If you are someone who is looking for a dog that will require lots of regular exercise and who has a great deal of natural energy and exuberance, consider sporting dogs.  Sporting dogs are very active and alert and do require a fairly constant schedule of activity.  Some examples include Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers.

Dogs from the hound group were bred for hunting, whether they hunt with their eyes and with their nose.  Like sporting dogs, they do require regular and fairly intense exercise, but they are also quite diverse.  Make sure that you know if you are getting a breed that bays, because the sound is quite loud.  Beagles and Norwegian Elkhounds are a part of this group.

Working dogs, on the other hand, have been bred to perform certain specific jobs, whether it means that they have instincts to herd sheep or guard property.  Siberian Huskies, Boxers and Doberman Pinschers are all members of this group.

Terriers are often distinguished by their small size and their bright and energetic personalities.  They are usually not dogs that are friendly with other dogs, and in the past they were bred to kill rats and other vermin.  They are quite lively and you may want to think about it before you bring them into a house with small children. Jack Russell Terriers and Welsh Terriers are part of this group.

Toy dogs are, as the name implies, small and bred to be house dogs.  They are great for people who don't have a lot of space and make good apartment dogs.  Consider some of the very popular breeds like Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers.

Herding dogs were bred to protect their charges from predators and to make animals move from place to place.  Some members of this group might surprise you, like the Welsh Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds who are just about a foot tall and capable of driving cattle into pastures.  These dogs are great companions, but do require good socialization and training.  Border collies and Pulis are two examples of this type of dog.

Non-sporting dogs are very diverse, and this is something of a catch-all territory.  They do not fit into any other group, but they might share characteristics with them.  Poodles, Bulldogs and the Japanese Shiba Inu fall into this category, as do the long haired Lhasa Apso and the Keeshond.

When you are thinking about choosing a breed of dog, consider what your requirements are in terms of temperament and think about what the dog itself needs in terms of exercise, space or socialization.  This is an important choice for you to make, so think about the options and make sure that you get a companion animal who suits your space and lifestyle.

Choosing The Right Breed of Dog For Me is a post from: Blog The Dogs

The show is divided into two days and evenings.  But for us that are unable to attend, viewing is only available of the group finals.  The first night covered the following groups-Non-Sporting, Terriers, Hounds and the Herding Group.  The second night covered these groups-Sporting, Working and Toy groups.

Here are the winners of those groups-

Non-sporting-Standard Poodle

Terriers-Scottish Terrier

Hounds-Scottish Deer Houng

Herding Group-Puli

Sporting-Sussex Spaniel

Working-Giant Schanuzer

Toy-Brussels Griffon

The sporting group winner, the Sussex Spaniel, named Stump went on the win Best In Show.  More results can be viewed at the Westminster Kennel Club website along with videos showing each breed being judged-http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/

Crufts 2009 dates are 5th – 8th March 2009 at the NEC, Birmingham England.  More information about this show can be found at their website-http://www.crufts.org.uk/ along with the judging schedule.

It’s My Favorite Time of Year is a post from: Blog The Dogs

While going thru my local newspaper I came upon this clip and decided to post it-

New Breed Standards:A Britain's Kennel Club has announced major reforms to breed standards and accepted breeding practices for purebred dogs.  The changes come in response to concerns that purebreds have serious health problems as a reult of breeding for the show ring.  Prominent among affected breeds is the bulldog, the Chow Chow, the Chinese Shar-pei, the German shepherd and the Labrador retriever.

This was posted in the Minneapolis Star Tribune Thursday, January 15, 2009.

New Breed Standards is a post from: Blog The Dogs

By Sloan Barnett
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 4:07 p.m. CT, Fri., May. 9, 2008

It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.

In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center received more than 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common human foods and household items.

Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It's best to stick to pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the most toxic foods that can harm your pet:

Bad news foods
Avocados
They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.

Beer
Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal's liver and brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.

Nuts
Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat's heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is exercising or overly active.

Candy
Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.

Caffeine
Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal's central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the animal consumes.

Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.

Onions
Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time.

Medicine
Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children. The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.

And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet parent's medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.

Good news foods
There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However, you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food item to your pet.

Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in mind that these and other "extras" should not make up more than 5 to 10 percent of the pet's daily caloric intake.

Lean meats
Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and they can splinter as well.

Vegetables
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are all OK.

Fruit
Apple slices, orange slices, bananas and watermelon are all OK. Make sure the seeds have been taken out; seeds are not good for your pet!

Baked potatoes
Plain baked potatoes are fine, but make sure they are cooked — no unripe potatoes or potato plants.

Bread
Plain cooked bread is fine; just make sure there are no nuts or raisins added.

Rice and pasta
Plain, cooked pasta and white rice are OK. Often veterinarians recommend plain rice with some boiled chicken when gastrointestinal upset is present.

In case of emergency
Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 — in a prominent location.

Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.

If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.

People Foods That Can Kill Your Pet! is a post from: Blog The Dogs

The most popular breed in the White House so far has been the Scottish Terrier  But check out this site for a list of all of the White House inhabitants- http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/whitehousepets-1.htm

I would like to encourage you to express your opinion on this matter.  Here is the only requirement stated so far, one of the Obama girls has allergies.  To the right of this post is a response form.  Fill it out and voice your breed choice.   I will have this up til Nov. 16 and then post the results.

What breed of dog should go to the White House? is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Stella is a handful.  Stella is my dog and she is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.  Being a terrier she has lots of energy to burn.  She is a lovely dog but needs alittle control in her life!  And mine for that matter.  We first attended a local puppy class to just get her use to other puppies and owners.  But as time goes on, I can see she needs more guidence!

I have searched the internet for online programs as my job doesn't allow for an local evening class.  I was confident that I could work on this in my own time and at my own pace.  I think I found the perfect solution for Stella and myself.  The program is Sit, Stay, Fetch. 

 This program addresses several dog behavior problems including-dog aggression, biting, jumping, wetting and many more.  My plan is to start Stella with this program and report to you her progress.  The first lesson starts tomorrow so stayed tuned and check back for her progress.

Dog Training-Step by Step with Stella is a post from: Blog The Dogs

http://wcco.com/video/?id=49131@wcco.dayport.com

Check it out, they're quite cute!

Happy Halloween! is a post from: Blog The Dogs

It very important to research all the different types of collars are available and determine your end goal.
Common types of dog collars are choke collars, electronic collars, no-bark collars and harnesses.

Dog training collars are different from regular every day collars because they help you discipline your dog when needed. For example choke collars are used by gently tugging on your dog to keep it from misbehaving.

Electronic collars are used with a remote control to keep your dog out of trouble or from barking when not desiresd. A light and harmless electric pulse is sent to your dog through the collar when pressing the button on the remote control.

All types of collars are useful but it is important that you check with your vet or online to make sure that the collars are safe for your dog and if they address the training needs you have.

Remember training should be fun, do not overuse dog training collars and make sure that your dog is comfortable and does not become afraid.  You want your training to have the right outcome.

Training with a Training Collar is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Because dogs are often like part of the family, you will want to be able to care for them as best as you can and in a manner that the dog is still experiencing a good quality of life. You want to make sure that you are very vigilant and that you watch them closely. Study them and see if they begin to act differently, or if they seem to be in pain. It will be more important than ever to get checkup visits on a regular basis so that your vet can pinpoint any serious problems. You may want to do this as often as two times every year. These exams should include a blood workup.

If you are not sure of what warning signs to look for as your dog gets older, consider the following list.

-Your dog suddenly needs a lot more water than normal
-Your dog begins to throw up
-Your dog starts to gain or lose weight.
-Your dog suddenly has a change in their stools
-Your dog may have a harder time urinating
-Your dog’s stools suddenly become very loose or contain blood
-Your dog may begin going to the bathroom in the house
-Your dog may appear weak in the leg area or have a hard time walking, running or sitting down
-Your dog’s coat may begin to look dry, flake or lose fur
-Your dog may begin having a difficult time eating and digesting food.
-Your dog may exhibit behavior changes. They may be more cranky then usual.
-Your dog may begin coughing
-Your dog may begin to have trouble hearing
-Your dog suddenly becomes easily labored

Many dogs, as they get older, begin to suffer from diseases of the heart and kidneys. They will begin to have problems with their teeth and perhaps even their thyroid. If a dog is able to receive lots of good care, they can live for quite awhile even up to 15 years. However, this will differ based on their breed. Dogs that are neutered or spayed generally live longer. Some breeds of dogs such as Poodles, Airedale Terriers and Cocker Spaniels may live up to 20 years or more. Again, It depends on the breed, the individual dog and how well they are taken care of.

Care For Older Dogs is a post from: Blog The Dogs

photo credit: kezee

Separation anxiety is a disorder that not only occurs in human beings, but also in dogs. You may find that your dog exhibits certain behaviors when he or she is left alone. This goes beyond simply whining or looking a bit sad when you leave. Instead, it is a dramatic response that occurs almost every time you leave the house. Owners may find that their dog cries, howls, chews, digs, pees or defecates inside the house even if when they are trained not to do so. They may also scratch, claw and bark.

While professionals don't totally understand why this occurs, it is important that owners realize that the dog is really feeling panicked because the owner is leaving, and they dog or puppy is not out to be mean or to punish their owner for leaving. Some things which heighten the likelihood of separation anxiety include your dog or puppy not having spent a lot of time alone or if you or your family are gone for long period of time. For example, if you go on vacation and then come back your dog may panic when you leave the house again, because they aren’t sure when you might come back.

If your dog has had a real bad experience, for example getting hit by a car or prior abuse, then they may not want you to leave their side. If there has been some big changes in the family, such as you taking a new job and you now have a different schedule, if you have recently changed cities or if your son or daughter goes off to college, this may cause mental anxiety for your dong.

There may be other things going on besides separation anxiety. Therefore, there are some important and specific markers to look for to make sure that this is what it is going on with your dog. If your dog only acts out when he or she is left alone or if they follow you very closely while you are at home, if they are very frantic or too excitable when you come home or when you are getting prepared to leave the house, these are major clues that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Your dog being fearful of going outside by themselves is another big clue.

If your dog is dealing with separation anxiety, you may want to leave them with a piece of your clothing that has your scent on it. This may help calm them down. When you come in and out on the house don't make a big fuss. You may even want to not acknowledge your dog for a few minutes and then calmly speak to him or her or pet them. When you leave the house, let them know that you'll be right back. If you find that some of these things do not work, you may want to talk to your vet and ask them about anti-anxiety drugs. Leaving your pet with a family member or a friend when you are going to be gone for either short or long periods of time may also be beneficial.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs is a post from: Blog The Dogs

If you train your dog the correct way, they will be happy to spend time in the crate or at least they will not hate it. Crates come in different types of materials. Some are plastic, others are made from metal. They also vary in size. You will want it to be large enough that your dog has room to lay down, standup and turnaround. You can find a good quality crate at many of your major pet stores.

The amount of time that it will take to crate train your dog will depend on the amount of effort that you commit to it, as well as your dog’s personality and their past experiences. If your dog has been abused, it might take longer. Whether or not your dog has ever been trained before, and your pet's own personal temperament will also effect how long training will take.

Make sure that you make crate training as pleasant an experience as possible so that your dog doesn't begin to avoid going into the crate. You want them to see it as a good place. It is important that you take small steps. You don't want to try to fit in everything at once.

The first thing that you need to do is introduce your puppy or dog to the crate. Place the crate in a part of your home where your family often hangs out. This will allow your dog not to feel isolated. Let him or her be close to the other family members even while in the crate. You can use a towel or an old blanket to line the crate with. Call your dog over to it and show him the crate. Make sure that you are very positive so that he doesn't see this as any type of punishment. You may also want to place a few treats in the crate or near it so that he wants to come over and be near the crate. If he doesn't want to go all the way in the crate the first time that's okay, this is normal and natural, just continue to place sure treats or toys that you know he enjoys inside of the crate. Start introducing meals to your dog while in the crate and then leave them in there for increasing amounts of time until finally they get used to it.

Dog Crate Training is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Some things to look for when you suspect your dog is having problems with their eyes, is a change in coloration. There eyes may turn red and they may swell. They also may have discharge or matter that's either right on the eye or around it. If the eyes have a dull appearance or they begin tearing a lot, these are all signs that something is wrong. These are all signs that you will need to take your dog to the veterinarian.

There are various types of tests that your vet can perform on your dog when they believe that there is a problem. A couple of these tests include the Schirmer tear test which measures the amount of your dog’s tear production. The vet can also test to see if your dog has glaucoma by checking their ocular pressure. Corneal ulcers can be discovered with a fluorescein stain.

Common eye problems in dogs include cataracts, epiphora or glaucoma. Cataract problems in dogs is similar to what human beings experience. Their eyes will become cloudy and it can lead to blindness. For some breeds, this is a common occurrence. However, your vet will need to determine if this is what it is. Epiphora is when your dog has an excessive amount of tearing. This could be due to some type of blockage.

To remedy common dog eye problems, your vet will likely prescribe some type of drops or ointment. If you have to give your dog drops, you may want to use a muzzle. Be sure to clean the area around the eye with cotton and use some type of saline solution to clean around the area. Follow the directions and then administer the drops to your dog. The same things need to occur if you need to use ointment. Again, your dog may require a muzzle. Clean the eye area and then follow the directions on the medication. Make sure that the tear dropper or the ointment container does not touch the dog’s eye. Also, give your dog their medication for as long as the prescription dictates so that the condition will not come back prematurely. Giving your dog a treat after you have given them their treatment will make it easier for you to administer it to them in the future.

Dog Eye Care is a post from: Blog The Dogs

It is very important for the owner of the female dog to track when they go into heat. This is for two primary reasons. The owner will either want to try to get their dog to breed around this time or they will need to take action if they are looking to prevent pregnancy. There are pills available that will prevent the female from going into heat. Medication is also available for males who are a little bit too sexually excitable.

