Time For A Dog Bath? Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog

How often should you bath your dog?
How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It’s best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it’s time for a bath.
If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog’s skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.
Where’s the best place to bath your dog?
In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It’s a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.
Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you’ll be able to save your back and control the water temperature of your dog’s bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.
If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.
Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?
Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that’s comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. You’ll get the job done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online stores will also save your dog stress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their "Notable Products for the New Millennium".
Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?
Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It’s funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you when you don’t want him to jump into the water at the beach.
If you’re washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you’ll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing a dog that’s wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you may want to consider restraining your dog.
Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.
Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?
Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.
Things to have on hand at bath time:
Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. It’s ergonomically designed for both you and your dog’s comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their shop. If you’re thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.
Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher - A Pet Shower is great, but if that’s not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.
Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen.
Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog's ears.
Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamed or dry scaling skin, fleas & ticks, doggy odor, skunk odor, abnormal shedding, quick rinsing for dogs that don't like to take a bath, whiteners for white coats, color intensifiers for dark coats, and coat shine to bring out the natural luster of your dog's coat. You may want to try a hypoallergenic shampoo/conditioner that will gently clean and conditioner your pet's coat in one step.
Coat Conditioners - There are many pet coat conditioners that will help manage and or improve the appearance of your dog's coat like cr?me rinse, grooming spray, after bath dry skin treatment, and herbal mist conditioner that will soothe, re-moisturize and detangle your pet's coat.
Pet Drying Towels - If you want to get your dog dry faster check out a specialty pet-drying towel. Some are available that will absorb 10 times its own weight in water!
Eye Protective Gel - Are you concerned about shampoo making its way into your dog’s eyes? Just put a little protective eye gel in each eye just before bath time to prevent burning and redness.
Ear Drying Solution - If your dog is prone to ear infections make sure you have some ear-drying solution on hand. Using an ear drying solution will assure that the ear canal is nice and dry after bathing.
Brushes/Combs - There are many different styles and sizes of traditional dog grooming brushes and combs that you can choose from. If your dog has very sensitive or irritated skin you may want to consider a higher quality brush that will not scratch the skin or aggravate existing skin irritations.
Pet Dryer - If your dog has a thick, long or double coat it’s best to use a pet dryer. Unlike “people” hair dryers, pet dryers are designed to use less heat and more air volume so they quickly and safely dry a dog without damaging the coat or burning the skin. If you use a "people" blow dryer be very careful since you can easily burn your pet!
Plastic Bucket - It’s very convenient to have a waterproof container that will keep your dog grooming supplies close at hand.
Remember to get all your dog grooming supplies ready before hand and let your dog sniff everything.
Why you should brush your dog thoroughly before bathing.
Depending on the type of coat your dog has you may need an assortment of grooming brushes and combs to properly care for your dog's skin and coat. Before you bathe your dog it's always a good idea to brush your pet's coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris. Many dog owners know first hand that if they don't spend time removing old, established tangles and mats before bathing many times they just get worse. If your dog's coat tangles and mats easily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to prevent and break up mats.
If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substances like tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrial cleaners on your dog’s coat. Many of these are toxic to your dog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil. If you’re unable to remove something from your dog’s coat carefully snip away the affected area. It’s always best to sacrifice some hair or fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to the skin. Brush your dog thoroughly between baths, daily if you can, to distribute the natural oils and remove tangles, mats and foreign matter.
Choosing the best pet shampoo/coat conditioner for your dog.
Always use a pet shampoo that is specially formulated for the pH of your pet's skin. Never use “people” shampoos since our skin pH level is much more acidic than our canine friends and could irritate your dog’s skin.
Start bathing your dog at the beginning: Your Dog's Head.
A popular bathing technique is to start at your dog’s head and work your way toward the tail. This is especially the case if it’s possible that fleas are present. If you know that your dog has fleas you may want to use a flea & tick shampoo. Starting at your dog's head forces any fleas to gather away from your dog’s face, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk the rear of your dog into the tub than your dog’s face. As you may imagine, your dog is likely to be much more cooperative by following this simple bathing technique.
Let your dog get used to the sound of the running water. If you’re using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warm water. Then get your dog into the bath. If you’re using a raised dog bath just secure your dog into the dog bath. Starting from the head thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use a plastic pitcher or a spray nozzle for this task. If you’re using a spray nozzle make sure the spray is not too strong. Never spray water directly onto your dog’s face or genitals.
Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow the instructions on the package. Work it in from the head to the tail. Be sure to get all those nooks and crannies; like the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Be careful not the get shampoo in your dog’s eyes. If this is a concern you can protect your dog’s eyes by putting some protective eye gel in each eye just before getting your dog into the bath.
Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritations so make sure you give your dog’s coat a thorough rinsing. Towel drying your pet’s coat in the dog bath will remove some of the excess water before you take your dog out of the tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted, since their coats easily tangle. Dog owners often prefer to use dedicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available that will absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handy towels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time your pet gets wet.
Although many dog owners think of bathing their dog as a challenge, with the right approach, supplies, and equipment, you can get through it relatively unscathed. And don’t forget to reward your dog’s good behavior in the bathing process with treats and plenty of loving kindness.
Copyright 2004, Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Best Toys for Dogs

By: John Williams Dog Training
Dog toys are essential to keep your dog occupied to stop barking problems, boredom issues and through teething times for your dog. Finding a good toy for your dog through these times is essential, leaving your dog with a bad chew toy that they don’t like will leave your dog with no option but to chew something else, there are many chew toys available so the choice is endless.
Dental health for your dog will be greatly improved by chewing toys so it is important to keep your dog interested in the toy choice you give them. Popular toys usually contain something that tastes good, smells good, some light up, and others make noises to keep you dog entertained. If the toy is fun for your dog then you can use it to reward your dog for good behavior or take it from them when they are bad.
Different Dogs enjoy different textures and tastes, you will need to find what your dog likes to chew and try your best to find a similar product but without it being as destructive to your house like their old toy, the table leg, was.
Avoiding tugging toys may be a good idea in some cases, more excited breeds of dog and puppies especially will get the message that tugging is fun for you as well as your dog, thus encouraging him to tug at you trouser legs when they’re in need of attention and curtains when they’re bored. Personally I would avoid theses toys.
When looking for a good toy for your dog, here are some good suggestions:
1. Look for a dog toy with something different like sound, taste, or lights.2. Pick a dog toy that is tough enough to withstand your dogs chewing and biting3. Choose dog toys that you think your dog will enjoy, using experience of what he normally chews is a good idea.
Remember that choosing a dog toy all depends on the dog in question, each dog will have different tastes and experiences of what they enjoy, something as cheap and simple as a tennis ball could be enough to keep your dog occupied for hours on end.
About the Author:
For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training

Dog Behavior Training – How Much Does Professional Dog Training Cost?

By: John Williams Dog Training
Dogs can be very difficult animals to deal with from time to time, some breeds and types can be especially difficult to train and control. No mater how much time and effort you seem to be putting in, your efforts give no results.
Don’t worry too much about persistently training you dog, it might not be your fault your dog is disobedient, people in different circumstances may be failing to train their dog for very simple reasons, whether it be your tone of voice, not having enough time to give your dog due to other commitments like work or hobbies, or your children throwing all the basic dog training rules out the window. Here we will try to educate you on the difference a professional dog trainer could have on your dog’s obedience, and how much it will cost.
The options available for dog training
Group dog training sessions locally - four to eight weekly 1 hour sessions for around $40 - $130 (£20 - £70).
Private dog trainers visiting your home or work place to give personal training to your dog for around $25 - $110 (£13 - £55) per hour.
Dog boarding kennel where your dog lives with the trainer for around 2 – 4 weeks getting many hours of professional dog behaviour training a day for around $1000 – $2,500(£550 – £1,300).
What you get for your money
So what do you get for your money? Many dog trainers concentrate on different areas of your dog’s obedience and you will usually get a much better service for the more money you pay. Standard training classes and trainers will concentrate on addressing the chewing, barking, biting and digging aspects of your dog’s behavior. Hand signals may also be covered in dog obedience classes along with showing you, the owner how to handle trickier situations that can only be over come at home like housetraining.
General guidelines for hiring a dog trainer are to always research the dog trainer well, find out qualifications the dog trainer has in his area of expertise and seek advice and information for other dog owners who have had their dogs trained previously. Get to know your trainer well before handing your dog over to him/her and make sure you are comfortable in the methods he/she uses.
About the Author:
For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training

