Best Ingredients For All Natural Dog Foods Using This Simple Homemade Dog Food Recipe

By: Sherrie Chastain
Making your own homemade dog food with this recipe is easy and will give your dog the best all natural dog foods available. Just remember that in the wild your dog would catch small prey and eat the whole thing. This consisted of the meat, bones, organs, even the heart, brain and eyes (which are high in taurine). The vegetables they would get were in the stomach and digestive tract of the animals already partially digested. If you make your all natural dog foods to imitate your dogs prey hey will enjoy optimum health and love you for it.

Meats need to be fed one animal at a time. In the wild your dog would not eat more than one kind of meat at once. The meat should be ground or served in chunks which are easier to eat. Larger pieces will cause your dog to hold them with their feet to rip the meat apart, which can get messy.

Do not feed any fat that has been cooked which can lead to problems with your dog’s pancreas. Remember in the wild your dog would only get the fat that was on the animal and eaten raw. Use the skin that comes on the meat of in the case of beef the fat riddled throughout the meat.

Meats that cause trichinosis should never be fed like pork, bear, seal, ground squirrels, etc. However specialty meats like moose, ox, venison or bison are very pure and nutrient dense and can be fed in smaller quantities occasionally. Soft boiled eggs are also a good protein source, feed shells and all.

Organ meats are also very nutrient dense so use organ meat sparingly in your homemade dog food recipe. Either feed organ meats a couple of times a week for the meat portion or feed small amounts daily. Brains, heart and eyes are very high in taurine which is an essential amino acid for a healthy dog.

Vegetables are also essential in the best all natural dog foods. Remember to shred vegetables in a blender or food processor, your dog was used to getting them predigested in the wild. Use 3 or four different kinds of vegetables, preferably different colors to receive a wide variety of nutrients. The darker the vegetable, the more nutritious it will be in your all natural dog foods homemade dog food recipe.

It is best to avoid vegetables from the nightshade family like eggplants, green peppers, potatoes, onions, chives, garlic and tomatoes. These vegetables are associated with arthritis problems. Spinach also has a high oxalic content which can lead to kidney stones.

The best ingredients for the best all natural dog foods in your homemade dog food recipe are free range or organic meat because of the amount of toxins in meat and organic vegetables or peel the skin or wash with a spray to remove pesticides. Organic is always the best choice for all natural dog foods. Warm purified water is also an essential element in the best homemade dog food recipe. If these ingredients are not available use what you have, because it will make better all natural dog foods than you can purchase. Do not make your homemade dog food recipe because you cannot get all organic, what you make will be much more nutritious than any all natural dog foods you can buy.

Mix the meat at about 75% with the vegetables about 25% of the homemade dog food recipe. Puppies need a little more meat to vegetables since they are growing. Mix enough warm water to make a stew consistency. Meat and vegetables should be raw with the vegetables shredded finely. If you see vegetables in your dogs stool they are not chopped fine enough.

Your dog will eat until he is full. A good rule of thumb is about a pound of all natural dog foods per fifty pounds of your dog’s body weight. Do not feed your dog again until he has eliminated the previous meal or this can cause digestive problems for your dog. Always introduce any change in your dog’s diet slowly, increasing the new food daily until you have switched your dog over to the new all natural dog foods.

Using these simple guidelines you can make your dog the best all natural dog foods from your own homemade dog food recipe so your dog can enjoy optimum health. Your dog will love you for it.


About the Author
Sherrie Chastain Free All Natural Flea Extermination Report More Free info about Dogs and Puppies

Published At: www.Isnare.com
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Tags: boxer dog, boxer dog training, dog bed, dog breed, Dog Charities, Dog clothes, dog food, dog game, Dog health, dog history, dog house, Dog Insurance, dog sick, dog tip, Dog Toy, Dog Training

Using a Dog Crate to House Train Your New Puppy

By Jen Moore
During the first few months in their new home, puppies require a great deal of supervision. Using a dog crate can help you to prevent accidents during times when the puppy can't be watched. Housebreaking is easier to accomplish when accidents are prevented in the first place! Using a dog crate combined with a regular feeding and exercise schedule will make housebreaking go smoothly.

If puppies could have their way, they'd choose to run free all the time, so you should expect some initial resistance to the dog crate. Puppies have to learn to accept periods of confinement. They won't like it right away but acceptance will come.

Most puppies will whine or bark during the first few days of being put in their crate. Once they begin to accept this new restriction on their freedom, they quiet down and actually learn to enjoy it. Growing puppies need to alternate between periods of activity and rest throughout the day. By keeping the puppy on a regular schedule of feedings and exercise, you can control his natural rest periods. If you put the puppy in his crate when he's already tired, he'll get used to his new bedroom even faster.

