German Shepherd Training Guide

By Jim Kuntz

Training a German Shepherd can be a most rewarding and incredibly powerful bonding experience. Working with your dog will not only be fun but it will create a bond that will last forever. You really can't ask for a more loyal companion. This breed is world renowned for its intelligence, protective nature and ability to learn many different commands. Start training early. The best time for your dog to be trained is the puppy phase.

German Shepherd training has to work to mutual benefit of both the owner and the dog. When training a large dog like a GSD you need to understand their temperament. These dogs are very active and need a lot of exercise. Not getting enough activity will make them very hard to train.

This is a highly intelligent and naturally dominant breed. Your dog training needs to establish your control. German Shepherds will test the rules.The entire family needs to involved in the training process so the dog will respect the entire family's authority.

There are many different ways that you can get formal dog training which can actually be rather cost effective. Average people can train German Shepherds in their own homes. Learning basic techniques will really give you all the help you need. If you hire a professional dog trainer remember that the amount of human interaction with the your dog during training is very important.

For those of you training at home you need to be consistent. It is the regular training that will lead to successful training and proper behavior. There will be times when your pup is overly playful, or seems to be unresponsive. During these times you need to be strong. This will establish the natural hierarchy. You will be seen as the leader of the pack the one calling the shots.

Be firm from the first moment your puppy arrives to your home. Teach all your children how to maintain teach the pup. Maintaining the same level of firmness will speed up the training process. Training doesn't need to be harsh. You can be affectionate yet firm. This will require some discipline but will help your pup fit in quickly with the family.

Establish boundaries while creating a high level of comfort for your dog. Your training should that reinforces the necessary roles the dog should learn and maintain in your home. Disciplined training will allow you to have a loving pet who protects your home and family and respects the house rules. Any exceptions in your training techniques will undermine your work so training and rewarding so be a continual project.

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Get more training tips and secrets on how to train your puppy. The germanshepherdtrainingpro.com is the ultimate gsd obedience training.

Dogs And Water Fun

By Joanne Gallagher

Beautiful summer weather is a perfect excuse to enjoy the great outdoors. Some of us are "water people" and just like some dogs are "water dogs". Sometimes a dog breed that doesn't typically make a splash will enjoy the water if they are encouraged or just want to join in the fun!

There are many breeds that do enjoy swimming, fetching floating toys or simply splashing in the water. In fact, many breeds have are bred to love the water. A list would include: Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundland, Golden Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

Pets need daily exercise. Your pet will not only be healthier, but calmer when indoors. Including your dog in your day at a nearby lake can be a fun adventure for all. Taking a swim with your dog and playing ball in the water is a lot of fun.

Another great idea for your water outing is a floating dog toy. Many floating dog toys come attached to rope handles that make it easy to play toss and tug games in or out of the water.

To prevent water fatigue, dog life preservers are available in many sizes and styles to keep your pet safe in the water. This will also help dog owners relax, knowing their dog is water safe. Your dog might not know when they are tired and need to take a break out of the water. Relaxing on shore for a bit will recharge both of you.

If you don't want to travel outside of your own backyard, your dog can take a dip in your pool. This is really a personal preference since some pool filters can't handle dog hair. Even if your dog doesn't shed, pool owners have differing opinions about pets in the pool. Sometimes dogs can rip the liner or damage the pool equipment.

An easy resolution is to acquire a pool made specifically for your dog. Most dog pools are very durable, transportable, easy to fill and empty and made of tough PVC. These pools are easy to setup in the backyard, on deck or patio. These dog pools fold up making them easy to take on a summer trip and easy to store during the cold winter season.

The Dog Days of Summer are here. Give your dog cooling relief from the heat. Have a wonderful summer and share your love of the water with your pet.

About the Author:

Like people, dogs also need relief from the hot summer months and a quick swim with your dog is the ideal solution. Joanne suggests visiting a store where Dog Supplies are sold and purchase a dog pool or dog pool ramp made especially for your canine friend which will provide relief from the heat as well as exercise your pet.

Dog Leashes, It's the Owners Responsibility

By Joanne Gallagher

Dog Owners should know the value of a dog leash. A dog leash is a great way to protect your pet from the dangers the outside world can hold.

Regardless of what breed of dog you own, an unsupervised pet can get in trouble. Most pet owners treat their pets like children, and just like a young child should not be outside without boundaries, neither should a dog.

Various distractions occur in the outdoors that encourages a dog to leave the yard. The noise of automobiles and motorcycles can cause a dog to bark, and in many cases they will run after the vehicle causing a distraction to the driver as well as potential harm to your dog.

Other distractions are wildlife. Birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer can make any well trained dog forget their manners and take off. By the time you look outside to check on your dog, they might be too far away to hear you. When they return many times they have rolled in something, smell quite bad and can acquire ticks as well. On trash pickup days, on the dog's way home, they might stop and dig in a garbage can or two

Letting your dog wander the neighborhood can irritate your neighbors, especially if your dog decides to poop on their lawn or dig on their property. Young children can also be afraid if they are on bikes or running and yelling and a dog decides to bark or chase them. The dog might be playing, but young children might not realize this and can get hurt in their attempt to run away from the dog

Even if your dog is not typically aggressive, when a stranger approaches to read a dog tag or a young child attempts to give it a hug the dog may get defensive and attempt to nip or bite. This is a shocking situation for both parties: the injured, the owner and the confused dog. Even though accidents happen, the dog owner is responsible.

The best option for a dog to run leash free is a fenced yard. Dog owners who have no yard or just don't have a fence, try a Dog Park. Dog Parks are an ideal location for dogs to play, exercise and socialize with other dogs. Many cities have Dog Parks now days. To find a Dog Park in your area, get in touch with your municipality or ask your local veterinarian.

Taking care of your dog is a huge responsibility, but it is your responsibility. Dogs must be monitored at all times. Putting your dog on a leash is an easy solution to keep your dog and those around him safe.

Dog Leashes come in many styles to best suit the dog and the dog owner. There are 4 foot leashes that are great for city dogs; hands free dog leashes are great for exercising along with your dog, couplers for walking multiple dogs; retractable leashes offer flexibility; and the basic 6 foot leash typically is offered in one inch and 5/8 widths to accommodate most dogs.

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Although playing with your dog unrestrained is pleasurable, dog owners must understand the concequences of not leashing their dogs when appropriate. Joanne suggests keeping your dog safe by visiting Jakes Dog House for dog leashes of various designs and sizes.

Dogs Urinary Problems:Don't Overlook These Top 5 Signs Your Dog Has Bladder Problems

By Kate Rieger

Can you tell when your dog is not feeling well? Chances are you can. Most dog owners are in tune to their pets, and will observe the behavioral changes that can occur when their dog is sick. In dogs, urinary problems can be hard to spot, especially if your dog urinates in the yard, instead of on a walk. Here are five most key signs exhibited by dogs with urinary problems.

1. "Accidents" in a housebroken pet. If your adult dog is suddenly having accidents indoors, this is a sure sign that something is wrong. In adult dogs urinary problems will often present first in this way, and may be accidentally assigned to a behavioral problem.

2. Straining to urinate. If your dog is having difficulty producing urine, or seems to be straining, a urinary problem may be the culprit. With dogs, urinary problems can be painful, just like they are with humans. If your dog is reluctant to urinate, it may be because it is painful for him to do so.

3. Change in activity levels. If your normally energetic and rambunctious dog is suddenly lethargic and sleepy, this is a strong clue that he is not feeling well. If your dog is exhibiting extreme lethargy, you should see your vet right away.

4. Needing a walk more (or less) often. One of the early signs dogs with urinary problems will exhibit is a need to go "out" more often. Your dog may be feeling an urgent need to relieve himself, but be unable to do so because of a urinary problem. Some dogs may do the opposite-and stop indicating they need a walk entirely. You should know how often your dog urinates normally in order to spot any behavioral changes.

5. Drinking a lot more water than usual. If your dog has been very active, or it is hot outside, he will naturally need more water. If your pet is drinking extra water in cold weather, unrelated to activity, this could be a sign of dehydration. Dogs with urinary problems are likely to become dehydrated, and may drink excessive amounts of water.

Certainly observing a dog's urinary symptoms is the first step in recognizing a problem condition. You will need the guidance of your veterinarian to determine the severity, prognosis, and treatment. Your vet take blood and urine tests as well as perform a physical examination along with asking you some questions about your dog's recent behavior or change in behavior.