Dog Years Human Years

By: Dog Care Tips
The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog's breed, size as well as the dog's surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog's life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.
The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of "size or the specific breed calculator", which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog's predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.
It is generally assumed that, on an average, "one human year equals to seven dog years". This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.
It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly "64 percent of dogs" were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.
The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.
Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-years-human-years-301243.html
About the Author:Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn how to care for your dogs the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php

Dog Illnesses

By: Dog Care Tips
All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine's health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.
Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.
Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.
The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.
The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog's head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.
Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.
The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.
Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.
There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.
If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-illnesses-327946.html
About the Author:If you love your dog, you've got to know "What to do if Your Dog is Poisoned" just in case. Hope you'd never have to use it. http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/what_to_do_if_your_dog_is_poisoned.php

The Maltese Dog Breed Makes A Great Pet And Show Dog

Author: Lee Dobbins
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A member of the American Kennel Club Toy Group, the Maltese was admitted to the AKC in 1888. They stand eight to 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 1/2 and 9 pounds. They can be long-lived if cared for properly and may have a life span of 15 years.
Though small, the mall tease Is fairly hearty and is well-known for his beautiful long white, silky coat. this breed has a single code of thick shiny hair which is very heavy and drapes down to the floor being over 8 inches long. The ears and tail are also thickly covered with hair and the tail drapes over the dogs back. The eyes are rather large, rounded and dark. This is a small dog but sturdy. Acceptable colors for the Maltese include white and light ivory.
The Maltese makes it great bad as it is gentle and loving as well as playful and lively. Devoted to their owners, these dogs are very intelligent and quite adept at learning tricks. Though small, they can be rather bold and will let you know if there are any suspicious noises about. They typically get along quite well with other animals, however some can be snappish and they may be difficult to house train.
with the Maltese Sea to need to watch out for a few health problems the strangest of which is that they can get sunburned a long the part down the middle. Other problems could include skin problems, eye problems, respiratory problems, tooth problems and slipped stifle.
The Maltese is active indoors but can do fine in an apartment as long as you take them for regular walks. This dog will be playful well into its older years so it kind of creates its own exercise and a yard is not necessary.
This breed does require a bit of grooming and should be brushed daily as well as have his eyes cleaned daily. Since the hair does fall into the eyes, some owners will tie the hair on the top of the head in a ponytail to make cleaning the eyes easier. To avoid staining of the hair, you should clean your Maltese around the mouth after each meal. You also need to clean the ears regularly and remove hair growing inside. They can be bathed or dry shampooed as often as you wish. The good thing is that despite their mass of hair they do not shed much.About the AuthorLee Dobbins writes for Dog Breeds 123 where you can see photos and learn more about your favorite dog breeds like the Maltese.
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=122742&ca=Pets

Don’t Kill Your Dog: Understand The Dog Food Ingredients He’s Eating

Submitted By: Kelly Marshall
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What’s On The Label?
The ingredient portion of the label must list all the food items and additives that are contained in the food. In most developed countries the items in dog food are controlled by a federal agency to ensure they are appropriate for consumption and are not a danger to the animals. The substances in dog food must by generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. No diseased meat, improperly processed meat or vegetable material or other items may be used in the food.
The items listed on the ingredient portion are listed by natural weight at time of processing, starting with the heaviest item and working down. That means that the meat is weighed in its moist, natural state just like the soy meal or ground wheat will be listed in their natural dry state on the ingredient list. Since processing removes most of the water, especially in dry food, the first ingredient on the list may not be the predominant ingredient in the final dry kibble. In reality most dry foods will list beef, chicken or meat as the first ingredient but on full analysis of the final dry ingredient there will be far more of the wheat fillers in each kibble. Avoid dog foods that list animal or meat by-products as the main ingredients as these have almost no nutritional value for the dog.
Since there is almost no way to know how much of the original ingredient is in the final result the information on the ingredient label is not as useful as it may seem. The better information that is provided on the label is the actual analysis of the feed, which is based on the final product and its actual breakdown.
The analysis will list the crude protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. Generally a dog should have between 21 and 26% protein in the diet depending on their age and level of activity. The more active a dog is the more protein they will need to sustain energy levels. Puppies and senior dogs should not be fed high protein diets as it can cause problems in puppies with bone growth and may cause excessive weight gain in older, more sedate dogs.
How much to feed?
If you are feeding a good quality premium dry dog food it is important to follow the feeding recommendations. Poor quality foods will have you feed more and will lead to increased mess to clean up. Premium dry foods usually are fed by current body weight of the dog as well as the growth stage of the dog. Be sure to feed the correct food for the correct growth stage to optimize the benefits to the dog.
If you are in doubt about the correct feeding amounts or are concerned that your dog may be gaining or losing weight due to the food immediately seek the advice of your vet. Often rapid weight loss or gain has nothing to do with the food but may be a serious health concern or even a genetic condition.About the AuthorVets also recommend feeding your dog from an elevated dog feeder to reduce the amount of air ingested when eating.
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=118668&ca=Pets

Dog Cleaning Tips: How To Keep Clean & Germ Free When Raising Your Dog

Submitted By: Dan Irwin
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1. Premix in spray bottles appropriate cleaning products, such as vinegar and water or detergent and water, so the products are ready when you need them. Label the spray bottles with their contents and store them in a convenient place. Often, just the strength of the spray on the spot where your dog accidentally left you a “present” helps loosen the residue and prevent stains from forming.
2. Upholstered furniture is made in all styles and fabrics; some are easier to clean than others. To help us with our cleaning tasks, manufacturers have marked their furniture with a cleaning code or set of directions to let us, the consumer, know what type of cleaning is suggested for that fabric.
The codes are usually on the furniture platforms under the cushions. A "W," for example, means that the product should be cleaned only with water, while the letter "S" means the furniture should be cleaned only with solvents. You should check the manufacturer's instructions and test-clean a spot in an inconspicuous place before using any cleaning product.
3. Treat your carpet and upholstered furniture with a stain-resistant product such as Scotchgard.
Taking Care of Germs
In the whole scheme of things, we have a greater chance of being exposed to harmful germs from other people, or even the food we eat, than we do from animals; however, eliminating bacteria from surfaces on which our dogs walk or from our hands can help make our homes and us more sanitary. Here are some weapons for your battle against germs:
1. If you're on a walk with your dog, take along an individually packaged antibacterial wipe to clean and sanitize your hands after picking up your dog's wastes. Antibacterial wipes can be purchased in most supermarkets and grocery stores.
2. Use common household bleach to wipe down surfaces or clean floors to get rid of harmful bacteria. Rinse well and don't allow your dog to walk on the surface while it's wet. If the bleach gets on your dog's paws, he might ingest it when he licks his feet. Be sure to pretest a surface before cleaning with bleach to avoid any color changes.
3. Another option is to use an antibacterial cleaner with an odor neutralizer to eliminate bacteria and leave your house smelling clean.
4. Wash dog food dishes with detergent daily to prevent bacterial growth. If your dog's food and water bowls are dishwasher safe, place them in the dishwasher where the high temperatures will kill bacteria.
Taking the time to prepare for the inevitable messes your dog will make is a good idea. Caring for a dog can be a lot of work, but it should be an enjoyable experience. By practicing common sense hygiene as discussed above you will help keep yourself healthy, and both you and your dog happy.About the AuthorDan Irwin has been 'in love' with the Golden Retriever breed for nearly twenty years now. For a limited time, receive a free copy of "101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for Under $10" when you sign up for his free golden retriever newsletter. http://www.AllGoldenRetrievers.com
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=111245&ca=Pets

