Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Dog Training - Dog Punishments

By: John Williams
There are many different punishments for getting your dog to learn the difference between right and wrong, and there are many dog trainers that will tell you that their method is the best way or that a different type of punishment, whether it be positive or negative punishment, is better than the method you're using now. Dogs need punishment to keep them in order and to teach them what is acceptable and what is not, without some form of punishment there would be no way of showing your dog these things, and no way of training them. There are two types of punishment for your dogs; there are positive punishments and negative punishments. Positive punishments are punishments when you give you dog something, for example giving a tug on the leash or verbal correction. Negative punishments are when you take away something your dog needs or expects such as treats or toys or having the dog be taken away from you. I am a strong believer that positive punishments should only be used in moderation or not at all, serious injuries to your dog's safety and health may occur by over using or incorrectly using positive punishment. There is no dog training exercise that cannot be accomplished by using the negative punishment. For dog safety reasons I will only talk about negative punishments and dog punishments that I would use and are fully safe for your dogs. 9 times out of 10 positive punishments cause your dog to react in a similar way towards other people or the owner. If you are going to use positive punishment it is highly recommended that you consult a professional dog trainer before doing so. The most popular and some of the best negative punishment are listed below and should be enforced within 10 seconds of the crime being committed to have any affect and avoid confusion Time out: Take your dog to a room cut off from other family members and any attention for a short period of time. Take away toys: Stop your dog from having any toys for a short period of time. Ignore your dog: Totally ignore your dog for a period of time so they get no attention, fuss, or eye contact. No treats: Don't give your dog the treat he would have normally had for good behavior.
John Williams website owner, For more information on dog behavior training visit dog - behavior - training .co.uk
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Dog Tooth Cleaning - Dog Training

By: John Williams
Dog tooth cleaning is essential for your dog's dental hygiene and after your dog reaches the age of two to three years plus, dog tooth cleaning will become more and more essential as your dog grows up. Every time your dog has a bowl of food or some treats (some treats help with cleaning teeth) some of the food gets stuck around the gums and mouth of the dog. This food then turns into plaque and after staying there for a short period of time of about one to three days, this plaque turns into tartar which is a key element in gum and mouth diseases which can put your dog in a lot f pain. To combat these diseases you will need to get rid of the plaque and you do this in much the same way as us humans do it, witch is by brushing them. Dogs are a little bit trickier to deal with than humans so training will be needed. First you need to get your dog to sit using the commands learnt at www.dog-behavior-training. If you cannot do this yet then it should be taught first. Start by gently breaking your dog into the habit of you playing with their teeth and around the mouth area by rubbing a tasty nice tasting treat around the teeth and mouth, if your dog acts well and lets you do it you should reward him/her for their patience with a treat every time. After your dog is comfortable with you playing with their teeth, start to do the same but with dog toothpaste so they get used to the taste and sensation. When you and your dog are comfortable with you using your finger instead of a toothbrush its time to make the swap to the real thing. To brush effectively you should move the dog toothbrush in circular motions to dislodge plaque and start from the back teeth working your way to the front, don't be too rough with your dog and always try to keep it fun for them and you shouldn't have too many problems.
John Williams website owner. For more information on dog behavior training visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link...Dog Training.
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The Dog No Command

By: John Williams
The 'no' command is a widely used command throughout dog training and is used to tell your dog not to do something or to stop them in their tracks to avoid dangerous situations or general bad behavior. I think of the no command as more of a training technique rather than a command and to perfect the technique you will need to be consistent for most of your time with your pet dog. The no command isn't like other commands and is taught over several years rather than a 'learn it and forget it' dog training technique. You can start to teach your dog the no command as soon as you see your cute little puppy doing something wrong for the first time, to most people the command will come naturally when they see their dog causing terror in the house and it will not be too hard for them to remember how to execute the technique. The no command should come part and parcel with punishing your dog, the idea behind the no command is to teach your dog that 'no' means bad behavior and punishment, after teaching this command the end result will be that your dog should stop whatever they are doing when you say 'no'. So to make this command work you will need to enforce and recite 'no' in a very assertive way whenever you are punishing your dog or see your dog behaving badly that will result in punishment. By doing this your dog will associate 'no!' with being punished and making you the owner, unhappy. If you do this consistently through your dogs earlier years, especially when your dog is a puppy and very impressionable you will gain respect from your dog and just saying 'no' alone will be enough to stop your dog in its tracks and save you punishing your dog.
John Williams website owner. For more information on dog behavior training visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link...Dog Training.
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Dog Training: Learn The Different Types

By: Larry Combs
DOG TRAINING: KNOW THE DIFFERENT TYPES Anyone who owns a dog needs to learn dog training to know their dog and handle their dog better. Every body appreciates a well-mannered dog. Proper dog training is what makes the difference. Now, there are many kinds of dog training available but not all will suit your dog so you need to be familiar with the various types. Most dog owners are unaware of the various kinds of dog training . The type of dog training can change according to the stages of development of the dog. Dogs that have never been trained,(puppies or adopted dogs for example) will require a different approach than dogs that have had training. And, if the dog has received training before; how much? Therefore, it becomes that much more important to analyze and know what type of dog training your dog needs. The first level of dog training is the basic dog training. Basic dog training is meant for beginners. This would be a puppy or an adult dog that has had no previous training. This level includes only the standard commands — how to make a dog sit, stay and come when called. Basic dog training may also include socializing your dog with other dogs and people in a proper way. Socialization is absolutely essential for ANY dog. The next level of dog training is the intermediate level. Intermediate training is not for puppies, but for adult dogs that have mastered the basics either professionally or at home from their own owners. This intermediate type of training will teach your dog to heel, walk properly on a leash, fetch something. It also reinforces the basics of sit, stay and come, etc. The third and final type of dog training is advanced. Advanced dog training is for dogs that have mastered the basic and intermediate levels.The advanced level begins with reinforcing the different elements of basic and intermediate dog training. Then proceeds to train the dog to act according to various commands and hand signals like "come", "stay", "sit", "heel", "fetch", "lie down" et al. When the dog gets accustomed to hand signals, the advanced course extends to teach the dog how to walk and stay beside the master at all times even without a leash. It also teaches the dog to focus on its master,pay attention and ignore distractions. Proper dog training uses rewards and positive reinforcement to achieve better results. Hitting and yelling at the dog is strongly discouraged and to be avoided at all cost. Hitting and/or yelling can make the dog shy, timid, and defensive and result in poorly socialized dog. You must also be careful about choosing the right course for you and your dog. When choosing a dog training course online review several before making your decision. There are many quality courses that use different techniques so, find one that you and your dog are most comfortable with. The one I recommend is "Training By Dove Creswell". You can learn more by going to www.special-dog.com
With over 40 years of personal experience and more than 15 years as a professional breeder Larry Combs has trained or helped to train hundreds of puppies and dogs. To learn more about raising, caring for, and and training your dog go to www.special-dog.com
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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Bad Foods For dogs

By: John Williams
You may have seen many articles on the best and healthiest diet for your dog, but what foods should your dog not eat and what will help your dog's health in the short and long term.
There are many different cases to look at when defining bad foods for dogs but there are guidelines that can be followed to prevent dog pests, dog diarrhea, and many other illnesses that can affect your dog. Routing through trash is another bad idea for your dog and if you discover this is a problem then it should be strictly disciplined.
So what should you avoid to maintain your dog's immune system and keep their digestive system intact? Here are some bad ideas and health effecting foods that may harm your dogs health if you're not careful. Please note that some dog food quality standards may have changed since the writing of this article.
Processed foods
These canned processed foods are nothing but bad news for your dog, after all the processing they are left with not much nutrients for your dog, the quality of meat is poor and other chemicals used in this food make for a bad dog diet and although some rare cases may exist it is generally best avoided.
Chicken Bones
Chicken bones, although you may suspect that it is ok to feed you dog on these leftover bits of meat can be harmful to your dog and when your dog chews the bone it can break and cause a choking hazard and mouth damage.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine which is considered bad for your dog's nervous system and heart. And also contains sugar and sweetness that is not good for your dog.
Other Bad Foods
Citrus oil extracts, grapes and raisins, rotten foods and mushrooms amongst others.
Be sure to check labels and research anything you are thinking of feeding your dog before hand.


