A Dog Crates

Pet Memorial - In Remembrance of Our Special Pet Friends

2008-10-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Pet Memorial - In Remembrance of Our Special Pet Friends
by: Rick Valens

Still remember that very moment when you first laid your eyes on your now, ever still most beloved pet? Feeling that very special bond between the both of you when you pick up that little fellow? It was sure such a sweet moment isn’t it? That little fellow just looks so adorable staring so innocently at you didn’t it? Little could we have ever imagine that, that little life would one day grow up to be old and eventually leave us.

Thinking back now, I know you would certainly miss it even dearly. Please feel ashamed do not, should it even bring you tears. It’s truly alright to be feeling so. Losing our most beloved pet can be just as hurting as losing our very loved ones. A part of the family, I believe you would have already long regarded it as. The same would be, for most of our pet owners, I deeply believe too.

At such a grieving time, it’s just natural for us, pet owners to feel the strong desire to communicate the loss of our most dearly loved and missed pet. But sometimes it is just so sad that few, even our close friends could understand our grief. “C’mon just get yourself a new one”, that is always a very hurting remark to be hearing. Because of such hurting remarks, many pet owners are very reluctant to disclose their immense grief over the loss of their pets, keeping everything to themselves.

It would usually take quite a while before one could actually get over the loss, getting back to their normal self again. But nevertheless, please do not feel ashamed in anyway should you be feeling so. Remember, you are not the only one.

Well perhaps, creating an online memorial dedicating it specially to your ever most beloved pet would be a nice way to communicate your loss, helping to cope with your grief. Likewise, it would actually be also a meaningful way of a creating an ever-lasting tribute in memory of your dearly lost pet.

There are actually quite a couple of wonderful sites providing such thoughtful services. With an online memorial page dedicated specially for your pet, you can put down in your very words, all your truthful thoughts and sentiments on it. To share all those wonderful moments and stories of your beloved pet with friends and family all over the world, not forgetting the lots of other pet lovers out there whom would deeply understand your feelings. Many of these pet owners have also created that special memorial page in memory of their wonderful pets. Looking at these wonderful memorial pages sure bring back so much fond memories. Photographs of your pet can nevertheless be included in the memorial page too, creating an even lasting memory for all. Likewise, an online pet monument service is also available from some of these sites.

Well whatever the case may be, our special pet friends have without doubts, truly dedicate their life to entertaining us, unconditionally loving us, cheering us up when we were down, been such a great companion ever. To be always remembered, they certainly deserved to be. An online memorial or monument of an ever-lasting memory of them will definitely be a truthful and meaningful gift to be dedicated to our special pet friends.

About The Author

Rick Valens

Freelance Writer for http://www.ecemetery.org, Monument of Eternal Memory

Currently also staff writer for http://www.loveletterbox.com, Love Relationship Discussion Forum.

NOTE: You're free to republish this article on your website, in your newsletter, in your e-book or in other publications provided that the article is reproduced in its entirety, including the author information and all live website link as above.

What’s The Best Dog Toy For Your Adult Dog?

2008-10-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

What’s The Best Dog Toy For Your Adult Dog?
by: Adam G. Katz

As a professional dog trainer, people often ask me what dog toys I recommend they should buy and which ones I use for my own dogs.

Here’s the answer: Your dog doesn’t need more than two toys. Rotate them, so he doesn’t get bored. But remember: We’re talking about an animal that eats the same food, day in/day out. And while your dog needs mental stimulation in the form of play and obedience training, they will be perfectly happy with chewing on the same toys, for years.

(Much the same way young children can watch the same Barney movie 100 times without getting bored!)

So… what are the two best dog toys in my opinion?

- The Kong. Either in red or black. (Sometimes you need to play with your dog and this toy a bit, before your dog gets interested in it… but once they do… LOOK OUT. The benefit of this toy is that they can chew on it for months and months, in most cases. You can also stuff it with doggie treats, cream cheese, peanut butter or whatever.

- The rope toy. This is usually sold in either white or multi-strand colors. It is a thick piece of soft rope, tied in a knot on each end. Another great toy because—compared to the rawhide bone—this toy will last weeks or months.

About The Author

Adam G. Katz is author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History!" and owner of the internet's most popular dog training web site, Dogproblems.com. He is a world traveler and is constantly seeking out the most effective and humane dog training techniques used by other top dog training professionals. Sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com

Understanding Your Pet's Chewing Issues

2008-10-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Understanding Your Pet's Chewing Issues
by: Burke Jones

If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species surrounded by the chewed up remnants of your previous existence, fear not. First of all you are not alone. There are dog owners like you suffering the same fate and having the same problems getting their otherwise delightful pet to cease and desist from devouring hearth and home. Not only that, but people, experienced dog owner type people, have spent a great deal of time and energy on solving the problem.

Your first step in the direction of rehabilitation is the same as it is with any such process. You need to establish the exact nature of the problem. If your pet is a newly acquired puppy then rampant chewing goes with the territory. It is a natural response to teething. If your pet is past puppy-hood and showing no sign of quitting or, if your mature pet inexplicably begins chewing away at stuff, this is a sign of a more serious problem that needs attention.

Pets of all kinds can be divided into aggressive chewers and non-aggressive chewers. Aggressive chewers annihilate what they chew and sometimes swallow the pieces - often in one sitting. Non-aggressive chewers gnaw, play and mouth toys without actually breaking them. Many theories attempt to pinpoint certain dog breeds as most likely to chew aggressively but, the fact is, it's more personality related than it is breed related.

If your dearly beloved pet is still a puppy you will need to work out which category of chewer he or she is as this is an important fact to take into consideration when shopping from the broad range of dog toys available. If your dog is an aggressive chewer you will need to buy dog toys that are chewy and rubbery as well as super strong and durable. Because aggressive chewers are inclined to bite and then swallow toys that are brittle, they must be literally unbreakable. Some manufacturers actually sell toys with an impressive 100% product replacement if the animal manages to destroy it. Aggressive chewers need their own type of toy made of tough rubber and rawhide. They need to be kept well clear of toys that lesser chewers would be safe with.

Black Kongs are ideal for these enthusiastic chewers, so are toys like the jumbo retriever rolls otherwise known as 'chronic chew toys'. These are wound out of several feet of rawhide compacted into one giant roll. Even the most vociferous of chewing pets can do no better than wear away at the exterior leaving the tightly wound core still intact. Pressed rawhide bone-shaped toys are also good options for the aggressive chewer who must be protected from his or her own capacity to reduce an innocent toy to sharp, dangerous shards that may injure the pet's esophagus when swallowed.

If your mature pet is chewing and she is past teething and puppy-hood then there is a possibility that the chewing may be the symptom of a displaced anxiety. Here's where you will need to play dog psychologist and spend time with your pet to discern what is troubling him or her. Are you spending enough time with your pet? Does he get enough attention? Exercise? Has there been a recent disturbance in the household routine that the pet may be responding to?

Your pet is a barometer for any stress or disruption in the environment. Taking up chewing becomes a comforting action for the disturbed dog. You will need to spend more supervised time with your pet reeducating him or her on the rewarding consequences of desirable behavior. Pets are very much like children in this way; they will do anything to get attention even if it means demolishing the surrounding environment. Don't be slow to enlist the aid of an expert when tackling chronic chewing problems. A fresh and educated viewpoint may save everyone a great deal of frustration.

About The Author

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to the http://www.pet-health-depot.com Pet Health Depot, an online resource for http://www.pet-health-depot.com/dog-medicine.htm Dog Medicine and http://www.pet-health-depot.com/pet-insurance.htm Pet Insurance.

Pros and Cons of Buying Pet Medicine Online

2008-10-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Pros and Cons of Buying Pet Medicine Online
by: Burke Jones

Pets are many things in many ways but they are not responsible. Not outside of very limited doggy parameters. This means that you are 100% responsible for your pet's health. In this day of seemingly limitless online medication options, the only way to face this challenge is through education. Freedom of choice is only a benefit when you are familiar with the choices.

The easy availability of medications online has placed extra pressure on society to moderate its own behavior responsibly. It has placed even more pressure on human beings using the Internet to shop for pets that are entirely reliant on them for their wellbeing.

Buying pet medicine online offers a level of consumer freedom that is enough to make one dizzy. In the old days we would take our pet to our local veterinarian who would counsel us on the right way to deal with our pet's health issues. This was a relief in two obvious ways: we could be guided by an expert and we could shift a little of the weight of responsibility. Today it is possible to go online, diagnose and medicate our own pet.

This is a boon on the one hand, and a very serious danger on the other. With the aid of the Internet we are empowered to act somewhat independently of traditional channels. This is a qualified bonus only if we are almost uncomfortably aware of the fact that we do not have years of veterinary experience behind us. This awareness should hopefully make us doubly cautious as we navigate these unfamiliar waters with our newfound freedom.

The bonus is a qualified one because it should not take the place of veterinary expertise when that is appropriate. The question of how to discern when that is appropriate is the million-dollar question. Websites play experts and they do so with expertise but it is not necessarily the expertise we need.

A favorite tactic is to dot the website with white clad 'experts' who profess to a proficiency they don't have. It is important to note that the figures are often just models paid to pose with an air of authority. We need something more than a show of proficiency when it comes to the lives of our precious pets.

The bottom line is this; nothing can take the place of a visit to the veterinarian when your pet is sick. Attempting to diagnose your pet's ailment yourself can have devastating consequences. When time is of the essence, wasting it waiting for cost effective, online drugs to be shipped to your door is not only unwise but inhumane.

Buying pet medicine online has a limited application. Within these boundaries it can be both benign and cost effective. This avenue works best with repeat medications like flea, tick, worming and heart medications. If you are considering taking advantage of the online option let your vet know. He or she will have to write out a prescription for you to use when purchasing online. Many services also offer to call the vet directly. Your delivery date will be reliant on prompt communication between the online company and the veterinarian's office working together to share information.

Purchasing non-prescription drugs for your pet online is also a matter for caution and consideration. Because certain drugs do not require a prescription does not mean that they are not potentially dangerous if administered unwisely. Read instructions carefully. Good websites take their role as educator seriously. Most have extensive information online regarding dosages and side effects.

Avoid or be cautious regarding prices that are way below market on pet medications. Most legitimate companies hover in the same discount region. Outrageous savings are normally only offered by fly by night companies offering questionable product.

About The Author

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to the http://www.pet-health-depot.com Pet Health Depot, an online resource for http://www.pet-health-depot.com/cat-medicine.htm Cat Medicine and http://www.pet-health-depot.com/dog-insurance.htm Dog Insurance.

How to Care for Your Dog's Ear

2008-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

How to Care for Your Dog's Ear
by: Ruth Bird

Regular ear care for your dog Routine ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Perform regular checks and cleaning between visits to your veterinarian, it will help keep your dog’s ears healthy and pain free. This is extremely important to do.

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years, and they are well known for ear conditions. But remember, no matter how efficient you are in caring for your dog’s ears, serious conditions may still arise. Also, beware when your dog flaps its ears too much; this can cause a hematoma, which I will discuss a little further on.

My Golden had to be operated for this. Regular inspection of your dog’s Ears By performing ear inspections you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. A small flashlight will assist you in seeing problems. I have “smelled out” more serious problems using my nose. This method can detect ear infections early. Normally a dog’s ears shouldn’t smell foul in any way. A dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. A pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this is a sign of a bacterial infection.

Allergies are also known to cause a foul smell in your dog’s ears. My Golden had very sensitive ears. If something feels wrong, make sure you have your Veterinarian check it right away. Have your Vet show you what to look for, and how to look for potential problems! My Vet is an amazing teacher and he is always willing to show me things. What dogs are more susceptible to ear problems? Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are very prone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals.

There are also breeds, like the Lhasa Apso, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. Dogs that frequently swim are more susceptible to ear problems. And, Goldens can be very susceptible to ear problems. If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to remove the hair that grows inside your dog’s ears. This is not very difficult and if you have a problem, find a good groomer to do it for you. How to clean your dog’s ears: Your dog’s eardrum is better protected than a human’s, but you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Do not insert anything into your dog’s ear. Use only the small square cleaning pads, or cotton balls. Use anything that is very soft, but has no tips. Ask your groomer or Vet to show you the best way to clean YOUR dog’s ears... Checking your dog’s ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog’s ears need a cleaning don’t put it off.

Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful.

Hematomas My Golden had one once, a big one, from shaking her head because of her ear condition. My Vet says a hematoma can turn into a very serious condition if not treated. Hematomas are collections of blood. They are common in ears because there doesn't seem to be anything in the ear to generate enough pressure to stop bleeding until the ear swells enough with blood. Ear infections, ear mites, fly bite irritation, mosquito bites, allergies and immune mediated diseases have all been implicated as underlying causes for this problem. Anything that causes the dog to flap its ears can make this happen and it appears to occur spontaneously in a number of dogs. Large hematomas should be treated surgically or medically. Surgery usually involves making an incision on the inner aspect of the ear and draining the blood, removing any blood clots that are left and then suturing the two sides of the ear together by putting sutures all the way through it, in a "mattress" pattern. Sometimes it is possible just to place a drain and massage the blood out of the ear daily until it heals. Side note:

If you use a commercial ear product please make sure it is of good quality and please make sure it is the proper product for the condition. So many dogs have had tremendous ear pain and complications because of the wrong product, or the wrong use of a product. An educated dog owner is the best kind of dog owner.