Homemade Dog Food Recipe That Can Makes Your Dog Lives Longer

Author: Dede Purneim
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Dog biscuit
This dog biscuit recipe is very simple. You start with a fourth cup carrots, three cups of parsley chopped up very fine, one forth of a cup of cheese, grated fine. A good tip is to make sure your dog likes the particular kind of cheese before you make the biscuits. Usually, mozzarella or Parmesan is the best to use.
No Chocolate
As we know that chocolate contains bromine, which is very toxic to dogs. None-sweet chocolate is by far the worst to feed to your dog, as it contains a large amount of bromine. Bromine is a very harmful chemical, one that normally leads to death of your animal should he be fed any type of chocolate.
Kibble
This is known as dry dog food, is the most popular kind of dog food, and it's also the easiest and most inexpensive to feed. Some dried foods are pretty decent; others are heavily processed and low on the nutrition scale. Read the label carefully to make sure that meat and not grains are the primary source of protein. Human grade whole meat such a chicken, beef, or lamb (not meat byproducts or "meal") is the best choice, and should be listed first on the ingredient label.
Bones
Dogs love bones of all types. However, some bones can be dangerous. The one of the safest bones you can give your dog is a shinbone. If you must give your dog a bone, make sure you supervise your pooch and if he or she shows signs of bleeding, then you should call your vet immediately for some advice.
Choose pet food with this ingredient ratio. It is important to understand that a typical dog's diet consists of 40% protein, 30% fiber and 30% starch. Read the guaranteed analysis to be certain. If you really want to know what's in your dog's food, try making your own dog food. There are plenty of recipes and meal plans available online. Consult with your veterinarian to make sure the diet is well-balanced.About the AuthorFor more information about homemade dog food recipe, please visit to: Homemade Dog Treat Recipe.
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=192759&ca=Pets

A Good News For Dog Owners: Owning A Dog Help You Lose Weight

Author: Ashish Jain
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A recent Canadian study found that owning a dog almost doubles the time spent on walking, which of course has a telling effect on one's health. These sweet and affectionate creatures make people get up and going day after day. The fact of the study were reported in the American Journal of Peventive Medicine. Around 351 adults participated in the study and it was found that the average duration of walk per week for the dog owners was close to 300 minutes while those without dogs walked for only 168 minutes every week. That's quite a considerable difference and can make huge difference to those who walk to lose weight.
The general idea that dogs inspire one to be physically active seems to carry a lot of weight. This is possibly because dogs not only make you run with them by pulling you around but also make you do it happily as when you are with your dog you are not burdened with the thoughts of exercising and keeping yourself fit, for you are happy playing with the creature.
This makes you lose weight and stay effortlessly. This aerobic workout become a pleasure activity and not a strenuous exercise which increases the likelihood of continuing with it for a longer duration. However, do not go out and get a dog simply because you want to lose weight. That would be an erroneous approach.
Dog is an affectionate creature and unless you enjoy its company, it is unlikely to enjoy yours. In that case it will be a lose lose situation. So, get yourself a dog only if you like having them around or else find some other alternative method to lose weight. For those who already have dogs must take them out for a walk every morning. It is good for health and can help you manage your weight effectively. You and your pet both will enjoy it immensely. After all, there is nothing better than having a healthy beginning early in the day.About the AuthorTo get more information on pet dogs, dog breeds and dogs and health visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/
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Can You Really Teach An Old Dog New Tricks... Also, Dog Owner Invents Training Techniques

Submitted By: Adam Katz
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I received a surprise Christmas present last year in the form of a 4 year old female shepherd mix that my wife and daughter decided I needed to replace my long time pet who had to be put down last summer. She really is a beautiful dog, but the shelter fibbed to us when they said she was good with other dogs and cats. She has been rather aggressive with them. We are 6 months into this relationship now and she is much better. I guess she is more secure now.
The one problem I have not solved is her desire to run out the door and ignore our "come" commands. All this is to ask you: Will the techniques in your book and video series work on an older dog? I'd rather not invest the money in a lost cause. We live in the Arizona desert and she won't last long this summer if she gets out and runs off again. I've looked through many of your newsletters, but didn't find any mention of age.
Thanks for your help.Larry
Dear Larry:
Thank you for the e-mail.
Yes, the dog training techniques work on all dogs, as long as they are healthy and do not have any mobility problems.
In many cases, training an older dog is easier than training a younger dog, despite the saying that "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," there is definitely something to be said about maturity.
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Dear Adam:
Please help! I am ready to give away my 6mo. old Maltese. I grew up with one of these dogs- the most gentle and affectionate dog I'd ever met so I bought one for my family at great expense. I tried to find a good breeder and had the dog shipped.
The problem is this - He growls and snaps at my 4 year old whenever he tries to pet him or pick him up, or if I'm watching saying, "Good dog, no growl, it's OK.. " he will not growl but struggle to get away and growl as soon as he's down. He has bitten when I was not watching.
I tried the advice in your book and that given by others on the discussion group. For a long while my son was the only one to feed the dog, I kept him off the furniture and the kids owned the toys. Nothing seemed to help, so recently I've been grabbing him firmly by the scruff and growling "No" at him, then putting him in a small room by himself for several minutes. Today when I went to correct him he snapped and growled at me! He is now frightened of me and I am angry at him.
The most upsetting thing for me is that I wanted this dog to be a friend for my son like mine was for me when I was young. My son is a gentle, quiet boy who loves animals and is saddened my this. Is there any hope?
Signed,Stewart
Dear Stewart:
I don't know how to say this without sounding like a complete jerk, but... PAY ATTENTION AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!
The one thing you apparently HAVEN'T DONE is to CORRECT THE DOG'S UNWANTED BEHAVIOR!!! The 'pulling on the scruff of the neck' is only for young puppies, 8 to 10 weeks old. It's ineffective for older dogs.
For correcting older dogs, I spend much of the book explaining the benefits of the pinch collar. Remember the concept of motivation? Remember the notion of associating a negative/correction with the dogs unwanted behavior? Remember how I teach you to look at the corrections you're giving and decide if they're motivational or not? Remember page 23, page 38, page 59, page 62, page 155, page 173, page 174, page 181, page 226, page 241, and page 260 ?
I'll quote from the book, "After you correct the dog, immediately tempt him to do the behavior again. Offer him the choice: If he does the behavior again then most likely your first correction wasn't motivational... If he refuses to do the behavior, then praise him - as he's just made the RIGHT DECISION." [Page 156.]
Now, if you have a specific question about how to implement any of these techniques... then that's another issue. But telling me that you're confining the dog in a bedroom as some sort of "Time Out" technique is NOT something you've found in my book. And neither is, ""Good dog, NO growl, it's OK..."
Again, I'll repeat: Praise the dog only when he makes the right decision (staying calm). Do not tell him, "No growl," if he's already being quiet. This is SOOOO CONFUSING TO THE DOG.
It's very simple:
The dog does something good = You say, "Good dog," and praise. The dog does something bad = You say, "No!" and administer a correction with the leash and collar.
I can only speculate why your question is not more along the lines of, "This is what happened when I corrected my dog using the pinch collar and tab for this obnoxious behavior."
The only reason I'm being so blunt about this issue is that it's a central theme throughout the book. I stress over and over again the elements of timing, consistency and motivation. In fact, many readers have commented that my repetition of this concept is sometimes tedious.
Once you can explain to me how specifically you've used timing, consistency and motivation and applied these elements to your dilemma, you will (perhaps surprisingly) find yourself in the position of explaining to ME how you will have fixed your dog's obnoxious behavior.
That's all for now, folks!AdamDogproblems.comAbout the AuthorAdam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com
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Infection Parvo Virus To The Dog And Aviant Flu Can Infected Dog ?

Author: Aaheroe M
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The sign of the Parvo illness that most specific was to vomit and diarrhoea was bloody that happened repeatedly.
The other sign was tired, did not want to eat and the fever.
When vomiting and diarrhoea took place continued then the dog will got dehydration and lost the weight without the existence of the exact control then the puppy could not survive.
The diagnosis Parvo the Virus could be carried out by seeing his clinical sign, or that more modern was with used kit diagnostics parvo with sample from dog feses.
this was several tips that could be done to prevent the infection Parvo the Virus:
- the Mother of the dog before being mounted must be equipped by his vaccination, so that the young dog got maternal immunity that enough of his parent mother’s milk.
- the Environment of the dog residence must be always maintained by his cleanliness.
- need attention fot Nutrition and the nutrient for the puppy to increase his body resistance.
- the young dog was 3 months old better not contact with the other dog that not yet clear the status of his health.
The biggest possibility able to the dog affected or became casualties from this virus same like that happened to human.
To prevent the spread of aviant flu to your pet dog, followed the guidance along with:
Avoid contact between the dog and the kind aviant, with his hairs, etc
Don’t maintained the poultry near the kennel
Don’t gave ate poultry meat that was not yet cooked ripe. The virus Avian influenza will die in the temperature 70 Celcius levels.
The clean pen will be freest from the fly.The fly evidently also could bring/became the intermediary of the virus of birds flu.
Avoid the physical touch between the dog and the waste of the poultry if showing the way/beraktifitas outside the house.
If having signs of the virus of birds flu attacked your dog, don’t panic immediately contacted the veterinary surgeon or the closest livestock breeding service.About the Authoraaheroe is a webmaster and cat and dog lover. For more information visit http://www.my-pet-medicine.com and http://www.mypetproduct.com
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Tall Indoor Dog Gates – How They Can Help With Your Dog Training & Your Families Safety

