Protecting Your Dog From Fleas

By: Steve Searls

The easy natural ways to protect your dog from fleas.

- Make use of vacuum cleaners to get rid of dust. Do not forget to seal the vacuum bags before you dispose them off.

- These parasites mostly breed on your dog's bed. You must clean the bedding once a week with warm soapy water.

- Use of a dog shampoo also helps in keeping the fleas away.

- Cedar made products are naturally flea repellent. Use cedar shampoo for your dog and also put cedar oil on their beds.

- A dogs dry skin attracts fleas. To keep their skin moist you should refrain from doing too much shampooing. Linatone oil in their food can also help.

- A mixture of brewer's yeast and garlic can be given in small doses to your pet. This creates a certain odor in pets, and seems to repel fleas.

- Fresh or dried pennyroyal leaves is also a natural flea repellent. Use this in carpets to avoid the abundance of fleas in your home. However, do not use it if you have small children around, as this could be toxic.

- You may also use a mixture of lavender oil and rock salt to bathe your dog and sprinkle it in the places where dogs usually prefer to rest.

- Marigolds can also be planted in your backyard as it keeps away fleas, as well as other certain kinds of bugs.

- You may also give your dog a quick bath in boiled lemon water or by using orange peels in the water. This can also be used for soaking your dogs bedding for a few hours before washing it with warm soapy water.

Remember that bathing your dog will only work if the infestation is low. In fact, these methods of keeping fleas away are only preventive in nature and wouldn't work well if the infestation level is too high.

There are number of commercially made products that are also available in the market. Let us take a look at them.

- Advantage: This is a product from Bayer having imidaclorid as the active ingredient. Advantage comes in liquid form and is applied on the dog's back. It quickly kills the fleas by breaking the nervous system of the fleas and its effect lasts for about a month. Although it is a liquid, it is safe for your dog as it does not get absorbed into its bloodstream.

Advantage also kills the flea larvae.

- K9 Advantix: Also from Bayer, it has quickly become the favorite of veterinarians and dog owners. It is for dogs only. Its active ingredients are Imidacloprid and Permethrin. It kills fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks, including deer ticks and keeps working after swimming or bathing.

- Frontline Plus: Frontline is not much different from Advantage except that it is not soluble in water. The product can be used safely for your dogs and puppies. It is very efficient in repelling the fleas and its effect can last for over four months.

It contains Fipronil as its active ingredient.

Like Advantage, Fipronil also attacks the nervous system and causes instant death in about 24 hours. In spite of being highly toxic it is not harmful to your dog, unless your dog is not allergic to fipronil.

- Biospot: Biospot is meant for dogs only. It kills up to 75% of fleas and larvae and is also effective for mosquitoes. Biospot can temporarily alter the color of your pet's hair and make it appear yellowish. It contains permethrins and IGR and is effective for about a month.

- Knockout: Another effective product that is exclusively meant for dogs. Its active ingredients include Pyriproxyfen: 21 pyridine: 0.05% cyclopropanecarboxylate: 2%. It also contains NYLAR to control the flea growth.

- Proban and Prospot: Again exclusively and widely used for dogs. However these repellents only work when the fleas bite the dog as they are effective only after they are absorbed in the bloodstreams. You also need to remember that you are injecting a small quantity of poison into your dogs body and you may not even know the side effects. Also, if your dog is allergic to the flea bites these may not be the right products.

Fleas thrive during the summer as it is their breeding season. Commercial products are effective during this time, but it is always better to consult your vet before you actually begin to using these products on your dog.

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Training Pet Show Dogs or Actors

By: MIKE SELVON

Training pet show dogs can be a very rewarding, and lucrative business in the canine industry. It may not be professional dog shows. It could be training pet puppies to bark in television shows or perform amazing canine feats. Let's face it.

Most of us have seen a dog on television do a cute trick but have looked over at our pooch and wondered why he will not even fetch a ball. It is not him, it is the owner.

Training pet or pets to do what we want requires discipline. The basic dog psyche wants to please his or her master. Training specialist does advise starting off slowly and working up from there.

First, you need a training collar to help with the animal learning basic commands. These commands are: sit, lie down, stay and stop or come. The animal must be able to mind their owner.

After you have mastered the basic animal commands, and he has as well, it is time to play. Training experts say that it is important for a dog to enjoy his play. Drug sniffing canines are taught how to search out drug stashes through the use of a favorite toy.

They are trained by the act of playing. Of course, they are also well disciplined but training pet or pets to do important jobs also can be fun time for them.

Training pet show dogs is a little different than teaching your animal to sit, stay or roll over. This is one arena of animal ownership that requires the animal be impeccable.

As the trainer you are expected to know the hundreds of little rules that can cause a pet to win or lose the competition. The length of coat, the dog agility, and the teeth are but a few of the items that judges look at.

If your animal show training pet skills are not up to par, there are still competitions your animal can be entered into. One that strikes humor in many is the Ugliest Dog competition.

The phrase "a face only a mother could love" is absolutely true where some of these pets are concerned. Bald and wrinkled or hairy and bug-eyed, all types of dogs make this competition.

Training pet skills require study and many hours of practice. It is part of training your dog to do what you want it to. It does not have to be all work though. You can train your dog to be your own personal star.

He or she can fetch your paper or be trained to catch a Frisbee; the choice is up to you. The most important thing is to have fun with your friend and enjoy each other's company.

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Natural Therapies for the Older Dog

By: Alison Grimston

Dogs are living to a much greater age nowadays than in the past. In the wild they would not have been able to survive beyond the age at which they could defend themselves from predators and rivals and find food. In common with other companion animals, they are living much longer, and, over this period of time, slow mental and physical changes take place.

In this article, I am going to outline some of the major physiological changes that occur, some ways in which we as caregivers can help them, some of the illnesses that affect older age groups, and some therapies that may be helpful.

Physiological Changes in Ageing: The nervous system: Messages travel down the nerve fibres of a dog in its prime at 6,000m per second. In older dogs these slow down to 1,300m per second.

The lungs: The lung tissue loses its elasticity with age, reducing the efficiency of respiration.

The circulatory system: The blood vessels lose their elasticity, making small haemorrhages more common e.g. in the brain tissue.

The brain: The consequent lack of oxygen to the brain reduces memory and learning. It can also affect personality and irritability.

Signs of Ageing: By the age of 16, most dogs will have lost some of their brain function. They may show signs of disorientation, changes in social relationships, changes to their diurnal rhythm, and incontinence. By the age of 16, 20% of dogs pass urine or faeces in the house, 25% of dogs sleep less at night and more in the daytime, and 60% interact less with their human companions (although they may go through a phase of increased attachment). More than 70% are disorientated, getting stuck in corners, going to the wrong side of the door when asking to go out, barking for no reason, and gazing into space. Neutered males get less aggressive with age, but neutered females tend to get more so.

Hormonal control and Ageing: Elderly dogs tend to secrete more stress hormones, even when relaxed. Training them to be more relaxed can help give them more control in later life. There is also a general reduction in brain neuroendocrine chemicals, especially dopamine.

How we can help with Ageing Dogs: We can help slow down ageing by gentle mental and physical stimulation. Massage has several benefits - it can improve circulation, loosen up stiff joints and induce relaxation. Mental stimulation can increase the number of connections between neurons in the brain.

Feeding a diet high in antioxidants and vitamins can help. An older dog needs about 20% fewer calories, and some dogs gain weight with maturity. As always, any change in diet should be made gradually.

We as care-givers need to accept that our dog is ageing.

Over-exercising does more harm than good, so we need to allow the dog to set the pace. Older dogs can become confused by a change to the usual routines. As the skin glands produce less oil with age, more frequent grooming will help your older dog. Consider brushing its teeth daily, and provide more frequent toilet breaks.

Complementary Therapies and Ageing: Acupuncture can be particularly helpful with the pain of arthritis etc. Like acupressure and shiatsu, it also reduces pain by relaxing muscles.

T Touch therapy is a touch therapy that can be learned by the care-giver, and can be very calming in anxiety as well as helping many stress -related problems - which, as we now know, can give any symptom.

Musculoskeletal problems can also be helped by osteopathy and chiropractic, as well as massage as discussed above. All these touch therapies are beneficial mainly in animals that enjoy touch, and can increase stress in those that do not.

