Dog Training Tips And Training Guide

Your home is also your pet's home

2012-02-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Your home is also your pet's home. It is important to provide a happy space that provides stimulation, relaxation, and comfort for your pet. After all your pet is part of the family!

Adopting a pet is a wonderful experience, but it is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Before adopting a pet you have to make sure that you have the time, space, and the means to provide for a pet. One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they can keep their home exactly the way it is, meaning meant for humans, and not provide the space that is necessary for their incoming pets.

Yes you must provide the basics like food and water. What about stimulation and security? Cats for example are natural jumpers and climbers. You may not want to offer your couch over as a scratching post so you will need to provide them an alternative. Cat trees are a great alternative to your furniture. They provide a place for your cat(s) to scratch and climb. The taller your tree is, the better!

Cats are big time observers. They want to scope out the scene. Providing the cat tree will allow them to get an overview of their surroundings. If you are able to place it by a window that would be perfect. (Make sure that the window is safe and will never allow for your cat to sneak out or worst of all, FALL! Another alternative to cat trees, are cat shelves. Cat shelves give you more freedom to place around the house where it may be easier for you to place a spot for your cat to look out a window. But remember the cat tree is vital! Cats need something to scratch!

Dog's also need more than you think. They also need the normal food and water, but they also need some stimulation and exercise. They need toys, walks, and lot's of play time!

Pets are an absolute joy to have in your life. You just have to remember that you are also part of their life.

The most important thing to think about is that pets were not originally put on earth to live in the protective environment of our homes and in our care. They need to be given that option of feeling like they are in their natural environment. The happier they are, the happier you will be!

Pet Therapy - Improving the Quality of Life

2012-02-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

How does this happen? Dogs in particular provide these benefits for their human families:

Reduced stress and lower blood pressure- Health Behavior News Service reports that, when conducting a stressful task, people actually experience less stress when their pets are with them, compared to when a supportive friend or spouse is nearby.

Increased amount of exercise - Because dogs need exercise, dog owners participate in more physical activity than non-dog owners.

Enhanced social interaction - Dogs have a funny way of bringing people together. Dog lovers are not shy when approaching another person with a dog. This facilitates social interaction between people and between people and dogs. One study even shows that wheelchair users, when accompanied by a dog, experience more positive social interactions with strangers.

Overall wellbeing - People benefit largely from the unconditional love and companionship pets provide. A person feels needed, loved, appreciated, and less lonely. A St. Louis University Medical Center study done in a nursing home noticed that residents who had scored high on a loneliness scale said they wanted to receive weekly one-on-one visits from dogs. After six weeks, these residents experienced a significant decrease in their loneliness.

Pet ownership is a big responsibility and is not necessarily for everyone. The cost and care of having a pet should be considered before bringing home a new four-legged family member. However, the benefits of owning a dog, or any pet, can far outweigh the drawbacks and elevate the overall health of its owner.

Know More About Dog Skin Rashes & Allergies

2012-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our pets are important to us, so knowing a little bit about dog skin allergies should be important to you as well, as this can be a major source of discomfort for your best animal friend, even without you being aware of it. It's our job to make sure our animals are healthy and happy!

So just like humans, dogs get allergies and have allergic reactions to things as well. They experience the same irritation and have the same desire to itch and scratch, and some studies have shown that one in seven dogs actually may have quite severe allergies, in fact.

Be aware though, that it isn't just allergies that cause skin issues in dogs. There are also environmental and physical conditions like hot spots or ulcers caused by compulsive like, as well as parasites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can created underlying damage to tissue that cause dogs to scratch at the areas affected.

It's particularly useful to understand what hot spots are, because what began as an allergy can quickly turn into one if you are not careful. Essentially, these hot spots are rashy areas on a dog that became infected after the dog bit or chewed on it, and the infection spread as pus got caught in the dog's fur.

Fleas and ticks often irritate your dog, too, and their little bites can be mistaken for the presence of an allergic reaction. These little critters can come from other animals, from new environments that your pets visit, or from adventures out into the woods or out to a park to get some exercise and some air.

Hair loss or excessive shedding is a symptom that something is wrong in your dog as well, and may either accompany an allergic reaction or may be a side effect of something more severe, so make sure to check for other signs and look closely at the situation at hand before making further decisions.

Treatment for allergies and other skin conditions varies, but may include shaving the affected area and applying creams or ointments, the use of antibiotics, and shampooing the dog thoroughly to get rid of any dirt of potential allergens in the dog's coat, as well as making it so that you can see everything on the skin clearly.

So if you can tell that you dog has irritated skin from something, do some quick checking to see if it is an allergy of some sort and then look up dog skin allergies to determine what your best course of action is. If you are unsure about anything, call you local vet and they will step you through the process of making sure your pooch gets better quickly.

Build a Relationship With Your Dog

2012-01-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

How to build a good relationship with my dog? Pets secure us, they ground us emotionally. Coming home after a stressful day of work, it's nice to know that someone still loves me. I want to help keep that going, keep the love coming from both myself and my dog. But how can I show him how much I care? How do I keep this relationship healthy and helpful for both of us?

To start with, I include my dog in my life as much as I can. He sleeps in the same room as me, and his cage is in the kitchen where is the majority of life happens in my home. By keeping him a part of my life, I let him know that he's important to me and that I care. I'm receptive to his wants, and he can see me and know that I'm around.

After a day at work, I spend time with him so we can bond. We play games, I take him for a walk so we can get some exercise, and he even watches TV with me. Again, I'm keeping him part of my life: physical and emotional contact goes a long way to keeping him happy and receptive; the contact is good for me as well, acting as emotional therapy and a good way to relax and ease the stress from my mind.

Proper diet is good for the soul, and proper diet for him is no different: I make sure that we both eat well, according to our needs. He eats a raw diet, and I always make sure he isn't hungry. More important than that, I make sure he always has cold water. Dogs can't regulate their body temperature as well as humans, so proper hydration is even more important for him than it is for me.

Our relationship needs all of the above to foster and grow: as I become a part of his life, something he associates with good feelings, so he becomes a part of mine, each the other's world entire. It's helpful for me and helpful for him: as he feels better, he reciprocates the love to me and helps me through hard times. There's nothing better than coming home from a hard day at work and having someone who truly, more than anything else, loves you, run at you as you close the door to kiss you.

How to Help an Anxious Dog Cope With Visitors

2012-01-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

An unexpected visitor can be a big source of anxiety in dogs, so having a well thought out plan of action is essential to help your dog cope and allow you to enjoy your visitors.

You may already be aware of what kinds of people trigger your dog's anxiety. Dogs can feel anxious around specific groups of people such as children or men or may have a generalized fear of all strangers. Being aware of what triggers your dogs anxiety will make it easier for you to know when to take action, so keep a careful note of when they get anxious and look for the patterns.

What are the Dog Anxiety Symptoms to Watch Out For?

An anxious dog may react to a visitor by acting shy or scared, for instance staying close to you or standing behind you. They may also cower under furniture or even go into hiding.

At the other end of the scale, an anxious dog can react to visitors with nervous aggression and bark loudly or even try to snap at them or bite them, so be aware of what dog anxiety symptoms your dog is likely to show.

Create an Action Plan to Help Your Anxious Dog

While having visitors around can be hard on your dog, it's not possible to keep everyone away from your front door and life would be a bit dull if you had to!

If you know you have visitors coming, prepare in advance for it as not having to rush around at the last-minute will keep everything calm and you will avoid triggering your dog's anxiety before your visitors even arrive.

It may be sensible to put your dog in a separate room for the duration of the visit, so make sure they will be comfortable and have bedding, access to water and perhaps a favourite indestructible chew toy. Using a dog crate may also help give your dog a sense of security.

Be calm and positive with your dog when you put them into the room so that they don't get the sense they have done something wrong.

If visitors arrive unexpectedly have a room you can pop them in quickly and when you've let your visitors in, ask them to give you a few minutes to sort your dog out so they are comfortable.

Dealing With Dog Anxiety during the Visit

It is best to ignore your dog if they start whining or barking because they are in a different room from you, because if you go to them every time they make a noise, it will only encourage them to do it more. They should settle after a while and it is much better to check on them when they are quiet.

It is important that you don't shout at your dog or get cross with them if they do bark or start whining as this will only increase their anxiety.

If you want to bring your dog in to the same room as your visitors, wait until they are calm and then bring them in on a lead so that you stay in control of the situation.

To make sure it is a positive experience for your dog which encourages them to be more confident, enlist the help of your visitors. Ask them not to look your dog directly in the eye as this will be seen as a challenge. It may also help if your visitors know not to make any sudden movements or loud noises.

Arming your visitors with treats can also be very positive, but don't expect your dog to take the treats direct from their hand as they may not be bold enough to do that. Instead they could drop the treat close to your dog and let the dog make the first move.

Getting Rid of Anxiety in Dogs

By slowly introducing your dog to visitors and always making it a positive experience your dog should gradually gain more confidence.

It is important that you are very patient and let them progress at their own pace. Watch your dog carefully so that you can remove them from a situation as soon as you see them start to act anxiously and eventually you may be able to get rid of dog anxiety completely.

Make sure your dog get enough exercise

2012-01-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Most of us think of exercise as physical; staying strong, heart healthy, keeping weight down... What we don't really think about is how exercise, or the lack of exercise, can affect dog behavior! I love to say " A tired dog is a good dog!"

Very often I hear people complain that their dog is "spiteful." There is no such thing as a spiteful dog. If you find your couch chewed up your first reaction should be "What happened to you to create such anxiety?" When your dog has excess energy, which creates stress, it WILL be spent. Whether this energy is spent in destructive behavior (couch, shoe, or wall chewing) or constructively depends entirely on YOU!!

A lack of exercise causes anxiety and stress. Destructive behavior is one consequence of a dog who has not had enough exercise. Anxiety can be expressed by destructive behavior or self-mutilation. Very often people will come home to find that their dog has chewed a big hole in his coat or has licked a paw until it is raw and bleeding.

Hot spots can also be caused by stress. When you see a hot spot, the first questions you should ask yourself are "Could this have been caused by anxiety or stress? Is this stress or anxiety caused by a lack of exercise?"

Every dog, especially young dogs, will be better able to pay attention to you and work with you when they are not suffering from too much pent-up energy. Do you know what it feels like to be restless or feel a little hyper, like you just have to move? Well, when YOU feel that way, you do something. When your dog feels that way, he has to wait and hope that you will notice his NEED for exercise and provide an appropriate outlet.

If you are leaving your dog for any amount of time, it is your responsibility to make sure that she has had enough exercise that she will be content to wait calmly until you return home. Every dog is different, some dogs need a lot more exercise than others.

