"How do you stop a dog from eating poop" has been pondered worldwide by many aghast dog owners. Not all dogs will indulge in this activity, however there are still several that will. For the ones that do, however, it is a behaviour that puzzles and mystifies dog trainers and veterinarians around the globe. Take it from someone who has witnessed it first hand, this is not something you should have to see.
There are many theories as to what causes this unusual behaviour in dogs.
The carnivorous/scavenging instinct
Some hypothesize that coprophagia is caused by a powerful natural instinct. When carnivores kill, they eat the carcass, which includes the digestive tract, which includes the poop.
Boredom or stress
A deficiency of human affection, and mental and physical stimulation, is cited by many as a cause for coprophagia. The dog will eat the poop because there is really nothing else for her to do.
Improperly housetrained dogs
In an attempt to escape punishment for pooping in the house, some postulate that dogs will eat it before their owners see it.
Nursing mothers
Some nursing mothers will eat their puppies' poop as a way of keeping the "den" clean, and to conceal evidence of the existence of their puppies from predators. Poop eating is quite ordinary with puppies who are seen to emulate the behavior of their mother.
The "leave it" command
This can be helpful when you are in the yard with her, when you take her for a walk, or if she decides to poop on your new leather car seats.
Positive reinforcement
If you see your dog attempting to eat her own poop, stop her in the act, and reward her with treats and praise. It is essential to duplicate this reinforcement on a regular basis.
Bring your creative side out
You can also experiment by adding natural deterrents, such as canned pumpkin or pineapple, to your dog's meals. She will likely eat the deterrents, however their presence in the poop makes it unpalatable.
Use of products
If nothing seems to be working, you may wish to regard the possibility of buying certain products which, when mixed with her food, make her poop smell and taste very bad.
By : Maxie - Maxie Jewell has been around dogs her entire life. Through her extensive interactions with professional dog trainers and veterinarians, she has acquired a vast wealth of knowledge about learning how to stop dog problems. Her hope is that she can impart her wisdom and knowledge to other dog owners and dog enthusiasts around the world.
http://www.howtostopdogproblems.com/how-to-stop-dog-pooping-in-the-house
Showing posts with label puppy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label puppy. Show all posts
21 Dec 2010
Yorkshire Terriers: Small But Mighty
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they are commonly called, are very small dogs that do not seem to realize that they are small. They are very brave, always up for an adventure, and they are almost always full of energy. You will be hard pressed to find a small dog that has more spunk and attitude than a Yorkie has.
The average dog in this breed weighs a mere 7 pounds and is around 7 inches tall from the floor to their shoulders. They have very petite bodies, and are very susceptible to injury. This makes this dog a bad match for families with small children.
The Yorkie has long, straight flowing hair in various different colors. Because of this, it is important to have them bathed, groomed, and cut more often than other breeds. If the hair becomes too long in the front, the dog will have a hard time seeing, and may begin to have eye problems due to infections caused by hair in their eyes.
Yorkshire Terriers are very effective and make great companions as long as they understand, and except, that their human owner is the alpha of the pack. If they are not trained in this manner, then they will be suspicious of other people, as well as other animals, and may begin to show aggressive tendencies. It is very important, with this breed of dog, for the owner to be in charge of every situation, which will allow the dog to feel secure and part of the pack. In this way, they will not act out and they will be well behaved pets.
These dogs are fairly easy to train as long as the alpha status is immediately established, but they can be very unruly and stubborn at times. To prevent this, the owner must be in control, but must also give the dog the space that it needs in order to learn and explore on their own.
If the Yorkie begins to feel alone, abused, or in need of constant human attention, they can display mood swings, jumpiness, and even aggression. Once again, these types of dogs demand positive attention, but they also have to have some personal space.
The Yorkie is a perfect companion for older children and adults because they are so loyal and active, but are not a good match for younger children because they are so fragile. They also require a lot of attention when it comes to cleaning and grooming them, and since they are so small, they have a hard time adapting to severe weather changes. Before you purchase a Yorkshire Terrier be sure that you have the correct temperament, and that you have the patience to deal with them. They are very demanding and needy dogs at times, and if that need is not met by their owners, they can become dogs with behavioral problems.
By : Kathleen Chester : Puppy Match 4 You offers you best Yorkshire Terrier puppies that would be a wonderful addition to your family. Visit Puppymatch4you.com for more information.
The average dog in this breed weighs a mere 7 pounds and is around 7 inches tall from the floor to their shoulders. They have very petite bodies, and are very susceptible to injury. This makes this dog a bad match for families with small children.
The Yorkie has long, straight flowing hair in various different colors. Because of this, it is important to have them bathed, groomed, and cut more often than other breeds. If the hair becomes too long in the front, the dog will have a hard time seeing, and may begin to have eye problems due to infections caused by hair in their eyes.
Yorkshire Terriers are very effective and make great companions as long as they understand, and except, that their human owner is the alpha of the pack. If they are not trained in this manner, then they will be suspicious of other people, as well as other animals, and may begin to show aggressive tendencies. It is very important, with this breed of dog, for the owner to be in charge of every situation, which will allow the dog to feel secure and part of the pack. In this way, they will not act out and they will be well behaved pets.
These dogs are fairly easy to train as long as the alpha status is immediately established, but they can be very unruly and stubborn at times. To prevent this, the owner must be in control, but must also give the dog the space that it needs in order to learn and explore on their own.
If the Yorkie begins to feel alone, abused, or in need of constant human attention, they can display mood swings, jumpiness, and even aggression. Once again, these types of dogs demand positive attention, but they also have to have some personal space.
The Yorkie is a perfect companion for older children and adults because they are so loyal and active, but are not a good match for younger children because they are so fragile. They also require a lot of attention when it comes to cleaning and grooming them, and since they are so small, they have a hard time adapting to severe weather changes. Before you purchase a Yorkshire Terrier be sure that you have the correct temperament, and that you have the patience to deal with them. They are very demanding and needy dogs at times, and if that need is not met by their owners, they can become dogs with behavioral problems.
By : Kathleen Chester : Puppy Match 4 You offers you best Yorkshire Terrier puppies that would be a wonderful addition to your family. Visit Puppymatch4you.com for more information.
10 Oct 2009
Pit Bull Puppy Potty Training: 7 Important Things To Watch
Potty training your Pit Bull puppy the right way takes time and a lot of patience. Many different things come in to play as you are going through the housebreaking process.
If you’ve been trying to housebreak your new Pit Bull terrier pup but have been having major problems, then this article is for you. It is very possible that you have missed some of the more important points when it comes to puppy potty training.
To help you out, I’ve created the following list. Take a minute to read it and see if you spot some things you may not be doing correctly.
1. Are you writing down your dog’s potty habits so that you can easily spot trends and correct them?
2. Is the entire family on the same page when it comes to training routine? Consistent repetition is vital to the potty training process, if you’re missing this element you’re destined to fail!
3. Are you going outside with your puppy to confirm that he is going potty when he’s in the yard?
4. Are you using a crate or gate to confine your Pit Bull pup when you can’t keep an eye on him?
5. Are you giving your little pup full run of the house?
6. Do you have unrealistic expectations of your Pit puppy and then harshly scold him when he messes in the house?
7. Do you keep your puppy’s feeding times and portions the same every single day? It is important to be consistent and don’t give him extras such as treats, etc.
As you can see, there are many areas which are easy to make errors in and a new dog owner must be very careful not to skip over any of these steps when trying to housetrain their new puppy.
By: Tim Amherst To learn all about Pitbull puppies and training a Pitbull terrier, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.
If you’ve been trying to housebreak your new Pit Bull terrier pup but have been having major problems, then this article is for you. It is very possible that you have missed some of the more important points when it comes to puppy potty training.
To help you out, I’ve created the following list. Take a minute to read it and see if you spot some things you may not be doing correctly.
1. Are you writing down your dog’s potty habits so that you can easily spot trends and correct them?
2. Is the entire family on the same page when it comes to training routine? Consistent repetition is vital to the potty training process, if you’re missing this element you’re destined to fail!
3. Are you going outside with your puppy to confirm that he is going potty when he’s in the yard?
4. Are you using a crate or gate to confine your Pit Bull pup when you can’t keep an eye on him?
5. Are you giving your little pup full run of the house?
6. Do you have unrealistic expectations of your Pit puppy and then harshly scold him when he messes in the house?
7. Do you keep your puppy’s feeding times and portions the same every single day? It is important to be consistent and don’t give him extras such as treats, etc.
