Showing posts with label dog health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog health. Show all posts

Friday

Dog Obedience Training

Getting frustrated that your dog jumps up on people when you're visiting friends? Can not understand why your dog runs away from you at the park while everyone else’s happily comes back? The simple answer is have you tried dog obedience training? It is simple, effective and very fun to do if you have the right attitude and patience.

The basics of dog obedience training and teaching your dog to sit, stay, and come. These basic training commands will be extremely beneficial to you later on in your dog’s life. When you take your dog out you do not want him to be running muck in the street, you want to show him off for the perfect dog that he is! Dog obedience training can be achieved in a matter of weeks with the right attention, dedication and patience.

There are a lot of obedience classes available. So if you can not teach your dog by yourself there is plenty support at the class, there are also other dogs there. Not only are you training your dog you're socializing him to which of course is the next step after sit, stay and come. Dogs are kind of like children to an extent, except with a lot of fur, they need to be taught right and wrong.

I always find that treats are a great method of dog obedience training; you award them with a special treat when they have done something you've asked them to. If they do not respond they do not get a treat. There is no point shouting at your dog as he will only become scared of you and you do not want that, you want to form a happy relationship with him. Dog’s are a man’s best friend!

When teaching your dog obedience try and teach him away from distractions like his toys, take him to an empty field or park where there are not any people, only you and him. Tell him firmly but nicely that you want him to sit, then take your hand and place it on his back and gently guide his bottom down, when it is down say sit and tell him he’s a good boy then award him with a treat. Repeating this over and over again will make him realize that when you say sit you mean for him to sit and he gets rewarded, soon enough he will know to sit when you tell him to and the treats are no longer necessary.

Getting him to stay is another matter; you will probably need another person for that. Get him to sit (once he has learned how) and get a friend to hold him. Walk away from him telling him to stay, using your hand hold it up firmly (doing this will make him realize that when you hold your hand up in the future you want him to stay as well, not just when you tell him to) then give it a few seconds and let your friend release him, when he comes to you make him sit and tell him how clever he is! Do not forget to reward him. While using this technique you're also teaching your dog how to come to you as well, so do not forget to say "ome" to him, not just his name.

When dogs are born they're like soft clay, they need to be formed and shaped. You can train your dog from any old age and the younger you start the easier it is. Like they say: you can not teach an old dog new tricks!!!

Tuesday

Boxer Dog Training

The Boxer is an amazing dog and is extremely playful, energetic and definitely a handful (in a good way of course). This breed if dog is extremely loyal and when a friendship is built it lasts forever. The boxer is very unique and not for everyone, if you are a new owner of a boxer you have to be aware that they need a lot of attention and training. They are extremely intelligent dogs which can work to your advantage when it comes to training, but then again can be very disadvantageous as they know how to use their intelligence to get what they want.

Boxer dog training consists of training them up to become guard dogs; this is their main profession if you like. People who do not know boxers tend to assume that they are naturally aggressive when they are in fact the opposite and could not be more playful than any other dog! Because of their good stature and aggressive look, people are automatically assuming this dog could do more harm than good. If your boxer is not trained properly then he just might.

Because of their intelligence Boxers can be very stubborn but when it comes to training a boxer it can be very helpful. Owners must remember that there will be times when you ask him to do something and he is going to look you in the face and basically tell you where to go, he knows he is supposed to do what you are telling him but he decides he can not be bothered and does not. The main thing you have to remember in these circumstances is to be patient. From as early as 6 weeks old you should start your boxer dog training as this will help him when he grows up, socialize him, play with him and teach him, but do it in an exciting way and he is more likely to listen.

The main aspect of training for a boxer is socialization. Boxers can be very friendly dogs but they need to be trained to become one. They need to get accustomed to other dogs and people. The best way to do this is training classes. That way your boxer will be trained alongside other dogs.

When your boxer reaches 13-16 weeks old it's time for some serious boxer dog training, this is the stage where he is going to test for dominance, he will nip and try to show you that he is the more dominant one, mainly by not listening to you. You have to be a strong leader at this time; you must show him that he acting like that will not be tolerated no matter what!

Boxers are genuinely a lovable family dog and would make a proud pet for anyone, they are dogs that prefer to sit on you lap for a cuddle than anything else. Train your boxer early with some serious boxer dog training and you can be assured you'll have a stunning, loyal family friend!

Friday

Top Ten Foods You Should NEVER Feed to a Dog

1. Raw Fish
Raw fish, especially salmon, can contain parasites, usually fluke larvae. The dog consumes the fish, and the larvae hatch in your dog's digestive tract, attaching themselves to his intestinal walls. Symptoms can take up to a week to exhibit and usually mimic other canine diseases, such as distemper or parvovirus. The hazard here is misdiagnosis by the veterinarian, leading to an improper or ineffective treatment. If you choose to feed your dog fish, be sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any bad critters that could be hiding inside.


2. Chocolate
To dogs, chocolate acts as a stimulant, making your dog's heartbeat accelerate or beat irregularly, leading to seizures and even cardiac arrest. To compound things further, it also acts as a severe diuretic, causing frequent urination, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you even suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, take him to an animal hospital immediately.


3. Bread Dough
Because it is soft, dogs will often swallow the dough without chewing it. When the dough hits your dog's stomach, his body heat will cause the dough to rise inside his stomach. This rising action can cause bloating or vomiting. To compound things further, the rising action creates alcohol as a by-product, and your dog may experience the symptoms listed in the previous paragraph.


4. Alcoholic Beverages
Dogs' physiologies are not equipped to handle alcohol consumption. They are extremely susceptible to alcohol poisoning, and even small amounts can lead to digestive problems or even death.


5. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins create havoc with your dog's kidneys and digestive system. What's worse is that the amount of grapes needed to cause problems can vary greatly among individual dogs. Symptoms include frequent urination, vomiting, and diarrhea.


6. Macadamia Nuts
While the exact chemical compound is still unknown, even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause fever, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or mild paralysis.


