Discover Labrador Dogs

By Richard Cussons
One of the several kinds of retriever, Labrador Retrievers (or Labrador dogs) are currently listed as the number one registered dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This breed is ranked very highly by dog enthusiasts on all levels; playfulness, friendliness towards strangers and pets, easy to train, affectionate and even make a great watchdog.

It was in 1903 when the breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club and later in 1917 by the AKC. It was in 1991 when Labrador Retriever was first voted as the most popular breed of dog and has continued to hold the spot in the charts even until today.

Labrador dogs are very amiable, obedient and good natured provided they are trained. They make good companions and are wonderful around kids because of their high tolerance levels towards children and their antics. These dogs can sometimes remain gentle and very calm around the house but when provoked, can immediately become intense, energetic and boisterous.

Labradors are known for its extreme loyalty to its owner and is eager to please. It enjoys being challenged mentally such as learning new tricks and makes a wonderful student of obedience training. They also enjoy doing activities that involves physical effort such as swimming, running and of course, retrieving.

Labrador dogs' daily upkeep must be kept fairly active. Their daily exercise must include activities in the form of running and swimming. Since they were historically bred for retrieving in water environments, retrieving tops the list of fun games that Labrador dogs enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

This breed aren't particular when it comes to shelter. They can either live and enjoy the warmth and coziness of staying indoors or remain outdoors during any type of weather. When letting your dog live outside, just ensure they are safe and comfortable either during the hot humid months or the chilling winter temperatures. But, just like any other companion dogs, staying inside with its family and enjoying the stable temperatures is more preferable for Labrador Retrievers.

Generally, Labrador dogs can live for up to ten to twelve years as long as they are living a healthy lifestyle. Major health issues that can affect Labrador dogs are elbow dysplasia, CHD, OCD, patellar luxation and obesity. Other health concerns that may occasionally occur among this breed are diabetes, tricuspid valve dysplasia, over exercise (leading to collapse), distichiasis and muscular dystrophy.


Richard Cussons is great lover of Retrievers. Discover more about Labrador dogs at Labrador Savvy.com.

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Are your Yorkie dogs Shy and Timid?

By Richard Cussons
Having toy dogs, such as Yorkie dogs, as pets is a joy to most dog owners and their family members. But what if you happen to own a shy and timid one? Will you still be happy? This fear-based behavioral characteristic is most common to toy dog breeds. However, facts show that for every litter, there is at least one puppy that will need to be treated a bit different than the rest of the puppies because of this behavior.

When this behavior continues, these shy puppies may grow up as extremely needy and may always look towards their owners for support in almost every situation they come across. And when this behavior becomes a habit, your dog may start to initiate aggression if he is not getting the soothing attention needed. This behavior could be labeled as aggression induced by fear.

While you to caress and soothe your Yorkie puppy every time he is showing the feeling of extreme shyness and frightened, you are not helping him after all, instead you are just reinforcing the behavior. You might find it hard and heart breaking to ignore your puppy when he is shy and scared, but ignoring him is one of the ways to help him change his behavior and help him become bold and social animal with acceptable behaviors.

Patience is virtue, as what many people always say. Yorkie dogs that are shy and timid must be handled patiently when you really want to help them adjust. Do not hasten in changing your dog in becoming a social animal. Behaviors that he is used to do when scared will need to be stopped. These behaviors include barking while hiding behind your legs when startled and darting away whenever seeing a normal part of the outside, like a person walking.

Below are some helpful tips to make your puppy become less shy:

1. Explain to your family and friends the situation of your puppy. Let them understand that ignoring his fear-induced barking or crying is just your way of helping him overcome fear and shyness. . Up to this point your dog has acted out of fear whenever someone approaches and when these people naturally stop the approach; your dog has learned that this behavior works in him favor. However, from now on your dog will start to understand that fear-induced barking will not work anymore so long as your friends and family respect your training wishes.

2. Make sure to keep your puppy secured by a lead every time you are expecting visitors to arrive at the house. If possible, take your dog with you at all times especially as you approach the guests. What makes it different is that when he starts crying, barking or hiding behind your legs, you will now act in a confident matter and without petting or soothing him. This technique will help Yorkie dogs become braver at the same time teaching him that his old behavior will not work anymore.

Richard Cussons is great lover of dogs and you can find our more about Yorkie dogs at Yorkie Savvy.com.

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Interesting toys to Entertain a Lonely/Depressed/Bored Dog

By Natthanon Akarananpakorn
When you are away on a trip, do you leave your pet at home? Are you gone for long periods during the day for work or play? If so, have you ever come home to find some of your things (couch, clothes, walls, etc) torn up and you just don't know why? I mean, you left a plush dog toy, food, water, and even went as far as to leave the television or radio on. So, why did your pet act up? Well, maybe you just didn't leave the right dog chew toy for your pooch to play with while you were away.

Finding interesting dog chew toys to keep your dog entertained or happy while you are away can be a challenge. But, it is not impossible. There are actually some great dog chew toys and plush dog toys that are on the market today that can help any pooch that is lonely or spends any time away from you. It all depends on the breed and the age of your pet as to which dog chew toy or plush dog toy is right to keep your other child happy.