This article is designed for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice.

Dr. Jane Bick's also has a wonderful ear solution, plus, regular online telephone call in opportunities where you can ask her questions. Dr. Jane Bicks http://www.healthypetnet.com/mydoghouse

About The Author

My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. http://www.happypetstop.com/.

internetmarketerster@gmail.com

Dogs - Wonderful Companions

2008-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dogs - Wonderful Companions
by: Wendy Yeager

Dogs Are Man's Best Friend

Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They were the first wild animal to be tamed. Ancient man probably brought home cub wolves to raise as pets. The pet wolves were also useful in driving away bears and other wild animals. One of the oldest known breed of dogs is the Salukis, which were bred by Egyptians thousands of years ago as hunting dogs. Greyhounds and Dalmatians are also among the oldest breeds documented.

Over the centuries, people have found many ways for dogs to be useful. Dogs helped to pull loads, herd cattle and sheep, and guard their master and the master’s property. The Ancient Greeks developed tiny lap dogs, which were meant to be held in a lady’s lap to help keep her stomach warm. Bulldogs with huge jaws and short noses were developed so they could hang onto the throat of a bull and still be able to breathe. In more recent years, dogs have been trained as seeing eye dogs for the blind. Dogs have also been recruited to work with law enforcement to detect drugs and explosives.

Today many dogs, such as the Poodle or Chihuahua, no longer resemble the wolf. Other dogs, such as the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd still show a strong resemblance to the wolf. There are many different breeds in existence today, from the short haired Beagle and Boston Terrier to the long haired Cockers and Scotties. The Beagle may be better suited to live in the city, while Setters or Collies may be more comfortable in the country. The tallest dogs are Great Danes and the Irish Wolfhound. They would probably be more comfortable in a place where they had a lot of room to run and play.

In the United States, one out of three families owns one or more dogs. Most dogs live anywhere from eight to fifteen years. When dogs are one year old, they are as physically mature as a 15 year old human. Dogs can see some color but not as vividly as humans, thus they are considered color blind. Yet, dogs can see much better in dim light than us. Dogs have us beat in the category of smell, also. Their sense of smell is up to one million times greater than humans!

Regardless of which kind of dog you choose- big, little, smooth haired, shaggy, fast, slow, playful or dignified, dogs make wonderful companions. Enjoy their companionship and remember they need plenty of love, attention, and petting to be happy!

http://www.marwencorp.com/dogs-go2/

About The Author

Wendy Yeager

Copyright © 2005 marwencorp.com/dogs-go2. All rights reserved.

Female Dog Care

2008-10-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Female Dog Care
by: Aki Majima

As there are certain health issues that affect only the female dog, care should be taken to ensure that these are fully understood before deciding whether or not to buy a bitch.

The most important dog health care concern is that of spaying.

Only those who are fully educated in all aspects of a specific breed and who have the time and energy to put into making sure that bloodlines are kept strong and healthy should ever consider breeding. With that in mind, most owners of female dogs will not be thinking of breeding and should therefore seriously consider having their pet spayed.

If the necessary surgery is carried out before your dog has her first heat cycle, the likelihood of her ever developing breast cancer will become almost zero percent. That alone is a very good reason to have your dog spayed as breast cancer is otherwise relatively common in older bitches. The chances of your dog developing pyometra, a disease of the uterus that can be fatal, is also greatly reduced.

Having your dog spayed will also relieve her of the twice yearly 'season' and the anxiety that often becomes part of it. She'll no longer want to roam in order to find male dogs to mate with and you'll no longer have to put up with the crowds of dogs who follow you during walks or who gather outside your home. And most importantly of all, unwanted pups will not become a problem.

If your female dog starts collecting her toys and treating them as if they were puppies, she's almost certainly experiencing a false pregnancy. Fortunately, this rarely lasts more than a week and although the dog will become very protective of her imaginary offspring, treat her as normal and she'll soon forget them.

If you've opted to not have your dog spayed, it's important to understand how her heat cycle works. The first 10-14 days is the period BEFORE ovulation and this is the time during which she will bleed. Ovulation occurs as the bleeding stops so it's important to understand that it's during the 10-14 days following bleeding that she's actually most likely to become pregnant. Far too many owners make the mistake of believing that their female dog is safe once the bleeding stops and over-filled dog pounds are the sad result.

Doggie diapers are available in most pet stores and come in a range of sizes to fit different breeds. These are designed to stop the dog leaving blood on your furniture and rugs but unfortunately, unless the dog has been taught to accept wearing them from a very young age, most will soon chew them off.

Female dog owners who choose not to have their dog spayed MUST monitor their dog regularly for any lumps in the breasts and remember that unless they're serious about breeding, they have a duty to ensure that their dog doesn't produce unwanted puppies who will eventually find themselves sitting in a pound waiting for their death sentence to be passed.

About The Author

Aki Majima

copyright@2005 by Aki Desorcy. Aki Desorcy is the Author of http://www.dog-treats-n-dog-care-tips.com/
Where you will find free dog care care tips, dog treat recipes and other useful dog health care info for your pooch.

How To Avoid Bad Doggy Behavior, And Teach Your Puppy Some Manners

2008-10-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

How To Avoid Bad Doggy Behavior, And Teach Your Puppy Some Manners
by: Niall Kennedy

A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.

Teaching your dog some manners is just common-sense. You did it with your children and your parents did it with you. If you had never learned right from wrong you would be behaving badly so why expect to be able to raise a dog without any coaching? He has lots to learn.

There's a popular saying among dog trainers: "There's no such thing as a bad dog." While that may be true, any trainer will admit that there are dogs with very bad habits. When a dog acts or reacts to a situation in a way that has a negative impact on her owner or others, the behavior is considered to be "bad." Yet, to the dog, it's just what she does. Stopping bad behavior requires training to give the dog a new behavior, or habit.

One of the most common bad behaviors is jumping up on people. This habit is established when a dog is a puppy. Puppies jump at their mother to get her attention so she will feed them. Dog owners find it adorable that their puppy works so hard to get their attention as she jumps. The naive owners come down to the dog's level or pick the puppy up, not realizing they have just rewarded the dog for jumping and barking. A sharp 'NO' will stop the jumping. Also, ignore the dog and avoid eye contact when she jumps to discourage such behavior.

Unfortunately, behavior that is cute in a puppy often becomes annoying in an adult dog. Large dogs that jump on people for attention easily knock down and accidentally injure children and older people. Small dogs have less ability to injure someone, but usually dirty clothes and snag stockings. In both cases, while you might not mind your dog jumping up on you, other people probably don't feel the same way. Training your dog to sit to be petted is the easiest way to break the jumping habit. To help her develop the "sit for attention" habit, you must ignore her when she jumps on you. You might turn your back or simply walk away. If she follows you, turn quickly and tell her to sit. If she does, pet and praise her. You can reinforce this behavior by having her sit before you put her food bowl down. Every time she sits, she gets a reward of either attention or food. Every time she jumps she gets nothing.

Another sign that your dog has too much energy is chasing cars. A dog's natural instinct is to protect her area, and a car can be seen as a predator. Your dog should be kept securely in the yard when you are not around. When around cars you should keep your dog on a leash. If your dog tries to chase a car give her a sharp yank on the leash and say no. When your dog resists the chance to chase a car, lavish her with praise.

Another unpopular behavior is chewing. Destructive chewing is most often an indication your dog is bored. If your dog chews up the couch cushions or destroys a wicker chair while you are at work, it is probably because she had nothing else to do. If you look up from a book or television to find your dog chewing on your favorite shoes, realize that she is releasing pent-up energy. Give your dog the chance to exercise her body and brain. Plenty of physical exercise will tire her out so that she naps while you relax. Pet supply stores carry a variety of toys that provide mental stimulation-doggie puzzles to keep your pooch busy while you're away. Also, if your dog is a chewer, make sure you give her chewing toys of her own. It is never a good idea to give your dog an old shoe or sock to chew on; she can't tell the difference between your favorites and your discards and they all smell like you.

Using an anti-chew spray such as bitter apple (which dogs hate, and which are available from pet stores) work well. There are certain odors that dogs hate.

Taking these few simple steps will improve your dog's life a great deal.

About The Author

Niall Kennedy

Best Pet Health Information is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keep your dog happy and healthy. http://www.best-pet-health.info.

Copyright © Best-Pet-Health.info. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

German Sheperds

2008-10-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

German Sheperds
by: Keith Davies

People love big, protective and loving dogs and that’s why there are a lot of german sheperd breeders.

The German Shepherd is sometimes called an Alsatian because that’s where they originated in Germany. Many Germans still called them Deutscher Schaferhund because of their original sheepdog function but the breed is not very old and was really developed from a variety of sheep herding farm dogs in the late 1800s. In 1899 Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, was president of the first German Shepherd association in Germany. Since then German Shepherds have turned up all over the world and they came to the USA as early as 1908 where they were popular with the Red Cross, the police and as guard dogs.

This was partly because they are extremely loyal and courageous dogs and they are very intelligent and retain specialized training for a long time. Temperament is what ensures the usefulness of the German Shepherd and since this comes from good breeding it is essential to find a good and reputable breeder. With a bad temperament these dogs are a disaster. They are highly territorial and will know and recognize their people and place by about six months of age. This is when their protective loyalty starts to show itself!

There are many german sheperd breeders and you should have no problem finding a good one, but just remember that they come in a range of colors and will protect you no matter what!

They have proved a popular breed over the years for use in both the police force and as guard dogs for security companies. They have a very acute sense of hearing which means that they are invaluable to anyone wanting to protect both themselves and their property.Because they are a large dog they are a very useful deterrent against theives.

About The Author

Keith Davies has a keen love of nature and dogs having grown up in the English Kent countryside. Considered by many to be the garden of England. He has written many articles which can be found at http://www.dog-universe.com and http://www.dog-galaxy.com.

How to Recognize & Respond to Dog Aggression

2008-10-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

How to Recognize & Respond to Dog Aggression
by: Julie Butts

The purpose of this article is not a how-to on correcting the behavior of an aggressive dog. That task is better left to dog trainers, veterinarians, and dog behaviorists. This article identifies seven basic types of dog aggression, however, and offers suggestions on how to communicate better with an aggressive dog to prevent injury from dog attacks.

Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog growl, bark, or take an aggressive stance. Unfortunately, many of these animals end up in shelters because the owners could no longer live with the dog. Would you give up on your child that easily?

Of course not! When a baby is brought home to his new family, everyone understands that the baby is learning your language and teaching you his. We begin to understand our child's cry or garbled sounds because we focus on trying to understand him.

Your dog has his own language as well. Understanding dog aggression and your dog's language will help prevent undesirable behavior and dog bites. Let?s begin our understanding of dog aggression with the acronym DOG BITES:

Dominant
Opportunity
Game

Boy/Girl
Injury
Territorial
Escape

Dominant aggression is also known as competitive aggression. It is brought on when one dog feels challenged for his social position by another dog (or human). Dogs are pack animals. Social order helps feed and protect the pack.

The dog with the highest social order is called the alpha dog. The alpha dog gets all the perks such as eating whatever he wants, sleeping wherever he wants, and dictating to the others in the pack. He decides when the others get to eat and sleep.

Even owners of a single dog may observe dominant aggression since the dog sees the owner as a member of his pack. An example of this type of aggression is demonstrated by the dog who lays on a favorite chair and growls at the owner when told to get down.

The aggression is a challenge for social position and dibs for the seating arrangement. How the owner reacts to the challenge determines whether the dog becomes more aggressive or submissive in the situation.

Here is a less obvious challenge to an owner's dominance in the pack:

You are sitting in the living room watching television. Your dog comes up to you and slides his head under your hand. You think your dog is adorable and wants your attention, so you pet him as requested.

Here is the punch line to this situation. Petting is similar to licking. Submissive, less dominant dogs in the pack lick the more dominant dogs. In other words, you were challenged and responded with an ok to be the submissive of the challenge.

Petting (or licking) behavior does not always signify submissiveness. There are other situations when dogs lick, but we will not pursue that topic here. What we will offer here is a suggestion on how to respond to the situation above.

Gently cup your hand over your dog's muzzle. Rub behind his ears with a little pressure. These actions closely resemble social order biting. Dominant dogs bite the ears, nose, and neck areas of less dominant dogs to keep them in line. Just watch a mother dog with a litter of pups! You will see the behavior right away.

Opportunity aggression is aggression that is intended for another dog or person; however, it is redirected to a closer dog or person because the opportunity to attack is better. An example of this type of aggression is demonstrated when trying to break up two fighting dogs. Sometimes, the person breaking up the fight gets bit.

Caution is the best approach to take with opportunity or redirected aggression. If a dog is agitated, it is better to maintain a safe distance until the dog feels less vulnerable and relaxes.

Game aggression is predatory in nature. A dog will chase anything that moves away from it. The dog is a natural hunter of small game. When something runs from a dog, the dog's chase, hunt, capture, and kill instinct takes over.

A human cannot out run a dog. If a dog attacks, the best course of action is to lie down and play dead. This action is a submissive move.

