Dog's lover

Having A Dog Comes With Responsibilities by Leo Enoch

2007-05-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Having a Dog comes with many responsibilities. The most important reason for restrictions imposed on dogs by many countries and states in America is because of irresponsibility of dog owners.

People get dogs for all the incorrect reasons which they regretted at the end. Owning a Dog should never become a problem, which is why it is crucial that if you want to own a dog, do it for the right reason before getting one.

You should not get a dog for:

1. Protection

The wrong conception for people who have this rationale in owning a dog, is that the dog will automatically be protective for their family which absolutely will not come true. Incorrect way of training like keeping the dog away and not socializing them properly with people for trying to make them to be protective could change the dog to be afraid and wary of strangers. Instead of protecting the dog owner, when face with certain critical situation, this dog would most likely run for life.

Worse still some owners, encourages the dog to be aggressive and bark by tying him in a one vicinity and training him to have the territorial aggressiveness. This is welcoming for lawsuits to come knocking on your door. Thousands of children and people had been hurt all over the world just because some children often found wondering within the territorial supposed to be protected by your dog.

If your intention for getting a dog, is for protection, then a better way is to get those electronic alarm devices that can sound like vicious barking which can be turn on by motion detectors. This would probably much more helpful than getting a dog.

2. To appease you children nagging

A lot of children often request their parents for a dog, just for a reason of cuteness or fun to play with. Usually this comes with a promise of taking good care of the dog well being and cleaning up the messes they will create. Well this is surely a very bad choice to be made. Because the effect of cuteness and fun to play with will vanish after days or weeks, and now the dog will be left with no care.

Normally this task is immediately shift to the busy mom who does not have the enough time to train the dog and such the dog would develop bad habits which would not be tolerated by the busy home makers. This is possibly why there are so many dogs end up in the shelter and some on the streets. If you are not mentally prepared to train the dog to be a good member of the family, then give stuffed toys to your children instead of getting them a dog.

3. Competing with your neighbor. : )

Out of so many silly things people do, perhaps this is one of the worse one. Just because early in the morning one day, your neighbor took his dog for a jog and shows you how good it is to have a dog and how beautiful his dog is, you get jealous and get one for yourself so that you can show it to your neighbor too.

Although you might not be the one who do this, there are people out there who did these stupid things. Having a dog is a lifetime devotion and it takes effort to be able to enjoy and have a meaningful relationship with your dog. So pride and competition should not be a factor in getting a dog.

Actually, if you look at it, there is not much different in having the right reason of wanting a child and wanting a dog. You should purpose to do all you can to make him a contributing member of the public. You should be committed to appropriately socializing him, teaching him how to act in any kind of situation, loving, providing and caring for your dog.

Responsibility in having a dog starts before getting one, you should start studying on how to best care and provide your dog. Get obedience training manual and learn from those so that you know what to do when you bring the dog home.

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Leo Enoch Provide Free Info and Tips on Effective Dog Training Solution, you can visit:
http://www.DogTrainingSolution.com

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Leo Enoch has been an active contributors to the Internet Marketplace in numerous sector of industries. He Operates DogTrainingSolution.com providing free tips and proven solution to Dog Training.
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Caring For Dogs With Disabilities by The Online Marketing Strategies

2007-05-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

A dog's disability may occur from an illness, injury or physical handicap. The degree of disability may be slight or may be incapacitating. Whatever reason for your dogs suffering will have a great effect on you as your pet's guardian.

If you adopt a pure breed dog from a reputable breeder, you will most likely have some type of health guarantee. If you adopt from an animal shelter, find a stray or take one of your neighbor's puppies you won't get a health guarantee or probably any information regarding the health of your new family member. Either way, there are no guarantees that your puppy will grow up without medical problems. Even with the purebred, it would be unlikely that you give your furry family member back to the breeder if he came down with a disease or disability after he's lived with you for a year or two. Most likely you would seek the best vet care you could afford and keep your puppy with you. Anyone who has raised a puppy or had a dog for any length of time knows the bonding and commitment between human and canine.

Having annual visits to your vet (and the blood tests performed) will help screen for many medical conditions that affect dogs. There are a few diseases that are more common in older dogs such as cancer, arthritis, heart and kidney disease. Younger dogs or puppies are not free from these conditions but they are less likely to suffer from these diseases at an earlier age. If the dog is diagnosed and treatment started at the onset of a disability, the prognosis will be more favorable.

Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to certain health problems. Degenerative Myelopathy appears to afflict German Shepherds more than any other breed even though it has been diagnosed in a few other large dog breeds. Arthritis is very common in Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers, Boxers are prone to a common heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy.

Regardless of the disease or disability your dog may have, there are certain things you can do to relieve the pain and suffering.

� Control your dog's weight. Giving your dog the proper amount of a good nutritious pet food will aid in weight control.

� Getting daily exercise for your dog.

� Making sure your dog gets quality vet care.

� Administer medicine or pain medication when appropriate.

� Talk to your dog as you gently rub his fur or massage him. Sometimes the human touch is more relaxing than sleep medication

If your dog suffers from arthritis, you will notice the difficulty they have in getting up from a lying position or walking up stairs. They also won't be able to jump up in the car or truck without some assistance. To assist your dog, you can get a ramp to assist them in getting in or out of a truck or SUV and there are dog stairs to assist them in getting on the bed or couch. There are vitamins or supplements that can be given to your dog to aid in their health. All medicines, vitamins and supplements should be approved by the vet before administering to your dog. Water therapy is great for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia and sleeping on an orthopedic foam mattress also helps. Moist warm heat and massage are beneficial also.

Any dog that suffers from a lack of mobility due to hip dysplasia, spinal disorders, myelopathy or any medical problem that effects the hind quarters may be a candidate for a wheelchair for dogs. There has been vast improvement over the years in the design and structure of the wheelchairs and most dogs adjust quickly to pulling the rolling chair behind them. The chairs are made to your dog's specifications and will provide them with a sense of freedom. If your dog is unable to walk by himself, check out these chairs for your peace of mind and your dog's future happiness.

Training your hearing impaired dog with hand signals is very important for their well being and your sanity. It is much easier for the dog if you start the training before they become completely deaf. This way you can associate a hand signal with the verbal command which they may already know. If the dog is losing their hearing due to a disease or old age, you will have time to work with the dog before all hearing is lost. If the puppy is born deaf, he can still be trained but it will take longer and require more patience. Never allow a hearing impaired animal to roam freely or leave the house without his collar and tag. If a hearing impaired dog is sleeping, never touch the dog to wake him up as this could frighten him and cause him to nip or bite. Either stomp real hard or bounce a ball to cause vibrations which may rouse the dog.

Impaired vision may be caused by disease, injury or cataracts. Taking the dog on a lead through the house will help him become accustomed as to the placement of furniture and their smells. For the dog's benefit, don't move furniture or leave any items on the floor as this will confuse the dog. You will have to lead him around the yard also until he becomes comfortable with his outing. If you are patient and encouraging, the dog will eventually settle in a routine and his sense of smell and hearing will compensate for his lack of sight. As with the deaf dog, do not let him outside the house or fenced in yard without supervision.

Living with a disabled dog is trying and at times you may feel frustration. Seek out help from your vet, trainers or groups that work with disabled dogs. They will gladly assist you in your task of making a difference in one special dog's life.

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Jim McKiel lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Doris and their pet family members Buddy and Buster. They have devoted their lives to the betterment of pet ownership. For more information, visit: Large Breed Family Dogs
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Honoring My Old Dog Friends by kate loving shenk

2007-05-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

I was once a child of the 1960's, which was not a popular place in the world back in the day.

I lived on a commune with about 10-20 people and 10-15 dogs, give or take, depending on the litter of puppies of any given season.

A rabidly right wing neighbor shot eight of my dogs, and later a posse of policemen swept the commune, thinking that we would be an easier target without eight dogs to complicate their mission.

No drugs were found.

My neighbor who killed my dogs years later embezzled eight million dollars from the Republican Party, and his family left him in disgust.

Meanwhile it took me 21 years to get another dog, my beloved Mukunda.

We just celebrated his 10th birthday.

At intervals in that twenty-one year period, a dog would come into my life, nudging me to deal with the loss of my eight dogs.

Only one dog managed to make me cry in that 21 year period.

I had a short tumultuous relationship with a man who had an old beagle named Wild Dog. One day, he dropped her off and asked me to take care of her, twelve years after the ending of the commune years. And I agreed that I would.

Because of her advanced age, she could not take long walks, so we took frequent short walks.

I remember time slowing down.

I remember her appreciative glances my way, and i felt once or twice the great wisdom she emanated from every cell of her tiny old body. I did not want to give her up, knowing the day would soon come when she would go back with her master.

I remember the flash of memory surfacing pertaining to my commune dogs Alphy and Das and all their noble offspring, and how they and Wild Dog were dog/Gods come to sweep us away into eternity.

But her master reclaimed her and I forgot about my feelings of love for this very dear soul, as if forgetting a very important dream.

It is in remembering the dream that our everyday life loses the mundane quality of reality.

As I saw on a bumper sticker recently: "Reality is for people who lack imagination."

In this beautiful lush spring season, when green suddenly bursts forth from mud and brown earth, we can practice bringing that tone into our hearts for expression.

Mukunda reminds me of green even though he has a red head, just like mine. Or is mine just like his?

We are both green souls.

The cardinal is red yet she sings, surrounded by the profound green of the forest reflected on the great Conestoga River that rolls past our house.

The river is also red after long periods of rain. And at night, moon light filters through mist, reflected on dark river, as the red fox yelps her urgent message.

And Mukunda barks to go out and find her.

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A Pit Bull washed up onto our Conestoga River Bank, one day.

He was carefully sewn into a moving blanket, weighted down by brick and concrete block, and thrown into the river points south of our home. The dog had deep tooth marks on his neck, and his right shoulder has been torn apart.

He was killed in a dog fight, professional or domestic.

Are there professional dog fights in our town? I surmised that there are�and that the killed dogs are dumped into the town's drinking water supply.

I wrote a letter to the editor of our local newspaper, accusing the town of ignoring this issue.

The Pit Bull was given a proper burial, down in the pasture along the river.

We gave the fella a name: Old Mac, the Conestoga Pit Bull. He was treated badly in his life, was taught to be mean, to kill, to tear up smaller animals than himself.

Perhaps he would have killed Mukunda.

But it was people who created the monster who rolled up on the bank of the meandering Conestoga.

He came to us, so we could think about him, feel deeply in our heats the travesty of his existence. We will muse about this every time we walk by the pile of rocks that top his tiny memorial, overlooking Canadian Goose habitat, squawking Blue Heron taking flight and skimming the river surface, and bird song music, also the yelp of Red Fox everywhere surrounding him.

So he found a final resting place where all of us who pass can ponder his existence.

How does Old Mac, the Conestoga Pit Bull, fit into our great theme of freedom when he was used and exploited in his short life? And in his death, he made the mistreatment of innocent animals into a public statement.

Mukunda regards Old Mac's grave site with a seriousness and an aura of contemplation and reverence. He looks at the grave for two to three minutes at a time, and therefore, so do I.

Mukunda now realizes that bad things happen to dogs. Before this time, he did not know. His innocence has been transformed to worldly ways.

Since then, he listens to me more consistently, wants to please me more constantly instead of proving his will over mine.

And to think Old Mac could teach me to be more humble as we place one foot in front of the other, passing his memorial every day.

Dog is man's best friend. The dog is not returned the unconditional love they hold for our supposedly superior species.

Yet even when they are abused, they teach us love.

Even when they die, they live on.

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Kate Loving Shenk is a writer, healer, musician and the creator of the e-book called "Transform Your Nursing Career and Discover Your Calling and Destiny." Click here to find out how to order the e-book:
http://www.nursingcareertransformation.com
Check Out Kate's Blog: http://www.nursehealers.typepad.com
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How To Treat Dog Vomiting by petvet

2007-05-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

A very common problem that virtually all of us see as dog owners is dog vomiting.

There are potentially many different causes of dog vomiting. The most common cause is garbage gut, where your dog consumes something he shouldn't have, resulting in vomiting. Other causes include food allergies, parasites, medications, infectious causes (i.e. parvovirus), cancer, liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, metabolic disorders (thyroid disease or diabetes), physical obstructions such as a ball or a bone, and primary motility disorders (the stomach doesn't contract normally).

Any vomiting dog must be evaluated for dehydration. If your dog is vomiting persistently and unable to retain even water, wait no longer than 24 hours before going to your veterinarian. This indicates a severe problem, such as an obstruction, that needs to be treated with IV fluids and possibly surgery. If your dog is still consuming water and occasionally vomiting, then you can try some of the home remedies.

Fasting. A 24 hour fast is the most important thing you can do to allow your pet's inflamed stomach to heal. Allow access to controlled amounts of water, but no food. After 24 hours offer bland food such as plain cooked white rice; give equivalent amounts of rice as you do dog or cat food. After 48 hours mix their regular food with rice and don't fully go to regular food until after 72 hours.

For Food Allergens. For dogs and cats with chronic vomiting, I strongly recommend a diet change. Preferably switch to a hypoallergenic food or homemade allergy diet. At the very least, change to a premium quality food - I find that some pets respond to a more natural diet. In light of the recent Pet Food Recall, paying close your dog’s diet is even more important than ever. For a list of recommended foods, join my membership site, Dr. Andrew Jones' Inner Circle (see links below).

Homeopathic. Nux Vomica is an effective homeopathic remedy for dog vomiting. Give 1 tablet of the 30C strength per 40lbs once daily for 3-5 days.

Herbal - Ginger. A tasty addition for a curry is also effective for vomiting. The dried herb dose is 25mg per lb or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture.

Acupressure Point. The ST36 point, located on the outside of the hind leg below the knee may be effective; press it for 1 minute twice daily for 3-5 days to see if it helps.

Flowers to the Rescue: Bach Rescue Remedy can make your pet feel a little better about their illness. Give your pet 3-4 drops by mouth every 6 hours.

Herbal - Chamomile. This is commonly used in people with mild stomach upset and it may help your pet. Give 30mg per lb of the dried herb, or 2 drops per lb of the tincture three times daily.

The treatments I covered may be all that you need for now. But I guarantee that you will use many of the thousands of at home remedies in my book.

I use them every day in practice. They work. No side effects.

You should try it.

To your pet's good health...

Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His holistic pet health manual is at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com and http://www.theonlinevet.com.
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Occupation: Veterinarian
Dr. Andrew Jones has been a Veterinarian for fifteen years. He has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. See his holistic pet health book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com.
http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

How to Understand & Prevent Dog Fights by Kelly Marshall

2007-05-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Dogs are very active creatures that enjoy being able to run and jump and play. This need for physical activity is usually satisfied by being able to be outside for a specific time every day. Some dogs have no problem playing with humans, or other dogs; on the other hand, some dogs do not play well with other dogs. It is important to know your own dogs personality regarding fighting before you take a walk or go to a park where other dogs may be.

