By: John Pawlett
My sister has an adorable little chihuahua named Tinkerbell, named after Paris Hilton's famous pet. Tinkerbell is tiny, affectionate and faithful, however, she is definitely like any dog we've ever encountered before. She is more similar to a very spoiled, yet fashionable child. Her wardrobe of small dog clothes is so extensive that she puts my modest collection of clothing to shame.
Thanks to my sister's keen fashion senese, Tinkerbell is up to the minute with the latest trends and hottest fashions. She wouldn't be caught dead in last season's colors or be seen wearing an uncoordinated sweater while being transported in an unmatching carrier bag. She would simply die!!
My sister is constantly shopping for small dog clothes. She absolutely has to stop at every single pet store that falls in her path. Recently, she came out to visit us. We had to go grocery shopping and she agreed to come along (with Tinkerbell cleverly concealed of course!) However, we had barely made it out the door when my sister just had to make a detour - she'd spotted a new pet shop en route to the grocery store, and she was dying to take a peek to see if they had any small dog clothes or accessories, that might be unavailable in the stores closer to home.
Out of all of Tinkerbell's clothing, the one outfit I love the best is her wooly, pink parka with the faux fur trim around the hood. However, Tinkerbell has chosen a favorite doggy clothing item all her own. An ensemble that makes her absolutely wriggle with excitement - a poufy, pink ballerina tutu!! It's absolutely ridiculous and yet, when Tinkerbell is wearing that obscenity, she poses and struts like nobody's business. She's hot stuff, cute as a button and quite simply adorable... and she knows it!
Small dog clothes are one of today's hottest fashion trends among pet owners... especially young women. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are definitely driving forces behind this phenomenon, with their own signature pets and matching designer outfits. However, the average person might be at a loss as to where to shop, when looking for outfits for the special friend in their life. Not surprisingly, today's retailers seem to be hot on the pet fashion trail with small dog clothes and fashion accessories being found in nearly every pet store and even in most department stores that carry a pet department.
Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com
John Pawlett runs an informative dog site that looks into all aspects of dog ownership from training to health, feeding to fashion. To find out more visit www.bestdogsite.com or www.acedogs.com
dog cloth -- Clothes for Small Dogs
dog supply -- Doggy Clothes: Fashionable Or Funny
By: Jim Brown
In the modern world of pet supplies, some of the things that are available for pets can almost seem comical. One of these is dog clothes. The availability of clothes for dogs is enormous. From a little tee shirt with a cute saying on it, to the fully decked out dog ensemble that includes doggy footwear and jewelry, dog fashions are here to stay.
The variety of clothes that are available for our canine friends today are almost as numerous as the clothes that are available for people. Dogs are man's best friend, and dog outfits are the way that some dog owners lavish love and affection on their pets. To some dog owners, their canine friend is a close family member, and clothes for their pet shows their love.
The first dog apparel we will look at are simple shirts and hats. These pet supplies are available with an almost limitless number of words or phrases on them. If the saying that is desired can not be found, there are businesses that specialize in custom made dog clothes to order.
Next lets examine the top of the line dog outfits. If your animal is one of a kind, there are doggy designers that will make custom outfits for your dog in any shape or style that you can imagine. There are also other options to custom designed dog wear. Some pet supply businesses make it a point to keep a wide variety of styles and sizes in dog clothing, from single sweaters to lavish Halloween costumes made specifically for dogs.
Dog footwear is another important piece of doggy fashion these days. The styles available to dog owners is enormous. Everything from slippers to tennis shoes to full scale winter boots have been manufactured for dogs. Some outfits come already complete with footwear that matches.
What about jewelry for dogs? This type of jewelry can range from a crystal studded necklace to a diamond studded collar. The price for this kind of jewelry for your pet can range from ten dollars to ten thousand dollars, depending on what you are willing to spend on your pet.
Not all dog clothes are about spoiling your pet. In some of the northern climates, dog clothes for smaller breeds of dogs will help keep the dog warm outside in the cold and snow. But no matter what the reason is for buying dog clothes, whether it is fashion or function, the wide availability of dog wear is sure to have something that is just right for your pet.
Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com
DOG ACNE : Could your Dog be Suffering from Canine Acne?
Everyone knows of acne as a human condition suffered by unfortunate teenagers during adolescence, but it is in fact quite common in certain breeds of dog too. The most susceptible breeds are young adult boxers, English bulldogs, Doberman pinschers, Great Danes and Rottweilers. The condition starts at puberty around 5 to 8 months of age. Most dogs improve with age and the condition typically resolves after one year of age, though some dogs can develop chronic acne.
Dogs with canine acne develop multiple comedones (blackheads) on their chin, lips, and muzzle. Plugs of debris made of natural substances such as keratin and sebum block the hair follicles, causing focal swellings which can rupture to form scabs.
Dogs with this condition have swellings, scabs and blackheads on their lips, chin and muzzle. These usually do not bother the dog unless a secondary bacterial skin infection develops. This can cause pain and itching, leading the dog to scratch at his/her face or rub it along the carpet.
Diagnosis is usually straight forward: the characteristic appearance described above, in one of the known susceptible breeds is usually sufficient. Your vet may decide to take a skin biopsy for confirmation, which can be done under sedation, local or general anaesthetic and then sent off to a histopathologist for analysis.
Treatment
Canine acne cannot really be cured, but can be controlled. Mild cases are usually not treated. The first step is always to rule out other conditions such as demodecosis (a mite infestation), ringworm and puppy strangles. The latter also causes anorexia and depression so if your dog is bright with a good appetite, it is unlikely to be this. Also important is to uncover any predisposing factors such as underlying allergies. Some of the breeds mentioned above, such as Boxers, are particularly susceptible to food allergy. Regular cleaning with anti-acne products (eg benzoyl peroxide) or mild anti-seborrheic shampoos will be required to decrease the bacterial load of the skin and remove cellular debris which could contribute to blocking the pores.
If pustules have ruptured and a secondary bacterial infection develops, your dog will need to take antibiotics for 3 or 4 weeks. Most broad spectrum antibiotics are effective, but to avoid any resistance problems a bacteriology swab is advisable so that a suitable antibiotic can be chosen with certain efficacy against the bacterium in question.
If a dog is scratching at his/her face a lot, an anti-inflammatory drug such as a one off steroid injection is probably indicated to alleviate the discomfort.
Refractory and recurrent cases can sometimes respond to retinoid therapy, similar to the human drug Roaccutane, which essentially stops the sebaceous glands in the skin from producing sebum. This however requires a veterinary specialists consent.
Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com
Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the experts at www.WhyDoesMyPet.com - Expert Answers for all your Pet Questions Visit them today, you will be impressed by the quality of their pet experts and the speed with which your question is answered!
Crate training for dogs and puppies
Tony Robinson
Crate training is one of the most effective ways of house breaking any puppy or dog. Crate training is very efficient, and very effective, since it uses the natural instinct of the dog to achieve the desired result of a clean house and a well trained dog.
The concept behind crate training is that a dog naturally strives to avoid soiling the area where it eats and sleeps. By placing the dog in the crate, this instinct is enhanced. The dog will come to see the crate as its den, and it will try to avoid soiling its den.
