How To Train a Puppy to Pay Attention

Learning how to train a puppy can be incredibly difficult but infinitely rewarding as well. For many dog owners who want to learn how to train a puppy to potty outside or behave properly in the house, the greatest obstacle is getting the little canine’s attention. If you don’t have the puppy’s attention, then you obviously can’t train him to do anything. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to get your puppy’s attention for training.

Getting Started

When you learn how to train a puppy, you must first make sure that when there are other dogs around, he will pay attention to you. The best way to do that is to teach him to ignore the other dogs when the stage is yours. First, have some treats on you, but in a place where the puppy will be unable to see them. To start, say the pup’s name with authority and then move away quickly. This will teach the dog to look at you when you say his name.

The Next Step

Secondly, when learning how to train a puppy, you want to make sure you complete the sequence always. So, once the puppy has followed you praise him quickly and enthusiastically. As you do it, take out and give him a treat. Never show the treats until you are going to give him one. When you do give your puppy a treat, it is best to put the treat between his eyes and yours so that you get the eye contact. Eye contact with you is the goal, so always reward it.

Make it Stick

Finally, perform the sequence at least three to five times in a row. This is important to do when you learn how to train a puppy. Each time, say the puppy’s name, move, praise him, and then give him a treat with eye contact. By doing it several times in a row you are doing two things: one, you are making sure you hold the puppy’s attention for a few minutes consecutively and secondly you are imprinting the commands and behavior on your dog.

Learning how to train a puppy is a chore in and of itself. However, it can never happen if you don’t take the time to teach your puppy to pay attention to you around other dogs. By taking these simple tips and performing them daily, you will soon have your puppy’s full and undivided attention so that you can house train him, paper train him, or even add behaviors.

By: Dean Iggo

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How to Potty Train a Puppy

One of the best things you can teach your kids when you get them the dog they have been wanting it how to potty train a puppy. If you teach the kids to housebreak the puppy then you will find that they will have a better bond with their dogs and you will have a lot less to do as well. There are a few tips you can take so that your children can learn to properly housebreak their dog.

Make a Connection

The first thing children need to understand when learning how to potty train a puppy is that they need to have a connection with the dog. It is okay to cuddle with, play with, and generally make friends with their new puppy. This shouldn’t be hard to teach them, but talk to them about it being an important step in the housebreaking process with their dogs.

Teach, Don’t Punish

Make sure that when learning how to potty train a puppy, your children understand that a puppy is essentially a baby. He or she should not be punished when there is an accident. Instead, it is more important that they understand that praise when the puppy does the right thing is way more important. To housebreak your dogs, you should use praise generously and keep away from punishment.

Teach Them to Stay With the Dog

When teaching your children how to house train a puppy, teach them about dogs socially. A puppy is used to being in a litter. It is used to having its mother around and to being with its brothers and sisters. So, when it comes time to housebreak, make sure the children stay with the dog when he goes outside. This does two things: allows the puppy to be around others when he is out, and it also gives the children a present to praise him when he goes outside like he is supposed to.

Overall, when you teach your children how to potty train a puppy, you are giving them a stronger bond and sense of responsibility with their puppy. If you show the right way to housebreak their dogs and take on that responsibility, then you will save yourself the work and teach them a certain amount of respect for owning a pet.

By: Dean Iggo

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From Doggone Naughty To Good Dog

Everyone has some dog training tips when your dog is "naughty." But few actually give you good advice.

Let's face it, your dog wasn't born knowing how to behave. Different breeds are bred for certain tasks, be it hunting, herding, guarding, killing or chasing. Therefore careful selection of your dog is the first step towards an enjoyable life with your dog.

After that there's work to do, dog house training often being the first task. And if you don't get your dog as a pup you may be buying some behavior problems with it. Excessive barking, jumping up, biting, whining, not listening? You usually can do something about it.

Just as with raising children it pays to know a bit about how to do this, and why. Getting someone in for some basic dog training can set you back anything between $300 and $2,000.

But there ain't no free dog training like your own. After all if you and your dog want to enjoy life together why not work on this together right from the word go.

Oops! Did I say "go". "Sit", and read on...

Yes, dog training is a two-way street. Your dog has to take its cues from you as to what's "good" or "bad". If you are confused or inconsistent you'll both pay for that. So, owner training is important too.

Here are some commensense dog training tips:

* Did you realise it's natural for your dog to obey your command in one setting and not necessarily in another?

* Did you realise that pups are often allowed, even encouraged to jump up, chase and bite trouser cuffs because it's so much fun and later this same behavior is not wanted?

* Use the same command words for the desired behavior every time! You may may believe your dog is an Einstein but even he believed in elegant simplicity.

* Stop your dog from jumping up by putting your open hand in front of its face every time or use your knee if a bigger dog. Then say "sit" and physically sit it down if it does not obey.

* And, of course tire out your dog with exercise. She will reward you with better behavior.

A simple and consistent approach can prevent future problems. It's not rocket science but you do need to know what you're doing. Options are joining dog training classes, getting a dog trainer to come to you, or read dog training books if you don't already know how to train your dog. And, let's face it, you would not be reading these tips if you're confident that you do.

Yes, some dogs drive you crazy but never forget that the reverse can be true too. Among the best of dog training tips is always the advice that dog training is not just for the dog!


by: Rodney Waitts

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Alternative Therapies For The Horse

It is not uncommon that trends in veterinary medicine to mirror trends in human medicine. To that end, it's not surprising that alternative medicine is being used more frequently on sick and injured horses. Instead of prescribing the latest wonder drug, some veterinarians are instead prescribing a little hands-on healing in the hopes that less invasive techniques will bring about a return to health. In this article, we'll examine two alternative healing practices that are becoming very popular in the horse world: chiropractic and massage.

CHIROPRACTIC

Equine chiropractors traditionally deal with "subluxations" of the vertebrae. Defined, subluxations are incomplete or partial dislocations of the vertebrae; in other words, vertebrae that are out of alignment. These misalignments can not only cause the horse pain in his back, but can also cause soft tissue damage around the area of the spine. And since the spine is said to be the conduit to the central nervous system, subluxations may possibly change neurological function of the spinal cord, the spinal nerve roots, and portions of the nervous system. The equine chiropractor adjusts these subluxations—in plain speaking he put the spine back into alignment—and returns the horse to optimal health.

What conditions does chiropractic treat?

Chiropractic is used to treat back and neck pain in the horse, as well as nerve damage. It can also be used to diagnose and come up with a treatment plan for certain lamenesses. Some people even use chiropractic during prepurchase exams to determine whether the horse has any neck or back injuries.

How is chiropractic administered, and how much does it cost?

Like a vet exam, the chiropractic exam begins with a case history. Posture analysis, gait analysis, static palpation, motion palpation, orthopedic exam, and a neurological exam follow. Based upon his or her findings, the vertebra is then manipulated during the adjustment by the practitioner.

How much does a chiropractic treatment cost?

A chiropractic exam and adjustment cost approximately $50-75, depending upon the extent of the problem and the length of the session.

Are there any risks?

Some believe that in the wrong hands, chiropractic can cause back and neck pain, lameness problems, and spinal cord injury. The equine chiropractor must have strong knowledge of equine vertebral anatomy, including vertebral joint relationships, the relationship of neural components, muscle attachments and nerve supply, and normal and abnormal range of motion.

MASSAGE

During a massage, the soft tissues of the body are worked by experienced hands and fingers. As any human who has been the recipient of one knows, massage stimulates acupuncture points and relieves tension. Myofascial release therapy, in which the fascia that connect and surround the muscles are manipulated, and myotherapy, a method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation, and alleviating pain, are two of the most common types of equine massage therapy.

What conditions does massage treat?

Massage can really help sore muscles and tendons. It is frequently used to repair damaged muscle fiber, such as contracted tendons, ligament and muscle strains, chronic inflammatory conditions, peripheral nerve injuries, scar tissue, and chronic edema.

How is massage administered?

The soft tissues of the body are worked by the hands and fingers. The strokes are generally performed in the direction in which blood flows, which is toward the heart.

How much does equine massage cost?

A massage costs between $25 and $75, depending upon its duration.

What are the risks?

If your horse has acute inflammatory processes of the skin, soft tissue, bone and joints, fractures, sprains, circulatory disorders, presence or danger of hemorrhage, lyphangitis, and tumors, then massage should be avoided.

by: Ron Petracek

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Foods Toxic To Dogs

Some human foods that should not be consumed by dogs include:

Intoxicating Beverages, Such as Beer, Wine, Spirits:

Consumption of these beverages may lead to coma or possibly death. Symptoms of alcoholic beverage overdose may include, excitement, depression, sadness, stumbling, cardiac arrest, and death.

Chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Coffee Beans:

Their content of caffeine, theophylline, or theobromine affects the nervous system and the heart. Chocolate overdose symptoms may include, excessive panting, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and death.

Grapes, Raisins:

Kidney failure may be caused by an unknown toxin which is present in grapes in raisins. Syptoms of poisening from grapes or raisins may include abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and a halt in the production of urine. Ingestion by your pet may be fatal and even cause death.

Macadamia Nuts:

An unknown toxin present in macadamia nuts may experience undesired affects of the nervous and digestive systems. They may also have negative affects on muscles. Symptoms may include muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, sadness, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and lethargy.

Garlic, Onions:

Onions and Garlic contain contain substances which damage red blood cells. Symptoms include, anemia, lethargy, weakness, discolored urine, diarrhea, and vomiting. Processed, fresh, cooked, and powdered forms should be avoided.

