Dog Training: Common House Training Problems

By: Phil Donahoe 

In terms of dog training, house training is one of the areas of dog ownership and one of the most common dog training problems that is most subject to misunderstanding, confusion, and just plain dread boy dog owners and even dog training experts.

In today's dog training article we are going to examine and learn how to deal with two of the most common problems surrounding the issue of house training your dog:

- Submissive and excited urination

- Scent marking behavior

Common house training problem #1: Submissive and excited urination

What is it a 'submissive urinator'?

A 'submissive urinator', in dog training terms, is a dog that urinates on the floor and himself (and sometimes on you or any guests you may have!) in situations of extreme excitement or stress, like when you return home at the end of the work day or when the dog is being told off for some bad behavior.

Why does this happen?

Puppies are the most usual candidates for submissive/excited urination, but it is also not uncommon to see this behavior in adult dogs as well. Usually, these are highly sensitive and timid dogs, and/or ones from a shelter/with a history of abuse (often these last two go hand-in-hand and one of most common things we see as dog training professionals.)

When does it happen?

Situations which are likely to trigger an excited/fearful dog to urinate:
- Greeting time after a prolonged absence of owner
- Play time where a dog gets too excited
- The arrival of guests (particularly unknown guests)
- Stressful situations at home, eg arguments involving owner
- During a behavior correction such as you’re telling him off
- Sudden and unexpected loud noises such as thunder or fireworks

What can I do about it?

Luckily as dog training experts will tell you, it is not difficult to prevent your dog from doing his submissive or excited urination.

Firstly and most importantly, you should take him to the vet to make sure there is no unknown medical reason for the issue (such as diabetes or a hidden bladder infection.)

Next, it’s time to take use good dog training techniques to control the problem:

- Try to limit his intake of water to help him control his bladder more effectively, this is very important. Don’t restrict his water intake over a prolonged period of time, but if you know there is a situation coming which would normally result in a loss of bladder control, for example, you have guests coming over, or are planning on a play session soon, take his water bowl away for a period of time (maybe half an hour to an hour) before the event.

- When greeting your dog, keep it calm and mellow. The more excited he is, the harder it is for him to control his bladder, so don’t encourage him to get worked up: ignore him for the first few moments, or give him a very neutral "hello", a quick and gentle pat, and then go about making yourself at home.

- It’s important that you DO NOT punish or harshly correct your dog for this behavior. It is not something that he can easily control, and he’s certainly not doing it on purpose. Punishing a dog for this behavior can cause emotional distress and lead to more problems for you and the dog in the long run. When you catch him in the act, you can interrupt him (a firm "No!" followed by praise when he stops should suffice) but don’t punish him. Keep your cool, and try to be sympathetic: he doesn’t mean to do it, after all!

- If he urinates out of fear (submissiveness) when scolding him for another offense, try to take the stress levels down a notch by keeping a firm, authoritative, but not angry tone. Remember, you’re dealing with a sensitive, highly-strung dog: if you get angry or worry him further, the problem will worsen.

Common house training problem #2: Scent marking

In dog training terms 'Scent marking' is where a dog 'marks' his or her territory with urine. Technically this is not actually a house training problem, since it’s based on the dog training issues of dominance and territoriality rather than insufficient house training. A dog can be perfectly house trained but still feel the need to mark inside the house.

However, because – since the problem centers around the unwanted presence of urine in the house – it seems logical, in a way, to link this problem with house training. Since this is one of the most widespread problems among dog owners, we as dog training professionals thought it worthwhile to include some practical advice.

Scent marking and lack of house training: how to differentiate between the two

Your dog is most likely scent marking their territory, rather than genuinely relieving himself, if:

- The amount of urine produced is relatively small, and tends to be directed against vertical surfaces such as doors, walls or furniture.

- If your dog is an unneutered male and at least five or six months old. Unneutered dogs are much more territorial than neutered ones. If you have an unneutered dog in the house, you can pretty much expect a certain amount of scent marking as he defines his own areas. It should also be noted that unspayed females also mark, but it is much less common. Spayed and neutered dogs can also exhibit marking behavior, but it’s relatively rare but should not be discounted.

- It makes little difference how often he is taken outside for a toilet break

- He frequently targets items that are new to the house such as new possessions, guest clothing/footwear, etc that do not carry some form of his scent

- You live in a multi-dog household and there is conflict between two or more of the dogs. In this case it is a dominance issue between the two and they may both mark.

- There are other, unneutered or unspayed pets in the house

What to do about the problem?

From a dog training perspective the first thing you need to do is spay or neuter your dog(s) as soon as you possibly can. If you can do this early enough, ideally, at six months of age, this often halts marking altogether. If this is not possible or if your dog’s been marking for a prolonged period of time, he or she may continue to do so after being spayed or neutered, since a pattern of behavior will have been established.

Ensure you clean soiled areas thoroughly. Use a non-ammonia based cleaner, because it smells just like pee, and stay away from vinegar too, it smells similar to pee as well. Oxi-Clean mixed with warm water is particularly effective on these areas and there are also plenty of commercial cleaners designed specifically to lift pet stains and odors, which you can buy from pet stores and some supermarkets.

Because dogs tend to re-mark the same places, you’ll need to redefine the places that you know he's marked to prevent repeat offending.

Many dog training experts will recommend the following ways to do this:

- Feed him next to or on top of the spot
- Play with him there
- Groom him there
- Put his bed over or next to it
- Spend time there yourself: hang out with a book or sit down and work

Finally, one particular aspect of dog training that is often overlooked is if there is rivalry between dogs in the household. In this case you will need to take steps to resolve it. Any conflict is likely to be hierarchical in nature (a 'power struggle'), which means that all you have to do to stop the tension is pay attention to which dog seems to be more dominant than the other one (which one eats first, gets the toys he/she wants, 'stares down' another dog), and reinforce this position to establish the hierarchy.

So how do you do this? From a dog training perspective it is relatively simple. First, feed the dominant dog first. Pet him/her first. Give him/her a toy before anyone else gets one. This makes it clear to all dogs in the house which one really is the dominant dog. When this hierarchy’s been recognizably established, territorial and dominant behaviors like scent marking often vanish overnight.

If you like this article, you will find much more useful dog training information on our dog training website Dog Training Success where you will find useful tips, tricks and an amazing guide that will help you train your dog with immediate results. No matter what your dog training problem there is a solution and this fantastic dog training guide will show you how to handle each and every situation in detail. Can you afford not to find our more? Click Here Now!

7 Dog Training Tips to Should Know Prior to Starting Dog Training

By: Keith S.G. Gilbert
Dog training is very important if you would like to ensure that you and your new pet will be able to live in harmony. Dog training can correct or modify a number of the dog's natural behaviors, making the dog much more suited to life being taken care of in your home. There are a number of different ways available to train your dog and by following these 7 basic dog training tips, you will find that the training goes smoothly and is fun for both you and your dog.

1. If you are unsure of how to train your dog, seek help.
Individuals that would like to train their dog often have no idea how dog training is conducted or how the personality of their dog will factor into the training process. There are a number of different books and reference materials available to help a person train their dog, and if the owner is still unsure or uncomfortable with the training methods, they can ask a professional dog trainer for assistance and additional dog training tips.

2. Negative reinforcement is the least effective training method.
One of the dog training tips that most dog training professionals wish more people knew is that using negative reinforcement or punishment to train the dog is the least effective way to get the dog to obey you, but is the most effective way of making the dog fearful or aggressive towards you and others.

3. Making dog training fun also makes the training more effective.
Another one of the most important dog training tips to remember is that dogs love to please and are eager to learn in all stages of life, so making the dog training fun for the dog not only makes the training more enjoyable but also makes the lesson easier to learn for your dog.