If you want to prevent your dog from going into heat, you need to act within one to two weeks before the heating stage starts. After they have started going into heat, contraceptive pills should not be given unless there is a really good reason, although they can still be used. Many of the pills (or injections) will contain megestrol acetate, which will stop them from going into heat. The pill does have some side effects. However, they are pretty minimal. Make sure that you look at the package so that you know what the side effects are. The contraception is usually are given in a form of sugar and dogs easily ingest it without much fuss.

If you find that your dog has already started to go into heat and you want to prevent them from getting pregnant then between the second and third day you will need to administer contraceptives. It is the same thing that is given to prevent heat. The primary difference is that you will be giving it to them in higher doses. You will need to increase the does for three days, give them a normal does for three days then cut the dose in half for the next week. The next time your dog is scheduled to go into heat, make sure that you write it down so that you can give them the contraception early enough. You don’t want to have to wait until they have already began.

Also be sure to watch your dog’s vaginal fluid very closely because there is a risk for an infection of the uterus. You will able to tell in many cases that there is a problem because they will want to drink a lot and also the vaginal fluid will not be clear. You will also notice that your dog is licking herself constantly. If your pet is given a contraceptive during this time, they are more likely to get in infection, and while antibiotics can be used to treat them, they don't work all of the time and you face the risk of your dog having to have a hysterectomy.

Dog Gestation is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Many times, when a dog is frightened by thunder or other loud noises, their first instinct is to run away from it. Sometimes this can be OK. However, other times this can be dangerous. They may run into a car or into another dangerous place. That is where you, as the owner, needs to step in and try to help them deal with their fear in a much more safe manner. You'll want to pay close attention to your dog and see how they react when loud thunder or other sounds bother them. If they tend to jump into your bed or hide under the porch, make sure that they have access to those places so that they are able to run somewhere safe when they do get scared. Even out when you are t home, encourage them to go to those places, so when you are not there, they know where to go.

Another thing that you can do to help is try to provide a distraction when the loud noises occur. You will want to do this when you first notice your dog is beginning to panic or act distressed. Participate in an activity with them that you know he or she enjoys and that will take their mind off of the loud noises. If they like to play with a ball or if they have a favorite toy, make sure you reward them for interacting with you during this time with either praise or treats.

You also may want to spend time with your dog introducing louder noises. However, do so in a way in which they don’t get frightened. Gradually allow them to get used to loud noises. Now this will not be something that you can do all at once, but if you introduce louder noises a little bit at a time, this may help them not to respond with panic or fear when they hear a loud noise. This is called behavior modification.

If you find hat you are not getting good results with either trying to get your dog used to loud noises, distracting them when thunder or loud noises occur, or by creating a safe place, you may want to meet with your veterinarian and ask if they would consider providing your dog with anti-anxiety medications which you can administer to your dog when the weather is bad outside or when you know you will be in a place where there will be lots of loud noises.

You will want to avoid making being afraid a bad thing. Don’t punish your dog for being scared. This will only make matters worse. Also, do not force your dog to stay in a situation or place where there is a lot of loud noise or they are scared. For example, if you are out with the kids popping firecrackers and this is scares your dog, don't force them to stick around. Also, avoid forcing them into their crate while they are really afraid because they may panic while inside the crate and harm themselves. You also want to be careful about how you react to your dog when they are scared. If you give them a lot of attention, than they may associate being scared as a behavior that is positive and expect to be rewarded. This will only reinforce behavior that you do not want.

Help You Dog Deal With Loud Noises is a post from: Blog The Dogs

The first week that you determine that your dog is pregnant, you may have noticed some sort of morning sickness in your dog. They may also act differently. Watch them carefully for infection. You may want to make an appointment with your veterinarian so that they can examine her. Keep feeding your pet good, healthy dog food and provide any additives that you deem necessary. Your dog will still need to get plenty of exercise. Being in good shape will help them during labor and while they are caring for their puppies. You want to be careful about administering any medications. Talk to your vet first to make sure that any medicine that you give them will be safe. If you are worried about worms, again, speak to your vet, because there are medications that can be given even while your dog is pregnant. You will want to avoid giving them anything for insects or fleas and live vaccinations are also off limits.

At about four weeks, you want to start limiting your dog’s heavy exercising or jumping. You may also want to provide them with a multi-vitamin. Ask your vet which ones are best. The next week (week five), you will see your dog starting to gain weight and swell. You will want to give them a little more food then normal. Make sure that all of their meals are healthy and continue with the multi-vitamin. Consider giving them between ½ and 1 egg everyday.

At around six weeks, you will need to set up your dog’s whelping box and area. It needs to be in a place that is quiet. Try to get her to sleep there. The box needs to be big enough so that the dog can comfortably stretch out. They also need to be able to walk out of it and not have to jump in and out.

At around the eighth week, you should be prepared for the pups to be born at any time. The puppies should be visible in the dog’s stomach. By the ninth week, the, dog should have delivered and you should have some brand-new puppies.

Pre-Natal Care For Puppies is a post from: Blog The Dogs

The first thing that you will want to do is to establish a routine. Make sure that you take your pet out at around the same time each day. Therefore, if you start by taking him out in the evenings after work make sure this is something that you do on a regular basis. When your dog does something correct like urinates and defecates outside where he or she is supposed to, make sure that you really give them a lot of praise and treats. Make sure that you do so right after they have gone to the bathroom, so that they understand what they're being praised for.

Choose a bathroom spot that is fairly close to the house. When it's time for your dog to go to the bathroom, take them right to the spot where they are to go to the bathroom. If your dog has an accident, and you are forced to clean it up, make sure that you take whatever you cleaned up the mess with, and put it on the bathroom spot. This will let your dog know that is where they are supposed to go to the bathroom.

Make sure that when your dog is going to the restroom outside that you use a word that connects what they're doing to the spot that they are to use the bathroom. You may want to say “go to the bathroom” or “go potty,” before and while they are going. Simple phrases such as these will do. You want them to understand that this is where they need to the bathroom.

When you are in the process of training your dog, keep an eye on them so that if they begin to go while inside, you can quickly usher them out of the house. If they stop and then finish outside, reward them.

When you're not home, put your dog in a crate or a space where they have enough room to turn around and lay down but not so big that they will want to go to the bathroom there. However, you will have to let him out every so often, so that they can go to the restroom.

Your dog will eventually have an accident, and when they do, make sure that you don't punish them. Some people will suggest that you rub your dog's nose in the spot where they went to the restroom. However, this is unnecessary. Instead, clean it up and try to encourage them to go to the restroom outside by rewarding him or her when they do so. You will be working from a place of positive reinforcement and not punishment.

Re-House Training Older Dogs is a post from: Blog The Dogs

To start off, it is best to take your dog on short trips where you do not need to get out of your car. For example, taking your dog with you to McDonald's or to a fast food restaurant where you can use the drive through, is a good way of to get started and to get the dog acclimated to riding in a car. This will give your dog some exposure to riding in the car with you without having to get out or without you leaving them in the car by themselves.

If your dog is not yet trained, you want to make sure that your dog is in their crate or is strapped in using a pet harness, which is generally anchored into a seatbelt. After you have broken in your dog a little bit with shorter trips, it is OK to start taking them on longer ones. However, you will need to ensure that you are properly prepared. Pack a bag for them that will include treats, water and food. You also may want to bring some toys, any medication that they need or any other necessary products. Make sure that if the trip is especially long, that you stop and take some breaks so that your dog can get out, go to the bathroom, drink some water and stretch their legs a bit.

When you are getting out of a car and you have your dog, hold the leash very tightly and snap it and so that the dog cannot run into traffic, run after another animal or dog. This could put them in harm's way.

When you are traveling with your dog, always make sure that they have their tags with your contact information in case something happens. Add your cell phone number if you are going to be on the road so that you can retrieve your dog, if necessary.

If you are going to allow your dog to sit in the front seat, you will want to make sure that they know how to behave. Just like you would train them for the house, you will need to train them to sit in your front seat without being a nuisance. Provide them with positive reinforcement when they behave properly. Redirect, ignore or interrupt them when they act in a way that is inappropriate or dangerous.

There is little doubt that you have seen many dogs drive alongside their owners with their heads sticking out the window. Even though this may be cute, it is not very good thing to do. Dust, debris and wind can get into your dog’s eye, causing them to become dry. They also can be hurt or even killed. Instead, your dog should be sitting or lying down in their crate or in a harness.

Training Your Dog For Travelling is a post from: Blog The Dogs

When the dogs lock, generally they will turn so that their butts will be facing each other. They will be essentially “tied” or stuck together. During this time, it is important for the owner or breeder to not do anything to try to break them apart. This is part of the process and trying to stop it may cause harm to the male dog.

In some cases, the female dog may get antsy or nervous and may try to get untied. During this time, she can hurt the male dog so make sure that ties are only done under supervision when you can help it. A male dog’s penis can potentially be hurt if the female dog gets scared and either tries to get away or swing the male dog around. If the female dog gets panicky or upset, just make sure that you do what you can to calm her but don't try to pull them apart.

After the tie is finished, the dogs will separate on their own. Again, this may take place after a time period that can span between 2 and 30 minutes. If you are looking to breed, you will want to keep the male and female apart for at least one full day or 24 hours. This gives the male dog enough time for his sperm to increase enough so that he is able to impregnate the female. If you have a very young dog, who is under four or five years old, then 24 hours is generally plenty of time. However, if your dog is older than that, it may take up to 36 hours. If you are not sure, you can go visit your veterinarian and he or she will be able to tell you whether or not the dog is sterile or how good his sperm is by simply taking a sample.

Female dogs can get pregnant from different fathers. Therefore, make sure that if you are looking for your bitch to only breed with a particular dog, keep your eye on her. This is very important to note. Sperm generally lasts for around five days in the female dog’s body.

Dog Breeding Tie is a post from: Blog The Dogs

If you can't find any information concerning the aging of your particular dog's breed you should call up your local vet and ask him or her if they can tell you that information. If the vet tells you your dog falls into this category you need to make sure you pay close attention to how your dog behaves and how he moves. Older dogs like this get sick a lot more often than younger dogs so don't be surprised if your trips to the vet seem to increase. You may start to see your dog start moving a lot slower than he used to, which is a definite indication he is officially a senior dog.

One important aspect of caring for an older dog is his diet. As your dog ages you will need to change up the type of food he eats in order to make sure he is getting all the vitamins, nutrients, and protein he needs to be strong and healthy. Buying food that is specifically designed for older dog is a must. This food will not only give your dog nutrients but will also help your dog to maintain the correct weight.

Something most people tend to neglect is taking their senior dog out for some good healthy exercise. Just because your dog is getting older doesn't mean he's dead! Your dog still wants to play and have fun with you so feel free to take your dog out for a walk and play with him or her. They will enjoy it and it will help keep them healthy and in shape.

A lot of older dogs are prone to getting arthritis in their joints, which makes it very difficult for them to move around. You may start to notice that your dog has a hard time keeping up with you when you take him out, or that he is looking a little stiff at times. There are two things you can do to help reduce his pain during this time. One of them is to help your pooch slim down and lose a few pounds. You can also take him to the vet to checked out and get some medicine that will help with the pain.

An older dog needs even more attention, love, and special care than a young dog or puppy needs. This means that you will have to sacrifice a bit more of your time to try and watch your dog's health so that you can make sure he or she is getting properly cared for. Remember to keep a close eye on your senior dog's diet as well.

The Author is the owner of the pet health and insurance site named PetInsurancePro.com where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on Insurance for a VIP Pet

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mikael_Rieck

How To Care for Older Dogs is a post from: Blog The Dogs

With DNA testing, it is now possible to test for certain genetic defects and problems. That way, breeders can end the cycle and they will no longer have to take chances which inevitably result in breeding a carrier and making his or her progeny suffer for it. Given that the ultimate goal of the good, responsible dog breeder is to make every litter of puppies better than his or her parents, these DNA techniques give them a much better chance to do this. They will be able to get closer and closer to achieving the Breed Standard, something that it has long been understood could not ever really be reached. Now, it is potentially possible – or at least more possible than it has ever been before.

As well, some dogs possess genetic mutations that cannot be seen or in any way observed. These mutations can be passed on to puppies as well, where they will continue to mutate and get worse and worse. DNA testing can also make it possible to stop breeding dogs like this. They can be spayed or neutered instead, so that the problem stops there. This is vitally important because too many people are far too prone to get rid of dogs which display any abnormalities, health problems, or imperfections. These dogs end up in shelters or on the side of the road. They risk being put to sleep through something that is in no way their fault.

DNA testing may be able to lead to the complete elimination of, for example, the hip problems in large and medium dogs, like Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, and Retrievers. The nervous conditions in many over bred small dogs – poodles are the best example of this – may be able to be phased out, or at least improved upon so the dogs themselves are not miserable and sickly.

The controversy surrounding DNA testing in dog breeds mainly extends to the desire to make a “designer dog” – making faster dogs, stronger dogs; dogs which have short hair, long hair, or curly hair, et cetera. However, in terms of making different dog breeds healthier over all, DNA testing has the potential to be a huge help for dog breeds.

DNA Testing To Help Dog Breeds is a post from: Blog The Dogs

To begin with, neither AKC registration, CKC registration, UCK registration, nor any other type of registration is an automatic indication of dog qualities. To be perfectly honest, there are a lot of dogs out there which simply should not be bred. Breeding, especially pure breeding, has been going on for a very long time, and some of the progeny in certain breeds are really showing the effects of that. Some of them have defects when it comes to bone structure, health, behavior, and personality, and these defects should not be passed onto another generation. That is something you need to consider before breeding your dog: how healthy is he or she? Does he or she have any such health problems? The top goal of every good breeder is to meet the Breed Standard. You should only seek to improve the breed.