Mushrooms:

Different mushrooms contain different toxins which affect several body systems. Symptoms may include, abdominal pain, shock, kidney failure, liver failure, hallucinations, diarrhea, vomiting, coma, and even death.

Prevention is the key, keeping these foods away from your pet to avoid possible toxic poisoning and overdose. If your dog is suspected of eating any of these foods get them to a veterinarian immediately.

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How Can Our Food Harm Our Pets?

We’re all guilty of it – giving in to those big begging eyes pleading at us for a scrap from the table during dinner. Fido knows just how to get you to concede, and most of us justify that a little won’t hurt, or we don’t even think of the potential danger at all. But the truth is that human food can be harmful to your pet, and in some cases, can be fatal. It’s important to know how certain foods can be unsafe so that you can avoid them for the sake of your animal.

Here is how a few of some of the most common “human foods” become harmful for pets:

Chocolate and other foods containing caffeine

Caffeine is one of the greatest culprits because it contains an alkaloid called theobromine. Theobromine acts as a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack or other heart and nervous system problems in animals.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are potentially harmful due to the fact that both contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats and dogs. Of the two, onions are the most toxic, as consumption of simply one serving by your pet could result in anemia.

Milk

Milk can harm your pet due to the fact that many dogs and cats tend to be lactose intolerant. The consumption of milk and milk products by a lactose intolerant pet creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones

Bones, although commonly known as a great treat for your dog, are potentially very dangerous for pets. Once eaten, bones can splinter and get stuck in the intestines, causing damage or fatality. In most splinter cases, the bones must be removed surgically.

Other Foods

Other human foods to avoid when feeding your pet are: macadamia nuts, potato peelings and green-looking potatoes, rhubarb leaves, moldy/spoiled foods, alcohol, yeast dough, tomato leaves and stems, broccoli, and raisins or grapes.

Some human foods potentially cause only mild digestive upsets, while others can be fatal. Regardless of the level of danger, the best choice for your pet is to keep him from any potentially harmful foods in order to ensure his health and safety.

During the holiday season, veterinary clinics have noticed a rising in the number of pets that they treat for food-related illnesses. The increase in pet illness is due to the fact that animals are partaking in human foods during mealtime. Although not well known by the public, the consumption of human food to pets is potentially harmful to animals, and in some instances, can be fatal.

The rise in food-related illnesses by pets is a clear indication that the dangers of human food consumption by animals are not understood by the masses.

So, the next time your pet looks up at you with those pleading eyes, show him you care by doing what is truly best for him and feeding him only products meant for pet consumption. In the end, both you and your pet will be glad that you did.

About The Author

Paul Counts and Tyler Clinton are the owners of http://Petronic.com and the editors of http://www.leadingedgepetcare.com. They are both passionate pet owners and entrepreneurs, and they provide a variety of high end pet supplies at http://www.petronic.com.

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Dog training - house training your dog

House training is one of the most important parts of training any dog to be a valued part of the family. As with many other aspects of dog training, the best way to house train a dog is to use the dog's own nature to your benefit. The great thing about dogs, and the thing that can make house training much easier, is that dogs are instinctively very clean animals. Dogs would rather not soil the areas where they sleep and eat. In addition, dogs are very good at developing habits regarding where they like to urinate and defecate. For example, dogs that are used to eliminating on concrete or gravel will prefer to eliminate there rather than on grass or dirt. It is possible to use these natural canine habits when house training your dog. Setting up the training area The first step in house training your dog is to set up your training area. A small, confined space such as a bathroom, or part of a kitchen or garage, works best as a training area. This method of training differs from crate training. Crate training is great for puppies and small dogs, but many larger dogs find a crate too confining.

It is important for the owner to spend as much time in the training area with his or her dog as possible. It is important for the owner to play with the dog in the training area, and to let the dog eat and sleep in that area. The dog should be provided with a special bed in the training area, anything from a store bought bed to a large towel to a large box. At first, the dog may eliminate in this area, but once the dog has recognized it as his or her own space, he or she will be reluctant to soil it.

After the dog has gotten used to sleeping in the bed, the owner can move it around the house, relocating it from room to room. When you are not with your dog, the dog should be confined to the training area.

Setting up the toilet area The second part of house training is to set up the toilet area for the dog. It is important for the dog to have access to this place every time he or she needs to eliminate. It is also important for the owner to accompany the dog each time until he or she gets into the habit of eliminating in the toilet area. This will ensure that the dog uses only the established toilet area.

A set feeding schedule makes the house training process a lot easier for both the owner and the dog. Feeding the dog on a regular basis will also create a regular schedule for the dog's toilet habits. Once you know when your dog is likely to need to eliminate, it will be simple to guide the dog to the established toilet area.

Once the dog has established a toilet area and is using it on a regular basis, it is very important to not confine the dog without access to the toilet area for long periods of time. That is because if the dog is unable to hold it, he or she may be forced to eliminate in the training area. This habit can make house training much more difficult.

Continuing the house training process After the dog is consistently eliminating in the toilet area and not soiling the training area, it is time to extend that training area to the rest of the home. This process should be done slowly, starting with one room and slowly expanding to the rest of the house. The area should only be extended once you are sure of the dog's ability to control its bladder and bowels.

When you first expand the training area to a single room, let the dog eat, play and sleep in that room, but only when supervised. When it is not possible to supervise the dog, place it back in the original training area. Then, after the dog has accepted the room as an extension of the original training area, the area can be extended.

Speeding up the process If this process is too lengthy for your needs, it can be speeded up, but it is important to proceed cautiously. It is easier to take your time up front than to retrain a problem dog later. One way to successfully speed up house training is to praise and reward the dog each and every time it uses the established toilet area. It is also important not to punish the dog for mistakes. Punishment will only confuse the dog and slow down the house training process.

by Tony Robinson

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Why build your own snake or other reptile cage?

When I first started my interest in reptiles I was only young. At that stage of my life I had little or no skills and did not understand the requirements of the wonderful creatures so I did not keep them effectively. We just kept the local lizards, so the cage temperature was not an issue.

I rekindled my desire later in life but I also had mortgages, the cost of raising a family and the daily costs of living to contend with. A reptile was expensive enough, without adding the costs of retail cages and accessories. So I built my own. It saved me a lot of money.

You do need some basic tools but the money you save by making it yourself will allow you to purchase some of those tools that help make the cage. The remainder can go into accessories so that for the cost of a basic cage with nothing else you can make a cage, get some tools and the cage accessories and still have money left over. That's a big difference.

Many people have materials about the house. If you are going to make your own cages you can save even more money by using bits and pieces or timber you may already have, screws, old glass, hinges, light battens etc. that you already have in the basement or garage.

When upgrading one of my cages recently, I was able to reuse some of the materials and the fittings for use on the new cage. This saved me having to purchase new accessories and materials.

Another benefit is the ability to maintain your own cages. Many of the plastic or moulded cages cannot be fixed once they are broken. With a cage you made yourself you can usually fix broken locks or replace doors (I haven't had to do any of these yet as they are very sturdy).

When you build your own cages you decide how strong it will be and what quality of fitting, glues and materials you will be using. The higher the quality of materials and accessories you use, the better the final cage product. You are not at the mercy of manufacturers saving money by using inferior materials and poor quality fittings.

Another benefit is the ability to customise you cages to suit your purpose. One of my earliest cages was built as a normal cage but by placing a removable divider in the middle it allowed me to re-use the cage when I shipped one of the snakes out. This divider was fitted over the middle of a heat mat, allowing for two reptiles to be housed in the cage. It also had two doors. The cage is now used for another purpose but will soon be empty. The divider can still be placed back in the cage for another small snake and then simply removed as the snake gets larger. Tis snake will finally be moved into an arboreal cage. To purchase a plastic cage with divider that will only be a transient cage before the snake goes into a final cage is an expensive exercise.

If you do need to upgrade again, you have the time to build the final cage as the snake grows.

Making your own cages allows you to build and maintain your reptile cages in a cost effective manner while keeping them comfortable and healthy. You can also expand your collection in an affordable way, making more money available for the reptiles while still getting quality cages.

by Mark Chapple

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Keeping your dogs' fur healthy and looking great

Keeping a dog's fur healthy and looking great isn't as difficult as you think. It does take some work to keep it in good condition but it is definitely worth the effort. With a little extra work you can make your dog's coat shine but also protect his skin from disease.

Dietary changes you can try Your dog's skin and coat are linked to their diet and nutrition. Due to this, many skin conditions and coat problems can be treated through homeopathic dietary methods. Fatty acids are essential when trying to enhance your dog's hair coat condition and tissue repair. You can try the method of raw egg on their kibble, but nowadays you have several dog supplements available that can help you increase your dog's coat and skin health. Salmon Oil is an excellent source of fatty acids and oils that will benefit your dog's coat and also their arteries and immune system. Additionally you can find products that will enhance your dog's coat and help prevent shedding. Cod liver oil is an essential ingredient in this type of dog nutritional supplement as well as garlic, soybeans and crude proteins that help promote healthy skin and fur. To keep your dog�s coat glossy, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to your dog�s food. Safflower, canola, corn or soybean oils are options to consider.

Grooming your dog It is important that you bathe your dog every so often to keep the skin clean. However bathing your dog too often can cause problems to the skin, specifically robbing the dog's skin of essential oils. One bath a month, after the age of six months is good enough to keep a healthy look to the fur and skin. Veterinary dermatologists suggest bathing your dog at most once a week, but only if you are using specific shampoo designed for your dog. There are many different kinds of shampoo and conditioners that help keep the skin healthy, but some do other things as well. Many protect against flees, while some keep the fur shiny and strong. It is best to consult your veterinarian before starting any bathing. If your dog develops an itch or skin irritation it is most likely because you are bathing him or her too much and should reduce the amount of baths your are giving. Otherwise it is recommended that you keep your dog's fur clean and healthy.

