My Pet Place, For The Love Of Our Pets

Checking Leash Aggression And Educating Your Dog to Stay

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:21:09 PST

Many dogs have an aggressive side, and you often see this when they are on leashes. Dogs that are normally well-behaved can lunge and snarl at other dogs and people as you walk down the street. While he needs exercise, you do not want to put others at risk. What can you do about leash aggression?
However, there are some ways to deal with leash aggression so you can both get some good quality time and exercise outdoors.

Dogs are like children in many ways. Often you can avoid bad behavior if you redirect their attention. If you see something that usually causes your dog to become aggressive, immediately distract him. Tell him to sit or lie down to keep him busy until the dog or person passes.

Dogs are masters at reading our body language. If you tense whenever you pass a person or another dog, your pet will pick up on it. He may think that you are scared and want to protect you. It is best to stay calm and act as if nothing is wrong if you can so your dog does too.

Try using a muzzle or a gentle leader when walking your dog. This should only be a temporary measure but if you are concerned your dog may lunge or bite, these can be very helpful. Become prepared, puppy training biting to gain better results.

At this point, if the leash aggression isn’t being eliminated, you might consider a trainer. It can become very dangerous to other people and dogs in your neighborhood.

Many dogs pull and lunge when on a leash. If your dog displays this very natural reaction to being on a leash, it is vital that you take action as soon as possible so it doesn't become either an irritating habit or a dangerous one.

The stay command is one of the most useful for your dog. While indicative of a well-trained dog, the stay command can also keep your dog safe in different settings. To help facilitate teaching this command, use treats and praise liberally. SitStayFetch can help you gain even better control over your dog. For finer results attempt sitstayfetch to help your dog training efforts.

If your dog knows the sit or lie commands, he can learn to stay. Begin by commanding him to sit. Then, extend your hand with your palm facing your dog. Using a calm voice, tell him to "Stay."

When your dog stays, praise him immediately. Likely your dog will only be able to stay for a second or two at first. This is great; it's a terrific beginning, and he will be able to do it for longer periods as he practices.
Give the release command – say "Ok," or "Come" - so your dog knows he doesn’t have to lie down any longer. Pass him a treat and lots of praise. Giving rewards is a key component of the procedure when it comes to things like puppy potty training.

As you work on the stay command, demand that your dog stay for longer periods of time. Don't give him his treat until he performs to your satisfcation. Have him do a little more each time. For more effective results examine puppy potty training to help your dog training efforts.

You don't want to practice for an hour though. Keep your training sessions short and sweet. Make them fun for your dog, provide lots of praise and rewards, and you'll get results. Five to ten minutes is a great amount of time for each training session, and you can do it several times a day.

Any longer and your dog will feel like he’s in a marathon – he’ll get tired, cranky, and won’t want to listen. At first, you may have to repeat, "Stay," often to remind your dog, especially if they’re excited about their treat.
If you keep working, your dog will be able to stay for longer periods. You'll be impressed when he stays even when you leave the room. Treats will become unnecessary after training, but praise is never obsolete. Let your dog know when he is doing a good job.

Why To Take Your Dog To A Dog Park

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:51:20 PST

A growing number of communities are organizing dog parks for local pet owners. There are areas designed for exercise and areas designed for socialization. Some of these parks are organized by a consortium of dog owners who just want to provide designated spaces for their pets to roam freely. In other cases, they are for-profit enterprises. The group which operates the facility often serves as a liaison between owners, the city, and zoning authorities.

In this article, we'll describe the advantages that your canine will enjoy by visiting dog parks as well as a few advantages that you'll gain. We'll also explain proper etiquette and the rules of engagement between you, your pet, and others.

Advantages For Your Canine

As a pack animal, a dog is naturally inclined to seek out companionship from other dogs. Long ago, that need was fulfilled through herding and hunting responsibilities. Most dogs are kept indoors, which prevents them from interaction with other pets and with people.

When you take your pooch to a doggy park, you're giving him an opportunity to spend time with his own kind. The socialization is valuable. He can roam freely and play with other pets off-leash, an experience that is all but impossible outside these specially-designated spaces. He can also enjoy physical activity. Many dogs are denied the proper amount of exercise, which takes a toll on their physical and mental health. This is one of the reasons pooches often become obese or ill-mannered.