Some of the things you can do to make sure your dog (and you) get enough exercise are:

Daily walks

Training in Obedience, Agility or Rally

Playing Fetch

Swimming

Running (not on concrete)

Play Sessions With Dog Friends

For those of you thinking of bringing home a puppy or a rescue dog, keep in mind the exercise requirements for the specific breed you are thinking of. If you have an All-American (mixed breed), take a guess at what breeds are there. Think about the characteristics of those breeds and if the exercise requirements of the dog are compatible with your family and lifestyle.

Exercise is important for the emotional and mental health of your dog as well as physical wellness. Appropriate exercise should be part of your daily routine to keep your whole dog healthy and happy. It will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog! Playing with your dog will help reduce your stress too!! Have fun with your dog, you'll both feel better!

Indoor Gates For Puppy

2011-12-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

Puppy owners will often times want to make sure their Puppy is safe, no matter where they are in the home. Even if a family has a dog that is usually outside, there are going to be cold nights where the dog will want to be inside, and a well-trained dog is a nice companion to have indoors. However, when the Puppy is in the home, there might be a few places where they might get hurt or they might not be allowed, and for those cases there are indoor gates. Many different gates are available to the general public, and narrowing down the choices can be something worth considering, especially since it's really easy to buy an option on impulse and then have to return alternatives that don't work in the long run. Before you invest in anything, consider the following quick tips to help in the purchasing.

Size - The very first thing that you need to consider is the size. Before you go to the store or even shop online, it will benefit you greatly to measure the distance between the posts that you are going to place your new purchase between. Most options are standard, with openings being around 32 inches in length, it's important to get a gate that is no less than that length, with few exceptions. There are exceptions, which may prompt some people to purchase either larger, smaller, or adjustable options that will assist in the installation process. You'll want to make sure that upon purchasing, the fit is snug and tight on the frames, because without the proper fit, a dog can rush right through indoor gates with ease.

Materials - There are a few materials that make up gates of this type. Many are hybrid versions with wire and wood options being most prominent. However, there are several choices that come in either all wood or all wire, and as an alternative there are plastic options as well. You'll have to consider which option fits the visual aesthetics of your home and functions well. If you can't find one that fits the overall décor, you can always paint it to fit your interior design scheme, if that's something you're concerned with.

Weight - The reason you want to look at the weight of the selections available is mainly because you might want to move the gate from time to time. This is especially true if you put your new door or gate near some stairs and need to get by, or you decide you don't necessarily want that area covered any longer. There are a variety of reasons why you would want to move a gate, and if it's too heavy to transport, it can become a problem when it's time to move. Furthermore, in emergency situations, you'll want to ensure that you're able to swiftly move past the gate and move to safety with relative ease.

Whatever you do, make sure that you take your time when searching for indoor gates for your Puppy. If you take your time, you will end up making the right choice for your overall needs.

Dog Treadmill Training

2011-12-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

Training your dog to use and enjoy his or her dog treadmill is easy and straightforward, but does involve some patience on your part.

Getting Your Dog On The Treadmill

Start practice with the treadmill in the off point. Bring your dog over to the treadmill and let them sniff and feel out the machine at their convenience. Once they seem at ease, walk onto and off of the treadmill with them many (at least three) times. Delay for slightly longer each time, to make your pup realize that this is just a piece of furniture and nothing to fear. If your pup is very uncertain to follow you onto the gadget, you can use a treat to coax them forward. Simply lead them onto the treadmill with the gift and relinquish it while they have all four paws on-board. Duplicate this routine until your dog is comfortable staying on the non-moving treadmill.

Walking

Once you can get to the point that your canine will stand on the treadmill without jumping out, get them on the treadmill and then start the belt at it's slowest speed. While doing this hold your canine (or his leash) and encourage them to walk. They are likely to be unsettled at first, but do your best to keep them on the treadmill, not letting them off until they are composedly walking for 10 seconds or so. As soon as you have 10 seconds of success, praise and treat the dog, then let them off.

Take a break for a few minutes, doing another fun activity such as playing fetch or even giving your dog a belly rub. Anything they enjoy!

Now repeat the entire procedure, this time for a 20 second treadmill walk. Keep incrementally increasing the time until the pup is relaxed walking for a few minutes at a time.

Jogging

If you have your pup agreeably pacing at a slow pace for several minutes, the hard part is over! Now simply raise the speed gradually to a pace where your canine is comfortably jogging. You can encourage them by standing in front of the treadmill and praising.

As the days go by, it might help to keep a journal of the current speed and range, so you are sure to increment either determinant steadily. Just like for human runners and walkers, going too far or too fast when your muscles are not used to it can result in injury.

Things to Remember

Never leave your canine all alone on the dog treadmill!

Take your time. If your dog is really uncertain about the experience, go extremely slowly and make sure they are as comfortable as possible before you move on to the next step.

How Dog Socialization Can Prevent Dog Aggression

2011-12-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Dog socialization is really important for the owner, the canine itself and the people and dogs around it. Being a social creature, your canine will enjoy spending time with other dogs or other people who will let the canine feel that he is special.

Teaching a canine how to react to new dogs around it can train it to be less aggressive. It is for the benefit of the canine to be well trained so that he or she behaves well amongst both other dog owners and their dogs.

Here are some dog socialization tips that you, the owner must do in order for your canine to be good around other animals as well as human beings which will stop Dog Aggression.

Every morning or late in the afternoon you must walk your canine around your neighborhood, at the park, at the beach or places where there will be many people and animals around.

Train him to be calm and not aggressive when friends or acquaintances visit.

Reward your canine with some food for good behavior and ignore him when he is misbehaving.

When you are outside walking or running with your canine you must show him that you are the one in command. It is equally important that the canine knows that it will always follow your command at all times.

Teach your canine how to react with other animals that are considered to be strangers

Training your canine with good dog socialization entails lots of patience and hard work.

Good dog socialization will certainly mean less dog aggression, and less problems on the part of the owner as well as the canine itself. Once a canine is trained properly, the training will remain with it for the rest of its life.

A dog that has excellent dog socialization will really enjoy playing with other dogs, even strangers. And the canine likewise will enjoy being around people he doesn't know. The canine will like to play and being around people it has not met before.

There is a saying that your canine is your best friend and this is true especially when you take your dog walking. Thus bringing your canine at the park, at the market or anywhere else is certainly a great way of training your canine socially.

Dog Training Tips For Socializing

2011-12-12T09:14:00.001-08:00

Socialization plays an important role in teaching dogs how to interact peacefully with others. It exposes them to a variety of animals and people with the goal of increasing their comfort around them. Socializing your canine will also help him to acclimate more quickly to different environments and circumstances. As a result, your pet will become more willing to venture into new places and meet new friends. He'll also be less likely to fight or display aggression.

Many owners recognize the value of socialization, but are uncertain regarding when to start and how to approach it. We'll provide a few helpful suggestions in the space below.

Start As Early As Possible

The earlier you allow your dog to meet others, the more quickly he'll develop a natural comfort in their presence. This means starting his socialization while he is a puppy. Ask your friends and family members to visit your home, and introduce them to your pup. Do so one at a time to prevent overwhelming him. This teaches your pet that he has nothing to fear from unfamiliar people.

Let Your Puppy Explore His Neighborhood

Once your puppy has received his vaccinations, take him for short walks around your home. Let him grow accustomed to the sights, sounds, and scents of his neighborhood. Although he may seem hesitant at first, he'll become comfortable within a short time.

This is also a good opportunity for him to meet other pets and their owners. As people approach you with their pets, greet them to put your pup at ease. Allow him to meet the other animals at his own pace. These interactions will heavily influence his perspective of others. Make the experience positive for him.

Introduce Your Pet To Different Environments

A key aspect of socializing your puppy is to expose him to a range of unfamiliar surroundings. For example, use different routes while walking him; take him to nearby parks; and visit school playgrounds during the weekends. The purpose of doing this is to teach your pup that strange, unfamiliar places do not pose a danger to him. By the time he reaches adulthood, he'll be comfortable wherever you take him.

A side benefit is that your puppy will have a chance to meet a wide variety of other animals and people. This will further expand his level of comfort with strangers.

Be Proactive In Encouraging Introductions

It's possible to visit places with your dog without meeting anyone new, despite there being many other animals and people nearby. Sometimes, you'll need to be proactive in introducing your pet to others. Approach people in a friendly manner, and allow your puppy to meet their dogs.

If you notice young children nearby, encourage them to greet your pup. But make sure they do so gently to avoid scaring him. If your puppy is willing to play with the kids, let him do so, but discourage them from chasing him. Some pups can quickly become frightened when chased.

Socialization is a crucial part of a puppy's development into a friendly adult dog. By introducing your pup to as many animals, people, and environments as possible, you'll help him to become a better companion.

Dog Vomiting: Causes And Cures

2011-12-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

Dog vomiting is quite a natural canine behavior. All dogs do it, and some do it frequently, and for a number of reasons.

So before you grab your car keys to rush the dog off to the vet, stop awhile! In most cases, there is no need for concern. Vomiting is just a natural way in which dogs remove unwanted matter from the body.

Of course, I'm not suggesting that you ignore it completely, because sometimes vomiting does suggest a more serious problem. But you'll need to observe the dog for other symptoms, for example, diarrhea, loss of appetite and general listlessness.

If you notice these symptoms it's time to visit the vet, although most likely it is still nothing to be overly concerned about.

Here are some common reasons why a dog may throw up;

Eating too fast - Many dogs tend to woof their food down, a throw back to the days when they could be attacked while eating. Feeding 3 to 4 smaller meals rather than one large meal may sort out the problem and will also protect against bloat, a potentialy deadly condition.

Consuming Grass - Nobody really knows why dogs eat grass, but many of them seem to love it. Some experts believe they eat grass to induce vomiting, while others say that eating too much grass makes them vomit. Either way, eating grass often makes a dog throw up.

Eating the wrong things - Dogs that are fed on junk food and table scraps, and dogs that make a habit of raiding the trash can, are always likely to throw up. A healthy diet and preventing access to the trash will sort this out straight away.

When should I be concerned?

Although vomiting is usually nothing to worry about, it should also not be ignored. The first thing you should be alert to is the frequency. Once in a while is not a problem, once or twice a day, merits a veterinary check up.

Also be alert for the symptoms I mentioned earlier, lethargy, lack of appetite, and diarrhea, as well as other signs, like blood, or unusual coloration in the vomit. In these instances, get the dog to the vet right away.

Vomiting may also be due to a more serious cause, for example your dog may have eaten a household poison, like a pesticide, or even a poisonous plant. If you think this may be the case then immediate veterinary treatment is called for.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Throwing Up

If you have a dog that throws up on a regular basis, there are a number of commonsense measures that you can put in place to reduce it.

Start by feeding your dog a healthy diet. Cut out all table scraps and junk foods and ensure that your dog cannot get into the trashcan. Feed your dog more frequent, smaller meals and add a fibre suppliment, so the dog is less inclined to eat grass.