Trimming your dog's fur is another way of keeping the skin and fur healthy and still looking great. In warmer climates a long coat can cause skin irritation and skin disease, as well as keep your dog's energy at a minimum due to extreme heat. Trimming the fur down a little bit will help keep the dog cool and help prevent skin irritation.

You can purchase any grooming supplies from your local pet store and same with the shampoo. Consulting your veterinarian is always important before purchasing anything. I hope this summary offers you a brief understanding of how and what you need to do to keep your dog's fur and skin in good condition.

by Cindy Frendo

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Safeguard Your Dog With Value Low Cost Dog Insurance Cover Online

They say the dog is mans best friend and for millions of pet owners this is true and if your beloved dog were to suffer an accident or needed treated at the vets it could run into hundreds of pounds.

While of course you would not hesitate when it came to getting your dog treatment, you can make life quicker by taking out dog insurance.

Sainsbury's has advised pet cover customers to assess whether the duration of their pet insurance cover product matches their needs. According to the pet insurance cover provider, many such deals are only valid for short periods of time, possibly leaving owners without policy after 12 months.

Their research found that 37% of dog insurance deals and 35 per cent of cat cover policies did not provide product for health conditions lasting longer than a year.

The report pointed out that as 30 per cent of claims may last longer than one year, a sizable proportion of pet owners could be facing financial difficulty if their insurance cover product is unsuitable.

While dog insurance would cover any treated for illness and accident it also covers a lot more, for instance if your dog were to be the cause of an accident, for instance if a car swerved to avoid hitting your dog and the car was damaged the cover would product the cost of repairs. Dog insurance cover would also product any legal costs and liability for damage caused by your dog.

What is actually covered in the cover can vary and so it is necessary to not only research online for the cheapest premiums for the insurance cover but also for the best possible deal. Using a specialist website will allow you to get several different quotes from some of the top UK Insurers and all quotes should come with the key facts of the cover attached.

There are many extras which you should look out for that can be included in a product and some of the best quotes for dog cover will payout for such as boarding fees, rewards to get your pet back if they are lost or stolen and even death benefit.

When looking for dog insurance the quickest way to get access to the marketplace and so find low cost deal is to go online with a specialist website. A specialist website will be able to find you some of the most competitive quotes which you can then look over at your leisure and they should include the key facts.

by Jason Hulott

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Simple Tips To A Successful Jack Russell Training

Some people go through a lot of frustration with Jack Russell training. Jack Russell dogs are known as intelligent working dogs but why do some people go through all this trouble. Maybe some are thinking that they got the wrong breed. Perhaps you haven’t thought that the problem is not with your dog but with you. Some dog owners do not realize that why they are having trouble with their Jack Russell training is because they do not have enough information as to how this training should be done.

Below are training tips to guide Jack Russell owners or those who are still thinking of getting a Jack Russell. Your Jack Russell’s behavior is in your hands so learn and watch your dog transform into a nicely trained dog.

• Early training Train your puppy as soon as he comes home for the first time. Breeders usually allow puppies to be taken home at eight weeks of age. You can start with the basic pet obedience training such as “sit”, “down”, “stay” and “come”.

Other more advanced formal training will follow because of their intelligence and the way they respond to challenges the training brings.

• Positive Reinforcement The use of positive reinforcement is a widely used method to train dogs. Praising a dog after he has performed a command will make him understand that he is rewarded because he has done something good.

Giving of food treats or toys usually motivates the dog to perform the command given to him. But you should know the difference between a reward and a bribe. Bribery, when it comes to dog training means that you are bribing the dog to perform a command. When this is often dog, he will later refuse to follow commands when he can not see the reward. In order not to bribe your dog, you should not let him see the treat before giving a command. Show and give the reward only when he has already complied with the command.

• Avoid punishment As much as possible, do not punish your dog if he has done something that you do not like. Just like for example when you discover pile of feces beside your new living room couch. Rubbing his nose in his mess will just confuse him. He might actually think that he is being punished because he did his business. To deal with this problem, simply ignore him every time he accidentally dropped his bomb in a wrong place. Your behavior will make him understand that what he did won’t get your attention and he will eventually stop doing it.

• Next Level Once you have accomplished the basic training, don’t just stop there. As what has been said, Jack Russell Terriers are highly intelligent and energetic dogs. It can even respond to agility training thus consistent and progressing training is encouraged.

You should have to treat your dog the way he should be treated. Do not think that he thinks and should act the same way as you do because your dog is not human. Dogs, though how intelligent, don’t see things the way humans do. Your patience is important. You should always remember that.

by Richard Cussons

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Choosing a Pet Gift this Holiday Season

We all know somebody who loves their pet (or pets) more than life itself, or know couples who treat their dogs like children. This Christmas season, why not help them pamper their pets with a pet gift?

However, you shouldn't just get a new can of tennis balls or a collar and call it good. With this handy little guide, you can find a unique pet gift that the pet owner would never have considered and may not have even realized they needed.

Pet gift ideas for bargain shoppers

Instead of running to PetSmart and picking up the first jeweled collar you see, think about any complaints you've heard your friends voice about their dogs to get ideas for pet gifts. Perhaps they complain that no matter how much they clean their pet, they just can't keep their dog from smelling like...well, a dog.

If that's the case, consider pet spa products. You can find a number of pet spa products online, like all-natural shampoos, spritzes, soaps and moisturizing paw rubs. If you're worried that a scented product would attract bugs or fleas, especially outside, look for ones that use citronella oil, which will repel bugs. You can even find dog gift sets that come with a selection of spa products, and they're usually pretty reasonable, between $30 and $50.

If your friends worry about keeping their dog's water unfrozen now that it's winter, look at getting a heated water bowl as a pet gift. You don't need to worry about it heating a dog's water to boiling, but it will keep it from freezing over every night, which will make life easier for both dog and owner. You can usually find them for about $35.

Pet gift ideas for mid-ranged shoppers

Do your friends or family members have pets that are older or sick? A great gift for these pets would be a heated bed, which you can find in a variety of types and sizes. Some are just heated pads with a cover, while others are thickly padded mats with a removable heating unit. Those are usually machine-washable as well, which will make them much easier to keep clean, an ideal trait in any pet gift.

These beds run between $50 and $80, depending on the kind of bed you want and how big of a bed you need for the dog.

Pet gift ideas for high-end shoppers

If money isn't really a concern of yours, then an insulated dog house is an excellent pet gift idea. Instead of putting a piece of plastic between a dog and the cold, they use the dog's body heat to keep the interior of the house about 30 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Some insulated houses even come with heating kits, so that the floor will be heated as well. These houses range between $125 and $220, more if you decide to get a heating kit with it.

Don't forget your friends' and family's furry companions this holiday season. Get them a fun and unique gift that will better life for both them and their pet.

by Chuck Yost

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Dog Biting - How To Ensure That Our Children Are Safe

Does your pet dog have a tendency to bite? It's an issue that if left alone, can become a critical one. Here are a few facts that may help you understand why your dog is biting, and a few tips on how you can help your dog overcome their habit.

First of all, it is important to understand why your dog bites. The main reason is the canine instinct that all dogs have. Long ago, before dogs became domestic animals, they were wild and ran around in packs. The reason they bite is because of their instinct to dominate. Biting is a way dogs are able to show their authority and dominance over other dogs in the pack. Because of this instinct, your dog is biting in order to establish dominance and control.

Here are a few tips on stopping biting if your dog is still a puppy. When puppies bite, there may be several reasons for this. The first is that your puppy may simply be teething, and wants something to chew on. Also puppies bite when they are unsure of their rank in the "family" pack, and start biting to try to show dominance. If this is the case, you will want to show your new puppy that you are the leader and the one in control. Obedience training is a must, and it will also set a solid foundation for other doggie behavior issues and will also start your relationship with your puppy off on the right foot.

If your dog is no longer a puppy, but is considered a "teenager" (this is usually dogs from 1 to 2 years old) the training becomes a little more difficult, but it is still possible to rid your dog of this habit. Once your puppy becomes an older puppy, their cute chewing and gnawing becomes "play biting," which is rougher than before. Though the nips may not break the skin or even hurt, it must be stopped because your dog is forming bad and possibly dangerous habits. By changing various aspects of the pup's life (such as where they sleep, what toys they may play with, what time they are fed), you are able to remind your dog that you are the one in charge, and this also shows them that you will not allow them to become the dominant figure in the household. Again, formal obedience training with a professional dog trainer will do wonders; it is definitely worth the time and cost you put into it.

Once a dog reaches adulthood, the biting routine is very difficult to crack. By that time, a dog has already established its domain as the leader of the pack, and assumes authority for everything in and on your property. If the dog feels a family member is out of line, they will bite. This can be corrected, but the only reliable way is to hire a professional dog trainer that can work with you and your dog to break this biting habit.

Breaking a dog of biting is difficult and time consuming, but it is necessary; otherwise, your dog will grow up biting more and more until it becomes a serious problem. It is best if you nip it in the bud and start teaching your dog not to bite from the soonest time possible. Good luck beating the biting!

by Melanie McVarney

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The Importance Of Dental Care For Your Pet

We all know that brushing and flossing is a must if we want to keep all our teeth in our old age. Of course we want to take good care of our teeth and mouths because we desire pearly white teeth that are aesthetically appealing. However, we realize the importance of dental hygiene; we need to take care of our teeth so we don't succumb to disease that could have been prevented by simply brushing and flossing multiple times each day.