About the Author:

If your dog is exhibiting one of the signs listed above you should visit the vet to see what is going on. Early detection and treatment is key to curing your dog's urinary problems. Use a homeopathic remedy to boost your pet's immune system. Urinary problems are easy to prevent if you catch them early, and may be eliminated entirely with dietary and herbal support. Find these easy to use remedies at http://www.Pet-Natural-Remedies.Com.

The Truth About Dog Chew Toys

By Kim Fleming

The benefits of dog chew toys are just obvious. They not only help your dog to have fun, but also contribute to the health of his teeth and gum and prevent him from chewing your property. However, different dogs need different toys, and you need to get the right one for your pet.

The Size Is Important

The size is the first important thing in choosing a chewing toy, as it relates to the safety of your pet. If the product is too big, your dog may not like it at all. On the other hand, if the toy is too small, he might accidentally swallow it and choke on it. You really should know about your dog's breed and size well to get the right toy size. Many reputable toy manufacturers will have clear warnings on their labels and experienced shop assistants are sure to give you lots of useful advice too.

Safety First And Foremost

Apart from the size, you also need to make sure that the toy is neither too hard nor too soft. Hard texture may damage the teeth of your dog while excessively soft toys might lead to accidental ingestion of torn or chipped parts. You also need to avoid toys with small beads, buttons, strings, wire, bells and fake fur. Chances are you puppy will swallow all these small pieces, which in turn will result in choking, mouth wounds and even damage to the intestines and constipation.

Pick a Variety of Toys

I am not encouraging you to keep a full box of dog chew toys, but it is a good idea to have several varieties so that you can rotate them and your pet will not easily get bored. You may also like to occasionally give your puppy toys with edible treats in them to encourage him to play with these toys.

Be Watchful While Your Dog is Playing With His Toy

Chew toys are not pet nannies so you should at least keep an occasional eye at your dog while he is at play. This will help you respond faster in case your dog is about to ingest a non-edible part.

Watch out for the toys, too. All objects have their own life span, and the signs of wear or tear are suggesting to you that you might need to replace that toy. Otherwise, you could be risking your dog's health or even life, no joke!

Listen To Your Veterinarian

You don't have to talk to your veterinarian only when your pet is sick. Many veterinarian have very good knowledge about dog toys and can give you great recommendations on brands or retailers.

As you can see, in selecting dog chew toys, we should never sacrifice safety for fun. In the end, giving him toys is our way to show our love and affection. Because of the love, we want our pets to be both happy and healthy.

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Do you wish to have an obedient dog? Get the true dog training secrets and find out how to train your dog properly. Also check out this related article about natural dog food.

Anti Barking Collar

By Hannah Scott

A dog barking is probably one of the worst noises you can hear, especially when its all day, every day. A barking dog can really cause your neighbors to really start to resent you and your dog, and if they are pushed too far, they can start to complain to animal control and the last thing you want as a dog owner is animal control on your doorstep, threatening to take your precious pup away.

If you dog is neurotic, then a stop barking collar isnt probably the best solution for your dog. Since the collar will give them an unpleasant vibration when they are barking, this could cause your neurotic dog to really not like it and hurt themselves trying to get the collar off. Anti barking collars should only be used as a corrective method only, they are not designed for every day apparel.

There are two main types of dog barking collars. A static collar is where the dog will receive an unpleasant vibration when it is triggered off by barking. This shock has no electricity in it, and will not cause your dog any pain. If you do not like the idea of the static collar then a citronella collar is your option. A citronella collar will disperse a spray of citronella each time your dog barks. Dogs do not like the smell of citronella so it will soon associate the smell with barking.

Dogs bark for many different reasons. To stop your dog from barking, you really need to figure out why he or she is barking in the first place. Boredom, anxiety, excitement and stranger alert are the some of the reasons why your dog will bark. If your dog is barking excessively then there is a good chance that there is something in your dogs life that is bothering him or her, and barking is the only way of expressing that.

Its normal for a dog to bark, its his way of expressing himself. However, there is a fine like between normal barking and excessive barking. A stop barking collar will help correct the excessive barking almost immediately, which is good if you do not have the time or patients to train your dog to stop barking.

About the Author:

Hannah Scott is an Expert in her field. Her website was designed to help you when you are thinking of trying a dog barking collar. You can get all the information you need at Stop Barking Collars. Hannah has review the best Barking Collars on the market today, you can see this for FREE at Stop Barking Collars

The Georgia Aquarium - An Amazing Underwater Experience

By Jake Parkinson

If a one of a kind underwater experience is what you are after, then no trip to Georgia is complete without dropping by the Georgia Aquarium. This place is a haven of the world's largest collection of aquatic animals. A trip to this attraction is an experience you can compare to diving into Atlantis!

The Georgia Aquarium is a must-see when you're anywhere near Atlanta. This unique attraction has five galleries. Each of these galleries within the Aquarium houses hundreds of species of aquatic life ranging from sharks, whales, otters, and the tiniest beautiful and even odd looking fish you could ever imagine.

You're not just getting the chance to see these sea creatures swim in over eight million gallons of water at the Georgia Aquarium, this Atlanta Tourist attraction also has unique must sees such as the fourth dimension at Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow, Quick Dip Tours, and an exhibition called Titanic Aquatic. The Dip Tours are however subject to availability and it is recommended to purchase the advance booklet entry.

Additional facilities also include the Caf Aquaria food court; souvenir shops like the Beyond the Reef and Sand Dollars gift shops; a 1,600-car parking deck; and the venue is handicap accessible.

The Georgia Aquarium operates 365 days a year. Operating hours are from 10AM to 5PM Sundays to Thursdays, and 10AM to 6PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular tickets gates are at $54.50 for adults and $44.50 for children.

Located at 225 Baker Street, NW, Atlanta City, the Georgia Aquarium is on top the list of Atlanta attractions. Getting there can also be via bus or train. If by bus, you may take Toute 97 from of MARTA's five points. When travelling by train, hop on at the CNN Center MARTA stop on the East/West line; or you may take one from the Peachtree Center stop on the North/South line.

But convenience wise, you may opt to purchase trip passes or package tours from local tour operators. There are even some available packages that will go through all the Atlanta attractions.

Other top tourists' spots of the area include World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Inside CNN Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art, and the Atlanta History Center. Aside from the Georgia Aquarium, most tour operators include the first 4 of the enumerated attractions and have the remaining 3 places as optional alternatives in local tour passes or packages.

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Don't miss out on the amazing Georgia Aquarium on your next visit to Georgia. It is just one of several Atlanta attractions, but one you definitely don't want to miss!

Dog's Urinary Tract Infection

By Moses Wright

A common cause for a dog's urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection. Urinary tract infections often cause pain during urination and difficulty urinating.

The primary cause of most urinary tract infections is the presence of bacteria in the bladder. Bacteria may enter the bladder through the dog's urethra. The urethra is the narrow tube that expels the urine from the bladder when a dog urinates.

Urinary tract infections are most commonly caused by bacterial infections in the bladder. Bacteria enters the bladder through the dog's urethra. The urethra is the tiny tube through which urine passes from the bladder when the dog urinates.

Urinary tract infections in dogs can cause blood, crystals, or pus to be present in the urine. An increased need to urinate, lower back pain, increased thirst, and increased volume in urination can also be caused by a urinary tract infection. A previously housebroken dog may have accidental urination in the house if it has a urinary tract infection.

A veterinarian is likely to press on the dog's abdomen to feel the dog's bladder when diagnosing a urinary tract infection. The veterinarian may also do a rectal exam to feel the urethra. A urine sample may be collected and evaluated.

The urinary tract infection could be an upper urinary tract infection or lower urinary tract infection. Kidney functioning can be negatively affected by upper urinary tract infections. Lower urinary tract infections do not usually affect the kidneys.

A dog's urinary tract infection is commonly treated with antibiotics. The analysis of the urine sample helps the veterinarian choose the best antibiotic to fight the infection.

If the antibiotic does not successfully eliminate the infection, it could be a sign that an underlying disease is causing the infection. In many cases, the failure of the antibiotic is due to the dog not receiving the entire course of the antibiotics.

Diabetes mellitus and Cushing's disease are examples of diseases that can make a dog susceptible to developing urinary tract infections. If the dog is on medication for another condition or has a abnormality of its anatomy, the dog can be prone to urinary tract infections.

Other dog diseases can cause the same symptoms as urinary tract infections. Bladder cancer and bladder stones can cause the same symptoms and also cause urinary tract infections.

