Dogs Are Family Too!

Camping with your dogs

2009-04-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, I need to vent a little. I recently read an article in an RV magazine about camping with your pets. The man who wrote this article doesn't appear to be much of a dog lover at all. He wrote that the number of dogs allowed in any campsite should be limited to one or two because they are a nuisance.
Now, his article did have one or two good points. Not everyone cleans up after their dog. That is not good, no one wants to go out for a walk and step in or look at dog poo among other reasons. I also agree that dog owners should respect all other campers and do their best to keep their dogs quiet in the early morning hours. I have three dogs that I camp with and find it really annoying to be woken up first thing by a dog barking because it was put outside by itself and ignored. The author also said that he was threatened by dog owners when he approached them about cleaning up after their pets. Not all dog owners get defensive about this and someone should say something to them when they don't pick up after them. They may get angry about it at first and later may understand why they were approached and be more careful about where they leave messes behind.
I have found, in my years of camping, that there are campgrounds who prefer that you camp with out your dogs. Of course, I have never stayed at one of them, but there are also campgrounds that welcome dogs and don't even charge extra for them to stay. These are the ones that I enjoy staying at. One such campground, Dean's Creek RV Resort in Redway, CA, even has a man everyone calls "Uncle Cookie". Uncle Cookie is a groundskeeper at the campground who always has dog cookies in his pockets and it is fun to watch all the dogs get excited when they see him coming. They know he loves them and has a treat for them.

I guess the point of this is to say that dog owners should be more concerned about controlling their dogs when camping so campgrounds don't start listening to people like the one who wrote the article. So many people have two or more dogs that are very well behaved and if campgrounds begin limiting the number of dogs you can have in them not only will the campgrounds lose business but it will make it harder for dog owners to find good campgrounds to visit. Most places have a doggie run area where you can let your dogs run off the leash. I have used these occasionally but prefer to just walk my dogs around on leashes. One of my dogs is very well behaved and stays right with us when he is not on the leash but we have been told that regardless of his loyalty and good behavior, we must keep him leashed at all times. So even if you have one of these well behaved four legged friends, always be prepared and have a leash or tie out with you. You will probably need it.
I plan to continue camping with my dogs and hope that campgrounds continue accepting multiple dogs in their facilities. I don't want to have to leave them behind. They are part of my family too!

Now You See, Now You Don't: Dogs Without Faces

2009-02-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

The following article contains some wonderful photos. Follow the link provided or click on the title above to see the full article. You'll be happy you did!

by nobert soloria bermosa, Feb 8, 2009
Breed of dogs with exceptionally long hair that cover their face.
These breed of dogs are absolutely unique for you can hardly see their faces because they are covered with thick or long hair. Check these 12 peculiar breed of dogs.

To view the entire article please click here

Is Your Dog a Superbrain or a Numbskull?

2009-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

I found this wonderful article on Gomestic and thought I would share it! I hope you all enjoy it! Just follow the link here Is Your Dog A Superbrain or a Numbskull by Louie Jerome

A Great Article I Found Worth reading!

2009-01-05T10:14:00.001-08:00

Well, as you all know I love dogs. I love to spoil my dogs and I love seeing other people with their dogs. In fact, I believe that how a person treats their dog is a reflection of what kind of person they really are. So, for those of you looking for something to give your dog simply because you love them, check out this article! Six Dog Treats Your Dog Will Enjoy

I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year and keep on loving your best friends!
- MrsT

Who Says My Dog Is Spoiled?

2008-12-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Jack has his own chair by the campfire. Keep in mind that the dog under the blanket is a 65 pound black Lab mix. It is amazing that he can be comfortable curled up that tight but you know, he isn't happy unless he's in his chair. My two Mini Doxies spend the evenings warm and cozy inside the fifth wheel when we are camping but Jack wants to be by the fire with the rest of us.

Give an Old Dog a Home

2008-12-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

There are rescue kennels and pounds all over the world, full of dogs and cats needing a good home. Christmas is a popular time for giving a furry friend a home. The tragedy is that so few mature animals are given a second chance at life. Puppies and kittens are always in with a better chance, probably because of the 'cute' factor.
Having given a home to a handful of adult cats and dogs, I can honestly recommend adopting a grown up rather than a puppy or kitten. Our present dog is ten years old and we took him in when he was seven; tired, hungry, flea bitten and nervous. He has blossomed into a magnificent animal and draws comment wherever he goes. He is the joy of our lives; always ready to play, good with children, loyal and well behaved. What more could you ask for?
There are distinct advantages in not introducing a kitten or puppy into your home. Certainly if you are prepared to take in a new animal then you are ready to invest some time in training and care, but younger animals need house training, lead training, general obedience training, not to mention the costs of vaccination, spaying or neutering, and constant vigilance to make sure they are not chewing up Grandad's slippers or teething on the legs of the grand piano. Older pets have usually been house trained and vaccinated beforehand.
The only disadvantage in taking in an older pet is that their 'shelf life' is shorter. You will not have so many years with them as they have already lived half their lives and sometimes in less then healthy circumstances. However, the love and gratitude you will receive from these furry companions far outweighs any drawbacks.
Be a friend - give an old dog a second chance.
Jan Gamm writes reflections on life with an emphasis on world travel. She has lived in many countries and traveled extensively in the Far East, the Middle East, America, South America and throughout the South Pacific. She writes for fun and for money whenever she can manage it.
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True Friend

2008-11-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

by william rodriguez II, Apr 5, 2008
A man who roamed everyday with his dog. He chose the dog to be his best friend forever rather than people.
His name is Ben. He is very popular in our place because he is the only one who roams around the village with a dog in tow. I first saw him when I was a kid, way back in 1989. He is tall, thin and with white hair. I assume that he is now already 50 years old or more. Ben is so kind, the only difference is that his mindset is like that of a child's. Other people who do not understand his situation call him "crazy." I never heard that he hurt anyone. But the sad thing is, Ben was once hurt by drunk construction workers when Ben passed by in front of them. Just imagine, they beat Ben although he cannot fight back. They are the crazy ones, not Ben who is innocent about the world.
I am thinking how many dogs had been his companions as he wanders the whole day. It is hard to count because it was so many. There was a black dog, a brown dog, a spotted dog, and many other kind of dogs. Those dogs are like askal or stray dogs but for Ben, they are very special. I am sure of only one thing - the dogs stay longer in Ben's arms.
Other people sympathize with the dog because even when the weather is hot, Ben still takes the dog with him in his wanderings. Of course, it is only a dog that can never complain. In contrast, this is very good because the dog wants to go with Ben. How about them? They don't care about Ben's situation. The logic is, if the dog does not want to go with Ben, the dog will bite him to go away from him. But Ben and his friend also rest. Ben once gave a bread to the dog, which only means that he care and love his dog very much.
Hmm, what is inside the mind of Ben for his friend? Why did he choose to have a dog as companion rather than be close with people? Maybe because the dog cannot make a judgment, unlike people who judge you after seeing you only once. If you will give a bone to the dog he will be contented, unlike people who, even when you give all the things they want, at the end they will only bite you. A dog only fights back if you hurt it unless it becomes mad. How about people? Although you did not do any harm, they will badly hurt you.
It seems that I want to make friends with a dog. But there is no need for me to do that. For me, Ben is not only a vagabond who roams around with a dog - their relationship is that of true friendship. There is none other greater thing than being in the presence of friends, who serve as comforters in every moment of your life. I cannot judge Ben if he found friendship with his dogs. I only wish that may we find the good traits of Ben's friends in our friends.

Be a Proud Owner and Show Off the Cute Dog Pictures

2008-10-30T09:41:00.001-07:00

If you have a dog and is able to give you cute dog pictures as output, you should know that there are ways in the Internet that can help you out in making your dog more popular. This is possible though uploading your dog pictures in the Internet.
As an owner, you would want other people to know how attractive and cuddly your dog can be. Normally the dog pictures are used as computer wallpaper or displayed in the websites. You can also share the cute dog pictures by uploading it in the Internet. However, you should remember that there are many some pointers that you should follow before uploading any picture.
To help you have more desirable pictures, you should set a theme for the dog pictures. This will help you in making your dog gain more popularity and also to have your dog gain an identity. You can even set a story that will help your audience to be more interested in the pictures. In taking the pictures, you should enjoy your time as it is also a way for you to enjoy the time with your dog. Also, you should remember that being creative is necessary to make your dog look more interesting. It would also be needed that the pictures look good and has good quality. Blurred pictures should also be avoided since you would not need to share undesirable pictures of your dog.
One tip that you can have is to create a story like when your dog is taking a bath. This can be interesting and can even be made more colorful. You should simply have a good angle of your dog and snap a shot that looks good. Your dog can also show its different emotions and this can even more desirable to its viewing public. You don't have to worry about the audience since there are many people who want to view the pictures. You just have a twist in the picture that will get the attention of the public.
You should also learn that there are pointers that you should follow to make the pictures that you take more desirable. The quality, angles, and the subject in itself should already be interesting. You can use high angles but it would be better if it is taken the angle that is leveled with your dog. Once you have the pictures ready, you can get connected to the Internet and share to others what you have. [http://anamigo.com/]Dog Picture
Article Author Eliza Maledevic from [http://www.Jump2top.com]http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company.
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Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Dog

2008-10-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

by Veronicah, Aug 4, 2007
Dogs depend on their owner for companionship. Quality time spent with your dog is a relaxing and rewarding experience for you and your dog.

Take an early morning or evening walk with your dog. Stop and take notice of your surroundings just like your dogs does. You will become more aware of the little wonders that you may ordinarily overlook.
Spend some time grooming your dog. Dogs love pampering just as much as humans do.
Take your dog for a ride. Stop for a special treat along the way if possible.
There are many recipes for homemade dog treats. If time allows make some of these treats for your dog. If homemade goodies are not something you want to attempt there are dog bakeries in some areas or various online sources for special treats.
Curl up with a good book or DVD, let you dog lie in your lap or by your side as you read and stroke its fur. This can be relaxing for both of you. There are books that instruct you on how to massage your dog. That would be a book I'm sure your dog would like for you to read.
Reserve a portion of every day for play time with your dog.

Three Benefits of Neutering Your Dog

2008-10-22T09:28:00.001-07:00

A decision that a lot of dog owners have to make when they first get their male dog is whether to have it neutered or not. There are some benefits of neutering your dog that can help you decide whether it is right for you. Your vet will also be able to provide you with more information about neutering should you require it.
1. Dogs that have been neutered will have a vastly decreased urge to mark their territory both inside and outside the house. This is one of the major reasons why a neutered dog can be a lot less stressful to look after!
2. Dogs that have been neutered will also tend to be a lot less aggressive. This is because removing the testicles of the dog means that it won't have huge amounts of testosterone flowing through its body which in turn makes it calmer.
3. Neutered male dogs are also a lot less likely to roam around trying to find a mate. This is a common problem with dogs that haven't been neutered, as they have a strong urge to try and find potential female mates. Neutered dogs rarely feel this urge - at least nowhere near as strong.
In most cases the owner of a neutered dog will find it much easier to look after their pet. This means less stress for the owner and dog which leads to a happier relationship. There are some downsides to getting your dog neutered, but these are far outweighed by the positives in most cases.
To learn more about all aspects of caring for your dog including training, health and grooming please visit [http://www.thedogclinic.com]The Dog Clinic. New articles and content are added daily! [http://www.thedogclinic.com]TheDogClinic.com
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Just A Note About My Lou!

2008-10-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that my 5 year old mini Doxie, Lou, has suffered from a slipped disk and is now on bed rest for 8 weeks. He could not walk on his back legs but the doctor said it could have been worse, he still had feeling in his feet and reflexes were still good so she felt that bed rest would be a good option rather than surgery. After a week of resting he is walking almost normal again when he goes out to potty and he is getting very antsy wanting to go play with the other two dogs. If all goes well, we should be able to avoid surgery which, we were told by UC Davis pet hospital, would cost around $5,000.00! Any way, we are keeping him as quiet as we can. He is currently laying on the couch with my oldest son who is home sick from school. He couldn't be happier to be there! Take care everyone!

Stirling Dog Care

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

by Rachel Stirling, Sep 5, 2008
Advice on how to have a well adjusted dog.

Talking from my own personal experience with our Rottweiler Hamish.
I have some valid tips on raising a good behaved dog.
Choosing your breed is very important as a dog breeds characteristics are different. Rottweilers for instance are very intelligent breeds with a very stubborn aloof attitude. They also want to be top dog and will challenge your mental strength regularly. Any sign of weakness will lower your pack status.
They will challenge in all sorts of ways (ie) refusing to eat, stealing food from the table of your child's hand,
Barging their way through your legs, even low tone growling to see if you will be soft enough to let them get away with it.
Do not accept this behaviour i advise that you say out in a firm but calm voice.
Then take your dog outside and shut him out in the garden alone for ten minutes.
When you let the dog in do not make any fuss of him as this will confuse the dog and he has to learn wrong from right behaviour.
Do not hit, kick or punch your dog as this is abuse and will turn your dog in to a nervous aggressive animal.
If you want your dog destroyed bad treatment will result in this . Do not be overly soft and soppy with your dog as you are lowering your pack status. If you are anything but top dog in your house your dog will treat you like dirt. Do not spoil your dog as will have the same bad effects.
You must consider the time you have before buying your dog as they need lots of walks.
Our Rottweiler hamish has 3 walks daily and at least half an hour at a time. Take your dog to a field or dog park so they can run off the leash. It wears them out and is more enjoyable for you and the dog.
An exercised dog is a happy dog. If they have too much energy they will become hyperactive and destructive. Good luck with training your dog. I hope my hints helped.

How to Calm a Restless Dog

2008-10-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

by Kristie Leong M.D., Sep 27, 2008
Is your dog constantly restless and bored? This can be a source of frustration for some dog owners who may become nervous themselves from dealing with their dog's excess energy. Here are some tips to help calm a restless dog and restore the peace in your home.

Are you the owner of a high strung or restless dog? Is your dog easily bored, hyperactive, and always looking for the next challenge? Dealing with a restless dog can be distressing for some dog owners particularly if their dog spends a great deal of time indoors. What makes one dog nervous and restless while another seems calm and content? Certain dog breeds seem predisposed to restless, high strung behavior. Some examples of these breeds are Border collies, Chihuahuas, Vizslas, and German Shepherds. These dog breeds have a strong need to be actively engaged in activity and become bored easily. If you happen to share your home with a dog that's constantly looking for action, what can you do to soothe the situation and return some peace to your home? Here are some ways to calm a restless dog:
Determine Why Your Dog is Restless
Although certain dog breeds have a tendency to be perpetually high strung and restless, if this is a new behavior for your dog, your dog could be in pain or experiencing discomfort. If this is not typical behavior for your dog, make an appointment with your vet to rule out medical causes for your dog's restlessness. This will give you the reassurance you need that you're dealing with a personality issue rather than a medical one.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
One of the most common reasons a dog becomes restless is a lack of exercise. Some dog breeds, particularly working dogs, need frequent exercise to expend nervous energy. A daily dog walk provides an opportunity for both of you to get your blood pumping and relieve the stress of the day. It's also a great way to bond with your dog. Another option is to get out a ball or frisbee twice a day for a little fast paced activity. If you live in an area where outdoor exercise is difficult in the winter, consider investing in a dog treadmill. It takes a little training to get your dog accustomed to treadmill walking, but once accomplished, many dogs enjoy the stimulation.
Give Your Dog More Social Interaction
Sometimes restlessness comes from boredom and a lack of social stimulation. Restless dog syndrome is more common in homes that have a single dog. When there is more than one dog in a household, the dogs tend to entertain one another. Dogs are social creatures by nature and need frequent social interaction. If you're not ready for a second dog, consider taking your dog to the dog park several times a week where he can freely interact with other canines. Another option is a day or two a week at a dog day care center. Most dog owners who take their dogs to day care centers say their dog is so exhausted after the visit that they sleep the rest of the evening.
Provide Your Dog with Stimulating Toys
While bones and balls will keep some dogs entertained, others need more stimulating toys to break their cycle of boredom. Two challenging toys are the hide-a-toy series where your dog is challenged to try to remove smaller toys hidden inside and treat toys such as the Buster cube where you can insert a dog cookie or other treat and your dog is challenged to reach the prize. To keep your dog from becoming bored with his favorite toys, don't leave them lying around. Hide them so you can reintroduce them later. This helps to preserve the novelty factor.
Keeping a restless dog calm can be a challenge but with a little planning you can restore the peace to your home and to your dog.

To read more tips from Kristie Leong M.D. click here https://www.triond.com/users/Kristie+Leong+M.D.

Puppies Are Cute

2008-10-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Dogs begin their emotional and physical development in the womb. It is important to watch what your pregnant dog eats and check to see that your dog is as comfortable and happy as possible. Playing is still important to the mother's well being. Ruff play is not recommended but careful play is. Using common sense about how much your dog can do. As long as she does not over due. She can be happy and healthy.
Check with your vet to decide what they can do. Everything the mother does affects the development of the fetus. The development of the pups is also affected by the position of pups in the womb. The pups in the middle of each horn of the uterus will more likely receive better nutrition than pups positioned else where. This can affect health and growth. The puppies in the womb may be influenced by the surrounding puppies. To protect the puppies before they are born. Make sure to have regular checkups.
If you have certain breeds it is even more important to watch their pregnancy because some dogs have more problems with birthing. Some breeds are too large for safely passing through the birth canal. Breeding may need to change for some dogs because of selective breeding. Some dogs such as the bull dog have trouble passing through the birth canal This is caused by a larger head. Dogs are wonderful. We all love our dogs and want the best for them. Dogs make us happy and are part of our family. We need to protect our dogs during their whole life time.
Learn more ways to train your dog. Sign up for a free newsletter at http://www.dogsgettrained.com We talk about paper training, crating and much more. Also you can take our six day course at http://www.dogsgettrained.com
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First Aid Kits For Dogs - What You Need

2008-10-04T11:37:00.001-07:00

First-Aid-Kit
1. Adhesive Bandage (Elastoplast etc) 2.5 cm wide
2. Antibiotic Powder
3. Antiseptic Spray (blue, purple or pink). e.g: Chloromide or cetrigen spray.
4. Antiseptic Wash
5. Aspirin e.g.: 1/4 of a tablet per 10kg twice daily as required, but for no more than 3 days.(for pain relief).
6. Bucket or Elizabethan Collar
7. Cotton Wool (1 roll not balls)
8. Gauze bandage (cotton) 2.5 cm wide
9. Hydrogen peroxide 3% Solution
10. Iodine Solution (Betadine)
11. Liquid Tears
12. Paraffin Oil
13. Salt- To induce vomiting 3 teaspoons in half a cup of warm water or a teaspoonful on the back of the tongue.
14. Scissors
15. Syrup Of Ipecac- To induce vomiting 2mls per kilogram of body weight.
16. Thermometer. Normal temperature is 38.5c
Keep the kit in a cool clean place, in a portable case. Take it away with you. Wherever the dog goes, it goes.
First-Aid-Treatment
Fractures
Try to have someone help hold the dog and a muzzle may be necessary.Use a large piece of cotton wool and wrap it around and around the leg suspected of being fractured. Then use a plain cotton bandage or Elastoplast to wrap over the cotton wool. Be firm but not constricting. This will splint the leg satisfactorily for transporting to the vet.
Wounds
Any fresh wound must be treated with first aid, either by you first and then your vet or just by your vet. Depending on how deep and sore it is will determine the need for an anesthetic or sedation. Minor wounds, which do not require stitching, can be attended to by yourself providing you have the basic first-aid kit. You may need someone's assistance so that your hands are free, but do not attempt it if the dog is in too much pain. It is not worth saving money and putting your dog through the pain or you getting bitten. It is quicker and easier to sedate the dog and repair the wound without the dog suffering.
Why clean the wound? -
Prevent infection - which reduces pain and inflammation and it increases healing time. Dogs enjoy lying in sandy and garden areas, swimming and chewing on old bones that are full of bacteria. These provide an ideal way for an infection to enter a wound.
When you find a wound, cut or abrasion the first thing to do is:
- Trim away the hair as short as possible.
- Prepare a solution of an antiseptic wash (a solution means to dilute the concentrate. Dilute iodine with warm water until it is a weak tea color)
- Bathe the wound to remove debris like sand, grass, and hair.
- Always begin in the center of the wound and work outwards. Dispose of swab (cotton wool piece) after each time you reach the outer edge of the wound.
- Allow to dry or pat dry the wound with a dry swab.
- If a dressing for drawing out infection is needed apply now with a poultice and an elastoplast bandage (take care not to apply too much pressure).
- An Elizabethan collar may also be needed.
- If the wound is OK. to leave open, apply the wound sealer. This also helps keep flies away and deters the dog from licking.
- Licking the wound at this stage will not help. It would only introduce more bacteria into a clean wound and keep it moist which slows healing and aids bacteria growth. When a dog licks a fresh wound that has a lot of debris in it there is some benefit in having the wound cleaned, but not as much as in using an antiseptic solution.
- If, when you find the wound the infection has already become an abscess (puss) then you must trim the hair as explained earlier and then apply diluted hydrogen peroxide at a 3% solution. This will bubble up and clean up the abscess, then continue as a normal wound.
- Most abscesses will require veterinary attention as antibiotics are essential for healing and often surgery is required to repair the damaged area.
On a more serious note, there could come a time when you have to make the gut wrenching decision to put your dog down. For a detailed procedure of dog euthanasia and to help prepare you for the day, there is a tutorial at http://here-is-your.info/dog-training/when-to-put-a-dog-down.php
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Dog Agility Display Training is a Quiet Revolution in Dog Owning Fun

2008-10-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Agility training is a fantastic and rewarding way for both owner and dog to have fun. It strengthens communication and understanding between both parties which makes contented pets always safely and willingly under their owner's control. Dog agility involves training your dog to compete against others on a timed circuit over hurdles and tire jumps, through tunnels stakes and chutes, and weaving speedily around poles.
The dog agility display and competition club circuit which has grown up over the past twenty or more years has spawned its own culture and social events, apart from the popular public displays the top clubs provide now as major attractions daily at almost all dog shows.
If you or I are going to a dog show these days we won't want to miss the agile display! Furthermore, those involved in agility training are really so obviously getting so much more from their dog ownership, that the whole scene is infectious.
The dog agility courses are filled with various obstacles such as tunnels and ladders, which are set out in such a way that the dogs just ache to run and take on the challenge. In fact for many, the owners struggle to contain the energy and pace that their charges bring to the course. These courses are typically about one hundred by one hundred feet in length in total, and the obstacles are provided with numbers to display the order that the dogs have to complete the various obstacles.
Dog agility Classes are often run in blocks of 10, and each class lasts for one and a half hours. The chief objectives in these classes are to create a learning experience where dogs and their handlers are stretched; where dog handling skills are honed and where the confidence of both dog and handler is enhanced.
I recently attended a dog show where the dog agility display held its audience spellbound throughout the entire Sunday afternoon. After the sense of anticipation reached its height with the winning round, fire-jugglers in the arena were almost essential to wind down the audience and herald their departure.
Another recent agility event I saw this summer also highlights the increasingly popular and min-stream nature of agility displays. At our local beach side town, all those strolling the prom appeared to have been drawn as if by magnets to a summer's evening agility display. Immediately behind the beach the setting sun made a fine back drop as the dogs barked to be let to run, ran at the starter's whistle, jumped and weaved. Once it was fully dark the council provided a fine fireworks display to round off the evening, which brought even more crowds enjoy the spectacle.
Of course these dogs which, come for a variety of dog breeds, can be wayward and they can be unpredictable. Even the best trainers have those days when they don't fare so well, sometimes one almost feels that some dogs are taking the mickey out of the handler. However, this is all part of the attraction for the spectator. After all watching animals perform has always attracted humans, but in recent years there have been fewer opportunities for people to do so. The rightful reduction in cruel activities, and with even circuses suffering from the wish that no animal be belittled by degrading and cruel practices just for human entertainment, opportunities for simple enjoyment of animal displays have diminished.
Modern dog agility team displays fill this void, plus some! They demonstrate pure joy and common purpose between man and animal. They encapsulate â€˜Healthy Livingâ€™ with the vim and vigor obvious in both dogs and owners as their canine partners soar over obstacles and chase so joyfully around agility arenas.
Dogs in Need is now one of several week long Kennel Club agility shows to take place each year in the UK. This particular event is just one part of a busy calendar of day and weekend shows. Dog agility has grown in the UK to the point where the most popular Kennel Club shows regularly run ten or more rings a day, with up to 450 runs in each ring (or more if two judges are used in each ring). Dogs that are clearly over or under a particular height category will not need to be measured.
The love of dogs when trained can also bring great fulfillment and improvement to the quality of life to the mentally and physically disadvantaged. Dog AID is a charity which helps provide access to dog training for people with physical disabilities, and enable them to train their own dog in basic control and specialized tasks, which will assist them to manage their disability in everyday life. It is now a nationwide voluntary organization, which provides specialized training for people with physical disabilities and their own pet dog.
Dog agility enthusiasts have also been inventive in producing treats and products for their pets away from the various events. One supplier also provides clicker training products, including clickers, a Click-A-Tricks booklet, treat bags and carabiner, and a variety of training kits so you can pick and choose the best selection of dog treats to fit your dog's needs.
Steve Evans is an inspirational author. He has written many articles at the [http://www.dog-breeds.me.uk]Dog Breeds Compendium. If you enjoyed reading this article we suggest a visit to his site.
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How to Give a Calming Dog Massage

2008-09-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

by Kristie Leong M.D., Dec 25, 2007
If your dog is anxious and high strung, he may benefit from a calming dog massage. Here's how to massage your dog to soothe him.
Is your dog nervous and high strung? One of the very best ways to calm an anxious dog is with regular calming dog massage techniques. By learning how to massage your dog in a manner that relieves stress and anxiety, your dog will be less likely to exhibit high stress, fearful behavior when around other dogs or family members. Here's how to massage a dog to calm him:
How to massage your dog: Time and setting for a calming dog massage
Choose an area of your home where you and your dog can be free of distractions for twenty minutes or so. If you have children or other dogs, keep them out of the room to help your dog relax. You can even play some calming, new age music in the background during your dog's calming massage.
How to massage your dog: Get into a comfortable position.
Have a seat on a couch or chair and position your dog in front of you in a sitting position between your open knees. Remove his collar after he's situated and set it aside. Gently pat his head and speak softly to him to encourage him to relax for the massage.
How to massage your dog: Begin your calming dog massage.
Start by moving your hands to gently rub the fur on your dog's neck in a rhythmic motion. Again, speak softly to him to comfort him. Gradually start to move the overlying skin on top of the muscles around with your hands. You should gradually feel your dog relax and further low his head.
As you feel your dog relax and respond to the massage, gently grasp the loose skin around his neck between your fingers and massage it over the muscles using a soothing, rhythmic motion. Gradually extend the massage forward towards his head and then in the direction of his back. If done properly, your dog will hold still and keep his head lowered. Spend time massaging the skin overlying his spine and around his ears using the same consistent movements.
A calming dog massage can be as long as you want it to be but should be at least twenty minutes in length to promote optimal relaxation. Always do you calming dog massage techniques in an area that's free of distraction where your dog feels comfortable and relaxed.
You can give your high strung pet a calming dog massage any time, but make it a practice to do it at least once a week or whenever your dog appears anxious and fearful. This is a great way to reduce your dog's stress level and control anxiety related behavior problems. Why not treat your dog to a calming dog massage?

