Stop Your Dog Chewing On Everything - 7 Strategies Experts Recommend

Dogs in general have a natural desire to chew, and it seems there are three main reasons for that:

Your dog is bored and has nothing better to do.It's a self rewarding activity if what they chew on tastes good. It also passes time and it is fun for dogs.Your dog is under exercised and chewing burns up nervous and negative energies and is a way of expressing her emotions.

The following are strategies expert use to prevent dog from destructive chewing:

Manage your household items - Dogs discover and explore everything with their mouth, so no need to test her loyalty to you. Take things that you don't want her to chew on and put them away out of her reach. These include garbage, clothing, books, cameras, remote control, cell phones, etc.Secure your food away- Don't leave any food, snacks, or leftovers on a table or somewhere that she can reach. Put the food in a container and out of reach; wash or rinse the dishes before leaving them on kitchen sink.Restrict her in a dog-proofed area-until she proves she understands and obeys your household rules.Don't confuse your dog between what is permitted and what is not to chew on- Some dog owners give their dog an old towel, cloths or old pair of shoes that they are not using anymore and let them to play chew or do whatever they want with it, and then expect for the dog to tell the difference between the old and the new items in the house and not to touch new ones. Dogs can't tell the difference.Give her lots of tasty alternative toys- You can purchase them on-line or your local Pet-toy shop. If there aren't any toys in her designated area, she will start targeting your stuff. Remember dogs have a natural desire to chew. If you rotate the available toys every few days will keep her excited as it's not the same old toy all the time.Interrupt her inappropriate chewing- If you caught her chewing on your stuff, make a loud noise as clapping or firm No, then immediately offer your dog one of her toys as an alternative. When she drops your item and picks what you have just offered, reward and praise her. Over time, this teaches her that her toys are OK to chew on but anything else she'll get in trouble.Spend as much time with your dog as possible- To leave her in the backyard for all day as it maybe convenience for us sometimes, for dogs however it is boring and horrible. She needs your time with her to learn and explore your household rules and what behavior is appropriate and what is not.

No dog is perfect and in the early stages of your relationship, she is still learning. Mistakes and small accidents could still happen. Give her time to master your house rules, invest plenty of your time to train and supervision with her. In the mean time provide her with lots of toys and alternatives to chew on.

To learn the step-by-step course of preventing your dog's chewing and other bad behaviors, click on Stop-Dog-Chewing.

If you like to learn more about how to prevent your dog chewing inappropriately on your possession, follow this link Stop-A-Dog-Chewing.

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

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Article Submitted On: February 07, 2011

Your Dog and Food - Are You Providing the Best Diet?

This article will help you to consider a dog's natural diet, and whether your dog and food choices are the best available.

Many experts believe that you should feed your dog some 'natural' alternatives in place of processed pet food. While some manufactured dog foods can provide important nutrients, very few people would call them 'natural'. This is because processed foods, liked canned and dry forms, only estimate a canine diet.

Many processed dog foods are imperfect because they:

Have been cooked for a long time which takes away many of the nutrientsDo not contain beneficial fats, whole proteins, or enzymes present in raw foodsMay contain poor-quality grains or by-products left over from food manufacturingCan include added chemicals and preservatives.

Natural food, on the other hand, is closer to what your dog is designed for

A Natural diet can help your dog stay healthy, with fewer allergies, flea infestations or trips to the vet. It can assist digestion and elimination (your dog's stools should be firm not sloppy). It can help maintain dental wellbeing (with nicer dog breath!).

Many people believe that degenerative diseases in canines may be avoided altogether with a good natural diet. A healthy canine can remain in peak physical condition long after it has reached middle age. Proper nourishment (and exercise) can also help prevent your dog from being overweight.

Ask yourself...

Would you stay healthy if you only ate canned food every day, even if it was proven to be nutritionally balanced? No way! Before long you'd be rebelling. You'd crave variety... and your digestive system would be crying out for a change too.

The best food for dog has an evolutionary basis. Dogs are designed to digest and utilize raw meat, cartilage, bones, and other parts of an animal including some of the internal organs (and even fur). This is closer to how a wild dog eats.

How can I gradually change my dog and food choices?

Well, you can't send your dog back into the wilderness, but you can do some things...

Firstly, take your time. Don't dramatically alter your dog's diet overnight.Don't toss out all your canned food or kibble. Just replace some of the usual food with some natural alternatives.or example, add some raw meat obtained from your pet supplier or a reliable butcher, and a light bone or two.Add a small amount of grated raw vegetable and fruit (avoid grapes), and maybe a small amount of egg, omega oil, yogurt, and nuts.Once or twice a week offer some organ meats. Occasional tripe can be good too.

This is just a start...

There are many resources and books on this subject. And don't ignore your breeder or your vet. You should listen to your vet if specific health advice has been offered, or if your dog has a pre-existing condition.

Dog Training on Bite Inhibition

The most important thing that a dog should learn from puppy to adult dog is a good bite inhibition. Even a very friendly dog and properly socialized is extremely dangerous if not properly trained to control his bite. What is dog bite inhibition? In my own simple meaning, it is the ability of the dog to control the force of his bite without causing injury. If the dog was not trained while still a puppy, he cannot gauge his limit on biting. In most cases, the dog will cause a deep bite. Good bite inhibition does not mean that the dog will not bite but it means that in case your dog bites, it will not cause any or serious damage.

There are two things needed to teach your dog on bite inhibition. One is by letting him to play with other dog to develop dog to dog bite inhibition. The other one is teaching dog bite inhibition towards people.

Dog to Dog Bite Inhibition
A puppy should play bite with other puppies. In this way, he can develop his bite control until adulthood. The more the puppy plays bite, the more he learns different levels of force that may harm or not harm. If you are watching puppies play, sometimes the bites are getting rough and one puppy may felt hurt and stops the play session. In this way, the other puppy learns that he has to make the bite softer to avoid end of their play session. Another advantage of letting your dog to play with other dog is improving his socialization towards another dog.

Dog to People Bite Inhibition
The puppy should also learn the bite inhibition to people. It is very important that this should be done at a younger age as the jaw is still softer compared to an adult dog. The teeth o f a puppy is much sharper compared to an adult dog, so extra precaution must be taken care of. It is a bit hard to do this training to an adult dog as it may inflict a serious injury if not controlled properly. You can let you puppy play bite on you but you have to give him a good feedback if you feel that the bite is getting harder. You can do this by giving an action that you are hurt and leave the play session. This is the same as puppy playing bite with other puppy that when one is hurt, the play stops, while the other puppy cries. Give him a few minutes to think and play with him again. This time, he already knows that his bite must be softer than before. You must do this exercise frequently since the more he practices his bite, the more control he gains until reaching adulthood. Sometimes, you can exaggerate your action so that he develops his limit for a softer bite possible.

As I mentioned earlier, even a properly and well-behaved dogs but not trained on bite inhibition is extremely dangerous in case the dog is provoked. You cannot avoid some accidents may happen, like stepping on a sleeping dog, a child suddenly jumped over the dog while the dog is eating, you close the car door while trapping the dog's tail, and many other incidents. If the dog is trained on bite inhibition, you can avoid any sudden deep bite from the dog. As a dog owner, you are more confident to take your dog with you in socializing with other people and other dogs if you know that your dog has a good bite inhibition.

Why Dog Steps Are a Necessity

Small and large dogs alike have difficulty getting into the car or onto the bed, whether because of their size, age, or physical condition. However, this should not stop a dog from being part of a family and going on car trips or cuddling with their owner on a comfortable couch. Dog steps are helpful in that they provide freedom of mobility to pets that cannot otherwise reach high spaces. Frequently lifting your dog can be painful for you and the dog so dog steps can provide a safe, easy, and fun alternative.

Commonly dog steps have been used outside to give dogs an easier way to get in and out of a car. Since many dogs love to go on family trips and errands, pet steps are necessary. It can be extremely difficult for both small and large dogs to get into a car. However, pet stairs can be placed anywhere around the car to allow entrance to the front seat, back seat, or even the back of a truck and can be easily stored in the car or garage. Once your dog experiences the ease in which they can get in and out of the car, they will want to go with you everywhere.

Pet steps are not only for outside use. Inside the house pet steps can be put in front of the couch or bed so your dog can easily walk up rather than jump onto the furniture. As mentioned above this will save your back from unnecessary strain. In addition, the dog step will allow your dog the freedom to get on and off the furniture as he/she pleases, granted you allow pets on your furniture of course. Furthermore, your furniture will experience less wear and tear because your dog will be gently getting on and off rather than jumping, which can cause rips or snags.

Beyond providing great mobility for your pet, pet steps can be used as a way to teach your dog simple commands or teach them a new trick. Professional trainers may use dog steps as a prop in talent shows or as a training tool at their business. Pet owners who use dog steps for training will greatly improve the health of their pet through exercises that help stimulate dog's muscles and develop joint function at any age.Pet owners should seriously consider proving dog steps to their pet for the numerous health benefits.

