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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