DOG GUIDE

Move Over, Doggie Bag

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:11:00 +0000

Move Over, Doggie Bag

By: Bob Bassett

-->Pets and pet lovers alike will enjoy a dog gift basket. It's a truly unique gift that lets someone know that you understand how special their dog is to them. Your own furry friend will be delighted with the treats and toys, too. Dog gift baskets come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. Baskets just for pets include treats and toys, and may also include bedding, dishes, or clothes. The treats may be name brand dog treats or in some cases, gourmet dog cookies or homemade treats. If you give your pet gifts during the holidays, this is something you can both enjoy.For a pet and owner, a dog gift basket with something for each is a good choice. If you know someone that positively dotes on their dog, this can be a great Christmas gift or a nice thank-you to your veterinarian for a job well done. Often, pet-themed gift baskets include a mug or other item for the owner, a toy for the dog, and treats for both.Dog gift baskets come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. Small baskets can be had for under $10. Larger baskets, of course, go up in price. Many online retailers offer customized dog gift baskets, as well, including your selection of treats and toys. When selecting a dog gift basket, remember the size of the animal. A tiny poodle or chihuaha would have a hard time with an extra large bone. Likewise a large dog may complete destroy a toy sized appropriately for a small dog.Pets are playing a role of ever-increasing importance in their people's lives. Where once animals were once a necessity and tool, now they are companions and friends to many people. Recognizing that someone's pet is an important part of their life let's someone know how important they are to you. A dog gift basket is a great way to say that.

About the Author: Bob Bassett is the owner of Unique Gift Baskets Online which offers a wide selection of gift baskets for any occasion including baby gift baskets, food gift baskets, wine and corporate gift baskets. http://www.uniquegiftbasketsonline.com/

Dog Training Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:02:00 +0000

Dog Training Secrets

By: Hannah Spencer

-->Every dog and every dog owner has his or her own unique dog training challenges. Each breed of dog has a different temperament as does each individual dog. And dog owners are no different. Despite the differences, there are some basic things in common for training all dogs.No matter why you have a dog, he should at least have some very elementary dog training. No one wants a dog who isn't housebroken, who runs away or into the street, who won't sit, come or stay when you want him to. Both you and your dog will be happier with a little common ground on obedience training.One of the first things to take into account when dog training is that dogs are programmed for a world of leaders and followers. You have to be the leader in your relationship. Signs of a leader are absolute consistency. Know what you want your dog to do and keep that constant from day to day and training session to training session. Don't shout. That is a sign that you have lost control. And keep your dogs attention focused on you during the entire training session.Attention is the second important thing to keep in mind for dog training and one of the hardest to maintain. It has been said that ninety percent of dog training is getting and keeping his attention. Dogs are very much like small children and have short attention spans. Keep training sessions short - 20 minutes is fine, or even a couple of 10 minute sessions. Work with your dog in a quiet environment that is free of distractions. Talk to your dog in a quiet voice. Use his name and explain what you want him to do. He may understand no more than, "Blah blah blah, Toby", but your voice will keep him focused in your direction.Experts have found that positive dog training is more effective that a system of rewards and punishment. A dog who looks forward to training sessions as fun and full of rewards is a dog who will learn faster and better. Reward accomplishments with treats or words of praise or pats. As your dog learns new skills, you can reward him for each step along the way. If he doesn't respond the way you want, rethink what you are asking him to do and how you are asking him to do it. What worked as a dog training method for one dog may not work as well for the next. Your dog may need to review some more basic dog training lessons before going on to new lessons. Rather than punishment, a stern NO, blocking a movement with your hands, or withholding rewards when he doesn't perform, and remaining consistent are the best ways to encourage your dog to exhibit the behavior you want. Remember that it is in his nature (as well as yours) to want to test limits and see how much he can get away with. Consistency in dog training and rewards are what get positive results, not punishments.Dogs are very much like us. They want to follow a leader they respect. And dog training is just like school. They like to do things that are fun and make them feel good, where they get rewards for accomplishing what is asked of them. And they want the same thing their owners want, a happy and safe relationship.

About the Author: Hannah Spencer - This is only the beginning for training your dog. Learn more Secrets for Dog Training by visiting: http://www.dog-training-for-you.com/

How to stop the chewing problem

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:25:00 +0000

How To Stop The Chewing Problem

By: Amy Howells

-->Many people have begun the task of getting there dog or puppy into a dog training school. There are a lot of aspects that are gone over in dog training classes. Unfortunately, one part of dog training that is not gone over very well in dog training classes is chewing.It is hard to go over a chewing problem in dog training classes because dogs often have nothing to chew on or destroy while in the class! If you are one of those people who are in dog training classes, but you still need help with chewing, please read on.This type of dog training can be for dogs young and old. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies. But older dogs have been know to need this type of dog training because they love to chew things up while their owners are away!To begin this type of dog training, you must first realize that all dogs chew. Dogs need to chew. So when you begin, make sure you have several things that are ok for your dog to chew on. Then begin your dog training by keeping all of your dogs chewing toys in one location.This way, your dog will learn to associate this spot with his or her chew toys. You must do this in order for this type of dog training to work. Try to have the dog toys in a "toy box" for your dog.During this dog training, never spank or hit your dog if you catch it chewing on something it is not allowed to. Instead, for effective dog training, praise your dog and pet it when it chews on what it is supposed to chew on.It has been shown that dogs respond much better to positive praise and positive dog training. If the dog continues to chew on things that it shouldn't, verbally reprimand it. Your tone of voice will be enough punishment and is the only punishment necessary for this kind of dog training.Another method of dog training you can try is to put a taste deterrent on the items your dog shouldn't chew. This Dog Training chew deterrent is called "bitter apple" and it is available at most pet stores.These are the most effective means of dog training that will teach your dog not to chew on inappropriate things. If you follow all of these aspects, your dog training should go more smoothly.Dog training can be a fun and rewarding experience...as long as all of your favorite things aren't chewed up in the process! Keep calm and be patient to achieve good results.

About the Author: Amy Howells is an expert dog trainer who runs a website dedicated to teaching people how to train their dog or puppy in just 21 days. Visit http://www.dog-owner.net/training.htm for more info.

Dog Care: 6 Easy Steps for a Terrific (and safe) Romp in the Woods

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:48:00 +0000

Dog Care: 6 Easy Steps for a Terrific (and safe) Romp in the Woods

By: ONeal Hendrix

Leaves are falling and paws are crunching in the parks....
What a beautiful time of the year to get out with your canine companion and enjoy the crisp, cool air, frolic in the falling leaves and take in the visual splendor of nature. A walk in the woods can be an exhilarating experience for you and your dog, especially if youll take a moment for some basic dog care preparations. Minimize surprises and emergencies by following these simple steps.
I dont know about you, but I will drive hours to find a place where the dogs can run free in nature. We all love it and often spend the whole day in the mountains together. Ive developed a list of easy dog care to-dos to ensure we have a great time and arrive and leave together safely.
I recommend the following items for your outdoor adventures:
1. Orange vests for you and your dog
This may sound like overkill, but I recently had an experience with my dogs that scared me. I was out in the woods with my dogs when I heard shots fired not far from me. I couldnt see my dogs and terror ran through me. Immediately I realized we were not prepared for the hunters. Bright colored vests would have helped the hunters know we were not deer, and please dont shoot us. Every year you hear the stories of accidental shootings. Dont be the next casualty -- don your orange vests!
2. Current dog tags on collars
Keeping a collar and current dog tags on your dog helps others get him home if you get separated. One thing I have recently done is change the dog tags to read "I must be lost. Please call Mom. (xxx) xxx-xxxx". This gives all the pertinent information, yet doesnt provide information for an easy abduction. I dont want someone to know my babies' names, which might lead the dogs to believe the stranger is a friend.
3. Foot and body check during and after the outing
I check my dogs paws and body frequently to remove the debris from the fall season -- gum balls, seeds, burrs, rocks, thorns, pine needles, and leaves can add up to irritation or lameness.
4. Fresh water and a bowl
If I can help it, I dont let my dogs drink standing water. I carry fresh water instead. I have had to deal with stomach problems in the past from bacteria in standing water. Carrying your own water is a small thing, but doing it can prevent lots of pain and suffering, a vet bill, and a 10-day supply of antibiotics.
5. Towels
I love towels, lots and lots of towels. To me, dropping dirty towels in the washer is much easier and less smelly than detailing a car or working to get that horrible wet, dirty dog smell out of fabric and carpet in my truck.
6. Whistle -- long range
Lastly, I whistle-trained my dogs. If we do separate, a blow on the whistle has them running to me. Chances are, they dont like not being able to see me and will be happy to have me back in their sights. I highly recommend the ACME whistle that sounds from 2-5 miles. Get it on a lanyard and carry it with you.
These 6 simple steps can make your outdoor trip so much more enjoyable, for you and your dogs. And paying attention to the basics in dog care shows your dog just how much you love her.
Happy hiking!
Article source: ArticleWorld.net Free Articles