There are different reasons a dog fights other dogs, and each dog's case is different. Two dogs that live in the same house may have completely different reasons for wanting to fight other dogs. There are a couple ways of finding out why a dog fights, but neither one is used widely.

Both ways of finding out a reason for the fights involves a professional, but neither way is common because they do not get much results. The first is to take your dog to a professional to be analyzed. This does not get results because the dog can not answer questions, so it is hard for us to get a good idea of what happened in the past to lead the dog to act this way. The second way is for the owner to go see a professional and discuss the dogs issues and how to help them, this is also not very popular either.

One way you can try and understand the dog's aggression or reason to fight is to look at the present circumstances your dog is dealing with. Look at the dogs surroundings, and try to figure out what is causing this behavior. If your dog is fighting every time another dog tries to come onto his territory, maybe he is afraid that the intruder is going to hurt his owner, or himself.

Some dogs fight as a way to survive and obviously if your dog is being attacked you would want them to defend themselves. Dog fights are very serious and dangerous, if your dog is involved in a dog fight you will want to keep your distance so that you don't get hurt, unless you know what you are doing. Dog fights can cause serious damage to both dogs, and could end in the death of one or both of the dogs.

When you are trying to stop a dog fight the best way is to wait until you can safely grab a collar, this is the safest way to get involved. Chances are this will not stop the fight though, but it will help keep the dogs under control.

You will also want to be careful because one minute it could be friendly play between friends, but quickly turn into a serious dog fight. It is not the playful dog fighting that anybody is worried about, playful dog fights are a great way for young dogs to strengthen their limbs, and body. It is also a great way for dogs to burn off excess energy. Only by paying attention to your dogs personality will you be able to tell if they are involved in a playful fight or a more serious dog fight.

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Fat dogs - One Treat Too Many by: Rebecca Prescott

2007-05-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

When we think of dogs we tend to think of agile creatures that love to exercise and play, have speed and power, and are sleek or cuddly. However, just like humans and other animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone to weight problems, some breeds far more than others.

Most dogs love their food and treats, and although most love to exercise and play there are also those that are quite happy to toast their paws in front of the fire and play the "couch potato" whenever given the chance. And, of course, the combination of lack of exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very fat little dog.

Avoiding obesity in your dog
Some dogs can be far more susceptible than others to weight gain, and for dogs this can result in a range of associated health problems. Weight gain can not only make your dog miserable, but reduce his quality of life, and even reduce his lifespan.

This is why it is important for responsible owners to monitor and maintain a healthy weight for their dogs, and in the event of weight gain to take action in order to try and get their weight back on track.

We all love to give our dogs treats to show them how much we care, but often this is doing more damage than good. Just like with children, the odd treat is fine, but regular treats coupled with large portions of food can quickly lead to excess weight.

Another factor that can affect your dog's weight is of course the level of exercise that he receives. Believe it or not, there are some dogs that actually have to be persuaded to go for their walks. In some cases, other health problems such as undiagnosed thyroid problems can affect your dog's weight and cause your dog to get fat.

If you have a dog that is happy never to step out of the house, you shouldn't just shrug and thank your lucky stars that you don't have the extra duty of having to take him out each day. Instead, you need to make a concerted effort to ensure that he does get regular exercise, no matter how gentle. If your dog is very overweight you should get advice from your vet to find out why he has gained weight, and how you can get the situation under control.

A number of health problems can affect fat dogs, which is why it is important to keep your dog's weight under control. Some of the weight related health problems that can affect your pet include heart, lung, liver, kidney, and joint problems, amongst others. Some of the breeds that are prone to weight gain because of genetics include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles.

Source: Free Online Articles from ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:

Don't forget to check out these articles on dog food and diet... Rebecca writes on puppy and dog concerns here.

Why You Should Adopt Dog- Instead of Buying by MR Bruno

2007-04-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

There are many wonderful reasons to adopt a dog from a dog shelter or dog rescue.

The first and best reason is that by adopting a dog you will be saving a life. Millions of loving and wonderful companion dogs are euthanized every year at dog shelters and dog pounds simply because there is not enough room or resources to care for them.

By adopting a dog you will also decrease the demand to buy puppies at pet stores. The insatiable desire to buy pure bred puppies is frequently based upon misunderstanding or a lack of knowledge. Many people think that you can't get a good dog at a dog shelter or that only pure bred dogs are worth having.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Pet stores often buy puppies from breeders that operate puppy mills. Dogs that are bred at puppy mills are often the product of in breeding and have genetic based health issues that will tax your heart and wallet with veterinary bills and a shorter life span for your dog..

In addition, the mothers of these pups are kept in deplorable conditions, cages, unexercised, malnourished and unloved. They are bred non stop until their bodies can no longer produce a litter, then disposed of.

When you adopt a dog or puppy at a dog pound or rescue you will pay a mere fraction of the price that pet stores charge for "pure bred" dogs. So your purse will thank you as quickly as the dog whose life you save when you adopt.

Dogs found at dog shelters are some of the most loving and grateful to be rescued pals you will ever find. Many are there because of a death in the family, change in lifestyle, lack of interest , a family move that won't permit a dog and a host of other reasons that in no way impact on the desirability of the family dog that is now sitting caged on doggy death row. Yes, death row.

Many dog shelters only keep dogs a few days before killing them. Their remains are then often shipped to a rendering plant to be ground up and added to commercial dog food !

Another wonderful reason to adopt is that not every family has the time for the demands of life with a new puppy. Like human babies, puppies need a good deal of nurturing, training and care that a fully grown, lovable mutt, won't. An adopted adult dog may be fully ready for a new home, just needing your love and regular doggy care.

Senior citizens who want a dog to enjoy their golden years with are perhaps best suited to be matched with a senior dog ! Calmer, and with less energy than a young dog, adopted senior dogs are the perfect companion for mom, dad or any senior.

Finally, there are wide variety of dogs ready to be adopted at dog shelters and dog rescues. These include big dogs, small dogs, in between dogs, mutts, purebreds, puppies, middle aged dogs and senior dogs.

Whatever you are looking for in a new dog is waiting for you at a dog shelter or dog rescue today. So if you are thinking of bringing a new dog into your home, you can be a real hero. By adopting, you will save a dog's life, save yourself money, help in the battle to put puppy mills out of business. and therein help save the dogs held as caged prisoners of breeding across the land.

About the Author
Thinking about a new dog for you family? Don't pick a dog until you see http://www.dogs-4life.com/choose-the-best-dog-for-your-family.html This article may be reproduced with the author's link

The Pros and Cons of Vaccines for Dogs by MR Bruno

2007-04-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Vaccines introduce viruses into the immune system of our dogs each time they are injected. The purpose of injecting a virus into your dogs system is to expose the system to the virus but avoid the illness that accompanies the virus when introduced naturally.

Both live and dead viruses are used in vaccines for dogs, with live viruses offering a more naturally similar character to the actual disease. Live vaccines seem to provide more protection against contracting the dreaded disease but some veterinarians say that dead viruses are preferable to preclude contraction of the disease as a result of the vaccination.

Regular vaccination of dogs has for years played a part in keeping our dogs healthy and supporting the cause of public health. Using the rabies vaccine as an example, studies have demonstrated that when dogs receive rabies vaccinations, there is a corresponding decrease in the reported incidents of rabies in people.

Vaccines are generally classified as either core vaccines or non-core vaccines chosen by recommendation.

Examples of core or required vaccines are canine distemper, canine, parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and adenovirus.

Examples of non core vaccines are bordatella for kennel cough, canine parainfluenza, Lyme disease, canine coronavirus, giardia vaccine and rattlesnake vaccine.

Veterinarians are now considering a myriad of factors prior to recommending a vaccine protocol. For example, if a dog is always at home, a vaccine to protect against kennel cough is not necessary. Lyme disease vaccinations are not needed for dogs that don't live in the regions of the country where this problem does not present itself.

A variety of opinions exist as to the efficacy and advantage of frequent vaccinations. Some of the arguments against frequent, excessive and annual vaccination include adverse consequences, suppressed immunology, and impairment of long term health resulting in a shorter life span for dogs.

Vaccine manufacturers have been reformulating their vaccines to last for three years as opposed to the previous one year norm. This attempt by the manufacturers is in response to calls by advocates and some veterinarians who have called for a three year vaccine life and fewer vaccinations.

This on its face seems to have some merit. But vaccine experts are not easily convinced. For example the American Animal Hospital Association ( AAHA,) reports that :

"...there is growing professional and public awareness that vaccine products are not as benign as first believed, and controversy exists as to duration of immunity and frequency of administration. Vaccine administration is a medical procedure with which, as with any medical decision, there are benefits as well as attendant risks"

Vaccines have beneficial qualities as acknowledged by the AAHA. A good example of this would be the previously mentioned rabies vaccine. When utilized on a three year interval, the rabies vaccine has had a positive impact on dog and public health.

But the excessive and frequent vaccination of our dogs can be risky. Dogs that are vaccinated needlessly are subject to more diseases and disorders than dogs that are not excessively vaccinated. This is because the immune system of the dog has been compromised.

The approach of extending the duration of time for vaccine life has been recently been extended by veterinary teaching hospitals and some private veterinarians. A gradual awareness is emerging that when a dog is bombarded with vaccines, the attack on the dog's system and her long term health may outweigh any potential benefit from the vaccination protocol.

The following view is offered by Dr Robert Pitcairn, D.V.M, PhD in his book "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats "where he states: "Vaccinations are not always effective, and they may cause long-lasting health disturbances." p. 321

Dr Pitcairn further states that vaccinations may " cause an acute disease or a chronic health problem." p.322 Examples of conditions that may be attributed to the introduction of vaccines in dogs include, but is not limited to, immune disorders, thyroid problems, allergies, and skin conditions.

As the debate continues there seems to be a gradual move in the direction of fewer vaccinations. Many veterinarians now ascribe to the philosophy that a more natural, common sense approach to vaccinations is in order, as opposed to blanket vaccinations for all dogs on a regular basis.

Dogs that are not boarded probably don't need a vaccination against kennel cough. Lyme disease is prevalent only in a few areas of the U.S. Unless you live in one of those regions, this vaccination is not necessary.

A typical visit to a veterinary office may result in recommendations for up to sixteen vaccinations for your dog. Before giving you veterinarian your consent, ask him to explain the possible risks associated with each vaccine

About the Author
With the right information, you can keep your dog healthy, extend her life and save on veterinary bills. Learn how at http://www.dogs-4life.com/veterinary-secrets.html

Dog Behavior Problems - How to Live With Your Dog by Carol Stack

2007-04-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Often dog behavior problems are caused by boredom. Is your dog left alone all day or left alone for hours at a time? Is your dog confined to the backyard rather than allowed in the house?

Most dogs need the companionship of people. They crave interaction with their family members. A dog stuck in the backyard gets very little human companionship. They get bored and they become destructive or constantly break out of the yard and run away

There are also dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Dog breeds such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds go crazy if they are confined to a small area with no chance to run. Not only do they need plenty of physical exercise, but they need a healthy amount of mental exercise.

Dogs that have behavior problems are often simply dogs that do not get the exercise, companionship or mental stimulation that they need. If your dog sits in the backyard barking all day (or all night), or if he digs up the flowers and chews on the patio furniture, he is simply trying to find ways to fill the hours and hours of loneliness.

What can you do to prevent these behavior problems? Every healthy dog needs some form of exercise every day. Whether you have a Pug, Chihuahua, or Labrador, you need to take him for a walk every day. Exercising relieves built up tension and stress, improves the dog's temperament, and makes him easier to handle at home. The exercise is also very good for you.

There are some breeds that simply must not be left outdoors year round. Pugs and other similar dog breeds cannot handle cold or warm temperatures. Other dogs, such as Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards, enjoy cold weather but cannot endure hot temperatures.

If you are thinking about getting a dog, keep this in mind. If you cannot put in a dog door for your dog to go in and out during the day while you are gone, then do not get a dog that cannot handle the temperatures in your area.

Also, if the dog is going to sit home alone all day, be sure you can devote some time every morning and evening to taking the dog for a walk. This will help a lot towards alleviating many dog behavior problems.

Besides exercising your dog, you can also provide toys for him to play with during the day. There are toys, such as buster cubes, that dogs find very interesting. A buster cube, among other toys, can keep a dog busy trying to get the treats hidden away inside.

Giving your dog daily exercise and providing toys for him to play with and chew will help a lot in relieving behavior problems. Letting him be inside with the family will help tremendously. And of course, as your dog ages he will naturally calm down as he has less energy that he needs to run off.

About the Author
Discover great information about dogs, dog training, dog breeds, and dog care at http://www.christysdogportal.com , brought to you by two dog enthusiasts. Carol Stack has been working with dogs for more than three decades. Carol and her daughter Christy have created this Web site especially for dog lovers.

DOG? WHO'S A DOG? by Paidra Delayno

2007-04-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Is he a dog? I asked him. Guess what he answered. There were some dogs in the neighborhood but he didn't know any personally. I could see it written all over his face. He was a master of expressions.

Common sense tells us the four legged creature under the dining room table is an animal and shouldn't even be in the house. But what does common sense know about love? How many of us exercise any degree of common sense when dealing with that particular subject?

When I was in middle school, I just had to have a dog. And I knew which parent to approach. "Daddy, can I have a dog?" was fairly close to how the conversation started. I seem to remember my father actually asking what type of dog I wanted.

What type? A German Shepherd, of course. I wanted a dog big enough to scare the x&*$ out of any stranger I might meet on the road. A nice deep growl and aggressive bark could not possibly come from a little dog, after all.

From time to time I hold up my little pinkie and wonder how my father fit around it so nicely. What's the point of being daddy's little girl if there aren't any benefits? Not really. My father did indulge me from time to time. Oh, all right. Just about any time I wanted something, he would get it for me. Fortunately, my wants weren't all that big otherwise he would have had to say no.

We went to look at several dogs until we came across Sam. We were able to get no further then the gate. We were on one side, he on the other. And that's the way it would stay until the lady of the house came outside. She talked, we talked, we left. We came back several days later and took Sam home with us.

The crux of the problem with dogs is they don't seem to realize they are dogs so we tend to think of them as people. I'm not sure what arrangements his former owner had with him, but at our house he was basically an outside dog. At least during the day. He did manage to wiggle his way into the house at night.

My parents decided to sell the house and move closer to the coast. That in itself was not a bad thing. Of course, Sam went with us. What we were not aware of was he had his own agenda. And it wasn't to stay an outside dog, I can tell you.

He figured if we were carting him off to a new location, then some changes were going to be made. The biggest adjustment to his comforts was, once we were in the new house, he was going to be a full time inside dog. I'm still not sure how he pulled it off, but he was successful in his endeavor.