As you can see, there are many areas which are easy to make errors in and a new dog owner must be very careful not to skip over any of these steps when trying to housetrain their new puppy.
By: Tim Amherst To learn all about Pitbull puppies and training a Pitbull terrier, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.
5 Oct 2009
Quick Ways To Teach Your Puppy To Climb Stairs And To Accept The Collar
Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting time for the entire family. Getting that new puppy off the right start with proper training is very important to making that puppy a valued member of his human family. There are a number of talents that every new puppy must master, including going up and down the stairs, and how to accept a new collar as if she’s worn it her entire life.
It is best to introduce a new puppy to the household when everyone in the family is present, and when the household is as calm as possible. That is why animal care experts discourage parents from giving puppies and kittens as holiday presents.
The holiday season is typically much too busy, with far too many distractions, for a young puppy or kitten to get the attention it needs. It is best to wait until the holidays have passed before introducing the new family member.
Once the puppy is part of the household, there are some things he or she will need to learn. One of the first challenges of a multi-story home will be learning to climb up and down the stair. Many puppies are afraid of stairs, and that usually means that they do not know how to climb them properly.
It is important for the puppy’s owner to slowly build the confidence of the dog, starting off at the bottom of the stairs. In general, a wide stairway will probably be less frightening to the puppy.
To build confidence, the owner should go up the first step, then encourage the puppy to join them, using their voice, treats or a toy. After the puppy has joined you on the first stair, go back down and repeat the process until the puppy will go up that step on his own. It is important to build confidence slowly and not rush the process. Taking a one step at a time approach is the best way to teach the puppy to not be afraid of stairs.
Another thing every new puppy must learn is how to accept the collar. Learning to wear a collar is important to every dog, but many puppies are baffled, frightened and bewildered by this new piece of equipment. Many puppies constantly try to remove their new collar by pawing and pulling at it.
Fit is important when choosing a collar for your new puppy. A properly fitted collar, chosen for your puppy’s size, is more likely to be comfortable and accepted. While choke collars, slip collars and training collars can be good training aids, they should never be used as a substitute for a sturdy buckle type collar. And of course that collar should have an identification tag and license attached. This identification will be vital in having your puppy returned if she becomes separated from you.
The best way to introduce the puppy to the collar is to simply put the collar on and allow her to squirm, jump, roll and paw at the color to her heart’s content. It is important to not encourage this behavior by trying to soothe the puppy, but it is just as important not to punish or reprimand the puppy.
The best strategy is to simply ignore the puppy and them her work through her issues with the collar on her own. Introducing distractions, such as food, toys or playing, is a good way to get the puppy used to the color. Getting the puppy to play, eat and drink while wearing the collar is a great way to get her used to it. After a few days, most puppies will not even know they are wearing a collar.
by : Jonathan Cheong at http://www.absolute-dog-training.com
It is best to introduce a new puppy to the household when everyone in the family is present, and when the household is as calm as possible. That is why animal care experts discourage parents from giving puppies and kittens as holiday presents.
The holiday season is typically much too busy, with far too many distractions, for a young puppy or kitten to get the attention it needs. It is best to wait until the holidays have passed before introducing the new family member.
Once the puppy is part of the household, there are some things he or she will need to learn. One of the first challenges of a multi-story home will be learning to climb up and down the stair. Many puppies are afraid of stairs, and that usually means that they do not know how to climb them properly.
It is important for the puppy’s owner to slowly build the confidence of the dog, starting off at the bottom of the stairs. In general, a wide stairway will probably be less frightening to the puppy.
To build confidence, the owner should go up the first step, then encourage the puppy to join them, using their voice, treats or a toy. After the puppy has joined you on the first stair, go back down and repeat the process until the puppy will go up that step on his own. It is important to build confidence slowly and not rush the process. Taking a one step at a time approach is the best way to teach the puppy to not be afraid of stairs.
Another thing every new puppy must learn is how to accept the collar. Learning to wear a collar is important to every dog, but many puppies are baffled, frightened and bewildered by this new piece of equipment. Many puppies constantly try to remove their new collar by pawing and pulling at it.
Fit is important when choosing a collar for your new puppy. A properly fitted collar, chosen for your puppy’s size, is more likely to be comfortable and accepted. While choke collars, slip collars and training collars can be good training aids, they should never be used as a substitute for a sturdy buckle type collar. And of course that collar should have an identification tag and license attached. This identification will be vital in having your puppy returned if she becomes separated from you.
The best way to introduce the puppy to the collar is to simply put the collar on and allow her to squirm, jump, roll and paw at the color to her heart’s content. It is important to not encourage this behavior by trying to soothe the puppy, but it is just as important not to punish or reprimand the puppy.
The best strategy is to simply ignore the puppy and them her work through her issues with the collar on her own. Introducing distractions, such as food, toys or playing, is a good way to get the puppy used to the color. Getting the puppy to play, eat and drink while wearing the collar is a great way to get her used to it. After a few days, most puppies will not even know they are wearing a collar.
by : Jonathan Cheong at http://www.absolute-dog-training.com
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Training
Puppy Agility Training
You may be asking, "When can I start agility training with my new puppy?" Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fenced yard, puppies will learn and develop behaviors that later we may want or need to extinguish.
One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is "Table" or "Box". This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. But more than that, the table is the center and control point of our puppy training. We introduce pups and older dogs to the table set at a 12 inch height. If you have a very small pup you could use an 8 inch table, but even with bigger dogs we use the 12 inch table and not higher. To begin, lure pup up on a low pause table, treat him for getting on the table. Once the pup is comfortable getting up on the table, then lure the pup up to a sit. You can also lure to a down.
Next you want to work on distance to the table. If you have a person to help you you can use a white target plate on the table, take the pup and step back from the table about 3 feet. Have your helper make a noise to get the pup's attention, and place a treat on the table. Release your pup to, "Go table." The pup gets his reward only when getting up on the table. If you don't have a helper, than place your treat in a covered container that will be recognized as a treat box for your pup. Leave the treat container on the table, step away from the table about 3 feet, face the table and say, "Go Table".
If your pup is very young, you can hold him as you lift him off the table and move away from the table. If your pup is too big for you to hold then use a flatbuckle collar and light dragline for your pup.
Now introduce your jumps to your pup. But you are not going to use the jump bars yet. First you want your pup to go through or between the jump uprights. Set a jump about 4 feet away from your table. Take your pup to the other side of the jump. So you are lined up pup, jump, then table. You want to get your pups attention to the treat on the table, either with a helper or a treat container, release your pup to the table, "Go Table". Let the pup run ahead of you, but go meet him at the table so that he can get his treat, praise him then offer him another treat for sitting on the table.
Progress with adding one extra jump at a time. Spacing the jumps about 3 feet apart. You are developing a jump chute that will lead the pup to the table. Remember your goal is to build the command, "Go" and "Table". You are also teaching the pup to move out ahead of you, working away from you and getting comfortable working around tables and jumps. Your pup is getting familiar running through the jump uprights, but you are not focusing on having your pup jump.
With all your puppy training, have fun with your pup. Use all your puppies motivators, praise, toys, and food. It is up to you to be more interesting to your pup than all the other distractions out in the yard.
By : Brad Carlson is a dog trainer at Agility by Carlson. For more training details, visit his website at http://www.carlson-agility.com
One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is "Table" or "Box". This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. But more than that, the table is the center and control point of our puppy training. We introduce pups and older dogs to the table set at a 12 inch height. If you have a very small pup you could use an 8 inch table, but even with bigger dogs we use the 12 inch table and not higher. To begin, lure pup up on a low pause table, treat him for getting on the table. Once the pup is comfortable getting up on the table, then lure the pup up to a sit. You can also lure to a down.
Next you want to work on distance to the table. If you have a person to help you you can use a white target plate on the table, take the pup and step back from the table about 3 feet. Have your helper make a noise to get the pup's attention, and place a treat on the table. Release your pup to, "Go table." The pup gets his reward only when getting up on the table. If you don't have a helper, than place your treat in a covered container that will be recognized as a treat box for your pup. Leave the treat container on the table, step away from the table about 3 feet, face the table and say, "Go Table".