In the beginning, the puppy should only be expected to stay in the dog crate for 2 daytime hours at a time. During his periods out of the crate, your puppy will need plenty of playtime, attention and loving. Puppies should be given at least an hour between crating periods when they can play and explore and romp. This helps to burn off their seemingly unlimited puppy energy and helps them understand that crating will only be temporary.

Special treats can help make his new bedroom a pleasant place to stay. Give your puppy a small treat every time he has to go into his crate. Make his new bedroom comfortable. Get him a soft clean but durable blanket. Get him a selection of toys and rotate them. Puppies can get bored easily and switching the toys around makes them seem always new. Teething puppies love chew toys and all dogs love a Kong stuffed with peanut butter. They can spend hours trying to clean it all out.

Puppies learn quickly when their behavior is associated with a reward. Behavior that doesn't result in a reward often disappears. It's normal for many puppies to bark or whine when first being crate-trained. If you let your puppy out of the dog crate while he's upset, you'll be rewarding him for barking. The next time he's supposed to go in his crate, he will bark again because that's what got him out the last time. Be patient and the whining will stop.

For many puppies, just ignoring their whimpering will be enough to make them stop. Some puppies might need a harsh-sounding "No!" to help them get over their tantrums. Remember: don't take him out of the crate until he's had some quiet rested time.

A dog crate is a fabulous tool when it comes to housetraining your puppy. The discipline aspect comes from a puppy's innate urge not to urinate or defecate in its den. Even young puppies prefer to move as far away from their sleeping quarters as possible to relieve themselves. Usually, a puppy who relieves himself in his crate was sick or just couldn't wait any longer.

Also, crating a puppy when the family is away during the day, administers a passive form of discipline by preventing a curious puppy from chewing up things he shouldn't chew. A dog crate will keep your puppy safe and out of trouble.
Best of luck in house training your puppy. For more information of choosing a dog crate please visit our website. Best of luck in house training your puppy. For more information of choosing a dog crate please visit my site: choosing a dog crate at my dog website.

Jen Moore is a pet expert on ezine. Look for other pet training related issues at http://my-dog-has-fleas.com

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Factors to Watch Out in Commercial Dog Food

By Alex De La Cruz

Dogs just like human beings also need a balanced diet. It is never enough to just feed your dogs with fancy looking commercial dog food. Not all canine foods that are advertised extensively may be good to your pet even if they promise to contain the right nutrients for a canine's need. Choosing commercial dog food is not a difficult task since the market is actually flooded with many brands to choose from. However, canine experts advise pet owners to be very careful in feeding their dogs with these commercially made goods. There were dark secrets of dog food discovered a couple of years back that even led to big companies recalling their products from the supermarkets.

This is after incidents of canine deaths or contamination after eating commercial dog food. A responsible pet owner ought to read a guide to healthy canine food. It is important that you must know the nutritional needs of your pet and at the same time make yourself aware of ingredients that you must avoid giving to your dogs. There are many commercial dog foods that contain too much ingredients that is an excess to your dog's balanced diet requirements. Be aware that some commercial dog food can actually cause obesity to your pet. These types of canine meals could cause your pet to become over weight and make it prone to diseases such as heart disease or diabetes.

For pet owners who want to save on their budget, they tend to settle for cheap dog food. Commercial dog food is the easiest and cheapest alternative for a pet owner. It is very convenient to buy and to feed. You don't need to cook; all you need is to scoop and feed. It is important that dogs are fed with a balanced meal at a certain frequency that is required. It is discouraged to feed dogs with one heavy meal. It is better to feed them light meals about two times in a day. Though canines love meat, choosing the right meat is important since meats are prone to contamination as well.

A pet owner must know how to detect when his pet is suffering from a certain illness or from a certain food allergy. It is a fact that there are certain components in canine meals that may cause allergy to your dogs and even cause death in worse circumstances. When this was found out by canine experts, veterinarians and dog owners became more conscious in feeding quality food for dogs. Practicing this safe feeding method would simply show your concern towards your house pet. Show your sincere concern and love to your pet by not feeding commercial dog food that may worsen their health conditions.