A dog's ability to freely move throughout the house and car is imperative to their mental and physical health. It can be depressing for a dog and owner when the dog must be constantly picked up to be able to go anywhere or simply cuddle on the couch. Both a dog and owner's body will suffer from the strenuous activity of lifting the animal, especially if the dog is of a larger breed. Thus dog steps are extremely helpful in improving owner-dog relationships because they allow dogs and owners to co-exist without stress.

Remove Pet Problems With a Potty Patch Restroom

There are a lot of things to think about when you own a pet. For one, most people don't have a house with a huge backyard filled with green grass. Other people live in a region where snow is covering the ground four or five months out of the year. This is what drew me toward the Potty Patch Restroom.

What Is the Product?

You can find this potty product all over the market, but they aren't all the same. Many of them claim to stop a person's worries about their house and their pet. The Potty Patch Restroom is designed with three tiers that are created to lock up the pet's waste. This holding crate will remove unwanted messes and get rid of accidents. The top part has soft artificial grass that allows the liquid to pass through. The middle part has a grate to keep the grass dry and keep the liquid away from the grass. The third part is at the bottom and holds all of the liquid for a number of uses.

My Experience

My dog liked this artificial grass. I do, too. It's easy to clean especially when used with puppy pads. Another strong point for me is that this product comes in two sizes, which means an average-sized dog and a larger dog can have its grass--and use it too! However, it seems to be more suitable for someone in an apartment condominium or house.

I decided to get the Potty Patch Restroom, but I had to purchase it from the actual website. I got the artificial grass directly from the manufacturers because they give a free upgrade, with the option of double blades and plush anti-microbial grass.

Maintain Hygiene With Wee Wee Pads And Vinyl Gloves

You can use puppy diapers for your ailing dog during the illness or early training. Find out how these pads accompanied with vinyl gloves can help you keep yourself away from various infections.

If you have a training puppy confined to the walls of your home, it is going to poop inside the house, most probably on one of your exquisite piece of furniture. It is understood that the puppy is still going through the training, but why should your expensive carpets and furniture pay the price? It seems as if there is nothing you can do about it. You can't stop it from pooping on the rug. So you rather get a wee wee pad that helps in keeping your home clean and tidy. It is a brand new way to train your dog.

These pads have a leak proof seal and can be removed easily. You can use these pads for grown up dogs as well. The pads come in handy if you have to be away from your home for a long time. If your dog is ill and can't walk, you can use this pad to maintain the hygiene around it. Sometimes you just don't have the time to take the dog out for a walk and the other times harsh weather conditions make it quite hard. In situations like this you can use these diapers that help you keep your indoors clean.

These pads are not chemically manufactured, so you can use them without worrying about the negative effects on your dog. Since dogs have a sensitivity for various odor, these pads are not treated with any scent. While removing the pad from your puppy, just ensure that you keep the hygienic aspect in mind. You can wear disposable vinyl gloves which are perfect for the prevention of any kind of contamination. Gloves can provide adequate protection from any kinds of germs, bacteria and other potential hazards that can eventually pose a threat to your health. Besides cleaning up the dog, these gloves can be used for many other purposes like health care, beauty products and tattoo application, gardening and other household chores.

The vinyl gloves are basically used in clinics as the material does not cause any kind of skin irritation. These are colorless and odorless and are considered the best for medical and dental use. These are also widely used while preparing various edible items because of these are powder free. Powder free gloves are being used extensively because they are less likely to cause any sort of allergic reaction. These gloves are quite durable as oil, water, food and other common chemicals can not damage them which makes them a perfect pick for your kitchen use as well. You can wear them when washing the dishes every day to protect your hands from the harmful chemicals present in the soap. These will also keep your hands soft.

These gloves are made of polyvinyl chloride which makes them soft and comfortable to wear. They are highly resistant to alcohols, acids, fats and various chemicals. These are of great help in minimizing the skin irritation caused by eczema or any other skin infections. Choose your gloves depending upon the type of work you need them for and the type of infected area that you come in contact with.

You can now keep your indoors clean from the excretion of your training dog by using the diapers. All you need to do is search the Internet and find companies that offer you information as well as help to buy wee wee pads at competent prices.

Siberian Husky Sled Dogs and Husky Facts

The Chukchi Tribe in the eastern Siberian peninsula was some of the first to use the Siberian husky as sled dogs. They were also used as watch dogs and to herd reindeer. The huskies were very strong and able to integrate into small packs and could work long hours and required small portions of food.

William Goosak was a Russian fur trader operating in Nome Alaska in the 1900's. He brought a team of Siberian Husky Dogs from Russia and entered them in the Alaska Sweepstakes race (408 mile competition).

The locals from Nome often referred to these Russian husky dogs as "Siberian Rats", because they were much smaller than the larger, heavier Alaskan Sled Dogs that were being used.The Siberian Huskies have won many races since that first victory in 1909.

A young man from Scotland, Fox Ramsay, traveled to Siberia in the summer of 1909 and returned with about 60 Siberian Huskies. He entered three teams in the Alaska Sweepstakes race of 1910. One of these teams won the race and set a "best ever time" of 74 hours for this 408 mile race.

The Siberian Huskies received enormous recognition as racing dogs over the years and became well known for their many great successes. The Ramsay huskies won many races, but everyone remembered the first husky team of William Goosak in 1909.

In 1913 a Norwegian, Roald Amundson, who was the first man to reach the South Pole, began planning a trip to the North Pole. This expedition was scheduled for 1914. Jafet Lindberg, also a Norwegian, purchased and selected the very best Siberians for this important expedition. Leonhard Seppala was hired to train the dogs for this special mission.

The start of World War I caused the cancellation of the expedition to the North Pole in 1914. Seppala continued to train the Huskies and entered them in the last four Alaskan Sweepstakes races 1915, 1916, and 1917. World War I ended this great dog sled racing series.

Siberian Husky Dogs have established a place in History due to their racing abilities and special notoriety around the world.

The original husky dogs that William Goosak brought to Nome, Alaska in 1908, varied in basic characteristics from the modern Siberian husky. Some were long and leggy, while others were smaller and heavier boned. Performance was the most important characteristic of the time as aesthetics were not so important.

"See Things from a Husky's Perspective"

Download free copy of 142 page "Husky Master Guide" at: http://www.huskydogstore.com/

Tom Ellerbe and daughter Marci Winchester have raised and trained Siberian Huskies for many years. Website is loaded with a ton of information about this very special breed of dogs.

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

How to Train Your Dog If They Have Behavioral Problems

Dogs can bring fun to many people. They also bring excitement to their owner. We adopt a dog for several purposes. Before getting a dog, we must decide first what breed is the best for us. Some people adopt a dog in order to have a companion. Some people adopt one to have a sense of security. Majority of those who adopt or purchase a dog use them as a pet. Although many people vary in their intentions or purpose in adopting a dog, it is extremely beneficial for them and to the owner if the dogs are trained regarding proper behavior.

Dog owner has an ongoing relationship with their pets. The relationship between a pet and their owner should also extend to the point that they are treated as the best friend or a part of their families. Some times, even the most behaved dog also has tendencies to become extremely naughty and have some behavioral problems. There are several reasons why dogs have behavioral problems. It may be because they often get hungry, they are not comfortable, or they are in ill or pain.

Here are some tips that you can do to have a well-behaved dog.

1. Keep them safe all the time. If we provide them a secure place where they can live comfortably and where they experience fun, it is seldom that the dog develops a behavioral problem. We should also provide toys that will keep them busy just like a ball or a chew toy.

2. Rewards, praises and treats, are also influential factors that make them feel important. If you start teaching a dog new trick, rewards and treat can be the best thing that you can give so that they will follow your commands.

3. Although training a dog can be very time consuming, we must train our pets every day. The longer the dog practices a certain trick, the better he gets it in time. From time to time, you should teach your dog new things so that both of you have an accomplishment.

4. Never ever punish your dog using any form of harassment. Beating or striking a dog will worsen the case. You will only add problem to their behavioral concern. Every dog training and canine trainers just like Annapolis dog training, Crofton dog training, Severn dog training, Baltimore dog training, Maryland dog training, Maryland dog trainer,= and all other trainers and training services in the world greatly believes that hitting a pet is not the proper way to teach them on how to behave properly. When people hurt dogs, it only creates more problems on the part of the dog because they become more stressed. Dog training requires patience, in this regard, no matter how angry or frustrated you are; never ever hurt your dog.

5. Medical care should also be provided. A regular check up with their vet as well as regular vaccination is needed. It is also a must to see if they are physically fit before you can start with any activity. Of course if your dogs are sick, you cannot train them. The veterinarian can also advise you on how to train them.