As I said, Sam was a master of expressions. Never one for enjoying a bath, he did consent to be bathed, during the winter (Mild - Oregon) in the bathtub. He displayed his lack of enthusiasm by turning his back and putting his face in the corner.

He wouldn't speak to the bather for the remainder of the day. He was also determined in his punishment of us by refusing to accept a cookie, which he dearly loved. When it was placed in his mouth, he let it fall to the floor.

As you all know, German Shepherds have long hair. Dog hair has the uncanny ability to float around the house to parts the said dog never visits. The point of this article originally started out to simply offer a suggestion in this area. We did the brushing thing. We brushed out piles of hair. Next we started to vacuum Sam. My father had a small 'shop vac' which did a wonderful job of removing the loose hair.

Naturally, Sam didn't care for the process at first. At second, also. Finally he accustomed himself to the procedure. I'm not saying he approved of it. Endured would be more the word of choice. Shop Vac's can be purchased for very reasonable prices. The only key to them is keeping the filter cleaned.

The day finally came when Sam's medical problems overrode his ability to be in the house. Maybe I was selfish, but the thought of him being stuck outside 24/7 was more than we could deal with.

Several years have gone by but Sam is still very much alive in my mind's eye. I can still see myself laying on the floor with him. Or him following my mother around the house, content to lay wherever she was working. (I still think he was always worming his way into her heart. He was good, I'll give him that.)

The empty spot in my heart will never be filled but I take comfort in remembering we had many good years together. My hope for others who have been blessed with a good dog, is when the sting of losing him or her mellows, it will be replaced by the smile the thought your friend will bring to your face when you think of them.

If stress is a problem for you or a friend, send for my e-book entitled "Take Time Out For Me." E-mail me at: ddinpaidra@yahoo.com Be sure to include the word STRESS on the subject line. Thank you for spending a few minutes with me.

About the Author
Paidra Delayno works in the senior healthcare industry. For fun, she markets the fictional works of Loren Douglas under the name DayDreamin' Stories.

Caring For Your Dog - Canine Medication And First Aid by Rebecca Prescott

2007-04-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Many people see their pet dog as an important member of the family, and as with any family member, they want to do everything possible to keep them healthy and happy. There is a huge variety of preventative canine medication available today, to ensure that your dog is at a lower risk from some of the most common illnesses in the canine world.

Dogs are particularly susceptible to a number of internal parasites collectively known as worms. Worm larvae can be ingested, can pass through the skin, or can be passed from mother to puppy during pregnancy or lactation. Common types of worm are heartworm, which occupy the right chamber of the heart and can be fatal, roundworms which cause diarrhea and sickness and can be passed to humans, and hookworms which cause intestinal problems and anemia.

Canine medication for regular 'worming' is recommended to prevent these parasites becoming established. A monthly dose can combine treatment for various types of worm, as well as flea control. Although many of these conditions can be treated after they have become serious, the treatment can be unpleasant or even dangerous for the dog. Regular preventative worming will greatly reduce the risks these parasites pose.

Another common canine condition that can be prevented or lessened by preventative medicine is arthritis. This disease, which causes painful swelling of the joints, can prevent your dog from running, walking and generally enjoying life. It can totally alter a dog's character, making them shy and withdrawn, or sometimes even aggressive.

Regular supplements of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids are one of several ways of preventing the onset of arthritis. Once established, arthritis can be treated with drugs containing glucosamine, which aids the development of healthy cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

When you are considering getting a dog, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of canine first aid. The American Red Cross recommends you keep a basic first aid kit that contains the following: gauze pads to stop bleeding, bandages and cloth to strap fractured limbs, a thermometer, tweezers, antibiotic ointment to dress wounds, a cold pack to reduce swelling or apply to burns, and a rubber tourniquet to stop severe bleeding.

One basic first aid rule is that you should always muzzle your dog and keep them on a comfortable leash if they are in distress. Even the friendliest dog can be a danger to themselves or others when they are in pain or are suffering.

You need to be aware that a dog's normal temperature is between 100 and 102.5 degrees, and check regularly if you think your dog is outside these parameters. You should know that you can warm a hypothermic dog with warm blankets and a hairdryer, and lower the temperature of a dog with heatstroke using cool water.

You should know that baking soda and water, or calamine lotion, relieve the itching of a bite or sting. Above all you should know when the situation is serious enough to call your veterinarian, and you should have their number handy at all times.

There are a lot of medical considerations to take into account when you are looking after a dog. However, the wide range of canine medication available ensures that it is possible for your pet to have a long healthy life, with just a little care and attention.

About the Author
If you'd like to learn more about first aid for dogs, and other canine health questions, click here.

Making Your Dog a Vegetarian: Good Idea? by Michael Rupkalvis

2007-04-07T07:13:00.001-07:00

During the last few decades many people have, justifiably,, decided to remove meat and dairy products from their diets. Whether they determine to become a vegan or a vegetarian, most feel their decision has improved their physical and spiritual well-being.

Many of these people also own one or more dogs. Because of their personal philosophies and their own satisfactory dietary experiences, many then decide to feed their dogs a diet derived exclusively from sources that exclude meat and dairy products.

But is this decision a good one, from their pet's perspective?

Humans are omnivores. We are provided with saliva that contains various enzymes to predigest the starches in our diet, specific teeth to grind and breakdown the plant fibers we eat and a digestive tract of medium length. In addition, our jaws work in a manner that allows them to move not only in an up and down direction, but also from side to side, so we can easily eat foods derived from both plant and animal origins.

Dogs, on the other hand, are carnivorous. Unlike us, the jaws of dogs can only move up and down. Canine teeth are pointy and sharp, having evolved for tearing animal tissue, as opposed to the grinding of plant matter. Canine's saliva does not contain enzymes for breaking down grainy foods and they have a digestive tract that is short, for easy digestion of animal proteins and fats.

Besides these basic physiological differences between dogs and humans, there are a number of other concerns the dog owner should be aware of if considering placing their pet on a vegetarian diet. We'll touch on just a few of them here:

* If the owner's concern is to ensure that their dog will not suffer from high cholesterol or heart disease as do humans whose diets are high in meat intake, they should be aware that dogs do not suffer from coronary disease or cholesterol problems at anywhere near the incidence humans do. So cutting out meat and dairy products from the dog's diet may not provide any benefit.

* Dogs require a high amount of proteins, which are needed to support proper organ growth. Proteins are comprised of different amino acids. The best source of the required proteins is from animal sources. While there do exist some plant sources such as soy that contain high protein levels, the amino acids within soy are not as well-balanced as those derived from animals. Specifically, dogs require taurine and l-carnitine found in meat products. While one can add taurine and l-carnitine to a dog's diets, this raises another concern. Animal sources hold more protein, gram for gram, than do starches, grains or vegetables. So in order for the dog to get the required amount of taurine and l-carnitine, they will have to ingest a much greater quantity of food daily, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

* Another essential nutrient required by dogs for good health is vitamin B12, which is not found in most plants.

While theoretically a dog owner can supplement his pet's diet with nutrients to overcome these dietary deficiencies, it can be expensive to do so. In addition, it is very difficult to monitor the amounts and the balance between the nutrients when they are inserted into an animal's diet not through natural foods, but with supplementation.

The bottom line is that dog owners should think seriously before putting their pets on a purely non-animal based diet. Prior to changing their dog's diet in such a fundamental manner, they should first consult with their veterinarian as well as thoroughly research the issue. Then, if they do make the decision to do so, they should strictly monitor the dog's health on an ongoing basis and should any problems be observed, revisit the veterinarian.

About the Author
Michael Rupkalvis manages the TakeCareofYourPet web site. The website discusses a new product called Hope for Pets nutrition, an all-natural powder that is the very best natural supplement on the market to aid in promoting healthier and lengthier lives for our dogs.

Buying Dogs From a Breeder by Daniel Millions

2007-04-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

When buying a dog from a breeder there are many pitfalls to watch out for. Below is list of items that will help guide you in your decision.

1. Written Guarantee: Good breeders provide written guarantees against genetic disease. It is essential to get a guarantee on the hips and eyes of your pup, given the epidemics of hip dysplasia and various forms of progressive blindness among the nation's dogs.

The guarantee entitles you to a refund of the price of the puppy or a replacement puppy should there be a problem. The guarantee should also allow you to take your new puppy to your own vet within a certain period of time in order to have its good health independently confirmed before the sale is considered final.

Beyond the guarantee of your pup, you want to see copies of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certificate on the hips of both parents, plus the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (GERF) certificate on the eyes of both parents.

Do not take the breeder's word that the parent animals are so registered. Good breeders will not be troubled by your request.

However, you must be prepared to run into the occasional breeder whom will not want to comply with your request. You are almost sure to run into "prominent" breeders who don't believe in having their dogs' hips and eyes checked, even if they are from seriously afflicted breeds.

Both in a personal quest for a dog and in researching this information I had this experience again and again. For instance, there is a dog breed about which Michele Lowell says in Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide, "He is susceptible to hip dysplasia and serious tumors." She urges: "Buy only from OFA-registered parents."

A leading breeder of this breed, a person who sits on the national club's breed standard committee, told me she didn't have her animals OFA-certified because "I've never had any hip problems. If I ever start, I'll have my dogs checked."

Even in the midst of a plague of canine hereditary disease, this ton-of-cure-is-worth-an-ounce-of-prevention attitude is still common. Be ready to decide for yourself if you find it acceptable.

2. Restricted Transfers: Responsible breeders are answering the distress call of America's dogs by trying to minimize inappropriate breeding. One way to do this is with "restricted transfers."

These can involve a contract between the new owner and the breeder stipulating that the dog will not be bred until it is old enough to be tested for inherited disease and has been certified disease free. Some restricted transfers require that the animal be spayed or neutered at six months of age, with AKC papers not passing to the purchaser until this is done.

You may not be interested in acquiring a pet under such conditions, but you can be sure that breeders imposing them are deeply committed to improving the quality of their breed.

About the Author
Browse our English Bulldog articles or search through our pet classifieds to find that perfect puppy. If you are just looking for a good laugh check out our dog breed blog.

Senate To Investigate Dog Food Industry by MR Bruno

2007-04-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

As the recent burgeoning dog food recall continues to grow in the number of reported cases of dog deaths due to kidney failure, another manufacturer is recalling products it sells to pet retailers nationwide

Dog biscuits are the latest dog food product to be added to the dog food recall that has resulted in the reporting of more than 12,000 complaints by consumers to the FDA

Sunshine Mills http://www.sunshinemills.com is the manufacturer of the now recalled dog biscuits which are sold by the Wal Mart chain of stores under the Ol' Roy brand. The tainted dog food treats were discovered to contain wheat gluten contaminated with melamine, a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics and fertilizer.

Sen. Dick Durbin has now called for Senate hearings on Pet Food Regulations. The hearings will focus on Pet Food Labeling and why Menu Foods, the manufacturer of approximately 100 brands of contaminated pet and dog food waited 22 days until it recalling the dog food connected to kidney failure and death in dogs

The Director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, said it will ``take a while'' to determine the extent of the tragedy and.... pet deaths,

The commercial dog food industry exists, in our opinion, for only one reason. That being to profit the manufacturers and retailers of most of the low grade dog foods which is full of junk fillers, industrial garbage and toxins. In fact, many dog food manufacturers daily use rendered euthanized dogs in their products.

The ingredient list of many private label and major label dog food brands is nothing less than a scandal. The sad fact is that unsuspecting customers faithfully feed this poison to their dogs, not knowing that they are slowly killing their dogs in the process.

It is no wonder that our dogs live less than ½ of their realistic life expectancy and that so many die of cancer and unknown illnesses.

There are dogs foods that are good and healthy for your dog. These are not made with junk fillers, preservatives, by products and additives. Read your dog food label carefully. The first ingredients listed make up the majority of what's inside. Make sure your dog is eating meat as a protein source and not by products or wheat gluten.

About the Author
My small 8 year old dog suddenly became ill and no vet could determine the cause. She died after enduring 2 weeks of pain and misery on Mother's Day morning. Her life expectancy was 25 years. Don't let anything happen to your best friend. Find out what is in the dog food you use at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html This article may be reproduced unedited with the author's link displayed

Clicker dog training by Rodrigo Trigosso

2007-04-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Developed a long time ago, this is the same technique used to train dolphins (although using whistles instead of clickers) and other captive animals.

Clicker dog training is an amazing technique. It is easy, fast and mainly based on positive reinforcement. As a result, clicker training is becoming one of the most popular techniques to train dogs.

Actually, you don't need a clicker in clicker dog training, but having one is very helpful. A clicker is a small device that makes a fun click-click sound when you press on it.

How does clicker training work?

Clicker dog training is based on both classical and operant conditioning.

First, your dog must associate the sound of the clicker with something pleasant (typically a food treat). This is the classical conditioning part.

Then, you should click (press the clicker to make the sound) and reward your dog each time he performs a desired behavior. This is the operant conditioning part.

Why click before giving a reward? Why not only give the reward? Because the click marks the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior. So, you can tell your dog which behavior is the rewarded one, even if you are not near him.

Pros of clicker dog training

During the learning stage, your dog will behave by purpose. This will encourage him to learn new behaviors. Additionally, purposeful learning lasts longer than non purposeful learning.

Clicker dog training allows your dog to have some control over the consequences of his behavior. As a result, clicker training can increase his self confidence.

Clicker training is perhaps the fastest dog training technique. It's also fun and easy to carry out.

You don't have to manipulate your dog in any physical way. This prevents unintentional violence.

Since there's no need to pop on a leash, you don't have to retrain obedience exercises off leash. In clicker training every command is trained as an off-leash exercise because there are no physical corrections.

This technique is also ideal to teach behaviors that you cannot force in your dog. For instance, you can teach your dog to yawn on command (not very useful trick.)

Finally, clicker training has been developed under scientific principles. Although some people could think this advantage is solely theoretical, you should take into account that the technique has been experimentally tested by dudes that earn their lives looking for errors of every theory... that is, scientists.

Cons of clicker dog training

When properly done, clicker dog training has no disadvantages. However, some people stops training at initial stages because they achieve early results. This is a common mistake among people who never owned a highly trained dog.

You should be aware that reliability and fluidity are long term goals, either in clicker training or in traditional training.

Truths and lies about clicker dog training

- You can teach your dog even without touching him: Truth.

You can teach almost anything to your dog without touching him or putting him on a leash.

- You can get a perfectly trained dog without using the leash: Lie.

Although you can teach some exercises without being necessary to put a leash on your dog, you need a buckle collar and a leash to generalize the training. The leash is a safety measure the first times high distractions are introduced on an unfenced place. It is not used to correct the dog.

- You will have to reward your dog forever: Lie.

You can use a variable reinforcement schedule to eliminate food treats and dog toys. Or, even better, you can use daily-life reinforcers in order to eliminate dog treats and toys.

- Clicker training is useful to teach new tricks to an old dog: Truth.