The Intelligent Way To Eliminate Your Puppy Biting Behaviors

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:15:00 +0000

The Intelligent Way To Eliminate Your Puppy Biting Behaviors

By: Jonathan Cheong

Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting time. Introducing the new puppy to the family should be fun for both yourself and your puppy. One of the first challenges, however, to the excitement of the new puppy, is curbing inappropriate puppy behaviors.Preventing biting and mouthingBiting and mouthing is a common activity for many young puppies and dogs. Puppies naturally bite and mouth each other when playing with siblings, and they extend this behavior to their human companions. While other puppies have thick skin, however, humans do not, so it is important to teach your puppy what is appropriate, and what is not, when it comes to using those sharp teeth.The first part of training the puppy is to inhibit the biting reflex. Biting might be cute and harmless with a 5 pound puppy, but it is neither cute nor harmless when that dog has grown to adulthood. Therefore, puppies should be taught to control their bit before they reach the age of four months. Puppies normally learn to inhibit their bite from their mothers and their littermates, but since they are taken away from their mothers so young, many never learn this important lesson. It is therefore up to the humans in the puppy's life to teach this lesson.One great way to inhibit the biting reflex is to allow the puppy to play and socialize with other puppies and socialized older dogs. Puppies love to tumble, roll and play with each other, and when puppies play they bite each other constantly. This is the best way for puppies to learn to control themselves when they bite. If one puppy becomes too rough when playing, the rest of the group will punish him for that inappropriate behavior. Through this type of socialization, the puppy will learn to control his biting reflex.Proper socialization has other benefits as well, including teaching the dog to not be fearful of other dogs, and to work off their excess energy. Puppies that are allowed to play with other puppies learn important socialization skills generally learn to become better members of their human family. Puppies that get less socialization can be more destructive, more hyperactive and exhibit other problem behaviors.In addition, lack of socialization in puppies often causes fearful and aggressive behaviors to develop. Dogs often react aggressively to new situations, especially if they are not properly socialized. In order for a dog to become a member of the community as well as the household, it should be socialized to other people, especially children. Dogs make a distinction between their owners and other people, and between children and adults. It is important, therefore, to introduce the puppy to both children and adults.The best time to socialize a puppy to young children is when it is still very young, generally when it is four months old or younger. One reason for this is that mothers of young children may be understandably reluctant to allow their children to approach large dogs or older puppies. This is especially true with large breed dogs, or with breeds of dogs that have a reputation for aggressive behavior.Using trust to prevent bitingTeaching your puppy to trust and respect you is a very effective way to prevent biting. Gaining the trust and respect of your dog is the basis for all dog training, and for correcting problem behaviors.It is important to never hit or slap the puppy, either during training or any other time. Physical punishment is the surest way to erode the trust and respect that must form the basis of an effective training program. Reprimanding a dog will not stop him from biting it will simply scare and confuse him.Training a puppy not to bite is a vital part of any puppy training program. Biting behaviors that are not corrected will only get worse, and what seemed like harmless behavior in a puppy can quickly escalate to dangerous, destructive behavior in an adult dog.Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com/Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

Dogs in the Hood

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:18:00 +0000

Dogs in the Hood

by Gerald Cormier

With the cold weather here, its time for the warm clothes to come out and the fall /winter fashion lines. Definitely the case with pet fashion as well. Dog coats, sweaters, and even scarves and boots are hot commodities.
If you're looking for the hipper cooler trends in the dog fashion world you can't beat Hip Doggie. They're always a dog fashion leader and this year's fall winter line is no exception. Lots of cool new looks for the coolest canines.
A hot fashion pick for fall this year is the dog hoodie. Hoodies are a great way to stay warm in the winter for you and your little dog. Our Shih Tzu Suzy loves her hoodies in the wintertime . They're soft and comfortable and the hood keeps her ears warm.
Hoodies are a Hip Doggie staple and this year's new fall/winter selections have never been better. There's a great selection of styles, colors and cuteness. Suzy's favorites include the Snow Bunny Sweater, Chuck-T Dog Hoodie, and the Super Soft Love Dog Hoodie.
Lets start with a winter favorite, the Hip Doggie Snow Bunny Sweater. The hooded dog sweater is warm and cuddly enough to keep any little dog warm in winter. Woven textured material and thick fur trim around the sleeves and hood see to that. The knit floral fabric design is gorgeous and the soft white fur trim is made for winter weather.
Our Shih Tzu Suzy loves hers. She digs it out whenever we get snow, unfortunately for her that's not often in Atlanta. She's still barking about our next ski trip. Hip Doggie also offers a brown knit hooded sweater with a bit of a stronger pattern that's perfect for the male dogs out there.
Next up is Hip Doggie's Super Soft Love Hoodie. This dog hoodie is definitely for the cute and cuddly puppies out there. Pink with black strips and a cute as a button love insignia. It's even reversible to black with pink stitch for those days you want something a little different
Then there's the material, soft as cashmere, what more could a little dog want? We try not to ask our little dog that unless we have a lot of time to spend. She definitely loves this hoodie though. Its like a favorite sweatsuit. Perfect for lounging around the house, walking around the block, and playing with her favorite Frisbee.
Last up is Hip Doggie's chic Chuckie T Hoodie. This dog hoodie is for the sporty dogs out there. Great for the fall season the hot orange color is great for those night time walks. A pompom hood add to the cuteness factor and the cool runner insignia gives the jacket a definite hip factor. Not a top for a shy dog I wouldn't think. Fortunately Suzy doesn't have that problem. She's actually asking for matching neon sneakers now, but that's for another article.
Hip Doggie's fall/winter line has lots for the non hoodie lovers also. Items like the Bite me Dog Turtleneck will keep your dog warm without a hood and the cute sophisticated Audrey dog coat is a great fashion pick. So hoodies or not, this fall/winter season "Hip" is definitely the way to go.

About the Author
Gerald Cormier is the owner of The Shih Tzu Store , a pet boutique specializing in small dogs. Stop by and browse our huge dog hoodie and sweater collection and see our entire line from Hip Doggie .

Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 00:01:00 +0000

Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race

By: Ron Richards

Known as the "Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World," the annual Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race annually covers over 1,000 miles between the Yukon and Alaska. Alternating starting and finish lines between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska, this sled dog race is not for the faint of heart! The terrain is some of the most difficult on the planet and the demanding trail constantly keeps sled dogs and their mushers on their toes as potential disasters wait around every turn. This race takes place each February, with the date exact date wavering depending on the weather conditions of the brutal Yukon winter.The trail for the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race is as historic as the sport itself. Originally part of the original Gold Rush trail and the Mail Delivery trails dating back to the turn of the Twentieth Century, the trail is steeped in lore. Most of this trail cuts through untouched wilderness, thought to be some of the last on the entire continent. Lasting approximately two weeks, the mushers enter the race with his or her 14 dog sled team, striving to reach Fairbanks first. The field is diverse and features entries from all over the world, but all the entries have one thing in commonthey came to win!If you find yourself in the great state of Alaska or in the beautiful territory of the Yukon this February, do not miss an opportunity to attend the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Individuals of all ages are sure to enjoy this unique experience and will remember seeing the running dogs, hearing the crunch of snow, and feeling the overall air of excitement for years to come. Whether you send off the competitors in the tiny town of Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon territory or welcome the heroic mushers and sled dogs into lovely downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, there are many opportunities to see this race. Many of the race's checkpoints are accessible by major roadways, allowing visitors from all corners of the globe to experience this race first hand. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at a major dog sled race. This race requires a whole crew of individuals to work diligently while the competitors fly over snow banks. From veterinarians to care for the sled dogs to doctors to care for the mushers to talented chefs to provide all competitorsboth animal and humanwith quality food, it truly takes a village for the event to get off the ground.Make a trip to Alaska to experience the nonstop action and excitement of the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Bring the entire family to cheer on all the competitors and watch as one talented musher and his (or her!) sled dog team crosses into Fairbanks first to be declared victorious!About The Author: A lifelong Alaskan, Ron Richards invites you to come and see Alaska. Consider visiting Alaska to experience unique adventures. A great way to see Alaska is by taking an affordable Alaska Cruise. Visit http://findanalaskacruise.com/.

Dog Training: When To Reprimand And When To Reward

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 16:48:00 +0000

Dog Training: When To Reprimand And When To Reward
By: Amy Howells

There are a lot of things people have to remember when they start dog training. There are a lot of different dog training techniques to try.Some of these dog training techniques work, while other dog training techniques seem to work against you. With so many different aspects of dog training, it is hard to know what techniques work the best.One of the biggest things that often confuse people with regards to dog training is when to reward your dog and when to reprimand your dog. If you have trouble deciding when to do which, please read on.Most dog training course instructors will tell you that positive dog training is the best technique to utilize. Unfortunately, there are some instances when you do have to reprimand your dog.Reprimanding your dog should not happen often, as dogs respond better to positive reinforcement used in dog training. Before you learn when to reprimand your dog, you should first learn when to reward your dog.You should reward your dog any time your dog does something it is supposed to during dog training. This can be when it sits, stays, eliminates where it should, fetches, etc.The reward you use during your dog training can be many things: praise, kind words, tummy rub, pat on the head, or a treat.Dogs learn very quickly from positive dog training. Dogs tend to want to make you happy and this is why they do so well with this type of dog training. However, be sure you never reward bad behavior.Reprimanding is a type of dog training that should not be done unless necessary. This can be when your dog jumps, eliminates in the wrong place, barks, growls, pulls on a leash, destroys something, etc.You must only reprimand your dog if you catch it in the act of doing something wrong.Otherwise, your dog will not realize what it did. The reprimand used for this dog training should be a quick, sharp "no" or "bad dog."Your tone should be angry, but remember to be short and quick. If you constantly do this, your words will end up being ignored by the dog. Never spank, hit, or constantly scold your dog. This will only lead to more problems in the future.These are all of the important things you need to focus on when determining when to reprimand or reward your dog during dog training. Remember to be patient because your dog is learning and trying its best.With some love and consideration, your dog should do quite well with its dog training.Then it will be a rewarding experience for you both!

About the Author: Amy Howells is an expert dog trainer who runs a website dedicated to teaching people how to train their dog or puppy in just 21 days.

Why dogs bark

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:10:00 +0000

Why dogs bark
By: Keith Londrie

Picture this, you're walking in the park, minding your own business when suddenly a dog comes up to you and starts barking. You start to panic because there is no reason for this dog to be barking at you.Why is this dog barking?Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don't bark, so through genetic engineering and the selective breeding process, dogs these days have the ability to retain juvenile characteristics. This is through the process known as neoteny.Humans have chosen to retain the infantile traits of wolves like large heads, flat faces, large eyes and of course the ability to communicate, barking. Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master.Dogs are extremely social animals. Wolves themselves always travel in packs are usually never alone. Bringing a dog into your family is basically like bringing a wolf into a pack. It becomes a part of the family. Try not to leave it alone otherwise it will feel as if it was abandoned by the pack. Dogs are like having a baby in the house. They need love, attention, and someone to be there to take care of them. Like people they need a companion to blossom. Meeting your dog's emotional need for companionship and play will allow the two of you to form a strong bond together.Sometimes having a second dog in the house can minimize the barking and minimize the loneliness. Although this may be rewarding at sometimes, it can also be a pain. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. Sometimes having two dogs may cause havoc because they may teach each other to bark more. From the example above, dogs who bark at people are trained in a specific way. Everything boils down to how the owner trains their dog. If you reward the dog for barking, then the dog will understand that it's a good thing to bark. If you don't reward the dog for barking, the dog will understand that it's a bad thing to bark. If you are training your dog to become a watchdog, sometimes their barking can be very selective and discriminating with certain people. Sometimes they may just bark at anything they see. It is important to train these dogs by developing their intelligence level and how they interpret various events.Dogs who simply bark because of activity or excitement are relatively hard to eliminate. Most of the time these dogs are unaware of their barking and in turn becomes a process that is hard to eliminate. You must turn to a dog trainer who teaches the dog to debark.Debarking can be somewhat inhumane because the dog is trained to let out a low, raspy bark which cannot be heard from more than a few feet away. If you consider the process of debarking your dog you must weigh the pros and cons. It can be beneficial in the sense that your dog will no longer be the irritating dog on the block who barks at anything he sees but may be a problem if the dog is in danger. As an owner you would want to know where the location of your dog was if it was in danger.

About the Author Keith Londrie II has written several articles about animals. He has put up an informative web site at http://http://about-animals.info/

Dog Food Recipes For German Shepherds

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:52:00 +0000

Dog Food Recipes For German Shepherds

by Charlene J. Nuble

Dogs are often considered as man's best friend - literally. German Shepherds are some of the favorites. It is not questionable nowadays to desire getting our canine friends enjoy the other half of luxury- other than sniffing each other. Dogs now not only dine in style, they dine like us! Here are some dog food recipes for german shepherds that you might want your old canine friend to chow on:
Recipe One
Ingredients:
2.5 kgs of ground beef (or if you prefer, lamb) Half a cup of brown rice 2 Broccoli (pick only the stalks) 3 potatoes of medium size 3 carrots (moderate in size) 4 garlic (into cloves)
Fry the lamb in the pan until brown. Then, place on chopped garlic until it turns golden.
Boil water of about 4 or 5 cups in the pot. While the pot is boiling, dish out chop potatoes (already chopped into cubes of preference) in the fry pan and stir. Chop broccoli according to your preference and place this in the pot. Mix everything in the pot and place adequate hot water.
Add pepper and mix it with the brown rice.
Recipe Two
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cup of hazelnuts 4 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate 4 ounces of chopped milk chocolate 1 bar of unsalted butter 1/4 cup of Nutella 1/2 cup of all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder 1/2 cup of white sugar 2 pieces of eggs
First, you need to toast and skin hazelnuts. Then place it in the food processor and pulse hazelnuts to coarsely ground.
Have the chocolates mix with butter and Nutella then cool moderately. Then add eggs and whisk it until it is glossy and smooth.
Sift flour and place in hazelnuts and chocolate together. Mix until they are combined.
Grease pan and dust cocoa powder and place in butter. Bake for 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a duration of 40 minutes.
To check if the baking is adequate, pick the brownie with a toothpick. It should crumbs stuck to it. Crumbs should be fudgy in texture. It indicates that this adequately baked.
Cool brownies and divide it.
Your dog will surely love these delicious dog food recipes for german shepherds!
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About the Author
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women's issues, parenting, pets and other health related stuffs. To learn more about Dog Food Recipes For German Shepherds... Click Here!