7. Caffeinated Beverages
Similar to the effects of chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant and can negatively impact your dog's heart rate, causing seizures or heart attacks.


8. Onions
Onions cause the breakdown of a dog's red blood cells, which deprives his cells of much-needed oxygen. If you're in the habit of feeding your dog table scraps, make sure the dish was not prepared with onions, as the effects can be cumulative over a period of time. Symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to loss of appetite, fever, or exhaustion.


9. Avocadoes
Avocadoes are toxic to many animals. The offensive chemical damages heart, lung, and other essential tissues. Be aware since guacamole's main ingredient is avocado, that you keep any such dips well out of your dog's reach.


10. Pitted Fruits (Peaches, Pears, Cherries, and Apricots)
The pits of these fruits contain small doses of cyanide, which can be fatal to smaller dogs. Also, if the pit is swallowed whole, it may become lodged in the intestinal tract, where the blockage will have to be surgically removed.

Tuesday

Grooming Your Way to a Healthy Dog

Most people are aware of the typical benefits of grooming their dog such as removing knots and tangles in the coat, allowing air to flow through the fur much easier making the dog cooler, and giving the dog's coat a nice healthy shine. But there are many lesser known benefits to a regular grooming regime for your pet.

It may come as a surprise for some dog owners to know that the simple act of grooming can do much more for their pet than just improving the look of the coat. By making grooming a regular activity with your dog you'll be pleasantly surprised by the numerous health benefits that can be achieved.

Some of the many health benefits of grooming include:

1) Removes dead hair which improves the overall look of the coat as only new healthy hair is left behind. Better air circulation through the fur leaves your dog cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. Matted and tangled hair is also a common problem especially among active dogs which can be greatly improved by regular grooming.

2) Ability to notice any potential health problems by becoming familiar with your dog's body. Tender areas for instance could indicate an injury of some sort which may require further investigation. It is also important to look for health dangers such as ticks which if left undetected can be deadly to your pet.

3) Improves the emotional state of your pet because of the bonding achieved whilst grooming. A gentle hand and a pleasant voice while grooming a long way will establish a bond with your dog and helps build trust between you and your dog.

4) The act of grooming improves blood flow to the follicles of each hair improving the health of the entire coat. The lymphatic system is also stimulated by grooming giving similar health benefits to those given by a massage for humans.

5) It is also a good idea to pay attention to your dog's paws while grooming by clipping long nails and checking the pads of the feet for any sore areas that may need attention.

You can find all the tools you need for effective grooming at local pet supply stores or by searching the internet where you'll also find lots of tips and advice. Most areas also have classes through community colleges where you can learn the correct methods of grooming your pet. Also check out dog clubs and groups where you will find other dog owners to give you some tips and advice on where to start.

If you find that you enjoy grooming and become proficient enough you may wish to start a dog grooming service in your local area. Dog grooming is in big demand and can be a profitable part-time/full-time business.

By putting in a little time and effort along with a few dollars for some basic grooming tools you will be greatly rewarded with a healthier, happier dog. Even if you're just starting to learn about correct grooming techniques your dog will still benefit greatly from the little time and effort involved in grooming.

Wednesday

How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth

Just like humans, dogs can get cavities if their teeth are not properly taken care of. Cavities are not as common in dogs as they are in humans; however there are some things that can increase the likelihood of your dog developing tooth problems. If you live in an area with hard water, it is more likely that your dog's teeth will develop tartar deposits. Additionally, tooth problems are more likely if your dog eats mostly soft foods, because these leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, leading to infections. These not only cause problems for your dog's teeth - studies show that a whopping 98% of cases of bad breath in dogs are caused by periodontal disease, which is the result of tartar build-up and gum infections.

The best way of preventing these problems is with regular brushing of your dog's teeth. Even if you have a great relationship with your dog, staring into its mouth and seeing rows of shining, sharp dogteeth can be intimidating. But by gradually getting your dog used to the idea of having you handling his mouth, you'll be able to clean his teeth and take care of his mouth without too many problems.

If you have a young dog, it is much easier to get started. Even if your dog is a few years old you can still get him used to the idea, but you may find that it takes a bit longer before your dog is willing to let you brush his teeth. To get your dog used to having his mouth handled, start by lifting his lips and looking at his teeth - do this two or three times a week, and each time, give him a small treat after you have finished. This will help both you and your dog relax when you are handling his mouth, and your dog will be more comfortable with the process when he knows there will be a treat when it's over.

Once your dog is used to having his mouth handled, it's time to start brushing. There are a few simple items you will need to brush your dog's teeth, which you can obtain from a pet store or from your veterinarian. You'll need a dog tooth brush (a wash cloth or gauze pad wrapped around your finger also works well), and tooth paste which has been formulated for animal use. Human toothpaste should not be used for brushing dogteeth, because dogs cannot spit, and human toothpaste is not safe to swallow in large quantities. Your dog will most likely swallow whatever you use to clean his teeth, so it is important to buy toothpaste that has been formulated specifically for dogs. In addition, dogtooth pastes come in several different flavors, so if you can find a flavor your dog likes, it will be that much easier to brush his teeth.

Once you have the right tools, brushing dog teeth is pretty similar to brushing your own. If you have a large dog, the easiest position is on the floor, with your dog in front of you. With smaller breeds or puppies, you can hold the dog in your lap. To start brushing, lift your dog's upper lip and brush the teeth in a circular motion, making sure to brush at the base of each tooth where it meets the gum line. Also make sure to brush the back molars, because these teeth are more likely than the front teeth to develop problems. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, do only one or two teeth the first few times. As he becomes more comfortable with brushing, you can brush more teeth in each session. Always give your dog a small treat after each session.

