Dog Insurance: Be Careful Which Dog You Choose

By: SeanH-9584


If you are thinking of getting a dog, you probably already know how important dog insurance is. So one thing you need to guard against is getting a breed of dog that is hard to insure.

There are some breeds of dog that some dog insurance providers refuse to insure altogether. These are mainly dogs that are listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Some of these of course are illegal in any case. Even if you did find an insurer who would cover such a dog, third party liability insurance would be extremely expensive.

As well as dogs that are virtually uninsurable, there are some breeds for which dog insurance is harder or more expensive to obtain.
• Some pedigree breeds cost more to insure because they are more likely to be stolen. Also some breeds such as lurchers are frequently stolen for dog-fighting purposes.
• Some breeds incur higher premiums because their health care costs more. These include bulldogs, deerhounds, Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, mastiffs, Old English sheepdogs, Rottweilers and St Bernards. But check the policy – dog insurance providers have different policies towards different breeds.
• Some breeds are more prone to certain conditions. For these breeds be very careful as that condition could be excluded from the dog insurance policy.
o Boxer dogs have a high incidence of tumours.
o Alsatians and Golden Retrievers can be more prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia.
o Golden Retrievers and Labradors have a tendency to develop progressive retinal atrophy.
o Spaniels are extra susceptible to heart problems.
• Some insurers won’t insure dogs over 8 years old – in fact some exclude them as early as 5 years old.
• Very few dog insurance providers will cover a bitch for breeding – there are so many things that can go wrong.
• A number of dog insurance providers won’t insure racing greyhounds or any dogs used for trade or business, such as security guard dogs.

Before signing up to a dog insurance policy, check it out extremely carefully. It’s important to ensure your dog insurance covers everything you need. Otherwise you could be in for a lot of expense. Owning a dog should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience – don’t let it be a time of worry and stress.

Article Source: http://www.financemanual.com


Sean Horton is a director of www.petquote.co.uk who offer comprehensive dog insurance

Can A Dog Improve Your Health?

By: Janet Winter


There's nothing that relieves stress and makes us laugh like watching a new puppy chasing a ball on wobbly legs. And what fun to play 'tug of war' with a favorite toy! Just having your dog in your lap to pet and cuddle brings soothing relaxation.

Maybe there's more to the phrase "man's best friend" that we realize.

For years care givers have been inviting pets into nursing homes. Not only does this promote social interaction for the residents as they pet and talk to their furry friend, but they also become less withdrawn and begin talking to the other residents even after their pet's visit is over. This seems to help break the cycle of loneliness and depression that many of them feel. And stroking a dog or cat can actually reduce a person's blood pressure! Petting a dog encourages the use of hands and arms and encourages stretching and turning movements, especially if your visiting dog is a bit active. What a wonderful gift a dog can offer, but the dog benefits, too, by receiving loving affection in return.

For those who would like to work with such a program, either with your own dog or with dogs provided by a service, the first rule is that visiting dogs must be social. The whole idea is to facilitate positive interaction between the dog and the people who are visited by them. If the dog doesn't seem eager to participate, the interaction will be less than ideal, and the rejection felt by the person could be more harmful than no visit at all. They truly need to feel that the dog accepts them and likes them. When selecting a dog for one of these programs, look for one that is calm, friendly and tolerant. The visit shouldn't be forced on the person or the dog. Successful visits should be pleasurable for both.

Because of the successful results with nursing home residents, this concept has expanded to hospitals, where many studies are now exploring the health benefits of association with companion animals. Pet-facilitated therapy (PFT) is now being used often as a treatment method for patients with physical and emotional problems.

The Red Cross has begun using dogs and other animals following traumatic events to help people feel better and have something to help divert their attention from their suffering. Children especially can benefit from having a puppy to play with. It temporarily takes the place of a pet that may have been left behind until they can be reunited. Playing with volunteer animals gives people a break from their mental and physical stress and makes them more able to cope with what they are going through.