You have probably seen a dog lie down and bear his vulnerable belly to a more dominant dog. He is communicating to the more dominant dog that he is not a threat to the more dominant dog.

Boy/girl aggression is all about the hormones! This type of aggression is also known as sexual aggression. The male dog protects his female from other dogs and potential threats to his progeny.

Female dogs, however, also display this sexual aggression when they are pregnant, nursing, or in heat. Even the most docile female may growl or attempt to bite anyone who dares to pick up one of her pups too soon!

Sexual aggression is reduced through spaying and neutering. Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your dog during the 6-12 months of age.

Injury aggression is aggression brought on by injury or pain. You might easily see this type of aggression in a dog that has been hit by a car or one who is suffering from age-induced arthritis.

Injury or pain aggression is best handled by seeking medical care for the dog. Try not to touch the painful areas unless absolutely necessary for therapy or to get your dog to safety. Diet, activity, medications, and bedding may help alleviate the pain and therefore, the aggressive behavior.

Territorial aggression is aggression displayed to protect the pack's territory. The dog's territory may be much different from your thoughts of the house and backyard. Indeed, if you take him on any walks, he may even consider the whole neighborhood his territory!

When a dog is in a new environment, he may be "territorial" because he is not sure of his surroundings. This is why a dog that is boarded may be "cage aggressive." The dog is protecting the small territory of the cage from intruders.

When this is the case, let the dog have his space. He is stressed out and will feel protected in his own area.

Territorial aggression may also be used to protect the pack from perceived external threats. A protective dog is one that shows aggression toward other animals or people when he perceives a threat to his owner or other members of the pack.

A dog may also show territorial aggression with possessions. He will protect anything that he perceives as his. This includes food, bedding, toys, affection, and anything else that is part of his world.

Escape aggression is also called fear aggression. A dog that is afraid will often shake. The ears will probably be all the way back on the head and the tail will be low. He feels powerless and puts up a fight because he feels trapped like he has no where to escape.

This type of aggression may also be brought on by the fear of punishment. Imagine someone standing much taller than you with his hand raised above his head. Is he going to hit me?

Walking straight toward a dog, giving direct eye contact, or making sudden movements can trigger fear aggression. Always move slowly around dogs that are afraid. Never give direct eye contact or move right towards a fearful dog.

About The Author

Julie Butts is a Kennel Manager and author of http://www.all-about-small-breed-dogs.com, an online guide for selecting, owning, and raising a small breed dog. Her website is dedicated to small breed dog lovers and includes information on breeds, training, behavior, grooming, supplies, books, gifts, and more.

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations... And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life

2008-10-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations... And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life
by: Niall Kennedy

They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at and mouthing just about anything - but all dogs have an instinctive fear of anything unfamiliar to them. Fear causes stress on the body, which affects long-term health. To help your dog avoid the negative health effects of stress, it is important to socialize her. Socialization is the process of exposing your dog to a wide variety of places, situations, objects and people. A well-socialized dog is a confident, healthy dog that you can take anywhere.

An unsocial dog will attack other dogs, children, vets, and even you.

The things that startle dogs often surprise their owners. Hats, balloons, garden statues, and other mundane things that seem to pose no threat. To your dog, however, it is an unknown. If you are a subdued person, your dog might show fear around a bubbly extrovert. Basically, any situation or object your dog is not accustomed to can create fear and stress in her.

Cornell University College of Vet Medicine suggests that the socialization period lasts up to about 12 weeks (3 months) of age.

So it is best if the socialization process begins when the dog is a puppy. This is a key learning time for dogs, so they become socialized more quickly. However, even older dogs that were not socialized as puppies can reach that confident, relaxed state. Socializing a dog that is more than one year old may take a little longer, but the results are rewarding.

Socializing a dog is a very simple process: take the dog to as many different places as you can. Your dog will pick up on your body language and follow your lead, so it is important for you to act confident and relaxed, especially when your dog hesitates. While you are walking about, stop every so often to pet your dog and talk to her in a happy voice. Naturally, feeding her a treat or two will give her a positive association with the environment.

Here are some quick ideas to try to give your puppy confidence.

Invite friends to meet her. This will help her get used to unfamiliar people.

Take her to the shopping mall, into the park, school play areas to experience new environments.

Introduce the puppy to anything you expect her to use daily - the yard, her leash, stairs.

Since your goal is to give your dog confidence, not traumatize her, never force your dog to accept a person or situation. Respect her feelings, and try again later.

While you are out and about, remember that you are your dog's guardian. Keep an eye out for excited children running towards your dog. A good way to handle this kind of situation is to stop the kids verbally about 10 feet from your dog. Explain to them that your dog is just getting used to new places and new people. Ask them to approach quietly and one at a time so that your dog learns that children are nothing to be afraid of. Letting the children feed your dog a treat is sure to help her learn to accept these high-energy, enthusiastic strangers.

Properly socializing your puppy will ensure the best traits come out in your new pet and you and your pet enjoy your life together.

About The Author

Niall Kennedy

Best Pet Health Information is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keeping your dog happy and healthy. http://www.best-pet-health.info.

Copyright © 2005 Best-Pet-Health.info. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Which Breed Is Right For You?

2008-10-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Which Breed Is Right For You?
by: Lana Hampton

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle?

Every breed has their pros and cons. As a prospective puppy buyer/dog owner, you must be aware of the traits, both good and bad, of the breed you are considering. Many pet owners own the breed they do because of an impulse buy. Sometimes this works out fine and other times dog owners find out, too late, that this is not such a wonderful breed (for them) after all. Sadly, it's the innocent dog that suffers when it gets placed in a new home, returned to the breeder or, worst of all, taken to the pound!

Each breed was developed with a definite purpose in mind. Each breed (or most anyway) have breed specific health and or temperament problems of which you should be aware. Some breeds have coats that need hours of grooming to keep the dog in good shape. Some breeds shed more than others. Some breeds are very active and hyper while others are quiet and sedentary.

Because different breeds have different characteristics, it's a good idea to first define exactly what traits you want in a dog. Do you want a large dog, medium or small? What is the main purpose of having the dog, other than companionship? Do you want the dog to hunt with you? Do you want a dog that is a good guard dog? How about children? If you have them, you want to be assured that the breed you choose is going to get along with the kids. And if you do have children, what age are they? A dog breed that tends to be very hyperactive and aggressive would not be a good choice with very small children as the dog will likely do damage if it jumps on the kid and play bites. However kids in the 10 years and up range would probably thoroughly enjoy an active outgoing playmate.

What about grooming? How much time are you willing to spend on this chore? What about shedding? Some dogs don't shed at all and others shed almost constantly. How much noise are you willing to put up with? What about trainability? Some breeds are notoriously difficult to housebreak and/or train while others practically discipline themselves. If your interest is obedience, seek out those breeds that excel in the field. If you're a hunter and have visions of fall days in the duck blind with your trusty dog, you wouldn't go out and buy a Chinese Crested. If you hope to own a dog that will be around for 15 to 16 years, don't purchase a large breed.

About The Author

Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the dog information you want. Visit http://www.yowsdogs.com today for the latest dog information.

lana@internetmarketingfromhome.com

Should You Get a Purebreed Dog for Your Family?

2008-10-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Should You Get a Purebreed Dog for Your Family?
by: Shannon Emmanuel

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed or a mutt?"

Why is this question so controversial? Is one dog the same as another? Is there a benefit to 'getting what you paid for'?

The truth is that one dog is like another - at least in many respects. What is not true is that every dog is equally suitable for your family. Dog rescuers may tell you to look beyond the breed and breeders tell you that you won't know what you're getting with a mixed breed. They're both right.

If you want a family dog the responsiblity is the same regardless of whether you rescued an abandoned dog from the shelter or paid upwards of $1000 for a puppy with registration papers. What is different is how you can predict the suitablity of a dog for your children.

What You Know and What You Don’t…

While each individual dog has it's own personality, there are strong traits that can be breed related such as energy requirements, size, determination (a factor to consider when training your dog) and general disposition. I say general because there are always exceptions to the rules. Getting a pure bred puppy can answer some of those questions for you and help you select a good match for your family.

On the other hand you can never absolutely predict a puppy's temperment and if you are not at all concerned with size, energy or trainability then you can find a loving, good natured puppy with any genetic background. Being able to identify these traits is possible although there are still no guarantees.

What About Mixed Breed Dogs?

If however you are looking for a grown dog rather than a puppy you can find many dogs in shelters that have basic training and are already 'settled' into their temperament. Unless the dog has no traceable history and has shown aggressive behavior you should be able to visit with the dog and determine how well it would do with your family without too much concern.

Having even a bit of understanding of the breed groups and requirements will also help you know what to expect since even broad groupings (like terriers or sporting dogs) often have predicitable traits that even a mixed breed dog is likely to show if the genetic history is identifiable. In fact you may find a unique mix that suits your family better than any other dog you could find in a purebreed.

Take time to get to know the puppy or dog before buying or adopting and get your children involved!

About The Author

Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and the author of 'Choose the Best Dog for Your Child'. Find out more at http://Choosing-a-dog-for-family.com.

This article is free to reprint with author credits and link in place. Do not use for unsolicited email.

Why is an All Natural and Holistic Approach to Pet Food Gaining Importance?

2008-10-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

Why is an All Natural and Holistic Approach to Pet Food Gaining Importance?
by: Fred Ege

Why is an All Natural and Holistic to Pet Food Gaining Importance?

There is a significant increase in the market share of Natural and Holistic Pet Food, and it is predicted to double over the next five years. But why the sudden increase in our pets health? It seems that as we become more concerned with our own family's health and what we eat, it's natural to also be more concerned about what our pets eat, as they have truly have become part of our families. Today, it is now easier to provide a complete healthy meal for our pets. In fact, our pets may be eating better than we are!

What to Expect from All Natural and Holistic Pet Food?

1. Switching to All Natural and Holistic Pet Food, produces substantial results over time. We all are accustomed to using synthetic drugs which can stop symptoms quickly. But, in many cases, the problem reoccurs because it was treating the symptons, not the problem. Holistic Pet Foods provide an environment that allows the body to health itself, not just treat the symptoms. This results in a more permanent cure and a healthier pet.

2. A good, high quality diet is the foundation of your pet's health. What we find in the market today for our pets, often contain chemical additives that can be detrimental to their health. Many commercial premium foods contain chemicals known to be toxic, as well as low quality meat that is not fit for human consumption. Many of the ingredients are hard to digest, so the nutritional value is diminished becuase it doesn't reach their bloodstream. An animal's immune system is worn down over time because of poor diet and the lack of a complete balanced diet doesn't foster a long life. There has been a significant increase in kidney and liver failures in young dogs and cats that has recently been linked to the amount of chemical preservatives. That's why the FDA recently recommended the manufactururers of pet food cut the amount of certain chemical preservatives in half. Our pets eat the same food everyday, so the food they eat will have a heightened effect over time on their health, that's why a good, high quality diet is best for your pet's health.

Domestic pets are descendents of animals that have been existing in the wild. Many vets feel that pets should eat natural and less processed food. They recommend feeding pets fresh food with some supplements, or choose an all natural or holistic pet food. Your choice is to select the healthiest food for your companion pets.

What is All Natural and Holistic Pet Food?

Of course, we know that the proper mix of protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fats are needed for a healthy diet for our pets. Along with the 23 essential amino acids, pets also need vitamins and minerals. But the types of proteins, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fats is what holistic pet food is all about. Holism is the theory that animals should be viewed as interacting, complete entities, that are more than the sum of their elementary particles. Holistic food is naturally balanced, and provides the pet's body with much more than just the sum of its ingredients. Each ingredient is chosen for not only it's nutritional value, but also for it's interaction with other ingredients. In selecting ingredients, manufacturer's must know how an ingredient aids digestion, and select the ones that provide the most health benefits. Many ingredients are known to be good anti-oxidants, so why not choose an ingredient that has that added value. Then the combination of ingredients as a whole can be evaluated to understand the total value of a complete and balanced diet.

Holistic pet food manufacturers choose the most digestible meats, vegetables and carbohydrates so that the nutrients are almost 100% bio-available, meaning that it actually gets into their bloodstream. If it is a meat that can't be easily digested, then it just passes through their digestive system, and less is really available. The sources of proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates are just as important as the amounts. We also know that certain meats, vegetables and carbohydrates are prone to produce food allergies, and therefore it makes sense to avoid using those ingredients which are known to have a high incidence of digestive problems or allergies.

Given that we can determine the proper mix of ingredients, it also makes sense that we should utilize the best available ingredients for your pet and avoid using questionable ingredients such as by-products or meat digest. The source of the ingredients should be held to the highest standard of human grade food, and as natural as it can be. That means meat that is free from contamination from animals that were not given steroids, antibiotics or hormones, and to avoid meat by-products or meat digest. Vegetables should be free from pesticides or herbicides. We should avoid known food allergenic ingredients (beef, wheat, or soy), and not use chemicals preservatives, dyes, or genetically modified organisms. Holistic pet foods come as close to organic in nature without any chemicals or drugs, or as we say, "The Very Best for Your Best Friend!"

