Sunday, February 28, 2010

Why You Should Build A Dog House

By Larry Levine

You will need a dog house outside your home for your pet dog if you are planning to have one so he can live in it.

You should give your dog really good care and provide him with a warm comfortable place where he can relax in any kind of weather and you can do some interesting things to your pets house in order to make it inviting and fun for your dog.

A dog certainly requires a doghouse because he should be as comfortable when he is outside the house as he is inside the house.

You can build him a couch for his dog house since you can not put your own there. Dogs like cuddling in the sofas when no one is watching, they will love to have their own.

It is a very simple procedure and does not require you to spend unnecessarily. You just have to raise a wooden or metallic platform. Then you need to buy cushions and fasten them on the platform and your dog's couch is ready. He will feel proud and each time he goes into the doghouse he will jump up and lie on his couch. The cushions have to be detachable so that they can be cleaned regularly. The dog will either lie on the couch or on the floor of the doghouse.

By the way, that brings the floor to mind. Most dogs are probably reasonably content with sleeping on the floor while they're inside, but you probably should equip your dog house with something more than just a bare floor.

First, start out with a surface that's scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Linoleum or tile can act as excellent base layers. To give your dog a homey environment, try putting down some carpeting. It might be tempting to do so, but don't anchor the carpeting down. Instead, leave it loose so you can easily remove it for future cleaning.

With a little bit of effort a doghouse can be made into a home for your pet. You'll have a home which he will be very happy with. He will begin to enjoy resting in his own place most of the time. This is just a loving gesture from you to let the dog know you care about him.

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Training Your Puppy To Be A Responsible Dog Today!

By Barry Reyes

Puppies and dogs are natural pack animals and most of their actions reflects that fact. The most crucial thing to do when you get a new puppy is to establish your authority. You are the "pack leader" and you must always make sure that your puppy knows that.

A new puppy will intuitively spend a huge amount of time trying to figure out where they fit in the pecking order of their new home. They do this by trying to prove their own power. A few breeds have more domineering personalities such as the terriers or Chihuahuas. Other breeds are more biologically submissive.

Without delay when your puppy comes home he needs to have his status in the hierarchy established. He needs to be conscious that you and all of the individual family members in your home are assertive over him. This is not a matter of punishment but it is something that must occur if he is to become a contented and obedient member of your household.

A few simple rules will help both of you establish this pecking order. If you don't follow these rules your puppy will be getting mixed signals and your training will be much more grueling as he will be bewildered and will not really know what you want and who the forceful individual is.

One of the main rules you must follow is that the leader always eats first. Do not let you puppy have a meal before you eat. If you and your family are setting up to eat at about the same time you want to give food to your puppy, you should make the puppy wait. If not you can plan for your puppy to eat at a complete separate time as you. At the beginning it may be helpful for your training to make the puppy come to you and wait for his food until you are ready to give it to him. You may want to teach him to sit before you put the bowl of foodstuff down.

Day by day grooming of your puppy sends him convincing signals about who is assertive. Your puppy may bawl or even act like you have hurt him at the beginning when you handle him for fundamental grooming. You must just ignore him and follow through with what you are doing. Always follow through with whatever you begin with a puppy because they quickly learn when if you really mean something or not and if you are not following through your training will be arduous.

Most puppies use their mouths to nip and bite at things when they are very young. This behavior must be stopped right away. Give him a sharp answer of "No" and a tap if necessary. The pack leader never gets nipped and you are the pack leader.

It is essential with a new puppy to show him that you are authoritarian so try to keep away from games like "tug'o'war" where he can get insistent and show too much dominance. Make sure that you reward his good behavior with praise and treats but just disregard his bad behavior as you start obedience training. Keep these easy rules in mind and you can swiftly coach your puppy to be a good and obedient dog.

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Great Pet Training Tips For Your Pet Dog

By Alice E Stewart

You will find "boot-camp" type training programs where your dog stays at a special kennel for a few weeks through the most thorough training. At the end, the owner comes in and participates in order to make sure that they can control the dog as easily as the trainer.

Training your dog to pay no attention to distractions may be challenging as dogs are social animals and they generally love both people and other animals. However, it is crucial that you are able to command your puppy's attention regardless of what is going on around you so it is very crucial to work on this. You can try to get his attention with a favorite toy or a treat as a temptation to get the attention back to you. If your dog is clicker trained, he should bring his awareness back to you with a click.

Spaying or neutering your dog is not only a positive way to avoid litters of puppies, but it is beneficial for your dog's health. Also, it will eradicate many aggression difficulties and you will have less behavior difficulties.

You'll be able to get started training your dog at once. Take a look at the numerous dog-training programs and find the one that you feel the most at ease with, then just sign up, download it to your computer, and begin training your dog right away.

Now is a wonderful time to be an aspiring dog trainer because of all of the good online resources accessible on the Internet. You can find content available on every part of dog training and there is also some great data about how to best go about the process of actually training your dog yourself. The majority of these online dog-training courses can be downloaded with no trouble to your own computer.

Once you initially start training you can use visual cues, treats and rewards and other tools, but in due course your dog should be able to respond as you hope with just the sound of your voice. Be consistent with all of your voice commands so that your dog is never mystified about what you want.

There are plenty of probable rewards and benefits to having a dog, however, without proper training a dog can actually boost your stress level rather than lessen it. When your dog jumps all over an important visitor to your home, or he barks and barks for no reason, or he chews up your favorite shoes, it can be very nerve-racking. That is one reason why it is so important to start training your new puppy immediately and to at all times be consistent.

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A Well Behaved Dog

By Joanne Gallagher

It is very difficult to say no to your dog when they look at you so lovingly. Dogs don't miss curfews or talk disrespectfully to their owners, so why not give them a bite of your dinner? One table scrap will turn them into perpetual table side beggars. Successful dog training relies on consistency.

Having a happy and properly socialized pet requires teaching and guidance from the pet's owner. Whether you have a puppy or adopt a dog, a relationship of trust should start as early as possible.

For dogs who are reluctant learners using a dog collar and leash in training can be useful. A choke chain collar can be used along with a leash. Use a choke collar with smooth, rounded edges for superior comfort, smooth operation, and safety-no sharp points or rough edges that can chafe your dog's skin or snag fur. To properly fit choke collars, measure the circumference of your pet's neck and add 2" - 3".

Some dog trainers prefer a martingale collar. These dog collars provide the convenience of adjustable sizing with the safety of a limited range of choke collar action. The dog collar size adjusts as pressure is applied to the leash. The limited closure guarantees that the collar will not injure pets.

Using a dog leash and either a choke collar or martingale collar, command the dog to sit/stay and slackening the leash. Then command the dog to come. If the dog doesn't come then give the lead a gentle tug while at the same time issuing the command again.

Leash training with the restrain collars also teaches your dog not to pull while you are walking your dog. If your dog is controlling you, by pulling, give the leash a quick yank to the side. This is an effective and harmless dog instruction that will make walking your dog a pleasurable experience. Remember you are the pack leader and need to have control of your dog.

Sometimes hand gestures or visual commands are used in the early stages of dog training. When you are in a dog park and there is a lot of noise and distractions, a visual command is extremely effective. For example the universal hand signal for the come command is to fully outstretch your arms horizontally on each side then bring, them to meet in front of your stomach.

Speak your dog's language. Whether it is through hand gestures or verbal commands, a dog is eager to please their owner. Being praised and rewarded when they behave appropriately is part of the consistency of dog training.

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Puppy Training 101: Essential Accessories Needed To Teach Your Puppy

By Julie Wilson

Are you ready for Puppy Training 101? To begin with, you will need three specific pieces of accessories to be able to properly teach your puppy: a training dog collar, a leather training leash, as well as a 15-foot length clothesline rope.