Learning Your Dog's Vaccination Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:34:00 +0000

Learning Your Dog's Vaccination Schedule
by Ashley Peach

Dog care is extremely important not only on a daily basis to make sure they are receiving the proper nutrition, water, and brushing, but also when you consider the long term care of a dog. Most dogs need to be vaccinated as certain intervals to avoid health problems such as worms, lyme disease, coronavirus, and many other dangerous diseases a dog can catch. Below you will find a schedule most veterinarians will follow regarding vaccinations. Keep in mind some dogs are fine without the medications, but they are preventative methods as well as some state regulated policies.
When you have a five- week old puppy you will need to have the parvovirus vaccination. This is one of the dog vaccinations that does not have to be administered. The vet is going to worry about this vaccination only if you are in an area of high risk for the dog. At six and nine weeks they must be given a combination vaccine. You will also find coronavirus is a concern, leading your doctor to administer that vaccination as well. At 12 weeks you are going to have to give your dog a rabies vaccination. This is according to local law, though the age can vary slightly.
From 12 weeks and 15 weeks you will find the combination vaccine, leptospirosis, coronavirus, and lyme disease vaccinations are needed or at least suggested depending on your dog's breed and the area you live in. Some of these diseases are regional and may not affect you directly, unless you are traveling to that area.
An adult dog will need to have the combination vaccine, leptospirosis, coronavirus, lyme, and rabies vaccinations. Again some of these will depend on the area you live in or may travel to with your dog. Your veterinarian is going to recommend a schedule and the vaccinations your dog will need throughout their life. You will want to make sure they are receiving the proper care and if you have any doubts you can always speak with your veterinarian or find a second opinion. Most often the vaccinations are there to help your dog live a healthy and full life, although some vets may just want to make more money.
The combination vaccination combines five different vaccines such as adenovirus cough, hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and the parvovirus. You must have this combination vaccine. Law enforcement requires at least these five vaccinations and rabies to keep your dog in good health.
Some of the above vaccinations must be given every year or six months depending on the type of vaccination once the dogs reach adulthood. Rabies and distemper tend to be every year, while a few of the others may be every two years. Other medications you need to have are flea and tick medications. Flea and tick medications are often a liquid that you place behind the dog's neck near the collar area. They will keep the dog from getting fleas or ticks during the different seasons and keep your home free from pests. Although you will need to still brush your dog daily these do help the majority of the problem. You also have to give them a heartworm medication. Most often these medications are given every month or three months depending on the brand.
Dog's vaccinations are important to their health care. You want to make sure your dog lives long and a healthy life just as you would for yourself. While vet costs are a necessary evil there are ways to get help for the dog's health care. Such as dog insurance to make paying the vet expenses a little easier. You may also find that some vets will allow for a payment plan option to make sure your dog is getting the care they need.

About the Author
Ashley Peach - Puppies for Sale, Kong Dog Toys and Unique Dog Toys.

The Basics Of Training Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:23:00 +0000

The Basics Of Training Your Dog

As a new dog owner and trainer, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed at first. Do not be discouraged by this. It is quite common and shows a healthy concern for your pets well being. This being said there are a few very simple rules to remember when training your pet. If you can remember to remain consistent, keep a level head and reward your pet appropriately then you have won a large part of the battle. What do these three basics entail? We shall discuss that in the following few paragraphs.Dogs are creatures of habit. Every part of their daily life revolves around an internal schedule and routine. They anticipate the return of their owners at a certain time of day and know that meal times occur regularly. Once trained, they will even exhibit certain behaviors to mark these times of day, such as bringing their empty food dish to their master or waiting near the door for their owners return. To us humans, this may seem a dull existence but our canine companions thrive on consistent routines. This fact is very useful to a new trainer as it can make your job much easier if you use this knowledge. Why? Because canine obedience training revolves around repetition of certain actions.The goal behind obedience training is the idea that a dog will respond with a certain reaction every time a certain command is given. This means that every time you tell your dog to sit, this will be exactly what will happen. To make use of the animal’s instinctive behavior in this regard, one must remember to be consistent with training. Go thru the routines exactly the same way every time with no variation until they are well in hand. If you tell your dog to sit, make certain your pet does so before moving on to the next point, even pushing their hindquarters down if necessary to accomplish this end. This rigid consistency will go a long way towards achieving a well-trained pet.Let’s now move along to the next point of keeping a level head, which is also one of the more difficult points. At the end of a long day of work, you are tired, the dog just doesn’t seem to be responding and tempers can flare quite easily. You may decide this dog is just one of the few who can’t be trained or that you just don’t have the skills.

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/doginfo-dogtraining1.htm

Tips for Adopting a Shelter Dog

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:03:00 +0000

Tips for Adopting a Shelter Dog
by Jennifer Koretsky

Adopting a shelter dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. For dog lovers, there is no greater joy than bringing a new dog home for the first time and watching her explore her new surroundings.
When you adopt a shelter dog, you are not only getting a new best friend, you're saving a life. In America, between 8 and 12 million pets are brought to animal shelters every year. When you and your family are ready to bring a new dog into your home, consider visiting your local shelter to find the dog that's right for you.
A visit to the animal shelter can be an emotional experience. It's very important to focus on the types of dogs that you can properly care for. Take your time deciding! If you're thinking about a puppy, be honest with yourself about what it's going to take to raise him. If you feel in your heart that it's not the right time for a puppy, there are plenty of older dogs who would love to come home with you.
In general, look for a dog that is: Healthy - clear nose and eyes, smooth skin, supple fur; Responsive - approaches you, accepts eye contact, wags its tail; Balanced - curious and interested in you but neither aggressive nor fearfully shy.
Remember to inquire about any medications the dog may be taking, and find out if she has been vaccinated. Spaying or neutering is also a good idea, and most shelters will provide this service at no or low cost.
It's wise to bring certain items with you for the car ride home. Some dogs are susceptible to motion sickness, so you'll want to have a towel handy. It helps for the dog to have a brand new toy, like a little stuffed animal, waiting for him in the car to ease his nerves.
Lastly, one of the most important things you'll need to do is have a name tag printed at your local pet store. Even if you haven't decided on a name for your new pal, buy an inexpensive tag that includes your phone number, with the area code, just in case. The last thing you want is for your new dog to end up back at the shelter.
Adopting a shelter dog can be a great experience for you and your family, and an even greater one for your new best friend!

About the Author
luvmutt.com is a website dedicated to mixed breed dogs and the people who love them. Meet a new dog every day at http://www.luvmutt.com/ .