These steps should be enough to reduce dog vomiting, but if not, it is advisable to speak to your vet.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction - Is Your Older Dog Suffering

2011-12-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction - Dementia Signs and Increasing Quality of Life

Dementia is a disease common in older humans, but did you know that dogs can have some of the same problems as they age? Canine cognitive dysfunction can be one of the hardest issues for a pet parent to adjust to as it often affects a dog's life in a negative way changing their overall behavior. Here is a list of symptoms to look out for in your aging dog that could be representative of cognitive dysfunction:

• Gradual loss of house training

• Confusion

• Vocalizing/wandering/pacing behavior

• Decreased desire to play

• Lack of self-grooming

• Changes in sleep cycle

• Inability to follow familiar routes

A veterinarian can properly diagnose your dog with cognitive dysfunction; it is important to have this condition diagnosed properly because the symptoms described above can also be signs of other medical problems such as cancer, infection, organ failure or drug side effects. If the above symptoms are being caused by one of these conditions, you won't want a false diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction.

The aging canine brain undergoes several changes that may contribute to cognitive problems. The disease cannot always be prevented because aging is simply part of life, however, it is known that the chances of cognitive dysfunction developing are decreased when a dog's life is stimulating. This means you will want to keep your dog healthy, active and happy which could significantly decrease his chances for developing brain problems. There is definite hope for dogs that have already been diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunctoin as well. You can lessen the progression of the disease by keeping his brain as stimulated as much as possible, and his body healthy.

There are several things you can do to help accommodate a dog that is experiencing cognitive dysfunction such as:

• Develop a daily routine and stick to it.

• Avoid making big changes to the living environment such as moving furniture and food dishes etc.

• Provide time for exercise, but know his limits.

• Spend lots of time strengthening the bond between you and your dog, face time is best.

• Go slowly no matter what it is you and he are doing. If it becomes obvious to you that he is getting frustrated or confused, stop right away and rest.

Canine cognitive dysfunction cannot be cured, but there are medications available for dogs that have been found to dramatically improve symptoms and quality of life. This is why it is important to seek veterinary attention for behavior changes in elderly dogs so the proper treatment can be administered. It has also been found that vitamins and supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants have been found to improve cognitive function in dogs.

Keep in mind that aging is part of life, something all living creatures will experience. Canine cognitive dysfunction is not easy to deal with and can be very saddening, however accepting and understanding the disease will definitely benefit you and your dog.

Great Puppy House Training Techniques

2011-12-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

House training your new puppy may not be as difficult as you might have imagined. The techniques used for potty training / house training a puppy are the same for all breeds and if they are followed, will work relatively quickly, usually within two weeks. The single most important part of house training a puppy is patience. When you get a new puppy you need to accept the fact that there will be some accidents in the early stages if training. Be prepared for accidents, clean them up and move on. If you follow the training steps outlined below, accidents will not occur for an extended period of time.

Develop a Routine -

You must have a routine. Dogs are creatures of habit and having a routine to follow each day will help your puppy learn quickly, where the appropriate place is to go potty. Avoid feeding or giving your puppy food or water close to bed time. A puppy is not capable of holding his water for long periods of time.

Identify an area -

Identify an area outside of your house that your puppy should use to go potty. An area close to the house or apartment is advisable since in the early stages of training you will want to be able to get there quickly. Your puppy will soon learn what that area is used for.

Have a schedule -

Take your puppy outside frequently. In the early stages of training I suggest taking him outside at a minimum, every two hours and especially after eating or drinking. Always take your puppy outside as soon as he wakes up in the morning. Keep a close eye on your puppy at all times to identify when he is getting ready to urinate. You can usually recognize when your puppy is getting ready to go potty. He will start sniffing around and then squat. Your challenge is to pick him up and get him outside before he does the dirty deed in the house.

Key Word or Phrase -

It's helpful to have a key word or phrase for the puppy to identify with, for going potty outside. I use the phrase "Want to go outside?". Once I say the phrase, I immediately take him outside to the designated area. This will help your puppy link the phrase to the action. If you catch your puppy urinating in the house, say "No!" with a firm voice. A puppy will recognize the inflection in your voice and possibly stop what he is doing, giving you the time to take him outside. The tone of voice is very helpful when training your puppy. If you're going to correct your puppy with a firm "No!" you need to do it while the puppy is in the act of urinating or defecating. Five minutes after the deed is done will not get the message across to the puppy, regarding what you are unhappy about.

Reward and Praise -

Reward him when he does goes outside. It is crucial that you praise your puppy every time he goes potty in the appropriate area. Praise him in a happy voice saying "Good Boy!!" and pet him. You may also want to give him a treat that he likes.

Accidents -

There are bound to be accidents, so accept that fact up front and be prepared for them. In the early days of potty training your puppy, keep him away from carpeted areas. It's much easier to clean up a mess on a tile or wood floor than a carpeted one. When there is an accident, and there will be, just clean it up and move on. Negative actions such as putting your puppy's nose in his mess are not productive. Do not attempt to "Punish" your puppy for having an accident. Punishment may encourage him to hide his mess in an area that is not noticeable to you.

Dog Crates -

I cannot emphasize enough the benefits of using a dog crate. Using a dog crate is very helpful to house train your puppy since dogs will usually avoid urinating or defecating in their sleeping area. When you are leaving your puppy alone for a long period of time, place his crate in a small room. A laundry room or bathroom is a good option. Close the door to the room and leave the dog crate door open. Place newspapers in the room that the puppy can get to and use to go potty.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Pets

2011-12-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

With Christmas approaching I thought I'd put together a few Christmas gift ideas for pet owners and pet lovers. The list includes toys; treats; books; games; apparel and transportation devices to help you find the perfect gift for your precious pet. You'll find these online and in local stores.

Remember to keep our pets happy and healthy we need to keep them physically and mentally entertained and many of the ideas on the list will help you achieve this. Having a variety of toys to rotate on a regular basis will keep your pets interested.

Dog Gift Ideas

Busy Buddy

A fun interactive toy that dispenses treats and food

Bubble Buddy

You blow the bubbles and the dogs just love chasing them

Go Dog Go

For the ball mad, an automatic tennis ball launcher

Thunder Shirt

A shirt designed to calm your dog during thunder storms and other anxious situations

Glow in the dark collar and lead or ball

A great idea for those who walk, run or play at night

Collapsible Water Bowl

Great for when you're walking, they usually attach easily to a lead or bum bag
Treat Cook Book

Cook your own cookies and treats for you precious pets

Coffee mug with your pet's photo on it

A pet portrait

Capture your favourite pet on film and have the photo put onto canvas or just enlarged

Pet stroller

What a great invention. Giving you the opportunity to take your elderly or sick pet out

Pet Bike Basket or Pet Bike Trailer

Share your love of bike riding and take your best friend with you

Amazing Dog Stories a collection of stories published by Pet Rescue

Read their amazing stories. You will shed a few tears and help raise funds for pet rescue

Dog Safe Hands Free Leash by Blue Dog Training

This is a great leash for walking your dog. It has two components, a leash and an adjustable belt that you wear around your hips.

How to Stop Puppy Whining

2011-12-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Learning how to stop a dog from whining is not hard. Usually dog whining stems from a natural fear of being alone or boredom. As pet parents, we hate to hear our dog whine. It equates to hearing our children cry. It is our parental instinct that makes us want to comfort our pet and to make them happy and secure.

Your dog needs to know that you are not going to abandon him or her but you are simply unable to be with them every minute of every day. They need to feel secure in the fact that when you leave them, you are going to come back.

A good first step to getting your dog to stop whining is to confine him or her into a room or their kennel and leave them alone for a short period of time (increasing the time in intervals as your dog progresses) Be sure to have your dog's toys or their favorite comfort items in the room or kennel. You need to show your dog that this is not a space to be afraid of. After you leave the room, your dog will most likely begin to whine. Wait a little while before you go back to them. This is sort of like the whole theory behind getting your baby to sleep alone in their crib. You know the whole concept of letting them cry it out for a bit before you go back in. They have to know that it's OK for them to be alone, they are safe and you will be back. If you go right back in, your dog will learn that he can manipulate you and your battle to stop a whining dog will be much more difficult. Wait at least ten minutes before returning back to the area with your dog. When you go back into the area, pet your dog, give them praise than let them back with you. Keep a happy, positive tone in your voice. Dogs can sense stress. Your dog needs to be reassured that there is nothing to fear.

If your dog is whining while you are with them, they are usually whining to either get attention or they are simply bored. Setting up a schedule for your dog can help them tremendously. Dogs again are like children. They require structure. Taking them outside for walks and simply playing with them can do wonders. If they are still whining after you have given them quality time, you need to tell them "No Whining" in a stern tone of voice (remember the tone of your voice with your dog is of utmost importance) than ignore them for a little while.

If your dog's whining is still seeming incessant or if they ever seem to be whining in pain or discomfort, you probably want to get them to their vet for a check up.

Don't punish your dog for whining though. Punishing him or her just confuses them and hurts their trust in you.

Remember, dogs are like children. You need to love them, give them attention while giving them structure and discipline as well. They need to know that you love them and they can count on you; however, certain behavior will not be tolerated nor condoned.

Dog Arthritis - What You Need To Know

2011-11-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

Unlike other ailments that can affect your dog such as diarrhea or vomiting, dog arthritis isn't just instantly apparent. It may take years for your dog to develop arthritis and you may not even recognize that the dog has arthritis until it is almost a cripple.

The types of dog arthritis

A second, less common form of dog arthritis is called infectious arthritis. Tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease can all cause dog arthritis. There is also a condition called fungal arthritis but it is a rare complication that comes as the result of a systemic fungal infection.

Finally, there is immune-mediated dog arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. It sometimes happens to toy breeds and other small breeds at approximately 4 years of age. A condition called nonerosive arthritis can occur in midsize and large-breed dogs at about 5 to 6 years of age. No one knows what causes this form of arthritis.

The symptoms of dog arthritis

Unlike other ailments that can affect your dog such as diarrhea or vomiting, dog arthritis isn't just instantly apparent. It may take years for your dog to develop arthritis and you may not even recognize that the dog has arthritis until it is almost a cripple.

The types of dog arthritis

The type of arthritis that is most generally associated with dogs is called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. It is a common condition that will affect one out of every 5 dogs during their lifetimes. And this may surprise you but arthritis isn't a disease that happens to just older dogs. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, patella luxation, joint trauma, ruptured cruciate ligaments and other joint conditions can all cause degenerative arthritis to develop even in young dogs.
A second, less common form of dog arthritis is called infectious arthritis. Tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease can all cause dog arthritis. There is also a condition called fungal arthritis but it is a rare complication that comes as the result of a systemic fungal infection.
Finally, there is immune-mediated dog arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. It sometimes happens to toy breeds and other small breeds at approximately 4 years of age. A condition called nonerosive arthritis can occur in midsize and large-breed dogs at about 5 to 6 years of age. No one knows what causes this form of arthritis.