So, what about our dogs? They have teeth too, and they need dental care just like us. Though they don't mind if their teeth aren't the perfect shade of white, they probably do care if their mouth is poorly taken care of and if they suffer later on in life as a result from lack of attention. Like humans, dogs can have plaque, cavities, gingivitis, and tartar. Though you can take your pet to the local groomer to get their teeth cleaned, you can do it at home. Here's how to take care of your pet's teeth easily and effectively.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease and inflammation is by daily brushing your dog's teeth. Of course, you will want to begin slowly and entice your dog with treats and praise to encourage him or her to allow you to brush their teeth. This takes time, and effort, but it is well worth it.

When you brush your dog's teeth, you will most likely want to use a finger toothbrush or a simple kid-sized toothbrush. These are gentle, yet they allow the tartar and plaque to loosen up on the teeth and be flushed out. Also, you will need to make sure you use special doggie toothpaste. You can either get this at your personal veterinary office or at your local pet supply store. When you apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush, be sure to get the paste deep into the brush; if it just sits on top it will quickly come off in your pet's mouth and be ineffective. Be sure to brush your dog's teeth at a 45-degree angle, because this helps ensure that every tooth gets properly cleaned, and this makes it more comfortable for you as well.

Other ways that you can help your pet remain in good oral health is to feed them dry food instead of wet food. The crunchy chow works to gently scrub teeth as the food is chewed. Also, there are many, many special treat products available that claim to help clean teeth; though these do help, they certainly are not as effective as actually brushing each day. Chew toys are another way to help keep up good dental health. Chew toys with rubber prongs or ones that are textured certainly help gently rub off plaque from the teeth and are good choices for your pet's oral health.

Just like humans, dental health is important to dogs. Dogs can suffer from periodontal disease, gingivitis, tartar and plaque. There are doggie toothbrushes, toothpaste, chew toys, food, and treats that help keep your pet's mouth happy and healthy. Help your dog, and keep their mouth and teeth squeaky clean!

About the Author

Ronny Sikes is a contributing writer for Pet-Super-Store.com a site featuring various training supplies such as bark collars, electric dog fence and dog training collars.

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Neurological Diseases Of A Jack Russell Dog

You might always think that your Jack Russell dog is an example of a healthy, playful and energetic dog. But you should not always think that way. You might not be aware that he is already infected with any of the various neurologic diseases.

You need to find out these diseases before it finds your dog. Let's start first with ataxia. Cerebellar ataxia is described as a muscle or limb disorder that can lead to coordination and balance problem. Awkward movement is often seen in dogs with this disease. In severe case, dogs will have a hard time maintaining balance and, and worst, a dog will not be able to walk or stand.

Another disease that affects your Jack Russell Terrier's nervous system is epilepsy. Canine epilepsy may seem surprising to some but it do exist. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. This is an inherited disease and is often times diagnosed by a veterinarian through physical and neurological exam. Tests such as blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, bile tests and thyroid function tests help veterinarian determine seizures and its causes.

Hydrocephalus! Another surprising fact, isn't it? Hydrocephalus affects not just humans but animals as well. Hydrocephalus is a condition wherein the brain accumulates too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This condition occurs when there is a barrier along the fluid pathway preventing the fluid from being absorbed. Hydrocephalus causes seizures, incoordination, abnormal behavior and blindness.

Deafness is another disease that affects a Jack Russell dog. Deafness in dogs is the result of the degeneration of the nerves within the ear. Some dogs are only partially deaf thus unnoticeable to owners while some suffers from severe loss of hearing. Dogs with this disease should be taught hand signals to prevent them from injuries and danger since they may not always hear commands or other signs of danger.

One more disease is myelodysplasia. This disease is a malformation of the spinal cord because of the irregular pre-natal development of the neural tube. This neural tube later becomes the spinal cord. This disease is diagnosed through x-rays and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. But there is always one reason to be thankful even if your JRT has myelodysplasia. This disease is not a progressive disease, meaning it does not get worse.

Though some of these neurologic diseases may not get worse compared to others, it is always important to visit your veterinarian once a sign is being exhibited. Immediate and proper medical attention is needed to help prevent these diseases from progressing and harming your dog's life.

About the Author

Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Discover more about Jack Russell Terriers at this site dedicated to Jack Russell dogs.

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The Illustrious Cashmere dog bed

Do you know what cashmere is? Well the cashmere is among the items that are considered to be a luxury item. Much use the cashmere on the creation of scarves, turban, pillow case and many more, but do you know where the cashmere came from?

Like the fleece, Cashmere fiber is a fiber obtained from the Cashmere goat and is also known as Pashmina. The name derives from an archaic spelling of Kashmir. It is sometimes incorrectly applied to any extremely soft wool regardless of origin. Cashmere is characterized by its luxuriously soft fibers. In order for a natural goat fiber to be considered Cashmere, it must be under 18.5 micrometers in diameter and be at least 3.175 centimeters long. It is noted as providing natural light-weight insulation without bulk. Fibers are highly adaptable and are easily constructed into fine or thick yarns, and light to heavy-weight fabrics.

But other than pillow cases or scarves, cashmere can also be seen on dog beds called a Cashmere dog bed, and this was the idea of a couple that decided to put their entrepreneurial spirit to the test when six months prior, one night - after noticing that every cashmere item of theirs they left around the house attracted their beloved little dogs, DALI & JEZEBELL, like magnets - it dawned on them, what if we made Cashmere dog bed.

Six months later, here they are, bringing their love, passion and talent to life - a Cashmere dog bed at home, one that DALI and JEZEBELL won't leave, and Friends of Cashmere dog beds available for all dogs. The Friends of Cashmere dog bed is dedicated to DALI & JEZEBELL, our Inspiration.

The Friends of Cashmere dog bed excels in selling different kinds of Cashmere dog bed such as the "Windsor Castle Royal" royal blue with heather piping Cashmere dog bed, "The Classic" black with heather grey piping Cashmere dog bed, "The Scottish Inn" hunter green with beige piping Cashmere dog bed, "The Gramercy Park" chocolate brown with banana piping Cashmere dog bed, "Chateau Marmont Pooch" red with baby pink piping Cashmere dog bed, "Modonna Inn" pink with baby pink piping Cashmere dog bed, "The Little Fall Inn" charcoal heather grey with light heather grey piping Cashmere dog bed, "Polo Lounge Paw", heather grey with charcoal grey piping Cashmere dog bed, "Furberry Friends Inn" beige with chocolate brown piping Cashmere dog bed and many more Cashmere dog bed. For more information regarding Friends of Cashmere’s Cashmere dog bed then visit www.friendsofcashmere.com.

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How Healthy and Safe Is Your Dogs Food?

Content: This article seeks to give you a solid knowledge base regarding the healthiness and safety of yor dog's food, no matter what your previous experiences on the topic.

With the issue of the healthiness and wellbeing of your dog's food inside the last 12 months, the question still stands. How healthy is your dog's food?

The other issue with dog food is will your dog eat it and will they get tried of eating the same food every day through out their life. I know of numerous dog owners that did just that, fed their dog the same food through out the dog's adult life until the dog has been eating the same food for over ten years. Then marvel why their dog stops eating their food and start eating table scrappes.

Many world-renowned Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Published "Dog Care Experts" universally allow any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much serious threat of failing prematurely and by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's regularly too late to stop an agonizing death excluding by lethal shot.

We hope that you have gained a clear grasp if the subject matter presented in the first half of this article.

World-Renowned vet and dog care novelist Alfred Plechner, says the meager nutritional politeties of commercial dog food inevitably advance to disease.

Raw Ingredients vs. Cooked Ingredients: People who supply their dogs raw food diets feel that nature planned for animals food vs. cooking human food. That all of the nutrients are still active in cooked food providing healthy meals for animals.

People who consider in supplying their dogs raw food feel that no additives are wanted and that their animals are receiving all of the nutrients they oblige. They feel that the commercial food companies use additives to enhance the palatability of their food effectively "addicting" a dog to it.

Commercial food advocates say that additives such as omega 3 and 6 greasy acids are central to the dog"s health system, while raw food is gone some central vitamins and minerals.

It is little things, such as this that may aid you in your search. So, sit down and decide which avenue would be best for you to take for your dog.

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A dog insurance is the best gift for your pet

Imagine coming home after a hectic day at work and being greeted by wagging tail, sloppy licks and enthusiastic yelps. Yes, having a four legged friend at home can really make all the difference to your world. No matter how tired you may be feeling, a welcoming bark can really lift your sagging spirit like nothing else can. A dog is indeed man's best friend and the sense of loyalty and undisguised love that it displays is sure to drive away any doubt that you may have felt about keeping a dog as a pet. However, unlike a kid that will grow up sooner or later, a dog will always remain that baby which is forever dependent on you for its very existence. It will eat when you give it food, go out for a walk when you decide to take it, be pampered when you feel like it or perhaps be whacked when you are in an irritable mood.

Considering all these facts, it goes without saying that all pet owners would indeed give their right arm for their pet's welfare. However, how many of us have actually considered getting dog insurance for our beloved companions? Just like we would think about insuring our lives or our precious assets like property, it is only natural that our precious pet should also have a dog insurance. Contrary to popular belief, dog insurance is not just insuring the life of a pet, but also the very well being of your devoted pet. A reputed company offering dog insurance will definitely offer a huge variety of plans that should incorporate your pets every need. Dog insurance from a reliable company should cover not only expensive medical treatment but also the regular check ups at the veterinary clinic.