John Williams website owner. For more information on dog behavior training visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link...Dog Training.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Bathing A Dog

By: Melissa Rice
Bathing a dog needs to be given more emphasis. This is because of the fact that if you are careless in bathing, the animal may end up having some infections. For example, if you don’t close the ears with large cotton ball, the water may enter into ear canals and may cause some ear infections with signs like constant discharge from the ears and shaking of head.

Frequency of bathing actually depends on the breed of the dog. If the dog is of a hairy type like the cocker spaniel, then the bathing is to be carried out once in six to eight weeks. If these breeds are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat loose the protective characters. However, when the dog has defecated on the skin due to the frequent digestive upsets leading to diarrhea, to avoid the bad smell, the dog may be subjected to frequent bathing some times by the owners.

Take more care in avoiding some irritant soaps or human soaps. The soap materials used for human beings are not suitable for dogs. Similarly, many human shampoo products are having some ingredients that are not suitable in the proportions that are to be used in case of dogs. Hence, always try to use the shampoo products that are mentioned mainly for use in dogs. Take more care in using any new product.

Always have good time and patience for products required for bathing in one place with availability of water source. Dogs love the sprinkling of water, river, and oceans. Even when you are using bathtub, have everything in one place and then start bathing of the dog. Try to have a leash, conditioner, towel, and shampoo in the bath place.

Conditioner is of helpful to make the combing activity easier later. Bathing should be a convenient activity to both the dog and the owner. This should not be a burden.



Article Source: http://www.articles4free.com


Local Pet Stores | Debbie's Dog Salon

Sunday, October 28, 2007

How To Train Your Dog

By: William McRand
Start training your dog as soon as posible. It is never too soon to start training a puppy, however give your puppy as much freedom as possible until he is about 4 to 6 months of age. Always keep a lead and collar on your puppy in public places where there is danger. In many countries it is against the law to allow a dog to run free, so be careful if that applies to your country. Training your dog helps to teach them boundaries, thus making them more comfortable around people. Whether you train your dog yourself or find a professional, teaching your dog commands and socializing it is important. Areas to cover in training include: Some dog training tips:This first one is easy. You just start by saying "sit" every time the puppy sits itself. He learns to associate the word sit with the action. This is a tip you can use in all training. Sit down on the floor so you get to the same level as the dog. You are less threatening when you sit. More important is that you are close to the dog so you can reward him faster.Teaching a Puppy to Heel You will need to Walk at a steady pace with your puppy with a good fitting collar and lead. keep him on your left side, keep saying the command HEEL. every time you say HEEL, slap your thigh or the side of your leg. If your pup trys to pull away or gets distracted, just keep walking, he'll soon get the message and follow along. If you don't stop, he'll have to follow. As he follows you after a distraction, pat him a little saying good dog or good boy or girl. Teaching a Puppy to Sit It's time to teach your dog to sit. while walking your pup stop and transfer the lead to your right side. Pull up on the collar and press down on his back end with your left hand. He will have no choice but to sit. While lifting with the collar takes weight off his front legs the motion causes the pup to want to sit, especially with your hand pressing him down. While telling him to sit as you press down. Repeat this several times, praising him each time he sits. Now walk further along and repeat this exercise several more times in a 10 minute walk. Leash walkingLeash walking at a steady pace, you can start this training as soon as you get your new dog. This is important, especially to build up a tolerance to stay in a kennel environment for several hours. There are many benefits to having a well trained dog. But it doesn't necessarily mean the dog will not develop behavioral problems down the road, like separation anxiety. Simply put a well trained dog is a joy to be around and strengthens the human-animal bond.
Article Source: http://www.articlemanual.com
Author: William McRand: Full time internet marketer Main interst in dogs and other pets www.kingdomofpets.com/doghousetraining/?aff=douglas4

Dog Training Electronic Fences - Benefits And Disadvantages

By: Moses Wright
Consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages of electric fences before purchasing one. You should note that electric fences, or E-fences as they are commonly called, are wired with transmitters that are earthed and running through the ground. These wires will emit a noise, shock or an unpleasant smell. The odors are triggered via a special collar on your dog, to discourage the dog from going too near to the fences. Signals are transmitted to the collar should the dog venture too close and the deterrents are activated.Due to certain rules and specifications by the Home Association rules in certain precincts, standard fences may not be allowed and the e-fence could be an alternative. An e-fence provides a solution for owners who have no front yards or backyards and cannot erect a standard fence, yet desire to own a dog.There are disadvantages that require one to think through.For the e-fence to be effective, dogs need to be trained well and the e-fence should not be a stand-in for behavioral training. Dogs need to be taught to associate the deterrent with boundary limits. If this is not done, the e-fence will be rendered useless.Bear in mind that as with all electrical equipment, it is not guaranteed to work all the time. They can be short circuited by electrical spike or lightning strikes, however these are not frequent occurrences, however disturbances like digging around the periphery can result in issues as well. When an e-fence is first installed, flags are used to mark the boundary, but are usually removed once the dog is trained. If they are left as they are, they can be shifted or moved by children or by machinery such as lawnmowers as well as a multitude of other factors. There is a chance that they could cut or wound when they are extracted.Should your dog persist despite the discouragement received from the collar, it will learn that there is no actual boundary and will be less willing to stay within the specified periphery.Electric jolts are seen by detractors to be a form of abuse and an adverse method of gaining the desired response from your pet.Your decision regarding an e-fence needs to be evaluated according to your situation. If kept entirely indoors except for when leashed, a dogs' need to run is denied, resulting in an unhappy and maladjusted pet. This situation can be resolved with access to a dog park, however, not may are lucky enough to have a dog pak in their vicinity, so it could remain an issue.A standard height fence might seem to be the solution, but large dogs are often able to leap over these, and this can cause punctures and scrapes from chain link and wooden fence tops. Though the wound may be minor, a dogs' tendency to bite or scratch at them can make the injury worse, meaning a trip to the vet is required. An e-fence could be a more prudent choice, depending on the situation.Every circumstance and situation is different, based on living conditions, type and character of dog and training techniques, so there is no overall effective method that can be implemented by every dog owner. Rather, do consider carefully the needs of different circumstances after acquiring adequate knowledge in order to make the best decision possible.If you decide an e-fence is the best solution for your situation, you need to be ready to disable the fence if it turns out that instead of benefiting your dog, it is doing more damage.
Article Source: http://www.articlemanual.com
Moses Wright loves to help dog owners with their pet dog problems whenever he is free. You can find free pet dog training problems, solutions and resources on his site.