It doesn't matter the age of your dog. Old dogs, as well as puppies, can learn with this technique. The only requirement is that your dog has enough energy to go through a training program.

- Clicker trained behaviors are not reliable: Lie

Clicker trained behaviors are as reliable as traditional trained ones, or even more.

About the Author
Rodrigo Trigosso is a biologist and professional dog trainer. To learn more about Clicker Dog Training, visit his website, the Dog Training Tutorial, which provides objective and reliable information on dog training and behavior.

Easily Housetrain Your Adult Dog by MR Bruno

2007-04-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

If you have an adult dog who has never been housetrained, or is just stubbornly using the indoors as an outhouse, you can easily correct this dog behaviour.

You may not know your dog's history, especially if she was adopted or rescued from a dog shelter. As a result, you may be dealing with an adult dog who lived outside, was never housetrained at all, was insufficiently housetrained or even incorrectly housetrained. Your adult dog may be dealing with some behaviors that have been reinforced through time and experience, so the most important thing to keep in mind is that you must be patient with your dog.

You should keep an "eagle eye" on your dog and observe her actions when she is in the house. Does she head off to a specific room or corner prior to relieving herself? If so, you'll want take her outside whenever she makes a move toward her "indoor outhouse."

Once outside, give her time to take care of doggy business. When she is done, give her a small treat and say "Good Dog !". Your adult dog will start to associate going outdoors to relieve herself with getting a treat.

This technique has worked for us with multiple dogs. It does take time, several weeks to a few months of constant repetition, but your adult dog will catch on.. Once she is conditioned to go outside to relieve herself, you will have conquered the task of housetraining your adult dog.

Here's a few tips to help you easily housetrain your adult dog.

* Keep your adult dog under supervision indoors until housetraining is accomplished. You may want her to prevent her from access to some rooms such as the laundry room, bath rooms, bedrooms or other places where she can cause a little doggy havoc.

* Don't give her food and water late in the evening. If she needs to relieve herself during the night she may do so while you are dreaming of happy days at the dog park. You want to be alert to her needs to go outside during the housetraining process.

* Look for ways that your adult dog communicates when she needs to go outside. One of my dogs will tap my foot with her paw. Another will sit by the door. Each adult dog has her or his special way of "talking to you". Listen to your do when she talks. Her housetraining will progress at a much faster pace.

* When you go outside, take your dog to the same area each time. Your adult dog will start to associate that place as the designated doggy bathroom. She'll become conditioned to using it and this will make your time outside for this activity short and productive.

* When you take your adult dog outside, give her a verbal cue to complete her task. We say " Hurry Up" in an upbeat and happy voice every time we take our dogs out. They get the tone of your message and it will become part of the conditioning process that tells them what you want them to do.

* Housetraining an adult dog is not as hard as some folks believe. It simply takes some time and patience . The rewards are certainly worth it, both for your and your adult dog.

* Never physically abuse or punish your adult dog or any dog. This is inhumane and counterproductive. Your dog will not understand what is happening as the event that provoked the punishment is already a past event for her. It is not on her mind and she can not relate to your anger. As a consequence, the unwanted housetraining challenge will get worse. So stay calm and show your adult dog love, patience and proper training. You and your adult dog will both be happier in the long run !

About the Author
Does your dog pee in the house? Does she come to you when you call? Tear up the house or yard when you leave home? For tips and help to solve your dog behaviour problems http://www.dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html

Federal Law May Protect Stolen Dogs by MR Bruno

2007-03-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

The PET SAFETY and PROTECTION ACT would rescue family dogs from research lab torture, but no reprieve for dogs in pounds

It is a sad fact that unscrupulous people fraudulently collect dogs from a variety of sources such as "Free to Good Home" classified ads. Others, known as bunchers, STEAL dogs from owners who have left the dogs alone in their backyards and by altering records to hide the true source that the dog was received from.

These scurrilous types are associated with or are Class B Dealers, who sell the dogs to laboratories for testing and receive up to $800. for each dog.

Current statistics show that there are approximately twenty three dealers selling dogs of random or unknown source to these laboratories, but the dealers have a network of suppliers that number in the thousands.

These dogs, frequently loving family pets, are often subjected to abuse by the handlers and exposure to harsh outdoor elements while in the control and possession of the Class B dealers. It is common for the dogs to be denied sufficient food, water and basic veterinary care while they are held prisoner awaiting their fate as a caged experiment.

Federal legislation requires minimum care standards and accurate records as to the source of acquisition of the dog. These minimal requirements are often violated in the fraudulent acquisition, record keeping and disposition or sale of the dog to testing laboratories.

The Dept. Of Agriculture (USDA) has insufficient capabilities to address this problem so a new Federal law has been proposed that would protect family dogs. The proposed legislation is called the PET SAFETY and PROTECTION ACT, which will amend the Animal Welfare Act. This Federal law may protect stolen dogs which is a burgeoning problem.

A leap forward that we endorse it is still inadequate on its face, as the law will continue to permit testing in labs on dogs, provided the environment is abuse free and devoid of the fraud, now rampant in the case of Class B dealers as mentioned above.

The PET SAFETY and PROTECTION ACT will also permit laboratories that breed dogs to furnish them to other research laboratories and will sanction the supplying of unwanted dogs in dog pounds to research labs.

Finally, individuals will have the right to donate their personal dogs to research laboratories.

The proposed legislation falls leagues short of being an acceptable piece of legislation, in our view. No dog should be subjected to the torture and loneliness of the cage in a research laboratory. The activity should be specifically prohibited by state and Federal law.

But, it is a step forward. Passage of this legislation will help stop the activities of the bunchers, the fraudulent source record keeping and hopefully some of the rampant abuse that these stolen and fraudulently obtained dogs are currently being subjected to. Family dogs stolen from back yards will hopefully be safe from kidnapping by bunchers and a miserable fate of torture and cruelty in laboratory cages.

For those reasons, Dogs-4Life must endorse the legislation. We urge you to contact your U.S. Senators and Congressman to voice your support. Once passed, the unacceptable legislative sections allowing personal dog donation, lab breeding for the benefit of research facilities, and dog pound donation to research facilities must be immediately addressed by dog enthusiasts nationwide.

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

Training Dogs with No Bark Collars by Mike Arroyo II

2007-03-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Are you a dog owner who encounters problem with the authority and neighbors regarding your dog's barking habit, which results to nuisance to your neighborhood? Yes! Dogs are man's best friend, developed through years of companionship in many situations that strengthen their relationship. But when you have dogs that bark all through the night, thus giving everyone a rough night, you might feel uncertain if you should be keeping your pet at all.

Dogs are naturally territorial animal, which makes them a perfect guard for your house. As we all know there are lots of circumstances that burglars were caught because of dogs religiously on guard day and night. But for dogs that seems to bark five hundred times a night, it will definitely make your neighbors take legal actions against you as its owner, you will probably search the web for dog trainers or devices that can help you with this problem. You can also search for dog training tips to train your dog, which is also a perfect time to bond with your dog.

When it comes to training devices, there is several no bark collars which can help you train pet from it's over barking habits. With this you'll definitely give yourself and your neighbors a big favor - a good night sleep, which will also save you from the pending complain and worse, be separated from your pets forever. No bark collars are proven effective even for those stubborn large type dogs. Moreover, here are some tips in using a no bark collars to your dog.

Introducing your dog to the No Bark Collars Before you begin training with an activated system, you should first accustom your dog to a deactivated no bark collar. By spending just two days introducing your dog to a system you can avoid other problems from developing, such as your dog cowering when you approach him with the system. Introduce your dog to the no bark control by completing the following.

Day One
* Choose a small food reward (about the size of a pencil eraser) that your dog finds very desirable and that he will accept every time.
* Place the no bark collar around your dog's neck for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
* Be sure that you have the collar fitted in the same manner that it will be during actual training. Refer to the product specific operations manual for determining proper fit of collar. After it has been on his neck a short period of time give him a food reward. Repeat this reward several times.

Day Two
Repeat day one procedure over a 5-6 hour period. Day Three This is the first day that your dog should receive the correction.

Training with the No Bark Collar Before placing an activated system on your dog, carefully choose the first situation in which it is going to be used. This situation should be one in which your dog will learn easily, i.e., one with few distractions. If you do train in a situation with distractions, your dog may not associate the correction with his barking, but with something else. For example, if when your dog first barks, he is looking at a visitor to your home, he may perceive the visitor as being the cause of the correction, instead of his barking. The initial training situation should also be one in which you can observe your dog's first few reactions to the no bark collar. Do not leave your dog alone the first few times he receives a correction.

Train your dog only in this initial situation until he has learned what the consequence to barking is. Only then should you move on to the next situation. This will help ensure that your dog understands that barking is the behavior he must avoid, no matter what his reason for barking.

What to expect from your dog while training The first time your dog receives the correction he may react in a way that concerns you. He may yelp or yip or jump slightly. Do not be alarmed by these reactions. His first reaction to the correction will always be his most intense. Do not be alarmed by any such reaction. After the first few corrections his reaction will lessen. He will eventually just stop barking and remain calm. It is advised that you observe your dog's reactions to the correction.

You should notice an improvement in your dog's barking within the first week of training. At this point many dog owners feel that the "problem has been solved". In some cases this may be true, but in most cases the training is still not complete. Most, if not every dog, will "test" this new learning experience, i.e., they will increase their attempts to get away with barking. This testing period usually occurs during the second week of training. When it does occur you must remain consistent - do not alter your use of the no bark collar. Once your dog is trained, you must continue to place the no bark collar on him in every situation in which he must be quiet. He may see a new dog or a squirrel through a window for the first time and he may bark. If he is not wearing the no bark collar he may get away with barking and his training may suffer a setback. If he is wearing the no bark collar, he will stop barking immediately and any setback will be prevented.

About the Author
No Bark Collars, Barking Dog Collars, Dog Bark Collars

How to stop my dog from digging? by Michael Silvester

2007-03-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

Dogs love to dig but this can be a problem if that lovely landscaped yard of yours looks like a minefield from all the holes that your dog has dug.

No doubt if you have a dog that likes to dig you have tried all and sundry to get it to stop from smacking it to yelling at it when it starts to dig and you probably still haven't resolved the problem.

Once again, like all methods of dog training, if you can address the reason why the dog is doing something you will be able to eliminate the problem.

There are many different reasons why a dog will dig, from boredom and frustration to the search for a cold place to rest in humid weather.

Consider the surroundings that you have made available for your pet and see if there are any areas that need attention.

Does your dog need more shelter, or is the current shelter just a little too hot for the climate that you are living in?

Is the dog digging to gain your attention and if so you will need to look at earlier lessons on how to give your dog the attention that it is seeking without encouraging it to continue with the behavior that you wish to stop.

Maybe your dog needs more toys to play with or more exercise to relieve some of it's pent up energy.

Maybe you will need to fence off parts of your yard where you know your dog prefers to dig.

If you have a dog that just prefers to dig for no other reason than the enjoyment of digging you might need to offer it a dedicated area of the yard where it can dig to it's hearts delight.

This might help to keep your dog contented while you are away.

There will always be a solution, you just need to look at the circumstances and take the appropriate action.

About the Author
Checkout My Free Dog Training Tips Tricks and Advice on my website How to stop my dog from digging

A Healthy Dog Is A Happy Dog by David Lee

2007-03-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

A dog for a pet and a pal can be a great joy. They provide us with so much, and ask for nothing in return but that we care for them. They require of us food, water, shelter, and, of course, love. Therefore, keeping your dog healthy is a priority. This information is being provided to you to help keep your dog both happy and healthy.

External Parasites

External parasites are not only extremely annoying to your best friend, but they can also be a healthy hazard. Fleas are thought to be extremely common among dogs, while this true, what you may not understand is that fleas can lead to a variety of health problems. Dog Flea Control, Canine Flea Control is very important. Fleas can carry tapeworm to your dog, they can also cause hair loss, infections of the skin, allergic reactions, and even anemia. Ticks are also a big cause for concern for your dog because they can carry the disease known as Lyme disease, which is a fatal disease to both humans and animals. Another thing to watch for is ear mites, which can be extremely annoying and painful to your dog. It is important to check for and rid your dog of these external parasites regularly if necessary. Even if your dog is an inside, when they are outside relieving themselves or on walks they can become infected by fleas, ticks, and ear mites.

Internal Parasites

Worms are one of the most common infestations of dogs, next to fleas. Tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms, heartworms, and roundworms are all internal parasites to watch for. Worms can cause a great deal of harm to your dog include, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, anemia, and perhaps even death. The worst thing about worms is that most are not noticeable without some sort of stool examination or blood tests. An annual check for worms is necessary for all dogs; this will help in controlling or preventing any infestations.

Disease

There are many diseases that can affect dogs, just as there are with humans. However, some breeds of dogs are more prone to certain diseases than others are. It is important to understand the disease risk of your specific dog breed and watch closely for any signs. Some diseases that effect dogs include:

Canine Distemper - This is a disease that is bacterial for the most part and will effect the nervous and organ system in the body. For the most part, this disease is fatal, if a dog does survive it will have some form of impairment, which is why vets require vaccination against the disease.

Rabies - This is generally transmitted from one animal to another via a bite from an infected animal. Rabies is almost always fatal and can be transmitted to humans, vaccination is required against rabies.

Other diseases to watch for include Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Coronavirus, and Canine Parvovirus (Parvo). It is important to watch your dog for any signs of labored breathing, bloody stools, coughing, vomiting, fever, weakness, stiffness, nose or eye discharge, appetite loss, or diarrhea.

Vaccinations

A lot of diseases these days can be prevented through vaccinations. If you are starting out with a puppy, be sure to get their first shots done as soon as recommended and follow up as necessary to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Feed Your Dog Properly

Diet is also important to keep your dog healthy and happy. Puppies and adult dogs have different requirements in order to maintain proper nutrition. Be sure you are buying the right food for proper Dog Food Nutrition.

About the Author
David Lee is an expert on pet care. See his sites for more info on Dog Health Questions, Canine Health, Dog Training and Dog Disease, Dog Illness

10 Of The Biggest Dog Killers In Your Home

2007-03-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog's reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it.

Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog's reach. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous.

While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity.

This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog's reach.

Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog.

Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well.

Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures.

When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category.

Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma.

You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil's ivy, aloe, and ivy.

Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them.

Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such things.

As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.

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

Self Protection From Strange Dogs

2007-03-10T04:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been riding your bicycle around the block when a dog comes running out of it's yard and starts chasing you down the street? Maybe you're walking down the street when you spot a rather large dog a few houses away. The dog appears to be unattended and you don't know if it's friendly. Has this ever happened to you? Your walking your small dog (on a leash) down the street when suddenly your confronted by a strange, free roaming dog and it's growling and in the attack position.

What do you do? What can you do?