The key to successful crate training for a puppy or an older dog, as with other forms of dog training, is to establish a good routine. This routine will enhance the ability of the dog to do its business in the right place, and avoid eliminating in the wrong place. It is important to shower the dog with praise each and every time it eliminates in the established toilet area, and not to express frustration or anger when the dog makes a mistake.
It is important to confine the dog or puppy to a small part of the house, generally one puppy proofed room, when you are not at home. The room should contain a soft bed, fresh water and some favorite toys to prevent the dog from becoming bored and frustrated.
Crate training is different from confining the dog to one room, however. With crate training, the puppy or dog is confined to a crate when unsupervised. The idea is that the dog will think of this crate as its home, and not want to soil is home.
When crate training, it is important to remove the dog from the crate as soon as possible after returning home, and to take the dog promptly to the previously established toilet area. When the dog does its business in this toilet area, be sure to provide lots of praise and treats. It is important that the dog learn to associate proper toilet procedures with good things like treats and toys.
It is important to never leave the dog in its crate for long periods of time, as this will confuse the dog and force it to soil its sleeping area. The crate is simply a tool, and it should not be abused by leaving the dog in it for extended periods of time. If the dog is left in the crate for too long, it could set back the training program by weeks if not months.
The dog should only be confined to the crate when you are at home. Except for nighttime, the dog should be given the opportunity to relieve itself every 45 minutes or so. Each time the dog is taken out, it should be put on a leash and immediately taken outside. Once outside the house, the dog should be given three to five minutes to do its business. If the dog does not eliminate in this time period, it should be immediately returned to the create.
If the dog does its business during the set time period, it should be rewarded with praise, food, play, affection and either an extended walk or a period of play inside or outside the home. During the crate training period, it is important to keep a daily diary of when the dog does its business each day. If the dog is on a regular feeding schedule, the toilet schedule should be consistent as well. Having a good idea of when the dog needs to eliminate each day will be a big help during the house training process. After the dog has used his established toilet area, you will be able to give the dog free run of the house to play and enjoy himself.
Dealing with accidents during crate training It is very important to not punish the puppy or dog when it makes a mistake or has an accident during the crate training process. If there has been an accident, simply clean it up. Accidents during house training mean that you have provided the dog with unsupervised access to the house too quickly. The dog should not be allowed unsupervised access to the home until you can trust her bowel and bladder habits. If mistakes do occur, it is best to go back to crate training. Taking a couple of steps back will help move the house training process along, while moving too quickly could set things back.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is an international author and dog lover. His website http://www.dogtraining4u.com contains valuable insights into the life of our canine friends.
Advanced dog training exercises
Tony Robinson
Coming when called is a vital skill that every dog must learn, both for its own safety and that of those around it. A disobedient dog that refuses to come when called could easily be hit by a car, get into a fight with another dog, or suffer a variety of other bad experiences. A well trained dog that comes when called can safely be taken out to play in the local park, at the beach, on the hiking trail, or anywhere else the owner and dog may wish to go.
Basic training to come when called is relatively easy and straightforward, and involves providing praise, treats and other perks when the dog does as his owner wants. After these basic come when called training exercises are mastered, there are a number of fun exercises that can be introduced to challenge the dog and pique its interest.
Making training into a fun game is one of the best ways to motivate dog and handler alike. It is easy for training sessions to become routine and boring, and it is important to keep them from degenerating into this state.
Before beginning any food based training exercise, it is important to make sure that the dog is properly motivated and ready to respond to treat based training. Testing the dog is simply a matter of taking a piece of his regular food and waving it in front of the dog's nose. If the dog shows great enthusiasm for the food, it is ready to start the training. If not, it is best to wait until the dog is in a more receptive mood.
The treats that work best for treat based training games like hide and seek are cut up quarter inch or smaller pieces of chicken, cheese or liver. In other words, something your dog will love. It is best to use very small pieces to avoid overfeeding the dog during he training sessions.
One great game for you and another family member or friend to play with your dog is simply back and forth recall. This is a great exercise for teaching your dog to come whenever it is called by a member of the family. Dogs often learn to only respond to one person, and this can be a problem when other people are watching the dog. That is one reason why professional dog trainers always insist on working with the owner as well as the dog. A well trained dog must learn to respond to whoever is in charge, not just the owner or usual handler.
In the back and forth recall game, two or more people stand approximately ten yards apart, in a safe place like a fenced in yard. One person calls the dog and asks him to sit and say until another person asks the dog to come. When the dog responds to the command to come, it is rewarded with a treat. Most dogs respond wonderfully to this exercise and love playing this game. When playing the back and forth recall game, it is important that only the person who called the dog be allowed to give the dog a treat.
After the dog has mastered the back and forth recall game, the humans in the game can start to spread further out, thus turning the back and forth recall game into a fun game of hide and seek. The hide and seek game starts with two or more people in the center room of the house. Every time they call the dog to come, they spread out further away from where they started. As the game continues, one person will be at one end of the house, while another may be at the opposite end. What makes the hide and seek game so much fun for the dog is that he must seek out the person to get the treat, instead of simply running up to a person in plain sight. This type of seeking behavior appeals to many of the dog's natural instincts. After all, dogs are naturally hunting animals, and seeking out food is second nature to them.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is an international author and dog lover. His website http://www.dogtraining4u.com contains valuable insights into the life of our canine friends.
Dog Training: Learn The Procedures Of Paper Training Your Dog For A Healthier And Cleaner Environment
Jonathan Cheong
House training is one of the most important elements of creating a well trained dog and trusted family member. Problems with house training and similar issues are the number one reason that dogs are surrendered to shelters, so properly house training your dog can literally save his or her life.
House training a puppy does not need to be difficult, but it is important to take the process seriously, plan ahead and take things slowly. Some dogs will be easier to house break than others, so it important to work with your dog. Rushing the process can be counterproductive and cause you to have to start all over again.
When it comes to house training a new puppy, it is important to know what to expect. Unless the owner is able to supervise the puppy round the clock, it is difficult to complete the house training process until the dog is at least six months old. It is important to know this ahead of time so you can be prepared.
Young puppies have bodies that are constantly changing and growing, and puppies younger than six months often have not developed the bowel and bladder control they will need to be properly house trained.
When the owner is not at home, the puppy should be confined to a small room and the entire floor should be covered with paper. Of course it is important to puppy-proof the room, that is removing any items on which the puppy could be injured. In the beginning, the puppy will most likely eliminate anywhere within the room. In addition, the puppy will probably play with the papers, chew them, etc.
This is perfectly normal and should not be grounds for punishment or distress. Cleaning up each day should simply be part of the routine of living with a new puppy. Simply clean up the soiled papers and put down new ones each day.
Time for paper training
During the time that the puppy is confined in its little den, it will begin to develop the habit of eliminating on paper. After a little time has passed, the puppy will begin to exhibit a preferred place to eliminate. After this preferred spot has been established, the area that is papered should be slowly diminished.
The first papers to be removed should be those that are furthest away from the "toilet". Eventually, the owner will have to lay down only a few papers. If the puppy ever misses those papers, it means that the papered area has been reduced too much and too soon.
After the puppy is reliability doing its business only on the papers that have been left, the papers can be slowly and gradually moved to a location of your choice. The papers should be moved only gradually, as little as an inch a day. If the puppy misses the papers, again it means that they have been moved too soon and too far. In this case it will be necessary to go back a few steps and start over.