If your pup is very young, you can hold him as you lift him off the table and move away from the table. If your pup is too big for you to hold then use a flatbuckle collar and light dragline for your pup.
Now introduce your jumps to your pup. But you are not going to use the jump bars yet. First you want your pup to go through or between the jump uprights. Set a jump about 4 feet away from your table. Take your pup to the other side of the jump. So you are lined up pup, jump, then table. You want to get your pups attention to the treat on the table, either with a helper or a treat container, release your pup to the table, "Go Table". Let the pup run ahead of you, but go meet him at the table so that he can get his treat, praise him then offer him another treat for sitting on the table.
Progress with adding one extra jump at a time. Spacing the jumps about 3 feet apart. You are developing a jump chute that will lead the pup to the table. Remember your goal is to build the command, "Go" and "Table". You are also teaching the pup to move out ahead of you, working away from you and getting comfortable working around tables and jumps. Your pup is getting familiar running through the jump uprights, but you are not focusing on having your pup jump.
With all your puppy training, have fun with your pup. Use all your puppies motivators, praise, toys, and food. It is up to you to be more interesting to your pup than all the other distractions out in the yard.
By : Brad Carlson is a dog trainer at Agility by Carlson. For more training details, visit his website at http://www.carlson-agility.com
4 Sept 2009
Tips In Naming Your Puppies.
So, you finally deiced to get a puppy. You spent so many hours talking to dog breeders and surfed the Internet countless times to have the perfect puppy for you and your family. You went from doghouses to doghouses, to dog associations, to animal societies, looking and meeting puppies until you have found the right one.
Question is: Now what? Your puppy needs a name!
Throughout his lifetime, you will use the dog's name over 35,000 times. So, make sure that you choose a name that you and your family will use to refer to that loving dog of yours.
Here are some tips in finding the perfect name for your puppy.
Remember that dogs understand brief commands. Names should therefore be easy to remember. Names with two syllables or lesser work well. Don't expect that your dog would be able to respond to you immediately when you named him "John Dewey McArthur".
The name of your puppy should not sound like the rest of the commands. For example, do not call your dog "Stacy". It's too close with the command "stay". Having a name like that will only confuse the dog.
Remember that you will be using the dog's name in public. Remember the joke circulating in emails when someone has a dog named "Sex" and gotten the dog owner into trouble? "Boner" might be funny for your drinking buddies, but may have a different reaction when you are in a veterinarian clinic or at a park.
Ask your kids what they want to name the dog. Let them participate in name decision process. If they want to name the dog "Champ" or "Tootsie” so be it. Reserve your funky names when in front of other people.
You may believe that it would be an honor for your Uncle Tom or best friend Bobby if the dog is named after them. Maybe naming your baby after them might honor them, but naming your puppy after them won't.
If you decided to bring home a dog that is quite older, it would be probably better to stick with its old name. But, what if the name of the dog is "Barney", the name of your-ex whom you had a bitter breakup? Then, stick with other sounds similar to it.
Once you've picked a name, see if it works out. You will know if that works. If not, then there are tons of dog names available to replace it.
With these tips, naming your puppy would be fun.
Author : Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/
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Question is: Now what? Your puppy needs a name!
Throughout his lifetime, you will use the dog's name over 35,000 times. So, make sure that you choose a name that you and your family will use to refer to that loving dog of yours.
Here are some tips in finding the perfect name for your puppy.
Remember that dogs understand brief commands. Names should therefore be easy to remember. Names with two syllables or lesser work well. Don't expect that your dog would be able to respond to you immediately when you named him "John Dewey McArthur".
The name of your puppy should not sound like the rest of the commands. For example, do not call your dog "Stacy". It's too close with the command "stay". Having a name like that will only confuse the dog.
Remember that you will be using the dog's name in public. Remember the joke circulating in emails when someone has a dog named "Sex" and gotten the dog owner into trouble? "Boner" might be funny for your drinking buddies, but may have a different reaction when you are in a veterinarian clinic or at a park.
Ask your kids what they want to name the dog. Let them participate in name decision process. If they want to name the dog "Champ" or "Tootsie” so be it. Reserve your funky names when in front of other people.
You may believe that it would be an honor for your Uncle Tom or best friend Bobby if the dog is named after them. Maybe naming your baby after them might honor them, but naming your puppy after them won't.
If you decided to bring home a dog that is quite older, it would be probably better to stick with its old name. But, what if the name of the dog is "Barney", the name of your-ex whom you had a bitter breakup? Then, stick with other sounds similar to it.
Once you've picked a name, see if it works out. You will know if that works. If not, then there are tons of dog names available to replace it.
With these tips, naming your puppy would be fun.
Author : Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/
25 Aug 2009
Small Dogs Require Extra Care During The Holiday Season
The Holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. To keep it that way for everyone, people with small dogs should take some common-sense precautions. Especially now, when tiny dogs are increasingly popular, families need to stay aware of their special needs.
Most people know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs. But other Holiday favorites can also pose hazards, including: turkey, pork, onions, even raisins and grapes. Other foods may simply be too spicy or rich for the dog’s digestive system to handle. While a single raisin or grape may not seem like much, it could be a toxic meal to a four-pound dog.
With holiday decorations coming out of their boxes, keep an eye on that little dog. It may be fun to play “chase the tinsel” with your Chihuahua, but if she swallows some when you’re not paying attention, the consequences could be dire. That ornament may look a lot like your little dog’s favorite ball. Poinsettias and many other plants, including lilies, are poisonous to dogs.
Small dog owners also need to pay attention to their little pets when company arrives. Even the best-socialized little dog may feel threatened and defensive in a crowd. Just think of how the room looks to your shin-height dog when your Holiday Party is in full swing! The obstacle course of potentially damaging feet is intimidating, to say the least! Toddlers who move erratically or grab tails may be frightening to a tiny dog. Small children and dogs of any size should not be left alone together.
Pay attention to your small dog’s location. Dogs can slip outside with the constant opening and closing of doors. Some can climb onto counters and tables. They can even disappear under a pile of coats! The most tragic tale we’ve heard is of a small dog, taking advantage of a warm, cozy visitor’s bed, was killed when a folding bed was put away for the day. Small dogs don’t make much of a lump under the covers and the owners just didn’t see him. Very sad, and very easy to avoid – just find the dog before you move the furniture.
Paying attention is the key to a happy and safe holiday season for the entire family – including your toy dog.
Author : Hope Saidel is the co-owner of http://www.GollyGear.com, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club.
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Most people know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs. But other Holiday favorites can also pose hazards, including: turkey, pork, onions, even raisins and grapes. Other foods may simply be too spicy or rich for the dog’s digestive system to handle. While a single raisin or grape may not seem like much, it could be a toxic meal to a four-pound dog.
With holiday decorations coming out of their boxes, keep an eye on that little dog. It may be fun to play “chase the tinsel” with your Chihuahua, but if she swallows some when you’re not paying attention, the consequences could be dire. That ornament may look a lot like your little dog’s favorite ball. Poinsettias and many other plants, including lilies, are poisonous to dogs.
Small dog owners also need to pay attention to their little pets when company arrives. Even the best-socialized little dog may feel threatened and defensive in a crowd. Just think of how the room looks to your shin-height dog when your Holiday Party is in full swing! The obstacle course of potentially damaging feet is intimidating, to say the least! Toddlers who move erratically or grab tails may be frightening to a tiny dog. Small children and dogs of any size should not be left alone together.
Pay attention to your small dog’s location. Dogs can slip outside with the constant opening and closing of doors. Some can climb onto counters and tables. They can even disappear under a pile of coats! The most tragic tale we’ve heard is of a small dog, taking advantage of a warm, cozy visitor’s bed, was killed when a folding bed was put away for the day. Small dogs don’t make much of a lump under the covers and the owners just didn’t see him. Very sad, and very easy to avoid – just find the dog before you move the furniture.
Paying attention is the key to a happy and safe holiday season for the entire family – including your toy dog.
Author : Hope Saidel is the co-owner of http://www.GollyGear.com, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club.