Nutritional therapies involve altering the diet slightly to benefit the dog. The role of diet in helping ageing has already been discussed. It is notable however that when a dog declines to eat, for example during an infection, it does so for good reason, (such as to starve the invading organism, and concentrate energy on the immune system rather than digestion,) and should not be forced. The commonest nutritional problem in dogs is overfeeding, causing obesity, and it is important for us to help our animals and help educate caregivers where this is problematic. However, beware that any strict, unbalanced diet given over a prolonged period of time may lead to malnutrition.

Herbal remedies can help with specific ill health. Examples include comfrey to help ease sprains, marigold for digestive disorders, garlic for respiratory infections and digestive upset, and echinacea for stimulating the immune system.

Aromatics and aromatherapy oils used with animals should be selected by the animal from a choice made on the basis of symptoms - a trained animal aromatics therapist can be pivotal in selecting the right balance. The nature of homeopathy and other vibrational medicines leads to them being more effective when targeted at the whole spectrum of symptoms and personality rather than at a single region of the body.

The beauty of spiritual healing and Reiki is that the dog will take whatever healing energy is needed, without a specific diagnosis being made. It is absorbed into whatever parts of the body, mind and spirit require it, stimulating its immune system and other natural means of self-healing. It can help with physical, emotional and psychological conditions. As the dog nears the end of its life, healing can help both the dog and its caregivers to come to terms with this, which helps with the process of passing over and with bereavement. Healing can be supplemented with use of crystals such as amber and carnelian.

Summary: In this article I have discussed the physiological causes for the signs of ageing that we see, the symptoms & signs experienced, and ways in which we can help, particularly touching on complementary therapies.

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Dog Training Tips You Can Use To Teach Your Dog

By: Mendy Stern

Regardless of the age of your dog it is never to late to train them. However, when possible, you should begin training a puppy at 6 to 8 weeks old. In this article we will look at dog training tips that you can use to train your dog or puppy. First of all positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. Positive training leads to your dog wanting to please you and it will learn a lot faster. Dogs are like children in that they want to please you, but they need to be taught how. As soon as they know how to do this they will feel a part of your family.

By rewarding your dog with positive praise, and a treat, they will learn to listen to the command you are trying to teach. Each treat could be a piece of small chicken, or a tiny treat the size of a dime.

You do not want your dog eating off your table so teach them to lay down in their bed when it is time to sit down at the table to eat. Dogs need to only eat their own dog food.

When teaching your dog to stay, go down, and sit, you want to use a lower firm voice. But for the come and heel command do this in a friendly voice. Just make sure that all are firm but friendly commands. By using a different voice they will know you are teaching them something.

It used to be thought when a dog had an accident you rubbed their nose in it or you hit their nose with a newspaper. Do not do this because it is wrong. When you learn something you want positive praise and so does your dog. When your dog has an accident take it outside and show them were they should go.

The wrong way to train your dog is to punish them. You will scare them and they will be afraid of you and not learn what you are trying to teach them. To help your dog learn keep training them everyday day and give those little treats.

When your dog follows a command make sure you use positive praise and a treat so they know you are watching them and that you are proud of them. Hopefully you can use these dog training tips to teach your do what you want it to do.

Copyright (c) 2007 Mendy Stern

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Training Your Dog To Drop At A Distance

By: Jimmy Cox

Before you attempt to make your dog drop at a distance, teach her first to drop directly in front of you on the first command and on the first signal.

With the dog on leash, facing you, hold the leash in your left hand (it is presumed, of course, that your dog already knows how to lie down as outlined in The Complete Novice Obedience Course). without moving your body, command "Down!"

Use a quiet tone of voice and follow the command with "Good Girl!" The praise is important! It encourages the dog to obey without leash correction. If one is necessary, it will be more favorably received.

If your dog obeys the first command to lie down, go to your right, circle around in back, and while she is in the down position, pat her. If the command is ignored, quickly stamp on the leash with your right foot to get her down, giving extra praise.

Circle around, pat her, but don't let her get up until you give her permission. With a small dog, or one that is extra sensitive, tap the leash more gently.

After your dog lies down on voice command, tell her "Sit!" This time raise your right hand (this is the signal used by right-handed people to make the dog lie down) and follow the signal with "Good Girl!" If your dog isn't down by the time your hand is raised with fingers pointing UP, stamp on the leash or bump the palm of the raised hand against the dog's nose, with extra praise.

Say "down!" at the same time, then circle around to heel position and pat her while she is lying down. The important things to remember are these: Give the command without body motion; when you use the signal, raise your hand, wait, then make the correction; and whether you use your hand or your foot to get your dog down, give praise!

The way you give the signal is also important. Lift your hand quickly, then lower it slowly while the dog is in the process of going down. If you drop the hand too fast, it will look like the signal to come and your dog could be confused.

When your dog will lie down immediately on a single command, and will do the same when you give the signal, try it without the leash, but stay close to your dog. Give the command or signal once, then follow with praise. The praise can be dropped after the dog has learned to react immediately, but during the teaching, praise should accompany the voice and the hand gesture.

When the leash is off, and the command or signal is ignored, the bump on the nose is an effective correction. Return to heel position each time your dog goes down; pat her or give her a tasty morsel so she will associate something pleasant with the prone position.

Gradually increase the distance you stand away, but only if your dog will drop immediately, on a single command or signal, a distance equal to the length of the leash. With the dog some distance away, the voice now becomes the correction. When the command or signal is ignored, give the second command demandingly.

The ultimate goal for the drop in the distance should be twenty-five to thirty feet, to prepare your dog for drop on recall.

If you still have trouble making your dog lie down at a distance, fasten a long line to her collar and run the line through a ring in the floor, or one placed in the ground. Ask an assistant to hold the end of the line at a distance (or hold the line yourself). Tell your dog "Stay!" Face her, then give the signal or the command to lie down. If she remains sitting, the pull on the line will put her down. Return, make her sit, and give her praise.

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Important Considerations In Dog Breeding

By: Jimmy Cox

There must be given plenty of thought given to the breeding of dogs but if one plans ahead and uses a little imagination, many of the difficulties will vanish.

For instance, the food problem can be greatly simplified by becoming friendly with a butcher who does his own killing. Heads and lungs, which ordinarily go into fertilizer, can be a big item in the daily diet of your dogs. Cooking them is work, and if undertaken in a small kitchen may give rise to the exchange of pungent remarks between the members of a marital partnership, but your dogs will appreciate it even if the little lady does not.

When mixed with damaged loaves of bread, which may be bought very cheaply from any bakery, this meat and broth more than cut my feed bill in half, and the dogs thrived on the diet. However, do not attempt to feed this alone to your dogs.

In conjunction with prepared dog foods it is excellent, but when fed alone it does not supply the necessary vitamins, minerals, and roughage which are contained in the commercial foods. The fact that this meat and bread may be obtained is no news to those who have bred dogs before, but to the utter novice it may be a useful tip.

Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs are like human beings in this respect: the better their surroundings and the healthier the dogs, the better their offspring will be. Children born in the slums, or puppies whelped under adverse conditions, seldom reach the top in physical development. Therefore, before the subject of breeding is touched upon, the beginner would do well to study what goes to make a healthy and contented dog.

What is the most important thing in a dog's life? At the risk of being laughed to scorn, I am going to answer that with one word: love. I do not mean maudlin sentimentality, but honest love. As in man, I believe that this is the first requisite to real happiness, and that food comes a poor second.

If the prospective breeder does not love dogs, he should keep away from them. The man or woman who breeds purely for monetary reward never yet produced a puppy which went to the top, or even well up, in his breed. Given the opportunity, a dog can supply most of his bodily needs himself, but not love, that mystic relation between dog and master.

That, to my mind, is the first and greatest commandment in the breeding of dogs. Love them and understand them, but do not shower them with maudlin affection. No dog wants to have baby talk burbled at him all day.

Remember, the only words he understands are those which have been taught to him by constant drilling. Treat him with dignity, except during his romping periods, and he will respect you for it. It is possible that I attribute more intelligence to my dogs than they actually possess, but I would rather err in that direction than by underestimating them.

No two puppies are ever exactly alike, either in physical qualities or in temperament; yet the laws of heredity are demonstrated in each one.. Some day it is my ambition to line breed a dog and bitch, and then at every opportunity to breed this same pair, keeping records from start to finish. In this way, I shall have a chance to observe the laws of heredity actually at work.

But that is for the future. For the present, like most other breeders, I must rely on the invaluable work which has been done by investigators such as Mendel and Morgan.