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Are you faced with dog health questions which you do not know what to do? Ask Moses, the dog expert, on what dog illnesses symptoms and help your dogs.

Printable Dog Food Coupons

By Moses Wright

Coupons can be a great way to save money. Dog owners can save on their dog food costs by using printable dog food coupons.

Some retailers have printable dog food coupons available on their websites. Target is one example of a retailer that sometimes has printable dog food coupons.

Printable dog food coupons from a retailer's website can typically only be used at one of those retailer stores. The retailer's website may also have a copy of the current sales circular or advertisements for the current sales at the store. If dog food is on sale, the dog owner may save as much money as they would with a coupon for dog food.

Printable dog food coupons may be available on the websites of dog food manufacturers. Some dog food manufacturers will send dog owner's coupons for dog food in the mail instead of providing printable dog food coupons on their website. These websites have forms the dog owner can fill out to receive the current coupon offer.

A dog owner who is looking for dog food coupons should check the websites of dog food manufacturers and the websites for their brands. Sometimes, the website for the brand and the website for the manufacture of that brand will have different dog food coupon offers.

Another thing to check on the websites of manufacturers and brands of dog food is if the company has any current offers for dog food samples. A dog owners should be somewhat careful when feeding their dog a sample of dog food. A dog food sample that is different than the dog's current food should not be used as a meal for the dog.

Sudden changes in the dog's food can cause the dog to get sick. Half of the dog food sample can be given with some of the dog's regular food. The dog's usual food should be at least half of the meal when dog food from a dog food sample is added.

Many websites feature a collection of printable coupons for a variety of products. One popular printable coupon provider that frequently has printable coupons for dog food and other pet supplies is Coupons.com. The users of these websites can select and print the coupons that they want.

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Do you want to know more on how to make homemade dry dog food and found out details on 10 best dog food that you can give to your precious puppies? Find out more at our healthy dog food resource site.

Homemade Cat Treats Recipes

By Moses Wright

Many cat owners like to make all their cat's food. Cat owners who feed their cats commercial cat food may still enjoy making homemade cat treats. Homemade cat treats can be fun and easy to make.

Recipes for homemade cat treats can be found by using a search engine. A cat owner may be able to find a recipe collecting ingredients that they already have in the house.

One example of an easy cat treat recipe is for fishy cat treats. This simple recipe use is salmon, tuna, or mackerel. The cat owner can decide which type of fish they want to use.

The recipe calls for one can of tuna or one third cup of canned salmon or canned mackerel. The fish of choice should be put in a bowl and mashed if necessary. One cup of dried, plain breadcrumbs should be added to the fish. After adding one tablespoon of vegetable oil and one beaten egg to the bowl, the cat owner should mix all the ingredients.

Small spoonfuls of the mixture should be dropped onto a baking sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. The cat treats should be baked for about eight minutes or until lightly browned in a 350 degree oven.

After baking, the cat owner can place the fishy cat treats on a clean kitchen towel or wire rack to cool. The cat treats need to be completely cold before they are given to the cat were stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Experimenting with different ingredients can be fun. A cat may prefer a different type of meat. Cat owners may want to try substituting canned chicken for the fish.

The cat owner may want to try substituting ground beef for the fish for something different. The ground beef should be cooked thoroughly before added to the rest of the ingredients. Veggie cat treats the be made by using finely shredded carrots or finely chopped cooked vegetables in place of the meat.

The cat owner needs to make sure that the ingredients for homemade cat treats include anything that could be harmful to cats. Occasionally giving cats homemade cat treats that contain tuna is considered safe, but cats should not eat excessive amounts of tuna due to concerns over possible mercury content. If a cat owner has questions about the safety of ingredients, they should consult their veterinarian.

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Find homemade cat food recipe information at your favorite feline diet resource site now. We can give you some make your own cat food information? Come join us for a healthier feline diet for your precious kitties.

German Shepherd Training Guide

By Les Micheal

Raising a German Shepherd can be rewarding experience. This loyal breed is well known for its intelligence, protective nature and ability to quickly learn a variety of commands. As with any you have this dog, the earlier you start the training the better. A dog really needs to be trained during the puppy phase.

To ensure your German Shepherd receives training that works to the mutual benefit of you and the dog, there are some basic things you should understand. First you must understand the temperament of the breed. These are extremely active dogs who need plenty of exercise.

With a highly intelligent and naturally dominant dog training needs to establish your dominance and control.Your new dog will have to learn the rules. In homes with children it is very important they are also involved in the training so the dog will also recognize their authority.

Professional dog trainers can be hired and take care of all of your training needs. This option is more expensive and easier but will still require plenty of personal interaction with your pup.Training on your own can be a great experience. Remember to be consistent with the training and you will be able to save a lot of money.

For those of you training at home you need to be consistent. It is the regular training that will lead to successful training and proper behavior. There will be times when your pup is overly playful, or seems to be unresponsive. During these times you need to be strong. This will establish the natural hierarchy. You will be seen as the leader of the pack the one calling the shots.

Be firm from the first moment your puppy arrives to your home. Teach all your children how to maintain teach the pup. Maintaining the same level of firmness will speed up the training process. Training doesn't need to be harsh. You can be affectionate yet firm. This will require some discipline but will help your pup fit in quickly with the family.

Proper dog training reinforces the necessary roles the dog should learn and maintain. You hard work will pay off and you will have a loving pet who protects your home and family while respecting all of the members and the house rules. Once your pup is demonstrating the proper behavior with out being prompted continue to reward them to reinforce the right behavior.

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Get more training tips and secrets on how to train your puppy. The germanshepherdtrainingpro.com is the ultimate puppy obedience training.

When To Start Training Cats And Dogs

By Amy Nutt

Training cats and dogs to use the litter box or to scratch at the door is simple if you start early. Usually the earlier the pet, the faster they will learn as long as they are weaned from their mother. The best performing dogs and cats have been started early and constantly praised for their efforts. Animals vary in personality so do not fear if the dog or cat doesn't learn right away. Be patient and loving with your animal. If the pet does not learn after many weeks of training, something could be wrong. It might be a behavioral or medical problem. Check with your animal's vet if you become concerned.

Kittens can be litter trained any time after 4 weeks. If the kitten is still around its mother, set up a smaller litter box next to the mother's larger litter box. The cat will learn by watching and eventually start using it as well. If the cat does not have its mother to draw an example from, or it is still not learning to use the little box as it gets older, you have a little more work to do, but do not be alarmed. All animals vary on their learning abilities. Try putting the cat and its litter box in a small room such as a bathroom or laundry room, with food and water. Check every hour to see if the cat has used the box correctly. Do this one more time until the cat has used the litter box again correctly, then praise the cat, and remove its supplies back into the rest of the house. Place the litter box where you would like then show the cat where it is located. Always make sure the litter box is clean because cats have a tendency to not use a litter box if it is constantly dirty. Clean the box once a day in order to avoid this.

Anywhere from 5 to 8 weeks is acceptable to start potty training a puppy. As soon as a puppy can start going outside, do so. Take the dog out after eating, playing, and waking up and show it an area where it is acceptable to go. Also, pay attention to what the puppy does inside. If the puppy is sniffing around the house, take the dog to its spot outside. Pee-pads are also acceptable if you have a very young or small dog, but training a dog to do its business outside is always less messy.

Talk to the dog whenever you take it out. Phrases like "Let's go outside" or "Let's go potty" said excitedly will eventually be learned by the dog. When the dog finally does do its business outside, praise him or her immensely. Give the dog treats and a lot of attention. After the dog is potty trained, obedience training can begin via at home or dog training classes at your local humane society or local pet stores like Petsmart or PetCo.

About the Author:

It is always a good idea to invest in puppy training for your dog. A reputable place is not hard to find, and there is dog training Kelowna.

Dog Food Ingredients - What Are Your Really Feeding Your Dog?

By K. C. Jones

Why do you need to understand your dog food ingredients label? Because what you don't know about what is in your pet's food could actually be harming your beloved dog! You think you are feeding your dog food for optimal health, when in fact, you might be poisoning him.

Sometimes is seems like you need a degree to figure out all the ingredients in your dog food. What do all these terms mean? The dog food companies basically tell you not to worry about it - they will take care of your beloved pet. But consumers got a terrible wake-call with the massive pet food recalls over the last few years. They may know what is best for our dogs, but that is not what they are giving us. Thankfully, more organic and all-natural pet foods have been springing up, giving us healthier dog food choices.