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11 Jun 2009
Puppy Training - Analyzing Animal Behavior
When training your pets, you may notice that different dogs behave differently, and they may respond in various ways to your training methods. The right thing to do, is to observe their behavior and be tolerant if they make mistakes during training. As a good trainer, you should never try to instill fear into your pet. Over time, the dog will learn to fear the owner, and tends to run away when the owner arrives. As a pet owner, you want the pup to be closer to you. With fear, the distance between you can your pet will drift further apart.
About The Author:
For more Puppy training tips, please visit puppy training website.
In other words, as you train your dog, you need to aware of the inner world of your pet. That is where behavior analysis comes in. In the beginning, you may not know what the behavior means. What you can do, however, is to pay attention and take note of the behavior. You can always consult other pet owners or a professional specialist later on if you still can't figure out why your pet is behaving in a certain manner. Below is a list of commonly seen behavior.
1) Barking unnecessarily.
Barking is the only way a pup knows how to attract attention. For sure, you know that the pup needs some attention. Your job, is to figure out why your pet is barking unnecessarily. There are many reasons that may account for the excessive barking. For instance, it may be suffering from separation anxiety and all it needs is some company. It may be left in the crate for too long, and it's getting bored. Or it may be suffering from some health issues. Don't just scold or cane the dog just because it's barking. That is jumping to conclusions. Investigate first to find out the cause. Punishment is usually unnecessary.
2) Damaging home furniture.
In many ways, dogs behave like children. They sometimes have a short attention span, and need things to keep themselves occupied. This is especially true for puppies. If they are left alone with nothing to play with, they will run around the house and start nibbling at your furniture. Soon, you will notice unsightly marks on your wooden furniture. To solve this problem, have a room for your puppy, and keep it occupied with lots of toys. There are many types of toy bones in the market. Those silicon types will do just fine.
3) Digging holes in the garden.
Some dogs have a strong digging instinct. These are dogs that will chase after smaller animals, or dig holes in the garden or the back yard. The Jack Russell is one such example. Understand that the dog is just following its instincts. However, with proper training, these dogs can become obedient. Be patient with the dogs, especially if they are just puppies.
Most of the behavioral problems are caused by the natural personalities of the dogs, or by health issues. Therefore, to investigate the cause, always check for health problems. If the pet is perfectly healthy, then it's just the dog being its playful self.
About The Author:
For more Puppy training tips, please visit puppy training website.
Puppy Training - Be a Patient Trainer
Being a puppy trainer is not an easy job. The pup is like a little child, always restless, and always allowing itself to be distracted. As the trainer, your job is to guide the young pup back to the training activities, so that the training session is not wasted. Being patient is the key to success. Here are some practical tips that may help you if your pup tends to wander off the path of training.
About The Author:
For more Puppy training tips, please visit puppy training website.
1) Verbal commands.
A dog has a heightened sense of hearing. So if you use a harsh tone for your verbal commands, the pup may sense your aggression and back down. A young pup doesn't need aggression. It needs love, assurance, and encouragement. In the beginning, it does not even understand why it has to go through the training. Hence, it may feel a little apprehensive at first. But over time, with enough encouragement, it will learn to enjoy the training more. So be careful with the tone of voice that you use. Use a firm tone if the pup is not obeying your commands. But never try to be too harsh on the little animal.
2) Dog treats!
Always have dog treats in your pockets. Your pet will small the rewards in your pockets and respond with excitement. It will feel more energized and will respond more positively to the training. When reward is due, be generous and give the treat to your pet. When you catch it doing something right, reward your dog. Sometimes, this doesn't have to happen during formal training. It can happen at any time. For instance, the first command when you come home from work may be to get the dog to sit so that it doesn't jump up at you. If the dog obeys, give it the treat immediately and praise the animal. Pat its head to let it know that it's doing something right. Then go ahead and do your other things.
3) Don't send the wrong signals to your dog.
When you catch the dog doing something right, you reward it with a treat. But if you catch it doing something that it is not supposed to be doing, don't encourage it! The best thing to do, is to ignore the dog. If you really want to respond, don't respond with anger. Just be firm and use verbal cues like "Bad dog" to discourage the animal. Punishment is often unnecessary. If the behavior gets out of hand, use the crate or the leash to confine the animal temporarily.
Fortunately, dogs are intelligent animals and they learn very quickly, especially young pups. They not only pick up verbal commands and new tricks quickly, they also learn social behavior from the owner, family members and other human beings.
You will notice that even when there is no training going on, the young pup is constantly observing its surroundings. And that includes the people around him. That means you must always set a good example for your pet. If you express aggressive behavior, the young pup may just think that it's the right thing to do, and display aggression as well. And it's display of aggression will be far more superior than yours.
About The Author:
For more Puppy training tips, please visit puppy training website.
18 May 2009
Dog Treats To Encourage and Train Your Pet
Just like some dog owners like to go through tons of dog names to find the one that suits their dog the best, similarly, dog treats should be only selected after careful consideration of their nutritional and quality values.
The one name you choose out of the many dog names, speaks as much about you, the dog owner, as it does about your pooch. Not only do dog names depict your relationship with your, but they also convey how much the dog matters to you. If you care for your dog, then you will always be careful about his/her well-being and good health. Dog treats are an important part of your dog's diet. Though dispensed with only on special occasions, dog treats are a source of nutrition, taste, and pleasure for your dog.
Rewarding your dog with dog treats every time he/she does as told can have long-lasting and beneficial effect on the animal. An important aspect of dog training is to reward the dog with gourmet dog treats every time he obeys your orders. Many dog trainers also dispense with dog treats while teaching dogs how to respond to dog names, dog commands and similar things.
Nowadays, completely natural and gourmet dog treats are gaining popularity so much so that many dog owners even bake healthy and nutritious dog treats for their pooches right at home. More and more dog owners are finding that dog treats made from ingredients similar to those used in human food offer a satisfying choice from the commercial brands of dog treats available in stores. Moreover, if you believe your dog's health is mostly dependent on his diet, you will be quite satisfied with the latest all natural dog treats. These treats are not just delicious, but are nutritious and look great too. The minute your dog smells the treats in your hand he'll pretty much do anything you want him to!!
Dog treats are no longer limited to dog biscuits, just like dog names are no longer mean Maggie or Max. Today, you can take your dog to special bakeries that cater to only domestic pets such as dogs and cats. You with your dog can together browse through the range of dog treats that are on display. Dog treats here include hide, brownies, tarts, and of course, biscuits.
If you are not fortunate enough to have such gourmet bakeries for pets in your neighborhood, then you can hook on to the internet and browse the many online gourmet dog treat bakeries. These bakeries provide natural, free of preservatives, and tasty dog treats packaged in small plastic bags that even make excellent gifts if you have friends who have pet dogs. If your dog is overweight or suffering from diabetes, you can opt for low calories dog treats!
Finally, as with dog names, going overboard with dog treats can be detrimental to the health of your invaluable pet dog! So make sure you never give him more than 10% of his regular diet as dog treats per day.
by James Gosling
The one name you choose out of the many dog names, speaks as much about you, the dog owner, as it does about your pooch. Not only do dog names depict your relationship with your, but they also convey how much the dog matters to you. If you care for your dog, then you will always be careful about his/her well-being and good health. Dog treats are an important part of your dog's diet. Though dispensed with only on special occasions, dog treats are a source of nutrition, taste, and pleasure for your dog.
Rewarding your dog with dog treats every time he/she does as told can have long-lasting and beneficial effect on the animal. An important aspect of dog training is to reward the dog with gourmet dog treats every time he obeys your orders. Many dog trainers also dispense with dog treats while teaching dogs how to respond to dog names, dog commands and similar things.
Nowadays, completely natural and gourmet dog treats are gaining popularity so much so that many dog owners even bake healthy and nutritious dog treats for their pooches right at home. More and more dog owners are finding that dog treats made from ingredients similar to those used in human food offer a satisfying choice from the commercial brands of dog treats available in stores. Moreover, if you believe your dog's health is mostly dependent on his diet, you will be quite satisfied with the latest all natural dog treats. These treats are not just delicious, but are nutritious and look great too. The minute your dog smells the treats in your hand he'll pretty much do anything you want him to!!
Dog treats are no longer limited to dog biscuits, just like dog names are no longer mean Maggie or Max. Today, you can take your dog to special bakeries that cater to only domestic pets such as dogs and cats. You with your dog can together browse through the range of dog treats that are on display. Dog treats here include hide, brownies, tarts, and of course, biscuits.