Train Your Dog To Stop Chewing on the Wrong Things

Most dogs go through a phase where they will chew on anything that will fit in their mouth. There are also dogs that don't even grow out of the chewing phase. There are even some breeds that have a tendency to chew more than other breeds.
It may be cute at first when your puppy begins to chew on your shoes or socks but can be very dangerous. If your dog gets into something poisonous or swallows an object it could lead to death.
Puppies typically will chew more than an older dog and will chew on pretty much anything. It is much easier to teach dogs not to chew at younger ages than it is an older dog. Use this to your advantage.
The first thing to do when training your dog not to chew is to put the items he likes to chew out of reach. It is important to keep these away from your dog at all times. The less exposure the dog has with the items, the less likely he is to chew on them at later times.
When you get everything out of your dog's reach give him something that you don't mind him chewing on. This can be a chew toy, rawhide bones, or rubber bones. Buy one of each and see which one your dog prefers. It may take a while before you dog will stop wanting to chew on other things such as your shoes but be patient.
After your dog has something good to chew on is when you want to start training him. If you catch your dog chewing on something it isn't supposed to you need to let them know that what they are doing is wrong. You can tell your dog this by speaking in a sharp tone and giving him a gentle tap on his head.
Remember to be persistent, dogs are not stupid, if they know they can get away with something they will keep doing it. You should also refrain from yelling at your dog or hitting him at all times, no matter how frustrated you get. When you yell at or hit a dog it only prolongs the dog's learning.
You can even practice with your dog by putting him on a leash and putting an object in front of him. When the dog gets the urge and moves too close to the object give the leash a small jerk. This will teach the dog that you do not want him to chew on the object.
When you are training the dog with a leash make sure to stand off to the side. You do not want to be standing directly behind the dog when you jerk the leash, it could cause damage to their throat. Remember, leash training is not to hurt or punish the dog; it is to simply tell the dog that his actions were wrong.
Training your dog will take a lot of time and persistence. Do not give up, if you do your dog will never learn. Remember to be patient, your dog will not stop chewing over night, it may take weeks or even months.
To read more articles about how to train your dog and lots of other pet and animal information visit http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com. If you are having obedience problems with your dog visit Dog Obedience Training for more great resources to help you train your dog.
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Saturday, October 27, 2007

The Basic Tools For Dog Training Trade

Submitted by: john123

Dogs are creatures of habit and if trained they will exhibit certain behaviors to mark the particular times of day, even more clearly. There are many training aids you will find in the dog store, for the ever growing line of pet supplies that will assist in the task of dog training, making things manageable for you.Among the different tools for dog training trade, items such as clickers, leashes of different varieties, halters, electronic collars, electronic and chemical training aids, muzzles and treat carriers are the basic tools in the trainers world and can ease your efforts to train your dog. Let us start out with the clicker which is a metal box coated with plastic emits a clicking noise when the metal is pressed and release. It is a handy device that helps to attain quick attention of your dog once they are taught to recognize the sound. After being trained your dog can distinguish the sound even over much background noise or relatively long distances. Leashes are handy tools that ranges from a very short leash with less than eighteen inches of length to an extremely long leash of twenty feet or more. The shorter leashes are employed while training your dog for up close behaviors such as the Sit, Heel and Stay commands whereas the longer leashes that come with some nice features such as the retractable leash which prevent trip hazards and tangling is essentially used for behaviors that allow more freedom. Unlike a short leash, a long leash pose dangers for your dog or other people when walking through the crowd earlier now are modernized that consist of a spring loaded reel that will allow the dog to explore at a distance but will coil itself back as the animal returns. The halter allow more control for the owner and less strain on the dogs' neck, is essentially an extension of the collar. The electronic collar is an another control device which comes in two major categories, sonic and shock emitting, both of which are applied when the dog performs a certain disagreeable behavior though The sonic version is the more humane of the two. The electronic shock mat and Chemical based training aids include such products as Bitter Apple sprays or creams are employed to keep your pet from jumping onto your leather couch or expensive recliners and to prevent chewing or self-mutilation behaviors. Last but not least, is the special treat carrier that have become quite popular in training circles provide a clean way for you to carry a whole days worth of treats on your side without having to dirty your pockets or have your hands full constantly.

Getting Your Dog Ready for a Newborn

Submitted by: john123

Preparing a dog for the arrival of a newborn into the family is done with the same care and attention that a parent gives to help children understand that a new sibling will be joining the family. Bringing a newborn into the home will be a major change for your dog and can result in the dog becoming quite stressed if he is not well prepared.Dogs that are have a free run of your house will need re-educating before your newborn comes home. Changing your dogs habits before your baby arrives will avoid hassles in the long term. You will need a few months to prepare your dog for your baby's arrival so start as early as possible.There are a number of ways to prepare your dog for your baby's arrival. Most importantly deal with any training or behavior problems. You will not have time to do this once your new baby comes home and you want to ensure the safety of your child. Train your dog to obey commands such as sit, come and stay and address any issues of fear or anxiety that your dog exhibits. A good idea is to train your dog to sit calmly on the floor beside you until you invite him onto your lap.To get your dog familiar with the sounds and smells of a baby try and borrow a baby or invite friends over with infants to accustom your dog to the real sounds and smells of a baby. Make this experience positive for your dog by offering a treat or playtime.Gradually introduce more sounds and smells of a baby into your home on a regular basis. You can do this by playing recordings of a baby crying or gurgling. You could also put some baby powder or oil on your hands to accustom your dog to the new smells. Do this gradually and regularly in the months preceding your newborn's arrival. You can also use a baby doll to help your dog get use to the real thing, carry it around, take it for a walk in a pram with your dog, pretend to change it and bath it.Once the baby is born and before you bring the baby home, take home a blanket or clothing that the baby has been in for your dog to investigate. Try to speak positively to your dog when the baby is around, and avoid negative tones. This is to ensure that your dog connects happy feelings while being in the presence of the baby. Always supervise any interactions between your new baby and your dog. Article written by Jen Hart.

Want a Safe, Healthy Dog Food You Can Trust

Submitted by: john123

If the current dog food recall has you scurrying about for a healthy and safe dog food for your pooch, look no more. A variety of resources exist to help you select and even prepare a dog food diet that you can trust for your dog. Here's a few examples.Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting via BalanceIT offers dog owners the ability to custom design safe dog food recipes by making menu selections much like in a restaurant. They offer ethnic recipes, traditional recipes, and even seasonal options.An example of some of the healthy dog food menu options includes chicken breast, ground beef, pork, lamb, and salmon.You'll make a selection of your preferred meat protein and couple it with your choice of egg, cottage cheese, tofu, rice, potato, sweet potato, spaghetti, oats, barley, couscous and tapioca.Once you make your menu selection, they will make a custom recipe for your dog that is healthy and safe dog food without all of the fillers and problems associated with commercial dog food. Certainly a better option than trusting the health of your dog to commercial dog food, which continues to be suspect with new brands being recalled almost daily.The cost for these recipes is not cheap, it's $20 for 1 recipe, $30 for 2 recipes and $12.50 for 3 or more recipes. So if you order several, the price becomes more affordable.If this still seems a bit pricey to you there is another option.Sandra Bailey, author of "Real Dogs Don't Eat Kibble" tells us that heat used to cook commercial dog food destroys important nutrients that dogs need for immune system support. This contradicts the premise of cooked recipes but is touted by many dog nutritionists as the best option for your dog.Ms Bailey suggests a home made raw dog food diet to maximize the delivery level of nutrients. This is easy to do and an improvement in your dog's health can be detected in just a matter of days.The challenge for many is how to design a healthy dog food recipe. Ms Bailey answers this challenge by including a variety of dog food recipes and tips.Ultimately, the choice between a raw and cooked dog food diet is up to you. The key is to make sure that only healthy, natural ingredients are included in your best friend's food. Anything less will contribute to potential health hazards, illness and a shortened life span.If you're not convinced that feeding commercial dog food is dangerous just take a look at what is included in many dog food brands at Once you do, you'll want to do your research and make sure that your dog is not the next victim of tainted, posion commercial dog foodArticle written by MR Bruno.

Spunky And The "Apple a Day Dog Treat" Dog Food Recipe

Submitted by: tltfaas

My dog, Spunky, was put on a new diet last fall by our veterinarian who sold us the food. After five days Spunky became very ill. He was vomiting, eating less, became listless and staggered when he tried to walk. His veterinarian refused to admit that the new food was causing his illness. Spunky became so ill that he was hospitalized for five days and came to the point where we were told he was dying.
I insisted that we try to feed him some of his old food before we gave up on him. We visited the animal hospital and fed him small amounts of his old food. Within hours his bloodwork was back to normal and he recovered very quickly. Some damage to his liver, kidneys and gallbladder remained but these are problems that can be monitored. In my anger and despair I decided to publish an all natural cookbook of dog food recipes. Several months later the very food that made Spunky ill was added to the recall list and this only served to make me more aware that pet owners need to consider feeding their pets human grade food.
An Apple A Day Dog Treat
2 cups whole-wheat flour1/2 cup unbleached flour1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple, chopped or grated1 egg, beaten1/3 cup vegetable oil1 tablespoon packed brown sugar3/8 cup water
Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal in large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water. Mix until well blended. On work surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size.
Place treats on prepared sheet. Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed for 1 hour to make the treats crispy. Remove treats from oven. Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag, and place in refrigerator or freezer.
Recipe makes 24 servings.
Pet owners who love their pets will no doubt be searching for new food sources. Remember that when changing your dog's diet (no matter what the food source) that you need to introduce the new food carefully and in small amounts before actually making the switch. If you have any concerns about allergies and food sensitivity please consult your veterinarian before introducing human grade food.
(c) 2007, Davis Virtual Assistance. You may reprint this article so long as you keep it intact with the resource box and make all links live.