Author: Sean Dominey
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If you do not set the rules for your dog he will think that he is in charge and set the rules himself, this can result in a dog that is very hard to train and who might become aggressive. One way to avoid such problems is to set firm boundaries that the dog is not allowed to cross, you might decide that he is not allowed in the kitchen or up stairs, this will give the message to the dog that because you are in charge you have access to every area of the home but the dog as a lower (although much loved) member of the family (or pack as the dog will see it) only has access to some areas.
Obviously you are not going to be in the same room as the dog 24/7 and if you were to go from the front room to the dining room you could not reasonably be expected to shut the dog in the front room every time to stop him wondering off, If you did do this it might cause some separation anxiety, as the dog is unable to see through the door and does not understand why you have left him.
If you have a tall indoor dog gate fitted, and they can be fitted with out leaving marks on the door or wall, then all you need do is open it walk through and close it, there is now a barrier between you and the dog, so he is unable to go into the restricted areas of the house, but the dog can see through it and the anxiety is no longer a problem.
If you have a dog that jumps up and misbehaves when you have visitors, an easy way of solving this problem is to shut the dog in a room where he can see the door that your guests are coming through but because you have put up a tall indoor dog gate he is unable to get into the same room as your visitors.
He will be excited when your visitors arrive and want to be centre of attention (this is most likely why he misbehaves) the idea of the barrier is to allow him to take some time to calm down at the thought of the visitors and once he has you may open the tall indoor dog gate and let him join your guests. Once the initial excitement has worn off he can greet your visitors in a much more acceptable manor, this technique is remarkably effective and after a short time the gate becomes unnecessary as the dog recognises to be calmer when people come to your house.
If you decide to allow your dog to go upstairs then a tall indoor dog gate is essential to stop him bolting down the stairs and hurting himself. If you do not have a barrier at the top of the stairs then the dog could run down them and loose control, and a run can very easily turn in to a fall. With a tall indoor dog gate in place you can control when the dog goes down the stairs and you can be on hand to ensure the slow decent.
I hope these observations have helped you think about the need of getting some tall indoor dog gates for your home, they can help with training and with the safety of your pet and family.About the Authorhttp://www.tall-indoor-dog-gates.com Tall indoor dog gates is a site dedicated to dog training and healthcare – give us a visit.
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Secrets Of Professional Dog Trainers: Top 10 Tips To Successfully Training Your Dog Yourself

Author: Nicholas Dodman
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For most dog owners, dog obedience training is a daunting task. However, training your dog is about to get much easier, if you follow my advice below.Here Are My Top 10 Tips for Training Your Dog
1. Dog training should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog. If you are not in the right mood for training, don't even start.
2. Keep dog obedience training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to maintain your dog's motivation. Dogs will learn much more from regular short sessions than from longer, less frequent ones. Once the dog has learned several useful commands on the continuous reward schedule, the schedule should be changed to one of intermittent rewards.
3. Always end training on a positive note. Ask your dog to respond to a command you know he or she will obey. Then reward your dog for a job well done and issue a finish command such as “free” or “release.” Avoid common words such as “okay.” Following a training session, both owner and dog should be left with feelings of accomplishment.
4. Keep in mind that your dog's motivation to respond to a command decreases as the complexity of the task increases. If your dog doesn't respond appropriately to a command after several attempts, don't reward him or her. Resume training a few seconds later using a simpler command. Return to the more complex task later.
5. Remember, the odds of success hinge not only on the degree of sophistication of the task, but also your dog's motivation to respond. From a dog's perspective the question is, which is more rewarding: chasing the squirrel or returning to the owner? Understanding this aspect will increase your patience and chances for dog training success.
6. Training should not involve any negative or punishment-based components. There should be no yelling, no hitting, no chain jerking, no hanging, and absolutely no electric shock. Remember that the opposite of reward is not punishment; it is no reward. If you ignore unacceptable responses, your dog will not be rewarded for his or her failed response. Most dogs want to please their owners or, at the very least, to obtain highly valued resources (food, attention and toys).
7. Ensure that your dog's motivation for reward is highest during a training session. If food is the reward, train before a meal, not after. If praise, petting and other aspects of your attention are to be used as a reward, schedule the training session at a time when your dog hungers for your attention (for example, after you have returned home from work).
For complex tasks, such as the off leash down-stay, your dog will be more motivated to comply if he or she has received moderate exercise before the training session. Asking a dog that is bursting with energy to remain in a prolonged reclining position is asking for failure during the early stages of training.
8. Make sure the reward you offer in training is the most powerful one for your dog. Food-motivated dogs work well for food, but the treats used should be you dog’s favorite food. If praise is used as a reward, deliver it in high singsong tones, which are most pleasing for the dog. Also, enthusiasm in your voice will be much appreciated. If petting is to be used as a reward, it should be in a way that the dog enjoys, such as stroking the dog's hair on the side of his or her face in the same direction that it grows, or scratching him or her on the chest.
9. After a correct response, reward your dog within ½ second of the command. This will ensure your dog makes the connection between the behavior and the reward.
10. Use short commands such as sit, down, leave it, quiet, out, and off. Say the word once. Do not repeat the command. Dogs will remember a command for about two minutes before the notion is lost. Shorter words are better than longer words and words that end in a hard consonant (C, K, T, X) are better than those that end in a vowel because you can “spit” them out.
A Bonus Dog Training Tip:
The “Holy Grail” of training is to have the dog reliably obeying commands off lead, even when other things are going on around him or her. This level of training can be achieved, but only after a lot of hard work and investment of time. It's something to strive toward.About the AuthorGet your free daily dose of pet crazy stories and access to over 8000 veterinarian approved advice articles guaranteed to help you train your dogs and keep them living longer, stronger lives at: http://www.petplace.com/dogs.aspx
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The Other Ways To Reward And Keep Your Dog Motivated Other Than Food And How To Keep Your Dog To Stay Focus

Author: Jonathan Cheong
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Providing random positive stimuli during the day is a great way to keep the interest of the dog. Doing things the dog enjoys, like walking in the park, riding in the car, and playing with other dogs, is a great way to keep the dog’s attention and reward him for small successes.
For instance, in order to reward the dog for coming to you, for instance, ask the dog to come to you, without giving any clues about a walk, a car ride, or other treats. After the dog has come to you and obediently sat down, attach the leash and start the reward. This can be either the aforementioned walk in the park, ride in the car, or anything else the dog likes to do.
Providing some kind of reward, whether a treat, a special outing, or just a scratch behind the ears, every time the dog does something you want, is a great way to keep your dog motivated. If the dog knows something great is going to happen every time he obeys your command, he will be motivated to please you every time.
Distraction training
When training any dog, it is important to not let distractions disrupt the training. The dog must be taught to ignore distractions, such as other people, other dogs, other animals and loud noises, and focus on what is being taught These types of distractions can even be used as rewards when training the dog to come when called.
For instance, if your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, whether in a local dog park or with the neighbor’s dogs, let him play freely with those other dogs. Then go into the park or yard and call your dog. When he comes to you, provide lots of praise, treats and other rewards, then immediately allow the dog to go back to playing with his friends.
Repeat this several times and praise the dog each time he comes to you. The dog will quickly learn that coming to you means good things (treats and praise) and not bad ones (being taken away from the park).
If the dog does not master this particular type of training right away, try not to get discouraged. So called distraction training is one of the most difficult things to teach. Dogs are naturally social animals, and breaking away from the pack is one of the most difficult things you can ask your dog to do. Most dogs will be understandably reluctant to leave their canine companions, but it is important to persist.
Training the dog to come to you may require some creativity on your part at first. For instance, waving a favorite toy, or a lure, is a great way to get your dog’s attention and put the focus back on you. If your dog has been clicker trained, a quick click can be a good motivator as well.
Once the dog begins to get the hang of coming when called, you can begin to reduce and eliminate the visual cues and focus on getting the dog to respond to your voice alone. It is important that the dog respond to voice commands alone, since you will not always have the availability of a toy or other lure.About the AuthorDiscover How You Can Train Your Dog With Immediate Effective Results Using Proven Simple Steps For FREE Click Here => http://www.absolute-dog-training.com
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Express Your Love By Expressing Your Dog - The Dirt On A Dog-Owners’ Dirtiest Job

