Potty Training Techniques For Puppies

By Darren Gibson
House training is likely to be the first introduction a new dog owner has to training their four legged friend. This article aims to outline a few of the potty training techniques for puppies that are considered effective and speedy.

Paper Training

Paper training consists of the owner keeping a very close eye on their puppy for a number of weeks and encouraging them to toilet on areas covered in paper. Gradually, the area of paper is made smaller and moved towards the door until finally, the dog is toileting outdoors. When using this method, there is usually a lot of cleaning to be done to ensure the odor caused by "accidents" does not encourage the dog to go there and pee again.

Outdoor Reinforcement Method

This is a little used method that involves either using a verbal command or clicker to reinforce toileting outside. It can be an effective potty training technique but is usually more time consuming than other methods.

Using a Litter Box

This technique is better suited to puppies rather than adult dogs. Instead of using an area covered with paper, the pup is encouraged to use a litter box similar to a cat litter tray. Each time you spot fido starting to pee or poop, whisk them to the box to finish and get on with the clean up! Over time, your dog will seek out the litter box. Once this behavior begins, start to manoeuvre the litter box towards the door and eventually into the garden. Once your dog is going outside regularly, the litter box can be discarded. As with paper training, a great deal of direct supervision is needed.

Crate Training

In my opinion, this is the most effective potty training technique for puppies and adult dogs alike. During times when the owner is unable to supervise his or her dog indoors, the dog is confined to a crate or cage. Instinctively, the dog will avoid soiling this area. By letting the dog out of the crate to potty outdoors, it will learn quickly that outside is the place to toilet and indoors is the "den".

All of the above are effective potty training techniques for puppies. Whatever method you decide on using, remember that it will take a little time and, on the most part, a lot of effort and dedication to the plan. Don't give up and ideally, get plenty of detailed information about your chosen housebreaking method before you start. Proper planning prior to commencing potty training your puppy or dog will save hours, if not days, of frustration and cleaning up pee from the carpet.

Follow my link to get your free copy of the Definitive Guide to Dog House Training report

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Health Problems and Diseases Affecting Golden Retriever Breed

By Moses Wright
Golden Retrievers are prone to afflictions form six common illnesses. Although they are not unhealthy by nature, and are considered one of the hardier dogs around, there exists common afflictions that would still affect them badly. Then, it is up to the owner to try to understand the condition and causes of these illnesses to try to spot the symptoms to help their dogs cope with them.

Skin diseases are one of the top problems with Golden Retrievers. They could have causes as simple as a flea itch or mosquito bite that can cause their skin to be irritated and inflamed. These dogs will then chew the area until they create a lesion or something known as a hot spot. A hot spot is a raw, red and moist patch that will get larger every time the dog messes with it. It normally requires a bandage or a special collar to stop the dog from touching the area so as to give it time to recover.

Golden Retrievers can be more susceptible to allergies in comparison to other dogs. Wheat is typically an offending factor and a lot of commercial dog foods have wheat in their recipes. It is not lethal to animals but it can cause them to have problems with their digestion or cause their skin to become inflamed and irritated. If the dog licks its face excessively or scratches constantly, you might have a dog that is allergic.

Beneath the outer layers of the skin, there could be more severe types of diseases. There are different types of fatty lipomas and the severe liposarcoma that can become common as the dogs grow older.

Fatty lipomas are usually not harmful and are easily removed when your dog gets his teeth cleaned and general anesthesia is given to him. They might grow bigger, but they are not a health concern and can be left alone without worry. Liposarcomas, however, are malignant and need to be removed as quickly as possible. They need to be treated as soon as they are diagnosed.

Eye problems, such as cataracts, can be common in Golden Retrievers that are older than the age of 10. Such eye afflictions can lead to poorer vision or even blindness in the dog. There is no treatment for these conditions.

Heart conditions are less common in Golden Retrievers, but if they do occur, you will see either subvalvular aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy. Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a blockage in the left vein of the ventricle and will cause a decrease in the blood flow. Sometimes, the condition is harmless, although the dog will not be allowed to run around as much. When the condition is serious, the heart has to work harder due to the heart muscle thickening. This heart problem is usually genetic and the treatment can be beta blockers to mild antibiotics. An operation is always a solution but compared to operations on the human heart, it has a lower chance of success.

Cardiomyopathy is an acquired disease which is more serious. The reason for this is still unknown although there is a tendency for dogs aged between 4 to 10 to get it. The heart muscle will become weaker and flaccid, and it will degenerate until the dog dies.

Nevertheless, most Golden Retrievers live a long and healthy live. Your dog can lead a fulfilling life with the correct nutrition and adequate exercise.