6. If you have a problem in training your pet, you can enroll them into dog training sessions with a licensed dog trainer. A great dog trainer can teach both dog and their owner how to respect each other. It will teach a dog to be obedient to their owner, and at the same time it will allow the dog owner to have an idea on how to teach their dogs. Any dog can learn a new trick or new behavior. The trainer or the owner just needs some patience in teaching the dog the right way to do it.

7. Aside from the reminders above, there are so many things that a dog owner must learn. They must also be calm and confident in dealing with your pet. Do not give rewards or treats unless the dog follows your commands. You should also teach them their territory in the house.

In summary, the training need extreme patience because teaching pets on how to behave properly is not as easy as one two and three. Training requires a lot of time and commitment to be with them all the time. We must also deal with them with respect, love and care so that they will also respect us and follow us. So, the next time that the dog has behavioral problems, be patient in training them and soon you will see their improvements.

Miniature Yorkshire Terriers - Tips To Finding Good Quality Miniature Yorkshire Terriers

The term Miniature Yorkshire Terrier is merely an adjective used by some breeders to help in describing the adult size of the puppy. It is not to imply that their Terriers are a new breed, and you should always be careful of breeders who solely advertise their puppies this way. This practice of 'labeling' the puppies can definitely help a customer to quickly find the size of dog they are looking for, but there is a drawback. There is not a standard definition for any of these terms, such as Miniature Yorkshire Terrier or Teacup. These little dogs are often runts of the litter, but genetics can also play a factor in the puppy remaining so small.

When looking for a so called Miniature Yorkshire Terrier it can get pretty confusing. For example, one breeder may define a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier or Teacup as any dog less than 5 pounds, while another breeder might consider a Miniature Yorkie or Teacup as any dog less than 3 pounds. You need to be aware of this because if you buy a Miniature or Teacup puppy and are expecting a puppy that will only grow to be 3 pounds, and you were not aware that the breeder's definition of a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier was anything under 5 pounds, you may feel that the breeder misrepresented the dog or lied to you.

The best way to avoid such confusion or misrepresentation is to find a quality breeder who provides their customers with the estimated adult weight of the puppy, along with the weight of the sire and the dam of the puppy. Keep in mind that this does not always guarantee that your puppy will remain this small, but your chances are definitely greater.

Another group of names that may be misleading when looking for a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier are such terms as baby doll face, cobby, and short legs. Do not let these adjectives be the sole reason you choose that breeder or puppy. The breeder should always provide you with the height and length of their puppies to help eliminate any confusion with terms such as cobby and short legs.

When deciding to own a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier, you should definitely do your homework first. The first part of the process is to find and choose a quality breeder who breeds for the health, temperament, and quality of the dog, not just for the money or for the tiny size. You then need to consider certain health problems that are found in the Yorkies, but more so in the smaller ones, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and not being able to fight illnesses and infections as easily as the bigger pups. You also should keep in mind, the safety of the tiny dog when it comes to its small size. These little guys can be easily stepped on, sat on, or injured by children.

Overall, Yorkshire Terriers are great dogs to own, but when seeking out a so called Miniature Yorkshire Terrier, there are many things you need to research and look into. Do not let their cuteness and tiny stature be the only reason you decide to own one of these dogs. A lot of care and consideration goes into owning a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier. Be aware that they are usually frail and nervous, which most runts are. Remember that one of the most important parts of the process of owning a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier is finding a quality and ethical breeder.

My Dog Is a Blogger

I got my dog Talby a pet puppy tweet device, he does not even notice he has a blue electronic device hanging from his collar. I know it's there but sometimes I overlook it and find some interesting tweet on as a result of me rubbing him. Not sure he should be talking about my creams. What I also noticed was the fact he has more friends than I do... What gives, he has never meet them... Maybe he exchanged email addresses in the park when he sniffed up their you know what. But I am not sure how they exchanged their names. Social web site names that is, they don't have websites, they just have twitter names... I cant tell you what their names are, just look for these crazies tweets, you will sometimes see them on a dog owner tweet, or if you see a pic of a dog as a profile pic, take a look at their wall, chances ate they have one of these devices. The quotes they come up with would make you laugh, but also make you start thinking of autonomous virtual lives... Not even ones representing humans...

But really people, we must love our dogs so much that not only we spend money on them on items that don't sustain their livelihood nor they actually have any idea of it's existence, needless to say, besides living our real lives we not only find time for Facebook or other social websites and the like, or just email and browsing and the like, but know we somehow find time to live our dogs life in the cyberworld, somehow this makes us feel good, otherwise we would not do it, but on the other hand this takes time, time we could spend with our dog, is this what he wants from us?

Ok I agree it's fun to read the comments but we do know they are not real. I know Mattel, the makers of these novelty items designed the device to make comments based on the inputs the sensor receives, but there is a lack of fidelity in these devices, the accuracies, leave a lot to be questioned. But what if it could be more real. I mean maybe with the ability to resemble lifelike actions.... Dogs have a way to communicate with us through body language... Can this be translated... What about taking this further to the point that one statement on a social site generates another quote by a friend (dog)? This will give you the impression that these dogs are having a conversation. Now that would be great

Characteristics of A Labrador Retriever As A Hunting and Family Dog

Labrador Retrievers come in basically 3 colors, black, yellow and chocolate colors. The black color is black or course, and the yellow can be in many different shades, as the same for a chocolate lab, from light chocolate to dark chocolate. Sometimes a Labrador Retriever might have a small patch of white on his or her chest, that is normal.

The Labrador Retriever's coat is fur is pretty cool actually. They have 2 layers of hair coats that protect them from cold and water. That is one of the reason the Labrador Retriever is such a nice hunting dog. Labrador Retrievers are great at fetching items, like toys and birds that have been shot from hunting.

The Labrador Retriever's first coat is soft and warm, this helps keep them dry and warm. The 2nd coat, or outer coat, is a harder coat, and it is the one that is almost water repellent. The water just about comes right off of the dogs when they get out of the water, and the first coat is keeping them warm. Of course you should never subject your dog to freezing cold water, but outside in the normal atmosphere, your Labrador Retriever should have no problems with swimming out into the water, and bring you back your toys or game, and the dog actually loves it!

Labrador Retrievers are one of the top, if not the top at any given time, the most dogs you will find in a back yard in America. Labrador Retrievers make great family pets, because they love to be around people, and they are great with children. The dogs are medium to large size, and average from 50 to 80 pounds for an average size Labrador Retriever.

Labrador Retrievers don't really make good watch dogs. They might scare someone away from their size, or their bark, but truth be told, they would rather lick someone to death, rather than stop them from taking your valuables.

Labrador Retrievers make a much better family or hunting dog, than they do a watch dog, but their size would still scare most people away, and professional burglars always say, they would rather break into a house with no dog, than a house with a dog.

Labrador Retrievers are just like their name says, they like to retrieve items, so playing fetch and teaching your dog to retrieve things for you, is what you dog will love the most!

If your wanting a good hunting dog, the Labrador Retriever is one of the best dogs you could get for this then. The Labrador Retriever is a nice weather resistant dog, which can hunt for hours and hours, and just might last longer than you when hunting!

The Retriever is a very smart dog, and they get excited, but not overly excited, which makes them great family dogs, and great hunting dogs. The Retriever is a very easy dog to teach, and will love to attend obedience classes with you.

The Labrador Retriever has a bushy tail, that is used when the dog is in the water and swimming. The tail is naturally shaped to give the dog an advantage while swimming, and he or she uses his or her tail as a rudder, to control the direction of their swim, when they have a toy or bird in their mouth, and they are swimming back to you or the boat with it.

If you are thinking about what kind of dog you might like to buy, make sure you have room for your dog to run around, or make sure you have the time to exercise him or her. A bored dog in a backyard, becomes a destructive dog, if your Labrador Retriever is digging up holes, and trying to break out, chances are, they are not getting enough exercise, Retrievers need plenty of exercise and fun times!

Vince Stead has 15 books he has written so far, and he has been raising dogs for over 25 years now.

He was in the navy for 8 years as a Yeoman, and he visited 16 countries, and went around the world in 1986. He was on a destroyer, a submarine tender, a short stint on an aircraft carrier, and 4 years shore duty at a VAW squadron.

He has worked for himself for the last 20 years, and lives in San Diego.

You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com/.

You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each.

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

Generic Heartgard Pet Medicine For Dogs

The working ingredient in the generic Heartgard is ivermectin. It is the same as the active ingredient in Heartgard that stops heart worms from breeding. Ivermectin medicine acts by destroying the beginning living stage of the adult heart worm that is introduced to animals when a mosquito bites them. It works effectively for thirty days and can be given a month after a suspected exposure to the mosquito bite.

A lot of people know that a pet is also a part of the family. When a pet is ill, it is no less important to a family than if it were one of the parents, kids, or other relatives. Most people want to do what is best for there animals because they are just as an important member of the family as anyone else.

