in your dogs and cats — even before symptoms appear. Within minutes, the test screens and gives you results for the most common diseases affecting dogs and cats.

In fact, ThePetCheckup is an excellent addition to your routine vet visits, keeping you alert to your dog's health throughout his life - you don't have to wait until he's an aging dog! It's a simple deed to do - just a few minutes of your time devoted to helping your dog stay healthier and live a more vibrant longer life. He's worth it, don't you think?

Early Detection Can Save A Pet's Life

As I mentioned earlier, on a week-to-week basis, your dog's vital signs are fairly simple to track and good information to record - here's how to go about it:

Vital Signs And Your Aging Dog:

Temperature:
Let's start with the dog's temperature, which normally falls between 99.5° and 102.5°. A fever would be indicated at a temperature above 103°. If you're not the nervous type or too squeamish, you can take the temperature with a lubricated rectal thermometer - I'd go for a digital model myself to make it extra quick. Another even better option, less invasive and virtually instant, is one designed for taking a reading inside the ear.

Pulse:
OK, now that's done, let's move on to pulse to find out what's going on with the heart. This is where it will come in handy to ask the vet what is normal for your breed of dog, because it can vary between size and breed.

So once you have that information, what you are looking for is a strong and regular beat. You can check the beats in either of two locations. One is inside the upper thigh on your dog's rear legs, which is where you'll find the femoral artery. The other is on the chest behind the left leg. Count the beats per minute - actually you can do it for 15 seconds and then do the math, times 4. Normal beats can fall in the 60-150 range, but that's why is important to know what is normal for your dog as I mentioned earlier.

Respiration:
Respiration, or in other words breathing, is another good health indicator to review. Do this when your dog is in a relaxed state, not after he's been playing fetch or is panting due to summer heat etc.

Once you know what is normal for your aging dog, it will be easy for you to spot any distress or changes in his breathing. The average range is around 10-30 breaths a minute, but again it varies according to breed and size. You can visually do a 15-second count of the breaths, or use a stopwatch, then multiply by 4 to get the one minute result.

Circulation:
Another health indicator is circulation. Just as with humans, the blood must be carried efficiently around your dog's body to deliver nutrients to the tissues. You can check out your dog's the circulation by lifting his lip and pressing a finger on the gum line above the canine tooth. When you take your finger away, count how many seconds it takes for the gum to return to its normal pink color. More than a couple of seconds is an indicator of a problem and you should talk to your vet as soon as possible.

Aging Dog - Water Intake & Hydration Levels:

Water, as we know, is necessary for all life forms to exist. Observing your dog's water intake as well as checking his hydration levels can give you life saving information. I know this first hand because this is how I came to know of my dog's diabetes. Don't hesitate to talk to your vet if you notice a sudden and significant increase in your dog's water consumption.

Here's a simple way to check for dehydration in your dog. It's often referred to as the tenting test. Just pull up some skin around your dog's neck and then release. It should fall back to normal right away if enough fluids are present. However, if your dog is dehydrated, the skin loses its elasticity and remains in a tented position, taking longer to return to normal. Any sign of dehydration, which can be life threatening, is a solid reason to call your vet.

Aging Dog - General Overview:

After you have completed these measured health stats, follow up with a hand's on and visual once-over. If your dog has become used to your tender touch, he'll just think he getting some more pampering. So run your hands over his joints, back, and belly for signs of discomfort or swelling, and check his eyes, ears and bottom for any signs of infection or parasites. Don't overlook the paws, as this is a prime spot for trapping foreign matter or hidden abrasions. And finally take a peek at your canine's canines.

If you become very familiar with the routine aspects of your aging dog's life, including what goes in and what comes out, you will quickly notice any changes that occur.

Inevitably in an older dog, there will be some physical signs of aging. Stiff joints or arthritis are common ailments, but there is a lot that can be done to ease the pain of these conditions. Hearing and vision loss are also often affected and sometimes there are changes in behavior.

The good news is, dogs are living far longer these days thanks to incredible advances in veterinary medicine!

When I think about helping an aging dog, I think about this quote: "He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." author unknown

With compassion, there is so much we can do to make our dog's senior years comfortable and enjoyable. And, this is the greatest gift a master can give his loyal friend.

NOTE: Information in this article is not intended to take the place of advice from a vet.About the Author:

Author operates a fun website that encourages you to spoil your dog, but only in the most positive ways. Lots of good common sense and information about all aspects of doggie care. Dog-Spoiling-Made-Easy.com

This article may be reprinted only in its entirety with no changes, and providing that: the full resource box is included; all hyperlinks are active/linkable, and there are no syntax changes.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Give Back the Love to Your Senior Dog!

Lifestyles of the Worlds Most Rich & Famous Dogs

Author: Collin Walker

We have all seen those hit t.v. shows going into how people can shower themselves with the worlds most expensive items and have enough left over to go even more extreme. Whether it is daily massages, rare health products, over the top maid services, incredible cars, personal drivers or a privately owned jet that even a president would have a hard time getting clearance to own. This article goes over only a few of the ways these high rollers shower their pets wit luxurious lifestyle.

1. Pedicures or "pawdicures" for dogs are quite common and have become standard items in the grooming regimen. Some dog owners simply want their dog’s nails clipped while others want their cuticles massaged and their nails painted.

2. Dog massages are also quite popular for the pampered pooch. Advocates for dog massage state that massage relieves joint pain, alleviates stress, increases flexibility increases circulation and lymphatic function as well as releasing endorphins to promote an overall feeling of well-being in dogs. There are even schools in place to train people in the art of holistic dog massage.

3. Psychics have also joined the ranks of pet care professionals. Pet psychics will come to your house to evaluate your dog and explain his innermost thoughts and desires to you for upwards of a couple hundred dollars per visit. Most pet psychics have no formal training, but are able to help asses a problem or situation because they have a good idea of how dogs think.

4. In home pet sitting is extremely popular among people who just can’t bear to take their pampered pooch to the kennel when they travel. These concerned owners hire people to come to their house three times a day to care for their pets in their natural environment, your home. Owners will often pay extra to have the pet sitter stay in their home while they are away so their precious pals will never have to be alone. Boarding in a strange kennel surrounded by the barking of other dogs can be stressful to dogs. In home care allows pets to stay in their natural environment and alleviates this stress. Always make sure that the service you choose is insured and bonded and that you ask for and check their references.

5. Acupuncture is a holistic therapy involving the insertion and manipulation of fine needles into specific points in the body to relieve pain and increase the flow of energy in the body. This ancient Chinese therapy is gaining popularity among people and pets. Acupuncturists claim that the procedure is particularly effective in treating neurological and gastrointestinal conditions in dogs. Some advocates for acupuncture use it as a primary means of treatment while others use it in conjunction with other more traditional therapies.

6. At home waste pick up is the ultimate service for the parents of pampered pooches. These companies will come to your house and clean up after your dog for you. They come to your house, scoop the poop and remove the waste without you or your dog having to lift a paw. You can schedule once weekly, twice weekly or a one time only cleaning.

7. Rent a dog services. For those who do not have the time or space to commit to pet ownership, they can use a rental service to obtain their own pampered pooch for a day, week or month. Advocates for this service claim that it prevents people from adopting dogs, realizing they do not have the time to make a proper commitment and then returning the dog. The service can be quite expensive, but some customers say it is worth it. People rent dogs when they are away from home for extended travel, to strike up conversations with the opposite sex and because they love dogs, but simply do not have the time to care for them on a full time basis.

Whatever your level of commitment to your dog chances are you have bought him a thing or two you never thought you would. I know I have been guilty of browsing at the dog bakery counter and ordering mouse pads with my dog’s picture on them!

About the Author:

Visit pet super store for the scoop on designer dog beds and stylish pet carriers.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Lifestyles of the Worlds Most Rich &Famous Dogs

Five Dog Tricks That Every Dog And Owner Should Know

Author: Daniel Millions

At first glance, dog tricks seem to be more like parlor tricks than anything useful. But the truth is quite the contrary; in fact, dog tricks promote very healthy and obedient behavior amongst dogs. The goal is to teach a dog five basic tricks: stay, come, sit, heel, and leave alone.

Teach A Dog The Trick Of Stay

Stay is one of the best dog tricks that can counteract bad behavior. Instead of a muddy dog making tracks throughout the house, why not teach it to stay on command, and save yourself the frustration of cleaning?

Training a dog to stay can be somewhat difficult. Reward the dog when you declare Stay, and the dog doesn't move towards you. Eventually, the dog will learn through association of benefit that Stay means to stay put until further command.

Teach A Dog The Trick Of Come

Come is a rather easy command to teach, mostly because dogs can be curious creatures. Every time you say Come and make a gesture, they usually perform this task on their own. But to really engrave it into the dog's mind, a treat should be given upon successful completion.

This command is very useful when a dog becomes distracted and is pondering chasing a rabbit, for instance. Instead of chasing the dog all over town (and the rabbit, coincidentally), try stating Come! with a firm voice you'll be surprised at the results.

Teach A Dog The Trick Of Sit

Stay is another command similar to stay, although it is better in most cases. Instead of a dog standing up ready to move as soon as the owner gets out of site, the dog is obediently sitting on the floor waiting for the next command.

This command can be taught much like stay in the sense that the dog should be rewarded upon successfully staying. But in this case, the dog must also be sitting. Helping the dog into a sitting position is often required in this scenario.

Teach A Dog The Trick Of Heel

Heel is a difficult command to teach, since it attempts to teach a dog a learned behavior when they are at their most obnoxious and rambunctious state of mind. When they are tugging at their leash ready to run free, simply saying heel would be a great way to get things under control!

This command can be taught by saying the command multiple times, until the dog subsides. Upon submission, give the dog a treat to reward the submission. Hopefully, the word heel will become a word in both the dog's and owner's vocabulary with good practice.

Teach A Dog The Trick Of Leave Alone

This command is always the most fun to teach. Simply put an appetizing object in front of a dog, say leave alone and then offer the dog another treat that is bigger or better in some shape or form. Eventually the dog will realize that a bigger or better treat can be had if it is waited for after hearing the words leave alone.

Final Thoughts On Dog Training

Dog training is a lot of fun if the right methods are put into use. These methods will enable for both bonding between owner and dog, and will teach great behavioral character for dogs. Keep in mind that only positive reinforcement should be used as negative reinforcement can worsen behavior problems.

About the Author:

Teach your Dog Tricks and get do information at our Dog Tricks Training Forum.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Five Dog Tricks That Every Dog And Owner Should Know

Preventing Household Dog Accidents

Author: Jeff Lepage

It can sometimes be quite unavoidable, yet it does happen, however how you handle it is what it all comes down to.

If you have carpets when this happens, the carpet can and will most likely stain. However, some carpet cleaner spray, and some elbow grease and get rid of that stain in a jiffy. Now, if you clean it up, even with the cleaner, the dogs sense of smell may still detect his scent there, and go there again, and again, and again. Now, to make him not go there, its best to spray that area with a vinegar type spray, that will keep him from going in that area. Of course, this is just a temporary solution to a greater problem. You must start potty training your doggie, or re-potty training him if he has had a relapse.

Relapses can happen if and when the dog is left alone for longer than normal times, and it goes past his walk, or pee time. After a certain amount of time, he will just have to go, and go he will. If you are lucky he will just go in one area, but there will be ALOT of urine in that one area, so becareful not to step in it. Or you may be an unlucky one, and the dog wants to go mark territory, so he may squirt all over the house in different spots. It is rare, but it does happen.

If the dog goes in just one area, it will be the area closest to the door he/she usually goes out to go pee. Which can sometimes be the door you come in, so hopefully you step in it with your shoes on, and not your socks, or barefeet (Hope your not wearing sandles either). If you do step it in, do not freak out, or scold the dog in any way. The dogs memory is short for praises and punishments, it only knows the last thing it did before you punished it, or praised it. However, the way this memory works, is that it will usually associate the praise and punishment with whatever it did. This is altogether a different kind of training, which I will not get into right now.

So, please, do not punish your dog, if it did its business inside, and you didnt catch him/her in the act. Just clean it up, and take your dog outside right away. Take him for a nice long walk, or a good long play in the yard, if that is your thing. He will most likely relieve himself again while you walk or play. Because usually the exercise will make him want to.

The best thing you can do is take your dog out for as many walks as possible. If you are leaving him/her alone for the day while you are at work, and can not come back to walk him/her at lunch, then get up a little earlier, and take him/her for a nice long walk before hand, at least 20 mins long, 30 mins is even better. That way they will be drained, and will feel more comfortable through out the day. Plus, they will have used up alot of energy, and will rest most of the day waiting for you, and will stay out of trouble.

Then, the first thing you should do when you get home from being away all day, is take him for a walk right away, another 20 - 30 mins is best, bigger the dog, the longer the walk. Also, remember, the smaller the dog, the more walks you might have to do, because of a smaller bladder of course.

This should prevent any more accidents inside.

About the Author:

Jeff L. loves dogs, and wants the world to know how to better care for their best friend. Training is apart of a long and beautiful friendship with your furry friend, find out more on dog training at: www.behaviorofadog.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Preventing Household Dog Accidents

Pregnancy Stages in Dogs

Author: Dustin Cannon

Just like human females, your dog has a pregnancy schedule, and a uterine calendar that can pinpoint which pregnancy stage she is in according to her body's symptoms.

In a dog's first pregnancy stage, for example, when she is in the first two weeks of since copulation, the dog's nipples start to enlarge. When you notice this phenomenon your dog should see a veterinarian, to determine if there is a pregnancy and if so what pregnancy stage she is in.

The veterinarian will be able to tell if puppies have been conceived just by feeling the dog's stomach. Just as with human pregnancy tests, the dog's pregnancy or lack of it can be verified through a blood test. Of course, the pregnancy stage for a canine is shorter than that of humans because dogs give birth only sixty three to sixty five days after conception.

Each pregnancy stage for a dog, therefore, is only about 21 days long as compared with a woman's pregnancy trimester of three months. In the dogs sixth week of pregnancy her need for nutrition will increase as will her appetite. At this point she is truly eating for several little ones including herself, and should be fed more food accordingly. Her food consumption will increase approximately 50 percent over what she normally consumes. It is very important that her diet be balanced. For this you should take the advice of your veterinarian.

A dog that is going to have a litter of many puppies will have a visibly enlarged tummy, although there are some dogs - especially those giving birth to just a few - whose abdomen won't enlarge noticeably. For these dogs, the pregnancy stage where they are showing is about one week long. Dogs who deliver a great number of puppies tend to deliver them prematurely.

In general, your dog can deliver her own puppies without the intervention of a veterinarian. There are exceptions to this, of course, and it's important to be able to know what these exceptions are and when they are occurring.

You should call the vet if your dog has been carrying the puppies for more than 65 days, or has been having contractions for more than two hours without delivering any puppies. If your dog has given birth to a puppy or puppies but not all, and now three hours have elapsed since the last birth, call the vet. This is especially crucial if you see your dog pushing and putting in a lot of effort. If your dog is very tired and her contractions are so slight that they don't bring on delivery you should call the vet.

Once your dog has advanced to the stage of pregnancy where she has given birth you'll need to step in to give some care to the newborns. It's important that the babies have heat. A puppy crib is ideal, somewhere away from any circulating air. As puppies are still being delivered those that have been born can be pushed towards their mom for warmth and comfort.

About the Author:
Dustin Cannon is owner of JustArticlesVIP.com and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic Dustin recommends you visit: The Miracle Within

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Pregnancy Stages in Dogs

Are You Prepared To Pay The Vet?

Author: Anne P Jackson

Every year, at least one in three of all pets will need some kind of emergency veterinary care ranging from minor to life-threatening situations. Are you prepared for the vet costs of this emergency care?

And even if your cat or dog never gets injured in some type of accident can you guarantee that they will never become ill? Recent studies indicate that illness is even more of a possibility for your pet than accident with one out of two requiring vet care because of illness.

In addition to accident and illness, routine pet health care is becoming more and more expensive as time goes on. In reality it will soon be on a par with human health care and we all know how out of hand that has become!

Pet health insurance policies can be acquired that cover all these possibilities, accident, illness and routine vet care. Gone are the days of pet health insurance in the form of “discounts” from vets or pet supply stores. Todays pet health insurance policies are as sophisticated as their human counterparts.

Sophistication, doesn't mean difficult to understand, however. All it takes is pure common sense. If you're dog has been neutered, then you certainly don't need gestational (maternity) coverage.

Some policies will not cover more than just the very basic care, and that might be enough for some families. Higher priced pet care insurance will cover more items and may also include a number of discounts and additional services that make the package that much more valuable.

Consider these bonuses and savings when you are weighing the pros and cons of each policy, the additional cost may very well be offset by large discounts on some big ticket items. Many policies offer discounts for things like spaying/neutering, micro-chipping, and obedience training.

QuickCare simple accident coverage for a puppy is about $11.00 per month and a $50 deductible. When you consider that the average cost for the surgical removal of a foreign body is over $1500, this is an absolute savings! We have all seen our puppies and dogs get into things and swallow stuff. You just never know when that “stuff” is something that will need to be surgically removed – at a huge cost!

I highly suggest that all pet owners scout around the internet and find the program that is right for them and their pet. Make sure you check apples against apples and make a decision before an accident happens to your furry friend.

About the Author:

You can't predict the future of your pet's health, but you can prepare for it with a good solid pet health insurance policy. QuickCare Pet Insurance

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Are You Prepared To Pay The Vet?

Halloween Safety for Your Pet

Author: Brent Goodman

Soon enough the season of costumes and Jack-O'-Lanterns will fill our neighborhoods with an endless parade of trick-or-treaters heading for our doorsteps. This year, be prepared to make the season a safe one for all members of the family. Here are some important veterinarian-recommended tips:

Halloween season is a time of mischief and pranks, and too often dogs and cats become unwilling participants. Keep your outdoor pets well supervised in the yard or, better yet, keep them indoors and safe from neighborhood hooligans at night.

If your dog has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes. Just make sure the costume doesn't interfere with his ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Always make sure the fit isn't constricting, and keep an eye out for signs your dog may be getting stressed out.

Like any other night you take your dog for a stroll, make sure he's wearing his collar & nametag/ID. And with so many other people on the street, it's important to keep him on a lead or leash.

Just as you'd make sure your kids aren't eating unsafe candy, never let your dog get a hold of any bite-size sweets. Candy and wrappers are potential choking hazards, and chocolate is particularly dangerous for dogs - a toxin. Instead, pick up a container of baked cookies for Dogs to share or any other of your pooch's favorite biscuits and treats.

No other time of year will so many strange kids in even stranger costumes be knocking on your door. This can be especially nerve-wracking for the territorial dog. With the door opening and closing all night, be careful of them darting out. You may even want to put up a temporary gate in the entranceway, or keep your pup in a separate room.

For especially nervous animals, the haunting screams of kids and endless chiming doorbells can get to be too much for comfort. There are a variety of calming products designed for storm- and travel-shy pets, which are also useful on Halloween.

Finally, decorations and Jack-O'-Lanterns are tempting for pets to get their noses into. Needless to say, it's too easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it's in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Always keep these Halloween favors out of your pet's reach!

About the Author:

Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Halloween Safety for Your Pet

Dog Years Human Years

Author: Dog Care Tips

The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog's breed, size as well as the dog's surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog's life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.

The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of "size or the specific breed calculator", which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog's predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.

It is generally assumed that, on an average, "one human year equals to seven dog years". This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.

It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly "64 percent of dogs" were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.

The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.

Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.

About the Author:
Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn how to care for your dogs the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Dog Years Human Years

The Scary Reality of Dog Genetic Disease

Author: Kayye Nynne

The prevalence of genetic disease in dogs today can only be described as alarmingly common which is bad news for dog owners and dog lovers alike. The following is a list to illustrate the magnitude of the problem:

1. On average all dogs carry at least 4-5 defective genes.

2. Over 500 genetic diseases have been identified in dogs.

3. Hip Dysplasia (HD) (an inherited orthopedic disease that may result in the dog becoming lame) commonly occurs in 60 dog breeds and occurs less frequently in another 110 breeds; thus this disease is seen in over 170 breeds of dog.

4. 119 dog breeds are commonly afflicted with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a disease that quite often leads to blindness in the affected animal.

5. Of all the dog breeds the Poodle suffers from the most number of genetic diseases...145! The reason why the Poodle is predisposed to so many genetic diseases is because not only are there 3 distinct sizes of Poodle in this breed, the large count of disease is a reflection of the popularity of this dog breed. By and large a good rule of thumb is, the more popular a dog breed the greater the number of genetic diseases inherent in that breed.

6. Several popular dog breeds are linked to over 100 genetic diseases.

7. These days dog breeders spend well over $500,000,000 annually in an effort to address this disturbing trend of genetic disease in man's best friend.

As it is all the various dog breeds that exist today were artificially created; in other words each and every dog breed was selectively bred for a particular trait, be it coat color, coat length, sniffing ability, shortness of stature (miniatures), facial appearance and so forth...the list is virtually endless. The means by which those desired traits were obtained was to selectively breed that population of dogs that most strongly exhibited the desired trait; a breeding strategy that is otherwise known as inbreeding!

Gene Pool And Population Factors

A population may be described as a breeding group that possesses gene continuity from one generation to the next. Currently a growing body of dog experts believe that the dog evolved as a new species from the wolf to occupy a developing niche about 15,000 years ago. That developing niche revolved around human waste dumps; opportunistic wolves began inhabiting those waste dumps for easily available food supplies.

All told, 15,000 years on the evolutionary scale is an extremely brief period for a new species to evolve from another, suggesting that there must have been a considerable amount of inbreeding amongst those opportunistic waste-dump-frequenting wolves to propagate the tameness trait in so short a time span! Compounding this issue of limited genetic pool, a growing number of dog researchers now believe that the original genetic ancestry of the dog evolved from only three female wolves that inhabited China several thousand years ago (the so called eves of dog evolution).

The important point to note here is that even before mankind began his intensive trait-specific breeding program of the dog, and due to its unorthodox super-accelerated evolution, the dog gene pool right from the get go was rather limited!

Development Of A Dog Breed

By its very nature the development of a new dog breed involves a considerable amount of inbreeding to magnify and evolve the desired trait(s) characteristic of that new breed. However this process results in a considerable number of undesired results. If we consider the Dalmatian, a breed of dog characterized by its distinctive pattern of spots, somewhere along the line during that process of selecting for the spotted pattern trait, Dalmatian dog breeders unknowingly and unintentionally also bred this dog for an abnormal uric acid gene!

By the time people realized that there was a very serious problem in the Dalmatian, this dog breed was homozygous for the abnormal uric acid gene! (Homozygous refers to identical pairs of genes that manifest as an observable trait as opposed to non-identical gene pairs known as heterozygous that confer no observable trait; i.e., recessives). This unwanted side effect means that Dalmatians are perhaps the only breed of dog that is predisposed to urine stones (from excessive levels of uric acid), a debilitating urinary tract condition. In an effort to rectify this problem the Dalmatian line was subsequently crossbred with various Pointer breeds to eliminate the inherent homozygotic uric acid gene whilst still maintaining the spotted pattern that defines the Dalmatian dog.

Gene Linkage

The abnormal elevated levels of uric acid in the Dalmatian associated with the spotting-pattern gene, is a classic case of gene linkage. Linkage is said to occur when genes expressing different properties are located on the same chromosome and are inherited as a unit. In fact the occurrence of gene linkage probably explains how the dog morphologically (shape wise) differentiated from the wolf so dramatically and so quickly; the gene that expressed the tameness trait was linked to genes that expressed other properties such as floppy ears, change in coat color, barking or simply put properties characteristic of today's domesticated dog.

The bottom line here is that selective breeding for a particular trait (as happens whenever a new dog breed is being developed) carries the inherent risk of magnifying the expression of unwanted defective genes that would otherwise rarely occur under natural circumstances.

Genetic Diversity

During the process of natural selection genetic diversity is maintained, but contrastingly in selective breeding the opposite holds true; genetic diversity is reduced! Recent studies have revealed that genetic variation occurs frequently in normal populations of any species and that even those genes that are deleterious and defective are preserved in the gene pool as so-called recessive genes (recessive gene traits are not visibly apparent unlike dominant genes). It is now believed that such genetic variability confers adaptive properties to a population in the event of extreme environmental change.

Thus mutative genes that confer minimal benefit today could play a significant future role in the survival of the species in which it occurs. This could explain why defective or mutative genes are preserved as recessive genes in a population's gene pool. A good example illustrating the beneficial role recessive genes can confer to a population is the case of the English Peppered moth.

Like a large number of insects the Peppered moth relies on its color to camouflage it from predators. The dominantly prevalent grayish color of the Peppered moth allows it to blend in with its environment which so happen to be tree trunks and lichen of like color. Although lighter and darker shades of the moth exist, few of such individuals survive for the simple reason their camouflaging abilities are less effective.

