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Basic Care and Maintenance for Your Pup's Pearly Whites

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Tue, 20 May 2008 07:13:00 -0700

Basic Care and Maintenance for Your Pup's Pearly Whites - By: Weston Lewis

Many people do not realize the importance of caring for their dog?s teeth. As dogs age, the need for dental care increases. The best way to ensure proper dental health for your dog is to start while they are very young.

Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog owner to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian is always going to need to examine your dog?s mouth and you do not want to have problems with this. The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you first get your pup. Make sure to touch the lips, open the mouth, and touch the teeth in a calm and relaxing way for about five minutes each day until your pup is used to being handled in this way. Make this a regular part of your interaction with your dog so he remains calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental care.

Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog?s teeth daily. Many manufacturers make special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You do not ever want to use human toothpaste on dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may want to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he shouldn?t mind this. You can then try a finger brush, available at your veterinarian?s office or pet supply store. Eventually, especially for larger breeds, you will want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will help prevent the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog?s teeth.

Another way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog?s teeth is by using rawhide chews specially formulated for dental care. Many companies manufacture these chews. One of the best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental health products. C.E.T. chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the buildup of bacteria. Also, the natural abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy. C.E.T. also makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.

Some companies also make special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.

Even with proper preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you follow through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through into the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.

A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning, however your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with today?s technology is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human medicine. A thorough exam will be performed to determine if any teeth need to be pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased teeth. After this, a trained member of the veterinary staff will perform a dental cleaning. First, they will scale the teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. This will be done with both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment. After this, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque from adhering to them. Most veterinarians will also do a fluoride treatment. This is to help strengthen the enamel and prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other intensive dental work. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infection.

It is very important to take good care of your dog?s teeth to keep them healthy and to prevent infections. Always follow your veterinarian?s advice and if you have further questions, consult your veterinary staff or pet professional.

Weston Lewis has been a dog trainer for the past twenty years. After running his own kennel for most of his adult life, he is now retired and sharing his knowledge on the Internet. Visit this site for more information: Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Animal Assisted Therapy: Can it help you?

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:08:00 -0700

Animal Assisted Therapy: Can it help you? - By: Weston Lewis

The term ?animal assisted therapy? is to be distinguished from the more familiar practice of ?animal assisted activities?, which refers generally to pet visitation at hospitals and residential care facilities.

Animal Assisted Therapy is part of a formal and carefully designed treatment program with specific and measurable objectives that matches one animal to one patient. Under the guidance of a trained medical professional, patients with severe mental and/or physical disabilities are encouraged to interact with a ?therapy dog? under the supervision of a trained dog handler. The patient?s interaction with the dog is increased gradually. Initially, the patient may merely observe the dog or touch it.

As the patient becomes more responsive and confident, activities may include brushing, attaching collars and even walking the dog. Progress records are maintained as milestones are met and exceeded.

Studies have shown that therapy pets motivate people to participate in therapeutic interactions. Dogs are not judgmental, they don?t hassle or pressure their partner and they have endless patience. Further, simply because they are animals and require
care, the patient grooming them or walking them is made to feel useful.

The benefits and expectations of animal assisted activities, or pet visits, vary according to the needs and conditions of the patients being visited. Pet visits are less formal; they do not follow a particular treatment plan or schedule and they are not usually set up on a one pet to one patient scenario.

Pet visits are common to hospitals, assisted living homes and nursing homes. They are often nothing more than a way to entertain people or to change their routine and brighten their day. On the other hand, when visited by a pet, some people who have basically shut themselves off from human interaction will begin to work their way back to reality. Apparently, the pet stirs emotions in them that have been lying dormant. Examples have been given where patients who have not spoken a word in over a year will begin to talk to the visiting dog.

Now that pet therapy has become a proven and documented reality, institutions are beginning to capitalize on this phenomenon with the ?resident pet.? This term refers to a cat or a dog that becomes a permanent resident of a particular facility and is usually given free run of the place. Each resident benefits from a proprietary interest in the animal and looks forward to assisting in its care. In some cases, a full course of therapy has been designed around the care and feeding of a resident pet. The residents meet to discuss what must be done and develop their own charts and schedules to accommodate the pet?s needs.

However, staff must be constantly on the alert to avoid problems of jealousy and feuds over the pet?s affections.

The attributes and characteristics that comprise a good visiting dog or therapy dog have more to do with temperament than training. Not to say that the dog will not need training in basic obedience, but that is normally sufficient except in extraordinary
situations. Patients and residents react to the dogs in a variety of ways. Some are effusive, some impulsive and others are shy. Therefore, the dogs must be ready for anything. It surely wouldn?t do for a dog to lunge away or growl if a patient makes a loud noise or reaches for them abruptly.

When selecting a dog for these purposes, you would not necessarily want an animal that is high strung or one that is too laid back to get up and socialize.

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of pet therapy. Pets have been used in treating AIDS patients, cancer patients, the elderly and the mentally ill. One study determined that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and another found that pets can reduce stress related illnesses. A study at City Hospital in New York noted that heart patients who owned pets lived longer than those without pets. Owning a pet was found to be more significant to long term survival than the presence of even a spouse or friends.

Pets make us feel good. They comfort us, allow us to be ourselves and give those of us that need it, a reason for living.

Weston Lewis has been a dog trainer for the past twenty years. After running his own kennel for most of his adult life, he is now retired and sharing his knowledge on the Internet.

Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Dog Training ? Dealing with Separation Anxiety

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:45:00 -0700

Dog Training ? Dealing with Separation Anxiety - By: Sallie McConnell

Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner?s property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members are away. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is important for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to deal with extended periods of separation.