Maybe taking a look at some more information on the web regarding the pets illness or speaking to a veterinarian, could make the decision process a little smoother when trying to figure out the best course of action to take for the animals health and wellness. Making fast and careless decisions are definitely not always a good idea. It is the pets health that is the main concern for most families, and the more information available on the ailment, the better the outcome is more likely to be.

With a six month supply, it's by far one of the cheapest ways to prevent heart worms in dogs. It comes with a chart that is very easy to determine what kind is needed. The first dose may be given up to four weeks after the pet has been exposed to mosquitoes bites.

However, it may even be given up to three to four months after exposure to mosquitoes carrying larval heart worms. This is before they have become adults. This course can then be continued for at least a year for it to be completely effective. This is only necessary if there is an infection more than a month before the treatment starts.

It also has the advantage of preventing hookworms and roundworms. The remedy can effectively treat for all worms in one easy tablet.

The tablets are not a delicious flavor like other medications might be. However, this is not really an issue if you mix it with food or treats to make sure that pets take them.

It may be a good idea to watch pets to ensure that they take the tablet, so you may want to watch to know the dog has taken its medication. Dogs have a habit of spitting out medications as soon as nobody is looking. Ensure the medicine has been swallowed before leaving the pet unattended.

If you just want to protect animals from heart worms, then generic heartgard is an alternative to many other medicines available. It has gone through the same safety procedures, and has the same active ingredient as the others. Remember that ivermectin is the active ingredient and there is no additional risk of side effects than a more popular brand name.

How to Potty Train a Puppy and Be the Alpha Dog

One important part of learning how to potty train a puppy is learning how to establish yourself as an alpha dog. Puppies, like all dogs, are pack animals and think as such. In a pack there is one alpha dog who is in charge of defending and worrying about the rest of the pack.

Some people think the idea of establishing yourself as the alpha dog over your puppy is a cruel concept but actually you alleviate a lot of stress and worry from the puppy by doing so properly. You also make it a lot easier to learn how to potty train a puppy, in fact you make it easier for any kind of training. It's good for you, it's good for your puppy and it's fairly easy to do - if started soon enough.

A puppy, by instinct, will want to do what the alpha dog (you) wants them to. This does not mean, however, they will always do what you say. But this is usually because they don't actually know what you want from them. Talking English to your puppy won't help, even talking slowly (some people seem to think this helps).

In order to communicate your wishes with your puppy you need to consistently show them the same thing time and time again. Use rewards quickly to meet good behaviour and correct the wrong behaviour by moving them into position to do things properly.

Now, to establish yourself as the alpha dog there's a few things you can do. You need to this from a very early age because it can be much harder to convince an older dog that you're the alpha dog.

Firstly eat before they do. It doesn't need to be an entire meal but every time you serve them food be sure the see you eating a piece of toast or even a bit of fruit or something. They need to see you eating first before they do.

When you enter or leave the house, ignore the dog for a good few minutes. Don't say their name or any keywords they might know. Don't make eye contact with them, pat them or move a toy etc... This might seem cruel but paying them attention when you return or just before you leave, is actually encouraging your dog to worry about you when you're out. Not only does this make your dog panic when you're not around (which isn't healthy and can result in chewed furniture) it puts them in the position of worry and they become the alpha dog in charge of caring for you.

By making these few small changes you can make it a lot easier for you to work on how to potty train a puppy as well as just helping them be happier in the long run.

Porch Potty - The Best Potty Box on the Market

Porch Potty is a dream come true for dog owners living in condos or apartment buildings, or those that just don't have quick access to the outdoors.

You no longer have to worry about waking up early on the weekends, or walking down all those flights of stairs, just to relieve your dog. Or them relieving themselves on your neighbor's lawn even. The potty can be used on you patio, balcony, deck, or even in your bathroom. It is portable and can be used and taken with you almost anywhere.

The porch potty is the only self-cleaning dog potty box on the market, which makes it the best! The premium potty has a pop up sprinkler system, but many with the standard potty say that you can easily do it yourself with just a watering can. Both the premium and standard have a built-in drainage system with a removable container, which makes it usable indoors. There is also a 14 ft. drainage hose so the system can be used outdoors. For example, on a balcony or patio.

The Large Porch Potty Standard has both the indoor drainage container and the drainage hose for outdoors. To clean all you must do is pour water over top of the potty. The synthetic grass or training SOD will drain into the perspective container or down the drain hose. It also includes a scented fire hydrant to give your dog something to aim at. The Small Porch Potty Standard is the same as the large, except it is only 2'x2'. It's perfect for smaller dogs or puppies.

Maintaining Good Dog Health Care For Your Pet

Dogs are one of the most popular types of pets to own. Millions of individuals, and families, have a least one dog in their household. These animals provide of with a sense of companionship and safety. One of the best things an owner can do for their pet is maintain a good dog health care system.

A good health care system for the family pet requires certain things to be done. One obvious way to help keep your dog healthy is by providing him a good quality brand of food. Higher quality foods offer better nutrients and proteins that your pet requires. These brands of pet food are typically made with real meats. This is much better for the animal than vegetable based foods are.

Providing the pet with fresh water daily is another essential part maintaining a healthy animal. These four legged members of the family require fluids to stay hydrated just as their human mates do. Dehydration can kill an animal no matter what time of year it is. This is especially true for very active dogs that are outside most of the time.

Regular grooming also helps the animal stay healthier. This helps the animal shed any loose hairs that do not fall away from his body right away. It also helps remove any tangles or debris that can get caught in the animal's fur. Bathing the animal on a regular occasion will also help reduce any odors that may arise too.

Taking the pet in to the veterinarian will also help keep him healthy. Regular checkups will often catch any potential health problems before they become severe. There are many diseases can that can be prevented with the right medical attention.

Keeping your pet up to date on his shots will also help maintain a healthier pet. Parvo is one disease that can be avoided completely if the animal has been given the proper vaccination. This disease, as well as others, can be spread from one animal to another through drinking water and feces. These shots are especially important if you and your pet frequent a dog park. Dog parks are great for playing but can be a haven for germs.

Homes with multiple dogs should make sure that all animals are properly cared for. Many times if one pet gets sick, the others will too. Making sure their waste materials are cleaned up regularly is one way to help maintain a healthy environment for multiple animals. Insuring there is sufficient food and water for each animal will also help maintain harmony and good health amongst the pets.

Maintaining a good dog health care program requires more than just taking your pet to the veterinarian when he is sick. It means providing the daily essentials of food and water. Providing a clean environment is also vital to your pet's health. Regular bathing and brushing are also important to your animal. Annual vaccinations will help keep the family's dog, or dogs, healthier and alive for many years to come.

Some Items You Should Never Let Your Puppy or Dog Eat

By Vince Stead Vince Stead
Level: Platinum

Check out some of the 15 Crazy books Vince Stead has written so far! "Sammy the Runaway Mastiff" "The Back Yard Kids Club" "Navy Fun" ...

Some items you should never let a puppy or dog eat, because it can harm or kill them, so you should be aware of them. I'm sure most people already know you should never give a puppy or dog chocolate, not even a little piece. Chocolate usually has caffeine in it, and even just a small amount, could kill a puppy or dog, or put them into convulsions.

Just like people, some big guys can eat 15 hot dogs, and 5 bottles of beer, and the next guy can't even eat 1 hot dog, and would never finish a bottle of beer, that is just an example really. A puppy or dog is the same way, no two dogs are going to be alike. Some dogs might be fine eating broccoli, and other dogs might bite the bullet from it, so it's just nice to know what kinds of foods could hurt your dog, and this list could change at any time really.

Some items you would not want to give your dog might include: raisins and grapes, macadamia nuts, walnuts, cooked bones (raw bones are good, cooked bones splinter and can hurt your dog much more easier that raw soft fresh bones.) You would not give avocado, onions, garlic, mushrooms, broccoli, tea or coffee, white bread, white potatoes, white rice, peppers, raw spinach and probably some other things your vet might have on a list for your dog.

Granted, some dogs might have been eating some of these products for years, but all young children need to be taught, that giving event the smallest amount of chocolate to a puppy or dog, can be deadly, even the candy bar wrappers on the ground, a dog might try to lick it up. Teach children that candy has no place in a dogs life. Some dogs can not digest broccoli for example very well, and other dogs might be just fine, but it is better to find alternative foods, since the world has so many kinds.

The best food of all, is food you make yourself, since you can actually see the real ingredients going into it. Some super market dog foods, are so full of corn and soy beans, you wonder if your dog gets any nutrition from it, unless he or she eats the whole bag, and that could be the case. If you learn the fix your dog healthy food at home, and leave out the stuff that might hurt or kill him or her, you would be doing your dog a big favor!

Vince Stead has 15 books he has written so far, and he has been raising dogs for over 25 years now.

He was in the navy for 8 years as a Yeoman, and he visited 16 countries, and went around the world in 1986. He was on a destroyer, a submarine tender, a short stint on an aircraft carrier, and 4 years shore duty at a VAW squadron.

He has worked for himself for the last 20 years, and lives in San Diego.