How To Treat Dog Vomiting

Submitted by: petvet

A very common problem that virtually all of us see as dog owners is dog vomiting. There are potentially many different causes of dog vomiting. The most common cause is garbage gut, where your dog consumes something he shouldn't have, resulting in vomiting. Other causes include food allergies, parasites, medications, infectious causes (i.e. parvovirus), cancer, liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, metabolic disorders (thyroid disease or diabetes), physical obstructions such as a ball or a bone, and primary motility disorders (the stomach doesn't contract normally). Any vomiting dog must be evaluated for dehydration. If your dog is vomiting persistently and unable to retain even water, wait no longer than 24 hours before going to your veterinarian. This indicates a severe problem, such as an obstruction, that needs to be treated with IV fluids and possibly surgery. If your dog is still consuming water and occasionally vomiting, then you can try some of the home remedies.Fasting. A 24 hour fast is the most important thing you can do to allow your pet's inflamed stomach to heal. Allow access to controlled amounts of water, but no food. After 24 hours offer bland food such as plain cooked white rice; give equivalent amounts of rice as you do dog or cat food. After 48 hours mix their regular food with rice and don't fully go to regular food until after 72 hours.For Food Allergens. For dogs and cats with chronic vomiting, I strongly recommend a diet change. Preferably switch to a hypoallergenic food or homemade allergy diet. At the very least, change to a premium quality food - I find that some pets respond to a more natural diet. In light of the recent Pet Food Recall, paying close your dog's diet is even more important than ever. For a list of recommended foods, join my membership site, Dr. Andrew Jones' Inner Circle (see links below). Homeopathic. Nux Vomica is an effective homeopathic remedy for dog vomiting. Give 1 tablet of the 30C strength per 40lbs once daily for 3-5 days.Herbal - Ginger. A tasty addition for a curry is also effective for vomiting. The dried herb dose is 25mg per lb or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture.Acupressure Point. The ST36 point, located on the outside of the hind leg below the knee may be effective; press it for 1 minute twice daily for 3-5 days to see if it helps.Flowers to the Rescue: Bach Rescue Remedy can make your pet feel a little better about their illness. Give your pet 3-4 drops by mouth every 6 hours. Herbal - Chamomile. This is commonly used in people with mild stomach upset and it may help your pet. Give 30mg per lb of the dried herb, or 2 drops per lb of the tincture three times daily.The treatments I covered may be all that you need for now. But I guarantee that you will use many of the thousands of at home remedies in my book.I use them every day in practice. They work. No side effects.You should try it. To your pet's good health...

Home Remedies And Treatments For Dog Arthritis

Submitted by: petvet

As part of your regular pet health exam, today we focus on the muscles and bones that help your dog move. Starting at the neck, run your hand along the spine to the base of the tail. Feel the muscles on both sides of the spine and notice if any feel unusually firm or knotted. Dogs can get a variety of conditions that will lead to muscle spasms in their back muscles.Massage any tight muscles and take note of the area. A common condition in active dogs is to develop fusing of the spine (spondylosis). This can lead to decreased mobility, pinched vertebrae and back pain. Your dog will benefit from regular massage of the lower lumbar spinal muscles. Place your hands on either side of the spine and use deep circular digital pressure with your thumbs. Work on the affected area once daily for 5 minutes.Next, palpate the bones and muscles of the legs. Start on the legs at the toes. Apply moderate pressure to the joints and move each joint back and forth. On the front legs pay close attention to any discomfort in the elbow or shoulder; these are common areas of dog arthritis. In the rear limbs, pay close attention to the knee and the hips for these are commonly arthritic. Your dog will resist moving these joints and may even yelp if your dog has arthritis.HERBAL. A variety of herbs are used at different times for dog arthritis. The ones I have seen to be most effective include: DEVIL'S CLAW, used in traditional African medicine and has scientific studies to back its effectiveness, give 100mg or 10 drops per 10 lbs of body weight.ACUPRESSURE. GB 41, located on the bottom of the foot, in the depression of the two outside toes, and is especially good for arthritic pain in the hips.METHYLSULFONYMETHANE. MSM is a supplement, found in some plants such as Horsetail. It works by reducing inflammation in the joints by acting as an antioxidant - this has been shown to work well in treating dog arthritis. The MSM dosage is 50mg per 10lbs of body weight daily.IT'S IN THE CARTILAGE. GLUCOSAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE is the most important supplement to add to your dog's diet. The dose is 1/4 of a 500mg tablet once daily per 10 lbs of body weight. It helps to rebuild the cartilage and delay further cartilage breakdown. The treatments I've just covered may be all that you need for now, but if you would like additional dog arthritis remedies, get my book today, I offer 15 different alternatives to dog arthritis alone. And along with arthritis, I guarantee that you will use many of the (over) one thousand at-home remedies in my book.I use them every day in practice. They work. No side effects.You should try it.To your pet's good health,

Different Nutritional Needs for Heatlhy Dogs

Submitted by: jbryce

As companions the first dogs dogs were undoubtedly kept, however it probably did not take long to realize the working value of mans new friend.Even in early times probably way before the history of dogs was ever recorded, these pets were helping us for a variety of purposes, but they were mainly to hunt for food. But back in those days hunting was not a sport. It was serious and hard work.Today the nature of a dog's job has taken on a different form. You will find he is still helping us in the search for food but this is normally for a different reason.Every working dog's primary dietary need is increased by the energy he spends and no matter what the purpose or nature of the job he is given, his performance will always require some sort of time expenditure of energy. As a consequence, whenever dietary energy is increased, those B-complex vitamins, minerals, and the water necessary for burning the energy must also be increased.Working dogs require most nutrients at no greater levels than non-working dogs. And if it wasnt for the increased need for energy and the nutrients to burn it you wouldn't have to do anything. However when working dogs eat large quantities of ordinary maintenance dog foods to obtain all of the energy they need, they will frequently consume some of the nutrients in excessive amounts. This may also cause them to eat such large quantities that the digestibility of all the nutrients in their diet are also adversely affected. Which will cause some nutrients to be be obtained in inadequate amounts.Working dogs simply cannot, physically, eat all of the food it needs to supply the required energy. When this happens the dog will suffer due to the lack of total digestible energy, and he will lose weight. If this condition is permitted to continue, your dog will stop working for you as his body just tells him too. This is really to the body acting so as to reduce its caloric demands. If you then force the dog to continue working at the same pace, it will lose weight faster and faster, and eventually its going to work itself to death.Now Herd Dogs are the most common working dogs in the USA. They are also the same dogs that use the least amount of extra energy of any of the working dogs. You will very rarely find that then need to expend energy in excess of a normal dogs activity for any duration of time. Even their short-term expenditures of energy are not very great. The only time herd dogs ever utilize large amounts of energy are when they are rounding up stray cattle on a farm.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Hypoallergenic Dogs For Allergy Dog Lovers

By: Alfred Berger
Hypoallergenic dog has a lowered tendency to cause allergies or reactions to allergy dog lovers. There is no pure 100% hypoallergenic dog! Allergy suffers react to similar breeds of dogs differently. Every person has a unique allergic threshold.