It has been said that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. That is as true in dog breeding as in anything else. A little knowledge may be dangerous, but if that little is balanced with common sense, a great deal may be accomplished. It will create a desire to know more, and the person who is willing to study this fascinating science will always be rewarded by finding something new.

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Showing Your Own Dog

By: Jimmy Cox

Who are the people who show dogs? Are they lunatics or fanatics? The dog people have a favorite joke about themselves. They say you don't have to be crazy to enjoy shows, but it certainly helps! This is because they actually go through many hardships and disappointments but still enjoy it and call it fun.

It is one of the fascinating peculiarities of the dog game that the people who are thrown together in the pursuit of this sport are from so many different walks of life: dentists, carpenters, teachers, bankers, housewives, farmers, musicians, engineers, artists, industrialists, young and old, rich and poor. All have the same desire - to take home a blue ribbon.

If you have thought that you might like to get into dogs, but have not yet purchased your first one, let me give you a word of advice. There are so many wonderful breeds, each with its own particular charm, that I'm sure you can find just the right breed for you.

However, decide on one whose size and temperament fit into your life. Don't get a Great Dane if you live in a tiny apartment, and don't get a tiny dog if a high-pitched bark grates on your nerves. Once you have decided which breed you want, please do some studying about what is right and what is wrong for a dog of that particular breed.

When you are ready to buy, go to a reliable breeder and tell him that you intend to show. A sincere breeder would not sell you an inferior animal if he knew he was to be shown. Many people when they are buying a dog ask for "just a pet," thinking they will get the animal cheaper.

A good breeder wants his stock shown and does not want to be embarrassed by having a dog of his breeding with a serious fault show up at a show, and by the same token he does not want to sell a top dog to someone who will never show him as for all practical purposes he would be lost to the show and breeding world.

He would rather sell you a good dog for less money if you promised he would be shown. If he is a big breeder, he cannot possibly get all the dogs he raises to the shows under his own name, and he is always looking for someone to come along who is interested in showing. He will not give the dog away, because experience has taught him that the dog receives better care if he has been purchased and he has a much better chance of actually getting into the show ring when the new owner has paid something for the dog.

It would be hard for me to tell you exactly what you ought to pay for a dog good enough to show and have some fun with. In addition to the fact that prices vary a great deal in the various breeds, and not taking into consideration the actual worth of a dog because of his good or bad points, there are many other things that enter into the price you must pay for a good dog. Here are a few:

How many other good dogs has the seller in his kennel? By selling you the only good one, he may be left without any thing to show himself, and if he wants to show, the price may go up.

How crowded are the seller's facilities? If he is over crowded, he may be willing to sell at a lower price than usual.

Can the owner afford to show? If not, he may sell for less in order to give the dog the opportunity to be shown more frequently.

How many other persons are interested? Naturally, if several persons express the desire to buy the same dog, the price of that dog will go up.

These are some of the first things you need to ask yourself before considering embarking on showing dogs. It is certainly a fascinating hobby!

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A Study on Canine Distemper And Places for Natural Remedy For Dogs

By: Cindy Heller

Today, there are many places provide natural remedy services for dogs and offers a less conventional form of treatment for illness or injury. The reasons why using Nature's herbs for pets:

- Majority of the remedies product have all been tested by Veterinarians.

- Usually the nature remedies are specifically formulated for cats or dogs

- The herbs that uses are safe plants and botanical extracts as proven by more than 2,000 years of clinical experience, continuing research and development.

Canine Distemper Is A Airborne Disease

Canine distemper is an extremely serious viral disease and highly contagious, it occurs in dogs, foxes, wolves, coyotes and other wild canids, like raccoons, skunks and ferrets. Canine Distemper is an airborne virus, which affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous system of the canine animal. Puppies from 3 to 6 months and elderly animals are particularly at risk.

A Look On Conventional Treatment For Canine Distemper

From experience and pass record, it has shown that Canine Distemper is a highly contagious and serious illness. According to conventional vet treatment, about fifty percent of dogs that contract it will die. Those that survive and escape from this diseases will also suffer from the side effect, and left with debilitating conditions like seizure disorders, permanent digestive problems, neurological problems, deformities of the paw pads, etc. According to conventional veterinarian science, Canine Distemper 'cannot be cured' and conventional treatment is supportive only.

The cases of this serious disease have reduced since after using the vaccination programs against Canine Distemper on Dogs and canine. However, holistic veterinarians point out that there are serious concerns about the wisdom of routine vaccination and its long term effect on the health of dogs or canines.

Using Natural remedy For Canine Distemper

The Homeopathic veterinarians have managed to treat Canine Distemper far more successfully as compare to use their allopathic counterparts. By using the Distemperinum in homeopathic potency, both immunizations of dogs as well as the recovery rates in infected dogs has proved to be highly successful.

There is a wealth of evidence that this is the case and one can only wonder why allopathic veterinarians are not making use of and being trained in the use of homeopathic medicine for their patients.

Dr Horace B.F. Jervis, a veterinarian, who has published a monograph in 1929 called 'Treatment of Canine Distemper with the Potentized Virus'. He is the pioneer person who using the Distemperinum for Canine Distemper treatment. In his book, he reported his frustration over many failed attempts at treating Canine Distemper during years of conventional treatment in a veterinarian clinic. This make him moved away from conventional vet treatment and science and to begin treating the infected animals using the principles of homeopathic medicine. Since after he commencing the use of this product the death rate in distemper ward has been decreased, and he has really for the first time in his years of practice felt a sort of load being lifted from his shoulders.

Similarly, for Dr Dorothy Shepherd, in her book, named "Homeopathy in Epidemic Diseases", she said she has no hesitation in stating that from her own experience and observation, the homeopathic preventives are much safer in use, and absolutely certain in their effects. Even should the infectious, serious disease develop, it will be in a much milder form"

Where Can We Find A Place For Natural Remedy For Dogs?

One of these places you can find online is Only Natural Pet Store. This store is specially providing a natural remedy for animals, and they have products available for practically every possible ailment, including immune support, anxiety and stress, and emotional problems.

Woodland Natural Remedies shop
This is a popular place offer books and natural remedies for People, Pets, and Livestock. This shop also offers products to teat various ailments, like pregnancy, immune problems, kidney problems, liver problems, respiratory problems, prostate problems, thyroid problems and worms.

Dogs Worldwide
This shop offer products for such issues as arthritis, aggressiveness, allergies, nervousness, and various forms of nutrition.

DogsBreakfast.ca
At this shop, you can safely treat your pets for simple problems like travel sickness, diarrhea, constipation, parasites, nervousness, dental conditions, digestive and urinary problems, bad breath, and sometimes more complex problems such as arthritis, allergies, respiratory conditions and eye disorders with Nature Remedies for Pets.

Natural Pet Remedy
This shop is pleased to provide you with an extensive selection of natural herbal remedies for your pet. Their natural treatments offer an alternative to conventional or traditional pharmaceutical medicine for your pet's health care. They also offer products for ailments such as: arthritis, kidney and urinary support, joint relief, liver boost, senior vitality, stress soother, worms, and skin problems.

There are many different shops available where you can find natural remedies for not only dogs or cats but a variety of other animals as well, and informing yourself on the available options is the first step. You need to learn and know the benefits of nature remedies before you can gain confident to use them for your pet.

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Understanding Your Dog Aggression Problem and How to Stop Them

By: Leo Enoch

A lot of people blame the breed of the dog as the cause of their aggression. These causes people to no longer enjoy the breed they love. Where the fact is that people cannot distinguished the difference at all between assertiveness and breeding rights with aggression

There is a public outcry against vicious and aggressive dogs. In some countries, and in some states, the Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Argentine Dogo, American Staffordshire Terrier and others have been banned or have been required to wear muzzles whenever they are in public.

Why? Do you mean all these dogs are bad dogs. Where in actually reality there are no such things as bad dogs, what we have are bad owners and bad breeders which causes the public to go against these dogs.

If you just open up your eyes to observe, you will start seeing American Pit Bull Terrier and other so called "Viscious Dogs" that has gone through dog training in search and rescue resulted in this pit bull working very hard at its job, and is very successful even around children.

But because of their reputation, people tend not to see their gentle side traits.

One of the common misunderstanding of dog aggression is when you as the owner is not able to establish the dog position in the family. As dog is pack animal, it will try to find its standing in the hierachy.