Choosing a Dog Made Simple

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:12:00 +0000

Choosing a Dog Made Simple

by Jessica Grace

Here's a simple and easy guide to choosing a dog. These are some of the things you should consider when choosing your puppy or adult dog to ensure you pick a best friend for life.
Purebred, Crossbred or Mixed-Breed A purebred dog is a dog whose parents are both of the same breed. Humans create purebred dogs through selective breeding - inbreeding. Purebred dogs did not exist before humans manufactured them - a dog would simply breed with any other dog it chose, so there were no "purebreds", just a race of mixed-breed dogs. The advantage of choosing a purebred dog is that you can accurately determine his size, shape, and personality. So, for example, if you were to choose a Poodle puppy you would know with certainty what he will look like when he gets older, his approximate size, that he will be intelligent, and easy to train, and that he will hardly ever shed any hair.
A crossbred is the child of two different purebred dogs. Crossbreds are also known as designer or hybrid dogs. For example, if you cross a Labrador and a Poodle, you get what's known as a "Labradoodle".
A mixed-breed is the result of two random dogs who mate. Also known as mongrel, random-bred, or mutt. For example, a mixed-breed is the result if a Purebred, such as a Poodle, and a Crossbred, such as a Labradoodle mating.
Puppy or Adult You can choose between a puppy or an adult dog. A puppy is a blank page ready to be written. How he turns out is half up to you, and half up to his genetics. With puppies, you don't know exactly how they're going to turn out either - until they become adults. So, one of the pluses of choosing an adult dog from a shelter is that you already know what you're going to get. If you choose a puppy, you will get him at 8 to 12 weeks of age - the time when he is ready to leave his mother - also the time when he is incredibly cute! He will need to be socialized. This means letting him spend time with other dogs and pets and people. He will need some basic obedience training -learning such commands such as sit, stay, off, down and come. He will also need to be housebroken so he doesn't eliminate inside. If you choose an adult dog, on the other hand, you can choose one who has already been housebroken and had some obedience training.
Boy or Girl Male dogs are more dominant and aggressive to other Male dogs. They will also urine-mark their territory. Other than that, male and female dogs are generally very similar in the way they behave.
Small, Medium, Large or X-Large Small dogs are a lot cheaper to keep and maintain. The cost of feeding a large or giant dog can be double or triple the price of feeding a small dog. Large dogs also do larger poos and wees. Small dogs live a lot longer than larger dogs. The average lifespan of a small Yorkshire Terrier is around 14 years. Whereas the average lifespan of a giant Bullmastiff dog is around 9 years. Small breeds also reach their full size a lot quicker than large breed dogs. A small breed will reach it's full size by about 5 months, whereas a giant breed will take about 18 months to reach his full size.
About the Author
For more information on choosing a dog visit Just Dog Breeds which has 155 dog breed profiles and lots of articles.

The basic word in a dog's training

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:22:00 +0000

The basic word in a dog's training

by Emma Everson

To understand better the methods used in Sit Stay Fetch, here are a few thoughts, which will guide you through the entire obedience process - First of all some principles that are recommended to achieve successful dog training:
- All dog training should be based on educating the dog that is, developing it's instincts and erasing accidental and acquired habits.
- Situations must be read entirely from the dog's reactions and capabilities, and not yours.
- Your dog is not to be fooled. It can get humiliated as well, they have a sense of pride. If your dog has been trained to do certain things, do not command it and then change it. Always let the dog see what you are doing. Remember the dog needs to know when you say certain word, it is to do certain thing.
- To achieve success you must complete an act of training. Your dog needs understand that at the end of the training, a something will take place. For instance, if it is tracking, it must find that item being tracked.
- Commands should always be given iby using the same the same words and the same tone of voice.
- Think ahead of time and anticipate your dogs actions, give your command before the dog moves.
- If the dog goes a bit wrong, do not repeat that part again, return to the beginning, the dog must be taught to regard only successful acts in their entirety.
- Reward or punishment should be immediate. Punishing a dog at any other time other than immediately after incident is cruel, the dog will not know what the punishment is for.
- The dog has a one-track mind. Teach only one thing at a time. This doesn't mean that a training session can't cover several different tasks.
- Give the dog a moment to react to your command. Demanding instant obedience will only confuse your dog.
- The dog isn't human, have patience.
- Developing a bond is imperative, all future training depends upon this.
- Your dog cannot ask questions; they also won't understand all you say. It recognises only the words, the commands and the names you teach it.
- To be a successful handler depends upon you making your dog understand what it has to do and then to instill it until it becomes instinctive.
- Always be kind and genlte, although you do still need to be firm.
- Be decisive and sure of exactly what you want and how it should be done.
- Never try to teach anything to your dog until you have a thorough knowledge of how to teach it.
- If it is possible, always have your dogs with you. You can't train them 24/7, however they will get familiar with your actions, words, and surroundings which will help make their training easier.
- Don't allow anyone to fuss over your dog unnecessarily, while you are out and particularly when you are training. You are the dog's handler and it must look to you for instruction.
- Always put your dog first.
- Always complete a training session on a positive note. If your dog has done something wrong. Correction is essential before ending the session.
- Never put your dog to bed with a cross word. Ending the training session on a lighter note and make sure that your dog has mastered the task - and knows that it has done so - before you say "good night".
- Punishing your dog while you are angry shows your own lack control.
- You must not loose your temper while training your dog. Your dog's respect for you is based on your self control.
- Never chase your dog to catch it; it must come to you or follow you.
- Do not temp your dog to you and then punishment them. You will regret the deception.
- Do not bombard your dog with constant commands, they will get confused and most of all never shout.
- Your dog may not understand your commanded, so unless you are entirely sue they did understand never punish them for not completing it.
- Don't praise your dog for doing something, and then scold them for doing the same act, at a later date.
- No one is to give commands to the dog while you are training except you.
These are just a few basic tips for you, to help you train your dog. For achieving better results, order the entire package SitStayFetch and you'll be taught how to train your dog like a professional trainer.

About the Author
My name is Emma Everson and I specialize in providing dog training solutions. I have been training dogs for 20 years and have researched extensively in all areas of dog behavior. I have created SitStayFetchReview.Org to bring you unbiased information and helpful hints to help with your dog training needs.

How To House Train Your Dog Effectively

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 17:51:00 +0000

How To House Train Your Dog Effectively

By: Jonathan Cheong

-->House training is one of the most important parts of training any dog to be a valued part of the family. As with many other aspects of dog training, the best way to house train a dog is to use the dog's own nature to your benefit.The great thing about dogs, and the thing that can make house training much easier, is that dogs are instinctively very clean animals. Dogs would rather not soil the areas where they sleep and eat. In addition, dogs are very good at developing habits regarding where they like to urinate and defecate. For example, dogs that are used to eliminating on concrete or gravel will prefer to eliminate there rather than on grass or dirt. It is possible to use these natural canine habits when house training your dog.Setting up the training areaThe first step in house training your dog is to set up your training area. A small, confined space such as a bathroom, or part of a kitchen or garage, works best as a training area. This method of training differs from crate training. Crate training is great for puppies and small dogs, but many larger dogs find a crate too confining.It is important for the owner to spend as much time in the training area with his or her dog as possible. It is important for the owner to play with the dog in the training area, and to let the dog eat and sleep in that area. The dog should be provided with a special bed in the training area, anything from a store bought bed to a large towel to a large box. At first, the dog may eliminate in this area, but once the dog has recognized it as his or her own space, he or she will be reluctant to soil it.After the dog has gotten used to sleeping in the bed, the owner can move it around the house, relocating it from room to room. When you are not with your dog, the dog should be confined to the training area.Setting up the toilet areaThe second part of house training is to set up the toilet area for the dog. It is important for the dog to have access to this place every time he or she needs to eliminate. It is also important for the owner to accompany the dog each time until he or she gets into the habit of eliminating in the toilet area. This will ensure that the dog uses only the established toilet area.A set feeding schedule makes the house training process a lot easier for both the owner and the dog. Feeding the dog on a regular basis will also create a regular schedule for the dog's toilet habits. Once you know when your dog is likely to need to eliminate, it will be simple to guide the dog to the established toilet area.Once the dog has established a toilet area and is using it on a regular basis, it is very important to not confine the dog without access to the toilet area for long periods of time. That is because if the dog is unable to hold it, he or she may be forced to eliminate in the training area. This habit can make house training much more difficult.Continuing the house training processAfter the dog is consistently eliminating in the toilet area and not soiling the training area, it is time to extend that training area to the rest of the home. This process should be done slowly, starting with one room and slowly expanding to the rest of the house. The area should only be extended once you are sure of the dog's ability to control its bladder and bowels. When you first expand the training area to a single room, let the dog eat, play and sleep in that room, but only when supervised. When it is not possible to supervise the dog, place it back in the original training area. Then, after the dog has accepted the room as an extension of the original training area, the area can be extended.Speeding up the processIf this process is too lengthy for your needs, it can be speeded up, but it is important to proceed cautiously. It is easier to take your time up front than to retrain a problem dog later. One way to successfully speed up house training is to praise and reward the dog each and every time it uses the established toilet area. It is also important not to punish the dog for mistakes. Punishment will only confuse the dog and slow down the house training process.

Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com/Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

8 dog training tips for you and your dog.

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:13:00 +0000

8 dog training tips for you and your dog.

By: Terry L. Sumerlin

-->You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. fayolap@yahoo.com Dog Training Tips8 dog training tips for you and your dog.By Fayola PetersDog training requires simple persistence to be a successful and delightful experience for you and your dog.Here are 8 dog training tips to guide you along the way.1. Dog Training Tips - Get your dog's attentionBefore you can start training your dog you first need to get its attention. You can do this by talking to him and offering him a small treat.2. Dog Training Tips - Use the correct dog training suppliesIf you have a well behaved dog a six foot training lead and a regular buckle collar will do. However if you dog is uncontrollable you should use a training collar. For the right collar size measure the dogs' neck and add 2 inches.3. Dog Training Tips - For safety in vehiclesBefore you introduce your dog to the inside of a moving vehicle you should teach him the 'down!' and 'stay!' commands. This ensures that he spends the ride on the floor of the vehicle. 4. Dog Training Tips - EliminationWhen your dog got to go it got to go. To prevent your dog from getting busy on the carpet you should train him to eliminate on command.5. Dog Training Tips - PraiseAlways praise your dog when he learns a new command.6. Dog Training Tips - ReprimandDo not hit your dog! Any time your dog is engaging in bad behavior, use the opportunity to teach him the 'stop!' or 'no!' command. Using the 'stay!' command can also be effective in these situations.7. Dog Training Tips - Play with your dogThis will help in building the bond between you and your dog. 8. Dog Training Tips - Do some dog training everydayDon't rush dog training. Teach your dog one command at a time and don't move on until he gets it. A little dog training everyday is all that's needed. Well that's it for my dog training tips. Enjoy training your dog and remember that it takes simple persistence.

About the Author
Fayola Peters is the webmaster of The-Dog-Training-Guide.com (http://www.the-dog-training-guide.com)Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

Popular Pet Tents

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 17:46:00 +0000

Popular Pet Tents

By: Carl Walker

-->Pets also need personal sanctuaries and hideaways where they can relax and sleep in peace, away from harsh elements, unwanted commotion and noises. There is a wide variety of pet tents to choose from, so selection should be based on the size of your pet, how noisy is your neighborhood, the design and overall dcor, and price. Here are some pet tents mainly dog and cat tents, or a combination of both, and other popular pet tents available on the market.Dog Haus Tent: features removable inner liner which is quilted, padded and water-resistant. The Dog Haus Tent is also equipped with a functional door and windows with mesh backing, and can be used as a seat or travel blanket. It is primarily designed for protection against elements on the road, and costs around $70.Pet Hotel Tent Bed for Cats and Dogs: is also primarily designed for travel use. It is made of soft fleece and nylon with insulated foam-stuffed walls, and features a removable pillow for washing, and bell for entertainment. It can easily fold and fasten flat for storage. The Pet Hotel Tent Bed costs around $60.New York Dog Plush Tent Bed: A very stylish tent for dogs, designed for use both at home and travel. It can fold flat, and pop up to make a cozy home for your dog. The New York Dog Plush Tent Bed comes in Leopard print, blue and lime stripe, and pink and lavender stripe. It costs around $50 to $55.Hide-A-Doo Cat Tent: is constructed with water repellent nylon fabric walls, a synthetic fur floor, and is supported by two fiberglass rods. It comes in several intricate colors and designs such as Tiger, Onyx Zebra, Leopard, Chicago (Grey), and Forest (Green). The Hide-A-Doo Cat Tent is very affordable and costs around $35 only.Carnival Pet Tent: Designed for smaller dogs and cats, Carnival Pet Tent is a fancy Pet tent with a circus/carnival theme. It features a foam sleeping cushion topped with a festive pompom. However, this nice little pet tent is a little expensive, which costs around $150.LitterMaid Cat Privacy Tent: A privacy tent for cats that features six covered sides that keep litter confined to the box, washable cover, zippered door flaps, and a plastic fan. The Cat Privacy Tent costs around $45.Mutt Hutt Pet Tent: Mutt Hutt calls this a smaller version of full-size, full-featured human tent with an innovative twist just for canines. It features dog-activated "dog door" entrance, zippered doors, ventilation panels at top and at rear window, and clip on rain fly. Costs around $90.Original Pet Tent: Designed for cats and dogs, the pet tent has two external fiberglass poles arc over the top and crisscross from corner to corner to support this tent. A multi-purpose pet tent which can be used a hotel, camper van, and airports etc; it costs around $70 to $85.Pet Tents - Large for Parrots, Ferrets, Cats, Little Dogs: can accommodate birds, ferrets, guinea pigs and a number of other household pets. The large 15" square tent collapses for storage and pops open for continued use, and costs around $25 to $30.About The Author: Tents HQ hhttp://tentshq.com offers articles and tips about different tents and camping.

Positive Dog Training Techniques

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:15:00 +0000

Positive Dog Training Techniques

By: Amy Howells

-->There are many different dog training techniques that are out there today. Many people often don't realize that dog training courses often utilize different dog training techniques.Some of these dog training techniques work better than others.Whether you are going to a dog training course or if you are doing the dog training yourself... wouldn't you rather know which dog training technique is the best?If you answered yes to that question then you should know that positive dog training is the best technique to use.Positive dog training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. If you would like to learn more about positive dog training techniques, please read on.Positive dog training techniques involve using only praise and positive reinforcement.This means, positive dog training rewards your dog for good behavior or when it performs a command correctly.The rewards used in this type of dog training can be treats, kind words, a pat on the head, etc. It has been found that dogs respond much better to positive dog training.Positive dog training techniques never involve hitting, spanking, scolding, or punishing your dog in any manner. Dogs do not do well with any form of negative dog training.Now we will go over some examples of positive dog training techniques. Let us say that you are beginning your dog training by teaching your dog to sit. When your dog sits, reward it with a treat and tell it what a good dog it is.Another example of positive dog training is to use praise and treats when your dog goes to the bathroom when and where it is supposed to. Dogs will soon learn to relate to doing this when and where it should because it gets rewarded for it.Thus your dog will be potty trained much faster. When using positive dog training, your voice should always be happy and pleasant. Dogs will want to do as you ask when they get rewarded by any positive means.This is why positive dog training works much better than any other type of dog training.Now that you understand what positive dog training is, you may wish to start some of these techniques yourself. You can find dog training courses that use positive techniques and you can also utilize these techniques on your own.With positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards, your dog is sure to learn much faster and be happier doing so. You will then be happier as well and you will also find that the dog training will go much easier.With that in mind, you can truly see how positive dog training techniques will give you positive results! About the Author: Amy Howells is an expert dog trainer who runs a website dedicated to teaching people how to train their dog or puppy in just 21 days. Visit http://www.dog-owner.net/training.htm for more info. Source: www.isnare.com

Why Obedience Training Determines Whether Your Dog Is Happy And Productive

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Mon, 28 May 2007 12:57:00 +0000