In the first scenario, described above, where the bicyclist is being chased by a dog, you would probably start peddling faster while simultaneously kicking out at the dog in an attempt to both outrun the dog and prevent it from biting you. The second scenario has you walking down the street when you spot a large, unattended dog a few houses away. Lot's of people go for walks carrying a base- ball bat or large stick to protect themselves just in case the dog turns out to be, shall we say, unfriendly. First, carrying a baseball bat or a large stick can be cumbersome and get heavy after awhile. Second, you have to be prepared to beat the dog (not an easy thing to do). Imagine how you will feel afterwards. So, instead, you'll probably just turn around and walk back rather than take a chance. The last scenerio as described above, has you walking your small dog on a leash, when your confronted by a larger, strange dog. Most likely, you will pick up your beloved pet, hold it close to you and then just hope for the best. Trying to run away almost never works.

Let's look at some other options. One is to keep the dog from coming near you in the first place. You can accomplish this with an electronic animal repellant. Using ultrasonic technology, the devise produces a discomforting but not harmful high frequency sound, audible to dogs but not to humans. One such device is the Ultrasonic Dog Chaser. It's small and lightweight. It measures 3 & 3/4 inches by 2 & 3/16 inches by 7/8 inches. That's roughly the size of a deck of cards. Weighing in at just 3.5 ounces with the 9-volt battery, it's quite compact. It has a frequency range between 20,000Hz - 25,000Hz. At 135dbs, it has an effective range up to 20 feet. The device is easy to use, too. Point the animal repeller at the dog and press the button. That's all there is to it. It's also safe and humane. The electronic animal repeller is not the repeller of choice however, if your walking your dog.

A second option is to whip out your trusty dog repellent spray. Mace makes a safe, humane and effective dog repellent spray that's EPA approved. It sprays 8-10 feet, but don't spray it into the wind as the results could prove to be dis- astrous. Here's how it works. When sprayed with a pepper spray dog repellent spray, most dogs throw themselves on the ground rubbing their eyes. The painful burning effects of the spray typically wear off within a few minutes, leaving the dog healthy and unharmed. Choose dog repellent sprays with pepper spray, also known as OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray, as it's ingredient. Other sprays may not work on dogs that don't respond to pain. It's totally non-toxic.

Another option is the stun baton. A favorite among security guards, it is very effective on dogs. Just touch the dog on it's face. It will drop to it's knees, turn and run. Normally, however, the clicking sounds the baton makes when turned on is enough to deter the dog. Stun batons come in different lengths ranging from 300,000 volts to 500,000 volts. A stun baton is a stun gun placed into a baton. Stun guns use high voltage and low amperage to temporarily disable an attacker. It does not rely on pain for results. The energy stored in the gun is dumped into the attackers blood sugar by converting it to lactic acid. Unable to produce energy for the muscles, the body is unable to function properly. The stun gun also interrupts the tiny neurological impulses that control muscle move- ment, causing the attacker to lose their balance. All this happens very rapidly. Should the attacker be touching you, the current will not pass to your body. Of course, as a last resort, you can use the baton as a stick or baseball ball to hit the dog with.

So go ahead and take that walk down the street, or pull out your bike and ride around the block again. There's no need to be afraid of those stray dogs any more. Have FUN!

You can find these devices in some stores and on most internet sites selling self protection products.

About The Author

Janice Strickland is the Director of Marketing for PROTECH #1. PROTECH #1 carries a complete line of personal protection products. For more information and products, please visit http://www.protechtasers.com.

Train Your Dog To Stop Chewing on the Wrong Things

2007-03-10T03:51:00.000-08:00

Most dogs go through a phase where they will chew on anything that will fit in their mouth. There are also dogs that don’t even grow out of the chewing phase. There are even some breeds that have a tendency to chew more than other breeds.

It may be cute at first when your puppy begins to chew on your shoes or socks but can be very dangerous. If your dog gets into something poisonous or swallows an object it could lead to death.

Puppies typically will chew more than an older dog and will chew on pretty much anything. It is much easier to teach dogs not to chew at younger ages than it is an older dog. Use this to your advantage.

The first thing to do when training your dog not to chew is to put the items he likes to chew out of reach. It is important to keep these away from your dog at all times. The less exposure the dog has with the items, the less likely he is to chew on them at later times.

When you get everything out of your dog’s reach give him something that you don’t mind him chewing on. This can be a chew toy, rawhide bones, or rubber bones. Buy one of each and see which one your dog prefers. It may take a while before you dog will stop wanting to chew on other things such as your shoes but be patient.

After your dog has something good to chew on is when you want to start training him. If you catch your dog chewing on something it isn’t supposed to you need to let them know that what they are doing is wrong. You can tell your dog this by speaking in a sharp tone and giving him a gentle tap on his head.

Remember to be persistent, dogs are not stupid, if they know they can get away with something they will keep doing it. You should also refrain from yelling at your dog or hitting him at all times, no matter how frustrated you get. When you yell at or hit a dog it only prolongs the dog’s learning.

You can even practice with your dog by putting him on a leash and putting an object in front of him. When the dog gets the urge and moves too close to the object give the leash a small jerk. This will teach the dog that you do not want him to chew on the object.

When you are training the dog with a leash make sure to stand off to the side. You do not want to be standing directly behind the dog when you jerk the leash, it could cause damage to their throat. Remember, leash training is not to hurt or punish the dog; it is to simply tell the dog that his actions were wrong.

Training your dog will take a lot of time and persistence. Do not give up, if you do your dog will never learn. Remember to be patient, your dog will not stop chewing over night, it may take weeks or even months.

About the Author
To read more articles about how to train your dog and lots of other pet and animal information visit http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com. If you are having obedience problems with your dog visit Dog Obedience Training for more great resources to help you train your dog.

Source: ArticleTrader.com

A cure for many doggy evils

2007-03-10T03:34:00.000-08:00

Wouldn’t you like a single command that can tell your dog to:
stop vacuuming up everything on the floor
stop sniffing your guests
stop growling at other dogs
stop whatever she’s doing that you don’t like and
pay attention to you?

It’s not magic, it’s “leave it!”

We take for granted when we teach “leave it” that you are the most important and interesting thing in your dog’s universe. If you’re not – you’re not spending enough time with her. It only takes a few minutes a couple of times a day to build a bond. And the rewards both of you get from that bond are priceless.

As a first step to teaching “leave it,” sit down in a chair with your dog, wearing his collar and leash, with you. You should have a handful of treats for the dog – something he really, really likes and sees only during training sessions. Give your dog one treat at a time, saying “take it” every time he gets a cookie.

After a few treats are down the hatch, conceal a cookie in the same hand (make a fist around it), so the dog cannot get it, and say “leave it.” Your dog will stare at your hand longingly, perhaps even try to lick or nibble at it. Sit patiently. When the dog looks away from your hand – when he looks anywhere but at your hand – say “Good Leave It” and reward him. Don’t use the concealed treat – give a treat from your reserve pile. Eventually you may want the dog to look up at you, but the point of this exercise is to get the dog to ignore the treat in your closed fist.

After a few short sessions with this exercise, your dog should look away from the treat hand as soon as you say “Leave it.” When you’ve gotten this far, you can start showing the dog the treat and saying “Leave it.” She should know by this time what it expected and look away from the treat. Again, reward as soon as she looks away and repeat “Good Leave It!”

The first time an instructor taught us this exercise in class, our graduation ceremony included each of the dog-and-owner teams walking through a minefield of dog treats. Every single one of the dogs ignored all the goodies on the ground and paid attention to his/her owner throughout. At the start of class none of us believed it possible – but all of us did it!

“Leave it” is, in essence, getting your dog’s attention refocused onto you and onto more positive behavior. Dog owners often expect their dogs to stop doing something by saying “no,” but don’t tell their dogs what to do instead! Replace a behavior you don’t want with one you do. Dogs like rules and routine. They like knowing what’s expected of them. Tell them!

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

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Dog Too Spoiled To Walk On Leash

2007-02-17T04:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Katz:

I have a 4 month old female pup, AmStaff/Boxer (we think - she was a rescue). She responds well to all training, EXCEPT for walking and heeling.

We've practiced the loose-leash "turning on a dime" technique described in your book and audio tape at length, but she refuses to cooperate.

It's not a matter of distraction - when I attempt to train her in this style, she pulls back with all her strength. When the loose leash is snapped, she sits, paws braced, or lays down on her back. These responses are immediate.

I've tried instantly righting her, and continuing the training, but she responds as above just as quickly. This can go on indefinitely. I've tried correcting her with a low "No," and praising her if she responds correctly for even an instant. I've tried using treats to get her to at least walk with me briefly...... all to no success.

What else should I try?
Thanks,
Geoff

Dear Geoff,

It's a good question you've asked.

First, you DO NOT want to work the dog around distractions at this point in the game.

Second, you should not be telling the dog, "No!" and jerking the leash for this behavior. Instead, you need to simply glue the leash to your belt and keep walking.

Now here's where your problem will arise: You've already inadvertently taught your dog that if she kicks and screams long enough (or rolls on her back and throws a tantrum)... that eventually you will stop walking and come to see what's wrong.

The only problem is... NOTHING IS WRONG!

It's like if I take you in a helicopter and drop you off in the middle of the desert and tell you that I'm going to leave you there, but will eventually come back and pick you up in half an hour (or 2 hours, or a whole day!!!) ... you will simply sit there and not attempt to remedy your situation, as you know that I'm coming back to pick you up. Eventually, this situation will end and I'll come back and your problems will be over.

However, if I instead drop you off in the middle of the desert and tell you that I'm never coming back... then all of the sudden you're in a position where you MUST START TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS TO BETTER YOUR SITUATION.

Maybe you start to look for some twigs you can start a smoke fire with, to draw the attention of an airplane overhead.

Or perhaps you climb on top of a rock, to look for a nearby highway so that you can hitch hike to a nearby pay phone.

But the point is... you start actively looking for a solution because you IMMEDIATELY REALIZE THAT YOUR SITUATION WILL NOT SIMPLY END BY ITSELF.

And this is the same thing you need to teach your dog. And it's a lesson that will extend beyond this one exercise. Your dog must learn that just because she does not want to do something DOES NOT mean that you will give in and let her not do the exercise.

BECAUSE THIS CREATES A SPOILED DOG.

So... what should you do? The answer is really quite simple. Just keep walking. No matter how much the dog kicks and screams and throws a tantrum, remember: You're not asking her to do anything she cannot do if she chooses. We're asking her to SIMPLY WALK WITH YOU.

Now, in light of everything you've already taught her (remember, every action you do teaches your dog something)... you may have to keep walking a quarter of a mile before she finally realizes that you're not stopping and that it's easier to walk alongside you than it is to be dragged on her rump.

Trust me... it won't be a pretty scene for your neighbors to look out their window and see you dragging your dog on her rump down the street.

But when you will be able to take that same dog out for a casual stroll later that evening, your neighbors will wonder if you didn't trade your dog in for a different one and will gasp at how well she walks alongside you on the leash.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): http://tinyurl.com/4efaq
Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!“ which you can read more about at:
http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

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Bloodhound - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

2007-02-14T00:39:00.000-08:00

A familiar looking wrinkly and long eared dog, the Bloodhound breed is more than one thousand years old. Originally bred in Belgium by the monks of St. Hubert, the monks selectively bred Bloodhounds with other hounds to perfect the scenting ability of this breed. Bloodhounds were brought into England and eventually America. Bloodhounds have the strongest scenting ability of all hounds and are known for the ability to track scents over long distances that may be days old. Today, Bloodhounds are bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings and are used to track victims of disasters or used by the police to track down suspects. Part of the Bloodhound history includes being used in the United States to track down runaway slaves. However, Bloodhounds are not hunters. They do not enjoy killing the prey, just capturing it. They will surround the prey and bay to let the master know its location. Male Bloodhounds will grow to between 25 and 27 inches and weigh 90 to 110 pounds. Female Bloodhounds will average 23 to 25 inches in height and 80 to 100 in weight. This large breed of dog will live about 10 to 12 years. Bloodhounds have shorthaired coats that are easy to care for and can be black and tan, liver and tan and red and tawny. However, even with regular cleaning, Bloodhounds are sometimes described as having a strong 'dog' odor that will not go away. Bloodhounds tend to drool more than most dogs, and are also prone to howl and snore more as well. Described as kind, patient and affectionate, Bloodhounds are a good family dog and do well with children. In fact, many Bloodhounds will allow children to climb all over and will not react in any way. However, exercise caution when Bloodhounds are around children. This large dog may knock over smaller children accidentally. Bloodhounds need firm and consistent training since they can be strong-minded. This is especially true (and especially important) when out with a Bloodhound, as they will take off after a scent that has caught their attention. Bloodhounds can live in any environment, provided they are exercised at least once a day. Bloodhounds can have medical problems including bloat, stomach cramps, hip dysplasia and ear infections. A padded bed is recommended to avoid calluses on the joints. Some tend to get entropion, where the eyelids turn inward. There is a website that has great information on Bloodhounds and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url: http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. BenjaminCopyright © 2007 You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.Seasonal Vacation Spots http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

Love Boxer's? So do we. by Elyse Lavery

2007-02-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

We love the Boxer breed.

They are awesome dogs and they are great with kids and other animals. They are loyal and kind, They are just the sweetest and funniest breed that you have ever seen.

They will make you laugh constantly and are full of wonderful energy, they have what we call the beanie walk, they fold themselves in half when excited, wag their little stubby tail constantly, and love to give boxer kisses. They are a medium size, and good when trained properly to walk on a leash, play fetch, do just about anything. They are one of the easiest breeds i feel to train. They listen to you intently. They are your best friend and they will guard you with their life. but they will love everyone you say is ok.

They also make wonderful working dogs, to go to the nursing homes, or to hospitals for the terminally ill or to childrens hospitals. they are great with the people and make them feel loved and special. Where they love to be patted and talked to they really do make a great pet to do that kind of work. If you would like more information on the Breed, Training Tips, Treat Recipes, or other info. Go check out my blog.

For more information on this breed.

Check out my blog at http://www.kidscraftsdogtraining.blogspot.com

I also have lots of other things on my blog, such as. Kids Crafts, Hobbies, Gardening, get paid for serveys, dog training, and more.

About the Author
http://www.kidscraftsdogtraining.blogspot.com

All The Secrets About Black Pitbulls by Dane Stanton

2007-02-10T04:51:00.001-08:00

Black pitbulls are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world and have unfortunately in recent times been under scrutiny due to the fact they are becoming the main breed of dogs used in illegal dog fighting circles. This article will endeavor to teach people the truth about black pitbulls and why we shouldn't outlaw them as aggressive, blood thirsty creatures.

Black pitbulls are probably the favored types of American pitbulls. They are basically the same as any other pitbull except for their appearance. In the US now more and more illegal pitbull fighting organizations are starting up. The outlook on pitbulls from society is therefore also changing as a result and more and more people are beginning to push for a ban on all pitbulls in general.

The reason why black pitbulls are one of the most used breeds for fighting purposes is because they have incredibly strong jaws that are able to cause an enormous amount of damage. Reports always circle about pitbull mauling occurring on humans, which is doing their image huge complications.

