Archive for February, 2009

Guidelines For Choosing a Pet For The Family -Size Matters

When it comes to your preferences with your food such as your pizza, adding some extra toppings would definitely be your choice as well as to upsize your coffee or any beverages, nevertheless, having to select a big dog won’t always guarantee you of all or most of the advantages. The needs of each dog breed varies according to their heritage. There are various breeds or those hunters in particular, have that craving to be out in the open and experience outdoor activities or training due to their programmed genes. There are also other types such as those miniature dogs which is best to become “lap dogs,” since they don’t need that much space or time to be outdoors just to run around and play, you wont find it hard to deal with them particularly if you’re the idle type of person as they can go with the flow of your life.

The size of your living space has something to do with the size of your dog since they both have to match with each other’s demands. If you want to own a reliable watchdog to watch over your city apartment, then a German Shepherd can really be a good choice, but, that dog also needs some time to run or play and be dynamic everyday so see to it that you can find time to bring him to a park or to any open spaces where he is free to do his thing. If you’re too tired or lazy to give this beautiful dog the physical exercise it needs, then, buying a dog and making it as a watchdog is a very wrong move but buying an alarm is a much better option. A breed of dog that can be contented in the vicinity of your apartment and doesn’t need that much time to have exercises or play outdoors is in the form of toy dogs such as a poodle or Chihuahua.

If a secured balcony with solid, high railing is something that you have in your apartment, that may be enough outside time for a small dog, supplemented with at least one daily outdoor walk. If you let the dog’s visual aspect or temperaments trick you, then you are just so doomed.

A greyhound is a gentle dog that’s also very quiet, which is good for attached living spaces. But you should also see to it that adequate physical exercise in an area where it is enough for that gentle greyhound to run and play is given. Greyhounds can run up to 45 mph, so if you don’t see to it that you can provide them enough time and space where they can freely run around, then don’t be frightened if your living room will be turned into their own track. The consequence for that matter won’t actually give joy to either you or your dog.

If you want to know each and every detail concerning dog upkeep, then you might as well consider the essence of size. When you came to visit the pet store, you instantly fell in love with that cute, furry pup which seemed to have less the inclination to chew up some puppy chow, but now, it grew up to be some creature in the form of a one hundred and twenty pound St Bernard that could almost eat just anything and would even leave your wallets very soft and thin. If you want him to get enough nutrition then you better give him about 8-10 scoops of a daily high quality dog food, you’ll be spending the price of a daily steak dinner - only you don’t get to eat the steak. Moving around furniture is not a very hard thing to do for your dogs especially to the bigger ones. If you happen to be in a rush and you leave your dog with nothing much to do, then don’t be horrified seeing a fully-deconstructed parlor when you get home since your large dog is more likely to do that to entertain himself.

Looking at the bright side, most pet owners who own a miniature dog usually supply their dogs with their keep cute closet wherein they could display and keep their stuff such as tiny designer costumes, knit sweaters and clever playthings. Giving them such canopied or French provincial trendy beds is also one of which most pet keepers would love to do for their toy dogs. The doggy stuff can take up far more space in your home than the dog does.

If it happens that you keep not just one dog but two or more, the breed of the dog is not an fundamental factor to consider in giving your dogs their sleeping space provided that you allot each one of them with their keep where they can be cozy and safe. Crowding together as if that is one thing that they would permit is not something that you should expect from them. Space is also one fundamental thing that they need just like any being. individual territory where it is possible to sleep, relax and hide their personal things such as bones or toys is also one thing that most dogs actually call for.

When we travel we usually take our small dog with us. We do this by keeping our dog in a dog carrier backpack. Usually dog carrier backpacks are perfect for the small dog, and the occasional medium sized dog. You can purchase and compare prices on dog carrier back packs online.

Outdoor kennels having enough protection from any weather particularly the bad one should be provided to those dogs that are left to sleep or reside outside. You aren’t sharing your bedroom with the neighbors, so why would you anticipate your dog to share his doghouse with the new dog? Bear in mind that if you want to add up another dog to your home, the space and care needs of each dog should be considered.