If you are thinking about breeding your dog as a way to make money quickly, then you need to think again. Becoming a breeder initially costs much more money than it will ever make. It is an investment of time, love, patience, care, and money. Think about it: sires, dams, and puppies all need their shots; regular vet check ups; food; shelter; proof of quality; et cetera. You may have to pay stud fees, there may be complications with a dam’s pregnancy – nothing is impossible, and the possibilities are endless.

It is also important to realize that, when you begin breeding, you have no reputation. You have no referrals. There are no guarantees that anyone will want the puppies you have produced. Furthermore, you cannot begin to sell puppies until they are at least four months – and often eight months – old. Are you prepared to take complete care of them during that time? Because it would be reprehensible to breed puppies and, if they do not sell quick enough to suit you or you are not prepared to care for them, sell them to a dog broker, take them to the pound or shelter, or simply leave them somewhere.

Some people choose to breed puppies so that can expose their children to the joys and beauties of birth. If that is your aim, you may want to reconsider. Birth is a beautiful, natural thing, but there are a lot of risks involved in this approach. After all, giving birth to a whole litter of puppies is a difficult endeavor. The dam may be hurt or even die; at the very least, she may be savage and aggressive while she is in labor, especially if she is having difficulty breaching a very large whelp. The puppies themselves may be stillborn, or they may be born with deformities or other problems – is that something you would really want your children to see? It is crucial to make sure you will not be doing more harm than done with this approach, considering how many things can go wrong during delivery.

What To Consider Before Breeding Your Dog is a post from: Blog The Dogs

There are some personality traits and practices you need to look for when choosing a good breeder. For starts, the dog breeder you choose should be responsible; he or she should take extremely good care of all of his or her dogs, whether they are part of the breeding stock or the litters. In order to be considered responsible, a dog breeder should provide several things, beginning with satisfactory companionship for his or her dogs. They should not just be baby making machines or dollar signs instead of puppies. A reputable dog breeder loves his or her dogs, and shows them affection, interacts with them, and gives them all the attention they need. A reputable dog breeder pays very close attention to nutrition, providing healthy food and fresh water; he or she will provide sufficient shelter as well, in addition to immunizations, adequate veterinary care, grooming, exercise, and socialization.

A reputable dog breeder should not be some Joe off the street who simply threw two dogs together and had them mate. He or she should belong to some kind of breeding club, whether it is a national club, a local club, or both. Furthermore, he or she should strictly follow the breeding club’s Code of Ethics.

Do not be afraid to examine a potential breeder’s dogs. Examine them and see if they have any congenital problems or conditions, such as hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, retinal dyslasia, et cetera. A reputable dog breeder will always do his or her best to eliminate any genetic problems. He or she will do this by breeding only healthy dogs which have been examined by a vet and are proven not to have any serious physical conditions or behavioral and temperamental problems. He or she will be an expert on their breed, always strive to better the breed, and makes sure that all puppies, sires, and dams have had their shots for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, parainfluenza, corona, and rabies.

Lastly, a truly reputable breeder will be interested in you, the prospective owner. He or she will screen you closely, seek to educate you on the breed and all pertinent information, including the “Puppy Lemon Law,” and will encourage you to spay or neuter the dog if it is to be a pet. In fact, he or she will likely offer a contract for spaying or neutering. A reputable dog breeder will never, ever sell his or her puppies to puppy brokers, pet shops, or kennel clubs.

How To Find A Reputable Breeder is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Like human medicine, veterinary medicine has made great strides in geriatric care allowing our pets to live longer than ever before. The key is to recognize any problems as early on as possible and talk with your Veterinarian.

The Aging Process

Some noticeable signs of aging might include: sleeping more; eating less; being startled by noises, bright lights, or lots of activity; not coming immediately when you call (may indicate hearing loss or physical difficulties such as arthritis); a duller coat; skin with less elasticity; eyes that are not as bright or may be clouded (including the possibility of cataracts); or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfy

At times, caring for your older dog might require patience. Providing old dog care really isn't much different than caring for an aging person. They too may lose their hearing, forget where they are and become easily startled. Be patient and kind while making every effort to keep your best friend comfortable in his or her old age.

Another problem that many aging dogs face is incontinence. Leaking most often happens when the dog is sleeping and he is completely unaware of it. However, there is help for dogs and owners that are dealing with canine incontinence.

Responsible dog care at any age includes include routine veterinary visits and exams. Your dog's Veterinarian will regularly check your dog's teeth and gums for any signs of plaque, decay and other problems. Like people, healthy teeth and gums are equally as important for our canine friends and their overall health. Lack of oral care can cause other systemic problems like heart disease and arthritis.

It can not be emphasized enough that good health starts with diet for both people and our pets. A healthy diet should start the day you bring your dog home. By providing healthy and nourishing food early on, your dog will naturally develop a strong immune system protecting him from disease.

As your dog ages, take notice to his hearing and eyesight. Be aware that his coordination may become less trustworthy causing difficulty with stairs or just getting around. Strategically placed baby gates can ensure that your dog doesn't take a tumble or hurt himself.

Finally, make sure you provide lots and lots of love to your aging pet as part of your old dog care. Remember that your pet is the same loving dog he or she has always been, with just a little more gray hair and a little less agility. Shower him or her with lots of attention just as you always have, so that he or she still feels like part of the family.

Janie resides in the Pennsylvania area. With over 25 years of dog handling experience, she shares many articles on the importance of dog care and canine nutritional health.

Your Guide To Caring For Older Dogs.

A Valuable Resource For All Dog Owners.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janie_Knetzer

How To Care For Older Dogs is a post from: Blog The Dogs

We'll address the two questions separately, but first I want to talk about whether or not remote dog training collars are actually good for your dog.

Imagine if you were walking down the street one day with your partner, and you happened to give a beautiful young lady a second glance as she walked past you. Now imagine that suddenly you are jolted with a violent electric shock, as if from nowhere. Or, depending on the variety of training collar that your partner has secretly snuck around your neck, you might get a blast of a seriously unpleasant odour right up your nose.

Does that sound like something you'd want? Worse, what happens if your partner drops the remote somewhere and a small child picks it up and starts zapping you like a maniac? Or if she's feeling vicious one day and wants to take out some aggression on you - remote dog training collars make this very easy indeed.

In all seriousness, although this example is a bit of fun, remote dog training collars present a real problem in dog training systems. This is that the dog cannot associate his bad behavior, you and the punishment together. By telling your dog "NO" when he misbehaves, he knows that you are unhappy about what he's just done.

By randomly shocking him from across the room or even in the other room, he's more likely to go mad trying to work out what's going on. What's more, you could provoke potentially dangerous and aggressive behavior through excessive use of a remote dog training collar, and that's entirely the opposite of what you're trying to do.

So I suppose we've actually answered the second question at the same time as the first - remote dog training collars should generally be avoided if you're serious about training your dog. Mostly because they're potentially harmful and counter-productive, but also because with a properly designed and consistent dog obedience training program, you simply don't need a remote collar.

Get some advice from professional dog trainers, and they'll tell you the same - ditch the electric collars and stick with tried and tested manual techniques for teaching your dog appropriate behavior.

Dog obedience training can seem like an uphill struggle, but if you've got professional advice from the start and a properly designed behavior strategy, it's actually a breeze to get through, without electric collars or any other gadgets.

I've successfully trained my dogs out of their bad habits (barking, chewing and scratching amongst other things) thanks to the advice of the "Sit, Stay, Fetch!" course, which is written by a professional dog trainer and available cheaply online.

Learn more about dog behaviour training, discover the one thing that's even better than remote collars and get a free 6 part sample from the "Sit, Stay, Fetch!" course at EasyDogObedience.com. I'll see you there, and wish you the best of luck with your pets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Barker

Remote Dog Training Collers is a post from: Blog The Dogs

To begin with, the goal of all good dog breeders should be to meet the Breed Standard; that is what you should always strive for, whether it is possible or not. No one has ever bred the perfect dog, but trying, always, to get as close to healthy perfection as you possibly can is the key. You need to really sit down and think about why you are considering dog breeding. The best dog breeders do so because they love dogs and are fulfilled by spending time and effort on and with them. It takes true commitment and a deep love for dogs, because that way, you know that their health and happiness will always be at the forefront of your mind.

After you have recognized your true motives and are certain that they are true, then you need to choose what kind of breed with which you want to work. You should make sure that it fits both your personality and your lifestyle. For instance, if you live in a big city, you should not work with a large breed, because the dogs will not have the freedom to exercise or be active. If you live in a hot climate, you should steer clear of breeds with thick coats. If you live in a crowded area, small, nervous breeds would not be very well suited to that environment.

Once you have picked out the breed which will be perfect for you, then you need to research everything about that breed. You especially need to familiarize yourself with that breed’s highest standard and then make that your main aim. No matter what decisions you make as a breeder, the Breed Standard of your chosen breed should always be a huge factor.

Talking to as many other breeders as you possibly can is vitally important, as is familiarizing yourself with pedigree charts. You should check out books on breeding techniques and standards, attend different, and above all, you should find a veterinarian who is knowledgeable in the art of breeding. If you can find a vet who is specifically familiar with your breed of choice, that is even better. You need to develop a philosophy by which you will always breed, filled with your goals and standards, and make sure that you conform to it. Take advice from others and realize, as well, that dog breeding is a costly investment. It will take money, time, and tremendous effort.

Dog Breeding: An Introduction is a post from: Blog The Dogs

One of the foremost things is choosing the right mate for your dog. While choosing the right mate, you must see whether it is compatible and possesses good temperament. Both the male and the female should be healthy and must have no genetic faults, which may potentially jeopardize the health of their puppies. Moreover, you must be sure whether the female dog is healthy, as it will determine her pregnancy and the process of birth. In this case, you must support the female dog with healthy supplements and nutritious food to ensure healthy birth. Better health will enable them to stay healthy during pregnancy as well.

You must determine the breeding history of both the female and male dogs. A good breeding record is very essential for successful breeding. Prepare the record of the medical history for your female dog, when it is going into heat, changing its behavior or different medical issues. There are various kinds of dogs, and so it is essential to have the knowledge of the kind of spices that you have. If you find that your dog is the rarest of its type, you may find difficult in getting a compatible dog for matting. However, in this regard, if you want to mate with different species, be assured about the history of the dog, and about its health and temperament. You must as well know your dog's family of breeds.

If you can get the information about your dog's family of breeds, you can easily know the stature of your own dog. In the case of female dog, there are more complications in respect to the male dogs, as it is little bit hard task to find the history of the female dog. However, in this case you can consult your nearby vet. It has been seen that failure in conception is mainly due to the female dogs. It can be due the hormone problem or wrong timing, or some thing like that. It takes nearly 2 years for the female dogs to be fully-grown as well as developed. Therefore, do not consider her for mating before her age. If she is mated before her full development, she may face problems in conceiving and it may put your dog into danger.

Before breeding, you must get your bitch or stud checked to make sure whether s/he is free from brucellosis. This disease can cause sterility in both the sexes and it can further cause the puppies to be aborted just after birth. Moreover, this germ is occasionally passed through sexual intercourse among the dogs, and it can infect the whole kennel.

This article comes to you from dog lover John Pawlett who is currently building a community site for dog breeds and breeders http://www.dogbreedclub.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pawlett

Keys To Breeding Healthy Dogs is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Pit Bull breeders are usually well-equipped with the knowledge of genetics and the technique of dog breeding. Pit Bull Terriers may be bred to be silver, blue or the rarer merle colored; or they could be bred to have blue glassy eyes or red noses. Its a mix and match process to produce qualities that may be desirable enough to fetch a huge price. This kind of breeding is called show breeding.

Breeders widely advertise their puppy and adult Pit Bull dogs on the net. The rarer the dog, the higher the price. Blue coated dogs and merle coats are much in demand. Plus, there are seasonal trends that buyers look out for in Pit Bulls like wide mouths, shorter statures or drooping cheeks. A merle or a blue puppy could fetch something like $5000.

However there are some Pit Bull breeders who breed their dogs to be more aggressive and tenacious so that they could be used in dogfights. Bets are laid on dogs in these events and though this is an objected activity, it still goes on discreetly. When a breeding farm labels its dog as 'game-bred', it means that the dog has been bred specially to fight. This nefarious activity has brought several dog breeders a lot of heat.

Breeders also provide studs for mating. Studs are male dogs that mate with female dogs to produce sturdy puppies. People who breed their dogs with hired studs in their backyards do what is known as backyard breeding.

Breeders also provide other products that may make dogs more agile, increase their reproductive abilities, increase their stamina, etc. Most of these products work on dogs in the same manner as steroids work on humans.

Animal lovers generally hold dog breeders in contempt. According to them, dog breeding is something that is against the rules of nature, and is of course injustice done to dogs. Breeding a dog just for its color, or eyes, or some other trait is considered to be cruel. Some breeding farms inject their dogs with vitalizers that increase their libido. These vitalizers often interfere with the hormonal balances in the animals. Also, while hybridizing breeds of dogs, the individuality of the breed is lost. It is more gracious to opt for a rescue Pit Bull than to buy a dog that has been bred to pander to the sensibilities of humans.

Pitbulls provides detailed information about pitbulls, pitbull breeders, pitbull kennels, pitbull puppies and more. Pitbulls is the sister site of Dog Fleas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

PitBull Breeding is a post from: Blog The Dogs

The first step in choosing a good dog shampoo is to know your dog’s skin type. Just as it is for humans, there are dog shampoos designed to help oily skin, dry skin, and normal skin. Because it can be difficult to determine your dog’s skin type on your own, you can talk to your vet, he has the knowledge and resources to help you figure it out.

Secondly, it is better to choose dog shampoos which are made with natural ingredients. Some of the synthetic ingredients used in other kinds of shampoos can be very irritating to the skin.