It is important not to become discouraged. The puppy will eventually understand the concept, and you will be able to choose your puppies toilet area and move on to the next step.
House training when the owner is home
Obviously the more time you can spend with your puppy the faster the house training will go. The objective should be to take the puppy to the toilet area every time he needs to do his business. In most cases this will be either every 45 minutes, right after each play session, after he first wakes up or right after he eats or drinks. It is important to provide effusive praise for the puppy when he eliminates in the established toilet area.
As the puppy becomes more used to using his toilet area, and as he develops improved bladder and bowel control, he will be able to begin spending more and more time outside his den with his owner in the rest of the home. It is important to begin this process by allowing the puppy access to one room at a time.
It is also important to allow the puppy in the extra room only when he can be supervised. When you must leave the room, be sure to put the puppy back in his den
Dog Toilet Training
William R. Nabaza
Unless you have a sixth sense you can't predict when and where your dog is going to do the toilet, that is why dog toilet training is necessary. Dogs need to learn to "hold it" and go where he is supposed to as they don't know any different. In the wild dogs can go when and where they please, but this is not the wild and they need to be taught the difference.
Dog toilet training can be something of a difficult task. Every day needs to be the same and you need to give him constant attention when you can; this will make the toilet training procedure a lot easier. Your training process will take longer if you are working out of the house quite often as your dog will need to go and the house is the only place that he can.
When you start out dog toilet training you need to give him a place of his own, maybe a corner of your back room. That should be where you put his food and his bed and his toys and cover the whole floor in newspaper. When you leave the house make sure he is in that room and can't get out.
When you are gone he will obviously need the toilet and will go where he is standing, but over time he will pick a place and start to do his business in the one place, when he starts to do that you can then start to remove the paper from the area furthest away from his chosen spot. Gradually continue this until it is only a small space available for him to go, if he misses the paper then you are moving a little bit too fast and need to go back a step or two until you get to as little papers as possible. When he gets older he will be able to control his bladder movements a lot easier.
When you are at home spend as much time with your dog as possible. Dog toilet training will be much easier if you do. Every 45 minutes or so take your dog outside and whenever he does the toilet outside make sure he is praised very happily and excitedly with lots of enthusiasm, and do this everytime that he "goes" outside. He will realise that this is where he needs to go to the toilet and when he can control his bladder a little better he will wait until you come to let him out. It does take a lot of time and patience though.
Never scold your dog for doing the toilet in the house as he does not know any better. We did the toilet in our nappies until we were potty trained because there was nothing else we could do about it, when we needed we went, well dogs are the same. No dog is properly toilet trained until he is about 6 months old so it is a lengthy procedure but a great one when the end results start to show!
About the author:
William Nabaza of http://www.Nabaza.com specializes in domains, webhosting, webmaster's tools, netpreneur's articles and resources. Stands out as a freebie provider, business opportunity provider and the like. Visit his site at http://www.nabaza.com or contact him directly at william@nabaza.com There's more pet resources here: http://www.nabaza.com/pets.htm
10 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH PROBLEM BEHAVIOR
by Suzanne Clothier
At one time or another, every owner has to deal with problem behavior. Understanding why your dog does what he does, and how to handle the situation correctly can help resolve problems quickly.
Here are some basic guidelines that apply to nearly all problem situations:
Control the dog and you control the situation. By putting on a training collar and lead, you can control the dog. For many dogs, their training equipment means business, not playtime, and this can help in a problem situation. A dog who is on lead cannot run away or chase people or other animals, and his owner has a chance to help him understand what he should do by guiding him with the leash and collar.
Be positive. Instead of saying "NO", try giving your dog something positive that he can do for you, such as "Sit", or "Heel". This positive approach means you can praise generously for his good actions, instead of simply yelling at him. For example, a dog who jumps up can be told to sit, and helped if necessary, then praised for sitting.
Allow a dog to be a dog. Often, what owners consider problem behavior is simply normal dog behavior that they find unpleasant or annoying. For example, digging is a natural canine activity but distressing to a garden proud owner. Instead of scolding for what comes naturally, it might be kinder to set up an area in which you have buried small treats to make it more attractive than the rest of the yard, and praising your dog for digging in "his" garden.
Whenever natural behaviors conflict with what you might like, be creative and see if you can find an outlet for those interests and activities that is suitable for you both.
Be consistent. It is unfair to the dog to change your rules depending on what you're wearing, who's visiting or the kind of day you've had. If your dog is allowed on the furniture, he will be confused when you yell at him because Aunt Bess is visiting and she doesn't think dogs should sit in chairs! If he's allowed to jump up when you're wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, don't be surprised if he can't tell the difference between that and your best evening gown. Whatever your rules are, keep them consistent.
Have your dog earn what he wants. While everyone needs a few freebies now and then, your dog will not think you are a wonderful owner if you play with him, walk him, feed him and pet him whenever he demands it. In fact, this often creates problems since from the dog's point of view an owner who can be "trained" this well is not one who deserves much respect. Teach your dog to say "please" by sitting, laying down or following some other command before he gets what he wants.
Be clear. Owners often confuse dogs by changing the words or commands, repeating them over and over again without showing the dog what is meant, and worst of all, assuming that the dog understands.
When in doubt, gently show your dog physically exactly what you mean, giving the command at the same time so that he can associate the two. Use clear, matter of fact commands when addressing your dog, and be sure that your praising tone is excited, enthusiastic and upbeat.
Remember that while we use words to communicate, dogs are masters of reading body language. If your body language tells the dog one thing, but your voice tells the dog something else, chances are he will believe your body language. This is why people who bend towards their dog and shake a finger at them while scolding "No, no, no" often receive a playful bark - their body posture is much more like a dog inviting play than a dog who is annoyed or angry.
Exercise, exercise, exercise! The most common cause of problem behavior is boredom and a lack of sufficient exercise. While you work or go out, your dog has little or nothing to do, and his need to exercise will not go away. A familiar yard or house is boring, and few dogs exercise on their own without interaction with their owners. Take the time to play with your dog, jog with him, walk in the woods, swim or take long brisk walks each day. A tired dog is always a well behaved dog!
Provide mental stimulation. Dr. Roger Abrante's suggestions regarding using 1/3 of your dog's diet for treats to be earned during training, 1/3 to be given as usual in a food bowl, and 1/3 to be "hunted" (try a Buster Cube, an ingenious toy which the dog must persistently work with to receive a few kibble at a time. Even a border collie will be amused by this for hours! Buster Cubes are available from your local pet store or from DogWise.com.) This "home alone" 1/3-1/3-1/3 program helps your dog expend some energy and provides much needed stimulation.
Understand your dog's genetic heritage. Whether you own a Doberman or a Beagle, a Samoyed or a Westie, it is important to understand what your dog was bred to do. Owners often forget that the behavior that prompts a dog to run or stay close, hunt or guard, chase and kill or herd, work with people or work independently are all the result of generations of carefully selected traits. Research your breed's history, and talk to people who understand your breed's characteristics. You may find that Rover's tendencies, while annoying or amusing, are precisely what makes him what he is. You can then decide how best to work with your dog's instincts and where you need to concentrate training efforts.
Train your dog. Every dog should have basic manners, but dogs are not born knowing how to behave. Take the time to train your dog on a consistent basis using kind, positive methods. Find a class near you whose methods and philosophies you like. If faced with a behavior problem you can't solve, ask people you trust for a recommendation of an experienced trainer and get professional help fast. The sooner you begin working on a problem the sooner you will have it solved.