Brushing should be done twice a week. If your dog's teeth have a lot of tartar build-up they'll need to be cleaned by your vet - this is a fairly quick procedure but it does require anesthesia. In addition to regular brushing, feeding your dog dry dog food or hard biscuits every day is the best way of preventing tartar build-up. Soft foods and meat should be given as treat foods only. As well as this, provide your dog with bones or hard toys to chew on - this will help keep their teeth and gums in good condition and it will also reduce the risk of your dog chewing on furniture or destroying your property. If you give your dog bones, do not cook them. Cooked bones can splinter, and these splinters can cause your dog to choke, or if swallowed they can perforate the bowel. Choose a bone based on the size of your dog - make sure you get a large bone if your dog is a large breed, so that there is no possibility of swallowing it.

With a little care and attention, you can help keep your dog's teeth in tip-top condition for years to come.

Friday

A Method of Bathing Your Dog

Some dogs like the Poodle can have a lot of their thick coat clipped before a bath. However, clipping dirty hair puts more wear on clipper blades. You will need to use lubricating spray and oil on clipper blades to keep them in top condition. If you clip the thick hair of some dog breeds before bathing you will cut down washing and drying time by about half. You will use less electricity, less time and less stress for the dog.

Essential equipment for bath time is of course a high quality shampoo that lathers quickly and rinses out quickly. Another essential for the bath time is a long, secure rubber mat to prevent the dog from slipping. You definitely need a decent hose spray to distribute the water evenly throughout your dog's coat.

Never leave your dog unattended on a grooming table or in the bathtub.

Wet the dog thoroughly before applying shampoo. Lift long hair to be certain you get down to the roots. Be sure the water drains away as it runs off the dog. You do not want your dog standing in dirty water. Temperature of water should be warm, never hot or cold. Put some cotton in the dog's ears to prevent water getting into them. Water in the ears from bathing can cause ear infections.

Start with the head and wet down the neck, along the back and down the left side including the legs. Repeat on the right side. Avoid turning the dog at this stage. Turning the dog at this stage will encourage the dog to jump out. Wet the tail last.

If the dog is sensitive about having its head wet, start with the tail and work up the body, wetting the head last.

Work the shampoo through the coat with your hands. To help distribute the shampoo and prevent it from affecting the skin, I recommend diluting your shampoo with a little water before applying.

Work the shampoo into the coat thoroughly. Do not overlook the area underneath the chest and stomach, the anal area and the dog's feet (especially on the bottom of the feet). Be sure the shampoo gets down to the skin and is well lathered. Add water if needed.

Always use a tearless shampoo for the head and face. You still need to be careful not to get shampoo in the dog's eyes. Rinse immediately if the shampoo gets into the dog's eyes. Do not put shampoo in the dog's ears. I like to use Betadine Scrub (you can get this from your vet) inside the ears each bath. Just pour a little straight from the bottle into the dog’s ears each bath. This helps to avoid yeast and fungus ear infections. Keep the hair pulled out of your dog's ears.

Rinse off the shampoo and use a second application if required. If your dog's coat is clean - it will "squeak" as human hair does. Clean your dog's coat until you hear the "squeak." Rinsing should be very thorough. Any shampoo left in the coat can cause intense itching. If your dog has very sensitive skin, use a very mild, natural-ingredient shampoo. If you notice itching right after your dog's bath, discontinue that brand of shampoo and try another brand.

You can use a hound glove when in the bath to remove dead and molting hair from a short-coated dog.

When you are finished rinsing your dog's coat, squeeze out the excess moisture with cotton towels or super absorbent towels to cut down on drying time.

Most breeds of dogs need to be blow dried after a bath. Use a low temperature on your hair dryer. Be careful not to have the air blow directly onto the skin. Blow the hair away from the skin, but do not blow the skin itself. Most dogs hate the blower on their faces. If you keep your blow dryer turned on low they do not object so much.

Wednesday

Healthy Dog's during summer

Keeping Dogs Healthy during the summer

Dogs are wonderful additions to a family and are often treated as well as human family members. They become your best friend, companion, or even your furry child. Learning how to care for these beloved pets, especially during the summer's heat, is imperative to their good health and to lowering your veterinary bills.

Keep your dogs hydrated. Dogs can easily become dehydrated during the warm weather and it will happen more quickly depending on the thickness of their fur. Keep the water bowl in a visible place, such as the kitchen, so every family member will remember to check its fullness during the course of the day. If you are out walking, pack a cold water bottle just for your dog and stop often to encourage your dog to drink.

Limit exercise. Every vet will encourage dog owners to take dogs for a walk to encourage good health, strengthen their bones, and help keep their nails trimmed, but use common sense during the summer. Shorten the length of your walk or break up a long walk into two shorter sessions.

Be aware of the outside temperature and humidity. Do not forget that your beloved Fido is walking with a fur coat and will overheat easily. Walking in the early morning or late evening hours, when the sun is low in the sky, will often help keep dogs cooler.

Walk close to your house so if you sense your dog is having problems you can turn around or call for help. Hiking paths and paved trails are wonderful resources but you will be stuck if your dog collapses in the middle of a trail that doesn't allow cars.


Take your dog's age and overall health into consideration when planning activities outdoors. Older dogs will tire and dehydrate more easily than younger dogs and these changes can appear without warning. Dogs can also develop seasonal allergies which can in turn affect their breathing ability, so keep a close watch on older dogs that seem to pant excessively.

Check for ticks daily. Ticks are very small insects that often carry Lyme's Disease and other tick borne illnesses. These microscopic insects are prevalent during the warm weather months in wooded areas or yards with tall grass and if they come in contact with your pet, they will bite the animal and make their way into your home. Obviously, ticks are more difficult to find on dogs with thick fur so really dig your fingers in to feel them and remove them carefully with tweezers.

Do not leave any dogs in a locked car. Even with open windows, cars can heat to well over 100 degrees very quickly, which can cause severe trouble for any pet.

Using your common sense with your dog during the summer will eliminate emergency visits to the vet and will eliminate any stress your dog may feel, making for a much happier family life.

About Dog's Eyes

Through the "Eyes" of Your Dog!