Dog insurance can cover any kind of expense related to your pet, including cost of regular vaccinations and medication. Veterinary care can be an expensive process and a lack of funds should not come in the way of owners providing the best care for their pets. Also, as pet owners we know that medical science has made much improvement in the field of veterinary medicine and many diseases which were earlier believed to be incurable, now can easily be treated with the right medication and treatment. However, some of these treatments are really expensive and can place the owner in a financial crunch if no funds are kept aside for such contingencies. Dog insurance can indeed be a boon in circumstances such as these, where the very life of the pet depends on the expensive treatment and medication.

Dog insurance from a reputed company can also provide for some unusual situations wherein you may have to bear an expense on behalf of a pet. An example would be a scenario where your pet is lost and you need to bring out an advertisement announcing your pet's details and perhaps a reward for its return. The pet insurance company can also be liable to pay for such expenses if the plan that you have chosen, covers such circumstances. Many pet insurance companies offering dog insurance, cat insurance and other pet insurance also have their online websites, wherein as an owner, you can simply fill up a form and get a free quote for the various plans.

About the Author

Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about pet insurance,Pet insurance Online, Dog insurance, Cat insurance you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net

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Contracted heels and horse lameness causes

One of the biggest problems with horses and lameness is the condition of long toes. This condition results when the toe of the hoof is not trimmed back. When this happens the length of the toe grows forward which then pulls the heels forward as well. The hoof stretch forward causes the heels of the hoof to squeeze inward hence the contracted heel. Contraction is a narrowing while the heels moving forward with the toe is called sheered heels. None of these conditions are desirable and all can lead to lameness. Some of the greatest concern lies in the stresses on the navicular bones and deep flexor tendon. There are proper methods to repair the hoof to its correct and natural state thereby reducing the lameness. Horseshoeing is a very detailed involved and complicated craft and when not performed correctly will lead to lameness. You simply don't want that to happen. Check in the author bio where you can find out the hows to prevent lameness, you won't be sorry. thank you

About the Author

john silveira , San Mateo Ca. Native resident graduated from what's considered the worlds greatest horseshoeing school has gone on to discover the truths about shoeing not taught in the textbooks and schools. to date has a 100% track record "not one single lame horse" find out how at http://Farrieritis.Care4Horses.com

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Disasters of pigeon toed horses

Good Day , after Thanksgiving. Here is a quick way to discover if your horse is at risk of lameness due to having pigeon toes. There is a missconception as to exactly what pigeon toes actually are. Your horse can have feet that point straight ahead which is considered textbook perfect conformation yet still be pigeon toed. Here's how to find out the truth. 1. Stand directly in front of your horse. 2. Look at your horses knees - take careful consideration of where the knees point. Do they point straight ahead or do they point out to the side. There's a 98% chance the knees point outward. 3. slide your glance down the leg to the feet, pay close attention to where the feet are pointing - not look back up to the knees , then back down to the feet, do this several times until you find out the relationship between where the knee points to where the feet point. 4. The chance is 98% or greater your horses feet point inward while the knees point outward. You have established undeniably the horse is pigeon toed, even if the feet point straight ahead. At 98% this is a very prevelant problem with horses in too many cases leading to lameness and many times permanent lameness. The problem now is the "Correction" so your horse won't become lame. Industry standards teach methods that make matters worse - you don't want to rely on that. simply find out the truth by going to the website links listed in the Author Bio. You may also recieve consultation personally there at no cost. Free. thank you

About the Author

John Silveira born and currently residing in San Mateo California Graduated from what's considered the worlds best horseshoeing school went on to discover for himself the hidden truths about shoeing not taught in the horseshoeing schools and textbooks. To date has a 17 year 100% track record "Not one Single Lame Horse" due to the breakthrough method he uses. Find out more at http://Farrieritis.Care4Horses.com

by John Silveira

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What's In Your Pets Food?

This is a report which talks about the concerns on the ingredients in our pet’s food. It expresses that the very preservatives that are banned from our food are placed in the food our pets eat daily. This report is informative as well as shocking. The product provides many things that one can do to improve the life of their pets. Foods they can give them to keep them healthy. As pet owners it is not often that we think about what the companies put in the food that our pets eat day after day. And though the food companies are supposed to insure the animal’s safety short cuts here are also used. Though this can happen with most companies, people don’t notice with things they don’t eat themselves. This site also provides alternatives to feeding your pets these processed dog foods. They give recipes for snack foods, dinners; party snacks that you can make at home that are healthy for your animals. They provide secrets about the process the food goes through that the companies don’t want you to know. It gives symptoms and lists some diseases your dog or cat can be endanger of getting form Food poisoning or eating the products. Overall this site is informative and gives you information that you wouldn’t normally look up. As a resource this site can be quite valuable. It opens your eyes up to new possibilities and ways to protect the love of your life. The book is very affordable and can be downloaded on PDF instantly as well as printed out for safe keeping. Overall it is a great thing to have and the snacks are a wonderful addition to your collection. Changing you pets diet can increase their lives for eight years or better. So check into it and help your animal life a longer and healthier life. Information on Pet Food click here
by Mark James

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Pet Insurance & Public Liability – Are You Safe From A Personal Injury Compensation Claim?

Are you one of the million of Britons famous the world over for being a pet owner and lover? If so, do you have pet insurance? If not, you may well want to read on if you want to save yourself millions of pounds….

Let’s look at two, not uncommon, scenarios that may happen to a pet owner in the UK:

Scenario 1:

You own a dog. The dog is out in the garden. The post comes to the house to deliver a letter. In the course of delivering the letter your dog bites the postman.

Scenario 2:

You own a horse. The horse is grazing in the field. The horse is startled, jumps the hedge and crashes into an oncoming car.

Do you know what would happen in both of these scenarios? Well, if you don’t already know, as you may recall from the recent famous case involving Princess Anne, in Scenario 1 you could be liable to pay damages under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Less well known, in Scenario 2 you could be liable to pay damages under a recent House of Lords interpretation to the Animal Act 1971. Either way, you’re paying.

How can you limit the liability you’ll suffer if either of these unfortunate events where to occur? Without some form of pet insurance policy you could not. As such, if you have a pet and want to save yourself from the prospect of having to pay out a potentially large amount of money in compensation damages to a third party – now is the time that you should be considering getting pet insurance.

Although pet insurance is unlikely to cover you for the full costs you that you may need to pay to both defend your self against a claim and also pay compensation if you lose, as there is likely to be a minimum excess payment and maximum cap payment, for a reasonable annual premium payment you can arrange to have cover that would pay a large portion of this amount.

At the end of the day, however, having pet insurance is like having any other type if insurance. Would you go out n the roads and drive your car without insuring yourself against an accident? Would you leave all your valuables at home without having any home contents insurance? Do you want to take the chance that you could be used for million in personal injury compensation without having paid a minimal amount in pet insurance?

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Rescue A Life By Taking A Stray Dog In

Giving home to a homeless is among the most noble things, a man is capable of doing. A stray dog who scavenges to eat and lives at the crumbs thrown by others is not a pretty sight for most of us, and that's the reason why most of us have entertained the thought of bringing a stray dog home at some point of time in our lives.

However, most of the time we did not act upon the thought because we thought it would be too difficult to train a grown up stray dog for these two reasons-- his being grown up and his being a stray dog. We were wrong on both counts. Old dogs are not less capable of learning than puppies and can learn even faster having seen a lot of life already.

Stray dogs are hard working as they have spent a large part of their lives struggling for food and life. They are grateful for the security and nourishment you provide and are ready to show that it was all worth it.

There are, however, a few things that you must do before taking a stray dog as a pet. Take the dog to the vet and have him examine it, for contagious diseases are a big risk in the strays though there is nothing much to worry about, as they can be easily treated.

Once you are through with the medical examination of the pet, it is time to train him a little because having spent most of his life scavenging, he would still try to find food in the dustbin. Gently tell him “No” if that doesn't work, say a firm “No!”

That should work. After telling him not to look for food in the dustbin take him to his meal bowl, put some food in it and let him eat so that he gets the message as to where he would find food in the house.

Make them associate right. For instance, if he is being punished, he should be able to associate it with the fault. You come back home and find your pillow chewed upon, the dog gets punished. He'll chew it again and would hide when you come back. He fears punishment but has not been able to associate it with the mistake. He associates it with your coming back home and not with his chewing the pillow. Show him the pillow, tell him not to do it again and if he does it again, punish.

It may be a little difficult at first but the dog would eventually learn "to learn." No matter how bothersome be the initial roadblocks, nothing diminishes the satisfaction of having a saved a creature from a life of torture, misery and endless struggle.

By: Javier

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Exercising With Your Dog

One of the greatest benefits of having pet dog is that it makes you exercise even when you have no such intention. Even if you do the least with your dog, you'll still be walking it in the morning or in the evening, which is a morning or evening walk for you as well. That's a hidden benefit of having a pet dog.

Dogs make excellent exercise companions because they naturally enjoy being physically active. So, you can make them a part of your exercise program, especially if you exercise outdoors because the presence of an animal with a resounding bark and sharp teeth is an effective deterrent to those lurking wrongdoers. Besides of course dogs make exercising a pleasurable activity. When you indulge in a physical activity, dogs tend to take active part in it and serve as great workout buddies. They are very effective stress busters and induce simplicity in life.