Author: Randal Breaux
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It's called expressing your dog, and it is a chore so foul that it was recently featured on the Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs." Actually, "dirty" hardly does the situation justice.
If your dog is chewing and biting "back there" or dragging its rump across the ground, chances are he is in need of a little expression - of his sphincter glands, that is.
Dogs have special glands that secrete an especially - shall we say - fragrant substance into their poop. It's what makes a dog's poop her own, and it's what dogs sniff for when they are investigating other dogs' rears or their droppings.
Problems occur when these glands get clogged up. The musky fluid begins to collect, and the dogs begin to experience irritating pressure and pain - like a turbo case of hemorrhoids.
Usually, the dog is able to express - or squeeze out - some of the fluid and get the glands flowing again. If your dog has ever been inexplicably stinky - almost like he has gotten into rotten fish or something, then chances are you've experienced a do-it-yourself expression job.
If you're lucky, the sacred event took place outside, but just as often the residue ends up saturating carpet or expensive furniture. Yum!
Things get worse if the dog is unable to alleviate the problem, and the situation goes unchecked. As you might imagine, this can be an excruciating experience for your dog. Finally, you will most likely be saddled with an expensive vet bill, and your dog will end up needing a most uncomfortable surgical procedure.
Getting Down to Dirty Business
All of this can be easily avoided by a little human intervention. Expressing a dog is a simple enough procedure - it's the mental challenge that is most difficult to overcome. Vile fluids squirting from a dog's butt is certainly not a mental image you'd want to hold during meditation or anything.
Honestly, it's really not bad. The liquid smells like fish, not …uh …you know. It's mostly clear liquid, and it rinses pretty easily. It doesn't have the staying power of the substance that cats spray (which is truly disgusting!).
Finding the glands is easy. If the butt hole itself is the center of a clock, the two glands sit at the four and eight o'clock positions about two inches from the "center." From the outside (and it is strongly suggested you stay outside, even though vets usually venture in), they feel like kidney beans, although distended glands can get significantly larger.
Before you dive in, I can hardly stress enough the importance of pointing the dog's bottom away from you and anything else you care about. Also, make sure you have something to wash the dog and your surroundings down after the procedure. If it's warm, take the dog outside; if it's cold, a shower stall that has a rinse hose is a good option.
I can recommend two expressing techniques. First, the upward thrust: position your thumb and forefinger each under one gland; push in to make sure your digits are firmly fixed under each; then give a strong lift, squeezing the glands upward. If you are successful, usually you will be rewarded with a good squirt - about the same as a squirt gun. Sometimes the fluid gets sludgy, in which case a small black worm of crud will emerge. Repeat a few times as required to make sure you've emptied both glands thoroughly.
If this technique does not produce the desired result, then you should try the more direct approach: pinching each gland separately, squeezing both sides toward the middle. Expect similar results as when using the first technique.
Do it Yourself?
If you are too squeamish to contemplate perpetrating such an abomination, you will be happy to know that professional help is available. Most groomers are willing to render this value-added service for a small consideration during a regular grooming; failing that, your local vet can certainly perform the ritual, but usually at a higher fee.
I find, however, that my own dogs (three pugs) seem to appreciate my keeping this very personal need of theirs within the confines of the family. When I first started doing the expression thing myself, I wore what amounted to a home-made hazmat suit, but over the years my resolve has stiffened quite a bit.
Nowadays, I generally don't even bother with gloves. I just take the dogs outside next to the hose and aim them away. A quick squirt and rinse and the job's done. No big deal, really. It's a small price to pay for a happy, comfortable dog - who seem to appreciate me all the more for it.About the AuthorVisit the Internet Pug Club, featuring articles, screen savers, browser start pages, electronic greeting cards, and merchandise... all featuring the almighty pug. Other breed lovers are welcome. For details, visit: http://www.go-pugs.com
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Dog Beds: Buy With Your Dog In Mind Luxury Dog Beds

Author: Kim Blithe
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As you can imagine, the most important thing to consider when buying a dog bed is size. If your dog is too big for the bed you buy, there is a very good chance that you have wasted your money. Make sure that you know how big your dog is, and then choose a bed that is going to be plenty big enough. This way, your dog will feel just like they do in your bed.
Of course, you should also consider style when buying a dog bed. In fact, there are many luxury dog beds that you may want to look into. If you want to treat your dog like a queen or king, there is no better way of doing so than buying it a luxury dog bed. These come equipped with a pillow, a fleece liner, and much more. This will go a long way in making sure that your dog’s bed looks good no matter what room of the house you put it in.
The dog bed that you purchase should also be comfortable. This goes along with the style points listed above. When you buy a dog bed that is lined in fleece and comes with a pillow, you never have to worry about your dog’s comfort. In fact, there is a good chance that their bed will be more comfortable than yours!
Even though dog beds are becoming more popular does not mean that prices are skyrocketing. In fact, you should be able to purchase a top of the line, luxury dog bed, for as little as $80. For this price your dog will have a stylish yet comfortable bed of its own.
So if you are tired of your dog sleeping with you, look into buying it a smaller bed. You may be surprised at just how much they will love it!About the AuthorKim Blithe is a pet lover who specializes in holistic dog care. She loves to find unique products for her dogs. Her preferred dog bed and unique products are found at Woofingtonmanor.com .
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Dog Food Analysis – Answering Dog Owners Main Concerns About Healthy Dog Food

Submitted By: Moses Wright
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Pet food is a heavily regulated product and as such is covered by legislation throughout the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe as well. In the States, pet food manufacturers are regulated by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), who are advised by the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), monitor the ingredient ratios and manufacturing standards for pet food ingredients.
Unfortunately, as there is no stringent legislation the States which demands a basic benchmark of nutritional balance, there are less scrupulous manufacturers who add chemicals to their brands which have been proven to contribute to the early degeneration of an animal's health. Advertising is also suspect as times, as some manufacturers make false claims by stating that a brand is suitable for senior animals when in fact it is manufactured for the general consumption of adult animals.
In the UK and many European countries, the regulatory body is the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). They lay down guidelines for the manufacture, labelling and advertising for pet foods and demand high standards for ingredient ratios and manufacture, but similar to the case in the States, many of the guidelines for petfood manufacturers are voluntary when it comes to additives and ingredients sourcing. There is expert veterinary research suggesting that pet food is actively contributing to the failing health of pets because of the inadequate standards and the permitted inclusion of additives.
What can you do to make sure that you are feeding your dog a healthy diet that will keep him healthy, fit and energetic throughout his life?
Your first port of call is the label. Check the list of ingredients and see which constituents are listed in the first five. If the dominant ingredient is cereal, chances are, the dog food you are considering is mostly made of ground cereals. And sad to say, ground cereal does not fulfil most of the nutritional requirements that a healthy dog needs. Also take note of the other chemicals that are added in the dog food and do some investigations as to the purpose and effects of these chemicals.
Another possible avenue is to read up on the research and development of particular dog foods you're considering for your pet. Bear in mind if other animals were used development of their products, and the purpose for utilising animals in their research. Make enquiries into the specific tests conducted to ensure that the finished product is safe for your pet’s consumption and to ensure that your pet will enjoy the food as well.
Once you have gathered adequate information, take time to consult your vet about the options available for ensuring that your dog stays healthy and active for as many years as possible. What you feed your dog is ultimately your choice, but bear in mind that the choices you make have a direct bearing on his current and future health.About the AuthorMoses Wright is the webmaster of http://DogCustomer.com. He provides more information on Dog Health, Dog Health Care and Dog Veterinary Diseases that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.
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Dog Training Tips - Your Inner Dog Is A Good Dog