4. Don't be afraid to use small treats as rewards.
Giving the dog a small treat for a job well done will not hurt the training process and will make the training more enjoyable for the dog. The treat chosen as the reward should only be given during the training process and on the successful completion of the task the dog was asked to do.

5. Research training products extensively before deciding which to purchase.
There are a large number of different training products on the market today and some of these products are intended for a specific use, not for general obedience training. Some of the products will have features that are not necessary to the training that you are trying to conduct, while some others may have features that will make your training sessions easier.

6. Dog training takes time.
Just as you didn't learn how to read in a day, your dog will not master a command or a trick within the space of a day. It takes time for a dog to remember and execute a desired behavior after it has been introduced to them, so this important dog training tip is to give the training time to work and the dog time to understand what you are asking him to do.

7. If at first you don't succeed, try again.
This last tip of the important dog training tips is that if your dog fails to understand a training method or a command, try a different teaching method. Just like different people learn in different ways, different dogs learn in different ways as well.

To find more dog training tips, visit the following site: Free Dog Obedience Training Wisdom. You'll find free articles that will teach you more about how to train your dog to obey you.

Dog Training - Training Man's Best Friend

By: Rio Morales Morales
Training Your Silky Dog:

It is essential to have a dog that knows how to follow the right rules and how to live around your house. To achieve this, dog training must be considered.

Most people think that training a dog is hard and expensive. Moreover, dog training requires a lot of patience and creativity for your dog. We have to remember that dogs may be intelligent but they can not be as intelligent as us. The article provides some of the basic things dog owners need to know so they can do the training themselves. However, to maximize the full potential of your dog, a dog trainer should be hired instead.

What are the differences between a submissive dog and a dominant dog?

A submissive dog normally:

- avoids eye contact.
- rolls on its back.
- crouches down, ears back and tail lowered.
- is comfortable on its back in your arms.

On the other hand, a dominant dog:

- maintains eye contact.
- is unwilling to move from his place on the couch.
- dislikes grooming and petting.
- is possessive of dishes and toys.

Training your silky terriers requires kindness and consistency. Silkys respond actively to praises and to rewards. In addition, they become harsh and unresponsive towards punishments and animosity, respectively.

Trainings with obedience classes can be intensely beneficial in petting your silky terriers. In many dog training schools, classes for puppies are available. Young dogs are taught to get accustomed with other dogs and people using limited trainings. However, there are areas that do not conduct formal obedience training unless the dog is at least half a year old. Always remember that a dog is never too old to benefit from training when a good trainer is available, or if the owner is fully committed to the task.

Here are the recommended ways of training silky terriers:

1. Reiteration or Repetition

Reiteration is the name of the dog training game. In here, dogs are asked to do a task over and over again to achieve mastery. Dog tricks are best learned when reiterated and reinforced through rewards.

2. Persistence
Patience is a virtue that requires you to tolerate hardships. Persistence is trying to be patient for a longer time until a goal is achieved. Apparently, dog training requires a loof persistence from the owner or from the trainer Physical and psychological aspects of the owner and/or the trainer must be sound.

3. Commendation and Emendation
Simply put, if a dog does the right thing, it should be said aloud. Otherwise, the dog should hear, "No, that's not it!" when the trick is not complete or appropriate for the command given. These words reinforce correct responses and diminish the unwanted ones.

4. Rewarding

Bits of cheese would really be good treats for dogs who responded correctly to a given command. Other food can be bought at pet sores. However, if you are able to get the respect of your pet, commands will be executed even if there are no longer involved treats. Likewise, these things reinforce warranted responses.

If your lifestyle permits being in charge of training your own pet, you can do the training as long as you have gathered enough patience and commitment by:

1. Spending time grooming your dog.

2. Having regular training times on the leash.

3. Stroking its belly and toes and rolling it on its back

4. Hand feeding some food to ensure that the pet is taking treats gently and slowly.

In asserting dominance, always practice consistency and firmness

Dogs are man's best friend. Despite that, sometimes they can grate on your nerves; barking, chewing, and the occasional nip can sour a relationship very quickly. That's why it's important to establish boundaries and make sure your dog is well-trained!
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The Importance of Dog Training for a Happy, Balanced Pet-owner Relationship

By: WoodCreek Pet Products 

First Principles
Teach respect, a dog has to be taught to respect its owner. You have to be his leader and not let him be yours. As you communicate with your dog he learns to understand you, he will forever be willing to please. Once the dog knows you are his leader, he will be a happy follower by teaching your dog the basic training commands and discipline.
It is next to impossible to have a normal, well-behaved, even-tempered dog without discipline and some training. Once a dog is trained he is a better pet and greater companion, and he himself will be happier for knowing that his owner is pleased with him. There are many books devoted to discipline and training and free online resources for dog training than ever imaginable! There are also many great obedience-training classes for low cost to no cost, one for example is PetSmart and I highly recommend this form of training, it helps your dog or puppy learn to socialize as well as get his basic obedience training from a professional source, helping you and your dog learn together. You must be willing to accept the fact that if your dog fails the course and becomes a dropout, it is entirely your fault not the dogs. He is a willing subject, it is your complete responsibility to ensure you and he complete all training classes and continue to adhere to the lessons learned.
Any sincerely interested dog owner can train their dog, and it can be a most rewarding educational experience for both. Patience and consistency is the key to successful training, at times you will have to be firm, but gentle and always, always give praise for each and every one of his positive efforts.Basically dog training is built on reward, repetition, reprimand and again praise. Although it can be too early to begin training, it is never too late. Most puppies form a strong attachment to an individual which may persist or wane, and there is often a phase of disobedience and defiance. Discipline is needed during this crucial period, but it must be with patience and never overbearing or intimidating. Don't listen to the old cliché "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". There is nothing further from the truth, I don't for one moment believe that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, he can be taught new tricks and all the basic commands whatever his age.

It is bound to be a more difficult to break old habits like barking, chasing cars, sleeping on furniture etc., and can be resolved with proper training aids, such as no-bark collars, sonic bark control devices, citronella spray collars, indoor radio fences, and scat mats, if all other resources have been exhausted to resolve these and various other undesirable habits develop or exist. You and your dog must be relaxed before you begin any training session. He can and will know when you are tense or uncomfortable, he can't learn while he is tense or timid and if your dog or puppy is showing signs of stubbornness or defiance they may be more resistant to teaching, but don't give in, stay firm, consistent and have a routine, all animals are creatures of habit, so stay with the training. In essence complete relaxation is essential for both dog and trainer, also, make lessons fun for both you and your dog. He will learn much faster, and give you a greater reward for your training efforts, vise-versa.

Getting To Know Your Dog or Puppy

To train your dog or pup to the best advantage for both, you must get to know their personality, for example there are sensitive or shy dogs who squeal at the slightest noise with disciplinary action and the merest jerk of a training lead, grooming comb or word of discipline, causing you to hurt his feelings and mistrust. Take caution and try to understand this dog or puppy’s personality, this is vital to their mental health and needs to be taken in a very slow, easy manner. If a stronger, more aggressive training method is used with this type of personality it cannot be reversed, and will ultimately result in a very scared, confused pet. Then there is the more assertive type dogs, they may need a stronger form of training and attention spans may need to be focused on, "Fearless" Fun loving, and go for it types of dogs always pushing himself at you for your attention, he jumps on your guests, slobbers on them, forces his "Here I am" on you, your guests, children or the elderly. This personality may or may not need a more aggressive training method, depending on the breed and the owner's training abilities.
Make the Lessons Fun
Dogs get bored with long training sessions. If you work them for over 20 minutes at a time, they will lose interest and stop listening to you. For a younger dog or puppy, 5 to 10 minutes is long enough for one training session. But do it frequently, and again with, praise or training reward treats.
Basic Dog Training Commands
(1) Leash Training: This is the first and foremost of all dog and puppy training. Say you need to take your pet to the Veterinarian for a check up...this cannot be done without a well leash trained dog or puppy. Work with your dog or puppy daily  DO NOT: pull, drag or force your dog to follow the leash, take it easy.....let them walk to you, stop...say "Good Dog" Reward them with a treat, and let them sit, then, pet, praise them. Give them time, always be patient, they will respond soon to your leash training, it is so very important not to scare them while leash training!!!! They will never feel safe with you!!