About The Author

Fred Ege provides All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, the very best for your best friend. To learn more about our All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, go to: http://www.foxvalleypetfoods.com.

fred@foxvalleypetfoods.com

Bichon Frise: Hot Spots

2008-10-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Bichon Frise: Hot Spots
by: Janet Combs

“Hot spots” are surface skin infections caused when populataions of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance. They ae generally curcular patches that lose hair, can be swollen, in extreme cases may exude smelly pus, and can be painfully itchy causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of self mutilation. Untreated hot spots can spread and provoke a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when touched.

Dogs most susceptible to hot spots are those with heavy coats and histories of allergies, ear infections, fles infestations, iritated anal sacs and grooming problems such as hair tangles and mats. The most common location for hot spots is the legs, feet, flanks and rump. These localized infections can also appear on the ears, neck, and chest if the dog is continually scratching.

To treat hot spots trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the infection and expose the edges of the lesion. Wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic. Thjee are over-the-counter products to deter the dog from licking and chewing. The #1 product for most breeders and handlers is called “tea tree spray” or melaluca alternifolia. It is supposed to have healing qualities as well as discouraging the dg from biting or licking himself due to the bad taste.

I also use a product called Sulfodene which specifically for hot spots. I have had good results with this and it can be purchased almost anywhere that sells pet products. (Department stores, grocery stores, etc.) If treated early hot spots may disappear in day or two. Sulfodene is a good early treatment product. Or, medicated powder. Dust the spot several times a day to dry any moisture and soothe the itch. This can also be purchased over-the-counter.

Creams and ointments are not recommended because they can seal in the infection and hinder recobery. Although, a prescribed ointment may be necessary if the area becomes infected. At this stage the hot spot needs to checked bya veternarian for treatament. Some pet owners demand a quick fix for the problem and aren’t tolerent of vets who require return visits. Some vets will give you that quick fix by prescribing steroids for allergies. This quick fix is called “Prednisone”. However, you are setting your Bichon up for serious problems later in life if you do this repeatedly. If you use the Prednisone do so sparingly. Once or twice a month during allergy season followed by antihitamines.

A steroid given over and over can affect the balance of cortisol in the dog resulting in a condition called “Cushings Syndrome”.

From “Bichon Frise: A Guide To Love And Care”
www.combsinfo.com

About The Author

Janet Combs has been breding and raising Bichons over twleve years in Southwestern Ohio. Over that time she has raised and sold more than 100 puppies from 3 Bichons. Buttons, Belle, and Annie.

www.combsinfo.com

All work contained in this book is the copyright of Janet Combs. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted for resale or used by any party without express written permission from the author.

lcombs11@cinci.rr.com

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

2008-10-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?
by: Blake Kritzberg

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall lately, exhibiting serious behavior problems -- and no amount of verbal correction seems to work. She chews the furniture, gnaws on shoes, turns over the trash cans, howls and barks when you're not around, or even seems really depressed when you come home.

There could be many reasons for behavior problems such as these, but chances are that your dog just misses you too much, and is showing she's bored and lonely. This is especially true if you only have one dog in the house and she's home alone while you work.

One solution to the problem is to try to keep your dog entertained while you are gone. Get a bone or a Kong chew toy, so she'll have a challenge for when you're not around. Another tactic is to turn on the radio so she'll hear human voices. Puppies respond especially well to this; it seems to reassure them much like an actual human presence. Also, if you can lend her a worn shirt, try leaving this in your dog's bed so that your smell remains even when you aren't there.

Discourage Destructive Behavior

In cases of destructive behavior problems, it pays to correct your dog immediately when you catch her chewing your furniture or taking out her frustrations on your belongings. Be vigilant at first -- instant feedback is much easier for your dog to understand than corrections a minute or two later. When you catch her, rush to your dog's side, grab her by the back of her neck and give her a firm "No!"

This should let her know she's done wrong, but if you catch your dog doing it again, some owners may want to roll up 10 to 20 sheets of newspaper and give her a mild whack on the thigh. This won't hurt her, but the sound will seem threatening and loud.

I used to come home to the remains of a stack of mail, ripped to shreds by my dog. I knew that she'd probably done it hours ago, so to reinforce the memory of the negative behavior, I grabbed some of the mail, put it near her mouth and uttered a firm "No!" She shredded the mail a few more times, but each time I reinforced with "No!" and she soon got the message, to our mutual happiness.

Help Your Pup Feel "Up"

Are you playing with and talking to your dog when you come home? Doing so can make a great difference to her feelings. Just like us, dogs want to be acknowledged and fussed over when we're around. Dogs being such social animals, it doesn't work if we merely feed and walk them and ignore them the rest of the time. If we can't spend some quality time with our pets, we might as well not have them at all.

If you can afford it and your dog is alone, give serious thought to getting another. This worked well for me -- after my second dog came into the picture, my first turned into an angel, and has stayed that way ever since -- which is to say, I have a happier dog!

If a second dog just isn't an option for you, you could also spend a little more time bonding with your dog by enrolling both of you in an obedience class. This way, you'll learn more control and teamwork involving your four-footed friend. You may even find your dog more relaxed and better behaved, as the training puts you in a dominant light and takes the pressure off her to lead the household "pack." Plus, your dog gets a chance to meet other dogs. You'll soon notice how eager she is for the next class!

About The Author

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free toy dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog.
http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Learn more about pet insurance:
http://www.poodle-oo.com/pet-insurance.htm

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dog for Family Life

2008-10-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dog for Family Life
by: Shannon Emmanuel

Dog’s come in all shapes and sizes – out of all the dogs you’ve ever met you’ve probably been more attracted to some breeds than others. Perhaps you had a dog when you were growing up and want the same breed for your children. But more needs to be determined than breed or size when choosing a family dog.

How do you choose? What do you need to know? Here are some questions you must ask when choosing a dog for family life:

How old are your children?

If your family is still young, especially if you still have preschoolers, it is prudent to consider whether your family should have a dog right now. Are you planning (or expecting) other children? Dogs require a fair amount of attention and if you have small children not only will you have less time to train or play with a dog, but you may have more difficulty trusting your dog or your children without your constant attention.

If you are still certain that you want a dog and you have the time, consider the training and age of the dog. Perhaps a well trained, older dog would be more suitable.

How much do you know about dogs?

Think taking care of a dog is a no-brainer? Well, if you have children you don’t have the luxury of allowing your dog to train itself or wander the countryside. You must read or ask someone knowledgeable about the needs and training a dog requires.

If you’re not up to the task you’ll have to locate a trainer that will work with your dog as well as train you and your family how to deal with the dog. Many bad habits that dogs pick up come from lack of consistent training rather than the dog being troublesome.

Are you ready for the financial obligation?

To have a healthy dog you must plan for the costs of vet bills, vaccinations, flea and worm medication, grooming and training. Do you travel? Either you will need to arrange for care or pay for a dog sitter or kennel when you’re away. Thinking of buying a large breed? Find out the food costs in advance – if your budget is already tight you may be shocked at the cost of food for large dogs.

Do YOU want a dog?

If your children are young then hopefully you recognize that you or your partner must be willing to handle the burden of day-to-day care such as feeding, walking, training and cleaning. But what if your children are older and capable of more responsibility? You still need to factor in that the dog may live 10-15 years or more (depending on breed). Who will take responsibility for the dog when the children go to college or get married?

Owning a dog has wonderful benefits that you and your children will enjoy. Research continues to show that individuals benefit emotional and physically from owning a pet. But there is more to owning a dog than selecting the prettiest or most popular breed.

Taking the time to do some research on owning dogs and choosing the right one for your children will help you make the best decision for your family's enjoyment.

About The Author

Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and the author of 'How to Choose the Best Dog or Puppy for Your Childre'. Find out more at www.best-dog-breed-for-children.com.

This article is free to reprint in full, without change and including author's credit and link.

Why do you need Canine Good Citizens certification?

2008-10-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Why do you need Canine Good Citizens certification?
by: Ray Coleiro

If you want your dog to participate in dog activities like therapy groups then you need to obtain a Canine Good Citizens certification for your pet.

The “Canine Good Citizens” certification is based on 10 steps that demonstrate the owner’s control over the dog, and the dog’s behavior in given situations. They are:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger.
2. Sitting politely while being petted.
3. Spic and span appearance --good grooming.
4. Walking on a loose leash.
5. Walking through a crowd.
6. Obedience to sit and stay commands.
7. Interaction with handler.
8. Amicability to other animals.
9. Tolerance to/of distractions.
10. Supervised isolation.

In order for you to ensure that the little dog passes the test. You must train the dog to perfection.

You need to:

* Steel your emotions and not give in into to limpid pleading eyes or a wistful looks. If the pup is disobedient and ignores your command or the word “no,” you must instill discipline by: ignoring the pup; walking away; taking away privileges.

* Whilst training use a “tone” that is firm – your stance, facial expression, and voice should say, “I will accept no nonsense.” Never get excited and shout or flay your hands – it will only serve to excite the puppy. Use a voice that is soft, certain, and firm.

* Instill respect in him -- he must acknowledge you as “alpha” or leader. Once this is achieved then the pup will always obey you.

* Use only positive methods – never physically harm the puppy. Stern methods are a thing of the past.

* Socialize the dog with care and patience. Take him to the park, club, beach, ball game, on holidays and so on. The more people and animals he meets the better socialized he will be.

* In case you come across any problems like—aggression, fear, or timidity take steps to correct the dog. If required, do meet a behaviorist he/she will guide you in the right way.

* You must make time to bond with the dog -- pet, cuddle, talk to him, and show him you care.

* Teach your puppy to give to space—he must learn to stay alone at times. Otherwise you will become the dog’s prisoner.

* Communication is important you must understand each other’s needs.

* Enrich his life and he will enrich yours.

It is quite simple --- follow the basic rules and you will be surprised how well your dog shapes.

The perfectly well behaved dog

Everyone loves a perfect dog: one who is loving, patient, well mannered, and educated.

And….

* Permits you his owner to touch him even when he is ill/injured and allows to you administer medication/dressing.
* Is well mannered, busy, socialized, and spends most of his time at home with his family.
* Listens and obeys commands and is attentive, he wants to stay close to you.
* Will walk by your side and heel beautifully-- will not run, pull, drag or strangle.
* Will drop it/leave it as soon as you say so.
* Will sit as soon as you point or order him to.
* Understands what he can and what he cannot do.
* Acknowledge you as pack leader.

Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

If you are serious about your dog, and want the very best for her/him, then you owe it to your best friend to get a copy of this FREE Dog Training Mini-Course. You can still get it from here:
http://www.dogtrainingmastery.com/Free_Dog_Training/dog-obedience-training.htm

About The Author

Ray Coleiro is the author of the popular book "Dog Training Mastery - An Owner's Manual!" His main interest lies in promoting effective Canine Communication using solid Dog Psychology principles. To learn more about his proven Dog Training methods and life's work, you can visit http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Dog_Training/dog-training.htm

Note: The author grants permission to you to re-print, pulish or broadcast this article so long as it is un-altered or not edited in any way, and that all links remain present and active.

Key Secrets To Remember In Dog Training

2008-10-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Key Secrets To Remember In Dog Training
by: Ray Coleiro

While training your dog please remember:

* Do not punish the dog. Punishment is not a training aid. It does little to foster willingness to learn and achieve. Limit yourself to a firm “NO” and to using your hands to block the dog’s negative actions. Refrain from hitting or physically abusing the dog.

* Display extreme levels of patience and persistence – never give up; if you do, you are relinquishing your status as the dominant one. The dog is bound by nature and genetics to test how far he can push you or get away with disobeying you. You must display a stern and stoic attitude and do not pat, praise, or reward the dog if he does not pay attention or refuses to do as you have asked. Only yield once your commands are followed. If you “heel” instead of your “dog” then he will soon know who is the boss.

* Be consistent in your training schedule. Always schedule a class at the same time of the day and for a fixed period –your dog will soon recognize that it is the time to learn and will willingly come forward. During training, both coordination and the trainer’s movements have a direct correlation to the dog’s comprehension. So, if commanded “come”, the dog must be gently guided towards the trainer by a helper or by using a leash so that the pet realizes that “come” means that he must go towards the master.

* Be repetitive with each learning block until the trick/lesson is mastered. Some lessons will be learnt quickly while others will take a while. The pattern is different for different dogs and varies from case to case.

* Use rewards and praise as often as required. Praise should immediately be forthcoming when a dog responds to any command. The pet will associate responding to commands with praise/rewards (treats) and will try and respond quicker to reap his rewards. Once a command/trick has been mastered then the treats can be withdrawn. You will find that obeying a command becomes second nature to your dog.

* Keep the lessons simple. To begin with, the lessons should be fairly easy and such that the dog can complete it within two-three actions. As his level of learning increases the lessons could be more complex. Just as our children go, at first to play school, then to kindergarten, and then to the first grade so also in the case of our pets.

* Respect the intelligence of your pet and allow him to think –use his mind. Give time to your pet to figure out what is asked of him. Do not try and help him complete the set task. If you do so, the pet will allow you to do the work for him. If you display patience, the dog will realize what you need him to do and he will obey you directions.

* Treat the dog as you would a colleague/ student. You must, talk to your dog explain what it is all about. Speaking to the dog while training will ensure that the dog keeps his attention focused on you. He will soon master the different tones used by you to give commands.

* Do not plan long sessions –their attention span is short. Therefore, short lessons are learnt better. It is recommended to have short 10-minute sessions repeated 2-3 times a day.

Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

If you are serious about your dog, and want the very best for her/him, then you owe it to your best friend to get a copy of this FREE Dog Training Mini-Course. You can still get it from here:
http://www.dogtrainingmastery.com/Free_Dog_Training/dog-obedience-training.htm

About The Author

Ray Coleiro is the author of the popular book "Dog Training Mastery - An Owner's Manual!" His main interest lies in promoting effective Canine Communication using solid Dog Psychology principles. To learn more about his proven Dog Training methods and life's work, you can visit http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Dog_Training/dog-training.htm

Note: The author grants permission to you to re-print, pulish or broadcast this article so long as it is un-altered or not edited in any way, and that all links remain present and active.

What Should You Know About Your Dog Before You Start Training?

2008-10-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

What Should You Know About Your Dog Before You Start Training?
by: Ray Coleiro

In order to train your dog perfectly, you need to know him well – his needs, behavior, as well as moods. If you comprehend clearly the “world” of the Dog you will be able to train him perfectly --draw on his strengths and work on his weaknesses.

As you know, dogs including have descended from animals that lived in packs and their everyday instincts are based on that social structure. You need to learn about these inborn behavioral trends so you can use this knowledge to train your dog.

· Dominance and Hierarchy

Most dogs respond well to leadership or in the absence of a good leader, they will try and be the leader. In packs it is the leader or Alpha who decides on the actions of the family/group. Such as who will eat first, where to go, what to do, and so on. So, in the “home” in our domesticated lives, the pack for your dog is you and your family. In order for life to be smooth you must assume the role of alpha.

So, if your dog is leading you on a merry dance, guess who the boss is? And, with your dog you need to establish your position and earn their respect if you want to successfully train them. Being alpha will enable you, to control your dog and instill good behavior. If you oscillate in your behavior or contantly change your position in your pack, ie sometimes the boss, while at other times your'e the slave, your dog will become very confused, and behave accordingly.

· Aggression:

This is a behavior that is deeply ingrained in the dog. In packs, animals establish territories and defend them with zeal.

This instinct is what makes your dog snappy and nippy. Any person, animal, or child that is seen as a threat is nipped. Always keep a watchful eye.

· Food Protection:

Many animals, will guard food. And when they feel any threat they will bark/bite. This is not to be encouraged. Food training is a must.

· Running away:

Many animals run away from danger. You may find that your dog also takes flight. Make him feel safe, protect him from the “demons,” help him overcome his fears. If you train your dog to be obedient you will not have to worry about “running away” he will happily, maintain a “sit” or “stay.”

· Socialization:

Since dogs live in packs in the wild they are never alone /lonely. Similarly, your dog cannot be left alone for long hours—he will become bored, unhappy, depressed, and chew things or trail toilet paper all over the house or bring the sheets down or tumble the wash --- anything that will draw your attention.

· Vocalization:

Animals in the wild communicate using different sounds. So barking is the way your dog communicates with you. Beware, some dogs are incessant barkers and could become a nuisance. You must teach “stop” or “no bark.”

So, if you understand “why” then you can do the needful.

Formulating a learning plan

Today there are tests that can be done that evaluate accurately the willingness of a dog to learn.

The test indicates:

* The dog’s ability to accept domination.
* The dog’s response to unfamiliar noise.
* The curiosity present.
* The dog’s fear level.
* The ability to fetch/retrieve.
* Stamina and motivation level.

The evaluation will help you in the learning plan that you formulate for your dog.

Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

If you are serious about your dog, and want the very best for her/him, then you owe it to your best friend to get a copy of this FREE Dog Training Mini-Course. You can still get it from here:
http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Free_Dog_Training/dog-obedience-training.htm

About The Author

Ray Coleiro is the author of the popular book "Dog Training Mastery - An Owner's Manual!" His main interest lies in promoting effective Canine Communication using solid Dog Psychology principles. To learn more about his proven Dog Training methods and life's work, you can visit http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Dog_Training/dog-training.htm

Note: The author grants permission to you to re-print, pulish or broadcast this article so long as it is un-altered or not edited in any way, and that all links remain present and active.

How To Become A Successful Dog Trainer?

2008-10-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

How To Become A Successful Dog Trainer?
by: Ray Coleiro

While reams have been written and expounded on training secrets and the psychology of the dog one often tends to forget that the “mason” is the one who lays the bricks and makes the building strong. In this case it is the “attitude” of the trainer. Have you wondered why some trainers have “a touch” while others just get by? Well it is because they are in complete synchrony with the dog.

* So, to be a good and successful trainer, you will need to develop your skills in a holistic/rounded manner — knowledge, patience, affinity for your dog, enthusiasm, a learning zeal, and more should all be coalesced in a productive way.
* To be a trainer who produces a “top” dog you must instinctively know what motivates your dog. What is it that can be tapped to make him a “team” player?
* Your dog may take to some learning like a duck to water and yet turn its back on certain things — here your skills come to the fore, you will need to make the “distasteful” attractive and enjoyable. You will need to gauge your dog’s mood and change the training approach appropriately.
* Another important and often forgotten aspect is that you must work at a pace that the dog is comfortable with – for each lesson you must revise until the little dog has learnt thoroughly. Vary the order of the commands so that the dog has to “pay attention” and think – he must not mechanically execute commands.

Each step must be taken with steadfastness.

* It is important, for you to remain calm and to motivate the dog at the right moment. Play your voice, whistles, and hand signals in a way that the dog will recognize what you are about to say. dogs are so attuned to their trainer/owner that they will, after a while pre-empt your commands. The little dog will read your mind clearly.
* Develop your extra sensory perceptions to recognize the dog’s moods—if the dog is willing to learn, then you must take the day’s learning all the way. If he seems distracted -- just play with him and execute a few simple lessons. If the dog is listless declare an impromptu holiday – spend the lesson time cuddling your pet, giving him a relaxing massage or take him for a drive.
* Never try and train if, you yourself are feeling low, irritable, or off color—it does not achieve anything. Take a day or few days off -- the world will not come to an end or stop.

Never train your dog when:

* You are unwell.
* You are angry, negative, or upset.
* You are low on patience or out of energy.
* When the mind is distracted or there is too much traffic in the training area.
* When you are not confident on how to execute a certain lesson – postpone until you have time to clarify with your trainer or school.

Like all first class trainers you too should adopt the four Cs –Calmness, Consistency, Communication, and Concentration. To raise a prince you need to be a seer.

We Must Learn Too

To be successful teachers we too must learn –often it is our ignorance that leads to disasters. We must, constantly update our knowledge and learn better and more innovative ways to communicate with our canine friends.

Some tried and tested methods are:

1. Leash handling: The ideal way is to begin with your arms hanging loosely down with the palms facing inwards. The loop of the leash should be placed over the right thumb with the loose end crossing the palm. The next step is to fold the leash like an accordion to a manageable length. The loose end should emerge from under the little finger. Then the leash must pass through the loop made by the thumb and index finger of the left hand and across the palm. Hold the leash loosely in your left hand; from here to your dog’s collar the leash should have enough length to form a “j” In popular parlance this is referred to as the “control-start” position. This permits better control of the dog. The right hand should always be stationary while the left hand makes all the necessary corrections.
2. Footwork: At all times footwork is your biggest aid in training. While executing turns if you do not place your feet properly you could trip the dog and cause a disturbance in the synchronization. Moving quickly also causes forging or lagging. Footwork should be consistent and the foot closest to your dog should lead. Pace is crucial don’t race or pick up-tempo sometimes and saunter at other times. It is beneficial to place your feet in a “T” position whilst turning
3. Timing and use of body language: It is essential to move together. If you say heel and start walking even before the word leaves your lips then you are making it difficult for your dog to follow your commands. You must pause for a second after giving the command –this gives enough time for the dog to respond accurately. In order to establish a certain pattern, it is advisable to incorporate delays of 1-5 seconds before responding. Since dogs are extremely receptive animals they can respond very quickly to body language. It is for them an inherited trait. The pet will recognize your smile as a welcoming gesture. Similarly, towering or leaning over is considered to be threatening. Just raising your hand is enough to convey –a threat/displeasure. So it is essential for you to master body language. Similarly, hand signals help the dog perform many tasks.

Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

If you are serious about your dog, and want the very best for her/him, then you owe it to your best friend to get a copy of this FREE Dog Training Mini-Course. You can still get it from here:
http://www.dogtrainingmastery.com/Free_Dog_Training/dog-obedience-training.htm

About The Author

Ray Coleiro is the author of the popular book "Dog Training Mastery - An Owner's Manual!" His main interest lies in promoting effective Canine Communication using solid Dog Psychology principles. To learn more about his proven Dog Training methods and life's work, you can visit http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Dog_Training/dog-training.htm

Note: The author grants permission to you to re-print, pulish or broadcast this article so long as it is un-altered or not edited in any way, and that all links remain present and active.

12 Golden Rules For Every Dog Owner

2008-10-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

12 Golden Rules For Every Dog Owner
by: Ray Coleiro

Discipline and good behavior are not just for your Dog they apply to you, the pet-parent too. Buying a dog is not all “cochie coo” business -- it signals the beginning of a lifetime of commitment and responsibility.

1. Love your dog unquestioningly. Treat him like a friend. Never hurt, punish, beat or abandon him. Seek professional help if you are ever pushed against the wall – there are feasible solutions to everything.

2. Ensure good nutrition.

3. Take an informed decision about spaying/neutering.

4. Give him good veterinary care. Half yearly check ups, vaccinations, dental check ups, and more.

5. Ensure that all his papers are in order – get him an ID and license.

6. Training is a key to a long and fulfilled life.

7. Groom him everyday or as many times as necessary. Grooming is one way of bonding with your dog.

8. Socialize your dog from day one – this will help him be comfortable around other people and animals as well as in public places.

9. Devote at least 30 minutes everyday to play with your dog.

10. Ensure that you are a lawful dog owner-- obey all leash, vaccination, and noise pollution laws.

11. Always clean up after your dog – it prevents infections.

12. Exercise your dog for at least 30 minutes each day.

These golden rules will help you grant the boon of a good life to your dog and believe me a dog that leads a well balanced life hardly ever develops any behavioral problems.

Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

If you are serious about your dog, and want the very best for her/him, then you owe it to your best friend to get a copy of this FREE Dog Training Mini-Course. You can still get it from here:
http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Free_Dog_Training/dog-obedience-training.htm

About The Author

Ray Coleiro is the author of the popular book "Dog Training Mastery - An Owner's Manual!" His main interest lies in promoting effective Canine Communication using solid Dog Psychology principles. To learn more about his proven Dog Training methods and life's work, you can visit http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Dog_Training/dog-training.htm

Note: The author grants permission to you to re-print, pulish or broadcast this article so long as it is un-altered or not edited in any way, and that all links remain present and active.

Revealed! Secret training methods for your Dog!

2008-10-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Revealed! Secret training methods for your Dog!
by: Ray Coleiro

Have you fallen under the spell of large limpid eyes and a saucy grin? Enchanted by the petite one with the grace of a

ballet dancer and terrier –like qualities? Or were you taken by cute and goofy like appearance and personality of the larger breed of dog?

Did you find the constant demand for attention alarming? Did the barking and/or nipping shock you? Were you astounded by the immense curiosity and thirst for mischief?

Well, welcome to the world of dog ownership --- underneath their façade, lies a will of steel.

Wondering how to temper /mould the steel?

Well, it requires patience, persistence, and determination.

One can, turn the vagabond into a well-behaved loving puppy --you just have to follow the “golden rules.”

Burn up the energy

As several studies have shown, all canines have a personality that is in actuality a reflection of their energy levels. They are known to have short bursts of energy followed by rest periods.

In order for you to keep and maintain a balance in your dog’s life you will have to ensure that 50% of the dog’s interaction is exercise. And mind you exercise does not mean pottering around the house. Your Dog needs at least 30 minutes of exercise everyday to burn off its excess energies and this does not include “play” time.

You the pet owner/parent need to ensure that 25% of the 50% is training exercises. This does not mean just obedience school or short spurts of training done 2-3 times a day but obedience that is a part of daily life.

Practice “nothing in life is for free” and you will reap rewards. Your dog must learn to obey and earn his praise, petting, treats and so on. Never ever give in to the limpid/sorry looks. I am sure you are aware what happens when you “spoil a child.”

The balance 25% of the interaction should be affection. I am sure, that is as long as your dog is being good to you, if not, ignore him and go about your daily duties. And, if you only “pay attention” when he is bad – such as if he is jumping, barking, running with toilet paper in his mouth etc, you are giving him negative attention – In other words you will be teaching your dog how he can get your attention - that is by behaving badly!

Do try and pay attention when he is good – praise him, pet him, hug him – tell him what a good dog he is.

What is the best training method for your Dog?

What is the most popular training method in use today? The answer would be “positive reinforcement.” The concept “Nothing in life is free” is a successful way to live happily with your dog.

To start the program, you need to make a list of activities your dog loves to do. And, teach him basic puppy commands like: sit, down, stay, shake, speak, roll over, and so on.

Now, before you reward your dog with any “loving” activity like playing, petting, rubbing, or going for a walk, your dog must execute one of the commands well – no shirking no avoiding.

The rule you must remember is simple “No work. No Play.”