If you have a puppy, a great option are the new plush dog toys that can be warmed in the microwave to impersonate the feel of their siblings. These plush dog toys are about the same size as a normal size puppy, and the warmth can help to soothe a puppy to sleep or to help keep him company while you are at work. There are also some other great plush dog toys that have a small blanket attached to the body for your pup to snuggle with when he is sleepy or lonely. Another great option to leave out for a puppy are the indestructible dog toys so your pup can play and have a good time, without tearing up anything!

If you have an older dog, you can also find great plush dog toys that will help your pooch to relax when you are away for long periods of time. These plush dog toys come in all sizes and can give your pet something to snuggle with when they are lonely or scared. Some dog experts even suggest spraying a squirt of your perfume or cologne on the plush dog toy so it will smell like you and help to relax your pet even more. Rope dog toys are also great playthings for your older pet while you are away, as it gives them something to play with, without tearing up your things.

Before you head out on your next trip, take some time to head to the local pet store and find a great dog chew toy and a snuggly, plush dog toy to help keep your pet company while you are away. If you truly put some time and effort into selecting the right plush dog toy for your pooch to snuggle while and the right tug dog toy for him to play with, you will come home to find your things intact and your pet happy.

Visit http://www.PetsEverywhere.com for more fun ideas to spend time with your pets.

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Canine and Feline Senility

By Elyse Grau
Just like us, our cats and dogs grow old. When they do, they have some of the same problems, including senility.

Some dogs may exhibit a number of behavioral changes linked to senility. This condition is now commonly called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. While this syndrome is recognized in dogs, it has not been scientifically established in cats.

There are four main areas where CCD symptoms appear. They are disorientation, interaction with people, activity level and sleep, and housetraining.

Disorientation can be seen as an animal that wanders aimlessly, gets stuck in corners, stands at the wrong side of a door or appears not to recognize people or familiar commands and words.

Interaction with people may change. You may notice more (or less) attention seeking, a reluctance to be petted or touched, or lack of response to names and commands.

Activity level and sleep changes show in such behaviors as sleeping more during the day and less at night, barking for no reason, forgetting meal times, and wandering aimlessly.

Housetraining changes are obvious – urinating in the house, not asking to go outside or forgetting why they are there when they do go out. Incontinence is a physical problem, and should not be confused with forgetting due to senility.

Cats may show some of these same signs, though they are often more subtle. There are also a number of other reasons for behavior changes in both dogs and cats.

Chronic pain can be responsible for behavior changes such as pacing or insommnia. Hyperthyroidism in cats is often a reason for some of the odd behaviors older cats may exhibit.

Other hormonal disorders can also cause changes, especially those involving eating patterns or aggression. Medications can also cause changes in behavior, as can many other diseases and medical conditions.

Cats are also prone to small strokes, which can cause changes such as walking into walls, or appearing disorientated.

A thorough medical exam with blood work will be necessary in order to determine if your pet has a cognitive disorder due to aging.

A loss of hearing or sight can cause a similar syndrome, known as societal disassociative disorder.

You can help your pet through these times by being aware of the causes and not taking it personally or punishing the animal for inappropriate behavior. You can offer extra attention and reassurance.

Try to keep a consistent schedule, and to not make a lot of physical changes in the dog or cat's environment.

The use of flower essences, aromatherapy, herbs and touch therapy can all be helpful in keeping your dog or cat free of anxiety.

Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner, well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy dog or cat. For more information on this subject, visit: http://www.pethealthresource.com

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Choosing Dog Breeds for City Living? Here are Some Recommendations

By Aaron Lee
Puppies and dogs are great pets. They are good companions for human beings too. Dogs could bring out a smile in all of us.

Unfortunately, not all environments are suitable to adopting just any breed of dog. This is especially true if you are living in the city where space is limited and family members have very tight schedule.

Some dogs require very much attention, exercise and ample of room to move around and play. Others are more tolerant to those factors. The latter usually makes a better dog pet for city dwellers.

Here are some, obviously not all, dog breeds that are suitable for urban living: 1. Shih Tzus. This diminutive size dog breed is portable and well-behaved. They are suitable for city living because they don't take much space and will not ruin as much things as when you own a sports breed.

2. Pugs. This breed is very sociable, usually stubborn about certain things but they are also charming, clever, and fun. Pugs also get along with other dogs and pets quite well. They are great household companions for they don't require demanding care.

3. Miniature poodles. They are clever pets, but should be socialized as soon as possible as a puppy. Miniature poodles need to be involved in family activities but should make lovely canine pets.

4. Lhasa Apsos. This breed is naturally happy, playful and intelligent. Because they are independent, they are often hard to train. Lhasas have excellent health. When it comes to grooming, they need special attention because of their coat.

5. Labradors. If you are living in the city but wish to have a sports dogs, then labradors could be the perfect choice. They learn fast and are very mild mannered. Make sure you can take them for a walk daily to keep this canine companion in good health.

Other things to consider when choosing dog breed for urban living is the fact that they shed a lot or not. This can cause alergy if one of your family members is sensitive to such thing.

A dog can bring a lot of happiness to life but you must make sure they are suitable not only to the environment you live in but also to your lifestyle.

Aaron Lee helps dog owners whose dog is trying to outsmart them. He shared his passion about dogs through his site Dog Breed Web. Subscribe to Weekly Dog Tips Newsletter to get tips and tricks.

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