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Potty Train A Puppy And Keep Your Sanity

how to potty train your puppy

Pet owners look forward to saying goodbye to messy accidents, but the process leading up to that exciting day can be a battle ground involving patience and energy stretched to the absolute maximum. To potty train a puppy, the owner is faced with countless walks, extra laundry and stains on furniture and flooring. A better way to look at it is to see it as the first stage of a bonding process that will result in a happy and healthy relationship. Here are some tips on how to potty train a puppy to help during the process.

There are many potty training tips, but to begin with, feed your pet at the same time every day. Remember to remove food within four hours of bedtime and withdraw the water dish two hours before bedtime. It is recommended that you feed your puppy a dry food so that his stools will be more solid. A routine is the key to success. That also means you too have to stick to a routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.

Toilet training for puppies involves taking your pup outside first thing in the morning. Put him on a leash and guide him to the place that you want him to use. Repeat this activity around 10 to 15 minutes after every meal or drink and right before bedtime. If, after 10 minutes, there is no potty action, then take the puppy back to its crate. Wait another 10 to 15 minutes then take him out again. Do not engage in play until the business at hand is complete. Sometimes puppies don’t finish on the first try, so give him time to be sure he won’t have to go again in a few minutes.

While you potty train a puppy, crate or confine him when you can’t watch him. It is essential to confine your puppy to rooms with washable floors until he is house trained. If you see your puppy start to relieve himself in the house, then say “no” firmly, pick him up, and take him out. When he’s finished, put him in a safe area and clean up the mess. Don’t yell at your puppy or punish him for accidents and please don’t rub his nose in it. If you discover an accident later, just clean it up and move on.

Be patient while you are learning how to potty train your puppy. A pup is a baby, and babies need time to master acceptable potty training procedures. Young puppies don’t have complete control of their bladders or bowels, and by the time they realize they have to go, they simply can’t hold it any longer. While you potty train a puppy, you should definitely keep him off the carpet until he is reliably trained. Always teach him where he should go, and be patient when he has an accident, and always adhere to toilet training routines while you potty train your dog.

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Frequent Urination In Dogs May Be A Sign Of Disease

Has this ever happened to you?  You just let your dog out, and here he is, asking to go out again.  Frequent urination in dogs can be a real nuisance, especially when the first thing he does when he comes back in is to head for the water bowl.  No wonder the dog urinating frequently is a problem.You wonder if he’s drinking too much water…

How Much Water Should My Dog Be Drinking?

A dog normally will drink about about three or four cups of water per day for every 20 pounds of body weight.  This means a healthy dog that weighs sixty pounds will slurp down up to three quarts of water a day.  

An easy way to see how much water your dog is drinking is to measure out a set amount of water and put it out for him in a bowl.You’ll want to make sure he can’t get water from the toilet or from a leaky faucet.After you measure how much water is left in the evening, subtract it from the amount you gave him in the morning.To make sure it’s not a fluke, do this for a few days.

A checkup at the vet’s is necessary if you find out that he’s drinking more water than normal.

What Causes A Dog To Drink Too Much Water?

Obviously, he’s drinking a lot of water because he’s thirsty.  But if he’s too thirsty, he’ll drink an excessive amount of water.  Your vet calls this “polydipsia.”  This leads to “polyuria,” a fancy term for frequent urination in dogs.  When your dog drinks a lot of water, he makes a lot of urine, which leads to a dog urinating frequently.

Polydipsia and polyuria are symptoms of some serious canine diseases.  These include:

  • Canine diabetes
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Pyometra, or an infection of the uterus (often seen in older unspayed females)
  • High blood calcium
  • Pituitary gland problems
  • Cushing’s Disease

You can see that if your buddy is drinking too much water, he may have a serious condition.  It’s also possible that the problem is as simple as a canine urinary tract infection, which is easily treated.

Natural Remedies For Pets Can Prevent Urinary Problems In Dogs

Across the centuries, people in many cultures have used natural remedies to treat bladder and urinary problems, and also to support the immune system.  Now these herbal and homeopathic remedies are available for pets.  