Is your dog susceptible to fleas and/or ticks? If so, it may be a good idea to choose a dog shampoo designed to protect your dog from fleas and ticks and to prevent them from attacking in the first place. Look for a shampoo which lists pyrethrins as an ingredient. However, you have to be very careful when using shampoos like this. Try very hard not to get the shampoo into your dog’s mouth or eyes.

If your dog has sensitive skin, is prone to scratching, and gets easily irritated (skin wise, not temperament wise!), then first of all, you should check with your vet to see if this is actually a skin condition. If your dog simply has sensitive skin but does not require treatment for it, then simply be sure to look for the appropriate dog shampoo. Again, an all natural dog shampoo is going to be the better choice here, and anything with Aloe Vera and/or oatmeal will benefit your dog very much.

In general, it is better to stay away from heavily scented dog shampoos. While they smell nice to us, they can be very irritating to your dog’s skin. As well, no matter what kind of dog shampoo you decide to use, make sure that you always rinse your dog thoroughly. Leaving soap residue in your dog’s fur and on his skin can lead to skin irritation, and it will make your pal very uncomfortable.

Why Dog Shampoo is Important is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Birth to 4 weeks old. The puppy is only concerned with his mother as the key his survival: food, warmth, and security. His mom is the first disciplinarian, and it is at this time that he instinctively begins to accept discipline and training.

Five to seven weeks old. He is still learning from his mother to accept discipline, correction, training, and affection. This is a good time for puppies to meet people. Puppies shouldn't be taken from their mother yet as sometimes this may cause problems later in accepting human rules and discipline.

Eight weeks old. Traditionally, this is the time when puppies leave their mothers. You should take special care to make his transition as smooth as possible as this can be a traumatic period for him. As a new family member, he must be treated with love and kindness.

Nine to twelve weeks old. At this point, he is ready to develop permanent relationships. You should take time to play, cuddle, and encourage him to explore his new world. He is old enough to learn his name and to follow you without a leash. You can simply back away from him while you pat your leg or clap your hands to encourage him to follow. Discipline is very important at this age as he is ready to learn the household rules. At this young age, he can learn to refrain from jumping on people, begging for food, or getting on the furniture - all behaviors that you are not going to want him to do when he is older.

All puppies go through the same stages of development, so this training works well with any kind of dog. The training has just begun, and it takes lots of patient understanding to raise a happy, healthy, well-trained dog.

And now I invite you to learn more about training your dog. Visit http://www.GoldenRetrieverpro.com for more information in all areas of caring for your dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Stinson

Understanding Your Dog’s First 3 Months is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Though people and dogs have different physiologies, there are a few things in common when it comes to diet. So many times, you'll be able to make your homemade dog food while making your people food. For example, most home made dog food recipes will consist of a ratio of two thirds meat to one third vegetables. It's all a matter of healthy cooking for both you and your dog, and making homemade dog food is a great way to start.

When you start preparing homemade food, pay careful attention to your dog's reaction to the new recipes you use. There will probably be some items that they just refuse to eat. Try to substitute something else in the recipe next time, such as substitute turkey for chicken or potatoes for rice. Be on the lookout for changes in your dog's behavior, especially such things such as scratching excessively. This may be an indication of an allergic reaction to one or more of the foods you're using. Generally, homemade dog foods usually cause fewer allergic reactions than commercial dog foods.

By making your own dog food, you have complete control over what your dog is eating. It also allows you to make certain their food is fresh and of the good quality. Ensuring that your dog is getting the best possible food and nutrition is worth the investment in both time and energy. So why not take the time to find some homemade dog food recipes that use good quality ingredients and let your dog try it for a few days. You might be amazed at the changes you'll witness in both your dog's health and vitality.

The easiest place to find some good healthy homemade dog food recipes is online. There you'll find cookbooks and recipes of all types. Just go to one of the Internet search engines and type in "homemade dog food recipes" and you have more than enough sites to visit. But watch out because some recipes are not as nutritious as others. You may want to take any recipes you download to your local vet and get their recommendations before you start feeding it to your pet. If you're at all concerned about your dog's health, try switching to homemade food today.

Garry Neale is and avid dog enthusiast and creator of the popular e-book, "The Dog Lovers Guide", a FREE dog owners handbook you can download at no cost from his Dog Lover Website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garry_L._Neale

Homemade Dog Food Tips is a post from: Blog The Dogs

However, before you jump the gun and run to the nearest pet store to buy one for yourself, you had better sit down and do some research about small dogs. Not all small breeds are suitable for everybody. Many of them are what are called ‘Toy dogs’ and they are not the right kind of dog for everyone. Also, take into account the other people in your home before deciding on the kind of small dog that you are going to get. If you have children, take the time to select the breed will be the most suitable. Some small breeds do not get along well with children and many are too fragile for rough play with children. Small dogs can often require more care and attention than larger ones, too.

Another very important point to keep in mind when considering whether or not to get a small dog is that their food requirements are minimal. Most of them eat hardly anything compared to the mountain of food you have to give bigger dogs. And while that sounds like a good deal it is also a point of concern. This is because, despite their low consumption of food, their nutritional requirements are by no means less than other varieties of dogs. So a lot of attention needs to be paid to what they eat and how much they eat. Your level of attention will quite literally strongly affect your small dog’s health and development.

Finally, here is a brief list of some of the dogs acknowledged by the American Kennel Club as Small Dogs.

Maltese (belonging to the toy group).

Manchester Terrier (belonging to the terrier group).

Miniature Bull Terrier or Mini Bull (belonging to the terrier group).

Miniature Pinscher (belonging to the toy group).

Miniature Schnauzer (belonging to the terrier group).

Harrier (belonging to the hound group).

Havanese (belonging to the toy group).

To that, we add a few more breeds you might want to consider:

· Scottish Terrier

· Yorkshire Terrier

· Pug

· Chihuahua

· Poodle

· Dachshund

· Pekingese

· Shih-Tzu

· Welsh Corgi

. Toy Poodle

Get all of your dog information at http://yougodog.com

Copyright 2006 @ Ann Born http://yougodog.com No part of this article may be reproduced in any manner without including the author’s bio.

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Find the Best Small Breeding Dog is a post from: Blog The Dogs

The problem itself generally affects the long bones in a dog’s body, namely the humerus and the femur, which make up the bones in the upper parts of the forelimbs and hindquarters. In some cases, it affects the lower part of the limbs as well. For the most part, dogs who get panosteitis are between the ages of six months and eighteen months, but sometimes older dogs get it as well.

So what should you do when your dog gets panosteitis? First of all, make sure that your vet sees your dog, because he will be the best person to diagnose the problem. Panosteitis basically causes your dog to be lame and this lameness, while more common in the forelimbs, can shift between legs. You will be able to see a very pronounced limp. Other signs of panosteitis include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, and the atrophy of the muscles in the affected legs. Together or separately, these symptoms do not necessarily always point to panosteitis, which is why it is better to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Your vet will take your dog’s medical and health history, and then examine him thoroughly. Sometimes, x-rays are necessary if the vet is unsure from a physical examination whether or not your dog has panosteitis. In general, it is very easy to diagnose panosteitis through x-rays. Unfortunately, taking x-rays often requires that your dog has to be perfectly still while remaining in an awkward and uncomfortable position. The vet may need to anesthetize or sedate your dog in order to do this.

The good news is that panosteitis is treatable. In fact, it is what is known as a self limiting condition, which means that, in time, it will get better, although your dog may still experience lameness and a limp from time to time, and the lameness may move from one leg to another. Generally, once the dog is a year or a year and a half old, the condition will disappear completely. However, your vet will not simply allow your dog to suffer through the condition until he reaches that age. The most common treatments for panosteitis involves restriction of exercise and medications, namely pain relievers. Your vet will have several possible medications and treatments at his disposal.

As yet, no one is really sure if it is possible to prevent panosteitis. Because the cause of the condition is still unclear, everything up to this point is only theory. However, one of the more accepted theories is that too much calcium or calcium supplements may have something to do with panosteitis, so you can talk to your vet and see if he has recommendations for food and supplements.

The Facts About Panosteitis is a post from: Blog The Dogs

So being a Dog-lover I first came across SitStayFetch while browsing on Clickbank and SitStayFetch appeared to dominate the Clickbank Dog Training section! Its only major competition was from Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online - another quality dog training system, but Dove Cresswell's system only had 30% of the Clickbank popularity!

And SitStayFetch is jam-packed with dog obedience training information, including how to solve over 25 dog behavior problems, real-life case studies, the best dog training techniques, an email consultation with the SitStayFetch team, and loads of photos that will help boost your learning

For the quite reasonable outlay SitStayFetch totally over-delivers with Bonuses! SitStayFetch extras include:

Bonus - SitStayFetch Audio Book

Bonus - A Quick Guide to Dog Aggression

Bonus - All The House Training Methods & Tricks

Bonus - Dog Grooming Made Easy

Bonus - Tips On Security Training Your Dog

Bonus - Secrets To Becoming The Alpha Dog

Bonus - Private Email Consultation to Help You

Resolve Your Specific Dog Problems

Do you have a generally disobedient dog?

Does your dog embarrass you in public?

Are you sick of excessive biting, barking, whining, etc?

Are you sick of dealing with dog aggression issues?

Do you want to know how to fix virtually any dog training or behavior problem?

Or, perhaps you just want the best relationship that you can possibly have with your dog...

SitStayFetch covers dog obedience training fully and even answers your dog training questions, covering specific dog behaviour issues, like how to deal with a dog eating poop or digging or a dog that is scared of the leash and much more! And SitStayFetch goes way beyond basic dog training:

The Chapters of the SitStayFetch Ebook itself cover:

DOG 101: It’s A Dogs Life

A. Dog Ownership and You

B. Selecting Your Puppy or Dog

C. Selecting a Breeder

D. Dog Groups

E. Responsible Ownership

F. Review of DOG 101

DOG 102: Caring for Your Dog

A. Bringing Your Puppy or Dog Home

B. Diet and Nutrition

C. Canine Growth Stages

D. Toys for Your Dog

E. Safe and Fun Toys to Buy

F. Choosing Your Vet

G. Review of DOG 102

DOG 103: Training Methods Revealed

A. Types of Training

B. Secrets to Training Your Dog

C. Crate Training

D. Obedience Training and Age

E. Selecting a Dog Trainer

F. Review of DOG 103

DOG 201: Secrets to Understanding Your Dog

A. Understanding Your Dog

B. Dog Senses

C. How Dogs Communicate Using Scent

D. Guide to Body Language and Signals

E. Guide to Facial Expressions and Vocals

F. Wolf Instincts

G. Review of DOG 201

DOG 202: Dog Problems Solved

A. Aggression Problems

B. Aggression: Treatment for Dominance

Case Study: Aggression with Strange Dog’s

Case Study: Food Bowl Aggression

C. Biting and Nipping

Case Study: Fear Biting

Case Study: Nipping and Hand Biting

D. Coprophagia (Poop Eating)

Case Study: Copropohagia

E. Chewing and Other Destructive Behavior

Case Study: Chewing and Destructive Behavior

F. Digging Problems

Case Study: Digging

G. Disobedience

H. Fear of the Leash

DOG 203: Commands to Start

A. Come (Recall)

B. Sit Stage I

C. “Okay” and “No”

D. “Hold” and “Leave”

E. “Sit” – Stage II

F. “Sit and Stay”

G. “Down” (Drop) – Stage I

H. “Down” (Drop) – Stage II

I. “Heel” – Stage I

J. “Heel” – Stage II

K. “Heel” – Stage III

L. “Stand”

M. “Wait ”

N. “Seek” (Find)

O. Training Program

P. Review of DOG 203

DOG 301: Dog Whispering Uncovered

A. Defining Dog Whispering

B. Dog Whispering: About the Method

C. Dog Whispering: Interventions

D. Dog Whispering: Corrections

E. Dog Whispering with Common Commands

F. The Trouble with Dog Whispering

G. Review of DOG 301

DOG 302: More Dog Problems Solved

A. 2 Dogs in the House

Case Study: Introducing a New Dog

B. Allergies

C. A Death in the Family

D. Bad Breath

E. Cat Chaser

Case Study: The Cat and Car Chaser

F. Flatulence

G. Fleas

H. Hot Weather and Heatstroke

I. Jealousy

J. Jumping on Furniture

K. Jumping on People

Case Study: Jumping Up on People

L. Separation Anxiety

Case Study: Separation Anxiety

M. Worms

N. Review of DOG 302

DOG 303: Advanced Commands and Tricks

A. Advanced “Sit and Stay” Stage I

B. Advanced “Sit and Stay” Stage II

C. More “Sit and Stay”

F. “Beg”

G. “Fetch” (Retrieve)

H. “Catch”

I. “Shake”

J. “Climb”

K. “Crawl”

L. “Jump”

M. “Roll Over”

N. Review of DOG 303

I believe that SitStayFetch is probably one of the best basic dog training Ebooks on the internet today, I would even go as far as saying that SitStayFetch is one of the best advanced dog training Ebok resources! So I can highly recommend SitStayFetch to anyone looking to learn how to understand and have the best trained dog in the neighborhood!

Steve Gaskin is an author of Dog Training Articles - he and his wife own and breed Staffordshire Bull Terriers. For more information on dogs and dog training - for Ebook reviews and a FREE Home-made Dog Food Recipe visit: http://dogloverstoolbox.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Gaskin

Sit, Stay, Fetch: Ebook Review is a post from: Blog The Dogs

1. Put dogs out frequently, especially puppies.

I know it can be tiresome but you will save yourself a lot of time and effort. Remember, every time the puppy eats, sleeps or plays it's gonna have to go outside. Also give the dog/puppy lots and lots of praise for doing it's business where it's supposed to.

2. Be stern and consistent.

It's confusing for a dog if it only gets scolded sometimes for peeing on the floor. The lesson will be learned much faster if the pooch is scolded for every mess you find. Just don't forget to give Poochy some lovin' after about 15 minutes or so after the scolding.