The meal must contain with balanced nutrients. Dogs may look cuddly with its appearance but don't be too confident because they might be obese. This situation is not a good one since you are just putting your dog's health at risk. Be a conscious owner of dogs. Educate your self with the right meals to sustain a good health for your pets.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_De_La_Cruz

Why Raw Meat Should Be Used in the Best All Natural Dog Foods and Homemade Dog Food Recipe

By: Sherrie Chastain
ogs have not changed very much in the past couple of hundred years. It is their surroundings and environment that has changed the most, especially their dog foods. All natural dog foods a hundred years ago were the raw kitchen scraps and any table scraps that were left over. Many dogs also hunted their own food.

Wild Dogs and Why Raw Meats are Best for All Natural Dog Foods

Does your dog walk in circles to pack down the tall grass before sleeping even if there is no grass?

Have you noticed your dog’s sharp pointy teeth used for ripping meat? A dog’s neck muscles are still their strongest muscle for ripping and tearing the meat off their prey. Your dog will also eat his food as quickly as he can and protect it from other animals even if there are none.

Your dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times more powerful than a human’s sense of smell, which enables them to hunt.

Your dog’s digestive system has not changed since the wild; it is designed for high protein, fat and moisture meals. Your dogs jaws only go up and down to tear meat or swallow it whole, hence the saying “wolf your food down”, they do not move sideways like cows or horses that grind vegetation.

Warmth and Moisture in Your Homemade Dog Food Recipe for the Best All Natural Dog Foods

If you feed raw meat with normal fat content and hot purified water to make it moist and make it warm (since cold food shuts down the digestive system), you will be giving your dog the same all natural dog foods dogs have eaten since the beginning of time.

Meat should be fed raw because it also helps to stimulate the carnivore's highly acidic digestive system.

Bones should only be included if they are raw and fresh. Old or cooked bones become brittle and will splinter easily while fresh bones are still pliable.

Do you know of any animals that cook their food before they eat it?

All Natural Dog Foods Dogs Have Eaten for Centuries are Your Best Choice for Dog Foods

Since humans changed the way dogs have eaten since the beginning of time, dogs now get the same diseases humans have. The same diseases humans began to get after they began to eat so much processed food.

Coincidence? I think not. Remember Nobel prize winner Otto Warburg discovered in people that all disease ties back to a mineral deficiency. If we are getting sick because we began to eat processed foods that are nutrient and mineral deficient does it seem so odd that our pets are suffering from the same processed foods?

This alone should be enough to make us question the high grain content commercial dog foods available today and at least look for high quality all natural dog foods or use a good homemade dog food recipe so you will know exactly what is going into your dog. Your dog will Love you for it.

About the Author

Sherrie Chastain Health and Beauty Consultant Free Time Management Tool Here More All Natural Dog Foods Info here

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Tags: dog, dogs, foods

Heated Dog Beds - A Great Way to Beat Arthritis in Dogs

By Ian Patterson

Arthritis in dogs is more common than one may think. It is one of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians. Unfortunately, dogs that suffer arthritis are unable to tell us about it.

Arthritis in dogs is quite common in older dogs, and it is more noticeable in the larger dogs than in the smaller ones. That does not mean smaller dogs do not suffer joint problems, it is just more pronounced in the larger breeds. The larger dogs have greater difficulty moving around than the smaller ones when affected by arthritis. It is important for dog owners to be observant of their dog's behavior and recognize the symptoms when their pet is ailing.

Your dog may have arthritis if you notice:

• Your dog is favoring a limb
• Your dog has difficulty sitting down, getting up or standing
• Your dog sleep more than usual. Animals reduce their metabolic rate to reduce pain.
• Your dog appears to have stiff or sore joints and difficulty in walking.
• Your dog doesn not want to jump, run or climb stairs anymore
• Your dog is gaining weight due to less exercise
• Your dog is less active or less interested in play

Unfortunately the early warning signs of arthritis in dogs are rarely noticed by dog owners and veterinarians because animals have the tendency to ignore the discomfort until the arthritis affects the joints significantly. Arthritis in dogs can be very difficult to diagnose since the dog may not limp or appear to be in pain. Arthritis causes swelling in the joints and movement becomes restricted.

Joints have a susceptibility to any number of diseases, including arthritis. Any damage to a joint may produce arthritis. It can occur in any joint but is seen most often in the hip, elbow, knee and stifle.

It is important for your dog to rest comfortably on a bed that will help to ease the discomfort. Heated dog beds are great for dogs with arthritis or older dogs suffering from other aches. There are few better methods of letting your dog sleep off the pain than with one of these beds. Heated dog beds are equipped with built-in thermostats which allow you to control the temperature and create a snug warm place for your dog to sleep. Many have built-in thermometers that automatically adjust the warmth according to your dog's temperature and the ambient air temperature to provide heat when needed.