What you need to do is learn how to compare your dog food to other brands. There are a couple of tips to help in deciphering the dog food ingredients label:

1. The first 5 - 10 ingredients listed are the majority of the food. If they are not quality ingredients, it is not a quality pet food.

2. BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin are BAD preservatives, linked to liver and kidney damage. If your dog food uses them, you could be poisoning your dog. Look for natural preservatives, such as Vitamin E (tocopherols) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

3. When looking at your ingredients, be aware of multiple ingredients in the same "family", corn for example. You may look and see ingredient #4 is corn bran, #7 is corn flour, and #8 is corn gluten meal. This makes the corn look like it is less of a major ingredient. But if you added the weights of #4, #7, and #8 together and called it corn, it could jump up to the #2, maybe even #1 spot. Is it legal? Totally. Is it sneaky? Definitely.

4. It makes sense that a quality dog food will have a meat listed in the first 2 ingredients. But you really want to see a meat meal. The meat meal is the same as meat, but most of the moisture/liquid has been removed first. Therefore an ounce of meat weighs more than an ounce of meat meal (and is higher in the ingredient list), but there are more nutrients and protein in an ounce of meat meal than an ounce of meat. But when the dog food gets processed, the meat is first dehydrated. So you would be getting less of the actual meat if meat is listed instead of meat meal. Very confusing!

So you really do need to read and understand your dog food ingredients label to figure out your dog food. You might be surprised to find out your current food is garbage, or that it is a fantastic food for your beloved pet. Whatever you do, though, don't look at the dog food packaging. Instead, look at the actual ingredients label. The bag may say it is made with fresh chicken and vegetables, but a look at the ingredients list will tell you the truth.

About the Author:

Keep your dog healthy and happy by learning how to decipher your dog food ingredients list. Check out the Healthy Dog Food blog to learn more about the ingredients used and how to find the healthiest dog food for your dog to stay in good health, naturally.

Diabetic Dog Diets And Diabetes Management

By Moses Wright

A disease that can affect dogs and be potentially fatal if not properly managed is diabetes mellitus. As it does in humans, diabetes in dogs causes uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Diabetes in dogs is managed through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Diet and exercise are essential components of the management of diabetes in dogs. If the diabetes is managed effectively, the dog can continue to live an active lifestyle for a relatively long time.

When a dog first develops diabetes, the dog owner may notice some symptoms. Two common symptoms are increased thirst and drinking and more frequent need for urination.

If the dog owner suspects that the dog may have diabetes, the governor needs to take the dog to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis. Because diabetes and other illnesses may show no noticeable signs, routine veterinary checkups are very important. The veterinarian may use a blood or urine test while the dog is fasting to diagnose diabetes mellitus.

Routine is a critically important characteristic of diabetic dog diets. The veterinarian may instruct the dog owner to feed the dog and administer insulin injections according to a strict schedule.

Fiber and complex carbohydrates are considered the most important ingredients of a diabetic dog diet. If the dog needs to lose weight, the veterinarian may recommend a low-fat dog food that will enable the dog to lose weight slowly.

Diabetic dog diets need to be consistent. Feeding a dog treats, table scraps, or making homemade dog food are considered potentially dangerous for dogs with diabetes since these can cause too much variation in the contents of the dog's diet.

The dog's weight should be kept relatively consistent. Maintaining an ideal weight can help make the management of diabetes easier. If weight loss is necessary, it should be done gradually over a period of time.

Regular checkups by a veterinarian are necessary for dogs with diabetes. The dog owner may have a number of questions regarding the management of diabetes in dogs. The dog owner should feel comfortable asking the veterinarian any questions they may have.

In addition to regular veterinarian visits, the dog owner can test the dog's urine for sugar with testing strips. The veterinarian may instruct the dog owner on testing without urine and making any necessary adjustments in the dog insulin.

Routine exercise is beneficial in the management of diabetes in dogs. Consistency in an exercise routine is considered important. A daily routine of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise is often considered ideal.

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We discuss about the top 10 best dog food and how to make homemade dry dog food at our food for healthy dogs website. It is free to read and you will definitely benefit from the articles written by dog experts.

How Best to Train Your Dog To Respond To "Down"

By Greg Massler

Francis Bacon once said, "Nature to be commanded, must be obeyed." When it comes to training a dog, this saying is very wise indeed. Dogs, as a species, are accustomed to a hierarchy structure of command and leadership. That's the way they naturally function and would continue to function if we had not domesticated them to be pets. So they are accustomed to a structure where everyone-or every dog-has his place in the pack-from the alpha leader to the bottom or omega dog. When you teach your dog the "down" technique, you are asserting your place as the alpha in the dog's world.

The Down command also has practical rewards. When it relaxes in the down posture, the dog is not involved in knocking over furniture and small children. It can also be an introduction to natural subsequent behaviors such as 'rollover', 'crawl' and other enjoyable tricks.

You should use a straightforward approach to training a dog to obey the down command. First, watch for the dog's natural transition into a down position. When a dog relaxes, he will naturally go from sitting to lying in the down position. You want to watch for that point when the dog is sitting and then starts to go into that position by himself.

When this happens, you want to speak a specific command and use a unique hand gesture simultaneously. This gesture should be something you would not normally do, so you must make a special effort to do it. Every single time the dog goes into this position, you should clearly issue the command and make that hand gesture. Always use the same tone of voice.

After the command and as soon as the point of attainment of the behavior is arrived at, praise the dog profusely. At the outset, the dog will not have a clear awareness of why it is getting praise. In fact, this is not important. With the repeating of these exertions, the dog's behavior will result from the command. Remember, it is the productive behavior you are looking for.

Nearly all dogs will not perform the asked for behavior on a command the first few times it is tried. So, always be easy-going and clear and - above all - be consistent. As with any other type of training, it is essential to eliminate noise and motion types of interferences during the training period. Work at being alone with the dog and as far away from other voices as humanly possible.

Positive behavior can also be encouraged by taking a treat or favorite toy and putting that item near the tip of the dog's nose on the ground and then putting the dog into a sitting position. This is more likely to make the dog lie down by it.

Upon using several repetitions with the toy or snack, use a 'waving down' hand motion, with your palm towards the floor position. It's important to hold back from rewarding any dog with praise or a treat until the behavior is attained and entirely correct. On the other hand, if things don't go as planned, take care not to become upset with the dog.

Some dogs may also require the use of a collar and leash to help with the training session. For this purpose, use a very short-only 2 to 4 feet in length-leather or nylon leash on your dog. Place the dog in the sitting position. Then kneel down in front of the dog so you are facing him.

Now make the command and unique hand gesture you will use for this command while also moving the toy or treat from a spot near the chin of the dog down to the ground. At the same time, calmly and slowly pull down on the leash to nudge the dog into the downward position you desire. Do not jerk on the leash or punish the dog or give any negative feedback. Again, follow up with praise when the dog completes the desired behavior.

In those really hard situations where the dog does not heed the command at once, kneel down and put the lead underneath one foot and then slide the loop under the knee of the dog's opposite leg. Do this while facing the dog at a bit of an angle. Be sure to pull the leash loop with your other foot gently pulling the dog down. At the same time, you should gently take both the dog's forelegs and pull them towards you while you give the vocal command.

Even if you had to initiate the movement to get the dog in the correct position, give the dog lots of praise and attention. The key here is that you want the dog to always associate good and positive feelings-both his and yours-with this position.

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Get additional information, tips, and techniques about Dog Training. Also Learn about picking the most comfortable Dog Bedding for your dog.

How To Purchase A Maine Coon Kitten

By Moses Wright

The Maine Coon cat breed is one the most popular breeds in the United States. To purchase a Maine Coon kitten, the prospective cat owner must choose a reputable breeder with healthy kittens.

Due to the popularity of the Maine Coon cat breed, some animal breeders who do not have significant knowledge of Maine Coons have chosen to breed Maine Coon cats in an attempt to cash in on the breeds popularity. Therefore, people interested in purchasing a Maine Coon kitten need to be careful to find a conscientious breeder who cares for the cat breed and is dedicated to producing kittens that are examples of the characteristics set forth by the Maine Coon cat breed standards.

Knowledge does not benefit the cat breed if it is not applied correctly. Breeders of Maine Coon cats need to be using their knowledge about the breed to produce healthy kittens that meet the standard for the breed.