If you are not fortunate enough to have such gourmet bakeries for pets in your neighborhood, then you can hook on to the internet and browse the many online gourmet dog treat bakeries. These bakeries provide natural, free of preservatives, and tasty dog treats packaged in small plastic bags that even make excellent gifts if you have friends who have pet dogs. If your dog is overweight or suffering from diabetes, you can opt for low calories dog treats!
Finally, as with dog names, going overboard with dog treats can be detrimental to the health of your invaluable pet dog! So make sure you never give him more than 10% of his regular diet as dog treats per day.
by James Gosling
How to Choose the Right Bed for your Dog
One of the most essential commodities for dogs that you can purchase when looking for pet supplies is the dogs bed. The dogs bed will not only provide comfort to your pet when they sleep but also provide them with the much needed rest especially when they are recovering from an illness or an injury.
One of the important things that you need to consider while buying a bed is the way your dog or cat or any other pet sleeps. A dog bed is mostly required for dogs and cats only, although you can buy them for rabbits and some of the other smaller dogs too.
The second most important thing to understand is that a dog bed will be different for a dog and different for a cat. Normally, what you use for your dog will not be used for your cat. You can find dog beds at various stores offering other pet supplies and also online. One of the good things is that you will find a lot of variety when it comes to dog beds including the very popular heated beds. The heated beds have grown in popularity because of the fact that they have a heating element that will keep the bed warm in the winters and will be comfortable and relaxing for your pet. You can choose from a heated orthopedic bed to a heated thermo dog bed. Most of the beds are available in three sizes, which are:
- Small: 19"x24" - The small dog bed can take weights of up to 20lbs
- Medium: 26"x29" - The medium dog bed can take weights of up to 40lbs
- Large: 36x38" - The large dog bed can take weights of up to 60lbs
Another type of popular dog bed found in pet supplies is the round bed. This is a perfect bed for dogs that like to cuddle up when they sleep and for cats that love to sleep with their legs thrown apart. This dog bed is available in three sizes for dogs and they are:
- Medium: 36 inches - The medium dog bed can take weights of up to 50lbs
- Large: 42 inches - The large dog bed can take weights of up to 80lbs
- Extra Large: 52 inches - The extra large dog bed can take weights of up to 140lbs
You can also get these beds in different combinations of colour and design like blue polyester suede that will look neat and even go with the overall décor of your home. The important aspects that needs to be considered while buying a dog bed include the size of your pet, the amount of space in the room, the number of pet you have, their weights, if you need separate pet beds or a single one, the colours, do you need a simple dog bed or a heated bed etc.
Many pet supplies stores, in the high street or online, now sell pet beds that are raised from the ground. These beds allow the dog or cat the comfort of support without cold from sleeping on the floor. Many owners now agree that their dog's mobility significantly improved after using a raised pet bed.
One of the important things that you need to consider while buying a bed is the way your dog or cat or any other pet sleeps. A dog bed is mostly required for dogs and cats only, although you can buy them for rabbits and some of the other smaller dogs too.
The second most important thing to understand is that a dog bed will be different for a dog and different for a cat. Normally, what you use for your dog will not be used for your cat. You can find dog beds at various stores offering other pet supplies and also online. One of the good things is that you will find a lot of variety when it comes to dog beds including the very popular heated beds. The heated beds have grown in popularity because of the fact that they have a heating element that will keep the bed warm in the winters and will be comfortable and relaxing for your pet. You can choose from a heated orthopedic bed to a heated thermo dog bed. Most of the beds are available in three sizes, which are:
- Small: 19"x24" - The small dog bed can take weights of up to 20lbs
- Medium: 26"x29" - The medium dog bed can take weights of up to 40lbs
- Large: 36x38" - The large dog bed can take weights of up to 60lbs
Another type of popular dog bed found in pet supplies is the round bed. This is a perfect bed for dogs that like to cuddle up when they sleep and for cats that love to sleep with their legs thrown apart. This dog bed is available in three sizes for dogs and they are:
- Medium: 36 inches - The medium dog bed can take weights of up to 50lbs
- Large: 42 inches - The large dog bed can take weights of up to 80lbs
- Extra Large: 52 inches - The extra large dog bed can take weights of up to 140lbs
You can also get these beds in different combinations of colour and design like blue polyester suede that will look neat and even go with the overall décor of your home. The important aspects that needs to be considered while buying a dog bed include the size of your pet, the amount of space in the room, the number of pet you have, their weights, if you need separate pet beds or a single one, the colours, do you need a simple dog bed or a heated bed etc.
Many pet supplies stores, in the high street or online, now sell pet beds that are raised from the ground. These beds allow the dog or cat the comfort of support without cold from sleeping on the floor. Many owners now agree that their dog's mobility significantly improved after using a raised pet bed.
15 May 2009
Teaching Basic Obedience Skills To Your Dog
It is really challenging as well as exciting to teach the basic obedience skills to your dog when teaching is avoid of any type of punishment or humiliation. Your endurance will surely make you a good teacher and your dog a good learner.
Dogs generally get distracted pretty easily because of their short attention spans. Therefore select of a place that is free of other distractions such as other pets, children or loud noises for training is important. Remember not to exceed your training period more than 30 minutes because the dog gets restless and easily distracted. Paying attention to your commands will be the beginning of your first lesson in obedience. Start calling your dog by his name and then follow using a keyword like “watch” or “look” after your dog gets acquainted with his name. Once you find your dog going well with your commands you get the signal to step forward for the next step of your teaching. Doing some attention exercises for a short length of time will help your dog to be able to pay attention to your commands. For this you need to hold a toy or dog treat in near your mouth and then give him the keyword command. Praise him, for each time he takes the time to watch because this will encourage him to increase the time of paying attention to you. Try getting him to watch for at least a minute. Let him know that he is doing a good job by rewarding him. Dogs learn best this way.
To make your dog pleasant to be around you need to teach him the basic obedience commands that begins with the word “sit”. Help him to understand your command by gently pushing his backside down. Next basic obedience command will be “down.” this command will stop them from pouncing or jumping which they usually do to express their excitement which may be not liked by some people around. Help him to understand your command by placing their legs down if required. Next is the command of “stay” which is especially over-ruly dog. Putting something desirable on the ground and commanding to “Stay’ when you see your dog approaching toward it. Once he begins to become obedient in this area, do the same exercise by moving farther away from him and if he tries to breach the rules then tell him “stay” which will convey that even though you are moving away you expect him to continue to obey.
Frustration can lead you to cause pain to your dog if you find your dog not learning properly but remember animals are like children. They also need time, love and care to learn.
By : peter john
Dogs generally get distracted pretty easily because of their short attention spans. Therefore select of a place that is free of other distractions such as other pets, children or loud noises for training is important. Remember not to exceed your training period more than 30 minutes because the dog gets restless and easily distracted. Paying attention to your commands will be the beginning of your first lesson in obedience. Start calling your dog by his name and then follow using a keyword like “watch” or “look” after your dog gets acquainted with his name. Once you find your dog going well with your commands you get the signal to step forward for the next step of your teaching. Doing some attention exercises for a short length of time will help your dog to be able to pay attention to your commands. For this you need to hold a toy or dog treat in near your mouth and then give him the keyword command. Praise him, for each time he takes the time to watch because this will encourage him to increase the time of paying attention to you. Try getting him to watch for at least a minute. Let him know that he is doing a good job by rewarding him. Dogs learn best this way.
To make your dog pleasant to be around you need to teach him the basic obedience commands that begins with the word “sit”. Help him to understand your command by gently pushing his backside down. Next basic obedience command will be “down.” this command will stop them from pouncing or jumping which they usually do to express their excitement which may be not liked by some people around. Help him to understand your command by placing their legs down if required. Next is the command of “stay” which is especially over-ruly dog. Putting something desirable on the ground and commanding to “Stay’ when you see your dog approaching toward it. Once he begins to become obedient in this area, do the same exercise by moving farther away from him and if he tries to breach the rules then tell him “stay” which will convey that even though you are moving away you expect him to continue to obey.
Frustration can lead you to cause pain to your dog if you find your dog not learning properly but remember animals are like children. They also need time, love and care to learn.