You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com.

You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each.

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

This article has been viewed 7 time(s).
Article Submitted On: February 09, 2011

Is a Rottweiler The Perfect Dog For You?

The Roman Army needed food and lots of it. Herds of cattle would follow them, being driven and protected by their massive war dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiff and Cane Corso. Needless to say, a few got left behind here and there. The ones left in Rottweil, Germany soon found a new job. Cross bred with local breeds, the descendants of those aloof, yet courageous war dogs became known as The Butcher's Dog.

During the Middle Ages, the Butcher's Dog was used to guard, then herd cattle to slaughter and to haul carts of meat. As the need for this type of animal decreased, the Rottweiler almost neared extinction. However, during WWI, the Germans realized the potential they offered their military. The descendants of the Roman Army were conscripted once again into service, this time as messenger, guard and cart dogs.

Today, the Rottie, as they are endearingly called, is not only a popular companion and family pet; you will still find them working! They are found working with the military, police and customs; as well as serving loyally and lovingly as service and therapy dogs.

Perhaps that is why the Rottweiler is still found in the Working group!

Basically good-natured, calm, clownish, obedient, willing to learn, easy to train, and instinctively protective, they make fantastic family pets. Loyal, devoted and protective of their family, most are wary of strangers. Positive reinforcement Puppy Kindergarten and follow-up obedience training and socialization at an early age is a must! Because of their sheer size, they must never be left unsupervised around children and elderly, especially those they do not know.

Usually inactive when indoors, this medium to large breed must be exercised regularly, to prevent obesity. They love walking and swimming, so exercise and fun will be easy.

On the average, a Rottie can tip the scale between 85 and 130 pounds.

In general, the Rottweiler is a fairly healthy breed. Some of the health issues that are most common are: elbow and hip dysplasia, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL - knee ligament), entropion (narrowing of slits between eyelids and cancer. They can be prone to obesity, which can lead to other health issues. One other problem which is still a veterinary mystery, is why they are more prone than other breeds, especially as a puppy or young dog, to be susceptible to the parvovirus.

The normal lifespan of a Rottweiler is between 9-12 years.

Average shedders, with their short coat, they are easy to groom.

Bottom line: Do your homework. As they are so popular, avoid flea markets, backyard breeders and pet shops. They only perpetuate dreadful puppy mills that are grinding out inferior quality dogs. Find a responsible, trustworthy breeder. Shelters and rescues often have Rottweilers. Being a large dog, they are more often surrendered because of economic circumstances than behavior problems. Who knows, perhaps your new best friend may be patiently waiting for you there.

How to Dock the Tails of a Litter of Cocker Spaniel Puppies

I had the job of docking the tails of a litter of puppies, and the only reason I did this, was because I wanted to know how to do it myself, since I figure I should know as much about my dogs as I can, and I knew a veterinarian was going to do this, and they do charge money for this, and I wanted to know how to do this myself.

Well, lucky enough for me, I know a lady, that breeds dogs, and she has a 1 hour show on Animal Planet, and she has been raising and breeding dogs for years, and lucky enough for me, I know her!

Now I don't recommend this to the novice or person that is could not handle it. In some countries, it is illegal to dock the tail on a dog. In some countries, like the United States, they still do it, and recommend it, because the Cocker Spaniel Dog's tail, gets to bushy, that it will pick up all kinds of things, and become a big mess pretty quick. This is the main reason that the tails are docked.

There are different ways to dock the dogs tails. One way is with a band, that you put on the puppies tail, and it will eventually make the tail just fall off. Some veterinarian's will tell you different times to cut the tail, if you ask 5 different veterinarian's you might get several different time frames. Usually 2 to 3 days is the normal, but you should always check with your vet first, and let them know what you are doing.

When we did it, we also removed the extra claw dogs have, that they do not use, and you would not want it to get caught up on anything, while they are playing or jumping around.

Some of the items we needed to dock the tails, would be, sterilized scissors, a burning iron or soldering iron, one with a small tip that gets red hot. Some rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, and fresh clean towels.

She taught me that you put a tight rubber band on the puppies tail, and the reason you want to do it early in life, is they can not feel it, at least that is what people say, and when I did it, it is like anything, they notice, but they don't freak out about it.

After we cut the tail at the right place, you can ask your vet, or look it up online. I remember when I took my litter of puppies to the my vet a long time ago, he did not seem to know much about tail docking, and he asked me what place he should cut the tails, luckily enough I knew already, and he is the vet.

After you cut the tails off, you would take the heating iron, and put it right on the spot where you just cut it off, this sounds like the brutal part, but it is necessary so the puppy won't have any bleeding. You just for a second, tough the fresh cut, and the iron will burn it, and make it so it won't bleed anymore. You would use the rubbing alcohol to sterilize everything, and clean the puppies tails.

I had my lady friend that raises dogs teach me how to dock the tails myself, and she had lots of experience, and does all the dog shows, she loves showing off her dogs, and she had a TV show about it that I saw. The 2nd time I did a litter of puppies, I asked my 18 year old son at the time, to help me do them. He helped me do them, then when it was over, the told me he never wanted to do it again, he felt like he was going to pass out, he told me, and it's not for everyone for sure.

That was the only 2 litters of puppies I ever did myself, and I have went back to having the vet do them, and even for that, check about, I found a different vet that had much more experience, and he charged about half what the first vet was charging me. I wanted the experience of doing it myself, because I just needed to know.

Vince Stead has 15 books he has written so far, and he has been raising dogs for over 25 years now.

He was in the navy for 8 years as a Yeoman, and he visited 16 countries, and went around the world in 1986. He was on a destroyer, a submarine tender, a short stint on an aircraft carrier, and 4 years shore duty at a VAW squadron.

He has worked for himself for the last 20 years, and lives in San Diego.

You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com/.

You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each.

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

Yorkshire Terrier Breeders - What To Look For in Top Quality Yorkshire Terrier Breeders

One of the most important aspects of finding a quality Yorkshire Terrier is choosing and finding quality Yorkshire Terrier Breeders. Not every breeder is a breeder of quality, so doing your research is crucial.

You need to take these questions into consideration:

1). Does the breeder breed for the improvement of the breed?
2). Is the breeder knowledgeable about health issues and in evaluating the quality of a Yorkshire terrier?
3). Is the breeder honest, ethical, and a good business person?
4). Do you feel comfortable with the breeder?
By answering 'yes' to all of these questions, you are more likely to choose quality Yorkshire Terrier Breeders, and therefore more likely to own a quality dog.

Does the breeder breed for the improvement of the breed

If the Yorkshire Terrier Breeders breed for the improvement of the breed, they become more knowledgeable about health issues and evaluating the quality of the Yorkshire Terrier. If the breeder has this knowledge and is ethical, then they are able to better advise their customer on the quality of the puppy they are considering to purchase.

Keep in mind that breeding for the 'improvement of the breed' is not only based on the AKC standards. Although following the AKC standards is important, those standards are primarily for having a standard to show against or if you're raising show dogs. What you want may be slightly different from the AKC standard. For instance, the AKC standard for a Yorkshire Terrier is Blue/Gold, while most people prefer Black/Gold coloring.

Are the Yorkshire Terrier Breeders knowledgeable about health issues and in evaluating the quality of a Yorkshire terrier?

If we could always answer yes to these important questions for all breeders, we wouldn't see as many problems in the dog industry as we do. It is alarming how many breeders aren't knowledgeable about health issues and evaluating the quality of their dogs. As purchasers, we rely on the breeder's information on this. The only way to determine quality is to compare one dog to another. This is one of the advantages of Terrier Breeders who attend dog shows. Breeders tend to get tunnel vision if the only dogs they see are their own. By comparing their dogs to other dogs that aren't their own, they are able to determine if their dogs are of high quality. Terrier Breeders need the constant comparison of their dogs to other high quality dogs to truly determine quality.

Are the Yorkshire Terrier Breeders honest, ethical, and good business people?

Determining if the Yorkshire Terrier Breeders are honest, ethical, and good business people is another very important question to be answered. Getting an answer to this question is definitely going to be the hardest. Keep in mind that a breeder that is a good business person will try to balance the dog's needs, the customer's needs, and their own needs. You want to make sure that the breeder sells their Yorkshire Terriers on the positive value of their dogs and on customer service, not on the negative of another breeder. You should be weary about Yorkshire Terrier Breeders that will only sell you a dog on a very restrictive contract or only on a spay and neuter contract. These are usually breeders who want full control without considering the customer's needs. You do not want to deal with a breeder who makes it so difficult to work with.

Offering some kind of health guarantee for the Yorkshire Terrier and being able to back it up, is a good way to determine if the breeder is a good business person. It is important that two clauses be put into the purchase contract. The first one is that if the puppy is returned due to health problems, the customer has the right to a refund or a replacement dog of equal value. The second clause should be that if the dog is returned due to a health problem, and the customer asks for a refund, the breeder must pay the refund to the customer within 10 business days. These two clauses are very important to look for.