Unfortunately most people own pitbulls for the reason they are able to inflict pain on other people and dogs. What people don't realize is they also have a gentle nature to them as well and this is what owners should focus on bringing out instead. To better understand black pitbulls, we need to go back in history.

Black pitbulls are closely related to Mastiff's. Their descendents come from Greece as far back as 5000BC when soldiers trained this breed of Mastiff dog(which were much larger back then) as attack dogs for battle. They were trained to defend their owner at all costs and therefore were also known as being one of the most loyal dogs on Earth. Loyalty is also the main feature of black pitbulls today as they will literally do anything to please their masters.

This is a good thing and a bad thing. It means that if you train your dogs to treat other people and dogs more gently they will obey. If you train it to be aggressive towards other dogs and people, they will also do that. Black pitbulls personalities really depend on the nature of the owner and the way they have brought the dog up.

If you are thinking about buying a black pitbull, then make sure you focus all your energy on training your dog to be a kind natured animal and they will repay you with many years of loving loyalty.

About the Author
If you want to know more about Pitbulls including free information, reviews and much more, then please visit http://www.pitbullsuccess.com/

Proper Dog Training - Discover The Benefits Now by Niall Roche

2007-02-10T04:45:00.000-08:00

Proper training of your dog should be an integral part of your life with your dog. How much (or little) effort you put into working with your dog will have equally positive or negative results on your lives together. Even wild dogs have to learn to adhere to a certain set of standards and rules. The same is true of a domesticated dog. For them to be happy they must be trained to fetch, stay, and come when asked to do so. This establishes respect between you and your four legged friend. The major benefit here is that once your dog "respects" you then dealing with issues like chewing, barking, biting and housebreaking should prove to be very little trouble - if they become a problem at all.

There are numerous misunderstandings and misconceptions about dogs and their habits. Many owners assume that they must be become the "alpha dog" in the household. While this may be true to a limited extent it's important to realize that other dogs live in fear of alpha males and rarely respect them. It's a much better plan to teach your dog how to co-operate through kindness and encouragement then through the dog living in fear of you (even if this isn't obvious fear to you the dog may still feel it.)

Another huge mistake is that people actually believe that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". This is absolute rubbish. Just as with human beings dogs can be retrained. Many people use this as an excuse to simply give up on a dog that has never been trained properly. Any dog, with the right amount of love and encouragement, can become a well adjusted member of just about any family. Dogs are far more intelligent than we give them credit for and many dogs have simply lacked a firm, caring hand to show them right from wrong when they were small pups - if they got any care at all.

Some people see training their dog as hard work. If done properly it can actually be fun. The first time you see your dog obey the command to stay until called it'll give you that warm fuzzy feeling that only a dog can give you. When training your dog try to follow these simple steps:

1. Stop them when they're doing something bold.

2. Reprimand the dog in a positive way.

3. Redirect the dogs energy into something more positive.

4. Never slap your dog.

It's also important to encourage your dog even after they've learned a new activity from training. For example when they let you know they need to go outside to the toilet make sure that you give them a kind word and a pat on the head each time they do this - not just the first time. It's amazing the effect that this type of encouragement will have on your dogs behavior.

About the Author
Is your dog misbehaving? If so then visit DogTrainingHelper where you can discover lots more about your dog and training and training your dog to walk on a leash.

So You're Going to Buy a Dog

2007-02-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

Pet ownership brings tremendous satisfaction to people everywhere. Picking the right pet for you and your family is not something to be taken lightly as the decision is something you will likely live with for many years to come. Dogs are the most popular pet, with some 23% of people owning one according to FaqFarm (barely edging out cats at 21%). Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, catering to the tastes of different people. The trick is finding the right one for you.
The first thing you have to consider is the time factor. Dogs require more time than some other animals, especially if you decide to keep an indoor dog versus an outdoor dog. You must take into account that a dog must be fed and watered daily and sometimes more than once a day. If you have an indoor dog, they must be let out to do their business as well. Dogs require exercise, whether it be running around in a large yard or taking a walk. You also need to bathe your dog, or take him to the groomer to be bathed. On top of these things, dogs are social creatures and a dog that spends a lot of time with his owner is a happy dog.

Once you determine that you can meet the requirements of dog ownership you must determine what breed you would like to own. A great resource for dog breeds is the Dog Breed Info Center. As you would expect, some dogs require specialized care (such as specific grooming) and some breeds are known for having certain problems (such as excessive barking or drooling), so you want to do your homework when it comes to picking your dog. The size of a dog can be of great importance as well. Not everyone is suited for a dog that is so large they can put their front paws on your shoulders while you are standing upright and not everyone wants a dog small enough that you can carry it over your shoulder in a specially made carrying case (or an oversized purse).

Once you’ve settled on a breed of dog you need to know where to find it. You can purchase a dog from an individual, a breeder, a rescue organization or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Cost and availability can play an important roll in determining where you obtain your dog. Some people will want only a purebred dog and will pay top dollar to own such an animal and the accompanying papers. Others don’t mind mixed breeds and can go to the local SPCA and find many adoptable dogs.

All of these factors are important when choosing the dog that is right for you. Plenty of resources are available on the internet that will help you find the right dog. Talk to the local veterinarian about specific dogs. They often have resources on where you can find dogs as well. Remember, this is not a decision to be taken lightly. Dogs live on average from ten to fifteen years, so pick wisely. If you find the right dog, it is sure to bring you many years of companionship, happiness and love.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/

which is a site for Pet Forums.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry J. Coyier is a 37-year-old college student studying for an Associates of Applied Sciences degree. She is also a freelance writer who writes about a myriad of topics. She lives with her son in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.

The Bullmastiff Dog Breed Origin and History

2007-02-04T23:15:00.000-08:00

The Bullmastiff, however, was only introduced in about 1860 when the Mastiff was crossed with the Old English Bulldog. At this time, gamekeepers needed a dog to help protect their estates and flocks from game poachers, mostly poachers of deer from their estate. The Mastiff was apparently too slow and cumbersome for the job and the Bulldog was too small to be effective. The solution was a mix of about 60% Mastiff with 40% Bulldog, thus creating the Bullmastiff.

This new dog called the "Mastiff with a touch of bull" or more commonly Bullmastiff, was just what gamekeepers needed to watch their estates as his dark coat and quiet demeanor could surprise poachers, and then, rather than maul or kill the criminal, they would pin them to the ground without biting them. The Bullmastiff origin, then, arises from this practical application and was commonly called the "gamekeeper's night dog".

Bullmastiff Dog Breed History The Bullmastiff dog breed was used for some time as the gamekeeper's guard, however, eventually the Bullmastiff was used in other capacities, such as a sentry or guard dog as well as work with the army and police. The crossbreeding between the Mastiff and the Bulldog and the magic 60/40 mix, continued, but eventually a purebred line was formed. In 1924 some conformity was established in the Bullmastiff dog breed and it was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1924.

The American Kennel Club later would recognize the breed in 1933. The dog was famously used to guard the DeBeer diamond mines in South Africa as well as John D. Rockefeller's New York estate in addition to being used in emergencies such as the one in Mau-Mau Uprising in Kenya.

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Bullmastiff Breed Information and training tips. Join us at Large Dog Breeds for a large selection of large dog information and training.

Home Educating an Old Dog - Better Late than Never

2007-02-04T23:11:00.000-08:00

Home disciplining an older dog is possible, in spite of what manyhumans imagine. A canine is never too elder to learn where you wish him or her to go exempt them. When you initially commence potty educating for an elder mutt you must reject any medical problems that might compromise for more complicated house educating. When you reject medical troubles it's time to commence potty teaching for your senior mutt! With a bit of time and support you would discover that your aged dog will cheerfully go potty within their chosen areas.

Have Fun Home Educating an Older Mutt

You should like the experience of house disciplining your dog or at least give the idea of doing so. If you look at the method as a task your mutt will pick up on your outlook. If you draw close to the house teaching procedure with a encouraging attitude, things will go much more smoothly for both of you. Potty teaching an elder dog will take a bit of time & persistence, but usually a excellent approach will get you both through.

Consider being tolerant during this important stage , , your mutt did not have the advantage of learning early. Dog's are to a great extent like people; they get set in their ways and widens functions. They might have never even thought about going to the toilet anywhere else but where they usually go, so it may take you a bit of time to get them to smash their attitude. Have reliance; house disciplining an old mutt is possible!

Some challenges you might face when home breaking an elder dog is it's laziness regarding your canine's incentive to learn. An incapability to smash old routine can be hard at times for many mutt's'sthat is set in their habit. Aged mutt's's can be immense, but they are frequently sluggish and unresponsive when equated to a puppy, which could make home disciplining tough. For a second time, I reiterate, don't give up! Patience is the solution here.

Think of Using Teaching Assistance when House Educating an Senior Mutt

You might find it very useful to employ the use of home teaching assists while house teaching an senior dog. Several types of products you might want to think are summarized below:

· Scented puppy pads which smell like urine and magnetize the canine to a particular place!

· Newspaper can be useful especially when combined with urine perfumed spray or drops.

· Crate training will motivate your mutt to maintain his personal area fresh until you can come with him or her to the suitable place to home.

· Take the mutt out every 2 to 3 hours to the "designated potty spot" and motivate him or her when they go to the right spot.

· Room or seclusion training, which works the same way as crate teaching, motivates the canine to maintain his or her area hygiene.

You might find it beneficial to use numerous techniques when house training your older mutt. For example, you might want to locate your old dog in a crate while you are away from home, but when you are away from the house you can take the canine outside every 1 or 3 hours to motivate him or her to go in the right spot. The key is to be consistent, to do the same things every day so that your dog picks up on the behavior & in due course does it on his or her own.

Positive Reinforcement Requires Dedication and Time

If your canine goes to the bathroom in the wrong spot, scold them if you find them in the act. It generally helps to shift the accidents to the right spot, if possible. If you don't catch them in the act, scolding them would not help the situation. In spite of, focus on rewarding them when you are training your canine friend. When you see your dog go potty in the correct area, praise them, and simply give them positive attention. Make it a constant habit to this process & your senior canine will be home trained & living happily within the boundaries of your home.

House educating an elder mutt can be annoying, so consider that evenness & patience will go a long, long way. Old routines die tough, so do not stop with the routine even if you are fairly certain that your huge canine has it down. Stay persistent with the procedure unless the mutt can show to you over a long period of time that they are truly house skilled.

Visit http://largedogbreedz.com for more information regarding how to properly potty train your canine companion. For more healthy training advice, take a look at our selection of training articles at http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-training-articles/dog-obediance-training

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Top 7 Dog Breeds: Get Home Your Companion

2007-01-31T02:56:00.000-08:00

1.Affenpinscher: This dog breed is very alert, friendly and intelligent. They are very easy to train and like all dogs they are very loyal. Unlike most of the pets, they are quite tolerant towards the other pets. They are 9-11.5 inches in height and weigh around 7-8 lbs. Generally they are available in black color, but are also available in tan and brown color. They have coarse and swirling fur. This dog breed a little extra exercising, so taking him on quick short walks at least three times a day is necessary.

2.American Bulldog: It is the most athletic and powerful dog of all the breeds. They have a sturdy bone frame and the muscles are also quite very strong. Because of this they are strong, alert, fearless and have great endurance. In this specie, the male and the female have distinct heights. The height of a general male is 22-28'' and the female is 20-26''. Their weight also differs. A typical male weighs around 70-120 lbs and the female is 60-100 lbs. They are available in a wide range of colors, from white to brown, from tan to red. These dogs have good memory therefore can retain the training given to them. They can become very aggressive at times. They need to exercise properly to stay active.

3.Australian Shepherd: This is a breed of very loyal and alert dog. They are a little shy among the strangers. But they are very easy to train and are intelligent. The males are 20-23'' inches long and weigh 50-65 lbs whereas the females are 18-21'' and weigh 40-55 lbs. They come mostly in red, black colors with white marks. This breed of dog needs a lot of exercising.

4.Boxer: These dogs are very playful and fun loving. They are patient and friendly. They are the only types of dogs who can express their emotions through their twinkling eyes. They are even friendly towards the other animals. The males weigh around 65-80 lbs and are 22.5-25'' tall. Their female counterparts are 50-65 lbs and are 21-23.3'' tall. They are mostly available in fawn color. They need a rough exercising routine to stay fit.

5.Dalmation: They are most well behaved and polite of all the dogs. They are very sociable. This friendly breed of dog is born pure white but in the later stages of their life they develop black spots on their body. They weigh something between 40-60 lbs and are 19-23'' tall.

6.German Shepherd: They are very noble in character and appearance. It is one of the most courageous dogs and have considerably good senses. The males are 24-26'' tall whereas the females are 22-24''. Both of them weigh 75-95 lbs. They usually come in black or Grey color with some brown marks. They are a regular exercising lover.

7.Pomeranian: They are the tiniest but the bravest of the dogs. It is one of the excellent watchdogs. They are very easy to train and can retain everything that is taught to them. They are 3-7 lbs in weight and are 8-11'' tall. These dogs are available in almost all tangible colors.

Knowing your type of dog, you can get home your companion now.

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The auther writes articles on different topics. To get more pet dog articles visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/

Tip to Stop your Dog From Chewing

2007-01-31T02:55:00.002-08:00

The most common reason for the dogs' chewing behavior is teething. In order to subjugate the extreme pain caused by the teething process, dogs may chew anything. Moreover, lack of exercise and boredom are also considered to be the contributing factors for the destructive dog behavior . Additionally, there are psychological reasons such as separation anxiety or insecurity which inflict dogs exhibit the destructive chewing behavior. If not properly checked or regulated on time, dog chewing can become extremely destructive to the animal itself and the surroundings as it may obsessively chew its own limbs or paws or can also chew through doors and destroy furniture, etc.

Chew Toys – Tools for Dog Chewing

Chew toys serve as gears for the canine companions' mental, emotional and physical development. However a lot of factors are required to be kept in mind while making purchases for the safest chew toys available in the market. For instance, safety, appropriate size and levels of spryness are a few points to ponder.

Safe Chew Toys

A range of harmless chew toys are available in the market. Some of which are:

Nylabones

Nylabones are safe and tender products being made from odor-free nylon fibers. They are available as edible and non-edible bones. Edible nylabones are flimsy while the non-edible ones are long-lasting bones that are filled with chicken-meat, turkey-meat or chocolate flavors. Nylabones are available in a range of size and colors, so an individual can choose one which suites their dog's requirements. Galileo is considered to be the best nylabone .

Kong Toys

Kong toys are an ideal choice for dogs that tend to suffer from anxiety or boredom. The most recommended chew toys were discovered in 1976 and are described as sterilized bones consisting of a rubber cask with a hollow center which can be stuffed with peanut butter, cream cheese or dog food.