PetCo Pet Photo Contest!

2008-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

PetCo is having a Halloween Pet Photo Contest!
Enter our online Halloween Pet Photo Contest for a chance to Win or Vote for Your Favorite at PETCO.com!

Check it out! Do you have a great photo of your best friend in costume? Why not enter it to see if you can win? Don't have a pet but want to check out the photos and vote for your favorite? Go ahaed! Click on the text link above to enter and vote. Good luck and Happy Halloween!

Unique Dog Breeds

2008-09-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

*A note from MrsT: Click on the title of this post to see the wonderful photos included in the original article!

by B Nelson, Sep 27, 2008
There are hundreds of dog breeds, and they are very unique, so it was hard to pick eight of the most unique dog breeds, but here they are.
There are hundreds of dog breeds, each slightly different than the others, but these breeds have very interesting features worth checking out.
Shar Pei
The face only a mother could love? I think not, this is a breed of dog, known for its' excessively wrinkled skin, and black tongues. The folds require special care to make sure fungus does not grow in the cracks. Puppies are far more wrinkled than adults. Their coat is very coarse to the touch. The dog in the photo is from Wikimedia.
Bloodhound

These dogs are famous for tracking humans. Their loose skin, long ears, and slobbery mouths, are all traits that actually help them to pick up a scent trail. They can even pick up a scent that is days old. As with many purebred dogs they are prone to some health issues, most noticeably stomach and intestinal problems, as well as eye and ear problems. The lovely dog in the photograph is from Wikimedia.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
These handsome dogs are often used for hunting as they are fearless. Their unusual trait is an odd parting of their hair along their backbone, creating a ridge. A clever photo, from Wikimedia, the dog is looking at a calender with another ridgeback dog on the photo.
Chinese Crested

Both these are the same breed, the first is the Powderpuff variety, the second is the hairless variety, who actually do have hair on their heads, tails and legs. Whereas some dog breeds have long haired, and short haired varieties, with these dogs, they are the same variety. Genetically some have hair and some don't and you must breed the two together to maintain breeding soundness, as breeding of two hairless dogs together will result in a 25% death rate in the pups. So most breeders breed a hairless with a powderpuff and get a litter that is half of each. These dogs are prone to teeth problems and often need their first set of teeth pulled out to make room for their permanent teeth. Photos from Wikimedia
Puli
These are medium sized dogs who are often used for herding. Like most herding breeds, they are very smart so need to be kept mentally active if they are not going to be used for this purpose. Agility is a great option for people who are not using the dogs for their intended purpose. This is a very old breed. Picture from Wikimedia.
Dachshund

This dog is not only noted because of its' unusual appearance, but its' name is often misspelled or mispronounced. Often called "Doxies" they may have short coats, long coats, or wire haired coats. They were bred for hunting rabbits and other vermin. Due to their odd shape they are prone to leg and back problems. This photograph is by Igor Bredikhin and is from Wikimedia.
Norwegian Lundehund
The photo looks normal enough but there are a few special traits in this dog, to start off, they have six working toes on their foot, instead of the normal four. You can see the extra toes on the dogs hind paws in the photo. They can tilt their head backwards along their spine, and can even shut their ears, by bending them forward. If that isn't enough, their front legs are able to rotate 90 degrees. You will note, they are not "hounds" the word "hund" means "dog". This photo is from Wikimedia.
Basenji
What makes this dog unique is that it is considered a "barkless" dog. They tend to "sing" rather than bark, or may simply be silent. They also have less smell than most dogs. Many people consider these two points to be great advantages, however it should be noted that these are sight hounds, dogs bred to hunt moving things. They may not be safe in homes with cats, rabbits, or even small active children. The picture is from Wikimedia.

Dachshund Dog Breed

2008-09-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

The AKC first recognized the Dachshund nearly a century ago. The dog has been well adopted by North American culture and it is consistently ranked as one of the top five registered breeds. The Dachshund is a member of the hound family and easily recognized by its small size, long body, tiny legs and a pointed face.
The Dachshund has a long and interesting history. In the 15th Century, it was widely used to flush out other wild animals like the badger. Over the years, it became known that this dog had attributes of being friendly and devoted. Soon it became an adopted animal and widely became a pet in many European households. The dog is frequently entered in the competitive trials and shows both in North American and Europe.
The Dachshund makes a great pet and is suited for most families. Despite its size, it is very adventurous and bold. While it prefers the indoors as a pet, it also as an instinct for the outdoors and loves to dig and sniff. When outdoors, the dog does tend to have an independent character- it does have a habit of wandering off- but will always return. The chief reason the Dachshund makes a good pet is its temperament. It is a faithful dog and loves children. However, one does have to be careful when introducing small children which are unknown to the household. While not mean, the dog is quite protective of the family.
The dog also has a great awareness of strangers and does bark a lot. Despite its size, it does make a great watch dog and will instantly become aroused in the presence of strangers.
Upkeep and Maintenance
The Dachshund is an active dog and requires a far amount of exercise. While it does make a great apartment dog, it also prefers to be outdoors. Unlike the large dogs, the dachshund prefers to go for long walks on a leash. Over the decades it has been noticed that this breed of dogs is extremely intelligent. Thus, many owners love to teach this dog tricks and groom it for shows and trials.
The one minor negative of the Dachshund is its temperament and stubbornness. It does have a short attention span due to its increased energy. Sometimes it can be stubborn and simply refuses to listen. However, like most dogs, proper training makes the Dachshund a wonderful pet dog. Once acquired as a puppy, this dog will remain faithful forever and become a part of the family.
Like all dogs, some care of the dog is required to make it look nice. Grooming is only done once or twice a week. If you take the dog outdoors, then perhaps a bath once a week would not be a bad idea either.
Health Information
As a pet, the Dachshund can live for up to 12 and 14 years. Unlike many other dogs, the dog is relatively free of medical problems, except for one. Because of its long back, it is prone to problems of the spine or disc. Other rare concerns which do develop include diabetes, Cushing's disease, deafness, seizures and joint problems. Some dog experts recommend that after the age of 6, the eyes should be regularly checked. If the Dachshund is exercised regularly and fed appropriately, obesity should not be of a concern.
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How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Old Dog

2008-09-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

by Kristie Leong M.D., Jan 1, 2008
Introducing a brand new dog into your household when you already have a dog can be tricky. Here's how to make sure the relationship between your two dogs gets started off on the right foot.
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Would you like to add a new dog to your home? Introducing a new dog can be tricky when you have another dog at home who's comfortable with his position in the pack. In order to avoid fights and incompatibility issues between the new dog and your established dog, there are certain steps you should take to make the introduction a new dog easier:
Introducing a new dog: Keep in mind the sex of your dogs
As a generalization, a dog will tend to get along better with a dog of the opposite sex. If you're introducing a new dog of the same sex, you may want to consider spaying or neutering the new dog before the introduction. Unfortunately, spaying and neutering may only reduce dominance behavior if the dog is spayed or neutered before a certain age, usually 6-8 months of age. If at all possible before selecting a new dog to bring home, see how the dog interacts with other dogs at the kennel or shelter where he currently resides. If he exhibits strong dominance behavior there, he'll likely display it towards your dog at home.
Introducing a new dog: Allow your dogs to meet on neutral territory initially
Dogs are much less likely to behave in a dominant or aggressive manner if they first meet on neutral territory. Have your dogs meet initially at a local dog park or a fenced in friend's yard. Let them play together and watch how they interact. Praise them both for good behavior.
Introducing a new dog: Keep your tone positive and friendly when the two dogs are together
When the two dogs are interacting in a friendly manner, speak soothingly and positively to them to reinforce their positive interaction. Your goal should be to make both dogs feel good when they're in each others presence.
Introducing a new dog: Give your original dog sufficient attention
When a new dog is introduced into the household, attention can sometimes be directed towards the new family member making your old dog feel left out. Give your original dog the same amount of attention and time that he received prior to the new dog being introduced.
Introducing a new dog: Keep each dog's belongings separate
Don't force the new dog to share a feeding bowl, water bowl, bed, or dog house with your original dog. Make sure each dog has his own supplies. Sharing food and water bowls can create unnecessary friction between the two dogs.
Introducing a new dog: Reinforce the pack order
Allow the dogs to determine their own pack order. Once a pack order has been established, reinforce it as much as possible. The dog higher in the pack should be fed first and given treats before the second dog. Don't adopt a sympathetic demeanor towards the underdog as this can destroy pack unity and potentially cause a dog fight.
Introducing a new dog: Be prepared for skirmishes
When you introduce a new dog into your household, some initial friction is to be expected trance. You can also break up a fight with a bucket of cold water poured on the heads of both dogs.
Bringing a new dog into the household requires a period of adjustment for both humans and animals but with a little patience and caution it can be the beginnings of a wonderful new relationship.

Dog Camp: The Ultimate Vacation for Dogs and Their Humans

2008-09-23T11:14:00.001-07:00

by Kristie Leong M.D., Feb 7, 2008
Are you looking for a stimulating, yet relaxing, place to bond with your dog? Take a look at this unique camp for dogs.
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Could you and your canine use a vacation? Sometimes both you and your dog need to escape the hectic rat race for a few blissful days of rest and relaxation. Now, there's a way for you to do it as a team in an environment that's designed for the well being of both dog and human. The idea of camps for dogs and their humans has arrived and it appears to be thriving.
If you don't mind taking a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, you can experience a relaxing, yet stimulating week of canine bonding and companionship at a special dog haven called Camp Fideaux. Sun Valley has always been a dog friendly area and this camp for dogs is no exception. You and your dog can sleep in pet friendly lodging and awaken to a stimulating alpine hike where you'll discover the stunning scenery that gives Sun Valley its reputation as being a little paradise on earth.
While Camp Fideaux may not be the only camp for dogs, it strives to be one of the best. Your dog will enjoy the enthusiastic greeting the canine loving staff gives him upon his arrival, while you'll appreciate the resort like atmosphere with all the amenities a human needs for comfort and rejuvenation. Some of the activities you can enjoy with your faithful canine companion at Camp Fideaux camp for dogs are state of the art dog training classes, dog massage services, dog walks, dog acupuncture, and even consultation with an animal communication specialist so you can better understand what your dog is thinking.
While many national parks and other hiking areas won't allow dogs on their trails, you'll have the opportunity at Camp Fideaux camp for dogs to take your four legged friend on long trail walks without being hampered by a leash requirement. You can drink in the beauty of the majestic Rocky Mountains while bonding with your four legged friend. After a brief rest and a hearty meal, explore the community of Sun Valley, home to a diversity of dogs and their devoted humans. This is a community known for being canine loving and pet friendly.
You'll discover that many of the outdoor cafes and local events such as concerts in Sun Valley welcome dogs. You and your pet will feel right at home in this canine friendly environment. The only problem is you or your dog may not want to return home after such a stimulating, yet relaxing, week of activities. Who knows? Maybe your attendance at this unusual camp for dogs will become a regular event.

Your Dog's Body Language

2008-09-20T08:20:00.001-07:00

Dogs use their bodies and paws to express a variety of different things. Below are some examples and what they mean.
Dog crouches with front legs extended, rear up, and head near the ground: This is the classic play-bow and means simply "I want to play!"
Stiff-legged, upright posture or slow, stiff-legged movement forward: "I am in charge around here!" and "I challenge you." A dominant dog will use this posture to indicate assertion of authority and a willingness to fight for it.
Body slightly sloped forward, feet braced: "I accept your challenge and am ready to fight!"
Dog rolls on side or exposes underside: "Let us not argue" or "I am not a threat to you" or "I accept that you are in charge here." This is a submissive response to avert conflict. Many dogs adopt this posture in a fairly relaxed and contented manner when they are around their pack leader. When your dog rolls on his back for a belly rub, he is actually accepting you as leader of the pack.
Dog places head on another dog's shoulder or places paw on the back of another dog: "I want you to know who is the boss around here." These gestures are commonly used by dominant dogs, pack leaders, and dogs that have aspirations of becoming a pack leader.
Mouthing: This shows up in dog-human interactions as the dog taking the handler's hand in his mouth or, while walking, taking the lead in the mouth. Mouthing can be a serious sign of dominance challenging and shows that the dog does not accept the human as pack leader.
Dog places paw on master's knee: "Look, I am here" or "Pay attention to me." This attention-seeking signal has many variations. They include pawing the air in front of their master or sliding the head under the master's hand.
Hair bristles on back and shoulders: This is a sign of anticipated aggression. A ridge of hair bristling down the back is a sign that says "Do not push me, I am angry!" When the bristling extends to the shoulders it means "I have had it with you" and is a sign of an imminent attack.
Dog sits with one front paw slightly raised: This is another sign of stress but is combined with insecurity. It means "I am anxious, uneasy and concerned."
Dog rolls on his back and rubs it on the ground: This is sometimes preceded by nose rubbing where the dog pushes his face, and possibly his chest against the ground in a rubbing motion or rubs the face with a forepaw, from eyes to nose. They often follow feeding or occur as the dog's owner begins to prepare food. However they also can occur following or in anticipation of other pleasant activities.
Scraping the ground and ripping the turf with the paws: This is usually after the dog has defecated but may occur at other times. Dogs have glands on the bottom of their feet that provide each with a unique scent. What a dog is saying here is "I was here and I am leaving my calling card!"
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Can You Help Homeless Pets?

2008-09-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

Please help this cause by clicking on the link provided at the beginning of this article. Thank you for helping out!

by B Nelson, Sep 18, 2008
It is easier than you think, you do not have to get out of your chair.

Well, actually you did, just by visiting this site! You see it is my goal to donate money to a local shelter every time somebody visits this site http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Can-You-Help-Homeless-Pets.258161. Okay, not literally "every time" will I be running to the shelter and giving them money. I will let it build up. Then once a month I will dazzle them with dollars. The money will not be given in my name, it will be given in honor of the visitors to this site. It is my intention to post how much accumulated from the previous month and post in the comments so you can see what the donation was, and I will let you know what shelter the money went to. More about that below, but first let me show you some drawings as a way to thank you for visiting, and to give you something worthwhile to share to others so they might come here and WE can donate even more to help the homeless pets.
In case you didn't guess, this is a bunny. When most people think of getting a pet rabbit they do not think of checking their local animal shelter. However, animal shelters do get rabbits relinquished into their care. Some shelters adopt the rabbits out with the same cage they came in for no extra cost than the adoption fee. Rabbits make good pets for somebody who does not have the time for a cat or dog. I actually find them more enjoyable than hamsters, they are less apt to bite, and sleep during the night.
Small breed pups, particularly of non-shedding breeds, like this Shih Tzu, are high in demand. One thing to note here is that you should never buy a pup from a pet store. Although they are cute, and might make excellent pets, the purchase of them condemns other dogs to live in squaller. Parent dogs are kept in small cages, breeding constantly to make more pups for the stores. Little regard is taken towards genetics or mental health, the goal is to produce as many pups as possible, for little expense. Most pet stores will deny using these sources, known as "Puppy Mills", but who else would sell to a pet store? Certainly not a reputable breeder. Occasionally shelters do get small breed pups, a person can leave their name on a waiting list or consider adopting an older small dog. Otherwise it is advisable to seek a reputable breeder if you are looking for a small breed puppy.
In most areas large breed adult dogs are the prevalent dog in the canine adoption facilities. Often people get them as cute pups but forget about socialization or training. The dog grows up, and is no longer cute, or manageable, and is then dumped at a shelter. This is not true of all shelter dogs. I worked in a shelter for several years, we did not put the unruly or unsafe ones up for adoption. Lots of really nice dogs were turned in simply because people were moving and could not take the dog with them. For people with children, a well socialized older dog is a smart choice.
CATS!!!! The number one thing in any animal shelter is bound to be cats. Many owners fail to spay or neuter their cats and allow them to roam uncontrolled. Owners often do not claim their lost feline, and sadly shelters are often overrun with strays. Old cats, young cats, big ones, small. Cats hold a soft spot in my heart. I currently own six. Two who were left behind by their previous owner, one whom we had from before we moved here (I had adopted her as an adult cat), and three rescues. The rescues were born wild and trapped and tamed them. Two are neutered and the third soon will be. Cats have the misfortune of being cats. One of my kitties, who has since passed away, was adopted from a shelter, the reason she was at the shelter was because her owners had her declawed, and after she was declawed she started to become a nervous biter, a common side effect from declawing. So basically she was unwanted because she was a cat. How many others are dumped for being cats? Probably thousands. Before adopting any pet, know what you are getting into.
Yes, sometimes shelters get horses, goats, pigs, lizards, and birds. You just have to ask.
Now back to the money. This site gets a tiny amount of money from advertisers every time somebody visits. Not enough to retire on, by any means, less than a cent per hit, but it will add up. You can see the date the site was published, sometime in Sept 2008, right? Well that means the first donation will be middle of October, or middle of November more likely. So keep a look out.
YES!!! I do donate my own money as well, in fact when I was better off financially I donated art works to shelters to use as fund raisers. Now I live in the middle of nowhere (in Canada), which is why I have not said which shelter I will donate to, depends which city I need to go to first. But I will let you know, you have nothing to loose, you spent no money while visiting this site did you? I asked for no donations.
I do hope you can spread this link around by what ever means you have, e-mail, Digg, Del.ici.ous, StumbleUpon, Reddit, or whatever else.
I have not tried this before. I hope it works. Remember I get less than a penny per hit, so it is going to take a lot of hits, but I have faith in the Internet animal lovers of the world. One more thing, please take the time to donate to your own local shelter if you can.

Top 6 Dog Training Mistakes - Are You Making These Mistakes When Dog Training?

2008-09-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dog training is really pretty easy, if you aren't making any of these mistakes. The mistakes made during dog training are usually a result of frustration or just being forgetful. Are you making any of these mistakes while trying to train your dog?
1. Using Different Cue or Command Words - When training your dog you should always use the same word or "cue" during training. The use of many different words can be confusing to your dog and he will not learn what it is you want from him.
2. Physically Punishing Your Dog During Dog Training - Do you hit or smack your dog when he or she doesn't do what you ask or does something unacceptable to you? Physically punishing your dog only causes your dog to either fear you or can cause your dog to become aggressive.
3. Yelling or Shouting During Training - If you are yelling or shouting at your dog while trying to train, you are defeating the purpose all together. You want your dog to obey your commands in your calm voice. By yelling, you are only going to cause confusion for your dog Always make your commands or cues in your normal, calm voice. Using different tones of your voice is not the same as yelling or shouting.
4. Training sessions lasting longer than 10 to 15 minutes - Your dog training sessions should only last from 10 to 15 minutes. Your dog will not continue to keep his or her attention on you for longer periods than this. You need the training sessions to be beneficial and thinking that your dog will pay full attention for long periods of time is like expecting a toddler to sit in one spot for more than 5 minutes.
5. Forgetting To Praise Or Treat Your Dog EVERY TIME he or she follows a command or acts appropriately - You have to remember to give your dog praise or a treat each and every time he or she follows a command or is acting in the manner you are expecting.
6. Training When In A Bad Mood - If you are trying to train your dog when you are in a bad mood, had a bad day or are not feeling well, your dog will not get the full benefit of your efforts and this can cause you aggravation. It can also confuse your dog Always wait to train your dog when you are in good spirits.
Training your dog has never been easier! With the help of SitStayFetch, you can avoid the mistakes that are easy to make and stay on the right track to training your dog. For a review of the site, visit [http://www.adogintraining.com]A Dog In Training - Review Of SitStayFetch.
Dog training is an important and vital part of your dog's life. A trained dog is happier, healthier and safer. Visit [http://www.adogintraining.com]A Dog In Training for more dog training tips and resources.