(2) Heel: You teach your dog to walk on you left side without pulling in front of you; he always walks beside you, comfortably, easily and will never pull at the leash. When he tries to walk in front of you, you jerk back on the lead and say the word "Heel". Use this command with easy, gentle commands, do not "Yank" on the lead, be very, very gentle or this will cause your dog to become scared and try to bolt and make the "Heel" command frighten your dog, therefore, reversing your training and all trust established with your dog or puppy. Please always use good sense and respond to your dogs action or "Reaction" to "Leash and Heel" Training.
(3) Sit: Pull the leash straight up and while pushing down on his hindquarters, saying the word "Sit". Most dogs learn this very quickly.
(4) Down: You don't want your dog or puppy to jump on people, especially, elderly guests, children or anyone else that is coming to visit your home. Your dog needs to learn this after he is confident with his leash training. Grasp the leash or collar just under the dog's neck and while gently pulling in the downward motion as you say, "Down"
(5) Stay: This is a very important command, as it can save your dog from a situation were harm or injury may occur, and this can be beneficial to the both of you. This command can save you or your dog from being hit by cars, or any other dangerous situation, this can your dogs life. To teach the "Stay" command put your dog in a sitting position and talk a few steps away, and if he attempts to come to you, firmly say "Stay" and stop walking, ask your dog to sit, and start again, keep repeating this procedure until he stays, this may take some time, remember keep the lessons short, and be consistent.
(6) Come: Be sure to do this with a leash or long lead. First put him on the "Stay" command, use the word "Come" and give the leash a light tug toward you, when he responds a comes to you give him praise and or a reward treat and repeat this lesson until your dog is responsive to the command, then you can remove the leash or lead and repeat the lesson. This is one of the easiest lessons dogs learn very quickly.  With all said and these simple, easy to follow training guidelines, you should have a long and happy relationship with your dog or puppy. Note: Never give up, be patient, consistent and always praise!!!! Love your dog like he loves you.
YOUR DOG
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.....You are his life, his love, and his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy ofsuch devotion. "

WoodCreek Pet Products
http://www.woodcreekmall.com/TrainingAids.html

Dog Training - Dog Exercise

By: John Williams Dog Training
Exercise is one of the main way in which dogs keep their muscle tone, bones, joints, and mind healthy, there are plenty of ways in which to exercise your dog. Some exercises are good for keeping you healthy as well, and others are more relaxed and effort free for those times when you get back from work and your dog is staring at you all excited and ready to play.

Some breeds of dogs are more active and need more exercise than others, and sometimes more than a lot of owners think they can give them due to other commitments like work and there not being enough hours in the day. But this doesn’t have to be the case as many professional dog trainers will tell you, and keeping your dog in shape can be fun and rewarding for both parties.

Here are some of the exercises that are popular in the dog community and reasons why –

Fetch

Starting off with the most well known of exercises, the fetch game involves you throwing a ball and your dog running after it and returning it to you. This can be little exercise for you and a lot for your dog if you use any throwing enhancing products that are on the market today.

Tug

The tug game involves both you and your dog pulling on either end of a tugging toy, requires little effort on your behalf and can be played while you sit and watch telly or between breaks of other activities.

Jogging

Jogging is a highly active sport and helps keep your health up as well as your dogs, your dog will love to pay this game with you and it will ensure a healthy and happy dog.

Cycling

Although cycling may seem like a difficult exercise for your dog to follow and keep an interest in, there are special leashes for you to use on your dog to maintain hands free control over your dog giving you a more subtle form of exercise. Care may be needed and basic dog training should be given to make sure your dog will be in no harm during the task.
 

For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training

Dog Trainign - Dog Bad Breath

By: John Williams Dog Training
Bad dog breath can be a bad problem for your dog and you, at times a dogs breath an be unbearable and make bonding with your dog a chore you’d rather avoid at all costs. This may not be due to your dog and more down to the care you have not realized that your dog should have.

Dog’s bad breath like most other dog symptoms can be the cause of many different issues separately or together, this makes the cause hard to diagnose without a proper examination from a professional dog carer or vet.

Common causes of dog bad breathe –

Maybe your dog is finding it hard to eat or swallow which can lead to dog’s bad breath and other illnesses that are related.

Saliva drooling from your dog’s mouth may also be a cause of bad dog breath, as more saliva gets built up in your dog’s mouth is makes it easier for bacteria to breed resulting in bad breath.

The last and most common form of bacteria build up is from not cleaning or not properly cleaning your dog’s teeth, this enables tartar to form and make the bad odor you are forced to smell day in day out.

Many believe that food choice and what you feed your dog is a problem when dog breath is concerned, as this may be true to an extent this is more of a temporary short term problem and the reason above is more likely to be the problem cause.

There are plenty of dental hygiene products available in pet shops and online, some work better than others on different dogs but you best bet is to clean your dog’s teeth regularly to stop the bacteria build up, this is where the problem begins and where you should target your efforts.

If you fear the problem has got too far to recover or damage or the gums and teeth is visible you should contact your vet as soon as possible for help and a proper diagnosis of your pet. 

Control Dog Barking

Is trying to control your dogs barking getting a bit of a pain when all you want to do is get a decent sleep, leave your dog for 5 minutes, or have some respected guests round without having to get the earplugs out?

Training your dog to stop barking doesn’t have to be stressful, no one likes the loud barking sound coming from your dog, especially at 3 in the morning so lets go through some tips to control dog barking.

1. Need Attention huh?

Don’t give your dog the attention he wants from barking at you. if I was getting everything I wanted just for barking id probably do it too. You’ve got to teach your dog that barking won’t get him anywhere. If he wants something wait till he has stopped barking first.

2. Time to bark yet?

If your dog barks when you leave the house, 8 times out of 10 it will be because you’re making to much fuss over them when you leave. Dogs can’t fully grasp the idea of saying goodbye and may find it upsetting when you give them cuddles and play then go out the door and leave for 8 hours while you’re in work. For a dog that’s a good enough reason to bark and howl the house down for you to come back and play. Try leaving the house without any fuss, Leave the house without drawing any attention to yourself and the barking will lessen and stop.

3. Bored with nothing to do!

Dogs enjoy barking, it’s something they like to do. The barking sound might not be completely to your taste but dogs enjoy it and it’s a completely natural thing for them, so if your dog has nothing to do in his spare time then barking passes the time like nothing else. Keep your dog busy with lots of exciting toys if he seems to bark a lot at night, something to chew and play with when you’re not around will help comfort the dog and keep him from barking and waking the neighbours. With nothing else to do your dog will bark through the night until you wake up.

4. Visitor time

When visitors come round it’s an exciting time for your dog, new faces, new smells and more attention than usual. This often causes dogs to bark, they want all the attention they can get in the form of cuddles and play time. You can solve this by using the ‘Stop’ command, teach him this and praise him when he listens to you and you should have no more problems with your over excited dog.

