Dog Information

Dog Training Tricks - What Is The Best Dog Training Trick?

2007-08-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tricks - What Is The Best Dog Training Trick? By Lee Tuan James

There are hundreds and many different versions of dog training tricks out there, some being just basic commands, while some others represent complex exercises. These tricks while can be great fun to teach your dog, in principal they can also be complement as effective obedience and behavior training lessons for your dog.

To help your dog to learn any dog training tricks effectively, it is important that both you and your dog are having fun when you are doing this. Furthermore, do note that no matter what dog training tricks you intend to teach your dog, the learning location must be quite so that it will not distract your dog’s attention. Any dog training exercise must also contain as many rewards as possible since it will serve as good motivation to keep going.

Do take note that dog training tricks require a longer time interval to be taught, therefore do not push it too hard as forcing your dog to learn too fast is almost impossible for any animal. Raising your voice won't make the dog understand what you want, instead it will just get scared. Don't let your dog lose interest; simply stop when you feel tired or when you sense that your dog is getting frustrated.

For starters, one of the best dog training tricks that everybody knows and likes is the “Hello” or “Hand Shake”. Almost everyone will be impressed when your dog presents the paw out for a shake as a form of greeting. This is one of the first dog training tricks you can teach your pet.

To begin: Make your dog sit in front of you, lift its paw gently and shake it easily, when you shake its paw reward it somehow. Repeat this dog training trick procedure constantly and don’t let it go unnoticed no matter the results. After the dog has learned to raise the paw when you stretch your hand in front, start repeating the word “Hello” each time the dog presents its paw. Though it is a simple dog training trick it always brings a smile on the face of any visitor and especially children, they will simply love it instantly.

Another dog training trick is the “Carry” command; it is both funny and useful. Most dogs love carrying bags and though it might look like a difficult trick to teach your dog, it is however not. The learning process consists of three steps. First, the dog will get used to “Hold” things and not the ones it likes but any object. Each time it takes the object from your hand reward it. After it got used with this command try the “Release” order and give it a reward each time it drops the object in your hands. The last step of this dog training trick consists of teaching the dog to effectively carry a bag; this is simply learned by commanding the dog to hold an object while moving several steps. Call it and when it’s near you give the “Release” command.

If you would like to learn more about dog training tricks and information on dog behavior training, take a sneak peek at Sit Stay Fetch where you will master many more different dog tricks such as “climb”, “stand” or “roll”, plus many other simple, tried and proven dog training programs to help you deal with a huge variety of dog problems.

Lee Tuan James is a contributing member at Dog Training Classroom Stay in touch with Dog Training Classroom Newsletter for more Interesting Tips and Updates by subscribing to Dog Training News

Tips For Grooming Your Medium Coat Dog

2007-05-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

Tips For Grooming Your Medium Coat Dog by Kelly Marshall

If you own a dog with a medium coat, you will want to know how to groom him. Each length of hair needs to be cared for and groomed in a different way. You can not groom your long hair dog in the same manner in which you groom your medium coat dog. If you do choose to groom them in the same way, you may end up with a dog that has a coat that does not look right.

It is important that you learn how to groom your dog properly. The proper grooming can make a huge difference in the appearance of your dog. A dog who is groomed properly looks clean and neat. You will be surprised to see the difference proper grooming can make.

One great thing about medium coat dogs is that most of them do not require you to cut their hair. The hair does not need to be cut because it does not tangle, mat, or hold onto dirt like long hair would. This makes it much easier to care for and you won't have to worry about giving the dog a bath or a haircut everytime they play outside.

The most important thing to remember about keeping your dog groomed is that regular brushing and bathing are necessary. Brushing the hair at least once a week and bathing once a month are good routines to get in. If you can brush your dog every day, that is even better.

The best time to trim your dogs hair, if necessary, is after they have their bath. After bathing your dog, you will want to towel dry them and possibly use a blow dryer with a low heat setting. It is important to make sure your dogs hair is completely dry before attempting to trim it.

After the dog is dry, you should stand back and look at him to see if there are any stray, or long hairs that need to be trimmed. Having a picture of your breed of dog that is a show dog is a good way to know what your dogs coat should look like. Use this picture as a guide, and make sure to only cut a few hairs at a time. After cutting a few hairs you will want to step back and look before cutting any more. If you do not do this there is a very good chance that you will end up cutting too much.

Another area of concern is the dogs paws. You will want to make sure you cut the long hairs between the paw pads. You will also want to make sure you blend the foot and leg hair with the rest of the body. You also want to make sure that the dogs hair all over the body is well blended. This is why only minimal trimming is needed. The purpose in trimming your dog is to get an even look. You are only trimming a little bit to get rid of the stray or long hairs that look out of place.

About the Author

Kelly Marshall writes for Oh My Dog Supplies - visit for information on dog issues

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Easily Housetrain Your Adult Dog

2007-04-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Easily Housetrain Your Adult Dog by MR Bruno

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

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

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Applied Dog Behavior Training

2007-03-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

Applied Dog Behavior Training by David Lambert

Before starting dog training, it is best that you understand your options well. These days you can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in price and each one them has amazing different to present.

The first kind of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course destined for puppies that are approximately 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes usually last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is fundamentally trained how to socialize with people also as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to study how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The next type of dog training course is destined for the dogs that are at least 5 months aged. This type of dog training is recognized as the basic dog training. The period of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking correctly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third kind of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog more often than not the same things that are taught in the simple training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the instructions given by other people.

The intermediate dog training usually lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have finished its basic dog training course, or to be familiar with the essential commands that could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is recognized as the advanced dog training course. Here, once again, the course is fairly similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course, apart from for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is trained how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have finished their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk next to their owners with no leash. furthermore, it slowly prepares the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen training course.
The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the final course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 essential aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is actually well behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the lessons can continue for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course best suited for your dog. Though, you may look for the opinion of your local dog trainers to understand more. A lot of trainers consult gratis. So you should immediately be at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!

About the Author
David Lambert is a dog lover and creator of http://dogtrainingbb.com

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Stop Your Puppy From Jumping On Everybody

2007-02-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

How to Stop You Puppy From Jumping On Everybody by Edie MacKenzie

It wasn't that long ago our Chessie/Golden mix, Sonagh, would go into a state of complete apoplexy with the arrival of guests. She would be completely out of her mind . . . to the point where I couldn't open the door. Well today, I can report both of my dogs stay in their sit position and are perfectly quiet when anyone arrives at the door.

This article will show you what you need to do to stop your dog from jumping up on everybody who enters your house.

And here's the good news: Your problem is solvable, because dogs are very trainable. That behavior just needs to be modified into acceptable house manners.

So the first thing you want to do, if you don't have one, is get your dog a Gentle Leader. You can find one at your local vet office or pet supply store.

Now here's how the training starts: Before company comes, take your dog for a good, vigorous, half hour walk, making sure they stay in a heel the whole time. You want to be in charge of the walk, not your dog. No sniffing and exploring on this trip. This does two things.

1 - It uses up some of your dog's energy

2 - It establishes your leadership

Next, when company comes, pick a spot you want to establish as your dog's "company spot." This can be 4-5 feet back from the front door. Next, have your dog in their Gentle Leader with the leash clipped to it. Then put them in a sit/stay and step on the leash so your dog can't get their head any higher than a normal sit position.

Praise them for sitting nicely and give them a special treat you use ONLY when guests are coming. Try some dried liver bits - disgusting to us but candy for dogs. Now have someone else answer the door while you continue to manage your dog. Keep them focused on the treats, their sit/stay and your praise.

You may even want to develop a command for this activity. If you tell your dog "Company!" they will eventually associate their "company spot" and the desired behavior with this command.

It's just that simple.

Now I'll be honest, you will need to practice this quite a bit before you can expect a calm dog when people come into the house. So make people coming and going from your home a regular thing rather than a special event.

I think one of the other factors is how your guests react to your dog. You can help coach them so they can change their behavior. This will help with your dog's behavior, because their anxiety over the bouncing, jumping dog is being conveyed to your dog and she is, in turn, reacting to it.

Your dog will probably continue to try your patience - that's what puppies and dogs do. Just hang in there, because it will be worth it! Ear scratches to wee your dog! Tell them, with your help and dedication, they're going to be an incredible dog some day!

May you all have great moments with your dog.

Edie Mackenzie has been a dog nut for longer than she can remember and
is the author of two books on designer dogs, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. You can learn more about successful dog training and the only guide Edie recommends here:
http://www.discoveringlabradoodles.com/ssfarticle.html Dog Training

About the Author

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Give a Dog Training Book

2007-01-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

Give Your Child A Dog Training Book Before You Give Him A Puppy by John Mailer

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

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

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

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

About the Author

John Mailer has written many articles about dogs and puppies and how to train them. His main business is as an internet marketer
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Training Your Dog Around Your Garden

2007-01-16T17:06:00.000-08:00

Training Your Dog Around Your Garden by Dan Stevens

Dear Daniel Stevens:

One of our family's greatest hobbies is planting, weeding, and growing fruits and vegetables so we can enjoy them on the dinner table. Both my husband and I grew up eating organic, homegrown foods so we wanted to pass this gift down to our own children. Together, we have a blast working in the garden but lately, we've had an unexpected helper - our dog Tasha.