Think Before You Choose a Dog

2008-09-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

DOGS
I often wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious sect. Rita Rudner
Do you want to improve your life in a number of ways? Then get yourself a dog.
The medical profession has proved that owning a dog will lower your blood pressure and cholestrol, and lighten your stress levels. You will recuperate quicker after an operation or serious illness if you have a dog to talk to and that will wag its tail while you stroke it. Having a dog should reduce the number of visits you make to the doctor and give you a sense of mental well-being.
It has been proved that permitting the elderly or the sick to pet an animal brings huge rewards. Somehow the uncritical attention you receive while stroking a pet will do wonders for your health, both physical and mental.
Now you have decided, you must decide what breed of dog would suit your lifestyle best. Do you live in a small flat or on a large farm? This will be a consideration.
There are over a hundred registered breeds of dogs. Here are some of the more popular.
Labradors are versatile dogs. They are known for their ability as guide dogs. Their affable personality combined with a gentle, intelligent, energetic good nature is a perfect combination. They crave attention, are easy-going with strangers so that they pose no threat to people encountered while going about their daily duties. They are excellent retrievers, and enjoy holding objects, even hands and arms in their mouth. They are wonderful family dogs, and are highly protective of their territory.
German Shepherds (also known as Alsatians) were originally used in sheep and cattle herding. They are intelligent and train easily. They are used in the military and police and as guide dogs. They are great pets and very protective of their owners.
Boxers are playful and energetic. They are perfect as children's pets because they have an extended puppyhood and are not considered to be adult until they are three. They are known to be obedient and have strong personalities. It is advisable to start their training as soon as possible.
Rotweillers were known to have been used by the Romans as watchers for the cattle. Because of their incredible strength and intelligence they have been used as police and military dogs. They are fearless and frown when they are alert. They are active and playful.
Poodles are excellent companions and are loyal. They are quiet but require more effort in training than other breeds. Maintenance can be tedious because of their curly hair.
Dachshunds - also known as sausage dogs - enjoy chasing and hunting. They are playful and loyal and love to chase any small animals in sight. They have keen senses.
Beagles have a strong sense of smell and are used for hunting. They are good-tempered, but training could be a problem as they are strong willed and stubborn.
This covers only a few of the more popular breeds. There are many pavement specials who will give you years of pleasure and they can be less prone to sickness than the pure breeds.
I do suggest that you consider all aspects of the dog you choose and not take it into the family home because it looks such a cute puppy! Remember, it is a long term relationship.
Do you fancy obtaining a puppy with all the complimentary training problems, although you will have a stronger bond with a puppy you have reared from about 10 weeks. But if you don't fancy getting up nights, having your Persian carpet soiled and your furniture gnawed, perhaps you should settle on an adult. It may take longer to bond, but once this has happened you will have a friend for life.
When you bring the puppy home, introduce it to all the members of your family to familiarize it with its new housemates.
The question of naming your puppy is a serious business. It's name must be easily recognized so should not be more than two syllables long.. Don't give is a funny name that means something to you. You will feel a fool when you have to call the dog. Be careful that the name does not sound similar to basic commands like 'no' or 'down' . It is suggested that you get to know your pet before giving it a name. This should avoid mistakes.
Don't be in a hurry to choose a permanent spot for the bed. A dog has definite views about where it should sleep, so give your new pet time to explore the house and find its favourite spot.
A puppy will have to be monitored for its first few weeks in your home. It will need to be taken outside on a regular basis to teach it where to do its business. It should have a personal bed that is always kept in the same place. When it starts to chew your furniture, give it a face-cloth that has been rolled up and kept in the freezer. This replacement for whatever it is demolishing will ease any pain from teething and distract its attention away from forbidden objects.
You may find it useful to take it for puppy training if you have any doubts about your competence to perform this important task yourself, or feel you don't have the time. Choose your training instructor with care and make sure you will be allowed to take part in the sessions.
It will need to have regular vaccinations to prevent sickness or possible death from the many diseases than can attack a dog
You must not overlook the many services that can be provided by a dog. Assistance dogs serve a vital part of many people's lives. They are not only 'tools' that assist a deficiency but friends who provide companionship for the duration of their lives.
These assistance dogs fall into a number of categories.
Guide dogs who assist the visually impaired
Hearing dogs who are specially trained to nudge their owners when they hear certain noises such as telephones, doorbells and hooters.
Mobility assist dogs help pull wheelchairs and carry light equipment for their owners in backpacks.
Seizure alert dogs are trained to hit a button that contacts assistance in case of a seizure or cardiac attack. They do not leave their owners' side.
Psychiatric service dogs provide an emotional security blanket to those who may have mental illnesses and phobias. They also help autistic people stay focused.
Finally there are combo dogs who are trained to assist those with multiple disabilities.
There is a great deal of controversy nowadays about the quality of pet foods. (This industry generates about $40 billion yearly.) There is little regulation over the manufacture and labels are confusing. For instance, what are meat by-products? Are they bone scrapings, cartilage, tallow andor some unthinkable items? (I will be happy to email you an article setting out the possibilities, or you could go to http://www.petfoodaudit.com)
And, of course, you will want to ensure that your pet and your home are kept free of fleas. With a little effort on your part, this should not involve throwing out all your furniture, including carpets and curtains, and starting over from scratch. There are a number of products obtainable from your vet that kill off fleas and ticks efficiently. They need to be applied on a regular basis. The dog can also be bathed and dipped.
It is not enough to love your pet. They also require exercise on a regular basis, especially if they are of the larger breeds. Do you have the time to take them for regular walks, in a park, or in and around your property?
These are all necessary considerations before you rush out and buy a dog. A pet is a long term investment. But, for me, no trouble or problem is big enough to make me get rid of the plethora of dogs and cats we own and have owned throughout our lives.

Dogs Are Family

2008-09-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Do you love your dog? It's a simple question. Yes, or No. Let me be clear here. I love mine. Do you leave your dog outside? Do you go out to check on him only once in a while? Why is that? Do you think your dog is just an animal and doesn't deserve to be inside your house with you? Maybe you should look in your mirror with a pair of honest eyes. How would you feel if your family(or pack, if you prefer) put you outside of the house where you live? Think about it. I know that some will not understand that question. If you must put your dog outside, give him a doghouse, a place he can call his own. Don't put him on a chain. If you must contain him, use a kennel. They are cheap and easy to use.
Dogs are noble creatures. Always have been; Always will be. They deserve, from you, nothing else but your best, in thought and deed. They are loyal. It is your responsibility to provide for them, not just food and water, but love and kindness, praise when deserved and counseling where required. When they are pups, you must teach them your rules for living with you. You show them how to live in a house and keep it clean, how not to chew on important things and how not to bark unless it's necessary. They learn these rules, slowly sometimes, but willingly. You probably need to learn more about them, too. They have good moods, and bad ones. They have a sense of humor and they love to play. But they also know that there is a serious side of life. Dogs understand that. They seem to have a sense of when you or members of your family need to be cheered up. You should spend more time watching them interact with you and your family, because they are part of your family, too.
Ever since dogs have been domesticated, they have striven to learn about us humans. Dogs are natural voyeurs. They watch everything. Dogs have a special interest in the leader of your family, the "alpha", so to speak. If you pay attention, you'll notice that they follow you around and watch what you do. The nature of their curiosity is unknown to me, but it is there. I have no doubt about the intelligence of dogs. The question is, what are they after? What do they want? If you look in your heart, you might find out! My dogs live in my home with me and are a necessary part of my family. I have striven to learn about them. In the last twenty or so years, They have taught me how to be a better human being. For that, I will always be grateful.
Jim Hall is a Caveman from another millenium. He is an aspiring author and novelist wanna be. Writing for him is a change of character as well as occupation. Bear with him and he will grow and develop into a writing butterfly after his metamorphosis. He once was a carpenter caterpillar until he entered the chrysalis stage. Breaking out of the cocoon of a previous career is hard work but rewarding work. Like a butterfly, look for great things to come. You never know!
Find him in the Ezine Articles Author area. The sales pitch is he is eager to write and he needs cash. He is fairly literate and somewhat well read. Carpenters can read, you know!The real plus here is he is not bound by the conformity and whims of conventional thought. To him, functionality is beauty. If it works well, it's beautiful. It doesn't have to be pretty.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hall http://EzineArticles.com/?Dogs-Are-Family&id=1484604

Picking a Puppy Day Care

2008-08-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

When you are looking for a place for you puppy to stay during the day, there are a number of options that you may be considering. Puppy day care can be the right option for you and your pet if you are well informed about your decision.
Dogs, at any age, can be destructive to your property if you are gone away from them for too long. Some people choose to keep their dogs in a doggie day care in order to make sure that they are taken care of during the day while they are at work. There are many factors that you need to consider when you are looking for the right doggie day care for your pet. Pets usually become like part of the family, so you want to make sure that they have the best care possible.
The first thing that you need to do when choosing a doggie day care is to visit different day cares in your area. You should also bring your puppy with you because you want to see how the people interact with your dog and vice versa. If you get any type of bad vibe from a place, you should trust your instincts. You don't want to leave your pet in a place that you don't trust because you will only constantly worry about your pet.
The next thing that you should do is to look into the services that they offer for dogs. If there are certain things that you are looking for your dog to do during the day, you need to be aware if the day care offers that activity or not. If the place that you are currently looking at doesn't offer that activity for your dog, you should begin to look into other places that might be better suited for your pet.
The last factor that you should look into will be the price of the place. When you are looking into different places that might be suited for your pet, you should make sure that they are in your price range before you begin to make arrangements with the business. You don't want to choose something out of your price range, and then waste your time and theirs on unnecessary paperwork.
The most important factor is still that you feel good about the place that you have chosen. If you are not completely sure that they will take care of your puppy, you shouldn't pick them.
For more information, contact the San Francisco vet clinics at http://www.sanfranciscoveterinarianclinics.com
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine http://EzineArticles.com/?Picking-a-Puppy-Day-Care&id=1443794

Invisible Wireless Fence For Dogs

2008-08-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Invisible dog fencing, also known as a pet fence or a fenceless boundary, is the best way to fence in a yard where your dog can play safely without creating an obstruction of your view. The way the invisible dog fence works is pretty simple; a wire is buried underground around the perimeter of your home. The wire carries a radio signal, which is received by a lightweight collar your dog should have on whenever he is outside. When the dog nears the boundary, the collar emits a warning sound, activated by the radio signal emitted from the buried wire. At this point, most dogs will back away, realizing they are too close to the perimeter. However, if the warning is ignored and the dog crosses the boundary of the fence, he will receive a very mild electric shock.
Invisible pet fences are safe for families with children, as they only affect animals wearing the receiver collars. However, it is important that you never cross an invisible boundary line holding an activated collar in your hand. Although most common around the homes of families with dogs, invisible animal fences can also be used to contain livestock in circumstances where ordinary agricultural fencing is inconvenient or illegal. This is true on British common land.
Some invisible dog fences are entirely wireless. Rather than using an underground wire, they emit a radio signal from a central unit. The central unit senses when the dog is too far away and sends a warning signal beep to his collar. If the dog ignores the warning and continues to travel away from the central unit, he will experience a mild shock. Another version of the wireless collar uses GPS signals to determine proximity to a predetermined virtual fence. With this product there is not need for any physical installation, which allows some additional flexibility and also makes it easier to change the boundary locations at any time.
All invisible dog fences come with variable setting on the shock collar. Larger dogs require a higher setting in order to be corrected, whereas small dogs may be hurt by those settings. It is important to read the instructions carefully and make sure that you set the collar at the lowest effective setting for your dog's weight and size. Some kits also come with boundary flags so landscapers and utility workers won't accidentally dig up the wires while working in your yard. Most systems also sell additional collars separate from the fence kit so you can control multiple dogs within the boundaries of your invisible pet fence.
Critics of invisible fencing often make claims that the practice is inhumane and can hurt your dog. This is not true as long as you follow the directions and be sure that you have set the shock level on the lowest possible effective setting. Most dogs will only need to cross the boundary once before they have learned their lesson and thereafter will be sufficiently controlled by the warning beep.
Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about [http://mydogfences.info/invisible-fence-for-dogs/]invisible dog fences, please visit [http://mydogfences.info/]My Dog Fences for current articles and discussions.

Foods Your Dog Shouldn't Have and Why

2008-08-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

While it is important to know what you should feed your dog, it is equally important to know what you shouldn't. Dogs can eat many of the same things humans do, but there are some foods that can potentially make your dog ill if you aren't careful.
One thing people don't often think of is baby food. This can be toxic to dogs if it contains onion powder. Even if it doesn't, it doesn't contain the nutrition required by a dog.
Alcohol is an obvious one. It can cause coma, intoxication and even death in some cases with relatively small amounts. While some people may think it's funny to give dogs alcohol, it can be extremely unhealthy for the animal. Tobacco can also result in similar effects as it contains nicotine which the dog can't handle.
Anything that contains caffeine can be toxic for a dog and may even cause some problems with the nervous system. This includes chocolate and tea.
Onions can also be toxic for dogs as it can damage their red blood cells. Garlic can have the same effect but is less potent.
It's also not a good idea to give your dog salt, as like with humans it can cause problems if eaten in large amounts.
These are just some of the foods that can make your dog ill. The most important thing to remember is if you're not sure about whether a food is safe, don't give it to your dog. If you have any doubts then you can always contact your local vet just to be sure.
Are you having problems with your dog training? An overlooked but extremely important part of dog training is knowing what your dog is feeling. To receive a free guide to dog body language, please [http://www.dogsandyou.co.uk/ebook]click here [http://www.dogsandyou.co.uk/ebook]DogsAndYou.co.uk

I want you to enjoy your cruise vacations as much as I enjoy mine. I am an expert on cruises having been on many different cruises on many different

2008-08-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Long Island can be a great place to hike with your dog. Within a short drive your canine adventurer can be climbing seaside dunes that leave him panting, trotting in rolling pinelands, exploring the estates of America's wealthiest families or circling lakes for miles and never lose sight of the water.
BEST ONE-HOUR WORKOUT FOR YOUR DOG: Laurel Valley County Park (Noyack). A sporty loop takes your dog in and out of kettle depressions and across ridges for almost three miles.
BEST PLACE FOR YOUR DOG (any dog) TO SWIM: Wades Beach (Shelter Island). The sandy shore on the south side of the island is almost lake-likeand the sandy bottom continues out far into the water.
BEST PLACE FOR YOUR DOG (athletic dog) TO SWIM: Napeague State Park (Promised Land). The waves come fast and furious on the Hampton beaches and this one is no exception.
PRETTIEST HIKE FOR YOUR DOG: Prosser Pines County Park (Middle Island). The only attraction here is Long Island's oldest grove of white pines but that is enough to enthrall your dog during his adventure here.
BEST HIKE TO VIEWS WITH YOUR DOG: Shadmoor State Park (Montauk). You won't see anything but the sky above on this hike through dense beach heather but in short time your dog will be hiking on open bluffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
BEST BEACH TO HIKE WITH YOUR DOG: Fire Island National Seashore (Shirley). The Otis Pike Wilderness Area opens to your dog after Labor Day for seven miles of hiking on the wide, sand beach and behind the dunes.
BEST HALF-HOUR HIKE WITH YOUR DOG: Walking Dunes, Hither Hills State Park (East Hampton). This 3/4-mile loop travels over andaround 80-foot high sand dunes, moving past ghost forests buried in the shifting sands.
MOST HISTORIC HIKE WITH YOUR DOG: Camp Hero State Park (Montauk). From the Revolutionary War, when it was used as an artillery practice range, through the Cold War Camp Hero has hosted the United States military.
BEST PLACE TO CIRCLE A LAKE WITH YOUR DOG: Belmont Lake State Park (Babylon). The immortal racehorse Man O' War may have loped on the easy route around the park's centerpiece lake.
BEST PLACE TO LOSE YOURSELF IN THE WOODS WITH YOUR DOG: Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve (Deer Park). No need to limit yourself to a pre-determined route on a hike with your dog around the grounds of a former hospital.
BEST PLACE TO HIKE AND SEE OTHER DOGS: Gardiner County Park (West Bay Shore). There is no reason to come to this park with a maze of short trails on the Great south Bay without a dog. Not many do.
Doug Gelbert is the author of over 20 books, including The Canine Hiker's Bible. To subscribe to his FREE Newsletter on hiking with your dog and receive a copy of Rules for Dogs in 100 of the Most Popular National Park Service Lands, visit http://www.hikewithyourdog.com - In the warmer months he leads canine hikes for hikewithyourdog.com tours, guiding packs of dogs and humans on hiking adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit parks, historical sites and beaches.

Dog Pool Ramp - Lifesaver For Your Pet

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

A dog pool ramp or set of pool dog steps could be a lifesaver for your pet if you own a swimming pool. And if your dog likes to swim in the pool you can provide an easy way for them to safely exit the water.
Did you know that in the US over 71% of households own at least one pet. Pets that are family members and rely on their owners to keep them safe.
According to the American Pet Association, the odds of a pet drowning are approximately one out of 1,028 each year in the US alone. And considering that over 53% of pet owners have a pool and/or spa, the ingredients are in place for a disaster.
Water being a hazard to your pet or another animal is a very real problem. When a pet or other animal jumps or falls in the water, they can swim for a while but, without a way out they can drown from exhaustion brought on by panic or fatigue.
Pools can be dangerous for pets. No pool owner wants anything to drown in their pool, whether it is a wild animal or particularly a pet that is considered an important part of a family. Drownings occur most often at night leaving the pool owner or lakefront resident with that cruel surprise of a dead pet or animal floating in their pool or pond in the morning.
Installing a dog pool ramp or set of pool dog steps may just save your pet's life. Regardless of how careful you are, accidents do happen. Prevent being put in the situation that has you saying "if only I had installed a dog pool ramp".
Pool safety can be taught to children but, not to pets. By providing an easy exit from the water, you have equipped your pool with the safety net your pets need to escape a potentially fatal predicament.
Pool dog steps work well for your pets that swim with you. Your pet will quickly learn this is the easy way out of the water. They will use the steps wether you are in the pool or not.
The correct dog pool ramp will save virtually any animals life. Since all living beings see white, this is the color of the ramp so that any animal can see where it breaks the surface of the water. They will instinctively swim to this area. Since the ramp extends into the water, most animals will be able to actually just walk up and out.
Dog pool ramps and pool dog steps are effective safeguards that provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. The death of a pet can be just as difficult to cope with as any family member for many people. The sense of loss and the onset of depression is just as real as losing someone of their human family.
It is your responsibility as a pet owner to provide for their safety. Installing a ramp or steps to exit the water is only logical of you own a pool.
Ray Pugh is a pet lover and owner spreading the word regarding pet health and safety. He operates [http://www.YourPetRamp.com]YourPetRamp.com offering solutions for your pets needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Pugh http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Pool-Ramp---Lifesaver-For-Your-Pet&id=1354046

Day Care For Dogs

2008-07-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

Day care for dogs is a growing trend among pet owners across the country. While it may sound like something for the idle rich, it is not just for those with money to burn. It is for any pet owner that loves their dog and works long hours; however, some dogs go to day care just to be socialized with other dogs.
The goal of any good dog day care facility is to provide a healthy and safe surrounding for dogs. The space should allow them to socialize and interact in healthy quantities with both other dogs and humans. The trend started in California during the 1980s but spread across the country.
While there are some chain or franchise dog care facilities, many of the businesses are stand alone organizations. The people who run doggie day care organizations are typically people who love dogs and want to spend their days with them. These facilities are their brain children and so provide amenities based on what the owner can dream up.
Because day care amenities are the products of a person's imagination, they are as broad and deep as the imaginations of business owners. Frequently, dog day care facilities will combine day care with overnight boarding, training, and grooming facilities. Others will include vet services on site or have a vet come by on a specific day of the week to perform dog check-ups and administer vaccines. While this might sound goofy, if a dog's owner works long hours, he or she might not have time to deliver the dog to each location for the services needed. Having all services on site makes it a lot easier on the dog owner.
Other amenities include canine massages and aromatherapy treatments. This sounds goofy to many people but older dogs or even young dogs with health problems are sure to appreciate a good massage. To cover these various amenities, doggie day care facilities will have a variety of cost packages which are sure to meet the needs and budgets of the majority of dog owners.
The facilities used by day care centers are typically large to start and then divided into smaller areas. The smaller areas are good to separate small, medium, and large dogs. This helps to ensure that no one is hurt in a rough and tumble game of fetch. There are also outdoor exercise areas in many day care facilities. To gain admittance to any dog day care facility, a dog must pass a rigorous screening process and have had all of his or her shots.
For more information on doggie day care, please visit http://www.phoenixveterinarianclinics.com
Joseph Devine

Dog Apparel - Spoil Yourself and Your Pet

2008-07-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Spending on luxury items for your dog is never wrong, especially when you have the money to burn. But do you really have to feel left out? Perhaps the worst thing that could ever happen is to have your little pooch upstaging you. You're a tag team, right?
So why don't you spread the glam and fun on your own too. As you spoil your dog, don't forget to give yourself some treats.
1. Dog Beds as Furniture. Dog beds and even hammocks are no longer meant for your pooches alone. As a matter of fact, you don't have to veer away from the overall theme of your home. With countless designs to choose from, you can find an attractive dog bed that will also make a great addition to your home. There are styles to fit every contemporary home, complete with brightly colored painted walls and floors. The faux leather or the velvety feel will not only be something of great comfort to your dog, but will also compliment your lounge sweet perfectly. You just have to make sure that it's well-cleaned at all times.
For the lady dog, there's the cashmere dog bed, which definitely spells dainty and luxury all at the same time. Surely, she wouldn't mind having little dog parties at her own quiet little corner, or take her mandatory nap times. The warmth brought by the material used will also keep her warm, particularly during night time.
2. Designer dog clothes. If you can get Ralph Lauren, so does your dog. This way, both of you will look good wherever you go. There are also jersey shirts that both of you can wear during ball games, as well as tuxedoes when you're ready to hit formal affairs.
Are you ready to go for a swim? Indeed, summer gives you a very good excuse to take a dip. However, with dog life vests, trunks, boxer shorts, and swimsuits, you will never have to leave your pooch ashore. You can always take him with you as you compete for the first one to reach a particular spot. Hey, as long as you can strap him close to you, you can even go parasailing or jet-skiing with him!
3. Spa and grooming products. Care for some great relaxation? Why don't you give yourself a break, along with your dog? There are already spa salons that offer the same kinds of services to your little pooch. If you love the coziness of your home, you can simply purchase a doggy spa basket, together with yours. They are filled with shampoos, conditioners, soaps, manicures, pedicures, essential oils, and perfumes. Don't forget the bath robes too. Surely, your bubble time doesn't have to be all about rubber duckies.
Being luxurious only reflects who you are as a person. After all, how you treat your dog is also how you treat yourself. If you spread him some love, then it also means you put great importance to your being.
There will always be a [http://www.puppia.com.au]dog apparel that doesn't only fit your pooch perfectly, but can also reflect your luxurious or active lifestyle. A good example will be a [http://www.puppia.com.au]dog jacket from Puppia. It is very comfortable, trendy, and provides adequate protection to your mutt-just like your own.

Pet Scratching Series - Eek! My Dog Has Fleas

2008-07-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

If your dog has dreaded, unrelenting itching, when it started your first question was probably, "What will stop the horrible itching and scratching?" And the second question may have been, "What caused this skin problem?"
I'd like to talk about the second question, and address only one possible cause. If you have not seen your veterinarian about this problem that is your first step. Often the cause of skin itch is diabolically difficult to diagnose but there are tests and procedures that will eliminate some causes of pruritus (the high-brow medical term for skin itch).
The first possible cause of itching and scratching is fleas. Don't think your dog does not have enough fleas to cause his or her desperate scratching. Dogs (and cats) are quite often allergic to fleas and a bite can cause a reaction very much like the reaction humans have to a mosquito bite. If you imagine many mosquitoes on your body biting you all over you can imagine how a flea-infested dog may feel. If your dog is not fully protected from fleas that is your first step and should be taken immediately.
First, give the dog a thorough bath with a pesticide-free shampoo designed for flea control. Do not, under any circumstances, use products like kerosene or Dettol or any other product not designed to be used on the skin of a pet. Many human products can also be damaging for our pets who have different skin pH from ours. If your pet has been furiously scratching for a while his skin is sore and sensitive. And sensitivity is what he needs from you in considering the treatment.
You've taken your first step. You've bathed your dog in a quality flea shampoo but that is only the beginning. If there are fleas in the house get everyone out for a few hours, go for a picnic, and set off some flea bombs before you leave. Your precious pooch should be feeling better already after that visit to the park for a picnic.
Now it's time to think about the permanent banishment of fleas from your life and the lives of your pets. There are many choices. Your lifestyle and belief system will kick in here to influence your choice. But that's fine because there are many solutions. If you want ease of use and peace of mind you may choose Frontline Plus, Revolution, or Advantix. If you want something more natural you may choose an essential oil product, perhaps one with ti tree oil. For the ongoing health of your pet do consider not using an organophosphate product and now is a good time to be consulting with your vet because the right choice can also prevent ticks that can lead to tick paralysis and death.
By now your beloved pet must be swooning with joy not to have creepy-crawly, jumpy, egg-laying fleas on his body and in his bedding. Once you have overcome the initial infestation you'll find it easy from then on. Just a little on-going attention is all you'll need and you'll once again have a happy, healthy itch-free pet.
This business of eradicating fleas is a little bit like planting a flowering tree. There is some effort in the beginning but it rewards you and your pampered pet for years to come.
Shane McRae
Shane's business, Petology, is dedicated solely to eradicating pet itch, a problem that is becoming almost endemic in the world of dogs. http://www.petologynet.com is a great source of information about dog itching and scratching since that is their complete focus. Petology is committed to the health of dogs and to eradicating dog misery caused by itching.

2008-07-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this fun video. A recent news article in the UK has Dachshunds rated as the number 1 most aggressive breed of dog. Can you believe that?!? This is a fun Dachshund video. Also read my article I've Got The Hotdog, Who's Got The Bun? The Joy Of Owning Mini Dachshunds. You will find it on the side in the "My Articles" box. A big thank you to The Long and Short of it All: A Dachshund Dog News Magazine for posting my article! Keep up the good work! If you haven't seen their blog you will find the link in my blog list.

Crazy Dogs

Summer Tips For Dog Care

2008-07-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Dog Care

Dog care is #1 when you are a dog owner. Dog training may seem cruel if your little pup dog is chewing because he is teething. Dog care is making sure your pet is in good health. If there are any concerns, the dog can be treated immediately. Dog care is of utmost importance!

Dog care is very important, and even though your dog may be an outside dog, they should not be left outside alone for extensive amounts of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and want to spend some time with their family, inside is possible. Dog care is not a simple procedure. One has to know a lot of things about dogs. Dog care is not an easy topic. Usually, there is much involved to properly care for your dog.