However with the advent of the industrial revolution in the late 19th century the resultant pollution darkened the tree trunks such that the minority recessive trait which conferred a darker shade of gray to the moths became dominant because such moths were then better able to avoid predation. As pollution levels subsequently decreased the tree trunks gradually reverted to their normal color and so also did the color of the Peppered moth revert back to its pre-industrialization gray. Thus once again the recessive dark-gray color in the moth reverted to its usual minority role!

Combating Dog Genetic Disease

Because almost every single dog possesses at least 4 defective genes (no matter whether it's a purebred or mixed breed) unless strong active measures are taken the problem of dog genetic disease can only get worse. Such strong effective measures by necessity require the participation of everyday dog owners and not just dog breeders or dog researchers!

Dog Genome Project Wants Your Dog's Blood!

The Canine Genome Sequencing Project (Dog Genome Project based at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT in Boston) has sequenced the dog genome in its entirety. One of their priority goals now is to identify the genes responsible for causing dog genetic diseases, defective genes, carrier states of hereditary disease and much more. Through using the powerful resource of the sequenced dog genome, the good folks at the Dog Genome Project hope to reverse the widespread prevalence of genetic disease in dogs worldwide.

However to achieve that noble goal they need your help! How?

Well the only means by which recessive genes and carrier states can be identified is at the genetic level (genotype) and not by visual observation of recognizable morphological traits (phenotype). To do this the Dog Genome Project staff need a large number of dog samples to analyze and that is where you, as a dog owner, can play a significant role by sending them a blood sample of your dog.

More about the dog

For more information about how to help alleviate dog genetic disease go to:
http://www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog

Listen Up Your Dog is Talking to You!

Author: Kayye Nynne

Imagine that every time you attempt to talk to your best friend their response is one of harsh scolding words. Now picture this happening not once, twice or thrice but almost every single day. I’m betting soon there won’t be much of anything to call as friendship left! I’ll even go out on a limb here and hazard a guess that soon the two of you won’t be talking altogether. Perhaps you’d withdraw into some kinda shell or maybe the bombardment of negativity and criticism would drive you to lash out in anger one day.

Okay, now let’s picture this scenario a little bit differently in that you happen to be a dog and that supposed best friend of yours is your owner. That makes it a tad more complicated doesn’t it, especially if your owner is not trying to be intentionally cruel or harsh but simply doesn’t understand how to communicate properly with you!

Okay revert back to your human form for now. Have you ever tried communicating with someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you? It isn’t easy is it! There’s a whole lot of arm waving, gesticulating, self-conscious grinning and facial contortions, much of which isn’t actually helping you to understand one another any better…and we are talking about communication between individuals from the same species here! That pretty much puts into perspective the monumental wall standing between you and your dog communicating efficiently with one another.

The very real problem here is that you don’t talk dogspeak and neither does your dog speak any human language but that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn how to communicate effectively with one another. And seeing as you happen to be the more intelligent species in this particular partnership, the onus is on you to create that better environment of communication. However unfortunately far too often this is not the case, more often than not it being the dog owner representing the party that gets irritated and confrontational during sessions of communication. If and when a situation such as this continues for a long enough duration this in turn could make your dog to:

• Become depressed and withdraw
• Start avoiding you
• Whimper and slink about whenever you’re in the vicinity
• Become aggressive and unmanageable

Communication With Your Dog Starts With Understanding Your Dog

Like us humans, dogs have their own standard dog etiquette that incorporates accepted proper behavior and quite naturally in the same way that we expect them to respond in a desired manner to our communication so do they expect no less from us. But as pointed out previously, being that we are two very different species, notwithstanding the fact that we have co-existed side by side for thousands of years, the inescapable fact is that dogs and us speak entirely different languages!

Thus to forge a better relationship with your dog you need to have a better understanding of dog communicative signals other than the obvious ones that comprise dog language.

Dog Language

Dogs bark, growl, yelp, snarl, whine, howl, warble and sing as a means of communication between themselves and other species such as us. Dogs can tell pretty accurately from the tone and inflection of our voices what kind of mood and state of mind we are in, much in the same way that we can judge their intent from the type of vocalization they utter. However there is only so far such communication takes usand the plain fact of the matter is that so much of dog language exists in the form of unvocalized signals; something the average dog owner is utterly unaware of.

Generally speaking all dogs no matter where they come from (thanks to their common ancestral origins, the wolf) understand what another dog is saying. However some dogs are better adapted to unvocalized signals than others. For example dogs that have docked tails cannot communicate dog signals that incorporate tail action. Also color patterns do play a part in dog language communication, and dogs that have black outline eyes with tan spots above them are better able to communicate eye-related signals because of such contrast. Completely black dogs or white ones are at a disadvantage from this perspective, which may explain why black dogs use the licking signal more often than the ones using facial expressions.

Common Unvocalized Dog Signals

Nose Licking: Nose licking by dogs is one of the signals they use to show their discomfort or alternatively it used as a message to calm down other dogs or people in a situation in which the dog doing the licking evaluates as one that is too stressful.

Head Turning: The motion of head turning could be a subtle swivel or a single swift movement; sometimes the head turning could be a prolonged side to side movement. Averting their heads is another manner in which dogs can defuse potentially explosive situations between themselves because by turning their heads away they are signaling non-threatening intentions in polite doggy speak.

Next time you are stooping over your dog look carefully to see if he or she turns their head away; if they do then they are evidently signaling to you that it makes them feel uncomfortable. If you pay special attention next time you’ll also notice that dogs rarely look directly at one another because it is considered impolite and rife with threat. When dogs are seated in group they generally avert their heads away from one another in keeping with polite dog etiquette (much like the way civilized persons make a point of not staring directly at the person opposite them in a subway car).

Eye Squinting: Dogs narrow their eyes to express to the person or fellow canine to whom their gaze is directed that they have no ill intentions, and that there is no veiled threat implied from that gaze. Whenever a dog looks at another dog directly with no threatening intentions, the dog squints its eyes to make sure the other dog understands that no aggression is intended.

Dog Bowing: Bowing represents a number of things in doggy language but most commonly it is an invitation to play. Dogs don’t only bow to other dogs they also bow to people and other animals. When a bowing dog also hops from foot to foot then unquestionably that is an invitation to play. Sometimes dogs also use bowing as a means to calm or de-stress a situation.

Yawning: A yawning dog does not reflect a tired dog; yawning happens to be yet another de-stressing signal in doggy language. This is one dog signal you can use quite effectively to calm your dog when it is anxious or agitated. These are just a few of the many unvocalized signals dog use to communicate with other dogs and us. You can easily use some of these dog signals to communicate with your furry best friend. However I wouldn’t recommend going around slobbering your tongue across your face; that may go down well in doggy world but I am not sure the same can be said in the real world!

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Wooden Doghouses – Where to Place Your Dog House

Author: Ricky Lim

Whether dogs in fact prefer wooden dog houses or a different material is unclear, however the most universal dog house is built of wood, the same as our houses! Most little dogs live inside so a little dog house is not usually an issue.

Medium sized and large dogs usually live outside in their own wooden dog houses. Finding a large dog house or an extra large dog house is what most people have troubles with. You can find plans on the internet for wooden dog houses, as-well-as free plans for wooden dog houses.

Acquiring the blueprints insinuates a do-it-yourself approach or obtaining an individual to put it together for you.

You can locate pre-built houses locally occasionally, like people houses. This is the preference of many dog owners, but it may take a little detective work. The best location for an outdoor dog house is not always the most common location.

Most people seem to locate their wooden dog houses toward the rear of their back yards. This is not only inconvenient for you, but it is very undesirable for the dog. Dogs are extremely social creatures and rather than be placed in the back of your yard, you might consider close to a backdoor, a side yard or the front yard.

The dog will mainly want to be anywhere that people often congregate, especially if the dog owners frequent that area of the yard. The dog house should be raised up off the ground, maybe with bricks near the foundation, thus the wooden dog houses trap airspace below them to aid in insulation.

To keep winter chill off the dog, you should have some sort of wind block in front of the dog house entrance. An "L" formed dog house, or a flap which is minor may work suitably also, whatever thing that will deflect the bitter wind from your dog. So the dog does not suffer a flea infestation and tick control is required.

Consult with your veterinarian about methods to achieve this. Dogs enjoy the dog house locality to remain orderly so getting rid of dog waste and keeping the locality tidy will leave your dog more contented.

Always try to permit dogs to have a good view of the wooden dog houses section. These are many aspects that are essential to have a satisfied dog in a cheerful dog house! Offering a dog runway is perfect, it allows a dog to run and still be restrained. Similar to two sizeable posts approximately 30 feet away from each other with durable rope extended between them. Fasten the dog harness to the cord so that it slides the whole length between the poles.

Dogs love this extra freedom. Keep wooden dog houses cool in the summer, warm in the winter, clean and dry, and no direct wind blowing in on them. Keep food and especially water near their wooden dog houses.

Find a good dog food that keeps your dog nourished and healthy. Never feed him/her cooked chicken bones - they splinter. Pay a visit to their wooden dog houses. What they like best is exercise and regular owner contact! Allow dogs to have playthings and chew bones near their wooden dog houses. Have a happy dog - play with him/her often!

About the Author:

Learn more about why wooden doghouse are the best. Discover where to buy cheap wooden doghouse on my dog house site.

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Top 7 Dog Myths

Author: Mary Beth

Myths about dogs can endanger your dog’s safety if believed and acted upon. Canine Kingdom exposes myths, old wives’ tales and methods of communicating with dogs that do not work. Canine Kingdom will further refine and massively communicate our knowledge base about dogs — so that an accurate understanding of dogs is clear, widely held, and protected. To separate fact from fiction, Canine Kingdom brings you debunked myths, verified facts, and statistically proven methods.

Dogs must have bones!
The most common symbol associated with dogs, the ‘bone’, is actually damaging to dogs! It is an erroneous myth that dogs should have bones. Unless you are working with a specialist or are experienced in raw feeding do not give dogs raw food or bones. Dogs have dental care needs just like humans. Their teeth wear down from hard bones, and can even break. Cooked bones should never be given to dogs. The heat changes the chemical and physical properties of bones and they resist digestion and cannot be chewed properly, splintering into jagged shards. There are several options available to provide your dogs the chewing exercise they love and crave: Kongs; ‘fill n freeze’ nylon bones; and tough (but soft) chew toys.

Never disturb a dog when he's eating
One of the highest incidence rates of dog bites occurs when a dog's food is disturbed. Dog parents may conclude it's best not to disturb a dog when he's eating. But what it really means is that your dog sees you and/or your kids as a threat, rather than the best thing that's ever happened to him. Every dog should learn to look forward to the presence of people near their bowl because he's going to get a surprise yummy treat. To do this, start by hand feeding your dog-using an open palm. Then, each time you feed your dog, disturb his bowl or food in some way - starting with touching your dog and working your way to actually putting your hand in his bowl. That way, when someone inadvertently knocks his bowl over or a child reaches for his food, he won't respond as though his meal is being threatened.

A cold, wet nose, indicates a healthy dog
The nose of a healthy dog should be at normal body temperature unless he is out in cold, wintry air (just like our noses). So remember, it is not a wet nose that tells you your dog is healthy, but rather a dry, hot nose that tells you something may be wrong.

Brushing is good for the coat
This is a partial myth. While brushing is necessary to keep your dog's coat clean and detangled between baths, brushing too hard can roughen the hair cuticle, exposing its cortex and leaving the hair porous and frayed. Rule of thumb - if you can hear the brush, you are brushing too hard!

You must have a yard for your dog
Absolutely not true! Dogs are social animals, so they ultimately want to be with you. Ninety-nine percent of the time when a dog is in the yard, he's hanging out at the back door waiting to come back inside with you. And you'll notice that even inside a 10,000-square-foot house, the dog will tend to be right by your feet.

Dogs should not be fed table scraps
This is one of the most widespread myths the manufacturers of some pet food products perpetuate. They claim that table scraps will upset the balance of the commercial dog food. Just like humans, dogs should not be fed the same meal every single day of their lives. Dietary deficiencies do not appear overnight but need a long period of consistently poor nutrition to develop. Dogs will not automatically get fat, learn to beg at the table, or refuse to eat their own food just because they are fed table scraps. They will, however, do those things for various other reasons, like being overfed or trained that they can get food from your table. Feed your dog ‘human’ food in their bowls.

Pit Bulls have locking jaws
According to Dr. Sandy deLaHunta, a noted dog neurologist, and Dr. Katherine Houpt, a dog behaviorist, there is no such thing as "jaw locking" or a “jaw locking mechanism” in pit bulls or in any breed of dog.

They both concurred that the power of the bite is proportional to the size of the jaws and the jaw muscles. And they concluded that there is no anatomical structure that could be a locking mechanism in any dog.

Do you have a myth about dogs that has proven to be false? A fact that has proven to be true? Please send your myths and facts with proof of verification to:
Research@Canine Kingdom.com

Mary Beth Close founded For the Love of Dogs, Inc., the holding company for Canine Kingdom in 1999. Her vision is to end the unnecessary and unintentional abuse pet dogs suffer because we do not understand them. Canine Kingdom researches, organizes, develops, and validates information, methods and products regarding dog communication, training, and care needs. Canine Kingdom is an independent corporation and is not affiliated with any other pet related company, professional, or organization

About the Author:

Canine Kingdom researches, organizes, develops, and validates information, methods and products regarding Dog Care , Dog Safety and Dog Myths needs. Canine Kingdom is an independent corporation and is not affiliated with any other pet related company, professional, or organization

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Sweaters For Dogs - Winter Selection

Author: Estephen Dolano

Your pet dog wags his tail, and you feel like taking him into your arms and pampering him or cuddling him up. Your love for your dog can be as deep as for any other family member. Obviously you want to bring him up in the best possible way and give him all the comforts of life. Not only have you aggrandized his little wardrobe with smart clothing, booties, toys, collars, leashes and bowls but also have arranged a cozy bed in his dog house. You have made sure to get perfect clothing for him to suit the causal occasions like going to a park for walk or to any friend's house, and formal events like weddings and Halloween or Christmas party. Sweaters for dogs cannot be forgotten in this regard.

You would never want your poodle to suffer from the harsh and cold winds. Though he has been blessed with a natural furry coat to protect him from chilling climate, but taking him as a part of your family, you take this extra effort to protect him from dire weather conditions. You then buy sweaters for dogs and keep him warm. The dog fashion industry has come up with several designer sweaters for dogs and you have an ample range of collection to choose from.

Woolens and sweaters for dogs come in various styles, patterns and colors. Some are simply woven while there are others which are studded with precious and semiprecious stones to make it look more elegant. Fleece coats have also flourished in the market. Sweaters, coats and the fleece t-shirts are made from various fabrics including denim, feather, lace, fur, faux and even leather. To add more beauty to these designer winter-wears, they are bejeweled with crystals, hearts, bows, buttons, and pearls and even gold or silver. Depending on the material and design, evidently, the price also varies. The pattern of these winter garments too varies. Knitting is the most common method used for making sweaters for dogs. Mufflers, mittens, scarves, tanks and body suits can also be woven for complete protection of your pampered pooches.

Sometimes if you feel that sweaters for dogs are not enough to prevent them from chilling winds, you can also opt for coats. For your feminine diva you can get a coat made from fur. These coats are trendy and warm and keep your pet happy in winter. You may want to knit some sweaters for your canine friend, and show your love for him, but with the market full of designer garments and that too at affordable prices, why not get something more fanciful for him. Moreover, there has been a great revolution in the dog fashion industry and there is a stiff competition among the dog owners to dress their pooches smartly. You can also buy sweaters for dogs from some boutiques and make your sophisticated friend look modish. This also shows your love and care for your bona FIDO member of the family.

About the Author:
Estephen is an expert in the field. For dog">http://www.upscalepup.com/dog-sweaters.html'>dog sweaters and for more information on dog">http://www.upscalepup.com/coats-jackets.html'>dog coats Please visit: http://www.upscalepup.com

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Can A Dog Improve Your Health?

Author: Janet Winter

There's nothing that relieves stress and makes us laugh like watching a new puppy chasing a ball on wobbly legs. And what fun to play 'tug of war' with a favorite toy! Just having your dog in your lap to pet and cuddle brings soothing relaxation.

Maybe there's more to the phrase "man's best friend" that we realize.

For years care givers have been inviting pets into nursing homes. Not only does this promote social interaction for the residents as they pet and talk to their furry friend, but they also become less withdrawn and begin talking to the other residents even after their pet's visit is over. This seems to help break the cycle of loneliness and depression that many of them feel. And stroking a dog or cat can actually reduce a person's blood pressure! Petting a dog encourages the use of hands and arms and encourages stretching and turning movements, especially if your visiting dog is a bit active. What a wonderful gift a dog can offer, but the dog benefits, too, by receiving loving affection in return.

For those who would like to work with such a program, either with your own dog or with dogs provided by a service, the first rule is that visiting dogs must be social. The whole idea is to facilitate positive interaction between the dog and the people who are visited by them. If the dog doesn't seem eager to participate, the interaction will be less than ideal, and the rejection felt by the person could be more harmful than no visit at all. They truly need to feel that the dog accepts them and likes them. When selecting a dog for one of these programs, look for one that is calm, friendly and tolerant. The visit shouldn't be forced on the person or the dog. Successful visits should be pleasurable for both.

Because of the successful results with nursing home residents, this concept has expanded to hospitals, where many studies are now exploring the health benefits of association with companion animals. Pet-facilitated therapy (PFT) is now being used often as a treatment method for patients with physical and emotional problems.

The Red Cross has begun using dogs and other animals following traumatic events to help people feel better and have something to help divert their attention from their suffering. Children especially can benefit from having a puppy to play with. It temporarily takes the place of a pet that may have been left behind until they can be reunited. Playing with volunteer animals gives people a break from their mental and physical stress and makes them more able to cope with what they are going through.

Children love animals of all kinds – particularly dogs. One amazing study is finding that dogs play a big part in helping children who are learning to use prosthetic arms and legs. They can use their new arm to brush and groom a dog, which helps them learn to grasp objects and become more confident with their ability to use their new limb. For those with a new leg, playing ball with a dog helps them to improve their balance and maneuverability. The emotional therapy is priceless, too. The children begin to gain self-confidence again and learn to focus on their abilities rather than their limitations. In return, the dog learns to interact with children and receives some TLC, too.

For autistic and mentally disabled children, health workers and teachers are discovering that playing with dogs motivates them to learn and develop new skills and try new things. They find ways to interact with the world around them that didn't exist before.

But what if someone is feeling a bit down and depressed, and they aren't in a situation where a companion dog is part of their therapy. There are lots of options. A visit to the local animal shelter may find them adopting a dog who has that irresistible 'please take me home with you' look. What a joy for both the dog and the new owner.

If having a dog isn't the best solution, the animal shelters and local veterinarians love to have volunteers to walk the dogs and pet them. Maybe a neighbor travels a lot or works long hours. They would love to have someone take their dog for a walk. Visit a local dog park and laugh as the dogs execute their playful antics. Find a doggie frisbee contest to watch the amazing skills of these highly trained dogs. Or just visit a friend who has a dog that's cute and friendly. The possibilities are endless.

Pet therapy works because dogs and other animals create joy in people's lives, and they help them to enjoy that life more. Dogs are non-judgmental and willingly provide exercise, play and laughter. So get healthy – play with your dog and pet them often. They truly are "man's best friend."

About the Author:
Janet Winter is a web designer, owner of three e-commerce sites, and writer on many topics including dogs, babies, wild birds, the Internet and travel. Her e-commerce sites are: APamperedDog.com , WildBirdGoodies.com and WelcomeBabyGifts.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Can A Dog Improve Your Health?

Wireless Dog Fence: The Path to Economize Time, Money, And Your Dog

By: Russ Elderman

Wireless Dog Fence: Pets are just like humans, they have to be preserved safe and sound also. With the wireless dog fence, man's greatest friend will be safe and sound even without the material fence. Not only are you holding your pet contained in your yard, you are also disciplining them to follow commands. As long as they already understand easy statements such as sit and continue, the wireless dog fence will operate for your pet. Installation is simple and can be done in minutes. You can even take it along with you when you, your kinsfolk, and your pet would go tenting or go on a vacation. You can use it opens and even indoors.

Holding Back a Undisciplined Dog

If your dog is an clever dodging artist, and you want to contain him in your backyard, then you should find him a wireless dog fence. The wireless dog fence will give your pet decent room and space to play and run or just dig for bones. While he extends to stray around, this new production also instructs him to be superb. It teaches your dog to obedience edges. Naturally, it will take workweeks before your pet will actually finds, but with body and real supervising, the grooming will pay off. Flags are ab initio used, putting in them on selected edges. At this time, the input level should be held at the nominal level. You may also start the breeding by roping him at first, always ranging him but providing him on his own to discover the edges. Once he orbits the border line, a modest shock will be given off from the vector to find his care effective him that he is admitting his sound zone. As much as he gets a penalty for a error, your pet will also ask to be praised when he curls back after making the gentle shock.

What Preserves Them Lucky

A wireless dog fence is the argue for the smilings of many dog owners whose pets are incessantly on the loose. It is the favorite production in this extremely technical world of today. Disdain it being technologically apprehension, it is also light on the budget. A wireless dog fence is the nicest choice and resolution to the universally general dog owner trouble. Without any wires to bury and poles to install, the wireless dog fence is getting popularity from more dog possessors. It is handy, movable, and can curb an infinite number of dogs as long as they all have the pass receiver collar. The wireless dog fence requires smooth setup saving you time, money, effort, and your dog, most particularly. He can cast around where he's so-called to at a secure place.

You Should Be Happy also

The wireless dog fence and other pet supplements are easy at Pet Depot Online. They have other pet products not just for your favourite dog but also for your other pets or cats among others. Pet Depot Online is committed to serve you and your pets needs by admitting the greatest and the finest pet wares in the market.

About the Author

A wireless dog fence is the argue for the smiling of many dog owners whose pets are incessantly on the loose available at http://www.petdepotonline.com

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Dog Health - What is the Single, Most Important Thing You Can Do to Keep it?

By: Madeleine Innocent

It seems that dog health is on the decline. Depending on the breed, dogs can live to 20 years or more. Today, you’re lucky if they reach eight.

Why is this?

Years ago, dogs were fed table scraps, kitchen scraps and homemade food, as commercial pet food hadn’t been invented. The table scraps were more healthy then, as junk food didn’t abound.

Years ago, it was rare to take a dog to a veterinarian. Vets, as doctors, were only visited when deemed absolutely necessary.

And yet, still dogs lived longer.

Could there be a connection between dog health today and their diet?

In my opinion, the answer to that is a resounding YES!

As with most people, I’m sure you’re blissfully unaware of what goes into making your own food, let alone that of your dogs. When people are asked if they know, the frequent answer is “I don’t want to know”.

Obviously you suspect the worst.

But why don’t you want to know?

Is it because you’re caught out not knowing, so fear looking stupid?

I can understand that.

Or perhaps the knowledge of what goes into dog food is too revolting to consider. If this is the case, don’t you think your dog might agree with you? Maybe he thinks it’s revolting too, but if he doesn’t eat it, he fears he may not be offered an alternative. Even revolting food will keep you alive.

Well, now you have the chance of finding out what really goes into pet food, so next time someone accosts you in the street, you can answer with confidence. Not only that, you can change the diet of your dog to something he will love and that will keep him in peak condition, to boot.

There’s a saying ‘garbage in, garbage out’. Dog health IS dog food, by the very nature of its frequent consumption.

The pet food industry remains more or less unregulated in all countries. The little regulation there is, is poorly policed. It would require too much funding, which tends to be spent on human needs.

So the industry gets away with whatever it wants.

Low quality meat (called meat by-products) is the start of the slippery slope. While dogs can eat some low quality food (hair, beaks, feathers, intestines and contents, fat), they can’t survive on it. They need some good quality to maintain health.

Euthanased animals may be rejected by a more ethical company, but may be eagerly snapped up by those who are less so. The lethal injection forms part of the resulting food. Can this be contributing to poor dog health?

To bulk out the food, to make it more profitable, a filler is added. This can be whatever is available cheaply. It might be melamine. It might be sugar. It may be sawdust.

All pet food is cooked under high temperatures and pressures. This kills off enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients that are essential for good dog health.

To redress this shortfall, nutrients are added. But these are normally the synthetic ones as they’re the cheapest. Synthetic nutrients are not easily absorbed by the body. As most of them are also isolated, they are of little value. Dog health is all about getting complex nutrients in a complete and natural form, which are easily absorbed.