3. If you can't be with the dog, keep it on hard floors.

For many people, this means barring the pooch in the kitchen or foyer with a baby gate. Wee-Wee Pads should also be left with the dog. These are small absorbant mats made with an attractant that dogs like to whizz on.

4. Find the dog urine with a black light.

Many pet stores and online vendors carry hand held black lights for just this purpose. Just turn out the lights and systematically search for the bright glow of urine. After all, cleaning dog urine is much harder if you can't find it.

5. Make a poultice.

For fresh urine: Patience is the key. For carpet with pad under it, it is important to remove the urine from the carpet as well as the pad. If the spot has been wet for more than 10 minutes or so the pad will have been affected too. You will need fresh cool water, thick cotton towels and some sort of weight, 5 to 10 pounds. Weights can be books, boards, steel workout plates, etc.

6. Use the principles of capillary action to remove the urine from the carpet and pad.

If done properly this will always work, it's physics. Start by placing the a folded towel that is larger than the spot on top of the spot. Place a flat board on top of the towel and place a weight on the board. The board is there to distribute the weight evenly on the towel, if you don't have a board place just a weight on the towel but make sure that the towel is thick enough that the urine will not wick up into the top of the towel and contact the weight. The towel should remain on the spot for at least 10 minutes. Do not pick the towel up at any time during the process.

7. Pick up the first towel and get a clean one ready.

Fold it the same way as the first. Pour some clean water on the spot, working from the edges of the spot to the center of the spot so that you don't spread the urine, the water spot will be just a little larger than the urine spot. Allow the water to work it's way into the carpet. It won't take long, 30 seconds to a minute. Place a clean folded towel on top of the water spot and put the weight back on top. This time wait at least 30 minutes for the urine to work up into the towel. Do not disturb the towel or the wicking action will be compromised. Lastly repeat this whole process again using 1 part water to 1 part white vinegar and let the towel and weight sit overnight. Pull up in the morning and let dry. There should be no smell when the carpet is dry.

8. Launder the towels well.

Keep old clean towels around the house for this.

9. Hire a professional for any large problem areas.

If you wish to attempt this yourself consider this. The affected area should be small, no more than a foot in diameter. Anything larger and you should hire a professional. It can be expensive so weigh the cost of the service against replacement cost and know that the odor can be dealt with but the stains will be permanent. Also there are several ways to go about doing this. The execution is identical to the first section but the chemistry will be different.

My name is John Krenberg, and I'm a happy owner of a crossed breed Poodle/Terrier. Training him is extremely important to me since I live in a high rise apartment. I read a couple of books about dogs behaving badly, but felt that I needed a step-by-step approach to correct his unpleasant behavior.

I researched the internet and came across SitStayFetch, which I quickly downloaded, printed and read in one evening. Now Sumo, my pup, is doing great! At only 5 months old he sits, lies down, heals, stays, and even comes most of the time. I can not expect too much at his age but he is getting better everyday. I strongly recommend it to every dog owner out there. Here is the link: http://www.dogtrainingpalace.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Krenberg

How to Clean Dog Urine is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Most people who sell puppies in the newspaper are not professional breeders. They may have a litter or two, maybe even keep one and sell the other puppies. While there are exceptions, in most cases these are well meaning people but just are not adequately experienced in preparing the puppies for adoption. Then, of course, there are the not so well meaning people who are just looking for the profit and are doing very little if anything to prepare the puppy for a new home. They are simply waiting for the puppies to get old enough to sell. And we have all heard of “puppy mills” which should be avoided completely.

Many puppy mills sell to pet shops. As tempting as it may be to get the puppies out of this environment, this is not the place to select your puppy. No amount of training will be able to overcome some of the problems you may encounter in these puppies. You must be even more diligent in your search for a good breeder than you were in deciding with which kind of dog you want to share your life and home. Of all the people raising puppies, there are relatively few who are experienced and focused on maintaining and breeding for the best characteristics of one or two breeds. No, it is not just people who want show dogs who need to look for reputable breeders. Your goal may very well be to merely find a healthy, physically fit, mentally sound pup to enhance your life. The way to have the best chance of doing that is to buy from a reputable breeder.

So how do you begin your search? Ask a vet for recommendations; ask acquaintances who have dogs with characteristics you like, check yellow page listings (remember, you are looking for a breeder, not a pet shop), check the Web.

Once you think you have located a good breeder, there are other things to look for in order to determine how good. So, they show you lineage papers. Remember lineage papers show precisely that—lineage. Good lineage does not guarantee a good breeder. However, a good breeder will most likely be able to tell you information on individual animals in the lineage, i.e., conformity to breed standards, personality characteristics, strengths…and weaknesses. A good breeder is going to want to place the dog in a good situation and will be sure you understand the pros and cons. If a breeder will not mention the negatives of a particular breed, beware!

A good breeder will have the mother on site. The father may or may not be there by the time you are picking a puppy. Observe the mother’s (or mother and father’s) behavior. The parent should not be fearful or skittish nor exhibit excitable aggressive behavior. You should see sociable behavior. The mother should be used to the breeder picking up her puppies and even taking them out of her sight. This could be an indicator of how the breeder has interacted with her or a characteristic that could be passed to the litter. A good breeder will have a positive relationship with her animals. You will also not see a lot of litters at the breeders. There should only be 1 or 2, 3 at the most, breeds; and only a few litters. Multiple litters of multiple breeds are not to be expected. In order to give the pups the attention they need, there will only be four to six litters a year in total. The environment should be clean and the pups should have ample area for exercise. Good breeders will be socializing the pups and the best place to do that is in the house with people. You want your companion dog to be people centered, not other dog centered.

You may begin to feel that as you are interviewing the breeder that the breeder is interviewing you. A good breeder is carefully selecting new owners also. They do not sell to just anyone who has the cash. They want to be sure they are making a good and permanent placement. You may find them questioning you on the environment into which the pup is going. Some may even ask for pictures.

One thing to ask about (although the information will probably be offered without being asked) is medical care. The pups should at least have one DHLP and parvo vaccination as well as a worm test or a worming. The breeder will openly discuss the type of issues with the breed that may need a medical screening. Hip Dysplasia is one of the first to come to mind, but some breeds are prone to other issues also, such as seizures, cancer or heart murmurs. Good breeders will be trying to breed out these characteristics, but remember, even good breeders can have a pup with issues. However, being responsible breeders, they will not perpetuate the problem. Breeding out poor health prone issues is done in a scientific manner, not haphazardly.

Also check to see how long this breeder has been associated with this breed. You don’t want one who has just jumped on the bandwagon of a newly popular breed.

There will be a written contract. (Many breeders will say they will take the animal back, at any age, any time if you cannot take care of the dog any longer.)

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dog Training

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Selecting Your Dog Breeder is a post from: Blog The Dogs

For starters, neutering is clearly different from spaying. It applies to male dogs and it removes your dog’s testicles. After your dog is neutered, he cannot produce sperm or testosterone any longer – so he cannot get a female dog pregnant. In general, dogs handle the surgery involved quite well – it is not an invasive procedure at all, and generally, your dog will be able to come home a few days after the surgery, if not the day after. Male dogs can be neutered by the time they are eight weeks old and onward from there.

One of the main reasons to neuter your boy is the population problem in the animal world. Every year, approximately fifteen million animals are left at animal shelters all across the United States. Most of these animals do not find homes. In fact, out of that fifteen million, nearly eleven million dogs and cats will be put down because they have not been adopted.

There are massive benefits for your dog as well. Neutering your boy can make him healthier. He will be less likely to roam, which lessens the risk of him getting hurt in the road, stolen, or fighting with other dogs. Furthermore, dogs that have not been neutered run the risk of several health problems, such as testicular cancer and tumors. Neutering your dog can even reduce the risk of anal tumors. As well, neutered dogs are less likely to suffer from enlargement of the prostate, which can lead to urinary tract problems; it can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Also, if there is no chance of your dog mating with a female, neutering him will really put him out of his misery – so to speak! All of us have either had or seen a dog that has not been neutered, and thus tends to act like every hand, leg, or other animal is a prospective mate!

Some studies even show that dogs that have been neutered before they reach the age of two years are much more likely to live longer. Having your dog neutered before he is two can also decrease the predominance of certain behavioral problems. Your dog will still be playful, loveable, and sweet, but he will be far less aggressive and less excitable in a bad way – meaning you will not have to worry as much about him getting into things he should not!

Contrary to popular belief, it is quite safe to neuter older dogs as well, and it will still decrease the risk of the aforementioned health problems. In truth, despite the controversy sometimes surrounding the idea of neutering, it is a completely humane act. You are ensuring your dog a long, healthy life, you are not allowing the birth of new puppies that may not find homes, and you are not leaving your dog in torment – because your boy will end up getting frustrated, if he is not neutered but cannot mate.

Should Your Dog Be Neutered? is a post from: Blog The Dogs

It is not very often that we are able to show our appreciation the way your dog displays theirs for you, but keeping them healthy is one way and a good dog insurance plan is a way we can give something back. Various pet insurance policies exist and how complete they are will depend on the provider as some will incorporate routine visits to the vet to check your dogs health in addition to situations like accidents or even illness. Even the healthiest of dogs can become sick and knowing you have a dog insurance policy that will pay for medical attention means the cost is never a concern.

Advancements in medical science, even for pets, has advanced so that many situations that only a few short years ago could not be treated, are now routine, but they come at a high price. Dogs and other pets are now able to benefit from transplant surgery and for certain pets, they can even replace hips. Just like people, dogs too can be prone to certain conditions and disease, some of which may be caused by genetic traits.

The symptoms for these diseases occur in dogs only after a certain period of time and by that time the pet has already become an integral part of our families. Looking after your dog's health should never be a matter of financial concern and can be minimized if a dog insurance plan is taken out. Many owners underestimate just how much a dog needs when it comes to ensuring their continued good health and while they are great companions they are prone to a number of parasites.

Your dog health insurance plan will cover these costs and will help you sleep easier knowing that your beloved pet is looked after as well as the rest of your family. Our dogs may not fully understand the lengths you are going to for their good health but it does mean they should have a long carefree life with you. So it is advisable to check with other pet owners and companies providing such insurance and acquire proper dog insurance for your precious companion.

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You can find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds and pet strollers at petbedsunlimited.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Foster

Dog Insurance is a post from: Blog The Dogs

With so many different dog food companies vying for your dog food dollar, how do you know which dog food to choose to keep your dog healthy? Do you choose dry, moist, or a combination of both? High protein, low protein, other nutrients, what exactly do you look for?

You want the best for your dog that your money can buy. You want to keep your dog healthy and satisfy his hunger at the same time. What do you do? Do you go with what everybody else is buying? Do you ask your family and friends?

THE DOG, THE DIET, THE FOOD.

The real issue when choosing a dog food for your dog is that every dog is different. I am not just talking about breeds, though they differ to, but two dogs of the same breed may not even have the same eating habits. There is no single silver bullet cure unfortunately.

So to find the right dog food to keep your dog healthy, you are going to have to do a little detective work.

Breed. Start with the type of dog you have. Obviously a small lap dog is going to have different requirements than say, a Great Dane. Size is a large factor in energy levels and digestive systems.

Age. Puppies are growing and require lots of good stuff to help them grow and to keep their energies up. They should be feed small amounts many times throughout the day just like a baby. In the dogs prime, say 3 years old to about 6 years old, they might have a very healthy appetite at each feeding, but only eats maybe twice a day. On the other hand the older adult isn't running after everything he sees anymore and like the "early bird special" older humans, they eat earlier in the day and not so much. Then bed time is much more craved than a bowl of food after 7pm. Just saying.

Activity. Is your dog one of those hyper sort of dogs that seems to be able to run all day long until they collapse at the end of the night? Or do you have a dog like mine whose greatest ambition is to stretch after laying on the bed all morning to walk 20 feet and go lay down on her favorite chair until she is hungry or has to relieve herself.

Stage in life. Sort of like age, but much more specific and maybe not lasting. Things like growth spurts, recovering from an injury, recovering from a major surgery, extreme hot day, pregnancy, nursing, dieting, training, change in location like vacation or having to stay at a kennel, and other things that are a major change in their normal routine, but is only temporary.

WHAT DO I LOOK FOR?

Even though every dog is different, there are some basic ideas to sort of use as a guideline. You want to pick a high quality dog food. You will know it is high quality if while reading the nutrition facts, you are seeing some pretty high numbers. One thing to look at is serving size when doing the comparisons.

What you are looking for is a food that will provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and some essential fat content in the form of acids. Dog foods have varying levels of protein in them. Some have more filler than anything else. If you are around 25% protein content, give or take, it is a real good start.

Look to see if the dog food is recommended for active or in-active dogs. Most dog foods will even tell you if they are for puppies, adults, or older less active dogs. Most will also tell you if they are easier to digest for dogs of certain ages than others. An older dog may not be able to digest a food designed for dogs leaving the puppy stage and moving into adulthood.

You might even be looking for a dog food that helps a dog loose weight. Overweight dogs are a common issue in the United States. So it is no wonder that there is a whole line of diet dog foods to keep your dog healthy and save them from being overweight. Serious heart and other health conditions, including joint pain and other body issues can be associated simply to the dog being overweight.

Another point is that just because it is a much better overall deal, sometimes large bags of dog food is not the correct choice. For example, it does not make sense to buy a 50 lb bag of combination moist and dry dog food for a toy or lap dog. The chances are the food is going go bad before the little dog can get through it. On the other hand, you are going to go broke trying to buy little individual cans of moist food for a Mastiff.