5. Be Consistent

Unfamiliarity can trigger your dogs barking off a lot of the time so keep constant with the times he barks most, for a lot of dog owners this is at night time. Decide where your dog or puppy sleeps. If one night your dog is out in the cold and the next he’s all snug and warm in bed with you or your kids you can guarantee he won’t want to be back out in the cold getting no attention from anyone again. Stick to consistency with your dog and you won’t go far wrong, otherwise you may be in for another sleepless night shouting at your dog.

Tags: Control Dog Barking

Determine Why Your Dog is Chewing Before You Punish Him

By Kim L Smith

Dog chewing is a major problem, but in puppies it can be a common occurrence. To figure out why your dog is chewing you have to get to the root of the problem. The first step is to figure out what your dog is chewing on, if it is his bones then no need to worry, but if it is something other than his bones or chew toys then you have another issue to deal with. Okay so now you have determined what your dog is chewing on is something other than his toys or bones then you have to figure out why he is chewing on everything you can think of.

One of the main reasons that a puppy might be chewing on everything is because they could be teething. You probably cannot remember how painful teething is, but you do know that if you had kids you had to buy expensive teething rings for them to chew on. That is because the chewing motion will help soothe the gums and help allow the teeth to come up into the mouth easier. This could be a natural reason for the dog chewing and might mean he either doesn't like the bones or toys any longer or you need to get him more of them.

Another reason that your puppy or older dog could be chewing is because he is bored. If he is bored then he will want to chew on whatever is available for him to chew on. That might mean you need to get him some more bones or toys to help with that as well. If it is not boredom that is causing them to chew up everything that is in their path then you will need to consult with your vet to rule out separation anxiety or some illness.

If after you talk to your vet and rule out some type of illness or separation anxiety then you will probably want to invest in a dog obedience course to help you train your dog to stop chewing. Remember though that the key is to find out the reason why your puppy or dog is chewing in the first place. Once you find out what is causing the chewing to happen then you will be better able to address the problem that your dog is giving you. Another key to helping your dog is praising him when he is chewing on the proper item and not on your expensive items.

I live in Ohio with my wonderful husband and two beautiful children. I have two English Mastiff puppies, a Lab-Retriever, and a Yorkie Poo. I also have two cats who came to us as strays. I love sewing, crocheting, and managing to take care of my zoo at the house. Since I have so many pets I have a strong interest in animal issues. For more great information and training advice check out Kimberly's page at http://howtotrainmydog.weebly.com

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

Tags: dog history, Dog Training

Understanding Your Dog's Communication

By Jane Dinunzio

Learning to read your dog's body language is pretty simple. They have limited actions and verbal noises, that once you can interpret, will make both your lives easier. You will then know when your pet is happy and when they are distressed.

Most devoted dog owners can immediately tell what their dogs are feeling by different body language signals. Most dogs have similar and repetitious signals that are generally easy for someone who understands their dog, will then help understand a friendly dog on the street, or in a dog park, from a potential enemy.

If you are not sure of what a dog is saying check out these few different examples that I have learned from my dogs, Lady and Lola.

A Happy, Friendly Tail Wagging Dog:

The tail will make wide sweeps or almost a circle movement, with the tail hanging down, and not held straight up and wagging stiffly. The ears are relaxed and fur will be smooth down the spine and shoulders. A happy tail wagging dog won't look another dog or you in the eyes, but will be busy with the task of sniffing, usually first nose to nose, then nose to butt, moving in a relaxed manner. Ask the owner if it is okay to pet their dog after the sniffing routine is finished, then offer the back of your hand to smell first before petting. I usually just stand with my fist turned towards the unknown dog at this point, staying fairly still with my arm hanging down at snout level. I allow the dog to approach me rather than sticking my fist out towards him. So far I haven't had a problem with misinterpreting this action as aggressive.

A Tail Wagging Dog that is Showing Aggression:

If you meet another dog while out with yours, or even if you are just out alone don't assume he is friendly because his tail is wagging. Although the strange dog is not growling, showing it's teeth and snapping at you, he can be dangerous. If his tail is stiff and held high, and the ears seem alert, and he stares directly into your or your dog's eyes, then you are encountering a hostile dog. The hackles are raised. - ( the fur down the spine and around the shoulders ). To prevent attack you should try to quietly remove yourself and your dog quickly, without running of course.

A Happy Playful Pup:

This is my favorite way for Lady or Lola to show me their "mood". Most people will recognize this type of dog language, even people who aren't dog people. Let's play. Your dog bows down and rests on the chest and front elbows, with the butt swinging happily up in the air. Sometimes after a short display of this, they get up, bark, run in circles, do a quick roll around, and return to the position. I can never resist this request.

A Very Unhappy Fearful Dog:

The whole body will be lowered, and tucking the tail to cover it's scent will be a good indication that your dog is afraid of something. The ears are usually laid back and tight against his head, and the fur is raised along the back and shoulders. Fear biting is sometimes a result when a dog is afraid. This is a dog you want to retreat from quietly and quickly.

A Submissive Dog:

When a dog is being submissive, it may lie on his back and expose the belly. This is not a sign of cowardice. This way the dog gives you the power of pack leader he can relax and enjoy his life of belly scratches, walks, getting a regular meal and playing. These dogs aren't looking for a fight, and are usually laid back and relaxed pets. This type of personality makes a good family member. As long as there are no other symptoms to go along with this behavior that would indicate the dog shows obsessive behavior along with this body language, or is so timid that is hides all the time and is truly a "scaredy dog". I had a sweet, sweet beagle named Susie that was so submissive and afraid of everything that it took over one year just for her to trust me enough to approach me. She stayed mostly under the bed and I was always hunting around the house for her. I rescued Susie from a horrible existence in a puppy mill, at the age of 6 months. Even with all the her quirky and difficult behavior, I loved her dearly, and patiently she learned to trust the immediate family. She was a wonderful addition to my life for 10 years, before succumbing to cancer.

Obviously these few examples above of "dog body language" are just that - a few. Dog's have many actions, expressions and stances that indicate different wants and needs. Most of these are genetically passed on from wild ancestors.

Learning to read the different variations within your dog's body language makes living together a very rewarding endeavor.

Check out more about dog health, behavior, and nutrition here along with my pictures of Lady, Lola and my Susie's bio here: http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com

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

Tags: Dog's Communication

Four Great Tips to Prevent Your Dog From Barking

By Kim L Smith

You hear your neighbor's dog barking again and are wondering why he does not stop the dog from barking. You do not realize that your neighbor has tried everything that he can think of to stop his dog from barking. So after talking to your neighbor about the barking dog you decide to try to help him out and research the internet for tips and suggestions. Here are four tips on how to get your neighbor's dog to stop barking.

The first tip that you can give to your neighbor is to have you over more so the dog will not bark at you when you stroll out to get your newspaper in the morning. This does not mean to invite yourself over, but do it as a subtle suggestion to help the dog get used to you.

The next tip that you can do is walk over to your neighbor's house to check on the dog. The dog could be barking constantly because something is wrong or your neighbor is sick. If this is the case you would want to praise the dog for his hard work and effort at alerting you.

The third tip would be to help your neighbor out and buy some toys for the dog that your neighbor can give him. The giving of toys will help your neighbor by giving the dog something to play with instead of barking at everything.

The fourth tip would be to talk to the dog. Talking to a dog that is barking at you may sound odd, but you have to remember that a way that dogs communicate is by barking. So he could be trying to talk to you, but because he was never taught how to talk and not to mention unable to talk he will take to barking to carry out his conversation.

A barking dog can be annoying especially if it is your neighbor's dog and you live within a close enough distance that you can hear it through the walls, but you have to find out why the dog is barking. If your neighbor's dog is barking for the proper reasons then you will want to praise the dog for his efforts at alerting you to the problem. However, not all the time will the dog be barking for the proper reasons so you will want to talk to your neighbor and possibly use one or all of the tips mentioned above.