Since children are at eye level with the dog, it makes perfect sense the dog will first challenge them on its first level and proceed up until it find its standing.

It is the responsibility of you the owner and as the leader to establish and make your dog understand that their position is at the lower end of this pecking order. Family first, dog last.

Establishing this fact that is clearly understood by your dog will definitely solve a lot of your dog's aggression issues.

Another common mistakes that many owners make, that actually train their dog to have the aggression behavior problem is when they encourage aggressive behavior.

Playing tug-of-war or wrestling games encourages the dog to attempt to "best", or "win out" over the owner, which can result in the beginning of a dominance aggression problem.

This again goes back to being establishing the position of the dog in the family, by encouraging such activity, you would destroy the establishment of his rank in the family.

When dogs are encouraged to "go get 'em" or to bark and dash about in response to outside noises or the approach of a person, territorial and protective aggressive behavior may be the result.

So aggression behavior can be changed with proper dog training and right establishment of the dog's ranking in the pack.

So it is my encouragment for all of us to start seeing things from the other side of the coin, some of these called "Viscious Breed" are really not and they are some of the most wonderous companion to be around with.

Even, if you get them with aggression problem, you can still re-train them and they can be transform to obedience and most wonderful dogs you can ever have.

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Be Sure You Choose The Right Dog Breed For You

By: Alex Olson

Each year, more and more new dog breeds are added to the already growing list. Currently, the American Kennel Club, or AKC, recognizes over 150 different breeds and has seven different groups to categorize them. These groups include; sporting, working, toy, terrier, hound, herding, and non-sporting breeds.

The working category of breeds refers to those canines who aren't merely pets or companions for humans, but rather are working animals that are now or have been trained to perform certain tasks. The working breed category includes: border collie, boxer, german shepherd, great dane, labrador retriever, rottweiler, st. Bernard, siberian husky.

Terriers are a lively group of dogs that were originally bred for hunting small animals such as rabbits and foxes, with most types coming from the British Isles. This category includes some well known dog breeds such as: american pit bull, australian, boston, bull, cairn, fox, jack russell, rat, scottish, welsh, west highland.

Also called teacup or tiny, the Toy category features the smallest of dogs who generally weigh under 20 to 25 pounds and include: Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Havanese, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Toy and Miniature, Poodles, Yorkshire Terrier.

There are also categories that use other criteria to describe dogs, such as those that are considered hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Some of these include: Airedale, Basenji, Cairn, Kerry Blue, Norfolk, Tibetan, and Welsh Terriers; Chinese Crested, Poodle, Schnauzer

A growing number of 'designer dogs' that mix certain breeds are becoming popular. These include many dogs that are part Poodle:

- Labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle)
- Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle)
- Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle)
- Maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle)
- Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle)

Dog breeds may also be grouped by the size and weight of the dog.

- Toy breeds are 10 pounds or less.
- Small breeds are 10 to 25 pounds.
- Medium breeds are 25 to 50 pounds.
- Large breeds are 50 to 75 pounds.
- Extra large breeds are over 75 pounds.

While any dog can be trained to be good around children and toddlers, there are those who seem to have an extra affinity and tolerance for kids. And of course, any dog who is not trained or poorly socialized will not do well with children. Some of the breeds known for being good for families with children include:

- Basset Hound
- Bulldog
- Collie
- English Setter
- Golden Retriever
- Newfoundland
- Samoyed
- Standard Poodle

How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for You

There are many different variables to consider when trying to decide on the right breed of dog for you and your family. Before trying to pick which type of dog would do best in your home, ask yourself the following questions:

Training: All dogs require some type of obedience training and house training, but some need a bit more work than others. Do you have the time and patience necessary to train certain types of dogs?

Size: Do you have the room in your home and yard to accommodate a dog, and if so, what size?

Exercise/walking requirements: Do you have the time and energy it takes to see that a dog has the proper amount of exercise they need to stay happy and healthy?

Grooming and shedding: Is anyone in your home allergic to animals? Do you have the resources and time to devote to grooming your dog on a regular basis?

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How to Find a Lost Dog

By: Jonni Good

If you're a dog owner, you've probably experienced the panic of a lost dog at least once. Perhaps your own dog has escaped from your yard, or you've gone the extra mile to help a friend or neighbor find a missing dog.

If so, you know that "panic" is not too strong a word for the way you feel when you can't find your dog.

The best 'before-the-fact' advice is to make sure your dog is always wearing his license, and get him micro-chipped. Then, if he's found by a neighbor or the local Humane Society, they'll know how to reach you so you can bring him home.

But what if the person who found him doesn't take him to a vet or shelter that can read the microchip, or if the dog's collar has been lost?

And what if the person who finds him doesn't really want him to be found?

No matter how well you think you have identified your dog, I know you won't be able to just sit by the phone and hope someone calls to say they found him.

So what are the best steps to take to make sure Fluffy gets home safely?

1. Make a visit to the nearest Humane Society and city animal shelter at least once a day. Don't expect the staff to call you if the dog is turned over to the shelter. If the collar is lost, or if your phone number has changed since he got his microchip, they won't know your number.

Some shelters won't call you, even if they do find his license or chip. They're just too busy.

It may help to contact the local dog pound and give a description of your dog, but if you live in a city where the shelter has lots of dogs and an overworked staff, (which is common), they probably won't call you based simply on a description.

Your best bet is to go look for yourself to make sure your best friend isn't sitting there, waiting for you to bail him out.

This is particularly important if your local animal shelter has a policy of putting a dog down after only a few days if he isn't rescued by his owner, or if your dog might be put up by adoption if you don't find him first.

And some shelters keep certain breeds, such as pit bulls, for less time, especially if they are short on room or if they don't think a particular breed or a specific dog will be adoptable.

2. Contact your local veterinarians with a description - just in case your dog was injured by a car or another dog. A good Samaritan may have brought your dog to a vet for treatment, and she may not have been able to call you. Make sure you leave your number in case he's found tomorrow, or next week, and he finds his way to a local vet.

3. If your dog is a purebred - or even if he's a mutt but kind of looks like a recognizable breed - contact the local breed rescue organizations. Some people are more comfortable turning a dog over to a rescue organization than to an animal shelter - and they may not guess the right breed. Try to find a listing of all the breed rescue organizations in your area, and call every one that seems even slightly plausible.

4. For the same reason, look up your local no-kill animal shelters, which may be operated by private parties. Give them a description of your dog and ask them if they have any 'inmates' that fit that description, or if they'll call you if someone turns one in.

5. Dogs are sometimes found a long way from home, either because someone stole him and he then escaped and couldn't find his way home, or because the dog has a strong desire to explore the world. For that reason, you'll want to call as many animal shelters in nearby towns as you can.

Also remember that the person who finds him may not take your dog to the shelter that's nearest your home - it may not be the one that is most convenient to them. Even if you can't visit every shelter within 100 miles, an impossible task, at least try to call each one.

6. Lost dogs are often found by someone in the immediate neighborhood, and put in their back yard or home for safe keeping until they find the right owner. These nice folks often put an ad in the paper, but you'll want to beat them to it - especially if your dog is purebred or looks like a popular breed.

Anyone can answer the "found dog" ad and say your dog belongs to them. It's far better to put an ad in the paper yourself, with a good description of the dog and the phone number where you can be reached. You can also widen the chances of someone seeing your ad if you put up a notice on lamp posts, and ask local businesses to put a flyer in their windows. And don't forget online bulletin boards, like CraigsList.org

7. Don't forget the kids in your neighborhood - they tend to pay more attention to interesting things, (like loose dogs wandering around, or a dog living behind a fence where no dog lived before). More than one person has found a lost dog that was "rescued" (or stolen) by putting the word out among the neighborhood kids. Offering a small reward to the first kid to find your dog won't hurt, either.

I do hope you aren't reading this article because your own dog is now missing, but if you are, I hope your poor lost friend comes home safely, and soon.

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Pomeranian Training: Just Show Your Dog a Little Respect...

By: Katia Lorenzen

The Pomeranian is a very affectionate dog despite its feisty temperament. They are excellent companions especially if you are living alone in a small apartment. They are loving (in their own way), loyal (in their own way), and highly intelligent (which is where all your training problems will begin).

Pomeranian training will take a lot of patience and persistence. This breed of dog is very clever and will try to train you, instead of letting you train them. Three of the most primary things in training Pomeranians are respect training, obedience training and housebreaking.