I have been using heated dog beds for years for each of my dogs as they have grown older and are terrific for dogs recovering from sickness or injury. Most dogs enjoy cuddling deep into their heated beds when the weather is terrible and the nights are cold. Heated dog beds are a great idea during the winter months.

Heated dog beds have been specially designed to deal with dog's nails and claws and are very durable.

Contrary to the belief of many people, not all dogs like to be outside and certainly no dog likes to be cold. They suffer from the cold just as we do and suffer arthritis just as we do. Do your dog a favor and ease their joints with warm and comfortable sleeping conditions. I recommend using a heated dog bed.

Ian Patterson has over 30 year's experience with dogs and gained extensive knowledge in dog behavior and obedience training.

For more information about dogs, their behavior and training, visit his website http://www.obedient-dog-behavior.com where he gives information on dog behavior, care and obedience training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Patterson

5 Ways to Prevent Dog Bladder Problems

By Laura Ramirez

If you're like me, you're probably wondering if there is a way to prevent dog bladder problems. Bladder problems are very common in dogs and one of the biggest reasons for visits to the vet. They can be very dangerous if not treated in time.

The problem with bladder infections in dogs is that they often recur even after treatment. Constantly taking your dog to the vet to get treated for bladder problems can also be expensive. Your best option is to use preventive treatment. Here are 5 ways to prevent bladder problems in your dog.

1. A canine bladder problem can be prevented by making sure your dog gets enough exercise. Exercise is important for a number of reasons. First of all, when your dog gets enough exercise, he can maintain an overall good state of health.

Exercise is also important because when you take your dog out for a walk at least twice a day, he has the chance to empty his bladder. When dogs hold their urine in for too long, it can lead to bladder infections and other problems.

2. Commercial dog food should be avoided at all costs if you want to prevent dog bladder problems. Commercial dog food is full of artificial ingredients like preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. It also contains too much protein and is not balanced in minerals.

Furthermore, commercial dog food contains a lot of grains because they are cheap and filling. However, if your dog consumes too many grains, they can alter the pH level of your dog's urine and make him more susceptible to developing a urinary tract infection.

3. To prevent a canine bladder problem from affecting your dog, make sure to give your dog plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. You can't force your dog to drink water so one way you can make sure he is getting enough fluids is by soaking his food in chicken broth or water.

Don't give your dog tap water because it contains contaminants that can cause infection. Give your dog filtered water instead because it is clean and can help your dog flush out fluids.

4. Give your dog Vitamin C every day to prevent dog bladder problems. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system. It is also an anti-inflammatory and prevents bacteria from adhering to bladder lining. You can give your dog around 250-500mg today depending on your dog's size.

5. The best defense against bladder problems in dogs is a homeopathic remedy. A canine bladder problem can be both treated and prevented with a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies are 100% safe and don't have any risk of side effects.

You can give your dog a homeopathic remedy every day. Homeopathic remedies help to restore balance at a cellular level and maintain a healthy bladder, healthy urinary tract, strong immune system, and healthy urine flow. Homeopathic remedies are affordable and easy to administer. They come in a granular form that can be sprinkled into your dog's food or on his tongue.

Do yourself and your dog a favor by making these preventive treatments a part of your dog's routine. Taking your dog to the vet for dog bladder problems is as expensive as it is a nuisance. Make bladder infections a thing of the past by changing your dog's diet, giving him plenty of fresh water to drink, and administering a homeopathic remedy.

Believe me. By making these simple changes to your dog's lifestyle, you will be able to prevent bladder problems from ever affecting for your dog.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet's urinary tract health at http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Ramirez

3 Popular Dog Breeds For 2009

By Ryan Clark
We've seen an ever growing trend of smaller dogs that have become so popular mainly because of urban living spaces and dare I say Paris Hilton? There are 3 semi-new breeds that have been taking the world by storm and I'd like to introduce you to them all.

The Dorkie: This relatively new breed has been in high demand mainly on the west coat of North America, and although it's not a purebred, it is still one of the cutest dogs to become popular in 2008/2009. These gentle and lovable little dogs are a cross breed of Dachshund's and Yorshire Terrier's which gives them the long slender bodies. Since the Dorkie was bred by crossing from a hypoallergenic breed, you won't have to worry much about sneezing and coughing all day long around these dogs.

Mini Bulldog: Some people say that bigger dogs shouldn't be designed to go smaller even though that hasn't stopped breeders from making a Bulldog pint sized. The mini Bulldog, or sometimes referred to as the Bull-Pug, is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Pug. Now you can only imagine how cute that sounds, but also wonder what kind of health problems they have? Fortunately the cross has worked out great and these dogs are very healthy and lovable, and you'll be seeing a lot of them in 2009!

