Dog's Palace

Getting your dog trained for wearing Dog Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:01:00 +0000

The fabulous pet fashion is tempting a lot of owners; actually, it has become quite normal to have your own designer for your small pet. The owner is accustomed t believing that his pet is a real treasure and he will be interested in buying small dog clothes that are matching the pet’s personality. The dog will thus be fully integrated in the human family and culture; the family dog is likely to eat in the kitchen and sleep in his owners’ bedroom. Therefore, the pet is a special creature that demands for your attention; therefore, it is quite normal for you to try to dress your pet with designer clothes and accessories. There are many choices when it comes to searching for the perfect canine outfit; actually, there is something for almost every breed and the clothing will come in the necessary sizes as well.

But you will have to train your dog in order to wear the chosen clothing; you will have to be patient enough because this type of training is going to last for a while. Time is required in order to teach your dog about the small dog clothes. The dog must feel comfortable in these clothes; otherwise, he will try to tear them apart. Every dog is likely to be an amazing and very adaptable animal; he will get accustomed to his new outfits but you have to choose the clothing that is less restrictive when it comes to the dog’s freedom to move. Most dogs are likely to enjoy the extra attention that will come along with the dressing time but you have to pay attention to the dog’s personality in order to decide whether a canine clothing is the best choice for him or not.

You may be lucky enough to have a good dog but you also have to take into account the fact that bad dogs are likely to be found anywhere. Therefore, you have to make sure that you choose a responsible breeder who can provide you with a good and healthy puppy. The dog needs to find that you are his genuine friend in order not t be afraid of you; actually’ this recognition is the first step to be made in order to train your dog in the appropriate manner. You may put a warm t-shirt right in his face when is chilly outside in order to make him feel secure about your friendly presence. You will be able to mold him into a good dog by learning how to establish a warm relation with your pet. If you manage to achieve this, you will also be able to train him in order to be dressed in Dog Clothes. The dog will be pleased to receive your extra attention and he will enjoy every moment of it. Therefore, a good dog is likely to come along with a good owner because you are able to mold your pet in whatever you want him to be.

Every owner should expect to constant dealing with mistakes because the housetraining may come along with barking, digging, health crisis, nipping and chewing regardless of the results you have obtained with your dog. No dog is likely to be trouble free but you should not be scared of this feature; on the contrary, this feature is perfectly manageable and you will be able to take advantage of all the dog’s behavior patterns. The dog should not be let to scare you because the good results will outweigh the bad ones. Dog keeping skills must be acquired in order to train your dog to wear Dog Clothes; these skills will require some actions, sacrifice, planning and even resolving problems.

Somehow, every dog is likely to know if his owner is committed to him or not. He will try to take full advantage of this knowledge but the owner can also use this situation for his benefit in order to build a strong relationship with his pet. Therefore, dressing your little puppy with small dog clothes may be the perfect way to show your commitment to your puppy. Dressing your dog with Dog Clothes is a terrific method that can end up in a marvelous relationship between the owner and his pet.

You will also have to pay attention to the possible health problems that may affect your pet; every breed is likely to come along with its specific health troubles and you may choose the canine clothing according to this criterion. You must avoid the clothes that are extremely fashionable but too restrictive and uncomfortable; you have to think about your pet before choosing a particular outfit. Little training is always to be considered because you should not expect the pet to enjoy wearing Dog Clothes from the first time. The training sessions may be fun as well and they must not be omitted in order to have a happy dog that is wearing the small dog clothes.

TEACHING SELF CONTROL

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:47:00 +0000

Does your dog pull on lead when someone approaches? when he sees another dog? if joggers run by? if children are playing? if a cat or squirrel dash through the yard? Is he hard to control at the vet's or groomer's? when people come into your house?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, chances are your dog needs to learn self control. Just as children must learn to control their impulses before they can mature into responsible adults, dogs must learn self control before they can become well mannered canine citizens. Self control must be taught, just as you teach him to sit or speak or come when called.

Every owner can teach his dog self control by following these guidelines:

Train, don't restrain. Taking a firm grip on the leash and collar teaches the dog nothing except that you can restrain him. Instead, give a simple command, such as sit, reminding with the lead if needed, then loosen the lead so there is no tension at all. If the dog breaks position, quietly and slowly reposition him, and loosen the lead again.

Ask for compliance, not submission. View working with your dog as you would working with any friend. Avoid creating a struggle by asking the dog for more than he can do at the time. For example, if your dog is really excited, he may be unable or unwilling to lay down, but agreeable to sitting quietly with a few reminders from you. Compromise and be reasonable - most struggles between dog and owner are created when the owner attempts to dominate the dog, instead of finding a solution acceptable to both owner and dog.

Remember the dog does not know what his options are. A dog who is lacking self control simply does not know that it is possible to sit quietly in the face of distractions. It is the owner's responsibility to show the dog that he has options other than lunging, pulling or leaping around.

Move slowly and talk quietly. A dog who is highly excited needs calm, slow handling. A common mistake owners make is to move quickly, grabbing at the leash and collar, raising their voice and speaking in short, sharp tones. From the dog's point of view, the owner appears as excited as they are, and short sharp tones often sound like barking. Instead of calming the dog, this reinforces his excitement. By moving slowly and talking quietly, the owner sends a clear message to the dog that he is not excited and is in control of the situation.

Remind and ask, don't demand. A dog who is already excited is likely to resist a harsh correction or respond by becoming more excited. "Ask" by using the lightest possible touch on the leash and collar, and remind the dog what he's doing each time he forgets and shifts position.

Work on teaching self control in all situations. Begin by working in distraction free areas, and ask your dog to sit on a loose leash for five minutes. Gradually move on to more exciting situations, and practice often. Work at home, at friends' homes, in parks, shopping centers, at dog shows, training classes and the veterinarian's. As your dog's self control and respect for you increases, you can add laying down quietly for up to 30 minutes to his skills.