How the owner leaves the house can often contribute to separation anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period of farewell can make matters worse by making the dog feel even more isolated when the owner finally leaves. These long types of farewells can get the dog excited, and then leave him with lots of excess energy and no way to work it off. These excited, isolated dogs often work off their excess energy in the most destructive of ways, such as chewing up a favorite rug or piece of furniture.
Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety, since results are often the same. If you think that excess amounts of energy may be the problem, try giving your dog more exercise to see if that eliminates the problem.

If separation anxiety is truly the problem, it is important to address the root causes of that anxiety. In order to prevent separation anxiety from occurring, it is important for the dog to feel happy, safe, secure and comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is important, for instance, to give the dog plenty of things to keep it busy while you are away. This means providing it with lots of toys, such as balls or chew toys. A pet companion is often effective at relieving separation anxiety as well. Giving the dog a playmate, such as another dog or a cat, is a great way for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the stress of being left alone.
Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the pet is given your undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom and separation anxiety. Playing with the dog, and providing it with sufficient attention and exercise, is a proven way to avoid a stressed and anxious dog. A happy dog that has been well exercised and well conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and patiently wait for the return of its owner. It is important to schedule one of these daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is important to give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime before you leave.

For dogs that are already experiencing separation anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him accustomed to your leaving gradually. Be sure to practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times during the day. Doing so will get your dog accustomed to your deparartures and help him realize that you are not leaving him forever. Dogs that have been previously lost, or those that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, often have the worst problems with separation anxiety. Part of treating this problem is teaching the dog that your leaving is not permanent.

Sallie McConnell has been a dog lover all her life. Her specialty is
puppy training. Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Advanced Dog Training Exercises

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Sat, 10 May 2008 05:51:00 -0700

Advanced Dog Training Exercises - By: Sallie McConnell

Coming when called is a vital skill that every dog must learn, both for its own safety and that of those around it. A disobedient dog that refuses to come when called could easily be hit by a car, get into a fight with another dog, or suffer a variety of other bad experiences. A well trained dog that comes when called can safely be taken out to play in the local park, at the beach, on the hiking trail, or anywhere else the owner and dog may wish to go.

Basic training to come when called is relatively easy and straightforward, and involves providing praise, treats and other perks when the dog does as his owner wants. After these basic come when called training exercises are mastered, there are a number of fun exercises that can be introduced to challenge the dog and pique its interest.

Making training into a fun game is one of the best ways to motivate dog and handler alike. It is easy for training sessions to become routine and boring, and it is important to keep them from degenerating into this state.

Before beginning any food based training exercise, it is important to make sure that the dog is properly motivated and ready to respond to treat based training. Testing the dog is simply a matter of taking a piece of his regular food and waving it in front of the dog?s nose. If the dog shows great enthusiasm for the food, it is ready to start the training. If not, it is best to wait until the dog is in a more receptive mood.

The treats that work best for treat based training games like hide and seek are cut up quarter inch or smaller pieces of chicken, cheese or liver. In other words, something your dog will love. It is best to use very small pieces to avoid overfeeding the dog during he training sessions.

One great game for you and another family member or friend to play with your dog is simply back and forth recall. This is a great exercise for teaching your dog to come whenever it is called by a member of the family. Dogs often learn to only respond to one person, and this can be a problem when other people are watching the dog. That is one reason why professional dog trainers always insist on working with the owner as well as the dog. A well trained dog must learn to respond to whoever is in charge, not just the owner or usual handler.

In the back and forth recall game, two or more people stand approximately ten yards apart, in a safe place like a fenced in yard. One person calls the dog and asks him to sit and say until another person asks the dog to come. When the dog responds to the command to come, it is rewarded with a treat. Most dogs respond wonderfully to this exercise and love playing this game. When playing the back and forth recall game, it is important that only the person who called the dog be allowed to give the dog a treat.

After the dog has mastered the back and forth recall game, the humans in the game can start to spread further out, thus turning the back and forth recall game into a fun game of hide and seek. The hide and seek game starts with two or more people in the center room of the house. Every time they call the dog to come, they spread out further away from where they started. As the game continues, one person will be at one end of the house, while another may be at the opposite end. What makes the hide and seek game so much fun for the dog is that he must seek out the person to get the treat, instead of simply running up to a person in plain sight. This type of seeking behavior appeals to many of the dog?s natural instincts. After all, dogs are naturally hunting animals, and seeking out food is second nature to them.

Sallie McConnell has been a dog lover all her life. Her specialty is
puppy training. Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Dog Training ? Reward Training Basics

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Thu, 8 May 2008 07:54:00 -0700

Dog Training ? Reward Training Basics - By: Sallie McConnell

Training with treats and other food based rewards is a great way to motivate your dog and speed the training process along. Most dogs are highly motivated by food rewards, and treat training using this kind of positive reinforcement is used to train all sorts of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants and even house cats.

Before you begin a treat based training session, however, it is a good idea to test the dog to make sure that food will motivate him through the session. Begin around the dog?s regular meal time by taking a piece of its food and waving it in front of the dog?s nose. If the dog shows an enthusiasm for the food, now is a great time to start the training. If the dog shows little interest, or none at all, it may be best to put off the training until another time. Don?t be afraid to delay the start of meal time in order to pique the dog?s interest in training. The advantages of proper training will far outweigh any delay in feeding.

It is generally best to get the dog used to regular feedings, instead of leaving food out all the time. Not only does free feeding encourage the dog to overeat and increase the chances of obesity, but a free fed dog may never be fully motivated in reward based training.