Do you feel comfortable with the breeder?

Although you may be able to answer 'yes' to the previous questions, but still do not feel comfortable with the breeder, you should continue looking for a breeder. On the other hand, if you feel comfortable with the breeder, but can not answer 'yes' to the previous questions, you should also continue looking for a breeder.

Overall, finding quality Yorkshire Terrier Breeders takes time and research. You should be able to answer 'yes' to all of these questions and feel comfortable with your breeder before making the long term commitment of purchasing and owning a dog. Finding quality Yorkshire Terrier Breeders will increase your chances of getting a high quality dog.

Dog Grooming Equipment You Need For Good Results

There is a lot of dog grooming equipment and when you think of all these things, it may confuse you on what to use and how each one is used to the benefit of your pet. Many grooming tools are good, and if in if you see a lot in one shop, it will create a cocoon of thoughts in your mind on how this must be addressed for your pets. Hence, here are some things we have categorized to inform you of how they are used.

Brushes and de-matting combs - not only are these tools good for cleaning your dogs, they also make the coat shinier and healthier. They remove tangles and loose furs and even dead skin cells from your dog to shedding off some pests that cling to their coats.

Nail trimmers and grooming clippers - Just like humans who need a regular haircut, so do dogs. Like you, they also get irritated if their hairs are long enough to cover their faces especially on a breed of dog with hairy features. A regular trimming will comfort them knowing they are well groomed and made presentable. Cut their nails for they always love to be cuddled and to cuddle. They might scratch your skin if they display long nails.

Dog Dryers - After a healthy bonding with your dog during its bath time, towel off the furry pal and make him feel comfortable with drying on a specially designed dog dryer. These dog dryers can be bought at the nearest pet shops you have, or can be customized for your dog alone.

Teeth and ear cleaners - Of course your dog needs a toothbrush, they are especially designed tooth brushes that can be bought at pet stores. Clean your dog's ears so that it won't be gross the next time you play with your pet.

There are more, but you can prioritize which of these types of grooming equipment is needed by your pet.

How to Get Something Out of a Puppy or Dog's Belly Without Surgery

By Vince Stead Vince Stead
Level: Platinum

Check out some of the 15 Crazy books Vince Stead has written so far! "Sammy the Runaway Mastiff" "The Back Yard Kids Club" "Navy Fun" ...

If your puppy or dog has chewed up something, and you don't know what to do, you could try this method maybe, but you should always go to or call your veterinarian first, and let them know what you are going to do.

Now I would not recommend this procedure to anyone really, I just wanted you to know, that there is another option out their, before resorting to costly surgery, that could hurt or kill the puppy or dog, and for those that do not have the money for surgery, I would not want you to leave something dangerous in your puppy or dog.

If your dog eats some Christmas tree ornaments, the glass kind, or some metal objects, like small staples, pins, or glass fragments, or anything else that is totally dangerous, there is one other way to get the items out, without surgery.

You would use cotton balls to do this with. You would want to buy some cotton balls, and make sure it is cotton balls, not something on the bag that says cosmetics, as that will have some other type of fibers in it, that would not be good for your dog, so make sure you get the ones that say Cotton Balls.

For small size dogs, you would use roughly 2 cotton balls, for medium size dogs, you would use about 3 to 5, and for large size dogs, you can use 6 or more. You would want to cut the cotton balls into smaller sizes. If your puppy or dog swallows glass shreds, from things like Christmas tree ornaments, or other items, you would dip the cotton balls in milk or water, and then the puppy or dog will actually eat it and swallow it. If for some reason your dog does not want to, you can actually force the cotton balls into their throat, and make them swallow it.

As the cotton works its way through the digestion system, it will pick up all the fragments of glass, even the tiniest of one, and it will get caught in the cotton material, and the cotton will protect the inside linings, so your dog will stay protected. When the puppy or dog defecates, you would want to make sure there is no bleeding, and if there is, take your puppy or dog to the veterinarian immediately.

If you suspect your puppy or dog of swallowing something, you should take them to the vet. If you think you can do it yourself, you could try this method, as the cotton balls are supposed to entangle all the bad stuff, and protect it when it is coming out the dogs body, and then if everything goes well, you have maybe just saved your dogs life. Even if you take your dog to the vet, you could mention this procedure to your vet, as not every vet is up on everything, and no to veterinarian's are the same.

Vince Stead has 15 books he has written so far, and he has been raising dogs for over 25 years now.

He was in the navy for 8 years as a Yeoman, and he visited 16 countries, and went around the world in 1986. He was on a destroyer, a submarine tender, a short stint on an aircraft carrier, and 4 years shore duty at a VAW squadron.

He has worked for himself for the last 20 years, and lives in San Diego.

You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com.

You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each.

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

This article has been viewed 15 time(s).
Article Submitted On: February 09, 2011

Should You Groom Your Own Dog?

Caring for a dog, naturally, means more than making sure he is well fed and gets outside often to do his business. Cleanliness and appearance are important as both contribute to your dog's overall well-being, yet you might wonder how often your pet should receive grooming treatment, and if you should do it all yourself. Unfortunately, there is no set answer to frequency in grooming, but you can make a decision for your dog's care that will benefit all parties involved.

The question of whether or not you should take on grooming responsibilities can be answered by looking at what needs to be done and when. You will assuredly hear advice from veterinarians, other dog owners, and professional groomers with regards to how often you must bathe your dog, and brush his teeth and trim his nails. Frequently typically depends on your dog's breed, length of fur, and the amount of shedding. Because a dog's coat is his protection, you don't want to do anything that leaves him exposed to the elements, like cut too short, or wash away the oils that keep the fur strong and shiny.

It is good, too, to make sure your dog has no allergies or skin conditions, though a check-up can help determine a grooming schedule. Some dogs may require a monthly or twice-monthly bath for relief from various conditions. If you find this is something you don't mind doing on your own, bathing your dog is not an expensive proposition, and a veterinarian can recommend a shampoo and other accessories.

When it comes to actually cutting hair and nails, however, you may feel less comfortable. This is understandable - you love your dog and don't want to risk injury. Professional groomers specialize in trimming nails and styling fur so that you dog looks great but is well protected. If you feel better having somebody with experience handle this grooming, research a good dog groomer in your area or ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

The frequency of physical care for your dog will depend on a number of factors: age, breed, and health. If you have it in your budget to use a professional, research recommended groomers so that your dog always looks his best.

Dog Owners That Care Need Dog Stairs

Do you have a dog that has trouble reaching certain areas such as your car or furniture because they are either too small or unable to jump very high? If so, a simple solution to your problem is to provide your dog with stairs that will allow him/her to move freely and with ease to all of those hard to reach spaces. Many dogs need stairs for the car, couch, or chair so they do not have to jump or be picked up. Constantly picking up your dog to put into the car or onto the couch is strenuous for both you and your furry companion.

Many dogs love to go on car rides with their owners to the veterinarian, the grocery store, or to pick up the children from school. Dog stairs have universally been used as an easier way for a dog to enter and exit a car. By placing dog stairs under the back or front seat of a car, you can give your pet an easier way to get in and out without the stress of jumping or being lifted in by its owner. Not to mention the immense strain that lifting a large dog can put on an owner's back. They can be stored in the garage or right in the car. Access provided by dog stairs is safe, easy, and fun for you and your pet.

Household uses for pet steps include reaching the bed, couch, or your pet's favorite comfortable chair. Small and large dogs have difficulty reaching furniture level. Smaller breeds may not be able to jump very high while larger breeds may develop arthritis or other joint pain. For both cases, dog stairs will drastically improve your dog's mobility. If your dog is allowed to be on the furniture, it is a good idea to place dog stairs beside the chair or bed to allow your dog an easier way to get on and off. Not only does this save you dog the energy of jumping, it protects your furniture from wear and tear.

Dog stairs also make a great tool for training a new pet or teaching old dogs new tricks. They can be used professionally for dog talent shows or for personal use at home. Your dogs overall behavior will improve along with his/her health. Dog stairs are a wonderful form of exercise for pets by strengthening muscles and improving joint function.

Dogs are man's best friend, but when they cannot reach certain places such as the car or furniture it can be depressing for both pet and owner. Lifting the dog into the car or onto the bed is strenuous and takes a lot of energy. Dog stairs, however, allow a dog the freedom of mobility to get up and down on their own. This improved mobility will give your dog more confidence and improve their overall mental and physical health. Spend time with your dog in the places you love without stress.

Why Do Dogs Bark at Night?

A question that puzzles many people is, "Why do dogs bark at night?" It can be a problem. You might think that it goes back to the expression, "baying at the moon" as is often seen in movies depicting a coyote silhouetted on a hilltop.

It's been said that they do not like the silence that overwhelms the countryside after the sun goes down. Others believe that it's their way of warding off evil spirits.