If you're currently considering that your puppy's present leather collar will work, and that his 4-foot chain leash will probably be all you need, you might as well stop reading this content and save yourself as well as your puppy weeks of discomfort plus hardship. There simply is no substitute for the best training equipment. A training collar is really a slip-chain type constructed of metal. Do not substitute one that is manufactured from nylon.

One of the many things your puppy is going to learn is to have confidence in you. But he will never develop that feeling of confidence if you substitute improper training equipment that will not be effective. Where there's no confidence there can be no respect, and no respect means no desire to please. No desire to please means no willingness to learn. Add them all up and you have an uncontrollable puppy that will never achieve his rightful place in human world.

The Proper Leash

Your leash should be of the regular five to six foot leather type with a hand loop at one end. Training dog collars and also leather training leads can be purchased from pet specialists and also via online catalogs. Training collars are sometimes called choke-chains, which is incorrect. While it's true that a training collar can choke, if it's worn on the puppy correctly and used properly, there's no way it can be a choke-chain and cause harm to your pet.

The Right Collar

The collar should be large enough to slide over the puppy's head comfortably, but not so large as to fall over the ears if the puppy should lower his head. A good rule of thumb to follow is to place the collar on the puppy and cinch it up tight for a moment and observe whether you have three inches of chain left over. If so, you have a fairly good fit. It is better to have a training collar that's slightly too large than one slightly too small.

Final Puppy Training Necessities That You Cannot Find In A Store

The remaining equipment that you'll need cannot be purchased at any store, but without them, you cannot successfully train your puppy.

You must love and care for your puppy! You must have patience and exercise patience while your puppy is learning. A shallow persistence put together along with a short temper could assure total and utter failure

To lose your cool and blow up means the end of training, so here's a little tip that might help you keep your cool:

It takes 4 to 5 days for an average puppy to learn the average thing. Do not expect your puppy to perform like a professional the first few days of teaching him something new. It just doesn't happen that way. If you lose control of yourself, you've lost charge of the actual situation. When this happens, your puppy loses confidence in you.

I hope you have enjoyed the first lesson in Puppy Training 101!

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Learn Techniques Tips To Socialize Your Puppy

By Lillian R Griffin

The earliest days after a new dog joins your family are exhilarating times. Everyone is adjusting and getting used to all of the new excitement. This is the time when you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to suitably socialize your new family member. Your dog will encounter many different situations throughout his life and it is better for everyone if he learns early on how to respond in an pleasing and healthy manner.

Puppies can start to learn socialization skills as early as 2 to 3 weeks after they are born. Most people who get a new puppy get them at about 7 or 8 weeks old and they should initiate socializing them as soon as possible. Puppies tend to be more afraid and tentative up until the time they are 14 weeks old so during this time make sure that you are gentle with them.

While socialization skills should be trained early you should also continue to practice throughout your dog's life. Many situations and circumstances can transform a dog from sociable and outgoing to hesitant, scared and even hostile. It is essential to repeatedly introduce your dog to new situations, people and animals.

Acquaint your dog with other dogs and other animals. You can do this at a area park or even a doggie daycare. If you have friends with pets, visiting them is always a nice method to socialize your dog around other animals. Be sure that your dog is all the time up to date on his vaccinations but it is imperative for him to be around other animals.

People who turn up to your house frequently should all be known to your dog. That would include the mailperson. Introduce them and let your dog get familiar. If it is doable make sure that you take your dog around many different people, as it will boost his social skills immensely.

Dogs are natural pack animals and they will reconstruct the pack in their brand new residence. This means that it is essential that humans are always seen as the dominant member of the pack. When a human speaks the dog should conform, every time, no matter what. The dog is the follower and the humans are the leaders.

Socialization needs to continue throughout your dog's life. He needs to always meet new people, new dogs and other animals. If not he could become nervous and pick up hard-to-resolve problems such as biting and fighting.

You and other people will enjoy your pet more and he will be easier to deal with if he is suitably socialized. Your dog training attempts will also be more successful. Everything about owning your dog will be easier if he is appropriately socialized and well-behaved.

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Can You Learn From A Dog Training DVD?

By Brad Davenport

So you have a dog with a little bit of a problem. You've seen these guys on TV pushing their products and they make it look so easy, so now you're wondering: is a dog training DVD a good way to learn? Well, the answer is yes, if you are willing to put in the time and patience.

Dog trainers are great, when they know their material. But how do you know if they do? You can research and try to find out by their website. Or you can go to class and take a chance. But look forward to paying for the personalized treatment, because a good trainer will not be cheap.

If you are considering taking classes, think it through. There is the drive time (hopefully, your dog's problem doesn't involve car rides), and the loading and unloading no matter what the weather. If you're unlucky, it will rain on class night and you get to smell wet dog in your car, plus after they get out. And remember, if you go to class you are on their time then, not yours. If you can't make a class, will it throw you behind? How fast can you get in? What if one of the dogs there transforms into a demon when your dog enters the room? And if the class doesn't work out you will probably not be eligible for a refund.

Another thing to consider is that if you had to bring your dog into a class atmosphere, chances are there are going to be other dogs present. Your dog may not take too kindly to that. If you spring for private classes, you are paying for time. And if you or your pooch require repetitive tasks to learn, its gonna cost you.

Another great thing about training DVDs is that you can go back and review the material as often as you wish. We all know that training and all practice and repetition, so having the DVDs on hand will allow you to run through the motions of each session in the time you wish.

So, if you want to know if a dog training DVD a good way to learn, it really depends on what you consider a good use of your time. You can either spend it carting your canine back and forth to class, or you spend that time more wisely in the comfort of your own home.

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Rules Of Thumb For Maintaining A Healthy Glass Aquarium

By Dave Bowman

You don't need to be an expert to have a home aquarium with vividly colored fish and healthy plants. It's not impossible to maintain a healthy environment for fish and plants in a tank. However, you do need to follow instructions that are essential in fishkeeping.

Find the right tank.

There are various kinds of aquarium. There are acrylic and glass aquariums, and they may come in rounded, cylindrical, hexagonal, and box shapes. Aquariums may also be classified according to their contents and the salinity of the water. Glass aquariums are best for beginners, as they are scratch-proof and less expensive. Also among the highly recommended are rectangular aquariums since having a wide water surface is crucial for the health of your fish and plants. Tanks with rounded or creative shapes may look pretty, but since they have narrower mouths, they're not as effective in taking oxygen in and releasing carbon dioxide as rectangular ones.

Avoid materials that are toxic to fish.

Another important thing about fishkeeping is to know what materials are harmful to fish, so you'll know what to keep out of your fish tank. Note that the tiniest bit of metal is toxic to fish. Substances such as detergent, paint, plastic, and soap should also be kept out. What's great about glass aquariums is that they are either made entirely of glass or glass panes sealed together by silicone.

"Natural" doesn't make it suitable for decoration.

You should know that a substance need not be artificial to pose a threat to your aquarium environment. If you think that using coral, coral sand, seashells, marble chips, and other limestone products are all right for decorating an aquarium, think again. Bits of these dissolve in water, and the residues make the water hard. Although hard water isn't bad per se, anything in excess always is, especially if you don't know what type of fish can survive in hard water. To be safe, the minerals that you can use to decorate your aquarium include quartz, sandstone, and granite. Instead of picking just about any object that would look good in glass aquariums, shop for aquarium decor only at reputable pet and aquarium supplies shops.

Choose the right location to place glass aquariums in.

The major setback to glass aquariums is that they're heavy and more prone to breaking and leaking. Imagine how much heavier any tank is going to be once you fill it with water. For this reason, be sure to choose the right location for your tank right away, as moving it might cause the glass to crack.

Keep sunlight exposure to a minimum.

There are two reasons why you shouldn't constantly expose your aquarium to direct sunlight: overheating and increasing algae growth. Having excessive algae in an aquarium is bad in that these tiny plants make the water greenish. Algae steal nutrients from fish and aquarium plants as well. Fish tanks should be exposed to sunlight only for a short while. Use artificial lighting with a timer instead.