Unless you were born blind you already know how valuable your eyes and vision are in coping with life. Helping us to process information on the world around us, our eyes constantly work to help us enjoy life and avoid danger.

Dogs also use their eyes in similar ways but with a few minor important differences. We see far and near fine detail in a wide range of colors and shades. Dogs however, even sight hounds which have good vision, have a poorer color range and they are much better at detecting movement rather than detail. This gives them an advantage with night vision but they are poorer at seeing fine or close detail. The main advantage dogs have is that they don't have to rely purely on vision for information on their world. An acute sense of smell and excellent hearing, along with good motion sensing vision, mean that dogs sense much more of their surrounds than mere humans. This extended sensory ability made them ideal companions to early man when danger lurked around every corner.

Dog’s eyes even look remarkably similar to human eyes. Like us, dogs have a range of eye colors although their predominant color is brown. One important difference between us is that dogs have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane. Although this membrane is not easily seen, certain diseases and eye irritation can make it stand out. The third eyelid sits in the inside corner of a dogs eye and helps to protect it from irritation by cleansing and lubricating the eye.

Most of the eye diseases and problems seen in dogs are the same as those found in humans. One of the most common problems seen in dogs is due to simple eye irritation. The same environmental irritants that afflict us afflict our dogs. Dust, smoke and chemical pollution are the commonest cause of watery irritable eyes in our favorite pets. Apart from seeing red, teary eyes which are often swollen, you will likely observe your dog rubbing or scratching at their eyes. Look carefully at whether both or only one eye is irritated. Symptoms occurring in only one eye usually mean a foreign body or injury in the eye involved.

Blocked tear ducts can also produce excessively watery eyes in dogs as well as humans. In some dog breeds, such as older Poodles and Shih Tzu's, you will often see damp matted fur around their eyes that signals tear duct blockages. An expert opinion from a vet is often needed to tell the difference between the different causes of watery eyes.

Another trait that elderly dogs share with elderly humans is the development of cataracts. Most long-term dog owners have seen the cloudy milky haze that spreads in the center of each pupil as the cataracts form. This milky haze is the lens inside your dog’s eye becoming opaque and the dog slowly becomes blind. It's important to distinguish cataract from another change called Lenticular Sclerosis. Lenticular Sclerosis is a condition which looks similar to cataract but where the only the center of the dogs lens hardens and vision remains unaffected. Both problems are seen in elderly dogs.

One significant advantage that aging dogs have compared to humans is that eye damage and blindness does not incapacitate them to the same extent as human blindness. Good hearing and an acute sense of smell compensate well. There are many stories told of blind dogs managing wonderfully well in life and it's a pity we aging humans are unable to see through the "eyes" of our beloved dogs at times!

Bullmastiff


Bullmastiff – Gamekeeper's Night Dog

A result of breeding, between the Bulldogs and the Mastiffs, the Bullmastiff inherited from the latter the stature and body, being at the same time fast and active like Bulldogs. Loyal, gentle, a good companion and play mate for children, he still remains and excellent guard dog.

Although the Bullmastiff gains official recognition in the year 1924, the modern breed being created from the early XVIIst century, it is obvious that between the two breeds there have always existed crossings. Both of British origin, but differently orientated through selection, they gave the final product a sum of qualities very appreciated among the breed lovers.

The main reason this breed was creates is the mixture of guardian abilities with courage, seeking to obtain a dog faster than the Mastiff that could protect hunting guards and can also help capturing and immobilizing illegal hunters. Actually the Bullmastiff was once called the Gamekeeper's Night Dog, which means the night dog of the hunting guard.

It appears that perfecting the breed took some time – almost 30 years – its creator admitting the fact that he started with settling the standards, and only then achieving the correct mixture. Soon, the Bullmastiff gained fans all over the world and it was preferred to Mastiff because he was smaller, easier to control and to raise.

The Bullmastiff, a dog that will never act naturally violent, must not be abused in any way. He feels at his best next to a master that has lots of patience. In society he is pretty quiet and relaxed, assuming he has been brought in contact with people since he was little. When he is still a puppy he must grow used to petting and to strangers.

Equipped for guarding, the Bullmastiff has some incredibly quick reactions and he will protect his owner even with his life. In family he is a pleasing friend, loving and patient with little children. Playful, he will love children and let them do anything to him without fighting back. He needs wide spaces to exercise and run freely. But to be always around his master, the Bullmastiff will adapt to an apartment life as well.


Related keywords for this topic : bull mastiff , bull mastiff puppy , bull mastiff dog , bull mastiff breeders , pit bull mastiff

Friday

Should You Get Health Insurance For Your Dog ?

Should You Get Health Insurance For Your Dog ?

You would never consider going without health insurance for your family but what about your dog ?

Although many people think it is an unnecessary expense, health insurance for your pet can actually save you money and spare you from making a tough decision between the life of your dog and paying the bills should a serious health issue arise.

Just like everything else today, Veterinary cost have skyrocketed. When you do not have insurance, you must pay for every visit whether they be routine or emergency. This can run into thousands of dollars so why not get some help?

Just like personal health insurance, health insurance for your dog has annual premiums and, of course a deductible. The premium price depends on the dog breed and type of policy, if you have more than one pet, you can usually get a discount.

As with the premium, the deductibles vary. Typically it is around $100 a year. There are many policies to choose from based on your dogs age, breed, lifestyle and pre-existing conditions.

Theres a dog health plan to please almost everyone. Some plans cover most everything from annual checkups to vaccinations, spaying, neutering and any medications as well as ay sickness and, of course accidents. These policies, of course will be the most costly.

But if you can handle the yearly costs of a well dog just fine and want something just in case your dog becomes injured or sick, you can get a policy that will cover just these occasions.

Getting a new health insurance policy for your dog is similar to getting one for yourself - emergency coverage begins as soon as you sign up with your first payment and there is a 30 day waiting period for illness and other routine claims.