Training

Training in short intervals of 5-7 minutes is great. If he seems to lose interest before then, stop. Training routines, therefore, should be limited to this time frame. Secondly, all training should be positive.

Walk away from him telling him to stay, using your hand. Hold your hand up firmly and by doing this it will make him realize that when you hold your hand up in the future you want him to stay, not just when you tell him to. Walking your dog a couple of times a day, or making a family trip to the dog park all will help to keep your canine happy and healthy.

Regular Check Ups

Check your dog's eyes, ears and teeth regularly. Consult your veterinarian if you find anything unusual or concerning. Check also for sores or abnormal redness or even blood or pus. If your dog has "fishies" but is otherwise acting normally, eating normally and excreting normally, there is not much a vet can do.

For more information about dog care check this out [http://www.youpetreview.com]YouPetReview. Summer Dog Tip of The Day, [http://youpetreview.com/dog-care-tip-of-the-day1dog-care-tip-of-the-day1]Other Dog Care Tips for useful information.

How to Make Your Aging Pooches Life a Little Easier

2008-07-08T11:46:00.001-07:00

As dogs grow older, they develop many of the same problems that humans develop. Arthritis and blindness are just two examples that affect your dog's everyday life. Your pooch will slow with age and may not be able to do the things he used to be able to do. As an owner, there is equipment you can purchase to help your pet get around easier.
As your pet slows down, you may notice that he has trouble getting to the bed or jumping up on the couch. Often, a dog will continue to jump and put strain on his body despite the pain. There are a couple of things you can do to make your home more accessible to your pooch. Does he have a favorite chair or place on the bed where he enjoys to rest? Consider getting him pet steps. Pet Steps come in a variety of sizes and styles and have anywhere from two to eight steps. Most are easy to transport and can be placed in front of almost any type of furniture. Pet steps do not have to be eye soars! You can find steps for less than $200 that are made from wood with carpeted steps. For less than $50, you can get your pooch collapsible steps made from plastic from PetSTEP. With a little research, you can find steps that will match your décor, while making your dog's life easier.
In addition to steps in the home, pet ramps are great for outside the home. If your dog enjoys car rides but has problems getting in and out of the vehicle, then dog ramps can be easily placed behind the vehicle. The vehicle ramps are lightweight and fold for easy storage. There are also ramps available for in-home use. Like the steps, the ramps allow your dog to get to places that he may have trouble reaching. The ramps also come in a variety of sizes and styles and range from $55 to $160. Both steps and ramps can also help small dogs and small children get to where they want to go.
If your dog has trouble walking, then consider getting him a wheelchair. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in dogs that causes pain during movement and often results in the need of a wheelchair. Many companies specialize in dog wheelchairs. Some wheelchairs support the weight of the back legs and lift them off the ground, while allowing your dog to move about on his front legs. Depending on the problem, you can have the chair custom fitted for your dog. You should never use a chair without the help of a professional fitter. If fitted improperly, the chair could cause further muscle and joint problems.
If your pooch is unable to move about on his own, even with a wheelchair, you have another option. Pet Strollers are safe, fun ways to take your dog with you wherever you go. The Jeep Rubicon is a three-wheeled stroller that is great for the outdoorsy pet owner. You can take the stroller off-road, making it great to take along on hikes. The Ultra Light stroller is ideal for owners who like to take their pets to work or on a walk down the street. It can be easily folded to fit in the car. Strollers come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you get one big enough for your pooch!
If you are unsure what your dog needs, then talk with your veterinarian. Your vet can recommend specific products that will best suit your pooch. If you are in the market for a wheelchair, then your vet can also make suggestions on where to purchase the chair.
As your dog ages, he may experience muscle and joint pains that inhibit him from doing things he used to do. Something as simple as jumping on the couch may cause your pet discomfort. [http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/pet-stairs/]Pet Steps and [http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/pet-ramps/]pet ramps are a great way to help your dog reach those hard-to-get-to places, while ramps make getting in and out of the car easier on your dog. For the physically disabled dog, wheelchairs and strollers can provide mobility. Your veterinarian can recommend which type of equipment is best for you and your dog.
This article was written by Brian Spilner and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring every pet product you will ever need.

Do Dogs Get Separation Anxiety?

2008-07-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

They sure do...
Dogs are pack animals; when they are left alone, some become stressed when the pack leaves without them. This is called separation anxiety and is a common cause of nuisance barking. Dogs are natural warning devices. However, barking should stop when the dog is commanded to do so.
Excessive barking is simply an issue that has to do with loneliness. In fact, loneliness is typically the number one reason why a dog will resort to behavior problems. Barking is monotonous and repetitive and it is a sound that few people can tolerate for any length of time. Excessive barkers are created, not born. And as you know, loneliness and the need for attention are the most common causes of such behavior problems.
So what do you do about it?
Ignore his barking (easier said than done, I know), and reward him for his silence at the end with a praise, pat, or treat. Repeating "quiet" or "silence" when the dog is barking and rewarding him when he ceases can also teach him better manners. Ignore the barking, and ignore the dog. She or he needs to learn that she does not get attention from barking.
Someone has a dog that barks all the time and it doesn't ever seem to stop. What makes it even worse is when it is you own dog that is causing all that ruckus and you have no clue how to stop barking dogs or where to even start. Someone somewhere has dealt with the same issues and found a way to resolve them.
Just be patient!
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Happy Fourth Of July!

2008-07-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE AND WONDERFUL FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND! REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR PETS IN A SAFE AND SECURE PLACE DURING THE FIREWORKS, THEY CAN BE VERY FRIGHTENING TO THEM.

Man's best friend trained to predict seizures

2008-07-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

By Christian Price, News9.com INsite Team
In an instant, a family's world was turned upside down by an epileptic seizure.
Kelly lived with epileptic seizures since the age of 13. Ultimately one took her life at the age of 28. Her family decided to turn their tragedy into something positive and to help other families so that they wouldn't have to experience what they did.
Kristen Spears established The Lady Bug Foundation. The foundation's mission is to provide special assistance dogs that are trained to detect the onset of seizures.
"We started the foundation in memory of my sister. She had an epileptic seizure," Spears said. "We started it in memory of her so that we could provide assistance dogs for other people that have epilepsy so that we could improve their quality of life."
Spears learned of special assistance dogs through her sister.
"Actually, before my sister passed away, she was interested in trying to get one. That's kind of how I heard about it through her," Spears said. "I thought, ‘Well, I'll try and do that for other people.'"
The foundation raises money several ways including the sale of barbeque sauce, which is a family recipe. The funds raised go toward the purchase and training of qualified dogs that are ultimately placed with people who suffer from epileptic seizures.
Angel Soriano is the president of K9 University. He is the master trainer of the specialized dogs.
"We start them very young. We start them at eight to 10 weeks of age. We start the selection process, we test them, we find the right specimen and then we go through the training," Soriano said. "The training lasts about 18 months and once fully trained they end up in some needed home; somebody that has seizure spells and needs this type of assistance."
The dogs are taught to recognize several changes that occur within a person's body that precedes an epileptic seizure.
"There are electrical changes that occur in the body. Scent changes occur and the dog will start triggering on those scents and the electrical changes," Soriano said. "Once they trigger, we teach them to do certain duties like getting somebody or getting medication or dialing 911. There are a number of assistance points that we can teach them to do."
The Lady Bug Foundation is in constant need of support. They accept monetary donations or you can help out by simply buying a bottle of barbeque sauce.
The foundation will be hosting a fundraiser on May 30 at Yukon National Bank Peoples Branch, 6201 NW 23 in Bethany. They will be selling fresh grilled pulled pork barbeque sandwiches along with chips and bottled water for a $5 donation.
For more information about the foundation, log on to www.theladybugfoundation.com.

Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life (Book Review)

2008-07-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

I bought this book because I fell in love with the photo of the dog on the cover or rather the eyes of the dog in the photo. The dog was Devon, a border collie, whose name was changed to Orson, later on.
Orson was a very difficult dog, and his owner says he did everything in his power; that is, everything he thought of that would help the dog, but to no avail. Yet, the dog was a very loving dog. In the owner's words: "It was hard to stay angry, anyway. He was extraordinarily loving. In the car, he loved to ride with his head on my shoulder, as if navigating. While I worked, he curled up at my feet."
Still, in the owner's words, the dog was impossible. "And at times, he was more than a nipper. When highly aroused, he could grow crazed, barking and lunging, not completely under my control or his own."
Yet, the dog and the owner connected in an intimate, personal manner, so much so that the writer identified his own self with that of the dog's. The dog led the owner to an internal renaissance of sorts, but at the end, Orson proved to be too much to handle.
It is my personal opinion that the dog, as difficult as he was, did not deserve the end the owner saw appropriate for him, especially because the dog was so devoted and affectionate. "Orson was one of those dogs who gave unqualified love to only one living thing: me." Unfortunately for Orson, that love proved to be one sided.
True, the dog was a misfit, even crazy and savage at times, and could be called a terror, but do we have to do away with every misfit? Should we euthanize every mentally unbalanced person or a hyperactive, schizophrenic, or autistic child just because he doesn't behave in the ways we expect him to? Are our pets much different from our children, even if we deem them as being less valuable?
On the other hand, I felt empathy with the owner, not because of the dog, but because of the struggles he had to go through to face who he really was. I think, the subplot of the owner's story that lurks in the background is more powerful and also sadder than Orson's fate. As for the dog, I can't say if he deserved better, but I feel he would do better with another one-dog-only owner, instead of an owner of a menagerie of dogs and other animals.
The writer has a good command of the English language, but I found his expression--although poetic, philosophical, and self-searching at times--to be defensive and self-conscious, and that took away from the flow of his story-telling.
"Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life" is in hardcover with 224 pages and an ISBN of 140006189X.
The author, Jonathan Katz, is a US journalist with online credentials. He has also written for New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the AKC Gazette. He has authored fifteen books, six of them fiction and nine nonfiction. Among those are: Katz on Dogs, A dog Year, The Dogs of Bedlam Farm, and The New Work of Dogs.
As unforgettable and touching Orson's story has been, this book was heart wrenching for me. I am sorry I read it.
This article has been submitted by Joy Cagil in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums. Joy Cagil is an author on http://www.writing.com

Pet Safety Tips For Halloween

2008-06-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween is going to the dogs! Each year the holiday becomes more and more popular not only with adults and children, but their pets as well. Actually it's really not the pet that loves to dress up as much as it is the pet's owner that gets the final say. Who doesn't love to see a dog dressed in drag on Halloween night, but it's not for all dogs. Some pet Halloween costumes can pose safety and health hazards, so think twice before dressing up your dog. It should not constrict the pet's movement or hearing or impede his ability to breathe or bark. The costume should be flame retardant and it's important to remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and swallowed. You know your pets personality, if they're happier going in their "birthday suit" than so be it.
Halloween can also be a very frightening time for pets. We've all heard of safety tips for your children, but did you know there are safety tips for your pets too? Each year veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could have been avoided. Here are some ways to help keep your pet safe and stress-free on Halloween:
- Find a secure place in your home to keep your dogs, especially if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many dogs get loose when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares animals, increasing the chance dogs will run away or get hit by cars.
- Make sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date I.D. collar and tag and/or a microchip.
- If your dog has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises or a habit of excessive parking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible at least a half-hour before trick-or-treaters arrive.
- Consider crating your pet, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever comforts the animal. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds.
- Always keep dogs and cats indoors. In addition to the parade of trick-or-treaters frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts.
- No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not your pets. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Chocolate contains Theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is and the smaller the lethal dose. Tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous as well causing choking or intestinal obstruction if swallowed.
- Explain to your children how dangerous treats are to pets. Take the candy supply and put it somewhere out of reach of pets. Caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor.
- Make sure pets can't reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations or ornaments. By following these simple safety rules, your dog will be safe this Halloween.
Anna Bradford is an author and blogger for Halloween Express where you'll find the absolute largest selection of [http://www.halloweenexpress.com/]Halloween costumes and costume accessories available anywhere including the latest [http://www.halloweenexpress.com/pet-costumes-c-113.html]Pet Costumes.

Understanding Dog Agility Equipment and How Each Obstacle IIs Used

2008-06-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

If you have thought of getting your dog started on agility training, then you have probably come across a multitude of products. For the beginner, the various equipment can be daunting, especially without prior knowledge of how the equipment is used. To make things easier, here is a breakdown on a few pieces of agility equipment and how each is completed. Before you know it, you'll be heading to the pet store to pick out your favorite pieces.
Agility courses can range in types and number of obstacles depending on the competition (or the owner's backyard). In a typical agility course you can expect to see weave poles, jumps, tunnels and chutes, A-frames or dog walks, see-saws, and pause boxes. A-frames, see-saws, and dog walks are all considered contact obstacles. These pieces of equipment have painted contact zones where the dog must keep one or both feet in the zone during obstacle completion. The setup of the course is unknown to the owner before the competition; during the competition, the obstacles must be completed in a specific order. The owner directs the dog through the course using voice commands and hand signals. The owner is not allowed to touch the dog or the equipment at any time. The dog is graded on how quickly and effectively he completes the course.
Weave poles vary in length but are normally made up of 6 to 12 poles. Competition poles are colored, making it easier for both the participant and the judge to trace the obstacle. The poles are fixed into the ground or part of an adjustable set. The poles are spaced anywhere from 19" to 25" depending on the agility level of the dog. The dog must start the weave poles by entering on the right side of the first pole. After that, the dog continues to weave through all the poles without skipping a pole.
Jumps come in a variety of sizes and styles. A tire jump is a suspended tire in which your dog must jump through. Bar jumps are similar in appearance to hurdles. Bar jumps can be one single jump or a series of jumps. When completing a bar jump, the dog must successfully clear the jump without knocking off the bar. Panel jumps are similar to bar jumps, except the dog jumps over a panel that touches the ground; unlike a bar jump, there is no space between the top of the jump and the ground.
When competing in an agility competition, you pooch will be required to run through a tunnel. The tunnels stand on their own and are completely covered; your pooch cannot see you. Chutes are similar to tunnels except they do not stand on their own. Instead, one end of the chute is open, but the rest of the chute lies on the ground. It's up to your dog to enter the open end and make his way through the collapsed chute.
A-frames are ramps that your dog must run over. The steepness of the frame can be adjusted. The A-frame is required in most agility courses, and it tests your dog on his ability to ascend and descend an incline. The dog walk is completed like the A-frame; your pooch must be able to make it across the walk. Instead of having an A shape, the dog walk consists of an incline, a flat walkway, and a decline. The see-saw is similar to its child's counterpart. As the dog walks up one side, the other side drops. The see-saw can be adjusted to different heights.
A pause box or table is quite simple. It is a square table with four legs that can be adjusted to different heights. When a pause box is present in an agility course, the dog must jump onto the table and remain still for a certain period of time.
Understanding the different types of equipment is the first step in training your dog for an agility competition. The equipment used in a competition is completely dependent upon the host of the competition. If you are looking to build your own obstacle course, then you should check with desired competitions to find out what types of equipment they favor. With practice and training, your dog can learn the ins and outs of the obstacle courses.
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How to Train Your Dog to Bring You the Newspaper in a Few Easy Steps - Fun!

2008-06-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice to wake up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee, open the door and then have your dog bring your morning newspaper to you? I thought so. Not only is this a cute trick to teach your dog, but it's also a useful one. Don't worry about making your dog work too hard because your dog will be happy to fetch your paper for you. Dogs are always looking for something to do! It's pretty simple to do and doesn't take much time investment on your part to achieve results.
Assuming that your dog already knows how to retrieve, this trick shouldn't be a problem at all for you. If your dog doesn't know how to retrieve but likes to get things that you throw for him, you should be ok too. Let's assume that your dog already knows how to retrieve for the sake of the information needed for teaching your dog this particular trick.
First, what you'll need to do is take a small section of your daily paper and roll it up pretty tight and then tape it up with some kind of tape you have around the house so it can't become unrolled. With your dog watching, throw the paper for him and say "Bring Me The Paper." When he brings it back, praise him! You'll want to repeat that action at least a few times daily.
Next, start to let your dog bring you the paper you rolled up into the house from the outside. What you'll need to do is to start throwing your rolled up paper to wherever it is that your paperboy leaves your paper. Same thing, after you toss it, say "Bring Me The Paper." The difference this time is that you're letting him bring it into the house and familiarizing him with the spot where the paper will normally be. You'll also want to repeat that action at least a few times daily.
After your dog is familiar with the spot where the paper will normally be, start having him pick up the paper exactly how it is delivered meaning that if it's folded, or in a plastic bag, or however it is that your paper usually comes. Just make sure that your training paper is just like the real one will be. After you complete the above training steps, you should be ready to let your dog start bringing you your paper everyday! When you hear the paper delivered, you should be able to open the door and tell your dog the command "Bring Me The Paper." He should respond by going to the normal spot where you trained him to get the paper from, grabbing it, and bringing it into the house for you!
One thing you need to keep in mind is that if your dog likes to run away and your yard isn't fenced, you'll need to make sure you work on off-leash training with him before you start training him to grab the paper for you.
Jake Cooper is a long time dog owner who has acquired extensive knowledge in dog training through training his own dogs over the years, who were very troublesome at times. More information on this subject and others is available @ [http://dogtrainingpark.com/dogblog/]www.dogtrainingpark.com/dogblog
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How to Reward an Obedient Dog

2008-06-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Like humans, dogs also need to be rewarded for their obedient behavior. Some dogs prefer to be given food, while others prefer to be given toys to play with, while a tap on the back will be ok with some dogs. One needs to know what his/her dog likes.
Some of the ways to facilitate the training process of your dog are:
1. You can use food to treat your obedient dog. This works perfectly with virtually all dogs. Giving your dog his favourite food will make it behave well next time.
2. The use of your voice can be very helpful to the dog. You can use words like "Good boy" or any scintillating tune to cheer your dog up for an obedient behavior.
3. Use a particular phrase or command each time you want to stimulate your dog to do something. With consistent repetition of the phrase will make your dog master it, and it will increase the rate of its obedience.
Dogs like instant appreciation for a behavior well done. This inspires them and motivates them to do more. Further more, this type of rewards makes the relationship between you and your dog to be more cordial and powerful.
Positive reinforcement in dog training can be a powerful correctional tool relationship and should be utilized anytime that a dog is exhibiting the desired behavior. Dogs really respond to this type of dog training, as they are always excited for any type of positive interaction between them and their owner.
I believe this article was educative. I urge you to put these things into practice, and you will be surprised at how your dog will be more obedient to you.
Samuel Silas is a dog lover. He has a lot of materials on dog training issues, which include obedience, and lot s more. Visit his dog dedicated blog at: http://dog-trainingsam.blogspot.com to get more resource.

Good article link for protecting your dog from sunburn!

2008-06-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! As summer approaches there are a few things to think about when it comes to your dog's health. Check out this article for some good advice about preventing sunburn on your dog!
http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/How-to-Protect-Your-Dog-From-Sunburn.147801

4 Symptoms of Sick Dog Behavior

2008-06-25T10:19:00.001-07:00

We worry about our best friends...don't we. They're definitely part of the family to us and we want them to be happy and healthy to enjoy there life. But sometimes you get the feeling that maybe somethings just not right. You don't know exactly. Maybe they don't have the "spunk" lately that they once had. Maybe at times they become erratic and you notice they start to exhibit behaviors that you normally don't see in them. They start to exhibit symptoms of sick dog behavior.
Whatever it may be, it's a concern that worries you and you want to find a solution to get your best friend feeling back to normal again.
I'm not a veterinarian, and I'm not going to pretend to be. But as a dog lover and the owner of my Lab (Alley), that I've loved and taken care of for over six years. I've learned a few things that may help you out when dealing with symptoms of sick dog behavior.
Dry Nose
Usually when you see your buddy looking like she's down or depressed gently touch the tip of her nose (gently). If her nose is dry it means she's probably feeling a little under the weather. Maybe he/she's not getting enough exercise or the additives in store bought dog food are drying her out.
Weight Gain / Weight Lose
Another one of the symptoms of sick dog behavior is a significant increase or decrease in weight.I once took Alley into the Vet because she was scratching like crazy. The vet said it was an allergic reaction to the crab grass growing out on my front lawn. He gave her pills to take. Within a week of taking the pills she blew up like a balloon. I would say she gained a good ten pounds. Make sure if you do take your dog to the vet you keep in constant contact with him if you notice anything "not right" or out of the ordinary.
Eratic Actions
Is your dog acting in a way that you perceive as unusual, different, erratic? First ask yourself have there been any changes in his/her life and in your life. Dogs are very, very, very perceptive and sensitive to changes in there environment, also in the emotional environment of the household.
Is there another dog or person that's not around anymore? Are you taking on any extra stress on the job which may result in the fact that you're not spending as much time with her/him as you once did? Has there been a new addition to the family? Has anyone left the household recently?.
Dogs are very sensitive to changes going on around them and any one of these reasons could result in symptoms of sick dog behavior.
Depression
Depression is a common symptom of sick dog behavior. We need to get out and play with them on a regular basis. Depression can result from lack of exercise, being couped up in the house all day, changes of weather and climate, maybe a feeling of neglect.
It's really important to trust your feelings and watch your dog closely. If you suspect he/she's not feeling right or somethings wrong but you're not sure what, it's important to find the solutions so your friend can get back to feeling healthy, vibrant and happy to give you and her a life of fulfillment. Treat your best friend right and she'll treat you right.
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Grooming Your Dog at Home - Tips That Make Bathing a Breeze

2008-06-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Unless you have a show dog, then professional grooming can be uneconomical and expensive. It is a good idea to have your dog professionally groomed here and there, but what about the rest of the time? At-home grooming can be fun for the both of you, allowing you to develop a stronger bond. Here are a few tips that can kick start your own doggy parlor.
1. Estimating the jobGrooming is more than just brushing and shampooing your dog, and the two should not be confused. Grooming can be done without shampoo and water. Professional groomers clip nails, trim and thin hair, take care of unwanted hair, and even perform dental work. Determine your pet's needs:Teeth brushing is recommended once or twice a week; although, plaque buildup should be removed by a professionalBrushing daily is essential. It gets rid of unwanted hair and can help keep your pooch cooler in the summer. It can also take the place of bathing by removing dirt, making your pet's coat shiny.Trimming and thinning are often seasonal. If your dog has a thick coat and lives in a hot area, then his coat may need to be thinned at the beginning of summer.Nail clipping and getting rid of unwanted hair are usually performed on an as-needed basis. As your pet's nails grow long, you will need to cut them. If his hair has grown out and is covering his eyes, then it is time to cut it.2. Choosing the tools
There is a huge variety of tools, depending on the needs of your pooch.Comb and brush: A comb is used to get rid of unwanted tangles, while a brush gets rid of extra hair. Soft brushes are often used with short-haired dogs, because the bristles will come in contact with the skin. Thick or double-layers coats require coarser brushes that dig down deep into that fur. Either way, the experience should be pleasant, not painful, for your pooch.Scissors and clippers: To trim your dog's hair, you will need a pair of sharp dog-grooming scissors. Many groomers recommend curved scissors, because it is easier to shape the dog's hair. A pair of small scissors is also needed for areas around the eyes, ears and nose. Thinning shears can also be used on dogs with thick coats, since they thin out his thick mane. If you are shaving a poodle (or similar breed), then you may also need dog clippers.Toothbrush and toothpaste: You can buy the two items at your local pet store. If you do not want to purchase the items, then you can use things found at home, such as a child's soft bristle tooth brush or a gauze pad. For paste, you can mix baking soda and water. Don't use human toothpaste, because some ingredients can make your pup sick. Never use a brush or paste that will hurt or irritate your pooch's teeth or gums.Nail clippers: Like all grooming tools, there are clippers made especially for your dog. 3. Choosing a placeGrooming should be a good experience for you and your dog. It's important that you choose an area where your dog feels comfortable, since you will be handling him in unfamiliar ways. If he enjoys the peacefulness of being outside, then set up a table or relaxing place in your backyard. If he prefers the sound of a television, then make a grooming area in your living room. There will be lots of hair floating around, so make sure you prepare an area that you can be easily cleaned.4. Choosing the timeYou don't want to try to groom your pet when he is angry, hungry or highly energetic. A good time to try grooming is right after mealtime or exercise. Your pet will be happy and relaxed.Before you start any type of grooming session, do adequate research. There are rules and guidelines that you should follow. For instance, if you cut your dog's nails too short they will bleed and be very painful for him. Talk to your veterinarian or groomer about things you can do at home. It's always a good idea to ease your pooch into the process!
This article was written by Brian Spilner a provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring: [http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/dog-crates/]dog crates, [http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/pet-carriers/]pet carriers and dog car seat covers.