Puggles: It seems that his may be the year for Pug crosses, and why not? Pug's are some of the most characteristic and friendly dogs on the planet. Puggles are crossbreeds between male Pugs and female Beagle's which result in a dog that gets anywhere from 15-25 pounds in size. Puggle's are relatively low maintenance animals and are a perfect family dog, especially if you have children. The trend has really caught on out in Vancouver BC Canada where small dogs are very popular due to the condo living lifestyle.

We're starting to see a lot of interesting dog mixes these days and who knows what's in store for next year. The trend of going smaller isn't slowing down at all, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a mini Saint Bernard in the near future!
For more pet fun and information please visit my blog on Pet Tips.

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Tags: boxer dog, boxer dog training, dog bed, dog breed, Dog Charities, Dog clothes, dog food, dog game, Dog health, dog history, dog house, Dog Insurance, dog sick, dog tip, Dog Toy, Dog Training

A Shockingly Easy Way to Stop a Dog From Barking

By Cary Benjamin
Stopping your dog from barking is usually the second most frustrating reason why dog owners want to take their dog to obedience training (next to housebreaking). Before you can even attempt to stop your dog from barking at everything that moves, you need to understand a few simple but important facts. Once you understand these, getting them to stop is easy.
First, you cannot expect your dog to stop barking altogether. What you can do is teach you dog when it is OK to bark and when it is not. You may even want to create a trigger word where the dog can bark on command. If you use a word which will trigger your dog to bark on command, you will greatly reduce the urge he or she feels to randomly bark without giving that command. For instance, train your dog to bark when you tell them "Rover, speak!"
Next, you want to move on to actually stopping your dog from barking when they are not supposed to. Usually the dog is barking for a reason, even if it isn't blatantly apparent to you at first.
Sometimes they are trying to alert you of danger or trying to get your attention to something. The key here is to think about what it may be that is causing your dog to bark and acknowledge it (and remove it if necessary). Then acknowledge your dog by saying something like, "Thank you, Rover. I see the squirrel (as you point to it). Now that's enough barking." Use a firm, but very calming and polite tone. The dog should pick up on your acknowledgment and stop.
This method should get you started in the right direction to a well behaved and quieter dog.To find more useful tips on how to quickly train your dog to listen to anything they say, Click Here.
Discover how a revolutionary dog trainer used a breakthrough dog training method to quickly calm 2 ex-fight dogs! Visit http://www.dogobediencesystem.com and see for yourself how you can use this exact same system to get your dog to listen to your every word.
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Traveling With Your Dog in the Car This Holiday Season?

By Dawn Ross
The Holiday Season is here and it's time to visit family. Some of you have family close by while others may have to drive a few to several hours. For those of you who have to go a long distance, you will probably want to take your dog with you. Your dog is part of the family, after all. So if you are traveling with your dog in the car for a long drive, here are a few tips to make the travel easier and safer for you both.

Some dogs love to ride in the car while others don't. Before traveling with your dog in the car, check with your vet. Make sure your dog is healthy enough for the trip or if it would be best to leave the dog at home or with a boarding kennel. Or your vet may recommend something to keep your dog calm during the trip if your dog tends to get nervous in the car.

Also have your vet make sure your dog has updated tags and possibly even an identifying microchip insert. This is for just in case your dog gets away during a pit stop or your dog wanders off while you are at your far-from-home destination.

Depending on how long you are traveling with your dog in the car, you may want to have your dog's food and water handy. Convenient pet travel bowls would make it easy to give your dog food and water while making a pit stop. If your dog tends to get sick in the car, you may not want to give them food. Be sure to talk to your vet about this.

Be prepared to make pit stops for not just you, but also your dog. You do not want a doggie accident in the car. If you are afraid such a thing might happen, it would be best if you had a car seat cover or even just a blanket over the seat. Handi-wipes are great for cleaning up messes and eliminating some odors. Make sure you put your dog on a leash when you let your dog out of the car. Also, keep some dog waste bags on hand. Picking up after your pet is not just a courtesy, it is a requirement in some places.

The most important thing to consider for traveling with your dog in the car is a pet auto safety device such as a dog seat belt. The last thing you need while driving possibly wet or icy roads is a distraction caused by your pet. Some dogs are inclined to jump back and forth from the front to the back seat or they attempt to get into the driver's lap. A dog seat belt will help to keep your dog in the back seat. Even if your dog is well behaved in the car, a dog seat belt will help to protect your dog should an unfortunate accident occur. If your dog is 30 pounds or smaller and the trip is long, you may also consider using a comfortable pet car seat in conjunction with a dog seat belt.