To give the resulting dog ‘food’ a long shelf life (which is good for business, but not for dog health), toxic preservatives are used, preservatives that would never be allowed in human food because of their highly poisonous nature. Poisons such as ethoxyquin and formalin.

Don’t be fooled by packets which maintain they use ‘natural’ preservatives, or are even preservative free. Ask yourself this - can meat be kept indefinitely at room temperature, without the use of preservatives?

It’s down to you to be vigilant in the quality of your dog’s food. To maintain good health, you need to be in control, which means you need to know the worst. Putting your head in the sand isn’t going to keep your dog healthy.

About the Author

(ArticlesBase SC #829254)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Health - What is the Single, Most Important Thing You Can Do to Keep it?

Chewable Toys For Dogs - Fun And Healthy!

By: Angela Dalton

Training your dogs require a lot of patience and hard work. Availability of excellent quality toys and treats has made the training process a lot easier and fun too. You can train your dogs and reward him with many types of treats which are usually given in appreciation for his good work. There are many types of toys obtainable in the dog market which can be used to teach your dog to be busy, patient, to teach him run and fetch - a - ball games which will in turn teach him to get your morning paper. Other very practical and useful products are chewable toys for dogs which are used to help your dog with the natural process of chewing. Some dogs have a very die hard habit of chewing up furniture, table cloths, fabrics etc. To do away with such a habit of his you could get for him chewable toys for dogs in different shapes and colors.

Many dogs who suffer from bad breath or any type of gum disease are advised to use chewable toys for dogs. Some of the chewable toys available for your dear dogs contain a protein based on thermoplastic composition which can be molded into the shape of a bone. Chewing such toys help in cleaning your dogs teeth and also assures fresh breath. Such toys for dogs which are chewable make your dog exercise his jaws and teeth.

There are many varieties of chewable toys for dogs. You could choose one as per the purpose of his play, whether dental, exercise or just for activity sake. Quite a number of these chewable toys for dogs are hollow and can be filled with special dog treats. Such toys are good for training your dog. Suppose you are teaching him to put his right paw forward you could reward him with a chewable dog treat toy when he does so! And if he makes a mistake and puts forward his left leg you could give him an ordinary toy. He will get the whole idea right! Before choosing any chewable dog toy make sure you examine it properly.

There is a great range of variety of chewable toys for dogs available at present; check the internet to guide you more on this. Buy a toy as per your dog's size and requirement. Never buy a toy which is too small or too big for your dog size. Inappropriate size of a toy can result in choking him. Sometimes chewable toys for dogs have smaller parts attached to it for more engrossed. Check whether your pet is comfortable with it and understands that he needs to chew only the chewable part. It is important to supervise your dog occasionally when he is playing with such toys! And one should immediately discard chewable toys for dogs which are torn or leaking from excessive chewing by your doggie! Always buy good quality chew toys to avoid any such complications.

About the Author

Angela is an expert in the field. For chewable dog toys and for more information on dog toys Please visit: http://www.upscalepup.com

(ArticlesBase SC #1175432)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Chewable Toys For Dogs - Fun And Healthy!

The Dog Health Problem Licking Excessively

By: Wade Robins

Almost every dog licks himself or herself at some time or another. This can irritate owners if it becomes excessive and persistent. The explanations for this problem are many as some reason are health related and some may be physiological. Different breeds of dogs lick because of the characteristics of the breed; others do it because they are frightened or have a health condition. Determining the reason can be time consuming for the dog owner, but a vet might find the reason quicker.

The Dog Health Problem Licking is Biological

Female dogs lick their puppies to keep them clean and free from fifth. When pups are born, the mother cleans them after birth and removes the film and body fluids that are common after birth. This also helps to arouse breathing in the newborn puppies. Another reason for the female to lick the newborns is to get the puppies to pass urine and feces. The puppies will sometimes lick the lips of the mother to persuade her to vomit so they can eat, this does not always happen if owners help with the care of the puppies.

Dog Health Problems Licking due to Psychological Reasons

Signs of stress or fatigue will cause a dog to lick excessively. If you compare human behavior to a dog's behavior, you will see that people twirl their hair or something like that when they are bored or stressed and dogs lick themselves for the same reason, they only have this to do. Dogs react to different situations by licking and sometimes chewing on their paws or legs.

In some cases, excessive licking may result in other health problems such as dermatitis. Dogs make lick walls, floors, and anything they can find. Around this same line, some dogs eat fuzz off the floor as a way of expressing stress or displeasure. If you have ever seen a dog with hair or fuzz in their mouth and the continued mouth movement trying get it swallowed or out of the mouth is just as irritating as excessive licking. Treatment can only be given if there is an underlying health problem.

Some believe that behavior training corrects the problem, but punishment is not the answer. Rewarding the dog for not licking may take some time, but some dogs respond to this type of training to correct the licking problem. Some breeders believe in treats for curing excessive licking behavior.

If you notice any skin problems resulting from excessive licking, you need to contact a vet to correct any conditions arising from this behavior before a serious condition results. Some dogs will lick and lick until they have bald spots, this can cause other health complications such as dermatitis or skin infections if the lick the shin raw. The dog health problem licking condition may be something like adjusting the diet or providing a quiet room for the dog to get away from all the commotion that can cause stress. Either way, whether it is biological or psychological, your dog needs some kind of help.

About the Author

You can also find more info on endocrine dog health and problems with dog health.

(ArticlesBase SC #254142)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The Dog Health Problem Licking Excessively

Have Dog Fun on the Weekend

By: Steve Dewall

Want to have a real blast this weekend? Get your grass mowed, do a minor garage cleaning, tell your group you will golf another day, then pack up the family and dog. Get over to a dog agility course. It is not only great exercise for your dog, but also for you. An agility course is truly a Dog Amusement Park.

We have a real bonus here in town. Just a few miles from Pet Keepers Mount Pleasant SC Boarding Kennel there is a county park that has a fenced in agility course. The name of the park is Palmetto Islands County Park and the address is 444 Needlerush Parkway, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. You can google directions, or you can just get on Long Point Road, enter the Long Point subdivision and keep driving to the end of the road.

There you will find the park entrance gate. Pass over a few bucks, stay to the right, and drive right up to the "dog amusement park". Do not worry about parking. The course is surrounded by acres of grass. Distractions are few since the agility course is at the boundary of the county park, away from other attractions, and not on the major route through the park. The four-foot chain link fence surrounding the course lets you take off the lead and romp without worry. Cost? Completely free other than the few dollars you already paid to get through the entrance gate.

For those not so fortunate to live near an agility course, lobby for your county park to build one. The only substantial cost to the county would be about 300 feet of chain link fencing and some inexpensive obstacles. All of these obstacles are easily built by anyone somewhat handy with a saw, hammer and PVC piping. You could make the tunnel by cutting off the ends off fifty-five gallon barrels and joining them.

This course is not exactly what you see on TV for the competitions. It is scaled down somewhat and has a smaller perimeter, but still a terrific short course. There is no standard sequence of obstacles for real competitions because the judge sets it up how he wants each time. Competition dog agility is where a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs run off-leash with no food or toys as incentives. The handler cannot touch the dog or obstacles. You will not be this rigorous because you will be having family fun!

Obstacles at our neighborhood agility course include:
- A teeter board
- Tunnel
- Standard adjustable jumps
- Tire jump
- Weave poles
- Pause table
- Dog walk
- A-frame

Once you get good and worn out, cool down with a leisurely stroll with your around the park. There are walkways all over including some over marsh, a look out tower, slides and a playground. Talk about some great scents for your hound to investigate! This author has even taken the family Christmas photo at this site and always travels with a picnic lunch, including dog lunch. You can leave Splash Island for another day in the summer.

After you take advantage of this adventure, you will want to go back repeatedly to let your pooch show off. It may make sense to buy a season pass. Please let us know at Pet Keepers Mount Pleasant SC Boarding Kennel how it went for you. No need to tell us what the stopwatch said unless you really want to.

About the Author

Steve travels frequently and visits dog boarding kennels and cat boarding kennels, including Mount Pleasant SC Kennel. Also look for the ideal veterinarian while traveling Mount Pleasant SC Veterinarian

(ArticlesBase SC #1538754)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Have Dog Fun on the Weekend

7 Tips On How To Get Your Kids To Look After Your New Dog

By: Colin Philips

If you have a child, you've probably heard those familiar words, "Can we keep him?" Dog's aren't just a man's best friend anymore; they've become the whole family's friend. If you're like any typical family, the children will probably spend the most time with your new dog. This is why it's very important you teach your child how to take care of him.

Here are a few dog rules to teach them:

1. Make sure you remember to feed the dog and give him fresh water each day. Explain that dogs, especially puppies, need nutrition each day for energy and proper growth.

If you have an outside dog, it's especially important that his water dish is changed everyday. Standing water is a breeding place for mosquitoes. Also dirt can get flung into their dish.

It is equally important for small children to be supervised when dealing with this type of responsibility. Sometimes smaller children can be too eager to help.

Explain to your children why we don't feed dog's certain foods such as sweets. Dog food is made to meet their dog's nutritional needs and sweets can make their dog sick.

2. Being N-I-C-E to your dog is another lesson to teach children. Younger children, particularly under the age of four, have a tendency to be rough with animals.

Pulling tails and ears just comes naturally with their curiosity. With a new dog, you may not know his temperament very well or how he may react to your child's curiosity. Lead by example.

Show your child how to be kind to animals. Show them how to gently pet them on the head or back and that hitting or pulling can hurt the dog.

3. Teach your child about the importance of exercise with the family dog. In order for the dog to stay healthy he must move around and play.

If the dog is not overpowering, let your child walk the dog with a leash. Another fun activity for exercise is fetch. Let your child throw a ball or stick for the pet to chase. This is lots of fun for both participants.

4. If you have a rambunctious puppy, make sure your child doesn't leave things lying around. Puppies love to chew on whatever they can sink their teeth into. If they see your daughter's favorite dolly on the floor, or your son's tennis shoe, the puppy will show no reserve.

They will usually dive right in. Tell your child that your puppy is too young to understand, and that until he gets older, be extra careful about leaving things lying around.

5. Keep bathroom doors shut. Dogs are notorious for drinking from the toilet bowl. If you can help it, reduce the temptation for him, by teaching your child to keep bathroom doors shut.

6. If you have an indoor dog then he's got to have potty breaks outside. Keep a schedule of bathroom breaks for your dog. This is one of the not so fun parts of taking care of a new pet.

Remind your child that if the new dog doesn't keep to the scheduled potty breaks that he may find a place in the house. In training a new dog to use the bathroom outside, the scheduled times must be strictly kept.

7. Make a chart. If you child is having problems remembering to feed the pet or take it out for breaks, it would be a great idea to make a chart of things to do each day. Let your child mark a check when the chore has been completed. The more he completes the chore, the easier it will be to remember.

Children don't always see the bigger picture of taking care of a new dog, but with our guidance, they will no doubt become good little pet owners.

It's a good idea to applaud your child when he takes on responsibility and follows through with it. This will give them confidence to mature and take on more responsibility as they get older.

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility. Teach your kids that just as they have to be taken care of by parents, their pet has to be taken care of as well. Our pets depend on us everyday.

About the Author

Dog Health Revealed is an excellent place to find dog links, articles and resource. For more information on Dogs visit: dog health care

(ArticlesBase SC #117345)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - 7 Tips On How To Get Your Kids To Look After Your New Dog

Male Dog Neutering And Female Dog Spaying: When Should It Be Done?

By: Terrie Simpson

Every year thousands and thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized because they lack a home and family to adopt them. We humans are to blame for this situation. Every year the newspapers are full of articles submitted by the S.P.C.A. relating to the number of animals they have had to kill.

As responsible pet owners we have to make the decision whether or not we want to contribute to the problem or do our part to keep unwanted pets out of the shelters and off the streets. So when do we need to neuter or spay the animals? We need to decide by the time our pet is 6 to 8 months old whether or not to sterilize him/her.

Being a responsible breeder is no easy task and there is no profit to be made. Breeding is done strictly for the betterment and continuation of the breed. The costs of the stud service, the buying or making of a whelping box, the veterinarian bill for the care of the mother dog, possible fees for delivering the pups, puppy food, veterinarian checkups for the puppies, eye exams, worming, fees for docking of the tails, vaccinations, etc., etc., quickly eat up any profits to be made. Then there are the countless sleepless nights waiting for the moment of birth, worrying about the newborn puppies, the noise from yelping puppies keeping you awake. It's simply a labor of love for a responsible breeder.

Whether or not you have a mixed breed or a purebred dog you need to take the precaution so that accidental breedings do not happen. If you have an unspayed female dog you dog will every 6 to 10 months go into heat that lasts about 3 weeks. A heat is also known as an oestrus period. During this time the female will have menses or a period, where she will secrete blood from her vagina. This is a messy situation for a house pet. There are protective garments that may be purchased to contain the mess, but also help deter unwelcome entry from male dogs. Also during this time your dogs behaviour may change and she will be less obedient.

Unsterilized (un-neutered) male dogs can become aggressive and may show overt sexual behaviour when there are in-season females nearby. The male dogs will mark territory in the neighbourhood or in the home by urinating small amounts. Adolescence, is a trying period. Your male dog and you will likely have confrontations over whom is the alpha personality. Now is the time to remember, that you love your dog, but you are the master.

To spay a female dog, a veterinarian removes it's uterus and ovaries. A male dog is neutered when the veterinarian removes the dog's testicles. Both operations are usually safe and require one nights stay at the clinic.

The benefits to sterilizing your dog not only include unwanted off-spring, avoiding temperment problems, but also can benefit your dogs health. Having your pet sterilized will decrease the risk of developing tumors in the genital area. Males can develop problems with the prostate gland. Females can develop problems with the mamary glands. Consult your veterinarian before your pet becomes 6 months old. Take a trip to your local S.P.C.A. and take a look at all the homeless cats and dogs before you decide to leave your pet unsterilized.

About the Author

Terrie Simpson has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. She is a contributing writer for the K9 Kourier (www.k9kourier.com) and recommends K9 KlearUp for dog's with skin & coat problems (www.k9klearup.com).

(ArticlesBase SC #800918)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Health Care Article: Male Dog Neutering And Female Dog Spaying: When Should It Be Done?

A Dog Birthday Party Is Pretty Easy To Plan For Your Pooch

By: Amy Nutt

The idea of having a party for their pooch is sometimes the last thing on most people's minds. But, who better to throw an event of such epic proportions for than the one who is always so loyal and loving? It is a fun, new fad that pet owners everywhere are adopting. You may feel overwhelmed at the idea and looking for tips to organize a dog birthday party. The puppy party can pretty much have any theme you're looking for even for a birthday. Here are a few ideas:

- A regular birthday party is probably one of the most obvious and popular choices
- Barbecues that include pet owners and pets alike in the festivities
- Mardi Gras are sure to offer fun for dogs and people with Big Easy Style
- A Western theme can help you have a blast even if their won't be a shoot out at the O.K. Corral
- The famous song, "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" centers around the song as the theme for the dog birthday party

A Regular Birthday Party

A regular birthday party for your pooch is a great way to honor that loyal companion of the family. Many pet stores have cake mixes especially for dogs. It's great to also bake or buy a cake for the humans in attendance so everyone is included. You can use streamers, balloons, and pinatas filled with healthy dog treats for the canine crew. If children will be attending it may be fun to have a pinata in a separate location for them. The possibilities are endless.

A Birthday Barbecue for your Best Friend

A barbecue is a fun way to celebrate your best friend's special day. Owners get to enjoy the bounty of the barbecue while dogs have fun. If you have a pool and all the pet owners have bathed their dogs, it may be fun to open up the pool for a pooch pool party. This may offer a lot of laughs as well as offer great photo opportunities!

Big Easy Birthday Mardi Gras Style

Maybe you feel your love for your dog is larger than life. What better way to express it than with a Mardi Gras themed dog birthday party? It's fun to have guests and pets come incognito with masks or if you want you can provide the masks yourself. Some party stores sell them for both pets and humans. Decorations with traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, gold, and purple will give a bold and authentic feel to the occasion.

Just "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?"

You can turn your house into a "pet shop" set to the old and famous song "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" Little for sale signs and decorations can put up in the windows of your home or on patio windows. It's fun to play the song when guests arrive. It might be fun to have a puppy pageant or dog show and have designated judges vote on the dogs.
Some Helpful Hints to get it Organized

Here are some tips to organize a dog birthday party:

- Send invitations out two to three weeks in advance. It makes it fun if the invitations match up with the theme of the party to elevate excitement levels of guests. These can be cheaply designed on a computer.
- Get an RSVP from all guests so you know how much food and canine cake to buy
- Have a camera with batteries on hand, so you don't miss a single moment!
- Only invite dogs that you know your pet likes or won't feel intimidated by
- Allow your children (if you have them) participate in the planning and decorating
- If you're having it at a park, make sure a shelter is available on the day in case of rain

Planning a pooch's birthday party isn't unlike planning for family members or friends. A little forethought will keep things running more smoothly and ensure your dog's behaviour. It will help everyone to have a fantastic day without the fur flying!

About the Author

Bark Busters leads the pack in solving dog behaviour issues, dog obedience training issues, and puppy training.

(ArticlesBase SC #417838)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - A Dog Birthday Party Is Pretty Easy To Plan For Your Pooch

Dog Health Paw Problem Can Be Prevented

By: Wade Robins

If your dog has a paw problem, this needs immediate attention to prevent infection and other serious problems. The dog health paw problem can cause the beloved pet to become aggressive, sad and depressed. Dogs have gained the status of being a part of the family and need special care. Just like you, their health and happiness matters and only you can supply the care.

Causes of the Dog Health Paw Problem

Look at the bottom of your foot and you will see that a dog's pads are just as soft as your foot. Imagine having a piece of glass suck in your foot. The dog will feel the same pain as you do. Dogs have a third digit bone that appears shorter and accounts for why these breeds of dogs are said to have cat feet.

Doberman Pinschers, Giant Schnauzer, Sheep dogs and Akita's all share the cat feet along with many more breeds. Some breeds have feet called hare feet such as Samoyed, Greyhounds and some toy breeds. This paw has center toes longer than the side toes.

The paw absorbs the shock when a dog is running or jumping. When a dog runs, the paw allows for flexibility and is able to bear the weight of the animal. Checking the paws regularly for any type of infection or injury is vital to keeping the dog health paw problem from becoming an issue. Not only can the infection affect the paws, but the infection if not treated can spread to the rest of the dog's body.

Treatment of the Dog Paw

If your dog has a paw injury, you need to clean this area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic cream. If the dog licks the area, wrapping the paw until the antibiotic cream has time to work is needed. Most dogs will take care of minor injuries themselves, but injuries that are more serious require your help and sometime a veterinarian. For more info see http://www.aboutdoghealth.org/doghealthproblems/large-dogs.html on large dog health issues.

Unclipped nails grow out and curl under, which will eventually grow into the pads causing open sores and in some cases, the dog cannot walk due to pain. These nails need clipping down to the pinkish part of the nail, which if clipped will bleed and cause pain to the dog. If the nails have grown long, you need to clip weekly and the pinkish part of the nail will recede until you finally have the nails short enough for comfort. Dog health paw problem issues do not have to be an issue when the dog is properly cared for.

Do not allow the dog to walk on hot sand or blacktop ground during extremely hot days. If you know what it feels like for you, it feels the same for the dog. This can burn their pads and cause a great deal of pain. Slivers of glass or fissile bushes that become embedded in the pads need to be removed with a tweezers just as you would do to yourself. Dog you have hair growing between the pads need to have the hair clipped down to prevent pain when walking. This accounts for Pekinese, Shih-Tzu's, Yorkies and other similar dog breeds.

About the Author

You can also find more info on pomeranian dog health and Boxer dog health.

(ArticlesBase SC #186189)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Health Paw Problem Can Be Prevented

Dog Agility Training - A True Test of Your Dog's Agility and Intelligence

By: Mike Long

Dog agility training made its debut in Great Britain in 1977, inspired by the timed cross-country and stadium jumping in equestrian combined training events. The sport consists of an inspiring team of a dog and his handler negotiating a course of obstacles. The trainer gives commands while the dog quickly manipulates his way around jumps, tunnels, dog walks, see-saws, A frames, and weave poles.

Competitions are judged based on time and the dog's ability to clear the obstacles. Although the sport is loved mostly by its competitors it is also a treat for the spectators.

Dog agility training competition is a serious and well organized sport with many guidelines and regulations. The two divisions in the competition are based on the dog's size. A dog between sixteen and twenty-one inches from the shoulder is put in the mini division.

Competitors in the 'mini' division are required to complete courses with jump heights being twelve inches, eighteen inches and twenty-four inches. Dogs measuring over twenty-one inches at the shoulders compete in the 'open' division and are required to jump twenty-six, twenty-eight, and thirty inches. Competitors must be measured by an approved dog agility judge prior to the competition.

Before beginning training, the dog's growth plates must have closed in order to prevent injury. Growth plates close around nine months old. At this time the animal can begin dog agility training and will be ready for competition when he is able to clear the jump heights in his division.

How do dogs get started in dog agility training?

The first step in the dog's competitive career is the 'starter' division; this division is reserved for dogs that do not yet hold agility titles. After the dog has one clean round he earns his 'starter' title. With this title the dog is qualified to compete in the advanced level. To earn an 'Advanced Title' the dog must successfully clear three rounds judged by two different judges.

At this time the dog is eligible to compete in the 'masters' classes. In order for the dog to earn a 'Masters' title he must successfully complete a six part qualification process. This process includes versatility classes with three clean rounds by two different judges. The 'masters' title also requires three successfully completed games courses with qualifying scores from two judges.

Not every dog can be a 'Master', but they sure have fun trying. Dog agility training is a fun and challenging sport enjoyed by many people around the country, but none of them are having nearly as much fun as the dogs.

About the Author

Mike Long runs a dog training website that focuses on educating people about the different ways of training your dog or puppy. If you would like to learn more, including additional articles, and training tips, tricks, and ideas, check out his site at http://dogtraininginfo.wordpress.com.

(ArticlesBase SC #52115)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Agility Training - A True Test of Your Dog's Agility and Intelligence

Tick, Tock...springtime is Pest Prevention Time

By: Brett Loding

Spring is in the air again. The birds are singing. The rain is falling. The flowers are blooming, and – if you own a dog or a cat – flea and tick season is in full effect. These pests can make the summer months a pain in the neck – and the wallet – for beleaguered pet owners. But, if it's a bad time of year for you, imagine how your fuzzy companion feels? Luckily, for every problem there is a solution, and with a little education, this is a battle you can win. What's the first step? Know your enemy!

The life cycle of fleas includes four separate stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The life cycle can last from as little as two weeks up to a full year. Fleas prefer humidity and high temperatures. For this reason, their numbers tend to expand during the warm summer months.

Fleas are wingless, parasitic insects. These vampiric little guys live off of the nutrients they find in the blood of any number of mammals and birds. Clearly, any encounter with a flea is bound to bother you pet, but a certain kind of allergic reaction to the flea's saliva can lead to irritation, rash, and a significant loss of fur from excessive itching, scratching and biting at the infected area. This reaction is called “flea allergy dermatitis.” These irritated sore spots are prime targets for secondary infections, complicating an already messy problem. Even if your pet isn't prone to this irritation, fleas can also carry Lyme disease and tapeworms.

Ticks are also parasites, but they infect every class of terrestrial vertebrate from mammals and birds, to reptiles and amphibians. Unlike fleas, ticks are not insects. From the class Arachnidia, the tick is more closely related to the spider, and the scorpion than it is to the ant. Despite their numbers – and number of possible hosts – there are only a few varieties of ticks should worry people and their pets. If you live in an area that is populated with ticks, you must take precautions for you and your family. Ticks can transmit serious diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to pets and owners alike.

The first step in protecting your family and your pets from fleas and ticks is some solid research – so far so good – and the advice of your veterinarian. Make sure you inform your vet about the kind of neighborhood you live in. Are you an apartment dweller in the city, or do you make your homestead on a wooded country road? Your location as well as your pet's habits and characteristics will help determine the level of protection your furry friend will require.

In order to prevent fleas and ticks from becoming a problem in the first place, your vet will probably recommend a prevention product like K9 Advantix. Products like Advantix - or the Dog or Cat versions of Advantage - are topical flea treatments that are used just once a month. They stop fleas from biting in less than five minutes, and can kill 98 to 100 percent of the fleas on pets within 12 hours. These products will keep on fighting fleas for a full 30 days. Applied before the start of flea season, these products can keep your dog from becoming infested in the first place. Used year-round, it prevents fleas from wintering in your home.

When you are first learning the ugly truth about fleas and ticks it can seem like a horror movie: blood-sucking monsters attacking my pets? Of course, it's not quite that serious. With a little common sense, the advice of your vet, and a proven product that deliver results, it looks like this is shaping up to be a great summer!