Are Puppy Parties a Good Idea?

2008-06-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

When you bring a new puppy home, often you will get an invitation asking you if you want to participate in a puppy party. Intended to give your puppy early socialization, these puppy parties are supervised and they are supposed to be fun. But are they really all that they seem and should you take your puppy to a puppy party?
Puppy Parties
The reasons behind puppy parties are simple - by socializing your puppy at an early age, it will enable them to get used to other dogs. This will limit the chance of your puppy developing any aggressive or nervous behavior around other dogs at a later stage.
As all dog owners will be aware, your puppy has to have two injections before they can be taken for a walk around other animals. This is to protect them against diseases which could potentially be fatal. Not all dogs are vaccinated each year and that leaves your puppy at risk of developing a serious disease if they do come into contact with an unvaccinated dog. So socializing your puppy before they have had their injections can be an impossible task. That is why veterinary clinics often allow unvaccinated puppies to socialize with each other in a controlled environment.
The reasons behind the puppy parties are definitely advantageous; however that does not always make them right for your puppy. Different places will run different types of parties. Mainly there should be around five puppies in the party. Any more than that and it can get difficult to keep an eye on them. Throughout the party, the puppies are simply let off the lead and they are able to run around, play and interact with all of the other puppies. It sounds fun and in some cases it is, but there are times when puppy parties are not as good for your puppy as they should be.
What can go wrong?
While many puppies have a blast at puppy parties, some can find the experience traumatizing. It all depends upon how the party is run, but usually the staff will allow the puppies to do what they like. When a puppy leaves its mother and goes to live in a new environment; it is extremely rare that they will mix with large groups of dogs and other puppies. Also, they are not used to being surrounded by so many different breeds. Different breeds of dog will behave in a different manner and some individual puppies will be more dominant than others.
This means that when you take your puppy along to a puppy party, they could experience bullying from other puppies. There have been instances where puppies have had to have veterinary treatment after a play fight went too far. This has left them traumatized and nervous around other dogs. So things can and do sometimes go wrong with puppy parties and it is important to be aware of this.
Generally if there are five or less puppies at the party, you are more likely to have a positive experience. It would be a good idea to discuss your concerns with the vet and they should be able to ease your mind. If you are worried about taking your puppy to one of these parties then simply don't go. It is unlikely that missing out on a puppy party will have a negative effect on your dog. You can always socialize them in a better controlled environment once they have had all of their injections.
Overall puppy parties can be great for your puppy. You should think about both the positives and the negatives to a puppy party and remember that if you don't attend, it is unlikely to affect your puppy.
Go to [http://www.InternationalKennel.com ]www.InternationalKennel.com for your new puppy, or call us at 516-794-PUPS for more information on how you can get your registered purebred bred for quality, temperament, and trainability. The International Kennel Club has brought happiness and joy with its pure bred selection of puppies to Long Island residents since 1979.

Dog Breed Selection - A Guide to Your Perfect Companion

2008-06-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Adding any new pet, especially a dog, to your family is always exciting. But the smart thing to do before making this purchase (or adoption) is to do some research about the diverse breeds of dogs that there are. Here we will discuss some fundamentals about how to choose the correct dog breed for your family, and what to think about your lifestyle before choosing a dog.
Research is essential in order to pick the right breed. This is not a decision that can be made hastily.As you do your research, think about the breed temperament that would fit best in your family. Think about things like how time you are at home..A dog that requires a lot of exercise would not fit into a home where you are not there a lot. . but if you are an outdoors type person, it would be good to choose a breed that thrives on activity.
There are some more things to think about:
What type of home do you have? Do you have a large yard? Do you rent, and if so, does your landlord allow dogs? Bigger dogs require more room to run than smaller dogs. Will your dog live in the house or out side? There are dogs that don't do well living outside. If your plan is to keep your dog outside, be certain you select a breed that is accustomed to living outside.
Think also about the members of your family. If there are children in the house, pick a breed that is tolerant of kids. Also, be aware that little children may unintentionally injure toy dog breeds.
Do you have other animals in your home? Some dogs get along well with other pets. However, some dog breeds don't like being with other animals.
These are things to consider before choosing a certain breed.. It takes a little effort to find out about dog breeds, but when you do discover your perfect dog, you'll be happy you took the time to do the research.
For more helpful information on [http://yourdogsupply.com/Dog_Breeds.html]dog breed selection, try visiting http://yourdogsupply.com - a website that specializes in providing dog information, tips and resources including dog health insurance coverage dog supplies, and much more.

Dog Nature - What is It?

2008-06-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

Dogs are incredibly complex animals.
There are estimates that the number of dog breeds is as high as 800 in North America alone. Even though differentiating one dog breed from another can be taken to extremes, the actual variety is still staggering from a human point of view, as humans have maybe 12 'breeds'.
What makes dogs even more complex is the fact that dogs descended from wolves, so they have some wild instinct. Even though dogs interacted with people over 10,000 years ago, there are still wild behaviors that can't be suppressed or trained out of a dogs nature.
Dogs are predators.
Just because a dog is a predator does not mean they will stalk and attack every animal that passes their way, but the instinct to do so is always in them. There are many traits that dogs posses that are gear towards their old role as predators, and these traits still play a role in a dogs nature and behavior today.
Dogs have very acute hearing and muscles in the head that allow precision movement of their ears, so they can pick up a wide range of sounds and this ear movement helps dogs locate the source of the sound quickly and with high accuracy.
Dogs have great vision and actually have a field of view of approximately 180-270 degrees, in comparison a humans field of view of 100-150 degrees, this increased field of view allows dogs to track things better.
Dogs have a very good sense of smell and it may be their best sense. It has been estimated by some that a dog can sense concentrations 100 million times smaller than that of what a human can sense.
Dogs are social animals.
Even though it is very well known that dogs are social animals, it is usually ignored by owners. Dog owners will often lock a dog away alone in a garage or crate, or in the back yard for whole days while at work. In some cases this isolation from humans and other animals can cause fear, anxiety and aggression. It is important to understand that dogs need interaction and companionship in order to develop and maintain healthy behavior.
In some cases isolating a dog can be useful in training, as long as it is done for brief periods of time. The reason isolating a dog can be used for training because each dog wants to be part of a pack and isolating them can instill fear of exclusion from the pack. This technique is useful for dogs that are trying to be alpha male or are excessively aggressive. It is important in any human dog partnership that the human be the alpha male. If the dog owner is not the alpha male then the dog owner risks property destruction, frustration and a dog that could possibly be dangerous to the owner and people who visit the house or dogs territory.
Dogs are exploratory.
Dogs are very much like and infant and are about the same mental level as a two year old, and like infants dogs learn by exploring their environment. Dogs like infants do not know how to respect property, so proper training and an appropriate selection of toys is a must to help channel the destructive and curious behavior into something that is acceptable and allowed.
When supplying the dog with toys it s important to not select toys that resemble human or baby toys as this will confuse the dog between what is their toys and human property.
As part of a dogs exploration, you can expect to see some digging in the yard, this is normal. But if you don't want to patch holes in lawn, you can try sprinkling cayenne pepper on the hole to stop the dog from digging there.
By understanding a dogs nature, and working within in it's parameters will result in less frustration for the dog owner and the dog. So join a [http://www.dogsearcher.com]dog community and learn more about dog nature and talk with other dog owners for help. [http://www.alldogbreeds.net]Types of dogs

Increase Your Dog's Life Span

2008-06-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Making natural home made dog food at first thought may seem like a lot of work in today's stressed out busy world. In actuality it is easy to do once you get into the routine. You can make your dogs home made meal at the same time as you are preparing your own dinner, or even make it in batches and keep it portioned and store it in the freezer.
Switching to fresh natural home made dog food for you best friend will increase his/her life span up to 8 years. Fresh organic ingredients win every time when compared to artificially flavored, preservative filled, and sometimes worse, commercial dog food.
When I think of what the commercial dog food industry considers edible food for my pets it disgusts me. When you find out the facts of what is really in commercial dog food a true animal lover will be shocked.
There are so many chemicals that are permitted in dry pet food that are straight out toxic. One of these is the chemical ethoxyquin (EQ), which is added at the rendering plant. This way it does not have to be listed on the ingredients on the food label. EQ is one the most powerful preservatives, and also one of the most toxic. Side effects of factory workers exposed to it caused symptoms similar to Agent Orange. Who in their right mind would think this is okay for our pets to ingest?
This is only one of many ingredients that are unfit that our pets get when eating their kibble. Yuck for sure. That is why we should consider feeding them home made human grade food.
This is why making all natural, home made dog food seems the safer, better alternative. You know exactly what fresh, healthy ingredients are put in the food because it is the same food you buy for yourself.
Given in the correct proportion, this promotes the healthiest, happiest pets and peace of mind for us, the owners. Any pet lover knows of the adoring looks given by your dog. They don't care what you feed them, because they trust us. Knowingly giving them food that causes illnesses, poor health and early death is something I just won't do. I return the favor of unconditional love by making the right choice for them. That way they will be around much longer.
Never give the dogs raw garlic or onions, as this could be potentially fatal. Also note that chocolate, raisins and grapes are dangerous to feed to your dog.
You can quickly and easily cook nutritious healthy dog food. Check out more about all natural dog food, cooked at home at my main site: [http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com/]http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com

Dog Training Myths Exposed - Should You Really Avoid These Things?

2008-06-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of information floating around out there on how to train your dog, so I thought it would be important to focus on some of the myths that I have found in my experience to simply not be true.
1) Don't feed your dog "people" food
I never understood this one. So what if I want to treat my dog to a hamburger? I think the important thing here is to set clear limits, and not have your dog expect you to share your lunch with him or her every meal.
2) Don't play tug of war with your dog
I also don't understand where this came from. You want to be careful with older dogs though, you don't want teeth falling out!
3) Don't let your dog sleep in your bed
Now this is just plain ridiculous! If you like to cuddle with your pet at night, that's certainly fine. I have not seen it do any type of damage to the dog. It is a nice opportunity for the two of you to be closer.
4) Don't let your dog on your couch, furniture, etc.
I think the important thing to keep in mind here is that your dog listens to you. If you are okay with him or her being on the couch, that's great. But if you ask him or her to get down, there needs to be obedience. If not, correct this right away so you are able to maintain control over the behavior.
Dog training really isn't that hard, just make sure you are consistent!
Learn how to train your dog today with my [http://fastdogtrainingtips.com/ecourse.html]free dog training ecourse.
Latest article: [http://fastdogtrainingtips.com/aggressive-dog-training.html]aggressive dog training.

How to Train a Dog to Stop Barking Before You Go Barking Mad!

2008-06-18T10:07:00.001-07:00

Have you ever pointed your remote at your dog and hit "mute?" The barking can really hit the spot sometimes, it can literally drive you nuts! I am sure you know EXACTLY what I mean. So let's look at how to train a dog to stop barking.
You can probably guess WHY dogs bark. It is how they express themselves. When they are in angst, and they wish to tell you about their deep emotional upsets, they bark. And boy, do they bark! And you don't have to be around to hear them. In fact, it is quite common for a dog to not bark when they're with their owner, but as soon as they're alone, off they go. Your neighbors will probably clue you in on this when this happens.
Well, to train a dog to stop barking, you first will need to understand what motivates the dog to bark in the first place. The more accurate you can be with this, the easier it will be to stop the barking.
Let's rule out the obvious first: Is your dog hungry? It could be that simple. It's not nice being hungry, and if I was really hungry, I think I would bark too!
Next obvious reason could be a lack of exercise. If your dog has been locked up for a few hours then he'll need some exercise, and possibly a bathroom break. Dogs like to be out and about, so you should not keep them locked away for long periods of time. If you do, expect lots of barking.
Now let's look at what we can do to train a dog that is still barking, despite plenty of exercise, attention and food.
You'll want to look out for causes. Some barking can be caused by a passing person, another dog, or even insects. This can be resolved somewhat by ignoring these attention seeking barks until your dog calms down. Then give praise and reward your dog for the "ability" to quieten down. You'll need to practice patience for this, but stick with it. The trick with training any dog is repetition.
Of course, if you can limit these external causes then you definitely should. My friends dog can go a bit crazy when eying the neighbors cat through the dining room window. A change of room does the trick. Of course, this is not a solution as such, but it does bring instant quietness!
Dealing with a barking dog when you're physically there is a lot easier than dealing with a barking dog when you're not there, as you can utilize correct timing, praise and correction. Here are some methods you can try:
A water gun - Aim for the chest, never the face. This method is a little hit and miss. You must be quick to draw, or the effect is greatly reduced. I'm not a fan personally.
Collar and leash - This can work if your dog is already trained to respond to a tug. Try it, it can work well to suppress barking.
Physical correction - This is a very effective method. When your dog barks, go down at their level and firmly wrap one or both hands around the snout and repeat a corrective command. But you mustn't be at all violent, or inhumane. Do not shake their snout, just a firm hold and that's it. This works very well. I usually say "Shh" until the dog stops resisting my hands. This is a great method for asserting your dominance as well.
Remember, be consistent, and be repetitive. That is crucial. And never get angry at your dog, you'll only make it worse. Just stick to your plan, and as soon as the barking stops, give praise and a treat!
Good luck!
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Are Microchips Right For Your Dog?

2008-06-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

What happens if one morning you open your front door to retrieve the newspaper and Fido dashes through the door in pursuit of a squirrel, or cyclist, or even a butterfly? What if you're out walking and a loud noise scares him so badly, he takes off. Could you get him back? Of course, most cities and states require that dogs have tags and Fido's address, at least his telephone number, should be on the tag. Even if Fido has a license and tags, he may not always wear his collar, he may lose it or thieves may deliberately remove his collar. What then? If you're among the most technologically advanced, Fido and you have a back-up position - a microchip. It's an inert electronic transponder, the size of a grain of rice. A veterinarian can easily implant it, usually in the scruff of the neck the loose skin between the shoulder blades). Veterinarian fees usually range from $25 to $60. Once inserted, it can only be removed surgically. Being under the skin, it is safe from weather, erosion, alternation and theft and cannot be seen by human eye. It has no battery. More and more animal shelters are searching for microchips in the s tray animals they take in and installing microchips in the animals they put up for adoption. For example, Chicago, Philadelphia and St. Louis already use microchips on their strays. With a microchip in place, a handheld reader can be run over the dog's neck and an unique ID number identified. The ID number is called in to a national clearinghouse that provides 24-hour/7-day service and will identify the owner who then can be contacted. That's why it's important to report your address or phone changes to the clearinghouse so its data is always current and accurate. If you think this scenario is unlikely, please note that in 1999 only 14% of the dogs taken to American animal shelters were returned to owners. This compares to 51% of the dogs returned to owners in England where mandatory identification systems exist. Because of the large population of unwanted dogs, most shelters cannot keep strays, especially adult dogs, for very long. In the city I live in, adult dogs are either adopted or destroyed after THREE days in the shelter. Many foreign countries require microchips if you want to take your dog with you as your travel. Under the Pet Travel Scheme in the European Union countries as well as Japan, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, dogs must have a microchip to avoid quarantine and travel as freely between countries as their owners. Even if you never plan to take Fido aboard, make sure your veterinarian uses an ISO (International Standards Organization) standard microchip that is accepted in Europe. Just in case. As of this writing, there are two brands of microchips sold in the United States - Avid and Schering-Plough. Both companies provide animal shelters with scanners that can read any of their microchips. There also are several clearinghouses for ID numbers. Your veterinarian will tell you which one he uses. Some clearinghouses charge a one-time fee and some charge an annual fee. If your veterinarian doesn't have a recommendation, call the animal shelter in the nearest large city to you and see what they use. I use the registration service through the American Kennel Club {www.akc.org/love/car/index.cfm} which charges (at the time this is written) a $12.50 enrollment fee. You do not have to be an AKC member to use this service. AKC recommends using the Schering-Plough microchip. As with any newer technology, some people, even veterinarians, are reluctant to be among the first users. There is no reason to hold back with microchips. It won't hurt Fido and if he's ever missing in action, it may save his life.
Source: www.ToyBreeds.com
Written By: Louise Louis

Labrador Retriever Weird Facts/Did You Know?

2008-06-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

The Labrador retriever has long been known as one of the most lovable dogs in the world. It also has the title of being the most popular family dog, especially for families with children. There are many fascinating little tidbits of information about the Labrador retriever that many probably don't know. They are also referred to as Labrador or just simply "Lab". In fact, they are so popular and well known that when people say, "I have a Lab", everyone knows exactly what is meant.When the Labrador retriever first came to be, it came from the Newfoundland dog and St. John's Water Dog and was called either St. John's Dog or the Newfoundland. The name was later changed to Labrador retriever. Originally, the Labrador retriever was bred to be used as a retriever and bird dog in water for waterfowl hunting. Hunters would shoot their fowl by the water and the Labrador would go in the water and retrieve it. To this day, the Lab loves water and being in water.There have been some famous Labrador retrievers in the world. One such dog, Endel, is a yellow Labrador retriever that has caught the eye of the media due to his bravery and intelligence. After much training, Endel became an assistance dog for Allen Parton, and ex-Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer, who was in a wheelchair. When Allen was hit by a passing car and knocked out of the wheelchair in 2001, Endel pulled him to the recovery position, covered him with a blanket, retrieved his cell phone and went to a nearby hotel to get someone to come to Allen's aid.Endel is the recipient of many awards such as the Blue Peter Badge and the PDSA Gold Medal for bravery and dedication to duty. He was also named "Dog of the Millennium" by Dogs Today magazine readers. Endel has many talents such as being able to respond to over one hundred instructions, loading and emptying the washing machine, putting in and removing a card in the ATM machine and putting it back in Allen's wallet. This Labrador is certainly an incredible animal, and a fantastically dedicated pet.There is also Jake, a black Labrador retriever, who risked his won life by going through the smoke-filled debris at the World Trade Center to look for survivors. Jake also helped search for victims from Hurricane Katrina.The Memphis Mad Dogs had a black Labrador named Alien as their mascot. Alien would run on the field after each kickoff and bring back the kicking tee. He was the highlight of many games.The Labrador has also been crossed with a poodle to create what they call a "designer dog": the Labradoodle. This unusual mix has pleased many dog owners.

Danger at the Pool

2008-06-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

With the summer season upon us, we all love to be poolside to cool down. However, mosquitoes, wasps and other insects come uninvited. To get rid of these pests we resort to all kinds of sprays and poisons. How will this affect our pets?Small pets may ingest the poisons and thus get illThe spray may accidentally get in eyes of your petUsing citronella coils can be a problem if your pet nibbles at itUsing electronic bug zappers will be better for your petsMake sure the chlorine supplies for the pool are kept out of reach of your petsDo not let your pets in the pool soon after shocking itSmaller pets may be more susceptible to trace amounts of the bug poisonWhat to look for in your pet?If you have been poolside and your pet is lethargic, he may have ingested some poisonYou pet may vomit and be sickOr they may act weirdThis is not to say that all bug sprays and candles will cause a problem for your pet, but if they are small, it takes very little to make them sick. A couple of years ago, I had given a poolside party for July 4th, and the wedding anniversary of my daughter and her husband. They brought their little puppy(she was very young and tiny) with her. Everyone was having fun outside, when someone noticed that Kate was not around. When we finally found her, she was in my closet on some clothes I had left on the floor. When she was picked up, she was very lethargic and allowed to hold her. The children were excited because she was allowing them to hold her for a long time. Later we discovered that she had vomited a couple of times, and would not eat or drink anything. I am not sure if the problem started before she got here, or whether somehow she got more chemicals in her. She ended up having to go to the Veterinarian the next day to see what was going on. The blood tests were alright, but she was dehydrated. The doctor gave her IV fluids and she was back to her normal self again. So during these summer months be watchful for anything that might make your 4-legged friend sick. Have a good summer!
Evangeline Samuel PhD. is a retired nurse who enjoys her daughter's dog, Kate's company, and loves dressing her up in [http://www.puppydazzles.com/designer_dog_apparel.html]designer dog clothes

Beagle Rescue Dogs Deserve a Second Chance

2008-06-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

You've seen the news reports and horror stories about the horrible conditions dogs in puppy mills are subjected to. You may also know that puppy mill puppies supply all pet stores that sell puppies - THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. You are ready to bring a dog into your home, but can't get a cute puppy with the mind of a blank slate for you to fill in the instructions. You've decided to get a dog from a shelter or rescue. This saves a life and helps out a charity you care about.
For their many wonderful pet qualities, you've decided to adopt a Beagle or Beagle-mix. Beagles are often recommended by dog books, dog trainers, veterinarians and the American Kennel Club as a great "beginner" family dog. But can a Beagle rescue dog make just as good a pet as one you've raised from a puppy? You bet your dog biscuits they can!
A good Beagle rescue center will give you an extensive background on your Beagle rescue dog's history, medical condition and any behavior quirks. You will also have to provide a lot of Beagle information yourself - including having a home check and personal reference check. It's too bad pet stores and Internet sites that sell puppies never do these extensive checks, or there would be a lot less need for dog shelters.
You will never be able to just drive up to a Beagle rescue center or foster home and immediately drive away with the dog. And if it does happen, run very far away! There is something really fishy going on! You will feel like you are being put through a college course on Beagle Information 101. This is to be absolutely sure you and the dog are adequately matched and will stay together. The center hopes to not get the dog back.
All Beagle rescue dogs are individuals. There will always be one who hasn't read the official Beagle Information Handbook. But Beagles are highly trainable and will move mountains for food. There is no problem with a Beagle rescue dog that can't be cured. Beagles are not known for viciousness to people or other dogs. Your Beagle rescue center will be happy to help you with any problems. Just ask them.
The most common problems with Beagle rescue dogs are overeating, ripping apart trash for food, wandering and separation anxieties. Since Beagles are small, you should easily be able to keep food out of reach and spraying the trash can with bitter apple (used to deter chewing.) Never leave your Beagle unsupervised in the yard. Combined with regular exercise, this should cure wandering. Leaving your dog in one room when you are gone with a shirt you recently wore to help ease separation anxiety. This is a more complex problem, but curable.
Michelle Adams is someone who has researched many breeds of dogs, including the Beagle. Since breeding brings certain instincts and behaviors into play with different types of dogs understanding the history of your [http://www.beagledogguide.com/]Beagle will better equip you to work with your new pet. There is plenty of [http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle.php]Beagle information available including the interesting history of your pet. Articles like this and interviews with experts in the field will help you to understand where your Beagle came from and why he acts the way he does.

Dogs Get High Blood Pressure Too!

2008-06-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

Could your dog have blood pressure problems
High blood pressure is now recognised around the world as a major health issue. Many millions of people every day take regular medication to control their blood pressure level. Others use diet, exercise, salt restriction and more to try to get their blood pressure reading into the normal range.
But what about pets? Does your dog have high blood pressure?
Vets are becoming increasingly aware of the problem of hypertension in domestic pets – and dogs seem particularly affected by it. Some vets now make a blood pressure check part of their normal routine examination, although it can sometimes be hard to work out what’s normal or not in your own pet’s case.
Your vet will certainly check a blood pressure reading if your dog has a condition which could affect the heart or blood pressure levels. These conditions include things like: heart disease, kidney disease, sudden onset of blindness, recent trauma, or other severe illness.
Rare causes of high blood pressure (or sometimes low blood pressure) in dogs are endocrine system diseases, tumors of the adrenal gland, some pet medications and some brain or nerve troubles.
It’s often easiest to check a dog’s blood pressure when it is under anesthesia –perhaps for an operation or for another investigation.
We’ve not yet reached the point we have in humans but there’s no doubt that blood pressure assessment is becoming more and more important in pet animals. Treatments are available and research trials are underway to see if treatment improves the health of your pet.
Time for a walk, maybe?
Garleton Hill is a family doctor in Scotland and a specialist in blood pressure treatment. He suffers from high blood pressure himself so has a true insiders view of the topic. Get more information regarding [http://medical-guides.info/wellness-resources/blood-pressure-and-athletes.html]blood pressure.

Sit Stay Fetch - Is It Just Another Worthless Dog-Training Guide?