The come when called command
Once your dog has shown interest in the food offered to it, it is time to begin the training. Since you already got your dog?s undivided attention by showing it food, now is a great time to start. Give the dog a few pieces of food right away, then back up a few steps. While holding the food in your hand, so ?come here?. When the dog comes to you, praise him effusively and give him a few pieces of food.

After the dog is coming to you easily, add a sit command and hold the collar before you give the food. After the sit command is mastered, other commands, and even some tricks, can be added. Food based positive reinforcement training is the best way to teach a variety of important behaviors.

One good exercise is the sit, stay, come when called exercise. This exercise can begin with the owner walking the dog, then stopping and asking the dog to sit. After the dog is sitting quietly, the owner backs away and asks the dog to stay. Ideally the dog should continue to stay until called by the owner, even if the leash is dropped. At the end of the exercise, the owner calls the dog. When the dog comes to the owner, it receives food and praise from the owner. This exercise should be repeated several times, until the dog is reliably coming when called.

It is important to keep the training sessions short, especially in the beginning, to keep the dog from becoming bored, and from consuming its entire meal in the form of treats. After the dog has been responding regularly, the treats and food rewards can be slowly reduced. It is important to still provide these food rewards, but it may no longer be necessary to provide as many. After awhile, as well, it will not be necessary to give the dog treats every single time he responds as requested. In general, it should only be necessary for the dog to receive a food treat one out of every five times he comes on demand. The other four successes can be rewarded with praise and scratches.

Once the dog understand the basics of the ?come here? exercise, the basic exercise can be expanded, and many games can be created. These type of games can be great fun for owner and dog alike, as well as a great learning experience. Some off leash work can be introduced as well, but it is always best to start with the dog in a safe environment, such as a fenced back yard. For variety, you can try taking the dog to other safe environments, such as a friend?s house, a neighbor?s fenced yard or a local dog park. Try turning the dog loose in these safe places, and practice the come when called exercise. Always praise the dog extensively, scratch him behind the ears and tell him what a good dog he is. The goal should be to make coming to the owner a more pleasant experience than whatever the dog was doing before he was called.

Sallie McConnell has been a dog lover all her life. Her specialty is
puppy training. Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Dog Training ? the Basic Commands

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Wed, 7 May 2008 08:56:00 -0700

Dog Training ? the Basic Commands - By: Weston Lewis

There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems ? dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.

And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.

When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:

? Heel ? it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind
? Respond to the word No ? the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.
? Sit ? Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.
? Stay ? A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.
? Down ? Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.

A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner?s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.

In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dog?s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.

Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.

Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.

Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you ? the pack leader ? and your dog.

Weston Lewis has been a dog trainer for the past twenty years.
After running his own kennel for most of his adult life, he is now
retired and sharing his knowledge on the Internet.
Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Dog Training ? Keeping Your Dog Motivated

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Tue, 6 May 2008 07:56:00 -0700

Dog Training ? Keeping Your Dog Motivated - By: Sallie McConnell

Keeping the attention of a dog while training is not always easy. Dogs can be easily distracted, and it is important to not allow the training sessions to be sabotaged by boredom. Making training fun for the dog and the human alike is vital to creating a happy, well adjusted and well trained dog.

Providing random positive stimuli during the day is a great way to keep the interest of the dog. Doing things the dog enjoys, like walking in the park, riding in the car, and playing with other dogs, is a great way to keep the dog?s attention and reward him for small successes.

For instance, in order to reward the dog for coming to you, for instance, ask the dog to come to you, without giving any clues about a walk, a car ride, or other treats. After the dog has come to you and obediently sat down, attach the leash and start the reward. This can be either the aforementioned walk in the park, ride in the car, or anything else the dog likes to do.

Providing some kind of reward, whether a treat, a special outing, or just a scratch behind the ears, every time the dog does something you want, is a great way to keep your dog motivated. If the dog knows something great is going to happen every time he obeys your command, he will be motivated to please you every time.

Distraction training
When training any dog, it is important to not let distractions disrupt the training. The dog must be taught to ignore distractions, such as other people, other dogs, other animals and loud noises, and focus on what is being taught These types of distractions can even be used as rewards when training the dog to come when called.

For instance, if your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, whether in a local dog park or with the neighbor?s dogs, let him play freely with those other dogs. Then go into the park or yard and call your dog. When he comes to you, provide lots of praise, treats and other rewards, then immediately allow the dog to go back to playing with his friends. Repeat this several times and praise the dog each time he comes to you. The dog will quickly learn that coming to you means good things (treats and praise) and not bad ones (being taken away from the park).

If the dog does not master this particular type of training right away, try not to get discouraged. So called distraction training is one of the most difficult things to teach. Dogs are naturally social animals, and breaking away from the pack is one of the most difficult things you can ask your dog to do. Most dogs will be understandably reluctant to leave their canine companions, but it is important to persist.

Training the dog to come to you may require some creativity on your part at first. For instance, waving a favorite toy, or a lure, is a great way to get your dog?s attention and put the focus back on you. If your dog has been clicker trained, a quick click can be a good motivator as well.

Once the dog begins to get the hang of coming when called, you can begin to reduce and eliminate the visual cues and focus on getting the dog to respond to your voice alone. It is important that the dog respond to voice commands alone, since you will not always have the availability of a toy or other lure.

Sallie McConnell has been a dog lover all her life. Her specialty is
puppy training. Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Dog training - Leash/collar training

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Mon, 5 May 2008 08:47:00 -0700

Dog training - Leash/collar training - By: Weston Lewis

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders.

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training ? the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.

Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training ? the leash.