While we work, Tasha prefers digging and tearing up the plants. As you can imagine, this isn't helping the situation. Obviously, we aren't going to give up our garden nor are we going to get rid of the dog so we need to find some kind of solution that will allow us to enjoy both. We've tried telling her "NO" but I think the temptation is simply too great. Do you have any ideas on how we can keep growing our favorite foods without having some of our hard work undone by Tasha?

Denise
Colorado

Dear Denise:

The challenge with having a dog and a garden is that the space is shared space. For this reason, you may need to find some compromises in addition to training. One option that actually works well is using treats as rewards and an inexpensive clicker during the training period. Before you get started, Tasha should be confident with common commands such as "sit,"stay,"and "lie down." Once she's mastered these, the rest of the training pertaining to the garden will be easier.

For the clicker, you want to teach Tasha about barriers associated with your garden. For this, we recommend you use some type of garden fencing or rocks. This way, you and your pet will have a visual on where she can and can't go. As Tasha nears the garden, tell her "NO". Once you have her attention, use the clicker, which is a great distracter. Next, call the dog to you, giving her the "sit" command. As she obeys, offer her a small treat. If you are consistent with this type of training, Tasha should have a good handle on the new rules in about three to four weeks.

Another way to keep your dog out of the garden is to create a zone just for her. For this, you could have a four by four-foot space that has fresh grass, toys, water bowl, and perhaps a favorite bone or two, buried down about six inches. With Tasha on the leash, guide her to her space, telling her "YES, good girl." Have her sit and stay as you make your way to the garden.

If she tries to follow, guide her back to her "garden," repeating the process several times. If she does not understand after five or six tries, go ahead and put her back indoors while you garden. However, the next time you work in the garden, work with her again on the leash. Eventually, she will connect her getting to stay outside with you gardening, as long as she remains in her own space.

All the best,
Daniel Stevens

About the Author
Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer and author of SitStayFetch: Dog Training To Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems (http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/), one of the leading dog training guides on the market today selling over 21,000 copies (and counting).

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Dog Training Tip 7

2006-12-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

Dog Training Tip #7:

If a dog is sick, do not blame the dog for behaving badly.

If your dog has the signs of being sick, and they are acting inappropriately it is your right as the owner to have the dog examined. Visit a veterinarian and have their advice on if the dog has any medial problems. If they do you must help the dog, so that they will not misbehave due to being sick.

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Dog Training Tip 6

2006-10-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tip #6:

Do not punish desirable behavior.

If the puppy decides to do its deed outside, do not just leave the puppy after as they will see it as being the wrong thing to do. After they do what they need to outside, be with the puppy so they see what they have done is right. Show positive attention to your Dog.

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Dog Training Tip 5

2006-09-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tip #5:

Do not reinforce undesired behavior.

When your dog does something wrong or that is an undesired behavior, Do NOT reinforce that behaviour. They Will Keep doing it.

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Dog Training Tip 4

2006-08-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tip #4:

Reinforce desirable behavior.

If your Dog or Puppy does something right, the best Training Tip and Advice you need to know is to let your dog know that this behavior is desirable.

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Dog Training Tip 3

2006-07-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tip #3:

Timing plays an important role in training your dog. Use timing as a form of communication with your canine. Whatever method you choose to train your dog, ensure you develop proper timing for the technique.

Performing the correct dog training is something that will better your relationship with your dog.

Regards, MK
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Dog Training Tip 2

2006-07-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tip #2:

With regards to issuing commands to you furry dog friend, ensure that you enforce the commands you give the dog and do not constantly repeat the commands.

Another big DO NOT with giving commands is to NOT allow your furry friend to ignore a command. If you are not serious about the command to enforce it, do not give it at all.

Dog Training is something you get better as you learn what works with your dog.

Regards, MK
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Cesar Millan's Top 5 Tips for Going to the Dog Park

2006-07-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

Cesar Millan's Top 5 Tips for Going to the Dog Park

1. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!

2. Do not use the dog park as a substitute for the walk! If you drive to the park, leave your car a block away and take your dog on a vigorous walk of at least thirty-five minutes to drain some of her energy. Never take an over-excited dog to the park.

3. While at the park, don't "punch out" on your calm-assertive leadership. Be aware of your dog at all times, and take responsibility for her behavior.

4. A calm-submissive dog will not attract another dog's aggression--but an excited dog, a weak, timid dog, or an aggressive dog can become a fight-magnet.

5. Know your dog! If your dog has poor social skills, is overly fearful or is dog aggressive, or if you have not yet established your calm-assertive leadership with your dog, find a more controlled way to introduce her to the company of other dogs, such as "play dates" with one or two other dog owners.

Regards,
Michael Kralj
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Leash Training a Dog

2006-07-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a video I found on YouTube about Leash Training a Dog.

This video helps you leash train your puppy or dog. This lesson gives you insight into teaching your dog how to heel.

Hope this helps in your quest to train your dog!

Regards,
MK
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Cesar's Way: Dog Training

2006-06-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems

Video from Cesar Millan

Watch the video

In Cesar's Way, Cesar Millan will teach you:

- What your dog really needs may not be what you're giving him

- Why a dog's natural pack instincts are the key to your happy relationship

- How to relate to your dog on a canine level

- There are no "problem breeds," just problem owners

- Why every dog needs a job

- How to choose a dog who's right for you and your family

- The difference between discipline and punishment

- And much more!

Reviews:
"Cesar Milan's book is great fun and informative for dog people as well as everyone else. His concept of being calm assertive with your dogs holds well in many other circumstances as well. As an elementary school teacher I have used his techniques for years. As the proud owner of two boxers I am still working on some of his techniques, but it is well worth the effort. I recommend this book with four big woofs! " Audrey Bierman "dogmom"

Regards,
Michael Kralj
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Dog Training Tip 1

2006-06-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Tip #1:

To get your pets attention, call your dog by its name. In order for you to control your dog, you must be able to get them to listen and respond to you calling its name. If the dog does come, never punish the dog so that they learn when you call them, it is a good thing.

Regards,
Michael Kralj
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How To Train Your Dog

2006-06-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

How To Train Your Dog by David Vaccaro

Dog is man's best friend. I truly believe that. I love my dog. A well- trained dog can be a great companion for anyone from small children to adults. Specially trained dogs can do some amazing things. Dogs are even trained to do almost human tasks like calling 911 when there is an emergency.

In this article I am going to tell you a few things about training your dog that will make him or her even more valuable to everyone in your family. I would like to share some things that I have learned with you about training your dog.

There are some important basics you need to learn to successfully train your dog before we start. Obedience commands are important for laying a foundation in communicating between you and your dog, it creates a common language that you and your dog understand.

To Many new dog owners never really establish this kind of communication, and end up struggling with a disobedient dog as a result. There are many styles of training for your dog, but I want to stick to the basics and not get things to complicated for you.

The training I want to tell you about is the leash and collar technique, it's widely used and is very effective if done correctly. The leash and collar can be used in varying degrees of force from mild to harsh, but not cruel, and should never be used to nag your dog with ineffective correction.

Generally the leash is used as the main form of control to help you teach your dog each new behavior. Once it displays that it knows a command the leash will be used to correct the dogs behavior.

I always use basic commands when I have train my dogs and it has worked well for me. If you don't know any basic commands here are just a few easy ones that most dog owners know;

Heel- (to walk on a loose leash)

Sit

Stay

Down

Fetch

Release - (To release an object from its mouth)

One thing you need to know is, the leash and collar is just one of the many tools to help you train your dog. Leash training can never replace leader/follower relationship between the owner and the dog. Leash training will increase the bond between you and your dog, but can never replace trust that can only come from you and how you treat your dog.

Positive reinforcement training can also help you train your dog to learn these basic commands. Encouraging them with petting and positive, cheerful words much like you do with a baby who catches a ball. You can even applaud. Giving your dog treats is also effective when training your dog to performs certain tasks.

There are, as I said before, many ways to train your dog. I hope this article will encourage you to do a little more research on the topic so you can train your dog to be the best he or she can be.

About the Author
Find more Tips and Free Information from Dave Vaccaro at http://www.dogs.pn His other Blog about Credit Repair is at http://www.creditrepairfree.org

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Dog Training: Praise or Punishment!

2006-06-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Dog Training: Praise or Punishment! by Gareth Heath

Use of punishment has been traditionally the main method of changing an unwanted behavior or forcing a new behavior both in human and animal domains. The good news is day after day new studies prove that this once unquestioned method of training is less effective than what was thought.

I am often asked by animal owner why they should stop using punishment when it works for them. I would like to point out something before we continue; yes punishment is able to avert unwanted behaviors in several cases and at times faster than use of praise. That being said, negative side effects of using punishment especially in long term in forms of aggressive behaviors, psychological and emotional problems make punishment of lesser value even in cases that it works.