By : peter john
14 May 2009
Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
'Tis the season for friends and family, eggnog and other treats, and good times! During this busy time it can be a challenge to juggle everything that needs to be done -- including caring for your four-legged friends. Here are a few tips to help keep your furry friends safe for the holidays:
__No Chocolate, Please
Although Fido and Fluffy may be attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate, in sufficient quantities, chocolate can make her very sick. The result? Vomiting, diarrhea, and a lovely holiday spent at the emergency vet clinic.
Be sure to store chocolate well away from pets. Open counters or ledges are not good places -- some dogs may 'counter-surf', and cats easily reach counters (what's worse, they can knock chocolate off the countertop and straight into the path of enthusiastic dogs!).
__Tinsel's Pretty, But...
Although it's a popular decoration for trees, it can pose a danger if your pet swallows it. It's possible for it to cause an intestinal blockage -- and again, no one (least of all your pet!) wants to spend the holidays undergoing surgery!
__What's That? Who's There?
Holidays are often filled with friends and family going in and out of the house. If your pet is excitable or tends to get stressed with noise and crowds, consider placing her safely in a crate or a room that's "out-of- bounds" to guests. Give her blankets, food, water, toys ... and check in with her regularly to make sure she's okay. This will help to ensure your pet stays safely with her family, rather than accidentally slipping out the door.
__Mmm mmm! Extension cords!
With all the pretty lights during the holiday season, you probably have a variety of extension cords running every which way. Some pets have a real 'taste' for extension cords -- keep an eye on them to prevent chewing, or they could be in for a real 'shock'! Where possible, tie cords out of the way. Some hardware stores also sell a plastic tubing into which you insert cords to keep your gnawing little pet from hurting herself.
Happy Holidays to you and your family -- both two-legged and four-legged!
by PETFRIENDLY .CA
__No Chocolate, Please
Although Fido and Fluffy may be attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate, in sufficient quantities, chocolate can make her very sick. The result? Vomiting, diarrhea, and a lovely holiday spent at the emergency vet clinic.
Be sure to store chocolate well away from pets. Open counters or ledges are not good places -- some dogs may 'counter-surf', and cats easily reach counters (what's worse, they can knock chocolate off the countertop and straight into the path of enthusiastic dogs!).
__Tinsel's Pretty, But...
Although it's a popular decoration for trees, it can pose a danger if your pet swallows it. It's possible for it to cause an intestinal blockage -- and again, no one (least of all your pet!) wants to spend the holidays undergoing surgery!
__What's That? Who's There?
Holidays are often filled with friends and family going in and out of the house. If your pet is excitable or tends to get stressed with noise and crowds, consider placing her safely in a crate or a room that's "out-of- bounds" to guests. Give her blankets, food, water, toys ... and check in with her regularly to make sure she's okay. This will help to ensure your pet stays safely with her family, rather than accidentally slipping out the door.
__Mmm mmm! Extension cords!
With all the pretty lights during the holiday season, you probably have a variety of extension cords running every which way. Some pets have a real 'taste' for extension cords -- keep an eye on them to prevent chewing, or they could be in for a real 'shock'! Where possible, tie cords out of the way. Some hardware stores also sell a plastic tubing into which you insert cords to keep your gnawing little pet from hurting herself.
Happy Holidays to you and your family -- both two-legged and four-legged!
by PETFRIENDLY .CA
13 Jun 2008
Preparing Your Home For A New Puppy
While excitement and anticipation may be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy, preparing for him should rate highly on the list. Just as you would need to prepare a home when you have a baby, pet owners also need to take special precautions when "puppy-proofing."
Before you start preparing your home for a puppy, you should take into consideration the yard and garden. First, check fences and gates to be sure there are no holes large enough for him to get his head stuck in. Watch for litter and/or trash cans, which can be tipped over, giving your new puppy the chance to eat things that he shouldn't. And finally, know where you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then forbid your puppy from going there. In addition, make sure that all chemicals and other harmful products are put away out of your new friend's reach.
Next, you will need to investigate your home and pretend that a small toddler is coming to live with you! Like toddlers, puppies will find everything new and exciting. They don't know when something is dangerous or can't tell if that interesting remote control will get them into trouble.
In addition, when preparing your home for the new puppy, you should keep these tips in mind:
Be sure all electrical and cable wires are either in a space your puppy will not be or hide them under rugs or carpets. Do not keep wires where your puppy could chew and gnaw on them. Just like a toddler, your puppy will explore every element, including low cupboards. Just when you thought having a puppy was easier than a child, he will learn to nudge those cupboard doors open! Consider installing locks or sort through them and only keep safe objects in low areas.
So far, so good, right? Well, that's only if you remember that in reality your puppy has the mind of a small child. Soon you'll be getting ready for afternoon walks to the park, 3 a.m. trips to the bathroom, (more officially, outside) and lots of cuddling. So, while preparing your home for your puppy, think of him as a member of your family. Buy him a bed made from plastic, which is more resistant to chewing. Line it with comfortable bedding washable of course and then place it in a special place just for him. Make sure it is somewhere he will be safe and comfortable.
Preparing your home for your new puppy is a lot of work, so you may consider buying a puppy pen until everything is taken care of. Just like a baby's playpen, a puppy pen will offer an area for him to play without roaming the house. By doing this, you are also saving your furniture and other objects from being chewed on. (Don't worry he'll eventually grow out of this!)
Another important thing to think about when preparing your home for your puppy is any stairs that you may have in the house. If you have an open basement or second floor, use baby gates to confine his run area to prevent harm. Babies and puppies alike are not aware of danger and don't realize that they could fall down steps and hurt themselves.
The most important thing to think about while preparing your home for the new puppy is just like a child, they will need cuddling, attention and there will definitely be a lot of wet kisses!
Before you start preparing your home for a puppy, you should take into consideration the yard and garden. First, check fences and gates to be sure there are no holes large enough for him to get his head stuck in. Watch for litter and/or trash cans, which can be tipped over, giving your new puppy the chance to eat things that he shouldn't. And finally, know where you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then forbid your puppy from going there. In addition, make sure that all chemicals and other harmful products are put away out of your new friend's reach.
Next, you will need to investigate your home and pretend that a small toddler is coming to live with you! Like toddlers, puppies will find everything new and exciting. They don't know when something is dangerous or can't tell if that interesting remote control will get them into trouble.
In addition, when preparing your home for the new puppy, you should keep these tips in mind:
Be sure all electrical and cable wires are either in a space your puppy will not be or hide them under rugs or carpets. Do not keep wires where your puppy could chew and gnaw on them. Just like a toddler, your puppy will explore every element, including low cupboards. Just when you thought having a puppy was easier than a child, he will learn to nudge those cupboard doors open! Consider installing locks or sort through them and only keep safe objects in low areas.
So far, so good, right? Well, that's only if you remember that in reality your puppy has the mind of a small child. Soon you'll be getting ready for afternoon walks to the park, 3 a.m. trips to the bathroom, (more officially, outside) and lots of cuddling. So, while preparing your home for your puppy, think of him as a member of your family. Buy him a bed made from plastic, which is more resistant to chewing. Line it with comfortable bedding washable of course and then place it in a special place just for him. Make sure it is somewhere he will be safe and comfortable.
Preparing your home for your new puppy is a lot of work, so you may consider buying a puppy pen until everything is taken care of. Just like a baby's playpen, a puppy pen will offer an area for him to play without roaming the house. By doing this, you are also saving your furniture and other objects from being chewed on. (Don't worry he'll eventually grow out of this!)
Another important thing to think about when preparing your home for your puppy is any stairs that you may have in the house. If you have an open basement or second floor, use baby gates to confine his run area to prevent harm. Babies and puppies alike are not aware of danger and don't realize that they could fall down steps and hurt themselves.
The most important thing to think about while preparing your home for the new puppy is just like a child, they will need cuddling, attention and there will definitely be a lot of wet kisses!
9 Jun 2008
Making Dog Training More Effective With Training Equipment
When you first get a new dog it may seem a little overwhelming the amount of things you have to buy. You will have to buy food, a bed, bowls and toys to mention just a few and it is also a very sensible idea to get some dog training equipment.
While it is possible to use ordinary items this may not be the case in some circumstances.
For instance, it will certainly be necessary to get a case if you intend to crate train your dog and you may want to purchase a clicker or a noisy chain. If you are training a hunting dog then you will want more specific dog training equipment to help with the process of training.