It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner?s body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

Weston Lewis has been a dog trainer for the past twenty years.
After running his own kennel for most of his adult life, he is now
retired and sharing his knowledge on the Internet.
Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

How Crufts became the biggest dog show in the world

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Sun, 4 May 2008 09:53:00 -0700

How Crufts became the biggest dog show in the world - Written by Isla Campbell

Crufts was named after its founder, Charles Cruft, who worked for a dog biscuit manufacturer and spent considerable time travelling to dog shows both in the UK and internationally. This allowed him to establish contacts throughout the world, as well as help him understand the need for higher standards in dog shows. This in turn led to Cruft promoting his first dog show in 1886, the "First Great Terrier Show", which featured 57 classes of dog and 600 entries from around the country.

Five years later, the first show named "Crufts" - "Crufts Greatest Dog Show" - was held at the Royal Agricultural Show in Islington. This was the first show where all breeds were allowed to compete, resulting in 2,000 dogs and almost 2,500 entries. This number rose with the close of the 19th century, with entries reaching 3,000 and including royal patronage from various European countries and Russia. The popularity of the show continued to grow until Charles Cruft's death in 1938.

Following Cruft's death, his widow continued to run the show for the next four years. However, the high demands of time and effort required to keep the show running eventually became too much for her and, in an effort to preserve the reputation of the show and her husband's work, she sold the show to the Kennel Club.

The first Crufts show held under the new owner occurred in 1948 and continued to grow in popularity with each passing year. In 1959, despite an increase in entrance fees, the show set a new world record with 13,211 entrants and, by 1979, the show had to be moved to Earls Court in London as the increasing amount of entries and spectators had outgrown the capacity of the previous venue, Olympia. Just three years later in 1982 the show had to be changed again due to its massive popularity, with the duration of the show being increased to three days. It was later increased to four days in 1987.

1991 saw Crufts celebrate its Centenary. The occasion was marked by another change of venue, with the show moving to its current home, the NEC in Birmingham. It was also this year that the Guinness Book of Records officially recognised Crufts as the largest dog show in the world with 22,973 dogs being exhibited in conformation classes that year. It is estimated that 30,000 dogs take part in Crufts every year with 150,000 human visitors attending the event.

In 2007, 153,000 spectators filled the NEC over the four days of competition, attending not only to see the finest breeds of dogs in the world but also to wander around the various stalls selling a vast array of dog related merchandise and advertising various pet related charities and pet insurance companies. Rather astoundingly, the popularity of Crufts has not diminished at all during its illustrious 117 years, with all signs indicating that it will continue to be the world's premier dog show for many years to come.

Article Source: www.ArticleBlast.com

About The Author:

Isla Campbell is an online, freelance journalist and avid traveler and pilates devotee. When not on the road she lives on the outskirts of Oban.

Dog Obedience: The Basics

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Sun, 4 May 2008 02:28:00 -0700

Dog Obedience: The Basics - By: Weston Lewis

Teaching basic obedience skills to a dog can be exciting as well as challenging. Having problems on where to begin? Start by doing your homework. A student can only be as good as his trainer, right?

The first lesson in obedience is to get your dog to pay attention to the commands. You want to start by calling his name and then using a keyword like ?watch? or ?look? afterwards. This way, he will associate the words to a command. Once you?ve got his attention, the lessons can begin.

You want your dog to be able to pay attention for a short length of time. Try keeping his attention by doing attention exercises. One example would be to hold a toy or dog treat in near your mouth and then give him the keyword command. Each time he takes the time to watch, praise him. The more you do this exercise, the more time he should be able to pay attention to you. Try getting him to watch for at least a minute. Let him know that he is doing a good job by rewarding him. Dogs learn best this way.

Because dogs have such short attention spans, they get distracted pretty easily. Choose a place that is free of other distractions such as other pets, children or loud noises. Training sessions should only last approximately 30 minutes tops. Usually, if you go over this time limit, the dog will get restless and easily distracted.

If your dog isn?t learning very quickly, you may become frustrated. Don?t take that frustration out on your animal. A few things to remember before starting your obedience lessons:

1) Never cause pain to your dog (this will cause him to shy away or become aggressive to you.)

2) If he begins to become distracted, change the tone of your voice (this doesn?t mean raising it)

3) Consistency can not be stressed enough (animals are like children, if you?re not consistent, they will become confused as to what is expected)

Teaching your dog basic obedience commands will make for a more obedient and more pleasant dog to be around.

The first command to start off with would be to sit. You must use the word sit while teaching him so that he can relate the word with the action. Start by gently pushing his backside down and saying the word ?sit.? Eventually he will catch on to the concept.

The second command is ?down.? Dogs can become pretty hyper when they get excited. Jumping up on their owner?s lap is usually how they express their excitement. If you have a big dog or have other people over, you might not want them pouncing about. When they jump up, tell them ?down.? Do not pet them or act excited to see them while they are on you. Continue to tell them ?down,? and even place their legs down if you have to.

Next is the command of ?stay.? This command is a good one to know especially if you have a rambunctious hyper dog. You can teach him stay, for example, by putting a treat or something desirable on the ground. As he moves toward it, tell him ?Stay.? Another good idea would be to put your hand up while saying the word ?stay.? When he begins to become obedient in this area, you can move further away from him. This will cause him to become more daring and he will probably take a step forward to see how much he can get away with. When he does this, continue to put your hand out and tell him ?stay.? He has to know that even though you are moving away, you can still see what he?s doing and expect him to continue to obey.

After you?ve mastered the stay command, you will move on to the come command. Once your dog has learned to sit and stay, he will need a command to know when it?s ok to get up and approach you. They may be a bit confused at first, but with a change in the tone of your voice, he will soon understand. Put a little excitement in your voice when saying the word ?come?. He will pick up on it. You might also want to pat your leg when you say come.