The best method for teaching your dog a new behavior is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is the process of presenting a pleasant stimulus (i.e. treat or verbal praise) in order to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurrence in the future. To get a better idea about how use of positive reinforcer and traditional punishment differs in dog training, let's see how an owner can teach his or her dog the command "down" using each of these methods.

First, let's take a look at using punishment: In this method, the owner puts leash on the animal in sit position, stands in front of the animal and steps on the part of the leash that's lying on the ground. Then he or she says the word down and pulls on the leash which will result in shortening of distance between the dog's neck and the ground and forces the animal to do down. After a few times, he or she just says down and if the dog doesn't obey the command he just pull on the leash vigorously and forces the animal to go down again. Apart from the injuries this method may cause on the animal, the fear and shock resulting from such violent methods, reduces the dog's learning ability to a minimum and make these methods even less effective.

Now, let's take a look at using a positive reinforcer for the same purpose: Starting from sitting position, the owner sits in front of the dog and with a treat between his fingers. Then he simply puts the treat in front of the dog's nose and then lowers the treat down in between the dog's paws while saying "down". When the treat reaches the ground he simply pulls his hand away and voila, the dog is in down position.

He may also put his other hand on the animal's shoulders just to guide him in the right direction without pushing him down. It will usually take only two or three repetitions for a puppy to lean to respond to "down" command using this method.

In conclusion, use of praise instead of punishment has proven to be a more effective method for teaching new behaviors to pets and in case of unwanted behavior aversion, humane punishment methods (such as taking away dog's favorite toy, etc.) are far superior to violent traditional punishments.

About the Author
Gareth Heath writes about nonviolent, humane methods in dog training. Visit http://www.thehappydogsclub.com for more articles on positive dog training and other subjects such as dog's health, grooming, etc.

Stop Dog Urination In The House

2006-05-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Stop Dog Urination In The House by Robert Bercume

The best house training uses the dogs own instincts to avoid soiling its bed to train the dog where and where not to eliminate. That is the basis behind crate training, in which the dog is confined to its crate in the absence of the owner, and den training, in which the dog is confined to a small area of the home. In essence, the crate, or the room, becomes the dog's den. Dogs are naturally very clean animals, and they try their best to avoid using their dens as toilets.

This type of training usually works very well, both for puppies and for older dogs. Problems with this type of toilet training are usually the result of not understanding the signals the dog is sending, not being consistent with feeding times, or trying to rush the process.

While the house training process can be sped up somewhat by consistently praising the dog and rewarding it for toileting in the proper place, some dogs cannot be rushed through this important process. It is always best to house train the dog properly the first time than to go back and retrain a problem dog.

If the dog continues to soil the den area after house training, the most likely reason is that the owner has left the dog in the den for too long. Another reason may be that the den area is too large. In this case, the best strategy is to make the den area smaller or to take the dog to the toilet area more frequently.

If the dog soils the bed that has been provided in the den area, it is most likely because the owner has left the dog there for too long, and the dog had an understandable accident. Or it could be that the dog has not yet adopted this area as the bed. In addition, urinary tract infections and other medical conditions can also cause dogs to soil their beds. It is important to have the dog thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

One other reason for house training accidents that many people overlook is boredom. Dogs who are bored often drink large amounts of water and therefore must urinate more frequently than you might think. If you notice your dog consuming large amounts of water, be sure to take the dog to the established toilet area more often, and provide the dog with toys and other distractions to eliminate boredom.

Boredom is the root cause of many dog behavior problems, not only house training issues. Chewing and other destructive behaviors are also often caused by boredom and separation anxiety.

Other problems with house training can occur when the dog's den is not properly introduced. In some cases dogs can react to the den as if it is a prison or a punishment. Those dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety, such as whining, chewing and excessive barking. It is important for the dog to feel secure in its den, and to think of it as a home and not a cage.

The best way to house train a puppy or dog, or to re-house train a problem dog, is to make yourself aware of the dog's habits and needs. Creating a healthy, safe sleeping and play area for your dog, as well as a well defined toilet area, is important for any house training program.

House training is not always an easy process, but it is certainly an important one. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so a well structured house training program can literally be a lifesaver for your dog.

Free Dog Training Here:
Stop Dog Urination In The House

About the Author

Robert Bercume is the creator of 3 Very Popular Dog Training Websites http://www.PuppyTipster.com
http://www.SimpleDogTraining.com
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Helping thousands of dog owners worldwide with their Dog or Puppy Training needs.

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How To Potty Train Your Old Dog

2006-05-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

How To Potty Train Your Old Dog by Marc Lindsay

All dogs need ground rules setting, regardless of the proposed use of those ground rules. In the case of obedience training you need to establish who is in charge and teach your dog to listen to your commands. In the case of potty training dog it is not only to keep your home looking and smelling clean but it also benefits the dog as well. Dogs are not messy animals by nature and they would much rather mess outside than where they sit and eat. It is usually necessity or bad training that leads to a dog messing in the house instead of the yard.

Start potty training as young as you possibly can. It really is never too early to learn and dogs are at their most susceptive when they are still very young puppies. Get them into a set routine as soon as you start training and make sure that you always stick to that routine as stringently as you possibly can. This routine is the one thing that will really help you and your dog get used to your new plan. Be aware that most puppies will need to go out every two to three hours during training but once they are trained and well practiced they should be able to last the full eight hours of the night.

Puppies specifically need to go first thing in the morning, last thing at night and approximately half an hour after eating and these are the times you should base the rest of your schedule around. It also means that firstly you should not leave food down for the dog all the time. You should give set meals at set times and again stick to these times. This will help your dog and it will also benefit you in keeping to the schedule.

Always keep your eyes peeled and if you see your puppy or your dog doing anything that might indicate it needs to go to the toilet then you should take him out. If you happen to catch him in the act then you should pick him up while he is still finishing up and take him out to your designated area. Let him finish and then pet him for going outside. If you come home to find your dog has messed in the house while you have been out it is too late to punish the dog. They will not associate your reprimand with the mess but simply with you coming home.

About the Author
Potty Dog Training and Puppy Training product reviews so you know you are only teaching your dog the very best techniques.

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Dog Training Online

2006-05-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

Dog Training Online by William R. Nabaza of http://www.Nabaza.com/pets.htm

With just about everything available on the internet it is no surprise when you hear that dog training online is available. Many sites are offering tips and helpful hints to training your dog and many of them are fabulous! Just search for "dog training" online and up comes at least 100 pages full of exciting and hilarious ideas to try and train your dog with. You don't have to take them all seriously just have a glance over them all and see what tickles your fancy. Why not try a few?

You do have to be careful though because some of the sites are just people trying to make some quick money. There are sites which make you pay to download E-book's but I wouldn't advise it as there are plenty of sites out there offering the same advice for free. Many sites come with helpful pictures and video clips which all help in the road to a happily trained dog. Other sites even offer forums and chat room options so you can talk with other people and get some tips off of them.

Dog training online is like purchasing a video or a book, but without the hassle and expense. The results online are instant, and you can have them to hand when you are training you dog. Some of the dog training online sites offer products to go with their services, the products are available at an extra charge of course, but can be shipped anywhere. There are real experts available each with their own website so you can be sure of great training exercises. You do like I said have to watch out for bogus claims and people making you pay for their advice. These sites are not recommended.

There are other types of online dog training websites e.g. sites where you can actually hire a personal trainer and book a week of their time, they then come out to your house and spend a week, or whatever amount of time you have booked and paid for and spend that time with you and training your dog.

Many handlers are now turning to the internet to find some practical, inexpensive and quality advice. When searching for a good site always check the writers credentials and reviews, especially if your paying for their services. At the end of the day training your dog is supposed to be about fun, so kick back relax, have a good read at the tips available on a website then have a go!

About the Author

William Nabaza of http://www.Nabaza.com specializes in domains, webhosting, webmaster's tools, netpreneur's articles and resources. Stands out as a freebie provider, business opportunity provider and the like. Visit his site at http://www.nabaza.com or contact him directly at william@nabaza.com There's more pet resources here: http://www.nabaza.com/pets.htm

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Dog Training 101

2006-05-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Dog Training 101. Or Should That Be Owner Training 101...? by Mark Davies

We've always had dogs around ever since I was a kid, and even when our family was "between dogs" I adopted next door's Boxer dog as my own. Despite this, as a family we didn't have a clue how to correctly train a dog - as long as it didn't mess on the floor, chew up our slippers and finally came on the fifth yell of its name we thought things were just fine.

Like many dog owners I didn't know the first thing about training a dog. Well, we think we do because the dog sits or offers us a paw when we have a treat in our hands but those are just party tricks.

Then I bought my very own dog when I got a place of my own. As she grew she changed from loveable pup into a liability. She wandered off, never came when called and turned into the Tasmanian Devil whenever anybody called around. The final straw came when she tore into the room and scrambled up to sit on the shoulders of a visitor who had come to assess me for a voluntary position. He was not a dog lover and I can still remember the look on his face now...