Children love animals of all kinds - particularly dogs. One amazing study is finding that dogs play a big part in helping children who are learning to use prosthetic arms and legs. They can use their new arm to brush and groom a dog, which helps them learn to grasp objects and become more confident with their ability to use their new limb. For those with a new leg, playing ball with a dog helps them to improve their balance and maneuverability. The emotional therapy is priceless, too. The children begin to gain self-confidence again and learn to focus on their abilities rather than their limitations. In return, the dog learns to interact with children and receives some TLC, too.

For autistic and mentally disabled children, health workers and teachers are discovering that playing with dogs motivates them to learn and develop new skills and try new things. They find ways to interact with the world around them that didn't exist before.

But what if someone is feeling a bit down and depressed, and they aren't in a situation where a companion dog is part of their therapy. There are lots of options. A visit to the local animal shelter may find them adopting a dog who has that irresistible 'please take me home with you' look. What a joy for both the dog and the new owner.

If having a dog isn't the best solution, the animal shelters and local veterinarians love to have volunteers to walk the dogs and pet them. Maybe a neighbor travels a lot or works long hours. They would love to have someone take their dog for a walk. Visit a local dog park and laugh as the dogs execute their playful antics. Find a doggie frisbee contest to watch the amazing skills of these highly trained dogs. Or just visit a friend who has a dog that's cute and friendly. The possibilities are endless.

Pet therapy works because dogs and other animals create joy in people's lives, and they help them to enjoy that life more. Dogs are non-judgmental and willingly provide exercise, play and laughter. So get healthy - play with your dog and pet them often. They truly are "man's best friend."

Article Source: http://www.thehealthmanual.com


Janet Winter is a web designer, owner of three e-commerce sites, and writer on many topics including dogs, babies, wild birds, the Internet and travel. Her e-commerce sites are: APamperedDog.com , WildBirdGoodies.com and WelcomeBabyGifts.com

The Essentials About Dog Training

By: Darrin Ng


All dog owners would probably want their dogs to be well behave in any instance and wherever the dog is taken to. However, some dogs can simply test your patience which makes dog training a challenging job for non-professional dog trainers. Don’t despair because there are easy dog training tips that will help your dog be the best of what you want it to be.

Consistency is one of the biggest key in dog training. For example, if you allowed your dog to sit on the couch yesterday and got yelled at this morning for sitting on the same spot, instinctively, your dog will be confused. This is when consistency pays a large role in the dog's training. It is suggested that you point out your rules clearly and stick to it.

There are many ways to carry out dog training, from the basic behaviors, such as potty training to more complex tricks or command. If you don’t have the patience to do it yourself, you may signup your dog in dog training courses apt for his level of ability.

Another important factor that must be included in dog training is socialization. This is extremely essential for your fury friend. Dogs may possibly lead a miserable life if they are not given the opportunity to mingle and interact with other species. Dog training class will expose him to other dogs too. However, the best approach to have your dog socialized is to bring it and expose it to varied situations and settings that happen daily. If something upsets him, constantly be firmed with it. He must learn to get accustomed to anything, whether he likes it or not, for this is the only way to make things easier for the both of you. Make it your goal to bring dog along wherever you will go, if possible, for him to be exposed to the real world and be taught to react with things in a more positive manner.

Among the things that dog owners should keep in mind, despite the rigors of training, is keep it fun at the same time. Remember that learning doesn’t have to seem like a chore for neither you nor your dog. Aggression during training causes more damage than re-enforce good behavior and learning. Instead, your dog will have a negative vibe on the training. Dog training should be based on mutual respect even though you’re dealing with an animal, but it must keep your roles between you and your dog clear.

If you do not know where to begin, you can always ask a fellow dog owners for dog training tips or take dog training classes. As a rue of thumb, sensible dog owners don’t need complex dog training because dog training is usually a matter of common sense.

Article Source: http://www.articlemanual.com


Darrin is passionate about dogs. For more information on dog training class, please visit www.puppybud.com .