Advantages For You

As many benefits as your canine companion enjoys at these facilities, there's also plenty of value for you. You'll have a chance to meet and socialize with other people who have brought their own pets. It's not uncommon for long-lasting friendships to emerge over time as owners plan weekly visits. Also, if you're unable to take your dog for walks (due to age, disability, etc.), this kind of place offers a practical alternative.

In order to ensure these doggy parks remain open to the public, it's important to abide by specific rules of etiquette. First, make sure that you clean up after your pooch. Second, never leave your canine unattended. You must be present in case there is a need for you to restrain or remove him from the premises (for example, if he gets into a fight with another dog). Third, if you bring young children to the facility, prevent them from chasing the animals. The behavior might be interpreted as a threat, which can trigger an aggressive reaction.

Taking your pooch to a dog park gives him a valuable opportunity to socialize. You'll also provide him with a useful outlet through which he gets the exercise he needs in order to stay healthy. Meanwhile, as he enjoys playing with his new friends, you'll have a chance to enjoy time talking with other owners. Most people find that the experience is beneficial for them and their dogs.

Bearded Collie - Good for the Family

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:43:54 PST

There’s almost nothing more frightening than a lice, flea, or tick infestation your beloved pet. When you want a solution and you want it fast, Defendex™ is here for you. Defendex™ is both the strongest and the safest lice, flea, and tick removal product available. While on one hand, Defendex™ is made from natural ingredients and is completely safe for your pet – on the other, it is developed with a state of the art enzyme blend to quickly and completely wash away the infestation.

Defendex™ will:

* Wash away lice, flea, tick, and mange.
* Wash away eggs from sheets, pillows, car upholstery, and other household objects.
* Give you certainty your pet is not ingesting harmful chemicals.

Defendex™ was developed by Steve, an expert in the pest control industry – when he wanted something safer and more effective for his family. Steve discovered that enzymes were the key to safe and simple parasite removal – these enzymes dissolve the exoskeleton of the parasite, making it weak and vulnerable. But because enzymes are completely natural, they are incapable of harming your pet. Now, thanks to Steve, you too can have the safest and most comprehensive pest control available.

Get the upper hand on lice, fleas, ticks, and mange with Defendex™

Medium sized dog that weighs between 40-58 pounds is Bearded Collie. They are 20" to 22" in height. Their abundant hair gives the impression that they are bigger than they actually are.

Recognized by the AKC, the acceptable coat colors for the Bearded Collie are tan, grey, black, fawn or brown with some white markings. they may or may not have white markings, when they are puppies. As they mature, their coat color either fades or changes. The most common colors are gray with white or black with white. Their long, harsh, straight and shaggy outer coat and short, soft, thick undercoat requires a daily brushing to prevent tangles. Their nickname is "beardie" because of the shaggy and long hair under their chin.
This energetic, loving, happy-go-lucky breed makes a fabulous family pet.

They are people dogs and love to be with their family. They are fantastic for homes with kids and other dogs and can do well with other non-canine pets provided they have early socialization. They are enthusiastic, outgoing, and lively and require plenty of exercise and play time. They need a yard to roam and run. if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, having toys on hand is a good idea. Early training is recommended because they have a stubborn tendency at times. They are easy to train.

Going back over 500 years, the Bearded Collie originated in Scotland. They are conceived to be descendents of the Polish sheepdog. They were bred to heard as cattle or sheep, thus explaining their collie name that in Scotland means herding dog. Friendly to family and strangers alike, the Bearded Collie will greet all he meets with enthusiasm. Because they require regular outdoor exercise and play, they are best with active families who will give them the activity that they need. Homes with other dogs and children can feel confident in adding a Bearded Collie to their family.

Winter season Canine Agility Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:19:12 PDT

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Yes, its cold outside, but don't stop your dog's agility training. Depending on where you live, there might be snow on the ground from November through March, but thats no use to offer up your agility training. Led your training indoors, suitable at your own home.

Get creative with your training locations. Do you've a hallway, basement, or garage? Then you have a place to train! Before it snows and your equipment is frozen to the ground, store some through your garage, shed, basement, or put a tarp over it. Led during one piece of equipment at a time, and start your indoor training.