Dog training: Which way is your way?
Locally, dog owners have been copying some televised pop-dog-training psychology, to the discomfort of a few local dog trainers and more than a few canines.
The negative, in the view of the trainers interviewed, is that television programs like Cesar Milan's "Dog Whisperer" program on the National Geographic Channel have been encouraging dog owners to put choke collars on their dogs to yank them into obedience.
"You don't need to put a choke collar on and jerk them and jerk them," said Nancy Banask of HiTop Dog Training of Hurley. "It's a very old-fashioned method."
The positive is that Milan's work - and that of other humane pet activists on television - has people considering the consequences of how they care for their animals.
Jan Kopelman, the shelter manager at Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption in Kerhonkson, said this aspect of Milan's work should be applauded.
"I think he's brought a lot of awareness to training, which is a good thing," said Kopelman. "So many people now are aware of the need to train their dogs, the need to exercise their dogs. That's never a bad thing."
She agrees with Banask, however, that tugging on choke collars can, over time, be damaging.
Fran Breitkopf, a Woodstock resident and the head of the Ulster Dog Training Club, has also said choke-collar based training methods are old fashioned and fading quickly.
"What we have now is a more progressive method," she said.
A plain round collar works fine if dog owners put in the time to connect with their dogs, Breitkopf said. "There's almost no reason that we find to use anything more than that."
Dogs won't pull if their owners learn some of the "softer" methods of redirecting the dog's energy, she said. "If you can keep the dog's attention and talk to the dog, the dog will watch you and the dog will walk with you. You don't have to jerk it and pull it back."
On Milan's program, which debuted in 2004, he frequently uses dominance techniques to overwhelm dogs who he considers to be too aggressive. This technique earned Milan criticism even before his first episode aired.
Before the program first aired, National Geographic sent advance copies of "The Dog Whisperer" to Andrew Luescher, an animal behavior expert at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. Luescher begged them to cancel the program. He called one of Milan's techniques "flooding," akin to putting someone deathly afraid of spiders in a closet filled with hundreds of the eight-legged creatures.
"The person might be cured by that, but also might be severely disturbed and would have gone through an excessive amount of stress," he said.
Dominating a willful dog may be appropriate on some occasions, Kopelman said, but not as a rule of thumb.
"You have to say that dogs are different from each other, just as people are," she said. "I do not embrace a one-size fits all philosophy of dog training. I don't think all dogs should be on dominance programs. I don't think that's necessarily what's at the root of everyone's problem with their dog."
Milan's emphasis on exercise, choke collar and all, has won him tempered applause from trainers. Almost every episode has Milan pulling dog owners and their charges into the street to practice walking. Even owners who have palatial estates where dogs run free are scolded for not regularly walking their dogs.
"I do think that there's a huge problem with dogs being under-exercised and their minds kind of underdeveloped, if you will," Kopelman said.
Milan spends a lot of time on his program talking about not nurturing dogs when they are acting neurotic. If a dog is comforted - or rewarded - for acting up in any way they will assume that is the behavior that is desired, he tells viewers.
Banask agrees, to a point. She also agrees with Milan's belief that dog owners need to exude leadership qualities when working with their animals. "You want to act like you're in charge and in control and not be fearful yourself. If you project strength and confidence, the dog's going to follow you."
Kopelman, Banask and Breitkopf hope that at the very least, dog owners with obedience and behavior problems will follow Milan's advice to sign up for dog training classes. Kopelman said she and Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption founder Sue Sternberg have even set up a "Training Wheels" program that tours the Hudson Valley to offer low-cost dog training. To learn more about "Training Wheels," call (845) 687-7619.
Breitkopf's organization, the Ulster Dog Training Club, is all about economical and convivial training, with a range of classes and group activities. They meet at the St. John's Episcopal Church on Albany Avenue in Kingston and the K9Crazy facility on Route 28 in Kingston.
Banask, who operates out of Hurley, also visits homes and leads group classes around the area. For more information about her work, call (845) 339-3173.
Source: Kingston Daily Freeman
Training Dogs Not To Bite
Statistics show that dogs bite as many as 4.7 million people each year. Biting is an unwanted behavior. And you can very well avoid it. By training your dog not to bite, you are going to avoid medical bills and lawsuits in the process.
The difficulty of teaching your dog not to bite lies with its breed and temperament. You have to use the right techniques so you'll successfully restrain your dog from biting animals and other people.
It is important to start the training early. It is common for puppies to nip. Some owners don't control this behavior, as they regard it to be cute and harmless. But it could really be a start of their bad biting habit. And so when you see your dog nipping at something, reprimand it at once.
One-month old puppies should be capable of learning simple commands. When puppies start to bite, you need to tell it to stop firmly but gently. Use the word 'No' so it can recognize the word and associate it to something he is not supposed to do. Squeezing the dog's muzzle it would help too.
The puppy may bite its tongue when you muzzle it, so be careful when you do this. Make sure you don't squeeze too hard. Squeezing too high could be a problem as well, as it could cause the dog's sensitive odor receptors to be damaged. As a result, your dog would have problems smelling.
Keep in mind that you are squeezing the dog to inform it of what's good and bad. You're not squeezing because you're punishing the dog for the thing it has done. Discomfort is something dogs can associate to a verbal command, especially at that early age. Dogs don't like it when their muzzles are squeezed, regardless of their age.
Socializing your pet with other dogs also helps in making him a calm and collected dog. They would also be more confident. Socializing would decrease your dog's fear. It makes them more used to strangers. As such, little are their chances of developing the biting behavior.
Make your dog meet non-aggressive dogs on a regular basis. This decreases their tendency to become wary because of the other dog's difference in looks and smell. If you do this at a rather young age, you are discouraging their territorial response.
Most of the time, dogs learn how to inhibit their biting behavior by themselves. When playing with littermates, they learn not to press too hard. Capitalize on these instances to teach them not to bite family members, people, and other pets.
Should you need to introduce other pets to your dog, restrain it. You must also restrain the other pet as well. Allow them to approach each other slowly so that they can sniff each other. Let them to carry out their natural behaviors, without intimidating each other.
Aggression has signs. Always be on the lookout for those. Body tension, erect ears, and snarling are good indications of aggression. Whenever you see these signs, ask your dog to sit. Then stroke its back. Do the same thing with the other animal using your other hand. With your mitigation, allow your pets to interact with one another.
Give your dog until its fourth month to learn how to inhibit biting. It won't happen quickly so don't get discouraged. Different breeds react differently to biting. And older dogs may learn how to properly inhibit biting longer than expected.
But the sad fact is that there are dogs that will never learn how to stop themselves from biting. So you've got to do your part. Always see to it that the dog won't get near people or other animals. Inform visitors and family members about the behavior of your dog so that they won't do anything to frighten it.
For older dogs that bite, try to use a garden spray. Fill the spray with water and use it to spew water to your dog's face right at the moment it would seem to attack. Sooner or later, the dog would learn that biting is something you don't tolerate.