Stand is the last command to achieve. This is where your dog is allowed to get a little excited but not in a pouncing kind of way. When teaching your dog to stand, pat your hands on your chest and, once again, put a little excitement in your voice, so that he knows he?s aloud, under certain circumstances. He will begin to know the difference.

Teaching your dog basic obedience, if possible, should be taught as soon as you and your dog are ready. Remember be consistent with the commands and don?t forget to have fun!

Weston Lewis has been a dog trainer for the past twenty years.

After running his own kennel for most of his adult life, he is now

retired and sharing his knowledge on the Internet.
Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Crate Training is a kindness

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Sat, 3 May 2008 04:09:00 -0700

Crate Training is a kindness - By: Hope Saidel

All training starts with taking advantage of your dog’s natural inclinations to reinforce the behavior you want. The only place your dog will not, by nature, mess, is its sleeping place. Crate training works with your dog’s instinct - he never has the opportunity to be “bad.” -

Crate training is fairly intense for you. The rule is: if you are not actively paying attention to your dog, your dog is in the crate. Period. Even if you’re in the same room. If you’re not watching your puppy, it’s in the crate. If you think “caging” your dog is cruel, get over it. It’s worse for your dog not to know the rules of the house.

Crate training is not an excuse to ignore your dog for hours at a time. A puppy cannot go more than a couple of hours during the day without a “bathroom break.” If your dog learns to mess in its crate the behavior is very difficult to correct. It’s one of the biggest challenges when adopting strays or rescues from shelters. It can be done, but requires patience and dedication.

Dogs should be taken out at regular intervals; after meals, after naps and after play sessions. And “business” walks are not playtime. Put the collar and leash on, take the dog to a specific spot you want it to use for its toilet area, give your dog a command “go potty.” If it does, reward it with praise and cookies, say “good go potty.” Forget about public embarrassment. If you’re easily embarrassed, don’t get a dog. Of course you can use any words you want - a friend of ours used “hit it” with her dogs. She just had to be careful not to use the phrase under other circumstances.

Your puppy should also sleep in the crate, ideally in your bedroom. Dogs are social animals, they need to know their “pack” or family, is close by. If the dog wakes you in the night, take it out on leash. Give it 10 minutes to “do its business,” go back in, pop him in his crate, say goodnight and go back to bed. Don’t let the dog out by itself, even in a fenced yard. Again, this isn’t playtime.

As your dog learns what’s expected of him, the next phase is to keep the dog on leash, out of the cage. Tie the leash around a belt loop so that you can go about your daily routine with both hands free. Keep one eye on the dog. When you see his “gotta go” signals, drop what you’re doing and go. Some people are successful in hanging a bell on the doorknob. They ring the bell whenever they take the dog out. The dog learns, over time, to ring the bell when it has to go. Others teach their dogs to “speak” as a signal to go out.

Our dogs are always crated when we leave the house. At this point, they see us reaching for their crate toys (which we stuff with a little peanut butter or kibble) and run for their crates. We don’t necessarily even lock the crates, but they are available to the dogs at all times. It’s their “room,” a safe place they can always go to.

Just a note of caution and safety: never leave a collar or harness on your dog in the crate. It can get caught and cause problems.

Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club. Check out her blog: GollyLog.

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Ages for Training Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Fri, 2 May 2008 20:29:00 -0700

Ages for Training Your Dog - By: Brent Jones

There are more or less favorable ages for training a dog. Very young puppies are preoccupied with discovering their environment, but they are never too young to learn the basics. In general, puppies under 6 months will benefit greatly from their experiences with their brothers, sisters, and mother. This is when they learn the elementary “social graces”.

While they are learning from their siblings, you can take this time to teach the most basic element of training, trust. They are too young to concentrate on formal lessons, but they can acquire an understanding of your expressions of pleasure and displeasure through sights and sounds as you grow closer together. This is more of a time to bond, but they are always learning, and you can help the process along.

Most training schools and classes will not accept canine students less than 6 months of age, due to the teething process, another distraction. Also during adolescence, dogs, like children, tend to resist authority. Again while formal training may not be possible, you can still work with your dog and help him get through this difficult time.

Generally speaking, you can start to give a dog formal training with the best chances of success between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Small breeds and females, who mature earlier, can start sooner than large male dogs. Working dogs, such as guard or guide dogs are never trained before the age of 1 or 1 ½ years, while hunting dogs are taken out with well-trained older dogs when they are 4 or 5 months old.

There is no maximum age for starting to train a dog. You can teach an old dog new tricks as long as he lives. One of the best obedience competitors in history was a Dalmatian who started training at the age of twelve. The principle handicaps in training unschooled adult dogs are the need for unlearning bad habits, and the greater length of time it usually takes to establish the basic learning process in his undisciplined brain.

Author Bio:
Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest trends in pet supplies, dog accessories , dog clothes, dog collars, dog beds and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site for more information and products.

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Dog Obedience: The Basics

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Thu, 1 May 2008 09:40:00 -0700

Dealing With House Training Issues

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:33:00 -0700

Dealing With House Training Issues - By: Weston Lewis

The best house training uses the dogs own instincts to avoid soiling its bed to train the dog where and where not to eliminate. That is the basis behind crate training, in which the dog is confined to its crate in the absence of the owner, and den training, in which the dog is confined to a small area of the home. In essence, the crate, or the room, becomes the dog?s den. Dogs are naturally very clean animals, and they try their best to avoid using their dens as toilets.