I live in Ohio with my wonderful husband and two beautiful children. I have two English Mastiff puppies, a Lab-Retriever, and a Yorkie Poo. I also have two cats who came to us as strays. I love sewing, crocheting, and managing to take care of my zoo at the house. Since I have so many pets I have a strong interest in animal issues. For more great information and training advice check out Kimberly's page at http://howtotrainmydog.weebly.com

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

Tags: Dog Training, dog history, dog tip

A Reason Why Your Dog Might Be Biting

By Kim L Smith

You scream in horror as your realize that your mailman is running in fear down your driveway with your dog in hot pursuit. This is the third mailman that your dog has ran down and your hoping he doesn't bite this mailman because your running out of options on what to do with your dog biting other people. So you start chasing after your dog and hope you're able to catch him in time before he bites.

Now after you have caught your dog you decide you want to try to find out what you can do to prevent your dog from biting other people. Well the first thing that you have to do if you're going to prevent your dog from biting other people is to find out why he is biting people. Now one of the things about your dog biting people or yourself is that it can be linked to dog aggression.

If you think that your dog's biting problem is linked to him being an aggressive dog then you will need to consult with your vet about what you can do. Typically you will want to place your dog in a training program that will help you learn basic obedience of how to control your dog and his biting habit. However, if your dog still bites even after he has been through an obedience course you will want to ask the instructor what else you can do to prevent the dog from biting.

A suggestion that was given before to other people has been a gentle leader or muzzle. The gentle leader is basically a type of lead that will let you have total control of your dogs head. Not only that the gentle leader is easy to use, but you will want to have one that is sized properly for your dog because they can be difficult to adjust. However, you will have control of the head and as you know wherever the head goes the body has no choice but to follow. You will also need keep your dog on a leash when he has the gentle leader on. Remember though to follow the recommendations on the package for wear and use of the gentle leader to prevent harm to you and your dog.

Dog biting can be a very powerful problem that dog owners will have to face. You have many options available to help you address the dog biting problem, but you will almost certainly need obedience courses of some type to help you control your dogs biting habit.

I live in Ohio with my wonderful husband and two beautiful children. I have two English Mastiff puppies, a Lab-Retriever, and a Yorkie Poo. I also have two cats who came to us as strays. I love sewing, crocheting, and managing to take care of my zoo at the house. Since I have so many pets I have a strong interest in animal issues. For more great information and training advice check out Kimberly's page at http://howtotrainmydog.weebly.com

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

Tags: Dog health, dog history

When Teaching Your Dog Obedience, Positive Reinforcement is a Must

By Craig Vic

Teaching dog obedience becomes a lot simpler when you understand how important positive reinforcement is. It really is the cornerstone of any kind of dog training course. But it's also important that the dog trainer has a lot of patience, because some dogs pick it up faster than others.

If your dog doesn't pick it up quickly, try not to get upset at him. He's not doing it on purpose, just to spite you. He really is trying his best.

First off, understand that dogs tend to learn by association. So in the dog's mind, if he did something and got a treat for it, he realizes that he's done a good thing. So it's important that the instant your dog does something that you want him to do, whether it be to sit, "gimme your paw", or comes to you, reward him instantly with a treat. The more times this happens to the dog, the more times he'll recognize the pattern.

You also want to keep the sessions short but try to do a few sessions a day, if you can. Also, if its possible, try to do the sessions in different environments, whether it be at home, in your yard, or when you are taking him out for a walk. But when the sessions are active, try to keep distractions away from the dog. You want to make sure you have his undivided attention.

The rewards can also come when the dog does something partially right. Eventually, he'll realize what he's not doing, and correct it.

Is you dog driving you crazy? Don't get mad at them. It's not their fault. They just need a little push in the right direction. Come visit How To Train My Dog to get a bunch of tips that can save you a lot of frustration. Also be sure to pick up my free report: The Top 5 Dog Training Myths. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Vic

Tags: Dog Training, dog history, dog tip

Medium Sized Dog Breeds Rated For Your Family - Grooming, Shedders - Which is Best?

By Terry K Russell

When selecting a dog for yourself or your family, you have to take into consideration many factors. Does your home accommodate the size dog you wish to bring home? Do you have the time to give to that dog? Will the dog fit into your family? Can you afford to feed and maintain the dog properly? Medium breed dogs are popular around the world. Breeders around the world have incorporated large breed dogs with medium sized breeds to come up with some very wonderful pets and unique looking dogs.

The top ten medium breed dogs on the American Kennel Club list are:

1. Siberian Husky
2. Poodle
3. Border Collie
4. Brittany Spaniel
5. Australian Shepherd
6. American Eskimo
7. French Bulldog
8. Airedale Terrier
9. Australian Cattle Dog
10. Sheepdog

Medium sized dogs are wonderful companions, great pets, and easier to maintain compared to the large and giant breed dogs. While looking over the list of medium sized dogs on the American Kennel Clubs' site I did notice a large amount of the dogs on the list require extensive grooming or brushing. Not all the dogs require a ton of grooming, but a large amount of the dogs that compiled the list do require regular brushing or visits to the groomer in order to be properly maintained. This should be taken into consideration when selecting a breed that follows into any category.

Medium sized dogs are well kept in small yards; some can be kept in apartments or townhomes without issues. Daily walking is recommended due to some of the breeds being very energetic and needing that 'play time' to keep them from becoming bored and destructive while inside your home.

As with any dog, medium sized dogs will require your attention and regular veterinarian visits to keep them healthy and happy. As stated above, dogs like the Poodle, Sheepdog, and Husky are going to require grooming. Poodles will need to be clipped, shaved and sculptured regularly. Sheepdogs have a massive amount of hair... if you are looking for a non-shedding dog; a sheepdog is not your best choice for your next pet. Husky dogs also seem to be shedders. They will require regular attention with a brush and matting comb.

In the medium sized category there are so many wonderful breeds to pick and choose from. The decision needs to be based around what you or your family is wanting in a dog.

Allergies or sensitivity to pet hair and dander needs to be addressed first when selecting a medium sized breed of dog. Then consider the amount of space your dog is going to need at full adult size. Food costs will be less then a large or giant breed dog, however it is still much more then a small or toy breed dog. Lastly, if your medium sized dog weighs over 50lbs the veterinarians usually charge more for any surgical procedure.

Educate yourself on all the wonderful breeds that fit into the medium sized category, there are many to choose from, however some can be eliminated quickly by allergy suffers or a family that doesn't want to commit to grooming requirements.

If you have a dog already or are thinking about getting one soon, it's good to know how to understand and easily solve the toughest dog behavior problems. Terry is offering a FREE eBook on Solving Dog Behavior Problems click this link to sign up now and learn all about dog behavior for free!

Have you ever been embarrassed by your dog jumping up on your guests as they arrive? Find out how to easily end this behavior for good. Dog Obedience

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

Tags: Medium Sized Dog Breeds Rated For Your Family - Grooming, Shedders - Which is Best?

Dog Nail Grinder - A Good Option For Dog Nail Care

By Daniel J. Scott

Dog nail care represents one of the important grooming actions which are necessary for the safety and the well being of your favorite pet dog. There are a considerable number of tools and a vast selection of techniques on the market today that can provide you with many successful nail trimming sessions. Proper nail care often requires several different specialty tools and each of these tools does a particular job. In only a short period of time you can quickly accumulate many diverse nail care tools such as nail clippers, nail trimmers, nail files and nail grinders.