If you have a chance, take your dog on smaller trips to get them used to riding in the car or wearing their dog seat belt. Traveling with your dog in the car does not have to be a hassle. And don't forget to pack all the things both you and your dog will need during the family visit. Besides all the items listed above (current tags, food and water, dog travel bowls, dog waste bags, dog seat belt, and dog leash), you may also want to bring your dog's crate, their bed, and their favorite dog toys. This way, your dog feels a little more at home and has as great of a time as you. Have a safe and wonderful Holiday!
Dawn Ross

http://www.PetAutoSafety.com

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Tags: dog history, Dog Training

Dog Agility Training is Fun For Fido

By Lee Dobbins
Hurling over jumps, running through tunnels, dodging weave poles, negotiating see-saws - do these sound like things your dog might enjoy? Then your pet might love dog agility training.

Inspired by equestrian events, agility training for dogs started in the late 1970's in Great Britain. It's a great sport for both dogs and their owners as the team up to negotiate a course of obstacles and is a true test of your dogs training as he will have to listen to commands in order to run the course.

If you want to start your dog in agility training he must be at least 9 months old to be assured that his growth plates have closed and in order to prevent injury. Your pet with start with dog agility training and must be able to clear the jump heights of his assigned division before he can compete.

He'll first be put in the 'starter' division; which is the division for dogs that do not hold agility titles. When he makes it through a round here he earns his 'starter' title and is now qualified to compete at the advanced agility level. The next title your dog can earn is the "Advanced Title" which he can take when he clears three rounds as judged by 2 different judges.

Once he gets his Advanced Title, he can compete in the masters classes. Earning a "Masters Title" is a bit more difficult and consists of a 6 part qualification process along with three successfully completed games courses.

Although a fun sport for both you and your dog, dog agility training is also a serious competition that is well organized and has many guidelines and regulations. Dogs are placed in divisions based on their size. The mini division consists of dogs between sixteen and twenty-one inches from the shoulder. These dogs have jump heights that are 12, 18 and 24 inches. The larger dogs that measure over twenty one inches at the shoulders are sorted into the open division where they will jump heights of 26, 28 and 30 inches.

Dog agility training competition is a serious and well organized sport with many guidelines and regulations. The two divisions in the competition are based on the dog's size. A dog between sixteen and twenty-one inches from the shoulder is put in the mini division.

Not every dog can win the coveted "Master" title, but I don't think they really care because to them the fun is in the sport. Dog agility training is a great way for both man and beast to enjoy a little fun competition as well as each others company.
Want more dog training and care tips? Click Here for a free report and newsletter.

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Dog Parvo - The Deadliest Viral Disease of Dogs

By Steven Grey
The dog parvo virus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the moment. The virus is extremely small (the Latin word for small is "parvo") - just a few grams of stool can contain millions of virus particles. The dog parvo virus has been known and identifiable since the late 70's and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with vomit or diarrhea from an infected dog.

The Canine parvovirus (CPV), also refered to as "the dog parvo", attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and in some rare cases the heart muscle. The common form of the dog parvo has a predilection for rapidly dividing cells (similar to cancer) such as the cells of intestinal lining and that is why it causes diarrhea and ulcerative enteritis. When the virus lashes out and attacks this type of cells, it makes dogs and puppies not being able to assimilate or absorb nutrients or liquids.

Symptoms of the dog parvo can take anywhere between 7 to 10 days before they are visible. In the early stages, symptoms that are likely to be noticed by the dog owner are a lack of energy and a loss of appetite. As a result, dogs infected with the parvo virus will soon show clear symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition. As the virus spreads, the dog parbo symptoms are characterized by high fever, severe diarrhea, quite often bloody, vomiting, lethargy and severe dehydration. If your dog, but especially your new puppy, begins exhibiting any of these symptoms, see a veterinarian right away. Because even though the dog parvo virus can also infect adult dogs, it is more often found in small puppies because of their low immune system. Parvovirus requires swift action to help an infected dog survive as when parvo is involved, every hour counts.

The severity of the disease depends upon the age of the dog, presence of maternal antibody, size of the virus dose and the breed of the infected dog. Though many dogs become highly ill due to this viral disease, breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Pit Bull Terriers may reveal clinical symptoms to a very severe degree.