Why Obedience Training Determines Whether Your Dog Is Happy And Productive

By: Jonathan Cheong

-->Obedience training is one of the most important and most effective things any owner can do for his or her dog. A properly obedience trained dog is a happy, productive and safe member of the family, while a untrained dog can be destructive and even dangerous.Dogs are designed by nature to follow leaders, and to look for that leadership. As pack animals, dogs naturally follow the directions of their pack leader. In the absence of a strong leader, the dog may assume this role itself. Dogs that think of themselves as the leader of their human pack can become uncooperative, destructive and even dangerous.Proper obedience training opens up important lines of communication between handler and dog. The basis of any obedience training program is to gain the cooperation and respect of the animal. This respect cannot be exerted through rough handling methods or mistreatment. It must instead be earned through leadership and proper training techniques.Basic obedience training consists of teaching the dog what to do and what not to do. When it comes to desired behaviors, it is important for the dog to learn and respond to basic commands, such as heeling when walking, stopping on command, sitting when directed, coming when called and staying where the handler directs.The list of what not to do is also important when it comes to obedience training. Some of the don'ts of obedience training include not jumping up on people, not forging ahead when walking and, not chewing the furniture or your property, and not getting out of control when exposed to novel situations.In essence, obedience training involves establishing the social hierarchy that is so important to dogs as pack animals. When your dog follows your obedience commands, such as come, stay, sit, heel, etc., he or she is showing compliance and submissiveness. This is the same type of behavior a submissive member of a wild dog pack would show to the alpha dog in that pack.As with any type of dog training, it is important that obedience training sessions be fun and rewarding for both dog and handler. A happy, healthy dog will be best able to learn, and keeping the dog happy during the training sessions will make life easier for both yourself and your dog. Obedience training has many benefits for the dog as well as the handler. For one thing, a well trained, obedient dog can be permitted a larger amount of freedom than an untrained dog. For instance, a dog that has been properly trained to come when called can safely enjoy some off leash play time at the local park.There is always a debate over whether it is easier to obedience train puppies or older dogs. The fact is that both puppies and older dogs can be successfully trained to be willing, obedient companions. It is generally easier to train puppies and young dogs than it is to retrain dogs that have developed behavior problems. Even problem dogs, however, can be successfully retrained using basic obedience training and control concepts.When obedience training puppies, however, it is important to remember that puppies generally have a shorter attention span than to do full grown dogs. It is important, therefore to keep training sessions short in the beginning. It is also important to incorporate lots of play with other puppies, dogs and other animals, as well as lots of different people. Proper socialization is very important to creating a safe, healthy and happy companion dog.There are many obedience training classes held in all parts of the country, and new puppy and dog owners are encouraged to enroll in one of these classes. Not only do puppy kindergarten and dog obedience classes provide important structure for the dogs, but it provides important chances for properly socialization the puppy as well.

Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

How To Train A Dog To Stay

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Wed, 23 May 2007 05:00:00 +0000

How To Train A Dog To Stay

By: Michael Colucci

-->In this article I want to explain how to get your dog to stay. Most of the time, when you get up to leave out of a room, your dog will want to follow, especially if they're energetic. Sometimes you will want them to stay in one place.The first thing you want to do is get a supply of dog treats. Take your dog into a quiet room and have him sit down. Hold out the dog treat in your hand, letting the dog know that you have it. When the dog tries to take the treat, close your hand. Your dog should then pull his head back. When he does this, praise him and give him the treat.Timing is very important for training your dog to stay. Repeat the process again. Keep doing it until the dog doesn't go for the treat, and instead pulls back immediately.After the dog is consistenly pulling back each time you hold out the treat, you want to begin the next stage of the process. Repeat the first step again, but wait two seconds after your dog pulls back before handing him the treat. Make sure you only praise your dog and give him a treat while he is remaining still.If the dog gets up, walk a few steps away and repeat the process again. Keep doing this until the dog sits for at least five seconds. Make sure that you're able to get the dog to stay while you're next to him before trying to get him to stay while you're walking away.For the next step, begin telling the dog to stay as you show him the treat. Tell the dog something like "ok" or "good" after handing him the treat. If the dog does not site for at least 30 seconds, tell him something like "no" and don't give him the treat.If your dog continues to make mistakes, try for 15 seconds instead of thirty. If the dog continues to make mistakes this means you're moving to0 fast. Go back to what the dog already understands and build up from this point.As your dog begins to get better and stays for longer periods of time, take him from a quiet room to an area of more distraction. Do all the steps above over again. This way the dog will learn to follow your commands without being distracted.Michael Colucci is a technical writer for Free Dog Training Resources at http://www.free-dog-training.org(You are granted the right to reprint this article but the title and content must remain unchanged and the authors name and contact information must be included.)Copyright Michael Colucci - http://www.free-dog-training.org Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

A Gift Basket For Man's Best Friend

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 18 May 2007 15:38:00 +0000

A Gift Basket For Man's Best Friend
By: Dana Goldberg

-->You have given almost everyone a gift, how about giving your best friend a present, too? I mean giving someone's pet dog a gift basket. Got qualms on how to go about the putting together of one dog gift basket for your dog-lover pal? Here's some simple tips or ideas that won't cost you much:How about a dog gift basket for more TLC for your friend's dog?One can never go wrong with a spa gift basket that will surely help your buddy pamper his or her pet. Aside from the thoughtfulness on caring for your friend's best pet pal, the benefit of a nice smelling dog is a plus, too. Here's how to create that pat-worthy dog spa gift basket:Select quality dog grooming goods. Look for products with labels that indicate the ingredients. Products with the owner's fave scents should be considered also. A dog shampoo and conditioner, a complementing pet perfume, a dog hair brush or detangler can also be a good option, too, especially if the dog is a long haired one. Some balm for the dog's paw pads, an ear cleaner, a nail clipper, and other pet care products can be nice additions to fill your dog gift basket with.Choose a basket or container for the products. Flea markets or garage sales can be good places to see when you're looking for excellent rustic baskets or containers to place the dog grooming products in. A tote that is waterproof may be a good alternative, too. Choosing a color that will complement the dog owner's house might just make your dog gift basket one great home decor thus more appreciation for your thoughtful gift. Just make sure that all the products will fit comfortably. Now if you found a big basket, including a dog towel to fill out the large basket is one great tip to follow. Shredded paper can be an alternative filling also.Top the gift basket for the dog with a toy that the nice little fellow can play with while enjoying the water. Dog grooming books can be particularly helpful to newbie dog owners. So you might want to include that in your dog gift basket, too.Cover the gift basket with a cellophane. Choose either a clear or a tinted cellophane to cover your dog gift basket with. This will add to the put-together look of the dog gift basket and will eliminate the awkward look of the odd shapes of the items placed in the basket. Also, the cellophane can serve as a protection against rain.Don't forget to include a card and a nice big bow. The ribbon can also be used in securing the cellophane wrap. The card will remind your friend how thoughtful you are when it comes to the well-being of his or her pet. If you want to go a bit farther with your efforts on putting together a dog gift basket for your friend's dog pal, search for a card with a humorous theme.Other substitutes to the spa gift basket idea is putting in gifts that will also benefit the owner such as dog calendars, novelty items with a dog theme, e.g., action figures, mouse pads with a dog picture, T-shirts with paw prints, dog magazines, and photo frames. Including more dog toys such as doggie bones and chew toys for puppies will be more than appreciated, too.Also, if you prefer the gift items to be more of a surprise, wrap each of the items with a gift wrap that has a dog theme. You can also cover some of the gifts completely with some shredded paper filling to add more surprise to the gift basket.Now you can easily customize a dog gift basket for the delight of your dog recipient and its owner. About the Author: D. Goldberg is the owner of Dog Plaza. A guide for all breeds of dogs, health, training, and many other topics relating to dogs and puppies. http://www.dogplaza.co.uk

Dog Training - When To Give Your Dog The Freedom Off The Leash

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Mon, 14 May 2007 11:15:00 +0000