More helpful information

To protect fish and plants inside your aquarium, place a cover on top. Some people think that using a glass cover will cut the supply of oxygen in an aquarium. This is a myth, however. Aquarium covers are designed such that they can allow adequate supply of air into the tank. Finally, avoid moving your tank once it's been filled, as this may cause the glass to break or leak.

Even a beginner like you can maintain an aquarium successfully. All you need to do is to follow these simple yet effective tips. You'll certainly be fulfilled as you watch your fish swim happily in your own aquarium.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Dogs And Temporary Kennels

By Owen Jones

Are you the type of dog owner who likes to take your companion with you wherever you go? If you are then you know that that there are times when you can do this, but there are also times when you can not, for whatever reason.

On the occasions when that happens, you will usually need to find a boarding kennels that will take care of your dog while you are away.

A vacation is a time for relaxing, so you do not want to be worrying about your dog, if you can help it. Within your own country, it is not usually a big problem, but if you go to a foreign land, then taking your dog can be more trouble than it is worth. Not only for you, but for your doggy friend too.

If you can not board your dog with someone it knows, like a member of your family or a neighbour, then the only alternative is a boarding kennels.

I have put my dog in a bad kennel once and I learned a few lessons from that. I placed my Becky in a kennel in a respectable village just outside our town. I was happy with what I saw and the sales pitch of the owner, so I went to Spain, thinking that all was fine for both of us. I had a great holiday and went straight to the kennels from the airport on my return, although I had told them a fortnight before that I would pick Becky up the day after my arrival. I just could not wait to see her.

I went to the kennels and they were surprised to see me. Of course, I was a day early. They said that Becky was 'resting' and that it would be better to 'come back tomorrow'. No way! So they took me to see her. I nearly cried. She was sitting in a good sized cage, but on newspaper soaking wet with pee.

She saw me and just looked down at her paws. I called her name again, but she did not want to know. I paid the bill and put her in the car on the front passenger seat where she always sat. She just looked out the window and showed no interest in me at all.

It took three days before she would speak to me again! The moral of this story is not to be persuaded by big adverts or impressive locations as I was. Ask your dog-owning friends, write into the local paper inviting recommendations, phone the local animal protection society or the kennel club or look on the Internet.

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Puppy Training Tips: Puppy Training 101

By Julie Wilson

You can find countless varied puppy training tips you can consider. It's important to be aware that it may not be the puppy at fault here, understanding that instead you just could be educating the puppy incorrectly. In order to avoid this, it's imperative that you decide on the effective puppy training tips that have proven to work. These are a few illustrations of puppy training tips that should work correctly.

Training a puppy to sit appears basic nevertheless it can in fact become rather tricky, especially if you are dealing with an older dog. Using this method you are able to say to them to sit whenever people are coming into your house and visiting you or any time you are at the vet seeking to keep them calm. One of the better puppy training tips calls for coaching your puppy with this specific ability, and to get started you need to have the puppy standing up. Then you need to say to them sternly to "sit" and make certain you repeat this command several times.

The explanation for this is to use repeated commands to be able to force the puppy to recollect and connect the command with the proper action. This kind of positive affirmation will let them know that they're getting rewarded for carrying out what they were told. Whether or not you utilize a clicking device, treat or toy the main factor is that you give it to the puppy right away when they obey you. Wait until the puppy is over six months old which is when they can fully manage their bowels, and if they do go to the bathroom inside your home you need to let them know immediately that this is incorrect.

You really do not need to have a harmful response to try and coach the puppy, like sticking their nose in the urine they may have left around the house. That is simply going to bring the puppy down and make them upset which may actually result in a larger challenge with housebreaking. It is also best to produce a schedule for the puppy, because they can grow familiar with this. Provide them with their food at the same time every day and take them out for a stroll about a half hour after each meal.

These are all helpful puppy training tips that really do the job and also can help you coach your puppy to become properly behaved plus a pleasure to be around.

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Affectionate Large Dogs Worth Considering

By Ian Lawrence

Are you looking to get a dog? If you're like me, you might like the idea of a big dog over a small one. I find them to be livelier and a lot more fun, though many might disagree with my opinion.

Let's discuss four breeds that are so worth it to investigate when you want to get a big dog.

Everything you might have heard about the Rottweiler being a bad dog isn't true because they are actually great dogs that are sweet. You just need to give them the right training and they will be so gentle when you do.

It is a fact that if you want an extremely loyal watchdog, a German Shepherd is what you should get. They are also wonderful with children and will be awesome pets.

Your kids will love these dogs and you will be assured of your house having great protection. It is important that they receive lots of exercise each and every day and that you engage in playing with them regularly.

Another dog that is great with children is the Vizsla. This dog is very sweet and also athletic, along with the fact that they can live as long as 15 years despite their size. Give some consideration to this dog if you have children.

Another dog, a French Mastiff, or Dog de Bordeaux, has such a cute face and eyes. These dogs are quite friendly and get along well with children.

When compared with a bulldog, they are more gentle and cleaner. A good thing to point out is that there will be no shedding with this dog, just a little occasional drooling.

We have just touched on some of the numerous good breeds of big dogs that are out there. They are all great choices. However, if none of these are to your liking, do not give up. There are many other breeds, in the hundreds, which might be just the right choice for you.

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Purebred Dogs, Mixed Breed Dogs And Hybrid Dogs

By Alice S Stewart

People have long had a love affair with mixed breed dogs or "mutts". These dogs tend to differ quite a lot in size, looks and disposition, even when they come from the same set of offspring. Mutts usually have very superior health and they make great pets.

A mutt is a dog that is a product of an unknown ancestry. They are not of one particular breed and it is usually unknown if there parents are of purebred status. Mutts have an unknown origin and a uncertain inherited line.

On the other hand a purebred has two parents of the identical breed. Many times there are lengthy and well kept records regarding the ancestry of these dogs. Breeders are vigilant in their breeding actions to make sure that they turn out the strongest qualities in their dogs.

Some folks may prefer to have a mixed breed or a mutt for a pet as they generally have great health and they make wonderful pets while others may choose to have a purebred dog. However, there is one more preference that can be considered and that is the hybrid dog or the "designer dogs".

A hybrid dog is the offspring of two purebred parents from two separate breeds. They are not like a mutt because their genetic family tree is known. Each of the parents of the designer puppy have a genetic line that can be traced back a few generations.

These days' hybrid dogs are becoming quite popular. They can be found in dog shows, pet stores and even the movies. The hybrids usually have the best character of each breed and they combine the best attributes from both breeds.

The hybrid dogs are usually called really funny names that are a combination of both breed names such as a puggle, a mix of a pug and beagle, a poogle for a poodle and pug, cockapoo for a cocker poodle combination, a goldendoodle which is a poodle and golden retriever mixture and of course many others as the inventory of combinations goes on and on.

Hybrids are excellent pets and if you are having a difficult time deciding on a breed a hybrid can get you the best of two breeds. They typically have excellent health and they are smart and fun dogs to own.

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Miniature Schnauzer: A Petite Bundle of Fun and Energy

By Mike Mathews

Do not be misled by the Miniature Schnauzer's small frame - it is a very active, hearty, and alert miniature version of its full size relative, the Standard Schnauzer. The diminutive size of this Schnauzer breed belies its capability as a farm dog and its ability to protect itself and its master if necessary.

An energetic dog with appearance almost exactly the same as its bigger cousins, the Giant and Standard Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer is the result of mixing of Affenpinschers and Poodles with the small Standards. Originally from Germany, the breed has gained acceptance as a distinct breed in 1899.

Compatibility and Usage: Despite the name Miniature Schnauzer, the breed can adequately carry out the roles of a protective and dependable guard dog and a playful family dog. Noted for its ability to hunt and kill rats, the Mini Schnauzer is also a natural winner in dog show competitions due to its high level of intelligence.