About the Author

Brett Loding is posting for Eric West, who is a proud parent, and has 2 giant maine coon cats.He is the VP of http://www.pawschoice.com, and activeandable.com the webs #1 destination for pets, and people to make life better and easier.

(ArticlesBase SC #430237)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Tick, Tock...springtime is Pest Prevention Time

Exercise Your Dog for Longevity, Mind, Body and Spirit

By: Jay Jacovitz

Exercise is important for everyone including your pet. Too much confinement can result in stress, emotional and behavioral problems, and a generally unhappy dog.

Unhappy dogs result from negative environments, experiences, and inconsistent interaction with their owners, along with a lack of exercise, an unstable routine, inappropriate social interactions, and underemployment where the instinctual desires to perform an activity are not met.

Emotional stress and loneliness alter neurochemical and vascular functions and can increase susceptibility to major diseases.

A lack of exercise leads to obesity, poor muscle tone, heart, bone, and emotional problems.

The opposite scenario occurs with exercise. Exercise leads to longer life, increased strength and endurance. Your dog will rest more calmly and be less nervous when left alone. Exercise can improve dog bone and joint health, heart, and lung function.

Your dog’s metabolism is geared for field work, pulling sleds, or other vigorous tasks. Pent-up energy demands an outlet and it is up to the responsible dog caregiver to channel this energy constructively through exercise.

The most effective exercise engages both mind and body.

It’s important to understand what your dog’s instinctual traits are and incorporate them into activities and exercise. For a working breed, performing a task would be naturally satisfying, possibly pulling a wagon or carrying a pack with your water bottle. For a retriever breed, engage your dog in ball throwing and retrieving.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that dogs need a big yard to get plenty of exercise.

The truth is that most dogs do not exercise when they are alone outside or indoors; they spend most of their time lying in a comfortable spot waiting for "their guardians" to play with them.

Exercising with your dog creates a human-dog bond in which the dog will sense you care as a good pack leader, which will make your dog happy.

A brief daily walk sometimes is not enough.

The exercise you choose for your dog should depend on the age, weight, health and breed characteristics. A Border Collie or Parson Russell Terrier needs more play and exercise than an English Bulldog or Pug.

For small dogs, vigorous play activity for exercise can be accomplished indoors; for larger breeds, outdoor activity needs to be given unless the weather is especially dangerous or conditions are too extreme.

Daily exercise is recommended and is a great stress reliever.

Dogs on average should be exercised aerobically for at least 20-30 minutes each day, of course taking into consideration health and age limitations, unless there is a medical problem or a pregnancy.

Keep in mind that obese dogs and those with heart and lung diseases may have a problem, and be sure to consult with your vet before starting any exercise regime.

Healthy dogs need interaction with other dogs and people for proper socialization. Dog parks are great for this and some of them allow the dogs to play and walk unleashed. If you participate in off-leash activities, be sure you are in control and can reliably recall your dog.

Your exercise should include activities the dog finds stimulating and enjoys -- games of catch, long walks, jogging, swimming and biking. A Ruff Dawg K9 flying disc is similar to a Frisbee, only more rugged, flexible and non-toxic for on-land or in water. Try a simple game with a rope tug toy, a Hyper Disc which is floatable, durable and soft on your dog’s mouth, or a Hyper Ball Launcher that allows you to launch a ball up to 220 feet. These and other quality dog exercise toys are available at CalloftheDogShop.com

Caution should be used when exercising in the hot weather.

All dogs, especially those with heart and lung ailments and dogs with thick hair coats will likely have trouble with hot and humid conditions.

Use precaution when temperatures are approaching and greater than 100 degrees and for at-risk pets when approaching and at 90 degrees. Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening and when the temperature is less than 80 degrees and humidity heat index is less then 30 percent. When the heat index greater then 72 use precaution for at-risk breeds. Any relative-humidity reading above 17 % will make the heat index higher if the actual temperature is above approximately 68 degrees, and full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees. Always avoid hot and humid conditions.

Dogs do not get rid of heat the way we do.

Sweat cools our skin; however, dogs do not sweat. They have a few sweat glands in their feet, but mostly they dissipate heat through their paws and mouths.

Dogs do not dissipate heat as fast as we can, which makes heat stroke a real possible danger. While they are having fun, many dogs will run themselves even to the point of collapse, which can prove to be fatal. Limit sun exposure during the mid-day hours and provide plenty of water in a shady area

People assume that if your dog is in water, your pet won't overheat. This just isn't true when the water temperature gets much above 75 degrees and if the dog is working hard in the water.

Keep in mind that searing hot asphalt is not good for your dog’s paws.

Consult your veterinarian before you decide on a fitness program for your pet.

About the Author

CalloftheDogShop.com specializes in DOG EXERCISE TOYS, and supplies for all pet needs.
We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs that inspired the creation of CalloftheDog.com and CalloftheDogShop.com. Be sure to see our About Us page.

(ArticlesBase SC #470240)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Exercise Your Dog for Longevity, Mind, Body and Spirit

Dog Travel Supplies - a Complete Checklist

By: Justin Grey

Previously, dog owners could not even imagine traveling with their pet dogs because of the inconvenience and rigid rules and regulations. But with the dog industry blooming, and people accepting these domestic pets more as a companion than an animal, these pets are on the go! There have been a series of developments in dog travel supplies and products which one would require while traveling with their pets.

If you are on the road, traveling by car on a long journey's trip, you would want to carry his travel Paw Print Portable Bowl, which you will need in order to feed your pet in the comfort of your car itself. Dog treats and dog food are also a part of dog travel supplies because you should carry adequate stock to keep your pet satisfied through out the journey. In fact carry a little extra in case you do not find the similar brand of dog food while you are traveling. Make sure your pet doesn't overeat and make himself sick while on the move. Make sure you carry his car harness to keep him well secured while you are driving. And if you feel your dog is prone to car sickness.

Your dog travel supplies should include a Lookout Booster Seat Travel Rack Accessory seat which is light and portable and will make your pet feel secured, minimizing the car jerks for him. If you have a big sized dog and you are carrying him on your back seat, you could attach a back seat car barrier to abstain him from moving into the front seat and disturbing you. If you have expensive car covers, cover them with dog car covers to avoid any mess and dirt. Another very important dog travel supplies are dog cleanup bags which are to be kept most handy when you dog has made a mess! Carry many dog toys which come in attractive varying designs and colors to keep your dog busy and distracted especially, if he is feeling car sick. Nothing is more important than a dog leash in the dog travel supplies list to avoid your pet from wandering away in an unknown place. And if by chance he does wander off make sure that for his quick recovery, you have tagged an identification tag on him.

Last, but not the least, of the dog travel supplies checklist is a first aid kit to be kept handy incase of any accident or falls, etc. Other travel accessories which could be incorporated into your dog travel supplies check list could be Cruising Companion Travel Food Bags, waste bags, pet umbrella, goggles, sunscreens, etc along with his regular clothing items. In case your pet is going through a medical treatment don't forget to carry all his medications along with his prescription. Taking a little extra time to carefully pack all his requirements, would make your trip together a happy and memorable one! Hey, and don't forget to capture some cherished moments on camera for his doggy memorabilia.

About the Author

Justin is an expert in the field. For dog travel supplies and for more information on dog travel accessories Please visit: http://www.upscalepup.com

(ArticlesBase SC #1192798)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Travel Supplies - a Complete Checklist

Dog Grooming Supplies To Reduce Home Cleaning

By: Michael Hrynewich

Along with natures, big show during the fall season comes also the great dog-shedding season number two. The first is generally springtime and if you have a dog with long hair, then shedding is a year round battle. You find that vacuuming and mopping could be an everyday process and just when you think you’re finished, you turn around only to find more.

If this sounds like you, then perhaps it’s time to shift your thinking from cleaning up the problem to cleaning up the cause. Investing in some dog grooming supplies and spending a little extra time with your dog will drastically reduce the hair and dander your dog leaves behind.

The first dog grooming supply to purchase is a good quality brush. The FURminator dog brush is one of the best brushes you can buy to remove loose hair and undercoat. If you start grooming when your dog is still a puppy, they will grow up loving the feeling and the attention for you.

Your dog best receives dog grooming when it becomes a routine part of their day. Include dog brushing as part of the feeding ritual along with a treat. I would not be surprised to see your dog greet you with the brush in his or her mouth. The next dog grooming supply to purchase is shampoo.

While a few dog breeds have an oily coat like some hound dogs for example, which protects them from the elements others do not. With these dogs, bathing no more than twice a year is plenty. But, for most dogs a bath every five to six weeks is great. Ensure your dog grooming supplies include only dog specific shampoo and conditioner. Human products will cause skin irritations and other issues.

In the warmer months or if you are lucky enough to live in a temperate climate investing in a kiddy-pool is a wonderful and easy way to bathe your dog. If not, the bath tub also works great; when bathing your dog really work in the shampoo from head to tail. This will not only stimulate your dog but helps to remove dander and that tough undercoat.

When the bath is complete, towel-dry your dog as best you can. This too helps remove any loose hair left behind. Follow this up with a good brushing and you are all set for another month before you start to see the hair starting to build around the house. There is several dog grooming shampoos on the market and the best one we found to remove loose hair while conditioning the skin is FURminator deshedding shampoo and conditioner.

Although the claim that Terrier’s do not shed is false as all dogs shed, they do shed very little and are perfect dogs for those dog loves suffering from allergies. The dog grooming supply for this breed is a stripper. A terrier’s shaggy coat still has dead hair as well as an undercoat that will need attention once in awhile. A dog grooming stripper is perfect for removing mats and trimming out the dead hair.

Lastly, the dog grooming supply most over looked is a toothbrush for your dog. Brushing your dogs’ teeth is a very important step in the grooming process, one that should not be forgotten. Dogs are just as susceptible to the same mouth diseases as we humans are. Make it part of your dog grooming routine every time your dog has a bath will go a long way to preventing tooth and gum problems.

Grooming your dog should be fun for the whole family. Buying the appropriate dog grooming supplies will dramatically reduce the hair and dander in your home by working the cause instead of the problem. Your dog will appreciate the extra attention he/she gets from you and you will appreciate the nice fresh breath when you receive those wonderful sloppy kisses.

About the Author

Michael, a dog owner for over 25 years, has amassed several dog obedience-training techniques as well as an extensive knowledge of dog health problems. To read detailed information about your dog from temperament to health and shop his Pet Supply Store visit him at Remarkable Dogs Where we are dedicated to providing only the very best for your dog.

(ArticlesBase SC #1448554)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Grooming Supplies To Reduce Home Cleaning

Causes Of Dog Health Problems Bloody Stool Issues

By: Judy Wellsworth

Melena is the number one cause of dog health problems bloody stool issues. Melena and hematochezia cause the dog to have bloody stool. Melena is blood that the dog digested, and looks dark in color. Hematochezia is considered fresh blood in the stool and is considered minor compared to melena. Many health reasons result in a bloody stool and most tests by a veterinarian will confirm the problem.

This health problem causes a lack of energy and sometimes incontinence, as accidents happen due to the inability to move outdoors quickly. By restricting food, the dog will eventually stop the diarrhea and give the intestines time to heal. If the diarrhea results from infection or parasite, the problem will persist until proper medical is received. This condition affects all sizes and breeds of dogs no matter what you do to prevent it.

Causes of Dog Health Problems Bloody Stool Issues

Medications, infections, cancer and foreign objects digested by the dog. A metabolic disorder or hemorrhagic gastro enteritis may cause a dog to have a bloody stool. Some heavy metal or blood ingestion and gastrointetestinal ischemia are all causes of melena in dogs. Metabolic diseases cause ulcers of the stomach or intestines and can result from many different causes. If your dog health problems bloody stool issues arise with such signs as pale gums, frequent urination and thirst, lack of appetite and weight loss are all signs of problems along with dark black stools. For more inf see http://www.aboutdoghealth.org/dogbreedhealth/Pomeranian.html on pomeranian dog health.

If the dog continues to have diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours, medical treatment is required. The first thing you can try is a bland diet of rice and potato instead of their regular food. This may help, but in case it does not, you may need to have a veterinarian determine the cause.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Melena

When you notice black or dark colored stools, you need to contact the vet for further tests. These tests will include urinalysis, a biochemical work up, stool sample diagnosis, blood work up, ultrasound and chest/abdominal x-rays. After these tests are concluded, the vet will determine the exact cause of the dog health problems bloody stool issues and discuss treatment with you.

If the dog does not have a severe health condition, they may be treated at home instead of an overnight stay at an animal clinic. A special diet of a bland diet that is specified by the vet and any medications prescribed by the veterinarian need to be dealt with at home in order to treat the dog health problem bloody stool issues. In most cases, medications are needed to block stomach acids and coat the intestines. If you do not see any improvement, you need to contact the vet for further treatments. .

Get treatment for your dog if this problem persists and stick to a strict diet and medication schedule for proper treatment of a sick dog. The dog will need plenty of rest and a calm environment in order to heal and come back to health.

About the Author

You can also find more info on Boxer dog health & large dog health issues. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help in dog health issues.

(ArticlesBase SC #161026)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Causes Of Dog Health Problems Bloody Stool Issues

Green Pets: Eco-Friendly Choices For Cats And Dogs

By: Suzanne Bucciarelli

Family pets bring so much joy to the mother and father and especially the children! Dogs and cats are very precious members of the family and bring lots of joy and laughter to family life. Pet owners can do their part to help conserve the environment by making intelligent, informed and environmentally friendly decisions regarding their pet care.

For pet owners desiring to make their fun-loving dog or calming cat more green, read the following suggestions.

(1) If you and your family do not already own a pet, strongly consider adopting a sweet dog or cat from an animal shelter or humane society. You will be saving the animal’s life and they will be eternally grateful for it. There are thousands of homeless dogs and cats in your country who desperately need caring and loving people to rescue them. These adorable dogs and cats are usually free to a good home.

If you and your family have your heart set on finding a purebred dog or cat from a breeder, research any potential pet breeder very carefully. Find out how the breeders raise their puppies or kittens. Find out how much space they receive to live, play and exercise, how much exercise they receive, what food they eat and what veterinary care and vaccines they have received.

(2) Neuter or spay your cat or dog.
There is a troubling problem where animals are not being spayed or neutered and thousands of homeless dogs and cats are left to fend for themselves. When you neuter or spay your dog or cat, your animal will live a healthier and longer life and have a reduced risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer and prostate disease in males.

(3) Purchase good quality organic food for your dog or cat.
Many typical brands of pet foods contain alarming ingredients, including animal by-products, animal wastes, and ingredients that come from diseased or dying animals. Make sure that the pet food that you buy your cat or dog contains meat that is FDA-certified and good quality.

Support your cat or dog’s proper nutrition by purchasing quality food. Think about buying pet food that is organic and natural. Certified organic pet food must meet high quality standards and must not contain any pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, artificial ingredients or genetically modified ingredients.

(4) Utilize natural pet care products and cleaning products.

Avoid using any pet shampoo or grooming product that contains toxic chemicals. Use natural pet care products instead, that are environmentally-friendly and chemical free.

Avoid using pet cleaning products and overall household cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients. Green pet supply companies are now manufacturing cleaning products to use when your pet has an accident that are healthy for the environment.

(5) Purchase environmentally-friendly, organic pet toys and gifts.

a) Choose toys made from organic cotton or hemp, which are chemical-free.

b) Buy your cat or dog a new, natural hemp collar, which is biodegradable.

c) Purchase a comfortable doggie or kitty bed that is designed with organic materials and is free of toxic chemicals. Find one that has an easy-to-wash cover.

About the Author

Suzanne Bucciarelli is the owner of Green Living Ezine and writes articles and tips on how to save money and go green at the same time. Read Over 125 Ways to Go Green and Save Money at Green Living Ezine.

(ArticlesBase SC #1789115)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Green Pets: Eco-Friendly Choices For Cats And Dogs

Exciting Activities for You and Your Dog

By: Ron Ayalon

Being a dog owner can be a fun experience. They can lighten up your mood, they get you out, exploring new places, and they are happy to see you no matter what you look like. They can also help you to experience new things too.

There are many different activities designed with the dog owner in mind. So if you are looking to start a new hobby and you would like to include your loyal friend, here you will find some of the best dog-related activities available. Just remember to make sure that your dog is trained before you take part in outdoor experiences!

Some of the Best Dog Activities

There are a number of different activities which you can take part in with your dog. Some of the most popular include:

• Agility
• Hide and Seek
• Fetch
• Obedience Shows
• Hiking
• Dog Camps

There really are a limitless number of things that both you and your dog can enjoy and the above are just a few of them.

Agility is one of the most popular activities and most breeds can join in. It would best suit energetic breeds such as sheepdogs and terriers. However every dog can enjoy a little agility, you just have to find out what your dog likes the best and incorporate it into the agility routine. Usually agility consists of jumps, tunnels and climbing frames. It can be extremely fun and there should be a local agility group in your area which you could be a part of.

Hide and seek is another activity which you can take part in. Either you can hide and get your dog to find you, or you could hide objects for your dog to find. This type of activity really stimulates your dog's mind and that can also help with energetic breeds. Many dog problems are caused because the dog is bored. By stimulating its mind you will be helping to tire them out too!

Obedience and fun shows are another activity you could take part in with your dog. Some dogs love to be shown and they love the attention that they receive both before and after. Entering small, fun shows will give you an idea of whether this type of activity suits your dog. Obviously your dog should know the basic obedience commands if they are to do well in a show environment – even if they are only small shows!

Playing fetch with your dog is an obvious activity to take part in. Terriers and sheepdogs again will enjoy this type of activity. Chasing a ball is a natural instinct for dogs and they love nothing more than a game of fetch.

Less obvious activities which you can take part in with your dog include hiking and dog camps. The latter are not overly well known but they are designed for dog owners to meet each other and to let their dogs to socialize with other dogs. They can be great fun both for the dog and for you so it could be worth looking into a dog camp if you don’t mind the great outdoors! Hiking is another outdoor activity which you can do with your dog. If you plan to go on a long hike then you could always take a tent and camp out. Always remember to take plenty of water for your dog if you do choose to take them on a hike – especially on a warm day.

There are so many different activities that you can enjoy with your dog. It would be a good idea to find out what interests your dog the best. Are they energetic? Would they prefer a hike over agility? Agility is suitable for most dogs but not all dogs will enjoy it. Do not force your dog to do any activity as this will make it a nightmare instead of enjoyable for your pet!

Overall if you take the time to try out different activities you will get to see which ones are best suited to you and your dog. People who take part in activities with their pet find that it strengthens their bond with their dogs. If you and your pet have a strong bond then your life will be a lot more enjoyable as a result.

About the Author

Go to www.InternationalKennel.com for your new puppy, or call us at 516-794-PUPS for more information on how you can get your registered purebred bred for quality, temperament, and trainability. The International Kennel Club has brought happiness and joy with its pure bred selection of puppies to Long Island residents since 1979.

(ArticlesBase SC #443450)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Exciting Activities for You and Your Dog

Older Dog Health Problems - Common Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs

By: John Hinkle

Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to older dogs. Many dog owners have a difficult time accepting this fact and think that their lively pooch is not an older dog and will not have health problems.

Dogs can, however, show signs of aging as early as seven years old. Older dog health problems generally affect larger breeds earlier than small breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10 to 12 years of age. The fact is that senior dog health problems will eventually be a concern for every dog owner.

Common Health Problems Facing Older Dogs

All dogs are different and, depending on their size, breed and activity level, will exhibit health problems differently. However, there are common health issues that may manifest in all senior dogs including the following:

Joint and bone problems
-An overall reduction in their metabolism
-Difficulty with their eyes and ears
-Liver and kidney dysfunctions
-Skin becomes thin and less pliable while the coat becomes mottled and patchy
-Problems with teeth and gums

Unlike a little puppy who has an endless supply of energy, an older dog will tend to slow down and take longer to lay down or stand up. Instead of bounding up the stairs your senior dog might take each stair one at a time.

Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of the joints causing pain and discomfort, which is generally the cause of this slowing down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory drugs that your veterinarian can suggest to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis.

In many cases, an older dog will have problems with their eyes as they develop cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will become obvious to the owner as the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to reflect light. Senior dogs may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of pressure on the eyes, and can cause more serious problems if left untreated.

The entire circulation system and many of the major organs are taxed in older dogs. The heart, lungs, liver and kidneys all become less efficient and the immune systems can become weak and vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.

Serious health problems may develop in your senior dog as some of the symptoms develop gradually. It is your responsibility to maintain your older dog's health and remain informed of the possible senior dog health problems that commonly arise.

Helping Your Older Dog Overcome Health Problems

As an aging dog inevitably develops health problems, you can help alleviate many of the symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. The most basic thing you can do is simply pay more attention to your senior dog making sure you're aware of the changes taking place. Brush your dog's coat daily and ask your vet if there are special shampoos to help with her skin and coat. Spend time rubbing your hands on his coat feeling for bumps or lesions.

Be patient when your dog needs a little extra time walking up the stairs or jumping up into the car. Make sure you make regular visits to your vet and stay current on vaccinations. Brush your senior dog's teeth regularly and have them professionally cleaned occasionally. Provide regular exercise while also making adjustments needed for your dog as she ages.

As your older dog slows down, you might have to adjust her diet to help compensate for the reduction of energy for both her weight as well as her coat and her circulation system.

Not only must the overall calorie intake be reduced, but you can also feed your senior dog specially formulated foods made to fit their particular needs. Try to purchase the most expensive, best quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table scraps.

It's an inevitable fact that dogs age, but you can make a difference in helping your older dog overcome health problems. Keep in mind that in the last eighty years or so the average lifespan of dogs has increased from 7 years to 12. Expanding your knowledge and paying attention to your dogs health will help ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.

About the Author

Large Dog Breed Information - For more older dog health problem related information

(ArticlesBase SC #78854)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Older Dog Health Problems - Common Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs

Dog Beds - Are They Fun Or Functional?

By: Stephen Dolan

You bring your cute, fun loving puppy home for the first time and of course you want your him to sleep with you. All furry, cute, warm and snuggly. But that is not the best thing to do for you or your hound. You really need a dog bed to establish correct behavior at the outset. It may be OK now, but when your dog grows to his full size at over 100 lb, will it still be fun?

Now that we have established that a dog bed is an essential item for your pet, what type do you get and what kind of things are you looking at?

How Do You Pick a Dog Bed?

First off ask yourself these questions. Does he like to be able to rest his head with a view of the entire room? Does he hang his head over the edge? Does he avoid the bed because he needs to cool off? Watch your dogs behavior and you'll quickly learn which type of dog bed best suits him

Benefits and Features of a Dog Bed

The Indoor/Outdoor Bed is tough, water repellent and can be used inside or out. Orthopedic foam tends to provide additional warmth too so if you live in a warmer climate, your dog may prefer a cooling bed like the Canine Cooler to the traditional orthopedic bed. Using a dog bed in your home can help reduce injuries to your pet such as jumping off the couch; which is probably your canines favorite place to lie, especialy when you are away.

Picking the right dog bed will help with your allergies and even clean up. Using a dog bed provides you with one area where the majority of the shedding and/or dander is contained. Just pick up the bed, (or bedding), and put it in the washing machine. Of course make sure it's machine washable first!

It is important for an older hound to have a comfortable rest area. Senior dogs over the age of 10 are similar to a seventy-year-old person. Can you imagine your grand parents curled up on the floor for the evening? Quality beds such as the Memory Foam Bed or the Thera Ortho Mattress are designed to relieve sore joints, bones and other problems that may arise due to your pets age or weight. They even make orthopedic dog beds now to help address this issue. Similar to humans, dogs also experience changes as they age. Their joints can stiffen, or their bones become thinner. If your older hound has slept in a kennel his entire life, it is good to learn that there are beds specifically designed for use in canine crates.

How to measure your dog for a bed: Different dogs sleep in different positions, as humans do so look at how your canine sleeps and determine the best size bed for your dog. Measure your dog when his is comfortably sleeping and add about 5 inches to ensure that he has enough room in his bed. Watch your canine sleep. Does he usually curl up or stretch out? If he's relaxed to his maximum size, make sure the bed is big enough to support his entire body.

Spend some time determining which bed is best suited for your dog, keeping in mind that this will become a favorite resting place for your pooch! If your dog likes his head on a pillow, try a lounge bed or couch. Beware, low quality beds are easily torn and fall apart. They never really offer your hound the benefits of a higher quality bed.

Think of your dog bed as an investment, any number of high quality beds will last the lifetime of your canine, and so will their benefits!

About the Author

Steve Dolan is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog beds click Dog Beds and Puppy Beds, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

(ArticlesBase SC #103859)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Beds - Are They Fun Or Functional?