2008-06-10T12:48:00.001-07:00

Sit Stay Fetch is meant primarily for those dogs that have some kind of behavior problem. Basically, this guide will come handy if you have a dog or a puppy who is not yet potty trained, jumps on people, is aggressive towards other dogs and so on.
Sit Stay Fetch is written in an easy-to-understand language with clear instructions. The author, Daniel Stevens, believes in soft approach to dog training. This means that you will learn how to communicate with your dog in a way it understands. The techniques, featured in Sit Stay Fetch Package, don't involve using force - instead, you will make your dog obey by listening to its natural instincts.
Besides solving your dog's problems, the guide will also help you teach your dog the usual commands (come, okay, no, wait, beg, fetch, sit and stay...). Sit Stay Fetch is a good decision if you would like your dog to:
- No longer suffer from separation anxiety,
- Learn proper potty etiquette,
- Respect your commands,
- Learn when it is the appropriate time to bark...
By applying the techniques from Sit Stay Fetch you will teach your dog how to adjust to the demands of a life in a modern, rural environment. Even though this is not the kind of book that will turn your dog into an agility champion, it will enable you to have the kind of relationship that you want with your dog. You will establish the status of leader of the pack and therefore earn your dog's respect. You have to remember one thing, though - it is not enough to just read the guide. Only when you apply the techniques from the book, you can expect to see results.
Andrea Logan writes reviews for a living. Among other things, she also writes for Digital Products Database. If you would like to learn more about Sit Stay Fetch and see other user ratings and reviews for this product, go to [http://www.dp-db.com/sitstayfetch-dog-training]Sit Stay Fetch Review.

Doorbell Training

2008-06-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

How many people have the problem of their dog charging the door barking and acting in a highly excited state each and every time the doorbell rings. As I have stated previously, this is the result of training on the part of the owner. Remember Positive Thigmotaxis? The problem usually starts because of an unresolved pack leadership problem with the dog. The dog thinks it is the king of the house and when the doorbell rings, rushes to the door to protect the house from intrusion by strangers. The dog first must understand that it is not the pack leader. This is accomplished by completing the training on Pack Leadership. The next step is to get some friends to act as doorbell ringers. That's right, you get them to come to your house and ring the doorbell. You are not going to let them in. You just want them to ring the bell and go away. When the doorbell rings, let the dog bark and tell you there is someone at the door. You want him to alert you when someone is at the door. Tell him "good dog" and give him a reward. You want him to learn to bark a few times and then shut up. Walk away and go about your business. Pay no attention to the dog, even if he continues to bark at the door. When the dog finds out that it is no big deal with him barking at the door, he will stop barking and probably come to find you. When he finds you and is not barking, give him a reward.
Have your friends do this several times a day and do the same routine. The dog will get tired of telling you that it is important that you know there are strangers at the door and stop acting like a crazy nut when the doorbell rings.
The next step is similar to the conditioning for the aggression toward strangers. Have a friend come over to your house, ring the bell and when the dog goes to the door, give it its reward, and put a lead on the dog. Tell your friend to come in and go into another room and sit down. They can watch T V or read or anything else they might want to do. You stay where you are and with the dog on lead do some behaviors such as come, sit, down, side and any other behaviors the dog might have command of. If the dog does not quiet down, do the Magic Button routine until you get a quiet dog. As the dog gets more self control in this situation, move into the room with the stranger and reward the dog if it acts in a calm. quiet manner toward the stranger. It helps if you have worked the dog on the Meeting Strangers program. The dog must act in an acceptable manner in order to get the reward. As the dog is able to accept people ringing the doorbell and coming into the house without acting in an excitable or aggressive manner and trying to jump on your guests, the household will become a more quiet, peaceful for both you and your dog.
I have been involved in manufacturing and judging dogcarting for over thirty years.
I am a certified dogcart judge for several Breed Clubs.
I have been practicing animal behavior therapy for over thirty years.
http://www.dogcartman.com http://dogcartman.blogspot.com
Giant Regards, Harry Russ M Ed123 Yeager Ave. Forty Fort Pa.18704-4031dogcartman@gmail.com

Designer Dog Beds Your Best Friend Will Love

2008-06-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

If your dog is your best friend, you don't want him to sleep on the cold, hard floor. Chances are, however, that you probably don't want him to stretch out on your beautiful suede sofa, your leather easy chair, or your great-grandmother's antique divan. The solution? One of the many exceptional designer dog beds that are available.
These days, dog lovers can find dog beds at nearly any pet store, online or offline. However, if you want to find a high-class designer dog bed, you may need to head to an exclusive online dog store or a brick-and-mortar pet boutique.
Designer gear for dogs has grown into much more of specialty over the last several years. Ever since celebrities began bringing their tiny little dogs with them wherever they went in those charming dog carriers, buying top quality accessories for pets has become a widespread phenomenon. People purchase dog carriers, dog clothing, and designer leashes and collars. And, of course, people purchase designer dog beds.
In fact, the designer dog bed industry has exploded into its own specialty-there are some websites and stores that sell nothing but different types of beds for pampered pets.The variety available is rather unbelievable!
A regular, everyday dog bed-one that is shaped like a pillow-can generally be purchased for less than $50. Depending upon the size needed (which, of course, depends upon the size of the dog) the price will vary. Add a designer's name to this very same bed, however, and the price will double-at least.
That is not the only type of designer dog bed. These beds come in just about any shape, size, and style imaginable-and few pet owners couldn't fathom.
Designer dog beds can be in a "donut" shape. These beds have a solid bottom, albeit one that is extremely cushiony. They offer a donut ring that is as cozy as your duvet. Pets lucky enough to sleep in these beds can relax in the center of the bed and rest their weary heads on the ring of the donut.
There are also many styles of designer dog beds that are shaped like miniature sofas. Dog owners can find styles that match the décor of their homes. Various fabrics, patterns, and styles of sofas are available from which owners can choose.
Pampered pets can also sleep in designer dog beds that look exactly like little beds. There are dog beds that have headboards and footboards or ones without. These are ideal to put in a bedroom for the dogs that like to sleep in the room with their owners.
Specialty cushions are also available for several types of designer dog beds. For dogs who are older or arthritic, owners can purchase heated dog beds that heat up whenever the dog lays down. Or, dogs in hot climates can be treated to beds that contain cooling packs.
People who want to get the very best for their best friends have loads of options-it may be difficult to choose!
Designer dog beds are available in many fashionable styles. Joede writes about vet recommended dog bed supplies that you will find of value. http://www.mammothoutlet.com

Loyalty

2008-06-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

You can't buy loyalty,they say, I bought it though,the other day You cant buy friendships,tried and true Well just the same,I bought that too. I made my bid and on spot Brought love and faith and a whole job lot Of happiness,so all in all The purchase price was pretty small I bought a single trusting heart, that gave devation from the start If you think these things are
NOT FOR SALE
Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a wagging tail
Unknown

Dog Training - How to Decide the Best Training Technique For Your Dog

2008-06-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

Dog training. There are as many opinions are there are dog owners. We all want well-behaved dogs. Yet the same technique may work for your golden retriever but not for your lab. How do you decide what method is the best for your dog? You experiment.
Transforming your dog's behavior is the goal of many dog owners. Sometimes the best thing for your dog is a combination of several different methods. Below are some different training techniques. You should choose the one that you are comfortable using and the one that is best suited to your dog.
Reward Training. This is usually the first method many people use because most dogs are highly motivated by food. Giving a dog a reward for something he does "right" teaches him to associate his good behavior with a treat. Giving treats, in addition to praise, is often highly effective.
Clicker Training. This is similar to reward training because it is often used with treats. When your dog does something good, you will click the clicker, then give him a treat. Soon, through classical conditioning, he will associate the clicker with good behavior and know that he will be getting a treat.
Choke/Prong Collar Training. These collars are sometimes controversial. Many people associate these collars with inhumane treatment mainly because the majority of people use them improperly. The idea behind this type of training is that when you pull on the collar to "choke" or "pinch" the dog's neck, he is supposed to recognize that he is being corrected for an undesirable behavior. The hope is because it is uncomfortable to him, he will not repeat the behavior. The loose collar is the reward for discontinuing the unwanted behavior.
Head Collar Training. There are a few different types of head collars. These are basically "harness" leads and include the Gentle Leader and the Haiti. They have a strap that goes around the dogs nose and around the back on his head. If he tries to eat a stick or pull out in front of you, for example, you pull on the leader and redirect his movement.
Electric Collar Training. Using an electric collar is also a controversial training method. You should administer a small electric shock only to correct undesirable behavior. It is essential that you be fully trained in this method of training. Both the timing of the shock and the timing of the reprimand are very important as the dog must learn to associate it with the correction.
Dog Whispering. This is a fairly new form of training but one that is gaining popularity. It is based on understanding the body language and behavior of your dog and learning to communicate in a way the dog understands. This method requires much patience and persistence and is not a quick process.
And now I invite you to learn more about training your dog. Visit http://www.GoldenRetrieverpro.com for more information in all areas of caring for your dog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Stinson

Dog Clothes and Accessories - Fashion Apparel Too Fun For Owners

2008-06-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

What started with a desire to be unique transformed into an almost disbelief. Fashion designers take dog apparel to levels of luxury. Trendy style or versatile attire, clothes for canine can be as creative as the owner's imagination. Cute sports clothes for boys, and dresses for the girls. Oh, yes. We are too are exploring the world of fashion apparel for puppy and dog, big or small.
Just received the dog clothes gift certificate. Who's the gift for? There's a wedding in the planner, formal outfits with tails included. Accessories? Yes, ordered the shoes, hairpins, jewelry. Changing at the reception into a funny t-shirt. When the party moves to the outdoors, grab raincoats. Swan-filled ponds are made for bathing only when wearing this fashion season's swimming suit.
When it's all been shaking the boots are coming off at the pet friendly hotel. Must get up early for a walk with the happy couple. What to wear? Just toss in the stylish vest with the matching leash. Pack the loungewear pajamas please 'cause this dog's tired and taking the bed.
So many clothes, so little time. What? The holidays can't be already? Here's the list, a fancy leather collar and a new coat. Not the dog hair, silly, the warm coats found online. When shopping for the masquerade ball, remember last year's hotdog costume was not funny. Think adorable and comfortable and maybe it won't be shredded this year. Remember to order that fabulous designer sweater for the family portrait from the posh boutique.
What's that? You say that you're not up to date on the haute? Don't fret. Accessories make the mutt. Every owner must begin somewhere; that somewhere starts with the basics. Don't just buy a collar - order fancy. Dogs are made for walkin'- add a matching lead or your stylish intentions will be for not. Do the hair ladies; decorate with sparkly crystals if you want.
Look at the shirts only when you're ready. Why? Once you've ordered one there's no looking back. Before you know it, you'll be saving webpages into your favorites to visit again later.
Who's dogs are spoiled? Shhh. They don't know they're ANIMALS. And so what if they are. Owners are having too much fun collecting clothes.
About the Author
Debbie Readinger is the owner and writer for a dog supplies and puppy accessories online resource guide. Looking for some fun fashion for your canine? Visit ForDogOwners.com Here you will find many different styles of Dog Clothes and Apparel Accessories.

Does Fido Need to Go on a Diet

2008-06-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Your pet is tipping the scale? Well, for some pets it's very obvious they are a little on the rotund side, but for some it's not as easy to tell. Some simple questions to ask to determine if your pet is over weight are as follows. Can the ribs be felt with a gentle touch on the side? Do they have a visible waist? Is he slow to exercise and gets out of breath easily?
Many people request special diet food. However, that is only half the solution. Exercise is imperative as well. Assess how much the pet is being fed. The food should have the recommended amount listed on the back of the packaging. Beware of human food which is often filled with fat, sugar, and artificial dies which are not good for your little friend. Often, only simple adjustments are needed to help Fido get back to his healthy, svelte self.
Most dogs and cats do best when free fed. If food is available at all times, the pet learns to eat when they are truly hungry. It prevents the rush to gorge themselves which many animals exhibit when fed. However, this is easier to start they are puppies and kittens, but it is still worth trying. The next best technique is to feed them small meals throughout the day. At the very minimum, pets should be fed twice a day to avoid gastrointestinal problems and for better utilization of calories. Remember not to let your pet exercise for half an hour before and after eating.
When used in moderation, snacks are fine. However, keep to healthy ones. A general rule of thumb is that the more "human-like" the snack appears to be, looks like a strip of bacon, etc., the higher probability of it being packed with fats and sugars. There are many reduced fat biscuits on the market now. Also, there are light foods which you can find at home which will be suitable such as carrots and unsalted popcorn.
Consider the type of food your pet eats. There are many brands available to choose from. The veterinarian can be of assistance in selecting one which will be most appropriate for your pet's dietary needs. Finally, do not forget exercise. It is important to consider the age, breed, and general fitness of the animal when exercising. Also, be cautious of weather conditions such as heat or ice which could cause problems.
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

Blood bank aids ailing dogs

2008-06-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dog owners looking for a new way to bond with their animal and help others in the process have a new option in the UC Davis Veterinary Blood Bank.
Started in late February, the blood bank has been accepting appointments for doggy donors who weigh at least 55 pounds and are 1 to 8 years old
"I brought a previous dog in that was sick that received blood," said Ellen Wyoshimura, of Orangevale, who brought her German Shepherd named Breesis for a blood donation Friday. "So it made me want to give back. Plus I'm a human blood donor," she added.
On the first visit, dogs and their owners can expect a quick consultation where a technician will do a physical and take some blood samples, said Dorian Lara, Transfusion Medicine Coordinator at the blood bank. If everything checks out, the dog will need to come back for the actual blood draw. All visits to the blood bank for screening and blood donation are free.
"The first thing we do is run a blood type," said Lara. "We're looking for the equivalent of type "O" in humans, the "universal donor."
That particular blood type occurs in about 15 to 20 percent of all dogs according to Lara, so there is a need to screen a large number of dogs in order to build up a pool of viable donors to support the hospital.
According to Lara, the hospital would like to have a pool of about 300 donors.
"There's a lot of reasons, a lot of trauma," said Lara, referring to the need for donors. "So if a dog gets hit by a car, or injured in a
dog fight, they can lose a lot of blood that way," he added.
Previously, the program functioned on the donations from a group of about 20 to 30 resident dogs, according to Lara. But as the hospital has grown, that pool of dogs could no longer support the needs of the hospital. We need more dogs, but we can't keep more dogs here, Lara continued.
"I think more people need to come in and see if their dog has the right type of blood...To help the hospital out," added Wyoshimura.
She plans on coming back with Breesis once a month for the rest of the year to donate blood.
"It's been relatively easy for us," said Wyoshimura. "It didn't take a lot of time and the dog (Breesis) got a lot of treats."
This is a way we can involve the community so it's not just you bringing your dog in when it needs vaccines or during a sickness, Lara added.
"You can bring it, it donates blood and it goes home and everyone's happy," said Lara.
The UC Davis Veterinary Blood Bank is scheduling appointments for Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and will offer a once-a-month Saturday appointment beginning at the end of June. For more information call (530) 752-1393 or e-mail email : caninebloodbank@gmail.com.

Dog Ramps For Cars Or Boats

2008-05-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

Why would you need a dog car ramp?
Has your dog just had surgery, making it difficult for him to go faster than a walk?
Is your big dog having trouble jumping up into your car, SUV or truck?
Do you need a way for your dog to get into your boat from the dock?
Are you worn out from lifting your dog in and out of your car or boat?
Are you worried you'll end up injuring yourself? If you answered yes to any of the above, consider buying or building a ramp. Dog ramps for cars or boats offer a simple solution. Eliminate the guilt and anxiety caused by having to leave your dog at home. With the help of a car dog ramp, you can always bring the dog with you if you choose to!
The most lifting you have to do will be the ramp. A dog car ramp or dog boat ramp is designed to weigh as little as possible, usually 30 lbs or less.Besides the weight of the ramp, there are three other things to be concerned about:
Will it create a gentle enough slope for my dog?
Will it fit in my car or boat?
How can I afford it? What Length Ramp Should I Get?
Some dog car ramps are made out of one piece of board or metal 4 to 5 feet long. These shorter ramps can be used for side entry into a vehicle, where the height from the ground is not that great. This type of ramp may be difficult to store in some vehicles and may be best suited for short trips where your dog does not get out of the car. You can leave the ramp at home close to your driveway or in your garage.
Many dog ramps for cars or boats are around 70 inches long, or almost 6 feet long, creating a reasonable slope for most dogs to negotiate. If your dog has a lot of difficulty with walking, there are a few extra long ramps that are 7 feet or 84 inches long. These ramps fold up (see below) to make them easy to carry and stow.
Will It Fit In My Vehicle Or Boat?
All the longer ramps are designed to fold up or slide inward (telescope) to at least half their length. That means the folded length is between 35 and 42 inches, which allows these types of ramps to fit in most vehicles or boats. They ramps are fully portable, therefore suitable for longer trips where your dog needs to get in and out away from home. There is also one called a tri-fold, that has two folds.
Can I Afford It?
Commercial dog car ramps for bigger dogs tend to cost around USD 100 or more at this time, whether you buy them in a pet store or online. Shipping costs are usually at least USD 25, so even if the ramp costs USD 70, the total is still at least $95.
There is a more affordable option, if you or someone you know has basic woodworking skills. You can build your own! See below for a link to a set of inexpensive folding dog ramp plans.
If you are good at finding recycled or scrap materials, the only thing you may need to buy are the hinges! Many lumber and hardware stores have scrap wood bins where you can get free plywood and lumber pieces. Often someone buys a sheet of plyboard or length of lumber and asks a store clerk to cut it for them. If they do not want the remaining pieces, they are placed in the free bin.
Whatever type of dog car ramp you choose, it is bound to be worth your investment by giving you peace of mind about your dog and your health!
Jo Soliday has been a dog lover and crafter since childhood. For dog ramp plans, see http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/dog-ramp-plans.html
For more ideas for making things for dogs, check out her website at http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Soliday

Allergy Relief For Dogs

2008-05-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Allergies are something that effect many people. Many times symptoms of coughing, sneezing and itchy watery eyes can be too much to handle. However many times we don't realize that humans aren't the only ones affected by allergic reactions. "Man's friend", can be suffering too.
How do you know if your dog or cat has an allergy?
You will notice that your dog may be excessively scratching. This will cause painful sores and scabs around the affected area. Your pet may also get ear infections or there may be a bad odor. Types of allergies that your dog may have include food, flea or skin allergies.
Can anything be done to help your dog?
No one wants to see their dog suffer. The following are several treatment options that could help give your dog relief.
Symptomatic Therapy: Treating the dog's symptoms may include; shampoos, Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal. Be careful not to use sprays, because these may contain chemicals that could be harmful to your pet.
Allergy shots: While they are effective in people, the downside is that they may take several months to work.
Antihistamines: They can be used safely on your dogs. Many pet owner's reports success when using them. However the side effect on dogs is the same as they are with humans.
Prevention: While there is no cure for allergies, it's important to note that many times allergies can be passed down through the generations. Because of this, you should not breed a dog that has an allergy.
It's always important to consult your vet, if you think your dog might have an allergy. He or she will be able to give you the best treatment advice or if there's a special medicine that should be used. No one likes to see their pets suffer. The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to ensure your dog will be able to live a happy allergy symptom free life.
For more information please visit Easy Allergy Relief. We're a website that's dedicated to helping allergy suffers find safe allergy relief for dogs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Bock

Coprophagia - Is Your Dog A Poop Eater? Understanding And Curbing This Behavior

2008-05-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

As human beings, we think the whole idea of poop is pretty disgusting. We dont' talk about it and we certainly don't enjoy it. However, if you're a dog that has coprophagia, then you not only think your poop is great but you also eat it on a regular basis. And, if you're a human that has a dog with this condition, you are probably frustrated and annoyed with your dog. Well, help is here. In this brief article, we'll provide an overview of coprophagia and give you some tips for dealing with this condition. So, without further adieu, let's get started.
First of all, you must realize that you are not alone. This poop-eating condition affects millions of dogs around the world. It doesn't tend to be breed specific and effects all types of dogs. Doesn't matter is fyou've got a Poodle or a Pit. Lots of dogs eat poop.
Second, no one really knows why dogs do this. However, some theorize that dogs do this because they have internal parasites, to supplement their diets, because of their carnivorous nature, or simply because they're bored. Some even suggest that they simply enjoy the taste. The point of the matter however, is that no one knows for sure why some dogs engage in this type of behavior while other dogs do not. However, one thing is certain; the act of eating poop is a matter of personal preference.
Here are some tips to help your dog curb the habit:
- Take your dog to a veterinarian to rule out medical causes of this condition.
-Make sure your dog is properly housetrained so your dog doesn't feel the need to hide their mistakes by eating them.
-Teach your dog the "leave it command" and reward them for not eating poop.
-Remove any poop from your yard as soon as your dog leaves it to keep him from eating it.
-Make the poop unappealing by adding a bit of bitter apple to it or some hot sauce. Another option is to purchase a commercial product that makes his poop smell and taste nasty.
-Be consistent in your retraining efforts and take your time. It took your dog a while to develop this habit and it will take him a while to stop it as well.
In conclusion, coprophagia is a condition that affects many dogs (and dog owners) around the globe. Although it isn't breed specific, there are many reasons why dogs eat poop. If you've got a poop eater, you should diligently follow the above tips and hopefully your dog will stop eating poop. At the very least, you can take comfort in knowing that you did everything humanly possible to encourage him to stop.
Good luck!
Do you want even more information about stopping your dog's poop eating or other unwanted behavior? Visit http://www.sitstayhelpdog.info the number one resource for dog owners who have successfully eliminated this behavior and other unwanted behaviors as well. Visit http://www.sitstayhelpdog.info today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristiana_Jones

Dog Whining - How To Stop Dog Whining In Your Adult Dog

2008-05-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

If your dog is a whiner, chances are that this behavior started during puppyhood. He used to whine, you'd react and he soon learned that whining was the way to get what he needed. Now that he is an adult however, this whining has become a pain. The good news is that an old dog can be caught new tricks. In this article, we'll teach you about whining and what to do about it.
First of all, you must understand that some whining is inherent. Puppies whine it to inform their mothers that they need something and adult dogs do it to get what they want too. The key in dealing with whining is to realize that there are many reasons dogs whine including they're hurt and in pain, upset,afraid or anxious, need to go outside, or are bored and need stimulation
Second, how you react to his whining will either reinforce or stop it. If his whining is justified then there may be little that you can do except take care of his need. If it isn't justified then you'll have to take care of his needs before you can expect him to stop whining.
But, how do you tell why he's whining? Here's some clues:
He's Hurt and In Pain
For instance, if he starts whining all of a sudden and it gets louder, he may be in pain. If so, check him out. This can be done by rubbing your hands along his legs and giving his joints a little squeeze. Be gentle. Look for signs that he is in pain. For instance, see if his paw is hurt or if he is favoring a certain side of his body. Do you see any cuts? Do you see any blood? Do you see anything at all that can be causing him to whine? If you cant figure it out but suspect that he is whining because of pain, have him evaluated by a professional veterinarian to ease your mind and his pain.
He's Lonely and Needs Stimulation
If he's lonely he will probably follow you around like a lost pooch or pace the room like a little maniac. He will seem to be in a trance not knowing what to do next. In this instance, you should take him outside for a quick walk and then exercise him vigorously. You can also give him some new toys to play with or spend some one on one time with him.
He's Scared and Needs Comforting
This whining occurs when there a storm or something out of the ordinary happening. In this instance, try to alleviate his fears. Encourage him and tell him that everything will be fine by speaking softly and not overacting. Don't pat, hug, or coo at him. This will only make the situation worse. Instead, comfort him and move on.
He Needs to Go Outside
If he needs to go outside - take him outside and let him go. This means that you've done a good job of training him not to potty inside. This is an accomplishment in itself.
In conclusion, by understanding why dogs whine, you can help your dog overcome the situation. Just be diligent in your efforts and understand that some whining is needed. By satisfying those needs, you'll be able to alleviate the whining.
Good luck!
Do you want to cure your dog's behavior problems? Visit http://www.sitstayhelpdog.info the number one resource for dog owners who want to help improve their dog's behavior without inhumane treatments or punishments. Visit http://www.sitstayhelpdog.info today and help your canine companion!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristiana_Jones

Personalized Dog Collars And Your Dogs Appearance

2008-05-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Personalized dog collars are a great and creative way for you to really enhance the look of your pet dog. Let's face it, for many people having a pet dog is more of a fashion accessory than anything else. Sure, fifi is a small, cute and cuddly pet but she also accessorize your appearance and look that many people today find fashionable.
A strong trend in the pet fashion world is the love of personalized dog collars that look most adorable on any pet. Accented with sterling silver alphabet slides these collars can be worn for everyday elegance - great for cats too - and very durable.
An interesting bonus is that a personalized dog collar will allow you to provide information on your pet, such as your phone number, just in case your dog were to get lost, runs away, or gets into a hostile situation. Hopefully a good Samaritan can phone you and let you know where your dog is.
Pet dogs are great companions and it just rightful to provide your pooch with safety as well as beauty. A personalized dog collar can provide these both.
It is important for all dogs to have a correctly fitting and comfortable collar and pet tag, no matter whether you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane. Dog collars are even useful for giving your dog a certain appearance.
Collars can feature just about anything you could want. Some have jeweled letters as well as crown, bone or heart-shaped jewels. They really are a creative way for you to "present" your pet dog.
Lots of information and resources on dog collarshttp://www.my-dog-collar-4u.com/pages/person.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Yeager