Chew Toys That Are Unsafe

All kinds of meat and fish bones are unsuitable for dog chewing. Toys with squeakers or stuffed toys can also be harmful and can give rise to choking hazards or intestinal problems if the toys are tore violently and their parts are swallowed. Old clothing such as shoes also serves to be the inappropriate chew toys. Moreover, rawhide chews shall also be avoided. Though they are the dog's favorite, rawhide chews can cause intestinal blockage or choking if large pieces are swallowed. Certain rawhide chews may contain chemicals that may be a threat to the dog's health.

Techniques for Discouraging Destructive Chewing

Here are a few techniques which might help, stop dog chewing items that are inappropriate.

Praising Dog's Acceptable Behavior

Destructive chewing can be controlled by complementing the dog's behavior while he chews the appropriate chew toys. However, regular change of chewing toys plays a significant role in overcoming the behavior.

Redirection from Inappropriate Objects

If one finds his dog chewing cabinet or any other object that is unacceptable, then the dog's behavior should be discouraged. Moreover, steps should be taken for distracting it. Diverting the dog to a suitable chew toy may help in the respective case.

Teaching Dog the “Leave” Command

Dogs should be taken to training classes for teaching them the “leave” or “drop it” command. However, the command should be addressed in an assertive and low voice.

Spending Time with Your Pet

One should try spending a few hours with the pet dog as this makes it feel secure. Moreover, dogs should be taken for long walks in order to minimize boredom and fulfill the need of physical activity.......

To read the entire article, please visit us at: http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-training-articles/dog-behavior-training/tips-to-stomp-dog-chewing.html

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History of the Miniature Pinscher

2007-01-31T02:55:00.001-08:00

The Miniature Pinscher or the Min Pin as it is colloquially abbreviated to is believed to have originated in Germany over two hundred years ago, it was originally known as the Reh Pinscher in reference to a small red deer which freely roamed the German forests many years ago. The Miniature Pinscher has been pictured in oil paintings and sculptures that distinctly place the Miniature Pinscher as a very old breed, however because accurate documentation began less than 200 years ago, its breeds actual origins cannot be accurately stated. In Germany the breed is officially called the Zwergpinscher which simply means dwarf pinscher.
In 1936 Dr. H. G. Reinchenbach, a German writer, stated that the Miniature Pinscher is a cross of the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound. Many historians and those who have researched the background of this breed agree that the ancestors of the Miniature Pinscher to most likely include a combination of the smaller German smooth haired Pinscher, the Italian Greyhound and the Smooth Dachshund. The Miniature Pinscher is not a, smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, for those who disagree about the origins of the Miniature Pinscher I would like to point out that the German Miniature Pinscher Club was formed in 1895, however the German Kennel Club had recognized the breed and published a standard back in 1880, ten years before Louis Doberman bred his first Doberman.

British Miniature Pinscher web site

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Are my dogs nails too long?

2007-01-31T02:54:00.000-08:00

Feet - If you can hear a clicking sound when your dog is walking on a solid floor then the nails are too long. Nails should be shortened regularly to achieve a tight compact foot. Nothing looks worse than a Miniature Pinscher whose nails have been neglected. Dogs with neglected feet will have thin ugly feet with outspread toes. There is also the risk of in-grown nails, which can become infected and cause the dog-unnecessary pain.
If your dog doesn’t mind having its feet touch then nail trimming can be an easy task, however if your dog hates its feet being touch then sedation or restraints may be required. If you own such a dog then it’s easier to gain the dogs trust and desensitise its feet.

Desensitising feet - This is best done whilst the dog is asleep. Begin by resting your hand on the dogs paw. If the dog wakes up, just remove your hand without even looking at the dog. After repeating this process several times you will eventually be able to rest your hand on the dogs paws without disturbing the dogs sleep. This can take anything from a couple attempts to several weeks.

Once you are able to rest your hand on your dogs feet you can start to gently move their toes apart, once you can do this without disturbing the dogs sleep you can move onto the next step which is touching their toenails and lightly tapping against the ends of the nails. With a lot of patience you’ll achieve the desire results and then trimming nails will no longer be stressful for you or your dog.

Miniature Pinschers that exercise on a hard surface regularly wear their nails down naturally, and may not require trimming as often if at all.

Please Note:

This article is provided as a source of information only. It is not intended as a substitute for veterinarian advice or care.

British Miniature Pinscher web site

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Dog insurance too expensive?

2007-01-31T02:53:00.002-08:00

Has your dog insurance premiums just increased? Are you finding that it is more expensive to insure you dog than your house hold contents? In many cases owners are paying between £250 - £500 pounds per year to insure their dog and in some cases when they do make a claim they find that the insurance companies either take forever to payout or they find that due to the fine print they are not covered for a particular procedure or illness and those that are covered and do manage to make a claim find that the following year their premiums have gone up significantly.
Some vets will even insist that the owners pay the vets fees themselves and claim the money back from their insurance and the reason for this is because some insurance companies are taking far too long to settle the vets bills and some vets can no longer afford to wait for payment especially if they have many outstanding bills waiting to be settled.

Well there is an alternative

If you were to put the cost of your dog insurance premium in a Mini Cash ISA, you would receive tax free interest and still be able to gain instant access to your savings should the need arise and within no time you would have enough saved for almost every eventuality. If you didn’t need to withdraw any money to pay for expensive operations or other vet fees you would have a nice little nest egg that would continue to grow.

British Miniature Pinscher web site

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Toy Poodle - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

2007-01-31T02:53:00.001-08:00

The Toy Poodle is one type of the breed of Poodle. There are three types of Poodles: Toy, Miniature and Standard, each type denoting a size. Poodles are considered gun dogs, for their bird hunting skills and ability in water. Though some dispute the claim, France is officially recognized as the origin of the Poodle. The Toy Poodle lives an average 12 to 15 years. To be considered a Toy Poodle, its size can only be up to 10 inches with a weight of 6 to 9 pounds. Toy Poodles are considered intelligent and are among the easiest to train. Without consistent training, Toy Poodles will become willful, independent and may bark a lot. Toy Poodles like to be around people, but can be reserved among strangers, making them good watchdogs. Some Toy Poodles are known to be high strung and will snap. For this reason, it is important to socialize a Toy Poodle early and to exercise caution around small children. This does not mean that a Toy Poodle does not make a good family pet. Toy Poodles tend to be loyal to their families and some are good with children. This breed has a lot of energy, but does not demand a lot of exercise, making it a good choice for apartment dwellers.
It is a good idea to exercise a Toy Poodle at least once a day to alleviate any boredom that might occur. The familiar curly coat of the Toy Poodle grows constantly and must be clipped every four to six weeks to maintain it. Failure to maintain the coat can result in matted fur that can only be removed with scissors. The familiar 'Poodle Cut' was actually important for the dog when it was used for hunting. The cut helped protect vital joints and organs in the cold water. Now the clip is not necessary and many owners opt for an all around short cut. There are a variety of coat colors for Toy Poodles and the coat tends to be relatively shed free, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers, though they will create dander. There are health concerns that exist with this breed. Toy Poodles are prone to ear infections, runny eyes, digestive tract and heart disorders, skin conditions, slipped stifle, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), cataracts, entropion, epilepsy, inverterbral disc degeneration, Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation, trichiasis and urolithiasis. There is a website that has great information on Toy Poodles and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url: http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. BenjaminCopyright © 2007 You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.Seasonal Vacation Spots http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

Golden Retrievers - The benefits of training your Golden Retriever dog

2007-01-31T02:50:00.000-08:00

Out of all the available breeds to choose from, why did you decide to add a Golden Retriever to your family? Chances are you probably wanted a companion and a friend. You may have wanted a dog that could do things with you like run along the beach, catch tennis balls, and hike in the mountains. To do these things, however, your Golden Retriever needs training.

Many dog owners won’t admit their dog needs training. "He does everything I ask," they say. Yet when asked specific questions about their dog’s behavior, the story changes. A trained dog is not going to jump on people, dash out the door each time it is opened, or raid the trash can.

Dog owners can benefit from training, too. Owners learn how to teach their dog, how to praise him, and how to motivate him to want to be good. They also learn how to prevent problem behavior from happening and how to correct the mistakes that do occur.

Dog training is much more than the traditional sit, down, stay, and come. Dog training means teaching your Golden that he is living in your house, and not his. It means that you can establish some household rules and that he is expected to follow those rules. It doesn’t mean that you will be turning him into a little robot, but it will cause your dog to look at you differently. Training isn’t something you do to your Golden, but rather something that the two of you do together.

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Golden Retriever Training, Care and Maintenance Guides including tips and advice on Growth Stages, Health and Training for your Golden Retriever. Visit our website for Golden Retriever photos, tip and videos www.goldenretriever-dog.com

Dog Fighting History

2007-01-31T01:16:00.000-08:00

Dog Fighting History

Using dogs in fighting has been around for hundreds maybe thousands of years. The Romans, Greeks, Spanish and French used dogs for fighting.

Fighting between all kinds of animals have always been a very popular event. As far back as can be recalled dogs called gladiator were bred for the sole purpose of dog fighting.

The British began breeding the bulldog for the sole reason of dog on dog combat, but they were not the first; since this event has been around since the day of the Roman Empire. The dogs that the British used are commonly known today as the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The bulldog is well known for being used to manage unruly bulls, and by hunters for helping them in catching and holding wild boars or other big game.

Since, the bull dog was so popular for these types of activities the sport of bullbaiting became very popular. Bullbaiting was where bulldogs and other larger animals were pitted together.

Animals such as horses, bears, lions, and yes even men were put together for the sole purpose of fighting. This bullbaiting sport was eventually outlawed, so the public turned to dog fighting. Dog Fighting was economically better for the owners of the fighters, because they did not need as much room for the fighting area, and they only had to feed two dogs; instead of one dog and a larger animal. Also, with just dogs fighting it would be easier to hold these fights in secret if the need arose.

To acquire a smaller dog with increased agility and more stamina and fighting ability the bulldog was bred with game hunting terriers. As this breeding increased so did the aggression in these dogs.

Dog fighting breeders especially searched for dogs with the gaming and aggressive behavior, as their goal was to refine the best canine gladiator in the bulldog.

Dog fighting was seen through out the 1800’s into the 1900’s and still does continue today. But, it is illegal in most of the 50 states in America and most European Countries.

http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-care-articles/dog-fighting-history.shtml

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Dog Mental Health

2007-01-31T01:14:00.000-08:00

Your dog’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Keeping your dog happy and healthy is your main goal. Keeping your dog healthy also includes his mental well being. We will be talking about a few of the mental problems that your dog can have and ways to help your dog with his mental health.

Do dogs get depressed?

Of course, dogs get depressed. They go through bouts of depression and you will notice your dog moping about and not wanting to play, only drinking small amounts of water, and you may even notice them losing a lot of weight. You want your dog’s mental health to be good, but how can you tell what is causing this depression?

After you have ruled out a physical aliment by taking your dog to the vet; now you can look around and see what may be causing this change in your dog’s attitude and help get your dog’s mental health back on track.

Grief can cause depression in dogs just as it can in the human race. Has your dog lost a playmate recently? Maybe a dog down the street has moved away. Or maybe the child in your family has gone off to college. Your dog longs for that companionship and now it is gone. If you have moved or have left your dog in the care of others while you were on vacation this can also be the root of your dog’s depression. Start helping your dog enjoy life again. Give him extra attention and love. If he has lost his doggy playmate, take him to the park or to the doggie daycare so he can play with other dogs and maybe make a
new friend that will help him over this depression. This may just pull him out of his depression.

Depression untreated can lead to more serious physical problems that you are sure to want to avoid. If you can not seem to bring the zing back into your dog’s life you may want to ask your vet for some anti-depression medicine.

Anxiety is probably one of the most common mental disorders in dogs all over the world. It is your responsibility to notice when your dog is stressed and what causes his stress and to keep him out of these types of situations for his protection or to help him overcome his
anxieties.

The different signs of anxiety and stress are excessive drooling, whining, panting, moaning, shivering, or reluctance to move.

The different types of anxieties and how to know them:

Separation Anxiety

This is probably the most common anxiety in dogs. Your dog will be soiling the floor, chewing up furniture, and their barking or howling can be heard clear down the block are sure signs of separation anxiety.

Noise Anxiety

Noise Anxiety is a problem for thousands of types of animals. Dogs that are afraid of loud noises often run to hide, but because of their fear they do not pay attention and may endanger themselves by running into oncoming traffic, etc.

Social Anxiety

This anxious behavior is seen in dogs that as puppies were never around other dogs or a lot of people. This can be seen when your dog is around others if he tries to cower in a corner to hide. He is feeling overwhelmed by his surroundings and all the commotion from the other dogs or extra people.

These are just some of the problems that your dog may have. Remember to pay attention to your dog; he is your friend and companion. He needs your protection as well as your love.

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Dog Ear Care - Keeping Your Dog's Ears Healthy & Pain Free

2007-01-31T01:13:00.000-08:00

Importance of Regular Home Dog Ear Care

Routine home dog ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Performed between your regular checkups with the veterinarian, it will help keep your dog’s ears healthy and pain free. If you see signs of trouble you may be able to head them off before they require an extra visit to the vet. Excessive wax, foul odor, redness, constant scratching, excessive matting of hair in the external ear, rubbing the ears against other objects, head shaking, and disorientation can all be signs of ear problems.

Inspect Your Dog’s Ears Regularly By Using Your Eyes & Your Nose!

By performing a home dog ear care inspection; you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. If you need help seeing inside your dog’s ears you may want to invest in a pet scope. A tool very similar to the kind your doctor uses to check your ears. Check for redness, excessive wax build up or any other foreign matter.

Sniffing your dog’s ears is another way to detect problems early. Normally a dog’s ears shouldn’t smell foul in any way. If you see a dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. On the other hand, if you see a pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Allergies are also known to cause some dogs to have smelly ears. If you’re new to this and are unsure have the vet check your dog’s ears. Right after the vet gives your dog a clean bill of health make sure you inspect your dog’s ears. This way you will learn how your pet’s ears should normally look and smell.

Is Your Breed of Dog More Susceptible To Dog Ear Care Problems?

Due to the warm, damp, and dark environment, as well as poor air circulation, your dog’s ear canal can be the prefect breeding ground for mites, yeast or bacterial infection. This is why, for certain breeds, home dog ear care is even more important. Some pets may require routine applications of dog ear care products to keep their ears free of mites, yeast or bacterial infections.

Some dog’s ears stand straight up which allows for more air to flow into the ear canal. 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, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. This hair must be routinely removed as a prevention against chronic ear problems.

If Excess Ear Hair Is A Dog Ear Care Problem Learn How To Remove It

If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to pluck the hair that grows inside your dog’s ears. This is a routine dog ear care task that can be performed at home and is much easier then it sounds. You will want to apply dog ear powder to the inside of both ears. Make sure that the hair is completely covered, especially at the base. Once the powder has dried start plucking a few hairs at a time with your fingers or a tweezers. Plucking just a few hairs at a time will be less irritating for the dog.