Dealing With your Hyperactive Dog

By: Hope Saidel

About six years ago we brought home an adorable, sleepy, five-week old puppy. We knew it was too early for her to leave her mother, but the dam had stopped feeding the pups and walked away. She was done with them, so the humans took over.

At that tender age, Kaylee was sleepy, darling and sweet. She’s still darling and sweet, but rarely do her batteries run down. We describe her as having two speeds – full and off. And off isn’t often.

If your dog is like Kaylee, whether because it’s an active, fun-loving puppy, or because it’s “not quite wired right” like ours, you need strategies for coping. You need a peaceful household where everyone knows the rules and plays fair.

We get dogs for many reasons; primary among those reasons are companionship and fun. If your dog is constantly harassing you to “play,” the probability is that neither of you are having much fun. It may even have gotten to the point that you don’t look forward to going home and spending time with your dog.

You can change the situation, if you’ll commit just a few minutes a day and your patience. Things won’t change overnight, but over the course of just a few days your life will improve. In a few weeks, you may have the canine companion you hoped for.

The first step is to realize that you are the boss in your household. Not your dog. You decide when to play. And you decide how long playtime will be. It’s important to schedule a daily play time. It doesn’t have to be long – ten minutes will do. As long as during that time, all you do is play with your dog. That’s it. Just play.

As a first step: remove your dog’s favorite toy. The one he constantly obsesses about and brings everywhere he goes. Put it up on a shelf. Kaylee’s obsession is her little latex soccer ball. Other toys are fine, she’ll carry them around, but her special toy is that particular ball. (To avoid complete meltdown, we do have a couple spares on hand. No toy lasts forever.)

Next: get a brand new kitchen timer, with a ring or a beep that doesn’t sound like any other timer in the house. This is your dog’s timer – he’ll recognize it very quickly.

To start playtime, ask your dog if she wants to play, get her timer, set it for however many minutes you choose, then get her special toy and start playtime. Let her recognize the ritual. Dogs love routine and quickly adjust to new ones.

For as long as the timer’s running – have fun with your dog. Tug, toss, wrestle – play intensely and focus on your dog. When the timer’s bell goes off – stop immediately. Tell your dog “that’s it!” show him the timer and turn it off. Then say “let’s go get a drink” and walk over to his water bowl. When he drops his toy, replace it on the shelf. It doesn’t come down until the next session.

If you need to “trade” a treat for the toy – do so. You’re not rigorously training your dog to perform a task – you’re teaching him the house rules so that everyone can relax and enjoy your time together.

We always take Kaylee out for a quick “potty break” after a play session – it’s another part of our routine. She knows what to expect. When she comes back in the house, she finds a place to lie down. Sometimes she finds a chewie toy, sometimes she just lies down. She doesn’t ever really relax, but she’s now a dog we can live with.

Dogs love ritual and routine. When you got your dog, chances are you pictured yourself at home, dog by your feet, relaxing and enjoying life. You can still make that happen, every evening, if you establish that routine for your dog.

About the Author

Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear.com, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is Registrar of the North Shore Dog Training Club.

(ArticlesBase SC #129289)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dealing With your Hyperactive Dog

Dogs Training Tips: Bathing a Dog Can Be Fun... and Beneficial

By: Yuki Shoji

We tend to think one of two ways about bathing a dog. Some people think dogs don't need to be bathed more than once a year or so, while others believe in bathing their dog every month.

While bathing is beneficial, it can cause problems if it is done too frequently.

Dogs have natural oils in their skin and fur, just like humans do. Washing too often will cause drying, leaving your dog at risk of scratching and developing sores. Keep in mind that there are some benefits to having natural oils present. For one, they provide protection from skin bacteria.

Make bathing a dog fun for you and your pet, but take care. There are certain things you must watch.

1. Protect your dog's ears. If water and soap enter the ear canal, an infection can develop. This can be temporary but it can also cause serious damage. Infections can harm the ear drum and lead to deafness. There are familiar signs that your dog might have an ear infection. He will shake his head and you will see a constant discharge from the ears.

To ensure this doesn't happen, gently plug your dog's ears with cotton balls. Do not force them into the ear canal. Simply place them securely at the ear entrance to block water from entering. When the bath is over, be sure to dry the inside of the ears as some moisture is likely to gain access. Use a cloth over your finger. If you choose to use a cotton swab, be extremely careful not to enter too deeply into the canal or you could puncture the ear drum.

2. Use a proper dog shampoo as they are formulated specifically to protect your dog's skin and fur. Human soaps can be too harsh and irritating. As well, there is the chance your dog will be allergic to the scents that are added to human products.

3. Frequency of bathing will depend on your particular dog's breed. Longer haired dogs will require more frequent washing than short haired breeds. If you have a Spaniel or other hairy dog, schedule the baths to once every two months. Other breeds can go 6-8 months. However, if your dog spends a lot of time outside, he is likely to become dirty faster. Regulate your baths accordingly.

It's important to start your dog off right with the bathing routine. Be patient and compassionate. Once you scare your dog, it will be more difficult bathing him in the future. Try to make it fun. Dogs love having water sprinkled on them, and running into rivers and lakes.

Set up your bath outside when possible and encourage him to run through it. Use a toy to distract him from the water. When his energy has subsided, begin the bath. You might want to put him on a leash so he can't run away.

Be sure to collect all the equipment first: soap, conditioner, towel and some sort of bowl to pour water over him. Water running out of the hose might be too cold, however water in the bath will have warmed to a comfortable temperature.

Show your dog that bathing is something to enjoy and he will look forward to your next session with excitement.

About the Author

For more great tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Tips at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com where you can read tons of latest techniques.

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What To Do If Your Dog Has Skin Problems

By: Terrie Simpson

Under all that copious fur there is skin. Skin that is susceptible to a myriad of diseases and afflictions just as we humans are. The difference being that in humans we can readily see a health problem. In a dog, skin health problems are not readily apparent until the dog gives us an indication. Usually, the indications are excessive licking and scratching. In general we humans tend to take our skin for granted. If we go out into the sun, we use sun screen. If we have dry skin, we use a lotion. And occasionally we notice irregularities and then we go to the doctor. We're pretty complacent and tend to think of skin as the wrap that molds our body. With dogs, the skin goes beyond being a mold. It is an organ in itself. This organ regulates the heat in a dogs body and works in conjunction with the foot pads which allow the dog to perspire.

As with humans the skin communicates sensations such as pain, heat, cold, touch, etc. to the brain. An animals skin also processes vitamin D just as we do. When we take our pet to the veterinarian, one of the usual examinations done is one of the skin. When the veterinarian back brushes the fur he/she is not only looking for parasites such as fleas and mites, but they are also looking at the skin. Dry skin and fur can indicate illness. Yellow skin can indicate jaundice and blue skin can indicate heart problems. Rashes can mean allergies.

Dogs can have seasonal and environmental allergies as well as food allergies. Food allergies may not always be associated with new foods but can also come from foods they have eaten for years and have become sensitive to due to many reasons. So called "hot-spots", for example may be a result of a dog no longer being able to digest a certain food. Your veterinarian will recommend ways to test your dogs diet and recommend a course of treatment. Many dogs such as spaniels have seasonal and environmental allergies which can manifest themselves not only with sneezing and watery eyes, but also with skin rashes.

Allergies to fleas and medicines can also cause skin rashes. There are now veterinarians who are specializing in animal allergies and dermatology. Should your veterinarian find it necessary a referral could be made for diagnosis and treatment.

There are also genetic skin disorders and glandular skin disorders. There are several diseases associated with ovarian and testicular problems. Diagnosis and treatment can be made by your veterinarian. Dogs are also susceptible to various types of skin fungus. They are highly contagious to humans and other animals. Mange is another skin disease that is contagious. Quick diagnosis and treatment is essential.

In addition to the previously mentioned skin problems, there are also seborreic (seborrhea) skin diseases, tumors, melanomas, infected sores, mites, etc., that can be diagnosed by your veterinarian.

The purpose of this article is to make owners aware that the care and regular examination of your dogs skin is essential. Before buying a dog, consult with the breeder and a veterinarian. Know the diseases which are specific to the breed you desire. Know your dogs body as you should know your own. Check for skin problems during regular grooming.

If you find an area of concern, consult your veterinarian immediately. Do not make a self diagnosis and start a course of treatment. Only a veterinarian can make a proper diagnosis and recommend oral and/or topical treatments. Delay in proper diagnosis and treatment can cause delay in recovery and possible spread of the ailment and unnecessary prolonged discomfort for your beloved pet.

About the Author

Terrie Simpson has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. Terrie brings her years of experience to the K9 KlearUp team. K9 KlearUp is an organic dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems. Visit www.k9klearup.com for more information...

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The Importance of Dog Training for a Happy, Balanced Pet-owner Relationship

By: WoodCreek Pet Products

First Principles

Teach respect, a dog has to be taught to respect its owner. You have to be his leader and not let him be yours. As you communicate with your dog he learns to understand you, he will forever be willing to please. Once the dog knows you are his leader, he will be a happy follower by teaching your dog the basic training commands and discipline.

It is next to impossible to have a normal, well-behaved, even-tempered dog without discipline and some training. Once a dog is trained he is a better pet and greater companion, and he himself will be happier for knowing that his owner is pleased with him. There are many books devoted to discipline and training and free online resources for dog training than ever imaginable! There are also many great obedience-training classes for low cost to no cost, one for example is PetSmart and I highly recommend this form of training, it helps your dog or puppy learn to socialize as well as get his basic obedience training from a professional source, helping you and your dog learn together. You must be willing to accept the fact that if your dog fails the course and becomes a dropout, it is entirely your fault not the dogs. He is a willing subject, it is your complete responsibility to ensure you and he complete all training classes and continue to adhere to the lessons learned.

Any sincerely interested dog owner can train their dog, and it can be a most rewarding educational experience for both. Patience and consistency is the key to successful training, at times you will have to be firm, but gentle and always, always give praise for each and every one of his positive efforts.Basically dog training is built on reward, repetition, reprimand and again praise. Although it can be too early to begin training, it is never too late. Most puppies form a strong attachment to an individual which may persist or wane, and there is often a phase of disobedience and defiance. Discipline is needed during this crucial period, but it must be with patience and never overbearing or intimidating. Don't listen to the old cliché "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". There is nothing further from the truth, I don't for one moment believe that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, he can be taught new tricks and all the basic commands whatever his age.

It is bound to be a more difficult to break old habits like barking, chasing cars, sleeping on furniture etc., and can be resolved with proper training aids, such as no-bark collars, sonic bark control devices, citronella spray collars, indoor radio fences, and scat mats, if all other resources have been exhausted to resolve these and various other undesirable habits develop or exist. You and your dog must be relaxed before you begin any training session. He can and will know when you are tense or uncomfortable, he can't learn while he is tense or timid and if your dog or puppy is showing signs of stubbornness or defiance they may be more resistant to teaching, but don't give in, stay firm, consistent and have a routine, all animals are creatures of habit, so stay with the training. In essence complete relaxation is essential for both dog and trainer, also, make lessons fun for both you and your dog. He will learn much faster, and give you a greater reward for your training efforts, vise-versa.

Getting To Know Your Dog or Puppy

To train your dog or pup to the best advantage for both, you must get to know their personality, for example there are sensitive or shy dogs who squeal at the slightest noise with disciplinary action and the merest jerk of a training lead, grooming comb or word of discipline, causing you to hurt his feelings and mistrust. Take caution and try to understand this dog or puppy’s personality, this is vital to their mental health and needs to be taken in a very slow, easy manner. If a stronger, more aggressive training method is used with this type of personality it cannot be reversed, and will ultimately result in a very scared, confused pet. Then there is the more assertive type dogs, they may need a stronger form of training and attention spans may need to be focused on, "Fearless" Fun loving, and go for it types of dogs always pushing himself at you for your attention, he jumps on your guests, slobbers on them, forces his "Here I am" on you, your guests, children or the elderly. This personality may or may not need a more aggressive training method, depending on the breed and the owner's training abilities.

Make the Lessons Fun

Dogs get bored with long training sessions. If you work them for over 20 minutes at a time, they will lose interest and stop listening to you. For a younger dog or puppy, 5 to 10 minutes is long enough for one training session. But do it frequently, and again with, praise or training reward treats.

Basic Dog Training Commands

(1) Leash Training: This is the first and foremost of all dog and puppy training. Say you need to take your pet to the Veterinarian for a check up...this cannot be done without a well leash trained dog or puppy. Work with your dog or puppy daily DO NOT: pull, drag or force your dog to follow the leash, take it easy.....let them walk to you, stop...say "Good Dog" Reward them with a treat, and let them sit, then, pet, praise them. Give them time, always be patient, they will respond soon to your leash training, it is so very important not to scare them while leash training!!!! They will never feel safe with you!!

(2) Heel: You teach your dog to walk on you left side without pulling in front of you; he always walks beside you, comfortably, easily and will never pull at the leash. When he tries to walk in front of you, you jerk back on the lead and say the word "Heel". Use this command with easy, gentle commands, do not "Yank" on the lead, be very, very gentle or this will cause your dog to become scared and try to bolt and make the "Heel" command frighten your dog, therefore, reversing your training and all trust established with your dog or puppy. Please always use good sense and respond to your dogs action or "Reaction" to "Leash and Heel" Training.

(3) Sit: Pull the leash straight up and while pushing down on his hindquarters, saying the word "Sit". Most dogs learn this very quickly.

(4) Down: You don't want your dog or puppy to jump on people, especially, elderly guests, children or anyone else that is coming to visit your home. Your dog needs to learn this after he is confident with his leash training. Grasp the leash or collar just under the dog's neck and while gently pulling in the downward motion as you say, "Down"

(5) Stay: This is a very important command, as it can save your dog from a situation were harm or injury may occur, and this can be beneficial to the both of you. This command can save you or your dog from being hit by cars, or any other dangerous situation, this can your dogs life. To teach the "Stay" command put your dog in a sitting position and talk a few steps away, and if he attempts to come to you, firmly say "Stay" and stop walking, ask your dog to sit, and start again, keep repeating this procedure until he stays, this may take some time, remember keep the lessons short, and be consistent.

(6) Come: Be sure to do this with a leash or long lead. First put him on the "Stay" command, use the word "Come" and give the leash a light tug toward you, when he responds a comes to you give him praise and or a reward treat and repeat this lesson until your dog is responsive to the command, then you can remove the leash or lead and repeat the lesson. This is one of the easiest lessons dogs learn very quickly. With all said and these simple, easy to follow training guidelines, you should have a long and happy relationship with your dog or puppy. Note: Never give up, be patient, consistent and always praise!!!! Love your dog like he loves you.

YOUR DOG

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.....You are his life, his love, and his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy ofsuch devotion. "

Author unknown:

About the Author

WoodCreek Pet Products
http://www.woodcreekmall.com/TrainingAids.html

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Your Fence Jumping Dog -- The Truth About Why Dogs Jump Fences

By: Darlene Norris

Are you frustrated with your fence jumping dog? Are the neighbors constantly complaining that he's in their yard again? Has he been picked up by animal control? Fence jumping is one of many dog behavior problems. In order to stop your dog from jumping fence, you need to understand why he's doing it, and then take steps to address the problem.

Why Dogs Jump Fences

There are several reasons why dogs jump fences:

1. Boredom and lack of exercise
2. Separation anxiety in dogs
3. Sex drive
4. Attention seeking behavior

Boredom And Lack Of Exercise

A bored dog is a recipe for all kinds of dog behavior problems, including a fence jumping dog. If there's nothing to do in his own yard, and there's a lot of fun stuff going on over the fence, he'll soon figure out how to get over it. Take him for a long walk morning and evening. Make a digging pit for him to play in while you're gone. If you give him a toy stuffed with food in the morning, he'll happily spend several hours getting the food out.

Make his own yard an interesting place for him, and you'll remove the temptation to look for fun elsewhere.

Separation Anxiety In Dogs

A dog with separation anxiety may try to escape from your yard in an attempt to find you. Try to avoid having your pup get too attached to you by having other people in the household feed him and take him for walks too.

Don't make a fuss when you come home. You don't want your return to be the high point of his day. In fact, ignoring him for fifteen minutes when you come home is recommended. Once he's calmed down is when you give him attention, not when he's jumping around in excitement.

Sex Drive

If your pup knows there's a female dog in the area, he'll make it his business to find her. Have your pet spayed or neutered. Not only will this cut down on the escape attempts, but it will prevent unwanted litters of puppies, and all the problems that go with animal overpopulation.

Attention Seeking Behavior

Let's face it, a canine who's an escape artist gets lots of attention. Either you or the neighbors or the animal control officer are after him. For a pet who is otherwise ignored most of the time, this is a lot of fun.

Spend time with your pup every day. A daily ten-to-fifteen-minute training session is a great way to do this. Your pet loves to learn new things, and the training provides mental stimulation for him, which is another antidote for a bored dog. It's also important for you to teach him commands like "off" to keep him away from the fence, and "come" so that you can get him to return if he gets out.

A good dog training course that includes a consultation with an experienced dog trainer is worth its weight in gold. Don't wait any longer to stop your dog from jumping fence. Take steps now to keep him safe at home in his own yard.

About the Author

Darlene Norris has worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. If you need to stop a fence jumping dog, and solve other dog behavior problems, visit No More Bad Dogs at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com to learn about a dog training course that will work wonders!

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Things to Consider Before You Go for a Dog Training Career

By: Sam Nichols

While a lot of people will become dog training careers because it's something that a lot of people do, there are others who actually do it because they love dogs and feel that this is a career that they want to pursue.

Are you one of those people that go for a dog training career because they heard someone saying that it's a good career, or are you someone that actually loves dogs and wants to be around them more?

Basic principles to follow

Loving dogs isn't the only motivation you should have to pursue dog training; you will also need the skills and knowledge to discipline dogs, to handle them and to understand what motivates their behavior. In most cases, people that become dog trainers have previous experience with dogs, and an understanding on how they usually handle pets.

What is your "dog division"?

If you want a career that revolves around dogs, there are two options at your disposal: dog training or pet service training. They're both highly looked after jobs, but a pet dog training career can bring you more opportunities.

Pet dog training is usually done on pet dogs, just like the name suggests. Its purpose is to help dogs become better companions for humans, both at house and in outdoor activities. Basic training includes agility training, obedience training, potty training and even training to prevent the dog from biting or barking.

If we're talking about service training, you should know that it's made specifically to prepare a dog for helping someone that has a disability or is going through some form of therapy. Other service dogs are trained to sniff bombs, drugs or to chase criminals, hunt or rescue people.

This type of training is very intensive, and the trainer needs to be well prepared in teaching the dog how to do his functions.

Canine psychology understanding

What do you want to know about a dog? How they behave, think or how they react to outside stimulus? What training actually does is making a dog modify his behavior, so they respond in certain ways. Associative conditioning is one of the fundamentals of dog training, so you should know this as well.

What about dog training education?

Like any other career, dog training needs you to have some basic skills, in this case in the area of handling and dog training. But, this isn't a career that you can learn at a university or college, so a degree is out of the question. There are schools however, and some academies, which you can go to in order to learn dog training. In most cases though, dog trainers have a natural inclination for their job.

While some have a natural feeling on how to train dogs, other have been apprentices with great dog trainers. And if you want some extra information, you should contact a dog training organization, which can offer it to you.

Comparison of working attitude with people and dogs

When you train dogs you also have to teach the dog handlers how to use them. Besides training dogs, if you plan to make a career out of it, you will also need to have some people skills, to teach the handlers.

Some dog owners don't have the patience to wait for their dogs to learn, expecting for it to be a fast and simple process. You need to be able to deal with this type of dog owners, and to let them know how the process works. That's why you need people skills as well, not just experience with dogs.

Miscellaneous

Besides the normal aspects of training, other things you need to know are nutrition, dog hygiene and grooming.

Other fields of interest include accessories, dog competitions and training ads. You should also learn about the differences between dog breeds, as each one behaves differently.

You can be a great trainer without being a guru. You only need a number of skills that will teach you how to handle dogs.

About the Author

Visit DoggyBehave.Com for more dog training articles and dog training manuals. Read also our Sit Stay Fetch book review – dog training book written by professional dog trainer Daniel Stevens.

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Dog Training – Best Dog Leads and Leashes

By: John Williams Dog Training

Dog leashes or leads are an extremely essential training tool or even just for general care and wellbeing for your dog. Whether you use your leash for taking you dog for long walks or only use it for teaching your dog right from wrong in the comfort of your back garden, a lead is always an important buy for you and your dog.

As a dog owner and a consumer, your choice of dog leads/leashes is as you might expect, huge. With so much choice and variations, choosing which lead or leash to use can be a bigger challenge than the actual training of your dog.

So what are the different kinds of leads and leashes? Well trust me there are thousands out there to choose from, I will only go through a few of the more popular types of leash as I’m sure there are many different types of leads being brought onto the market every week and it would be an impossible task to keep track of all of them.

In the next part of this article I will first go through the different types of lead then finish off with my personal views and preferences.

Extending leads

These do exactly what is says, they ‘extend’ away from the owner for a certain distance before running out of slack. With these leashes the owner has control of when to stop the lead extending further and can be used just like a normal leash if needs be.

Slip leads

These leads are a simple type of lead with a loop on both sides normally with and adjustable clip at the end that tightens when pulled or loosens around the dog’s neck for comfort when there is no pulling. Used by many for dog training.

Nylon leads

This is the cheaper option of dog lead, the simplest form of dog leash available, often causes rubbing and digging into your dog’s skin. Nylon leashes are best avoided.

Bungee leads

These leads help to eliminate the slack that other leads cause so that your dog does not trip over the leash and there is less pulling on your arm from a dog in the training process.

Leather leads

This is a popular type of lead that is comfortable for your dog and gives you full control of how far your dog can wonder. A good lead for training but can be tiring on your arm if your dog tends to try and pull you around.

My Conclusion
It is the preference of the trainer in hand at the end of the day but I feel leather leads are best for me and show your dog sum gentle authority when starting to train. Letting your dog wonder too far on walks can give your dog too much freedom and chance to misbehave.

If you are interested in training then I would go for a leather lead to begin, if you just like going for walks in the park or your dog is well behaved then you could maybe opt for an extendable leash.

About the Author

For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training

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Tips for Finding the Perfect Purebred Dog or Puppy

By: Debbie Ray

Finding a Dog 101 - Dogs are fantastic companions, and love you no matter what, but remember:

• Dogs DO take time! Remember, just like us, they are social animals who do not like being left alone. You can't just stick them out in the yard or leave them in the house alone all the time and expect everything to be all right. Many types of behavioral problems occur just as a result of this one thing. Do you honestly have ample time every day to spend walking, feeding, cleaning up after, grooming, exercising and playing with your dog? And dogs often live for ten to fifteen years, so enter into this as a seriously long-term commitment.

• Dogs DO cost money. There are food requirements which vary from dog to dog. They will need regular health care as well including: shots, wormings, check ups, etc. Some dog breeds will additionally need regular grooming. Puppies will damage things in your house from time to time - it's a fact. Finding a dog may lead to things being replaced more often. You will have to do more cleaning from time to time - shedding fur, etc.

• Dogs DO require ample space which can vary from breed to breed. Take the time to research ALL the requirements needed for all breeds you may be interested in. Do you live in an apartment? A duplex/townhouse or condo? A single family home? Do you have a securely fenced yard or access to a securely fenced in area for your dog to play in? If not, can you seriously make some other kind of suitable and realistic arrangements for your dog to get adequate DAILY exercise? Finding a dog requires a lot of forethought and planning.

1) Be Honest. Finding a dog can take some time. First of all, do you really want a dog? Is a purebred dog perfect for you? Or would you be just as happy adopting a dog from the local animal shelter or rescue organization in your area?

2) So you still really want a dog even will all the needs listed above in mind ...

If you can honestly answer all these needs mentioned above with a positive response then you're ready for step 2.

So now, you must now ask yourself:

Finding a Dog 101 - What breed of purebred dog do you want?

Research, research, research! Before selecting a purebred puppy breed you must first carefully consider many things about yourself and your family, such as: your exercise schedule, your own personality, your family and home situation, what you expect of your dog (watchdog, companion for your children, hunting, etc.), whether you live in a house with a fenced yard or in an apartment/duplex/condo, etc. You want to honestly match the dog's needs to yours as closely as possible for the best match possible. Finding a dog takes plenty of forethought and research.

For example, if you're athletically inclined, you don't want a doggie couch potato - a dog that has low exercise needs. If you're a couch potato yourself, you don't want a purebred puppy that needs a lot of exercise.

• First, DO NOT decide on any dog breed based on looks alone. When finding a dog take your time and do lots of research BEFORE making any new kind of new doggie addition to your family. The eight major purebred dog groups found in the AKC in particular (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding and Miscellaneous) is a great place to start. Feel free to use the dog breed resources on our site as a good place to start as well. We offer many individual dog breed profiles including lots of in-depth information on many kinds of purebred dog...