This type of training usually works very well, both for puppies and for older dogs. Problems with this type of toilet training are usually the result of not understanding the signals the dog is sending, not being consistent with feeding times, or trying to rush the process.

While the house training process can be sped up somewhat by consistently praising the dog and rewarding it for toileting in the proper place, some dogs cannot be rushed through this important process. It is always best to house train the dog properly the first time than to go back and retrain a problem dog.

If the dog continues to soil the den area after house training, the most likely reason is that the owner has left the dog in the den for too long. Another reason may be that the den area is too large. In this case, the best strategy is to make the den area smaller or to take the dog to the toilet area more frequently.

If the dog soils the bed that has been provided in the den area, it is most likely because the owner has left the dog there for too long, and the dog had an understandable accident. Or it could be that the dog has not yet adopted this area as the bed. In addition, urinary tract infections and other medical conditions can also cause dogs to soil their beds. It is important to have the dog thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

One other reason for house training accidents that many people overlook is boredom. Dogs who are bored often drink large amounts of water and therefore must urinate more frequently than you might think. If you notice your dog consuming large amounts of water, be sure to take the dog to the established toilet area more often, and provide the dog with toys and other distractions to eliminate boredom.

Boredom is the root cause of many dog behavior problems, not only house training issues. Chewing and other destructive behaviors are also often caused by boredom and separation anxiety.

Other problems with house training can occur when the dog?s den is not properly introduced. In some cases dogs can react to the den as if it is a prison or a punishment. Those dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety, such as whining, chewing and excessive barking. It is important for the dog to feel secure in its den, and to think of it as a home and not a cage.

The best way to house train a puppy or dog, or to re-house train a problem dog, is to make yourself aware of the dog?s habits and needs. Creating a healthy, safe sleeping and play area for your dog, as well as a well-defined toilet area, is important for any house training program.

House training is not always an easy process, but it is certainly an important one. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so a well structured house training program can literally be a lifesaver for your dog.

Weston Lewis has been a dog trainer for the past twenty years. After running his own kennel for most of his adult life, he is now retired and sharing his knowledge on the Internet.Visit this site for more information:
Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Puppy Mills, Pet Stores, Shelters and Breeders

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:50:00 -0700

Puppy Mills, Pet Stores, Shelters and Breeders - By: Weston Lewis

What Are They and What Is the Difference?

There are many ways to acquire a new dog and some methods are definitely better than others. Puppy mills, pet stores, shelters and dog breeders are the most common sources of new pets for most people. Carefully examine the nature of each of these venues before buying a dog.

Puppy Mills

The term ?puppy mill? refers to any breeding facility that breeds dog for profit only. Very little attention is paid to the animals and breed standards are not held to. In the worst of the puppy mills, dogs are stacked up in cages, are underfed and given very little medical care. The dogs are continually bred, heat cycle after heat cycle, giving the female dog little or no time to recover before she is impregnated once again. The conditions under which these dogs are kept and bred often produce dogs with minor to major behavioral and medical problems. Not all puppy mills are large facilities. Even the ?backyard breeder? who breeds dogs only for profit and not for the benefit of the breed is considered by many to be a puppy mill. The prices you?ll pay to a puppy mill may be less than what you would have paid for a dog from a reputable breeder, but you may end up paying more in the long run anyway. Dogs from puppy mills are usually plagued with medical problems (resulting from a lack of proper medical care and malnutrition) that require an excessive amount of medical exams, shots and medication.

Pet Stores

No trip to the mall would be complete without a walk through the pet store, right? All of those cute little puppies, so excited to see you! It?s a miracle that anyone ever makes it out of a pet store without taking one of those cuties home with them. The animals from a pet store might appear to be well cared for and the store?s staff may vouch for the health and quality of their inventory, but the truth is usually something entirely different. The only source of dogs for today?s pet store is the puppy mill. No reputable breeder would allow his or her dog to be displayed and sold in such a manner, so what other kind of breeder is left?

Shelters

If you don?t really care about the breed of a dog and are simply looking for a companion animal, your local animal shelter is a great place to begin your search. Dogs of all ages and sizes are available. Many shelters allow you to play with a dog and spend some time with it before you make the final decision as to whether or not you want to adopt it ? they want to make sure the fit is just right! For an adoption fee, you?ll get a new dog that has been fixed, vaccinated and injected with a microchip.

Breeders

Reputable breeders are the best option if you?re looking for a purebred puppy. A reputable breeder is one who works for the benefit of the breed, not for profit and who cares where his or her puppies end up. Expect to be questioned about your plans for the dog and don?t be surprised if, after a conversation or two, the breeder decides that your home would not be the best one for their dog. If you are approved by the breeder, you will probably have to sign some sort of contract in which you agree to: immediately spay or neuter a dog bought for companion purposes only; notify the breeder of any medical conditions that the dog develops; notify the breeder if you have to get rid of the dog so that he or she can find it a new home; and, breed your dog (if that?s why you?re buying it) in accordance with breed standards. The actual contract might include other stipulations as well. This may seem a bit stringent, but the breeder is only trying to ensure the health and well-being of the animal. A pet you buy from a responsible, reputable breeder can be very expensive, but you?ll know that your new addition to the family is as healthy as he can be and free of genetic defects. Where do you find a reputable breeder? Once you decide on the breed that?s right for you, check with the relevant local and national breed clubs. They will be able to recommend a breeder in your area.