Here is how:

You:

1. Put his leash in place to go for a walk.
2. Feed him.
3. Play with him when you return from work.
4. Rub his belly or scratch his head while watching TV.

In turn he must:

1. Sit patiently until you attach his leash.
2. Must lie down and stay until you put his food bowl down.
3. Must sit and shake hands each time you throw a ball/toy for him to fetch.
4. Must lie down and roll over before being petted.

Once you have given a command he must obey, otherwise you should not give him what he wants –walk away and ignore him. And begin once again after a few minutes. Show persistence and patience and you will find that he will toe the line.

The benefits are:

* Most dogs will acknowledge that you are the leader—the alpha. They will follow your lead. This helps establish control even over a dominant dog.
* Even with affectionate/manipulative dogs this works, as you indicate you are no push over for a few licks/nudges/or limpid eyes.
* Obeying commands helps build confidence in dogs and makes them feel very secure. This works because; dogs descend from pack animals that have a social structure and hierarchy. The hierarchy serves to maintain order, reduce conflict, and promote harmony as well as cooperation within a group. In order that the home environment remains a haven and a safe happy place for pets – it is important for you to assume the ‘alpha’ position. By you and your children practicing “Nothing in Life is for Free,” your dog learns that he, in hierarchy, ranks below you and the children.

Whether you are a first time dog owner or a seasoned veteran, your learning never stops as far as it comes to training your dog. Each and every dog presents different training challenges, and the more equipped you are to handle these training issues the more likely you are to prevent any permanent and long term future behavioral problems.

If you are serious about your dog, and want the very best for her/him, then you owe it to your best friend to get a copy of this FREE Dog Training Mini-Course. You can still get it from here:
http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Free_Dog_Training/dog-obedience-training.htm

About The Author

Ray Coleiro is the author of the popular book "Dog Training Mastery - An Owner's Manual!" His main interest lies in promoting effective Canine Communication using solid Dog Psychology principles. To learn more about his proven Dog Training methods and life's work, you can visit http://dogtrainingmastery.com/Dog_Training/dog-training.htm

Note: The author grants permission to you to re-print, pulish or broadcast this article so long as it is un-altered or not edited in any way, and that all links remain present and active.

The Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog

2008-09-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog
by: Niall Kennedy

Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make suure that the dog is happy and there isn't too much upheaval in your home?

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You'll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you'll get an outstanding companion. The staff at these organizations carefully check the animals for sound health and good temperament. In addition, some shelter animals have had the benefit of training to develop good manners while they waited for a new home.

Through no fault of their own, a lot of great dogs wind up in animal shelters hoping for a second chance at happiness. People relinquish their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes this is because the owner was unprepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a dog. Often, however, caring owners struggling with life-changes or trying to cope with family tragedy realize their pet would be better off with someone else. They bring them to the shelter because they know the animal will be well cared for and placed in an excellent home.

You can find just about any age, size and breed of dog at an animal shelter. So, if you have your mind set on a puppy, a shelter is a good place to look. However, if you would like a more mature dog that is likely already housebroken, you'll also find these kinds of canines at the humane society or animal center.

Upon arrival, shelter staff carefully evaluate each animal for physical and behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption counselors who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle.

This is nothing to worry about - the counselor just wants to make sure that so they can make the perfect match for dog and owner.

This is an opportunity for you to find out about the dogs at the shelter too. There are a number of questions you should ask the counselor.

* Why is the dog available?
* Does the dog have any behavior problems?
* How is the dog with other animals and children?
* Does the dog have any health problems?
* Is the dog spayed or neutered already?

You will find it easy to pick your new dog with this expert advice. In fact your only problem may be not taking all the dogs home with you!

Bringing your newly adopted dog home is exciting for you, but may be a little overwhelming for her. Keep her on a leash as you take her from room to room, giving her plenty of opportunity to sniff. You may want the first stop on your tour to be the backyard or wherever you want her to relieve herself. The excitement of a car ride and coming to a new place can give her the need to empty her bowels or bladder.

Dogs are creatures of habit, so the sooner you establish a firm routine, the more comfortable your new dog will become. Always feed her in the same spot and at about the same time each morning. You'll find she grows to anticipate "what comes next." For example, if you always feed her after you bring in the newspaper, you'll notice she becomes very excited when you open the door to step outside. Dogs catch on quickly.

Remember, though, the reason why many dogs are in animal shelters in the first place. If you don't have the commitment to look after the dog properly, think again.

About The Author

Niall Kennedy

Best Pet Health Information http://www.best-pet-health.info is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keep your newly adopted dog happy and healthy. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

Your ‘Purrrfect’ Companion

2008-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Your ‘Purrrfect’ Companion
by: Mary Majorda

Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most expressive about its needs. The feline loves to be pampered and cared for. Don’t you just love the pretty pussy pictures they make? They can also become ‘sulkily aggressive’ at times. Understanding their feelings and needs is not at all difficult.

Just like your body language, behavior, and words give away your intentions and feelings, similarly, your pets also communicate through their bodies, and noises they make. As a pet owner, it is important for you to understand the signs, scents, and body language of your pet. Other than those, the visual information is also very important for understanding what your pet wants to communicate.

No longer “The Mystery Cat”

The cat language can be understood by your cat’s postures. Cats can be lazy and furtive at the same time. Its arched back depicts the no-nonsense attitude where you need to be careful! There are various other postures like its lying on its side, and lying down with tucked paws. The former is the relaxed state, and you need to careful about the latter. It makes evident that your little pet is definitely up to some nuisance.

When a cat feels sleepy, like most human beings and animals, it adopts the fetal position.

Purrs, Sounds, and Noises

Your cat’s purr in various pitches can foretell the things in store for you. For cats, you—the owner is like family. They look up to you as bigger cats. Outsiders are like prospective predators and they are considered threatening. So, if your cat comes across a new face, please make sure they are at a safe distance from each other.

If you make a loud noise, your little companion might hide away somewhere out of fear. They love to spend quieter moments. They show their affection by purring politely at you. The cats love to hear female voices, as they are more attractive. Half-mews, “Prrrh” and trills friendly greetings when you are also welcomed with a little ‘fluffy’ rub.

Your cat needs attention or food when its mews are shorter vowel sounds. The sounds without vowels can either be questions or greetings. At that instant you need to look at its facial expressions to gauge what is in your love’s mind. Sounds like ‘Mrrrheor’ or ‘Ree-orh’ are made to seek your attention.

Sweet Emotions

Your pet recognizes your touch and loves it. Patting your cat’s head for a sweet ‘hello’ can make him/her feel on top of the world. This strengthens your bond with your furry friend and enhances trust. Touching noses increases the level of intimacy and love at both ends.

The ‘Cat’ and Tail of it…

A cat’s tail is the best way to gauge its emotions. A low tail indicates that the cat is not too sure of its environment and is ready for any happening, whereas, an upright tail suggests its confidence and alertness. A lashing tail expresses pending aggression.

Your cat can become dangerous when its hair fluffs out. This is where it means, “Do not mess with me”. You’ll be able to make out if your pet has been engrossed in some violent sessions with its other ‘friends’ when its hair is all out of place and makes noises like it is crying.

Your cat’s flattened ears show fear or threat. When its ears are facing forward, it shows that it is paying attention.

But, other than these indicators, you need to read your ‘purrfect’ companion’s face and eyes to understand its emotions and what it is thinking.

About The Author

Mary Majorda of California has lived along with kittens since as long as she can remember. She got her 1st kitten at the age of 2 as a birthday gift from her dad and since then she hasn’t parted from cats and kittens. Besides having a family of a husband, 2 kids and 4 kittens, her love for them has pursued her to become a vet. Get Kitten Pictures from www.cutelittlekittens.com.

Majorda_123@yahoo.com

Horse Training 101

2008-09-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

This post seems not relate to dog but to know how to train the horse and use it to apply with your dog may be helpful :)

Horse Training 101
by: Ray La Foy

Each horse is different in how it learns and how it reacts to outside stimuli. Certain methods of horse training may apply to some horses, but it does not mean that it will be effective to all breeds of horse.

To start horse training you must develop a communication system with the horse. This might take time. In the same way as children may not fully grasp the idea of things at an instant, baby horses in training may not get every pressure, pat or way of holding the reins at once.

When you apply a certain pressure, you expect a certain response. During horse training, you must make the horse understand that a certain pressure should elicit a corresponding response. We don’t expect full compliance in the beginning, but as time goes by, these actions will be part of the horse’s vocabulary.

Throughout the course of the horse training, one by one these actions will be added to his vocabulary. But these actions should still be broken down into minute details that the horse can take in one at a time. Learn how to pace with each individual horse. Training is something that should be done slowly and surely.

You must also learn how to “speak” to your horse in a way that it will be able to comprehend. This manner of speaking would mean fewer words and more body language.

Horses are herd animals. They learn well by imitating the leaders of the herd. You should be that “leader” your horse will follow. Patience is a key in training your horses.

You must also take into consideration that no one, animal or human, learns well when under stress. You should not force lessons into your horse during horse training. They don’t appreciate the yelling and whipping, especially if they do not know what all the harshness is for. Unlike humans who can speak their minds, horses resort to more physical responses. And you certainly wouldn’t want your horse to whirl, kick, strike and do out of hand movements.

You must create an environment wherein the horse can learn on its own, aside from the horse training that you give it. It is also important to see the difference between having been able to teach the horse something and it just accepting it. If a horse is relaxed when you do something, this does not necessarily mean that it is trained. This might just mean to it as another thing a human being normally does. Resistance at first is needed in order to see that the horse recognizes that something new is being taught to him.

The horse’s daily training routine should not be based on a set of particular things you want to teach to the horse. It should be based on how your horse reacts to your actions. Don’t teach something new to it without reviewing what it already knows.

Most importantly - don’t force your horse to go on horse training if it doesn’t feel well. A good routine does not only maintain the horse’s attention level, but also its comfort level.

About The Author

Ray La Foy
Horses and Ponies. Learn more at http://www.horseandponys.com
win@bizbin.biz

Dealing with a Dog Food Allergy?

2008-09-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Dealing with a Dog Food Allergy?
by: Blake Kritzberg

Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze or rash, your dog's allergies can manifest as itchiness -- or even ear infections. In fact, if your dog's allergic to his food, it can cause him to scratch himself constantly, even with no obvious parasite problem.

Dog allergies rarely get solved with medicine, so the best we can do for our four-footed friends is focus on prevention. Providing the right type of food is essential to stopping your dog's scratching habit.

Many people like to share their food with their dogs or let them help "clean up" the kitchen after a meal. Little do they know, their dogs just may not be able to take the tasty food we love so much, and some breeds (like the greyhound) are extremely sensitive. Even common foods like cheese, beef sausage and tuna may cause allergic reactions in some dogs. So it's best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not human food, even though they clearly adore and want what we're eating!

Narrowing Down the Problem

To determine the exact ingredients your dog is allergic to, try an elimination diet. Although powerful, it also requires patience. In fact, the elimination diet can call for eliminating specific food for up to 12 weeks before you'll notice the effects. And if you still haven't found the right (and wrong) ingredients, you'll have to repeat the process all over again.

So is there an alternative to the lengthy elimination diet? Yes -- give your dog a brand or type of food he's never eaten before. But simply changing to a new brand of dog food might not be enough to eliminate his food allergies, since many brands contain similar ingredients. Instead, study the existing ingredients your dog is eating to determine which types of protein source he hasn't been exposed to. Then, hunt for a dog food that doesn't contain any of the ingredients you saw listed. For example, there are many brands of dog food that contains unusual protein sources such as rabbit or venison -- great for testing allergic reactions to other, more common proteins.

Perhaps the best way for you to get control of dog's allergies is to whip up your own dog food. That way, you'll know exactly what he's getting and what he isn't -- something that's extremely hard to tell from reading the back of a dog food bag. Making your own food is especially helpful in elimination diets. To start, combine a portion of rice with baby food and lamb -- so long as your dog isn't already eating lamb and possibly displaying a reaction to it.

Dog food allergies are a special condition that can be frustrating and take patience to solve. Since allergic reactions don't disappear overnight, you'll need lots of time and thoughtfulness to help your dog overcome this problem -- but his goofy smile and those scratch-free days ahead will probably make it all worth it.

About The Author

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free toy dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog.

http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Defend Your Dog and Stop that Hurting Paw!

2008-09-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Defend Your Dog and Stop that Hurting Paw!
by: Blake Kritzberg

Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet. We insist on it! But dogs usually don't have that luxury, and routinely walk over ice, rock, grass, cement and soil on their bare paws. Their paws' thick pads give them protection we don't have, and that's why they're less susceptible to cuts and grazes. But this doesn't mean a dog's paws are indestructible. In fact, the areas between the pads are very sensitive and can suffer from cuts, burns, and other ailments.

One of the clues to a paw problem is when your dog comes back limping or favoring only one of its legs. The only way for you to narrow down the issue is to check his paw for any visible and physical signs of bleeding, swelling, redness or blisters.

Some dogs are very protective of their paws and don't like people touching them -- and they'll let you know! Keep persisting. One of my dogs, who just hates having her paws touched, will usually relax when I gently reassure her that I'm only trying to help. Although dogs don't understand many of our words, they do just fine at detecting our emotions, and sometimes intentions, from our actions and tone of voice.