You may want to stop a few times to give your dog’s ears a good rub. Make sure you give your dog lots of praise and a few dog treats too. Once all the inside hair has been removed, follow up by cleaning and inspecting the ears. If you are unsure about this dog ear care procedure, have your vet or a professional groomer show you how to do it.

Things You Should Know About Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

Some vets recommend that owners routinely flush their dog’s ears with warm water at the slightest hint of odor. Other home dog ear care cleaning remedies include mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or a combination of equal parts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. If your dog has open sores it's best not to use the vinegar and alcohol because it will cause a burning sensation.

If your dog is prone to ear infections you may want to use a pet ear care product that is specifically formulated to clean and dry up excess moisture in the ear canal. A dog ear wash containing Tea Tree Oil, which is also formulated to dry the ear canal is an excellent choice. Tea Tree Oil’s natural antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties can help keep your dog’s ears problem free.

It’s also a good idea to use a pet ear-drying agent after bathing or swimming especially if your dog's ears retain moisture and don't dry promptly. There are many good pet ear care products available for routine ear cleaning that will dissolve wax, remove foreign debris and dry the ear canal. There are also home dog care treatments available that will kill pesky ear mites and ear ticks.

A dog’s ear canal is L-shaped. It descends vertically and it makes a 90-degree horizontal turn before it reaches the eardrum. Even though your dog’s eardrum is better protected than a human’s, you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Many vets urge caution when inserting anything into the ear canal, especially cotton-tipped swabs. They can actually push dirt and foreign matter deeper into the ear if not handled properly. You can even lose the cotton tip in the ear canal.

Start cleaning the external part of the ear by swabbing inside the earflaps and all around the gnarled area at the entrance of the ear canal. If you choose to use a cotton-tipped swab you will need a long type since a dog’s ear canal is much deeper than ours. If your dog will tolerate it, gently and carefully swab the inside of the ear canal. A much safer method is to fill the ear canal with a pet ear cleaning solution and gently massage the outer ear. After a few minutes allow your dog to shake his head to help clear the ear canal. If you’re using a commercial pet ear care product be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Make Ear Inspections An Important Part Of Your Home Dog Ear Care Routine

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 for your dog and could even damage your dog’s hearing.

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Time For A Dog Bath? Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog

2007-01-31T01:12:00.000-08:00

Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge. There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so you’ll be prepared for your next dog bath and grooming session.

How often should you bath your dog?

How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It’s best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it’s time for a bath.

If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog’s skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.

Where’s the best place to bath your dog?

In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It’s a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.

Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you’ll be able to save your back and control the water temperature of your dog’s bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.

If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.

Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?

Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that’s comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. You’ll get the job done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online stores will also save your dog stress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their "Notable Products for the New Millennium".

Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?

Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It’s funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you when you don’t want him to jump into the water at the beach.

If you’re washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you’ll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing a dog that’s wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you may want to consider restraining your dog.

Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.

Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?

Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.

Things to have on hand at bath time:

Raised Dog Bath –
This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. It’s ergonomically designed for both you and your dog’s comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their shop. If you’re thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.

Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher –
A Pet Shower is great, but if that’s not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.

Drain Screen –
Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen.

Cotton Balls –
can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog's ears.

Pet Shampoos –
There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamed or dry scaling skin, fleas & ticks, doggy odor, skunk odor, abnormal shedding, quick rinsing for dogs that don't like to take a bath, whiteners for white coats, color intensifiers for dark coats, and coat shine to bring out the natural luster of your dog's coat. You may want to try a hypoallergenic shampoo/conditioner that will gently clean and conditioner your pet's coat in one step.

Coat Conditioners –
There are many pet coat conditioners that will help manage and or improve the appearance of your dog's coat like crème rinse, grooming spray, after bath dry skin treatment, and herbal mist conditioner that will soothe, re-moisturize and detangle your pet's coat.

Pet Drying Towels –
If you want to get your dog dry faster check out a specialty pet-drying towel. Some are available that will absorb 10 times its own weight in water!

Eye Protective Gel –
Are you concerned about shampoo making its way into your dog’s eyes? Just put a little protective eye gel in each eye just before bath time to prevent burning and redness.

Ear Drying Solution –
If your dog is prone to ear infections make sure you have some ear-drying solution on hand. Using an ear drying solution will assure that the ear canal is nice and dry after bathing.

Brushes/Combs –
There are many different styles and sizes of traditional dog grooming brushes and combs that you can choose from. If your dog has very sensitive or irritated skin you may want to consider a higher quality brush that will not scratch the skin or aggravate existing skin irritations.

Pet Dryer –
If your dog has a thick, long or double coat it’s best to use a pet dryer. Unlike “people” hair dryers, pet dryers are designed to use less heat and more air volume so they quickly and safely dry a dog without damaging the coat or burning the skin. If you use a "people" blow dryer be very careful since you can easily burn your pet!

Plastic Bucket –
It’s very convenient to have a waterproof container that will keep your dog grooming supplies close at hand.

Remember to get all your dog grooming supplies ready before hand and let your dog sniff everything.

Why you should brush your dog thoroughly before bathing.

Depending on the type of coat your dog has you may need an assortment of grooming brushes and combs to properly care for your dog's skin and coat. Before you bathe your dog it's always a good idea to brush your pet's coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris. Many dog owners know first hand that if they don't spend time removing old, established tangles and mats before bathing many times they just get worse. If your dog's coat tangles and mats easily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to prevent and break up mats.

If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substances like tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrial cleaners on your dog’s coat. Many of these are toxic to your dog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil. If you’re unable to remove something from your dog’s coat carefully snip away the affected area. It’s always best to sacrifice some hair or fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to the skin. Brush your dog thoroughly between baths, daily if you can, to distribute the natural oils and remove tangles, mats and foreign matter.

Choosing the best pet shampoo/coat conditioner for your dog.

Always use a pet shampoo that is specially formulated for the pH of your pet's skin. Never use “people” shampoos since our skin pH level is much more acidic than our canine friends and could irritate your dog’s skin.

Start bathing your dog at the beginning: Your Dog's Head.

A popular bathing technique is to start at your dog’s head and work your way toward the tail. This is especially the case if it’s possible that fleas are present. If you know that your dog has fleas you may want to use a flea & tick shampoo. Starting at your dog's head forces any fleas to gather away from your dog’s face, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk the rear of your dog into the tub than your dog’s face. As you may imagine, your dog is likely to be much more cooperative by following this simple bathing technique.

Let your dog get used to the sound of the running water. If you’re using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warm water. Then get your dog into the bath. If you’re using a raised dog bath just secure your dog into the dog bath. Starting from the head thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use a plastic pitcher or a spray nozzle for this task. If you’re using a spray nozzle make sure the spray is not too strong. Never spray water directly onto your dog’s face or genitals.

Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow the instructions on the package. Work it in from the head to the tail. Be sure to get all those nooks and crannies; like the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Be careful not the get shampoo in your dog’s eyes. If this is a concern you can protect your dog’s eyes by putting some protective eye gel in each eye just before getting your dog into the bath.

Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritations so make sure you give your dog’s coat a thorough rinsing. Towel drying your pet’s coat in the dog bath will remove some of the excess water before you take your dog out of the tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted, since their coats easily tangle. Dog owners often prefer to use dedicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available that will absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handy towels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time your pet gets wet.

Although many dog owners think of bathing their dog as a challenge, with the right approach, supplies, and equipment, you can get through it relatively unscathed. And don’t forget to reward your dog’s good behavior in the bathing process with treats and plenty of loving kindness.

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Determining The Proper Nutrition For Your Dog by John Duncan

2007-01-30T05:19:00.000-08:00

As more companies jump into the competitive market of pet nutrition, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the average consumer to tell which one is the best for their pet. Many considerations must be taken into account when you choose a dog food, in particular any allergies that your dog may have. For example, many dogs cannot tolerate beef products, while others have a sensitivity to lamb. Through a process of trial and error you can usually find a dog food that your pet will eat, but is it good for them?

Natural products are making great inroads and although they are expensive, many dog owners are making the switch. You'll find everything from macrobiotic pet food, to natural meals that require more preparation than your own.

If you are looking to find a natural dog food, the choices are numerous, but one company, NutroPro, has done a very good job of providing an easy to use dog food that is comparable in price to Science or Iams. If you have the time to prepare your dog's food, you may want to consider the gourmet dog food preparations, but in many cases, bagged or canned dog food can be just as beneficial.

Each type of food will come with a recommended serving amount based on a dog's weight. Puppies obviously need to be fed more at first, but you will need to scale back as they get older. Since every dog has a different metabolism, you may need to experiment a little to see what amount of food they really need.

You can use body condition to determine how well they are doing on their current amounts. The rib test is one of the easiest ways to determine a dog's weight condition. Have your dog stand straight and place your hand on their rib cage. If you can feel their ribs, but not see them, they are in good condition. If you feel mushy or lumpy deposits between the ribs, or if you can't feel the ribs at all, your dog may be overweight. Obviously, if you can see your dog's ribcage, they are not getting enough to eat.

Treats are a large area of concern, since most dog owner's overdo. The average dog will never tell you when they've had enough, it isn't in their nature. Most dog treats will have serving guides to help you know how many you should give your pet, but you may want to halve this amount, particularly if you are feeding a high quality dog food.

Try to avoid giving your dog table scraps, even though it is tempting. Once in awhile, it is fine to treat your dog, but don't make a habit of it. Our foods are usually higher in fat content, and when coupled with a good dog food, you're dog will be ingesting too many calories, which can lead to obesity.

One treat you must always avoid is chocolate in any form. There has been a lot of controversy over this in recent years, but the bottom line is that certain chemicals in chocolate can cause seizures in a dog. Even if you've fed them chocolate for years, you are still running the risk that a seizure could occur. There is a no way for a dog to be "immune" to these chemicals and it is much smarter to avoid giving them chocolate.

With proper nutrition, feeding and care, you can add years to the life of your pet.

About the Author
Great dog articles - everything from greyhound dog rescue and adoption to puppy training tips.

Give Your Child A Dog Training Book Before You Give Him A Puppy

2007-01-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

My wife and I decided to surprise our son with a new puppy for his 10th birthday a few weeks ago. He had been asking for a pet for the longest time, but we didn't feel that he was ready to handle the responsibility until now. One condition we placed on adopting the puppy was that my son would be completely responsible for the dog's care. He would have to take his puppy for walks, play with it, feed it, make sure it had access to fresh water, and train it. To help my son carry out his responsibility, we also bought a couple of dog training books for him to read.

After careful consideration, we decided that dog training books would be a better option than obedience classes for a few different reasons. For instance, we wanted our son to develop a strong bond with his new pet and figured that using dog training books instead of obedience classes would allow him to spend more time with the puppy. In addition, our son would get a bigger sense of accomplishment from teaching his puppy basic commands through techniques learned in dog training books. He would be doing everything on his own and could take full credit for the way the animal turned out. And finally, we thought it would be handy to have dog training books around the house for a quick reference should any behavioral problems come up.

There were so many dog training books at the local bookstore that it was pretty overwhelming trying to sort through all the choices. I didn't really know anything about dogs, so had no idea which trainers or methods were successful and which weren't. Before making a purchase, it was imperative for me to find out more about how to train dogs in general. So I went online to do as much research as possible in the time I had before my son's birthday. Once I had some good information to work with, I felt comfortable enough to choose several dog training books that were appropriate both for my son's age and for the dog's breed. I also decided to buy a couple of the trainer's aids recommended in the manuals, including a special leash and collar.

As I said before, it's been a few weeks since we brought the puppy home. I'm proud to say that my son has been holding up his end of the bargain admirably and is really making progress thanks to the tips and advice in the dog training books. We're sure that he'll continue to do exceptionally well in teaching his pet basic commands and more, and we're looking forward to watching this new friendship blossom!

About the Author
John Mailer has written many articles about dogs and puppies and how to train them. His main business is as an internet marketer Make Extra Money Online From Home Dog Training

Treat Your Dog To A Massage

2007-01-30T05:13:00.000-08:00

A massage is a great idea for a dog treat. When properly done it will help release any pent up stress or tension, resulting in a calm and more peaceful pet. Dogs show their emotions in their face and mouth a lot, and most restless dogs that are either tense, aggressive, or hyperactive have a tendency to bark and chew to relieve their tension. A therapeutic massage on their muzzle and gum line often helps animals with these behavior problems.

Apart from keeping your dog calm and happy, you should also find that giving your pet a massage will increase their flexibility and reduce any minor pain they may have.

One technique is to make little circles on the muzzle and jaw with your fingers. Gently move the skin in a clockwise direction forming a full circle, then move your hand over and make another circle right next to it. Take your time, and be gentle.

A massage will also help you bond more with your dog. Whether your dog is active or inactive, young or old, you can provide a gentle comforting touch. The best part of a massage is relaxation - an ideal treat for both you and your pet.

About the Author
Lyn owns Cat and Dog Treats which helps people learn about Cat Treats and Dog Treats

Don't be a dogfood sucker

2007-01-30T05:11:00.000-08:00

Could it be that people don't know how to care for their dogs? Is it possible that people are not taking proper care of their dogs? Are people still using outmoded methods of training and harmful nutional advice? It is not only possible it is probable. I see it all the time. People still buy processed dog food, shock collars, choke chains and other abusive products, not because they're mean to their dogs but just because they don't know any better. Fortunately with the advent of the internet we can all do our own research and find out the right methods and products to use to make our dogs as healthy and happy as possible.

Commercial dog food is atrocious. It depleats your dogs enzymes on an ongoing basis, is made from animal wastes and byproducts, and can shorten your dog's lifespan by up to a decade. You'd be better off feeding your dog table scraps than the bagged garbage you find in the supermarket. Fortunately though there are places you can find reliable, valuable information on feeding your dog the appropriate things. It isn't hard to figure out. Just feed your dog like you would feed your children. All natural foods, maybe add some enzymes, and a little bit of the essential fatty acids, and there you go. It really is that simple. Many people will try to sell you their products saying that they are the only ones that have the right formula that will add decades to your dog's life (case in point: Dog Food Secrets) but it really isn't any harder than listening to your common sense. I personally noticed a great difference in my dog's vibrance and energy levels once I started feeding him how I would want to be fed. True table food isn't necessarily the best idea (though better than commercial dogfood) so a little bit more information is necessary. For that there are literally dozens of different books out there. You can sift through all of them if you want to, though I'll tell you right now they're all going to be pretty much the same. Just keep your eyes open for sensationalism and try to find a good book of simple recipes. The one I've been using for a while now is 245 DogFood Recipes. It's simple and to the point, no propaganda or guilt trips, and you can try it out for free to see if you like it. Your dog will thank you.

About the Author
Lizzy has been an animal health technician for 13 years and currently resides in Encino California.