Moses Wright loves to help dog owners with their pet dog behavior problems. You can find more free dog problems and solutions resources on his site: http://www.petquery.com/dog.htm

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Miniature Schnauzers

By Anand Dongre
The miniature Schnauzer is the outcome of the result of crossbreeding between the standard size Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds like Miniature Pinscher or Affenpincher and poodle. The aim was to create a smaller breed of standard Schnauzer which proved successful. Germany is the place where it originated in the early nineteenth century. The breed is one of the favorite and most popular breed in US.

The miniature Schnauzer comes in the color combination of pepper, salt, black and silver. Like any other dog miniature Schnauzer requires proper and regular grooming. But it advisable to include healthcare in grooming as this will help to keep the coat of your pet healthy. The coat over the top is very coarse and hard whereas the undercoat is extremely soft. The wiry coat of Miniature Schnauzer is easy to take care of. It should be trimmed around the eyes and ears and the knots should be clipped if any.

The maximum weight gain is up to fifteen pounds and it can reach to the height of twelve inches. The life expectancy of this miniature breed is around fourteen years and the time spend with the Miniature Schnauzer will always be a quality time. These dogs are bold and courageous and were originally used for guarding small farms, herds and families. They were once used as rat hunter and their small body helped them to get into tight places. Their natural instinct as rat hunter makes this dog untrustworthy when kept around small pets. Any animal smaller to them can suffer the attack of Miniature Schnauzer.

They are very lively and energetic and demands the attention of the owner, if not played with them they invent their own games and derive fun. They are very sensitive and emotional and if ignored by the owner for a long period can lead to depression and further leading to mental and physical deterioration. Miniature Schnauzer enjoys the company of children and knows to be gentle with them; moreover he is a very good companion with larger pets.

They can be easily adjust into the family and can be loving and loyal provided that they get comfortable with the surroundings. They are the excellent watch dogs and barks on those who appear to be a threat for their family. They are very cautious regarding strangers and shall defend vocally and do not resort physically. This breed easily gains weight if fed with balanced diets and regular exercise. In travelling they can prove to be very good companions. Before and after buying a miniature Schnauzer a through medical checkup along with the inquiry of the medication and immunization should be done to keep you dog with sound health. This breed is considered to be a healthy breed but still it can have some health problems like bladder stones, diabetes and pancreatitis. It should never be fed with chocolates as this can act as poison and can take the life of your dog.

Looking for more information on Miniature Schnauzers check out www.MINIATURE-SCHNAUZERS.NET your guide to Miniature Schnauzers.

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Making the Most of Your Dog

By Patrick Carpen
If you're thinking of buying or adopting a dog, it is important to research one that suits your liking and personality. You can find detailed information on the different breeds of dogs by running a search on the internet. Even if you already own a dog, it is helpful and beneficial to learn more about your breed of dog. Some of the most common domesticated dogs include the Labrador, German Shepherd, Boxer, Rotweiller, Poodle, Dachshund and Beagle.

In order for you have the most fun, intimate and enjoyable experiences with your dog, training needs to be a vital part of the big picture. A dog is very similar to a child in the sense that "what you put in is what you get out". It is therefore no wonder that so many clued-in people invest hours upon hours of professional training into their beloved pup. Remember, your dog is like a member of your family, you want to be proud of him or her.

Imagine the immense pleasure it brings to show the world how understanding and obedient your dog is to you. It stands, sits, and shakes your hand...all at your beck and command. A very simple training tactic many professional dog trainers will tell you (or not tell you) about is making your puppy sit right before you feed it. Raise the bowl into the air and say sit in a calm and collected manner. Of course, your dog's natural instinct would be to jump for the food. But with persistence and a little hint by pressing it gently down on its rear, your dog will soon learn the "sit" command as well as the importance of the sit command!

You're probably wondering...what are the best possible options for getting your dog properly and effectively trained? Should you turn it over to a professional trainer? Or should you do it yourself? That depends on your schedule, lifestyle, and frankly, likes and dislikes. If you choose to do it yourself, the rewards are truly enormous. There is a wealth of education and experience to gain in the process...the kind that will benefit you for years to come--and which family and friends will respect and admire you for.

And yes, the internet offers a profusion of resources right at your fingertips on how to train your dog, how to feed your dog, health issues etc. Because competition is fierce between information publishers on this and other subjects, you, the consumer, are put at a tremendous advantage and valuable information is provided in many instances free of charge. With the hundreds of dog training publishers clamoring for a share of the market, if you do decide to buy one, you're getting a bang for your buck and your dog will love you for it.

Patrick Carpen is the designer, writer and owner of the website http://dogtraining.infobay.ws/ He is an internet entrepreneur who helps the average user better understand the workings of internet in addition to providing high quality content on selected topics.

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