Trouble was, I had always treated dogs as furry friends, always giving in to those sad-looking eyes and never realizing that the dogs saw me in a totally different way. Dogs are pack animals and as such they are acutely aware of their position in the pack - and you and your family are its pack, even if there's just the two of you.

Grasp that little fact of dog psychology and you are well on your way to a happier dog. From now on you are going to make it plain to your dog that you are the Alpha male or leader of the pack and what you say goes. See that furniture? That's mine. You lie on the floor or in your dog basket. Don't feed the dog tidbits from the dinner table - in fact the dog should be in his basket while you eat, and he only gets fed after everybody else has finished.

But isn't that just being mean and taking all the fun out of owning a dog?

The leader of the dog pack eats first. He sleeps in the best spot. The Alpha male takes no notice of subordinate dogs fussing around him when he returns from the hunt. When you consistently act as leader you are communicating to your dog in a language he understands.

When you come home, ignore your dog's frantic attempts at attention seeking until he calms down - then you praise him. It won't be long before your dog realizes he's gone down a few notches in the pack hierarchy and acts accordingly. You'll soon find that your dog greets you quietly and quickly settles down as he's worked out that is when he receives praise from you.

Still not convinced that training your dog makes him a happier dog? Look at it from the dog's point of view. He's living in a human world full of confusing things and behavior he can't understand. By not teaching your dog his place in your pack he will feel it's his place to take charge. But this leaves him feeling stressed, resulting in an unruly and confused dog constantly trying to make sense of an overwhelming world it cannot understand.

But when you assume command as leader of the pack, you take that responsibility off his shoulders. Just like a well-trained soldier, he will be happy knowing his place, his role in the pack and what's expected of him - and happy to defer to your leadership knowing you'll take care of the "big stuff".

About the Author
Mark Davies is a life-long owner of dogs and is currently Alpha male to his three children and Merlin, his seven year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Actually, his wife is the real leader of the pack.

Mark invites you to visit his site http://www.top-dog-trainer.com/

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Golden Retriever - A Loving, Large Family Dog

2006-05-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Golden Retriever - A Loving, Large Family Dog by Dakota Dog

Golden Retrievers are a medium to medium/large dog breed. They reach a height between 20" to 24". If a Golden Retriever could speak, they might say, "What can I do for you?" They are born people pleasers from hunting to tricks to family pet.

The Golden Retriever is AKC recognized with a coat color in varying shades of golden or cream with golden throughout the coat. They get their name, of course, from the color of their coat. They have a medium length, water repellent outer coat and a dense undercoat. Their coat is feathered. They require a daily brushing to prevent knots and they only need an occasional dry shampoo. You should only give them a wet bath if necessary.

Exercise and playful outside and calm indoors, the Golden Retriever is considered to be one of the best large dog breeds to have as a family pet. They are great with children and other dogs. Early socialization is recommended for birds and small non-canine pets because of their hunting history but they tend to get along with other animals as well. They are extremely easy to train, even for the dog novice. They love to learn and they are fast learners. They are best for active families as they need daily time to run and roam outdoors. If you are looking for an excellent hunting companion, the Golden Retriever is an awesome hunting dog.

Originating in the mid 1800s, some sources state England as their country of origin and others state Scotland as their county of origin. Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness-Shire, Scotland is said to have extensive records that show he developed the breed. Their ancestry includes the Water Spaniel, Retrievers, Setters and a Bloodhound. They were mainly used for hunting and retrieving and have an excellent sense of smell. They also make excellent therapy and guide dogs.

If you are in search of a large dog that is sweet, calm and affectionate and will be good with families that include other dogs or small children, it is hard to find a more pleasing, gentle large family dog. Exercise and play are important in their daily activities, but they will be just as happy relaxing inside with you at night.

About the Author
Learn more about the Golden Retriever or visit us online to talk about Dogs or to see Dog Pictures

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Help With Dog Training

2006-05-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

Help With Dog Training By Michael Russell

Dogs are considered to be man's best friend so understandably, getting a dog or puppy is always an exciting experience for every family. However, getting a puppy is one thing, but training him to be an understanding and obedient part of the family, is another. Dog training requires some necessary skills and attitudes to be effective; you will learn most of these as you train your dog. It is always better to opt to train your dog personally, though there is nothing wrong with hiring a professional dog trainer to handle the task. Both have merits and perhaps, disadvantages.

Though, you may be prone to mistakes and inconsistencies along the way, training your dog yourself could be a very effective way of establishing that important communication between you. You also learn how your dog reacts to some situations and what triggers some actions, like barking. On the other hand, employing the services of a professional brings you instant results and takes away the "trial and error" process that is mostly experienced in personally training your dog.

Some people will advise a blend of the two. Training your dog yourself, but joining a professional dog training class. This achieves several ends, you can describe it as 'eating your cake and still keeping it'. The training class reduces the cost of employing direct professional services but still provides you with professional direction for home training of your dog. Thus, it does not deprive you of the 'bonding' and understanding that is established each time you and your dog start that training session.

No matter how you want to go about your dog's training, patience, the environment and rewards/praises are vital factors that will greatly affect the success of your efforts.

Patience, in the sense that you are trying to communicate with an animal that doesn't speak the same language or employ the same communication methods as you do. Whenever you get stuck with training your dog, when you feel your efforts are not yielding any results, remember that you wouldn't fare better if asked to bark. It is going to take time before you can make you dog sit, by just saying the word, that is not his natural language. A lot of repetitions and praising your dog each time he does it right will reap results.

Dogs are naturally excited by their environments and they tend to get easily distracted. Imagine what happens when a cat cruises past the front of your dog during a training session; he is bound to get distracted. Your dog's training session will be much more fruitful if you can have your training sessions in a quiet environment with less distraction. You can progress to noisier environments for more advanced obedience training, when you have your dog well grounded in basic obedience training.

As man's friend, dogs seek to always make their owners happy and satisfied. The training sessions with your dog will be more fruitful if you let your dog know when you are satisfied. Rewarding your dog with cuddles or a treat when he gets it right, shows the dog you are happy with his conduct and reinforces that action in the dog.

Dog training can be quite a challenge, but if you follow the tips here, the task will be much easier.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dog Training

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How to Stop Your Dogs Excessive Barking

2006-04-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

How to Stop Your Dogs Excessive Barking by Brent Jones

Barking is the dog's instinctive means of giving a warning and it would be against your interest to discourage it. However, once you have been alerted, your dog should realize that his job is done. So select a word of praise, such as "Good Dog" or "Okay", or command such as "quiet", and give your dog a pat to indicate that he must now be still.

Hysterical barking such as during a thunderstorm, can be treated by reassurance, companionship, distraction, or if all else fails by tranquilizers from your veterinarian. Barking at a strange object can be quickly stopped by showing him that there is nothing to fear.

Barking from boredom or in order to attract attention is best treated by eliminating the cause. If you give your dog plenty of attention and exercise, you can insist on quiet behavior the rest of the time. Obedience training is of great indirect benefit due to the self-discipline it imposes and the mental and physical activity it provides.

Whining, barking, or howling when left alone should not be tolerated. It is easier to prevent in a puppy than it is to correct in an adult dog. However, even a lonely barker can be cured in an afternoon or evening if you arm yourself with patience and whatever acting talent you possess.

You must pretend to leave your dog alone, telling him to "Guard the house", and that you will be "back soon". As soon as your dog starts to bark or howl, you must burst furiously into your home, saying "Bad Dog" or "No!" A single experience may be enough to make it clear to your dog that his barking displeases you.

When your dog is duly impressed by your dissatisfaction, you should forgive him, settle him down, tell him to "Guard the House" and leave again. Be patient and hope for the best. If your dog has not barked within 5 or 10 minutes, you can be almost certain that he has learned his lesson. But if he resumes his barking, you must repeat the entire scenario, and repeat it as often as necessary.

As a final scene, stay away for a brief time, and when he hasn't barked, return, greet him fondly and praise him. Then reward him with a treat or a walk, whichever he prefers. The next day you can test him by making a point of leaving him alone for a short period of time. Chances are that he will pass the test.

In the future, if you take the trouble to give him plenty of exercise beforehand, and opportunity to relieve himself, a diverting to or bone, water and food, whenever you have to leave your dog at home alone for an evening, he will never howl or bark without some justifiable reason.

A simple trick to stop your dog from barking with joy when you come home in the middle of the night is to give him his ball or bone or favorite toy. He cannot hold something in his mouth and bark at the same time. He may gurgle with delight, but this will not disturb the neighbors.

About the Author

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest designer dog clothes, dog collars, dog strollers and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://www.joncopets.com

Four Common Skin Problems in Dogs

2006-04-02T00:17:00.000-08:00

Four Common Skin Problems in Dogs by Blake Kritzberg

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

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

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

Fleas, Lice and Ticks

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

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

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

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

Mange

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dog Grooming

2006-03-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

Dog Grooming by John Moore

Dog Grooming & Routine Care

All dogs need regular grooming. It improves the appearance of short coated dogs, and is essential for those with long coats. It also does much to stop unwanted hair on the furniture and carpets. Start as soon as you get your dog or puppy. If you get dogs used to grooming from an early age they will accept it as a normal routine and become to enjoy it.