Occasionally the process of nail trimming can become a traumatic experience for your dog particularly since the "quick" in the dog's nails are affected and can cause extreme pain and considerable bleeding. This is the reason that upon your next trip to the pet salon or perhaps by merely seeing the clipper or trimmer your usually friendly dog starts to be uncomfortable and panics. It doesn't have to be this way since there are several clippers and trimmers today that do the trimming quickly and gently. Even then however, sometimes the clipping motion can cause excessive pain on your precious pet.

If your dog is already afraid of having his nails trimming and scared of the trimmer itself then you still have one additional option available to you. You can provide nail care to the animal through the use of dog nail grinders. Basically, a dog nail grinder resembles the familiar sandpaper grinder often found in the woodworking shops. It sands the nails of your dog until the nail is properly trimmed to size and shape. Some dog nail grinder comes with several speed selections making it very useful for several different animals while others are simply the good ole on or off type of style. Since most of these nail grinders produce a certain amount of noise it is understood that you will need to condition your dog to this noise and should only employ this grinder when your dog is ready for it.

Nail care for your favorite dog need not be a painful experience for him or for you. Using the dog nail grinder is but one way of providing a painless option that would be available to you in order to make your dog's nail trimming safe and rapid.

Stop hurting your beloved best friend! Learn the proper ways to tend to your dogs nail. Learn which dog nail grinder is kindest for your lovely dog. Do you want the best for man's best friend? If you do then come check out the proper way to care for your dogs nails.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_J._Scott

Tags: Dog tip, Dog health

Innova Dog Food Review

By Goh Wei Liang
Innova dog food is the first true holistic health food launch in the market and is designed in such a way that it provide different level of nutrition at every life stage. But do you know what is holistic food?

Holistic food is actually food in its most natural state - unprocessed and without any artificial ingredients. As such, nutrients are well preserved in the original state of the food. Comparing this with other dog food which contain by product which you will never want your dog to eat. Problem with such food is that the by product might be contaminated and thus passing certain diseases to your dog.

To avoid this problem, choosing the holistic food for your dog is the best choice.

Innova dog food are formulated with ingredients from the six basic food groups, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole ground grains which give Innova a wide variety of pet food ingredients and flavors. Innova also features added ingredients which are known to promote health. This shows the optimal mix of ingredients to provide your dog not only with protein but also fibre. Dogs do need fibre to avoid intestinal and anal sac problems and this are all covered in Innova dog food.

Read up more about providing the best nutrition for your dog.

We love our dogs and we want it to live healthily. Be aware of the type of ingredients that can help the growth of your dog and those that can possibly negatively affect his health. When you understand the purpose of certain ingredients used in the dog food, you will be able to select the best food for your dog. Try the Innova dog food and you will realise the benefit of it. I am sure your dog will love it.

Wei Liang

Read more about Innova Dog Food and start choosing the right type of food for your beloved dog.

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

Tags: dog history, dog food

Can Onions Kill Your Dog?

By Jen Moore
Everyone has heard that dogs shouldn't eat chocolate but has anyone heard of onion toxicity?

There are a number of foods that can create serious health problems for your dog and unfortunately not many people of aware of this. These foods include cooked as well as uncooked chocolate, onions, bones, mushroom, macadamia nuts, garlic, avocados, grapes, raisins, and all spicy or greasy foods.

Most pet owners have, at one time or another, fed their dog foods containing onion such as pizza, hamburger, general table scraps or gravy. A small amount is not likely to cause a problem since onion toxicity depends on the quantity of onion ingested. However, onions in any form including cooked, raw, dehydrated or powdered can create a serious life-threatening form of hemolytic anemia in dogs.

All red blood cells carry a protein called hemoglobin which delivers oxygen to our tissues and organs and our dog's tissue and organs. Onions contain a substance called thiosulphate which dogs and cats are unable to digest. Garlic also contains thiosulphate but in much lesser amounts. Thiosulphate causes oxidation of hemoglobin in your dog's red blood cells, which then forms lumps and weakens the cell membranes. These lumps, called Heinz bodies, protrude from the cells and eventually cause the cell to rupture and die. When enough red cells are destroyed the body becomes starved for oxygen and goes into a state of anemia.

A decrease in the red blood cell count can cause a multitude of health problems for your dog including heart failure. The number of cells destroyed usually depends on the quantity of onion consumed. However, some dogs have developed serious reactions even after eating just a small amount of onion. Furthermore, small amounts of onion fed over an extended period of time can create illness just as a one-time larger dose can, due to the gradual accumulation of Heinz bodies.

Sometimes it takes several days for symptoms to begin to appear. Symptoms include but are not limited to: vomiting, weakness and lethargy, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, cyanotic (pale or bluish) gums, blood in the urine or feces urine, decreased appetite, jaundice, and rapid heart rate. Severe onion toxicity can be fatal for your dog.

If you suspect your pet has onion toxicity contact your vet immediately. If the onion ingestion was recent, intravenous fluids are generally a sufficient treatment. If the state of anemia is severe, a lengthy hospital stay and a blood transfusion might be needed.

Using common sense is the best way to prevent onion toxicity in your dog. Onions are very common in many human foods including even baby foods. Onions can be found in everything from sandwich meats, fast foods, spaghetti sauces, salsas, gravies, to vegetable juice. Check the ingredients carefully in any table scraps before giving them to your dog. Never add onions in any form to homemade dog food recipes. Lastly, make sure your garbage is kept covered and dog-proofed.

Please visit my website for more information on dog nutrition and homemade dog food recipes.

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

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

Tags: dog history

Find A Reputable Dog Breeder

Dog breeders can be found anywhere. However, buying the best-looking puppy in the pet store does not necessarily guarantee that you bought a pet with a top breed.

What are the different types of breeders? Which of them provide the best dog breeds?


1) Look for reputable breeders. Well known breeders know specific details about their specialized breed. They examine genetic diseases that are known to have physical and emotional impact on that breed, perform veterinary maintenance and sustain breeding records.

A breeder of good reputation will provide you with both the good and bad points about the breed you prefer. They offer useful advice and assistance to new dog owners.

You can spot a reputable breeder by the way they maintain the dogs they personally own. They will let you observe the kind of care they give the dogs and allow you to see where the dogs live.

Most outstanding breeders are not just out to make money. They provide a written health guarantee with all the dogs they sell.

The majority of reputable dog breeders belong to local or national breed organizations and clubs.

2) Avoid backyard breeders, puppy mills and pet shops.

* Backyard Breeders. These people have limited education about the breed standards. Commonly, backyard breeders do not maintain a regular check-up on the dog's health and genetic makeup. Usually, these people breed to make money and that is their focus.

* Puppy Mills. This is a term commonly used to describe a business that produces large quantities of dogs. The majority of the puppies born and trained in puppy mills do not usually follow a regular veterinary care and appropriate feeding. Puppy mills do not sell directly to the public. They only allow sale to pet shops, brokers and dog auctions.

There is no generic breed testing conducted in puppy mills. The dogs born here have not been adequately socialized and trained. Most of the puppies are sold in large numbers at the age of 3 to 4 weeks and could later give the dogs emotional and health problems.

* Pet shops. Many pet shops grant guarantees. However, these guarantees last for only a year while majority of genetic diseases found in dogs materialize when the animal is over a year old. Most pet shops buy their dogs from puppy mills at a very young age for a cheap price. Young puppies that are not suitably socialized could cause behavior problems and poor health.

Finding the best dog breeder means your pet could live a longer life. Find a reputable breeder now and spare yourself from possible heartache.

By: John Samson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Information on beagle training can be found at the About Beagles site.