For some dog breeds, respect training is synonymous with obedience training. In Pomeranian training, however, respect training should be the keystone of establishing further instructions in obedience. Respect training is what we will tackle for now.

Why is respect a big part of Pomeranian training?

Some Pomeranians can be a bit feisty. During your training time, try to see if your pet does one or more of the following: barks back when you give an instruction, flat out refuses to obey simple instruction like "give" and "fetch," makes you chase after it when your pet does something wrong, retaliates by biting or destroying things or leaving something "nasty" on your bed or belongings, stays beyond arm's reach when you ask it to come to you, steals food from your plate or your trash bins, and wrestles with you when you try to groom it?

If you answer yes to one, or more, or (heaven forbid) all of the questions above, then you do have a badly temperamental pet -- one that is often considered as a dog with behavioral problems. Your pet Pomeranian will most likely bark at strangers incessantly, try to nip you when you don't give in to its wishes and will most likely jump on people whenever, wherever it feels like it.

Pomeranian training respect is basically teaching your pet who is standing in the highest rung of the pecking order. Like all dogs, your pet has an innate ability to discern and follow only that one entity who is highest in social ranking -- a throwback to its wolfish origins of pack living. Hopefully, you can teach your dog that you are the top dog.

You also have to remember one more thing: even if you train your pet Pomeranian to obey you, without respect training, it will always try to upset the balance of power. It will be compelled to try to assume the highest position in the pack if it feels like the top dog (which should be you) is not performing accordingly. Pomeranians, as a rule, are crafty little rascals.

Respect training begins with one simple word: "no." You have to say this firmly and consistently.

If your pet Pomeranian has the habit on jumping on people, say "no" every time it does it. If it backs off quietly, reward it with a pat on the head or a hug or a piece of treat complete with one or more verbal compliments for a job well done. If it backs off with a grumble (moaning or barking at you as it does,) do not give it any form of reward. Say "no" repeatedly or until the dog associates the word with something that it is not supposed to be doing.

The respect approach to Pomeranian training may seem like an endless cycle of saying "no" on your part but it is necessary to establish your hierarchical dominance over your pet.

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Understanding the Dog Years. How Long Do Miniature Pinschers Live?

By: Katia Lorenzen

Every dog has a number of years that they will live happily in their home. Just like any other creature, the life expectancy for this specific breed of dog will vary according to their genetic make-up and what this means to the dog. For Miniature Pinschers, these same set of expectations apply. By knowing how long your dog might be expected to live, you can be sure to find the best ways to care for her.

On average, a Min Pin can be expected to live to be up to fifteen years old. If you're considering getting a Miniature Pinscher, you should also expect to be committed to the dog for that amount of time. Of course, some people have been fortunate to have their special pets live to be up to nineteen. This is a rare case; however, and should not be part of the expectancy when you are deciding if this is the dog for you.

The most important thing to understanding the dog years is to know how to get your dog to live all fifteen years out happily. The most important part of this is making sure that they stay healthy. Feeding them right and providing them with daily nutrients is one way to ensure that your dog will have a fulfilled lifetime. Part of this health will also include your abilities to keep your dog exercising so he doesn't get overweight. Being overweight can be a major cause for some Min Pins not achieving their full life expectancy. In general, Miniature Pinschers should weight an average of eight to eleven pounds, varying only by the height.

Just as people develop health conditions the older they get, so will your Miniature Pinscher. Some problems are easier to avoid than others. Some problems can be treated to lessen the symptoms. This includes your dog's teeth.

Always keep an eye on their teeth. Helping your Miniature Pinscher keep his teeth clean by regular brushing, proper diet, and chew toys can be the single biggest gift you give him to help him lead a longer, fuller life. Bad teeth means bad breath, means bacteria, means infection, means bad blood, means your dog's immune system and heart have to work a lot harder. So make sure to check your dog's teeth regularly and to get him to the vet when you spot any problems.

More than the basics of health for a long life for Min Pins are the need to know what health issues are directly related to Min Pins. The most common cause of early loss with this type of dog is form type two diabetes. This is mostly related to overweight Min Pins that and unable to exercise as much as needed. If you want to help your Min Pin live longer life, try following some of the basics tips mentioned above.

Another less known fact relates to breeding. For female dogs, having a litter of puppies can be strenuous on their life span. As soon as they have been bred, and have had puppies, their body will begin to change at a faster rate. Hormone levels will alter first. Having a litter of puppies will also take a large amount of energy, which will in turn, cause the dog to age at a faster rate. If you want to breed a Min Pin, know that this will shorten her lifespan.

The life expectancy of a Min Pin, in dog years, is higher than many other dogs. As long as you keep your dog healthy and happy, you can expect to keep him around for a long time. Regular check-ups and daily attention to what your Min Pin needs is a simple way to ensure that he remains your companion for many years to come.

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Entertaining Your Dog With The Right Toys

By: Steve Searls

Dogs can be extremely annoying when they seem to chew on everything they can find lying on the floor, including your clothes and important papers. It becomes worse when they jump into your neighbor's backyard and tear apart their beautiful flowers.

Does your dog behave this way? Stop worrying, there are a few solutions to control this behavior. It may take little time for them to be effective but they will work in most cases.

When the dog is alone at home with no one to play with it, he gets bored! When dogs get bored they usually chew something or start digging if left outside. One way of putting an end to its boredom is by giving him a companion of one of its own kind to keep it company when you are away. But this could also mean two chewing and digging dogs.

A better solution may be to keep your dog engaged with something. You can do this by hiding its favorite food in different places in your yard or you may simply give your dog some special toys to play with.

Your neighborhood pet supply store will stock several dog toys that you can pick from. Dog toys are pretty affordable to buy. But make sure you buy good quality toys. The size of the toys should be large enough so that the dog does not swallow them. The material from which the toys are made should be hard, rubbery plastic, rather than being soft plastic which the dogs can tear with their sharp teeth.

It is necessary that the plastic toys are hard so that the dogs don't swallow the torn pieces of the plastic. Small plastic pieces can cause severe health problems if they remain into the dog's stomach.

You can pick up the toys from the wide variety that is available in the store. Some can hide treats inside them and the dog has to work at getting it out of the toy. Another one may merely be a plastic dog which resembles the dog itself. Still others are in the form of food that can be stored in the freezer overnight and given to the dog to lick on a hot day.

There are many other interesting toys that you may find in your local pet supply store. You may also be able to make some toys out of some existing household stuff. But you have to ensure that the toy is safe for the dog.

It is important to to remember that if you give just one toy to your dog to play with, it will soon get bored with it. Therefore, you should have more than just one, so that you can keep swapping the toys everyday to keep it engaged with the new one. But if your dog gets bored too quickly with the toys then you can apply some edible paste on them which will keep them busy for a while. This is a commonly used technique in many shelters where they cannot afford to keep swapping toys for the dogs everyday.

Thus, there are quite a few easy things that you can do to keep your dog from tearing up the flowers in your neighbors backyard. Try these simple things and your dog will soon learn to like its toys and spend its time playing with them.

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How Does Heartworm Affect Your Dog?

By: Anthony Carter

Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. Canine heartworms or more precisely, canine heartworm disease is a potentially fatal infestation of worms that travel throughout the body until maturity, at which time they take up residence in the dog's heart. They live in the right ventricle of the heart or in the major pulmonary arteries, surviving on nutrients which they 'steal' from the dog's bloodstream. On rare occasions, migrating heartworm larvae get 'lost' and end up in unusual sites such as the eye, brain or an artery in the leg, resulting in some unusual symptoms such as blindness, seizures and lameness.

Heartworm disease is actually caused by the body's immunologic reaction to the presence of the adult and offspring worms but many dogs will show little or no sign of infection even after the heartworms have matured.

Heartworms go through several life stages before they become adults infesting the heart of the host animal. Between 75 and 120 days after infection the immature worms enter the bloodstream and are carried through the heart to lodge in the arteries of the lungs. Infestation is extremely serious for the host; infected dogs that go untreated can die and even treated dogs must go through a long period of uncomfortable treatment (sometimes requiring surgery in advanced cases to remove the worms from the right ventricle). Adult heartworms can reach up to 12 inches in length and remain in the dog's heart for approximately 5 to 7 years. They bear live young, known as microfilariae, producing thousands of them every day.