If your dog has a cut, wash the wound with an antiseptic solution and apply a layer of antiseptic cream. Check the wound again the next day to see if it's getting better. If it looks infected, you should bring your dog to the vet. I was once shocked to discover maggots wiggling inside a paw wound on my dog -- ugh. Needless to say, we went to the vet immediately (she was fine after treatment).

In certain breeds, hair mats may grow between the pads, which can cause irritation. In these breeds, it's essential to trim regularly between the mats to keep the paws in good shape. Even in other breeds, dogs that run outdoors can get mud trapped between the pads. Again, this will irritate the paw, so it's best that you clean up with soap and water when you see mud between the toes.

Just as we humans get dry and cracked heels, dogs also experience dry and calloused paw pads. The solution for them is similar to ours -- apply moisturizers. In fact, you can even use your hand moisturizer on your dog! But there's a challenge involved: stopping your dog from licking it away after you apply it. A good trick is to apply the moisturizer right before your dog has his meal. This way, you can allow a little time for the moisturizer to settle in. Otherwise, you can play with your pooch to keep him occupied and restrain him if he starts licking his paws.

Finally, you probably have seen dogs in dog boots and wondered if these boots would effectively protect your dog's feet. But your dog may be better off without them, as they can easily walk out of these boots -- active, athletic dogs in particular. In the end, your dog will enjoy himself more walking on his own paws, with some occasional care and maintenance from you.

About The Author

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free toy dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog.

http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Gifts For Dog Lovers

2008-09-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

Gifts For Dog Lovers
by: Robert Davis

Our passion for dogs can sometimes go to the extreme. We treat our pet like it was our own baby, not to mention the love we feel for newly born puppies. Is this just a case of "man's best friend"? Or is it something greater?

We'll let you be the judge of that.

Dogs are just so cute that some dog owners go to the extent of calling their pets "sweetie". Others call their dogs their "kids," or "babies."

Dog lovers are limitless in the terms of affection they can come up with for their pets. It is even common to see pets that look like their owners, and vice versa. This is probably just another sign of our love for them.

Dogs give unconditional love to their owners. This is a characteristic of all dog breeds. A lot of dog lovers return this love in the form of dog gifts. And the selection of dog gifts appear in all shapes, varieties, and sizes.

There is a wide selections of dog gifts. There are dog baskets, dog books, dog collars, dog crates, dog clothes, food, dog accessories, medicines, vitamin supplements, just to name a few.

Dog gifts can be any dog related item, from dog toys to dog supplies and to a program in dog training. Whatever the giver can imagine.

A common misconception among gift givers is that dog gifts are gifts for pet lovers or the owners themselves. In most instances, they are not. They are for the dog. But in a way, they benefit the dog owner by saving him or her from the expenses he/she would have incurred buying the items.

Dog books are great gifts, generally given to new pet owners. Normally, they contain details pertaining to dog breeds, guidelines in taking care of dogs, nutritional details on the specific breed, methods of dog grooming, tips, and everything in between.

Dog toys may be given as gifts as well. Like children, dogs are fond of playing. In fact, quite a number of breeds are recognized for their playfulness -- some are born ball chasers.

Obviously, in giving toys as dog gifts, you must be careful not to get a toy that could potentially harm the pet. It is wise that you choose those toys that are primarily made of vinyl or latex materials.

Also, avoid those that can be torn in smaller pieces, as they may stick in the dog's throat. One toy you can get is cheap tube of balls, but they must be large enough that they won't fit into the animal's mouth. Or it can be an old sack, or better yet, the sneakers that he likes to chew.

As these examples show, you need not always buy a gift made specifically for dogs. But if you choose to, there are many dog websites that can provide you with a good selection of products. Furthermore, you can also buy from a local pet shop.

Moreover, if you cannot choose a dog gift yourself you have the option of giving the dog owner a gift certificate. This is an ideal way of giving a gift, because in this way you are giving the owner the chance to decide on the gift he thinks would be best for his pet.

About The Author
Robert Davis writes for several web sites, such as http://dicez.com and http://rosuf.com.

Four Common Skin Problems in Dogs

2008-09-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Four Common Skin Problems in Dogs
by: Blake Kritzberg

Dogs are susceptible to various skin problems -- which can be frustrating for owners who want to see Fido comfortable and happy. Does your dog have a skin problem, and if so, how do you fix it?

That depends on the symptoms you see. Of course, the most common sign of a possible skin problem in your dog is constant, excessive itching. Other symptoms include fur loss, either localized in a certain location or spread across the dog’s entire body. More severe cases may involve redness in the skin, changes in skin pigmentation or even open sores that your dog constantly licks.

No particular symptom necessarily proves your four-footed friend has a certain type of skin disorder, and you’ll need to investigate other areas before you draw conclusions. While it’s common and helpful for veterinarians to diagnose skin problems, it’s also essential for dog owners like you to familiarize yourself with typical canine skin problems, so you can react quickly and keep his discomfort to a minimum.

Fleas, Lice and Ticks

One of the most common problems in dogs is the presence of fleas, lice and ticks, which are parasites that live on the surface of the skin and feed on the dog’s blood. These parasites’ saliva causes skin irritation and results in intense scratching.

Lice and ticks can be detected visually when you check your dog’s fur, while fleas are hard to spot with the naked eye. However, fleas cause red pimple marks on the skin and also can be spotted through the black, gritty trail of “dirt” they leave on a dog’s belly.

While you can remove ticks and lice with tweezers -- applying alcohol to relax the tick’s grip before doing so -- you can also adopt more general methods. For instance, you can give your dog a dip with special tick shampoo to eliminate ticks. Flea sprays or flea powder can also be applied to the dog to kill parasites. But all these require persistence and it may be a while before you see results.

One of the best methods to keep your dog comfortable is to prevent ticks from living off your dog in the first place through the use of a spot-on product, such as FrontLine or BioSpot. To apply these chemicals, you drip a small amount onto the back of your dog’s neck once a month. The chemical spreads throughout the dog’s skin and kills parasites -- including the eggs and larvae. When regularly treated, your dog becomes an unattractive host.

Mange

Mange is a skin problem caused by mites that burrow underneath the dog’s skin, causing intense and even agonizing itching. Bald spots or inflamed red skin are common symptoms of mange. Two types of mange exist in dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, depending on the kind of mite involved.

Most dogs carry the mites involved in demodectic mange or demodex. However, these mites usually do not cause itching except when they suddenly multiply into huge numbers. This may happen in young puppies, or in dogs with decreased natural body defenses, sometimes from stress.

On the other hand, Sacroptic mange or scabies causes intense itching in the dog as the mites burrow under the skin and even lay their eggs there. This causes large red spots on the dog’s skin, and sometimes fur loss on the ears and elbows. Scabies can infect humans as well and cause itchiness, although infection in humans usually disappears by itself after a while. However, it is still important for people to seek treatment if they get infected.

Treatment for mange requires patience and time, as eliminating them or lowering the mite population takes a while to take effect. The best way to kill the mites is to soak your dog in a lime and sulfur medicated dip for 10 to 15 minutes a few times in a week. The dip should not be washed off, but left to dry on your dog’s skin and fur. During this time, it’s best to watch your dog closely and prevent him from licking himself dry. As a further precaution, you can feed him a raw egg to line his stomach before dipping him in the solution. This way, even if he does lick himself, the solution won’t be absorbed on an empty stomach.

When fighting mange, it’s also important to support your dog with the highest quality diet you can find, to improve his immune system. Healing from mange will take a lot of his internal resources. You might consider looking into the raw diet for dogs and avoiding any corn or rice-based products for the time being.

About The Author

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free toy dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog.

http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Crate Training Ebooks - The Key to your Training Success

2008-09-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Crate Training Ebooks - The Key to your Training Success
by: Dean Iggo

There are many ways to get information on how to crate train your dog. Though there are many books, pamphlets, and articles in magazines out there with such information, the most practical may be crate training ebooks. Crate training ebooks are cheap, easy to find, and usually contain great information on how to get your dog used to his crate. So how do you find a reliable ebook for crate training? Here are a few tips that can help you out.

Find Reliable Sources

The internet is full of ebooks. As with any other type of media, some of them are good and some are not so good. The best way to find the right crate training ebooks to use with your canine training is to look in reliable places. For instance, you may find them on training sites for specific breeds. Look for crate training ebooks associated with Doberman breeders, golden retriever breeders, or even well respected animal shelters. Additionally, check out any reputable dog training website with how to information on their site.

You Get What You Pay For

Though nobody likes to spend money, you have to remember that free information is probably worth what you are paying. Good crate training ebooks probably shouldn’t cost you more than a few dollars, but by paying a fee you are paying for expertise. Remember that if you are looking at a reliable source and reputable author, the ebook will be worth the few dollars you spend.

Research the Author

Though you will have already checked out the source of the article download, check out the author of any crate training ebooks you are considering. With just a few minutes of research, you should be able to get some information on what makes this person qualified to write an ebook that you are going to pay good money for. The few minutes you spend will be worth it to ensure that you find the ebook that is right for you.

Crate training ebooks can be a fantastic way to get more information about using a crate with your dog. To get one that is right, you just need to do a little research, lean on reliable sites, and keep in mind that you will likely get what you pay for. Do those things and you will be well on your way to a happy home life with your canine companion and his crate home.

About The Author
Dean Iggo is the webmaster of http://www.dogtrainingadvisor.com providing tips and advice for dog training at home, including obedience, potty training and more.

Does Your Boston Terrier Want To Be With You?

2008-09-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Does Your Boston Terrier Want To Be With You?
by: Abhik Sarkar

This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were turned, and the Boston Terrier could choose his owner, would he have chosen you?

We are always trying to figure out the right breed for us, and usually a dog is chosen on the "he's so cute and adorable" factor.

But if in an upside down world, the dog was the one skipping around the neighborhood looking for the right owner, would you be chosen?

Interesting thought isn't it?

So, let me tell you the three things that your Boston Terrier is looking for in you. If you match all of these then you can pat yourself on the back for being a perfectly suitable owner.

Firstly, are you someone who has time to spend with your Boston?

If it were upto him your Boston Terrier would go EVERYWHERE with you! They thrive on human company, much more so than most breeds. This doesn't mean that they cannot be left alone; but they are much happier when you are around.Knowing how much they love being with you is what drew me to them from the start.

If you find yourself not being home for most of the day, then you would not be an ideal owner for a Boston Terrier.

Secondly, how do you rate on what I call the "affection and passion factor"?

Let me illustrate this point with a quick question.

You will often find that although you have many things you are interested in, are you passionate about all of them?

Of course not. We all have varying degrees of things we are passionate about.

If what you want is just a dog around the house, but not one you are willing to invest your time and affection in the relationship, I'm afraid a Boston Terrier would not choose you.

Your Boston Terrier wants to be an active part of your home and family, and not just a pet you keep in the back yard or confine in a room for him to circle around endlessly.

Your Boston has unlimited affection for you, and he wants to be with you to accept this boundless affection.

And finally, do you like being the envy of other dog owners?

With the right methods and time invested, your Boston Terrier has the potential to make all your neighbors green with envy!

Being a very intelligent breed you can not only train him to listen to your every command; but you could teach him tricks which will make peoples jaw drop in amazement.

Imagine being the talk of your neighborhood when they are struggling with their dogs' behavior, while your Boston Terrier displays behavior that makes you proud.

And the best part is you can take all the credit for it :)

Your Boston Terrier wants you to take advantage of his inherent gift to reward you with good behavior and tricks because of their superior learning ability.

So, do you meet the three factors and desires listed above as an owner? If you can say "yes", then you know you ARE a great owner that your Boston Terrier loves to be with.

But it goes without saying, that, for you to get the best out of your Boston Terrier, you need to use the right methods.

So I leave you with a question - are you using ways to train and raise your Boston Terrier with methods he responds to?

About The Author

Abhik Sarkar has helped over 3000 owners to raise and train their Boston Terrier with easy to use methods. To recieve your free 8 part mini course visit: http://www.boston-terrier-secrets.com/optin.htm

Why Crate Train My Dog

2008-05-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

This time you will know how important of your crate is.

Why Crate Train My Dog
by: Jenny Saylor

Why Crate Train My Dog?

A few years ago, before I decided to stay home with my kids, I worked as a veterinarian technician in an animal hospital. While at that job I saw so many clients who would bring in their dog and be upset because they had eaten something in the house, other than food, and were now sick. One client brought in her chocolate lab that had gotten into her sewing box and eaten a pincushion, pins and all!!! Off to surgery the dog went and the owner was out about $1,500. Case number two was a giant poodle that, while the owner was away, got into her closet and ate a pair of panty hose. Unfortunately this dog did not make it through surgery. The pantyhose got wrapped around its intestines and the doctor was not able to save the dog.

The above stories are a couple of really good reasons why you should crate train your puppy or dog, especially if you have a dog who likes to chew or eat things they should not be eating.

By putting your puppy or dog in a crate you are giving them a sense of security and a place they can call their own. Dogs actually like having a “den” to cuddle up in. By putting the dog in a crate while you are gone it will also give you peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe place, away from harm, and not doing any damage to your belongings or themselves.