The cat breeder can provide a Maine Coon kitten that is show quality or pet quality. The prospective Maine Coon kitten owner needs to purchase a show quality Maine Coon kitten if there is a chance that they may want to participate in cat shows in the future.

One recommended source for finding a reputable Maine Coon cat breeder is to attend a cat show. Someone looking to purchase a Maine Coon cat will not see available kittens out the cat show, but cat breeders who are members of the sponsoring association of the cat show are may be available to answer questions about the breed and availability of Maine Coon kittens.

Searching the breeder member registry of a reputable cat breeders association or an association like the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) can be a source of finding a reputable breeder. Someone looking to purchase a Maine Coon kitten should ask the breeder what associations they belong to.

The health and socialization of available maintaining kittens is a concern for the prospective cat owner. The kittens should be handled regularly to avoid socialization problems and have plenty of space to get exercise.

When purchasing a purebred cat, there is always some concern about the health of the kitten. Anyone looking to purchase a Maine Coon kitten should ask the breeder about the medical history of the cats in the cattery and any veterinary testing that has been done.

Checking the pedigree of the available kittens can provide information on the cattery's breeding practice. A breeder who has practiced inbreeding may be reluctant to show the pedigree. Occasional, accidental inbreeding does occur at reputable catteries, but these incidences should be few and far between.

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Moses Wright is a pet lover who can help answer your cat health questions and maine coon cat problems. Check out his cat related website for the whole range of cat breeds today.

Large Dog Breeds - Large Responsibility

By Lee Dobbins

Congratulations on selecting that large dog that you have. We must say, large dog breeds are one of our favorites. They offer so much comfort, joy and of course, play time. If you have not gotten a dog yet, then you should really consider the responsibility it is going to put on you. Yes, they are very loving dogs, but are you ready to take a life in your hand and give it the love and attention they deserve? Are you ready to pay for vet bills and buy lots of dog food? Are you ready to take your pet out for walks? The dog is not something you can lock in a room and only play with when you feel like it. Sadly, many individuals have started to do this and that is considered animal abuse, but we will not get into that one right now.

Do you know what one of our favorite breed of dog is? It is the American Pit Bull. It seems that they are very heroic dogs. They work as therapy dogs and they also work for SARS and many other groups.

We understand that there is a lot of news surfacing revolving this dog, but we suggest you really looking into this breed of dog and learning about him or her.

What we will tell you is that Stubby, who served his time in WWII and is a Pit Bull was the first dog to earn a rank for the Military. He has also been honored in the White House. For those of you that do not know about his story, we recommend you researching him along with Popsicle. Our Pit Bull, Copper is our best friend.

Another fantastic dog who is very loving is the German Shepherd. You will find the German Shepherd to be a fun dog to play with and like the pit, they are very adventurous.

So, , what do you think about large dog breeds? Do you think they are for you? Remember, you need to be ready for that responsibility.

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Next, Find out more about the different dog breeds and find out about choosing the right dog breed.

What You Should Know About Crate Training Puppies

By John Roley

Crate training your puppy can be very beneficial to you and your puppy. Many people mistake the crate as being a place to punish the puppy, when actually this is the safest spot for the puppy to go once the puppy gets used to it.

Whenever the puppy gets sleepy, scared, or a bit confused they will usually head towards their crate, if you have one. So when a situation like a thunderstorm occurs, and you have a crate for your puppy, he will most likely go there to hide because he is scared and feels safe their.

Once you puppy gets used to being in the crate at any given time, you can leave him in there for a couple of hours at a time. One example would be if you were not home, you could keep your puppy in the crate, which will also aid in the puppy not destroying the house.

As soon as you get your puppy and bring him home for the first time, you should already have your crate there and situated where you want it to be. You should set the crate up in a central area, but never in areas that have a lot of traffic. Most people who use crates tend to leave them in the kitchen near a door, so the puppy can go outside whenever he needs to relieve himself.

When you bring the puppy home, you should put him inside the house and allow him to start searching for the crate. Leave the door to the crate open, and the puppy should start to wander in and out of it. You can also put a toy or dog treat inside the crate, to give your puppy extra incentive to enter. Once he goes inside praise him, and let him know that he is doing the right thing.

Before you know it your puppy will start to go into the crate on their own, this is a sign that they have a great amount of trust for the crate. When this happens you should praise the puppy and reward it as it is almost completely crate trained.

After a while, you can shut the door and see how he reacts. If he starts to whine, you can talk to him and put your fingers through the door, although you should never immediately take him out - instead wait for him to settle down.

When your puppy is fully crate trained there are many uses for the crate. If you are planning on having family or guests over, or if you plan on leaving the house for a couple of hours you can put the puppy in the crate. If the puppy is fully crate trained he will not have a problem laying around in the crate until you open the door.

About the Author:

The author has been around puppies for more than 10 years. For further details on puppy potty training tips and techniques you can swing by and get his report that covers potty training dogs the easy way.

Wireless Dog Fence System

By Moses Wright

A wireless dog fence, also known as an electric dog fence, is a fence system that is buried around the perimeters of the property or other boundaries set by the dog owner. There are many pros and cons to using an electric dog fence.

The two parts of an electric dog fence system are the collar and the wireless fence. The collar is activated by be buried wireless fence and delivers a shock to the dog when the dog comes too close to the fence or crosses it.

Since an electric dog fence is completely concealed, many homeowners appreciate its aesthetic value. This is especially important for homeowners who do not want a traditional fence around their property.

Traditional fencing requires regular maintenance and painting or staining to prevent the fence from becoming an eyesore. A neglected fence can also become a less secure boundary for the dog if boards become loose.

Digging under fences of a common activity of dogs. Dogs can escape and become lost, injured, or stolen. A wireless dog fence prevents a dog from being able to dig under the be fence. Therefore, dog owners will not need to fill frequent holes the dog digs along a traditional fence.

Some traditional fencing may be prohibited by local zoning laws or rules set forth by any housing development association. Wireless dog fences are typically allowed since they are not a physical boundary to that interferes with the aesthetics of the property.

A lack of security from other animals or people is a disadvantage of a wireless dog fence. Homeowners who want a traditional fence for security reasons do not have that same security benefit from an electric dog fence.

It may take the dog owner some time to adjust the setting for the shock delivered to dog by the dog collar. A disadvantage is that the setting may be set too low to stop a dog from leaving the property.

Unfortunately, if the dog escapes the property, the dog is likely to be shocked when it crosses over the wireless dog fence to return to the property. Being shocked when returning to the property can be confusing for the dog and inadvertently teach the dog that returning to the property is bad.

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Moses Wright, an expert in dogs can definitely give you tips on unique dog houses and building dog houses with free dog house plans. Constructing your dog a diy dog habitat is not that difficult if you have the proper instructions. Let us help you build one today.

Oral Anatomy of Dogs - Dental Health Care

By Heather Fox

The mouth, also referred to as the oral cavity is a very important tool in the digestive system of dogs. When a dog chews its food, it is broken down into smaller pieces where enzymes in the stomach and small intestines can digest it. This is why teeth are a crucial element in a dogs digestive process. A dogs front teeth and tongue allow him/her to pick up food while the back teeth function to grind the food into smaller particles.

In total, a dog has 42 teeth. They are comprised of the incisors and canines which are located in the front, and the premolars and molars which are located in the back. Each of these teeth have a part that is visible above the gum line called the crown as well as a part below the gum line called the root. Enamel covers the crown which is the hardest substance in the body. The dentin is below the enamel as well as the pulp which makes up most of the tooths blood vessels and nerves.

The gingiva is the tissue that surrounds the tooth at the gum line and is tightly attached to the jawbone just underneath. The root of a dogs tooth is attached to the jawbone as well. Sometimes, a tooth can have one root or several.

What are Plaque, Tartar, and Gingivitis?

When a dog eats, food, saliva and bacteria will stick to its teeth. This is normal. This combination of food, saliva and bacteria is called plaque. Plaque is easily removed from teeth by brushing. If the plaque is not removed, it accumulates and causes irritation of the gums. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins which make the irritation worse. This inflammation causes breakdown in the gum and tissue surrounding the teeth. Inflammation of the gum around the teeth is called gingivitis.

If plaque is allowed to sit on the teeth for a lengthy period of time, it becomes hardened and referred to as tartar or calculus. Tartar allows for more bacteria and debris to accumulate causing the inflammation to increase. Once this occurs, the gum line begins to recede and the bacteria begins to attack the jawbone. Once there, the tooth will become loose and eventually fall out. Contrary to popular belief, tartar can be seen above the gum line, but can also occur below.