The symptoms of dog arthritis

You love your dog and are careful to make sure it gets the right diet and plenty of exercise. You should also watch for the signs of arthritis in your canine pal. The most obvious of these are if you notice your dog is favoring one of its limbs or seems to have a problem standing or sitting. Another symptom is if it seems reluctant to jump, run or climb up stairs. The dog may also show signs of stiff or sore joints.

There are some less visible signs that your dog may have arthritis. For example, it may be sleeping more than usual, gain weight, or show a decreased interest in playing. He or she may bark or whine when touched. It may even seem less alert and actually resist your touch.
When your dog may show the most visible signs of arthritis

If your dog develops osteoarthritis, it may show varying degrees of stiffness and lameness that will be more evident in the morning and when the dog gets up from a nap. It may seem irritable and have the kind of behavioral changes you would associate with increasing disability. For example, the dog may show more signs of stiffness or pain on cold or wet days. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is progressive and over time will make your dog's life miserable.

How dog arthritis is diagnosed

If your dog exhibits the kind of symptoms described above, you can just about be sure that it has dog arthritis. However, x-raying the dog's joints is how your vet will make a definitive diagnosis. If the dog does have osteoarthritis, the x-rays will show bone spurs at points where the ligaments and the joint capsule attach to the bone.

How to keep your dog comfortable

While dog arthritis cannot be cured, there are ways to control it and keep the dog comfortable. Your veterinarian will advise you as to what physical therapy or weight control might help improve your dog's life. He or she may also prescribe analgesics or corticosteroids to relieve the dog's pain.
If your dog is one of five

If your dog is the unlucky one of five that develops arthritis, take heart. There are things you can do to mitigate the effects of dog arthritis and give your dog a better life. Just make sure you get him or her to the vet so that you can get treatment started before your dog becomes seriously crippled.

Dog Donut Bed

2010-06-18T02:43:00.000-07:00

Dog Donut Bed

Have you heard of the dog donut bed?

Have you ever spent a night in a strange bed and woken up with an aching back? We get used to or beds and adapt to them over time. Dogs, especially old dogs, can also suffer back problems due to poor bedding. It's important for a dog to have a comfortable place to sleep that they are used to.

If you notice how a dog sleeps, you will see that they usually curl up into a tight circular shape. A bed that conforms to this natural canine sleep style will give the dog maximum comfort. Donut beds conform to this style and let the dog mold himself into the contours of the bed for maximum comfort and rest.

A dog donut bed is probably the most cosy and comfortable of any of the pets beds on the market. Your faithful friend will be able to curl up in complete comfort and may never try to climb up onto the sofa again. Its definitely a win-win situation for dog and owner.

The dog donut bed is so named because it it a dog bed shaped like a donut. It may sound odd but when you see them you realise just how apt the name is. They have a bolster the whole way around and so your dog can find a nice soft place to rest his head no matter which way he lies or whatever strange position he sleeps in. This bolster also helps to keep out any cold drafts so that your dog will be warm even in the colder months.

A lot of pets beds now have a washable outer cover. This applies to most dog donut beds. They usually have a removable outer cover which zips off quickly and easily. They can be machine washed and tumble dried which is a great advantage when it comes to keeping your pets bedding clean as drying time is much reduced.

Whatever breed of dog you have there will be a donut bed to suit him. They are available in all sizes from small to extra large. Whilst it is important to make sure that the bed is big enough for your dog try to resist the temptation to get one which is too big. If the bed is too large for the dog then you will lose some of the benefits of the enclosed design of these pets beds and your dog will not be kept as warm.

All dog owners know how much dogs love to curl up and have a nice snooze as well as a good night's sleep. It is an essential part of any dogs daily routine to take the odd nap. So if you want to give him the ultimate in comfort a dog donut bed is hard to beat. When it comes to pets beds these really are amongst the best on the market.

Give your canine companion the quality rest and comfort he deserves. It's a small expense that will be greatly appreciated and will keep your dog happy and healthy long into old age.

Is it Harmful to Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car?

2010-06-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Is it Harmful to Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car?

Did you know that leaving your dog in a parked car during any time of the year where temperatures reach or exceed 72 degrees can be dangerous for your dog? The truth is that it can be dangerous even if you leave the windows cracked because of the way the dog's body is designed to cool itself down. Putting your dog in any dangerous situation should be avoided if it can be helped, especially this type of situation. In order to prevent your dog from suffering from heatstroke or even death, you might want to understand the science behind the temperature in your vehicle.

Many times you think about summer as being the time for hot temperatures and even hotter vehicle interiors because of the hot temperatures outside, but you don't always consider that the same may be true in the spring and fall seasons. The truth is, leaving your dog in a parked car is just as dangerous in the spring and fall seasons as it is in the summer season simply for the fact that the outside temperature can become warm enough during these times to make the temperature inside your car hot enough to cause problems for your dog.

It's a known fact that you dog's body temperature on a normal basis sits right around 101 degrees. Now, it's also understood that mild heatstroke in a dog can occur when the body temperature reaches 105 degrees, and that full blown heatstroke can occur at the temperature of 108 degrees. Consider these two weather situations: if the temperature outside is 72 degrees, which is not uncommon in the spring and fall seasons, then your cars interior temperature can reach can reach 105 degrees in just a matter of minutes, which is the same temperature that your dog will begin to suffer mild heatstroke. If the temperature outside is 85 degrees, then the inside of your car can heat up to 120 degrees in minutes, which is far more dangerous considering the fact that full blown heatstroke can occur at 108 degrees.

Many have the understanding that if they simply role the windows down, their dog will be fine and will be able to keep themselves cool. This is not necessarily true as the amount of available cool air on an 85 degree day, especially inside a car, will be minimal. Your dog's body isn't designed to stay cool, it's designed to preserve heat in order to stay warm, so it's harder for them to cool themselves down. The only way they can cool themselves down is by panting, which pushes warm air out, and pulls cool air in. They do have sweat glands, but a very limited number of them so they typically have little affect in the overall body temperature. If there is no cool air to pull in during panting, then your dog has no way to cool himself down which can lead to heatstroke and even death if the temperatures get too hot.

Dog Seat Belts - Does Your Car Have One?

2010-06-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

Dog Seat Belts - Does Your Car Have One?

In this day and age it has become second nature to get into your car and immediately put on your safety belt. It's the law in most countries, although really, it's just common sense that you should wear a seat belt. But what about your dog? In the event of an accident, if your car isn't fitted with dog seat belts then expect the worst.

Many countries around the world have graphic advertisements on TV showing what happens to people not wearing seat belts during a car crash. How long will it be before they start showing what happens to your pet in the same type of accident?

Making sure that your car is fitted with dog safety belts is the only real way to protect your pet while travelling in a car. Some people may tell you that putting your dog in a travel compartment is just as safe. This simply isn't true.

In a crash, your car comes to an abrupt halt. If the car crashes at 40 mph, your dog will be smashed into the front of the travel compartment at the equivalent speed, more often than not resulting in fatal injuries. I think you'll agree, this really is a sickening thought.

A dog seat belt on the other hand, that is fitted to match your specific breed of dog will save your dog's life and prevent any serious injury in the event of a crash.

Most people love their dogs as if they were people yet it still surprises me that so many owners fail to consider what would happen to their beloved dog if their car were involved in a serious crash.

Dog safety belts are relatively inexpensive and easily fitted so there is no excuse not to have one. Some countries have already made it law that dogs must wear safety belts and it is only a matter of time before other countries follow suit.

Don't wait until it's too late. Dog seat belts save lives so the sooner you get one the better. Your furry friend needs to wear a safety belt just as much as you do.

Don't wait until your dog is injured or even killed from not wearing a seat belt. They really are inexpensive and easy to fit.

Scabies on Dogs

2010-06-03T00:18:00.000-07:00

Scabies on Dogs
Just like it happens in humans, scabies on dogs is caused by the underlying parasite beneath the dog's skin. The mite would remain alive for about 21 days and complete the full life cycle on the host. The infestation may perhaps spread to the other parts of the body if not treated in time. These mites that reside on the dogs would not survive long if they were to move on to a human host. In such situations, humans are referred to as accidental hosts.

These mites can spread from one animal to another, through direct or indirect skin contact. At the same time as dogs can get the infection through various ways, most cases arise due to direct contact. It is imperative to maintain proper hygienic conditions for your pets. The symptoms of scabies on dogs would usually appear on the ears, chest, elbows and abdomen. Small red bumps would appear on the skin, also known as the papular eruptions. This would lead to extreme itchiness and cause a lot of discomfort to the animal. In severe cases, you may also notice the dog to become thin or unhealthy.

If the dog is in good health and kept in hygienic conditions, skin scrapping methods for diagnosing the condition might test negative. Therefore the condition is identified through symptoms. One of the safest ways to treat a dog is to use a medicated shampoo or a lime sulphur dip. The condition may worsen at first, before getting better in dogs.

Heal Your Dog With Natural Dog Treatment

2010-06-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Heal Your Dog With Natural Dog Treatment

There has been a lot of speculation recently on how mainstream medical dog treatment affects the life span of your dog. This is because recent medical research suggests that certain medications can have harmful side effects. This is why more and more veterinarians are actually advising natural treatments for canine ailments and providing the knowledge you need to heal your dog naturally. For thousands of years before dogs were domesticated, they would search for herbs to make them feel better when they were feeling ill. It was a hardwired instinct that was very beneficial to them.

As dog owners, we love our dogs. They are not just a dog to us, they are family so therefore we want the best dog treatment for them. In the past, we thought that it meant regular veterinarian visits and the most expensive dog foods only found at a veterinarians office. However, this has changed. This is not to say that veterinarians did not know what they were talking about. This is not the case. Medicine is something that we learn more about every day. This is also true of veterinary medicine and modern dog treatment is changing. Veterinarians are realizing that a dog's body can not work properly when certain chemicals are introduced, as well as the fact that they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of chemicals in some medications.
Knowing how to heal your dog naturally can help increase the life span of your pet.
Medicines often have side effects. So it is understandable that we would want to make sure that our dogs are not subject to this. Even vaccinations are being re-thought by veterinarians. Whereas veterinarians used to recommend having dogs vaccinated annually, most vets advise now against this. Instead, it is recommended to provide these vaccinations every three to five years. A yearly vaccination routine has been found to cause blood diseases and in some rare instances, cancer.
However, there are alternative dog treatments that can help your dog without worrying about possible side effects. There are even veterinarians that specialize in this type of medical treatment. These are called holistic veterinarians. They are specially trained to treat your dog naturally with herbal supplements and acupuncture. This type of treatment is not only one hundred percent natural, it is one hundred percent safe. Learning how to heal your dog naturally can be very helpful in many ways.
Natural medicine can not only be administered by a veterinarian, but by an owner as well. Not only can you decrease your vet bills, but you can help extend the life of your dog. Most natural dog treatments can be done at home and there are several books on treatments for all sorts of ailments, everything from arthritis to cancer. With information on how to heal your dogs naturally you will no longer have to wait for a vet and you can help your dog in the comfort of home, without a traumatic ride to the veterinarian's office.