A clicker is used to help with positive reinforcement. Every time you praise your dog you click the clicker and give him a treat and so he recognizes the noise to mean he has done well and is being rewarded.
On the other hand a noisy chain is used to throw at the feet of your dog as negative reinforcement when he has done something wrong. The noise of the chain hitting the floor is irritating to the dog and will certainly get his attention. You should never use the chain to reprimand the dog directly and it should only be used to make the loud noise.
There are other more unusual training aids. You can get remote spray collars that work like ordinary collars but have a small water spray attached. When your dog misbehaves you can click the button and the water will spray into his face.
This will invariably stop him in his tracks and after using this a couple of times it is very unlikely he will do the same thing again for fear of getting water sprayed in his face.
Walking big dogs can be a real challenge. Specialist collars can help. Harnesses give you much more control over a boisterous dog that usually has the run of you when out on walks and the choker chain works by tightening around the dog’s neck but quickly loosening again when the tension on the lead loosens.
Electric collars give out a small electrical shock to your dog although this form of punishment is best for hunting dogs and teaching them not to approach certain harmful animals like snakes. This dog training equipment is all fairly inexpensive and will make your life a lot easier when first training your dog.
By: Marc Lindsay
While it is possible to use ordinary items this may not be the case in some circumstances.
For instance, it will certainly be necessary to get a case if you intend to crate train your dog and you may want to purchase a clicker or a noisy chain. If you are training a hunting dog then you will want more specific dog training equipment to help with the process of training.
A clicker is used to help with positive reinforcement. Every time you praise your dog you click the clicker and give him a treat and so he recognizes the noise to mean he has done well and is being rewarded.
On the other hand a noisy chain is used to throw at the feet of your dog as negative reinforcement when he has done something wrong. The noise of the chain hitting the floor is irritating to the dog and will certainly get his attention. You should never use the chain to reprimand the dog directly and it should only be used to make the loud noise.
There are other more unusual training aids. You can get remote spray collars that work like ordinary collars but have a small water spray attached. When your dog misbehaves you can click the button and the water will spray into his face.
This will invariably stop him in his tracks and after using this a couple of times it is very unlikely he will do the same thing again for fear of getting water sprayed in his face.
Walking big dogs can be a real challenge. Specialist collars can help. Harnesses give you much more control over a boisterous dog that usually has the run of you when out on walks and the choker chain works by tightening around the dog’s neck but quickly loosening again when the tension on the lead loosens.
Electric collars give out a small electrical shock to your dog although this form of punishment is best for hunting dogs and teaching them not to approach certain harmful animals like snakes. This dog training equipment is all fairly inexpensive and will make your life a lot easier when first training your dog.
By: Marc Lindsay
Dog Health - Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy
Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are our friends, companions and often our guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on us for their well-being, it is our responsibility to look after them properly.
One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans; Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild, dogs eat fresh meat they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.
Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.
Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for health, but the dearer brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to supplement whatever is missing from their diet. Tinned food can be given as a treat.
A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. Its breath should not smell foul. It should be slender, though not thin enough to see its ribs sticking out. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big bone will help to clean your dog's teeth. In addition, dog dental care products are available through online retailers.
Regular worming will also help to keep your pet in top condition. Shots for distemper, heartworm, parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement. Your vet will need to administer the shots, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure he eats it all.
Parvovirus breaks down the digestive system and eventually affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in obvious pain. It is almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.
Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. It is rather like flu in humans.
A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - look to be in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because worms are easily transmitted to humans.
Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from the vet. Pat it dry afterwards, or keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If they get out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the fleas and their eggs.
If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Grass ticks cause itchy lumps that can become infected when scratched. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in three to five days.
If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the vet as soon as possible. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath.
With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.
By: James Theiss
One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans; Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild, dogs eat fresh meat they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.
Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.
Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for health, but the dearer brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to supplement whatever is missing from their diet. Tinned food can be given as a treat.
A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. Its breath should not smell foul. It should be slender, though not thin enough to see its ribs sticking out. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big bone will help to clean your dog's teeth. In addition, dog dental care products are available through online retailers.
Regular worming will also help to keep your pet in top condition. Shots for distemper, heartworm, parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement. Your vet will need to administer the shots, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure he eats it all.
Parvovirus breaks down the digestive system and eventually affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in obvious pain. It is almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.
Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. It is rather like flu in humans.
A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - look to be in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because worms are easily transmitted to humans.
Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from the vet. Pat it dry afterwards, or keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If they get out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the fleas and their eggs.
If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Grass ticks cause itchy lumps that can become infected when scratched. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in three to five days.
If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the vet as soon as possible. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath.
With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.
By: James Theiss
Lyme Disease In Dogs Is A Serious Matter
Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete, which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal's skin for one to two days. Unfortunately, these ticks are very small and easily can go unnoticed. Lyme disease in dogs has been found worldwide and in ancient Chinese medical literature they actually describe a syndrome very similar to Lyme disease, thousands of years before Lyme , Connecticut was named. In the United States , more than 90% of the cases occur in the Northeast, with California and Mississippi second. Lyme disease in dogs is fairly common, but rarely seen in cats, although some cats have been infected with it.
The main clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a sudden yet recurring lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Sometimes this lameness is associated with a fever and depression. Occasionally you will see swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the joints may be swollen, feel warm, and it's very painful. The dog infected will usually walk stiffly with a hunched back. Lyme disease in dogs is really very painful and they commonly are very sensitive to touch and may cry out with even the slightest touch. Many dogs with Lyme disease that were diagnosed with slipped discs in their neck and crying in pain and it was actually Lyme disease causes muscle spasms in the neck and they only improved when they were administered the appropriate antibiotic. Sometimes you will see the classic red round target lesion around a tick bite on your pet and within a few days they may show the signs of lameness, fever and sensitivity to touch. If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.
Treatment
Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.
Prognosis
Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.
Prevention
There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because the tick must remain attached to the dog's body for one to two days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the disease. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet will be without pain.
By: LeeAnna
The main clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a sudden yet recurring lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Sometimes this lameness is associated with a fever and depression. Occasionally you will see swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the joints may be swollen, feel warm, and it's very painful. The dog infected will usually walk stiffly with a hunched back. Lyme disease in dogs is really very painful and they commonly are very sensitive to touch and may cry out with even the slightest touch. Many dogs with Lyme disease that were diagnosed with slipped discs in their neck and crying in pain and it was actually Lyme disease causes muscle spasms in the neck and they only improved when they were administered the appropriate antibiotic. Sometimes you will see the classic red round target lesion around a tick bite on your pet and within a few days they may show the signs of lameness, fever and sensitivity to touch. If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.
Treatment
Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.
Prognosis
Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.
Prevention
There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because the tick must remain attached to the dog's body for one to two days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the disease. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet will be without pain.
By: LeeAnna
Kill Fleas and Keep Your Pets Happy
If you have pets, at some point, you will definitely have to deal with fleas. There are a few different brands of flea treatments you can give your pet that will work well to get rid of them. You should choose from Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel because they are the top flea-eliminating brands.
These brands of treatments for fleas are very easy to use and won’t bother your pet at all. All you do is take the pre-measured dose from the tube provided and put it on the back of your cat or dog. After this is done, you apply the Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel solution to your pet’s skin.
You can only get these flea treatments, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel at your veterinarian. When you buy it straight from their office, you will know that you’re getting a quality product you can trust.
Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will start working almost immediately to provide your pet with relief from the biting. It only takes 3-5 minutes for the fleas to stop biting though it will be up to 12 hours for them to be killed.
If your pet gets wet or you give him or her a bath, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel will still work because they’re water resistant. Even if it rains or your pet is soaking wet from a bath, these treatments for fleas work wonders.
Puppies and kittens can be treated with these Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel products to kill fleas without harming the young animals. Just make sure your pet is at least seven weeks old before you apply the product.
Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will kill flea larvae upon contact. This is a great benefit of using these products. It’s very important to keep your pet healthy, so don’t neglect this part of their upkeep.
By: James Hunt
These brands of treatments for fleas are very easy to use and won’t bother your pet at all. All you do is take the pre-measured dose from the tube provided and put it on the back of your cat or dog. After this is done, you apply the Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel solution to your pet’s skin.