If you just do not have a clue what to do. Then contact your vet. Discuss with him or her your issues and tell him or her all you can about your dog, their activities, age, weight, and other things you can think of. This will help your vet decide the best type of food for your dog. Just be leery if he only recommends a certain brand and you can only get it from his office. It does happen. And I am not saying the dog food is not a good choice, but their choice might be motivated by keeping them in money, not to keep your dog healthy.

SUMMATION

There are several dog food brands to choose from. Even grocery stores have entire aisles now dedicated to pet/dog food alone. Choosing the right dog food depends on what sort of dog you have, what their activity is like, their age, and other special things going on at that time in a dog's life. The bottom line is you are going to have to do some reading of the labels, looking for around 25% protein and as many vitamins, nutrients, and digestion types. Size of the dog should be considered when purchasing the amount of dog food at one time. And finally, if you feel completely lost, then contact your vet and ask their advice as to which dog food would be best for your dog giving them any information you can to help them determine it.

Ian Westynn considers himself a Renaissance man who likes to speak on many subjects. He loves to learn new things daily and has just recently found an outlet as being a web author. The above article can be used freely as long as this resource box is with the article. Ian has created a blog too, you can visit it by going to http://keepyourdoghealthy.wordpress.com Ian often recommends products, and for this article, he recommends Dog Health a great overall guide to keep your dog healthy at home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Westynn

Choosing The Right Dog Food is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Good temperament should be the first goal in breeding. Every breeder should be on the lookout for shyness, fear of strangers, refusal to leave a common environment, fear of unexpected changes and excessive activities in their dogs and decide if they want these characteristics to be passed onto the puppies. These signs can easily be inherited by the offspring and breeders should understand the effect of genetics on the puppies. However, good temperament is usually present in the ancestral genes and is believed to be dominant traits that can be passed on to puppies.

The Fallacies:

The commonest mistake that a breeder makes is to put a female dog and a male dog together in a room and leave them alone to let nature takes its course. This may not ensure a litter of puppies. It is important to know when the female dog will achieve sexual maturity first to ensure that she gets impregnated. The first period of heat usually occurs anywhere after six months to 12 months of age but this period is not the best time to breed the female dog. She is not quite mature at this time. It is more advisable to wait for the second period of heat to ensure that the female dog is ready for pregnancy.

The Fundamentals:

Careful selection of parents is the first step to ascertaining that you breed good puppies. Make sure that both parents must be as free as possible from inherited or inborn faults. The breeder should fully recognize the shortcomings of his dogs as well as their merits and be fully informed about their ancestors. In picking out the mother and the father of the brood, it is important to remember that like produces like but that characteristics don’t always blend to give the desired result. The mother should be free from any inherited shyness or savageness as these may be passed on to the puppies. The father of the brood determines the sex of the puppies as he carried the sex-determining chromosomes. Although they have less reproductive difficulties than the females, these defects are harder to correct. Keep in mind that the father of the brood should have the appropriate amount of sperm to impregnate the female.

There is a further challenge that no hidden defects in the ancestry should crop up in a succeeding littler of puppies. It is important for the professional dog breeder to have a complete understanding of dominant, recessive and mixed characteristics of the dog first before embarking in breeding. It is rewarding to develop puppies which are good both physically and mentally. It is especially more gratifying if the dogs grow up to be intelligent and good natured as well.

Do you want to know more about http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell

The Fundamentals of Dog Breeding is a post from: Blog The Dogs

One such example of specialized dog training leads are those that are called traffic leads. These are very short and thick leashes that give you virtually no extra room between you and the dog. The purpose of these types of dog training leads? Simply put, when you're in a lot of foot traffic you want your dog at the heel position at all times. Any more room on the leash and the dog is likely to start getting into other people's way, causing a disturbance, jumping on strangers, or even getting into fights with other dogs. This type of lead also gives the dog a greater sense of security because it's so close to the owner and isn't caught up in a crowd of strangers and isn't likely to be hurt by chasing after a car, getting accosted by another dog, and so on. Even though these dog training leads are meant to be very short they still come in a variety of sizes, usually anywhere from six inches for very large breeds to twenty inches for shorter breeds. Be sure that you get one that is long enough; always err on the side of caution and get one longer than what you think you need as you can always loop the extra few inches around your wrist as you walk.

British style or slip dog training leads are a combination of lead and collar in one. They slip over the dog's neck and work something like a choke collar. Most dog experts will advise against using these unless you're very skilled with them and even then it should only be in controlled situations. The reason for this is that if they are jerked or pulled too hard this is very painful for the dog. Typically only skilled dog handlers or owners should use these types of dog training leads and they should never be used with children or those who aren't experienced with training a dog.

Other dog training leads are short and made of a rubber or plastic so that they can be used for hunting. When a dog has a scent the owner can let go and the short lead won't get caught in anything or trip up the dog; they are also easily washable for after the hunt!

Choosing from all these types of dog training leads isn't difficult if you realize their different purposes and uses.

If you want to transform your dog into an obedient and composed "poised pooch" that will follow your every command and behave under ANY circumstances, visit the link below to learn how.

House Training Your Dog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sergio_Resende

Dog Training Leads is a post from: Blog The Dogs

For starters, it is best to keep your child away from dogs you do not know, even if it is a cute little dog. You should never try to – or let your child – befriend a strange dog, especially if the dog’s owner is not around and the dog is not on a leash or otherwise restrained. Do not let your child pet unfamiliar dog, always stay away from dogs that are not restrained, and always ask permission before petting a strange dog.

If your child is going to pet a new dog, make sure to let the dog sniff your child– first at a distance, and then closer by degrees. Never let your child approach any dog too quickly; this will scare the dog, and he may snap in defense. Teach your child, above all, to be extremely gentle with dogs – and every other animal, for that matter. Never let your children disturb a dog that is sleeping; this is especially true if it is not your dog, because you are not nearly as familiar with the dog’s behavior. It is even more crucial to never let your child bother a dog who is eating. In fact, you should instruct your child to stay away from any dog’s food, period; the same goes for female dogs that are taking care of their puppies. It is better not to bother a dog who is playing with a toy, either, especially if your child is trying to take the toy away from the dog.

Dogs are very clear about their feelings and it is easy to tell if they are angry, irritated, or uncomfortable. Teach your child to stay away from dogs who growl, bare their teeth, snarl, or have their hackles raised. Conversely, however, your child should never run away from a dog who is threatening. This is prey behavior, and the dog will chase. By the same token, it is better not to make eye contact with strange dogs, as this is a sign of aggression and dominance.

If you yourself have a dog, then there are several other ways to prevent dog bites in children. For one thing, spayed or neutered dogs tend to be less aggressive. As well, the earlier you begin socializing your dog, especially to children, the better. You should also train him to be comfortable around new people and to be at ease when eating around other people. Teach your dog games which are not aggressive; never encourage biting games. Teaching your dog basic commands, such as to sit, stay, drop toys, and heel will also help, as well keeping your dog leashed whenever you are out with him.

Most importantly, know your dog’s behavior: if you dog does not do well with children, strangers, or other dogs despite your best efforts to train him, keep him out of those situations. Your dog has a distinct personality and you need to know what it is.

Avoiding Dog Bites is a post from: Blog The Dogs

How often should the dog visit the veterinarian? For most dogs, they should visit their vet once a year for their vaccinations. For puppies, they should visit their vets more often since they require frequent vaccination boosters. If your dog has a medical problem, he should visit the vet more often. When your dog is six years old, you can take him to the vet twice a year for a thorough check up to find out if he is healthy or if a budding disease may be cropping up that needs immediate attention.

How do I know if my dog is sick? It is important to know your dog well and watch out for any changes in his over all appearance, behavior, eating, and drinking patterns. Other common signs include not having any appetite for food, changes in water consumption, changes in consistency of his wastes, vomiting, changes in behavior, weight loss, and frequent urination are other tell-tale signs of problems. Some obvious signs include whimpering in pain and limping.

Should I neuter my dog? If you are not planning on breeding your dog, then you can choose to neuter him. Health advantages include less aggressive behavior. Furthermore, neutering reduces their risks of developing testicular and prostate cancer in male dogs. Female dogs won’t get mammary cancer, womb infections, and diabetes. Neutering is usually performed on dogs that are six months old, although it can be done in very young puppies.

How do I stop my dog from eating grass? When dogs eat grass, they usually vomit. It is believed that dogs in the wild have access to vegetation in the guts of the prey they eat. Our modern dogs make up for this seeming lack by eating grass. There is a grass marketed especially for dogs that, once sprinkled on dog food, will cause the dog to stop eating grass.

There are lots of dog questions that remain in the mind of dog owners. It is important to ask your vet about any dog health concerns.

Dog Health provides detailed information on Dog Health, Dog Health Problems, Dog Health Questions, Dog Health Care and more. Dog Health is affiliated with Small Dog Houses.

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Dog Health Questions is a post from: Blog The Dogs

To help you know - it's VERY IMPORTANT to know your dogs age, as accurately as possible! A bitch can come into season from the age of 6 months - to as late as 12 months. You will need to be switched on though and start checking - at around 6 months of age.

PLEASE NOTE - professional breeders are obliged by their breed associations to breed ONLY from 12 months onward. This is because dogs that are only around 6 months of age are still very much puppies, and are immature both physically and mentally. Your dog will be a stronger and better mother and her pups will do much better if you wait until she's at least 12 months of age.

If you're tempted to breed early ONLY because you think you'll make money by selling pups - be warned, Vet bills can be high - it really is best to wait for the dog to be mature!

Early Signs of Heat

One of the really early signs can be a stage of "scenting" to let male dogs know of their condition. This will appear to the more observant owner as an increase in urination and generally occurs around 2 weeks prior to coming into season. There may also be an increase in the dog licking its vulva in an effort to keep itself clean.

More Obvious Signs (Pro-oestrus - about 9 days length)

This next stage is much more obvious and is really the first full stage of heat. The bitches vulva begins to swell and can go to as large as TRIPLE its original size, this stage will last about 9 days.

IMPORTANT you need to have been observing - in order to detect the swelling. For an indication of the extent of the changes - SEE PICTURES on my site under dog breeding.

You should not miss this stage though, it is VERY obvious, because usually there is a blood stained discharge, which will vary in intensity from bitch to bitch. The discharge may start off a brown colour and progress to red. The dogs appetite can also decrease, but this is not always the case. Also usually the bitch may be more dominant with other females and begin to "flag" male dogs - ie, putting her tail up and presenting her rear to the nose of the male dog.

It should be noted however that the bitch will NOT allow a male to attempt mating at this point!

Needless to say, being observant early on means that you should be able to pick the next stage - which is the BEST time for mating - OR if you do not want to breed, the RISKIEST time - the time of maximum fertility!

The next stage is called Oestrus or Standing Heat and is where breeders will want to introduce the stud dog, to allow for mating and a "tie" to occur, for more information on this next crucial stage of the dogs heat cycle, please visit my site, at the link below.

Steve Gaskin is an author of Dog Breeding, Feeding and Training articles - he and his wife own and breed Staffordshire Bull Terriers. For more information - for Ebook reviews and a FREE Home-made Dog Food Recipe visit: http://dogloverstoolbox.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Gaskin

Is My Female Coming Into Season? is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Drawbacks To Breeding Your Dog

Breeds have their own unique issues when it comes to breeding. Below are some of the general concerns that can arise with any breed:

· Cost of stud services. For a championship bloodline it can be several hundred or even thousands of dollars to have your female bred to a purebred male.

· Potential health risks. There is always the possibility that the female can be injured during breeding, or may develop life-threatening conditions during the pregnancy. Female dogs can die during delivery if they are left unsupervised and there is a complication.

· Additional vet expenses. The female may require additional trips to the vet or even help with birthing or whelping the puppies. These vet bills can range between the cost of a check-up to several thousands of dollars depending on the size of the dog and the troubles they experience.

· Health issues with the puppies. If there are health issues with the puppies the owner of the female is usually responsible unless there have been other arrangements made prior to the birth. Again, these can be minor or they can be very costly.

· Vaccinations and feeding. Not only will the female require more and higher quality feed throughout her pregnancy but the puppies will also require vet visits and high quality food. For the larger breeds the food can be very costly, and for any breed the vaccinations and vet visits are critical and are an additional cost.

· Ongoing health issues with the female. Female dogs that have had a litter of puppies are much more likely to develop ovarian and breast cancers than spayed females that have not had a litter.

Positive to Breeding Your Female

There are positives as well to breeding your female. Helping develop a line of healthy and breed standard puppies is very rewarding. Finding good homes and families for the puppies is a great opportunity to share the breed of your choice with caring and loving individuals.

In addition breeding is a way for kennels and breeders to seek to develop championship lines. There is increased awareness of the kennel if one of the puppies becomes a champion dog.

For most individuals making money off of puppies is simply not realistic. By the time that you consider the expenses of breeding and caring for the females the price of the puppies does not cover the expenses of raising them. Careful consideration of the options for breeding is important before deciding if this is right for your dog or not.

Read dozens of articles like this at ohmydogsupplies.com & shop for creative and unique dog stuff like Dog Supplies, Dog Beds, and so much more. Coupons available!

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Breeding Your Dog: Pros and Cons is a post from: Blog The Dogs

That being said, dog training leashes are used with different degrees of force – it all depends on your dog’s personality. The force used can range from extremely firm correction to rather mild, almost gentle prompts on the leash. As well, when using a dog training leash, it is better not to scold and harp on the dog, as the correction may be rendered ineffective.

In most cases, implementing dog training with a leash begins with teaching your dog a behavior with the leash. Once your dog shows that he under stands the command, be it to sit, stay, or heel, then you will use the dog training leash either when the dog disobeys or when he makes a mistake. At these points use the leash as a means to control and communicate with your dog.

For a training leash to work, your dog has to trust you, to the point that he will allow you, as the handle, to position your dog in a certain posture or stance. In general, doing this will not take a lot of force, just simple tactics of physical manipulation, an endeavor which is much more safe – not to mention easier – when you use a dog training leash to execute it. Eventually, this kind of leash training can be implemented into more advanced systems, and you will be able to incorporate a reward system whenever your dog obeys your leash commands.