Weston Lewis has been a dog trainer for the past twenty years. After running his own kennel for most of his adult life, he is now retired and sharing his knowledge on the Internet.
Visit this site for more information: Dog Training Clinic

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

How to Choose a Dog Perfect for Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:44:00 -0700

How to Choose a Dog Perfect for Your Home - By: Lori S. Anton

Many years ago I read a book about how to choose a dog. The concepts in that book altered my life forever, because it changed the way I made pet selection.Instead of picking a puppy simply because it was cute, I learned how to choose a puppy
correctly. I put each puppy considered for adoption through certain “tests” in order to select the right puppy. One compatible with my family and home needs. The tests helped to reveal certain aspects of each puppy’s individual temperament and personality. Selecting a new puppy based upon test results instead of how adorable they were helped ensure that the adoption would be a happy and successful experience, both for me and the puppy. We would fit together like a glove!Things to consider Before Acquiring a New DogBefore choosing a new family dog, first and foremost one should consider the basics: where they live, home type, yard size, ages and temperament of family members, family lifestyle, and characteristics of that particular dog breed.For instance, a dobby or a Great Dane might not make the best companion for someone with a busy lifestyle who lives on the fifth floor of a high-rise apartment building in a one room kitchenette. As a rule, a family with small, active children might not be the best home in which to try and adapt a new pit bull. Larger, more active dogs like Labrador Retrievers and shepherds appreciate lots of yard space to exercise, while a small dog breed such as toy poodles and Yorkies would make sad guard dogs, banned to a dog house in the back yard.In addition to family, home, and location considerations some breeds of dogs, such as Irish Setters and Shelties, are generally considered higher strung then, let’s say, a Golden Retriever or Basset Hound – both breeds renowned for their “low key,” easy going temperament. And, generally speaking, breeds such as German Shepherds and Malamutes have naturally protective instincts that make them more suspicious of strangers.Another consideration is “why” a new family pet is being sought. Is it for adult companionship, or as a playmate for children and to help teach responsibility? Will the new family pet be trained as a hunting dog, or to provide protection as a guard dog? Once these type questions have been considered and certain sizes or breeds of dogs that do not “fit” family purpose and location needs omitted as candidates, you are ready to start looking for your new family pet.How to Choose a DogWhen it comes to selecting an adult dog, regardless of whether it is a purebred or a mixed dog breed, making the right choice is much simpler than it is for a puppy. What you see is basically what you get; size, appearance, temperament and personality. By spending a little time getting to know the dog, you can get a general idea as to whether or not that particular dog would fit into your family, adapt well to your lifestyle, or adequately meet your needs. How to Choose a Puppy Puppies are an entirely different matter. A puppy changes as it grows. But, whether you purchase a puppy from a pet store, licensed breeder, adopt a mixed dog breed from an animal shelter, or acquire one by responding to a newspaper ad, you can still pretty much determine which pup has the temperament best suited for your home. Do that by implementing one or more of the following tests:1.) Kneel beside the puppy. Calmly and gently stroke his chest with one hand while lifting his head to make eye contact. Once eye contact is made, stand and walk away. Does the puppy run after you, jumping up on your leg, nipping at you and demanding more attention? This might suggest a dominant personality. Does he merely sit and watch you walk away? If he does, this might indicate a more passive personality. A puppy that prances along side of you or follows you might be middle of the road – neither too aggressive nor too passive.2.) Kneel beside the puppy. Play with the puppy until he responds, then turn him over on his back. With one hand on his tummy, hold him down. What does he do? Frantically thrash about and nip at you? Again, this would suggest a more aggressive personality. Does he fail to resist at all? He is probably very passive. Or, does he struggle somewhat, then lay still once he realizes he can not free himself? This type puppy will probably grow to be “middle of the road,” and easier to train.3.) Kneel beside the puppy. Calmly stroke the puppy’s head and chest while lifting his head to make eye contact. Talk to him in low, friendly tones. While he is in the sitting position, have someone hold him in place while you walk about 8-10 feet away from him. Facing the puppy, kneel; call to him at the same time the person holding him in place releases their grip. What does he do? Does he lung toward you and jump up on you and nip? Does he run to you, slowing down as he nears, without jumping? Does he approach hesitantly, or with his head down and his tail between his legs? Or, does he fail to come to you at all? Each response reveals to you something about that puppy’s level of aggression or passiveness.Making a Wise Selection Based on Test ResultsIf you seek a well rounded family pet, one that will be both a companion for adults and a playmate for children, as well as provide protection around the home, a “middle of the road” response is what you should be looking for.An all adult household looking for a canine family member for the main purpose of providing protection might want a puppy responding on the aggressive side. More passive responses might be good in a puppy obtained as a playmate for small children. However, totally passive responses most likely indicates the pup will grow into a more difficult dog to train, requiring extra patience, and will be more easily intimidated by people and other dogs.Temperament, Plus Size, Plus ExpenseBesides temperament, the dog breed size is an important consideration. Based upon where you live, the size and type home you have, and available yard space, decide whether a small dog breed or large breed would make a better choice. Is having a purebred dog important, or would a mixed dog breed – usually considered a great all around family dog – fit your needs?Lastly, but equally important, is expense. This includes the cost of the dog, costs of food and other dog products, and other expenses associated with owning a dog. This includes, but is not limited to, grooming costs, kennel costs, training costs, and veterinary and vaccination costs. A dog breed such as a poodle will require regular clipping, because their fur grows and doesn’t shed. Larger dogs require not only more space, but eat larger amounts of food, as well. And certain breeds of dogs are more likely to develop health complications than other breeds. The choice is yours. Now that you know how to choose a dog and how to choose a puppy, it is time to start looking for you new canine family member. Select one you can afford, with the best qualities and temperament for your home and family, and bark at your success!© 2006 Lori S. Anton, Writers Write NowLori S. Anton is a published writer with 30 yrs. experience, and founder of Writers Write Now, providing unique content, SEO content, and free content. With a passion for creative writing, Lori has learned to exploit the effectiveness of engaging titles, crafting interesting content that holds the reader's interest. She resides in Wyoming with her husband, Jeff, and diabetic canine darling, Muffy. Click here for Lori's free content.