Paralysis in Dogs

2010-01-26T05:44:00.000-08:00

Paralysis in dogs can be one of the most frightening conditions that any owner will ever face as it can literally strike at any time. What makes this potentially life threatening situation ever more troubling is that it has several different causes, can affect any dog at any age, and although it can be temporary in some cases, it can also be a permanent condition. For this reason, if your dog becomes paralyzed for any reason at all, the quicker you seek professional medical help the better chance your dog has.

What is paralysis?
Paralysis in your dog is a condition where they develop a total loss of their muscle functions in one or several of their muscle groups. When this occurs, they will experience a very sudden loss of both feeling and mobility in the affected areas and the paralysis can be either localized or generalized. Most all forms of this frightening condition will involve your dog nervous system. The nervous system is a set of electrical impulses that travel throughout your dogs body via nerve fibers, which in turn deliver the message to cells and organs.
Chemical transmitters are also used for communication between these nerve cells and other tissues that are part of this communication process. It has three primary systems in which it operates; the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system. Paralysis can occur when any of these systems malfunction for a myriad of reasons.
The central nervous system in your dog is divided into several segments, and is made up of the brain, the brain stem, and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that run from the brain into several areas of your dogs neck and head, as well as the nerves that both enter and exit the spinal cord.
The autonomic nervous system is yet another system that arises from the central system, and contains the nerves that control the involuntary movements of organs such as the heart, intestine, and the bladder, but include several other organs as well. This system functions automatically and your dog has no control over it.
Causes of paralyses:
Paralysis in dogs, contrary to some misconceptions, does not necessarily involve the spinal cord or injuries to the spinal cord. Rather, it is the result of some type of nerve damage that has occurred as the result of an injury, a malfunction, or infections that include viral, bacterial, or fungal.
The most common cause of paralysis in your dog is known as radical nerve paralysis and results in your pets inability to use their front legs normally. With this form of paralysis your dog will suddenly become lame and will start to drag their front paw on the ground. The radical nerve is your dogs largest nerve in their front leg and has the responsibility of extending their elbow, wrist, and toes. It also helps to provide sensations to the upper-outside surface of their leg and the upper surfaces of their paw.
It originates under their front leg from a bundle of nerves that start in the spinal cord in the neck area. When this nerve is injured in some manner, it causes the front leg or legs to become paralyzed. The actual severity will all depend on the amount of damage and where on the limb the damaged has occurred.
The most common cause of paralysis is from a trauma to your dogs leg right above their elbow; however, it may also be the result of your pets limb being pulled away from their body or by a tumor in the originating nerve source.
When this form of paralysis occurs, your dog will not be able to move their triceps muscle as well as the muscles that extend in their front legs. As a result, their leg will remain either flexed or bent. The prognosis with the form of paralysis will all depend on the severity of the damage. It may be temporary and would similar to bending a wire as it can rerun back to normal. If it is ruptured, this would be like the wire breaking. The nerve muscles in your dog, however, do grow back around the rate of 1 mm a day.
Depending on the length of the rupture it does have a chance to repair itself, but it may take several weeks or even months. However, if it is completely severed, there is no chance at all of it ever returning to normal.
The next common type of paralysis in dogs is facial nerve paralysis. This is a condition where your dogs facial nerve, which is the 7th cranial nerve, has caused the improper function or the complete paralysis of the muscles that are associated with facial expressions. This can cause your dog to lose their ability to blink, start to tilt their head, as well as very abnormal eye movements. It can also cause your dogs lips to droop, and as a result, they cannot hold food in their mouth. They will also develop a very severe and excessive salivation.
The common causes of this type of paralysis start with trauma, but can also include neuromuscular diseases, inflammation of the central nervous system, or cancer. It may also be the result of a recent surgery that has involved your dogs ears or their surrounding structures. There is no specific treatment for this form of paralysis, but the ocular complications will need to be addressed with artificial tears. Over time, some of the muscles will contracture or shorten, and this may lessen the symptoms, especially with their lips and mouth.
The next type of paralysis in dogs is referred to as acute polyradiculoneuritis, or as it is more commonly known, coon-hound paralysis. This vicious form of paralysis attacks dogs very suddenly and is a widespread disorder of the peripheral nervous system. This is a disease that causes damage to the nerves themselves, as well as your dogs myelin, which is a very specialized substance that surrounds the nerves and makes rapid transmission of nerve impulses possible.
The actual cause is unknown, but it is believed to be an immune mediated process where inflamed white blood cells attack your dogs nerves. Under normal circumstances the immune system protects against this type of attack, but in this case it is attacking itself. It is seen primarily in hunting dogs and usually results after an exposure to raccoons and is believed to be something in the raccoons saliva that triggers it. It will cause your dog to become extremely weak and starts with a paralysis in their hind legs that will soon spread to all of their limbs.
Eventually they will not be able to stand at all. It also affects their larynx, and as a result they will develop a very weak bark. There is no method of treatment other then supportive care, which will include constant rubbing of their limbs. Recovery in most all cases does occur, but it can take several weeks.

West Nile Virus and Dogs

2009-12-24T01:12:00.000-08:00

Not only can West Nile Virus be dangerous for humans, but it can affect pets just as much. This infection has already been identified in horses and birds. Luckily, the risk is low for cats and dogs, but it's always best to stay protected.

West Nile Virus is known as an arthropod-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain. This virus is known to be caused by mosquitoes, and other blood hungry insects. This is started by mosquitoes who feed off of infected birds. The mosquitoes that become infected will then transmit the virus to humans and other animals. Of course, the virus can't be transmitted between humans and animals.

Even though the threat of West Nile Virus to pets is small, young dogs can become affected. There have been no serious cases of pets or dogs becoming ill to the virus. Dogs are pretty resistant to developing any exposure to illness of West Nile Virus.

When a dog does become infected, its symptoms are similar to those of an infected horse. These symptoms include depression, decreased appetite, difficulty walking, tremors, abnormal walking, along with many others. If your pet shows any of these signs, be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there is no West Nile Virus vaccination for dogs and cats. The only way to prevent this virus from infecting your dog is to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Here are some tips to seriously consider for West Nile Virus prevention. It's best to keep your dog inside early in the morning and evening hours. This will greater reduce the risk of possible exposure and mosquito bites. Also, prevent your dog from getting into close contact with any dead squirrels or birds that may be affected by the West Nile Virus. Before using mosquito repellent on your dog, make sure it's approved for pets. Some repellents contain a chemical that can bring serious harm to pets. Check the label if you're not sure, or ask your veterinarian for a pet approved insect repellent. Lastly, always make sure your pets are inside when pesticides are being sprayed in your area. These can make your dogs really sick.

When it doubt, always ask your veterinarian. They can always provide you with more information on West Nile Virus, and how you can prevent it. These tips are just the beginning in preventing your dog from this virus. Even though the numbers are high, this information can prove beneficial in the future.

Imagine one summer day, you're playing outside with your dog and he gets bitten by a mosquito. Now, what do you do? You can take him to the vet, but it will cost you. It may even be too late. Your dog could become infected with the West Nile Virus. You'll then wonder what you did wrong.

With these prevention tips in mind, you're able to maximize the risk of infection in your dog. You and your pet can live a happy and carefree summer.

Dog Care - Understanding Red Eyes & Eye Diseases That May Require Surgery

2009-09-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

Dog Care - Understanding Red Eyes & Eye Diseases That May Require Surgery

Have you noticed your dog with red eyes? If you have, never take it for granted as this could be a sign of a very dangerous condition. While it may not all the time be a cause for alarm, most of the time it is, so it is best to have your dog checked by his vet.

Most of us probably relate conjunctivitis (pink eyes) to red eyes, but in truth, conjunctivitis is but one of the conditions for red eyes, and nothing more. Red eyes can be caused by something a lot more serious than conjunctivitis.

To get a better understanding, it is necessary for us to know the possible reasons for its occurrence. While you may think that eye irritation is brought about by external particles are the likely culprit, it is much more complicated than that. Four of the common factors that cause red eyes are:

• Glaucoma
• Superficial Keratitis
• Anterior Uveitis
• Conjunctivitis

Glaucoma

This condition is brought about by an increased pressure in the eyes which causes it to turn red. Glaucoma is a very serious condition that may cause damage to the eyes; internal structures will be displaced, in most cases, because of rupturing brought about by increased production of liquid. While liquid production is normal, the problem when a dog has glaucoma is that there is no way to drain the liquid which then results in a buildup, thus causing it to burst.

How do you treat Glaucoma? Usually, doctors prescribe antibiotics to rid of pressure and liquid in the eyes, as well as dilation of the pupils.

Superficial Keratitis

A condition that is shown by an inflammation of the cornea, Superficial Keratitis is caused by the following: bacteria, virus, allergic reactions, traumatic situations, or even constant irritation. An eye condition exclusive to dogs, it is actually very common for all breeds, and its chronic condition is referred to as Pannus.

It starts out as a grayish-pink line that develops in the eyes, which if left untreated, will cause blindness. You will notice that your dog's cornea becomes opaque, and will be worsened if exposed to too much sun. Treatment used is antibiotics. Proper hygiene is also important so that the condition will not get worse.

Anterior Uveitis

Brought about by virus, bacteria, or a traumatic experience, Anterior Uveitis can be diagnosed as an inflammation of the ciliary or the iris. Dogs with cancer will also most likely develop this condition. You will notice that your dog's eyes are always formulating tears, and the iris will look swollen, with a cloudy cornea. It could also cause the pupils to contract because protein level goes up abnormally. If this condition is not treated immediately, this could lead to cataracts or glaucoma, and at times, secondary lens luxation, particularly for small breeds.

Treatment is through anti-inflammatory drugs to dilate the eyes and minimize the level of pain. If you think your dog has Anterior Uveitis, have him checked right away as it could signal the presence of cancer.

Conjunctivitis

Also coined as 'pink eye,' conjunctivitis can cause red eyes. This condition takes place because of allergic reactions, irritation, or infection. Conjunctivitis is not as serious a condition as the rest, but it can still bring about excessive discharge due to infection. Treatment can be in the form of antibiotics. Hygiene is also just as important to keep your dog's eyes clean.

Just as we are vulnerable to acquiring certain diseases, our dogs can also get them. And in the same way that our body feels terrible when we are sick, our pets can also feel weak and tired when they are inflicted with a disease.