It is vital to understand, however, that the dog training leash is simply a tool for training. It should never be used as a means of punishment or scolding, and you should not abuse your position as handler, because your dog will be able to tell that you are doing this, and he will not only because less comfortable with the leash, he may start to fight against it as well. Dog training with a leash is just the first step towards being able to train your dog with a number of other tools. Leadership is one of the most crucial skills you as the handler can incorporate with your dog. Your dog will respect your leadership but he will not respect misuse of the leash.

Furthermore, it is also important to remember that dog training leashes will never be able to replace the value of the appropriate relationship of leader/follower between you and your dog. It is essential to create a bond with your dog before you ever attempt leash training him, otherwise the process will have failed before it has even begun. Trying to implement dog leash training before there is a bond of respect and trust between you and your dog, will make him far more likely to resist even the most basic training techniques.

Why Dog Training Leashes Are Important is a post from: Blog The Dogs

I could go on and on with a long list of things that we should "never" do with our dogs. Here's the funny thing, in my 18+ years of dog training, I have found that playing tug-o-war with your dog is a good thing. Letting your dog sleep on the bed with you is not going to turn him into a blood sucking vampire. Feeding him "people food" will in many cases make him healthier.

What you have to know is this. Each dog is different. Each household is different. If your dog understands that you are in charge and that it's your bed, there is no problem letting him sleep on it. In my house, I allow my dogs on the couch and on my bed. They clearly understand that I am the one in charge. If I walk into a room and tell them "OFF," they immediately jump off the couch. They don't resist. They don't defend the couch. They follow my commands. If my dogs did growl or defend the couch, they would lose that privilege.

When a pup comes into my house, I usually leave a leash on him to drag around. The leash allows me to have a little more control than if the leash was off. How many times has your pup stolen something and ran away, only to have you chasing him around the coffee table, behind the couch, and up the stairs? A leash can prevent all of this. Simply step on the leash and end the chase game. The same holds true when teaching your dog the word "OFF." The easiest way is to walk up to your dog and give the command "OFF." When he ignores you, pick up the leash and give it a quick tug. Repeat until he gets off the couch with out you touching the leash. As long as your dog understands the word "OFF," you won't have a problem.

Eric Letendre the author of The Amazing Dog Training Man invites you to visit http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for leading edge dog training tips, instructional video clips and articles that will help you train and understand your dog. You can also get free dog training updates with a free Smart Dog Newsletter subscription, available at http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Letendre

Training Activities You Should Not Do is a post from: Blog The Dogs

First, you will require multiple investments. The first investment is time. You have to commit to one particular dog breed and this requires a considerable amount of research time. You ideally want to learn as much as possible about the chosen dog. Already knowing the type of dog that you want to breed is a definite advantage. If you aren't sure of what dog you'd like to breed, it may not be a bad idea to scan the classified ads in your area and see what kind of dogs are being sold and at what price. Browse Internet message board forums to read about the experiences of other dog breeders before becoming a dog breeder yourself. Talk to other breeders to see if they actually like what they do.

The second investment is, of course, money! Ask yourself, how much money you are willing to spend? Everything will affect your checkbook, from the food that you feed your dogs to their housing and medical care. Be sure to consult with your local veterinarian to determine how much you would be spending on vaccinations, preventative techniques like worming, eye exams and a heart evaluation. Ask your veterinarian if they honor any kind of dog health insurance or monthly payment plan whenever unforeseen emergencies creep up.

The third investment is finding a suitable mate for your dog. Becoming a dog breeder requires an honest acknowledgment of faults within your own dog. If your dog has features that don't meet the breed standard, it's important to find a mate to improve upon the genetic pedigree of your dog. You also want as much information as possible about the mate's bloodline, medical history and temperament.

The process of finding a suitable mate for your dog has become much easier since the advent of the Internet. There are many breeding websites that will either put you in touch with local breeders in your area or direct you to others from all over the world. Many long distance folks turn to artificial insemination rather than traveling cross country for their dog's ideal mate. There are also a number of print magazines on the market, along with dog breeding newsletters and websites, all of which are extremely useful to anyone interested in becoming a dog breeder. Put some time into your search because the dog owner will typically have to pay a stud fee anywhere from $500 to $2,000. Once a contract is signed (and please make sure to put EVERYTHING in writing) and the money is exchanged there is no turning back.

Becoming a dog breeder can undoubtedly be a very rewarding experience, perhaps even lucrative if you play by the book and do everything right.

Scott Jackson has been in the Pet Industry for over ten years. He has managed large Pet Specialty Retail stores and has worked as a distributor rep in the pet industry. He is a pet owner and lover who has extensive knowledge in pet nutrition and care. He runs a website http://www.coloradopetresources.com and http://www.dogandcatarticles.com where he gives information on pet care, location of Colorado independent pet retailers, vets, breeders and a general meeting place for pet lovers.

Visit http://www.coloradopetresources.com and find the information you need.

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Is Dog Breeding Right For You? is a post from: Blog The Dogs

There has been a trend lately to feed dogs bones and raw food, or "BARF" as it is known. The idea is to feed dogs what they ate in the wild, before they were domesticated. The truth is, it is hazardous to your dog due to toxins, food borne bacteria, intestinal obstruction and the possibility of intestinal perforation. If you stop to think about it, you will realize dogs did not live as long or as well in the wild as they do now.

In this article, I will discuss just a few of the important nutrients required for a healthy dog. One nutritional element you may not be familiar with is Iodine. Iodine is crucial for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Just as in humans, the thyroid plays a major role in regulating metabolism and growth. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, which is not enough thyroid hormone, include poor growth, weight gain and hair loss, as well as weakness and irritability.

Zinc is a mineral that works with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Zinc also promotes normal growth and wound healing. Zinc toxicity is rarely a problem, but certain dog breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes have an inability to absorb zinc. The most common problem associated with zinc deficiency is a skin condition known as "zinc responsive dermatosis". Symptoms include hair loss and dry, crusty skin around the head, face and legs and a dry, dull hair coat. Zinc can be supplemented by providing a good, quality pet vitamin. A high grade, all natural pet vitamin contains ingredients that aid in the absorption of zinc.

Two more well known nutritional supplements are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These nutrients are especially beneficial for older dogs and large breed dogs because they treat osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin ease joint pain in the hips and many other joints. They are also used to aid healing after spinal or joint surgery. The use of these two supplements have eased pain for some dogs enough to allow them to be more active later into their senior years. Glucosamine works by providing the necessary elements for joints to produce new cartilage. Chondroitin fight the enzymes that break down cartilage. Pets can stay on Glucosamine and Chondroitin indefinitely.

These are just a few of the many nutrients necessary for your dogs health. Thanks to research and study by veterinarians and other scientists, we are now able to extend the lifespan of our beloved dogs for as long as possible, by providing the best nutrition available.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class doberman breeder. For further information please visit http://petvitamins4u.com or http://theroadhousedobes.com

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Importance of Dog Nutrition is a post from: Blog The Dogs

The first step in using dog training to house break your dog is by implementing the use of a crate, though this generally works better with puppies than with older dogs, although they can benefit too. A crate is not a crate at all, but a cage with a door that locks and plenty of room for your dog to move. These are not used for punishment, but rather a bedroom environment: if you put some toys and something for your dog to sleep on in the crate, then it is highly unlikely he will ever use the bathroom in there, because dogs do not go where they sleep.

Puppies usually need to go to the bathroom every three hours or so; with older dogs, it can be as much as six hours at a time. The second step is studying your dog; by doing this, you will easily be able to tell his “potty behaviors.” For example, he might start pacing restlessly, sniffing at corners, or jumping on and off the bed, couch, or chair, if you happen to be sitting down. When you start to notice these signs, it is time to take the dog outside! If your dog goes inside before you can get him outside to do his business, then you should scold him – but only if you actually catch him in the act. Absolutely do not rub your dog’s nose in whatever he has done. All you need to do is go to him and stop him from eliminating, pull up on his collar, and tell him “No,” using a firm tone of voice. After this, take him outside to finish using the bathroom, and make sure to praise him when he does so. By learning these signs, you may even know that your dog needs to go out before he does. It is better to take your dog out during the same times every day, whenever it is possible. As you begin house breaking your dog, it is also a good idea to take him the same way. For example, if you began the process by taking your dog out of a side door to the back yard, keep that up whenever you can.

With dog training, you can even make it so that your dog will go to the bathroom when you say so. By saying a phrase like “Hurry up,” whenever he is using the bathroom outside, that will begin to be a trigger to your dog, and it will eventually teach him to go to the bathroom on your command. This can come in handy during the winter months! Again, always praise him after he has done his business outside.

Dogs do not understand words and speech like humans do, but they do understand tones. When training your dog in any way, make sure that all commands or admonishments are issued in a stern, firm tone of voice, while all praising is issued in a higher, happier tone.

It is also vital to be patient when house breaking your dog. Dog training will not work half so well if you are constantly losing your temper if your dog makes mistakes – and he will; there will be accidents. A lot of times, accidents are common during the night time, so make a habit out of taking your dog out once before bed.

House Breaking Your Puppy is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Professional breeders are always looking to raise the quality in a breed and for that they get to learn everything about a dog, they immerse into this dog breeding world, because it is actually the only way to stand out from the rest.

To start a dog breeding business you must first decide if this is for you, successful dog breeding businesses have more than just the sheer drive for money, so if you lack that love for animals, this may be not the best business for you.

Then you have to organize yourself, first by getting all the needed dog breeding supplies. The breeding business needs quality supplies if you want to give your dogs the best. This may not come in cheap. Among the needed supplies are blood test kits, gloves, multivitamins, pens and special formulated milk.

Another tool that can help you run a better business is a dog breeding programs, this type of software has everything you need to keep all tracks and needed information, it is really helpful, and saves a lot of time. Many companies give you a free trial.

Finally, starting a dog breeding business involves investing a time, money and energy on getting to know more about dogs, breeding, the breeding cycle, the proper way to choose a mate, etc. This in the long run will make you an excellent dog breeder much respected by your colleagues and clients.

Learn more about starting a dog breeding business, I invite you to visit GuidetoDogBreeding.com, where you'll find all the information you need to be a great dog breeder.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paolo_Basauri

Starting Your Own Breeding Business is a post from: Blog The Dogs

All a dog-breeding beginner needs, as far as dogs are concerned, are one or more fertile female dogs. But a good dog breeder, even a beginner, will naturally avoid dogs that have any major flaws. While it is not unusual for breeders to want their dogs to win championships and raise the value of future puppies, the chance for the breeder to network with people knowledgeable about the breed is more important. As your network widens, the chances of meeting another exhibitor having a dog that has traits that you are looking for to improve your dogs lineage. So you might get the opportunity to breed the two dogs and get top quality puppies.

Dog-breeding beginners who are seriously intend to breed dogs for many years, should choose a kennel name and register it with the American Kennel Club. You can choose the name of one of your puppies as the kennel name.

Get a kennel permit even if your state does not require it. A permit will be needed eventually and as the number of dogs increases, the neighbors could object and create problems later on. Get a permit as soon as you get the first dog or puppy.

The first breeding of a female dog should take place with a male dog belonging to an experienced breeder. Dogs do not fall in love at first sight and remain in heat only for a few days. Experienced breeders know how to introduce dogs and how to help them breed successfully.

Take the dog to the veterinarian for at least one prenatal visit after breeding is complete. Usually the vet or an x-ray can tell how many puppies may be expected. Collect all information related to birthing from the vet and be prepared because some dogs must deliver by C-section. Remember to make note of all prenatal vitamins to ensure the dog's good health.

Prepare a quiet spot for the dog as the delivery day approaches. Some of the items to kept handy are: whelping box, clean rags, heating pad. Also keep the vet's emergency number within reach. Either purchase a whelping box or make one, as it is easy. Be sure to put a small ledge in the box in order to avoid the accidental crushing of the puppies after delivery.

The hardest part comes after the delivery when you realize that those adorable little puppies will soon have to be sent to new homes of their own.

Get all of your dog information at http://yougodog.com

Copyright 2006 @ Ann Born http://yougodog.com

No part of this article may be reproduced in any manner without including the author’s bio.

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Beginners Guide to Dog Breeding is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Even if you do the grooming yourself, you can spend a lot at the pet stores for special dog soaps and shampoos and toothpastes and brushes and what not. There are all sorts of toys, care items, and luxuries for pampered pets, and the pet stores want you to buy them--for a small fortune.

But what if you want your dog to be clean and look good, and you don't have a lot of extra money to spend? You might be surprised at how many simple household items can be helpful in pet grooming and care. Here's a look at some specifics:

Baby Powder

Baby powder is one of those cool (and expensive) things that has a ton of uses around the house, and you can even dry-shampoo your pet with it. Vigorously rub a couple handfuls of baby powder into your pet's fur and let it set for a couple minutes. Then brush it out, and your dog will look and smell good.

Baking Soda

Here's another powder with a lot of uses. If your dog has been rolling in something he shouldn't and you can't get the odor out, you can use baking soda to freshen him up. As with the baby powder, just rub a few handfuls in his coat, and then give the fur a thorough brushing. It should remove the smell and also leave the dog's coat shiny and clean.

Baking soda can also be used to clean your pet's ears. If your pet is scratching the area a lot, it could indicate an irritation or ear mites. To ease the itch, or wipe out mites, douse a cotton ball with a solution of 1 teaspoon baking powder in 1 cup of warm water, and then gently wash the inside of the ears (okay for cats and dogs).

Dryer Sheets

If your dog comes in wet from an outing in the rain, try wiping him down with a used dryer softener sheet to get rid of that wet dog smell and leave him smelling as fresh as a newly washed batch of laundry.