Dander is the actual cause to people with allergies, not the hair. Hypoallergenic dogs are producing allergens but some coat types will produce fewer than others. Two coats dogs produce less amounts ofallergens, and the hairless types can actually produce enough dander to effect allergy people.

If there is a dog you want and wonder if it will make you allergy even though its a hypoallergenic dog ask your breeder if you can see one of his dogs. Go to the breeder\'s from home and stay 20-30 minutes then go directly home and take note what happens. Here is a list of some of the hypoallergenic dogs to consider:

Golden Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers
American Hairless Terrier-medium size
Siberian Huskies
Basenji-medium
Bichon Frise
Alaskan Malamutes
Border Terrier-small
American Eskimos
Cairn-medium size
Chihuahuas
Chinese Crested (hairless)-medium size
Havanese
Shiba Inus
Kerry Blue Terrier-medium size
Maltese
Miniature Schnauzer
Portuguese Water Dog-medium size
Shih Tzu
Samoyeds
Spanish Water Dog-medium size
Standard Schnauzer-medium size
Chow Chows
Tibetan Terrier-medium size
Catahoula Leopard Dogs
Poodle
Bernese Mountain Dogs
West Highland White Terrier-medium size
Wirehaired Fox Terrier-medium size
Border Collies
Yorkshire Terrier

They are hybrid dogs that are also good choice for allergy suffers. They have less or no dander. Here are some to consider:

Cockapoo
Labradoodle
Yorkipoo

Air purifier and a good vacuum may help keep the allergies down.

And Also, bathing and grooming your dog frequently will help but some dogs should not be bathed too frequently because the dog may suffer from dry skin.

Do a research on different breeds of dogs, ask your breeders and a veterinarian to get all the information you want to help you find the suitable dog for you.

Article Source:http://www.articleboy.com

Dog Coat and Dog Fur Maintenance


By: John Williams
Your dog's fur is a very important aspect of your dogs life, keeping it clean and in good shape is a good way to keep your dog happy, healthy, and clean. If you don't keep your dogs fur in good shape it will only be a mater of time before tangles and knots appear in your dog's coat picking up insects, pests, and causing discomfort for your dog.
Different dogs have different types of fur and with so many cross breeds and different looking dogs, naming all the different types of fur would be impossible. There are many different types of dog fur, some will look after themselves more than others but the general rule is that a longer dog coat will normally tangle and know easier than others.
To maintain your dog's fur and keep it looking as it should, lots of grooming may be needed so this should be taken into account when buying a new dog. But grooming does not need to be a chore you have to do for your dog because grooming is proven to be a great bonding between owner and dog and creates trust and comfort for your dog making them a lot easier to train.
Step one is to get a good comb for your dog ensuring that there are no sharp edges and that your dog is comfortable with you using it without hurting him/her. Your vet or local pet shop many be able to help you and give you advice with choosing the correct comb but this will be a deciding point in whether your dog will enjoy you doing it or not.
After you have chosen your comb, grooming should happen often and you should do it thoroughly each time, ensuring all knots and angles are removed, if you haven't yet combed your dog's fur then it may be difficult to start so do a bit at a time to ensure you don't discourage your dog and make them not like the grooming process.
After the initial combing, the more often you groom your dog the easier it will be, leaving it for long periods of time is not advised because this means it is more likely to hurt your dog when it eventually does get done. If your dog is finding it tough going then maybe a dog bath is needed to make it easier to detangle and add to your dog furs health.


John Williams website owner. For more information on dog behavior training visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link...Dog Training.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Dog training - Low Maintenance Dog

By: John Williams
There are so many different dog breeds and dog crossbreeds around the world now that finding the perfect dog for you can seem a hugely daunting task. Sure, your perfect dog is probably out there somewhere but finding that dog is a completely different thing. To help you narrow your search down I have taken the time to put this article together and give my best advice on which dog will be best for you if you're looking for a low maintenance dog for your new home, family or any other occasion. Ok, you want a low maintenance dog breed so what is the answer? There are many aspects to this question and many dogs to consider, some are realty energetic like the Labrador, border collie and Irish setter but other breeds just seem to be pretty much as energetic as each other. Maintenance may not mean weather the dog you want is energetic and needs lots of walks and exercise and it may be other forms of dog maintenance like grooming, dog training and bathing etcetera. These differences in dog breed personalities and care are very hard to determine and sum up into a final list of perfect dog breeds as all dogs will need time and care. The main question here ids weather you are really ready for a dog in your home or place of residence. Dogs do take lots of time especially when they are young and impressionable puppies or dogs. If you want a low maintenance dog then the option for you is to not have a dog at all. Dogs take a big commitment in your life and need to be cared for appropriately in order to be healthy and happy. If you are unsure take more time to ponder your choices and priorities, it will save you a lot of time and unwanted effort in the long run.
John Williams website owner. For more information on dog behavior training visit dog - behavior - training .co.uk
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Stop your Dog Barking When You're Away


by: Martin Olliver

Obviously, most problems with barking dogs result from dogs that don’t have their owner around to quiet them down. In fact, the owner’s absence in many cases is what’s rousing the dog’s vocal chords.

Most of what you can do to get your dog’s barking under control is done directly by you when you catch your dog in the act. For instance, if you know that your dog is barking at, say people who walk their dogs past your house when you’re away, then it is possible to recreate this scenario with you present so you can correct the behavior. However, intermittent barking such as this may be tolerated, by you, the neighborhood, and indeed your local dog legislation, provided your dog is not menacing passers-by through a crumbling fence.

A lonely dog barking or whining can be both much more of a nuisance and much more difficult to address, but there are still some things you should be doing. Try to come home more often, or try to arrange for a friend to visit, ideally with their friendly and energetic dog. It may nip the problem right in the bud. Enough said.

If you know you’ve got a barking dog problem that has the potential to anger neighbors, a little public relations work can go a long way. If possible, ask your neighbors if there is a barking nuisance coming from your place and, if there is, tell them you’re working on it. Then work on it.

You might also try staging a false exit. Walk once around the house or whatever it takes so they think you’re gone. When your dog barks, correct the behavior with a “Quiet” command (though your sudden appearance will likely be enough).

You can use special bark collars, that either use sonic or electric power to correct your dog. Others squirt a substance such as citronella when they bark, a scent they despise. I don’t use them, and the ones I have seen in use were awkward and not 100 percent effective. But I stay away from them less because they train through discomfort (they do not harm your pet), and more because they displace the source of authority from you to some device they don’t understand. Furthermore, they don’t differentiate between acceptable - even necessary - barking on one hand, and noise pollution on the other.

There’s also a medieval-like procedure whereby the dog’s voice-box is removed to render them barkless, or at least takes the bite out of their bark. This is simply abhorrent.

A better option for desperate dog owners is arranging some form of doggy day care, whether it’s a professional service or a personal arrangement. Some dogs simply do not get enough stimulation during the day, and they will let the world know about it until they do.

About The Author
Martin Olliver is a proud member of the Kingdom of Pets team (http://www.kingdomofpets.com). For more great articles on problem barking, visit: http://kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/articles/barking_dogs.php.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Dog Sports For Every Breed

by: Jack Russell
Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog's life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.

Agility

This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.

Carting

Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.

Frisbee Dog

Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler's skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.

Flyball

This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.

Scootering

It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.

Sheepdog Trial

Also known as "dog trial", this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of "babe" the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.

About The Author

Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Buying a Dog Collar

by: David Ward

A dog is certainly man’s best friend. This is why you need to take extra care while choosing a dog collar. Today, the market is filled with various varieties of collars for different dogs. It is no longer regarded as a ‘just a strap around the neck’ but an accessory that gives a dog a personality. As a fashion statement dog collars are gaining popularity because owners like their dogs to look as fashionable as they are. Before you go ahead and buy a collar for your dog, spend a little time to find out all you can about the product. This way you can make an intelligent choice, which not only suits your pocket but one, which will be comfortable to your dog.