The first sign of heartworm infestation may not manifest for a year after the initial infection, and even then one of the earliest symptoms of the disease in dogs, the soft cough, that normally appears and increases with exercise, may be dismissed as unimportant by the dog's owner. The disease may cause a combination of medical problems in the same dog including dysfunction of the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. Radiographs (X-rays) can detect the presence of adult heartworms in the heart and lungs and can also provide a good estimate of the amount of lung damage caused by the presence of the heartworms.

Heartworms can live in animals other than canines, mainly cats and ferrets, but often have a shorter life span, vary in size, or end up in odd locations due to aberrant migration. The life span of heartworms is considerably shorter in the case of cats for example, at only two to three years but most infections in cats do not have circulating microfilariae.

Heartworm disease has become a serious health problem for dogs throughout the United States. According to the Heartworm Society, the highest infection rates occur in dogs (not maintained on heartworm preventive) within 150 miles of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries but have been reported in every state in America, including Alaska, and is also found in Canada as well as throughout most temperate regions of the world.

Preventing canine heartworm disease can be as simple as feeding your dog a cookie once a month. Prevention may be accomplished by either use of pre-packaged ivermectin tablets or by compounded liquid ivermectin. Many veterinarians recommend and many owners use, a year-round heartworm prevention program to guard against the occasional mosquito flying about in areas with mild winters. If the dog is parasite free, a prophylactic medication can be used to prevent heartworm infection.

Sometimes, to jog the concern of clients, veterinary clinics may display a preserved heart infected with heartworm in a jar and hang posters about heartworm life cycles in examining rooms, but seeing is not necessarily always believing; although clients can view the infested heart loaded with long, spaghetti-like worms every time they visit, many gamble that their dogs will never be bitten by an infected mosquito.

Heartworm testing is only performed on adult dogs as puppies do not require testing due to the fact that it takes six months after exposure for the heartworms to reach maturity and be detectable on a test. Heartworm positive dogs should also be tested for the presence of microfilariae, usually using a filter test. As we mentioned earlier in the article, heartworm infestation is dangerous as untreated dogs die and treated dogs go through weeks of discomfort while the worms are killed and expelled from their bodies. The disease is very preventable though but is potentially difficult and dangerous to treat. Surgical removal of the adult heartworms is possible and may be required in advanced cases with heart involvement. Heartworm infected dogs showing no signs or mild signs of the disease have a high success rate with treatment.

The first published evidence of heartworm disease in dogs was in The Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery in 1847 and feline variety was first described in the 1920s.

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Cleaning Your Dogs Coat and Fur

Your dog's fur is a very important aspect of your dogs life, keeping it clean and in good shape is a good way to keep your dog happy, healthy, and clean. If you don't keep your dogs fur in good shape it will only be a mater of time before tangles and knots appear in your dog's coat picking up insects, pests, and causing discomfort for your dog.

Different dogs have different types of fur and with so many cross breeds and different looking dogs, naming all the different types of fur would be impossible. There are many different types of dog fur, some will look after themselves more than others but the general rule is that a longer dog coat will normally tangle and know easier than others.

To maintain your dog's fur and keep it looking as it should, lots of grooming may be needed so this should be taken into account when buying a new dog. But grooming does not need to be a chore you have to do for your dog because grooming is proven to be a great bonding between owner and dog and creates trust and comfort for your dog making them a lot easier to train.

Step one is to get a good comb for your dog ensuring that there are no sharp edges and that your dog is comfortable with you using it without hurting him/her. Your vet or local pet shop many be able to help you and give you advice with choosing the correct comb but this will be a deciding point in whether your dog will enjoy you doing it or not.

After you have chosen your comb, grooming should happen often and you should do it thoroughly each time, ensuring all knots and angles are removed, if you haven't yet combed your dog's fur then it may be difficult to start so do a bit at a time to ensure you don't discourage your dog and make them not like the grooming process.

After the initial combing, the more often you groom your dog the easier it will be, leaving it for long periods of time is not advised because this means it is more likely to hurt your dog when it eventually does get done. If your dog is finding it tough going then maybe a dog bath is needed to make it easier to detangle and add to your dog furs health.

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Washing Your Smelly Dog

Dog bathing is a must when living with a dog. Dogs naturally get smelly and are not like cats in being able to wash themselves well and be hygienic, this is why dog owners have to look after their dogs hygiene for them once in a while.

Dog bathing should take place when your dog starts to smell or is very dirty, some breeds of dog find it very hard to keep smelling pretty as you will quickly come to notice. Running around every day rubbing yourself up against trees, bushes, benches and rolling around on grass or getting drenched head to paws in rivers or puddles are all common occurrences in a dogs life and all contribute to dog smelliness.

It is important to make sure you brush your dogs coat and fur through before every bathing session to remove all bits of debris that may have got caught up in your dog's fur since their last bath along with tangles or matted hair that may have formed. If you ignore this step any tangles and matted hair will get worse after bathing and make it an impossible task to rid of them.

You will need to use special pet shampoo and conditioner to clean your dog; human shampoo uses a different ph level and can be bad and harmful for your dog's skin. Starting off the bathing process by letting your dog get used to running water because sometimes the unfamiliar sound can trigger panic, warm water should be used to wash your dog, it is best to use a jug or container to gently pour water on your dog. Be sure not to put water directly on your dogs face to be sure not to frighten them off or scare them.

When your dog is wet, keep reassuring them and rewarding them if the behavior is good to get the message across that bathing is not a bad thing. Rub the shampoo and conditioner onto your dog gently and being sure to do a proper job of getting all the smells and everything else out.

To finish off, rinse all the soapy water and shampoo of your dog and dry your dog in the same way you would yourself or if your dog has easily matted hair use patting only to dry your dog, when this is all done reward your dog with praise and rewards for being cooperative with you.

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Family Dogs And The Best Breed To Get

There comes a time in most home families when the children get a bit older and their dog or teddy is no longer the best thing in the world to play with, every new friend or existing friend your children make seems to have a cute little dog, and its only a matter of time before your children are going to start pestering you for one. So what should you look for is your serious about getting a family dog?

For starters your dog will need to be able to take everything your children can throw at it, children often don't have any idea of how to handle a new pet dog so don't expect them to play gently all the time, unknowing children have a tendency to be a little rough wile playing with dogs so a dog breed that can take some rough playing is essential.

Different dogs have different personalities just like humans do so be aware of this when purchasing a new dog, just because a dog breed is normally playful, energetic, and nice , this does not mean the one you get will be the same. Being prepared to put in work and time with your dog is also essential with a family dog because dog's often take the things your children tell it to do as acceptable when this may not be the case, so dog behavior training will be needed at some point.

After considering the previous paragraphs I'm sure you will be pretty certain on whether you still want a dog for your home or not, if you do then here are some suggestions on different breeds that you may want to consider.

Golden Retriever. The golden retriever is a good popular choice for families because of their active and loyal personality and a good all round dog.

Boxer. Although the boxer may look big and intimidating to some, the boxer is a very good family dog in that they love being around people, they take care of the family members, and are always willing to play.

Labrador Retreiver. An extremely popular pet in many households across the world, the Labrador is a very friendly loving dog that loves to play and be very active for your kids to play with.

Beagle. The beagle is a very sturdy dog that can take plenty of roughness and playing, and loves to be active and meet new people. A very excited and curious dog that is great for family life.

Boston Terrier. The terrier is a gentle, well mannered dog and enjoys a challenge. Boston terriers are very easy to train and make for great family dogs and friends.

Irish Setter. A very affectionate dog, the Irish setter is a very good choice for families due to its liking for children and constant happy playful attitude.

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Spotting Dog Ringworm And Looking After Your Dog

By: Jennifer King

A common canine illness is ringworm, and it can be prevented and cured if your dog has the problem. Many infections affect dogs, some are extremely frequent and occur no matter how well cared for your dog is at any time. Dogs are creatures of the outside world, and they can get involved in anything. Fungal skin infections to be common in puppies and older dogs. Other common canine illnesses can be prevented with the correct vaccinations and suitable health care. Ringworm is a skin infection that attacks the complete health of the dog.

The frequent canine illness ringworm has several different ways it can be spotted and diagnosed. The common way to identify ringworm is with a black light. The ringworms glow in the black light as soon the light hits them. Sometimes this practice won�t work and your vet will need to carry out another test to identify the ringworm.

If you see tiny areas of the body without hair, it�s probable your dog has ringworm. Your dog�s skin will be scaly and display pus in the area. After time the areas become larger when your pet receives no medical attention. You will notice this parasite on the tail, head and legs.