Submitted By: Rodney Waitts
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Dog training tips flow freely when your dogs misbehave. But how much of that unsolicited dog training advice is good advice?
Meanwhile your dog may actually be driving you bonkers with barking excessively, jumping up, biting, whining, not listening. Relax. You usually CAN do something about it. Often not through using the free dog training tips so lavishly bestowed on you in the park though!
Of course prevention is half the cure and careful selection of your dog before you get him is essential. Does the type of dog fit your circumstances? After all, different breeds are bred for certain tasks, be it hunting, herding, guarding, killing or chasing.
But you've not bought a pup, with the first main task often dog house training? You've bought an older dog WITH behavioral issues? Still relax. Help may be at hand.
Just as with raising children it pays you to know a bit about how to do this, and why. You can get someone in for some basic dog training but that can set you back anything between $300 and $2,000.
Really, there is no free dog training like your own. Quality time! If you and your dog want to enjoy life together then why not work on this as a team right from the word go.
Oops! Did I say "go"”. "Sit"... and read on.
Dog training is not a top-down affair. Your dog assesses you for what's "good" or "bad". If you're not sure or inconsistent then you'll both pay for that. So, robust dog training tips address owner training too.
So, just for a taste, here are some basic dog training tips.
* Train your dog in different settings for the same commands. If she obeys a certain command in the home context she may not in the park.
* Don't allow pups to jump up, chase and bite trouser cuffs because it's so much fun. Later they won't know why its bad to chew on your foot!
* Use exactly the same short command words for the desired behavior every time! Then "sit" will means "sit", not "stop" or "stay"! You may believe your dog is an Einstein but he too believed in elegant simplicity.
* Dog jumping up? Knocking over grandma? Put your open hand in front of its nose every time or use your knee if a larger dog (I take no responsibility in case of the possible loss of your knee). Then look it in the eye, say "sit" and sit it down physically if it does not obey.
* And, a tired dog is a good dog. Exercise!
Your simple and consistent approach will pay off.
All this is commonsense but you need a good set of guidelines. You can join dog training classes, getting a dog trainer to come to you, or read dog training books. Because it takes more than a few dog training tips to practically love your dog through good training.
Always check out trainers with good personal references. And there are some good books out there to do it yourself.
Yes, some dogs drive you bonkers but never forget that the reverse applies too. All dog training tips should include the advice that dog training is not just for the dog! Hmmm...About the AuthorRodney Waitts grew up with dogs. His family always had them. So do the kids in his family. And, just like having kids, owning a dog is a real responsibility, and can be sooo rewarding and much fun. But when you don't know how to raise them life can be very trying indeed.Go to http://www.dogteach.org
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Speak To The Dog, About What Matters To The Dog, In The Language Of The Dog

Submitted By: Steve Jackson
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What are the most important factors that influence conversion rates?
A joint of roast beef is sizzling over an open fire on a glorious summer day. The aroma fills the air as you cut the juicy meat into generous slices and stack them on a plate to pass around your friends. Your pet dog, driven crazy by the smell starts begging, whining and running around excitedly, hoping for a piece of the delicious steak.
“Speak to the dog, about what matters to the dog in the language of the dog”Jeff Eisenberg – Call to action
What Jeff doesn’t mean is start barking at people.
What he means is write for your target audience, about what it is they want, in a simple and attractive way. I’m sure that you’re now thinking about roast beef. That’s what you need to do when writing for your website, try to put a picture in your prospects head. The most important factors influencing conversion rates are your copy and content, your copy attracts, persuades and provides momentum, while your content answers all your prospects questions. Design, usability, measurement and testing should all be taken into account but they come after you figure out what it is you want to say and to whom you want to say it.
Where do you normally start when working with a new client? Is there a set process you follow?
Yes. We start by asking lots of questions. Initially we get the basic business information so we can ascertain how deeply the client has thought about their website as a business. You’d be surprised how many companies don’t know what their cost per visit is or their profit per website visitor. So we develop a business objective so that we can say, ‘this is where you are now’.
Next we’ll do an analysis of how far we think we can take them, based on their own limitations and budget. Then we can say what service they might need to take them to the next level. Not all businesses need the same things, some need tweaks to marketing strategies, some need better copy and content so it’s hard to answer. But the process we use is the same to find out what the client really needs.
How important is it to use web analytics tools to find on-site problems?
You can’t prove whether anything works on a website without web analytics tools. I advise every client I’ve ever worked with to get web analytics. I won’t work with an enterprise level company if they haven’t got web analytics. The tools allow you to do 2 things very well, pinpoint problems and measure your tests. Without this capability you’re pretty much guessing.
Can you suggest some generic KPIs that e-commerce teams should be monitoring?
There are lots and you should decide upon metrics which you can act upon. However here are some you might want to think about adopting;
· Site-wide conversion rate· Product conversion rates· Percentage of new and returning visitors· Sales per visitor· Average order value· Average number of items purchased· Shopping cart abandonment rate (step conversions)· Revenue and Profit per product· Repeat order rate, to help calculate long term value· Cost per visit· Profit per website visit
Also don’t forget to set trip wires like page views per visit. I’ve explained it better about in this article; How Web Analytics Found A Million Dollar Hole
Is Google Analytics going to be good or bad for the industry?
Basically yes I believe it is going to be good for the industry. I’m delighted about it. Rather than write another 1000 words on the subject though;Read this article
Too many paid-search and affiliate programmes do not create campaign-specific landing pages. What are the key elements that should be found on a landing page?
Compelling copy and content. Complimentary design, a graphic should help people to see the text or reinforce the message not just be there for the sake of it. One link from the landing page – the call to action, IE the buy now button. A landing page should already attract the audience who want what you have so you needn’t persuade them to go elsewhere by giving them any other links or options. Nick Usborne wrote a nice article about this;
How To Write A Landing Page
Do you have any metrics to share about landing pages, eg before / after conversion rates?
On average e-commerce landing pages get about 2-2.5% conversions. After we’ve worked on changes we tend to improve things by 40-50%. So usually 2.8-3.3% convert after the changes to a single call to action landing page. Of course it depends on the type of business and the traffic source. Banner ads are always lower than PPC ads for instance.
You’re a big fan of A/B testing. How can web teams implement these tests and what should they be testing?
The basic principle is that you write two test pages, direct equal traffic to each and see which works better. It’s possible to write your own traffic splitter code if you are only testing a few things at a time and you have in house programmers. Or you could outsource the testing to something like Offermatica which handles the test pages and the traffic splitting.
Things you might want to test using an A/B split are headlines, copy blocks, graphical images, banner ads, PPC ads, button colours, in fact anything where you have the potential to improve the response and be able to measure the improvements.
Do you have an idea of conversion metrics by sector? Which sectors are leading the way in terms of conversion rates? Which ones are underperforming?
We’ve compiled a list of averages by sector from a variety of different sources (including e-consultancy.com) which you can see here;
What Is An Average Conversion rate?.
No-one is really sure how accurate these figures are. They seem reasonable based on the top e-tailers who hit global conversion rates of between 11-16% (we’re talking about online retailers like Amazon, Ebay and QVC)
The sectors which have always done the best are the catalogue companies and the average figure suggests a 6.1% conversion rate. In our experience this seems about right. I have worked up conversion to those levels with a number of catalogue companies that were hitting lower than 6% before and some have come to us with slightly higher conversion rates than 6% initially.
The underperformers seem to me to be sport/outdoor retailers or fashion and apparel. They really should be hitting much higher levels than the average level 1.4-2.2%.
Creating web pages is a balancing act between the needs of the business and the needs of the user. Factor in the needs of the search engines and that’s quite a challenge. Where should your priorities lie?
The needs of the user are the most important. The business need in most cases is simply to make or save money. Businesses should achieve both their own business objective while catering for the user so that she can accomplish her goals. The more that the she accomplishes the better it should be for your business. Search engine marketing is important but you should never sacrifice copy or content simply to rank highly on Google. The search optimization should and can be implemented, but it should still persuade the person reading the copy that your solution is for them. Yes it is a balancing act but if you prioritize with the users in all cases then you’re on the right track.
How can accessibility and usability play a part in increasing conversion rates?
Usability is necessary. You should follow all the best practices regards navigation, colours and layout. Accessibility is becoming increasingly important. We’ve seen our own visitors ask us to change font sizes (make them bigger) for instance. We now have a function on our own site which allows you to adjust the text through the browser to any size you like.
Which online retailers do you most admire for their shopping cart processes? And which ones are a ‘dropout from basket’ waiting to happen?
Amazon and Cafepress.com have very friendly and simple interfaces. The interesting thing about these two sites is that while they do take your details and record them so it’s easier for you the next time you visit, they do not ask you to “open an account” or “create account” because the wording itself puts many people off. How many times have you bought something from Amazon because they “suggested” something based on your interests? Amazon really understands about building a site around what the user wants (or might want based on their preferences).
The sites which are a drop-out waiting to happen are the ones which have common problems, like requiring registration before a purchase, long checkout processes (I’ve seen ten steps to purchase before), no shipping information displayed, no privacy policies, no security (SSL encryption), lack of guarantees and return policies, the list is endless.
Copywriting is an increasingly essential art form for many e-commerce teams. But the challenges for large websites can be immense, if authoring occurs at a local level. How can you manage authors so that they stick to the conversion-focused rules?
Firstly we figure out what their limitations are. The content management systems or technical backend may mean that we need to adapt our methods to their systems. Then we hold them by the hand for a number of their most popular products showing them how we’ve come to the copy and content we’ve developed. Then we design a custom template with rules to follow so that the content managers can work to a specification. The content managers are then responsible for their own testing to improve the site copy and this is done in conjunction with A/B split testing and or web analytics. We either handle that ourselves or train the managers to do it themselves. Ownership of the site is key, by getting the content managers to own and develop their content based on what works, gradually the conversion improves.
Do you have any insight into how the demographics and conversion rates differ between Google, Yahoo and MSN users?
The demographics are important and can mean a whole change of strategy for some businesses. This observation of the Nielsen//Netratings figures by Danny Sullivan is particularly good and current;http://searchenginewatch.com/reports/article.php/2156451
As for conversion rates from different engines, we have yet to do a study of that and I don’t know anyone who has. We tend to work on a client by client basis and work out the best sources of traffic for each, based on their own particular product ranges.
(Obligatory end of year question alert…) What do you think will be the top trends for webmasters in 2006?
I’d like to think that the focus will shift from traffic acquisition via search engines to traffic conversion but I think it’s still a little bit too early for that in Europe. It’s beginning now in the US and I think it will take another year before the UK and later Europe really start to focus on it. I do feel that this year because of Google Analytics more focus will shift toward web analytics, which in my view is as important for the industry as when PPC was introduced. It means businesses will be able to use a quality tool without paying a fortune and see for themselves how a good tool can affect the bottom line. This can only be a good thing as the trend will shift towards measurement rather than best guessing which has been going on for far too long.About the AuthorSteve Jackson is the Editor of the Conversion Chronicles, a website conversion rate marketing newsletter dedicated to improving website conversion rates (http://www.conversionchronicles.com). He is also the CEO of Aboavista a web conversion and web analytics consultancy based in Finland and the USA (http://www.aboavista.com/references.php).
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=34292&ca=Marketing