Crate training will also help with potty training. Make sure you put your pet on a regular schedule for potty breaks and use the crate when you are gone or need your pet to rest. Dogs will typically not “go” in their home. They like to keep it clean and will hold it until you can take them outside to eliminate. Remember to always praise your pet when he eliminates in the area you want him to outside.

Puppies have very small bladders so they cannot physically hold it for very long. I would suggest that you take the puppy out every two hours. As puppies get older, naturally they will gain the bladder control and be able to hold it longer. Eventually this time should increase to 8 hours or more.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a crate is to make sure that you buy a crate big enough to accommodate the full growth of your pet. When your pet is a puppy and you are crate training, make sure that the crate has a divider panel. You can adjust the placement of the divider panel so that the puppy does not have full use of the crate thus creating the “den” feeling that will make your dog feel comfortable and cozy. In this situation the dog will not want to go in its den and will keep the area clean. If you give the puppy the full area of the crate it may be too large and the dog will make one area of the crate his potty area and the other area as his sleeping area. Adjust the divider panel so that the dog has enough area to get up and stretch but not enough room to eliminate.

Crate training your puppy or dog is just a smart thing to do for you and your pet. It will give you the sense of security and peace knowing that your pet is not getting in harms way while you are away.

Jenny Saylor
http://CratesPlus.com

About The Author
Jenny Saylor is the owner of http://CratesPlus.com, specializing in quality dog crates, pet carriers, accessories, and more.

Five Puppy Training Tips

2007-12-22T02:20:00.000-08:00

Five Puppy Training Tips
by: Todd M

Here are five easy to use training tips for your new puppy.

1.) Chewing Problems - The most effective solution to a puppy chewing on something he shouldn't is to not discipline him, but to simply replace the object that he is chewing with a chew toy and then to raise him greatly for chewing on his chew toy. Positive encouragement is what a puppy will respond to the most.

2.) House Training - The easiest way to house train your puppy is to always take him out immediately after his meal. Wait for him to go. Once he goes, praise him greatly. He'll soon get the idea that going outside is the correct thing to do.

3.) Playtime - When you are thinking about getting a puppy, make sure you have the appropriate time to give to your dog. Estimated necessary time is about 10-30 minutes for eating (3 times a day), 10-30 minutes for a walk (3 times a day) and about an hour of playtime with your dog. Most people don't realize the amount of time that a healthy puppy will require.

4.) Dog Crates - Dog Crates can have a positive impact on both the dog and the owner. It'll give the dog a safe and secure area that is very close the "den" like atmosphere that dogs had in the wild. Once a dog is comfortable with a crate, it'll allow the owner to safely transport the dog and help to house train a puppy (they won't want to do business in their den).

5.) Hide The Chocolate - When getting ready for halloween, make sure you keep the candy out of reach of the dog, especially chocolate. Chocolate is very dangerous to a dog. It can make the dog very very sick. If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate, you should your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

For more dog training tips like these, head over to our web site: http://Weekly-Tips.com/Dog-Training/ and sign-up for our weekly email.

About The Author

Todd M runs the Dog Training Tips web site at http://weekly-tips.com/dog-training/ where you can sign up to have weekly dog training tips like these delivered weekly to your in-box.

Here’s a Way To Make Your Dog Love Its Dog Crate!

2007-12-21T02:19:00.000-08:00

Today, Mike will tell us how to make you dog love his crates!

Here’s a Way To Make Your Dog Love Its Dog Crate!
by: Mike Yeager

A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through his puppy days and for his whole life. Your dog’s ancestor, the wolf, had a den to call home, a place of safety. The dog crate takes the place of the den, which is deeply embedded into your dog’s instincts. The crate should be kept in a room where the dog can go for a retreat to rest.

A dog crate can make an enormous difference in house-training your new puppy. He will not want to do his ‘business’ in the close quarters of the crate. If you take him immediately from the crate to the backyard, where he can conveniently do it there, he will get the idea quickly. Using his dog crate will make dog training easier on you and your puppy.

Dog crates come in many different styles and sizes; everything from a standard dog crate to designer dog creates. It’s best to get a crate for training your dog that’s only just big enough for your dog to lie down in, because that gives him more of a sense of security. Some dog crates come with adjustable panels, so that you can gradually increase the size of the dog crate as your puppy grows.

A plastic dog kennel with metal barred doors are acceptable with airlines, if there’s a chance that you will be traveling and would take your dog with you. For dogs with heavy fur, a wire dog kennel may be more comfortable because of the better air circulation, and a blanket could be placed over it in colder weather.

Following these simple suggestions will ensure that the dog crate you choose for your pet will provide comfort and security for years to come.

About The Author

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-pets-4u.com/

Using A Dog Crate

2007-12-20T02:18:00.000-08:00

After we choose the right one, let's see how to using it.

Using A Dog Crate
by: Barbara Anderson

A dog crate gives your dog a special place of its own within your home.

One of the many dog crates on the market could be the best friend you and your pet will ever have. While it may seem like a sort of "cage" to you and I, your animal will regard it as his own personal, indoor, dog house -- a security blanket of sorts, where he can go to sleep or escape. Travel models have the added advantage of providing the comfort of home for your animal while in different or strange surroundings.

Crates come in many different shapes, styles, and sizes. A general rule of thumb about dog crates is that they should only be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down easily in. Ideally, it should be just large enough for the animal to sleep on its side, with its legs stretched out. When buying a travel model, measure your vehicle first to make sure it will fit, or you could be in for a nasty surprise!

So how much do dog crates cost?

You can expect to pay in the range of $50-$125 for a quality model for medium to large-sized animals. While this might seem a bit steep, keep in mind that it will most likely last your pet's entire life, and even beyond. Properly used, they can provide true happiness for both owner and pet, and the initial cost will soon be forgotten.

This can be a difficult purchase for those with growing puppies. If it's within your budget, you might want to check out the crates that include dividers, so your new crate can grow along with your puppy as time goes on.

For the largest selection, and often the best price, your best bet may be some of the bigger pet retailers on the internet. You'll find various materials, styles, and prices. Some are sturdier. Some are more convenient than others. No matter which way you go, dog crates can go a long way to providing a "home within a home" for your pet.

About The Author
Barbara Anderson writes articles for several Internet magazines, including http://tameg.com and http://duzat.com.

Selecting Dog Crates Isn't Difficult When You Ask The Right Questions

2007-12-19T02:17:00.000-08:00

Selecting Dog Crates Isn't Difficult When You Ask The Right Questions
by: Teresa James

Differences Between Pet Containment Systems

If this is the first time you’re shopping for dog crates you may find it a little complicated. You may have noticed already that the use of the word kennel can be somewhat confusing. So before making a final selection it's a good idea to learn about the differences between some pet containment systems. Equipped with this information you'll be ready to choose the best crate for your dog.

How Can I Tell The Difference Between Dog Crates, Dog Kennels & Pet Carriers If They're All Called Kennels?

A “kennel” is a very general term meaning a place where dogs are bred or kept. By its very definition it can be used to describe a broad range of pet containment products such as pet carriers, dog crates, pet exercise pens and outdoor pet kennels.

For example, a wire kennel and a hard plastic kennel sound very similar because both are called kennels. In some ways they are very different. Depending on how you plan to use it there are certain features that you'll need it to have. This is why it’s very important to focus on the features that you need. Only after carefully reviewing the features of a specific model can you be certain that it will adequately fulfill all your needs.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

A wire dog crate or kennel is designed to safely contain your pet. But, it’s not designed to be picked up and moved around with your pet inside it. Although available in soft-side models, soft crates are usually not referred to as kennels.

A hard plastic carrier or kennel is designed so that your dog can safely travel inside the carrier. Pet carriers also come in soft-side models. Soft pet carriers are not usually referred to as kennels.

Some hard plastic pet carriers make ideal dog crates, but a dog crate is usually not a good substitute for a hard pet carrier.

What Are Some Of The Basic Features of Dog Crates & Pet Carriers

Wire Dog Crates / Kennels

* Used for crate training, housing breaking and as an everyday crate
* Many models are available with divider panels for growing puppies
* Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle
* Available in collapsible or folding models
* Not approved for airline travel
* Offers the most visibility and ventilation - well suited for heavy-coated dogs

Soft Dog Crates & Tents

* Soft crates & tents are light weight, portable, easy to set up & take down
* Can be used as an everyday crate
* Not approved for airline travel
* Pet must be well crate trained
* Not for diggers, chewers, aggressive dogs or dogs that experience anxiety while crated

Hard Plastic Pet Carriers / Kennels

* Hard plastic pet carriers are used to carry and transport pets
* Some models can be used as an everyday crate
* Many are approved for airline travel
* Not recommended for growing puppies since they don’t come with divider panels
* Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle
* Available in collapsible models

Soft Pet Carrier Bags (for pets under 25lbs)

* Soft pet carriers are designed to safely transport a small dog
* Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle
* A soft pet carrier should not be used as a dog crate
* Many are approved for airline travel and some can be taken in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.

What Questions Should I Consider Before Selecting A Dog Crate?

Before you shop for a dog crate, take some time to consider how you’re going to use it. This will help you get the most out of your investment. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle, your dog’s behavioral patterns and what type of activities you plan to do with your pet. We’ve provided the questions below to get you thinking about the many different ways that pet crates can be used.

Is this crate for home use only? If you’re not planning on traveling with your dog a basic wire crate is a good choice for an everyday crate. If you're going to keep it in one place you probably don't need a collapsible model.

Are you buying a crate for a puppy? If you have a growing puppy select a crate that your puppy will grow into. Make sure it comes with a divider panel, which will allow you to adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows.

Do you take your dog in your car? It’s highly recommended that you crate your dog while traveling by car. You may be able to purchase a crate that you can use at home as well as in your car. Or if you take your dog in the car frequently purchasing a separate crate for your car may be best. Either way you may want to consider a folding crate, which is much easier to move around once it is folded up. Even if your dog is not crate trained use still may want to consider crating your pet while in a vehicle.

If there’s any chance that your dog can accidentally get out of your car in a strange and dangerous place that’s a good enough reason to invest in a crate. Crating your pet while you’re driving will also prevent any mishaps that could result from your dog being left loose in your vehicle.

Are you planning on taking your dog on an airplane? You will need a hard plastic airline-approved pet carrier. For small dogs you might be able to use an airline-approved soft pet carrier bag. Wire dog crates are not approved for airline travel. If you travel frequently by plane you may want to look for a hard plastic dog carrier that you can also use as an everyday dog crate.

Do you need a crate that is portable and collapsible? If you plan on moving your dog crate around a collapsible model is a good option. A collapsible model should come with convenient carrying handles. There are also some collapsible hard plastic carriers that can also serve as everyday dog crates.

Do you take your dog hiking or camping? You will certainly want to consider a collapsible soft crate or tent. They are designed to be portable, lightweight and very easy to set up and take down.

A warning about soft crates, tents and pet carriers: – If your dog is aggressive, chews, digs or experiences anxiety when crated these are not for you.

As you can see, choosing the right dog carrier depends on your dog’s size and temperament, the intended location and use, and the function and features that you expect the carrier to fulfill. Choose the dog carrier, kennel, or dog crate that best suits your needs and how you see the crate functioning. You’ll want to pick the one that offers the most convenience for the uses that you have in mind.

Related Articles:

Responsible crate training resources plus four great reasons to crate train your dog.

http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/crate-training.html

How to measure for a dog crate and select the proper size crate for use at home, for traveling or for crate training your puppy.

http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-crate.html

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Selecting A Dog Crate

2007-12-18T02:15:00.000-08:00

First of all, we need to know about how to select a good one. Let's Kevin introduce us what to do!

Selecting A Dog Crate
by: Kevin Gawricki

Selecting A Dog Crate

First decide which crate will suit your needs.

Wire- designed to safely confine your dog. These crates are not designed to be picked up and moved around with your pet inside.

Hard Plastic- These are designed for your pet to be carried safely inside.

Consider these basic features before purchasing a crate or carrier.

Wire Dog Crates

Offers great visibility and ventilation.
Available in folding models and many offer divider panels.
Mainly used for house breaking, crate training, a everyday crate.

Hard Plastic

Used to transport pets.
Many are approved for airline travel.
Will help to contain your pet while a vehicle.

Soft Crates

Main advantages are they are light weight, easy to transport, and easy to set up.
They can be used as a everyday crate.
These crates are not recommended for chewers or diggers.

Soft Pet Carriers

Primarily used for transport of small dogs.
Work well in the car.
Many are approved for airline travel.

Ask yourself some simple questions before selecting your crate.

Do I plan to take my pet in the car?

Is crate for home use only?

Is this crate for a puppy?

Do you need your crate to be portable?

With this in mind you will be able to select the proper crate.

Article written by Kevin Gawricki

About The Author
Keivn Gawricki is owner of Dog Gone Good Stuff which he founded because of the need for a place that caters specifically to dogs and their owners specific needs. Please feel free to visit Dog Gone Good Stuff for all your dogs needs. Web address http://www.doggonegoodstuff.com

Greeting Dog lovers !

2007-12-17T02:10:00.000-08:00

Greeting and welcome to my blog. As you can see the blog title, you know what I'm talking about. I'll focus this blog on your dog crates! How to select and how to use at full potential.

Thank you for visit and looking for comments :)