If the health of the dog is good then the ringworm will clear up by itself in approximately four months. However, when severe cases exist, medical treatments are required. If your dog has the lesion, trimming their hair that�s surrounding the infected patch is needed, but you mustn�t come into contact with the lesion or it will spread. Apply a topical anti fungal cream after trimming the hair away. Such anti fungal treatments like miconazole and lotrimin treatments are applied for this purpose, or you get the option to apply natural, drug free alternatives. You mustn�t allow your gog to lick the patch where you apply the cream. A dog funnel collar may be required to stop the dog from reaching the area.

If the cream doesn�t cure the infection on its own, anti fungal shampoos and anti fungal dips will benefit your dog, and help the infected area to heal quicker. A few other anti fungal active ingredients are itraconazole and griseofulvin, which work well on a dog.

Keeping your dog in excellent health and guarded from fungal, viral and bacterial infections is your responsibility. The most important need of the dog is regular vaccines and proper care. Your dog needs vaccines against provirus, distemper and rabies. Your pet also needs to be checked yearly for heartworm which can cause death to the dog if not correctly prevented. Remember that rabies vaccinations are administered every two years and distemper vaccinations are received yearly.

Many ailments result in health issues, and in a variety of dogs, the breed is prone to more health issues than others. Joint and heart problems account for a couple of these more extreme health issues. When looking to purchase a dog, you want to be wise to some of the health issues that can emerge in a dog�s life. Apart from the everyday parasites and injuries from playing rough, some dogs are prone to ear infections, eye infections and mange.

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The Top Ten Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

By: Amy Nutt

There are many dogs breeds known world widely trough the years.

Border Collie

Border Collies were originally bred in the borderlands between Scotland and England as herding dogs. They were selected to be able to work long days on rugged terrain, have excellent herding skills, instincts and intelligence. Over time, this led to the Border Collie's astounding energy, train-ability and ability to reason. Border Collies are still used universally as herders.

Poodle

Though they are known more for their appearance, Poodles are actually some of the world's smartest dogs. The air of dignity and elegance with which Poodle's carry themselves accords with their highly above-average intelligence and train-ability. Though Poodles are usually show dogs in the United States, they have served as police dogs in other countries.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are noted for their versatility, stability, energy, strength and intelligence. Shepherds are known not only for their intrinsic smarts and train-ability, but for the multitude of roles they can fill, such as family pet, police dog, herding dog and TV and movie actor.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers were originally bred by an upper-class Englishman who wanted a hunting dog that made a great companion. A mixture of the Irish Setter and several types of Spaniel, the Golden Retriever was bred to find and retrieve downed birds and be a good companion. Today's Golden Retrievers are just that -- attentive, loving dogs that will chase down anything you throw them.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher originated as a police dog in 19th Century Germany. These dogs are top-notch watchdogs, guardians and protectors, as well as guide dogs and military dogs. Doberman's were bred for their loyalty and intelligence, and the modern version of the breed continues to show both those traits. Dobermans are working dogs and do best with a lot of structured exercise.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, or "Sheltie" was bred on the Shetland Islands of Scotland to herd sheep. These small, agile dogs resemble collies and are widely regarded as highly intelligent. Shelties are also renowned for their train-ability, even temperament and loyalty. They are very active and do best with lots of exercise.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers come from unknown origins but are now the most popular dog breed in the United States. These, active, affectionate dogs are highly trainable and intelligent. Many Labrador owners comment about their dogs' seeming "humanity." Labrador Retrievers make great family pets, drug-sniffing dogs, hunting dogs and seeing-eye dogs.

Papillon

The Papillon a small, long-haired dog breed considered by most to be a lap-dog or show dog. Despite this reputation, Papillons are athletic, active and very intelligent. They're known to be people-centered and enjoy social situations with lots of humans in attendance. Recently Papillons have emerged as agility champions.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog or "Blue Heeler" is another intelligent, active herding dog. These medium sized dogs are noted for their spotted orange or bluish coats. Australian Cattle Dogs thrive when given a complicated task such as an obstacle course, tricks or other dog sports. Australian Cattle Dogs have excellent fine motor skills and will meticulously shred their toys.

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How To Find And Choose The Right Hypoallergenic Dog For You

By: Gregg Hall

If you are looking to get a dog that is less likely to cause allergies look for the hypoallergenic dogs. These dogs since they tend to be smaller, will need more attention then other dogs. These dogs won't cause you to have allergies as bad as the other dogs you may have because they do onot shed and don't have undercoats. These dogs are dogs are very well liked by those that commonly suffer from allergies and are hypoallergenic: Irish Water Spaniel, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier.

If you are one of those looking for a larger breed of hypoallergenic dogs the water spaniel will do. This breed has short hair and doesn't shed hair so they should be ok. If you were to get one of these dogs you would have to keep up with its coat and brush it every once and a while.

There are four main types of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, the Traditional Irish, Heavy Irish, English, and American. The difference in each of these dogs is their sizes range. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a short coat that does not shed much during the day. These dogs as well as any other dogs will need to be brushed to prevent rashes and such. This breed is a very good dog and they will be nice to anyone. They love to run outside and be around people inside the house as well. These dogs are not the best if you live in a condo or apartment, so you may need to move because they will love it if you get a house with a big backyard. This is the breed of dog if you are looking at these types of dogs.

For a smaller breed you may want to consider the Bedlington Terriers which are more diminutive than the Irish Water Spaniel and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier; they have shorter coats so they will need a good brushing every week to maintain a healthy coat. To insure a healthy coat you will need to either be able to groom your dog or take them and have them groomed.

These types are not the only hypoallergenic breeds that you can choose from there are many other breeds that will not aggravate your allergies at all. If you live in a small condo than you might just be considering to get a smaller dog. On the other hand if you are looking to buy a home then you can get one of these larger breeds of dogs. These dogs will need to be brushed to maintain their healthy coat because unlike other dogs they don't shed their coats. So if you get one be sure to take good care of it and feed it the right mixture of foods and be sure to exercise them too.

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Dog Foods Cause You To Order Pet Medications

By: Susanne Bargel

This can actually save me money too! The best pets rx is prevention. I will order pet meds when necessary, but I prefer to just keep her healthy in the first place.

Most commercial pet foods are garbage. Most, not all, be sure to read the label. One of the things lots of companies do is add ethoxyquin as a preservative to dry foods. That's not a good thing at all for her and it's illegal for my food so it makes sense not to give it to her either, right? Think of this the next time you order pet medications for your sickly pet. Ethozyquin causes all sorts of health problems and they know this, and yet put it in their foods and tell you to feed your dog their product.

They can also add euthanized cats and dogs and zoo animals and road kill, grind it all up and call it 'meat meal'. Yes, most dog food companies put this into your beloved pet's food. This also includes the dog tags, flea collars, the bags they put the dead animals in and the poop inside them! One study found upto 25% fecal material in the 'meat meal'. Do you want to pay for that? More importantly, do you want to feed that to your pet? I know I don't. I love my dog.

Another really bad ingredient that gets into commercial food is the sodium pentobarbital they use to put suffering animals down. That stays in the body of the poor deceased animals that get ground up into the 'meat meal' So, when your pooch eats her food she's actually behaving like a cannibal and eating chemicals that cause all sorts of health issues. There is a better way.

Your dog has many generations behind him/her that were fed on the same stuff we eat everyday. Store bought dog food is not now and has never been necessary to your pets survival. Now science has guidelines for the best nutrition of your pet, broken down to certain breeds as well. You can select a quality brand of commercial food that truly is looking out for her nurtition or make good stuff yourself at home. I do both.

Here's some of the receipes my little girl loves. You can add more protein (meat), or fiber(veggies), depending on your particular pet's need. These are foods that I can eat so I know they will be good for her too, although not all people food is good for our pets.

This first receipe I call her rice dish. She eats about 1/3 of it each meal so it goes pretty quickly. Occasionaly I get to freeze a portion or two and that makes it easy to just grab, microwave to thaw, and heat a little before serving. You may also double the receipe to make things easier on you, the cook.

Start with a medium sized pot. Brown 1/2 pound of lean beef or chicken. Then add 1 1/2 Cups of water and 1 Cup of uncooked rice (brown rice is best but white will also work). Boil together until rice is tender, it should be slightly watery at this point. Add 1/2 Cup grated carrots, 1 small can of peas, and any scraps of vegtables you may have leftover (if your dog likes them). I also add a dash of garlic because she likes it and it smells good in my kitchen. Simple and yummy.