You may start running with your dog, but make sure that he run alongside you and does not cross your path or else he would end up hurting you unintentionally. For this you need to train the dog. Start jogging carefully with him and make him understand that when you are running you intend to run forth in straight line and have no intentions to leap and play.

You may also bike alongside you dog. He would definitely run along but ensure that he doesn't start chasing. He needs to understand that you are not playing catch-me-if-you-can.

Among the most popular dog exercises is throwing the ball and asking him to get it back to you. If you do it sitting and make the dog do most of the work, you'll keep him active but make yourself inactive. So, when you throw the ball move yourself and then throw. This will make the dog bring ball to you at a different location in the yard every time. This not only keep you active but also makes the activity more pleasurable for both of you.

Being active with your dog is indeed a very rewarding experience. It takes the psychological burden of exercising off one's brain and makes one workout rather effortlessly.

By: Javier

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Training Dogs: How To Raise A Pet Dog?

Bringing a dog home is just the beginning of the process of converting a predominantly wild animal into a pet. Dogs came from wolves and all dogs therefore carry a little bit of wolf in them. They are quite docile and can easily be turned into a faithful and dependable pet but that needs a little bit of patience and a considerable amount of tact.

The first thing you must do after bringing a little pet home is to take it to a vet for a thorough check up. If he has any health complication, it could be detected early and treated forthwith. Second comes an anti-rabies inoculation to keep him protected against rabies and all those who accidentally get a scratch from his teeth. Besides the fact of course that the stray intruder who might get to sample a dog bite for accidentally or deliberately being where he or she is not supposed to be!

Once these two things are taken care of, a pet owner must find as to what has been the dog's particular lifestyle-- whether he is an active kind or a simple, docile one; whether he needs to exercise strenuously or can do with an occasional walk. It is important because dogs are quite sensitive to abrupt sea changes in their lifestyles and may not take well to it. So, be a bit careful about it.

Three things you must ensure on daily basis that the dog gets optimum amount of nutritious foods, gets to drink fresh and clean water and exercises. If your dog is the one with long hair, he needs regular baths to keep himself clean and disease free.

Then comes training. An untrained dog can really be a bad pet. You must be careful while training that you teach him the right commands to obey without being too harsh on him. At the same time one must not be too light, for that could make the dog take training less seriously than he should.

Dogs learn to obey easily and they are easy to train because of their natural urge to please the owner. Be affectionate to your dog at all the times, for nothing works better than strenuous training mixed with a little bit of love. That's the magic potion that fails almost never.

By : Javier

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Get rid of puppies “Behavior Problem”

The first thing you should understand about alleged “behavior problems” is that they are rarely a problem for the dog. Chances are pretty good that he enjoys digging up your garden, tilting over the trash, jumping on you, chasing any cat or un-stuffing the couch.

Problem correction, like command training, has an expected sequence of steps you must follow to be successful:

Prevent Unwanted Practice

Before you could attempt to any changes make sure that you are not creating another problem. If you don’t give the dog what he requires, a proper diet, plenty of exercise and daily dealings or if you give him more than what he can actually handle, crate him for long hours, constantly excite him or may be frighten him frequently, he would not be able to give you his best.

Now prevent the accidents until you and your dog are actually prepared. Crating, closing doors, moving the cat box or bowl, or may be keeping him on lead with you are just a few ways to minimize mischief. When you leave, lock him safely.

Teach Better

Always give your dog a way to succeed, a way to earn rewards. With behavior problems, ask your self “What behavior we want?”

Often “sit” is a normal option. A dog who is sitting cannot be jumping up, stealing food from the kids counter tops etc... One of the best ways to address a surplus behavior is to just spend several days working on the desired alternative until your dog would do it quickly and more reliably by clearly directing him to the desired behavior, he quickly learns how to earn approval and rewards.

Practice

Behavior problems can not be willed away. It doesn’t really help to think about crating him or to think setting up a training situation. Do it. We’ve seen people resolve similar difficult canine problems for which we held out little hope of recovery. It has achieved through pure diligence and pure commitment. Not every problem has a solution, but most they do and that solution is 100% dependent on you. Take the time and create a minor miracle.

By: Anbhu Selvan

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Dog Training For Kids At Home

Little kids are particularly fond of dogs and dogs too like running around children. Dogs really take very good care of kids and are quite protective about them. However, if you have a kid, there are several important factors that you must consider before deciding to bring a pup home.

Learn about various breeds and their primary traits. Choose the dog breed that is known to be of easy temperament and training friendly. Besides, the breed the individual traits also matter. For instance, Dobermans are not supposed to be the children's friend yet some of them have been found to be extremely friendly with kids and are very tolerant of their rashness. In a few instances dogs of certain gentle breeds turn out to be short tempered and highly irritable. The best way to find out whether a pup will grow into an angry dog or an affectionate one is to have a look at his mother or grown up siblings.

Never forget that the puppy might be much smaller than your kid but would grow much faster than him. One thing that you must make your little ones understand that a pup is not a toy and cannot be handled the way they like. The child, therefore, must give a gentle treatment to the dog and mend his pushing, pulling and twisting ways.

Kids have the habit of putting everything in their mouths and once they get a dog they try to put all of it in his mouth. Teach him not to, for the dog might not like it that much, besides the kid might also hurt himself or herself doing it. And, no tailpulling.

The child must also be encouraged to train the dog himself or herself so that they grow up together and the dog understands your child's commands fully well. Do not allow your child to walk the dog unless you or some other elder is around because dogs often get distracted by sounds and may go berserk in excitement. This might hurt the child though the dog himself would feel very sorry for having hurt the little one. Dogs are very sensitive creatures and can feel human pain. If you are in pain they just might end up crying literally.

By: Javier

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Human Dog Affinity: Dogs Read Humans Like A Book

Risking the anger of cat lovers, I daresay that there is no other animal that has been able to establish as close a relationship with human beings as dogs. The question that lingers in many minds is "having descended from wolves which are known for their ferocity" how a dog can be a man's friend.

It is not inconceivable that earlier in the history of human evolution the wolves must not only have vied for prey with humans but must have also been quite comfortable gorging upon human flesh. How did this very conceivable enmity turn into such close affinity?

It is a known fact that dogs are very docile, unless of course they have been trained to fight or hunt. So, is it really true that dogs are the most compatible human companions. One Mr. Brian Hare of Harvard University performed an experiment some time back wherein he found that no animal is as sensitive to social cues from human beings as a dog. As per his study, even chimpanzees who are supposed to be closest to human being in the chain of evolution are not as sensitive as dogs. This is what, that makes them best suited to live in human company and respond well to human surroundings.

To test his basic hypothesis Dr Hare put two inverted cups before a dog and a chimpanzee and then put a small piece of food under one of them without letting the animals see. The job for the animals was to pick the right cup. Without any cue, both of them were right nearly 50% of the time. Then it was signaled to them as to which one was the right cup. The signal could be pointing, tapping or just looking at it. The dog was right every time while the chimpanzee did not improve much.

The inference drawn was simple that the Chimpanzees can not understand social signals of this kind while the dogs read them like a book. Perhaps, that's where the reason for a better human-dog understanding lies. They can take the cue soundlessly. If someone understands someone so well, it is natural for them to build a lasting connection.

By: Javier

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Chow Chow: A Tough Defender

Bred about 2100 years back in Mongolia, the Chow Chow makes a great companion and an excellent watchdog. It’s a medium size dog which has thick fur coat and appears as a living, growling teddy bear. These dogs are normally solid black in color but also come in shades of brown and red. Unlike other dogs, they have black tongues and black noses, and even the inside of their mouths is black.

To look at, the Chow Chow is cute, cuddly dog but has a lordly attitude, which is why it is considered to be a tough and mean dog, which is true in part. Some of them are grouchy and downright mean, while many are playful and indifferent. They are, in general, aloof and haughty.

One thing that stands apart is the Chow Chow’s fierce loyalty towards its owners. They are tough defenders and would defend their families to the last of their breath. This is what makes them great watchdogs. Put him on and not a fly could pass.

Any unknown person is not allowed near any of his things, and if you mess with it, you’ll have some part of your body in his mouth in a jiffy.

They are quite choosy when it comes to bonding. So, a Chow Chow would find a person of his choice in the family and would obey him or her at all the times. Not that he is intolerant of others. He can bear them but obedience comes for a price. If anyone else wants him to obey, he could offer a treat, after which obedience might be considered.

However, that doesn’t mean that even the outsiders can bribe the dog. This offer of treat-for-obedience is valid only with respect to the family members, and any outsider trying it may get a bite-treatment from the dog. This also means that if you want your neighbor to come and watch the house while the dog is in, the dog would ignore the fellow and do whatever it likes though it is unlikely that he would harm the person.

In other words, you can sit and watch, but do not command, as your commands will fall on a deaf Chow Chow’s ear and will be ignored altogether.

They need strong human masters, for they are themselves quite strong willed, and needs to be told that the man is the boss. So you need to be affectionate and firm consistently and your Chow Chow will grow into an obedient, good boy.

By: Javier

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Pet Grooming Is Important

My dog Tyke is a Border Collie. Border Collies have a "double coat" consisting of an outer or "guard" coat and an undercoat. Although they should only be given a bath when needed, it's necessary to have them groomed regularly to keep their coat shiny, smooth and healthy, especially during their winter and summer shedding periods. And yes, as Tyke has two coats, I need two different rakes to groom him!

I like grooming Tyke, not only because spending that extra quality time together strengthens my bond with him, but also because I may discover developing health problems like a tumor sooner rather than later.