How To Make A Floral Dog Collar

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:22:00 +0000

How To Make A Floral Dog Collar

Communicating With Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:46:00 +0000

Communication between dogs and humans doesn't have to be a completely foreign thing. In fact, dogs can understand certain types of body language and eye contact as well as about three tones of voice. Understanding what to use when can be very helpful when training your dog.

Your tone of voice can be a very powerful tool. High-pitched and excitable tones tend to remind dogs of their litter mates. As such, this tone of voice makes the dog think that you are an equal, as is often the case with children. Nevertheless, this tone can be very useful when you're trying to motivate your dog to do something, such as come to you. Matter-of-fact and calm tones are similar to a bark and are good when giving commands. Lowered tones are good when you want you dog to stop what he is doing, such as chewing your shoe, as they tend to sound similar to a mother dog's growl.

Direct eye contact can mean a couple of things to your dog. Sometimes it can be a loving look, other times it can be combined with a reprimand such as ‘No' or ‘Off' to show that you're serious. Dogs will interpret your body language whether you're aware of it or not. A dog may appear frightened or threatened simply because you're much bigger than him, move quickly toward him, or bend over him. If you want to encourage your dog to come to you, make yourself non-threatening by lowering to his level, encouraging him with a treat and, of course, praising him when he responds appropriately.

Hitting, grabbing or striking your dog is not a form of communication that they understand, at least not as it may be intended. Instead, dogs usually learn to fear and mistrust you. Using your body language, eye contact and your tone of voice can prove far more effective.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Shoking

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:56:00 +0000

We all recognize that dogs occasionally suffer from the bad habit of taking everything they get hold to in their mouths, that includes electric cords, parts of broken toys, tennis balls, etc. Additional things that they are inclined to pick up all form of stones or rocks, small scale toys to clothes, in essence anything they view as fun to play with. For some reason, dogs always appear to find a method to put physical objects inside their mouth that don t belong there!

Regrettably, there are a lot of occasions when a dog incidentally swallows these objects and it gets stuck in his throat. A late instance of this was Oprah s Golden Retriever, who choke on a toy that belonged to one of her other dogs, a Cocker Spaniel, which is a smaller dog. Regrettably, Oprah s dog wasn t equally lucky as other dogs that have survived this situation.

When a dog is choking, whenever the physical object isn t removed at once, there exists the probability that the animal will cease breathing and will go unconscious.

This situation is more common with dogs, than the majority of people are aware of. Consequently I d behoove of you to learn the basic acts that it takes to aid your dog from choking. This can invariably preserve the life of your loved pet.

Have a look below at the basic First Aid steps which could come in handy in a case of a dog that is choking:

If Your Dog Is Choking, But Remains Conscious

1. With two hands, loose your dog s mouth and look inside to see if you are able to see the physical object. If you are able to view it, try your best to remove it.

2. If you can t visualize the object, position your dog on its side and elevate the hindquarters.

3. Right away position your hand below the rib cage and your other hand on the dog s back. Press in and then up, altogether in one flowing motion. Continue applying pressure until the object is coughed out.

4. If the object doesn t come up, your dog might become unconscious. If this occurs, then perform the steps below.

If Your Dog Becomes Unconscious

1. As declared above, make certain that the dog is positioned on his side with elevated hindquarters.

2. Open up the airway and make certain that the tongue is pulled out as far as possible and placed to the side.

3. Then perform several compressions in the same region that you had attempted to press in the rib cage. After two to three compressions, check the mouth looking for any alien physical objects by using the sweep of your finger.

4. Now give the dog a few breaths.

5. Repeat this cycle of compressions, finger sweeps, and artificial respiration breaths until your dog begins breathing by himself and displaces the object.

If none of this works, and your dog is still having troubles or is unconscious, please don t pause to race him or her to the vet. A couple of minutes, or even seconds could constitute the difference between having your dog dead or alive.

My dog is Obese - Obesity in dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:08:00 +0000

Obesity is one of the most common nutritional medical disorders affecting companion animals, with approximately 24-40% of pets being classified as overweight. Obesity is defined as an increase of over 20% above the optimum body weight. Reasons for this include a more confined and sedentary lifestyle for pets, availability of highly-palatable, energy dense pet foods and treats, and a strong human-animal bond which leads to overfeeding and snacking.

The fundamental cause of obesity is excess of caloric intake over energy depletion with the surplus being stored as fat. There are many factors which affect this balance, including age, breed, sex, hormonal abnormalities, as well as external factors such as lifestyle, diet formulation and intake.

Hound breeds, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors and Shelties are some of the more common breeds affected. Neutered females, dogs older than 4 years of age and pets belonging to obese owners are more prone to excess weight gain.

The risk of certain health problems increases with obesity, as well as an aggravation of existing clinical disease, such as arthritis and respiratory disease.

Weight reduction can be achieved by lowering of energy intake, coupled with correction of concurrent medical conditions. Increased exercise is critical, but can be impractical in cats or difficult due to owners' lifestyles. Very often behavioural modification techniques are necessary to eliminate inappropriate behaviour such as begging. For any weight reduction program to be successful, an owner must first acknowledge that a problem exists and then be committed to its correction.

Calorie reduction in dogs can be quite dramatic, utilizing complete starvation (not recommended in cats due to the possibility of precipitating hepatic lipidosis). This is likely to be unacceptable to owners, would require vitamin/mineral supplementation, and result in an unwanted loss in lean body mass. Moderate weight loss can be achieved by feeding 10-20% fewer calories through less volume of regular food. Restricting calories also restricts protein, vitamins and minerals. However, most pet foods contain sufficient excesses for this degree of calorie restriction.