One of the rather commonly affected areas in dogs is their eyes, and among the disease that can be developed are the following:

• Cataracts
• Distichiasis
• Cherry Eye
• Glaucoma

Cataracts

This is brought about by old age or a disease called canine diabetes. Breeds that are prone to this condition are Golden and Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Chesapeake, Poodle, Afghan hound, and English Sheepdogs.

A visit to the vet will be very helpful. There is a specialist called a vet ophthalmologist who will take a look at your dog's eyes and suggest a need for surgery, since drugs are not very effective to rid your dog of cataracts.

Distichiasis

This condition is brought about by the abnormal growth of eyelashes which then causes irritation and infections to the eye. This can be present in both upper and lower eyelids, and breeds that usually get afflicted with it are: Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog, Retriever, Sheepdog, and Poodle. Treatment is done through the removal of eyelashes by a method called electrology, or a dog can also undergo electrical depilation (hair removal), and if these will not work, surgery.

Cherry Eye

Another common eye problem, Cherry Eye strikes the 3rd eyelid prolapses by means of the growth of red mass in the eye corners. Breeds affected are usually Bulldog, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniel, and Mastiff. The only recommended treatment is surgery, because other forms of treatment such as gland removal will still require lifetime maintenance.

Glaucoma

This is a condition brought about by the production of liquid in the eye area which will eventually lead to blindness. Unlike cataracts, glaucoma may occur even with younger dogs, and breeds that usually get afflicted with it are: Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Terriers.

If it is detected early on, treatment can be in the form of drugs. However, since this condition spreads fast, it may require surgery if it is discovered late, to prevent blindness.

To prevent the condition from getting worse, always take time to examine your pet. If you notice that your dog is scratching his eyes more often, take a look at him and also have him checked by a doctor so that proper diagnoses can be made, and consequently, proper treatment. This could ultimately save your dog from going blind

Dog is sick or has a health problem.

2008-01-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

A dogs health is only as good as how the master feed and takes care of his dog. Be the master of your dog deserves and find out how to feed your dog properly.

Many dog owners wonder if using a canine supplement is a good idea. If you have a healthy dog or puppy, many experts caution against supplements. However, there can be benefits to supplements, especially if your dog is sick or has a health problem. Read on to learn tips to keeping your canine healthy.

The Power of Antioxidants. Some studies have shown that vitamins C and E can be beneficial to your sick dog and provide some protection against heart disease. These vitamins may also be helpful for a canine that suffers from allergies or is battling cancer.

If you're considering giving your dog an antioxidant supplement, talk with you vet. They can assist you with dosage and make a brand recommendation.

The Benefits of Fish Oil. You may have heard about the health benefits of fish oil in humans, but what about your dog? Fish oil may help prevent canine diabetes, cancer and allergies. Some vets even say it can lower blood pressure and reduce the chance of blood clots.

So how do you give your dog fish oil? Talk to your vet about feeding your dog fish high in fatty acids like salmon and tuna. You can also use a supplement like flaxseed,just add a little to your dogs food.

Reduce Joint Pain. If your dog has arthritis, you may be looking for a way to reduce his joint pain. Studies suggest that Adequan may reduce the pain of canine arthritis. This supplement is an injectable, so you should consult your vet about the appropriate dosage and how to administer.

Beware of Calcium Supplements. We know that getting enough calcium is critical to humans, but what about dogs? Typically, your dog will get enough calcium from his regular diet. And furthermore, some studies actually show that giving your dog a calcium supplement may be harmful.

Excess calcium in dogs may be linked to disorders like hip dysplasia and wobblers syndrome. So the bottom line is stay away from the calcium supplement unless your vet specifically recommends it for your dog.

Stop the Itch. If your dog has itchy skin, talk with your vet about adding fatty acids to his diet. Some studies show a reduction in canine skin problems from adding this supplement. You can give your dog a pill or add flaxseed oil to his food. Your vet can help with dosage recommendations.

Taking Control Of Your Dog's Nutrition

The only way to be sure is to provide your dog with home cooking. Homemade dog food allows you to control your dogs nutritional needs as well as providing the highest quality and a balanced toxin-free diet for your dog.

Homemade dog food doesn't have to be complicated but you do want to make sure that you provide your dog with essential nutrients such as vegetables, pasta, rice, cereals, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Achieving a complete and balanced diet for your dog could be overwhelming because we are bombarded with facts and figures and there are so many misinformation on the websites.

Diet chart for dogs

Dog health questions & answers

2008-01-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

As a dog owner you are responsible for your dog's health, and by ensuring that all of his or her physical and mental needs are met, you are doing your part to aid your dog in enjoying his or her time that they have with you. A healthy dog, is a happy dog, and as a well educated dog owner you can help ensure that your dog lives a long happy fun filled life.

Health information about dogs and answers your dog health questions about disease, health care, and problems such as skin conditions and scratching, misbehavior

Dog health questions & answers

Morbidity (Illness)

Dogs are susceptible to various diseases, ailments, and poisons, some of which affect humans in the same way, others of which are unique to dogs. Dogs, like all mammals, are also susceptible to heat exhaustion when dealing with high levels of humidity and/or extreme temperatures.

Infectious diseases commonly associated with dogs include rabies (hydrophobia), canine parvovirus, and canine distemper. Inherited diseases of dogs can include a wide range from elbow or hip dysplasia and medial patellar luxation to epilepsy and pulmonic stenosis. Canines can get just about anything a human can get (excluding many infections which are species specific) like hypothyroidism, cancer, dental disease, heart disease, etc.

Two serious medical conditions affecting dogs are pyometra, affecting unspayed females of all types and ages, and bloat, which affects the larger breeds or deep chested dogs. Both of these are acute conditions, and can kill rapidly; owners of dogs which may be at risk should learn about such conditions as part of good animal care.

Mortality (Lifespan and causes of death)

The typical lifespan of dogs varies widely among breeds. Based on questionnaire surveys of owners in the UK, Denmark, and the USA/Canada, the median longevity of most dog breeds is between 10 and 13 years.The breed with the dubious distinction of the shortest lifespan (among breeds for which there is a questionnaire survey with a reasonable sample size) is the Dogue de Bordeaux with a median longevity of about 5.2 years, but several breeds, including Miniature Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Bloodhound, Irish Wolfhound, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Great Dane, and Mastiff, are nearly as short-lived, with median longevities between 6 and 7 years. On the other end of the spectrum, the longest-lived breeds, including Toy Poodle, Border Terrier, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, and Tibetan Spaniel, have median longevities between 14 and 15 years. The median longevity of mixed breed dogs (average of all sizes) is one or more years longer than that of purebred dogs (all breeds averaged).As a rule of thumb, small breeds are longer-lived than large breeds, but some of the longest lived large breeds have median longevities nearly as large as those of the shortest lived small breeds, and some of the breeds with the shortest longevities are medium-sized.

How long are dog pregnant

2007-10-27T03:50:00.000-07:00

In domestic dogs, sexual maturity (puberty) begins to happen around age 6 to 12 months for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years old for some large breeds. Adolescence for most domestic dogs pregnant is around 12 to 15 months, beyond which they are for the most part more adult than puppy. As with other domesticated species, domestication has selectively bred for higher libido and earlier and more frequent breeding cycles in dogs, than in their wild ancestors. Dogs remain reproductively active until old age
Most female dog’s pregnancies have their first estrous cycle between 6 and 12 months, although some larger breeds delay until as late as 2 years. Females experience estrous cycles biannually, during which her body prepares for pregnancy, and at the peak she will come into estrus, during which time she will be mentally and physically receptive to copulation.

Dogs bear their litters roughly 56 to 72 days after fertilization, although the length of gestation can vary. An average litter consists of about six puppies, though this number may vary widely based on the breed of dog. Toy dog’s pregnancies generally produce from one to four puppies in each litter, while much larger breeds may average as many as 12 pups in each litter.

Caring For A Pregnant Dog

The length of pregnancy in dogs lasts approximately sixty-two days. That number can vary five days in either direction, but more than seventy days and you may have a problem on your hands.

The main risks to a pregnant dog include:

• Infection and fever
• Poor nutrition and dehydration
• Stress
• A sexually transmitted disease called brucellosis
• Parasites

Any of these can cause a female dog to miscarry her puppies. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate flea and tick preventative for your mom-to-be. Be sure to feed your female dog’s pregnancies a high quality diet; your vet may also suggest additional vitamins. Food and water intake will probably go up and remain above average while she is nursing.

The Unexpected Costs of Dog Reproduction

Breeding your dog can be a very expensive undertaking! Here are some things you may be paying for:

• Testing for hereditary diseases in the potential mother and father prior to mating.
• Current vaccinations prior to mating.
• The stud fee for the father. Or, you may have to give the owner of the father one of the puppies from the litter.
• Extra food and veterinary expenses during pregnancy.
• Extra food and veterinary expenses for the puppies for the first eight weeks of life.
• Advertising for homes for the puppies.

Easy Guide To Dog Training Collars

2007-09-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Collar especially used for flyball training and sled dog racing is the Martingale collars. Martingale collars provide “limited choke” on the dog’s neck. These collars are not so easy to come off as they really fit the neck of your dog in a very nice way. Martingale collars are so flexible and they eliminate the danger of choking even if the dog gets very excited. Next is the, Limited Choke Collar. These collars are more like the choke chain but they have rings at the end to make room for a few inches of allowance. To use these collars, you just have to ease the dog training collar from the head of your dog and slip it down its neck and tighten it a little. An outdated Dog training collar is the choke chain. This was formerly used by dog owners before the invention of the other types of collars. Mostly, choke chains were used for punishment and correction. When a dog misbehaves, the owner would just jerk on the leash and the dog would choke, letting him think twice of what he is doing. Before, choke chains were really made of chains but now they are mostly made of nylon. Choke chains really are a torture to dogs, in some cases when the jerking is very hard, it can damage the windpipe of the dog. An innovation of the choke chain dog training collar is the Snap-around choke. This is like the choke chain but designed so as not to damage a dog’s windpipe. The snap-around choke is very snugly fit and it is worn up high the dog’s neck and when the leash is jerked, it does not damage the dog’s windpipe and does not jolt the dog that much. Most of the collars we have discussed are worn around the dog’s neck. However, there are also dog training collars that are worn on the head. These collars are fit on the dog’s head with a leash attached under the dog’s muzzle. The principle of this is that, where the dog’s head is, its body will follow. The dog may not adjust that easily to wearing these kinds of dog collars and they may look like a pony halter or a muzzle.

Another dog training collar is the electronic collar. These collars set off radio waves that shock the dog. The consequence of using this kind of collar is that your dog will always leave on fear and negative anticipation of the next shock. Electronic collars should not be used by novice trainers as they may not know how to properly make use of this collar. There is also this thing called the no-bark collars. These are generally not really collars but they are used to train dogs not to bark. It is oftentimes very damaging and not beneficial on the dog to use this kind of collar.