Female Puppy Names: Find Girl Puppy Names And Dog Names That Fit

If you're like most dog owners, you've shopped for a dog using multiple avenues to find just the right one. By checking out the local shelters, pound, newspaper ads or even visiting friends who's family dog just had a litter, you finally found the right one.
Because it may not have made much of a difference to you whether it was a male or female, you wound up with a beautiful girl! Much like bringing home a newly born baby, bringing home a new puppy, or even a more mature dog you rescued from the shelter can be an exciting experience!
Until both of you get acquainted with each other, and you choose a name, you'll probably hear a lot of…Hey! don't go there!…Get your nose out of there!….Do THAT outside! around your house. So that's why it's important to choose a name early on, and one that will suit both your family and your dog. That's why when it comes to choosing a great female dog name, taking the time to consider all name possibilities is important.
Although many owners will simply name their dog anything that comes to mind, be careful that the name you give her doesn't rhyme with something negative, possibly giving the neighbors kids something to taunt her with. Make sure also that the name doesn't sound like a common command, like Go, Stay, Sit etc. which will confuse her when it comes to training time. By taking these considerations, not only will your dog love you for it, but it will also avoid a mid-life name change!
What I've done with this article is to share with you what I feel are some of the better female puppy names available in the doggie kingdom. Names that not only match a given dog's personality, but their appearance as well as names I felt just sounded cool. This list is by no means conclusive, just a way to get your creative juices flowing, as well as to start you off on the right paw.
Here's a few ideas…
Dog Names That Sound Small… Bambi, Bugsy, Butterball, Button, Cuddles, Doodle, Gumball, Junior, Kewpie, Laptop, Munchkin, Nibbles, Nipper, Peanut, Peewee, Puddles, Putt-Putt, Squeaky, Squirt, Tinkerbell
Dog Names That Sound Big…Big Shot, Boomer, Bruno, Grizzly, Hercules, Hulk, Jaws, Kahuna, Kong, Moose, Stallion, Wookie, Yukon
For Dogs That Are Black Or Chocolate…Aurora, Coco, Ebony, Eightball, Espresso, Hoodlum, Luna, Midnight, Nighthawk, Phantom, Raven, Salem, Shadow, Star, Storm, Taboo
For Dogs That Are Blonde…Amber, Autumn, Blondie, Chiquita, Daisy, Ember, Garbo, Goldie, Harlow, Meadow, Omelet, Paris, Sandy, Sahara, Savanna, Sunny, Zsa Zsa
Cool Sounding Names….Aspen, Azure, Capri, Charisma, Denali, Java, Mahala, Maui, Mignon, Nirvana, Pirouette, Rio, Sahara, Sierra, Taboo, Tiara
Other Female Puppy Names Ideas… Latte: Possibly a good name for a black dog. Jalapeno: A good name for a dog with a sometimes fiery disposition. Crouton: Another good name for a small breed. Maybe a Chihuahua? Kahlua: I can see this name on a brown dog.Caviar: For a dog with expensive tastes. Maybe a good Poodle name? Bon Bon: I can see this as a good name for a small black dog.
It’s easy to find great female dog names, and considering that your dogs name will be used an estimated 15,000 times during her lifetime, isn't she worth taking a little extra time to pick a perfect name?
By: Richard Livitski
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
When Richard Livitski isn't busy chasing around his own dogs, or searching for other Female dog names he's working on his website www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.

5 Puppy Training Tips For A Better Dog

Who doesn't love a puppy? They are cute, fluffy, and playful. However, don't let those innocent puppy eyes fool you - all puppies grow up to be dogs, and puppies growing up without the benefit of puppy training often grow up to be bad dogs. Here are some easy tips for puppy training to make the transition from puppy to dog easier on both of you. 1. Puppies grow up - act accordingly. Many puppy parents hold off on puppy training because, after all, they are just puppies. They think that puppy antics are incredibly cute. However, every time your puppy does something, remember how big your puppy will be as an adult. While a 10 pound lab puppy might be cute playing tug of war with your pant leg, chances are it won't be nearly as cute when your 100 pound adult lab does the same thing. Basic puppy training means setting guidelines about appropriate behavior from the first day home.
2. Make the crate a second home. Another part of puppy training is to give the puppy his or her own space. The easiest way to do this is with a crate. The crate provides the puppy a place to sleep, a place to keep the puppy safe when you are not around, and an easy way for you to travel. Puppies do not like to go to the bathroom where they sleep, so a crate can be a very useful tool when doing puppy house training. The crate should be large enough that your puppy can stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably, but not so large that he or she can poop in one corner and lay down in another. Do not leave puppies in the crate for extended periods of time - a puppy can hold his or her bladder for about as many hours as it is months old.
3. Never hit a puppy. It is a common misconception that hitting a puppy is part of puppy training. However, hitting a puppy during puppy training more often than not will lead to only one of two things - a dog that is afraid of you or a dog that is aggressive. Neither is the desired result of puppy training, and this will lead to a dog that does not make a very good pet.
4. Make puppy happy for coming. Getting puppy to come to you when called is one of the first puppy training steps that you should take. Doing this step of puppy training will have many uses - it will allow you to distract puppy from wrongful behaviors, it will allow you to find puppy if it becomes lost, and it can keep puppy from dangers activities like running into traffic. During puppy training, reward puppy every time he or she responds and comes when called. Small treats and lavish praises and pats will teach puppy that coming when called is a good thing.
5. Socialize. An integral part of puppy training is training your puppy the proper behavior around other dogs and people. Take puppy out often, exposing him or her to new situations and new people and pets. Reward the puppy for desired behavior, and reinforce simple commands like sit and stay. Remember to stay calm, as puppy will read your emotions and act accordingly. Starting puppy training early will lead to a lifetime of good times with your dog.
Copyright (c) 2008 Cheap Puppy Pads
By: Nick Luvera
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Cheap Puppy Pads offers super absorbent puppy pads that take the hassle out of house training puppies. Great for puppies and for older dogs that are incontinent. Once the dog is accustomed to using the pads, they can be placed outdoors to encourage dogs to potty outside. Also, be sure to visit our site to sign up for free weekly dog training tips.