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Getting a Puppy? Make the Right Choice

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:50:00 -0700

Getting a Puppy? Make the Right Choice - By: Nikola Marshall

We all love a sweet, cuddly-faced puppy. Who wouldn’t? But those little bundles of joy grow up and we must make an informed decision in order to have a happy household.

Each breed of dog has its own set of characteristics and quirks. These can either be endearing or run us batty, depending upon our own personalities. Small dogs can be yappy and are often like small children. Some breeds, like the Saint Bernard, are “wet mouth” dogs. This means they have a tendency to drool—a lot! Other breeds tend to be diggers, swimmers and climbers. Working and herding breeds are very intelligent and will need “jobs” to keep them occupied.

Where do you live? If an apartment is your home, you certainly don’t want a large dog. It would need more space for exercise. A small breed is perfect for you. Think Boston Terriers, Maltese, and Chihuahuas. A mid or large size dog is great if you have a large fenced-in yard. Consider Boxers or Shetland Sheepdogs. If you reside in the country with plenty of space, any large breed would benefit. Choose Border Collies, Great Danes and Australian Shepherds. Make sure your dog has plenty of room to exercise. And please keep them safe! A dog running loose in the city is hazardous for the dog, people and traffic.

How much time do you have for your puppy? Some dogs are great at occupying themselves, while others need constant supervision. Know what you can offer. You will get back from the relationship what you give to it.

Is your heart set on a purebred dog? Mixed breeds are a joy and often have fewer health issues. Your local newspaper will often have quite a selection of mixed breed dogs and the local animal shelter shouldn’t be overlooked.

These are but a few considerations you should think about when adding a puppy to your household. And but a very few breeds. Use these guidelines, add some of your own. The more thought you put into this important decision, the happier you, and your new puppy, will be.

Article Source Dog News Center and Article Directory

Choosing a Suitable Dog - One that fits your lifestyle.

noreply@blogger.com (topdogs) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:08:00 -0700

Choosing a Suitable Dog - One that fits your lifestyle. - By: Marion Herbertson

Choosing a suitable Dog? Large or small - active or couch potato - longhaired or short - with the myriad of options out there, how in the world do you pick the right dog?

Will a large dog be best - or a small one? Do you have children? Do you have other pets? Choosing a suitable dog raises so many questions, but choosing the perfect family dog is one of life's big bonuses. Dogs make brilliant companions and wonderful family pets - if you get the maths right! Making the wrong decision results in heartbreak for yourself and your family - and yet another unhappy or abandoned dog.

Choosing a suitable dog for your family is a major decision and there are ALL SORTS of things to consider. Will a dog fit your lifestyle? Will you have the patience to cope with a puppy ? Or would re-homing a mature dog be best for your family? If you do decided to go the puppy route - are you prepared for sleepless nights, puddles in the most unexpected places, not forgetting chewed up family heirlooms?

However, with a little bit of help, picking the perfect family dog can be a breeze if you do your research and remember the following basic points -

What TYPE of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Simply put, the type of dog that will fit your lifestyle largely depends on the type of lifestyle you have.

Are you an active, outdoors type of person? You will probably enjoy a medium to large, active dog which needs regular exercise and can join in all your fun. If, however you lead a more sedate lifestyle, a smaller, calmer dog would be suitable and more appreciative of your calm lifestyle.

Space is also an important consideration. Some large dogs need plenty of space whilst small dogs do quite well in flats and apartments.

What BREED of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Once you've decided what "type" of dog will best suit you, you can now work out the breeds which fit the bill. Dog breeds differ from each other as much as night does from day - this is why research is an absolute must.

Do take time to check out the breed AND the breeder thoroughly. Your dog's temperament is decided primarily by his breed and breeding and only then by human conditioning and training. However, when he is under pressure or provoked, it is almost always your dog's breed and breeding that will win - do bear this important fact in mind.

Other Factors to Consider
When choosing a suitable dog, don’t forget to take into account the cost of looking after a dog. Consider, for example, a dog's grooming needs - ie: shorthaired or longhaired? If you go for a longer haired breed, you need to factor in the additional cost of time and/or professional grooming.

In addition to the usual expenses such as food, vet bills, annual vaccinations and insurance you also need to consider the care of your pet while you're on holiday . Believe me, this can be expensive! More dogs than you care to imagine end up in a dog shelter or worse still on doggy death row simply because their owner had not considered these cost implications.

Last by not least, what type are you?
Well ...... choosing a suitable dog largely depends on your own personality. After all, it's no point picking a dog which is the life and soul of the party if you're the retiring type. Nor is it much fun choosing a dog which matures early and becomes all "dignified" - when what you thrive on is regular rough-and-tumble sessions! Yet another reason for you to do your research thoroughly.

So, do your research at this stage - there is a lot to be considered when choosing a suitable dog. Read as much as you can - and take your time. You'll find a dog which settles into your lifestyle so comfortably, you wont remember a day when he wasn't there - and even if you do, you’ll wonder how in the world you managed without him!

With years of experience in breeding, training and handling dogs, Marion Herbertson is first and foremost a dog lover. Visit http://www.advice-on-pet-care-and-pet-product-supplies-online.com/Choosing-A-Suitable-Dog.html - for more of her practical, sometimes humourous advice on pet care.

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