Dog Training - When To Give Your Dog The Freedom Off The Leash
By: Keith Londrie

-->Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash after they have become masters of all the basic obedience commands, such as walking at your heel, sitting and staying on command.Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog can be taken off the leash is the come when called command. Even if the dog can heel, sit and stay perfectly, if he cannot be relied upon to come when called, he is not ready to be taken off the leash.Taking any dog off the leash, especially in a busy, crowded area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. It is vital to adequately test your dog in a safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the leash is the main instrument of control. You must be absolutely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before removing the leash.After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and come when called commands, it is important to challenge the dog with various distractions. It is a good idea to start by introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog is in a safe environment like a fenced in yard.Have a friend or neighbor stand just outside the fence while you hold you dog on the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the outside of the fence, watch your dog's reactions closely. If he starts to pull at the leash, quickly tug him back.Repeat this exercise until the dog will reliably remain at your side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and eventually removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is important to vary the distractions, such as introducing other animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.After your dog is able to remain still in the face of distraction, start introducing the come when called lessons with distractions in place. Try inviting some of the neighbors, and their dogs, over to play. As the dogs are playing in the fenced in yard, try calling your dog.When the dog comes to you, immediately give him lots of praise, and perhaps a food reward. After the dog has been rewarded, immediately allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and immediately allow him to go back to his fun.After the dog has seemingly mastered coming when called in his own yard, try finding a local dog park or similar area where you can practice with your dog. It is important to make the area small, or to choose a fenced in area, in case you lose control of the dog. If you cannot find a fenced in area, choose an area well away from people and cars.Practice with your dog by allowing him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around, then calling your dog. When he comes to you, immediately reward and praise him, then let him resume his previous activities. Doing this will teach the dog that coming to you is the best option and the one most likely to bring both rewards and continued good times.Only after the dog has consistently demonstrated the ability to come when called, even when there are many distractions around, is it safe to allow him time off leash. Off leash time should never be unsupervised time. It is important, both for your well being and your dog's, that you know where he is and what he is doing at all times.It is easy for a dog to get into trouble quickly, so you should always keep an eye on him, whether he is chasing squirrels in the park, playing with other dogs, or just chasing a ball with the neighbor's kids. For more information please visit http://about-animals.info/Keith Londrie II has been a pet lover and trainner for 8 years. He has posted a web site for you to learn more about various pets.Please stop by http://about-animals.info/ to learn more...Copyright Keith Londrie - http://about-animals.info/Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

Looking For A Good Dog Breeder

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Thu, 10 May 2007 21:31:00 +0000

Looking For A Good Dog Breeder By: Alton Hargrave

-->If you are interested in getting a dog, you should be interested in dog breeders.The safest place to get a new dog would be from a dog breeder. That gives you a history or insight of the prospective dog you are interested in. You can find dog breeders in the newspaper or online. If you see a great looking dog in public, you could strike up a conversation with the owner and ask where they got their dog. Try to verify the breeders reputation. There are several methods you can use to make sure the breeder is professional, reliable and can be trusted. Ask the Dog Breeder for References.A good, experienced dog breeder can provide you with references to some of his or her clients. Most people who have purchased a puppy from them would be glad to share their experiences with you. Of course, it would be even better if you locate past clients without being directed by the breeder. Not that easy, but word gets around, good or bad. Maybe some of your freinds or family have dealt with this breeder in the past. Be Rready to Ask Questions. And, Expect to Answer Many Questions Yourself.Good breeders are very interested in screening prospective buyers themselves. They want the puppies to go to good homes. Questions such as whether you have small children, size of your home and yard. Is the yard fenced? Have you ever owned a dog before? Do you already have a veterinarian? Can you or someone else spend the neccessary time with a very young puppy until the puppy is older? If a breeder fails to ask questions such as these, he may not care about the welfare of his puppies. Or, he may be having a hard time selling...a possible sign of other problems. Is Price Important?Of course! Price is important with anything you invest in. With some breeds, such as Yorkies, the price will range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. But, more money doesn't always mean better dog. If you are getting into the dog show scene, you would need more expensive dogs. Most of us are not interested in showing our dogs. Compare prices to decide what your needs are. Health GuaranteesYou should get some sort of health guarantee before you buy. In writing. Most breeders give only a short guarantee for health due to the many deseases a puppy faces. That is why you should take your puppy to a good vet as soon as possible. Do this before your health guarantee runs out. You will want to get your new puppy any shots he needs. Choose a vet that keeps up with the latest information involving puppy innoculations. Some of the shots given in the past are not needed today and may even be harmful. Good breeders will take all the time you need to answer your questions. Get everything in writing when you buy and follow your dog breeders suggestions. Remember, they have the experience.Alton Hargrave offers advice and resources for those interested in dogs. His website, http://Dog-Daze.net contains honest information regarding all breeds of dogs, deseases of dogs and how to maintain your dog.Copyright Alton Hargrave - http://www.dog-daze.net Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

Advice To Using Positive Reinforcement And Rewards To Train Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sun, 06 May 2007 23:20:00 +0000

Advice To Using Positive Reinforcement And Rewards To Train Your Dog
By: Jonathan Cheong

-->Training dogs using positive reinforcement and reward training has long been recognized as both highly effective for the owner and a positive experience for the dog. Positive reinforcement training is so important that it is the only method used to train dangerous animals like lions and tigers for work in circuses and in the movie and television industry. Proponents of positive reinforcement swear by the effectiveness of their techniques, and it is true that the vast majority of dogs respond well to these training methods.One reason that positive reinforcement training is so effective is that is uses rewards to teach the dog what is expected of it. When the dog performs the desired behavior, he is provided with a reward, most often in the form of a food treat, but it could be a scratch behind the ears, a rub under the chin or a pat on the head as well. The important thing is that the dog is rewarded consistently for doing the right thing.Reward training has become increasingly popular in recent years, but chances are some sort of reward training between humans and dogs has been going on for hundreds if not thousands of years.When understanding what makes reward training so effective, some knowledge of the history of humans and dogs is very helpful. The earliest dogs were probably wolf pups that were tamed and used by early humans for protection from predators, as alarm systems and later for guarding and herding livestock. It is possible that the wolf pups that made the best companions were the most easily trained, or it is possible that these early dogs were orphaned or abandoned wolf pups. Whatever their origin, there is little doubt today that the vast variety of dogs we see today have their origin in the humble wolf.Wolf packs, like packs of wild dogs, operate on a strict pack hierarchy. Since wolf and dog packs hunt as a group, this type of hierarchy, and the cooperation it brings, is essential to the survival of the species. Every dog in the pack knows his or her place in the pack, and except in the event of death or injury, the hierarchy, once established, rarely changes.Every dog, therefore, is hard wired by nature to look to the pack leader for guidance. The basis of all good dog training, including reward based training, is for the handler to set him or herself up as the pack leader. The pack leader is more than just the dominant dog, or the one who tells all the subordinates what to do. More importantly, the pack leader provides leadership and protection, and his or her leadership is vital to the success and survival of the pack.It is important for the dog to see itself as part of a pack, to recognize the human as the leader of that pack, and to respect his or her authority. Some dogs are much easier to dominate than others. If you watch a group of puppies playing for a little while, you will quickly recognize the dominant and submissive personalities. A dog with a more submissive personality will generally be easier to train using positive reinforcement, since he or she will not want to challenge the handler for leadership. Even dominant dogs, however, respond very well to positive reinforcement. There are, in fact, few dogs that do not respond well to positive reinforcement, also known as reward training.Positive reinforcement is also the best way to retrain a dog that has behavior problems, especially one that has been abused in the past. Getting the respect and trust of an abused dog can be very difficult, and positive reinforcement is better than any other training method at creating this important bond.No matter what type of dog you are working with, chances are it can be helped with positive reinforcement training methods. Based training methods on respect and trust, rather than on intimidation and fear, is the best way to get the most from any dog.Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com