Finding a Dog 101 - Next: Selecting Your Dog. Do you want an adult or puppy?

Almost everyone wants a puppy. Puppies are lots of fun and can be easy to train and socialize, but they require a lot of time and care. Adult dogs often require less care overall than puppies but may have developed some types of behavioral or socialization problems during their life. If you are more inclined to get an adult dog, one good choice to start with is a rescue dog, possibly from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are many shelters and breed rescue groups available which can be visited on the internet, via the phone or in person depending on your area and finding a dog in one of these places can potentially mean saving it's life. Sometimes these organizations may have puppies for adoption as well.

Finding a Dog 101 - Where is the best place to find a dog or puppy?

• First, consider adopting a dog from a shelter or purebred dog rescue organization. Way too many dogs are euthanized each year, and you might just find a dog - the perfect companion for you, at the local pound or through a rescue group for your favorite breed. And you saved a life in the process!

• Second, find a "real" breeder. A real breeder of purebred dogs usually belongs to a breed club for their specific dog breed as well as belonging to several other dog related organizations. Additionally, many purebred dog breeders may be involved in showing their own dogs or participating in other dog related activities as agility, lure coursing or herding events. Finding purebred dogs or purebred puppies here means you have a much better chance at learning about the dogs ancestors, breed health problems, littermates, seeing the actual living conditions the puppy was raised in, and have a resource for future questions and a new friend for the life of your new dog.

Other very important things to look for in a purebred dog breeder - do they: provide references; have a clean kennel with healthy, well-socialized animals; provide a pedigree and registration application form; give you written instructions on feeding, training and care; provide a written contract with conditions of sale and warranty; give you a record of vaccinations and wormings?

Are the breeders: interested in your qualifications to be an owner of one of their precious puppies (your home and family situation, etc); insistent that you take the purebred puppy to a vet for a check-up immediately after purchase; insistent that you continue with vaccinations and wormings on a regular basis; encouraging the relationship between you and the breeder as a continuing one; there for you on an "on-call" basis with ANY future questions or problems that you may have about you new puppy or dog?

Places to avoid when finding a dog:

• Pet shop. These poor puppies are often poorly bred and raised in the most terrible living conditions. You'll never get a chance to see the parents, littermates or the actual original home they were bred in and you will never know what kind of inherited health problems they have until way too late. Finding a dog here means a potential lifetime of health problems as well as the potential to carry on this awful practice of puppy milling by supporting the sellers of their animals.

• Backyard breeders. Typically these are people who own a dog but are not knowledgeable at all in the details about the breed, inherent health problems and risks, history of their dogs (other than their "papers"), etc. and think it will be "fun" or maybe even "profitable" to have a litter of puppies. Any dog breeders who lets you handle a very young puppy, shows signs of neglect (such as lack of water, and dirty conditions) in their kennel, are willing to sell a puppy under seven weeks of age are not looking out for the puppies best interest. Leave and find a reputable breeder asap! Finding a dog here also means many potential problems and no real support for your new puppy in the future.

We suggest you take your time when searching for your new canine companion. Call breeders, visit their websites if possible, contact parent clubs for references for reputable breeders in your area. The more research you do BEFORE you bring your new companion home, the better off everyone, including the new doggie, will be.

About the Author

Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com , http://www.the-website-doctor.com and http://www.total-german-shepherd.com, is a lifelong animal lover, dog enthusiast and internet business owner. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? A German Shepherd Dog in particular? Check out pedigreedpups.com , total-german-shepherd.com or canine-hotline.com for more dog information.

(ArticlesBase SC #625254)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Tips for Finding the Perfect Purebred Dog or Puppy

What are Mixed Dog Breeds

By: Steve Evans

Before we start let me just declare my view which is that a mixed breed dog can be a wonderful addition to a family. They typically cost much less than the purebreds, and they are usually unique and delightful dogs.

A mixed breed dog is what is commonly known as the mongrel, mutt, or sometimes and rather unkindly I have to say ‘the Heinz 57’. The mutt is in fact a mixture of several dogs and qualifies when bred with more than 2 different breeds in it, otherwise they are called cross-breeds. If you are wondering whether your dog is a purebred you can work on the basis that unless the dog has registration papers, it is safe to assume that the dog is a mixed breed. Even mixed breeds can closely resemble a purebred.

So, it follows that mixed-breed dogs vary enormously in size, shape, color and personality, making them almost impossible to classify physically. Historically, all purebred dogs have been selected from a mixed-breed population way back in time…

As we have just said mixed-breed dogs can be any size, weight, or colour, but some colors are more common than others. No matter what their parents\' colors were, mixed breeds are often a light-to-medium brown or black, frequently with a white chest and other white markings. Mixed-breed dogs, however, don’t classify except according to height; there is tremendous variation in physical traits such as coat, skeletal structure, gait, ear set, eye shape and color, and so on. When conformation standards are applied to mixed-breed dogs, such as in events run by the MBDCA, the standards are usually general traits of health, soundness of nature, symmetry, and personality.

Anyone who appreciates how genetics works will understand that mixed-breed dogs are more genetically diverse than their pure bred cousins, due to the more haphazard nature of their parents\' mating. Happily also, as would have been predicted by Darwin, he offspring of such matings are less likely to express certain genetic disorders because there is a decreased chance that both parents carry the same detrimental recessive alleles.

Purebred dogs are those dogs which are the recognized breeds of the national kennel clubs (for example the American Kennel Club, and the UK Kennel Club), and are of course, more predictable as their personality traits and health issues are more predictable and for certain breeds which have developed a bad reputation are well known.

Purebreds may be less hardy than mixed breeds, both physically and often emotionally, as a result of inbreeding. Inbreeding has become a big issue especially in the UK where Crufts will not be screened by the BBC this year due to a feeling that not all that absolutely could be done to preserve and enhance pure bred genes is being done by the UK Kennel Club.

Purebred dogs will also have to some extent a predictable temperament, if you are looking for a friendly dog with lots of energy then choose a breed which is known for this character trait. That had to be by far the best way to buy a puppy which will result in an adult dog with those traits.

On the downside when you compare the mutt with the purebred recognized breed, the purebred dog is generally more prone to disease and ailments than the mixed breed. This is mainly as we have earlier indicated down to genetics in the breeding. Mixed dog breeding however results in a good deal of the overpopulation among dogs, and most of the dogs you will see looking for owners in any dog rescue centre will normally be the mixed breeds. Each year, millions of homeless pets are killed, and by your choosing to re-home a mixed breed dog you would be taking an animal which is much less likely to gain a new home than a purebred in the next dog pen.

About the Author

Steve Evans is a dog lover who writes frequently on dog breeds and great subjects such as mixed breeds of dog. He also runs the very active blog site with subjects like the included.

(ArticlesBase SC #728962)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - What are Mixed Dog Breeds

Transport Dog Crates: What You Need When Travelling by Airplane

By: Shellaine Enfesta

Anytime you want to move somewhere else and you have a pet dog, think of transport dog crates. Your dog needs to be comfortable as they can in the entire travel. Otherwise, you will find them pitiful and worst look like drunk if you just stuff them in a box. Putting them in a box and leave them on the cargo bay area on an airplane looks ridiculous. Transport dog crates are an ideal solution to this problem for dog travel.

There is no problem for your dogs if you travel by land or car. But if you have to travel by air, then you need a transport dog crates. Owning a dog is sometime expensive. But if you love and care about your companion dog you should invest in a USDA approved transport dog crates. It has to be custom fit to the size of your pet dog. You also need to ensure that the transport dog crates provide enough room and space for your pet to stand and turn around.

Especially on long flights they need some comfort.
Always ensure that your pet animal or puppy could stand as well as have the ability to turn around whenever he needs to. Buy the crate well before the date of the travel and get the dog to familiarize with it. Do not wait until you are about travel. Getting accustomed with the dog crate is a must. Get your dog or puppy sleep in the transport dog crates for a week prior to your departure. This way he will get accustomed to it and thereby would not have any problem during the travel.

Sometimes the airlines might loss or misdirected some baggages. To avoid this type of hassles you have to clearly mark the transport dog crates with your name and address including your telephone numbers. Always ensure that there is written address of destination to prevent an incorrect destination. This way they can contact you in case something untoward happens.

If your flight will take 8 to 12 hours, make sure to provide food for your dog or puppy for the duration of the flight. What you can do is tape the food outside the transport crate and leaves a feeding instruction for whoever is taking care of your pet dog during the flight.

To avoid your pet dog from making a big mess during the flight, do not feed them 6 to 8 hours before the flight. This will prevent or reduce the chances of them vomiting or having accidents as they may become disoriented or distressed especially at the start of the flight.

To keep your favourite pet dog hydrated, it would be wise to put a bowl of ice inside the kennel. The bowl of ice will eventually melt away bit by bit. This will give or provide him enough fluids hours later. It is also advisable to put absorbent paper and bedding in case the dog makes some mess.

For smaller dogs like Chihuahua, its best if you can ask the airline if it is possible to take it with you inside the plane and put it under the seat. For most airlines they do accommodate these arrangements. But you have to arrange it before your scheduled flight.

In conclusion, transport dog crates are very important when you are travelling with your pet dog by air. This type of investment could be worth if you love and care about your pet dog.

About the Author

For Your Transport Dog Crates and an Air Filled Dog Bed For your Dog Transport Go to:www.LingWellness.com

(ArticlesBase SC #372729)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Transport Dog Crates: What You Need When Travelling by Airplane

The Dog Wolf Link

By: Kelly Marshall

Several of the wolf-like social behaviors of a dog are not things that endear them to us, and several have lost their social purpose to the dog. They are additions that God hasn't managed to shake yet. Like the humans, they range from purely useless to downright weird.

The complicated eliminatory patterns of dogs are a source of bewilderment and sorrow to many dog owners, but if it is any comfort, they don't make much sense for the dog, either. In wolves, the alpha male and the alpha female usually urinate with a raised leg; all other members of the pack normally squat. The raised-leg urinations include depositing relatively small amounts of urine in prominent places and on noticeable objects like flower beds. This almost has nothing to do with the needs of elimination and everything to do with territorial markers.

Several humans believe the often repeated tale that wolves only mark the perimeter of their territory in this way, as a "keep-out" signal. Studies in Minnesota discovered that wolves urine-mark throughout their territory. They also do this with their feces (scats) which are often deposited on prominent spots, too, such as trees, stumps, garbage cans, and even empty boxes on the street.

Wolf scats are also often found at trail junctions, usually in the immediate vicinity of rendezvous sites where growing wolf pups are left while older wolves go off to hunt for food. Their scent glands on either side of the anus serves to add an individually distinctive odor to scats, underlining their function as scent markers. The grazing of the ground that usually follows elimination by socially domineering wolves, and which some but not all dogs show, appears to be aimed at underlining the scent mark with a visual mark, or to reinforce it more straight with odor from glands in the paws. (Wolves are cautious while grazing up dirt or leaves throughout this action not to aim the dirt directly at the site of their eliminations.)

Dogs do not have intuition to keep such a large area clean; the opposite they have a significant instinct to thoroughly mark their surrounding area with both urine and feces. Wolves usually do this so that pack members can know when ever they are in their home territory. The main stimulus for raised-leg urination in wolves is not, the scent of a strange wolf's urine, but instead the existence of the wolf's own mark: there is a firm instinct to mark and remark sites along regularly traveled routes within the wolf's own location. It may be an almost routine response to the odor of urine. Laboratory studies have discovered that when the nasal lining of dogs is stimulated electrically, it sets off an immediate calmness of the urinary sphincter muscles.

Myth or Reality

There are many popular myths about dog / wolf connections, especially in science fiction books, television shows and movies. Here are some to take a look at just for fun:

1) Dogs, bitten by wolves, changes into wolves during a full moon.
2) These creatures in number 1 cannot be killed unless a silver bullet is used.
3) If they bite a human, a human will change into a werewolf.
4) All of the above must howl at full moons, and stalk prey...the next werewolve to be brought into the fold!

OOOOHHHHHHHHHahhhhhhhhhh!! Wow, is it Halloween time yet?

About the Author

Written by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies - for the top small dog carriers source, visit http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-carriers/

(ArticlesBase SC #474032)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The Dog Wolf Link

Dog Pancreatitis And What You Can Do About It - Dog Health

By: John Williams

Dog pancreatitis begins for unknown reasons and quickly becomes a worrying and uncomfortable illness for your dog that can also be very damaging to the dog's body and vital organs. To rectify this condition though may take constant observations and medication for a period of time from the vet. Despite this, the condition will be curable easily.

In this article we will first look at why dog pancreatitis happens and some common theories about what causes the condition, and then we will look at what can be done to renew your dog's health and help your dog return to its normal happy condition in the shortest time.

To begin with this condition may make your dog noticeably unwilling to eat, bouts of severe vomiting or sickness, and generally feeling unwell and pain around stomach and surrounding areas when touched or moved.

The pancreas (the area in which this condition effects) is situated at the top of the upper intestines/ bottom of the stomach. One of the many functions of the pancreas is to begin to break down the food that travels through into the intestines by releasing enzymes so the food can be digested properly and easily.

Pancreatitis then happens when for some reason the pancreas becomes inflamed and over sized in a short period of time and too many of the enzymes are released into the correct area and the surrounding area which then breaks down the tissue cells and pancreas cells causing further inflammation. This then turns into a vicious cycle because the over sized pancreas is causing itself to become further inflamed and causing the dog more pain.

When you suspect this condition you should inform your vet straight away where they will then normally begin to take many different tests on your dog including X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests before confirming that dog pancreatitis is the condition affecting your canine. From here the vet will probably stop the dogs food and drink consumption so that the pancreas will stop making the dangerous enzymes and the inflammation will go down and it can return to its normal size and create the correct amount of enzymes again. Until this process has time to return to normal though the dog will have to be on an intravenous drip so the dog can still get its nutrition and foods to live.

After this your dog should return to its normal self again and no further damage will have been done. Please note this is not a diagnosis of your dog and many other conditions may be associated with the symptoms you are seeing, to get a proper diagnosis please contact your vet as soon as you suspect any problems with your dog.

About the Author

For more information on Dog Pancreatitis or Dog Health take a look at this Dog Training website.

(ArticlesBase SC #349752)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Dog Pancreatitis And What You Can Do About It - Dog Health

Why Teacup Dog Breeds Is The Choice Of Famous People

By: Ferdinand Dominic

Dogs have been with us for some centuries. They have been used in the past for several purposes such as guarding and hunting, nonetheless, you are not very likely to have a dog for such purposes.

Today, numerous people keep dogs for the simple joy of their company. With families dwelling farther and farther and children leaving home at an earlier age, dogs have increasingly turning part of the family unit. Additionally, dogs are loyal, playful, and friendly. They receive you and smother you with such joy that you would think they have not seen in you in ages.

Nonetheless, because of the lifestyles we tend to lead, not all dogs are fit for our companionship requirements. Some dog breeds, such as the Saint Bernard, are too large and too needy to be kept at home, and they are impossible to keep in an apartment. In addition, some dogs need big spaces to do the exercise they require to remain healthy, like the Doberman and the German Shepherd.

This is one of the reasons that teacup dog breeds are getting increasingly popular. In case you haven’t heard the term, teacup dog breeds are breeds of dogs that are little or very little in comparison to other dogs and are much easier to hold in small spaces. Teacup dog breeds are also very simple to carry around. They are light enough and small enough to fit in a purse or be carried in arms.

In addition teacup dog breeds are very convenient for travel. They fit in much smaller travel cages when traveling by air.. It is no wonder that a lot of artists and famous people who travel a lot select teacup dog breeds for their pets. Perchance the well notable one is Paris Hilton's Tinkerbell, a small Chihuahua that accompanys her wherever she goes, and that is virtually as famous as she is.

Because they do not need much exercise like larger dogs do is another reason why teacup dog breeds are common. Once Again Teacup dog breeds get listless quicker, and it is a good thing when they escape and you need to catch them prior to their getting hurt or wounded. Due to their small legs, they move duller than their larger counterparts. However, not all teacup dog breeds adapt to these characteristics. A good number of teacup dog breeds are very athletic and fast, for example the Papilon and the Maltese.

Lastly, one reason why people prefer teacup dog breeds is just because they’re cute. And since they never grow much bigger than their puppy size, they keep that charm all over their lives.

About the Author

If you liked this article, you may want to learn How To Protect Your Pets And Dogs From Fleas

(ArticlesBase SC #897933)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Why Teacup Dog Breeds Is The Choice Of Famous People

Are Coats, Hats and Rain Gear A Necessity for Your Little Dog?

By: Connie Limon

Since Mother Nature provides the dog with its own outer fur coat you might think why bother with anything else. Little dogs, however, lose their body heat more quickly than the bigger dogs. Small, short-haired dogs like the Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers have almost nothing in the way of nature to keep them warm in colder temperatures. For these dogs it is like a necessity to provide them with something extra for those cold, blistery days outside. For other breeds, such as a thick-coated Shih Tzu it can be entirely optional, but will also help the smaller sizes to retain their body heat in colder temperatures.

When purchasing a coat for your dog use the same good sense as you do when purchasing your own coat. Look for good construction. Wool and micro fiber fabric retain warmth. If you live in a climate that experiences cold winters look especially for materials made of wool and fleece. Be sure the coat covers the dog enough to keep him warm.

The coat should fit the dog comfortably around the neck, chest and armholes. Pay special attention to these areas and measurements when purchasing a coat. Coats don't use stretch like a sweater does. Exact fit will be more important than when purchasing a sweater.

What is the cost of a good dog coat? Designer dog coats can cost several hundreds of dollars. A coat purchased at a large pet supply store of which there are many of the same, can retail for $20 or less. If you live in an area like, Boston, New York, Maine or Minnesota where the winters can sometimes become severe you probably should invest a little more money than $20. Although cost does not always mean quality, sometimes the best of materials used to construct the garment will cost a little more. So look over the coat carefully when you purchase and be sure it is the quality you want before paying the higher price.

Lycra body suits are available as an alternative to the traditional coats. Since the Lycra is stretchy material the product fits well on most dogs. The legs are built into the suit so the whole dog is covered securely. There are waterproof versions you can purchase for rainy climates. The Lycra suits are not quite as attractive as a faux fur or leather coat, but your dog will most likely love the warmth and comfort - sort of like you wearing a pair of sweats as opposed to tight fitting jeans!

Whoever would think that a raincoat would come in handy for a dog? They most certainly can be handy for your little dog. Short-coated little dogs can quickly become miserable in the rain, and like chilled to the bone. If you live in a rainy climate, your little dog would probably appreciate some sort of rain gear. As with all other dog fashions, the choices can be overwhelming, there are so many for us today.

Hats and hoods are just adorable on a dog, but especially adorable it seems on those little dogs. It is true that humans lose most of their heat from their heads. Dogs are not much different. A little hat or hood can also help your little dog to retain body heat in colder climates.

Purchase hats or hoods that attach firmly in place. A chin strap is helpful. The hat or hood should fit comfortably around the dog's ears. Dogs have different sizes and shapes of heads, one size hat or hood does not fit all.

Now that your little dog is dressed perfectly for your particular climate, have fun strutting down your favorite walking trail!

About the Author

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Buy fleece t-shirts, coats and other dog fashions and accessories at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

(ArticlesBase SC #18610)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Are Coats, Hats and Rain Gear A Necessity for Your Little Dog?

Why Does Your Dog Completely Ignore You Around Dogs?

By: Kevin Salem

Have you ever wondered what "exactly" could be the reason why does your dog bark, pull on the leash, lunge, growl, attack, shiver, whimper, shy away or is dying to play when faced with other dogs that he is not familiar with?

Here are all the reasons:

You don't have the right timing, right technique, or the right training tool that can get your dog under your complete control. If a certain tool stops working or doesn't even seem to faze your dog anymore, try another one. Use what works!

You never thought socializing your dog with other dogs was really important or even possible. So you kept putting it off and now you finally admit that this has become a serious issue!

You have been avoiding any dog you came across by changing routes on your walks, or by walking your dog really late at night or super early in the morning.

Your training foundation is weak or even worse, you have no foundation. Meaning, your dog doesn't even listen to you that well in private or in your home. So why would he all of sudden behave like a perfect angel around dogs that he doesn't know or doesn't feel comfortable with?

Your dog USED to be friendly around dogs, but you slacked off on being involved on dog activities, daily walks, etc. And now, all of sudden your dog doesn't know exactly how to behave around dogs he hasn't met before.

Your dog, or perhaps the other dog, isn't spayed/neutered and they are dying to get it on and prove themselves. Jealousy also causes dogs to act aggressive toward one another.

Your dog whimpers to trick you into thinking that all it wants to do is play, and when you get close to the other dog, all of sudden it charges for the kill. Very sneaky!

You keep on patting your dog in an attempt to calm her down and by saying, "It's OK. It's okaaaaaaay. Nooooo...seeeee.... It's a nice doggie." But this doesn't send the right message. In fact by doing so, you are "encouraging" your dog to keep on acting aggressively. This might work on some humans, but it never works on dogs. So do not pat or keep on massaging your dog while she is constantly lunging and growling at other dogs. This translates to: "Go ahead. Kill 'em." Even if you say "NO" in between, you are still not being crystal clear with your message.

You misread your dog's or other dogs' body language. Sometimes when owners hold the leash tightly, this makes the dogs seem bigger, more tense, nervous, dominant and sometimes even a bit aggressive. Often you notice an owner's dog is completely relaxed, yet the owner acts scared and desperately tries to pull the dog close to her. This makes the dog appear taller, more tense, with his head up and chest out, which reads a very confrontational gesture to other dogs. So please don't wrap the leash around your hand three times by anticipating a dogfight.

Your dog always lunges and attacks other dogs and doesn't really know how to behave. Like a barbarian, it's totally natural to him to act like a maniac. Basically your dog is thinking, "It doesn't really matter if the other dog is small, big, black, white, friendly or aggressive. I always lose it when I see other dogs. It's fun and it keeps me alive. I have that spice in me. Rrrrrruf!"

You have a poor attitude and might even be prejudiced or scared of certain breeds. And guess what? Dogs never miss this and will try to protect you or at least try to scare the other dog. Maybe you hate certain breeds and your dog or the other dogs sense it from your energy, body language, or the fact that you totally changed direction, walked on the other side of the street, or picked up your small dog, hiding him from the rest of the world.

Your dog never lost a dog fight in his entire life and always managed to scare, bully and lunge at dogs and actually get away with it. He probably sees himself as undefeated. The bigger the other dog, the more of a challenge; the bigger the fight, the better the pay per view.

Your dog has been attacked by a dog in the past and got injured badly which resulted in him losing trust and confidence in you. You see, when you couldn't protect your dog from another dog attacking it, your poor dog had to find a way to protect himself. So now it anticipates another dog attack. This is why now he acts tough to scare the other dogs away. Can you blame him?

Certain dogs provoke your dog more than others. See if you can find any pattern. Is your dog getting aggressive more toward males, females, puppies, adults, small dogs, black dogs, white dogs, fluffy dogs with floppy ears, pointy eared dogs, or even dogs that are not neutered. How about their owners? See if you notice any pattern with them. Some dogs love a challenge and prefer to fight the biggest dogs they can find. Some can't stand the small dogs' bark, and the fact that they are more spoiled than bigger dogs, and probably see them as Costco's appetizers.

You've been letting your dog constantly mark on walks and thought it was normal and harmless. Now when your dog sees another dog in your neighborhood, he gets upset and tries to defend his territory. Just as your dog is overprotective of your house and your yard, he now thinks he owns the entire neighborhood just because he peed in every corner and every bush around it. How dare another dog walk in his hood!

Something or even someone has irritated your dog, and now he decides to let it out on another dog. Be honest. Don't YOU pick on someone or at your loved ones when you aren't in a good mood? There you go. Your dog has learned it from you!

Your dog is dying to play and interact with the other dog, but doesn't really know HOW. So he gets mad at you, mad at the other dog, at the leash, at your training tool and at the world! This could be a dog that once he manages to get loose, will lick the other dog to death to show his affection. Most dogs when they want to play, just pull on the leash, whimper, wag their tail happily, or maybe bark and whine in excitement. Not your dog. And it's really hard to know for sure exactly what he'll do, when he finally manages to get to the other dog. Will he play or go for the kill? And who's brave enough to find out?

Your dog gets aggressive only when he is leashed. This might be another form of fear or frustration an attempt to keep the other dogs away. Or your dog notices that when he acts this way, you and the other dog owner walking another dog automatically pull back and don't let them get close to each other. Your dog knows that he can't do much while being leashed and his movements are limited. Therefore, it's much safer to act like a maniac. Basically each bark and growl translates to: "Let me go. Let me go, Mommy. I can take him. Let me show you what I can do. Let me put him on the news for you."