When considering health insurance for your dog, be aware that his age will affect the coverage. Most policies cover the dog starting at 6 weeks of age. On the other end, you may not be able to get coverage for your dog if he is more than 8 years old. Once your dog is covered, however, he will be able to retain coverage past 8 years of age.

Getting health insurance for your dog should be a serious consideration for any pet owner. Think of it as the normal expense for having your pet. It's well worth it and it really set your mind at east to know that should your dog need expensive medical treatment to save his life - you'll be covered.

The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy

The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy

Dogs are probably the only animals in the world who love unconditionally, with their whole heart and body and soul. There are many stories of dogs saving the lives of their humans, of warning people of danger or of seeming to know when an owner is sick or in pain.

If you've decided to get a puppy, or you've recently brought one home, congratulations! You will have a loyal friend and companion who will enjoy your company, never be too tired to go for a walk with you, and who will always be on your side, no matter what!

One note of caution though. A dog is only as well-trained as he has been taught to be by his owner. It is important that your puppy understands as quickly as possible what is considered acceptable behavior and what is not in your home.

You need to decide early if you will allow your puppy to get on your furniture, where he can sleep, and what he can chew on.

So housetraining your dog now, while your dog is still a puppy is the best way to assure that she/he is a welcome and happy member of your household.

The crate method is one of the fastest and most humane methods of housetraining your puppy.

But, first, here are some do's and don'ts for housetraining your puppy:

DO'S:
Do be assessable to your puppy. If you're going to be gone for long periods of time during the training period, then do not give the puppy full access to your house. Put him in an area where you've prepared for accidents.

Do limit the amount of food and water your puppy has throughout the day. (If it's hot outside, make sure your puppy has enough water to drink, but remember that what goes in, will come out!

Do praise your puppy every time he/she does what you expect him/her to do. Your puppy wants to please you, and he/she needs to learn what behaviors create praise from you.

Do be consistent. You will only confuse your puppy otherwise.

Do be realistic. Your puppy may not be capable of being completely housetrained until he is at least six months old.

DONT'S:
Don't reprimand your puppy when he has an accident. It's going to happen, and if it does, it means that you didn't get him outside in time. Just clean it up and move on.

Don't use the crate as a means of locking your puppy up for long periods of time, or as a punishment.

Don't let your puppy go to the bathroom anywhere except his/her designated area while you are training him/her.

Why the crate method works: Dogs are naturally fastidious animals and they don't like to eliminate where they sleep or eat. Therefore, if your puppy sleeps in the crate, she/he will not use the crate as a bathroom.

First things first:

Puppies need to urinate shortly after they eat, drink, play, chew, run or walk. Depending on the breed, size, temperament and age of your puppy, this can be within 15 to 30 minutes.

1. Keep a record of the times your puppy needs to go for a couple of days. This will help you to learn his natural schedule, and make the training process easier.

2. Plan your "walking" schedule around your puppy's needs. From the time your puppy is about 10 or 11 weeks to six months old, he/she should be walked between 5 and 10 times a day. Once your puppy is between six months and 11 months old, this will drop to around 4 to 6 times a day. And when he/she is an adult, walking your dog three to four times a day will be sufficient.

3. Especially after your puppy has spent the night in his/her crate, do not return from your morning walk until he/she has eliminated. (If for some reason you do have to return, put your puppy in his/her crate, and then take him/her out every fifteen minutes or so, until he/she goes.) Make sure you give your puppy lots of praise and affection, once he/she has done what you wanted.

What the crate means for your puppy:

A crate is your puppy's home away from home, his/her sanctuary in times of stress and his "bedroom" at night.

Make sure that your puppy associates his/her crate with positive feelings. Put his/her favorite blanket, chew toys and treats inside the crate. When helping your puppy get used to the crate, leave the door open until your puppy shows no sign of fear of the crate.

The more comfortable your puppy is inside the crate, the less likely he/she will be of soiling it.

Never let your puppy out of the crate for bad behavior such as barking, whining or scratching.

How To Get Started:
1. Establish a regular schedule of feeding and going outdoors.
2. Put the puppy in the crate at night, but make sure you take him/her out first thing in the morning and don't go back in the house until the puppy has finished.
3. After the puppy has gone, bring him/her in, and let him play for an hour or so. (Remember not to give your puppy complete run of the house until he is completely housetrained.)
4. Feed the puppy.
5. Using the chart you created, take the puppy outside within 15 minutes of the time you know he/she is going to need to go. Don't come back in until the puppy has gone.
6. Bring the puppy in and let him/her play.
7. Put the puppy in his/her crate for a nap.

Repeat this schedule throughout the day.

Yes, this is a lot of work. But the method is effective, it works quickly, and your puppy will soon become housebroken, and as he/she gets older, your puppy will let you know when he/she needs to go. In the meantime, you'll be able to have complete confidence in your puppy!

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Wednesday

What a Dog REALLY Needs

What a Dog REALLY Needs

Loyal, friendly, protective, affectionate, fun. Those qualities have earned dogs a special place in the lives and hearts of humans. Most dogs now are owned as pets mainly because they are THE ideal pets. A dog will always try to keep you pleased and smiling. It will never hold grudges against you, and will never judge you for your looks or mistakes. It isn't called man's best friend for nothing.

Dogs have a basic need for shelter, good nutrition, exercise and companionship. A dog will rely on its owner for all of these needs, in addition to training and protection. These are all basic needs, but a dog also needs veterinary care.

If a person has a dog for a pet, it is a good idea to ensure that it is seen by a vet regularly. Dogs are prone to a wide array of illnesses and diseases and it is best that he gets vaccinated against these diseases. Some of the most fatal diseases that a dog can contract are listed below along with the proper vaccination to prevent them:

1. Canine Adenovirus - or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH). ICH is an extremely contagious disease that is only dogs transmitted to other canine animals. This disease is transmitted in urine and eye or nasal secretions of animals with this disease and affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels. Dogs of all ages are prone to acquire this disease, although puppies and younger dogs are at a higher risk.

2. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) - It is transmitted through contact with infected dogs and affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems. This disease is often fatal to puppies and adult dogs.

3. Para Influenza - Also known as tracheobronchitis, it is a contagious infection of dogs seriously affecting young puppies' upper respiratory system. Its symptoms are gagging and coughing. Dogs in stressful and crowded conditions are at the highest risk for this disease.

4. Parvovirus - This is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects white blood cells, the intestines, and heart. It is characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever. It is often fatal in puppies. At the highest risk for this disease are dogs in crowded places such as dog shows and kennels.

5. Rabies - Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals that are unvaccinated against the disease, including humans. It affects the brain and is always deadly. Pets get exposed to rabies from the bites of wild animals which include bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

The bottom line is to keep a dog disease-free. Have it vaccinated. After all, what a dog really needs is. . .good health!

Monday

How Inspiring Dog Tales Can Be

How Inspiring Dog Tales Can Be

There could be no better way of inspiring people than to use some of the inspiring dog tales. In this way, people will realize how dogs are so important in a man’s life and how reliable dogs can be especially if they are well trained.

In reality, dogs are marvelous canine mammals because they are endowed with remarkable senses and skills. They can perform numerous tasks when properly trained.

In fact, dogs are considered to be an intelligent species. Anecdotal facts implied that dogs have a high rate of intelligence.

Dog intelligence refers to the ability of the dog to do certain things that cannot be done by other animals. Dogs have the innate ability to think, learn some tricks, and the ability to solve some problems like rescuing a person who is in danger.

This dog intelligence is, in fact, the main reason why people are fond of reading inspiring dog tales. They used to think that these canine mammals are only animals and are not capable of thinking what to do in case somebody is in trouble. Now that a lot of inspiring dog tales have emerged to prove the reality of a dog’s intelligence, many people now believe dogs can really be reliable enough to trust our lives to them.

Take for example the guide dogs. These dogs are trained to help other people who have impairments such as visual and hearing.

Learning a lot of skills to be able to take such great responsibility takes a certain amount of intelligence. Moreover, there are dogs that were able to serve their masters even up to the time that they need to rescue them from imminent danger.

An example of this is the tale of the two guide dogs that rescued their masters as they were trapped inside the building of the World Trade Center Towers during the September 11 attack.

This is an inspiring tale of two guide dogs that remarkably guided their masters out from the fury of the blazed trade center and were able to save their lives.

Another great example is about a black and white English Pointer who had been donating blood for almost 11 years of his dog life. The donated blood is to be used on dogs that were seriously injured and need blood transfusion.

These inspiring dog tales will not only touch the hearts of the most dog lovers but everybody who realizes that dogs know how to help others too.

Therapeutic Dogs

Therapeutic Dogs : Healing Hounds

Dogs are man's best friend. Always loyal and ever loving, this trait has made canines an integral and common part of what is fast becoming a common mode of therapy in many health care facilities. Not just dogs but animals in general have long been recognized as having a positive effect on the healing process. Dogs, especially, have a calming effect.

These dogs help people cope with emotional issues, offer physical contact, invoke pleasant memories and they divert a person's focus from the problems of the day. That's why they've been used to great success as helpers for those people who are in therapy. Dogs are specially trained for their jobs of helping to take care of the sick, the elderly or the infirm.

Currently there are three types of therapy dogs:

a) Facility Therapy Dogs

b) Animal-Assisted Therapy Dogs

c) Therapeutic Visitation Dogs

The first two types assist physical therapists by meeting the requirements for a person's recovery. They are usually found in hospitals and are permanently assigned there. The most common type of therapeutic dog, however, is the third type.

Therapeutic visitation dogs are ordinary pets whose owners take to hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. These dogs help people who are away from home due to mental or physical illness. These people are usually in a highly stressful or depressing environment and a visit from a therapy dog can always brighten their day and help them deal with their problems.

Through their bright example, these dogs help the people they meet maintain a positive attitude. This positive outlook is important in good health, happiness and staying young. Pets also provide a chance for patients to touch and be touched. This gives the patients a chance to express their need for physical contact, a need that doctors have proven as a very important factor in a patient's psychological health.

This is integral in helping people maintain a better mental standing on their condition. This and the ever-loving nature of dogs make them perfect cures to depression that often plagues many patients and residents of nursing homes and hospitals.

It's very difficult to accurately measure how positive an effect these dogs have on patients. But all you have to do to see that they're doing their job is a happy smile on a patient's face when they're in the company of one of these amazing healing hounds.

Thursday

Best Selling Dog Books

Best Selling Dog Books


1. HOW TO RAISE A PUPPY YOU CAN LIVE WITH, 4TH EDITION
by Clarice Rutherford & David Neil

This puppy book starts way back with your breeder and steps you through all the processes to make sure you can raise a puppy the right way. It touches on the subjects of selecting breeders, bonding with puppies, discipline, house training, tricks and simple commands.

RAW DOG FOOD: MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
by Carina Beth MacDonald

This offbeat, light read received the Dog Writers of America Award for Best Book Under 100 pages for the year 2003. It is a funny, informative book on how raw diets can actually benefit dogs while being cost-efficient at the same time. This is a must-read book for those grappling with their dog’s diet.

2. CAUTIOUS CANINE, 2ND EDITION
by Patricia McConnell

This book is so handy it could even benefit people. Patricia McConnell walks the reader through training techniques such as counter conditioning and desensitization to deal with behavioral problems and phobias. It works with people too.

3. RALLY-O: THE STYLE OF RALLY OBEDIENCE, 3RD EDITION
by Charles 'Bud' Kramer

Rally obedience advocates an exciting and fun approach to dog obedience. It’s a surefire way for the dog and its owner to enjoy their training sessions. If one were to look for an effective, non-burdensome way to train to dogs, this should be in their shelves.