Discount On Dog Breeds Enabling Access To Pet Of Choice

Thinking of getting a dog into your life? Did you know that there are a variety of breeds of dog that you can choose from? The numerous breeds of dog cater to varied purposes such as hunting, companionship, security or even for exhibitions and show. So, while choosing amongst the breeds, it’s not just the look that matters but the entire expenses that may be incurred on it. Usually while opting for a dog, the first –time owner or even at times the experienced ones tend to make a wrong decision without actually understanding the repercussions it may have on your way of life.
It is suggested to consider your lifestyle patterns and well as the prime need for which you intend to purchase a dog for. Consider all the expenses that may have to tender inclusive of training, exercising, feeding, as well as its veterinarian expenses appropriately. It is suggested to first understand and delineate the need for dog that you may have. Make your decision after a thorough research and analysis of your particular state of affairs. Once you have made your choice, then you can go ahead with locating a place wherein you can buy your specific pet.
The wide spread usage of internet has given rise to several online services providers who extend assistance in locating an appropriate breed of dog. These services providers can be accessed from any location that you may be placed in with ease. Most of these online providers offer discount on the purchase of dog breeds that you make opt for. Discount on your purchase can be an ideal way to shop for without hurting your pocket.
Before you opt for purchase may comparisons from the options presented to you. Scan through the options available, and reach upon an apt decision. It is advised to understand the terms of usage of the online services providers you intend to make a purchase from, so as to avoid any misunderstanding.
By: Mark Joness
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Mark Joness is the content author of the Dogs Center. After studies at the University of Alabama,he has been involved in teaching english and creative writing. Mr. Jones writes informative topics related to dogs and their breeds. To find purchase a dog,Dog beds, breed of dog,discount on the purchase of dog breeds, Cheap dog beds must visit www.dogscenter.net

Why You Should Prepare For Your Puppy Dog Teething

The nastiest thing about dog teething is that your puppy is going to chew everything it can get in order to alleviate the soreness of its gums. Chewing stuff about the house is risky for both you and the dog: electrical cords, valuable documents, favorite shoes and so on, and experts suggest that you should not postpone dealing with the issue from the first clues of dog teething. Thus, one can show the dog what to chew: there are special toys designed for dog teething and chewing, and these gnaw-ables can truly save lots of your belongings. An old shoe or an old pair of socks will not do for the matter as you only teach the dog a bad habit.
Dog teething has certain similarities with baby teeth eruption; just like humans, dogs have two sets of teeth, the puppy teeth and the adult or permanent teeth. As puppies do not need molars to grind their food, this type of teeth only erupts after four months of age; otherwise, dog teething starts between the third and the sixth week of life. Permanent dog teething is complete at six or seven months of age when all of the molars have erupted, and though there are some differences in tooth specificity between breeds, most adult dogs have forty-two teeth.
Permanent dog teething is prepared long before the actual eruption; thus the root of the puppy teeth are absorbed so as to allow the adult teeth to appear. Sometimes, a retarded absorption can cause a lot of troubles leading to a bad bite, a malocclusion or even tooth decay later in life. The baby teeth that do not fall in time to allow the permanent ones to erupt have to removed; hence, do not ignore such a health aspect when you take the dog for a routine medical exam.
In order to reduce the discomfort of dog teething there are all sorts of methods and remedies that can help you. One very easy solution is to freeze a dampened cloth and then give it to the dog to gnaw at it. Coldness is known to reduce swelling and calm the soreness of the gums, moreover, this will definitely keep the pup busy and quite content. Other remedies include all sorts of salts and granules that can be sprinkled in the puppies mouth several times a day, thus soothing the dog teething symptoms and calming your pet down.
By: Muna wa Wanjiru
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Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Teething For Years. For More Information on Dog Teething, Visit His Site at DOG TEETHING I Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Dog Teething At My Blog here Dog Teething

Toy Poodles: When Barking Is Too Much

Smallest among other Poodle varieties, Toy Poodles are said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Their sensitive yet pleasant, happy and lively personality is what makes them great household pets. They are eager to please people and good with children as well as other dogs and pets. As mentioned, they are highly trainable dogs because of their remarkable intelligent. A person will definitely enjoy having a Toy Poodle around.
Not all seemingly perfect things are in fact perfect. Toy Poodles have their own share of the so-called downside. An untrained Toy Poodle may tend to bark a lot. Barking is a natural behavior of dogs. It is their way of warning their masters of what they perceive as danger. As natural watchdogs, it is expected that they will be barking at some things from time to time. However, barking is not normal anymore when your pet is barking too much, too loudly or at wrong times that it annoys your neighbor living across your house.
The first step to address this problem is to determine what triggers them to bark too much or too loudly. One major reason for this behavior is improper confinement. Leaving a dog alone in a locked room especially without toys, leaving a dog in a dog crate for too long or enclosing a dog in an area unprotected from elements are some examples of improper confinement. A responsible dog owner should know these things. Problems such as loneliness, boredom, fear, playfulness and even separation anxiety can also cause excessive barking.
Keep an eye on your dog's barking. What time of the day or season of the year does the problem takes place? Is it raining or are there thunder and lightning? Are you in the car to see the vet? Is there any strange person or thing or other animal? Has your dog been barking since it was a puppy? Does the barking took place when you're not around and he is left alone in a locked room? These are just some of the questions you need to ask to determine the underlying factors of this dilemma.
If found out that the reason is improper confinement or inappropriate shelter, provide a comfortable place for your dog. It is important that this place can provide warmth during winter and keeps him cool during summer. If this behavior occurs only when you are away, teach your dog to stay home alone. Try to leave the radio on and leave lots of interesting toys to keep his intelligent mind working. Take time to play or walk with your dog. This will relax tense muscles at the same time give your dog something else to think about.
By: Richard Cussons
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Richard Cussons knows a lot about Toy Poodles. Check out this site to discover useful Toy Poodle training tips.

Training Your Dog In Phases

A typical scenario - a prospective pet owner walks into a pet store or animal shelter. The little guys are making cute puppy noises and batting big brown eyes. Almost instantly you fall in love and the next thing you know you are walking out of the establishment with a new member of your family. It may be a big dog or a small dog, an older dog or a younger puppy - everyone's idea of the "perfect" dog is a little bit different.
However, all dogs, big and small, young and old, can benefit from dog training. Dog training can take your puppy from a cute little mess to an ideal housemate and beyond. The start: puppy training The majority of dog training for puppies is designed to make them better household companions. For the average family pet, dog training will often not extend beyond this phase. For working and competitive dogs, this aspect of dog training is only the beginning. Dog training on the puppy level can encompass a variety of styles.
The most popular dog training (so popular, in fact, that many people do not even realize that it is training) includes things like training your dog to walk on the leash, house training your dog, and simple commands like "sit" and "drop it," as well as basic social behaviors. It is easiest to begin dog training at an early age, though if you acquire an older dog, you can do dog training with him or her as well. Dogs are happiest when they know what is expected of them, and dog training helps to make those expectations clear. Dog training is also a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Competitive dogs The next step in dog training would be for competition. Dog training is used by some owners to teach frisbee catching tricks on command with their dog or fetching items or with a freestyle routine. Dog training is used by other owners to teach dogs to pull sleds, run agility courses, or do other activities. This level of dog training requires a strong bond between dog and owner, as well as a willing subject. Dog training at this level is not something that you can do once and then go on with your life - it requires daily practice and commitment.
Many of the professionals you see competing in agility trials or other competitions have been working with their dogs for years to conduct the dog training required. Working dogs An even more stringent dog training method is required for working dogs. Working dogs assist people in a variety of fashions - they can be trained to sniff out drugs or contraband in airports, trained to assist the handicapped or disabled, or even trained as members of the police force or military. The dog training required for these dogs often takes months, if not years. Specific dogs are chosen from a young age to participate in this type of dog training, and often specific breeds are preferred due to breed characteristics. Only a few of the dogs that start on this dog training program end up being successful enough to have a career as a working dog. Their are a variety of dog training styles used for different purposes. Even so, nearly any dog and owner can benefit from dog training.
Copyright (c) 2008 Cheap Puppy Pads
By: Nick Luvera
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Cheap Puppy Pads offers super absorbent puppy pads that take the hassle out of house training puppies. Great for puppies and for older dogs that are incontinent. Once the dog is accustomed to using the pads, they can be placed outdoors to encourage dogs to potty outside. Also, be sure to visit our site to sign up for free weekly dog training tips.