For the shorter haired dogs a fairly firm clothes brush will be sufficient, but if you need one that's a bit stiffer your local pet store should have a wide choice of brushes. Regular brushing will remove the loose hair and give a shine to the dogs coat. For long haired breeds a strong steel comb as well as a brush is essential. So many owners think they are grooming their dogs when they are actually only running a brush over the surface of the tangled coat. A daily grooming should prevent the formation of matts and tangles, even in spaniels and poodles.

Parasites

Remember while grooming your dog to look for parasites such as fleas and lice which may have been picked up by your dog. To see how to deal with these, please visit our pet website which is shown below.

You may also find grass seeds in the coat, and especially between the toes. These, if not removed, may penetrate the skin causing painful abscesses. A daily examination of the coat will also give you the opportunity to check for skin irritations that may need attention.

Foot Care.

The feet should be examined daily, especially the hairy types of dog such as spaniels, for the presence of thorns. It is better to keep the hair between the toes and under the pads trimmed short, and to wash the feet after exercise in muddy weather. The accumulation of grit and hard packed mud under the pads may contribute to the formation of cysts or boils on the feet. Keeping your dogs feet clean is a must.

Author John Moore - Family man and animal lover. Thank you for reading my article. Please use my link http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

About the Author
Author - John Moore - Family man and animal lover. Please use my link http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

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Dog Training: How To "Lick" Your Dog's Incessant Licking Habit!

2006-03-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

Dog Training: How To "Lick" Your Dog's Incessant Licking Habit! by Caroline Kent

Does your dog seem to spend an infinite amount of time licking himself? Why is he doing it? And how do you, as a dog owner, correct that annoying licking habit? Here are five of the most common reasons why your dog might be incessantly licking himself and the solutions to correcting the habit.

1. Your dog might have developed an unrelenting licking habit because he needs a bath.

If your dog spends alot of time outside, romping through the woods, tramping in the mud, rolling in the grass or wading in the nearest stream or pond, he is probably dirty. So, your dog may be constantly licking himself because the dirt is irritating him! Plus, all that outdoor activity may have gotten him infested with ticks, fleas, mites, or lice. Your dog's incessant licking may be an attempt to rid himself of those nasty varmints!

Give him a bath with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick shampoo. Before bathing him, make sure you brush out all the mats and tangles from his coat or the bathing will make them worse.

2. Your dog might have developed a chronic licking habit because he has a skin disorder.

Some common skin disorders that a dog may develop are mange or dermatitis. Mange is a skin disease in dogs that is caused by various types of mites. The dermatitis could be caused by an allergic reaction to fleas, dust mites, mold or a certain brand of dog food. If you suspect that your dog has a case of mange or dermatitis, your veterinarian will be able to diagnose what the disorder is and prescribe a course of treatment.

3. Your dog might have developed a persistent licking habit because he is under stress.

The stress may be a result of a new adoption, physical abuse, separation anxiety, or even a reaction to a new food.

If you think separation anxiety might be the cause of his stress, there are several methods for solving the problem. Try exposing your dog to being alone for very short periods of time. When your dog has adjusted to being alone for that duration of time, gradually increase your departure period. If you must be away from your dog for a long period of time, while you are away at work, try to find a friend or neighbor who could come over and take him for a walk a couple of times during the day.

Perhaps a new dog in the family is causing the stress? It is very common to experience a period of stress and adjustment when a new dog is brought into a household that has an established pet. One way to help make the transition a little easier is to give your older dog alot of attention and love. It will let him know that he's still a vital part of the family. Just remember that it will take time for your dogs to adjust to one another and be one happy dog family!

Changing your dog's diet can also cause stress. If you're thinking of feeding your dog a new brand of dry dog food, do it gradually and over a period of four days or longer. On the first day that you change the food, feed your dog one quarter of the new food with three quarters of the old food. Add in another quarter of the new food after a couple of days or so. After another two days, add in another quarter of the new dog food. Finally, after another couple of days or so, you will be able to leave out the old dog food entirely!

If you cannot determine the cause of your dog's stress, talk to your veterinarian. He'll be able to refer you to a dog behaviorist who will be able to determine the cause of your dogs stress. If your dog has severe separation anxiety, an anti-anxiety medication might be considered to alleviate the anxiety. Drugs are not a complete solution, however, and should be used along with a treatment program.

4. Your dog might have developed an incessant licking habit because he has an injury that has resulted in an open wound.

A dog that has developed an injury that has resulted in an open wound will lick himself incessantly in an attempt to clean the wound and keep it free from bacteria. Dog saliva has been proven to kill some germs and when your dog licks an open wound, it will aid in keeping the wound infection free.

Veterinarian treatment may be required if your dog appears to be in pain, the wound contains a foreign material and is deep enough to require stitches, is bleeding excessively or becomes infected.

5. Your dog might have developed a relentless licking habit because he has developed the bad habit of doing so.

Some dogs develop the habit of licking their paws incessantly despite them being clean, uninjured and parasite-free!

Your dog may develop the habit of constantly licking himself because he has alot of nervous energy and no way to alleviate the stress. He also may have learned this behavior because he is bored and this is a way to entertain himself!

Give your dog lots of time to play and run and work off any excess energy. If your dog is well-exercised and happy, he won't feel the need to relentlessly lick himself to relieve stress or boredom!

The information detailed above will help you discover and correct your dog's habit of chronic licking. With careful observation and a little attention to proper grooming, training, along with regular veterinarian visits, you can 'lick' your dog's incessant licking habit!

About the Author
For a free dog training guide with more dog training tips, be sure to visit http://freedogtrainingguide.com/

Get Cheap Domain Name Registration for your Dog Breed web site.

Nutrition Requirements of Your Senior Dog

2006-03-02T20:20:00.001-08:00

Nutrition Requirements of Your Senior Dog by Dave Eckholm

Nutritional needs change as a dog ages. Many breeds of dogs enter their senior years at 5-7. Like humans, as dogs' age, their metabolism slows down. Obesity is one of the most common afflictions facing senior dogs. Stiff joints and muscles leave them wanting to run around less. As an owner of a senior dog, it is important to keep your dog exercising and it becomes more important than ever for your dog to get proper nutrition.

Quality dog foods will breakdown the specific ingredients. Read the label to make certain your dog is getting the best food for his needs.

In 100 grams of food there should be:

1.2 Grams of Fiber
0.55 Grams of Calcium
14 or Less Grams of Protein
9 or Less Grams of Fat
Less than 0.28 Grams of Sodium
Less than 0.33 Grams of Phosphorous

Vitamins also are important to the mature dog.

Vitamin B...............aids metabolism and appetite
Vitamin A...............aids muscles and eyes
Vitamin E................aids muscles and eyes

Shopping Tips for Dog Food from the Animal Protection Institute

Meat should be the first ingredient. The label should have the AAFCO Guarantee. Avoid if corn is listed two or more times in the top 5 ingredients. Check expiration date. Avoid foods with chemical preservatives like ethoxyquin, BHT, and BHA. Look for foods with natural preservatives such as tocopherols, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Avoid bone meal, meat meal and other by-product ingredients. Rice is the most digestible of all grains. If grain is in the formula, rice is a good choice.

As always, check with your veterinarian before changing diet and supplements. Your vet can often recommend a prescription dog food that will be just right for your pet's changing needs. Keep your dog moving and eating right so you both can enjoy his senior years!

About the Author
Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for his quality of life. We searched for new ideas, resources and products to enhance his senior years. Old Dog Paws shares this information with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy his golden years too!

Dog Care Fundamentals

2006-03-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

Dog Care Fundamentals by Dana Goldberg

Dog care may come in all forms, depending on the requirements of your pet, but thanks to modern veterinary medicines, dogs are now living healthier well through their golden ages. dog care is much like extending your dogs life through providing healthier lifestyle and productive maintenance, given that they are affected with environmental and genetical factors.

Smaller dogs have greater life expectancy than that of the bigger breeds, actually, a large breed is already considered senior if they have reached the age of five, on the other hand it would take ten to thirteen years before a small dog comes into its prime age.

Dog care is an essential part of a dog's life. If not properly attended, they may acquire certain diseases that are undisputedly shortening their lives. Some of these may include diabetes, tumors, liver cancer, kidney diseases, joint pains, obesity, and many dental problems. In these, it is very important that you manage your senior dog's health through ensuring necessary dog care.

Senior dog ailments may be controlled if preventive dog care measures are observed. Dog care routines must include vitamin supplements, regular visits to the veterinarian, nutrition checks, and a regimen of exercises.