About the Author:

An experience veterinarian with great passion for writing, Heather Fox started a class on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Dog Ringworm Symptoms and Dog Demodectic Mange Treatment with everyone online.

Dog Training - Techniques To Stick To

By Lee Dobbins

When you first get a dog in your life, we admit that it is irresistible to sit there and play with him or her all day. When he or she jumps up on your bed, you do not want to push them to the side. You figure one night is fine. Well, once you do it, the dog is going to expect it each and every night. If you do not plan on letting the dog sleep on your bed, then don't let them do it, not even once. You should also know that we have dealt with many dogs in the past.

Have all of our dogs been trained? Of course they have. In fact, my pit bull seems to be the smartest out of them all as he really does take to his commands.

When you first bring your pet home, you need to start training him or her to wear a collar.

However, you need to allow the pup to get used to that thing around his neck first. When he or she has gotten used to the collar, you need to introduce the leash to them. Do not put it around their neck, let them sniff it and know that it is okay.

At first, they will wonder about that foreign object on their neck, but in due time, they will get used to it. You should also introduce the leash to them and let them get used to it before you put it on them.

As you are training your dog, no matter what you do, you need to have confidence in your pet. It goes without saying that if you have confidence in your dog, he or she is going to have confidence in you at the same time. As you are training the dog, you will be building up a loving relationship. Remember, do not shout at your pet.

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Dog Training Collars

By Moses Wright

Choker chain collars are the traditional form of dog training collars. In recent years, there have been numerous types of dog training collars developed for the specific needs of the dog training. Prior to these developments, dog owners had few options other than choker chains.

Some dog training collars are less effective than others. When the dog owner presses a button for the remote control of the citronella collar, the dog is sprayed with citronella.

Since citronella is aversive to dogs, the dog stops its behavior. The citronella collars are sometimes used to stop dog barking. Unfortunately, dogs can become desensitized to citronella and require citronella for the same effect. Dog owners may spray the dog too much which could be considered abusive.

The same is true for shock collars. With use, the dog owner may feel the need to use higher settings to deliver stronger shocks than what is considered acceptable.

Some dog training collars are designed for specific types of training. For example, some dog training collars are designed for use on sporting dogs. These electronic dog collars for sporting dogs beep or give signals that the dogs have been trained to associate with commands since there are times while hunting the dog may be out of hearing range of the dog owner.

There are dog training collars designed specifically to stop dog barking. Some of these dog training collars activate automatically when the dog barks.

A few dog training collar designs are used to meet a dog's specific needs. Training deaf dogs can be a challenge which can be made easier with the use of a vibrating collar.

Vibrating collars are used to get the attention of a deaf dog. The dog owner trains of dog to look at the dog owner when the collar vibrates. Once the dog owner has the dog's attention, the dog owner can use hand signals to give commands to the dog.

Choker chains are still use, but usually only with dogs who are resistant to training. Pinch collars are another type of dog training collar used for dogs that are stubborn or strong-willed.

These types of collars can be an effective or even dangerous if the dog owner does not know the correct way to use them. They are often only used as a last resort.

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Looking for cute dog collars? Check out our juicy couture dog carriers and make your doggy look trendy and fashionable. Come into our site for more information on dog collars and carriers.

How To Treat Dog Skin Rashes

By Moses Wright

Dogs can develop a rashes and skin irritation just like people can. Often, a dog owner will notice redness, swelling, or an increase in the dog's scratching.

An allergic reaction is a common cause for a dog skin rash. Small bumps on the skin called hives may develop due to allergies. Hives and skin rashes from allergic reactions often clear up on their own, but a dog owner should still consult the veterinarian for instructions on how to treat dog skin rashes.

If a dog owner has started using a new dog shampoo or has changed things in the dog's environment or dog food, these could be the cause of a skin allergy commonly referred to as contact dermatitis. Refraining from using these things new to the dog may allow the allergic reaction to end in the rash to go away.

A common cause for a skin rash or irritation is an allergy to flea bites. For skin rashes and irritation due to an allergic reaction to flea bites, the dog owner should treat the fleas promptly. After the fleas have been eliminated, the dog skin usually clears up and the dog's coat grows back if there has been hairloss.

Some dogs develop what is known as a hot spot. A hot spot is sometimes referred to as moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis. A hot spot develops when an initial irritation to the skin causes a dog to bite, lick, and scratch a particular area.

A tick bite, an allergic reaction, fleas, or a bacterial infection are some examples of possible causes for the initial skin irritation that can trigger the development of a hot spot. When the dog licks, bites, and scratches the area, it makes the hot spot worse. The dog may have hairloss in the area of the hot spot.

A veterinarian should be consulted for the best way to treat the hotspot. Hot spots are often treated by shaving the area of the hot spot and applying cool compresses. The veterinarian may prescribe the use of a special shampoo, oral medication, or topical ointment to treat the hot spot.

Dog skin rashes can be caused by several different types of fungal, bacterial, and parasitic skin infections. A dog owner needs to consult a veterinarian for the proper diagnosis and treatment of a dog skin rash.

Some dog shampoos and skin care products claim to be how to treat dog skin rashes. If the underlying cause of the rash is not identified by veterinarian, dog skin care products are often ineffective. Many skin infections require the use of prescribed medication from a veterinarian.

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Are you faced with dog health questions which you do not know what to do? Ask Moses, the dog expert, on what dog illness signs symptoms and help your dogs.

Dog Breeds - Pick The Best Breed For You

By Lee Dobbins

Have you been thinking about getting a new four legged friend, but you are not able to make up your mind as there are many dog breeds out there. We probably are not the first to admit, but choosing a dog breed can be a bit on the complicated side. You have the sporting breeds, large breeds, small breeds and so on. It just seems like the breed of dogs are unlimited. We would like to help you pick out your dog, but only you know what you need. Are you aware of the fact that there are a couple hundred different breeds. There are some questions you need to ask yourself as you are searching for the right dog.

How is the space in your home? If you live in an apartment complex that is small, then you should obviously not go for the large dogs. Large dogs do not like small areas. However, small dogs are food for small areas.

There are many small breeds out there that you can choose from. If you live in a big home, then it would be fine to pick a large dog.

Secondly, do you have children? The reason we are asking you this is because if you get a small dog breed, the child could end up hurting the dog. Little dogs are easier to hurt than small dogs.

You need to make sure you supervise the dog and the child at all times. Never let the child play with the dog when you are not around. Children do silly things, which frustrate dogs.

When it comes to different dog breeds, you also need to think about the type of fur they have. If you love to groom dogs, then it would be a good idea to choose one that has long hair. However, if you do not like grooming pets, then you should choose a short hair pet.

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Next, Find out more about the different dog breeds and discover if the toy dog breed is for you.

Diabetic Dog Diets And Diabetes Management

By Moses Wright

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Diabetes in dogs causes uncontrolled blood sugar levels. The dog owner can make the necessary changes to keep the dog's blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Diet and exercise are essential components of the management of diabetes in dogs. If the diabetes is managed effectively, the dog can continue to live an active lifestyle for a relatively long time.

When a dog first develops diabetes, the dog owner may notice some symptoms. Two common symptoms are increased thirst and drinking and more frequent need for urination.

A veterinarian must diagnose diabetes mellitus in dogs. Blood or urine tests when the dog is fasting may be the method the veterinarian uses to diagnose diabetes in the dog.

A key feature of diabetic dog diets is routine. The veterinarian may prescribe a specific routine for feeding the dog and administering insulin if necessary. Often the dogs daily intake of food is divided into two or three portions given at different times.

Ideal diabetic dog diets are generally high in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. The dog food may need to be low in fat if the dog should lose weight.

Consistency is also considered an important factor for diabetic dog diets. For this reason, it is generally recommended that the dog owner use one type of dog food and not switch dog foods or make their own dog food.

The dog should not have drastic changes in weight. If the dog is overweight, losing weight can help the management of diabetes. Any necessary weight loss should be done gradually.

Routine veterinary visits are important for a dog with diabetes. Questions concerning the dog's diet, the care of the dog, or the administration of insulin can be answered by the veterinarian.

In addition to regular veterinarian visits, the dog owner can test the dog's urine for sugar with testing strips. The veterinarian may instruct the dog owner on testing without urine and making any necessary adjustments in the dog insulin.