With grossly obese or less dedicated owners, a more severe caloric restriction may be necessary. Diets which have a more severe restriction of calories (25% or greater) must be specially formulated and fortified to avoid nutritional imbalances. Diet restriction must be introduced cautiously in obese cats as they can often only tolerate moderate caloric restriction. Furthermore, many low calorie/weight reduction diets may be unpalatable to some cats. It is important to ensure that the cat does, in fact, eat the diet when it is first introduced.

With the aid of a number of computer programs or nutritional texts, the daily caloric requirements of the pet can be calculated and the appropriate amount of a specific food prescribed by the veterinarian. The principle in all therapeutic diets is to offer a reduced energy density coupled with a compensatory supplementation of protein, vitamins and minerals. A number of different formulations used by different manufacturers and the most effective has not been established. Some foods offer a lower fat content coupled with higher levels of complex carbohydrate which not only lowers energy density but adheres to the concept that fat is more efficiently laid down as adipose tissue than carbohydrate. Other foods which are low in fat, coupled with high levels of indigestible fibre, rely in part on an earlier feeling of satiety to limit food intake. However, stool volume and palatability may be adversely affected. Alternative bulking methods involve higher water content in canned foods and higher air content of dry foods.

As most dogs and cats will eat to meet their daily caloric requirements, calorie restriction remains the essence of successful weight loss. Although most cases of obesity can be corrected with proper owner compliance, early pet owner education remains the best preventative measure. Overfeeding puppies and kittens may lead to an excess production of fat cells and a tendency to being overweight later in life, In puppies, overfeeding may also accelerate the growth rate, which in certain breeds may increase any predisposition to certain skeletal diseases. Young pets should be fed an appropriate daily amount of a balanced food with a caloric density that will result in normal growth rates and lean body condition. For most adult pets, avoidance of free choice feeding and poor behavioural habits (e.g. begging), and regular exercise will provide a successful approach to the prevention of obesity.

Dog Training Hand Signals

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:20:00 +0000

When you are training your dog to respond to your verbal commands, you can train him to respond to hand signals also. These can be learned in conjuction with the verbal commands and can be very usual in certain situations. There are a few common hand signals that you can teach your dog.

When you are training your dog, the very first command that you should teach him is the sit command. Teach him the verbal command first and then you can incorporate the hand signal. The hand signal for sit is to start with your right arm at your side, bend your arm at the elbow with the palm facing up. Slowly bend the arm until it is above the dog's head. Do this while giving the verbal sit command. Once he seems to have that mastered, do the motion without the verbal command. If he follows the hand signal, praise him immediately and give him a treat.

Once he has the sit command mastered you can teach him the down command. This command will have the dog lay down with head up and paws forward. This is one of the first verbal commands that has a hand signal. Once your dog learns the down command, incorporate the hand signal into the lesson. The hand signal for down is palm down, fingers together and you slowly lower your hand to the ground. Keep your dog focused on your hand signal as he obeys your verbal command. Slowly, verbalize the command in a softer and softer tone until he is able to do the command on hand signal alone.

The next hand signal that you can teach your dog is the come signal. When teaching your dog to come on command use his name first and then say "Come." If he comes right away, praise him greatly and give him a treat. If he doesn't come you may have to pull his leash toward you while saying his name and the word "come." Once he has the verbal command mastered, just add the hand signal. The hand signal for come is the same as the hand signal for a person to come. Bend your right arm at the elbow and move in backward toward your left shoulder in one sweeping motion. Make sure you have your dog's undivided attention when using the hand signal.

Teaching your dog hand signals along with the verbal signals can be very usual if you need to get your dog to obey you in a crowded, noisy area. It can also be usual as your dog grows older and his hearing declines. The most important thing is to never hit or spank your dog. You do not want your dog to associate your hands with pain. Be patient with your dog and before you know it he will be obeying your every command!

Homemade Diets for Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Home made diets are important in the dog feeding. Many a times, the commercial diets consist of food items that have artificial coloring agents and flavoring agents that are harmful to the dog’s body. Home made food items have the guarantee of freshness in the preparation unlike the ready-made commercial items.

The preservatives added in the commercial food items may not be the suitable ones to the dogs from the health point of view. Even in case of renal diseases in dogs, the home made diets may be made with ground beef, slices of bread, calcium carbonate, boiled eggs etc.

The purpose is to have the restricted protein supply in the feed items prepared. This should be carried out with home made diets prepared exclusively for the dogs suffering from renal diseases. Water is added in sufficient quantities to help the proper metabolism in the digestion-impaired renal cases.

The dog may have allergic symptoms like severe itching, which may not get corrected by different kinds of medications employed over a period of time. Such cases may get easily treated once the dog food is changed from the commercial type of food to the home made food items.

Often, the home made food items are prepared using the freezing procedures to kill the germs or by adding grape seed extracts to provide sufficient antioxidants to the home made food items. Food grade vinegar is also added in many times to the meat pieces prepared in a fresh manner. All these can be enriched with vitamin supplements that are available in fruit essences, fish oil etc.

Cranberry juice, bananas, fish and meat are prepared in a quality manner and no preservatives are added during the preparation of these kinds of food items and the dog becomes more active after the consumption of such food items.

Dogs Need Different Diets at Different Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:03:00 +0000

Dogs need different diets at different ages. Yes. This is true. For example, the puppy needs milk as the major food item while an adult dog may need beef or chicken in addition to the boiled egg and milk. So depending on the age factor, the diet schedule varies in reality for the dogs like any other species.

Puppies need greater amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates than an adult dogs. Furthermore, puppies need more frequent feeding schedules in a day, unlike an adult dog. The movement based requirements of diet are more in the case of puppies, since they are often more active than the adult dogs.

Elder dogs need restricted protein but the protein needs to be easily digestible and easily assimilated in the body. The diet schedule should have ample supply of water for them. Feeding aged dogs too much protein may finally lead to over burden to the renal structures and ultimately, the dog may end up damaging filters in the kidney.