Whatever the cause, when dogs bark at night, it can be a nuisance, especially when their owners do nothing to stop it. There's not much a neighbor can do except kindly ask the owner to do something to prevent this problem behavior.

It's amazing that some owners think it's quite fine for their dogs to bark. That's why they are there, to protect the property and alarm the owners when danger approaches. What they often don't realize is how much it can bother other people. There's little you can do about that.

If it's your dog that's causing the problem, here's some information that might help.

First you have to remember that dogs have extremely keen hearing. During the day, there are plenty of sounds to help drown out the various noises that he might otherwise hear loud and clear. Also, the atmosphere changes at night so that sounds carry much more freely and farther. What he might not hear normally becomes evident at night.

Consider too that night is when many nocturnal animals come out of hiding to forage for food. This includes skunks, raccoons, cats, and small rodents. Your dog can hear every movement and will respond accordingly.

The dog can bark for any number of reasons, from these midnight stalkers to people voices in the distance. If there's a commotion 10 blocks away, there's a very good chance your dog will hear that.

Another reason dogs bark at night is to claim their territory. This is why coyotes bay at the moon; to establish their territory. If another coyote hears his cry, he will immediately know that the area is already taken and will be defended if need be. This goes back to the nocturnal meanderings of animals.

During the day, they are busy staying safe and protecting their families. At night, they hunt for small rodents.

Since dogs and wolves belong to the same family, it's common sense that this instinct will carry over to our pets.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do if dog barking is a problem. The most obvious is to bring your dog inside. As long as he is outside, he will continue to hear noises and feel the need to protect his estate.

It's true that dogs bark at night instinctively. Humans are the ones who need to adapt.

Dog Coat Care - Protect Your Dog's Coat and Health

When people first think about coat care they usually think about the tangled hair, and the excess amount of hair that they need to take out or something like that.

That is never the case of health issues connected with your dog, keeping a clean coat especially the underside will give you a healthier dog.

In a study shown, it says that over 50% of dogs who get sick are because of an outside interference, meaning that it is caused by nature or anything else that somehow got inside of your dog.

My dog started getting really tired one week and he never had any energy to have fun or play, thus i thought he was sick and took him to the veterinarian.

They told me that he had a parasite that was sucking blood from him! Furious like i was it was my fault because i did not take the time to brush his hair and keep him healthy.

Dog coat care are important things no matter what you think, and it is a simple task to keep it clean and tidy.

How to brush dog hair?

For your dog to have a healthy dog coat you need to have a good idea on how you are able to brush the hair. Make sure that you are going along with the natural rhythm of the hair.

Do not go the opposite way, i am sure that you are aware of this and understand how this works.

Also, look at what you brush out and try and get rid of it before your brush again, this wards away the potential of adding whatever you brushed right back into your dog.

Discover the Biggest Myth to Housebreaking a Puppy

Biggest Myth to Housebreaking a Dog

You may have been told in the past by friends and family that when it comes to housebreaking a dog, you're suppose to rub their nose in their mess when they have an accident and scold them.

Truth be told this does absolutely nothing in helping your dog learn. Yelling at your dog after the fact he eliminated in the house is just a waste of your breath. Dog's have a very short attention span. If you don't catch your dog in the middle of the act, then your dog is not going to connect your distress to him defecating in the house.

Why is this? At a young age, puppies have a very short memory. Before now, they have never been scolded when they eliminate inside. So if you're yelling at your puppy for something that they've always done, they will not be able to connect it your displeasure. Your dog may in fact connect your displeasure to eliminating in front of you, so they may urinate or defecate when you're not around.

When you do catch your puppy in the act, simply pick him up, say "NO" and take him outside to finish up. He may or not finish but when he is done, make sure you praise him with words of encouragement or small treats. This will help your dog relate positive experience to eliminating inside.

Use Cue Words to Help Your Dog Connect

When your outside with your dog, use a cue to let your dog know that he is there to relieve himself. You can do this by saying the cue word as he's eliminating. For example, "do your thing" or "go potty" will help your dog connect the words and action together.

Constant Supervision

When you are home, it's best to keep your eye on your dog so you can watch for clues that he needs to go. When you see your puppy circling and sniffing the floor, take him outside immediately. This way you can set your dog up for positive praise and help your puppy connect the action to the effect.

Crate Training

Crate training is a great way to housebreak your dog. This is also a great method if you can't be at home with your puppy all the time. Not only does it keep your house clean, but your dog learns to hold his bladder. Since he birth, his mother taught him to not eliminate where he sleeps.

That's why dog's never eliminate near the area they sleep in. When you crate train your dog, do not put food or water in the crate, maybe a time to help your dog bide his time. Keep in mind your puppy can only hold his bladder for so long, so leaving your puppy unattended for more how many months he is in hours plus 1. For example, if your puppy is 4 months old, not more than 5 hours in the crate will do. If your puppy is 3 months old, don't keep him in there for more than 4 hours. You get the point.

These are some things you should keep in mind when trying to housebreak a puppy.

Persuasive Dog Toilet Training

Dog toilet training is among the very first issues you have to take care of whenever you buy a dog. As well as the very best technique for potty training a dog is one which focuses a lot more on preventing toilet accidents from happening inside the house rather than on correcting these accidents when they occur.

The goal of potty training, after all, would be to encourage your dog to do his company within the appropriate location. And teaching the dog what you would like him to do is really a lot greater than punishing him for not performing what you want.

The easiest technique for dog toilet training involves the use of a crate or a small confined area where your dog can stay whenever you can't supervise him. Now, numerous folks think that crating a dog is cruel, but it truly isn't. In reality, your dog can treat the crate as his own private haven where he can feel secure and far from danger. Just like a child, your puppy has to be protected from destroying your furniture as well as from hurting himself and a crate can make that job so a lot easier for you.

Prior to you begin dog toilet training, you have to realize that a puppy has quite limited bladder control, which means that toilet training will necessarily call for a great deal of both your time and patience. Your dog will need to be taken to the designated elimination region after each meal, when they wake up inside the morning, after a nap, and before bedtime. It'll also aid in case you set up a standard schedule for your dog's feeding, sleeping, and waking time since dogs naturally do finest when they are made to adhere to a routine.

It's essential that you get off on the right foot together with your dog. So, as soon as you bring him property, you should start potty training. Carry him from the auto to the designated elimination area and then wait for him to do his company. Praise him when he does and then bring him inside. Give him his really very first meal inside the crate and do not let him out for about half an hour. After that, bring him back to the elimination area and wait for him to go potty. Once more, praise him as soon as he does his company.

You are able to anticipate your dog to be wary of the crate at 1st. Do not force him to go inside. Seeing his food inside ought to be sufficient to encourage him to enter. It would also help should you location some toys and comfortable bedding inside the crate. After all, the crate is also meant to serve as your dog's own bedroom, so he has to be able to see it as a comfortable and secure location.

Ideally, you shouldn't wait for your dog to tell you when he needs to "go" due to the fact puppies normally do not exhibit signs of having to go potty until mere moments before they actually go. But, it would assist a good deal for you to know the signs that your dog needs to relieve himself, particularly for times when you permit him to roam outside his crate. Probably the most frequent indication is when a dog starts to circle about and sniff the floor. The moment you notice your dog doing this, carry him to the designated spot instantly! Appropriate dog toilet training is the initial step towards ensuring that you've a happy and healthy dog.

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Training - 3 Quick Tips to Easy Training Your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

As with all puppies, your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy will depend on you for everything, from his feeding to his training. Getting to know your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy is the first part of training. Doing this starts with socializing him, teaching him his name, and by beginning the very important part of training...his education.
Here are important parts of your puppy's training:

House Rules: Making sure that your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy fits into your home and becomes a good companion that is enjoyed not only by you, but by everyone is very important, and this starts with socializing your puppy. You need to hold and pet your puppy so that he knows that he is wanted and loved. Although this may be hard, be sure to not constantly play with your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy. When they are very young, they need adequate time to sleep. It is important to try to keep him on a schedule as much as you can, as he will become schedule-oriented very quickly. This will make your life a lot easier. If your puppy knows that you get up at 8:00 a.m. and shortly after you take him outside, the puppy will wait for you to let him out instead of relieving himself in his crate.

Remember that habits learned at an early age, whether good or bad ones, become lifelong habits. In saying that, it is vital to start out on a positive note. Do not let your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy chew on things that he's not supposed to and think it's cute, or this will soon get out of control and very hard to break. Setting limits and making sure your puppy sticks to them is very important.

Until your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy?is trained and mature enough, it is important to keep him confined to a specific area, such as the kitchen or den. You can use baby gates, which will help your puppy learn that he is welcomed in certain areas of the house and not welcomed in other areas. Remember to put?your puppy?in his crate when you leave home. Your puppy will be very comfortable in your house, and he'll more than likely just sleep until you return home.

