Thursday, December 6, 2007

Chow Chow: The Fuzzy, Cuddly, Breed of Dog

By : Gerry Ronson
You will find the Chow Chow originated in China over 200o years ago. They were once used for hunting, herding, pulling, and protection, and are now one of dog lover’s favorite companions. They are a medium sized dog of about 45 to 70 pounds. They are short in only gaining 17- 20 inches compared to other dog breeds. You will find solid red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream are the most common colors of this dog breed. Like most thickly furred dogs they do have two coats, a smooth or rough coat with thick fur along the neck. Unless the dog is a mixed breed you will never find a multi colored coat. With all that luxurious hair it is no surprise that they tend to shed a lot, but luckily they are seasonal in their shedding routines.

As a companion you will find they are full of obedience, dignified, and beautiful. They seem quite cuddly when you look at them, but strangers should be cautious. They tend to be cautious of new people and don’t always like everyone. To approach this dog you will want to hold out your hand and ask permission. If they decide to investigate let them get a good sniff in before trying to pet them. You should always ask the owner if it is okay to approach their dog.

They have myriad of temperaments depending on training. You will usually find them to be polite and patient with you, however they can be a little difficult when they want something. This is definitely not a comical, playful dog, but a dog that appreciates and shows loyalty. With dignity comes the desire for respect. If you are looking to add a Chow Chow to your family you will want to start off with a puppy to make sure the training is complete and the way you want it.

They need extensive and intensive work to be trained for both obedience and socialization of other humans. House training is usually easy to do, but they do have to understand the task you are asking. You do have to show them who is the master, but be firm rather than harsh as well as consistent. They are best as some form of guard dog and can become aggressive with the wrong type of training.

When you are looking for a family pet for your children you may want to look elsewhere. While they are loyal and want respect they have difficulty with little children. They don’t like to be pulled on, picked on, or abused so they can become aggressive. It is best to have older children that understand what a dog is and how to treat a dog, if you still choose this breed.

You will find that they don’t really like exercise, and prefer the indoor area. You should never leave them outside for long, especially in the heat. Their thick coat provides plenty of protection, but again they do like the indoors to the outside. They are a bit lazy in reality so if you are looking for a jogging companion you will find a better bread. The Chow Chow do need to have some exercise, but it should not be intensive. They can also survive in smaller areas such as apartments despite their size. They will want to have their own bedding, a place to eat, and have an owner on hand for attention. The Chow Chow dogs have an extremely picky demeanor that demands respect. You will find they tend to go their own way rather than be obedient without training.

Article Source: http://www.articlerampage.com}


Gerry Ronson runs the websites dog toys and dog training aids.

Cold Weather Care for Dogs

By : Gerry Ronson
We may think our dogs are tough and they shouldn’t be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large dog breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.

If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.

First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.

When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.

We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren’t home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.

You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn’t warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.

If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don’t want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.

Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.

Article Source: http://www.articlerampage.com}


Gerry Ronson runs the websites dog and squeaky dog toys.

Selecting A Rescue Dog

By: Gerry Ronson
In this article i am going to discuss rescue dogs and what to avoid when looking for a rescue dog. Like any dog a rescue dog can make your life hell. Some people are forced to walk there dog at ridiculously early of late times just to avoid seeing other people or dogs. Many dogs have aggression problems that may take years to get over thats if they ever get over there aggressive behaviors. You can make a dog not attack people/dogs but you cannot make a dog like people or dogs. In this article i will try to inform you of what can be cured easily and what cannot be cured easily.

Most people feel a puppy is a more secure choice than a rescue dog this simply isn't the case. When you select a rescue dog you can asses its temperament and see it around strangers and other dogs. Where as when you buy a puppy your really just buying a little bundle of flesh that could mature into a dog with some serious problems. There are advantages to having a puppy such as you can meet the parents and even grandparents in some cases. The puppies breeder will also know the complete family history and any genetic medical problems that may arise.

There are a lot of things to avoid when selecting a new rescue dog. Aggressive male dogs around the age of ten months who were not previously aggressive have usually become dominant due to hormonal reactions. This is the time when male dogs who would become aggressive will start to show it. So picking a male rescue dog before this age may cause you to end up with a different dog a few months down the line that you originally wanted. Female dogs on the other hand tend to either be aggressive when first introduced to other dogs or around the time of there first season. With female dogs turn aggressive when first introduced to other dogs may get over it with some socialization however there are a lot who do not. If a female dog who is aggressive at first introduction is not good with other dogs after around six week of socialization then the dog is unlikely to be good with other dogs for quiet some time.

Try and avoid any dog who displays aggressive tendency's. Many nervous dogs will show aggression so if its a nervous dog your interested in then make sure you check it around as much as possible. If the nervous dog you are interested in shows no aggression then its properly a good selection as if it wont bite while afraid then it properly wont be aggressive under normal circumstances.

Dogs who are very confident and aggressive are more difficult to deal with. Fear is a big reason for aggression but there are many others some dogs are just bullies other dogs are dominant. Dogs who are bullies are extremely difficult to deal with as they are enjoying doing what there doing. Dominant dogs are sometimes easier and some times harder to deal with than nervous dogs.