This is true especially when the immune system of these dogs is compromised due to many factors. Similarly, the elderly dogs need less food only because the movements of the adult dogs are highly restricted and hence, they have to spend a limited of energy.

Female dogs in the pregnancy stage need not be fed a full stomach since it may cause some discomforts to the animal. However, the pregnant animal and the nursing animal need special type of food items that deliver a balanced type of nutrition with proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

The nursing animal with puppies need to be fed with enough amounts of calcium and hence, there will not be any calcium based deficiency and the bones of the puppies will be strong without any curving.

Allergies to Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:31:00 +0000

Being a pet owner is never easy. While pets bring us joy and companionship on a daily basis, they also require training, veterinary care, time, love, attention, and even tolerance. Tolerance is especially necessary when a pet owner is allergic to his or her companion animal.

Studies show that approximately 15 percent of the population is allergic to dogs or cats. An estimated one-third of Americans who are allergic to cats (about two million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway. In a study of 341 adults who were allergic to cats or dogs and had been advised by their physicians to give up their pets, only one out of five did. What's more, 122 of them obtained another pet after a previous one had died. It's clear the benefits of pet companionship outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies for many owners. Living comfortably with a companion animal despite being allergic to him requires a good understanding of the allergic condition and an adherence to a few rules.

All cats and dogs are allergenic (allergy-causing) to people who are allergic to animals. Cats tend to be more allergenic than dogs for allergic people, although some people are more sensitive to dogs than cats. Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats; even hairless breeds may be highly allergenic.

Dogs with soft, constantly-growing hair—the Poodle or the Bichon Frise, for example—may be less irritating to some individuals, although this may be because they are bathed and groomed more frequently. One dog or cat of a particular breed may be more irritating to an individual allergy sufferer than another animal of that same breed.

The source of irritation to pet-allergic humans? Glands in the animal's skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins, called allergens, that linger in the animal's fur but also float easily in the air. Allergens are present in the animal's saliva and urine, too, and may become airborne when saliva dries on the fur. The severity of reaction to these allergens varies from one person to the next, ranging from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma, and can be complicated by simultaneous allergies to other irritants in the environment.

If your or a family member's allergies are simply miserable, but not life-threatening, take these steps to reduce the symptoms:

Create an "allergy free" zone in the home—preferably the bedroom—and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it. Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner (available at almost any home and garden store or discount department store) in the bedroom. Consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows because allergen particles brought into the room on clothes and other objects can accumulate in them.

Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home, and avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds. Use a "microfilter" bag in the vacuum cleaner to effectively catch all the allergens.

Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergens on fur by as much as 84 percent. Although products are available that claim to reduce pet allergens when sprayed on the animal's fur, studies show they are less effective than a weekly bath. Even cats can become accustomed to being bathed; check with your veterinarian's staff or a good book on pet care for directions about how to do this properly, and use whatever shampoo your veterinarian recommends.

Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. Ask your allergist to specifically test for allergies to pet dander, rather than making an assumption. And understand that allergies are cumulative. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one allergen. So if you're allergic to dust, insecticides, pollen, cigarette smoke, and cat dander, you'll need to reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy. For example, you may need to step up measures to remove cat dander from your home and carefully avoid cigarette smoke during spring, when it is difficult to avoid exposure to pollen.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can improve symptoms but cannot eliminate them entirely. They work by gradually desensitizing a person's immune system to the pet allergens. Allergy-causing proteins are injected under the person's skin, triggering the body to produce antibodies (protective proteins) which block the pet allergen from causing a reaction. Patients are usually given one dose per week for a few weeks to months (depending on the severity of the allergy) and then can often manage with one injection per month.

Additional treatments for allergies to pets are symptomatic, including steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills. For asthma, there are multiple medications, sprays, and inhalers available. It is important to find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. A combination of approaches—medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning methods, and immunotherapy—is most likely to succeed in allowing an allergic person to live with pets.

Of course, if you do not currently have a pet and are considering one, and know you are pet-allergic, be sure to consider carefully whether you can live with the allergy before you bring a new pet home. Except in the case of children, who sometimes outgrow allergies, few allergy sufferers become accustomed to pets to whom they are allergic. Too many allergic owners obtain pets without thinking through the difficulties of living with them. And too often, they end up relinquishing pets, a decision that is difficult for the owner and can be life-threatening for the pet.

Names For Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Naming the family puppy can be a difficult task. There are many resources to help out with ideas and brainstorming, but in the end, a name that really fits your dog is hard to find in a book. The Internet provides a wide variety of search able databases with thousands of names for dogs and some even allow you to purchase products such as name tags directly through their site.

Here, I would like share a free ebook, The Big Book Of Puppy Names.

Dog Breeding

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:22:00 +0000

So you have a female pedigree dog with papers, you want to make some extra cash, so you think you'll go ahead and mate her with a stud so she'll breed and have some puppies. Not so easy! Proper breeding needs time, education, experience and of course money. Dog breeding does not make you money. If you are a good dog breeder, after postnatal care costs and proper veterinary care costs, there is little money left. Inexperienced dog breeders could end up with unwanted puppies which will just contribute to the growing dog overpopulation problem that exists. There are some 3 million plus unwanted dogs and cats in the United States, around 25 per cent of them are purebred. Of course there has to be some breeding, as without breeding we would have no puppies to grow into dogs.

Good reasons to breed your bitch is to perpetuate good qualitities of certain breeds of dog and to perpetuate a specific breed. If you breed puppies which are in demand, then you will usually be able to find them good homes. You should consider several things first if you are seriously considering breeding. Is your bitch of a good quality to be bred? Does your bitch fit her breed standard? Have your bitch examined by a veterinarian for her suitability for pregnancy and therefore avoiding inheritable abnormalities. If your bitch can match up to these things and fits her breed standard, is healthy you may want to breed her to pass on her good traits. You should start by finding a reputable breeder to mentor your, attend dog shows and educate yourself by reading about breeding. You should also develop a good relationship with your veterinarian, one who could be called upon for any pregnancy and whelping problems you may encounter.