ONE ON ONE - A DOG TRAINER'S GUIDE TO PRIVATE TRAINING
by Nicole Wilde

An intimate training guide to those new to one-on-one training sessions. It is an easily understandable, yet comprehensive guide to private training and focuses on the intricacies of the training psyche and the dog’s response to such.

POSITIVE PERSPECTIVES: LOVE YOUR DOG, TRAIN YOUR DOG
by Pat Miller

Almost a book about children. This groundbreaking read will change the way you view pet behavior management and pet upbringing. This comprehensive course emphasizes the emotional aspect of training and behavior modification. Also in this book: vaccination, training with treats, and housetraining.

BRINGING LIGHT TO SHADOW - A DOG TRAINER'S DIARY
by Pamela Dennison

An inspirational story of how one trainer refused to give up on an ill-tempered dog with behavioral problems. It is a diary of sorts that deals with the issues, frustrations, solutions, and the patience it takes for one to deal with such difficult dogs. It is a fascinating read that should inspire every dog trainer.

Tuesday

Need A Little Help With Your Health? Get A Dog!

Dogs are considered man's best friend. But did you know that having a dog gives you several heath benefits?

In studies done by medical professionals, dog owners benefit from their pet's presence in several ways:

1) Improved cardiovascular health - Dog owners have been proven to have blood pressure and cholesterol lower than ordinary people. These factors reduce the chance for cardiovascular diseases. Stroking a pet has long been known to reduce blood pressure. A study from the New York State University found that these benefits continue even without the pet available. The study tested a group of stockbrokers with hypertension. They concluded that just being a pet-owner can lower blood pressure.

Dog owners also have blood cholesterol levels lower than normal. Five thousand four hundred people were tested by the Baker Medical Research Institute of Australia and with the results showing pet owners having not just lower blood pressure but also lower levels of blood triglycerides and cholesterol compared to people who didn't own any pets.

2) Faster recovery time and higher survival rates - Hospital studies have found that seniors and recently operated on patients responded better to treatment and got better quickly while they were in contact with dogs and other therapy animals. Just petting a dog can be relaxing and therapeutic for recovering patients.

Also, dog owners have a greater chance to survive after suffering from a serious illness. Several studies have discovered that pet owners who suffered from a heart attack were more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who did not own pets. Another New York study found that pet's affected their survival rate more even more than the presence or company of family members or friends.

3) Fewer visits to the doctor - Studies conducted at Cambridge and UCLA have found that owning a pet corresponds to overall improved health and less need for hospital visits. A Medicare study of its elderly patients also discovered that those who own dogs visit the doctor less than those who don't have a pet.

4) Mental Wellness - Patients who have dogs have also been known to have better emotional health than their counterparts. They offer unconditional love and affection; their presence alone helps reduce loneliness for sick people who have otherwise been isolated. Several studies of people with major illnesses have shown that the stress of fighting the disease is significantly reduced when they had a dog as company.

As you can see, having a dog is a great investment, for the joy that you get from owning one and the health benefits that you can receive. So go out and get a dog!

Dogs are a part of daily life

When your best friend gets lost: Tips in finding your dog

The dog is man’s best friend,” so the saying goes. Dogs have proven to be loving and loyal companions of people. From pit bulls to dachshunds to terriers, dogs are a part of daily life.

But what happens when your pet dog gets lost? What if, one day, while you are strolling across a park quite far from home with your Labrador and your pet suddenly gets lost? Do not resort to panic, as this will not help solve the situation.

The first rule when you’re going out with your pet dog is never letting it out of sight. In short, do not let your dog get lost. Sometimes there is no avoiding a situation like this. Even dogs that are properly trained will look for ways to be free to roam around. Here are some ways to find your dog if he is lost:

- Check the various animal shelters in town. If your dog has not been claimed by others or picked up, leave a complete description of your dog with the animal shelter staff. Include your name and contact information. If possible, show a recent photograph of you and your dog. This is also a reason why the license for your pet should be current and updated.

- Check all the pet shops and veterinarians in your vicinity. You could ask the staff or vet if somebody has reported a lost dog and if the dog shares the same characteristics of your lost dog.

- Post details of your dog along with your contact information in billboards or in areas where the dog might have gotten lost.

- If possible, place an ad in the local papers for your lost dog. Also check the “Lost and Found” classifieds. Check it daily. You’ll never know when somebody turns up to say that he or she found your dog.

- Check in your neighborhood. Your dog could be somewhere near. Dogs usually do not stray far from their own homes.

- It would be easier and faster to find the dog if it has complete identification details, such as a name tag, identifiable collar, among others.

- Be sure you have your dog’s current photo. Keep it at all times, just in case you need to show what your dog looks like.

Here is one last option to keep in mind. The latest thing in tracking your pet is to have an electronic chip placed just under the skin. The chip contains all the information about your dog and yourself so that the information can be scanned by a vet or a local animal shelter.

Taking care of your dog is like taking care of a dear friend. Show your concern to the dog, and it will return the favor.

Best Dog Tracking System

Tips on Choosing the Best Dog Tracking System

Dogs are man’s best friend, and this is not an understatement. This is because man and dogs find things that they can both enjoy such as playing, wrestling, running, and even hunting.

There are people who bring their dogs along whenever they are out for a hunting activity. They do this because they find their dog’s company during hunting a worthwhile inclusion.

Moreover, there are dogs that are also adept in hunting activities especially those that were trained for specific types of hunting activities.

It is for this reason that certain devices were created in order to help hunters monitor the activities of their dogs. An example of these devices is the dog tracking system.

Basically, a dog tracking system is a device that is used by hunters to track the activities of their dogs while they are out hunting. These tracking systems are typically used to monitor dogs on their location, their current activity, or to check whenever dogs have already gotten the prey.

For people who are not aware of how dog tracking systems work or why they are so important for some people, here’s a list of some facts regarding this device:

1. Dog tracking systems are used mainly by hunters like coon hunters, upland bird hunters, hounds men, etc. They use this system in order to monitor their dogs while they are out in the field.