According to conventional veterinarians, there is no known cure for the dog parvo. Conventional treatment is, therefore, mostly supportive and consists of maintaining the dog's body fluids, balancing electrolyte levels and maintaining body temperature. But even if a dog survives the initial bout of dog parvo, there is still a high risk of collapsing during the recovery period. You should get your dog immunized to protect them in case they come into contact with dogs that have the illness. Most veterinarians recommend that young puppies to be vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks beginning when the pup is 6 weeks of age and continuing until it is 20 weeks old.

The dog parvo virus is most common in places where dogs congregate, such as parks, animal shelters or even at dog shows. Dogs may take in the virus from sniffing or consuming contaminated fecal matter, from cleansing himself, or from consuming food off the ground or flooring. That is why dogs that spend their time confined to a house or a yard and are not in contact with other dogs have much less chance of exposure to the canine parvo virus. You must also be aware of the fact that the dog parvo virus may be even brought home to your dog on shoes and even automobile tires. If you allow your dog to live outside, then remember to alter drinking water on a regular basis because there is a chance that the water can contain parvo virus (carried by birds on their feets or feathers or in their feces).

CPV is very resistant and can remain in feces-contaminated ground for five months or more if conditions are favorable.

Be aware of the fact that the dog parvo symptoms resemble other diseases (like poisoning or worms) and are often misdiagnosed. The only way to know if a dog has the Parvo virus is through a positive diagnostic test.
For more information, visit http://dog-parvo.blogspot.com - a website dedicated to inform pet owners about Dog Parvo. The website contains articles on symptoms, treatments and prevention.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Grey

How to Make Gourmet Dog Treats

By Jessica Alicea
If you have a pampered pooch, then you have probably heard of a gourmet dog bakery. Gourmet dog bakeries are on the rise and they are especially popular with concerned pet owners. Because most commercially sold pet treats are mass produced in huge factories. These types of treats are usually made in large quantities and can be filled with potentially harmful preservatives. Most dog bakeries bake their dog treats using only the finest all natural ingredients. If you have never seen a treat that has been made in a gourmet dog bakery you're missing out on some really creative treats!
If you would like to spoil your dog with these types of treats and you have some time on your hands, then you can bake you furry friend some delicious homemade dog treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. Many people would love to bake for their dogs but they're not sure what to use. There are tons of dog treat recipes available. You can purchase books filled with recipes for healthy dog treats or you can search online for free recipes.
There are a lot of human foods that can be very harmful to dogs. For example, chocolate is toxic for dogs, onions are too! If you have ever been to a dog bakery you may have seen treats that appear to be dipped in chocolate. It's actually carob. Carob is safe for dogs and en excellent "disguise" when it comes to aesthetics. Many gourmet dog bakeries also have what appear to be chocolate chip cookies. Again the chips are made of carob. Here's an awesome recipe that will teach you how to make gourmet dog treats. They are called Peanut Butter Chippers- a peanut butter cookie with carob chips. (They will look like little chocolate chips cookies.) Absolutely adorable!
Ingredients: Oat flour 1 cup Rolled Oats 1 cup Peanut Butter 2 tbsp. Baking Powder 1 tbsp. Water 1 cup
Directions: Mix the flour, rolled oats and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Add the peanut butter and water. Make a ball of dough. Roll out and use cookie cutters in desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Let cool. Serve.For more dog treats and recipes http://begginbeaglebakery.com
J. Alicea
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Alicea

Dog Bloat - Owner's Guide to Bloat in Dogs

By D Swain
Bloat in dogs is one of the most common causes of death. This condition occurs when your dog's stomach swells due to excess fluid or gas. It can be life-threatening in under an hour. So, what exactly causes this condition?
Causes
There are a few things that can cause dog bloat. Your dog can develop it if he exercises too soon before or after he eats. Eating from a raised food bowl can also cause this condition. Stress and gulping too much air are also common causes.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, the symptoms of bloat in dogs can be difficult to notice easily. The abdominal area will be swollen, but maybe not enough for you to tell if you're not looking carefully.
In addition to the abdominal swelling, a dog with bloat will also salivate and pant excessively. He will also whine a lot and appear agitated. Dogs also attempt to vomit, but won't produce anything.
Diagnosis
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, dog bloat can be fatal in less than an hour. Therefore, your veterinarian may begin treatment even before he makes a definitive diagnosis. Once treatment has already begun, x-rays and blood tests will help determine if your dog truly has bloat.
Treatment
Since this condition is caused by the buildup of excess fluid or gas, it will have to be removed. The veterinarian will insert a tube down your dog's throat so that the gas or fluid can be released. However, this method is unsuccessful sometimes.
If the tube doesn't work, then your dog will have to undergo emergency surgery. The vet will make a cut into the stomach to give the fluid or gas a means for escape. Your dog may also need to take various medications while battling this condition. They include antibiotics, steroids, and anti-arrythmics to deal with heart problems.Bloat is just one of many potentially serious illnesses that can affect your dog. There are many others such as dog melanoma and dog lung cancer. Dog-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information for dog owners about many different diseases. So, stop by today to learn about some of these diseases that can affect your pet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Swain

What is a Mammoth Dog Bed?