There are many natural remedies for pets on the market.  How do you choose the best one?  

First, be sure the remedy is formulated especially for pets, not people.  Second, purchase your dog’s remedies only from a reputable company that has been in business for many years.  This company should have a reputation for manufacturing only the highest-quality products for companion animals.Look for testimonials from other satisfied pet owners.  

In conclusion, excessive water intake and frequent urination in dogs can be a sign of serious health problems in your pet.Now you understand that if your dog has these symptoms, he needs to see the vet.

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See How Easily You Can Train Your Puppy

If you want to train your puppy in the most efficient way from the start, there are two methods for training your puppy which you need to pay close attention to. They are becoming the pack leader and positive reinforcement. I will explain each of these methods in this article, and show how you can leverage them to create your own efficient puppy dog training system.

When you bring a puppy into your home, it’s wise to have some understanding of the natural instincts of the dog and of the fact that the dog is a pack animal. The pack has its own dynamics and the principle of dominance is crucial within it. Within a pack there is a hierarchy and at the top is the alpha pair. They will not allow any other dogs in the pack to breed.

The alpha dogs eat first and take a higher vantage point when sleeping. This is why dogs like to sleep on beds or sofas.

If you want to set off on the right foot and avoid behavior problems in your puppy, you absolutely must position yourself and your family as the pack leaders or alpha dogs in your home. One way to position yourself as alpha dog is to avoid allowing your puppy onto your sofa or bed,.

Your whole family should let your puppy see you eating something (such as a biscuit) just before you give him his food. When taking the biscuits, make it look as if you are taking them from the dog’s dish.

You need to project the right kind of energy by being calm and assertive. Closely associated with the idea of the pack leader is the concept of positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement means that you reward a desired behavior in your puppy or dog and ignore an undesired behavior. Negative reinforcement and punishment have been shown to be ineffective and most dog trainers don’t use them any more.

To positively reinforce you can use small food treats and also praise and affection. It is crucial that you don’t reinforce unwanted behaviors in your puppy. Why do undesired dog behaviors happen? One of the most important reasons is owners reinforcing these behaviors without being aware of it. You need to be aware that training is an activity that happens whenever you are with your puppy or dog, not just when you have a specific training session.

For example, if your puppy jumps up at you when you come into the house, and you immediately give him affection, you are training him to jump up. You should ignore him whenever he engages in an undesired behavior. This means you should look away or turn away and not give any attention. You may find this difficult and this is why so many people encourage bad behaviors in their dogs.

You will find that positioning yourself as the pack leader in your home forms a bedrock for all your puppy training and positive reinforcement gives you a method to encourage the correct behaviors in your puppy and to avoid potential dog behaviour problems.

For more information on training your puppy, visit the Training Puppy Tips website.

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Essential Steps in Puppy Health Care

There are few things more exciting than bringing a new puppy home but in order to have a smooth ride with your new puppy at home, you need to learn the basics of puppy health care.Puppies, like humans, are susceptible to illness and you need to take the necessary precautions in order to keep them healthy and vibrant.Remember that puppies should not be taken away from their mothers until they are about eight weeks old.  The colostrum they get from their mother’s milk will protect them from many illnesses.

Find a Good Veterinarian

Finding a veterinarian that you can confide is one of the first and most important steps in puppy health care.  Look for a veterinarian that has experience dealing with the kind of breed you have.  Also look for a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with.Make sure you have his or her phone number written down so you can contact him whenever you have an important question or are worried about something.

When you first get your puppy, take him in immediately for a check-up and to get vaccinations. Talk to your vet about the vaccines your dog needs and make sure to take your dog back for booster shots when necessary.It is also a good idea in puppy health care to take a stool sample of your puppy with you during your first visit to the vet in order to get it checked for worms.