Physical Appearance: The mini Schnauzer has a double hair coat and hence grooming is extremely important. They will experience hair fall and but most of the time they are non-shedding and hence proper care needs to be taken to maintain their coat and grooming should be done once in 5-8 weeks. A mini Schnauzer comes in different colors, which can vary from a mix of black and pepper to jet black and even a mix of black and silver.

Temperament: Bright-eyed, loving, intelligent, and playful the Miniature Schnauzer is a sure hit with children Miniature Schnauzer make good companions and family pets and are outstanding watchdogs and are great to travel with. Their extremely good temperament makes them a very good choice of the best small dogs for homes. They are very adorable and can easily mix with children and the elderly. Although small, they are highly protective of their owners and would sometimes even challenge bigger dogs!

Caring & Health: With a lifespan of 15 years, they are usually a healthy breed but are also prone to suffer from kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, liver ailments and cysts and hereditary eye problems. Never overfeed the Schnauzer as they have a tendency to gain weight and become obese. They are also prone to hypothyroidism during the when they are between the age of 2 to 6 years old.

Caring & Health: The breed is susceptible to developing bladder stones, diabetes and pancreatitis. A close monitoring of their diet is therefore necessary so they do not eat too much, especially fatty food and sweets. Another susceptibility of the breed between the ages of 2 to 6 years old is hypothyroidism. Regular visits to the vet will certainly give your mini Schnauzer a health and long life. Regular grooming of the coat and the beard is necessary including clipping of the toe nails. To avoid periodontal disease, regular brushing of teeth is obligatory.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for city living and despite its active behavior indoors it can do without a yard and easily adapts to any kind of environment. If you live in the city and a family and guard dog is what you are looking for, then the Miniature Schnauzer is definitely a perfectly good choice to make.

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Bichon Frise: A Small Dog With A Golden Heart

By Mike Mathews

The name Bichon Frise in French means a curly lap dog and truly, he is a cute and curly dog who loves to spread happiness all around. While choosing a small dog breed, you can always bring home a Bichon Frise as they make popular pets. They are look somewhat similar to the Maltese but are bigger. Extremely intelligent, the Bichon Frise is a lively and happy-go-lucky dog. You will really be proud to own one.

Compatibility and Usage: The breed's small size and friendly nature does not make it the first choice as a good guard dog however, it more than makes up for this shortcoming as it adequately fulfills the role of a family dog without equal! Its disposition, playful character and antics would surely liven up any person's life - be it in the city or in the countryside.

Physical Appearance: The Bichon Frise sports a loose, curly double coat. The outer coat is textured while the undercoat is 3 to 4 inches long and is soft, fine and silky undercoat. The usual color is all white but some members of the breed may have cream, gray or orange colored coats. It has round, black intelligent eyes, drooping ears and a tail curved over its back.

Temperament: its overfriendliness with humans including strangers makes the Bichon Frise a poor choice for a guard dog. Nonetheless, its cheerfulness, warm and loving attitude make it very popular as a family dog especially those with small children. Its temperament makes it easy for the Brison Frise to ingratiate itself with humans and even other dogs.

Although they have a streak of stubbornness but it is rarely displayed. Sudden bursts of energetic display is quite common with a Bichon Frise and most of the time you will end up having a laugh especially when they start running after their tail. They are very good around children and elderly people.

Caring & Health: The average lifespan of the Bichon is approximately 12 years. The male Bichon has a maximum height of 12 inches and the female from 9 to 11 inches. Their weights may vary anywhere from 7 to 12 pounds. The Bichon's non-shedding coat calls for regular grooming otherwise it may lead to an assortment of skin allergies and problems.

If you own a Bichon then you will need to brush his coat several times within a week so that hair tangling can be prevented. The more frequently you groom him, the puffier his coat will be. A balanced diet with moderate exercise will do him a lot of good. One of the most important health risks that a Bichon Frise might face is that of pancreatitis, which is more often caused due to eating fatty foods.

Bichons are also prone to skin irritations and allergy (if not groomed regularly); old age cataract, senility and diseases of the ear; although ear disease is very easy to treat. Owning a Bichon is no different than owning a cuddly, barking fur ball that would give all members of the family extreme joy and pleasure!

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Sunday, February 21, 2010

Golden Retriever Training- Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up On You & Your Guests

By Mike Dugan

Dogs are social animals; they like to show their love...and love of being loved. Of course, their way to show this love is not always suitable. While some other breeds just keep their joy to simple tail wagging, golden retrievers will exceed this by far and go for giant jumps. You should apply the right golden retriever training techniques to stop your golden from doing this.

Do not push your pet away from you when he jumps -- the dog only understands this as playing. He'll do it again and again.

Next, raise your knee when he jumps. The dog should get back down naturally.

Keep raising your knee gently whenever the dog jumps up until he/she learns

When your Golden gets down, give him ample praise and occasionally reward him with a treat. This reinforces the good behavior of not jumping up on people.

Try this technique. When used with the raised knee, "ignore" your pet. Offer praise when the dog gets down.

Try some of these tips if you find that the above are not working well:

Tap your pet gently on the snout when he jumps until he gets down. Combined with the raised knee, and used with consistency, this should result in the behavior you want.

And, of course, offer praise and the occasional treat for not jumping on guests. Associate the correct behavior with rewards.

Try using a squirt gun, giving a little splash on the dog's nose when he jumps. Dogs don't care for this, in my experience, and you can end the jumping behavior when using this technique consistently.

Golden Retriever training is an ongoing process, one where patience and consistency are rewarded. Any of the above techniques done once and forgotten will not be effective. Apply the training consistently for best results.

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Friday, February 19, 2010

The Choices of Pets for Your Children

By Ronald Hescalese

Parents usually decide to buy pet animals for their kids but often they are faced with the question which pet animal can prove to be the safest for their child. There are a few pets listed down which you can choose from in order to make your kids happy. There are some pets which are appropriate for children while some can be dangerous. So make sure that you get the right information before your final decision making.

Fishes: These are quite appropriate as they are the least harmful creatures that exist as pets. You can look at them and also feed them while they keep swimming in the water. These are not costly so you can buy them in quite a jiffy too. What is required is care about how much you fed them and when you feed them which should be timely.

Some of the species are very delicate and if they overeat they can even die. One problem with fish is that they do lie too long. So your child can get upset on the loss if he gets too attached to his pet fish. Some children may want to hold their pet but with fish this cannot be possible.

Rodents: When considering pet animals it makes sense to look at gerbils, rats, guinea pigs and hamsters from the rodent family as pets for your house too. While they are small, kids can touch them and easily play with them. It is easy to place them in the house without being hassled too much about the need for any heavy duty maintenance. But you may have to watch out for your stuff as rodents have the habit of biting and chewing when disturbed. When your kids are asleep at night, rodents can be quite energetic which is why you will have to be on the lookout.

Rabbits: These are somewhat like rodents but a little bigger on size. These can be cuddled up with and played with throughout the day which is why kids love them. They also afford enough exercise with the kids. But sometimes it is a problem to catch them. They are also prone to chewing doors and cords so that you should not leave them unattended.

There are many other choices like kittens, chicks, birds, puppies etc. all of the pet animals have got some advantage and some drawbacks. You need to analyze them fully before you actually make your decision.

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

A Quick Overview Of Potty Training For Puppies

By Daniel Melton

Her big brown eyes open impossibly wide as you hear, 'Oh Mommy can we please, please keep him?' The object of your daughter's desire is an eight week old Welsh Pembroke Corgi which your next door neighbor has so generously offered to your daughter. You relent. But with your approval comes a serious request: 'Potty training for puppies is very important and you will have to agree to help.' Your daughter is thrilled and you now have a dog that needs to be housebroken.