You can only get these flea treatments, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel at your veterinarian. When you buy it straight from their office, you will know that you’re getting a quality product you can trust.
Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will start working almost immediately to provide your pet with relief from the biting. It only takes 3-5 minutes for the fleas to stop biting though it will be up to 12 hours for them to be killed.
If your pet gets wet or you give him or her a bath, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel will still work because they’re water resistant. Even if it rains or your pet is soaking wet from a bath, these treatments for fleas work wonders.
Puppies and kittens can be treated with these Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel products to kill fleas without harming the young animals. Just make sure your pet is at least seven weeks old before you apply the product.
Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will kill flea larvae upon contact. This is a great benefit of using these products. It’s very important to keep your pet healthy, so don’t neglect this part of their upkeep.
By: James Hunt
Take Care of Your Dog: Feed Him or Her Dog Food
Many dog owners treat their pets as though they are their own children. They play with them, let them live inside and sit on the furniture, and even sometimes sleep in their beds. There is no denying the love most dog owners have for their pets, but sometimes they unwittingly cause health problems by feeding their canine pals table scraps rather than dog food.
While the occasion table scraps as treats probably won’t hurt one’s furry friends, what a pet dog really needs for proper nutrition is dog food. It’s true that the ancestors of today’s dogs hunted and ate meat. And feeding a dog the occasional meat hunk or carcass probably won’t hurt. But today’s dogs are thoroughly domesticated and are different creatures. Constant table food can cause obesity and even a form of diabetes in dogs.
Dog food is designed with the necessary proteins and other vitamins and minerals dogs need to be healthy. Just like humans, dogs can experience clogged arteries and heart attacks. It’s important to include dog food in the diet in order to keep man’s best friend in prime health.
There are many types of dog food. There are many scientifically designed varieties meant to address different aspects of canine health. Some dog food targets the coat, some target joints. There is a type of dog food for nearly any dog. There are even breed-specific foods, as well as foods designed for the different ages of dogs.
Proper care of one’s dog can result in years of pleasant companionship and beautiful memories. The therapeutic effects owning a pet are well documented. Pets can help teach children responsibility. However, not taking care of this fellow creature can result in heartbreak and regret. Dogs need regular exercise, lots of love, and minimal access to table scraps. What the healthy dog really needs to eat is dog food.
By: James Hunt
While the occasion table scraps as treats probably won’t hurt one’s furry friends, what a pet dog really needs for proper nutrition is dog food. It’s true that the ancestors of today’s dogs hunted and ate meat. And feeding a dog the occasional meat hunk or carcass probably won’t hurt. But today’s dogs are thoroughly domesticated and are different creatures. Constant table food can cause obesity and even a form of diabetes in dogs.
Dog food is designed with the necessary proteins and other vitamins and minerals dogs need to be healthy. Just like humans, dogs can experience clogged arteries and heart attacks. It’s important to include dog food in the diet in order to keep man’s best friend in prime health.
There are many types of dog food. There are many scientifically designed varieties meant to address different aspects of canine health. Some dog food targets the coat, some target joints. There is a type of dog food for nearly any dog. There are even breed-specific foods, as well as foods designed for the different ages of dogs.
Proper care of one’s dog can result in years of pleasant companionship and beautiful memories. The therapeutic effects owning a pet are well documented. Pets can help teach children responsibility. However, not taking care of this fellow creature can result in heartbreak and regret. Dogs need regular exercise, lots of love, and minimal access to table scraps. What the healthy dog really needs to eat is dog food.
By: James Hunt
The Shih Tzu's Variety Of Colors
Since the Shih Tzu breed first became known to the western world there has been a variety of colors. The first and second prize winners at the Shanghai Kennel Club Show of May 30, 1930 were all black in color. These two solid black Shih Tzu were probably among the first Shih Tzu to ever appear in a western show ring. Their photographs can be seen in the China Journal June and August 1930 issues.
Black and white Shih Tzu was also frequently seen of the early days in the western world. Black and white Shih Tzu can still be “very” striking and are still a favorite of many Shih Tzu fanciers.
There are different opinions as to exactly what color was the favored color at the Imperial Palace. It has been said often that the golden-yellow, sometimes described as honey was the favorite color and only kept in the palace. There are countless entries in our passages of Shih Tzu history that tell us the Empress Dowager’s favorite Shih Tzu of all times was a solid black she called “Sea Otter.” There are also accounts that three of the Empress Dowager’s sleeve dogs were greyish-white.
The mention of solid white Shih Tzu in later standards reflect the fact that there was a leading French breed in Peking who had a large number of all-white Shih Tzu. There has always been questions as to whether or not it was probably more the westerners who appreciated the solid white, as the Chinese saw the color white as a color of mourning.
It would be safer to say and believe that since yellow was the imperial color, a fact readily known by the golden-yellow tiled roofs of the Peking Palace. Yellow dogs were also more lion-like in appearance. The word “Shih Tzu” means “Lion” in Chinese. The Chinese tried to breed the Shih Tzu to resemble the lion, at least it was their idea of what a Lion looked like.
The white blaze, collar, socks and tail-tip combine to create a highly prized ensemble.
It is most likely that westerners had a very difficult time acquiring the yellow-colored Shih Tzu since it was regarded as being so precious. Therefore, the first Shih Tzu to appear in the west were the black and white, grey and white, brindle and white and a few solid blacks. Very few of the precious yellow-colored Shih Tzu were first acquired by the westerners.
The same holds true for the very small sized Shih Tzu. The small size Shih Tzu, which were most likely the Imperial and Teacup Shih Tzu, as many of us commonly nickname them today, (the Shih Tzu under 9 pounds in weight) were not readily available for the westerners. The westerners had access mainly to the larger size Shih Tzu that the Imperial Palace had sent out as rejects of their breeding program. There were a few able to get hold of the very tiny Shih Tzu we now commonly nickname the Imperials and the Teacup size, but not many, as this was the favored and most treasured size of the Imperial Palace breedings. The smaller size in Shih Tzu was a major goal of the Imperial Palace breedings lead by Empress Dowager.
By: Connie Limon
Black and white Shih Tzu was also frequently seen of the early days in the western world. Black and white Shih Tzu can still be “very” striking and are still a favorite of many Shih Tzu fanciers.
There are different opinions as to exactly what color was the favored color at the Imperial Palace. It has been said often that the golden-yellow, sometimes described as honey was the favorite color and only kept in the palace. There are countless entries in our passages of Shih Tzu history that tell us the Empress Dowager’s favorite Shih Tzu of all times was a solid black she called “Sea Otter.” There are also accounts that three of the Empress Dowager’s sleeve dogs were greyish-white.
The mention of solid white Shih Tzu in later standards reflect the fact that there was a leading French breed in Peking who had a large number of all-white Shih Tzu. There has always been questions as to whether or not it was probably more the westerners who appreciated the solid white, as the Chinese saw the color white as a color of mourning.
It would be safer to say and believe that since yellow was the imperial color, a fact readily known by the golden-yellow tiled roofs of the Peking Palace. Yellow dogs were also more lion-like in appearance. The word “Shih Tzu” means “Lion” in Chinese. The Chinese tried to breed the Shih Tzu to resemble the lion, at least it was their idea of what a Lion looked like.
The white blaze, collar, socks and tail-tip combine to create a highly prized ensemble.
It is most likely that westerners had a very difficult time acquiring the yellow-colored Shih Tzu since it was regarded as being so precious. Therefore, the first Shih Tzu to appear in the west were the black and white, grey and white, brindle and white and a few solid blacks. Very few of the precious yellow-colored Shih Tzu were first acquired by the westerners.
The same holds true for the very small sized Shih Tzu. The small size Shih Tzu, which were most likely the Imperial and Teacup Shih Tzu, as many of us commonly nickname them today, (the Shih Tzu under 9 pounds in weight) were not readily available for the westerners. The westerners had access mainly to the larger size Shih Tzu that the Imperial Palace had sent out as rejects of their breeding program. There were a few able to get hold of the very tiny Shih Tzu we now commonly nickname the Imperials and the Teacup size, but not many, as this was the favored and most treasured size of the Imperial Palace breedings. The smaller size in Shih Tzu was a major goal of the Imperial Palace breedings lead by Empress Dowager.
By: Connie Limon
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