The most important factor in buying a dog collar is your dog. The kind of collar you buy largely depends on the breed of dog and its quality and color of its fur. Ideally you would want a collar that makes your dog look good. For smaller breeds you have the option of using brighter colors like pink or purple. For large and fiercer dogs, these colors would not compliment the dog’s nature. Therefore, blacks, browns and reds are more popular for larger breeds.

The next important factor to keep in mind is your dog’s temperament. Some dogs are more docile than others. Thus they do not require a high intensity collar. However, dogs in training would probably need pinch or choke collars. You need to be very careful about selecting these collars because extensive pressure can harm the overall health of the dog. The safest dog collars are the ones with buckles and those with a quick release mechanism. They do not cause your dog any discomfort. Owners with more obedient and trained dogs can afford to use these collars.

If you are a beach lover or if you have a pool at home then it is wise to get a nylon collar. It is best suited for dogs that are around water a lot. The most important factor to remember is how well the collar fits on your dog. Ensure that it is not too tight to choke or discomfort the dog. Experts say that there should be atleast two-finger space between the collar and the neck. If the collar is too loose the dog might be able to get it over its head in no time. This defeats the purpose of a dog collar. Today there is a wide choice of products to choose from. Electronic dog collars range from $130 and $1300. You can get a collar and leash set which match in color.

About The Author
David Ward is an author who writes articles on many topics. For further information on dog training visit: http://www.mycaninepal.com/ace.pl/veterinary-tips-cleveland.html

Sunday, October 14, 2007

3 Important Dog Training Tips

by: Felix Senhouse
Dog training can be a grueling process but if done correctly, it can be very rewarding in the end. Whether you have a dog in the city, the suburbs, or the country, a trained dog is always easier to handle, especially when it comes to social situations.

1. Be fair with corrections.

Be sure that your dog comprehends what you want before you correct him for not doing it. Also, let the punishment fit the crime. A correction should not be a release of anger on your dog. Instead, a correction is a way to communicate with your dog, a way to foster in him a clear understanding of his place in your human pack. At its mildest level, a correction can be the absence of praise. Before jerking the leash, remember to ask yourself if you're being fair.

2. Be positive.

As a dog's trainer, you must have the right attitude. Praise that is well timed and appropriate is essential to your dog's learning process. If all that you ever do is say "no!" to your dog, your relationship isn't going to be a very good one. How would you like to work with a boss like that?

Praise is cheap and free - so use alot of it! Use praise when your dog attempts to get it right. Use it more when your dog is successful in his task. Use it when your dog pays attention to you, because that's the first step in the training. It's not necessary to be some gushing goof, but you should let your dog know when you're proud of him.

3. You and your dog are on the same team.

Don't think of training your dog as a you versus your dog endeavor. Instead, think about the two of you being on the same team, albeit in different positions. Just as if you were the quarterback, you call the plays. Winning is a team effort. It's just a matter of your dog learning the plays first, and you're the one to teach him.

As a team, you will need to spend time together. Bring him into your life. Let him sleep in a crate in your bedroom, practice his "sits" in the kitchen. The more opportunities for interaction and practice you have, the faster and more reliably your dog will perform.

About The Author
Felix Senhouse is a contributor for http://www.familydogcare.com.

Family Dog Care is your complete resource for dog related news and information, covering topics that range from dog training to dog nutrition.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Protective Dog Clothing For Your Active Dog

by: Teresa James
You’ll want to use protective dog clothing to keep your active dog safe and warm when adventuring in the great outdoors. The right dog clothing will go a long way in protecting your dog from cuts, scratches and severe weather conditions.
Protective dog clothing like dog coats, vests, and dog booties are important for more than one reason. The main function of dog clothing, like our own clothing, is to keep your dog dry and warm when the weather turns stormy and cold.
But many people take advantage of the newer styles of dog clothing that incorporate safety features like reflective materials stitched into the outfits. They help to make your dog much more visible when the weather darkens the sky. This is an important safety consideration for the dog that is active outdoors.
And if you take your dog hunting or hiking through the woods, she’ll really appreciate the protective features of dog clothing designed specifically for active dogs. Even the most user-friendly trails through the park are usually somewhat overgrown at the edges with sharp sticker bushes and splintering bramble.
When planning our outdoor activities we put a good deal of thought into packing all sorts of protective clothing that we’ll need to keep ourselves dry, warm and comfortable throughout our trip.
But are we leaving our canine friends out in the cold? Since many of our dogs look so well protected in their natural fur coats, most people never consider that they too could benefit from protective dog clothing. There are times when the cold weather or sharp thorns penetrate even the thickest of coats.
Just like us, if our dogs are left unprotected for extended periods of time they can suffer the chilling effects of the elements . . . losing their body heat at an accelerated rate.
So before your next outing, consider packing some protective clothing for your canine pal too!
Tips For Selecting Dog Coats, Vests, & Dog Booties
A good fit is essential. Dog clothing like a dog coat, vest or dog boots must fit well so that it will remain securely in place throughout an active day of hunting or hiking.
You’ll want a dog coat that will protect your dog from the elements and rough brush found on hunting and hiking trails.
How sensitive to the elements your dog is will depend a great deal on the weather conditions, how much time he spends outside and the type of coat he has.
Shorthaired breeds tend to be more sensitive to direct rain and cold. Whereas the fur of thick-coated breeds are more prone to absorb lots of water.
The coat that you choose must be designed to keep your dog warm while providing protection from wind and rain. When it’s windy and cold outside, fleece dog clothing will definitely help keep your pooch toasty warm.
But remember fleece alone is not the best choice for trail conditions. It won’t provide much protection from the rain and it won’t stand up very well against the rough brush on the trails.
A dog coat with a combination of a warm fleece lining and a durable nylon shell will provide maximum protection and will help maintain your dog’s core body heat.
If there’s a chance that you’ll be taking your dog into a cold and rainy environment it’s probably a good idea to pack a raincoat, too.
And if you choose a dog coat that covers the underside of your dog, make sure that it’s designed to give your dog enough room to do his business.
Your dog’s jacket will also provide some protection from thorns and burrs. Dog owners with thick-coated or longhaired breeds will find this a very nice bonus. Removing burdocks from fur is no picnic!
Dog clothing designed for the active hound should allow your dog to enjoy a full range of motion. So make sure the leg openings will not restrict your dog’s movement.
Also, look for garments designed with clean lines that are less likely to get caught on things. A well-fitting garment designed for the shape of your particular breed is best.
Related Articles:
Pick Chic Small Dog Clothes & Enjoy Looking Like A Celebrity
Tips On Choosing The Right Small Dog Clothes That Your Special Pet Will Love To Wear. Fashion And Functionality For Your Convenience And Your Dog’s Comfort.
Dog Clothes That Are Fun & Functional – Be Proud Of Your Pooch
Learn The Important Dog Clothes Features You Need To Consider When Outfitting Your Dog For Cold Weather And Special Events – Tips On Convenience, Function And Designer Fashions
Copyright 2005 Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
About The Author
Teresa James
Article courtesy of: Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com dedicated to providing quality dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and Free Ezine.
Publishing Guidelines: Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Dog Travel Tips for Dog Owners