There are a number of ways people go about housebreaking their dogs. One good method is using newspapers or pads. Often, these pads are treated with a chemical with a scent to which puppies are attracted. This encourages them to use the pads. Set the papers or pads down in the area where you want to begin. If the puppy shows signs of needing to potty, like walking in circles and sniffing the floor, simply pick her up and bring her to the pads or take her outside. Do not speak until after the dog has done her business. After each successful bathroom break, bestow her with praise. As she continues to have success with the pads, you can move them closer to the door or put them outside.

Crate training is another option. The concept here is that if you set up a crate for your pup, it will become her special spot and where she sleeps. She will not want to make messes where she sleeps. Always take the dog out for potty before putting her in the crate and immediately after taking her out of the crate. Through crate training, puppies learn not to pee and poop inside. Most dogs can 'hold it' for up to 7 hours. This training method also teaches pups that they can control it.

A third method is constant supervision which is very time intensive. Instead of using papers, pads, cages or crates, you make the decision to spend as much time as necessary training your dog. This technique is popular with retirees and stay at home individuals. In this situation the owner watches the dog constantly for any signals that he needs to go to the bathroom and immediately brings him outside. If the dog does his 'business' praise him and bring him back inside immediately. Do not play with him as he needs to understand the reason he was brought outside.

Remember, these are puppies. They will have accidents sometimes. It is important not to reprimand him for the accident if you did not see him do it. Usually the dog will not know what he did wrong and this will not help in his training. If you do witness the accident, tell him 'No' in a stern tone and pick him up and take him to his pads or outside. If he finishes his business in the right area, remember to praise him.

Getting the whole family on board with whatever housebreaking technique will make the process less stressful for any one individual and provide the dog a consistent potty training message. Involving your children teaches them responsibility and advances the bonding process with the dog.

When a business trip or vacation comes up, you may be afraid that all your hard work will be for naught. While you are gone your puppy will forget everything she has learned. A good way to avoid this is to utilize the services of a pet sitter. A sitter will be able to continue the process while you are away.

Finally, having a puppy become the newest member of your family can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. By properly housebreaking your pup, you'll have more time for enjoyment and suffer less frustration.

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Speedy Leash Training For Your New Dog

By Alex K Rose

One of the great joys of having a dog is being able to go for a walk. A dog that is appropriately leash trained makes a walk relaxing and enjoyable but if your dog is not leash trained that same walk becomes an exercise in annoyance and it can even be dangerous.

Puppies need to start training for the leash when they are very little. If you start early they will learn it quickly and it will be much easier. To start training your puppy, make sure you start by getting him used to the collar. He won't like it at first and he might cry and complain but make sure that you have him wear it until he gets used to it. The only time you really need to take it off is when you crate him so there will not be any mishaps.

After your puppy has grown used to the collar you can start preparing him for the leash. Attach it to the collar and just let him drag drag it around the house. Make sure that you are there to supervise him as he could cause some damage if the leash gets tangled with anything. Pretty soon you can take the leash and practice walking around in the house with him. It may seem strange to walk your puppy around in the house but you will have success sooner if you start out in a place where he is comfortable and as far as that goes there is no place like home.

When he is doing well in the house, you can take him out to the yard. Again you are staying where he is comfortable. As you are walking make sure that you reinforce the behaviors you want and dissuade the behaviors you do not want.

For example, if your puppy is pulling at the leash, just stop. Stop walking. Stop moving. Do not let him to pull at the leash. It will not be long before he finds out that pulling is unacceptable behavior. Make sure you are talking to him and communicating with him also. This is a good time for him to learn some commands.

Another technique you can use when he starts to pull is to immediately turn around and walk the other way. He will learn that he should pay attention. If he starts pulling again repeat either of these behaviors and soon he will learn that pulling is not acceptable.

Sometimes your puppy will stop himself. If he stops and won't go along on the walk you can use treats as encouragement. Don't call him to you but rather drop the treat by your feet and make him come to it. It may take a few times but soon he will be staying with you instead of sitting behind.

Very soon your dog will be obediently walking next to you with a slack leash. This is the behavior you wanted so make sure that he gets ample attention and praise when he does it to reinforce the good behavior. Never let your puppy get away with bad behavior and soon you will be able to fully enjoy walks with him.

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Learn The Reasons Why A Dog Could Be Aggressive

By Chris Patterson

You understand aggressive dogs can be an issue for everyone. They can be especially frightening for small children and adults alike. Even though some breeds are more aggressive than other breeds there is usually an underlying issue why a dog is aggressive. If you figure out why your dog is acting out you can tailor your training efforts to curb his aggression. You will be a happier pet owner if you can trust your dog to be gentle in most situations.

Sometimes aggressive behavior is because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a pecking order to the pack. The alpha dog is the leader and the other dogs follow. Proper training will establish you as the alpha dog or the leader. Do not allow your dog to think of himself as the alpha dog or you will continuouslyencounter problems. Even so your dog may still try to establish his dominance over other dogs or animals and this may be the reason for his dominance aggression.

Territorial aggression is also a frequent form of aggressive behavior. Your dog will fiercely protect the things he perceives to be "his" including you, your home and your family. This can be a good thing but it needs to be contained or it can cause difficulties with neighbors and visitors. A dog that is excessively aggressive because of territorial issues is difficult to own.

Sometimes a dog will be aggressive out of fear. Your dog lashes out because something has frightened him and he does not know what else to do. Something triggers it and your dog starts growling, pulls his ears back and tucks his tail between his legs. This type of aggression is often misunderstood and considered to be direct aggression but the dog is just acting out of fear rather than meanness.

Aggressive behavior can sometimes happen for no obvious reason. However this aggression is usually misdirected. Something happens that instigages anxiety within the dog but he is not able to react to the actual stimuli so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason for some unexplained dog fights between 2 or more animals. The dog is just not able to act on the real issue.

There can also be biological issues for aggression. Many times a female dog will be aggressive when they are nursing a new litter of pups. This type of aggression is understandable as she is protecting her litter from any perceived threats. There is also always a cconsideration of a medical problem if your dog is overly aggressive so taking your dog to the vet for a thorough examination is always suggested.

Getting your female dog spayed and your male dog neutered can curb aggressive tendencies. This can also contribute greatly to the good health of your dog. If you are not in the business of breeding dogs it is just the responsible thing to do and it will make your aggression training easier.

If you know the reasons why your dog is acting aggressively you can fit your training efforts to fit your dog and you will find success comes easier. There is most often a reason for excessive aggression in dogs.

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All Natural Dog Food-Is It The Right Diet For Your Dog?

By Jacob Williams

Our dogs really are usually part of our family plus, in most cases, provide us with more smiles as compared to any other family member. No other pet is similar to a dog. They're dedicated to us and also deserve to be treated the same way, so why not furnish them with good health simply by offering them all natural dog food?

Your run-of-the-mill pet food utilizes an array of chemical preservatives including BHA and BHT to be able to keep the dog food "fresh". In addition they list "meat by-products" or "meat meal" as the main supply of protein in their product. In truth, both will most certainly be comprised of pieces of animals which will hardly qualify as "meat".

Meat by-products from poultry can consist of intestine, feet, head, lungs, brain, blood, in addition to entrails. "Meat meal" might possibly consist of boiled-down flesh from livestock, road kill, zoo animals, or even other cats and also dogs. Livestock which is used has generally been classified as "4-D" livestock, standing for "dead", "diseased", "dying", and "disabled". For what reason would anybody choose to feed such type of things to a member of their family?

Feeding your pet all natural dog food can be described as the best plus easiest way to provide them with a lengthy and also healthy life. These products use natural, holistic ingredients that aid in your dogs digestive system, stop allergic reactions, plus keep your dogs systems in very good condition. All natural dog foods make use of human-grade meats, vegetables, together with grains of which supply your pet with all the actual protein and vitamins and minerals she or he requires.

Conventional dog foods, to put it simply, simply do not meet the standards your dog needs to be healthy. They might possibly damage your pet's health. Standard brands could perhaps claim to make use of prime quality meats along with grains, almost all are generally made up of "fillers" plus low quality grains which may be regarded as not fit for human consumption.