Routine exercise is beneficial in the management of diabetes in dogs. Consistency in an exercise routine is considered important. A daily routine of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise is often considered ideal.

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At our site you will find out the top 10 best dog food and how to make homemade dry dog food at our food for healthy dogs website. It is free to read and you will definitely benefit from the articles written by dog experts.

A Beginners Guide To Keeping A Clean And Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

By Mandy Williams

Keeping the aquarium clean will ensure you some health fish. This means less time to treat them and more time to enjoy them. Taking care of the fish in the aquarium is not an easy task but if you get the hang of it, everything will go really easy. So use the proper equipment to clean the tank and use it well. There are a few tips and tricks that you can learn in order to be a good aquarium owner.

First of all, if you want to clean the tank, don't use house cleaners. Some of them are really toxic for the fish and plants. So buy some proper cleaners for you tank.

Besides that, always monitor the water level in the tank and the water pump very clean. Also remember to clean the filtration system from time to time so that it doesn't break. Many times, the life of the aquarium depends on the filtration system. When you choose a filtration system take into consideration the manufacturer, the fish species and the components.

Another important fact in keeping the fish healthy is the cleaning of the ornaments. They should be washed and cleaned with proper cleaners at least twice a month.

The cleaning will stop the algae from growing without a purpose. Another aspect is that the aquariums made of plastic need cleaning more often, sometimes even once a week.

When you do the weekly cleaning make sure you do some things like check the air pump. This is important because it provides the fish with oxygen. If the pump doesn't work properly, the fish could die.

Change the water as often as possible. Don't wait for it to turn green. It is not a thing of aesthetics but a matter of health. If you change the water often, the aquarium will look better for sure but the fish will be healthy too. Don't forget to also clean the rocks and the sand inside the tank. Before you do all this, remove all the fish from the aquarium and put them in a bucket full of water.

You should also buy a water purifier. This will save you some time because you will need to change the water not so often. There are a lot of types, depending on the size of the tank.

And never forget to real all the instructions of the products you buy for your tank. If you have some doubts, ask the sales persons from the pet shop.

Also, don't forget to keep a strict schedule of the cleaning operations you do.

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Read information on freshwater aquarium setup and maintaining a freshwater tropical aquarium.

Dog Training Manual - Discover How to Train Your Dog Like a Pro

By Sandy Bassett

If you are given the choice between spending around $40 on a dog training manual or spending hundreds of dollars for the services of a professional dog trainer to get virtually the same results which would you choose? If you have the spare time and the desire to learn some new things then you can train your dog every bit as effectively as a professional can.

All pet owners know how exasperating it can be to try and get their pet to stop bad behaviors. Most of us have tried persistently to teach a dog to stop barking or chewing on the furniture or some other crazy making activity, to no avail. Our inability to communicate our desires to our dog can become overwhelming and even lead cause us to give the beloved pet away.

A dog training manual put together by a professional dog trainer is a much better option. A reputable trainer knows the methods and has the experience to convey to the pet owner what is needed to be effective when training a dog. You can find just such dog training manuals online in e-books and instructional videos. Using this type of training is a breeze.

Sure, it is possible to surf around on the Internet to pick up bits and pieces of information that can help you to train your dog but that is a scattershot approach and is definitely not the way you want to go about learning how to train your dog properly. Fortunately for us there is a highly respected dog training manual available online called Secrets to Dog Training.

Written by a professional dog trainer, this e-book provides the reader with training techniques and real life examples. This particular e-book can be viewed on your computer screen or downloaded and printed where you might find it helpful to place in a binder for easy reference. A 30 minutes video also is included with the e-book and shows different training methods with real life subjects.

There are many distinct advantages to training your dog in your home using a dog training manual. In the home, the dog is more relaxed and calm and often more responsive to training. The behaviors are also being taught in the location where the dog will be expected to repeat them. This makes training more effective as well. Cheaper and easier, it is an excellent dog training option.

Even if you are new to dog training, a dog training manual will provide you with step-by-step instructions that will teach you the techniques you will need to be an effective dog trainer. You will find that everything you learn can be used with any dog you have or may have in the future. You can become an effective dog trainer no matter what your previous pet experience has been.

They also allow you to focus on any area that may require your immediate attention such as how to stop a dog from barking, biting, doing their business in the house, etc., etc. The true beauty of an effective dog training manual is in its simplicity. The benefits of being able to customize your training lessons cannot be overstated.

Taking the time and effort to train your dog makes being a dog owner a much more enjoyable experience. It will also result in a happier, healthier pet. Dogs are happiest when they know their boundaries and how they are expected to behave. Training your dog at home also gives you plenty of time to have fun with your dog. Teaching him new tricks and bonding with a pet makes the whole experience worthwhile.

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See how you can train your dog every bit as well as a professional with an effective dog training manual when you visit www.dogtrainingoptions.com.

Stop Your Puppy From Peeing In The House

By John Roley

A lot of individuals normally have the wrong perception when it comes to crate training. This conception leads people to believe that crates are a punishment for dogs, and therefore they wont use them. Much to the contrary, crates are actually one of the safest places you can put your puppy, which also gratifies his natural instincts to situate himself within a den.

If you have a crate and leave it open, your puppy will start to go to it when he gets sleepy or when he gets confused. Although puppies tend to like crates, you shouldnt overuse one by allowing him to spend hours at a time inside of one.

As you are teaching your puppy to get used to his crate, you have to make sure that you do not let him out if he is barking or going crazy. Wait until the puppy calms down before you let him out. Before you know it your puppy will greatly appreciate the crate.

So when you are on the way to pick up your puppy, you should already have a crate set up in your home for when the puppy arrives. When it comes to the crate placement, any centralized area where there is not a lot of walk through traffic would be ideal.

When the puppy arrives at your home for the first time, leave the door to the crate open and let him discover it himself. You could also put blankets and puppy toys in there to give him an idea to enter, when the puppy enters the crate for the first time you should reward him.

Once your puppy starts going into the crate by itself, you should reward it. You can do this by giving him a dog treat or a new kind of puppy toy to mess around with. This is when you know that your puppy is getting used to the crate.

Now that the puppy is getting used to the crate, you can shut the door and monitor the puppies reaction. Some puppies may start to whine when the door to the crate is closed, this is normal you just have to make sure that you do not let the puppy out just because it is whining, wait until the puppy is calm.

When your puppy is fully crate trained there are many uses for the crate. If you are planning on having family or guests over, or if you plan on leaving the house for a couple of hours you can put the puppy in the crate. If the puppy is fully crate trained he will not have a problem laying around in the crate until you open the door.

About the Author:

John has been around puppies for more than 7 years. For further details on puppy potty training tips and techniques you can stop by and get his report that covers potty training dogs the easy way.

Bloat In Dogs

By Moses Wright

Bloat in dogs is caused by gas being trapped in the dog's stomach. The dog with bloat is typically unable to belch or vomit to expel the gas. Canine bloat is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. Approximately 33 percent of dogs with bloat die from this condition.

The dog's abdomen often becomes noticeably distended when the dog has bloat. The dog may salivate and pace uncomfortably. The dog may squat as this attempting to pass a stool or start gagging.

Gastric dilation is a type of bloat that causes the dog's stomach to fill with gas. If the stomach flips or rotates due to bloat, this is called torsion or gastric volvulus. The esophagus and small intestines may become twisted shut which prevent any gas from escaping.

Older dogs and large breeds are most susceptible to canine bloat. Canine bloat is often associated with a dog exercising or becoming too active immediately following eating. Eating large amounts of dry dog food at one time increases of dogs risk bloat. Dogs can develop bloat even if they do not fit the usual risk factors.

Neglecting to treat a dog immediately for bloat can cause the dog to go into shock and cardiac arrest. Dogs can die from canine bloat within hours from the onset of this condition.

When a dog with bloat is taken to the veterinarian, the veterinarian may insert a needle into the stomach to allow some gas to escape. Surgery is often necessary to thoroughly emptied the stomach and reposition the stomach if it is twisted.

If the dog's stomach has twisted, the dog's prognosis is less hopeful than if the dog's stomach only filled with gas. Twisting of the stomach can cause blood supply to be interrupted to the stomach and spleen which can cause cell death. Cell death is permanent and decreases the dog's prognosis.

To prevent future episodes of torsion, the veterinarian may suture the stomach to the abdominal wall. After surgery, the dog is not completely out of danger. Infection and other complications may occur.