Getting your bitch pregnant is not as simple as you may first think. You should choose a good stud dog, check out its pedigree. cycles also vary from breed to breed and individual to individual to the timing of mating is also crucial to ensure pregnancy and in some cases may have to be repeated if mated to early or too late in your bitches cycle. Some people assume that dogs don't have problems during pregnancy or whelping, in the case of purebred dogs that have been unnaturally selected, this is not the case and some breeds may be prone to complications. It is common during whelping to lose some puppies and therefore it is essential that you work along with your veterinarian to learn how to identify and handle any problems that may arise. Breeding is not a light undertaking, it's not just a hobby and does not always make you money like a business should. You should therefore take your time, you should have some money to invest along with plenty of energy.

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:15:00 +0000

It’s always a lot easier to teach a puppy the correct things to do when they are young, but it is not totally impossible to remove the bad habits of an older dog.

Making sure your dog understands that you are the master so that you can gain it’s respect is a priority, then you can start the process of training your dog so that he is no longer doing what he wants. You must show him who is in charge.

It is important to concentrate on just one thing at a time and not try to change the way your dog responds to various situations all at the same time

Changing an old dog’s habits to a set of new ones make some time, but if done in a way where you can show him that there is a better outcome from the new behaviour pattern he will certainly appreciate it

Generally the easiest way to do this is if the dog learns that he will get a reward for making any behavioural changes. Clicker techniques works well with older dogs and is not something that is restricted to the training of puppies

However, you must be prepared for some work yourself and for training to take a little longer than if you are working with a puppy, however there are several benefits for the older dog as he will usually have a longer attention span than a puppy.

The hardest part of training is being able to communicate with your dog in a humane way that he will understand. However, the underlying principle of all training reamins the same: reward the desired behaviour while ignoring or correcting his undesired behaviour.

Pet obedience training usually consists of five behaviours, including Sit, Down, Stay, the recall (come or here) and close (or loose leash walking).

Keeping your dog well trained is good for your dogs health and is good for you as well, and the relationship between both of you will improve considerably because of it.

You must be continue to be assertive and always remain positive if you want to encourage your dog to change.

How to keep the peace between your child and dog

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:39:00 +0000

How will my dog and my new baby get along? Will I have to get rid of my loyal, furry companion in order to ensure the safety of my child? These are the questions that plague many dog owners as they anticipate the birth and homecoming of their first child. The good news is that even though the process of introducing your dog to your newest family addition is a careful and cautious one, it's not impossible. With some pre-planning on your part, you can train your dog to get along with your child and can raise your child to respect and love your dog as much as you do.

Getting Your Pet Used to a Baby

So, you're expecting a baby. Congratulations! This is a time of change, discovery and joy like no other. If you are a dog owner, however, your happiness may be tempered by thoughts of your dog and how your "fur baby" will react to all of these monumental changes. Fear not! If you start preparing your dog for the baby's arrival well in advance of the baby's due date, you should be able to minimize any associated conflicts or problems.

If your dog currently has access to all rooms in the house, get him used to not entering which ever room will serve as the nursery. Keep that door closed so your dog will not consider it part of his regular territory. Then, get the dog used to your being in the room without him. Keep the nursery door closed while you're assembling baby furniture or decorating the room. This way, the dog will learn that even though there is activity there, he is not a part of it. Make sure, though, to pay a little extra attention to your dog once you leave the nursery and return to his territory.

Has your dog been to obedience school? If not, now is a great time for you both to go. Not only will it allow you to spend some quality time together before the baby comes, it will give you the tools necessary to control your dog's behavior. It will also help your dog get used to being in a room full of activity, other dogs and (maybe) children. This aspect of obedience school is an especially important one if your pre-baby household has been a relatively quiet one.

Another way to get your dog used to some of the noises a baby brings is to buy some tapes of babies crying. Start playing the tapes at a very low volume until the dog seems not to notice the sound anymore. Then, gradually increase the volume until it reaches a realistic level (the process should take place over days and weeks, not all in one day). When your baby cries at home, your dog will be less startled.

When your baby finally comes home, keep the dog away from the infant for the first few days. He should already be used to baby noises, but get him used to the baby's smell by putting one of the baby's blankets in his resting or sleeping area. When it's time to introduce your baby and dog to each other, keep the dog on a short leash and reward him during the introductions. This will reinforce the idea that the baby is a positive thing. Also, pay attention to your dog while he and the baby are in the same room. This will help your dog avoid seeing the baby as a threat or something that is taking you away from him. No matter how well trained your dog is, though, never leave the baby alone with him.

Take extra care as your child enters the crawling and walking stage. Depending on the breed, your dog may be absolutely terrified of this little crawling creature or he may view your child as prey. Neither of these scenarios is permanent, though. Your dog just has to get used to your baby moving itself around as opposed to being carried around. Keep your dog next to you while the baby is crawling or walking and reward him for being still (this is where the obedience training comes in really handy!). Your dog will most likely get used to your child's new movements in no time at all.

Teaching Your Child How to Properly Interact with the Family Dog

As your child grows, it's important to teach him or her how to properly deal with and treat the family dog (or any dog, for that matter). Teach your child from early on to "play nice" with the dog. Teach him or her not to pull the dog's fur, strike the dog or startle the dog on purpose. Dogs are animals and their first instincts, when faced with a threat, may lead them to bite or growl.

Your child should also be taught not to chase a dog when it's running away from them or to bother it when it's sleeping or eating. Teaching your child that a dog is a living creature, not a toy, will go a long way toward preventing some avoidable acts of aggression.