A number of dogs become overweight any time their conventional foods do not provide the particular vitamins and minerals they require each mealtime, subsequently that they wind up eating much more. Dogs are known to experience vomiting and also diarrhea as well as accumulate allergic reactions because they are unable to digest the "fillers" within their food.

All Natural dog foods will most certainly be slightly higher priced, still in the end you could save money on trips to the vet's and also on pharmaceuticals for your dog.

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How To Train A Cat - Simple Answers

By Greg E. Johnson

You can house train a cat easily. But your pet might not be the most compliant kind. You might have a rebellious cat that prefers to follow its own rules. If this is the character of your cat, you are in for some complications. However, if you follow these tips on how to train a cat, you will have a perfectly-trained cat in no time.

Cats, by reputation, are independent and stubborn. They are also known for being very particular about where they expel their waste. They can only do it in a certain type of place and this place has to be somewhere they like. This is why they like litter boxes. If you train your cats to use the litter box, they will continue using it as long as you keep it clean.

So, you'd basically want to start with training your cat to use his litter box. Your task in this regard is to keep the litter box clean. If it's already full and dirty, clean it right away. If you forget to do this one little thing, you will be rewarded with a misbehaving cat. Kittens, for example, will soil the laundry or some house furniture if they find their litter box not to their liking when it comes to cleanliness. If this happens, you will find it difficult to retrain them to use the litter box. So to save you grief, you must always clean the litter box.

Making your cat learn that the litter box is for waste is very easy. You can do this while it's still a kitten. By keeping it in the kennel all night and placing it right away in the litter box in the morning is one way. Putting the kitten in the box right after eating, drinking, or napping is another. If you see the kitten looking for a place where it can move waste, put it in the litter box at once.

The thing about cats is that they do not care if you praise their good behavior or not. They are not like dogs that can easily be trained with a few nice words or displays of affection. Cats will need to be taught that there is a certain way of doing things and they have to do it.

So if you leave your cat in a room while you're gone and it still misses the litter box, you need to show him what the litter box is for - all over again. Scoop the waste and place it in the box. You need to show this to your cat. Eventually, he will learn to associate his waste with the box.

You can also buy cat training kits that are sold today. They can be very helpful but they are not all you need to house train your cat.

The important thing to remember about training your cat is consistency. You need to have this if you expect your cat to learn anything that you teach him. You should also remember that the training aids should just complement your loving hand. Your personal guidance as a loving owner is still the most important aspect in training your cat.

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

A Few Caring Dogs For Children

By Linda Sullivan

Made the decision to get a dog for a pet? Well, that is one smart decision and you will be so glad that you made it - congratulations. A dog makes such an awesome companion and truly a fantastic pet.

While your children are growing up, a dog is a wonderful presence in your house during those years. Studies have been done which show that there are indeed benefits associated with children being raised in a home where there is a dog.

Trying to decide which dog breed to get can be hard, so the following three choices might help you with that decision. Every one of them gets along with kids nicely.

The first one is the Viszla. It has origins in Austria and the reddish brown color of its coat is what makes this breed beautiful. They are quite fast and are medium in size as well as skinny.

The most important thing to note is that this breed is quite loving towards children. They require lots of exercise, so a nice big back yard would be great for them. As long as they get their daily exercise, they will be just fine.

The Golden Doodle, a mix of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, is another breed that you might want to consider. It continues to get more and more popular, even though it is a relatively newer breed. This dog does have many good qualities also.

They are so gentle, loving, great around children and extremely smart. You will not have to worry about any shedding from them, so that makes them pretty easy for you to manage. This breed loves being outdoors playing fetch and will do well in a big outdoor area.

And last but not least is the Dog de Bordeaux. This breed has French origins and is known originally as the French Mastiff.

Except for the fact that it is brownish-red with blue-grey eyes and is more muscular, this breed does resemble a bulldog. These dogs are quite content to be in the house, so a yard is not required, and they are friendly beautiful animals.

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Dog Food Ingredients-What Is Really Important To Feed Your Dog

By Lizzie Novotny

We all prefer the best regarding our pets, so dog food ingredients would be high on the list. Nevertheless exactly what is considered to be in commercially prepared dog food? The current pet food recall is added to our list of worries.

It's important to understand what goes into that big bag of dog food. While reading the label can be confusing, with a little detective work you can decipher much of the hidden content of your dog's food. Nutrition is the key.

What's in an ingredient?

The first clue as to the content of your dog food is in the title. If the food is named for the main ingredient, such as "Lamb Dog Food", then the named ingredient, i.e. lamb, must make up at least 70% of the food. But if the name of the food is called a "dinner" or "formula" such as "Beef Formula" or "Chicken Dinner", that ingredient may only make up 25% of the food. Empty fillers make up the difference in content in those types of food.

Seeking To Get The Best Dog Food

Usually the dog food ingredients listing will end up being accompanied by words such as "meal" "by-products", "crude proteins".

By-products really are dog food ingredients that help to make up a significant portion of poorer canine foods. Meat by-products are generally the left over elements of the animal not made for our intake, such as the intestines, organs, and also diseased animals.

Crude Protein is often made from the hooves and hair of animals, as well as the feathers and beaks of poultry. Although this protein source may make up a strong percentage of a given dog food, very little of it can actually be absorbed by the dog.

Meal refers to cereal grains, the leftover hulls and husks of wheat and corn, after being processed for human use. These have very little nutritional value.

Take Out Your Reading Glasses!

Take a look at the substances labeled on the package regarding your dogs' nutrition. Usually there may be 20 or even more products outlined! The dog food ingredients are usually shown on the label involving overall quantity, with the first few substances making up the most important content associated with the actual food.

A dog food with ingredients listed as "beef, chicken meal, barley, brown rice" is therefore made with true beef as it's main ingredient, an important animal-protein source.

Another label may read, "Ground wheat, corn meal, meat meal, chicken fat, wheat gluten". In this example, a meat product is not the largest component of the food or even the second! The meat products that are being used are the by-products, and do not supply an adequate source of meat based protein to the dog.

What's Within Your Dog's Bowl? Do You Understand Pet Dog Meal Nutrition?

Once you have the knowledge to decipher a dog food label, it's time to take a look at what you have been feeding your hunting dog. If that bag of food suddenly isn't looking like it's worth the money you paid for it, keep in mind a few other things before you start looking for an alternative brand.

So-called "organic" dog food ingredients can fall into two groups. Foods labeled "organic" contain at least 95% true organic ingredients. However, foods advertised as "made with organic ingredients" may only contain 70% organic ingredients. With the price of these specialty diets on the rise, make sure he's getting the best dog food.

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Traveling With Your Dog Made Easy

By Pete Cordingley

Dogs do love to travel well. Adventurous by nature, they will want to check out new sights plus sounds. They like to meet and see new people. Nevertheless it doesn't mean that traveling with a dog is actually as effortless as traveling with your clutch bag. Follow this advice on the right way to have a worry-free travel experience with your pet dog.

Hiring a family pet sitter

Should you be traveling far away from home with out your pet dog, you could hire a pet sitter that could take care of your dog full-time. A family pet sitter may perhaps be a member of one's family or perhaps a friend that possibly will stay over within your home and watch over your dog. You might also ask your veterinarian whom will be able to recommend somebody to undertake the pet-sitting.

Leaving your dog in a kennel

If you are going to leave your pet in a kennel, check around for referrals for a good one from friends that own dogs or your veterinarian. Check out the actual kennel prior to taking your dog and also check if animals look well-cared for and the facilities comfortable plus clean. Talk with the staff to make sure that your dog will be cared for correctly.

Traveling together with your dog

In the event you make your mind up that you are taking your dog along in your travel, ask the vet a few tips on how to best travel together with a dog, such as problems on the transportation method. Ask if she or he might give your dog a certificate of clean health.