Additionally, dog care may come in forms included in the general grooming of your dog like:

· eliminating the dog fleas and ticks on your pet's coat, · bathing once in a month or as frequently as needed, · providing your pet with quality dog foods, · giving him his necessary vitamins and food supplements, · vaccinations, · nail trimming, and · for some, dressing their pets

Whatever dog care methods may be applied so long as they have the common aim of maintaining the dog's over-all well being.

When your concern is the infestation of fleas on your pet's coat, it is not always recommendable that you employ the use of poison powders or sprays. It commonly observed that flea combs work well in eliminating the fleas on your pets, not to mention the enjoyment your dog gets with this form of dog care.

However, there is now a popular medication available in the market, which your veterinarian may recommend. This is called the Program, which in general may prove worth the use. On the other side, maintaining the cleanliness of your home may be one of the best ways of eliminating these pests. A vacuum once every two days will keep them off fr many days.

Moreover, dog care may apply also with your yard, meaning the use of pesticides sprayed throughout your yard may prove beneficial for you and your pet. Pesticides which come in liquid forms such as the malathion, duisban and the likes are most commonly applied as they not only reduce the number of fleas in your place but also kill other pests as well.

Ultimately, dog care reduces the chance of your dog having acquired diseases, some of which may be fatal. An example is the heartworms. They are known to kill many dogs and it is best if you have your dog checked by a veterinarian every year to give him corresponding medications. Vaccinations as part of your dog care routine would significantly affect his over-all health.

Your dog's diet must also be watched. Many generic and commercially produced dog foods may contain harmful ingredients to your dog. To carefully ensure productive diet for your dog, it is best that you give him foods that are scientifically formulated.

About the Author
Dana Goldberg is the owner of Dog Plaza. Her website offers a vast selection of dog resource. Including dog information, dog training ideas, and dog care.

Other Blogs: Buy a Used Car, Bidet Toilets, Sump Pump Installation

Partners

2006-03-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

Partners:

Here you will find a list of Supporting Sites, who have been kind enough to link back to our web site or are affiliated with our Site. Thanks to all the Dog Lovers out there.

Domains at Retail - Cheap Domain Name Registration, Domain Names for Less .com, .net, .info domain registrations for $7.95 US / year. Web site Hosting for as low as $4.95 / year!

Emenki Web Solutions & Web Design Hamilton, Ontario - Provides website design, programming, graphic design and web solutions for businesses in Ontario (Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto areas)

MyGTA.Net Toronto Classified Ads for the Greater Toronto Area. Post items for sale and items you are looking for. We offer free classified ads in toronto and all surrounding areas.

Car Buying Explained - learn about buying a new or used car, including what you should look out for and getting the best deal.

How to use a Bidet - learn to use a bidet, its health benefits and how to install a bidet in your home.

Sump Pump installation - learn to install a sump pump, repair a sump pump and find the right sump pump for your needs.

Ultrasonic Liposuction and Tumescent Liposuction - learn about liposuction, where to get it, and the benefits and alternatives to liposuction.

#1 Free Link Exchange Directory On The Web - Link Market
Have you ever tried to exchange links, swap links, or trade links? Was it hard? Use link market instead; - it is easy to use, free and very smart. It will save you hours of work.

Oh Look, A Pet! Pet Information
We have over a thousand articles on a wide variety of pets. Read valuable information on topics ranging from training to pet insurance. So whether you're looking for infromation on a pet that meows, barks, whinnies, chirps, or slithers we're for you.

A Barking Dog is a Pain!

2006-03-02T20:18:00.001-08:00

A Barking Dog is a Pain!

How do you get your dog to stop barking? After all, who likes a constantly barking dog? The only time I want a dog barking is when people drive up or to keep coyotes away. But when I tell her to stop, I want my dog to stop.

So how do you go about obtaining this wonderful silence? We all know it's better to train anyone and anything when they are young. So start with your puppy training it to end up with a dog that only barks when you want.

That last sentence is the key. You need to decide how much barking you do want and then train your puppy to achieve that goal. As we have stated elsewhere, you must decide what the rules are for your family and work during your puppy training toward that end.

And situations differ with regards to a barking dog. A person living in the city in an apartment does not want a dog that constantly barks. This is irritating to you and your neighbors.

On the other hand, I live in the country with livestock. The purpose of my dog outside is to let me know someone has driven up and to keep the coyotes away. She needs to let them know she is here and on duty. Barking is how she warns the coyotes. I have seen her take on a bear standing her ground between it and the livestock, barking until the bear left. I want my dog barking.

So again this goes back to your lifestyle, the way you and your family live and where you live. Consider your purpose in having your dog. Do you want your dog to announce visitors? Do you want your dog to be Lassie and warn of danger to the children? Is your dog a guardian that you take along when you jog? What should your dog be barking at? Do you want your dog barking upon your arrival at home to greet you?

Now that you have decided how much barking you want your dog to do and when, you just take steps in your puppy training to achieve this. The best way to get your dog or puppy to bark when you want is, during puppy training, teaching him to stop when you want. This is how you clue him in to the proper times to bark. You want your puppy or dog barking only when you want.

copyright 2005. Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

About the Author

Want to know how to train your puppy? Visit our Puppy Training website at http://ezpuppytraining.com/puppy-training/free for a free course on "Welcoming Your New Puppy Home and Puppy Training". Find more puppy training an d care tips and techniques throughout our website as well.

Are You Ready for a Pet Dog?

2006-03-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

Are You Ready for a Pet Dog?

The decision to buy or to adopt a dog is not one that should be taken lightly. It is a serious commitment and there are several factors to consider. Are you really ready to have a dog? As fun as a dog can be, it is a serious decision. You are planning to take responsibility for a living creature that is completely dependent on you. Dogs require food, shelter, health care, exercise, attention, love, time and money. If you're not completely prepared to provide all of these things, you're not yet ready to own a dog.

Your lifestyle should be probably one of the biggest factors to consider when planning to get a dog. All dogs require attention, but some need much more than others. If left alone, these dogs will not do so well and are more likely to destroy items in your home. The same can be said for exercise. Some dogs require much more time to run around, while others can get by with less physical activity. If you're the type of person who is away from home more often than not, you should choose a dog that will manage well in your absence - independent breeds like Dachshunds, Mastiffs, or the Yorkshire Terrier.

Everyone loves puppies. They're adorable. But how adorable will you think your puppy is when you find him in the middle of a mess that used to be your favorite pair of shoes. Puppies, like babies, require an enormous amount of attention and effort - from housebreaking and socializing to teaching acceptable manners. If you don't have the time to keep a steady training schedule, perhaps you should look into getting an adult dog. However, adult dogs come with their own "baggage." Some adult dogs have been abused or neglected. As a result, these dogs have acquired some less-than-ideal behaviors of their own.

Once you've got an idea of what you want, there are generally two options you can take to get your new puppy or adult dog. You can buy a dog from a reputable breeder, or you can adopt or rescue a dog from an animal shelter. Unless you're looking for a purebred dog that you possibly plan to breed in the future, adoption from a shelter is one of the best ways to go. Adopting a pet from a shelter is not as expensive as buying a pet from a breeder.

Animals from a shelter are usually screened for health and temperament, so you can be sure that while you're giving an animal in need a home, it's the right animal for your home. However, if you're looking for a specific breed, a breeder (or a specific breed rescue) is the way to go. Ask for references from your breeder, and ask about how many times of year they breed. A good breeder generally only produces one to three litters a year and will guarantee their dogs against most major health defects.

Pet stores offering puppies are not good options, as they tend to purchase their puppies from "puppy mills" - breeders that produce many litters a year with no apparent concern for the health and well being of their dogs. These puppies tend to be more likely to have strong health concerns due to neglect. When chosen for all the right reasons, the ownership of a dog can be wholly rewarding and a very satisfying experience.

About the Author

Amanda Baker writes for All Things Pondered .

Other Blogs: How to Install a Bidet, Dog Breed info, Do It Yourself Sump Pump Installation

3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your Puppy

2006-03-02T20:17:00.001-08:00

3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your Puppy

There are as many ways to raise a puppy as there are to raising a child. In fact, one way per family in general! But most of us agree that when it comes to children, certain things are universal and undisputed. Here are three things that a lot of people just do not think of when it comes to raising their dogs, however. How many times have we heard, "My dog just won't listen to me", or "He just won't behave!"

1. Dogs do not understand English until we teach them.

The thing we all love about puppies the most is the way they live for us, the way they focus all they have on us, the way our lives become theirs. in the beginning, they study us to learn our body language, our facial expressions and our language. Until we teach them the English language, it's all they have. If we say, "Wanna go out?" one day, "Have to go potty?" the next day, and, "Hafta pee?" the third day, if they DO figure out what we want, it is because we have picked up the leash and moved toward the door with a happy face! If you want to speed up his training by three-fold, teach him YOUR language. Pick a command for EACH behavior and stick with it. Tell all in your family to use the same words and commands, and your puppy will amaze you at how much faster he learns.