An important thing in choosing a dog training collar is that they must cater to your needs and should not be damaging to any of the dog’s anatomy. It is also important to weigh the pros and cons of each kind of collar so that both you and your dog will be benefited from that dog training collar you have chosen.

Dog food recall|Diet chart for dogs

2007-04-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

To keep your dog healthy and fit, you must feed him accordingly. Just like us, dogs also need to eat
According to schedules specifying diet related to age, weight etc. Dogs need proteins in a much higher proportion than us. They must be given all the nine amino acids ( protein) for good nutrition.
One thing you must remember for dog food are the bones. The dogs receive much important minerals from the marrow, and the hard surface helps keep his teeth clean. But you should make sure that you don't serve fish bones or splintery chicken to your dog. It might choke his throat. A beef bone is very nutritious.

I have given a chart below which specifies a diet chart for dogs as per their weights.

2007 dog food recall per day diet chart for dogs:

Weight (Pounds)	Meat ( cups)	Cereal (cups)	Vegetables ( cups)	Cod liver oil (tsp)
5 -15	¼ - ¾	¼ - ¾	¼ - ¾	½ -1
15 - 30	¾ - 1 ¼	¾ - 1 ¼	¾ - 1	1 ¼ - 2
30 - 50	1 ¼ - 1 ¾	1 ¼ - 1 ¾	1 ¼ - 1 ¾	1 ½ - 3
50 - 80	1 ¾ - 2 ½	1 ¾ - 2 ½	1 ¾ - 2 ½	Vitamin concentrate.

There are certain tips you need to follow before feeding your dog. You should not be under the impression that the dog can tell by taste which food suits him best. It is for you to know all that. His sense of eating is not any more developed than that of a baby.

Note the following tips :-

1. Feed your dog at the same time every day. It is good for his digestion and to develop a regular housebreaking habit.
2. All cereals should be moistened to a crumbly consistency with water, milk or both before measuring.
3. Usually one drop of cod liver oil concentrate is equal to one teaspoon of a good grade of cod liver oil.

Make sure that your dog gets neither an 'under dose' nor 'overdose' of food. Under-dose might result in rickets and overdose might cause other lethargy-related sicknesses and stomach upsets.

Dog training command

2007-04-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

Simple Dog training command mention below helps your dog to follow your actions, In the training period he watches your hand movements and tries to imitate. This dog training command is a significant adjunct to maintain your dogs.

THE 'Relax' COMMAND
This command holds the key to almost all other ones. Whenever you want your dog to remain in a position for long, use this command. He would know that he has to remain like that even when you go out of sight. For instant you've just now told him to 'Sit'. Then he gets up as you leave. Don't say 'Sit' again and again. Say 'Relax'. Same holds with 'Down' and other commands. Whenever he tries to display the 'Relax' command, say 'No' sternly so that he understands his mistake. Reward when he learns is again the most important trick in the game. And whenever you get angry with him, you can use this time as a self-introspection period. Imaging yourself or your child in his position, and ask yourself, "Do I deserve to be beaten up if I don't learn at one go?" This will improve your patience. Never treat a dog as just 'an animal'. He has emotions like you. If you are good to him, he will return love in a multiple fashion.

THE 'Roll' COMMAND
Your dog automatically follows your actions once he gets used to your training style. Even if you don't speak, he watches your hand movements and tries to imitate. To make him roll, first get him in the 'down' position. Take a biscuit in your hand in a position right above his head. Move your hand in a semicircle slowly from extreme left to right side. He will automatically turn his neck in a circular fashion. While moving your hand, hold his body with the other hand so that he doesn't trip over himself. Doing it for a few times will bring perfection. After some trails, the biscuit can be removed. The hand and the command should do the job. Don't forget to offer a line of appreciation whenever he responds, even if slightly.

THE 'Stay' COMMAND
This will give you a peace of mind. You can park your dog while performing other jobs. Training includes putting the dog in a down or a sit position, then commanding him to “stay” while moving away.

THE 'Get in or Go to bed' COMMAND
This is to command your dog to go inside its crate or to its bed and to stay there until he is allowed to. He has the liberty to move such as turn around, to stand and lie down in that place not like when he is under a “stay” command.

THE 'Drop' COMMAND
Dogs steals all sorts of things everyday. A dog under the direct control of the owner is a dog that drops anything no matter how attractive it is, whenever you command. This will avoid from damaging worthy properties or eating unsafe items.

THE 'Dance' COMMAND
You can use your own imagination as well as your dog's playful actions to teach him dancing. Hold a biscuit right above his head, a little beyond his reach. Move it up and down and the dog will do the same. Tell him to shake or twist by demonstrating it yourself in the first instance. Alternatively you can use the sitting down or standing or all four legs or anything else which pleases him.Teach him once or twice so that he catches up immediately after listening to the command 'Dance'. And then see the funny tactics and enjoy it.Increase his dancing time gradually. If he likes it, he can do it upto ten minutes at a stretch, or may be longer.

And remember that after tempting him, you must reward him suitably.

How to stop a dog from digging

2007-04-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

Dogs dig in the yard for a variety of reasons:How to stop a dog from digging?

Useful tips,advice and proven methods to stop your dog from digging,Why Do Dogs Dig? Understand and solve it.

Dogs often dig in freshly turned dirt
They dig when they want attention from you
They dig in order to create a cool place to lie
They also dig when they are bored or frustrated
Some dogs even dig as a way to be playful
If your dog is digging under the fence he may be trying to get out to search for a mate.
They also dig because your dog is hunting for some little critters that live in your garden
For food storage purposes.

How to stop a dog from digging? You can help a bored, frustrated or playful dog by providing him with more exercise, regular obedience training and companionship. Provide shade for your dog so that he has a cool place to sleep.

Confine your dog when you can't supervise him. Place him in a crate or kennel run whenever you aren't around to spy on him. You'll need to do this until you have fixed the digging problem.

If your dog has a favorite spot he likes to dig you can bury some chicken wire just under the surface of this area. When your dog starts to dig he won't like the feeling of his paws scraping along the wire.

Popular and most effective way to stop your dog from digging. What you do is fill up the holes your dog has created, adding some of his poop (feces) to the filling. Most dogs are really put off by this and won't attempt to dig again.

Some dogs just copy what they see their owners doing. So if you're working away in the garden, suddenly your dog may be interested in doing the same! Such dogs may need to be confined while you are working in the garden

If none of the above methods work for you and your dogs, you may wish to try a remote electronic training collar or e-collar. This method does work, although I realise many dog owners don't like the sound of using such a device. In reality it works the same way as many of the other techniques in that it provides a negative association to the act of digging.

For the dog that absolutely will not stop digging, you can try burying balloons in the area where he digs. You can also squirt him with water or bang pans together when you catch him in the act. Any loud noise will help, including shaking pebbles or coins in a coffee can. Just be sure you only use these methods when you actually catch him digging.

Dog agility training information

2007-04-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

Dog agility is a sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy.Dog agility training enables a dog to perform any type of sport such as a jump, climb obstacles or weave in and out of poles.All dogs have agility but the most popular breeds for sport competition are medium to large size dogs.

Before starting agility training, a dog should be examined by a veterinarian carefully. A pre-requisite for joining agility training is that the dog should be able to obey the basic commands such as sit,lie down and come.

In dog agility training, a dog makes its way through an obstacle course with the help of the handler. The various obstacles includes:

A-frame
Dogwalk
Teeter-totter (or seesaw)
Crossover

Tunnels:
Tunnel (or chute or rigid tunnel)
Collapsed tunnel (or chute or cloth tunnel)
Tunnel maze

Jumps
Jump (or hurdle)
Double and triple jump (or spread)
Panel jump
Broad jump (or long jump)
Tire jump (tire or tyre is a device covering the circumference of a wheel.)

Miscellaneous:
Table (or pause table)
Pause box
Weave poles

A well-trained dog can easily follow the different commands that are required by the sport. There are a number of ways to carry out agility training, but the trainer should select a method that fits a dog’s needs. Agility training should be fun, so the instructor should not be too critical or competitive.

Factors are important to consider when purchasing your Agility training equipment:

Are your goals to develop a deeper bonding with your dog by taking agility classes together, having fun, and seeing how far you and your dog can progress with agility skills
Do you want to do agility as a just for fun activity or are you setting your sights on making it to the nationals and becoming an agility instructor.

How to stop dog from biting?

2007-03-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

To prevent physical injuries especially on children, dog biting training for your dog is very important. Dog bites can scar emotionally. When a person has sustained a dog bite, he will be forever uncomfortable with all animals and be terrorized of them. How to stop dog from biting?

When the teeth start growing in the mouth of your puppy, he will be anxious to test them. And if he is not given his favourite toy to play with, which of course is the bone, he will try your shoes. So ensure that is doesn't happen. When he chew your sofa, say 'No' or 'Leave that', thereby showing strong disapproval. He will not know the difference between right and wrong unless you tell him so.

Escape from playing offensive games such as tug-of-war, wrestling or inciting your dog to attack other people. Don’t permit your dog to chew or bite your hands. Establish proper limits for your dog's traits. Don’t pause for an unsatisfactory behavior to result an evil habit, or asserts your dog will develop out of it.

Aside from dog biting training, you can spay (remove the ovaries) your dog. This will minimize your dog's crave to fight with other animals and roams in the streets. Compared to unblemished dogs,neutered or spayed dogs are three times less likely to bite.

How to Avoid Dog Bites?

Gently ball your fists when meeting or greeting a friendly dog. Keeping your fingers in a fist protects you and your children. If a dog tries to bite and the hand is open, the dog can easily grab hold of a finger or thumb and cause damage. Extensive and irreparable nerve damage can occur to an open hand. When the hand is in a fist, most dogs have a difficult time getting their mouth around the fist.If a dog still manages to bite your fist, your fingers and thumb are protected.

If you are walking and an aggressive dog runs at you do the following:

Stand perfectly still, ball your hands into fists and hold them tight to your sides or cross them tightly over your chest, look away from the dog at all times. If you are walking with a young child, turn the child’s body and face into your body, ball your fists and hold your child’s head tight into your body or thighs, stand still and look away from the dog at all times. Make sure your child’s face is buried in your body and that your child cannot look at the dog. Talk quietly and calmly to your child as you continue to look away from the dog. Picking up your child can increase danger because a child’s dangling feet are an easy target for an aggressive dog. The aggressive dog will run right up to you, may even jump on you, and bark ferociously, but as long as you do not move, the dog will realize you are not a threat. Eventually the dog will quit barking and walk away. No doubt, this is a terrifying experience. Your instincts tell you to run, but running is the easiest way to trigger an attack. Once the dog walks away, slowly walk away.