Should you be flying via airplane, you ought to have a very sturdy carrier for your dog. Or, the airline may request you to purchase a carrier through them. A handful of airlines permit your dog in the passenger compartment with you. A few put all the pets in the baggage compartment.

In case you are riding in a vehicle, your air cooling must be kept on. Don't leave your dog unattended inside a automobile that's parked. Don't park your car within direct sunshine even for a short period of time, since it may perhaps drastically elevate the heat inside your automobile that might cause dehydration, heat stroke, or even worse.

International travel

Going with a pet dog or perhaps any pet in foreign countries can prove to be difficult. Consult with a veterinarian for some suggestions. You should want to ask the local consulate of the country you're visiting which are their particular requirements so that you can bring your pet along.

Going places together with your dog is often a enjoyable experience. Nonetheless you must keep in mind taking a dog, or any pet with you, anywhere is seen as a little difficult.

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Protect Your Dog with a Dog Seat Belt

By Alexander Krevic

If you are searching for dog seat belt, you need to explore every one of your options.

You should protect your dog when you drive. They are vulnerable to being killed or seriously injured in the event that you have a car crash. Is it worth risking both your dog's life and the life of people in the car? To avoid this risk, you should get a dog seatbelt harness.

People don't seem to realize that carrying a dog in the car without putting the animal in a seatbelt is dangerous. Your dog can easily be killed or maimed during the crash. Anyone else in the car is also at risk during the accident as the dog can strike someone with hundreds or thousands of pounds of force.

To prevent injury to any persons and your dog, it's well worth securing your animal with a canine seatbelt. If you feel your dog is either too small or big for a seatbelt, don't worry. Dog harnesses come in many different options and can be adjusted to fit your animal, regardless of the size.

Where should you buy a dog seatbelt from? You should be able to find canine seatbelts offered by your local pet store. If you want more of a selection and cheaper prices though, you are going to have to do your shopping for one online.

No matter what you do, you should never go cheap on a dog seatbelt. This device can save the life of your dog. If you find some deal on a dog seatbelt but the company manufacturing the seatbelt cuts corners, the seatbelt might not break. You don't want this happening, so make sure you only get dog seatbelt from a company that has a good reputation.

You can secure yourself a cheaper deal on a dog seatbelt by shopping around online for one. Online pet stores will have discounted dog accessories - this means it's much cheaper for you to buy one.

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Tips As Well As Information When Picking Out Dog House Plans

By Nancy D Orazco

By constructing your dog a house, you can give him a place to feel safe, protected, and secure. Building a dog house is a task that can more often than not be competed in a weekend

Before you begin, pick out a good site. Then measure your dog to get an idea of the dimension of house to put together. You might need to make adjustments to your dog house plans to acquire the correct size house for your dog. Put in order your tools and material to make building easier.

Wind, rain, snow, etc.. are factors to take into consideration when you pick and choose a location for the dog house. Look for an area that is fairly flat, and will not puddle when it rains.

The next step is to take into account the dimension of your dog. You do not want to construct it and after that notice it is too under sized. You additionally do not want to oversize the house. In the winter, the dog's body heat is what helps to heat up the house. If the dog is small and the dog house is large, the dog can not heat the area. The house needs to be sized simply large enough for the dog to turn around. Average, this is an additional twelve inches in width, height, and depth to your dog's size. You can modify the measurements to suit your requirements.

Now you will need to decide on your dog house plans. You can opt to design your own plans. With a little skill in construction, this is a pretty simple thing to do. This way your dog house is customized to exactly what your pet requirements. If this is more of a challenge than you wish for, there are an abundance of websites that offer free of charge dog house plans. Just go on the net and look for the plan that meets your requirements. If this still is not what you are looking for, there are countless websites that have dog house plans for sale.

The last step to this project is the construction of the dog house. A saw, hammer, and tape measure are in most cases all the tools you will need. Having power tools will speed up the process, making this project easier and quicker to complete. Follow the plans when purchasing the material, all plans should come with a material list.

The whole family can be involved in building this task for your pet. With a little planning, some plans, and a little work, your family pet can possess a home of his own.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Pamper Your Pooch With A Designer Dog Collar

By Jack Oldman

Because pets are becoming verified members of families and households, more and more, pet owners are becoming aware of canine fashion and accessories. The quest for uniqueness among pet owners has driven the upswing of the designer dog collar trend. Custom and personalized dog collars are being made according to what pet owners are demanding. There are exclusively designed pet collars that easily sell for hundreds of dollars or more each, and dog lovers will pay the price to put their beloved four-legged family member in high style.

You can find many producers of designer dog collars out there these days. The collars they create are created by utilizing various materials, from leather to natural fibers to nylon. They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colors and price ranges, from the inexpensive to the extremely high-priced. You'll be able to get a collar that is custom made according to your specifications. You can buy dog clothes and rhinestone collars, or you can purchase punk, funky, retro or girly dog collars. If you're taking your dog on walks in the night, there are stylish reflective or lighted collars, which is highly convenient while in the dark.

Some fashion designers, including Gucci, have started creating stylish collars and leashes for dogs. It's commonplace to see collars strewn with precious or semi-precious gems like diamonds. Another extreme style in dog collars today is to add gold and other pricey metals throughout assembly of the collars. This custom is getting to be rather common among dog owners who can afford the luxury.

Moreover, designers have introduced the designer dog collar that is made from a wide selection of materials that were previously never considered for use in collars. It seems that the collective imagination of collar designers is the only limitation when making unusual and distinctive dog collars. Some designers have come up with collars with peace symbols and other personalized charms that fit the owner's personality and sense of style.

The real reason why devoted pet owners are willing to spend extra and spend big for a designer dog collar is to have a collar that fits their dog perfectly and also fits them comfortably, while demonstrating their own sense of style and unique fashion sense. Of course a dog collar does not have to be made by a high end fashion designer to be worthwhile and desirable. With a little creativity and by utilizing your own skills, you too can design a plain or fancy dog collar for your pooch.

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Measuring Up Cats And Dogs In Urban Apartments

By Jenny Landis

The addition of a pet to a city apartment may not seem like a welcome one at first. Our places of residence are often small and cramped, and another living being in our homes could add to the clutter some more.

It is a fact, though, that having a pet live with us will bring us entertainment, companionship and joy, among other things. That is definitely the reason that there are so many people living in city apartments with pets.

You will see that one animal is going to be called more suitable to be in a city apartment than others are; it all depends on exactly which pets people tend to like more. Let me be objective about the situation and talk about both the pros and cons of each animal in that setting.

Let's discuss dogs first. They will be very loyal to you and are a lot more active than a cat would be. Dogs are, in all likelihood, going to follow you around quite a bit, as opposed to cats that will surely do the exact opposite of that.

A dog might not be the best choice if you are a busy person without much time to give them attention. On the contrary, someone is going to appreciate this about dogs if they really like having the companionship of a friend who is always there for them.

Now cats, to the contrary, want to be left alone and do not require as much attention as a dog does. They will want to cuddle with you every so often, but you really don't have to do too much for them.

As far as activity goes, dogs will need to go outside several times per day. If you like the idea of getting outside for some fresh air, you'll enjoy the experience of walking a dog.

Contrary to that, most cats that are kept indoors do not have to go outside. All you need to do is make sure to keep the litter box clean. You do not even need to leave your home.

When we are talking about life in the city, it does seem like dogs are higher maintenance than cats are. However, numerous people do indeed love dogs.

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How to Raise a Well-Behaved Puppy

By Ana Walsh

Getting a puppy is always exciting. They're adorable, they're fun and no matter what they do, they're cute. Unfortunately, it's all too common for owners to let their puppy get away with things they shouldn't because, as a puppy, it is cute. Or, the owners just don't know what they shouldn't and should let their puppy do. Here are the crucial things you need to make sure to do when you get a new puppy.