The common suggestions for preventing bloat is to avoid feeding the dog a large amount of food at one time and restricting the dog's physical activity immediately following eating. The dog should not be allowed to drink large quantities of water at one time.

About the Author:

Moses Wright believes in giving dogs a balance diet. He provides more information on homemade dog foods and natural dog treat recipes to help dog owners give a healthy diet to their dogs.

Old Age Tempered By Pet Ownership

By David Cain

For thousands of years people have been looking for the 'Fountain of Youth'. People will stop at nothing to find a way to live longer. Money is no option if a 'break-through' is found that can make us look younger and feel better. The health food and vitamine industry is an every growing billion dollar industry. Fueled by mans need to live longer and feel better people endleslly search for an ever elusive answer. But is the answer really elusive? NO! Studies continually show that owning a pet can extend a persons life and make them happier. This is especially true for older persons who need it the most.

The elderly seem to be most affected by pet ownership, although children love them the most. Having a cat that comes and jumps on your lap makes you feel needed, while the cat fulfills its need for attention. A pet can solve empty nest syndrome when children have grown and moved away, and it gives the owner a sense of purpose and keeps depressive thoughts away.

Owning a cat is good for your health. In spite of the annoyances that come along with pet ownership - the scratching of the furniture, the weekly litter box cleaning, and accidents you may have to clean up - studies have consistently shown lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. This is more true for cat owners than dog owners, although no explanation can be found. Pet owners are also more active, since they have to keep up with their animals needs. This provides a less sedentary lifestyle, leading to better health through physical activity.

When considering pet ownership, you are making a commitment to the life of the pet. Keep in mind your personal limitations to find the right pet for you. Before purchasing or rescuing that cute little kitten, keep in mind the cost that will be involved. Food, litter, and vet bills add up over the year. The health benefits may often far offset the cost, however.

You will also want to make sure that you have the time to care for a pet. The great advantage to a cat over a dog is that cats are generally lower maintenance. You don't need to walk them every day, and leaving them for an overnight trip is possible with a clean litter box and full bowl of food. If you go away for long trips, however, it may be best to put off pet ownership.

Sometimes, it is more than health reasons that makes you want to take a pet in, it might be what they bring as your constant companion. The joy that an animal can bring comes from knowing you are loved. If you visit a shelter and find an animal that steals your heart, you can save the animal from death and maybe save your own life in the process. Saving two lives at once is something most pet owners don't think of initially, but sometimes that is what happens, when they decide to get a pet.

About the Author:

Learn more about keeing your cat in good health Cat Furniture.

The Stages Of Kitten Development

By Moses Wright

The remarkable growth of kittens in their first weeks of life is demonstrated by the stages of kitten development. Kittens of all cat breeds progress through the stages of kitten development.

It is hard to believe that the helpless, tiny newborn kittens experience so much growth during their first several weeks. Sleeping and nursing are the primary activities of newborn kittens during the first week. The newborn kittens umbilical cord falls off within the first two or three days.

Since newborn kittens spend all their time nursing and sleeping, they quickly double their birth weight often within the first week. If a newborn kitten is separated from its mother, it's ability to learn and be socialized is dramatically impaired.

By the end of the kitten's second week, the kitten's eyes open. Even though the kitten's eyes open, the kitten's sense of sight is not fully developed until the fifth week. The eyes of kittens are always blue for the first several weeks.

Beginning in the third week, kittens become aware of their environments. By the end of the third week, the kitten's begin to be able to hear and their sense of smell has developed. The kid and socialization skills developed between the kitten second and seventh weeks.

Kittens do not usually attempt to walk until their third or fourth week. In the beginning, there are steps may be shaky. During the fourth week, kittens become more curious about their environment.

In the kitten's fifth week, the kitten becomes more socially interactive with its siblings and people. Many kittens learn to use the litter box beginning during the fifth week.

At around eight weeks of age, kittens are often weaned from their mother. The seventh through the fourteenth week is a time of the kitten's most active play.

At approximately 6 months of age, kittens begin to establish a sense of rank among themselves, other pets, and with the people in the household. Kittens may continue to display attempts to dominate other members of the household until they are about eighteen months of age.

Some cat breeds mature slower than others. While many kittens reach full size around eighteen months of age, kittens of a few cat breeds can take up to five years.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a cat lover who can help answer your cat health problems and maine coon cat problems. Check out his cat related website for the whole range of cat breeds today.

How To Treat Arthritis In Cats And Dogs

By Moses Wright

Inflammation of the joints is a condition known as arthritis. Arthritis can affect both cats and dogs, but arthritis in pets is rare. Large dogs are most susceptible to arthritis.

The amount of impairment caused by arthritis is affected by the size of the pet. A large dog may have more pain and disability related to arthritis then a cat or small dog.

If the cartilage or soft tissue of the joints become damaged or worn, it can cause arthritis. Older pets are more likely to develop arthritis than younger pets.

Many times, arthritis in cats and dogs is the result of a traumatic injury to the joint. Dogs and cats with arthritis may try to avoid putting weight on the joints. Arthritis often causes the pet to limp.

The pain caused by arthritis is typically managed through medication. The veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for pain relief.

To help reduce pain and improve mobility, the pet should be adding an ideal weight and get regular exercise. The veterinarian may recommend a specific level of exercise and a low-fat or weight management diet if the pet is overweight.

If medication management of the pet's arthritis is insufficient, the veterinarian may recommend surgical treatment. Surgical treatment for arthritis can involve claiming any torn cartilage or debris from the joint, fusing the joint, or replacing the joint.

The owners of a pet with arthritis can often make some accommodations in the home to make the pet more comfortable. Pet beds for dogs and cats are an example of an accommodation for a pet with arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory medication made for human consumption should never be given to a pet with arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications for humans can be lethal for pets.

Glucosamine, and chondroitan, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are commonly used alternative treatments for cat and dog arthritis. Even though polysulfated glycosaminoglycans is the only one that has been shown through medical research to be effective, many dog and cat owners report the successful use of glycosamine and chondroitan.

Many other products have claims for being treatments for pet arthritis. A pet owner should consult the veterinarian about alternative treatments. Another form of alternative treatment for arthritis is magnetic pet collars.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a big lover of cats. He set up this site to help fellow cat lovers with their cat health questions and provide more info on common cat illnesses symptoms.

How to Select Natural Dog Food?

By Kim Flemming

The concern over the commercially sold dog food is on the rise, and some have even received lots of complaints and criticisms. As a safe alternative, natural dog food is gaining popularity. This article is going to show you a couple of tips to help you to choose the right natural food for your dog.

* Understand What Food Your Dog Needs

You may be aware that there are different types of natural dog food. Raw meat and vegetables are considered natural, and so are cooked meat and vegetable, as well as commercially sold natural food. The key is to know which one best suits your dog's needs.

Each dog has his unique nutritional requirements, which is usually a result of his specific breed and health condition. When you feed your dog with a different food or you change the way you feed him, you should watch out for any change in his behavior or health condition. You can always obtain the advice from your veterinarian.

* Get Food Prepared for Your Dog

Quite a few dog owners love to prepare food for their dogs by themselves. This is a very good idea, but you should know your dog really well to serve him with exactly what he needs in nutrition. Raw food is just as good as cooked ones, although many believe that cooking and heating will help kill the bacteria in the food.

You should also take note that not all human foods are good for dogs. Chocolates, raisins, mushrooms, onions and raisins, for example, may be dangerous or toxic to dogs. List what foods are toxic to dogs and avoid them. If you are not prepared to cook for your pet, then it is safest to go for commercial brands of natural dog food.

* Read Labels

Just like what you do with human food, you should always check what is on the lable when you purchase dog food. As a general rule, natural dog food should not have such ingredients as wheat and corn fillers, artificial coloring and flavoring, animal and plant by-products, as well as artificial preservatives. Many of dog's behavioral changes and health problems, such as gastrointestinal problem and malnutrion, can be attributed to these synthetic ingredients.

* Get Enough Proteins and Nutrients for Your Dog

Dogs were built to be carnivorous so the bulk of their diet should remain protein-rich. The protein sources however should never be low-grade meat by-products. Your dog should be fed high quality lean meat and poultry.

Aside from protein, natural dog food should also contain vitamins and minerals. You can get foods fortified with nutrients. You can also serve dishes with squash, beans and peas.

About the Author:

Do you wish to have an obedient dog? Get the true advice on dog training and find out how to train your dogs correctly. You may also like to check out this related article about discount dog toys.