Dog grooming - Bathing

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:22:00 +0000

Raising a litter of puppies

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:24:00 +0000

So you are awaiting the arrival of a new litter. This is an exciting event for both owner and expectant female, but can be also tiring.
Make sure you make a nesting box for the mother and her puppies. You can tell she is going to deliver her pups when she starts "showing" and nervously starts licking herself and gathering up the sheets that you have put in the nesting box.

If your female is mature and old enough, chances are she will know what to do and nature takes care of the rest. She will clean the puppies one by one when they are born. You will need to supply rubber or latex gloves for yourself to hold the puppies if need be and a heating lamp to keep the puppies warm. They will be wet and need to stay warm. Place a heating lamp on the nesting box over the litter and mother. Also, make sure you have some clear plastic tubing in case one of the pups is having difficulty breathing at first, you can insert it in their mouth and blow air in it.
Be sure to have enough sheets to keep the area dry and clean. If you notice that the mother is passing a green fluid, this is a sign that something is wrong somewhere. Call your veterinarian right away and report the time.
Keep records of all the birth times and the sexes of the pups. Up to the time the pups are 6 weeks old, they will nurse off their mom. If the mother's milk does not come in properly or dries up, you will need to supplement the mother's feedings. Buy baby bottles and baby formula. Fill the bottles and feed the puppies.
By the time they are 4 weeks old, start introducing some baby cereal and formula. Make sure the mixture is loose. If the pups are a large breed, chances are they will start eating on their own at this time. Take them off the formula and start feeding them a good puppy chow formula that you made in your blender by adding water and mixing until loose also.
Leave a bowl of water on the floor, they will also come to the bowl and drink the water. Once they start eating on their own, they do not have to nurse off the mom, but they will still try. They should be ready to leave their mom fully by the time they are six weeks old.

How do you build a dog fence?

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:59:00 +0000

Whether you are looking for a professional to build your dog fence or you want to do-it-yourself, you will want to know how the construction phase works. Why? Because you're hard earned money is going into it. Also, time is of value in this kind of project. According to Mark Williams, a fencing estimator for six years, whether you decide you can build your dog fence or not, talk to a professional. They can always give you ideas on how to make a project easier. If you decide to go with a professional fencing company, the process will be similar to building a fence around your yard.

"What we'll do is we take panels. If it's going to be a completely portable one, what we'll do is we get the dimensions from our customers. How do they want them? We will measure them, and we will take our panels. We don't use any brackets to weld it together. We weld all bars and then put a primer coat on and a galvanized seal on top of it. Then, we make all of our panels in our shop. We roll them all together and stretch the chain link. We put everything together and then we deliver, or the customer picks them up using pre-assembled wood. They are shipped on a flat bed truck, and we will drop them off. They will have the top, bottom, and all the corners. The gate will also be included," Williams says.

Now, if you decide a do-it-yourself fence project is more your style, then Williams has some advice on that. You don't necessarily have to make your dog fence out of chain link; you can build it with wood, stone, or other materials. It's a matter of taste and how much money you are willing to pay.

"Set the corner poles the way you want your box to look. Once you have your corner poles set, run the strings. Then, stretch the gate post, stretch the chain link, or apply the wood as you would normally. It is almost impossible get a dog panel or to build one yourself the way we do it without welding. You can get dog panels like that from either Home Depot or Tractor Supply. If you assemble it, it will be just like doing a chain-link or wood fence. You can also do it in iron," Williams says.

If you don't feel like calling fencing experts for advice, you can always go to a hardware store and let customer service representatives know what you are doing. There should be someone there qualified to assist you in purchasing dog panels. Williams says if you get the chance, go to different stores. Ask them how they would build a dog fence. After you gather lots of information from everyone, you will see trends. You will also be able to better determine your wants and needs. Choose the fence you know your dog will be well protected in. Also, make sure it is escape-free.

How to Shave Your Dog: Dog Grooming Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 15:47:00 +0000

Is Your Home Puppy Proof?

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 07:59:00 +0000

Many new puppies are injured or harmed because their owners are not aware of their habits or how curious they are. But if you imagine your home through the eyes of your puppy, you may notice many seemingly harmless household items that can cause unfortunate problems. Please read the following for tips on how to puppy proof your home.

Clear papers, magazines, books, nick-nacks, and everything else off your coffee table, counters and other tables while your puppy is being properly Chew Trained. If your puppy grows up believing that there's never anything interesting to chew on those tables, he won't develop a habit of searching there for fun!

Until your puppy is 8-10 months old, don't leave food, candy, dirty dinner plates, utensils or glasses on your coffee table, countertops or other table surfaces. Remember, if your puppy grows up believing that there's never anything interesting to eat or lick on those tables, he won't develop the habit of jumping up on them, "counter-surfing" or otherwise searching inappropriate places for goodies

If you don't want your puppy to eat toilet paper or bathroom rubbish, shut the bathroom door! (Funny puppy fun often develops into annoying adult habit!)

Make sure kitchen garbage is securely out of puppy access, locked under the sink or behind a shut closet door

Don't leave cigarette butts in ash trays where your puppy can get to them. If eaten, cigarette butts can lead to nicotine poisoning.

Secure electrical cords to baseboards, or make them inaccessible. Apply a taste deterrent to these cords (such as hot sauce, or one of the bitter sprays available at your local pet supply store) If your puppy chews on them, he can suffer electric shock burns and may even die.

Keep Christmas decorations out of your puppy's reach. Crushed glass ornaments can cause nasty cuts.

Never burn candles where they're accessible to your puppy. The flame can attract him.

Keep medication bottles out of your puppy's way. Childproof containers are not enough to keep your puppy out!

Always keep the toilet lid down if you use toilet bowl cleaners. They are often strongly alkaline and tempting for a puppy to drink.

Keep cellar doors and upper story windows closed. A curious puppy is as vulnerable as a young child.

Dispose of chicken or turkey bones in a puppy proof manner. Brittle bones can be life-threatening.