Tags: dog history, dog breed, dog tip

Affenpinscher - Dog Breed

Affenpinscher (Toy Group)

The Affenpinscher, whose name literally means “monkey”, certainly lives up to that name because it loves to monkey around, so to speak. With its bold and independent personality, this dog is always clowning and having fun. They love to stay busy, and unlike most members of the Toy Group, Affenpinschers tend to get along well with other dogs.


The breed is certainly a favorite among families that love to have an entertaining pet that can make everyone laugh. But don't get the idea that the Affenpinscher is only good for smiles - they are also excellent watchdogs!

Brief History Of The Affenpinscher

With its spunky attitude and lively personality, the Affenpinscher certainly acts in accordance with its name. The word “Affen” means monkey and “Pinscher” means terrier. The French refer to the dog as the diablotin moustachu, which means “mustached little devil”.

Although we know that the area of origin of the breed is in Germany, it's exact specific origins are still obscure. One of the oldest toy breeds, its history has been traced back to the 1600s in paintings from the old Dutch Masters who displayed dogs that resembled the breed.

By the 17th century, the Europeans used small terriers to help catch rats. The Germans also used the little dogs to keep rodents away from kitchens and other areas where food was stored. There were even smaller versions of the dogs that were bred as lap dogs and mice killers. It was these smaller versions that became the Affenpinscher.

As time passed, the dogs were refined through crosses with the German Silky Pinscher, Standard German Pinscher, and the Pug. The Germans claimed the breed as its creation due to the high popularity it had with the people at that time. The AKC recognized the dog in 1936. After World War II the breed's numbers declined, making them one of the rarer toy breeds seen today.

Upkeep Requirements For The Affenpinscher

Although this dog can be a bit boisterous and seem to have an endless amount of energy, the exercise requirements for the Affenpinscher can be met with daily playtime and a few brisk walks on the leash. They love playing outside but these little guys should not stay outdoors, but rather sleep inside at night.

Affenpinscher dogs need lots of love and attention. They thrive off of human contact and absolutely love to be the center of the action. They make great watchdogs because of their need to bark at any unknown sound, but should not be counted on for protection ability. Grooming requirements consist of a thorough combing, three times per week (due to the harsh coat). Clipping should be done about four times yearly.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the Affenpinscher is between twelve and fourteen years. They are a healthy breed with absolutely no major health concerns. Minor issues may include corneal ulcers and patellar luxation. Rarely seen are respiratory problems, open fontanel, and PDA. Veterinarians suggest that Affenpinscher dogs get tested for potential cardiac and knee problems.

By: dogsearcher.com

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Find Affenpinscher dogs for sale at DogSearcher.com

Tags: dog breed, dog history, dog tip

What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Canine Cystitis

You may already know that bladder infections in dogs are a very common problem. But quite a few dog owners have questions about canine urinary tract infections. Here are answers to your questions.

What Is Canine Cystitis?


It's a bladder inflammation caused by bacteria infecting your dog's bladder. Your vet may refer to it as an "ascending" infection. Most of the time the bacteria that cause bladder infections in dogs come from the dog's own intestinal tract. The bacteria start out at the skin around the anus, and "ascend" through the urethra to the bladder.

Are There Other Causes Of Canine Urinary Tract Infections?

Yes. Your dog may have bladder stones, which can make it easier for him to develop a bladder infection.

Other factors include tumors in the bladder, not being able to empty the bladder completely, and diseases like diabetes or Cushing's disease. If your dog is being given drugs that suppress the immune system, like cortisone or chemotherapy, he may be more prone to a bladder infection.

What Symptoms Should I Be Watching For?

Blood in your dog's urine, straining to pass urine, and frequent urination are common signs of a bladder problem.

But sometimes it's not so obvious. If your dog is acting restless and wants to go out all the time, or starts urinating all over the house, this may not be a behavior problem. It could be signs of a canine bladder infection.

How Does Your Vet Diagnose Canine Cystitis?

Ideally, your vet will run a urinalysis first to determine if there are bacteria or bladder stones in your dog's urine. If bacteria are present, the next step should be a dog urine culture and a sensitivity test.

A urine culture is necessary to identify which bacteria are present. The sensitivity test tells your vet which antibiotic is the best one to do the job.

Do I Really Have To Give My Dog ALL The Antibiotic?

Absolutely. If you stop treating bladder infections in dogs too soon, the infection can come back. Plus, stopping the treatment too soon encourages antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

If your dog has side effects from the antibiotic, contact your vet. Don't just stop giving your buddy the medication.

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Bladder Infections?

It's possible that it's the same infection that was never completely eradicated. A dog urine culture and sensitivity test should be done before you treat him again. After treatment is over, you can see if it was successful by repeating these tests.

How About Natural Remedies For Pets?

People have been using safe, effective, natural treatments for bladder infections for centuries. Many dog owners ask if natural remedies for pets can help dogs with canine cystitis.

Make no mistake about it, the answer is yes. But you do need to be sure you're using remedies gentle enough for animals, not people. Do your homework and purchase your remedies only from a company with a great reputation for producing the highest-quality herbal remedies for pets. These remedies are safe and effective, and are easy to give your dog every day to prevent bladder problems from happening in the first place.

Take the next step and learn how these remedies can help protect your best buddy from canine urinary tract infections.

By: Darlene Norris

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Here you can discover how herbal and homeopathic remedies can help prevent and treat painful canine urinary tract infections. Find the best place to buy these remedies at naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

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 Guide Dog For Normal Life

Aging alone is hard on us all, yet being blind too does not make life easier. You have support however. Being blind makes it hard to be independent, feel safe and secure, which could lead into stress and depression. Even if you have blurred vision but can't read, a guide dog might just be the answer for you or someone you know.

With the help of a guide dog, one could live independent and go about living a normal life. Imagine living in darkness. This is when a qualified Seeing Eye dog could give someone the healthy life they deserve by guiding them to the light of safety. The feeling of being safe and still be able to have a social life could make one safer and healthier knowing they have protection with them at all times. The giving of dignity and self-confidence that a guide dog can give a person is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened for the blind.


There are also hearing ear dogs trained to keep their masters safe and help them live a normal and healthy life. Hearing ear dogs are trained just like the Seeing Eye dogs to listen and watch for danger giving their master a safe environment. They too are to protect them and help give them a healthier and happy normal life.

A seeing eye dog and the hearing ear dogs have the life of 7-10 years and than is retired and can be replaced. These seeing and hearing guide dogs are trained to watch where the master is walking, to hear and see things that might harm them in some way. People even work regular jobs with their friend beside them guiding them through the everyday working tasks. Seeing and hearing dogs are trained to work not play at all times taking care of their master always watching and listening.

As we age, we need our exercise and socializing to keep us healthy. Being blind and not being able to hear are two very emotional things that can be very depressing especially if they were not born this way. If at one time a person could see or hear normally and all of a sudden diabetes or maybe even a stroke happens to cause them to lose their independence they are naturally going to feel lost and be afraid. A dog is man's best friend and will give protection where and when it is needed.

When someone decides they might want to have a guide dog but are afraid it might not work out for them or can they trust each other enough to feel safe. The dogs and the new owners are trained together once the dog has learned their manners. The trainer will supervise during the training to teach the dog all your needs and the area so he can guide you through a large city street even. Don't worry these dogs are trained to keep you healthy and happiness will help provide you with healthy aging?

Healthy aging means many things and one of them is the independence, dignity, safe feeling of protection at all times. What better way to aging if you can't see or hear than to have a guide dog be your best friend?

If you can't see or hear and thinking about getting you a guide dog do it soon. You will not forget the experience. Just think you'll become more independent and will be able to stay alone to have your own personal life again. Keep safe with guide dogs, since being blind puts you at a deeper and higher risk in society.

By: Jason Swanson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To read about arctic wolves and wolf habitat, visit the Wolf Facts site.