In puppy health care it is very important to follow a special diet so make sure to ask your veterinarian about the specifics.In general, most puppies need to eat more frequently than older dogs and they need to eat dry foods.  Avoid the temptation of giving your puppy table scraps because it can foster behavioral problems like begging as well as digestive issues. 
An essential step in puppy health care is getting breed-specific information.  Make sure to purchase a book about caring, grooming, and training the specific breed you have prior to taking your puppy home.  Buy all the materials necessary such as a crate, nail clippers, brush, and chewing toys prior to your puppy’s homecoming.

In conclusion, puppy health care is very similar to taking care of a baby.Make sure to stay in close contact with a veterinarian, especially during the first few weeks.Learn about how to take care of your puppy and train him by reading and talking to your veterinarian.Most of all, remember to give your new puppy lots of love and affection because that will go a long way in fostering good health. 

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Does Your Dogs Diet Contain Enough Fatty Acid

Does your pets skin and coat look shiny and healthy, or is your dogs coat missing the silky appearance you prefer? Could this suggest the need for more fatty acids in your dogs diet?

A dogs diet affects every last aspect of his body as well as the skin and coat. If your dogs diet has the right amount of fatty acids, then his coat and skin will appear healthy. Fatty acids in your dogs diet will prevent dry skin and dandruff. A dull coat may well mean you need supplements of fatty acids in your dogs diet.

Studies suggest that essential fatty acids, called EFAs, contribute to healthy skin and coat, as well as general health. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, for example, can play a critical role in your dogs general well being.

Do not just assume that adding fatty acid supplements to your dogs diet is invariably the best thing to do. If your dogs coat is already in a satisfactory condition, adding more EFAs will not aid improve your dogs health. The fatty acid supplements, such as omega 6 and 3, should only used for dogs with diagnosed skin problems. Always take advice from your veterinary surgeon before adding any supplement to your dogs diet. Your vet will be happy to speak with you about the better form of EFAs and let you know the appropriate dose you should add to your dogs diet.

Fatty acids are not produced by your dogs body. For this reason, you must provide EFAs to your pet through your dogs diet. If your vet recommends extra supplements of fatty acids, you may want to ask about linseed or sunflower oil.

Within a short period, such as 4 weeks, you should see a large improvement in your dogs coat and skin. Watch the miracle of fatty acids work in your dogs diet. When 7 weeks have passed, you should see a amazing change for the better in your pets health.

High levels of omega 3 fatty acids are reckoned to ward off some varieties of cancer. Cardiovascular health and joint health will improve, as well, with higher levels of omega 3 in your dogs diet.

Typically, omega 6 fatty acids are present in ready-made dog food at satisfactory levels. Supplementing omega 3 will aid to improve the ratio and make the difference for your pet. Fish and flax seed are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Once More, be cautious and ask your veterinarian before supplementing. Some forms of fish may not be safe as part of your dogs diet.

Supplementing your dogs diet may not be necessary. The only way to make up one’s mind if your dogs diet does require extra fatty acids is to visit your veterinary, so you can both talk about your pets health. Never determine to medicate your dog without first seeking the advice of a professional. This is because your dogs diet requires to contain the right balance of nutrients. Good sources of EFAs are flaxseed, linseed, and sunflower oil. Your dogs diet is the first step in giving your pet overall health and a happy life with your pet for years to come.

If you would like to know more about Wellness Brand Dog Food then be sure to visit the Free Dog Diet Tips Blog..

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Dove Cresswell Review

Who’s Dove Cresswell?

Dove is a professional Hollywood North dog trainer with an outstanding career as a dog trainer for movies, television and commercials.

Although she is only 25 years old, she has over 10 years of experience in training dogs of all sizes and from many different breeds. She has also trained other animals including cougars, large reptiles, rodents, birds, and deer.

Fast results are demanded from dog trainers in the movie industry. You can anticipate similarly fast results with her online dog training program.

Click here to get this outstanding dog training course: Dove Cresswell.

What is Covered?

The following seven lessons are taught online in audio/video format:

  • Puppy House Training / Potty Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Crate Training
  • Walking Politely on a Leash: The Informal Heel
  • The Recall
  • Good Puppy & Dog Manners
  • Special Dog Tricks

Useful advice for both large and small dog breeds is included in the puppy house training section.