Don't leave needles or pins out where the puppy can get to them; puppies often swallow them!

Be certain anti-freeze is out of reach and ANY drippings are cleaned up completely. All dogs are attracted to its scent. Anti-freeze is HIGHLY TOXIC.

Use pesticides and rodent poisons with great caution. Hanging strips, fly paper and other exposed toxins must be kept out of reach.

Keep your puppy away from toxic plants. Rhododendron, Japanese yew, and lily of the valley, as well as peach and cherry pits can all cause problems if eaten by your puppy.

The Best Way Of Clipping Dog Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:38:00 +0000

The best way how to cut a dog's nails is to have the dog lying on a raised table or other surface. Do remember to put a non-slip mat for your dog to sit or stand on so she doesn't slip and hurt herself. Having someone strong hold your dog in their arms while you quickly clip a couple of nails is another effective way of doing this.

However, your dog may be as good as gold and let you cut their claws with no fuss at all - in which case you are a very fortunate person!

Carefully read the instructions for the nail clipping tool of your choice. For example, with the guillotine, you need to cut from the underneath of your dog's claw upwards. Never clip downwards.

Position the tool in the right place, wait for an opportune moment when your dog stops wriggling, double check that the clipper is in the right place and squeeze firmly and smoothly - the nail will just pop off.

When wondering when and how to cut dog's nails, little and often is the best policy.Just nibbling off the ends of each claw will be less stressful for your dog - and yourself! The point to aim for is to trim off any bit that protrudes over your dog's pad. Thus, when he stands, your dog's claws should not touch the ground.

The good thing is, very much like our own nails, the more you trim your dog's nails, the more the quick will recede. Therefore, clipping dog nails doesn't have to be done all at once - take your time.

Oooops! You've Cut Into The Quick!
However experienced you are in knowing how to cut a dog's nails, accidents will happen.

Clipping into the quick will cause your dog to yelp in pain - I hate it when that happens. And, just as would happen if you cut into your quick, a fair amount of bleeding will occur. As much as you try to not let this happen - it will at some stage - so it is best that you learn to deal with it.

Please, let me reassure you that it is not half as dramatic as it looks. Keep calm, deal with the situation and give your dog a big cuddle and his favorite treat when it is all over.

If learning how to cut a dog's nails is all a bit much for you, take your dog to a groomer (some will even come to your home) to have her nails trimmed. It doesn't cost very much and at least your dog wont hold it against you if her nails should accidentally be cut too deep!

If bleeding does occur, you have three options :

You let the bleeding stop normally - but this could go on for about 5 - 7 minutes (call the vet if it goes on for any longer) and be tramped into your carpets as your dog seeks to get away from you. Also, your dog will try to lick her bleeding nail, which could cause the bleeding to continue even longer.

You can hold a piece of tissue paper or a pinch of cornflour firmly against the source of the bleeding - if your dog will hang around long enough! - or

You can keep a styptic pen or stick handy as part of your dog's grooming kit, which when applied to your dog's nail will stop the bleeding instantly. It doesn't hurt your dog - which is a bonus. You can get this from your vet or a good pet store.

General Feet Check-Ups
Though knowing how to cut a dog's nails is important, just as important is checking your dog's feet regularly.

Check her pads for thorns or broken glass. Our dogs love paddling in the sea and I also always ensure their paws are rinsed when they get home as dog skin is pretty sensitive to salt water.

I always check them when they come back from their forest walks too - I watch out for any signs of limping. Our dog, Holly in particular, being long haired, tends to bring half the woodland walk back home with her and I've occasionally found thorny bits buried deep within her coat.

In winter, I pay special attention to our dogs' paws because of the salt gritting which takes place and also because they may have stepped on something they couldn't see under the snow.

In Conclusion
It is so important to keep your dog's nails trimmed and her feet in good condition. Walking on overly long nails is painful - can lead to broken nails, nail bed infection and huge amounts of bleeding - and can also lead to ingrown nails which break into the pads of your dogs paws.

Just a little bit of regular preventative action on your part can make life so much easier for your dog. Knowing how to cut a dog's nails and just a little extra care and attention will go a long way towards keeping your dog active and healthy for a long, long time to come.

Choosing a dog

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 16:30:00 +0000

An important thing to consider when buying a dog is whether it will fit comfortably into your quarters when it reaches adult size. The presence of young children in the family should also be a factor in selection. A dog for a growing family must be able to stand rough treatment. A toy dog would be a poor choice for such a family because its tiny bones are fragile enough to break when children handle it roughly. In general larger dogs, such as Labrador retrievers or German shepherds, are better adapted both physically and temperamentally for a young family.

A dog can be acquired from a number of sources. It can be bought from a reputable pet shop or from a kennel. Newspaper advertisements describe pups for sale from private parties. Local humane societies have dogs available, too. From whatever source you get a dog, however, make certain it is healthy. Ask for proof, if possible, that it has received all the necessary immunizing shots.

It is also advisable to get a written reminder of whatever shots and other care the pup will need after you take it home. Even if a puppy has had shots against distemper and hepatitis, it will need booster shots. Later, it will need a rabies shot. A reputable pet shop or kennel ordinarily will have taken care of these details, but get a signed verification from a veterinarian anyway.dog5.jpg (37485 bytes)

Males are usually larger, stronger, and more aggressive, and they make excellent watchdogs. On the other hand, females are usually more affectionate and gentle, and if they are purebred dogs and are mated with males of their breed, their pups can be sold for profit. The female has a strong maternal instinct and will guard children as well as she does her own pups. Dogs of either sex, however, can be neutered. Castration, the removal of the testes, makes a male dog infertile and more docile. Spaying, or removal of the ovaries, makes a female dog infertile.

Should one buy a purebred or a mongrel? This question is hard to answer because a purebred dog sometimes turns out to be less desirable than expected, while a mongrel often makes an alert, intelligent, and delightful family pet.