2. This particular tracking system is also used whenever the hunters can no longer see their dogs because of distance or terrain.

3. Dog tracking collars are great alternatives when hunters can no longer use their dog bells or their beeper collars.

4. With dog tracking collars, they can easily spot their dogs and call their attention. Best of all, dog tracking collars are also applicable in tracking numerous dogs in a certain hunting activity.

5. There are some dog tracking systems that allow the handler to verify or find out what the dog is doing. All they have to do is to use some performance systems that are included in the collar.

In this way, the handler can tell if the dog is currently walking, if it has stopped, if it is barking at something, or if it has already caught its prey.

Moreover, dog tracking systems are not only for hunting purposes. There are people who can make use of this device whenever their dogs are lost.

With a dog tracking system, hunting can be fun for both dogs and their handlers.

Obedience Training for Your Dog

We've all encountered them at some point. Ill-mannered dogs. We've even seen their owners yelling at them, tugging at their leashes trying to make them behave. What is sad is that you can't blame the dog for the owner's irresponsibility.

This type of behavior could have been avoided with obedience training. Obedience trainng is a platform for the dog and the owner to learn how to effectively communicate with one another.

Can you conduct obedience training on your own? This is a question that has long been debated by the experts. One school of thought is that it would be better if a professional does the training, while others feel the owner can do it if they feel competent. The truth is that a combination of trainer and owner is probably the most effective.

Find an obedience school in your area. You will probably be told that they recommend a series of lessons that include both the dog AND the owner. Sometimes the classes can be arranged where trainer comes to your home. Some trainers feel that training where the surroundings are familiar is helpful where some prefer their own location.

However, whether the obedience training is done at home, by a professional trainer, or in an obedience school, there are things that must be considered when incorporating this kind of training. Here is a list of the things that should be taken into account.

1. Fun

Obedience training does not necessarily mean that strict rules should be imposed. This is because the dog is not aware of the reasons why he should be trained. Therefore, for him to respond to the commands, the training must be done in such a way that the dog sees the activity as something that is fun.

The dog should be praised when he exhibits proper behavior. Some trainers also recommend treats and some do not. That should be discussed with your trainer.

2. Consistency

During the course of obedience training, it is very important to have consistency in the training. For example, if a dog was allowed to sit on the rug the other day and when the dog tried to sit on the rug today, he was scolded. Things like this should not be taken for granted. It is extremely important to teach the dog what he should and should not do and stick to it. Confusion will only make the matters worst.

3. Obedience training instructor/trainer

When people choose to enroll their dogs in an obedience class, it is important to analyze the trainer before the owner leaves his dog. The character and personality of the trainer is extremely important. They should be professional enough to know how to handle the dog’s behavior and how to train them properly. Again, you might want to find a trainer that works with both you AND your dog.

4. Referrals

It is best not to try new and unfamiliar obedience training schools. This could be really risky both for you and for your dog. It would be better if dog owners will ask for some referrals from their veterinarians, dog breeders, or other people who can give their honest opinions.

5. Charges

Not all obedience training schools are created equal. They vary depending on the kind of services they offer. It is best to consider their fees and what services they offer at that rate. This is one area where you don't want to scrimp so cheapest isn't always the best. Also, make certain you are dealing with a trainer that will work with both you AND your dog.

6. Methods used in the training

It is highly recommended that dog owners ask about the methods being used in the training. Make sure the terms are spelled out clearly. Shop for the best training you can find for the money. Don't make a decision quickly. If you don't feel comfortable with one individual, by all means keep looking.

There are some dogs that just seem to follow directions with little or no effort with never a session of profession training. Unfortunately, these examples are few and far between.

Invest in obedience training and you can look at a long and healthy relationship with a loving companion. With obedience training, dogs will surely be on their way to happier and more enjoyable stay with their masters and the people around them.




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Saturday

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Having Healthy Pups: A Few Tips on Keeping Your Dog Healthy

The responsibility of a new pet is sometimes overwhelming. One of your new duties as a dog owner is to take care of your pet's health. Here are two pointers for you to follow in taking care of your pet.

- The Veterinarian Is our Friend

Part of your duty as a dog owner is to know when to call for the vet. Don't take a "wait and see" attitude when it comes to your pet's health. Sometimes, that approach is fine but most often professional help is needed to treat your dog's sickness. Depending on the dog's condition, there are many ways a veterinarian may help.

There are several instances when it is essential that you call your veterinarian:

a) Always call your vet when your dog has been in an accident. If your regular veterinarian is not available, look for the closest emergency vet clinic.

b) Always call your vet when you suspect your dog has eaten something that may be poisonous or something inedible.

c) Call your vet immediately when your pet is in obvious distress.

d) Sudden weight gain or weight loss should be a warning sign for you to take your dog to the vet.

e) If your dog is coughing, vomiting or having seizure, call the vet immediately.

- An Ounce of Prevention Is Better Than A Pound Of Cure

Of course, going to the vet should be the last recourse. Preventing your dog from being hurt or getting sick is your primary responsibility.

Remember, that good food and exercise insures a long life for your pet. A balanced diet and a regimen of exercise helps prevent sickness and strengthens your pet. Monitor what your pets eat. Clean your dog's cage regularly to get rid of any disease-causing bacteria. Check your dog's water supply. Make sure it's clean and healthy for your pet.

Keep your dog on a leash. Running in front of a car is not very good for your dog's health and heaven knows where your pet may end up if you just let it wander around.

Give your dog a regular bath. Fleas and ticks can give your dog extreme discomfort and are often carriers of disease.

Of course, keeping your dog in tip-top shape goes beyond these pointers. It's always advisable to ask a veterinarian for additional health tips and as your experience with your pet grows, you'll think up of a couple more rules that are special to your beloved hound. Just remember that when your pet's health is in question, it's always better to be safe!
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