Dog Training - Crate Training Techniques to your puppy

2007-03-27T02:50:00.000-07:00

Crate training involves keeping the puppy inside the crate for a certain length of time, and then removing the dog to an established toilet area, where he can relieve himself. The reason that crate training works so well for housebreaking your puppy is that it encourages him to ‘hold’ it, and associate emptying his bladder outside the crate.

This type of training usually works well for puppies or older dogs. The common problems from this type of toilet training are usually stem from not understanding the signals the dog is sending, inconsistent feeding times or trying to rush the process

Do not rush!

If your dog continues to soil the den area after crate training, this may be because the owner has left the dog in the den for too long and the dog has an “accident”. Another reason may be because the den area is too large. In this case, you can either make the den area smaller or take the dog to the toilet area more frequently. Another reason could be that the dog has yet to adopt the area as the bed.

Once you get started, there may be occasionally accidents, and it very important not to punish the puppy or dog when it makes a mistake during the crate training process. You will also be more successful if you keep a diary of when your puppy eats, and when he requires a bathroom break when training. This will help you anticipate your puppy’s needs on a regular basis

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Dog Training - "Showing who's the boss" to your puppy

2007-03-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

Showing who's boss

Just like us, dogs have a rigid social order, consisting of top challengers, dogs contented with their positions, and under dogs. A wild pack of canine hunters must act as a team and kill to survive. Maintaining this “ pecking order” or hierarch is vital if fights to the death within the pack are to be avoided. The hierarchy is established through ritual displays that reveal the mental and physical strengths and weaknesses of the participants. Once dogs have learned their rank most, content to behave within the bounds that indicates.

Basic pet obedience training usually consists of 5 behaviors:

* Sit
* Down
* Stay
* Recall ("come" or "here")
* Heel (or loose-leash walking)

The recall command is arguably the most important of all training commands. It is critical to never punish a dog if they respond to a recall. Punishing a dog upon recall quickly teaches the dog that if he returns he will be punished. If the dog requires a correction, the handler should go to the dog - the dog should not be asked to come and then punished. The dog will attribute the punishment to whatever behavior he was doing DIRECTLY before receiving it, and if that behavior was responding (correctly) to a recall, then the handler has just inadvertently taught the dog to run away from the recall command.

Dog Training - Simple Commands to your puppy

2007-03-15T04:37:00.000-07:00

Body and Hand control - It can be of great value to use body and hand movements as signals, but you must be conscious of their useful application. The proper and natural use of signals will help your dog, so long as you know you are using them. You can later minimise these signals or cut them out when no longer needed. Hand and arm signals in particular can be used to reinforce acts of encouragement.

Call him by his Name - Give a small and cute name which suits the personality of your puppy. You can even choose the name according to his liking. If he likes a certain sound, you can name him accordingly. Make sure that you and everybody in the house call him by only that name - not two or three names. Don't confuse him - the more you call him, the more he gets accustomed to his name.

The come command to your puppy - This is the first and foremost command you need to teach your dog. Here is the easiest way to do it. Take a biscuit in your hand and say 'come' by showing the biscuit to him. Every time you tempt him with food, always say 'come'. Then gradually, even when you remove the biscuit, and just say 'come' he will come to you. This is the 'reflex action' technique.

Heel is a command to allow your dog to slowly walk with you and this allows you to keep your dog under control.

Some Tips For the Beginner Dog Trainer

2007-03-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

Bringing home your first puppy or dog can be a great experience. It can also be kind of overwhelming because if this is your first dog nothing can prepare you for the amount of attention and care your new friend will need. When it comes to training your dog there are few secrets out there. Most of the techniques being used today are built on training ideas that have been around for many years. This is where an experienced trainer can make it look easy while the beginning dog trainer may struggle with the simplest of training methods. The thing any dog training beginner needs to remember is that most dogs want to please their owner and the more quality time you spend training and playing with your dog the stronger the bond between you will be.

Many new dog owners struggle with actually getting their dog to do what they command. They become even more frustrated when a professional trainer or someone "who has a way with dogs" can get that same dog who ignores them to do whatever they want in a matter of minutes. Then you try the exact same commands and your dog just stares at you with a dumb look on his face. People who have experience training dogs don't posses special skills, they just understand dog behavior and how their tone of voice can get a dog to do what they want. This is something that beginner dog trainers will learn with a little practice.

Your tone of voice will set the stage for whether your dog listens or not. Your tone must be firm but non-threatening when you give a command. You are establishing who has dominance in the relationship and if you don't have it you will never be able to train your dog. You cannot establish dominance by yelling or threatening your dog because that will just make him fear you. A dog trained through fear has a hard time understanding when they are doing something wrong and when they do something right.

Praising your dog and giving him positive attention during training sessions is the most effective way to train your dog. Dogs can distinguish between right and wrong but without positive reinforcement and feedback from their owner they will have a hard time understanding the difference. By using changes in the tone of your voice when they do something right and when they do not obey they will learn to distinguish between what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Because dogs naturally want to please their owners your dog will soon learn to do the things that you ask for the reward of your praise that is to follow.

You can find hundreds of dog training tips on the internet today. The important thing to remember is that because every dog is different in temperament and intelligence what works for your neighbor's dog may not work for you. Just because the method you are using doesn't seem to be working doesn't mean that your dog may not respond better to a different type of training.

There is one other quick tip when it comes to dog training. When your dog is between the age of 3 to 16 weeks is the best time to start training them. This is when the bond between dog and owner will take hold. If you earn his respect as his master now training him in the future will be much easier.

Dog|puppy behavior training tips

2007-02-27T04:30:00.001-08:00

When you have a problem with another human being, it's reasonably straightforward to solve it - you just have to talk to them. Okay, so maybe that's not always straightforward, but it's much easier than dealing with a dog! Much as we love our dogs and often treat them like children, the reality is that they are animals. Dogs can't talk to us, and they don't think the same way we do.

Dog behavior training is a great way to establish effective communication with your dog.

Dog behavior training is, to some extent, training your dog to resist its natural canine impulses. Dogs bark, go to the toilet, dig holes and bite. Those are all perfectly normal canine behaviors. Unfortunately they don't always fit in with our notion of a well behaved dog.

Obedience training also helps to reinforce the fact that you're in charge. Social hierarchy is important in the dog world, and you need to be at the top of the heap if you're going to improve your dog's behavior. One of the big side benefits of dog behavior training is that a well behaved dog is a pleasure to have around, which makes it much easier for you to establish a positive, loving relationship with your pet.

There's never a "right" time to start dog training - start whenever you realize you need to. Starting good habits early is often the best way to go, but even an older dog can learn the basics, given time. One important thing to remember is that a dog doesn't have a long attention span, so keep training sessions short. Lengthy training sessions will be boring, and your dog will rapidly lose interest. Try to mix the training in with other daily activities where appropriate.

It's always good to reward your dog when he does the right thing. Positive reinforcement is a very powerful training method. However, if your dog doesn't do the right thing, it's also important to make it clear it's wrong. Reprimand the dog, but keep it sharp and short. You must reprimand as the dog is doing the wrong thing, because saying something half an hour later won't work. If possible, try to show the dog the correct behavior for that situation.

Finally, physical punishment has no part in good dog behavior training. Instead of an obedient dog, you will end up with a frightened one, who may turn on you or others when you least expect it. So treat your dog with love and respect, and the rewards will be worthwhile.

Dog|puppy obedience training tips

2007-02-23T04:34:00.000-08:00

In many ways, dogs also like different things to humans as well. One of the most obvious areas is obedience. A lot of human beings resent being told what to do, and act up as a result. Dogs, however, generally love obedience training, and want nothing more than to please their human by doing as they're told.

Obedience training also helps to reinforce the fact that you're in charge.

From day one, you should fix things and the place for the dog so that he is habitated and easily adapts to the changes. The area where your puppy should sleep should be a small room or a fenced place to restrict the movements of the puppy. The bed should be raised a few inches from the floor. The area surrounding the bed should be well protected with newspapers in the event of a natural accident. Puppies rarely spoil their own beds. If they do, the habit can be broken if you feed them in the same spoilt bed. The arrival of a puppy is exciting for both you and him. He would be curious to look at various places in the house and explore all. Allow him to do so. Eventually his curiosity will die down and he will obey you.

Training your dog to perform for fun and to improve his sitting, eating and other basic habits can be a lot of fun. Both you and your dog will come much closer to each other; you will know each other on a personal basis and living together will be all on the more interesting and enjoyable. But to train, you need the qualities of a trainer. If you are a stern, disciplined, quiet and introvert person, then probably you might think that you can train well since you yourself live a disciplined life. But remember, teaching is an art in itself. Introverts can't express themselves clearly. From my own little knowledge and experience, I will list down the five key qualities you need to possess while training your dog

1. Patience
2. Kindness
3. Clear and consistent expression
4. Receptiveness.
5. Faith All the qualities are self-explanatory.

You should not get angry when your dog fails to respond. You must give instructions which are clear and should repeat them in the same voice, tone and gesture whenever required. Further, faith in the abilities of you and your dog to learn is very important . Unless you believe in it, it will not be accomplished. Your dog, if he is around six to eight weeks of age, will be at his best to learn commands from you. If he is younger or older he might take extra time to learn, but remember patience and faith. You must buy a dog who is healthy, plump, lively and not timed. Generally people prefer male dogs for training as they are more robust and active, but this is a misnomer. The normal training which is given at home can equally be taken as efficiently by a female.

Before dog|puppy adoption, know the Detail About Dog size and sex

2007-02-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

There are certain factors which need to be kept in mind while selecting a puppy. Then can basically be distributed into two categories, namely size and sex.

The categories are discussed below, In Detail About Dog size and sex:-

Size: A big sized dog needs regular exercise and you must happily take him out at least twice a day for long walks. On the other hand, if you can't afford this, selecting a smaller dog is a smarter decision. He will not need as much exercise and so will be more suitable for indoor life and small homes. A big dog requires more space. Never dream of keeping a Great Dane in a two room apartment on the sixth floor. The shorter the space you have, the smaller the size of the dog you should settle for. The less energy you have to take care, the smaller the size. Another consideration is the feed. A bigger dog needs more food and is relatively expensive compared to a smaller one. A big dog is kept as a guard dog, a deterrent to thieves and burglars. Though a smaller one with a sharp bark can more or less serve the purpose.

Keep all these factors in mind while selecting the size so as to suit your individual requirements.

Sex :- This is a rudimentary and crucial decision - whether to select a dog or a bitch. Don't go by the stories contending the superiority of a male or a female. They have no scientific basis. The animal's individual disposition varies irrespective of the sex. Generally, females have a sweeter disposition. Females come on heat when they are ready to be mated, once they are between six months to one year of age, while males do not experience any such change.