2. A young puppy's metabolism is racing along faster than we think.

The younger your puppy is, the faster he is growing, the more food and water he needs to fuel his metabolism, and the more often he has to go potty. Do not punish your puppy when he makes a house-breaking mistake. These are YOUR fault. Your puppy's age in weeks and his breed size determine how often he must go out. Once an hour is not too often for a large 6-week old puppy, especially if it is summertime. Dogs love the exciting smells outdoors, so there is no excuse to not have him housebroken by 7-8 weeks of age. Right after a nap, after he eats and after grooming are the key times, and he will signal you. If he is happily chewing a toy and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! And every time he goes potty outside, praise him to high heaven! "What a good BOYY!", "GOOD go potty!" and the like. Dogs love our happy faces, and they will do anything to get it.

3. Dogs live for our facial expressions and body language.

Because of this, the worst punishment you ever need to give your dog is a scowl and to turn away from him. You can see his tail fall down and his face get so sad. He will learn the lesson, I guarantee it. But his attention span is only 3-5 minutes, so do not scorn him any longer. Love him up and give him your happy face again. Physical punishment is never necessary. Use consistent commands and loving praise and he will know what you want of him before you know. He will become a master of your body language and facial expressions in no time at all.

Naturally there are many aspects of training your puppy well. Loving kindness works just as well for puppies as it does with children, creating a happy, well-adjusted and obedient dog for life. These three important tips, used consistently with confidence, will start him well on his way.
About the Author

Dy Witt has shown, bred and trained standard poodles for 25 years. Her puppies' new vets and groomers sent word back that they had never worked on such well-adjusted dogs in their careers. To read free articles, more about her dog and puppy training techniques and her new ebook, visit: http://www.DogTraining15MinsADay.com

Other Blogs: How to Install a Bidet, Buy a New Car, DIY Sump Pump Installation, Small Dog Breed info, What are the best ways to do Lipo Suction

Potty Trained Puppy

2006-03-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Potty Trained Puppy

Oh, isn't she just the cutest thing you have ever seen? That brand new little puppy you received as a Christmas present is the best gift you have ever received. You are so excited and you just can't wait to...Wait a minute! What's that smell? You have got to be kidding me! And so it begins.
A lot of new owners find that puppy house training is one of the most frustrating things they face. House training your puppy DOES take a little work, but it doesn't have to be frustrating. The fact is that potty training your puppy can be a relatively easy experience.

The first thing you need to do when you are potty training your puppy is to find the puppy her own place. It may be a dog crate or it may be a small bathroom. The important thing is that the puppy has a place where she sleeps and spends time. This special place will become the puppies "den" and dogs don't like going to the bathroom in their den.

You should make sure she sleeps in its den at night because it can be very confusing to a puppy when she sleeps in a different place all the time. Every morning, you should take her straight outside. That way, the puppy will learn she needs to go outside to do her business and the puppy house training will go a lot smoother.

One of the more popular methods of potty training your puppy is called the "crate method." You get a large crate and you put the puppy's pillow and toys in it. You make it as comfortable as possible for the new puppy. This will become the puppies den and she will not go to the bathroom in it unless she just can't wait.

That brings us to the question of how often a new puppy should be taken outside. Typically, when you first start house breaking your puppy, she should be taken outside approximately every 45 minutes. Not only does this make sure she gets to go potty regularly but it also teaches her that she is supposed to do her business outside.

When a puppy has an accident in the house, you need to scold her and take her outside immediately. When the puppy goes to the bathroom outside, you need to praise her and give her lots of love. This will teach the puppy what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

Here are five important tips to remember when you are trying to house break your puppy...

1. You should always praise your puppy when she does what she is supposed to do.

2. Give your puppy a treat when she goes to the bathroom outside.

3. You should scold your puppy if she makes a mistake in the house but you need to do it immediately. It can cause more harm than good if you scold the puppy later. She won't understand why she is being scolded.

4. Take the puppy outside at least every 45 minutes. You should give her a command to "Go potty!" or something to that effect. She will learn what she needs to do when you give her that command.

5. Thoroughly clean any area where the puppy has made a mistake. The odor will attract her back to the same spot and she will do it again. Non-ammonia products tend to work best.

Patience is very important when you are house breaking your puppy. There will be accidents; they just can't be avoided. The key is consistency. Take the puppy out regularly. Praise her when she is good. Scold her when she is bad. Some puppies can learn very quickly and some puppies take a little longer. Either way, you will become best friends and you will enjoy a long, happy, accident-free time with your potty trained puppy!

About the Author

Chris W. Sutton, Easy Puppy Training, http://www.ezpuppytraining.com - Want to know how to train your puppy? Visit our Puppy Training website for a free course on "Welcoming Your New Puppy Home and Puppy Training".

Crate Training For Your Puppy

2006-03-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

Crate Training For Your Puppy

Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best step in his life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior wall. Establishing you as the Alpha member of his "pack" is one very good reason for starting your puppy in a crate when he is very young.

Another reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. To know what is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy, and more apt to be the best-behaved dog he can possibly be.

A strong crate is the very basis of good puppy training. A wire crate with a lock is the best kind. Make sure it is large enough for him to stand up and turn around. But not so large that he can roam and wander around. A too-large crate will inhibit house breaking.

A crate that is just the right size will be perceived as his "nest", where puppies never "go potty". They will learn to hold it if you don't make a prison out of it. Never leave a puppy under 8 weeks longer than one hour in his crate. He will soil it, after struggling and suffering as long as he can.

Put a nice pad in there with a bone. Start with placing a tasty treat in there, he will go in and get it. Do this several times without closing the door, let him come in and out freely for an hour or so. Praise him highly each time he goes in, make it all very pleasant.

Then when his attention is on his treat, close the door. Praise him quietly, say, "What a good boy, it's ok, such a good boy!" In 10 or 20 seconds, no longer, let him out without a word, no praise, just a pat. Do this for increasingly longer intervals, but do not give him a chance to get upset. You can do this several times the first day.

Make sure every training session ends on a happy note, this is crucial.

Once he sees the crate is his own private territory, he will go in there on his own, expecting treats and your attention. When he does, say, "Wanna crate?" with a happy face while getting his treats. Start leaving the room while he is in there for 2 minutes and onward, gradually. When you return, don't make a fuss, just walk over and open the crate. In 3 days he will be officially crate-trained, ready to be left alone for an hour, no longer at first. Leave him gradually longer, slowly and carefully.

Q. Why do I want a crate for my puppy? A. Because they love it is the best reason. They feel very safe and secure in there. Here are some more:

--When you leave a puppy alone, he always has some measure of separation anxiety. This leads him to any behavior that brings him comfort, which is chewing, digging, or when it is severe, voiding his bowels.

--When placed in a crate, he feels safe because nothing can get to him, nothing can harm him. He will sleep and chew and wait for you to return.

--When leaving him overnight at the vet, if your dog is not crate trained he will cry the entire time, feeling lost and abandoned. With crate training, he is sure you will return, you always do. Of course the vet's office is strange and will cause him some anxiety, but nothing like the pure terror he will feel without experience in being locked in.

NOTE: About crate-training, do not make a prison of his crate. Do not use it as punishment. Do not leave him there for more than 2 hours, just time for a long puppy nap and some chew time. After that he will cry. Do not remove him while he is crying. This will make him think he has to cry to get out. No matter what, make sure he is being good when you open the door. He will learn he has to be quiet to get out. Do not make a fuss when you are letting him out, just quietly open the door and take him out to potty. When he potties, praise him to high heaven! Dogs naturally do not go where they nest, but sometimes it happens. Do not scold, just clean it out with a bland face. He will learn the lesson. If possible, try to clean it while he is outside so he returns to a clean crate.

In 25 years of training dogs, I have never seen any one thing more critical for a dog's well-being than good crate training. And besides, they love it!

About the Author

Dy Witt has shown, bred and trained standard poodles for 25 years. To read free articles, more about her dog and puppy training techniques and her new ebook, visit: http://www.DogTraining15MinsADay.com

Toy and Small Dog Clothes

2006-03-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

Toy and Small Dog Clothes by Mike Mathews

People wear clothes for many reasons. We wear them for modesty - it's illegal in most places to go around without any clothing. We wear clothes to protect us from the weather. Raincoats and hats make us much more comfortable in the rain while fleece lined coats and boots are greatly appreciated in cold weather, and when there is snow on the ground. We also wear clothes to make ourselves feel and look good, to impress other people with our excellent taste, and to show that we have the money for expensive designer clothes.

Dogs wear clothes for one reason only - their owners want them to wear the clothes. Dog owners put clothes on their dogs for most of the same reasons they put clothes on themselves and their children. In fact many dog owners regard their dogs as their children and they buy them clothes and dress them up to show how much they care for them. The exception to this, of course, is modesty. Dogs don't require clothing for that purpose and, in fact for obvious reasons, dog clothes rarely cover that particular area.

Protective clothing for small and toy dogs such as Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Pugs and any of the miniature or teacup dog breeds is a good idea. These dogs generally feel the cold much more than larger dogs - that's why they do not enjoy going outside for walks with their owners in rainy, snowy or cold weather. They even resist going outside to the bathroom in inclement weather which makes it very difficult to house train toy dog breeds in cold or wet weather.