The Importance Of Socializing Your Puppy

2008-05-21T10:17:00.001-07:00

As a Doberman breeder and owner, I am very aware of the importance of proper socialization for your puppy to assure a good fit with your home and family. Certain dog breeds have reputations as being vicious or aggressive and some by nature are more territorial and protective, but any dog not socialized from an early age will be a problem.
From birth to 8 weeks of age, when the pups go to their new homes, it is the breeders responsibility to socialize all the puppies in the litter. They should be held and handled from birth, but even more after the have opened their eyes. As they get older, they should be introduced to more people. They become more playful, curious and bold with each passing week.
When you get your new puppy home, he will need to explore and become familiar with his new environment. After he has had a few days to get settled, he should be introduced to family, friends, playmates and neighbors that he will encounter every day. This is especially important if you have a breed that is more protective of his family and property, which he considers his territory.
If puppy is not properly socialized, he will display aggressive or unfriendly behavior to anyone that comes near him or his property. Other problems can develop as well, for example, a dog that is tied up outside all day may bark constantly for attention. Dogs left home alone with no attention or play, may become destructive. One of the biggest concerns for dogs that are not socialized, is the dog getting loose and attacking someone in the neighborhood or attacking other pets.
It is also important to introduce your puppy to other animals he will be in contact with, whether it is other family pets or neighborhood pets. Once again, the breeds that are naturally more territorial will need special attention in socializing with other animals. Starting early with your puppy is the key to teaching him to get along in your world. Dogs are naturally social animals and puppies love to meet new playmates, so it should be a fun and enjoyable experience to share with your puppy.
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class breeder of Doberman Pinschers. Go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

Dogs And Children That Go Together

2008-05-20T10:48:00.001-07:00

Are you considering getting a dog, but have concerns because you have children? There are several breeds of dogs that make better pets than other breeds. Some breeds to consider include Retrievers, Schnauzers/Beagles, Collies, Spaniels, and Poodles.
The most popular breed is the Labrador Retriever. If you have young children or toddlers, you might consider getting a puppy of this breed. Raising them together develops positive interaction between your children and your pets early.
Retrievers are a good size for kids, not too small or too big. They're affectionate, patient, and intelligent. They're known to take a toddler's rough play with a wag and a smile. They like to play as well and they're a breed that is easy to train. You can always count on a Retriever, but it's important to make them feel as if they're a member of your family. Other retrievers who have a good reputation around children include Golden Retrievers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
Schnauzers and Beagles fall into the hound family. These dogs are usually a little smaller in stature compared to Retrievers. They have good, positive temperaments, but can be a little stubborn. The Basset Hound also falls into this family of dogs. They may have a false reputation for being lazy because they've been known to play with children all day long.
One of the most famous Collies is "Lassie." They are known for being friendly and patient. Because of this, they're very docile with children. Collies are also known to have a lot engery, which is good for being around young children.
There's a lot of dogs that fall into the Spaniel family, including the American Cocker Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel. These dogs are known to be kind, trusting, cheerful, and smart. They are very even-tempered. Their ears are very sensitive to pulling though, so it's important to watch your toddler to ensure they aren't too rough on the dog's ears. It's very important to buy your Spaniel from a reputable breeder since there were problems with inbreeding Spaniels in the late 1970's and early 1980's.
Poodles are known to be naturally kind, mild mannered, and sensitive. Poodles are smart and this is another breed that's easy to train. They're usually smaller in stature compared to retrievers. Poodles are fearless, faithful, and ready to play, however Toy Poodles, a sub-breed of Poodles, don't have the temperament for children and aren't recommended if you have kids.
Dogs are wonderful family pets. If you match the right breed to your family, you'll have a friend for life.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steph_Burkhart

Miniature Dachshund Possibly Saved Girl From German Shepherd

2008-05-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wow what a week for this miniature dachshund! While my 2 human puppy's friend was going back to her house a big German Shepherd broke his chain and started running at the poor screaming friend. I had to do something. I also knew that the big dog could not get around or over the fence around my yard. So I started barking and growling telling the big dog to go after some one his own species and size. The big dog then ran at the fence and away from the human girl. The girl ran back to her house and she was OK. The dog never made it to her because of me. The big dog then put his paw onto my fence and I nipped at it and told him to get lost. My owner then came out and took me inside to protect the big dog from me since I am so tough and the big dogs owner came and took it home.
Then a couple of days after that I got my little friend those humans get every month. My owners were excited for some reason and then they told me why. They said that I was going to have puppies with Mr. Growley, my boyfriend from lonesome dachshund. I thought, "Whoa, wait up! What about my girlish figure and my weight? I am to good looking to have puppies." Then I thought about it and my human mommy had a couple of puppies and she got a better figure than before she had puppies and my human daddy says that she is hot. I could do this puppy thing if they did and they turned out better and happier than before.
Article is written for Shelby the miniature dachshund's journal. More weekly adventures at http://www.miniaturedachshundlife.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Woodworth http://EzineArticles.com/?Miniature-Dachshund-Possibly-Saved-Girl-From-German-Shepherd&id=1167424

The Most Popular Dog Breeds For Children

2008-05-14T10:54:00.001-07:00

In choosing a dog for the family, it's a good idea we keep the children in mind. Some dogs are not tolerant of children and can be a threat to them. There are many breeds of dogs out there to choose from. Do your homework to see which one works the best with your family and especially your children.By far the number one best dog breed for children hands down, would have to be, you guessed it, Labrador Retriever. This dog is well accepted because of its good nature. It is not generally aggressive or hyper. It is playful, easy-going, intelligent and patient. No wonder it is loved by the young and old. Because of its mild manner, it is first choice in working with the handicapped. It is has desire to please as if it knows its plight. The Lab is also a great pick if you have other animals. They are very accommodating. A well taken care of Lab can live up to 13 years. In order to reduce boredom in these dogs, they should be kept active. These dogs love playing in the yard or taking walks. Number two on the list is the Golden Retriever. They are similar to the Lab in their personality. They are also mild mannered, kind and they enjoy being around people. They too are a top pick for working with the handicapped as well as the elderly. They too get along with other pets. These dogs are intelligent creatures to train. Playing fetch is a favorite game for them. Because of their playful nature, this breed of dog would be great for an older child who enjoys the outdoors. Regular grooming is required because of their long hair.The next pick is the Beagle. Even though they have a baying bark, they are not aggressive dogs. What their barking does say about them is they make great watch dogs. These dogs have a friendly demeanor about them. Their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Because friendliness comes natural with them, they do not like being left alone. They become bored when left by themselves for too long. They are great picks for smaller children because of their size.Another great pick for children is the Basset Hound. They are generally docile, yet they're known for their stubbornness. They are also known for their gentleness and are quite sweet by nature. They're great with children of all ages and enjoy attention from them.The German shepherd is another pick. Again, these are probably best for older children who enjoy playing outdoors. Because of their size and strength, they are probably not suitable for younger children. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Police often use this type of dog for search and rescue missions. They are protective by nature and are quite tolerant. It's best to start training these dogs as pups. Without training, they can be a handful. The black and white spotted Dalmatian is associated with fire trucks. But for a family, a Dalmatian would be a trusted friend. They are very outgoing dogs with lots of energy to spare. This dog needs companionship from humans. The Bearded Collie is another great pick. These are active dogs and would do best outdoors. They like to have open space to run, so being confined to an apartment would not suit these dogs. Then there's the American Cocker Spaniel. They are sensitive and sweet dogs. They are generally obedient to their master and enjoy the attention of children. They are definitely a people friendly dog. The Bearded Collie is known for its bounce. This dog is very playful and happy. They like to be around people and will not hide their excitement of being around you. Female Collie's tend to be calmer, while males are more rambunctious. Cockapoos not only are good around children, but they get on with other pets as well. They do not need a lot of space. Apartment life is OK with them.In choosing the right dog for your family, always remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Each dog is an individual, and why for the most part certain breeds are more children friendly, you should always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.
Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com

Dog Treats - Made For Your Pet's Needs

2008-05-12T11:36:00.001-07:00

Dogs are no longer known as only pets.They are considered part of the family in many homes today.They are affectionately known as our fur babies,or grand dogs to name a few.Dogs go many places with their owners. They go on vacations with us and they sleep in our beds.Like human kids, some dress for Halloween and find Christmas presents from Santa under the tree. Some owners even buy or bake their own gourmet dog treats.
All natural and gourmet treats are increasing in popularity. Most find that dog treats made with ingredients that are similar to those we find in our own food a satisfying change from what is found in commercial brand dog treats that we buy from the stores. Many alternative natural pet diet advocates are extremely pleased with gourmet dog treats, as are pet owners who want nothing more than to give their pet a variety of delicious, nutritious snacks that look better, no matter what they feed their dogs on a daily basis.
Owners can now accompany their dogs to a special kind of bakery store which caters exclusively to pets. The two of them can browse together through all the different varieties of doughnuts, tarts, brownies, and biscuits available. Are you fortunate enough to have one of these pet bakeries where you live?
You can find the gourmet pet treats, which are natural and free of preservatives, packaged in little plastic bags or window boxes, at pet stores, gift boutiques, grocery stores, retail outlets as well as online. There are online gourmet pet food bakeries. Some businesses focus on dog treats, low calorie treats or treats made for pets that are sensitive to certain food.
A word of caution in case your dog is overweight. Even though gourmet dog treats are made with human quality, healthy ingredients, the calories and fat content can sometimes be quite high. If your dog has a weight problem, then check the ingredients and stick with the lower fat treats. Please note that treats should not make up more than 10 percent of a dog's daily diet.
If you are a baker by avocation, you can make wonderful doggie treats in your kitchen at home for much less than what you would pay in the store. There are almost certainly a lot of the ingredients for these dog food recipes on the shelves of your pantry right now, particularly if you bake breads regularly.
It usually takes more time to bake dog biscuits than it does to bake most of our cookie recipes. That is because, even though you mix and bake it the same way as other cookies, the dough is thicker than other cookie dough. Your dog may also like Flint River Ranch dog food.
All natural and gourmet treats are increasing in popularity. Most find that [http://HealthierDogs.com/Dog_Food/]dog treats made with ingredients that are similar to those we find in our own food a satisfying change from what is found in commercial brand treats that we buy from the stores. Like to pamper your dog with treats? Consider baking some dog food recipes fresh! If you like to bake, you probably all ready have most of the ingredients on hand and can make your loved pet a treat that is more healthy and also much less expensive. You can also try [http://healthierdogs.com/dog_food/best-dog-foods-ranked/ ]Flint river ranch dog food for your dog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Treats---Made-For-Your-Pets-Needs&id=1164263

Animals and Their Amazing Adversity Lessons

2008-05-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Trying to picture in my minds eye, Frankie, my dachshund moving with wheels did not compute. I immediately attached my human emotions to the situation. Without the use of her hind legs I believed Frankie would be depressed, and would not want to go on with life. I could not have been more wrong. This is a case where I am happy to shout at the top of my lungs, "I was wrong!"
A recent story from The Associated Press stirred within me deep emotions of the day I almost made a fatal mistake. My first initial thought when I was told Frankie might be permanently paralyzed is that I would have to put her down. The story talks about how historically when an animal becomes severely injured we put that animal to sleep. We believe they can't possibly overcome adversity. That thought is changing and changing rapidly.
As Frankie began to heal I realized she was still Frankie. She adapted almost immediately to realizing she had to move differently than before. She didn't wake up in the morning and feel sorry for herself. She accepted, adjusted and lived in the moment. I, being the human, had to adjust my thought process and realize Frankie was still the same dog. I had to let her just be a dog. It was not easy at first. I wanted to do all I could to help her regain the use of her back legs. I thought this would make her complete and happy as before. That is not to say we shouldn't do what we can for our animals. But, there comes a point where acceptance has to settle in.
The MSNBC story talks about a dachshund who escaped his home, was hit by a car, severed a sciatic nerve, crushed his pelvis, and broke his leg, along with many other injuries. Previous to this injury he was a therapy dog. The owner knew how much the little dog loved to run and thought he never would run again. After amputation, the owner took her dog swimming, which helped strengthen his legs. He now gets along on three legs and continues his therapy work. Because of his situation he now makes a difference in the lives of patients who have had their legs amputated. Dogs bring out a loving, fighting spirit in humans and patients are responding with belief in themselves that they too, can overcome adversity.
I don't dwell on almost making the mistake of putting Frankie to sleep that day, but instead focus on moving forward and making a difference. Sharing her story with others will hopefully help others when faced with a devastating pet injury. Take your emotions out of the equation if you can. Animals don't give thought to pity, sorrow or what lies ahead. They accept what is and in turn, teach us no matter what, life is worth living.
Barbara Techel is the author of "Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog." A true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spiny injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her column "For the Love of Animals" appeared in the Elkhart Lake, Depot Dispatch paper from 2005-2007. Barbara won an honorable mention award for her story, "Cassie and Frankie Inspire a Writer" which was sponsored by best selling authors Linda and Allen Anderson of Angel Animals Network. She shares her home with her loving husband John and her current furry companions, Kylie, Frankie and Dani. Barbara is dedicated to animals and believes they teach us valuable life lessons. For more information on Barbara visit her website at http://www.joyfulpaws.com

Growl of an engine

2008-05-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Truck owner lifts hood, gets scare of his life
By Kimberly K. Fu
Article Launched: 05/07/2008 05:56:41 AM PDT

Walter Witthoeft of Vacaville, popped his truck's hood, Tuesday to find a pitbull lodged in the engine compartment. (Special to The Reporter/Walter Witthoeft) When a Vacaville man's truck engine failed to purr as usual Tuesday morning, he popped the hood to administer a routine dose of chemical healing.
And got the scare of his life when he saw the glowing eyes and fierce growl of a female pit bull nestled near the engine block.

"Once I had a cat jump out at me," said Walter Witthoeft, in regard to critters being found reclining under the hood of his Ford F-150. "I wasn't ready for this this morning. ... My daughter works for the SPCA and I didn't know what to do. So I called her and left her a voice message. She called back and I said (to her), 'you're not gonna believe this.' "

Witthoeft made the discovery around 7 a.m. as he walked to his truck, which was parked near his home at the Alamo Garden Apartments. He encountered a male pit bull circling the vehicle and continued on, shortly deciding the truck needed a little power steering fluid.

So he popped the hood, and suddenly thought he was meeting his Maker.

"I seen eyes and it was growling at me," he recalled.

The dog nestled in the engine compartment wore no identification tag and seemed a bit put out regarding the situation, Witthoeft said. He could only surmise that the male pit bull and the one under the hood

were together, possibly brother and sister, and were playing.
"When the female got stuck, the male jumped on my hood," he said.

Paw prints on his hood backed up his theory.

A probe later revealed that the imbedded dog had come up from under the driver's side and got stuck.

"It got scared and started chewing," Witthoeft said. "I was really angry."

The emotion was understandable, as Witthoeft had just gotten his truck back from his mechanic, who had replaced the starter. Then the truck had an unfortunate meeting with the dog, who chewed not only through the fuel line, but also some electrical wiring. The truck is now back at the shop, and Witthoeft is wondering how slim his wallet will become.

Vacaville Police Sgt. Rick Elm described the event as unique, the first he's experienced after 20 years on the force.

"I thought I'd seen it all. I rolled on this call and, sure thing, I hadn't," he said.

Elm said officers tried offering the dog water, but it wouldn't drink. Further contact was considered risky. Eventually, though, it crawled out from the engine to freedom.

"Once it got up on the hood, we could see it was more docile," Elm said. A rope leash was placed around the dog's neck and Humane Animal Services led the dog away.

The dog appeared healthy, Elm said, and remains in the custody of Humane Animal Services.

5 Important Tips For Adding A Second Dog

2008-05-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

Getting a second dog introduces a new dimension to your family and can add both fun and interest. However, it can create problems if your existing dog turns jealous when the new dog arrives. If you stop to think about it, it's not much different than when you introduce a new baby in the family and your existing child or children become upset because they have to now compete for attention with the newborn.
Dogs are territorial
The first thing to understand is that dogs are very territorial. If you bring a new dog or even a parakeet or turtle into your home, the dog will naturally want to assert its dominance.
How can you tell if you have a problem? Your dog may try to assert his or her dominance. It may fight with the new dog, try to eat its food, or play roughly with it. Keep in mind that this is normal and you should not interfere with it. The fact is, the new dog may have to play a secondary role until it is fully accepted by the older dog.
Five Important Tips
Here are five valuable tips that can help make it easier for both the new dog and the older dog.
1. If you find that dogs are fighting constantly, you may have to separate them for awhile. One good way to do this is to crate the new dog. If this is not possible, you might be able to keep them in different rooms until the older dog becomes more familiar with the new arrival.
2. When you to introduce the new dog to the older dog, do not favor it over the older dog. Treat them both equally. It may take time for the new dog to acclimate to his or her new surroundings. And it also may take some time for your older dog to become used to the new arrival.
3. Take your older dog out for a walk. It's important to let the older dog know that you are still there for him or her and that your routine has not changed simply because you have a new dog. Make sure you continue to play and interact with the older dog. Praise him up when he listens and give him a treat when he obeys your commands.
4. Make sure you put out food and water dishes for each dog but give preference to the older of the two. Remember that the older dog was there first and deserves your respect.
5. Create a routine that involves both dogs. If you give one dog a treat, make sure you give the other dog a treat, too. If you buy dog toys, they fight over them until the new dog gives up. They will eventually work it out. Do not feel that you have to constantly correct everything they do.
When should you become involved?
When is the only time you should become involved? It's if they fight constantly. They may fight in the beginning but this should taper off over time. And you should not leave them alone for long periods of time.
When you introduce a new dog, it takes patience, love, time and attention. But the two will eventually become the best of friends.
Food that can cause your dog to die before its time
Did you know that many dogs die prematurely due to the food they eat? It's true. Dog foods loaded with preservatives can shorten your dog's life by years. Click here to learn about foods that can kill your dog and what you can do to help your dog live a longer, healthier life.

Here's Jack!

2008-05-06T09:12:00.001-07:00

Dog Beds - A Great Way For You and Your Pooch To Get A Good Night's Sleep

2008-05-04T08:27:00.001-07:00

Is that dog of yours crowding you too much at night? Sure, having your pooch sleep in your bed might seem cute at first, but once the sleepless nights keep piling on, then it's not such a great idea, is it. Well, you're in luck, there is a great solution to your problem, which are dog beds. They give your furry companion their own relaxing place to sit, so the both of you can get some much needed shut eye.
The great thing about dog beds is that they are available in all sorts of sizes, styles, and designs, making it extremely easy to find just the right one for your dog that not only suits their body type, but the way that he sleeps. For example, maybe your dog likes to spread out when he sleeps, taking up as much space as possible, then a great option for him would be one that is large, wide, and flat, but plush with thick padding. Or, maybe your pooch likes to curl up next to something when he snoozes, then a great option for him would be a one that is circular in shape and has high, plush donut like sides.
Those are just two of the dog beds options that are out there. Some of the others include ones that are u-shaped with high sides, others that are actually made to look like smaller pieces of human furniture. Really, you can get ones that look just like a little bed with a frame, mattress, a comforter and pillows. And, there are also novelty options that are made to look like race cars, small plush houses, and even castles.
In addition to dog beds, there are other ways that you can treat your dog to something nice. Like, you can get your dog some clothes. Really, there are clothes available for your pooch, including jackets, t-shirts, sweaters, and even booties or hoodies. Or, you can get your dog a dog house, which would be great if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. In addition to the dog clothes and dog houses, there are a ton of other things you can choose from to give your dog and some of those options include dog toys, bones, jewelry or decorative collars, deluxe dog feeders, and special shampoos and conditioners to have your dog's coat shining with beauty.
For a great way to look into the dog beds and all the other stuff that you could possibly purchase, just hit the Internet for some online shopping. Just by a few clicks of the mouse you can sift through tons of selections in no time at time and when you do decide on something, it will generally be at a pretty reasonable price compared to what it might be at your local pet store. It will even be shipped right to you, so you don't have to waste time and money by making a trip outside your home.
If you are looking to get a good night's sleep, then get that dog of yours off your bed and onto one of its own. As pointed out, there are a slew of dog beds to choose from so you can find the perfect one for your pooch. Get one today so you can get a good night's sleep tomorrow.
Jennifer Akre, the author of this article, is an owner of different niche sites that offer clients and customer not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating their indoor and outdoor living space. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor oasis, there is a ton of helpful advice to take advantage of. Today, she shares her insight when purchasing fabulous and fun dog supplies, designer dog houses and couture dog furniture.

Designer Homes For Your Precious Pooch

2008-05-03T09:08:00.001-07:00

In many houses pets are an extension of the family and people sometimes go out of their way to ensure that they get the best for their pets. Dogs are a popular choice for many who wish to own a pet. Some smaller breed of dogs are quite domesticated and enjoy being in human company especially children. They often make do with a small basket placed in one corner of the house or may even like to sleep in the children's bedrooms. However , in some cases where the dogs are bigger, not well trained or are of the ferocious kind it would be a better option to have them safely ensconced inside their own little homes or kennels.
You can find various kinds of dog house plans for your working dog or for your pet buddy. The designs generally feature comfort from climatic changes as these dog houses as built quite strong and with utmost comfort.
Do It Yourself Or Custom Made
Some really dedicated dog owners go to great lengths to make a cozy and comfortable dog house all by themselves. Starting with buying the required materials, to the painting and furnishing with basic necessities, they prefer to do it on their own. You will also get a lot of information on building dog houses, including dog house plans on the internet. Some websites also show you a video demonstration which is very convenient to refer as and when required.
Solihull custom dog houses are made for those who have no inclination of either doing it themselves or picking from the multitude of designs available. They may want to design it on their own and have it made or they may call in professional help to have a dog house designed and made.
Simple Dog House Or Status Symbol
You will be surprised how many affluent families are always trying to be one up over the others. From classy bungalows to flashy cars they are always looking out for a better model than the neighbors. Some don't spare the dog houses either. Dogs who find their way into such families truly live it out in style. Some people have teams of designers flown in just to have the right kind of dog house built for their true breeds. One such team is partners Lucy and Christopher Freville from Baltimore.
With lighting, heating, water proofing and what not, these designer dog houses are an entire apartment by themselves. Indoor dog houses can also be made those who own larger houses. If you have the money then the options are unlimited. All you have to do is approve the plan and accessories and you can sit back and watch your pet's dream home take shape.
You might be surprised to know that many people build dog houses as a decorative piece or to provide a pleasing look to their deserted yard. Some custom made dog houses are custom made with a large range of amenities that include internal and external lights, carpet flooring, and double paned windows. Some rich and famous love to give their pet's utmost luxury by providing AC or heater or even cooling fans to control the environment inside. So go ahead and give your indoor dog or your spoiled brat a controlled luxury dog house.

An update on Jack!

2008-05-02T10:08:00.002-07:00

Well, we have now had Jack, a black lab, with us since Tuesday morning. He is really a good dog. He doesn't chew, dig, or bark! His only flaws are jumping when someone comes out the door which we are working with him on that and protecting a bone. The rawhide bone caused a fight between jack and our doxie, Copper so the bone is now gone. Everyone was getting along better until yesterday. We think that Copper started it, he went over to Jack's food bowl thinking he could steal some food since jack wasn't eating it. jack walked over to see what he was doing and the next thing I knew they were fighting. Now, when Jack went over his hair wasn't up and he wasn't growling. Copper has a tendancy to show his teeth and snap at Jack so I think his behavior is what started the fight. They get along again now. Copper tries to play with Jack by running behind him while playing fetch and playfully nipping at his legs but as soon as Jack turns around, Copper backs off. We are giving it a few more days to see if they will overcome they differences. Lou on the other hand is now friends with Jack and has no problems with him at all. The boys like to go out every morning and play fetch with jack before school. Jack also enjoys being in the house on a blanket by the door in the evenings while we are all relaxing and watching T.V., it is my understanding that he slept in the garage at his old home. So far so good. I will post photos soon so you can see what he looks like and I will keep you updated on the progress.