Peanut Butter

If your pet stepped or rolled in something like tar or gum, it'll take more than shampoo to get that out of his fur. And if you have a short-haired dog, you don't have the option of simply cutting the clump out. Try rubbing some peanut butter on the spot; the oils will help work the sticky stuff free. The only hard part is keeping your dog from eating the peanut butter before it's done its work!

Tomato Juice

If your pet has a run-in with a skunk, that odor will stink up your whole house and cling to the pet for days. Fortunately tomato juice can help take care of that smell. Douse your pet with undiluted juice, avoiding the eyes, and let it set for a bit so the acid from the tomatoes can do their work. Afterwards, use soap or shampoo to wash it out of the fur.

With these household items, you can keep Fido looking good without spending a fortune!

The author is a pet owner and maintains a fun blog for pets and pet lovers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TC_Thorn

Dog Care and Grooming at Home is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Dog’s skin is very sensitive. The dog’s skin is shining, healthy and free from dandruff if it is taken proper care of. Its skin depends on the diet it has. Its skin will be in good condition only if it has correct weight. An underweight or an overweight dog may have health problems. Knowledge, precaution and proper attention will surely keep the dogs healthy. Regular vaccinations ensure dogs from getting affected from any infection. The most common disease is allergy in dogs. To keep them away from allergy the surroundings should be clean. A daily bath to a dog will make its skin lose its natural oils. It is advisable to give a bath at intervals or when you find them to be very dirty. They should be patted dry with a soft towel and their coat should be brushed with a soft brush. This will help the skin look shining and healthy.

Every dog has to taken for a regular checkup. Not only this, but one has to check its skin for insects. If so it should be cleaned and powdered by some medicated dog powder. It contracts any skin problem by the slightest change in temperatures. If it is too cold, its skin will turn dry. So it needs a warm condition to keep its skin healthy. Dogs should be taken care with patience, utmost attention and periodical checkups. Though it is not cheap to maintain a healthy dog, a periodical checkup is essential.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .

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Skin Care For Your Dog is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Nobody likes forking out $80 for a needless visit to the vet, but then again no conscientious dog-owner can bear to contemplate their dog's suffering, either! Frankly, it's a bit of a quandary.

I've owned dogs on and off my whole life, and this is still something that I've never been 100% comfortable with: of course, I'd always rather be safe than sorry (a viewpoint which has resulted in many, many unnecessary trips to the vet over the years, just to set my mind at rest) ... but I've also always wished for the kind of solid grounding in canine medical basics which would enable me to confidently decide for myself when my dog needs to see the vet - and when I can save both him and myself the hassle!

Stress-Free Dog Care

You can imagine the relief I felt when I happened across The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health (by Malcolm Fields - dog-care professional) on the Internet. It was uncanny: this guide is exactly what I was looking for. It's complete and detailed, covering all the common health problems (both serious and not) that dogs suffer from; the overall focus is on being prepared and taking preventative action; it teaches you how to accurately self-diagnose (with the assistance of step-by-step flowcharts which tell you whether he'll be fine by himself, whether he needs to see the vet, and how urgently the vet should be seen); and, while it's packed with knowledge and advice from veterinarians and trained dog-care specialists, it's easy on the eye and reader-friendly ... you can actually understand what they're trying to say!

In a nutshell, it's detailed (but not dauntingly so), comprehensive (covering all the common ailments and illnesses), knowledgeable (while retaining a conversational, easy-to-understand tone) and it gives you the kind of introduction to canine healthcare that'll allow you to take good care of your dog - without spending unnecessary time and effort trying to absorb the jargon of a veterinary textbook!

What's Actually Covered?

The book deals with all the common problems and ailments suffered by dogs. It covers issues like toothache and dental trouble, ear infections, skin rashes and chafing, eye irritations, worming issues, and lameness; chronic problems like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, asthma, breathing trouble, and liver problems; more severe issues like arthritis and cancer; and symptomatic "alerts" like hair loss, lethargy, and behavioral changes.

On top of that, you also learn how to pick up early warning signs by identifying and accurately interpreting your dog's body language; how to groom your dog quickly and effectively; how to take good care of his teeth and gums; how to administer medicine safely and easily; and how to recognize the early warning signs of health trouble through behavioral and physical changes.

All this information is fully supplemented by full-color diagrams, photographs, and illustrations.

My Favorite Part

While it's great to learn about canine anatomy and medical problems, the thing that I wanted to know more than anything else was: How can I tell how serious the problem is, and when do I need to take my dog to the vet?

So I was particularly happy to note the presence of the many and detailed symptom charts, which were designed especially to help owners make solid decisions about their dog's health-care. Each chart starts from the specific symptoms of a particular ailment (you just follow the "branches" of the flowchart, depending on the symptoms that your dog has) and tells you the recommended path of treatment for each one, as well as advising whether veterinary care should be sought - and if so, how urgently. Pure genius!

Something for Nothing

In addition to the fully-illustrated, 240-page guide itself, you also get a handful of tempting freebies: specifically, four bonus books.

There's "The Ultimate Guide to Dog First Aid", which is an incredibly useful resource for those situations requiring an immediate response (including how to perform the canine Heimlich maneuver and doggie CPR); "180 Gourmet Recipes for Your Dog", which really teaches you how to indulge your pooch's taste buds; "101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for Under $10", detailing all kinds of luxuries-on-a-budget and activities for you and your dog to enjoy together; and "20 Super-Healthy Recipes for Your Dog" - which proves that doggie health-food is as delicious as anything else! These books have a combined value of over $80 - not a bad freebie!

The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health: Summed Up

All in all, I couldn't be happier with this product. It's exactly what I was looking for - and even if I hadn't spent the last decade or so wishing for a book just like it, I think I'd still snap it up in a second: it's that useful.

This is an information resource that every responsible dog owner should have access to. Not only does it enable you to make good decisions about the more serious health issues commonly suffered by dogs, but you learn a lot about the minor, day-to-day ailments and afflictions that almost every dog will encounter from time to time, as well as a host of useful facts on preventative care.

This comprehensive guide to dog health will help you to spot little problems before they become big ones: truly indispensable.

Emy Atijera is an advocate and a volunteer of "Healthy Pets Make People Happy", an organization of more than 750 dedicated community members who come from all walks of life to donate thousands of hours of their time in helping thousands of animals in different areas of the Philippines.

http://www.peoplewithhappypets.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emy_D._Atijera

Dog Health: A Complete Guide is a post from: Blog The Dogs

A Picture of My Dog is a post from: Blog The Dogs

It may at first look like just another regular expense; that is until dog owners are face to face with the expensive vet bills after their pet has an accident or gets sick. With everything around us is costing more and more money everyday, it is not surprising that vet fees have also risen as well; of course the knock-on effect has been a rise in pet insurance premiums. That being said, policies are much more affordable than you might expect.

The rising cost of medicine is one point to consider but is there any others to consider? Unfortunately, animals become sick from time to time or are involved in an accident. This can happen at any time and usually does when you can least afford it!

If this situation should occur, sometimes unfortunate choices have to be made; you know that treating your animal will place financial strain on you.

Keeping your dog healthy is a large financial responsibility; when money problems occur, temporary or otherwise, this causes further worries. Been there, done that. The worst of it is when you realized you had an opportunity to make a different decision that would have changed it all.

Don't let it get to that point. Both you and your dog deserve that much, in the very least.

If you love your dog, it should have the best treatment you can afford; owners with pet insurance do not have these concerns because they have whatever treatment they need. A pet health insurance plan does not have cost the earth; for around 20-40 dollars per month cost of medical care is assured. Make sure you research the companies well before making a decision. You want to fully understand what is and what is not covered. You don't want to discover that in an emergency situation. This is for piece of mind, not to create more questions.

Some dog insurance providers can arrange pet health care policies to meet certain needs; perhaps to incorporate more than one pet on the same plan. If you are a dog owner then perhaps this article has given you something to think about. And with a bit of luck this information will have convinced you of the importance of becoming educated on having your pet protected.

Brandon James is the main writer for http://www.Pet-Insurance-Information.com, a pet insurance comparison and educational site and host of YouTube's most entertaining pet show, PlanetPetsTV - http://youtube.com/planetpetstv
Be sure to visit http://www.Pet-Insurance-Information.com to see the "easy to use" comparison chart of some of the top pet insurance plans available. In less than 10 minutes, you could have a total solution that works for both your pockets and your pet. Check us out today! Your pet will love you for it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_James

Health Insurance For Your Dog is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Before you jump into it, you need to know the right way to train your puppy. If you use the wrong approach, you could actually make your new puppy worse! If you would like a complete guide on how to train puppies, check out the link at the bottom of the page.

The following tips should help you get started:

1. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the process of rewarding good behavior. For example, if your puppy sits when you tell him to, give him a treat to reward him. If your puppy doesn't sit when you tell him to, then you should just ignore him. Eventually your puppy will figure out that siting is a good thing to do because he gets treats every time! Positive reinforcement is the main tool you will use to train puppies.

2. Do Not Use Force or Punishment

You should never use force or punishment to train your puppy. Sometimes, a new puppy will develop problems if he is being punished. They may become traumatized, aggressive, or stressed. All around, it is never a good idea to use force. Also, you should never punish your puppy right after he has followed a command. For example, if you call your puppy and then punish him, he/she will stop coming when they are called! They will assume that they are going to be punished when they come to you.

3. Use Consistent Commands

When you choose the commands such as "sit", "shake", and "heel", you need to always use the same ones! If you change the commands around, the dog will become very confused and will not learn what you want them to learn.

4. Understand your puppies emotions

If your puppy appears to be stressed, confused, tired, or anything else out of the ordinary, it's probably not a good time to be training. Choose good times to train your puppy for the most success. Also, puppies will be much easier to train when they are at least 8 weeks old. Any younger than that, and you will only confuse them.

5. Get a Complete Guide

For the greatest success in training your puppy, get yourself an easy to understand and comprehensive guide! There are plenty of choices available. You can even get guides that teach you by video so you can see how to train a puppy right on your screen! Check out the link below for more information on guides and how to get them.

How To Train Puppies - Guides: http://tyesinfo.wordpress.com/how-to-train-my-dog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Wales

More Tips to Teach Your Pup is a post from: Blog The Dogs

It can actually be dangerous for you to walk your dog if he is a really bad puller. I've seen people dragged down and hurt by how hard their dog pulls.

I'm going to share with you here some valuable tips on leash walking. Here they are:

Tip #1: Never try to walk a dog that has been cooped up all day.

If your dog has been lying around waiting for you, let him burn off some of his energy before you take him for a walk. Throw a ball, play tug-o-war, or do something to calm him down before the walk.

Tip #2: Use a gentle leader.

One of the best collars on the market is the gentle leader head collar. It works by controlling your dog's head. When you control the head you can control the body, much the same as a horse bridle is used. They really are great collars.

Tip #3: Teach him where you want him to be.

Your dog does not know that he is supposed to be walking on your side. Spend some time using a lure. Put a little piece of food in your left hand and hold it close to your dog's nose. Have him follow the lure; reward him every five or six feet. As he gets better, go for longer and longer periods.

Tip #4: Don't let your dog's opposition reflex kick in.

When you apply pressure, your dog will resist with counter-pressure. If you pull back on the leash, he will resist and pull harder...opposition reflex.

The secret to leash walking is always keeping the leash loose. Don't allow the leash to become tight.

Eric Letendre the author of The Amazing Dog Training Man invites you to visit http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for leading edge dog training tips, instructional video clips and articles that will help you train and understand your dog. You can also get free dog training updates with a free Smart Dog Newsletter subscription, available at http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Letendre

Walking Your Dog on a Leash is a post from: Blog The Dogs

Recently, I called to make a reservation at a hotel which advertises "pets welcome." After the agent was reading me the pet policy, I assured him that my golden retriever was an "older dog and very well-behaved." But then I added, "But you probably hear that from everyone."

We all think our dogs are well-behaved. And, many of them are. But you've seen the ones that could use a little more training.

Here are 7 basic techniques to consider when you are training your dog.

Bonding. Spending quality time with your dog creates a bond between the two of you. You must build a relationship with him by talking to him, talking walks, and playing.

Consistency. You must deliver specific, consistent messages to your dog. The commands you use to train, praise, and discipline him must be the same every time. When you first start training him, he should have only one trainer. Different people have different voice tone and body language, and this could confuse him and take longer for him to learn. After he learns the commands, then other family members should be taught how to deliver the commands to be consistent with your teachings.

Repetition. Dogs learn by repetition. Be patient - it may take numerous training sessions for your dog to learn the task and to respond automatically.

Praise. Always praise you dog when he responds correctly. You should give him praise immediately when he performs the desired task. Look directly into his eyes so that he makes the connection with your voice and touch. Praise him quickly by patting or rubbing him on the head. You can use treats as a reward, but alternate it with displays of affection so that he doesn't expect a treat every time
Session length. Keep the training sessions short and fun. Focus on quality not quantity of time. You both should look forward to his training sessions.

Voice and hand signals. Calling his name before you give him a command gets his attention. Sometimes a specific hand motion can be associated with a voice command. This can be useful if you want your dog to respond from a long distance. Eventually, you may be able to use just the hand signal.
Correction. For general corrective behaviors, you can use something to alarm your dog, such as a water pistol or a hand clap (or other sound). At the same time, say a loud "No!" or make an unusual, different sound with your voice such as "Ahhh!" Then redirect him with a command that may be easy for him, such as "Sit" or "Stay."

Most dogs want to please their owners. We must remember to practice patience, understanding, and love. If you practice these 3 things, you will be a success in training your dog.

And now I invite you to learn more about training your dog. Visit http://www.GoldenRetrieverpro.com for more information in all areas of caring for your dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Stinson

7 Tips For Training Your Pup is a post from: Blog The Dogs