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

Enjoy Teaching Dog Tricks to Your Dogs

By Alex De La Cruz
It is such a pleasure for any dog owner to show off his pet's talents to other people. That is why many pet owners also strive to teach dog tricks to their pets so that they will have talents to show off. Along the way of rearing dogs, dog owners may lose enthusiasm towards their pets since they have sort of gone through the excitement phase. However, this is not supposed to be the case. For one, taking care of a canine is not supposedly a boring routine. It must remain exciting as years pass. So, teaching dog tricks to give your house pet some responsibilities in your household can be a good alternative to your usual routines.

Teaching a dog trick usually starts with the basic tricks that are easy to teach. Puppies usually learn new things faster and easier than more matured dogs. It is quite difficult to teach dogs that have already developed certain habits. Thus, it is most ideal to teach cool tricks for dogs. However, it is not safe to say that all puppies are easy to teach and older dogs are quite difficult. This situation can be altered by the type of dog breed. There are breeds that have good personalities for teaching dog tricks, while there are some that are not too compatible with tricks.

If you wish to teach your beloved pet, you may start with easy tricks for dogs. The easiest and the most common among the list are "sit" and "stay". After teaching the basics, some pet owners would teach more complicated and fun tricks for dogs. Some pets are taught how to bring a TV remote, ride a skateboard, flush the toilet, and many other interesting talents that can be entertaining as well. Teaching dog tricks is not for entertainment purpose only, but you can actually let your dog ease up your life for you. In what way can your pet ease up your life? Well, you can teach them how to do basic chores at home.

Many canines are actually capable of opening and closing doors for you, some can fetch newspapers at your porch, and even search for lost items in your homes. With the right training for a dog, you may not only impress your friends with your pet's one-of-a-kind talents but also make your pet a responsible member of your household. According to canine experts, dogs actually love to be given a set of task for them to fulfill. This way they feel more important and needed. So, do not hesitate in assigning tasks to your dogs. With proper training and enough patience, you would be able to benefit from teaching dog tricks.

The time you spend in teaching your beloved pet can also be the best time to bond with him and nurture your relationship with them. You don't only train them but you're also giving them the chance to exercise. Apart from that, dogs are said to learn a lot of discipline and behavioral trainings when you teach them tricks. Your pet can become more calm-mannered as a result of constant training. Furthermore, you will also be able to monitor your pet's progress in terms of health and behavior when you spend more time with him.

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.

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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

Dogs Training Series - Why Protect Your Dog From Fleas?

By Yuki Shoji
You might think that fleas are nothing more than a minor irritant, like mosquitoes, but if you've ever seen a dog with a severe flea infestation, you'll think otherwise. Dogs can develop skin allergies, balding, skin rashes, dermatitis and other conditions including worms if fleas are not controlled. In severe cases, the dog will become restless.

Flea bite allergy is a common condition that causes the dog to scratch incessantly. If the scratching does not provide sufficient relief, the dog will bite at his skin and tear out patches of hair trying to get rid of the itch.

Dogs can become extremely irritated and sensitive to other disturbances, such as a family member attempting to play with the dog or even to pet him. Dogs in distress are likely to bite family members out of frustration.

It's important, therefore, to make sure that your dog is clear of fleas. This can be difficult if your dog has the run of the yard or goes on frequent trips to the park or is allowed to run free. Fleas are everywhere and are spread by wild animals. Squirrels are a particularly troublesome source as they tend to carry them from nest to ground on a regular basis.

While it's not feasible to eliminate fleas from your yard, it is relatively easy to rid them from inside your house and from your dog.

There are many products available that will do the trick. You can get flea collars for your pet, use a flea spray or bathe your dog with flea soap. Some products that you give your dog orally will protect your dog for up to a year. If you have multiple pets, treat them all so the fleas have nowhere to hide and cannot be transferred to your treated animals.

Of course, treating the dog isn't enough. Fleas jump off your dog from time to time and hide in carpets, bedding, and other soft materials. If your dog has his own chair or is allowed on your furniture, the fleas will take refuge there until feeding time. Then, they will seek the closest source of food which includes humans, dogs and other household animals.

To be sure you get rid of as many fleas as possible, take the animal bedding outside and shake it out, then spray it well with a flea repellent. Better yet, wash it if possible. Spray into the carpets and along the baseboards of your rooms, especially those where the dog and any other house pets hang out.

Follow the directions on the flea treatment products for best results. It will likely take several treatments before the fleas are all gone, but they will return. It's important to maintain monthly spraying during the warm months when fleas proliferate to ensure the best protection for your animals and your family.

For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.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

Importance of Keeping a Indoor Dog Active

By Donna Forney
You need to keep your dog active indoors, for one thing, so he or she will stay calmer indoors. But during long winter months when playing outside in certain parts of the country is not an option this is the only way to make sure your dog stays physically fit. Just like humans, a dog can gain weight and have heart problems if not allowed to have enough exercise.

5 Dog Activities

These 5 dog activities are ones that we do in our house from time to time.

• Fetching a ball is one of my dog's favorite activities. We have stairs and one of us throws the ball down the stairs and she runs down and retrieves the ball. This gives her such good exercise. A tennis ball is perfect for this activity.

• Sometimes, my dog loves to play keep away from us with one of her toys. She will grab one of her toys in her mouth and we try to get it from her. She actually runs away from us! It is a hoot.

• Other times she loves to just have us chase her. We get exercise this way too!

• We have a good (made for a dog) tug of war rope that she loves to do. We hold one end and sometimes she holds so tight that we can lift her off the ground. (She only weighs 22 pounds though.)

• If you have an open enough space in part of your house you could get a Frisbee and have your dog catch it when you throw it.

Walking Your Dog

When the weather permits, though, it is always great to take your dog for a walk. It is a bonding experience for you and your dog. It also makes both of you healthier. All dogs also need to learn to walk on a leash with today's leash laws too.

So play with your dog indoors to keep them healthy and calm. It is truly important to work on keeping indoor dogs active indoors for their health and well-being.

Donna is an indoor dog lover based in Eagleville, PA.

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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

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review

By Robert Playoll
This article is a review of the Blue Buffalo dog food. It is a dog food that has been a trusted name by dog owners and pet nutritionists alike. It is an excellent choice for dog owners searching for a healthy, nutrient dense product to feed their dogs and/or puppies.

Blue Buffalo dog food is a formula based upon utilizing natural, healthy and organic ingredients. All of the Blue Buffalo foods for dogs contain premium meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient on the label, meaning it's most prominent in content. All of these formulas are further enhanced by incorporating wholesome whole grains, healthy and garden fresh vegetables and nutritious fruits.

All of the Blue Buffalo pet foods contain a proprietary blend of nutrients and antioxidants chosen by veterinarians and nutritionists called life source bits. The ingredients found in this exclusive blend have been proven to help strengthen the immune system, support the specific life stage requirements and to assist in protecting dogs from the negative impact of environmental toxins.

Another benefit of this dog food is that it leaves all the bad stuff out. They never use by-products, just healthy, premium meat, fish or chicken. These recipes also do not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives - just wholesome goodness.

Blue Buffalo dog food uses only the best natural ingredients for its holistic dog foods. The goal is to provide all dogs, whether it's a puppy or a senior dog, with a food that incorporates all the same nutrition and supplements that we humans eat. They come in several different formulas including chicken, lamb and fish recipes. So if you are looking for a nutritious dog food made with nutrient dense ingredients leaving out all the bad stuff, look no further than Blue Buffalo dog food.

Dog food provides detailed information on adult dog food, puppy food and more. Dog food is affiliated with Blue Buffalo dog food.

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

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