My Garden

2008-05-02T10:08:00.001-07:00

Is a fascinating place for my dogs.
They are now excluded from the shrubbery, have been fenced off from the top lawn, and are banned from swimming in the pond.
The former came about because Molly, my Black and White Springer, is intent on getting through the fence to sort out the upstart of a dog next door, who has the audacity to patrol the other side of OUR fence.
As soon as BJ the interoper appeared in the garden, Molly would trample over the border plants, barge through the shrubs and flatten any young shoots growing near the fence, in her urge to protect us from this fearsome Scottie.
The fence is 5 feet tall, and runs the full length of the shrubbery. Molly would patrol it hourly, Sniffing the air at intervals, stopping only to shoo off a visiting bird, that mistakenly thought that OUR garden was a free landing site.
She's just as bad with the squirrel.
The squirrels feeding box is positioned at the bottom of the garden. in a tree, out of the way of cats and dogs, The food for the squirrel box is stored in a garden bench/storage box, on the patio. The squirrel is well aware of this makes a daily trip to see if he can raid our 'store' to top up his.
He never can, but he keeps trying.
Molly does the squirrel run every morning, as soon as she is let out, it's a ritual, she does a quick sniff round the patio, a sortie, down the garden, then back up for a more detailed survey of the area.
The squirrel sometimes infuriates her by sitting on the fence, and sticking out it's tongue, before disappearing, back to it's tree. It will return later, when Molly has finished her patrol, had breakfast and made her report.
Maisie, My Liver and White Springer, isn't interested in wild, fearsome interloping Scottie's at all.
She only pays a passing interest in squirrel scents, doesn't bother with birds, and can take or leave slugs and snails.
Her passion is, THE POND!
It's odd really, she never used to bother much with it, but recently we dug it out and enlarged it, She watched us intently, and after finding a few dozen fat slimy frogs, wallowing in the mud at the bottom, and having observed slippery, wriggling, bright coloured fish, caught in nets, and deposited into plastic containers, before being returned, a few days later, to the nice, clean, sparkling water, AND having witnessed polythene bags, full of illegal immigrant, new age traveller fish, that were obviously squatting on OUR pond, released to cause trouble, she is now obsessed with getting them back out again.
She is a nuisance really, the second she's out in the garden she's pondside, head hovering a few millimeters above the surface of the water, then she'll rush round to the other side of the pond. and perform a similar minute inspection, I'm sure she counts the fish.
All that was fine, we could put up with that, but then the Heron found us, and ate the two biggest fish. So we put up heron wire, at different heights around the pond, It seems to have worked as we have lost any more fish, but we do have to replace the wire every few days as an excited Maisie, gets tangled up in it, in her quest to find the gypsy fish.
Yesterday though, was the final straw.
Last week we fitted a new pond filter, the old one had failed and the water was beginning to bear an uncanny resemblance to pea soup.
It took just over a week for the water to clear so we could see the bottom of the pond. We could see the fish swimming again, but so could Maisie.
We heard the splash from indoors, and rushed out to find a soaking wet springer, running crazily round the pond, a murky, dark, dirty, pond, that matched the colour of the soil in the borders.
A quick look around and the reason for this became apparent.
Maisie has, for a day or two now, managed to work out that if she put a paw on each of sunken plant containers on the shallow, shelf end of the pond, she can peer out, further into the depths to see where the squatter fish are.
Every time she did this, the plant containers moved a little closer to the edge of the shelf, until eventually, they fell in taking Detective Maisie with them.
So the filter is now working overtime again, cleaning up what now resembled Brown Windsor soup. I think I preferred the pea colour to be honest.
Update
We have purchased a little power spray, filled it with water, and every time Maisie nears the edge of the pond, we give her a squirt. She likes to be wet, so it doesn't bother her too much. But it does startle her, and makes her move back, away from the Heron trip wire, and more importantly, the pond edge..
Both my dogs are avid, ardent froggers. but that's a story for another day.
http://www.whatliesbeneath.net

Understanding Dog Crate Training - House Training Your Dog Using A Crate

2008-05-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Most dog trainers, veterinarians and other pet professionals advice, is the most effective way to training a dog. It is can also be a helpful part of an indoor potty training program for dogs who will be paper training.
Also, this training is safe way when you traveling with him,crate can be use to transport your dog as well can be protect in place he may not be welcome to run freely.
3 key tips to crate training a dog:
1 - Select crate - Choose the size depend on whether you have puppy or adult dog. Choose one that it is comfortable and get wide space for your dog to stand and move around, but make sure the crate cannot to big that it can use to eliminate.
2 - Place the crate in a social area of the house, like living room or dining room and place a crate pad and a bowl of water in it.
3 - Encourage your dog enter to the crate, try to throwing some treat to the crate, when she enter to the crate praise her, this way is effectively and safe for positive results in this training process.
Repeat 7- 10 days until your dog accustom and uses without help from you.
Do not put your dog in the crate for long periods of time. Leave your dog for no more 30 minutes at first,as long continue this training you can increase amount of time. You will also have to combine crate training with long walks, play and dog training.
If your dog have an accident in its crate, It is vital that you clean the crate out to remove the smell. Dog like to go to the bathroom in places they can smell that they have been previously.
House training your dog will be so much easier and faster by using the crate to teach your dog to wait until being taken outside, but also to be more comfortable when you are out avoiding any accidents in home.
Please visit us our blog on how train your dog David Marshall is freelancer owner and author of http://advice-for-dog-obedience-training.blogspot.com

Doggie Angels

2008-04-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Doggie angels can also be called dog rescue transport volunteers and coordinators. These volunteer doggie angels donate countless hours of their time and save hundreds of dogs from being euthanized in shelters that are too full.
The way it works is when a shelter's space starts to become too crowded and can't take in more dogs, a call goes out to a volunteer who then takes care of coordinating the transporting of dogs from the overcrowded shelter to dog rescue organizations and groups. This isn't as easy as it sounds. It's detail-laden and sometimes an anxious process. One single error and the whole process can go under.
The volunteer coordinates two groups: the rescuers and the transporters. The rescuers rehabilitate the dogs if necessary and find foster homes for the dogs. All the while they are networking with other groups. The transporters physically transport the dogs to the rescuer group, many times at their own expense.
The coordinator makes the calls, ensures the drivers have maps, chooses a meeting point, does all the paperwork to get the dogs out of the shelter and into dog crates or dog carriers, makes sure there are leashes and collars, and that all the vaccinations are current. As you can imagine, this all costs money.
So why do they do it? What do the volunteers get out of it? Their reward comes when the dogs are placed. Usually a dog is placed in a foster home first and then adopted by a caring family. These volunteers do a real service to their communities by saving lives. Not only do they save lives, they they save taxpayer money, too.
Please contact your local shelter if you'd like to volunteer. It does take quite a commitment to do one of these valuable volunteer jobs. If that doesn't work for you, please consider providing a cash donation to help defray the costs involved.
Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited.com, an animal lover and advocate. You can find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, and pet strollers at http://petbedsunlimited.com

New dog.......maybe

2008-04-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

So, we've decided to give it a shot. My husband is going to bring home Jack, a Chocolate Lab, tomoorow and we will see how he gets along with Copper and Lou and the rest of the family. I may not be posting tomoorow as I will be busy monitoring the boys in the back yard. Jack needs a new home because his current home doesn't have a big enough yard for him. We do. My oldest son has been wanting another big dog that he can play fetch with in the back yard because, well, doxies wear out pretty fast playing those games. If it all works out I will post some photos of Jack for everyone to see. He will become part of the family and will get to go on camping trips and have loads of fun with all of us. Who knows, he might even take a swim in the pool now and then. If he's never been in a pool, the first thing we will do is train him to find the steps so he can get out. From what I hear, he is around two years old, doesn't dig, doesn't chew, doesn't bark a lot, and is crate trained. I guess we will see when he gets here. The deciding factor will be with Copper and Lou, they tend to have short dog syndrome. Lou has been friends with a big dog before but Copper has not. If they can get along tomorrow then i think we will have a new member of the family. As far as Jack is concerned he currently lives with two Chihuahuas so he should be aware of the short dog syndrome. I will keep you posted, but probably not tomorrow morning anyway. Well, wish us luck!

Funny from an e-mail I recieved!

2008-04-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

A dog is truly a man's best friend. If you don't believe it, just try this experiment. Put your dog and your wife in the trunk of the car for one hour. When you open the trunk, which one is really happy to see you?

Funny but I wouldn't really try this though!

More photos of my dogs!

2008-04-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

These are just a few pictures of my dogs. We still have the two Doxies but the Australian Shepherd is gone. He passed away at the age of 4 due to a rare blood disease. They said he was probably born with it and something triggered it. Basically his immune system was attacking his own blood cells. When he woke up one morning he was very lethargic and couldn't keep food or water down. The night before he was fine by the way. By that afternoon, his skin and eyes had turned yellow and he was urinating blood. At the vet, they checked his blood and his red cell count was way down. They had slowed it down with steroids and said that we could keep him alive on steroids until the next attack which could be days or months away, but he wouldn't be the same dog again. We felt that it wasn't fair to him, or the kids, to keep him on steroids when his quality of life would never be the same and another attack was imminent. So we said our goodbyes. We still miss him greatly. he was one of those dogs that talks back to you when you say something to him. He loved going for rides in the truck and going camping. My oldest son loved to play fetch with him and he would always go up on the playset with them as though he was just one of the kids! Our mini Doxie Lou would always cuddle up and sleep on top of him. I will find and post photos of that as well. It was very adorable. We have two mini doxies now and we love them very much. We have been asked if we would like a chocolate Lab that my husband's coworker is trying to find a home for. He is about two years old and while I haven't mey him, my husband says he is a good dog. I am thinking about it because I know my son would like to have a dog to play fetch with again. Any opinions? Should we meet the dog and see if he gets along with the family or just forget it and hope he finds a good home elsewhere. I wonder........

Spring Dog Pictures and other events!

2008-04-26T08:40:00.002-07:00

For more info on the dog parade go to http://coastaldogs.com

Spring Fling: Daisies, Dogs & Daffodils

2008-04-26T08:40:00.001-07:00

05.28.2008: 2008 Spring Fling: Daisies, Dogs & Daffodils
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 28, 20087:00 PM to 11:00 PM
WHERE:
Astor House130 East 80th St (between Lexington and Park Avenues)New York City View Map
TICKETS:
$100 Under 30; $125 regular ticket; $150 at the door.

Get those dancing shoes on and your best spring outfit because Stray from the Heart, Bella Starlet Dog and all the animals invite you to a magical night of music and dancing with Baldwin Drive.
At this year's event we will be honoring two extraordinary individuals. Maria Milito, "Countdown" at MSNBC NEWS, DJ for Q104.3 NYC, Fill-in Host for "The Call" at NY1 NEWS and avid supporter of animal welfare and adoption facilities throughout NYC and long time Stray from the heart supporter and brilliant photographer, Nina Chiofalo. Her compassion for animals & brilliant creativity that she regularly offers to help save animals is truly remarkable. Their generosity and heart has been an inspiration to us all.
Tickets for the event include hors d'oeuvres, open bar, dancing, raffle, silent auction and more. There are still sponsorships available. Please contact rsvp@strayfromtheheart.org for more details.

Dog Training - Completely Essential

2008-04-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

When you buy a puppy Labrador and don't train him weird things will happen. While at home the dog will chew your slippers, pull the clothes line down, scratch your priceless beanbag and drool all over the house. To avoid this chaos if you lock him up in a small cage to avoid the house from being turned upside down when you are away, the consequences may not hit you immediately but soon your neighbors will come pelting down on you to take care of your dog better. This will probably not be from a grave concern that all mankind has towards animals but from the you're your affectionate cur becomes a beast when he is alone and barks - woof, woof, WOOF, WOOF, bow, bow, woof, wooooof, and on and on it goes! He will bark at all kinds of noises whether they are footsteps, rustling leaves, talking noises or a grinder. He will also bark out of frustration, loneliness, anger, hunger, discomfort and fear. To sum it he will bark all the time!
Even when such people are at home they let their dogs rot in the corner of the room to whimper while they surf the Internet for some ludicrous irrelevant sites and leave the so-called pampered pets to brood. They consider slugging in front of the idiot box more important than taking the dog for a walk or training him. People like these have probably never heard of sites and books that provide tips on how to train dogs to be discerning enough to know the difference between regular noises and a sound that means danger. These ignorant fools probably think that amazon.com is a place to find preposterous reading material. Powell.com could just be another site talking about marshal arts. They narcissist perverts probably do not realize that this very article is not all about them but about creatures who are likely to be smarter than them in reality.
The fact is that you can read millions of general and specific dog training books to understand the animal and train him to adjust to surroundings that are unnatural for him. These books have detailed sections on what to feed various breeds and sizes of dogs, how to keep them clean, what their exercising necessities are, how to keep from turning YOUR house into a doghouse and most of all how to provide security, affection and motivations to you.
To find more information about dog training visit http://favouritearticlesite.com

Make My Dog Stay

2008-04-24T09:40:00.001-07:00

I would like a dollar every time I have heard that. Actually, it is quite simple. Learn how
The Stay Command:
This is easily done but if taught incorrectly at the beginning you will lose the dogs ability to do well with future stays. The stay guidelines are as follows.
* Use firm voice commands
* Use firm hand signals
* Do the same command and hand signal all at the time.
* When leaving the dog always take off with your right foot first doing the stay.
* Always praise the dog immediately upon a correct response.
* Always correct the dog's incorrect action immediately also.
* Never walk backwards from the dog when leaving it.
* Have some trust in your dogs ability
* Always start off at a short distance, right at the dog's toes
* Always start off with a small amount of time (10 seconds) and don't push the dog so it breaks (moves) its stay.
* When you increase the distance you must decrease the time for that new distance and work up in time again.
* Work with repetition, reward and association techniques as described under the general obedience section.
* Work your way up slowly, take your time and finish on a good note
* Always play some kind of game after training has finished.
If you were to follow these guidelines things shouldn't be a problem. If possible it is best to obtain practical instruction from your local dog trainer. But if you read on I will give you the instructions for the sit stay. Then you can incorporate the same with the drop stay and the stand stay later on.
The Sit Stay
Have your dog sitting on your left-hand side from the heel. Once the dog is sitting quietly, use your right hand and place your palm directly in front of the dog's face (few centimeters from the dog's nose). As you perform this sit stay you need to give the command Stay in a firm voice. Then take off with your right foot and stand directly in front of the dog. You should now be facing your dog.
Note: Give the command once only and if the dog gets up tell the dog to Sit and this command should be done only once also. Keep your dog's attention by looking just above his head (no eye contact), or you can use food to gain its attention but don't excite the dog. Count to 10 or 15 then return back to the dog so the dog is on your left-hand side.
Count to 3 then praise the dog if it hasn't moved, this is very important. The reason I count to 3 before praising on the end of this exercise is to reduce the chance of the dog breaking its stay. The dog can get excited when you return back to its side and it may move because it knows it would get a pat as soon as you get back. Do not reward if the dog moves (breaks its stay).
Not moving means it is still in the same position as you left it when you told it to stay. Your dog must not even lie down. If your dog did move then you have failed not the dog.
It is your responsibility to make sure the dog does not move. You need to be able to know when your dog is anticipating a move. If it has moved it is too late to correct and you must start again saying nothing to the dog. If you anticipate your dog is about to move or lie down gently pull up on the collar with the leash and say Stay.
Hold the dog in this position until you are satisfied it will stay, wait five seconds then return to the dog's side. If the dog stays you can practise this three times then increase each time up to a maximum of 30 seconds. Then call it a day and finish on a good note. Practise this over the next few weeks and slowly build up the time in the required position. Only when you feel the dog is ready then you can move forward one place at a time.
Keep looking for the dogs anticipation to move or lie down, if it attempts this say to the dog Stay or Sit and / or walk towards the dog and hold it in the position until you feel comfortable with your dog's effort. Never be too hard on your dog and don't over work the procedures. Do not walk backwards away from your dog either, walk forward and turn sharp to face your dog. If it moves you have gone too far on your training.
Always finish on a good note and eventually you can work up to a sit stay from about 10 to 30 paces for around three minutes, but do not exceed this. The drop stay can be done to a maximum of 10 minutes, which includes a couple of minutes out of sight.
Remember that if your dog breaks its stay you need to return to a level your dog can accomplish comfortably. There are always plenty of guides to training dogs, both in print and online. But the trick is to find the best ones!
That's why we've exhaustively checked out dozens -hundreds! - of guides on the Web to find the best guides and sites out there!
Go to http://www.here-is-your.info/About/DogTraining/

Adopt Shelter Dogs and Teach Dog Calming Behaviors

2008-04-23T08:16:00.001-07:00

According to the ASPCA every year nearly 8-12 million animals are end up at animal shelters a cross the United States. And of these animals nearly 60% of dogs and 70% of cats never get taken home and are euthanized.
Hundreds of thousands of dogs are surrendered to shelters simply because they were never properly trained by their owners and as a result handed off to shelters because of uncontrollable unwanted behaviors.
A few dogs of out of the many millions are fortunate and blessed with a second chance to have loving homes with devoted, responsible owners willing to train them properly and teach good behaviors.
Calm dogs are dogs that are well trained, and trained dogs are happy dogs. Dogs need structure, as the world is a very stressful place to them, and dogs are much happier when they have clear rules to follow.
A new home means new rules for dogs to learn and obey. To make your dog's transition into your home less strenuous, it's a good idea to spend the first 4 or 5 days home with your dog. This extra time spent initially with your dog will afford you the opportunity to set the ground rules early before your dog begins displaying unwanted problem behaviors.
It's important to set aside time for everyone in your household to meet to discuss and agree on exactly which rules your new dog will need to obey. The key for successfully teaching and training dogs is to remain consistent. Inconsistency will only confuse your dog and result in unwanted behaviors. Determine the rules so everyone is on the same page. Decide if your dog is allowed on the furniture, and if there are rooms he is not allowed to enter. Establish where your dog will eat and sleep, and who will be responsible for taking your dog on daily walks.
Initially keep your dog in tote with you on a leash throughout the day, everywhere you go inside your house. If your new dog acts on an old bad behavior from his previous home you'll be able to correct him on the spot, another key to training dogs to behave acceptably.
Adopting a dog from the shelter and taking the time to train the dog to behave properly is an amazing loving gesture that will with all hope create a dog calming epidemic empty shelters by finding homes for all the homeless animals.
For more information on dogs and finding the right breed visit http://www.calmingdog.com

Dog Saves Girls Abandoned By Mother

2008-04-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

PATNA, India (Reuters) - Hundreds of villagers have flocked to a remote Indian village to see a baby girl who was saved by stray dogs after she was abandoned in a mound of mud by her mother, officials said on Tuesday.
Villagers in the eastern state of Bihar saved the newborn on the weekend after they saw three dogs barking near a baby covered with mud.
"The dogs removed the soil around and began to bark and the baby started crying which drew attention of the local villagers," Ram Narayan Sahani, a senior government official, said on Tuesday from Bihar's Samastipur district.
"The girl is crying but is safe in the lap of a childless couple who have adopted her."
Police said they were looking for the girl's mother, who they think had left the girl to die.
Female foeticide, though illegal in India, is widespread as boys are traditionally preferred to girls as breadwinners, and families have to pay huge dowries to marry off their daughters.
The United Nations says an estimated 2,000 unborn girls are illegally aborted every day in India.
(Writing by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by Alex Richardson)

The Sport Of Dog Agility

2008-04-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

If you've never watched dog agility, I highly reccommend that you check it out. It is a lot of fun to watch, and pretty cool to see just what dogs really can do. Your dog isn't the type to do this? So what! I've watched it on T.V. before and my dogs just sit right next to me and watch it too! Here is some information about the sport.

Agility is a sport in which a dog demonstrates its agile nature and versatility by overcoming different obstacles. In this sport the handler is given a set amount of time to direct their dog off-leash around a course. Originally loosely modeled on equestrian stadium jumping competitions, the sport has evolved its own additional obstacles, scoring systems, and performance ideals.
Success in agility requires proper training, as it is a game of physical skill, control, patience and, most of all, teamwork between handler and dog. Agility is a race against the clock, but accuracy is the first requirement.
Agility courses usually consist of jumps, tunnels, a tire, a pause table, weave poles, and contact obstacles. The contact obstacles include the dog-walk, see-saw, and A-frame. The dogs are required to have at least one paw touch the yellow painted areas on the way up and especially on the way down the contact obstacles. When performing the weave poles, the dog must enter to the right of the first pole and weave each one until they exit the last pole going to the left.
The obstacles in agility have been designed with both safety and spectator appeal in mind. All jumps have easily displaced bars so that the dog should not experience injury should he misjudge and take down a jump bar. All obstacles that the dog must physically scale have ‘contact’ zones painted on the equipment: the contact zones enforce safe training techniques since handlers know that dogs will be faulted unless one or more feet are in the contact zone while ascending and descending. All contact equipment surfaces are roughened for good traction in both dry and wet weather.

Flyball Training - It's All About The Treat

2008-04-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

What motivates your dog? You must know this to successfully train your dog to be a flyball dog.
Is what motivates your dog a treat? If so, what kind? Is it a toy? If so, which one? Maybe it's a game of tug o' war or a wrestling match. Whatever it is, you must use what motivates your dog as the treat that awaits your dog after each new learned behavior.
It's also very important that your dog knows what the reward is. The treat, or the toy, or the game must be there each and every time for your dog. The treat is the target. If you train without a target, your dog will not be focused. Training will not be effective and your dog will be unmotivated.
Your dog needs the treat as a target to focus on during each stage of training.
In the beginning, when your dog is learning the basics, a treat must be waiting after each behavior in the chain. Your dog needs to have a reason to perform each behavior. That reason is the treat.
Once your dog has learned all the behaviors in the chain and can successfully run the course and bring the ball to you, then one treat after running the course is enough. That one treat will be the focus for your dog to run the entire sequence and bring you the ball.
When both you and your dog know what the treat is and it's always there waiting, then your dog knows why he's there. That's his motivation.
Listen to your dog! Go to http://www.fly-ball.com/ for more info on flyball training and equipment.

The HSUS Assists in Rescuing Dogs From Overcrowded Missouri Shelter

2008-04-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Humane Society of the United States has deployed personnel to assist with removing animals from the care of a terminally ill cancer patient who had amassed nearly 30 dogs. The HSUS was asked to intervene when the owner was denied hospice care until the dogs were removed, and a neighbor made plans to shoot the animals and bury the bodies with a back hoe.
The HSUS will also ease the burden of the overloaded Missouri shelter by picking up approximately 20 dogs cast off by several local puppy mills. Puppy mills are commercial mass dog-breeding facilities where dogs are housed in unhealthy conditions with no human contact. These facilities routinely unload their unwanted dogs at the local shelter.
"Unfortunately, this community has no county shelter or animal control facility, and many residents have nowhere to turn in these horrible situations," said Scotlund Haisley, HSUS senior director of emergency services. "These dogs have avoided a terrible fate and will now have the chance to be the dogs they were never given the opportunity to be."
The rescue was a collaboration of animal rescue organizations across the country. Two of the purebred corgis will be taken by the St. Louis Corgi Rescue. Five puppies and two adults will be taken by Forever Friends Animal League in Kansas City. The HSUS will transport the 16 remaining hoarding rescue dogs and the approximately 20 puppy mill dogs from Missouri to Main Line Animal Rescue in Chester Springs, Pa. These dogs will be transported comfortably in The HSUS' one-of-a-kind, fully-loaded 75-foot animal transport rig. The animal rescue team will arrive in Osceola Friday morning, and is expected to arrive at Main Line Animal Rescue on Sunday morning.
This situation was compounded by the fact that Osceola has only one full-time animal control officer working on a shoestring budget with no county animal control in place to offer assistance.
"Osceola's lone animal control officer does the best she can on a budget of $10,000, but can barely keep up with the 400-600 dogs that she cares for annually," said Haisley. "With local resources stretched to the breaking point and desperate measures about to be taken, these dogs urgently needed our help. I'm relieved that we were able to step in at the last minute and rescue these animals."
Facts
Animal care and control agencies handle an estimated 700 to 2,000 animal hoarding cases every year.
Animal hoarding is often a symptom of a serious mental illness. It involves collecting more animals than one has the ability to care for. Hoarders are characterized by the denial of their inability to care for the animals and their failure to grasp the impact his neglect has on the animals, the household and the human occupants of the dwelling.
Up to 250,000 animals are subjected to neglect and abuse every year as a result of animal hoarding.
Click here to learn more about hoarding.
The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team responds to natural and human-made disasters across the country, assisting local animal care and control agencies when circumstances exceed their ability to respond.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.