First of all, you shouldn't never bring home a puppy that is younger than eight weeks. During the first eight week of their life, they go through many development periods that are crucial to their long term well being. Removing a puppy from its mother and littermates too early causes behavior problems down the road.

Second, you need to start potty training immediately. Don't let any bad potty habits form during those first few days you have them home, because those can be hard to reverse. I suggest teaching your puppy to go potty outside right from the beginning, rather than paper training them.

Third, don't allow play biting. This is a very common mistake, and one that owners will regret later. You should never let your puppy bite your hands or feet, even playfully. Not even underneath a blanket or other surface. You need to always use toys when playing.

Fourth, teach your puppy right from the beginning that you are the alpha dog. Also known as the 'pack leader'. Even though dogs are domesticated, they still have natural instincts. They still expect to be part of a pack, and every pack needs a pack leader.

Your dog expects to be part of a pack, and for that pack to have a leader. Not knowing how dogs communicate will most likely cause you to communicate to your dog that they are the leader. And since the leader is in charge, this results in many behavior problems. To learn more about becoming the pack leader, do a search online.

Last but definitely not least, you must gradually and carefully socialize your puppy for at least the first year of their life. You need to expose them to new and unfamiliar people, places, things, sounds, etc. Make sure the socialization experiences are pleasant. Carry along treats and make sure to provide plenty of praise and encouragement along the way.

Thanks for reading and I hope this article has given you insight on how to raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved dog. Follow the tips provided here and you'll wind up with a great companion.

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Even Your Dog's Bed Can Fit An Organic Lifestyle

By Andrew Murray

A switch to a green lifestyle can be very involved, as a person and their family change the things they use in their household. But finding the best dog bed for an ecologically responsible life can sometimes be a forgotten element in the big rush to switch to better cleaning products and change the materials used in people's clothing. Yet dog bed furniture can be made of materials that are just as synthetic or even toxic as anything else in the home, so it's important to do what you can here as well, while getting something lasting that you can clean easily.

You don't necessarily have to go all-organic immediately. Remember the three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle), after all. The best dog bed for your new green lifestyle may actually be something recycled rather than something brand new and organic. Take the dog bed duvets, for example, at the Molly Mutt website. You might buy one of their rectangle dog beds, made of pre-shrunk, washable cotton, and then fill them with your own recycled fabrics, such as old blankets, rags and old clothes.

You may not wish to use recycled materials, however, especially if they're not natural. Plastic may still be out-gassing, for example, so perhaps you will want the bed for your pooch to be manufactured from all natural materials instead. That may be harder, since even most "eco-friendly" pet beds make use of recycled plastic in their cushions. However, Doggy Archy may prove to be your solution, with its top quality dog beds produced from organic, hard-wearing and sustainable hemp fibers. The cushions are stuffed with kapok, a fluffy fibre made from the pods of the kapok tree. Thus, these beds are entirely organic.

If you've begun to switch to a green, organic lifestyle, then you already know that you have to work a bit, to avoid synthetics and other non-natural materials. Finding the best dog bed to fit this type of lifestyle can require just as much work.

Just keep in mind that you want your switch to be complete and thorough. Once the work is done and even the dog bed has been changed, you won't regret the time and work it took.

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A Border Terrier Is A Great Companion Dog

By Catherine V. Testaratti

Border Terrier's are known for their jumping ability and agility. They are very intelligent with a level temperament. Many times you will see Border Terrier's as therapy dogs due to their capacity for independent thinking.

Border Terriers have an amazing ability to jump to great heights despite the shortness of their legs. They were long time foxhunters used for flushing fox out of their holes. They are natural born runners and need to be exercised regularly and love to be active.

Border Terriers are natural born runners. Their innate sense of the chase make these dogs a breed that you need to watch around small animals like mice, rabbits and such. They can learn not to chase the family kitten provided you raise them together but when you are out walking, best to keep them on a leash because they are likely to bolt if they see a stranger cat.

You do have to watch the stuffed animals around the house. The Border Terrier has been know to destroy and consume these stuffed fury friends. If your dog becomes lethargic, unable to sleep, non-interested in affection, best to get him to the vet for an x-ray just to rule out illness.

There are times with these dogs when they just love to sit and watch all the activity going on around them. You can be out for a leisurely walk and suddenly your Border Terrier will plop down and refuse to continue. Tiredness can often bring this type of behavior on as well.

As with all breeds, these dogs tend to be prone to cataracts, retinal disease and hip Dysplasia. Seizures and juvenile diabetes are also an issues and it's very important to know that they are very sensitive to anesthetics however they are slow to put under despite their small size. This little dynamo can also have a high threshold of pain so if injured you might not even know.

Border Terriers are classified as a medium size dog and usually grows to about 15 pounds as adults. With their weather resistant coats it's best to brush them weekly to keep them tangle free. Shedding can be an issue with this short haired dog but you can do hand stripping two times per year along with the weekly brushing can keep their shedding to a minimum.

Command training with these dogs from an early age on will allow you to have better control over your overly impulsive pup. Being consistent and providing them with adequate exercise can keep them in line. Their eagerness to please and love for people makes them a good dog for family pets.

Border Terrier's can be a nice addition to you family, just remember their limitations. Socializing your dog early on can minimize the confrontational attitude of this dog. While it's not displayed often, it can occur so keep a watchful eye on your new pup and all should go well.

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Monday, February 15, 2010

Training Equipments For Dog - What Type You Need?

By Christopher James

When it comes to training your new dog, what sort of equipment should you use? Are plain old treats and a stern voice enough? Or do you need more specialized items if you want your dog to be fully trained? It all depends on how much you want to teach your dog as well as how serious you are about it.

If you're just trying to teach your dog to sit, you probably don't need a bunch of equipment. However, if you have trying to teach your dog to do tricks as well as run around a track for something like a dog show, you're going to need a little more than just plain old dog treats.

Sit, Stay And Roll Over

There are many things you can teach a dog to do. The most common tricks that people try to teach their dogs, besides how to be housetrained, is how to sit, stay and roll over. There are also tricks such as shaking the paw, playing dead and so on, but those are harder to teach than the basic three. To start, even if you just want to teach a few tricks, you should get some dog training equipment. You should get a choke collar.

That's a collar that's made of chain that loops through itself. When the dog pulls on it, it sort of chokes them. It doesn't hurt the dog but it does teach it not to pull on the leash. You'll also want to get dog training equipment such as a leash, some treats and a clicker or a whistle. These will be used to reinforce the dog's behavior.

How to train the dog?

While using training equipments to teach your dog you should focus on reinforcement rather than on punishments. It is completely your fault and not the dog's if it's not listening to what ever you are saying. If your dog is doing something that you like then make sure you reinforce that particular behavior. When the dog sits in a particular way that you want then give it some treat or a pat or tell the dog how good a girl or boy it is when it does some rolling over they way you want.

These will keep the dog interested and will make sure they know what you want them to do. When you use punishment, your dog may become confused and may not know why it's being punished. That's why you should always use positive reinforcement along with dog training equipment to teach your dog.

Training the Dog

Start with the choke chain and the leash as the basic learning process of the dog training. Set up some goals with it, so that your dog knows the boundaries and does not stray away. Not letting it out of the training ground is the first lesson to be taught to a dog. The whistle does the job of catching the attention of the dog towards you. The clicker also sends the message to your dog about what you would like it to do. Instructing becomes easier with the use of whistle or a clicker. After doing the trick successfully, remember to treat him regularly so that it encourages the dog to perform better and better and obey your orders. The vital aspects of training are to be consistent and determined. Training a dog takes time; it cannot be achieved in a day or two. The training can last about a few weeks or more depending on the dog's nature, after such vigorous training you can say that the dog is trained.

At the end of the day you will also be able to use agility training gears which will help in training your dog to perform tricks such as that of circus or police dogs. But this can be achieved only in the long run. For the time being it is better to stick on to the fundamentals so that you don't confuse your friend.

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