Always use patience when training pets. Most dogs require gradual but persistent training. Don't get disheartened. All your efforts to training your dog will pay off in the long run.
source : pet-yard.com
Buying Dog Toys For Your Dog
These days when you walk into the toy section of any pet stores for dogs, you are most likely to be spoilt for choice – an endless supply of colourful toys that are uniquely created to keep your dog healthy and amused. Dog toys are a great bonding tool for you and your dog, so exactly how important is it to provide your dog with lots of fun toys?
Dog toys are actually one of the most important possessions you can give to your dog, especially for puppies. Dog toys help to develop your dog’s mental and emotional well-being, as well as good physical coordination. They also help your dog to relieve separation anxiety (especially in puppies that have just been separated from their mother), mental stress and boredom, promote dental health and prevent your dog from eating away or chewing on your personal belongings, such as your shoes! So shower your dog with lots of toys to keep it occupied and challenged.
Toys can be divided into 3 general categories:
* Primary toys are your dog's favourite. Leave these out for your dog when you are not around. This helps reduce separation anxiety because your dog associates you leaving with him getting his favourite toys.
* Secondary toys are the toys to have out when you are at home. Be sure to pick up the primary toys.
* The third set of toys are to be rotated with the first set. Trainers recommend swapping toys every 3 days or so. Mixing the toys will keep your dog interested in all his toys.
Variety is the spice of life. Most experts would recommend that you buy different kinds of toys for your dog so that you can discover which ones he really likes. An ideal toy would combine both the fun and safety factors that suit the size and personalities of your dog. There is no point in buying a small Chihuahua a huge heavy ball that it cannot grip with its teeth.
Do consider the following points as you peruse your toy options at the pet store:
* Make sure there are no dangerous small pieces that your inexperienced puppy or dog can chew loose and swallow, lodged in his throat or worse yet – choke on. Good pet toys include hard rubber chews and bones that are robust and hard for your puppy to destroy or swallow. Some toys do eventually fall apart or splinter, if that’s the case, either repair or replace it.
* Larger dog breeds have bigger throats, and this means a small toy can pose problems.
* Don’t limit your choices to only safe dog toys that you can buy from pet stores. Many household items make for great alternatives, such as tennis balls or Frisbees. You should go for Frisbees made of soft plastic or cloth. Although this variety won’t go as far, and they are not as controllable as the hard plastic flying disks, they are much less likely to damage your dog’s mouth and teeth when he snatches it from the air.
* To keep your dog interested, combine a variety of toys – squeakers, flavoured rubber bones, bouncy balls, squishy toys etc all of which will provide your dog with hours of fun.
* Another popular toy for your adult dog or puppy is a strong rope. It allows them to chew on something and also it allows you to participate during playtime by pulling and tugging on the rope.
* Create your own dog toy – to make a chewable toy for your dog, put some cheese or his favourite treat inside a sterilised bone. Give your dog the bone and it will try to reach the food inside of it. This toy is ideal to stimulate the dog when he is home alone.
* Do not give your dog old clothes or shoes as play toys. If you let your dog chew these items, it will assume that this is an acceptable behaviour and will do it to other shoes and clothes! Dogs cannot distinguish between old and new things, so bear that in mind when you choose normal household items as toys for your dog.
By: Gerald McNicholl
Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com
Dog Grooming - Process to Maintain a Healthy Coat
Most people wouldn't think to go a day or two without out combing their hair, let alone a week or two. Whether your dog has short or long hair, he still requires grooming to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
It is important to comb or brush his hair, inspect his coat and bathe him as required. This will prevent his hair from tangling and becoming matted. Tangled and matted hair will be uncomfortable for your pet, and in a worse case scenario, affect his health adversely. They can create sores, making it hurt for your pet to be touched. Regular grooming will keep your pet looking good and feeling good.
In addition to preventing tangling, brushing a dog's coat is an ideal way to distribute the animal's natural oils. In doing so, it also removes loose hair, stimulates the skin, loosens dirt and dander, as well as, any other materials which may have become stuck in it. When grooming, you should also check the dog's skin for any signs of inflammation, infection, irritation or parasite infestation.
Dogs with shorter haired coats require less grooming than dogs with longer haired coats but they do require some attention. Many shorthaired dogs have a dandruff problem from frequent shedding. They require daily brushing. You should use a soft bristled brush on shorthaired dogs, or a hound glove with short wire bristles in the palm. This will remove the dead hair and dirt. Follow up with a soft cloth to wipe any remaining loose hair. If using a comb, choose a fine toothed one. Begin with the head and work your way down the dog's body to its tail and legs.
Dogs with longer hair will require more frequent grooming sessions. A short time every day to accomplish this will make the task easier. Once again, start at the head and brush or comb the direction of the dog's hair. For dogs with a thick undercoat, lift the hair and brush under the coat to remove dead hair. Wire pin or slicker brushes are ideal for longer coats, as the brush should have long firm bristles to pull the dead hair. And if using a comb after the brushing, a wide toothed comb is the better option.
As a general rule, dogs should not be bathed more than three or four times a year unless excessively dirty. More frequent bathing will remove their protective natural oils and cause a dandruff problem. Those with long silky coats may require weekly bathing. Before bathing a dog, it is important to brush its coat well to remove dead, loose hair, as well as, loosen tangles or mattes. You can use any gentle, tearless dog shampoo. If your dog has skin conditions or fleas you may need to use a special shampoo. Make sure you don't get shampoo in his eyes and to rinse thoroughly. It is important to remove all shampoo so as to not cause itching, flaking and skin problems. Then, wrap the dog in a towel and dry. You can blow dry on the lowest setting possible with the blow dryer far enough away from the dog, so it won't get burned.
Another part of the grooming process is to clip the dog's toenails. Use clippers and be careful not to cut to the quick, which is where the blood supply ends. Make sure you have some styptic powder on hand in case you do cut into the quick. This will stop the bleeding. Also, make sure you brush your dog's teeth. Use soft bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
This is also a good time to inspect and clean your dog's ears. Slightly wet a cotton ball, with an ear cleaner, and wipe the folds of the skin. If you notice a foul smell or wax buildup, then you should have your veterinarian check for possible infection.
The grooming process may seem like a chore, but it can be a positive experience for both you and your pet. It is an ideal way to keep your companion healthy. The interaction that comes with this will turn this chore into an enjoyable and bonding experience for you both.
By: Matthew Hick
Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com
Should You Have A Dog House?
Many pet owners deliberate the question of whether or not to have a dog house. Regardless of the type or size of your dog or if it is an outside or inside pet there are practical reasons for providing your pet with a dog house.
Obviously, an outside dog needs a warm, dry shelter. What size is right for your dog? Use the following guideline to select the right dog house: Roof Height should be 25% to 50% taller than your dog. Door height should be ¾ the shoulder height of your dog. The overall inside dimensions should not be more than 25% longer than your dog in either direction. If your dog will be outside all year round it is best to use an insulated dog house. You can purchase warming mats to help fight the cold. It is essential to insure that the water supply is clean and that it does not freeze. There are many watering devices available to insure a continuous clean water supply. You will also need a non-freeze water container. These stainless steel water containers assure a fresh water supply even in the coldest weather. Hot weather should also be a concern and there are cooling mats available that you should consider.
If your dog is outside occasionally it is also wise to have a safe secure place for it to go. A dog house provides for a place to keep water clean. It is also a place of security for your pet. It will provide a dry place out of the rain. A dog house also alerts strangers that there is a dog present on your property.