Raincoats and hats made of vinyl or waterproof nylon are available for wet weather, as are rain boots. These boots are usually fastened with Velcro and/or zippers. Fleece lined, shearling and wool coats are available to keep your dog warm in cold weather. Boots are useful to protect your dog's paws from the effects of ice and salt. For hot summer days, sensitive paws should wear sandals to protect them from hot asphalt or sand. You can also buy sunglasses for your dog but perhaps you could discuss this with your veterinarian to see if they provide any benefit to your dog's eyes. Protective clothing is also beneficial to short-haired and older dogs of all sizes as well as the small dog breeds. Even some of the larger short-haired dog breeds like the Bulldog, Boxer and Greyhound appreciate protection in the cold weather. See the Directory of Breed of Dogs to see which dog breeds are particularly sensitive to cold weather. Owners of most large dog breeds are probably not as interested in dog clothes but might consider obtaining reflective vests for their dogs. These vests make the dogs easier to see when walking at night and also make the dog easier to find if you are camping and hunting - especially good for black or dark-colored dogs.

Reflective vests have a practical purpose. So do some much more frivolous-looking clothes. Toy dogs and even some small dogs should wear harnesses rather than collars for reasons of health - they can easily injure their trachea with a collar. Some very sensible people have designed coats and other outfits with a 'D' ring on them which make extremely attractive harnesses for small dogs. Practical, attractive, and sometimes quite lavish clothes are available for toy and small dogs. Pajamas, bathrobes, dresses, sweaters, formal outfits for weddings, and costumes (you can dress your dog as a lamb, a lion, a vampire or even buy him an Elvis jumpsuit) can be found in stores and at discount prices on the Internet. Creative entrepreneurs advertise on-line that they will custom design and make outfits for your dog. Of course, if you like to sew, you can buy sewing patterns to make a blanket, cushion, dog coat, dog coat, leg warmers and boots for your dog and a matching scarf and hat for you to wear.

Dog clothes come in an amazing range of styles and prices. We hope you have fun choosing the right clothes for your dog.

About the Author
About the Author - Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: www.dog-breed-facts.com . He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds and dog health.

Small Dog Clothes, Web Design Hamilton, Cheap Domain Name Registration, Car Buying Explained, 2006 Fifa World Cup: Germany, How to use a Bidet

Dog Care Fundamentals

2006-03-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

Dog Care Fundamentals by Dana Goldberg

Dog care may come in all forms, depending on the requirements of your pet, but thanks to modern veterinary medicines, dogs are now living healthier well through their golden ages. dog care is much like extending your dogs life through providing healthier lifestyle and productive maintenance, given that they are affected with environmental and genetical factors.

Smaller dogs have greater life expectancy than that of the bigger breeds, actually, a large breed is already considered senior if they have reached the age of five, on the other hand it would take ten to thirteen years before a small dog comes into its prime age.

Dog care is an essential part of a dog's life. If not properly attended, they may acquire certain diseases that are undisputedly shortening their lives. Some of these may include diabetes, tumors, liver cancer, kidney diseases, joint pains, obesity, and many dental problems. In these, it is very important that you manage your senior dog's health through ensuring necessary dog care.

Senior dog ailments may be controlled if preventive dog care measures are observed. Dog care routines must include vitamin supplements, regular visits to the veterinarian, nutrition checks, and a regimen of exercises.

Additionally, dog care may come in forms included in the general grooming of your dog like:

· eliminating the dog fleas and ticks on your pet's coat,
· bathing once in a month or as frequently as needed,
· providing your pet with quality dog foods,
· giving him his necessary vitamins and food supplements,
· vaccinations,
· nail trimming, and
· for some, dressing their pets

Whatever dog care methods may be applied so long as they have the common aim of maintaining the dog's over-all well being.

When your concern is the infestation of fleas on your pet's coat, it is not always recommendable that you employ the use of poison powders or sprays. It commonly observed that flea combs work well in eliminating the fleas on your pets, not to mention the enjoyment your dog gets with this form of dog care.

However, there is now a popular medication available in the market, which your veterinarian may recommend. This is called the Program, which in general may prove worth the use. On the other side, maintaining the cleanliness of your home may be one of the best ways of eliminating these pests. A vacuum once every two days will keep them off fr many days.

Moreover, dog care may apply also with your yard, meaning the use of pesticides sprayed throughout your yard may prove beneficial for you and your pet. Pesticides which come in liquid forms such as the malathion, duisban and the likes are most commonly applied as they not only reduce the number of fleas in your place but also kill other pests as well.

Ultimately, dog care reduces the chance of your dog having acquired diseases, some of which may be fatal. An example is the heartworms. They are known to kill many dogs and it is best if you have your dog checked by a veterinarian every year to give him corresponding medications. Vaccinations as part of your dog care routine would significantly affect his over-all health.

Your dog's diet must also be watched. Many generic and commercially produced dog foods may contain harmful ingredients to your dog. To carefully ensure productive diet for your dog, it is best that you give him foods that are scientifically formulated.

About the Author
Dana Goldberg is the owner of Dog Plaza. Her website offers a vast selection of dog resource. Including dog information, dog training ideas, and dog care.

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Your Dogs Health - The Basics Every Dog Owner Should Know

2006-03-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

Your Dogs Health - The Basics Every Dog Owner Should Know by Randy Jones

Your dog is probably stronger and healthier than most humans that you know. However, by taking him from his natural environment, where only the strongest survive, to the artificial one in which most pet dogs live, we have exposed him to an entirely new set of dangers which their instincts are not designed to cope with.

A dog's health is influenced by the genes inherited from his parents and by the care given to his mother during the prenatal period, as well as to the puppy during his first 2 or 3 months of life. A puppy, whose mother was properly cared for during pregnancy, will be more able to handle the hazards of growing up.

The majority of dogs lead perfectly healthy, normal lives. They overcome occasional skin rashes, chills, and upset stomachs, recover from cuts and bruises with ordinary care, sensible first aid when necessary, and professional diagnosis and treatment of serious ailments. Chances are that if you give you dog a normal diet, a healthy home environment, a well balanced life, you will only need to see the vet for check-ups and vaccinations.

A healthy dog's temperature, taken rectally when he is rested, is about 101.2 degrees in an adult dog, 102 in small breeds, and 102.5 in a puppy. It can fluctuate one way or the other, being lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon. Long-coated breeds have a slightly higher normal temperature than short-coated ones. His pulse is taken at the femoral artery, high inside the thigh. There is no normal pulse rate for dogs. It can range from 120 beats per minute in a young puppy, to 70 or 80 in an older dog. Count the beats during 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Normal respiration ranges from 20 or 30 respirations per minute for a puppy to 16 per minute in an older dog.

A normal eye is bright and clear, although the lens becomes pale blue as he ages. His nose is moist and cool most of the time, but a dry, warm nose doesn't always mean a fever or illness. His tail wags and he carries himself normally. His coat is shiny and sheds normally. He eats his meals without gulping compulsively and without being coaxed, drinks a normal amount of water after meals and exercise, and more during hot weather. His bowel movements are regular and well-formed, his urine is clear and both process's are painless. As a puppy he sleeps most of the time, but as an adult only about half the time, and he is generally friendly, alert, and inquisitive.

A sick or ailing dog will have a temperature over 102 degrees, a sign of fever, or under a 100, a sign of weakness. If it does not return to normal within 24 hours, call the vet. If his temperature is as low as 99, or as high as 104, call the vet immediately. His pulse may be weak or irregular, his respiration at rest may be irregular or labored, panting or weak. His eye may appear dull, red or yellow with a sticky discharge. His nose may be dry and hot, also with a discharge.

His tail may be immobile, carried stiffly or between the legs, his coat may be dry and stand up when it should lay flat, the skin may be itchy and flaky and there may be bald spots, or red patches. He may eat with a good appetite but usually doesn't want food at all, and is usually reluctant to swallow any water. His bowel movements may be abnormal in form or color, have a bad odor, and contain blood or mucus, or he may be constipated with no movement at all. The urine may be dark, cloudy, or painfully produced.

He may sleep all of the time and hide in dark corners; his breath may have a bad odor and be labored. He may show very obvious symptoms of disorder such as swellings, protuberances, lameness, pain, prolonged wheezing or coughing, and unusual sensitivity in some part of his body. His overall general behavior will be lethargic and unresponsive when he is normally friendly and active, or nervous and excitable when he is the quite type with snapping or snarling for no apparent reason.

The symptoms offered here which are fairly obvious and not too far from our own human symptoms, (good and bad). It's the severity of the symptoms for an ailing dog that will determine whether you should call the vet. Far sighted dog and cat owners select a veterinarian as soon as they become a pet parent, for sooner or later they get sick to some degree, and your chances of prompt attention are better if the vet already knows your pet.

About the Author
Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest fancy dog collars, dog dresses, fancy dog beds, and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://www.joncopets.com

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