Name Choosing: Choosing and giving your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy a name is a very important factor in training your puppy. Obviously the name you give your puppy is up to you, but keep in mind that short one or two syllable names are the easiest for training, such as Juno or Trig. This is easier for your dog and for the people in his life, making training easier as well.
Regardless of the name you choose for your puppy, be sure to use it often and always in a positive way. It is wise to never use your puppy's name when you scold him. Also, never call your puppy to you and then scold him.

Potty Training:Potty training your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy will be the easiest when the crate training method is used.?Using a crate to confine your puppy whenever you are not able to watch him for short periods of time is best. When you first get your puppy, you will need to take him out every 45 minutes to an hour to relieve himself.? Be sure to take your puppy through the same door and to the same spot in the yard each time.?Repetition is the key to success. Crates are very important to use when potty training because by instinct your puppy will want to keep his eating and sleeping area (their den/crate) clean. They will hold their potty for as long as they can, and so by using the crate, the puppy's instinct will be working for you. Your puppy will learn when and where you want him to potty.??

Watch your puppy very carefully while you are in the potty training process. You'll notice that your puppy will start to circle and sniff, looking for a place to potty when he has to go. When you are watching him, you can quickly take him to his potty spot.?By watching your Yorkshire Terrier puppy closely, you will pick up on his individual body language when he needs to relieve himself. The most important and critical times to watch for these signs is as soon as he wakes up, as soon as he finishes a meal, first thing in the morning, after he is done playing, and as soon as you take him out of his crate.? Do not allow your puppy to run loose when your eyes are not on him. Keep in mind that each time your puppy has an accident, he is being trained to potty in that spot, so it is very important to keep a close eye on him to help prevent these accidents. Consistency is the key to success.

Overall, a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy is a great dog to own and with consistency, love, boundaries, and repetition, he will learn and catch on fast. Remember to start your puppy's training as soon as you bring him home, as this is the key to successful training. Having a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy is a very fun and fulfilling experience that takes your dedication to make sure it is a positive experience. Don't forget that your puppy depends on you for everything, and giving your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy adequate training and education is one of the most important things you can give him. Have fun with your new puppy!

Dog Training Advice Regarding Inherent Canine Drives

Explaining natural drives of dogs for protection work begins with the three areas needed in order to train a protection dog. They are prey drive, defensive drive and fight drive.

Prey drive is a drive that all animals who hunt their prey are born with. Chasing and catching their food is how they survive, so this drive comes naturally to them. The sacks and sleeves used during training are taught to be viewed as prey, and can be considered a type of play training. This is how the process is started.

Defensive drive is a bit more tricky. Not every dog is born with this drive. When a dog is more prone to licking someone to death than defending itself, its likely because they don't have a developed defensive drive. Dogs aren't comfortable in this zone like they are in the one stated before. When training this area has to be taught very carefully in order not to cause the more damage than success.

When both of these drives have been conquered, the next phase of training is in the area of fight drive. This is when the two other drives are used to benefit the other, creating a new drive. One that is free from fear, but they are more than happy to enter into.

This is not something that is inborn either. Some dogs have it, some dogs don't. Usually when you see vicious dogs, they are displaying the defensive drive. It is only when the two drives are used together in a controlled way, that the fight drive of a protection dog will result.

Dogs used for protection must not be inherently vicious. They must be able to be controlled and learn how to use the two drives together in a positive way. Not all dogs are capable of this. There must be a strong foundation on which to work, before training in protection can be achieved.

Natural drives are used together to make exceptional dogs who are capable of protecting their owners in a variety of different ways. These dogs are not only used for protection, they are also used in areas of helping people with disabilities. They must have an overall good attitude for the many jobs available for them to work. This also must be taught, but having it to begin with makes training a whole lot easier on everyone.

Basic Pug Training

Basic Pug training begins with the understanding that, as Pug owner, you must be firm but loving. Pugs are a very sensitive breed often in tune with their owner's feelings. This makes it easy for them to sniff out a weak owner. Don't let the endearing Pug face damage your training efforts.

Many Pug owners fail to understand that a lack of basic training can actually put the Pug at risk! Pugs are naturally curious and, unless properly training, will explore their surroundings without regard for dangerous situations. Take ownership of Pug training and teach them how to behave as well as their role in the pack. Pugs have a stubborn personality but beneath the tough exterior is a strong desire to please its master. A well-trained Pug is within reach if you have patience, dedication, and consistency.

Mental toughness is also a requirement if you want to be successful at training a Pug. Pugs think they are a member of the family with equal rights. If you give your Pug special privileges, such as jumping up on the couch or the freedom to ignore commands, then the upper hand in obedience training is sacrificed.

Getting your Pug the proper exercise is the first step for effective Pug training. While Pugs won't be running alongside you in a marathon any time soon, they will get mischievous if you don't provide an outlet for their rambunctious energy. A daily walk and some indoor playtime should be enough to wear them out. Keep in mind their short snout leads to many breathing problems, so make sure to monitor their breathing, especially in hot weather situations.

In addition to exercise, the following approaches will help bolster your Pug training efforts:

? Basic Commands: The cause of many Pug issues can be traced back to a lack of basic obedience training. Commands such as "sit", "stay", and "down" are the building blocks for successful Pug training. A lifetime of obedience problems and headaches for your family can be avoided with these basic commands.

? Clicker Training: With their strong-willed nature Pugs can get an attitude and ignore your commands. The distinctive clicker sound gets the Pugs attention and can accelerate your efforts when used as positive reinforcement.

? Short Burst Training: This is the foundation for successful training, especially for Pug puppies. Short 5-10 minute sessions of focused training is the best method for success. Using the clicker during these short burst training sessions is highly recommended.

It may seem obvious but you should NEVER hit your Pug. Negative reinforcement in any manner such as yelling or hitting produces fear and only harms the training process. It has been proven that rewarding for positive behavior accelerates the learning process for dogs. Mix up positive reinforcement with both treats and praise. Pugs by nature crave acceptance and attention from their master so they will quickly respond to what makes you happy.

Good luck on your Pug training endeavors!

5 Reasons to Celebrate Being a Single Dog Owner on Valentines Day

While most people celebrate Valentines Day with their spouse, partner or lover, there are millions of others whose significant other walks on four legs and wears a fur coat, year-round. While some might think that Valentines Day is sad or lonely for this group, I think (having dogs myself and not very big on the Valentine's Day hype) that they actually have it pretty good!

Here's just 5 of the many joys of being single and a dog owner on Valentine's Day.

1. A dog doesn't know what Valentines Day is.
And isn't that wonderful! No trips to the mall or florist. No expensive dinners. No need to spend big bucks or stress out over the perfect gift for your dog. Fluffy will be perfectly happy with whatever you give her. Even better, you get to buy what you like because your dog will like anything that has to do with getting your attention. Just add a few belly or head rubs for good measure, and both of you are happy!

2. A dog doesn't care about Valentines Day gifts, either.
Think about it. Give a dog a gift and what do they do? Sniff it, and look at you as if to say, "Okay... now what?" That's because a dog has no expectations. They live in the moment. Dogs don't care about material things (unless its food, of course), but they do care about spending time with you. So if an unexpected neighborhood walk comes with that new Valentine's Day Dog Collar that you fell in love with and had to buy for them, know that its the walk and your company, and not the dog collar, that made their Valentine's Day great.

3. A dog's love and devotion is testimony to unconditional love.
While I love what Valentine's Day stands for, I think we often forget about a dogs love for his owner. A dog is called "mans best friend" for a reason. Loyalty, devotion and unconditional love - a dog gives you all these things. Whether you inadvertently insult them, come home late without an explanation, or yell at them for sneaking the nachos off the coffee table, their heart is yours without judgment. They won't throw you out of bed, or give you the cold shoulder for a week like some of us would do. Which leads me to the next joy of being a single dog owner on Valentine's Day...

4. You don't have to make-up with a dog.
Valentines Day can turn into a make-up day for a lot of people. But with dogs, there's nothing to make-up for. Dogs don't harbor resentment or hold a grudge. While you may feel a little guilty when you lose your patience with your pup for whatever reason, s/he isn't waiting for an apology or something to make-up for your blunder. They are just waiting for things to blow over so that you will talk to them in that sweet, welcoming voice you usually do. If you are feeling guilty for something you said or did to them, you could always find a nice little doggy cafe or park in your area to toss a few balls around or soak in some sun. Even better, your dog won't know that you did it out of guilt either!

5. After the holiday is over, things don't change.
And that's the beautiful part. The party isn't over for them. They still love you with the same intensity as they did before Valentines Day. Everyday is a day full of joy with their human. That's one of the many reasons that I love dogs.

So be sure to remember your dog on February 14th, but skip the card and Flowers...

The Artful Canine offers handcrafted designer dog collars, martingale collars dog, harnesses and dog leashes that are unique, comfortable, and made in the US. Our products are backed by a conditional 1-year guarantee, or we'll replace it for free!

The author, Joanne Wood-Ellison, is a professional dog collar designer and dog groomer.

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