This next receipe is called her macaroni dish. This is a little large and lasts about twice as long. Oftentimes I alternate these dishes to give her variety.

Start with a large pot and a splash of oil. Add 2 Cups of lean meat... beef or chicken or lamb, brown. Yes, you can keep any pan drippings in there and she just loves that. Add 2 or 3 choppped carrots, a zuchini chopped, 1 stalk celery chopped, and a can of peas. You can also add the scraps of broccoli or the potato scrappings from last night or any leftover veggies you may have. Cover with water and simmer till veggies are starting to get soft. Add 1/2 pound macaroni and continue to cook uncovered until pasta is soft. Serve her one big scoop and freeze the rest in
baggies. Take out one baggie per meal so proportion them accordingly.

As I said earlier, most commercial pet foods are garbage but you can find some that really care about your pet. If you find cooking for your pet to be too bothersome try looking for a quality brand and read the label carefully. I do give my girl dry food 2 to 3 times per week, sometimes with a little 'people' food on top. I use the best quality food I can find for her because I love her.

We get very attached to our pets, they become members of the family. From time to time they do need us to order pet meds on their behalf, but if we care for them
properly they can live long happy and healthy lives.

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Choosing a Dog Food or Cat Food

Proper nutrition is the number one protection against disease in dogs and cats. Feeding a high-quality dog food or cat food will keep your pet healthy and in good condition throughout its life

How do you know what dog/cat food is right? For many the choice is a homemade diet. If you have the time and the resources, I agree that this is the preferred way to go. This is usually the best, and occasionally the only choice for animals with multiple food allergies. The choice is yours whether to go cooked or raw, with bones or without.

Basically, a homemade diet should consist of 40-60% meat for dogs, 60%-90% for cats, 20-50% vegetables (dogs, or 10%-40% for cats), and the rest, optionally, grains. The choice within each category is vast, and depends on your budget, availability, and what the dog or cat prefers. Often allergies to certain foods will determine the diet.

Each dog and cat is unique and what is best for one may not work well for another. Feeding a variety of foods is the best way to provide all or most of the nutrients that your pet needs.

A good quality multi-vitamin and calcium supplements will help make sure the diet is complete. Because it can be tricky to get the right balance of calcium and phosphorus when making your own pet food, you will need to add a calcium supplement.

If you like the idea of homemade pet food, but lack the time, there are pre-mixes available, or complete ready-to-serve meals. Pre-mixes come freeze-dried, dehydrated or frozen. Usually they are grain and vegetable mixes, along with some supplements such as calcium, to which you add the meat. Ground meats, sometimes with bone, are also available where pet foods are sold. You can then add your own vegetables and/or grains if you so desire.

Complete raw-foods diets are also sold as frozen, dry or freeze-dried. Some areas may have local entrepreneurs who make and sell these diets fresh. They may also custom make meals to your pets specifications.

If you prefer to feed a commercial product, choose one of the many premium dog foods now available. though the cost may be higher than grocery store brands, what you save in vet bills will more than make up for the difference.

Whether to feed canned or dry pet food will depend on you and your dog or cat. Canned food is usually more expensive, kibble is more convenient. Pets usually prefer canned foods and some need the softer, wetter consistency. Canned pet foods generally contain higher quality proteins than dry pet food, and a higher percentage of protein and fat. The higher moisture content of canned foods can be beneficial to dogs and cats with kidney or urinary tract problems. Dry pet foods contain more preservatives. Some people choose to use both.

The most important criteria in choosing a pet food is the list of ingredients. Whole meats are always better then meat meals, and meat meals are preferable to by-products. Single source meals, such as “beef meal” or “chicken meal” are more wholesome than those marked simple “meat” or “poultry” meals. Single source meals contain the muscle meat from that animal, along with accompanying tissues, such as nerves, blood vessels and skin. Generic meals may contain other organ tissues and fatty tissue. By-product meal is a catch-all term for anything that doesn’t fit the other meal definitions - avoid these at all costs!

Look for the meat source (or sources) to be listed first on the label. If grains are included (which they always are in kibbles), they should be whole grains, rather than fractions, such as wheat bran, brewer’s rice, etc. Watch out for multiple listings of grains, they may add up to be more than the meat portion!

Avoid foods containing artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Colors are added for your benefit, not to appeal to dogs. Artificial flavors are added to enhance palatability or cover up off tastes of poorer quality ingredients. Most natural foods stores and holistic pet supply stores will carry premium brands of pet food. If you are unable to find a satisfactory dog food in stores near you, many of them can be found on the internet.

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Puppy Training Is Easy If You Follow The Basics

By: Glenn Downer

The golden retriever is truly one of the most beautiful dogs on the planet.

They have a beautiful coat, an amazing face, a strong, sleek, and muscular body, a fantastic personality, a tail that never stops waging, and they are a joy to watch at work, when flushing a pheasant, swimming in the water, or chasing a Frisbee.

The golden retriever was originally bred as a hunting dog in Scotland, around 1908, but is now very popular as a house pet, a therapy dog in convalescent homes and children's hospitals, and is used by law enforcement for drug detection.

Although they do not make very good guard dogs, they will bark loudly if a stranger approaches.

If you have children the golden retriever can be the perfect pet. Because of their natural nurturing instincts, and very gentle nature they make the perfect companion.

In 1974 President Gerald Ford made the First Family dog a golden retriever named Liberty.

If you are considering getting a golden retriever puppy, you need to find a reputable breeder that specializes in breeding them.

There are plenty of pet shops and back yard breeders that are selling goldens, that may have serious breed problems ranging from aggression, to hip and eye problems, and a host of other problems that may not be noticeable at the puppy stage.

A reputable breeder will check the blood lines of the parents carefully to make sure they do not have a history of these problems, before breeding.

This will be your best chance at having a trouble free pet. Training your golden retriever is not as hard as you may think. These are very intelligent dogs, and eager to learn. They want to please you, and hate to be scowled.

The first thing to remember is that puppies will be puppies, so don't expect too much too soon. You can start to bathroom train right away, but if there is anything around you care about within the puppies grasp like shoes, or your favorite slippers, I would put them away, because your puppy's going to chew them if he gets them.

Give your puppy something of his own to chew. They are teething, and want to naturally chew things because their gums hurt. Make it clear early on that he or she is to chew what you gave them, and nothing else.

If you expect your golden to respond to your commands, then you want to avoid confusing him. It's easy to forget that they do not understand the English language.

They respond to certain sounds, or words, based on your body language, and tone of voice. The trick to making the training as simple as possible is to use a few basic words and stick with them.

If you want your golden to get out of the trash, and you say "no" one time, and "stop" the next time, and then "hey" the next time, they never really get what you are telling them.

The six words that I have found over the years that work best are "NO" "SIT" "DOWN" "COME" "HEEL" and "STAY". I find they work best if said without the dogs name. These are discipline words, and are better left by themselves.

It's important that you show your golden retriever that you are the boss. You must establish that you are the leader to be successful with his training.

If you give one of your commands, and he does not comply, reinforce the command with a little different tone of voice until he complies.

If that still doesn't work, don't just walk away. That will send a bad message. Stick with it until you get the desired results. It will happen.

Never yell at your pet or hit them, or raise your hand in a gesture to do so. You also never want to use anything like a rolled up newspaper, or a belt, or any object of this type to discipline them.

This will only scare and confuse them, and loose their trust, which will make it much harder to achieve the results you are looking for.

If you use the word "No" Firmly, to stop him from what he is doing, or gently show him you want him to "Sit" or lay "Down", or use the word "Come" when you want him to come to you, or say "Out" when it is time for her to go outside - I think you will be very surprised at how fast he or she learns.

Whatever words work for you are fine, as long as you keep them simple, and stay with the same words all the time I think you will get surprising results.

And don't forget the most important word of all, GOOD. Using that word combined with boy or girl, or the dog's name such as "Good Sammy", can work wonders.

They learn to like that real fast. Saying Good Boy, or Good Girl, or What a Good Girl, with the right tone in your voice, combined with a pat on the head, a biscuit, or a rubbing of their belly, will practically send a golden retriever into orbit.

They are beautiful animals. Just be patient, and you will have a great friend for many years.

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