Regular grooming is alas often overlooked as an important and necessary aspect of pet ownership that should not be ignored.

You may decide that it's better to take your pet to a professional who is sure to do it right. A professional groomer will be sensitive to you and your pet's needs; they are interested in gaining you and your pet's trust. But because pet grooming is so important, it's vital that you teach your dog to tolerate it as soon as you take her home so the experience can remain safe and stress free for her.

On the other hand, you may want to start a grooming business yourself. Pet grooming is an alternative pet business opportunity that is widely popular today, as more and more pet owners spend a lot of money to pamper their pets. Dog grooming experience can be gained through apprenticeship, therefore it is wise to spend at least one year gaining experience from a well respected groomer. Anyone interested in becoming a pet groomer should do online research to find out the right steps to take.

Apparently, a new trend that is highly likely to make you successful is opting for door-to-door, mobile pet grooming. Mobile grooming will succeed anywhere pet grooming is needed: you can install all the equipment that you need inside a van, and you simply drive to people's homes. They don't need to spend the time or do the effort to drive back and forth, and you don't need to pay the rent for an office. A perfect win-win situation.

Rewarding though it is, catering to personable, caring people who desire this service, keep in mind that pet grooming is very physical work and requires patience and a strong desire to learn.

Always remember though, running a pet grooming business successfully is about building trust between you and the pet as well as its owner: that can only happen if you care about pets as much as you care about people.

By: Myriam De Clercq

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8 Tips to Help Prevent "Pica": A Dog Compulsive Disorder

With some dogs, meals aren't the only source of oral intake they have. Wool and other fibers, non-digestible plant material, rubber, plastic, wood, and even their own hair are just some of the things a dog may choose to ingest. This problem - the drive to consume material that is not generally considered food – is called “pica” and is what animal behaviorists call a compulsive disorder.

In a human, a compulsive disorder may be repetitive, such as frequent hand washing or pulling one's hair out. In dogs, these disorders can include excessive licking and spinning in circles. Compulsive disorders are repetitive, nonfunctional, nonbeneficial behaviors. Although the exact cause of compulsive disorders is unknown, animal behaviorists feel that they are often caused by stress brought on by environmental conflicts such as competition with other pets, changes in the home, constant punishment, or confinement to small areas such as cages or crates.

Lack of socialization or too much attention, as well as a nutritional imbalance, may bring about a compulsive behavior as well. A dog with a compulsive disorder loses control over his ability to initiate and stop these negative, repetitive actions. Often the compulsive behaviors are oral in nature, causing the dog to eat things he shouldn't.

Controlling Your Dog's Disorder

1. The first step in treating a compulsive disorder is to identify the cause and eliminate it. For example, if your dog is crated for a large portion of the day, allow him outside the confined space to help get him on the road to recovery.

2. Don't reinforce the behavior by paying attention to him while he is engaged in it. Providing good quality time on a set schedule is preferable and more effective than petting, stroking, or verbally consoling your dog in the midst of repetitive activity.

3. Do not reinforce the behavior by punishing your dog for the compulsive behavior or for other inappropriate activities. It may make the problem worse.

4. Spray household objects your dog likes to chew with cayenne pepper, essential oils in citrus, cinnamon, or eucalyptus scents, spray deodorant, or perfume that is not your own.

5. Spray favorite chewables with a pet repellent to deter your dog from sticking non-food objects in his mouth.

6. Keep dangerous objects such as yarn or string out of your dog's reach to prevent him from chewing and swallowing them.

7. If your dog is chewing his hair, he may have an allergy. Discuss the problem with your veterinarian before embarking on a behavior modification program.

8. As a last resort to solve a compulsive eating disorder, discuss drug therapy with your veterinarian. Drugs that increase serotonin levels, like Prozac and some antidepressants are used for treating compulsive disorders, including compulsive eating.

Compulsive disorders are not just a problem for adults; dogs can suffer from them as well. If your dog suffers from “pica,” or the drive to consume nonfood material, then following the steps outlined above will help you and your dog deal with this problem. If you are unsure whether your dog suffers from “pica,” or simply need help in dealing with this compulsive disorder, then you should consult with your veterinarian.

By: Dan Irwin

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Dog Diseases: A Quick Guide To Fight The Early Symptoms

Like all the domestic animals, dogs are susceptible to many diseases. So in order to keep them healthy, it is necessary to understand the various diseases they can suffer from. Here is your quick guide on common dog diseases:

Rabies: This disease is caused due to a virus which affects the central nervous system of the dog. It generally spreads through the saliva. Rabies has several stages. In the first stage, there appears some behavior changes in your dog. As it reaches the second stage, the dog becomes very aggressive and by the third stage the body parts of the dog stop coordinating with each other. Once encountered the disease, there remains no cure.

Distempter: This is considered as the biggest threat to the whole population of the dog species. The symptoms are heavy nasal discharge, congestion in the chest, weight loss, coughing, gunky eyes and diarrhea. As the disease reaches its later stages, it has a direct effect on the nervous system of the dog causing paralysis. It is a contagious disease and the virus can be encountered by the air. Even by coming in contact with the excretion of the infected dog, the healthy dog can get afflicted. Once the dog is infected, then there is no cure for the disease. This deadly disease can be prevented by giving a proper vaccination to the dog.

Bloat: It is a serious disorder in a dog, wherein there occurs a twisting in the stomach of the animal. It generally occurs due to over eating. If the dog appears restless and depressed with dry heaves, then you must treat him for bloat.

Parvovirus: This virus is a fast killer as the symptoms can be seen in the dogs within hours of the virus attack, even killing the dog within 48-72 hours. It is a contagious disease and directly attacks the intestinal tract of the dog's digestive system. The effect of the virus can also be seen on the heart of the dog. The symptoms include depression, severe form of diarrhea, vomiting and also loss of appetite. In this disease the color of the feacel matter changes and often have blood stains.

Canine Viral Hepatitis: This disease directly targets the kidney, the liver and the blood vessels of the dog. The symptoms include loss in appetite, intense thirst, vomiting and hemorrhages. The virus of the disease spreads through the faecel matter of the other dogs. The dogs can be prevented from this disease by administering them with the vaccination.

Kennel Cough: This is the most common respiratory disease among the dogs, wherein a typical kind of cough can be seen in the dogs. If given proper treatment, the disorder can be mended.

Leptospirosis: It is a bacterial disease. It spreads through the excretion of the animals. If human beings any how come in contact with this virus, they can also be infected. There is not one but several species of bacterias that produce this disease in dogs. The common symptoms of this disease are kidney inflammation, lethargy, conjuctivita, low grade fever and even sometimes clotting of blood. If the disease is more chronic the symptoms can be jaundice, pneumonia and intestinal inflammation.

Retinal Dysplasia: It is a disorder where there is an abnormal development of the retina. There occurs folds in the outer layers of the retina. It is the most common type of disease that is present in most of the breeds of dogs. A minor form of dysplasia causes minor vision problems, whereas an acute one can lead to total blindness in dogs. Cataract is also accompanied by this disorder.

Lyme Disease: It is a bacterial disease that is spread by ticks. The dog suffers from joint pains, loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Tetracycline, an antibiotic is used for the treatment of this disease.

It is thus important to detect early symptoms of these diseases in your pet dogs and meet your vet as soon as possible. This will not only keep your dog healthy but will also keep it away from any of the life threatening diseases.

By: Javier

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Hunting Dog Breeds: Not as Fierce as They Seem

Hunting dogs, as their name suggests, are simply those dogs that have been bred – and trained – to assist human hunters in their activities. Originally, these dogs were responsible, at least partially, for bringing home the meat for the family’s dinner and, without them, the job of hunting was much more difficult. The dogs assist the human hunter to scent and track, retrieve, flush, point or even chase down game. The skills developed will be specific to each breed, depending on the type of game that the dog has been trained to hunt, and the hunting style used with that particular type of game. Hunting dogs love to be outdoors and work with their owners. They usually become noticeably excited and active when they notice that preparations for the hunt are getting under way.

Since each breed of hunting dog has unique skills and attributes, we shall look at each general type of hunting dog separately. It is important to remember that hunting dogs are not aggressive by nature and are actually some of the best natured and calm mannered of all the breeds of dogs.

Hounds

Hounds, used as hunting dogs, can be subdivided into two types: scent or sight hunting dogs. They are used to hunt many types of mammals such as raccoons, coyotes, and other larger mammals. As you might imagine, sight hounds hunt by visual contact with the game. They are very fast and tend to be relatively smaller than scent hounds - although this does not mean that all of the breeds of sight hunting hounds are small dogs. Sight hounds include:

· Whippets
· Greyhounds
· Rhodesian Ridgebacks
· Saluki
· Afghan hound
· Basenji
· Irish Wolfhound

Scent hounds tend to be heavier-set, deeper-chested hunting dogs that excel for their endurance rather than their speed. Their voices tend to be deep and baying and in this way hunters can follow them to where they have treed or cornered the game. Scent hounds include:

· Bloodhounds
· Bassets
· Beagles
· Coonhounds (all varieties)
· Foxhounds
· Scottish Deerhound

Some hounds are versatile and can track using both sight and scent.

Water Dogs

The name “water dogs” is the original name for a large group of hunting dog breeds that are now often referred to as gun dogs. These dogs were bred to go into the water and retrieve or bring back game, to flush and point, and to show where waterfowl may be located on the shore areas in rushes and weeds. Some of them are also used for on-land game bird shooting, a type of hunting in which setters and pointers have become specialized. These dog breeds are very patient and will wait, without moving, for long periods of time until they are finally told to do so by the hunter. They are also used to swimming great distances into the water and back to retrieve a duck or goose without damaging the bird or even piercing the skin with their teeth.