By A. पेंस
Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, but some dogs are so big that you have no where for them to sleep and if they sleep on your bed, they take up the whole bed leaving you with little room to sleep। Larger sized breeds of dogs need their own bed to sleep in। Mammoth Dog Beds are great for large breed dogs because the dogs will fit in their own bed rather then taking up your bed. These dog beds come in many shapes and sizes and you can even get a Mammoth Dog Bed for an outdoor dog. Many of the Mammoth Dog Beds come in all shapes and colors and some offer some added features like removable covering so you can wash it.


Mammoth Dog Beds come in a variety of colors and qualities and offer your dog a superior sleeping experience for a long trip in the car or just laying about around the house when you are gone at work. Some of these beds are made with the same technology as your bed. Some Mammoth Dog Beds are made of memory foam to give your dog a comfortable night or afternoon of sleeping. These beds are affordable and durable so you will not have to worry that you will have to replace the Mammoth Dog Beds in a year or so. Most of the memory foam Mammoth Dog Beds offer an outer ring and the nice center ring to offer your dog the best comfort level that the manufacturer can.
Mammoth dogs are breeds that are larger than 100 pounds. These Mammoth Dog Beds are specifically designed for the larger dog breeds and are made to last a lifetime. With the patent still pending on the Velcro system, which allows you to wash the outer covering, the Mammoth Dog Bed can last for many more years to come. The stuffed pillow in the center of the Mammoth Dog Bed is made of a non-balling, high memory upholstery fiber fill which allows the pillow in the center to bounce right back each and every time. The outer ring is made of the same thing but the outer ring of the Mammoth Dog Bed is overstuffed to give the bed a pillow for your dogs head. The materials used in the Mammoth Dog Beds are very durable. Canvas is used for these beds for easy cleanup and the material is washable so you can put it into your washing machine and the covering of the Mammoth Dog Bed will not get damaged.The author highly recommends http://www.MammothDogBeds.com For a large selection of Designer Mammoth Dog Beds visit their website today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A._Pens

A Nation of Dog Lovers?

By Peter Tyler
Here in the UK, we like to think of ourselves as a nation of dog lovers. But according to a study commissioned by the Dogs Trust Charity, local authorities kill 150 stray dogs every week in the UK because their owners cannot be traced or a new home can't be found.
As dog lovers, what can we do to make a difference and prevent this from happening? It seems like such a huge feat to overcome such a massive number, but we can make a difference; perhaps just a small difference, but it all counts.
According to the Dogs Trust, the most effective way of reducing these numbers is through the use of neutering and micro chipping.
Neutering
Neutering is an extremely common procedure that your vet will carry out under general anaesthetic. In the majority of cases, your dog will be ready to come home with you on the same day and will be fully recovered within a few weeks.
Many of the dogs picked up as strays by Local Authorities are un-neutered males. Often, they will pick up on the scent of an in-season bitch, and they will escape to try and find her. Bitches may also be frustrated when in season and will look to find a mate.
Neutering can also have a positive effect on the health and well being of your much-loved pooch. Un-neutered females can suffer from mammary tumors and an infection of the womb, called a Pyometra. Both of these can, at best, be costly to treat, and at worst can be fatal. Un-neutered males are at risk of developing Testicular cancer. Neutering is also believed to assist with behavioural problems in both dogs and bitches.
Micro-chipping
When a dog is micro-chipped, a chip the size of a grain of rice is implanted beneath the skin. The micro-chip has an unique identification number, which can be read using a scanner. This is a painless procedure for the dog and is relatively in-expensive and just think; if everyone did it, the problem of stray dogs would be no more. Look out for schemes from your Local Authority, offering cut price, or even free micro-chipping!!
Remember: By law, your dog must wear an identification tag, even if he is micro-chipped!
So, do your bit! Get your dog neutered and micro-chipped and spread the word around the park!Visit the Kennel Corner website for more articles like this. You will find articles on Dogs Treats and Dog Treat Recipes, a Dog Obedience Schools Directory and lots more!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Tyler