Some dog breeds are more prone to certain types of aggression. Many dogs in the herding breed become nervous and aggressive because of this. Others groups have there own problems terriers tend to be dominant and some times bullies. The working group is another breed who can show dominance. In my opinion the group of dogs who are less likely to suffer from aggressive problems are the gun dog group. The gun dog group generally makes very god pets and are superb with children. Of course breed is only a part of what makes a dogs nature. The purpose of why a dog was bred by its breeder is another big factor. Some breeders breed for nature some for showing and others for working ability. These factors are all a huge thing to consider when selecting a rescue dog or when selecting a puppy.

Always remember to be careful when selecting a dog theres no guarantee a dog will ever get over aggressive tendency's. The most important thing is to make sure of that the dog has a good nature theres absolutely no substitute for a good nature. Make sure you see the dog in as many different situations as possible and look into the breed and what the breed is bred for in this day and age.

Article Source: http://www.articlerampage.com}


Gerry Ronson - Puppies for Sale and Dog.

Choosing The Right Dog - The Secret to Making a Wise Choice

By : Steven Ross
Have you been thinking about adding a dog to the family? Without a doubt, a new and cute puppy will provide you and your family with lots of fun.

But as we all know, little puppies grow into big dogs. Therefore, it is critically important that we never rushed into taking a puppy home but we consider several factors before choosing a dog.

So, the purpose of this article is to review some of the most important things you need to consider before choosing a dog.

Now of course, not all dogs are the same. They come in different sizes, different shapes, different amounts of energy, and require different amounts of attention from their owners.

Some dogs are passive while other dogs are more aggressive by nature. Perhaps most importantly, some dogs are good with children and some are not.

This is one of the most important criteria that you should consider before choosing a dog. Do you have children in the family? Then, you must think carefully about what dog to choose. Don't just choose what your children want. Many children see the movie 101 Dalmatians, and immediately want a Dalmatian puppy.

Everything was perfect while the puppy was small, but once the Dalmatian began to grow-up, the kids and the parents soon realized that most Dalmatians are not the right type of dog for a kid. They are great dogs and they make great pets but they have too much energy and can be too aggressive for children.

Sadly, when parents realized their mistake, a great majority of the Dalmatians were turned into Animal Rescue Shelters. Don't let something like this happen to you. If you have children, you have to carefully research the type of dog you bring into your family.

Why not start by thinking about what the dog will grow into? Don't just fall in love with the cute little puppy and immediately take it home. Ask yourself important questions like... How big will the dog get? How energetic is the dog? How territorial is this breed of dog?

What are your wants, needs, desires, and housing situation? Do you live in a big house or a small apartment? Why would you ever consider a puppy that would grow into a large dog if you live in a very small home?

Also, if you live-in the city you probably won't want to have a dog with too much energy. Unless you have plenty of time and space (parks and dog parks) to play with and walk with the dog, a more active type of dog simply won't fit your lifestyle.

Lastly, let us remember that being a responsible dog owner isn't only about fun and games. There is a lot of work involved in training them and giving them the proper attention that they need.

Don't be the type of dog owner of that fails to give the dog enough attention. Do you know what happens when a dog is bored? They find ways to destroy things, for example chewing on your favorite rug and furniture.

In conclusion, you need to do your homework before choosing the correct kind of puppy to bring home. You need to be patients and make sure that your choice is in line with your personal and family's needs. Don't forget to look ahead to what the puppy will grow into. By doing so you can ensure work that your choice for a new puppy will be the right choice for you and your family.

Article Source: http://www.articlerampage.com}


Author, Steven Ross is a well-known expert in dogs and can guide you to find your ideal pet. For Dog Choosing Advice visit his Dog Choosing Site at Dog Choosing Guide

How ToTrain Your Dog

By : Juliesbiz
All of us with dogs at home know just how important dog training is. It is possible to train dogs of all ages, not only puppies and it not only saves mess and destruction in your house but results in a content dog too.

I have a border terrier dog named Ruby. I bought her at 9 weeks old and she is now almost two. I was lucky that a friend already owned border terriers and she gave me a lot of information about this breed such as exercise requirements and their personalities, which helped me decide to buy a border terrier.

Before you go ahead and by a puppy, make sure you find out as much as possible about the breed you want. Puppies are very cute but can grow into large adult dogs which need lots of exercise and room to live in. You must make sure you can accommodate a large dog if that's what you like and take it for long walks if necessary.

At first I felt I was getting nowhere. All I seemed to do was follow her around and try to teach her the basics. I knew that praise when necessary was essential to her training progress. Regardless of what you are training your dog to do, you will find that lots of praise and encouragement works wonders. The more they get it right, the more they want to please you.

At the same time, you need to let your dog know when they have got it wrong or done something bad. A stern voice is all that is required for them to take notice and stop. Never resort to hitting your dog as punishment because this leads to confusion and sometimes aggression.

My dog was useless at walking properly on a lead, but was great if left to roam free. As this is not acceptable in public places I invested in a harness. Once I had fitted it properly and adjusted it initially, then it was straight forward to use after that. She responded very well to wearing a harness and her walking improved instantly.

This is only a little guide to help you get started with training your dog. It is a great idea to buy a dog training book from the very beginning and read about it as much as possible. If you are prepared to put in the effort, your dog will be well trained and content. Always ensure that training is fun for both of you and is done in a safe place.

My dog is not perfect like a show dog, but she is now obedient and great fun to have around. I hope you have found these tips on dog training useful as a starting point. If you are interested in finding out how to train your dog, or any other dog questions, you can find everything you need in my recommended guide book.

Article Source: http://www.articlerampage.com}


To help in your search for dog training tips, I can recommend you check out this worthwhile dog training guide mentioned here. Good luck with your dog training exercises.

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