Dog breeds included in the group of gun or water dogs are:

· Retrievers – Labradors, Golden, Chesapeake Bay
· Spaniels – English, Cocker, Water, Brittany
· Setters – English, Irish, Gordon
· Pointers – Pudelpointer, German Short Haired, English

It is interesting to note that the standard Poodle is an excellent gun and hunting dog, although nowadays it is rarely used as a hunting dog anymore.

Terriers

Terriers are a group of hunting dogs, mostly developed during the industrial revolution, in the United Kingdom and Europe, to kill the vermin in houses, factories and farms. These small- to medium-sized dogs are energetic, lively and very independent. These dogs are a little different, in that they are actually trained to kill their prey, unlike the hounds or water dogs listed above. For that reason they tend to be a bit more aggressive towards other animals if not socialized properly. The most common terrier breeds include:

· Jack Russell
· Cairn
· West Highland White
· Skye
· Boston
· Yorkshire
· Fox
· Airedale
· Scottish

However, there are many other types of terriers, all with unique coat colors and characteristics.

If you are looking for a hunting dog, you need to bear in mind, first, exactly which breed is best suited to your requirements. As a hunter, be sure to research each breed and talk to dog owners to find which will most closely match your needs. However, remember that you needn’t be a hunter to own one of these dogs – hunting dogs can make excellent, good-natured companions. If that is the case, simply make sure that the breed you choose fits in with your present – and projected lifestyle.

By: abtlang

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Everything You Need To Know About Heart Failure In Dogs

Heart failure in dogs occur when any kind of heart disease becomes so severe that a dog's heart is unable to circulate enough blood to meet all the needs of his body tissues. As a result of associated blood-pressure abnormalities, fluid may begin to pool in some of his tissues, and the blood supply decreases to those body tissues that are furthest away from the heart.

What can cause heart failure?

Any form of heart disease can cause this condition. A dog may be born with a defect that leads on to heart failure - such as a hole in the heart or a major blood vessel positioned wrongly - but in most cases heart failure is associated with an underlying heart disease that is not present at birth. These diseases include the following:

* Long-term disease of the major internal heart valves, making the valves ineffective as seals.
* Diseases of the heart muscle.
* An infestation of heartworms.
* Diseases of the tissues that surround the heart, leading to a build-up of fluid.
* Electrical disorders of the heart, affecting its beat rhythm and rate.
* Bacterial infections of the interior lining of the heart.
* Tumors of the heart.

Heart failure is obviously a very serious; life-threatening condition. For instance, heart-valve disorders are most common in middle-aged and older dogs, and in toy, miniature arid small breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, chihuahua, cocker spaniel, poodle and Yorkshire terrier. Heart-muscle disorders most commonly affect the boxer, cocker spaniel and doberman pinscher, as well as giant breeds, especially the Great Dane, Irish wolfhound, St Bernard and Newfoundland.

Early stages of heart failure: In the earliest stages of heart failure a dog may not show any symptoms, because changes that occur in his body will help to compensate for his failing heart. However, heart disease may still be detectable by a vet at an early stage. As the condition progresses, the dog will begin to exhibit symptoms. At first, this may only happen when his heart is under stress, such as on exercise, but later on his quality of life will deteriorate as he develops symptoms that are obvious on mild exercise or even at rest. Typical symptoms are mainly due to the build-up of fluid in the lungs and/or abdomen, to an increase in the size of the heart as it tries to compensate for its own failure, and to the inefficient pumping of blood around the body.

They may include the following: Exhaustion on exercise, Coughing, An increased breathing rate, Abdominal swelling, Weakness and lethargy, Cold extremities, Pale gums, Fainting, Weightloss, Reluctance to eat, and last but not least, Depression.

Author: John Edwards

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Is Your Dog Too Fat?

As the American public has become infatuated with their televisions, and in more recent years with their computers, the problem of obesity has increased dramatically. Most of us do not exercise on a regular basis, especially as we age, and tend instead to lead rather passive lives.

A direct result of this lack of human activity is a corresponding obesity problem with our dog population. If a dog's owner is exercise adverse, then the chances are that his dog will not exercise to the optimal degree. When combined with the bad feeding habits that are imposed on many dogs by their owners, the result is that an estimated 25% to 30% of all dogs in the United States are obese.

And with obesity comes a whole host of potential medical problems for the canine population. These include orthopedic and skeletal problems, diabetes, heart and lung disease, reproductive dysfunction, amongst many others. They are also more prone to injury. Once any of these obesity-related conditions is recognized, a cycle of medical (and often surgical) treatments often arises.

In many cases the diagnosis is made too late in the game, after significant and in many instances irreversible physiological damage has already taken its toll on the dog's body.

We will be discussing these medical problems as well as how to deal with an obese dog in a later article. We will also touch on how to keep a healthy dog from becoming obese.

But for now we want to focus on how a dog owner can tell whether his pet is overweight (or underweight for that matter, as the latter has its corresponding medical issues as well). While the fact is that some dogs are obviously overweight even to the most undiscerning eye, many dog owners really have no idea that their canine friend is obese. The way they learn of their dog's weight problem is from their veterinarian.

However there are some general guidelines and testing methods that can help a dog owner evaluate whether their pet's weight is ideal. The most common test was developed by a researcher with Purina, who created a scale that dog owners can use to evaluate their dog's weight.

Basically it involves the owner making a physical assessment of his dog, to determine which of the 9 grades his pet fits into. The lower the grade, the thinner the dog, as follows:

1. Emaciated: The dog's hips, ribs and other bones protrude and can be seen from afar. There is very little muscle or body fat present.

2. Very Thin: The dog's bones are visible, but more muscle and body fat are also seen.

3. Thin: The ribs and the top of the dog's spine may be visible, and his pelvic bones are prominent. A waist and tuck-up are evident. (A dog's 'waist', as viewed from above, is an indentation between where the ribs end and the hips begin. 'Tuck-up' is the area on the dog's body behind the rib cage and in front of the hind legs, as viewed from the side).

4. Underweight: Exhibits some fat on the ribs and has a visible waist and abdominal tuck-up.

5. Ideal: The dog's ribs can be felt easily, and show a thin layer of fat. A waist and tuck-up are obvious but not excessive. 6. Overweight: The ribs show noticeable fat, while a waist and tuck-up are visible without being prominent.

7. Heavy: Here, the dog's ribs are covered with a heavy layer of fat, while fat deposits show at the base of the tail and along the spine. No waist is easily seen.

8. Obese: The ribs are completely covered by a fat layer, and large deposits of fat show at the tail's base and along the spine. No waist or tuck-up are present.

9. Morbid: Evidenced by excessive fat deposits in the area of the chest, along the spine, and around the base of the tail. No waist or tuck-up are visible, the dog's stomach protrudes, and there are fatty deposits along the neck and the legs.

So the closer the dog's evaluation is to Ideal (Level 5), where there is a thin layer of fat over the ribs, the better. Conversely, the farther the dog is from Level 5, in either direction, the more in need of a thorough medical examination he is.

Besides the 9 Level test, a dog owner should take notice of some behavioral indications that his dog may be obese, including whether he seems reluctant to exercise, has difficulty getting up after he is lying down, or gets tired easily when he does exercise. If your dog exhibits any of these characteristics, or your analysis of his body weight utilizing the 9 Levels system above shows his weight as not being ideal, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for your dog to have a complete physical examination.

About the Author

Michael Rupkalvis manages the TakeCareofYourPet website. The website features a new product called Hope for Pets dog nutrition, the best nutritional supplement on the market to aid in optimizing your dog's health and longevity.

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How Buying the Right Dogs Toys Can Help to Boost Their Intelligence

Giving your dog the right kind of toys to play with can produce many benefits for both them and you.

There is a common misconception that dogs’ toys are only designed to help relieve their boredom, but this is not their only use.

Dogs toys in general are excellent for relieving their boredom and particularly good where you may find yourself having to leave your dog on it's own at certain times, but, for your dogs sake, there are plenty of reasons why you should think about buying your dog some toys.

Several toys for dogs are designed to boost their intelligence. For example, the kind that they will only get rewarded for after they have successfully completed certain tasks.

These toys can be a very effective method of training your dog, as it’s seen as being fun for your dog as well as a means to teaching them.

There are some toys on the market that can help your dog to understand what they can and cannot chew and in buying these you can save yourself a lot of expense by not having to replace costly household items that may be damaged by your pet dog chewing them.

Toys that help your dog strengthen and keep their teeth clean and toys that help teach your dog with retrieval training, both have their purpose.

What you ideally need to decide, before buying the toys, is what you want the toys for. It is also a good idea to take into account the kind of personality your dog has to enable you to get the right sort of toys for their temperament and level of intelligence.

Some dogs’ toys are only designed to last a short time, after which they are to be replaced by new alternative ones, and these replacement ones can often be the chewing kind.

Some toys that are designed to be chewed are flavoured so you may need to check what ingredients they have used for the flavouring or you might end up buying a toy for your dog that they are allergic to.

These flavoured toys have occasionally some or many preservatives in them, so beware, and read the ingredients label carefully before buying them.

With the market for dogs’ toys being so vast these days there is bound to be plenty of choice for your dog to help keep their lives entertained and happy.

Buying the right kind of toys for your dog has got to be in your, and ultimately your dogs, best interest.

Author: Paul Alexander

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