Your dog is using your "other" dog as a shield/back up and knows it gives her more power when they attack as a pack. These dogs may walk politely one-on-one, but never as a team.

Conclusion: One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is that they automatically assume that if their pooch loves some dogs, that it will remain dog-friendly with all breeds of dogs for the rest of his life. The truth is, some will, but most WON'T. You must be able to get your dog's full attention around friendly dogs, aggressive dogs, hyper dogs, small dogs, big dogs, fluffy dogs, and male or female dogs.

It's like a serial killer. They rarely go on a killing spree of their friends or relatives. It's always the poor complete strangers.

About the Author

Kevin Salem is considered one of the brightest minds in dog training and one of the pioneers in his field. Kevin offers Doggie Boot Camp or House Calls Nationwide. Try his book, hire him in person, or see him put his skills into action by visiting his award-winning web site: http://ww.DogSecrets.com.

(ArticlesBase SC #558184)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Why Does Your Dog Completely Ignore You Around Dogs?

Does Your Dog Have a Christmas Stocking?

Author: Roman Brown

To some, it might seem a silly concept. To those of us who truly love our dogs, though, and treat them like a member of family, it might seem silly not to have a stocking for our dog this Christmas. While you can purchase or make the same kind of stocking for your dog as for any other member of your family, but what goes into that stocking should show a definitive transition from two-egged to four-legged family member.

Dogs aren’t going to enjoy the candy, toys, nuts and fruits that might normally go into a stocking. Well, truth be told, they might very well enjoy those things, but they were not designed for dogs—they are not healthy for dogs. When you’re looking for items to stuff your dog’s Christmas stocking with, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Different dogs prefer different things, and many have different needs. If you have had your dog for awhile, you probably know what the like best. You are most likely also aware of any special items they may need or specific ones to stay away from. If the dog is a new puppy, on the other hand, you might be going through the learning stages and need a little more guidance on what is best and what is safe to give your dog in their Christmas stocking.

For example, while they are relatively commonplace and inexpensive, rawhide bones are generally recommended against by dog trainings, veterinarians and other knowledgeable individuals. These simple treats can clog and otherwise hamper our dogs’ digestive system. You should stick with the actual bones or even nylabone style products. For dogs with light body mass or short hair, you might definitely want to consider a sweater for the puppy, particularly during the winter months. Of course, around the holidays, there are several festive designs to get your four legged friend. For walking, the way of the traditional, fixed-length lead is long past. Modernize the experience and make it more fun for you and your pet by investing in a retractable leash. For treats, most will do fine, but take a look at what is in them.

You want natural products more than a list of ingredients engineered in a laboratory that are hard to pronounce. For toys, take a look at their size. Don’t have anything the dog could accidently swallow or get caught in their throat. Just as with a child, the size of the toy should match the size of the dog. Squeaky toys are great, although with energetic pets, this could interrupt our sleep some nights. Get toys that encourage your pet to be active.

Pull toys, a Frisbee or a ball are great for keeping our dogs active and happy. All of these and more can easily fit into your dog’s Christmas stocking. If you don’t have a stocking for them yet, don’t delay. The holidays are a time for sharing love with our loved ones, and our pets should share in that time too.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/does-your-dog-have-a-christmas-stocking-649580.html

Dog Separation Anxiety Cures...What You Can Do Right Now To Help Your Dog With Separation Anxiety

Author: Home Dog Training, Shirley Hayes

Dog separation anxiety is so common among dogs that a lot of dog owners dismiss the behavior. Thinking it's just their dogs personality and will grow out of it.

Unfortunately, unless you work with your dog to help him/her with this panic disorder your dog will not just "grow out of it."

Your dog will get progressively worse. Some cases when left unchecked can require medication or the expense of a dog behaviorist.

When you suspect your dog is suffering from dog separation anxiety...here is a simple technique you can use to help your dog deal with his/her anxiety issues.

Exercise!

A dog that is completely run down won't have time to deal with his/her own anxiety issue. Your dog will be to tired to even think about it.

Dogs need a lot of exercise. Most dog owners think the few times they take their dog out for that 15-20 minutes bathroom walk is exercise enough.

Dogs have a lot of energy. If they do not get enough daily exercise...that energy builds up. If they don't get the opportunity to burn off that energy they will get frustrated and engage in destructive behavior. Chewing up your favorite shoes, digging holes where there should not be even ignoring you when called.

Not getting enough exercise can make their separation anxiety even more stressful.

If you're going to be away from your dog for an extended period of time you will need to schedule exercise before you leave for the day. Plan on getting up early enough to give your dog exercise for at least an hour. If time is an issue a minium of 15-20 minutes. If you run for exercise in the mornings...try allowing your dog to run with you. It's great exercise for him/her and it's great bonding time for the both of you.

The point is the more you can tire your dog out...the better behaved your dog will be.

Here are some other ways for your dog to get his daily exercise.

Dog Day Care
If you can afford the expense...dog day care provide lots of exercise and socialization for dogs. Running jumping and playing all day takes care of all of that pent up energy. It can be very expensive so be sure it is something you can afford.

Dog Parks
I am not a big fan of dog parks but they exist and a lot of people take their dogs. If you decide to do so be aware that most are not staffed. You will have to rely on other dog owners to manage their own dogs. Sadly many do not. Proceed with caution.

Backyard Fun
If you have large backyard try setting up regular vigorous play time. A game of fetch can blow off some energy. Many pet stores sell agility sets. Use them teach your dog jumping and running tricks. (Make sure your dog is old enough for agility training first ...check with your vet to be sure your dog is physically developed enough to participate)

If you're going to be away from your dog for more than 4 hours at a time...consider hiring a professional dog walker to give your dog a walk in your absence.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-separation-anxiety-cureswhat-you-can-do-right-now-to-help-your-dog-with-separation-anxiety-3506561.html

About the Author
If you think your dog may be suffering from anxiety...read my interview with a noted expert on dog separation anxiety. Author Chad Thompson.

How to keep a dog from breaking out of or escaping an Invisible Underground Dog Fence

Author: Dog Fence Pro

There are a lot of reasons a dog may break his fence boundary. The first thing I would look at is the dog fence collar. Is the battery good, most batteries are good for four months give or take. Some electronic collars malfunction and will start to eat the battery as soon as two days after it has Benn installed.

In the case the dog fence collar is killing the battery you should contact your local office. Most professional pet systems will have a local office. If there is no local office contact the manufacturer. After you verify the underground invisible dog fence has a good battery check the fit. The fence collar should not be loose both metal posts must make contact with the dogs skin. Thick hair may also prevent contact if that is the case you may need to thin the neck area out a little.

Ok you have checked all that and the dog escapes. Most underground dog fence systems has two adjustments. First is the signal field adjustment, if this is to small most dogs can run out in many cases with out a correction at all. Most dog fence systems have a short delay and if your fence transmitter is only set up to a two foot signal field it needs to be turned up. I would suggest at least six feet on a average size property of a half acre. If there is two or more acres fenced then there is no reason not to have at least a ten foot signal field.

Next is the underground invisible dog fence receiver. Most fence systems can be adjusted for a stronger correction. This means a stronger shock and removing the delay. Some containment systems will have a adjustment on the transmitter or the fence receiver itself. See owners manual for your brand they are all a little different. Invisible dog fence brand is not adjustable by the transmitter or on the receiver you will need to have a tech come out or visit the local office.

If the dog is still leaving the containment area after these adjustments find out where. Most dogs will leave the fence area in the same spot, the driveway is the common. I have found that a tie out in the area where your dog is leaving is very affective. For a period of about two weeks tie the dog out with the fence receiver on. Leave the slack in the tie out long enough to almost get out of the containment area but not all the way out. I know you got the fence so you don't have to use a tie out but a couple of weeks of this is what I have found to be the most affective to break the dogs bad habit and keep your pet at home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-keep-a-dog-from-breaking-out-of-or-escaping-a-invisible-underground-dog-fence-2943637.html

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Thanks for reading from the dog fence pro. Visit my blog for more dog fence installation, repair or training tips. http://www.dogguardnorthwest.com/dog-fence-repair-tips.php

Hypoallergic Dog Breeds - Allergic To Dogs? This Is For You!

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are the most suitable for people who are allergic to dog dander and fur. Some of the more popular hypoallergenic dog breeds include terrier, basenji, bichon frise, poodle, chinese crested, greyhound, havanese, irish water spaniel, and shih tzu.

While they do produce some dander, the dander of hypoallogenic dogs is little enough to create minimal discomfort for those who come in contact with them. There are many breeds of hypoallergenic dog. Many of them are miniatures or toys that have lots of energy and may have difficult temperaments for the more sedate dog owner.

Nonetheless, even the allergic dog owner can follow a few simple steps to limit discomfort and enjoy your life with your furry companion. These tips will also generally apply to any household welcoming a new dog into its family, especially the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

A new dog (no matter how old) may well be frightened during its first hours and days in your house. Hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to be a bit more nervous than others. It may not welcome human contact at first, so you should refrain from handling them too much the first few days. Be attentive, but don't smother them with affection. Let them acclimate to their new house. Just let your new dog roam around the house, sniff the furniture, and find its way around.

When your new hypoallergenic dog becomes accustomed to its new surroundings, begin a grooming routine to reduce the amount of dander and fur that might otherwise settle on your furniture, carpets, and clothing. In addition to reducing your danger of allergic reactions, regular brushing will reduce matting and knots that make your hypoallergenic dog uncomfortable and unattractive. A steel comb with wide teeth will help untangle knots and trap loose hair. It's important not to let your hypoallergenic dog's skin get too dry with all the brushing and grooming. You can find products at the pet store or through your veterinarian that will help reduce skin problems.

Giving your hypoallergenic dog plenty of exercise will also reduce your risk of allergic reaction. First, the fresh air will help keep its fur free of dander. Second, when your dog is tired and sleeps all night, it will be less likely to want your company while you sleep, spending less time on your bed to leave dander and fur on your bedspread and sheets. Regular, frequent cleaning of your sheets and bedspread will also reduce your discomfort.

Make sure your hypoallergenic dog has a special place of its own to sleep, day and night. A soft bed or an old blanket will give them a warm, secure spot for sleeping. Wash their pet bed often so that dander and fur don't build up to a dangerous level where it can easily transfer to your carpet or clothing.

You can't avoid some allergens from being present in your home, even with a hypoallergenic dog breed, so it's important to keep your home well-vacuumed and clean at all times to maintain your good health as well.

Regular grooming is perhaps more important for hypoallergenic dog breeds than for others, especially when you have allergies to your baby. Even dogs with short hair need regular professional grooming. For people with allergies, monthly baths are a must! This will not only protect you from allergies, but it will assure your hypoallergenic dog a long, happy, healthy life.

Remember that even hypoallergenic dog breeds can still cause allergy attacks now and then. Be sure you visit your doctor when you get your dog and continue to follow your personal preventive routine to prevent serious problems with your allergies.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hypoallergic-dog-breeds-allergic-to-dogs-this-is-for-you-753313.html

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Training Your Dog Using The Reward Method

Author: Kenneth Scott

While reward training is commonly viewed as the most current style of dog training, it is actually a lot older than most other methods of dog training. It is likely that the reward training method has been in use since dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago. Early humans likely used some unofficial type of reward training when refining the wolf pups that ultimately became domesticated dogs.

A lot of the ideas about current methods of reward training go back several decades. But what we know as reward training today has only enjoyed its recognition for the past 10 or so years.

Most reward training proponents are not so eager about other methods of dog training, like the leash and collar style. It is likely, though, that the best approach to training your dog will be a mixture of leash and collar training with reward training.

Additionally, a certain training style might work great for one particular dog, but not for another. Some dogs who are not motivated by reward training but do well with the leash/collar method, and other dogs respond well to reward training while leash/collar training does not work at all. Fortunately, the majority of dogs fall somewhere in between.

One of the more popular methods of reward training currently is clicker training. While clicker training does not work for every dog, it can still be a highly useful method of training dogs. The way clicker training works is by teaching to associate a clicking sound with a positive reinforcement, such as a treat. When the dog does something well, the trainer reacts by clicking the clicker, then immediately offering the dog a treat. In time, the dog learns to react to the clicker only.

In reward training the most common type of treat is a food reward. Almost always, complex tricks or behaviors can only be taught using this type of reinforcement. In fact, trainers who train dogs for movies and television use food-based reward training almost totally.

Reward training is used for all types of dog training, including for police and military work. The majority of training in scent detection and tracking utilize a kind of reward training. You can also use reward training in teaching the basic dog training commands.

In reward training a lure is frequently employed to entice the dog into a desired position or stance. The lure helps to convince the dog to perform the sought after behavior of his own volition.

Getting the dog to carry out a behavior without being handled is important. The point of the training, in fact, is to get the dog to execute a behavior without any handling by the trainer.

Once the dog has carried out the commanded behavior, he is rewarded with a positive reinforcement, such as a food treat. Treats are often used in order to reinforce good behaviors, but other positive reinforcements, such as verbal praise, can also be used for reinforcement.

It is important that a reward-trained dog also be a reliable dog. If a dog is trained to do a job, such as police work or drug detection, outside distractions are to be expected. Therefore it is important to train the dog to work and be focused around diversions, as well as to socialize him with other animals and people.

Sometimes dog trainers only train the dog inside the house or back yard, only when the owner is there, free of distractions. It is important to take the dog outside of his comfort zone and introduced to new people and situations.

It is also important that the dog be trained to pay attention to the handler always. When the owner has the complete attention of the dog, he has complete control of the dog. When executed correctly, reward training is a very effective training method that helps to earn the respect and the attention of the dog.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/training-your-dog-using-the-reward-method-396537.html

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Author: Francis N. Tressler

Thinking of getting a second dog? One of the first questions to ask yourself is why. Is your current dog lonely, seemingly bored or getting old? Or is the decision based solely on your own wants?

Getting a second dog can be a good thing, provided your first dog will accept the newcomer. Introducing a puppy to a dog is easier to do because the normal battle for dominance is minimal. Puppies just 'are'. Adult dogs, on the other hand, can see them as intruders that must be shown their place in the pack.

Senior dogs can become more active around a puppy, which will benefit them both physically and mentally. Just be aware that your dog doesn't become overwhelmed by the puppy's energy.

Dogs that feel insecure or are already dog aggressive might not be agreeable to sharing their home.

The first thing you must do is decide what is your current dog's attitude towards other animals. Do conflicts occur? Is your dog aggressive to other dogs? Or does your dog greet other dogs happily? This will give you some idea what might occur when you try to introduce a puppy to your dog.

Here are some points to consider:

1. Is your dog bored and is this normal behavior for your dog? If your dog was active after he became adult but has since become less so, it's possible your dog needs a playmate. It could also mean that your dog is quite content to live quietly in his old age.

2. Has your dog had the opportunity to socialize with other dogs? How did he respond? If your dog was never socialized, you might have some work ahead of you. If he has already been introduced to other dogs, things might go smoothly.

When getting a second dog, consider its personality and that of your current dog. The closer matched they are, the more likely they will get along unless both are aggressive. This might be difficult with puppies, but look at their activity levels.

Does the puppy show aggression to other pups in his litter? This could be a sign of an aggressive dog. Playfulness that includes nipping is not the same as aggression.

Make the introduction of a puppy to a dog pleasant and positive.

If you notice or expect your older dog to become aggressive, start by putting them in separate areas. Just having the other dog present will allow your dog to become accustomed to his presence.

Introduce them in a neutral area, in the park or in your neighbor's yard. Keep both dogs on leashes so you can control them if things go wrong. If you have more than one dog at home, introduce the puppy to the dog that is most calm and accepting first. When the other dogs see that the puppy is accepted by other pack members, they will be more likely to follow suit.

Use caution during the early days. Puppies can suffer severely if your adult dog decides to attack.

Despite the urge to fuss over the puppy, pay more attention to your current dog so that he does not feel left out or threatened. The puppy won't know the difference. Once the puppy has been introduced successfully, gradually show more affection for the newcomer.

If done correctly, getting a second dog can be a fun and entertaining event for you, your family and your pets.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/getting-a-second-dog-heres-how-to-introduce-a-puppy-to-an-older-dog-695364.html

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For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit How To Train A Dog Review Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com

Secrets to Great Dog Health Care:
External Parasites and Their Treatments

Author: Ethan Parker

WHAT IS A PARASITE?

External parasites are pretty common among dogs. A parasite is an organism that lives off the resources your dog has to offer: namely, fresh blood (which most parasites drink) and a warm place to stay (in and on the skin and fur).

What are the common parasites that might affect my dog?

There are a wide range of parasites that affect dogs:

- Fleas
- Ticks
- Mites
- Lice

All of these parasites cause adverse reactions in your dog: typically, itching and inflamed skin, a dull coat, and bald spots. In advanced cases, your dog may develop anemia (blood loss) and become generally debilitated (particularly if he or she is very young, very old, or suffering from another condition).

In addition to this, many parasites convey secondary and internal parasites to your dog – for example, fleas usually carry the common tapeworm (which causes constipation and flatulence), and ticks can cause a variety of much more serious problems like Lyme’s disease and paralysis.

I'm going to be looking at fleas: what they are, how to tell if your dog’s affected, and how to get rid of them.

A CLOSER LOOK AT FLEAS

Fleas are without question the number-one most common external parasite affecting dogs. They’re small, jumping insects that are light brown in color, although humans generally can’t see them – they move much too quickly for that!

Fleas live off your dog’s blood. The life cycle of a flea moves very rapidly from stage one (egg) to stage four (adult flea), which means they’re capable of multiplying with staggering rapidity.

An adult flea lays hundreds of eggs per day. Each egg will then become an adult flea, which lay hundreds more eggs of its own. One flea becomes a major problem very quickly!

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG HAS FLEAS

The symptoms of a flea infestation are unmistakable.

A dog with a flea infestation will scratch almost constantly, often at areas that fleas seem to favor: the ears, the base of the tail, the belly, and the stifle (the webbing of soft skin between the thigh and the abdomen).

It’s actually the saliva of the flea that causes the irritation, not the bite itself, and some dogs have a genuine allergy to this saliva (as opposed to a standard irritation). Dogs with allergies suffer much more significant negative reactions to a flea infestation, and usually develop “hot spots”.

These hot spots are areas of sore, inflamed, flaking, bleeding, and infected skin, caused by the flea saliva and your dog’s own reaction to it. Bald patches will sometimes develop too, from repeated scratching and ongoing inflammation.

If you think your dog has fleas, you can confirm your suspicions by taking a closer look at his skin: you probably won’t be able to see the fleas themselves, but you should be able to see what looks like ground pepper (a thin sprinkling of fine black grains) on his skin. This is flea dirt (poop).

If you groom him with a flea comb (which is like a fine-tooth comb), try wiping it on a paper towel: if red blotches show up on the towel, you know that your dog has fleas (on a white background like a paper towel, flea poop shows up red: since fleas subsist on blood, their poop is colored accordingly).

TREATMENT FOR FLEAS

Because fleas only spend a small amount of time actually on your dog, and the rest of their time leaping through your house laying eggs and feeding on human blood, it’s not enough to just treat the dog: you also have to target his bedding, the entire house, all human bedding, and the yard (yes, fleas lay eggs all through the yard, too. Even if it’s cold outside, you’re not necessarily off the hook: cold weather doesn’t kill flea eggs, it just puts them into a state of hibernation. The eggs will hatch as soon as it gets warm enough outside.)

You’ll need a broad-spectrum treatment which kills not only the adult fleas (which are the ones that bite), but also any developing fleas, and the eggs.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST (AND THE EASIEST!)

Prevention is definitely the best cure – you should keep your dog’s flea treatments up to date with the use of a calendar, and use a treatment that’s prescribed by the vet. Off-the-shelf treatments aren’t recommended, since different dogs require different strengths depending on their size, age, and activity levels. A particular benefit of prescribed flea treatment is that most are also designed to prevent other parasites (like mites, ticks, and heartworm) from affecting your dog.

FOR AN EXISTING INFESTATION

If your dog already has fleas, you have two options:

1. You can ‘bomb’ the house and yard with a flea-pesticide. These come as foggers (which coat each room, and the yard, in a fine mist of pesticide) and sprays (which are applied manually to each surface throughout the house and yard), and although they’re very effective in killing fleas and eggs, there’s one major drawback: they’re highly toxic to humans, dogs, and the environment. Depending on your priorities, this is probably the quickest solution to a flea problem (and will effectively wipe out the eggs, too) but if you have anyone in the house with allergies or a health condition – including pets! – you might want to think again.

2. A more health-friendly alternative is to target the dog with a topical anti-flea solution prescribed by the vet (like Advantage or Revolution), and to rigorously clean the house on a regular basis until the flea problem has gone. This means vacuuming each room thoroughly each day – put a flea collar in with the vacuum bag to kill any fleas that get sucked up – and wash all human and dog bedding in hot water as often as you can (once every day or every two days is recommended). You’ll be able to tell when the problem’s gone because your dog won’t be scratching, and his coat will be clear of flea dirt when you inspect it.

WHAT NOT TO DO ABOUT FLEAS

- Don’t use multiple products on your dog – it’ll make him sick, since you’ll be overloading his system with toxins.
- Don’t forget to treat all the animals in the house at the same time: cat and dog fleas are interchangeable, and if one animal has fleas, they all will have them, even if some are not displaying the symptoms.
- Flea collars are no longer recommended as a safe option for flea prevention, since the collars are highly toxic – vets have realized that placing a toxic material directly against your pet’s skin for long periods of time (flea collars have to be worn 24/7 to be effective) is detrimental to your dog’s health.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PARASITES AND THEIR TREATMENT...

Fleas are just one of the many, many types of parasites that affect your dog. To find out more about the complete prevention and treatment of all types of parasites (external and internal), as well as a comprehensive guide to all aspects of dog health, take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.

This book is an invaluable resource for the responsible dog owner, and will help you to ensure that your dog remains happy and healthy – just the way you want him (or her) to be!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/secrets-to-great-dog-health-care-external-parasites-and-their-treatments-691633.html

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Ethan Parker is one of the Net's most popular e-review experts. He makes shopping easy: either buy it...or just try it!

Ethan enjoys helping to make people aware of all the free deals and quality information out there. He also enjoys alerting them to the latest discounts and promotions. Why spend more?

You can find out more about Ethan at his website, MyBuyOrTry.com.

Why Dogs Escape and How to Prevent it

Author: Dara Solomon

Escaping is a serious problem for both you and your dog, as it could have tragic consequences. If your dog is running loose, he is in danger of being hit by a car, being injured in a fight with another dog, or being hurt in a number of other ways. Additionally, you're liable for any damage or injury your dog may cause and you may be required to pay a fine if he's picked up by an animal control agency. In order to resolve an escaping problem, you must determine not only how your dog is getting out, but also why he is escaping.

Why Dogs Escape

Social Isolation/Frustration
Your dog may be escaping because he's bored and lonely if:
• He is left alone for long periods of time without opportunities for interaction with you.
• His environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys.
• He is a puppy or adolescent (under three years old) and doesn't have other outlets for his energy.
• He is a particularly active type of dog (like the herding or sporting breeds) who needs an active job in order to be happy.

Recommendations:
We recommend expanding your dog's world and increasing his "people time" in the following ways:
• Walk your dog daily. It's good exercise, both mentally and physically.
• Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and practice with him as often as possible.
• Teach your dog a few commands and/or tricks. Practice these commands and/or tricks every day for five to ten minutes.
• Take an obedience class with your dog and practice daily what you've learned.
• Provide interesting toys (Kong-type toys filled with treats or busy-box toys) to keep your dog busy when you're not home.

Sexual Roaming
Dogs become sexually mature at around six months of age. An intact male dog is motivated by a strong, natural drive to seek out female dogs. It can be very difficult to prevent an intact dog from escaping, because his motivation to do so is very high.

Recommendations:
Have your male dog neutered. Studies show that neutering will decrease sexual roaming in about 90% of the cases. If, however, an intact male has established a pattern of escaping, he may continue to do so even after he's neutered, so it's important to have him neutered as soon as possible.

Have your female dog spayed. If your intact female dog escapes your yard while she's in heat, she'll probably get pregnant. Millions of unwanted pets are euthanized every year. Please don't contribute to the pet overpopulation problem by allowing your female dog to breed indiscriminately.

Fears and Phobias
Your dog may be escaping in response to something he is afraid of if he escapes when he is exposed to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, firecrackers or construction sounds.