What I Especially Liked

The enjoyable lessons quickly get to the point. The correct methods for dog training are clearly articulated in the well-illustrated slides and narration. A benefit of this multimedia format for dog training is that you can hear the tone of voice that should be used for commands and you can see the correct stance for both you and your dog. This part of the online dog training course is better than an ebook.

Although this program is not as extensive as some of the dog behavior modification e-books in areas such as dog behavior and specific dog breed information, it is jam-packed with informative and clearly articulated dog obedience and housetraining advice for dog owners.

A common-sense and interesting approach to paper training is presented by Dove. She believes that this is not a good practice as it is confusing for dogs. She explains in a very knowledgeable and easily understood way how puppies can be trained to always eliminate outside.

Extra Bonuses

When you order Dove Cresswell’s course you will also receive the following bonuses and will have the opportunity to e-mail Dove with your individual dog behavior problem:

  • Teach your dog to fetch
  • Train your dog to play soccer
  • Train your dog to play hide ‘n seek
  • Information on dog sports
  • Choosing the right toys for your dog
  • Earning your dog’s respect
  • Choosing the right dog food and treats

My Conclusions

My first reaction was one of surprise that only seven lessons were included in this premium program; however, my opinion quickly changed once I actually heard the course and discovered the comprehensive amount of information covered in each lesson. I enjoyed the multimedia format of this online dog training course; so much so that I would have liked it to have lasted longer. The easily understood lessons allow you model the techniques and successfully train your dog like a professional dog trainer.

The one downside of this course is that it can only be accessed online so people who doesn’t have an internet connection cannot view it.  Because of this, I have given it a rating of 4 1/2 stars. If the course was also offered as an e-book, I would have gladly given it 5 stars.

I believe that this course would be highly effective for all dog owners but it is particularly suited to audio-visual learners who find e-books dull.  Viewing a sample lesson before you buy the course lets you know what you can expect.

The quality of Dove Cresswell’s course is first rate and I strongly recommend it to all dog owners: Dove Cresswell’s Puppy & Dog Training Online.

 

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Certified Dog Trainer

The reality is that most people have to work at unsatisfying jobs to survive. In a perfect world, it should be about us living our lives and having the freedom to do something that we enjoy. For those who love dogs, becoming a certified dog trainer may be just the career. A certified dog trainer is of great value, especially when helping a new pet owner adjust to their new dog and vice versa.

Becoming a certified dog trainer begins with a love of animals. It requires patience and a desire to interact with the animal. Dog obedience training takes knowledge and a compassionate nature in order for there to be success. Most people do not turn to a certified dog trainer until there is an obvious sign of dog aggression and then the battle begins. Dog training starts when the animal first comes home and continues throughout the life of the canine.

Not all dogs are alike. Different breeds will require you to know how they may interact with other dogs and humans. It is for this reason that basic classes in dog breeds, aggression levels and physiology are studied by a certified dog trainer in order to know what to expect. The basic coursework prepares you for understanding the psychological and physical aspects of different breeds.

Once the basics of dog behavior are understood, then begins the specialized coursework designed to train a dog through a variety of methods. The instruction will teach the human how to use a variety of instructions in order to train the dog. Two methods include the use of a clicker or through the use of positive reinforcement. Other steps include teaching safety to the owners as well as the dog. It is also very important to learn how to deal with aggressive dog behavior, perhaps because of a past history of violence or dog fighting. Once the coursework is complete, the certified dog trainer is ready to begin working. There are a variety of places to work such as pet supply stores, kennels or even opening up a business. One great example of a trainer is Cesar Millan, who works with troubled dogs and their owners on his hit television show ‘The Dog Whisperer’, which airs on cable.

Imagine getting to work with animals and playing all day. Well it isn’t all fun and games. A certified dog trainer does work hard and it requires discipline but the rewards are amazing. Fame and glory may not work out for you as it did for Cesar Millan, but you can still be extremely important to the dogs you help train. Your legacy will be one of happy pets and thrilled owners that consider you a part of their family.

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