As a rule, a purebred pup inherits the traits of its breed. As a result, few surprises in body form and temperament arise when the pup reaches adulthood. If you want to buy a purebred but are unfamiliar with the breed, first look at a full-grown dog of the breed. The puppy will grow to resemble it. If you want to buy a mongrel, try to see its sire and dam. The sire and dam will display any unwanted trait that may lie hidden in the puppy.

Ideally, children and puppies should grow up together. Caution should be taken, however, when dog owners bring a newborn baby home. Pampered dogs sometimes resent the newcomer because the baby receives most of the parents' attention. They should make an effort to pay attention to the dog, too.

A puppy should be at least eight or nine weeks old before it is taken from its home kennel. By this time it will have been weaned and eating regular food. At first, the puppy must be fed four times a day. By the time it is mature, feedings should be down to twice a day or even once a day in the case of a dog that gets little exercise. Diet and feeding instructions should accompany the puppy. If it was eating a prepared dog food at the kennel, the same diet should be maintained until the puppy shows its dislike of it by "going off its feed," or refusing to eat. Several types of dog food may have to be tried before the dog settles on a favorite. If it refuses all the choices offered, however, consult the breeder or a veterinarian for help.

Pets On Planes

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 16:25:00 +0000

The Air Transport Association of America estimates that over 500,000 cats and dogs fly on commercial airlines every year. The days of pets being banned to the cargo area are gone, and some airlines will allow small pets to travel with their owners in the cabin. This article will provide tips and guidelines for traveling in the cabin with your pet.

In order to qualify for the privilege of cabin travel, your dog or cat must be small enough to fit comfortably inside a carrier that will fit under a passenger seat. The dimensions of such a carrier are usually 8” x 17” x 12”, but contact your airline before purchasing a carrier. Every airline has its own particular regulations; some airlines permit soft-sided carriers while others only allow the hard-side style. If your carrier does not meet their requirements, you may not be allowed to use it. Animal carriers are counted as a part of your carry-on luggage, but generally require an additional fee of $30 to $60, depending on the airline.

Your dog will be more comfortable in his carrier if you let him become used to it at home. Leave it open in the house with a comfortable cushion or blanket and a favorite toy inside. You may also want to try taking him for short excursions in the car so he will be familiar to traveling in it.

In most cases airlines restrict animals to one small animal per cabin, so make sure that you have an advanced reservation. When you order your tickets, request an aisle seat with seats in front of you – it will be easier to slide the carrier under the seat.

Most airlines require a health certificate issued not more than 10 days before your date of departure. Rabies and vaccination certificates may also be necessary. It is best to inquire about all paperwork and restrictions before arriving at the airport – if all is not in order, you and your dog will not be allowed to board the plane.

Feed your dog a very light meal at least 4 hours before departure. Try to make sure he has relieved himself before the trip. Arrive at the airport early, especially if you are traveling during a holiday. Hand check your pet through security. Since you may have to remove your dog from his carrier for the security check, keep a collar and leash on him until you have passed through. Keep both your and your dog’s ticket handy. Most airlines will allow you to board the plane when they seat “those needing extra time or assistance”.

Tranquilizing a dog is sometimes necessary, but there are dogs who actually become more agitated with their use. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation for your dog; he knows him best.

Perfect handbook for imperfect dog owners

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:20:00 +0000

I've created an e-book called 'Perfect handbook for imperfect dog owners'. Here, I would like give you for free.

Dog Health

Most Common Health Issues with Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Subha) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:06:00 +0000

There are many health issues that can affect dogs. Some are more particular to a certain breed.

For instance, hip dysplasia is more often seen in the Akita or the Bullmastiff. While a health issue such as fleas is likely to show up in any type of dog. It is hard for an animal to tell you there’s something wrong. They rely on their behavior to indicate to you something is not up to snuff. By observing your dog, you will know when a health issue pops up.

Fleas can be one of the most bothersome health issues for any dog. This small wingless insect jumps from destination to destination and wrecks havoc on families. They are very difficult to get rid of since they reproduce very quickly and can become immune to pesticides. The best sign of a flea’s presence is your dog’s constant scratching. If you notice this, check the dog’s skin and look for flea excrements. It is a good idea to check with your veterinarian before you try tackling this problem. Drops or pills work well to eradicate them, a flea collar will provide moderate success and if fleas have infested your house, you may need to do some decontamination.

Another troublesome health issue for dogs is worms. They can be seen in the dog’s stool or around it’s anus and under it’s tail. If you suspect worms, a veterinarian should be sought to diagnose and treat this affliction.

Allergies affect dogs just as they do humans. The causes are many, such as, pollen, dander, spores, mites or food, to name some. Although allergies cannot be prevented, eliminating the allergen can control them. Food allergies can be one of the hardest to determine. Together with your veterinarian, you can determine the best treatment for the allergy. Testing can be done to determine the pet’s allergy and steroids will relieve some of the symptoms. Immunotherapy, antihistamines and symptomatic treatment are also available. This health problem will take endurance and fortitude.

Some dogs are plagued by ear infections. Their ears are deep and long and have little airflow. If moisture gets in them, it can be difficult to dry out. They should be inspected as part of a normal grooming process. If you notice red inflamed skin in them, a build up of wax, foul smell, or observe the dog pawing them, it is likely an infection is present. Treatment would consist of medication administered to the ears and also cleaning the ears on a daily basis for one to two weeks.

One of the most common eye problems in dogs is conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the eye’s mucous membranes. The eye will redden, swell and possibly produce a discharge. It will also be itchy. It is important to keep the eye clean and get appropriate medicine from your vet that will usually be an antibiotic eye drop or a steroid component to eliminate symptoms.

As in humans, dogs are more prone to certain health problems. By paying attention to your dog’s behavior, you will notice when a problem does arise. Catching the problem early will help put your dog back on the healthy road again and prevent serious complications.