by: Dr. Debra Primovic
Dog travel is a big concern of many vacation seeking dog owners. As leisure travel picks up this month, Americans more than ever are letting their dogs travel with them. Here are 5 practical dog travel tips:
Dog Travel Tip #1: Keep your dog cool in your car
During summer drives, keep the air-conditioner going. If you make a stop, never leave an animal alone in a closed car, where he can overheat. Even short trips in cool weather can problematic for dogs as sunlight still generates enormous heat in the closed areas of a car.
Dog Travel Tip #2: Keep your dog secure in the car
The safest way to travel with your dog in a car is to put her in a dog crate or dog carrier. Make sure all bowls are fixed to the dog crate or dog carrier so they don't move around. Also be sure to get your dog used to the dog crate or dog carrier by letting her site inside for a few minutes each day leading up to your trip.
Dog Travel Tip #3: Micro clip your dog in case she gets lost far from home
Your dog should be microchipped and her license and identification tags engraved with your name and address. You might want to add a neighbor or relative's contact information in case someone calls while you are away.
Dog Travel Tip #4: Don't let your dog stick her head out the window
Car windows should be opened enough to allow air into the car, but not opened enough to allow your dog to stick her head out of the window. This keeps your dog in the safest position. Of course, if you followed Dog Travel Tip #2 and placed your dog in a dog crate or dog carrier this won't be a problem.
Dog Travel Tip #5: Check with airlines on latest dog travel regulations
Within the United States, an estimated 160 million people and 500,000 pets travel by air each year. Flying with a pet in tow has become more expensive – and complicated – than it used to be. Dog travel regulations not only vary from airline to airline by rules may changed based on various Homeland Security travel directives.
In general small dogs can travel in a carry on dog carrier, while larger dogs must go into the cargo. Be prepared to place your dog in an airline approved dog carrier and for some airlines bring proof of vaccinations.
Finally, after you take the necessary precautions don't forget to have fun. A little preparation can go a long way in making vacation with your dog a lot more fun.
About The Author
Dr. Debra Primovic publishes numerouse articles for dog owners. Be sure to visit her latest articles www.petplace.com/dogs/dog-carrier/page1.aspx and www.petplace.com/dogs/dog-crate/page1.aspx
(c) www.petplace.com/dogs.aspx

Thursday, October 11, 2007

House Train A Dog - Quick Help

by: Michael Royce
The good news is that you can house train a dog (an adult dog that is) fairly quickly…faster than puppies anyway…the bad news is, you’ve got to be consistent and actually do the work because your dog won’t have a clue what to do. So how do you get started?...I thought you’d never ask. 1. Set Up “His Space” Create an area where you can confine your pooch…you’ll use it for those times when you’re away or when you don’t want to be keeping a close eye on him…make sure a large part of that space is covered with newspapers too (about 3 sheets thick). When (not if) he uses the papers, clean up the mess and replace the papers as soon as you can…but place one of the soiled papers right in the middle of the new batch…this will help build the “here is where I go” idea in his brain. Over time (maybe days, maybe weeks) his “aim” will improve and you’ll be able to reduce the papered area to maybe just a single sheet. 2. Create a Feeding & Watering Routine Your best partner in house training your buddy will be setting up and sticking to a feeding and watering schedule…feed and water him at the same times every day – no exceptions…no snacks in between; no special treats (until he’s trained)…in this way his body will automatically respond to the schedule and be predictable…this will help you immensely with your house training. 3. Observe, Observe, Observe Keep an eye on him at all times (when he’s not in “his space”)…now that he’s on a schedule, you’ll find out that Fido will need to “go” shortly after each feeding session, and perhaps shortly after each watering session and maybe a few more unpredictable times…watch him closely and learn what his body language is when he needs to relieve himself…is he suddenly restless; is he sniffing around; is he (and wouldn’t this be great?) scratching at the door? 4. Do Your Leg Work When he “shows the signs,” put him on a leash and get your legs workings…take him outside to the place you want him to use. Make sure this is the same place every time…don’t confuse him by switching it around on him. Be patient and while he’s sniffing around, repeat a command he can associate with this behavior in the future…use something like “go, go, go” or “time to go boy,” etc…then when he finally “goes,” make sure to give him a lot of praise and strokes…you want him to associate that praise with his actions so his little doggie brain will remember “Go Outside = Good Stuff” 5. Correcting Mistakes If he goes “where no dog has gone before,” immediately, make eye contact with him and correct him with a firm “No” then lead him to the place you want him to use (either outside or to his “papers”) But you must remember (and never forget) you can only correct him if you catch him in the act…if it’s any later, even just seconds later, your correction won’t work; he won’t make the connection you want…in fact, it will have a negative impact…so, if you miss your chance, you’ll just have to be more vigilant and catch him the next time. But once the deed is done, clean up the mess completely and remove the odor completely too, because it will be the smell that brings him back to that spot for a return visit. 6. Keep Your Attitude Positive Keep in mind that house training any dog takes time…it could take weeks…some dogs will be able to control themselves sooner than others and some will learn what you want from them sooner than others. If you want to be successful in the shortest amount of time, it’s up to you to maintain the right attitude and be persistent and consistent so your buddy has the best chance to learn. I hope this helps…thanks for reading. Did you know that to house train a dog is just the first training step you’ll take with your pooch? Need help taking the next steps? Then check out http://AlexionReviews.com.
About The Author
Michael Royce is an amateur dog trainer who has lived with, trained, (and been trained by) more than a dozen dogs in the last 25 years. He is a regular contributor to several websites including http://The-Dog-Zone.net.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Top Tips To Housetrain Your Dog Or Puppy

by: Marc Andresen
I brought Rufie up from a puppy, and believe you me, a strong willed dog can be hard to train! Here's what I found to be valuable when training a puppy:- 1) Toilet Training The best way is to teach the dog to only 'go' when outside. If this is impractical, you can buy commercial 'dog potty' products. Make sure you always use the same command, (such as 'Potty') and praise him highly when he gets it right. Remember - consistency is the key to ALL training! 2) Walkies! Get a rhythm going, so your dog knows when it is walkies time. A short walk after meals, and a longer walk in the morning and evening are best. Sometimes (especially when young, your puppy may NEED to go outside. It's smart to establish a signal so you can tell when he's desperate. Pawing the front door, or fetching the leash are good ones - you can't misinterpret them. Don't forget to use the 'potty' command when outside, and reinforce his behavior with praise when he gets it right. 3) Accidents Accidents happen - puppies in particular have less than perfect bladder control.If an accident occurs, be firm, and use the 'NO' word strongly, then take him to the designated area. Don't delay - if you do, he won't be able to understand why he is being scolded. 4) Clean up After the act, clean up. Use plastic bags (sandwich bags are good). Make sure you don't come into contact with it - use the 'inside out' bag trick, and deposit the waste as fast as you can in the nearest litter box. 5) Litter trays are for cats Unless your dog is a small breed, you will probably have trouble 'litter training' him. Even a medium sized hound can make more mess in a litter tray than you would believe. However, as an emergency measure, they can be valuable - at least you confine the mess to one area. Don't forget the praise reinforcement! Watch out your pooch doesn't start trying to eat the litter pellets - you will never know what your dog thinks is 'tasty'! 6) Territory! As your dog grows older, you may suddenly notice him starting to pee around the house again. This is his 'territory marking' behavior, and is natural, if undesirable. You can spot this because the spray will be only a small amount, and very pungent. If you catch him at it, let him know this is NOT OK. Afterwards, douse the area with a mix of vinegar and water - he will stay away from that area long after you can't detect the smell. 7) Consistency and immediacy. The key to all training is consistency. With a dog, you also need to be immediate - even 30 seconds and your dog will have no idea why you are praising or scolding him. I used these tips to train Rufie, and if you liked this article, I would appreciate it if you go cast a vote for him at http://petmillions.com - it doesn't cost anything! His number is 1049, and you can vote for him at http://www.petmillions.com/?vote=1049. Thanks, and good luck training your pet! Marc.
About The Author
Marc Andresen is the owner of Rufie, although sometimes you'd think it was the other way round! Vote for Rufie and make Marc a happy boy!