Inside dogs like the same security that outside pets require.. Pets need a place of their own that is their own private location, inside the larger domain of your home. Many pet owners are providing a light, sometimes collapsible, inside dog house for their pet. The light weight and collapsible dog house can be taken on trips as well. Some pet owners will use a travel carrier in place of an inside dog house. That option is alright as long as you provide a comfortable mat and it of a size that is comfortable for your pet.
Whether you dog is an inside or outside animal, you should consider providing a dog house for your pet. Be sure to take advantage of the many valuable sites available that discuss the safety and security of your pet and the need for a secure dog house.
By: Charles Dibble
Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com
Grooming tips for Dachshunds
source : bestfriendspetcare.com
Choosing a Suitable Dog - One that fits your lifestyle.
Choosing a suitable Dog? Large or small - active or couch potato - longhaired or short - with the myriad of options out there, how in the world do you pick the right dog?
Will a large dog be best - or a small one? Do you have children? Do you have other pets? Choosing a suitable dog raises so many questions, but choosing the perfect family dog is one of life's big bonuses. Dogs make brilliant companions and wonderful family pets - if you get the maths right! Making the wrong decision results in heartbreak for yourself and your family - and yet another unhappy or abandoned dog.
Choosing a suitable dog for your family is a major decision and there are ALL SORTS of things to consider. Will a dog fit your lifestyle? Will you have the patience to cope with a puppy ? Or would re-homing a mature dog be best for your family? If you do decided to go the puppy route - are you prepared for sleepless nights, puddles in the most unexpected places, not forgetting chewed up family heirlooms?
However, with a little bit of help, picking the perfect family dog can be a breeze if you do your research and remember the following basic points -
What TYPE of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Simply put, the type of dog that will fit your lifestyle largely depends on the type of lifestyle you have.
Are you an active, outdoors type of person? You will probably enjoy a medium to large, active dog which needs regular exercise and can join in all your fun. If, however you lead a more sedate lifestyle, a smaller, calmer dog would be suitable and more appreciative of your calm lifestyle.
Space is also an important consideration. Some large dogs need plenty of space whilst small dogs do quite well in flats and apartments.
What BREED of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Once you've decided what "type" of dog will best suit you, you can now work out the breeds which fit the bill. Dog breeds differ from each other as much as night does from day - this is why research is an absolute must.
Do take time to check out the breed AND the breeder thoroughly. Your dog's temperament is decided primarily by his breed and breeding and only then by human conditioning and training. However, when he is under pressure or provoked, it is almost always your dog's breed and breeding that will win - do bear this important fact in mind.
Other Factors to Consider
When choosing a suitable dog, don’t forget to take into account the cost of looking after a dog. Consider, for example, a dog's grooming needs - ie: shorthaired or longhaired? If you go for a longer haired breed, you need to factor in the additional cost of time and/or professional grooming.
In addition to the usual expenses such as food, vet bills, annual vaccinations and insurance you also need to consider the care of your pet while you're on holiday . Believe me, this can be expensive! More dogs than you care to imagine end up in a dog shelter or worse still on doggy death row simply because their owner had not considered these cost implications.
Last by not least, what type are you?
Well ...... choosing a suitable dog largely depends on your own personality. After all, it's no point picking a dog which is the life and soul of the party if you're the retiring type. Nor is it much fun choosing a dog which matures early and becomes all "dignified" - when what you thrive on is regular rough-and-tumble sessions! Yet another reason for you to do your research thoroughly.
So, do your research at this stage - there is a lot to be considered when choosing a suitable dog. Read as much as you can - and take your time. You'll find a dog which settles into your lifestyle so comfortably, you wont remember a day when he wasn't there - and even if you do, you’ll wonder how in the world you managed without him!
By: Marion Herbertson
Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory
What Is A Dog Food Allergy?
Unfortunately many dog food allergies normally manifest in your pet in a way that we can not see. However one way of knowing if your dog may have a dog food allergy is that their skin becomes itchy. Often this results in them scratching themselves on the feet, legs, chewing of the tail, shaking the head, loss of hair, rubbing of the face, anal itching along with recurrent ear infections and sores appearing. But more often than not a food allergy in a dog can be overlooked as it is assumed that their skin problems are being caused by other health issues. This may include fleas, mange or external allergens such as pollen and dust.
But where food allergies are concerned in a dog they may also be other symptoms apart from a skin reaction. This includes:-
1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Flatulence
4. Sneezing
5. Asthma like symptoms (seem to have difficulty breathing and wheeze)
6. Some may even have seizures whilst other their behavior may change.
However in some cases a food allergy may not be suspected as the dog has been eating the same food for years without any reaction to it. But just like us a dog can develop a particular sensitivity or allergy towards a product that they have had not problems with before. This may occur because the manufacturer has made a change in the ingredients that is now using and so an allergic reaction may occur. What is important to remember is that a food allergy can appear at any age in any dog as well as in both dogs and bitches even if no alterations have been made to the product that you use.
One of the best ways of treating a dog who has a food allergy is by using an elimination diet. Although this will help to remove the symptoms it does not always provide your dog with nutritionally complete meal. So the best way to do this is by producing specially tailored home prepared meals. But for those of you who do not have the time to prepare such a meal then there are a wide variety of dog foods around which provide a vast selection of alternatives. So the best thing you can do is read the ingredients on the product carefully and closely observe your dog for at least a couple of months in order to determine whether the food you have selected is appropriate as well as being allergen free.
So if you are concerned that your dog may be suffering from a dog food allergy then talk to your vet and look at what sorts of alternative foods you can give them.
source : dogbreeds123.com
Basic Dog Grooming Tips You Need To Know
Brush your dog often
Brushing will stimulate oils in your pets skin & keep it moist & healthy. Brushing will prevent matting of your dogs coat. Brushing is a great way to show your dog attention. Brushing eliminates dead hair in the coat that contributes to shedding.
Maintain the length of your dogs nails
You can walk your dog often to wear down nails. Clip your dogs nails on a regular basis. If they are cut too short they can bleed & sting. Groomers usually charge a little less than veterinarians to cut nails. If you believe your dog will be aggressive about getting their nails cut it is best to take them to the veterinarian.
Bathe your dog regularly
Buy dog shampoos & conditioners from pet stores. Do not use flea & tick shampoos unless your pet needs them, they can dry out your pets skin. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly, leaving soap on skin can cause problems. Bathing a dog with knots & mats will worsen them, be sure to eliminate these before or immediately after the bath. When drying your dog use low heat. Dogs are sensitive to burning, keep this in mind while adjusting water temperature. Bathing your dog will cut down on chances of infestations of fleas & ticks. Place cotton in your dogs ears before bathing. Often water in the ears can lead to ear infections. By washing away dead hair, regular bathing reduces shedding of your dogs coat.
keep your dog ears cleanDo this with dog ear cleaner bought from any pet store. Put a small amount of ear cleaner on a cotton ball and swab outer surface of the inner ear. Keeping your dogs ears clean & dry will reduce chance of ear infections & ear mites. You can also buy ear wipes from any pet store to keep your dogs ears clean. Dog groomers & veterinarians can also clean your pets ears for you. Many longhaired dogs grow hair in their ears that needs to be pulled to prevent ear infections. This hair can be gently pulled out with hemostats. Most people leave this to their groomer or vet.
by Rose LenkThe Basics Of Training Your Dog
As a new dog owner and trainer, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed at first. Do not be discouraged by this. It is quite common and shows a healthy concern for your pets well being. This being said there are a few very simple rules to remember when training your pet.