Recommendations:
• Identify what is frightening your dog and desensitize him to it. You may need professional help with the desensitization process. Check with your veterinarian about giving your dog an anti-anxiety medication while you work on behavior modification.
• Leave your dog indoors when he is likely to encounter the fear stimulus. Mute noise by leaving him in a basement or windowless bathroom and leave on a television, radio or loud fan.
• Provide a "safe place" for your dog. Observe where he likes to go when he feels anxious, then allow access to that space, or create a similar space for him to use when the fear stimulus is present.

Separation Anxiety
Your dog may be escaping due to separation anxiety if:
• He escapes as soon as, or shortly after, you leave.
• He displays other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to you, such as following you around, frantic greetings or reacting anxiously to your preparations to leave.
• He remains near your home after he's escaped.

Factors that can precipitate a separation anxiety problem:
• There has recently been a change in your family's schedule that has resulted in your dog being left alone more often.
• Your family has recently moved to a new house.
• There's been a death or loss of a family member or another family pet.
• Your dog has recently spent time at an animal shelter or boarding kennel.

Recommendations: Separation anxiety can be resolved using counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques.

How Dogs Escape

Some dogs jump fences, but most actually climb them, using some part of the fence to push off from. A dog may also dig under the fence, chew through the fence, learn to open a gate or use any combination of these methods to get out of the yard. Knowing how your dog gets out will help you to modify your yard. However, until you know why your dog wants to escape, and you can decrease his motivation for doing so, you won't be able to successfully resolve the problem.

Recommendations for Preventing Escape

For climbing/jumping dogs: Add an extension to your fence that tilts in toward the yard. The extension doesn't necessarily need to make the fence much higher, as long as it tilts inward at about a 45-degree angle.
For digging dogs: Bury chicken wire at the base of your fence (with the sharp edges rolled inward), place large rocks at the base, or lay chain-link fencing on the ground.

Punishment
Never punish your dog after he's already out of the yard. Dogs associate punishment with what they're doing at the time they're punished. Punishing your dog after the fact won't eliminate the escaping behavior, but will only make him afraid to come to you.

Never punish your dog if the escaping is a fear-related problem or is due to separation anxiety. Punishing fear-motivated behaviors will only make your dog more afraid, and thus make the problem worse.

Punishment is only effective if administered at the moment your dog is escaping and if he doesn't associate the correction with you.

Outside sources for pet help:

FunAdvice.com Pets

Humane Society of the United States

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-dogs-escape-and-how-to-prevent-it-746462.html

Four-Legged Hunting Companion - How Your Hunting Dog Makes The Experience Worthwhile

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

Man has used the canine to aid him in catching prey for millennia. Dogs were a natural choice because of their ability to get into places the hunter never could, and their extremely heightened senses to track, retrieve, or see game. The dog also became a hunter's best asset because of his eagerness to please, and his strong sense of loyalty to his owner. A well-trained dog can be completely trusted by the hunter and a special bond develops. The relationship between hunter and dog hasn't changed much over the centuries; a good hunting dog can be trained to obey verbal commands, hand gestures, and whistle signals.

There are many different breeds of hunting dog available to use depending upon the species the hunter prefers to hunt. Each breed has been bred over generations to develop particular characteristics that makes him a champion. Retrievers are unrivaled in their ability to retrieve fowl out of the water; scent hounds are master trackers, able to follow game for many miles hot on the trail; and pointers are superior in their ability to track and then point or flush game. While these dogs love to please and are passionate about the hunt, it's important to find the dog that is right for you.

It's not the best idea to buy a dog from a private citizen. Unless you know the owner and are familiar with the dog, all too often a hunter just doesn't know what he's getting. Going with a breeder is always the best choice. Any good breeder will be more than happy to show you their accreditation from the state they practice in. Also when visiting breeders be sure to look around and get a feel for the place, everything should look very clean and professional and the dogs should look healthy and happy. Make sure that you get all of the medical and immunization records for any dog you might be interested in. Also don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, you want to know where your dog's coming from, and most breeders love to talk about them!

Now that you have your dog at home, what are you going to do with him? He needs to be trained and that can be a daunting task for the hunter who's never trained a hunting dog before. There isn't anything to worry about, there are a lot of tools available to the hunter to help him train his dog. There are many instructional videos on the market that aid the hunter in training for his specific type of hunt. Another option is getting help from a professional trainer. This is often the best route, because you can get the professional guidance you need, while still having a hand in your dog's training. While a trainer can be a little pricey, having a dog and his owner work well together in the field is priceless. Man has used the canine to aid him in catching prey for millennia. Dogs were a natural choice because of their ability to get into places the hunter never could, and their extremely heightened senses to track, retrieve, or see game. The dog also became a hunter's best asset because of his eagerness to please, and his strong sense of loyalty to his owner. A well-trained dog can be completely trusted by the hunter and a special bond develops. The relationship between hunter and dog hasn't changed much over the centuries; a good hunting dog can be trained to obey verbal commands, hand gestures, and whistle signals.

There are many different breeds of hunting dog available to use depending upon the species the hunter prefers to hunt. Each breed has been bred over generations to develop particular characteristics that makes him a champion. Retrievers are unrivaled in their ability to retrieve fowl out of the water; scent hounds are master trackers, able to follow game for many miles hot on the trail; and pointers are superior in their ability to track and then point or flush game. While these dogs love to please and are passionate about the hunt, it's important to find the dog that is right for you.

It's not the best idea to buy a dog from a private citizen. Unless you know the owner and are familiar with the dog, all too often a hunter just doesn't know what he's getting. Going with a breeder is always the best choice. Any good breeder will be more than happy to show you their accreditation from the state they practice in. Also when visiting breeders be sure to look around and get a feel for the place, everything should look very clean and professional and the dogs should look healthy and happy. Make sure that you get all of the medical and immunization records for any dog you might be interested in. Also don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, you want to know where your dog's coming from, and most breeders love to talk about them!

Now that you have your dog at home, what are you going to do with him? He needs to be trained and that can be a daunting task for the hunter who's never trained a hunting dog before. There isn't anything to worry about, there are a lot of tools available to the hunter to help him train his dog. There are many instructional videos on the market that aid the hunter in training for his specific type of hunt. Another option is getting help from a professional trainer. This is often the best route, because you can get the professional guidance you need, while still having a hand in your dog's training. While a trainer can be a little pricey, having a dog and his owner work well together in the field is priceless.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/fourlegged-hunting-companion-how-your-hunting-dog-makes-the-experience-worthwhile-775780.html

About the Author

Download Abhishek's FREE 66 Pages Ebook, "How To Play And Enjoy Hunting Video Games" from his website http://www.Hunting-Guru.com/100/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Looking for Extraordinary Dog Cages? Look at Doggie Solutions

Author: Vikram Kumar

Loving your dog and caring about them are two aspects that are considered very important if you want to have a dog to feel proud. It is important to note that love without proper care would not only make your dog feel unhappy but unhealthy as well.

There are several mistakes committed unknowingly by most of the dog lovers that ultimately lead to big problems afterwards. Some of the most common mistakes are the following:

1. Not keeping the dog in dog cage: The first and the most important mistake that most of the dog owners do is that they allow their dogs to live anywhere in the whole house. Such practice not only leads to fear of infection for the whole family members but creates problem for the dogs as well as they do not find them comfortable at several places. Thus it is important to give home to the dogs in the form of dog cages.

2. Not giving proper training: There are many dog owners who ignore the misbehavior of their dogs. They treat their wrong deeds as small things that later on take the form of bigger troubles and more nuisances. Thus it is very important to offer best training to the dogs. Today with the Dog Clicker Training, it is really easy to train the dogs without many problems.

3. Not going out for the walk: The third mistake done by the dog owners is not taking the dogs out for long walks. Such practice not only makes the dog dull but creates problem in his paws and legs as well. Thus, it is very important to go out for long walks with the dogs to keep them happy and healthy.

4. Not taking out dogs while travelling: The forth mistake that most of the people do that they avoid taking dogs with them during travelling. Such practice is wrong because they too, are part of your family and so you should not leave them alone in the house. With the help of various dog cages designed to ensure comfort to dogs while traveling, you can take your dog with you with quite ease.

The above mentioned are some of the mistakes that you must avoid in order to have a happy and healthy dog. Now, if you want to know the name of the place from where you can have the best dog cage for your dog and various other useful accessories including Dog Training Clicker, then Doggie Solutions is the name of the online store you must opt for.

Doggie Solutions is a one stop shop for all sorts of quality dog products as well as cat products. Either you are looking for a perfect dog cage to help you carry your dog or eco friendly dog toilet system for your dog, it is sure to get all at Doggie Solutions.

In addition if you need various products for your cats then too you can have end number of products for your cats.

So now with the help of dog cages and various other utility products for your dogs, you can ensure a healthy and fit life of your dog as well as cat. So for what are you waiting for? Order now!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/looking-for-extraordinary-dog-cages-look-at-doggie-solutions-766723.html

About the Author

A dog cage is very important for your dog. Get the best dog cages from Doggie Solutions to help dogs live comfortably.

Preparing Your Dog For Your Baby - Avoid Jealousy And Anxiety During And After Your Pregnancy

Author: John E. Wade

Why

Over the years I've worked with countless dog-owning young couples with feelings so strong for their dogs that they could not imagine those feelings could be any stronger for a child. However, when they became pregnant they found released from within an even greater capacity for love. An accompanying byproduct of this heightened state is a fierce, innate, hard wired need to provide the safest of environments for their child. From that moment and for many years to come they know that all decisions will revolve around the impact they will have on their child. That first pregnancy launches a furied time of preparation part of which is includes an evaluation of their current environment from its baby-friendly perspective. What was once just a means to access the basement they realize is now a path of potential danger that must be addressed. What was once just a cupboard to store cleaning supplies is now a reservoir of peril. What was once 'their dog' is about to become the 'family dog' and regardless of their devotion consideration is given to potential for conflict however minor.

Based on past experience some dog owners will be aware of the possibility of jealousy or anxiety however many will not be aware of the potential for either that the addition of a baby can uniquely elicit. Others have little worry about conflict based on malice or fear but much to worry about regarding unruliness. Behavior that could once be worked around; they realize will by necessity need to be addressed. Outside of injury due to unruliness, statistics confirm that an objective eye is warranted and that each dog should be assessed for its baby-friendly status. According to many high profile sources one out of two children is bitten by a dog before reaching the age of twelve and dog bites are greater health problem for children in the US, than measles, mumps, and whooping cough combined. For most dog owners though the risk their dog brings is due more to sheer unruliness than meanness of spirit. However either way intervention before the dramatic change in lifestyle that accompanies the birth of a child is becoming more common amongst dog owning expectant couples.

Myths

My initial interest in infant safety around dogs stems from the prenatal class I took in preparation for the birth of my first son. The nurse teaching the class was asked what precautions should be taken when the expectant parent was also a dog owner. The recommendation offered by the nurse that expectant moms and dads could help prevent future jealousy or anxiety by introducing a baby doll into the house hold, and simulate day to day interaction with an infant. This would entail cuddling, carrying, bathing, dressing, etc. I have read this as well on countless websites and in articles like this one and books. To a layperson this might make sense. However, children's toys, including baby dolls, are made from the same material as is found in many dog toys. After over 20 years working with thousands of dog I can say with confidence that the keen senses of a dog are not going to be fooled into connecting a baby doll with a true baby and thereby acclimatizing it. However some have been known to make a grab for the baby doll as if it were another plastic toy gift from their owners creating unnecessary worry for the parents to be.

Another well-meaning myth is that bringing home an infant's hospital blanket will introduce the dog to its scent and somehow make it easier for the dog to accept the baby when it arrives. Where this advice originally came from remains a mystery but it certainly did not come from a professional. Any behaviorist, psychiatrist or psychologist knows that if desensitization is to have a desired outcome it is a slow incremental process. The idea that a sniff of a blanket might temper the sensory impact that an infant will have is the equivalent of expecting that a glance of the ultrasound image will realistically prepare an expectant mother for her labor experience let alone the impact of all that will follow once she brings her child home. Fortunately, there are much better options to turn to that will help a dog make the transition from being an 'only child.'

Reality - Some Dogs You Can Change But Some You Cannot

Cohabitation between humans and dogs has existed for thousands of years. However, for better and worse, over the last century the nature of the relationship has changed significantly. Dogs are no longer just a means to an end for securing food, herding and protecting livestock, and protecting home and hearth. For many of us, they have become family members. The upside is that a dog is one of the few things that you can pour a little love into once in a while and harvest back an endless stream of unconditional love. The down side is that as well-meaning as we might be, many of the signals we now send our dogs confuse them as to who should be the teacher and who should be the student and without this stability they often unnecessarily develop behaviors that range from the annoyance of unruly behavior to becoming actual safety liabilities.

Expectant dog owning parents should keep in mind that over the last few decades many of the breeding protocols that lead to a physically and mentally balanced dog have become the exception rather than the rule. Also, training methodologies have changed such that many dog trainers now erroneously believe and so advise their clients that even the slightest discipline will make a dog's behavior worse and so they recommend all-positive, all the time training. This in spite of the irrefutable evidence provided by every parenting dog, wolf, ape or human that the skills to survive and thrive in the real world come through both positive and negative. The end result of these poor breeding and training practices is that many expectant parents find themselves with a dog with characteristics that can impact the equilibrium of the household from a child's safety.

Some of these situations can be resolved by switching to a more realistic training model while others where the dog's temperament has been more seriously impacted by breeding and training conventions can create anxiety and concern in the expectant parent. Early Intervention Whether for the Unruly or the Uncomfortable Dog Armed with fact rather then myth expectant parents can assess where and why their dog might need their assistance and how either through their own efforts or along with a professional's develop a strategy that balances their dog's needs with their baby's safety.

I have found in the countless assessments I have done for expectant parents that every household can benefit by learning more on how their dog sees the world and makes connections that lead to joy and anxiety. Sometimes it is as simple as learning how to teach baby friendly obedience such as 'Stay on Your Mat'? or a proper heel and recall so that opportunities to properly exercise their dog and thereby relive its stress can be taken advantage of more often once the baby has arrived. In other situations we discovered that due to circumstances beyond the control of its owners, typically the result of breeding or early socialization, the dog had some yellow or red flag characteristics. In some situations these were addressable, in others they were not. Unfortunately other then the traditional mythical advice outlined above there is in prenatal education very little practical advice for dog owning expectant parents.

The contents of the book, How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Baby ? is a culmination many years of experience working with families and dogs and provides strategies to objectively assess and address real life practicalities that come with babies and dogs living together.

Forewarned is forearmed and consideration as to how a dog and a baby might affect each other should become as an important part of prenatal preparation experience as learning the safest of car seats, cribs, strollers and any other factor that might impact an infant's well being.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/preparing-your-dog-for-your-baby-avoid-jealousy-and-anxiety-during-and-after-your-pregnancy-817237.html

About the Author

John Wade, author of several books including, The Beautiful Balance - Dog Training with Nature's Template ' and “How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Baby ” He has over twenty years experience assessing literally thousands of dogs with huge ranges in behavior, from unruly family dogs, to the highly anxious, to the dangerously aggressive. His expertise has been used by the courts, Children's Aid, humane societies, municipal animal controls, and corporations. He gives lectures across North America to veterinarians, veterinarian students, and dog trainers. He also has a nationally syndicated pet behavior column. You can learn more about John by visiting his website: www.johnwade.ca

Canine Licking - Why Is Your Dog Licking Everything?

Author: Darlene Norris

Are you frustrated with canine licking? If you have a dog licking everything in sight, including you, herself, and the carpet, you and your dog have a problem. What causes this odd dog behavior? And is there any way to stop dog licking?

Why Does A Dog Lick Everything?
Dogs lick for many reasons. Dogs greet their owners and show their affection for them by licking them. It's also a way of showing submission to the pack leader. This is normal dog behavior.

But sometimes dogs carry this to an extreme, either licking themselves until they develop bald spots, or engaging in excessive licking in dogs around their owners. Other dogs lick the carpet, or furniture or other items. These bad dog habits can be extremely frustrating, and even mystifying.

Any time a dog is licking herself enough to cause a bald spot or even a sore, she needs a trip to the vet. Many problems can cause excessive canine licking, including fleas, allergies, arthritis, and skin irritations. The more the dog licks, the more she itches, and the more she licks. It becomes a vicious cycle, and your dog can develop a lick granuloma as a result.

If your dog licks her paws after she eats, she could have a food allergy. Try changing her diet. Check the first four ingredients, and look for a food that doesn't have corn or meat by-products as one of them. Check the protein source, too. If chicken is listed in the first four ingredients, look for one that has lamb or beef instead.

Once medical causes are ruled out, you can assume it's a dog behavior problem.

Can You Stop Dog Licking?
Yes, you can, but you may have to play detective to figure out why your dog won't stop licking. Often, excessive canine licking is due to anxiety. The dog is licking herself to make herself feel better about something going on in her life. It can quickly become obsessive compulsive behavior.

Try to identify why your dog is anxious. Is your dog left by herself for long hours every day? It's possible that you need to be giving your dog more time and attention.

Dogs also need at least an hour and a half of rousing exercise every day to use up all their pent-up energy. If you don't have this much time to spend with your dog, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker during the day.

Many owners inadvertently train their dogs to develop bad dog habits. Be aware of when you give your dog the most attention. Is it when she's doing something annoying, like licking herself or you or your furniture? If so, you're reinforcing the behavior. Dogs want your attention and will do whatever it takes to get it.

Start giving her lots of attention when she's doing something you like. When she starts to lick, say "no!" very firmly. If she's licking you, turn away and ignore her for a couple of minutes. If she's licking the furniture or carpet, redirect her with a toy. With time and persistence, you can successfully train her to end this bad dog habit.

A Good Dog Obedience Course Can Work Wonders
You can see how easy it is to accidentally train your dog to do the exact opposite of what you want her to. Avoid this problem by finding a good dog training course that includes a free consultation with an experienced dog trainer.

So go ahead...stop dog licking by taking the first step toward solving the problem of your dog licking everything in sight.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/canine-licking-why-is-your-dog-licking-everything-859889.html

About the Author
Darlene Norris has worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. If you want to stop dog licking, and solve other dog behavior problems, visit No More Bad Dogs at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com to learn about a dog training course that will work wonders!

Dog Grooming - Groom Your Dog Yourself

Author: Lauren Hill

Stop paying for expensive grooming services when you can buy your own equipment for a one off payment and groom your dog yourself. Dog grooming is easy to learn and will not only help you bond with your dog but will give you sense of achievement and satisfaction as you look at your groomed dog and then look at the money you’ve saved.

Follow these 7 steps to a professional dog grooming:

Brush you dog before washing to loosen any dirt. This will make it easier to wash out.
Use warm water and a good non irritating shampoo to wash your dog. The warm water will make the experience more enjoyable for your dog and ensure they are not scared or hesitant next time you want to partake in dog grooming.
Gently clean eyes and ears with a clean, damp cloth. Do not poke too far into your dogs ears as they are sensitive- same goes for the eyes. Remove visible dirt and grime.
Trim your dogs nails using specialty dog clippers. Most dog clippers will come with instructions so follow those closely to ensure your dog is not hurt.
Dry your dog with a towel. If you dogs coat is long or think they may benefit from a blow dry. They may even enjoy the extra warmth and attention.
No dog grooming session is complete without the final brush. Not only will this beautify your pooch but they will enjoy the attention.
Always reward you dog for good behaviour. Give your dog a treat at the end of their dog grooming session as this will teach them that if they behave while being groomed they will get a treat. If you are in the process of training your dog then they will know that a treat is good, and no treat is bad.

It’s that simple. So save you money, bond with your pet and prove to yourself that you can do it. To arm yourself with all your dog grooming gear visit The Kramar Pet Company’s website to find your local stockist. They supply are superior range of brushes, combs and clippers and some of these include:

- Andis clippers and accessories

- Clipper combs

- Clipper blades

- Dirt and debris remover

- Flea comb

- Nail clippers

- Brushes

- Combs

- Nail scissors

- Knot removers

- Dematters

- Coat stimulator

- Undercoat hair remover

- And the Furminator

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-grooming-groom-your-dog-yourself-1223236.html

About the Author
Go to http://www.kramar.com.au/dog-pet-grooming.html to view Kramar’s full range of dog grooming products. Alternatively you can call them on Ph: 02 4648 8500 and one of their customer service people will be happy to answer any questions you have on dog grooming and their dog grooming products. Happy Grooming!

Protect Your Dog from These Common Household Hazards

Author: Jim Navary

Are you aware of the wide range of common household items and products that can be hazardous to your dog's health? Although it is not all-inclusive, this article is intended to help you recognize some of the common hazards found in the home.

Cleaning Products

Household cleaning products should be safely stored and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Product labels usually include warning statements such as "keep children and pets away from the area until it is completely dry". Cleaning products containing chlorine bleach can cause chemical burns when skin contact is made. If swallowed the effects can be deadly. Stomach pain, vomiting, excessive drooling and vomiting are typical symptoms when these products are ingested.

To eliminate accidents with household cleaning products it is important to keep them in the original packaging if the packaging can be securely re-sealed. Containers that cannot be re-sealed should be discarded after transferring the contents to a properly labeled container that can be securely closed.

Insecticides and Herbicides

Keep flea and tick control products, intended for external use only, well out of your dog's reach to avoid over exposure or ingestion. These products contain poisonous chemicals that can be very harmful to your pet if applied improperly.

Mouse and rat poisons must be kept well sealed and in a secure location out of your dog's reach. These compounds, if swallowed, can cause serious organ injury and may be lethal.

Gardening chemicals (herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides, etc.) must also be used safely in order to ensure your dog's health. When applied to lawns, keep all pets away from the treated area until it is considered safe according to the manufacturers directions. Lawn and garden chemicals that stick to your dog's paws may cause severe skin reactions. If the dog later licks his paws the chemicals may be ingested.

Human Foods Dogs Should Avoid

The following foods can be hazardous for dogs. No matter how much he begs for a "treat", these foods should never be given to your dog:

Chocolate, Yeast Dough, Chewing Gum, Persimmons, Grapes/Raisins, Alcohol, Onions, Coffee & Grounds, Tea, Potato Peelings, Nutmeg, Mushrooms, Garlic, Avocados, Nuts, Salt, Raw Eggs or Fish, Most Bones, Baking Soda/Powder, and Sugar Free Foods Containing Xylitol.

Keep household garbage in securely closed trash cans. For some reason dogs seem to find garbage in plastic trash bags absolutely irresistible and they can easily rip them open in search of "goodies". However, rotting food can be harboring nasty bacteria and molds that could cause your dog to suffer from food poisoning.

Health & Beauty Products

Unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so, never give your dog medications that are used to treat humans. To avoid accidental poisoning, keep all medicine in tightly closed, secured containers well away from your pooch. Particularly hazardous over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, antihistamines, cold medicines, vitamins, diet pills, and topical creams/ointments.

Health and beauty products found in most bathrooms, such as toothpaste, nail care products, skin lotions, and even some scented soaps can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Also, since dogs seem to love to drink from toilet bowls, keep those lids closed. Harsh chemicals used in toilet bowl cleaners may be hazardous for your dog.

Toxic Plants

Some plants typically found in homes and in the yard can be hazardous to a dog's health. A few of the common plants that may be dangerous include:

Schefflera, Lilies, Tulip and Narcissus Bulbs, Oleander, Azalea, Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Cyclamen, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Pothos, Rhododendron, English Ivy, Sago Palm, and Chrysanthemum

The ASPCA provides a very useful data base of plants, both toxic and non-toxic, on their website. As it is searchable, it is easy to use and will help to identify plants in your home than can be dangerous. The data base can be found at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

Miscellaneous Household Hazards

-- Ethylene glycol antifreeze and coolants can be fatal, even is very small quantities. Although less toxic, propylene glycol antifreeze can still be dangerous.

-- Paints and Solvents

-- Small objects that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious dog. Such items as coins, small toys, jewelry, screws, nails, buttons, batteries, etc. may result in internal injuries and may require surgery to remove them.

-- Mothballs can be toxic to dogs particularly those containing naphthalene. They can result in blood cell damage, swelling of brain tissue, seizures, coma, and even death.

-- Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog's intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed.

-- Tobacco Products

-- Electrical cords should be covered and blocked to prevent access. Chewing on a live wire could prove deadly.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS POISONED

Do Not Delay! Speedy action is critical for the treatment of accidental poisoning. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435. Be ready to state your dog's age, weight, breed, and any symptoms observed. Have the product container or a sample of the plant with you so that the poison can be properly identified and an appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/protect-your-dog-from-these-common-household-hazards-912683.html

About the Author

Are you a canine fan? If so, we hope you will visit our DogBurg Blog at www.dogburg.com. You will find additional dog related articles, videos, photos, jokes, music, and anything else we can come up withthat dog lovers would find interesting. And if you would like to use article marketing to promote your business, check out this English writing software.

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