3 Essential Tips To Successful House Train Older Dogs

by: James Lee
House training older dogs is a more delicate process than with younger dogs. If you are looking to adopt an older dog that was not previously exposed to any house training at a young age, it is going to bring along its bad habits such as chewing, excessive barking, making holes in the yard or “marking” the territory. Furthermore, you will also experience more difficulties in house training older dogs as they tend to respond and progress much slower to most training methods and commands than younger dogs. Here are 3 useful tips that can help you in house training older dogs successfully. * First and foremost, a complete check-up at the vet is necessary in order to eliminate any existing health problems or complications such as urinary tract or flea infections. Older dogs may also experience some form of diarrhea if there is a sudden change from their previous dietary habits. Do not punish him for these "mistakes". Instead be patient and allow your dog a week to adapt to the changes gradually. If conditions did not improve, consult your vet. * Always establish a routine schedule for eating and drinking for your dog. This helps you to easily monitor your dog's toilet habits and decide when to bring your pet out for a walk every time he or she finishes its meals. Most adult dogs tend to eliminate 30 - 45 minutes after eating or drinking. Learn the signs and watch out for clues of circling and sniffing the floor. * Older dogs have shorter attention spans therefore more repetitions are needed during the house training process to reinforce the desired habits. Never use violence on them if they make a mess in the house. Scolding the dog is pointless unless you actually see it eliminating indoors. Use a firm voice command "No" and guide the dog to its designated spot. Praise or reward your dog when it relieves itself outdoors. Therefore, house training an older dog successfully depend a lot on your consistency, discipline and perseverance. Treating the dog with patience and understanding, using the appropriate house training methods are the main ingredients to developing a well behaved adult dog with good toilet habits.
About The Author
James Lee is a contributing member at http://www.DogTrainingClassroom.com. For more information on dog training tips, try visiting http://www.dogtrainingclassroom.com/dog-training-tips.html.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Dealing With Dog House Training Issues

by: Edwina Hanson
The best house training uses the dogs own instincts to avoid soiling its bed. 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.

About The Author

Edwina Hanson runs a successful dog and owner training company. Go to http://www.k9-training-tips.com/free-dog-care-report.html for a free 73 page report entitled "Complete Dog Care".

Friday, October 5, 2007

Finding the Best Pet and Best Friend

by: Dakota Caudilla
With the current number of puppy producing mills everywhere in the world, it’s an understatement to say that it’s DIFFICULT to find a genuine pet dog belonging to a genuinely friendly breed. Today, we have all kinds of mixed breed dogs, Great Danes with Golden Retriever legs, snippy headed American Eskimos, etc. The point is that we are looking for a pet dog, a family pet dog, not a show dog! But the inbreeding programs by puppy breeding mills continue to flush the market with such incredulous mix breeds of dogs. Therefore, if you’re looking for a pet dog, a man’s best friend, it’s best that you learn how to find answers and ask the right questions at the pet shop.
Going to a shelter or rescue home for dogs is always a good idea if you’re looking for puppies in need. There are many advantages of owning a pet dog as compared to owning a cat. After all, it’s a fact that dogs make better pets – they didn’t get the name ‘man’s best friend’ for nothing. The key to finding the right dog for the family, especially if you have kids, is to do some homework before you go dog-shopping. It’s easily to get emotionally deterred when you see the dogs on display. A particular attractive dog may not be suitable to your needs and it’s not a good idea to get emotionally attached to the wrong pet dog.
Despite the fact that it takes more effort and time to have a pet dog (compared to cats and other types of pets), they are still the most popular types of pets. Pet dogs must be walked, brushed, exercised, talked to, stroked, and loved unconditionally. Pet lovers treat their dogs like human beings. Pet dogs will thrive on your attention to it and they will give you their unconditional friendship and companionship. Imagine coming home to a best friend who will do anything for you, with you and to you, irregardless. It’s not the same as having other types of pets. A pet dog is capable of unconditional love and devotion.
Puppies are adorable, that’s for sure, but if they are not allowed to socialize with as many human beings and dogs of other species outside its home as possible, they will grow up with a kind of fear that could transform into something more serious later on in its life. For instance, dogs that fear other human beings and other dogs can behave erratically and have unpredictable temperament. The constant socializing must take place consistently and regularly during the first 5 months of its life. Taking your best fiend pet dog to training classes at an early age will be extremely beneficial to your relationship immensely.
Pet dogs are like kids too – kids have their teething problems while growing up (some have problems all through their lives), so, we should not expect any less from our dogs. Be patient in teaching them how not to chew, scratch and vandalize everything in your home. With your guidance, love, supervision, socialization, gentle and human attention, your pet dog can be trained to grow into your best friend for the rest of its life!
About The Author
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.great-pets.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

The Facts on Dog Bite Lawsuits

by: Katie Brandt
While dogs may be our best friends, some dogs can become aggressive and bite someone. A dog bite falls under the law in the personal injury category. Each state has various laws regarding the liability of the dog’s owner. Following are things you should do if you are bitten by a dog.
Dogs that bite can do it for a number of reasons. Perhaps the dog has always had an aggressive nature and perceives you as an unwanted stranger. Historically, there are certain breeds that have been known to harbor aggression. The Pit Bull breed is a common example.
The dog’s breed is only one factor and doesn’t always mean the dog will be aggressive and prone to biting. You might encounter a dog that has been healthy in the past and free from offensive behavior. However, now the dog has suffered from a health illness such as rabies. Rabies can cause dogs to become disoriented and lash out by biting people. A classic sign of rabies is drooling and foaming of the mouth.
If you are bitten it is imperative that you have your bite checked out at the hospital as soon as possible. Dogs can be a host to several bacterial and viral infections that you can contract such as ring worm. Make sure however, that you remember the type of breed to help a doctor assess the extent of the wound. Write down the contact information of the dog’s owner should you need to file a lawsuit.
Dog bite lawsuits arise when the dog bite is serious enough to cause injury, mental aggravation, and hospital bills. It was beneficial that you wrote down the dog breed and the dog owner’s contact information because you will need it when filing a dog bite lawsuit. Should you choose to file a dog bite lawsuit, you will need to contact an attorney to understand your rights and requirements for filing.
An attorney will explain the specific dog bite lawsuit laws in your state. It is good to know that the majority of states hold the dog’s owner liable for any dog bites. It will also need to be determined if the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggression. This is termed “dangerous propensities”. Did the owner know in advance that their dog was of a certain breed that is prone to biting? Did they provide the required safeguards to control this unwanted behavior in their dog?
Additionally, some states have enacted legislation that involves “strict liability”. The owner is liable for their dog’s actions whether they knew the dog was dangerous or not. Anytime their dog bites someone they are held liable no matter the situation or circumstances.
On the flip side of the coin is to view this from the dog owner’s perspective. Let’s say the dog owner had prior knowledge that their dog may be dangerous or may bite someone. The owner then took protective measures to keep his dog in a secure area. He also had placed “Beware of Dog” signs on his property and has warned others not to approach his dog as the dog may attack. The owner had done all this, but someone didn’t listen or even provoked the dog on purpose.
If the owner has provided these safety precautions they are sometimes not liable due to “contributory negligence”. “Contributory negligence” means that the person who was bitten understood the dangerousness of the animal, but proceeded to place themselves in the dog’s environment anyway. This type of dog bite lawsuit often ends in favor of the dog owner.
If you do file a dog bite lawsuit you can sue for compensation regarding medical costs you will incur due to the dog bite, pain and suffering, property damage, and affected wages. A vicious dog bite can leave you unable to work for some time and you need a way to recoup your losses.
You can also be awarded punitive damages in some cases. Whether or not you are awarded punitive damages depends on the behavior of the dog’s owner. Did the owner intentionally provoke their dog and put you in the line of fire? If so, the dog owner’s behavior will be punished by granting you an additional punitive damages settlement.
If you suffer from a dog bite you can rest a little easier knowing that many health insurance plans cover costs associated with dog bites. Hopefully, you won’t ever have to deal with a dog bite and dog bite lawsuit. Understand though that if you are bitten by a dog you do have legal claims. The extent and nature of the legal claims vary from state to state, but the basic guidelines have been discussed in this article. Consult an attorney that has worked on dog bite lawsuits in the past to figure out the best course of action.
About The Author
Katie Brandt, a lifelong dog lover, owns http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com which is the ultimate dog lover's resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog supplies, dog health, dog school, dog grooming, dog books, and dog care

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