If you can remember to remain consistent, keep a level head and reward your pet appropriately then you have won a large part of the battle. What do these three basics entail? We shall discuss that in the following few paragraphs.
Dogs are creatures of habit. Every part of their daily life revolves around an internal schedule and routine. They anticipate the return of their owners at a certain time of day and know that meal times occur regularly. Once trained, they will even exhibit certain behaviors to mark these times of day, such as bringing their empty food dish to their master or waiting near the door for their owners return. To us humans, this may seem a dull existence but our canine companions thrive on consistent routines. This fact is very useful to a new trainer as it can make your job much easier if you use this knowledge. Why? Because canine obedience training revolves around repetition of certain actions.
The goal behind obedience training is the idea that a dog will respond with a certain reaction every time a certain command is given. This means that every time you tell your dog to sit, this will be exactly what will happen. To make use of the animal's instinctive behavior in this regard, one must remember to be consistent with training. Go thru the routines exactly the same way every time with no variation until they are well in hand. If you tell your dog to sit, make certain your pet does so before moving on to the next point, even pushing their hindquarters down if necessary to accomplish this end. This rigid consistency will go a long way towards achieving a well-trained pet.
Let's now move along to the next point of keeping a level head, which is also one of the more difficult points. At the end of a long day of work, you are tired, the dog just doesn't seem to be responding and tempers can flare quite easily. You may decide this dog is just one of the few who can't be trained or that you just don't have the skills.
You might be feeling completely discouraged by a seeming lack of interest on the dogs part to learn even the simplest of behaviors. You will most likely encounter this scenario more than once in your venture at dog training. Just take this moment as a queue that the lesson is done for the time being and retire to some less strenuous amusement such as a hot cup of tea. Dogs are like children and will find the ways to irritate you for amusement it seems. Just like children, they take time and patience in teaching anything worth training them for. Rome wasn't built in a day and your dog won't become a well trained champion over night either.
Now let's move on to the third major point in being a successful trainer. The reward for doing a behavior or trick correctly. This is a very important part of the training process as it builds your relationship with your pet and shows them your appreciation for their good behaviors. Again consistent treatment is important in training and a reward should be given every time a performance of a given command is executed properly.
This is not saying to give your dog a food treat every time. While an occasional tidbit of food is a great reward doing so consistently is not. This would result in an unhealthy pet and be counterproductive to your training efforts. Rather than doing this, offer other forms of reward such as rich verbal praise, play with a favorite toy or petting your dog to show affection. These rewards will enhance your relationship with your pet and make future training sessions even easier as your pet will anticipate these rewards and want to please you.
If these simple steps are kept in mind, your pets training should be an easy task with many rich rewards. Enjoy your pet and make your bond stronger while training with these three principles.
Using Your Dog's Name
How you use your dog's name can cause him much confusion. Your dog will associate related events and see a relationship between contiguous impressions. He gets excited when you get the leash out, right? Sure, because the leash means a walk--a fun event. When you know very well that your dog forms many strong associations, why believe or assume he won't make similar assumptions and learn similar things regarding his name?
For example, I say: "Rover, Come!" and "Rover, Stay!" away from me. The next time I say Rover, do I expect him to break towards me or run away? Because I was just silly enough to teach him it means both! Look at how silly I can be: "Rover, Shut Up!" "Get Down, Rover!" "Rover, NO!" These are great ways to teach him that the word Rover means a reprimand. I then say: "Honey, Rover was so cute today! When Sam visited, Rover played so nicely! Even Carl liked Rover!" Rover just got ignored for paying attention to his name three times because I wasn't talking to him!
What have I done wrong so far here? First, I taught Rover that his name doesn't mean him, so he can ignore it. Second, I taught him it means punishment. Third, I taught him it means to stay away from me. But if he doesn't come to me EVERY time I call him, I'll rip his lips off! Do you see how we confuse our dogs?
One of the most common desires of dog owners is to have their dog come when they call him. This is much easier and more reliably successful if you first remove any reason he has NOT to come when called. If the name means reprimands or to stay away from you, you sure gave him reasons not to come when called!
Here's the answer: Use a dog's name only when you are directly addressing that dog in a positive way. Say it when giving the dog meals, treats, love, massages, petting, walks and whatever he really likes. And the ONLY command you say it with is "Come!" because coming to you should be among your dog's greatest joys, so that's consistent with all the other positive things his name is linked with. If the ONLY times your dog hears his name is "Yes, Rover! Good Rover! Rover, here's a treat! Have a massage, Rover!" how does he NOT come when you call him?
A very effective way to verbally correct a dog and avoid his name is to use specific words. "Off!" means stay on the floor or get off of whatever he's on. "Quiet!" means to be silent--not be bark or howl. "Drop!" means to leave something alone or drop it from his mouth.
So now you don't need a name! If one or two dogs is/are barking, "Quiet!" not only tells them what to do, it tells all of them exactly who you're addressing! The quiet dogs know you mean the loudmouths! Same with Off, Drop, Back, Out or whatever direction you say.
The point is very simple: Don't use your dog's name to mean contradictory or diametrically opposed things. Use it to mean only good things directed to that dog, and make coming to you a very good thing. I've done this for decades with dozens of my own and thousands of client dogs all over the world. I KNOW it works very well!
Given what I hear about training today, the dogs aren't the only ones confused!
Author: Dr. Dennis Fetko, "Dr. Dog"
Japanese Chin
- Group: Toy
- Height: 8 to 11 inches
- Coat: Abundant, straight, single, and silky
- Color: Black and white, red and white
He is naturally clean and makes an ideal pet that can thrive in most any climate. A Japanese Chin is a good companion, bright and alert. He is sensitive, though, with definite likes and dislikes, but rarely, if ever, does he forget friend or foe.
The Japanese Chin is a small, well balanced, lively, aristocratic toy dog with a distinctive Oriental expression. It is light and stylish in action. The plumed tail is carried over the back, curving to either side. The coat is profuse, silky, soft and straight. The dog's outline presents a square appearance.
source: pedigree.com
Puppy Hints
So you got a new puppy, now what? Do you know what kind of puppy you have? Playful? Protective? Outgoing? Shy? Well whatever puppy you have you can use these helpful puppy hints to connect with your new member of the family.
Just remember that if you want your new puppy to obey, respect, and love you then you need to never ever hurt your puppy. Your new puppy needs to feel safe and secure and if you hit him to punish him he will be to scared to obey you, which could lead to other behavior problems like house breaking. Make sure your children are not hitting the puppy too because he is more likely to bite you or them in self defense if you hit him.
Reinforce your puppies' good behavior. Praise and treats are always a good way to do just that. Good behavior such as peeing outside, sitting when told to, no barking in the house, etc. Food is a good motivator also. Puppies learn more easily when food is involved because it is more satisfying then toys at that point. Use part of their daily intake so as to not over feed your new puppy, therefore keeping your new dog healthy while training him. If you need to punish your puppy do not yell, use a lack of attention. Puppies thrive on attention so when you don't pay attention to them that is more then punishment enough.
House train your new puppy as soon as possible. Be consistent! Patience is an absolute must! Your puppy needs time to learn so remember accidents happen. Make sure your puppy socializes. This is important because you can have a well-behaved puppy if you get him into some proactive socializing early on. Your puppies' most impressionable period, just like children, is when they are young, birth to sixteen weeks. So make sure you are doing all you can to help acclimate your dog to society.
Make sure you handle your puppy every day. Such as brushing, baths, toenails being clipped, ear cleaning are just a few. Also examining and brushing your puppies' teeth should be on your list of dos for a healthy dog. Your ultimate goal is to have your puppy comfortable and have him look forward to being handled by you or your children. A stressed out dog is no fun for you or the dog, so make sure your puppy gets used to the attention. Make sure you use treats to praise your pup for good behavior during this time, and be gentle, the respond to kindness and tender care more so then harsh words.
Start training your dog not to bite early on in life. Have your whole household be part of this training. It is natural for a dog to want to bite; they have done it since the beginning of time. But it only takes some simple steps to keep your puppy playful but not dangerous. Try playing with your pooch, getting him to bite you, when he does it to hard say ouch! really loud and let it startle him. Stop playing with him for a few minutes and then start over until he learns to play nicely with out hurting you or your children. After practicing this for a few weeks your pup should be thinking that humans couldn't stand the touch of teeth at all.
Teaching your new puppy what is ok and not ok to chew on is very important. You would like to keep your good shoes good right? Well make sure you teach your pup the ways of your household. Ensuring a happy puppy and happy owner. When you catch him chewing on something he isn't supposed to, face it you will, say loudly NO! Startle him into not chewing on that item. Hand him a chew toy to chew on instead. Praise him for chewing on his toy and he will be more then happy to chew it into oblivion.
Just remember to give your puppy lots of love. They need it to grow up happy, healthy, and obedient.
Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is valued as a loyal and loving friend. Because they are so muscular, Bull Terriers need plenty of exercise to stay fit, and love nothing more than playing catch with a bouncy rubber ball. They make the most delightful of compaions--in the city or country.
- Group: Terrier
- Coat: Short, flat, harsh, and with a fine gloss
- Color: White with head markings
Today's Bull Terriers are playful, fun-loving, sensitive, and affectionate dogs who make wonderful pets and companions, despite their tough appearance. They have tiny triangular eyes, and short erect ears. The Bull Terrier is happiest when he is with the people he loves. The closer the better. These dogs are miserable and unhappy if shut away or kept outside away from human companionship.
The Bull Terrier must be strongly built, muscular, symmetrical and active, with a keen determined and intelligent expression, full of fire but of sweet disposition and amenable to discipline.
source : pedigree.com
Bacon Flavored Dog Biscuits
Dog Food Recipe Ingredients:
- 5 c Whole wheat flour
- 1 c Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 10 tb Vegetable oil or bacon fat
- 1 pinch Onion or garlic powder
- 1 ts Salt
- 1/2 c Coldwater
- 1 tb Vegetable oil
Dog Food Recipe Directions:
Mix all ingredients well. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll them into two-inch balls. Put them on a greased cookie sheet. Bake them at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Let them cool, then store in an airtight container.
Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com
Is Your Dog Spoiled?
Huddled under my umbrella the other day, I was dodging raindrops and puddles as I walked the three blocks from the parking garage to my office. As I was passing an apartment building, I saw an elderly woman standing near the entrance holding an umbrella over her little white poodle dog. Unfortunately, the umbrella wasn't large enough to cover both her and the dog, so she was getting soaked. Unable to withhold comment, I said, "Do you think he'll melt if he gets wet?" She responded, "Well, he's sweet enough to melt, but the truth is that if I don't hold the umbrella for him he gets angry and pouts and won't eat his lunch." And, by dinner time he's an absolute bear! Welcome to the world of the pampered pet.
Although man's best friend has always been his dog, the degree to which man has rewarded that friendship has quite possibly gotten out of hand. Evidence to support that statement can be found in the food we give our pets, the "attire" we put on their backs, the jewelry with which we adorn them, the amenities we provide in their surroundings and the provisions we make for their temporary care when we absolutely have to leave them behind. If necessary, we send "Rover" to counseling sessions with dog psychologists, provide outrageously expensive dental care, clip/wash/curl their hair and make sure their nails are done so as not to embarrass them in front of their friends.
How many of us have spent a restless night because "Missy", our pug faced Pekinese, can't seem to get comfortable in our bed or "Bull", our six ounce Chihuahua, growls and snaps at us when we roll over on him. Yes, for those of you that are disbelievers, many people do share their beds with their doggies. In fact, I've heard of many cases where couples sleep apart rather than crowd the dog. Have you ever tried to argue with a sleepy Doberman Pincher? Forget about it!
A thriving and lucrative industry has grown up around the pampered pet. Pet owners spend multi-millions each year on their little four-legged friends. Occasionally the news media will offer a blurb about the pet owner who spent hundreds, even thousands of dollars on a diamond studded dog collar for "Fluffy." However, this phenomenon is actually rather commonplace. Pick up the "Yellow Pages" in any city and you'll find scads of pet salons that offer expensive pet jewelry and accessories. And just because you've gone to the expense of buying that ruby red sweater, with matching rubies, for "Fifi", don't think your obligation have been fulfilled. If "Fifi" can't have a gold rimmed feeding bowl, like her friends have, she'll no doubt have to double up on her counseling sessions. The expense of this could easily exceed the cost of the bowl.
Now let's get down to diet - what can we feed "Prince", the proud Rottweiler? To be honest, Prince isn't all that fond of dry dog food. He'll eat some of it, but only if mixed with some of that delicious lamb gravy he likes. And, just like most of us, he prefers light fare in the mornings; perhaps a few scrambled eggs and just a slice or two of bacon. Careful not to overfeed though; he likes his lunch of broiled liver at precisely 12 noon. No need to make a big fuss about dinner though, he'll usually eat some (or most) of whatever it is that you're having.
This scenario might involve a slight stretch, but it is certainly not too far fetched. We worry more about what our pets will eat, or if they're "off their feed", than we worry about what our kids eat. I wonder how it is we know that our kids will eat when they get hungry, but we can't accept that this truism might apply to our dogs too. We feel compelled to continue to offer our dogs a full menu from which to select and if all else fails, it's time to schedule a trip to the Vet.
Speaking of Veterinarians - most of them now offer direct deposit so your entire paycheck can be directed right into their accounts. Veterinary expenses have gone through the roof and there's no end to the elaborate medical procedures now being provided routinely. A friend who bellyached for months about the cost of dental appliances (braces) for his kid willingly shelled out $2500 to fix his dog's overbite because "Tiger" appeared to be in discomfort when chewing on his rawhide bone.
Now that we've clearly established that we spoil our dogs, let's offer a word or two in our own defense. Dogs love us without reservation. Scold them, treat then meanly, tease them, leave them for long periods of time or forget to feed them and they'll still love you and want nothing more than to be near you. Throughout history, dogs have given their lives for their masters. "Police" dogs will face an armed attacker to protect their handler and "Seeing Eye" dogs will risk death or injury to steer their Charge away from a speeding car. A dog's love for its master is pure and unquestioning. In my opinion, they deserve all the pampering they can get.
Pets make us feel good. They comfort us, allow us to be ourselves and give those of us that need it, a reason for living.
Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com