We do many indoor training by a Pause Table. In fact, we maintain 1 in our living room for both obedience training and agility training all the time. The Pause Table is a good obstacle for developing your obedience behaviors and teaching agility directional instructions

Don't forget to work on your contacts. It's flowing with having a Contact Trainer inside. A three-Piece Get in touch with Trainer gives you versatility; you have an A-frame side, the Pause Table, and a Dog-walk plank. Practicing your two feet on and 2 feet off is convenient and fast when you've indoor contacts, just a few minutes a day to steady your dog's behavior.

Indoor jumping must be approached carefully. Wheter you do not have indoor matting, do not jump. You don't require your dog jumping on concrete or wood floors. But you could use the uprights or posts to practice your handling. Consumption your Sit-stay or Down-stay and practice your lines or dogs pathway by no jump bars.

Weaves can be practice inside. Are you training through a weave-chute or straight line weaves? Five minutes a day of weave training throughout out the winter would have your dog weaving smoothly through springtime. You can practice weave entries and weave sends or weave recalls.

There is also a variety of mini agility equipment that could be purchased, and don't require the equal space as standard equipment. There are mini-teeters, mini-dog walks, and mini-A-frames. These are great obstacles for puppy training or indoor winter education.

Therefore, through the cold winter months, do not give up on your agility training. As you're starting a young pup, working a novice dog, or an experienced titled dog there’s always something that you could do inside by your agility training. Read more other useful topics about dog weight, pregnant dogs and small puppies

Discover What You’re Really Feeding Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:34:26 PDT

Dog Food for Life – Click Here

Have you ever taken the time to check out the label on your dog’s food package? Most foods will contain ingredients that you struggle to name, much less understand what they are. You may be shocked to find out that many commercial brands of dog food aren’t offering the “top quality” food that they would lead their customers to believe. We’re going to talk about many things to look out for in this article, but you can learn about all of this and more by reading the Dog Food for Life eBook.

One specific thing to look out for when checking the label of your dog’s food is the source of protein, which should be a form of meat (but occasionally companies will include items such as soy, wheat, or corn). This is where dog food companies have become particularly sneaky. Some companies have simply listed “meat” as an ingredient. This “meat” could include rendered carcasses, which can consist of road kill or even the bodies of cats and dogs that have been put down in animal shelters and veterinary offices. So technically, you could be turning your dog into a cannibal and not even know it!

If the dog food label doesn’t name a specific source of meat (such as beef, chicken, lamb, etc.), then you very well may be feeding your dog “mystery meat!” Try searching for a dog food that lists specific sources of meat as the first ingredient, as dogs derive the majority of their nutrients in the form of protein.

Other ingredients that provide important nutritional value to every dog’s diet are: carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Carbohydrates are primarily used for energy, but dogs do not require a great deal of them to be healthy. A high-protein, low-carb diet is usually best for canines. As for fats, there are two types: animal fat (saturated) and vegetable (polyunsaturated), and your dog needs a good balance of both. Vitamins and minerals are imperative to your dog’s health, however nearly half of them are lost in the process of creating dry dog food. You may want to ask your vet about administering a vitamin & mineral supplement to your dog’s diet. Water is, of course, a vital aspect of a dog’s diet. Make sure to always have clean, fresh water available to your dog at all times.

For more information, you are encouraged to visit Dog Food for Life and read the free Confidential Dog Food Report.

Your Pet Has Diabetes? Dia-IonX™ Will Help

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:29:52 PDT

There’s not much scarier than learning your pet has diabetes. Blood sugar complications can lead to some of the most frightening health conditions. That’s why we’ve developed Dia-IonX™ - the all-business product for those who don’t gamble with their pet’s health. Dia-IonX™ is the safest and most effective blood sugar health product available for your pet.

Dia-IonX™ Will:

* Help manage your pet’s blood sugar.
* Work naturally without negative side effects.
* Assist your pet in maintaining a healthy weight.
* Support healthy kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
* Improve blood circulation.

Dia-IonX™ is a 100% natural homeopathic blend designed to give your pet optimal health. Each trace mineral has been scientifically researched for its beneficial effects on blood sugar. And because Dia-IonX™ is all natural, it has absolutely no side effects.

The ingredients in Dia-IonX™ include:

* Chromium: supports healthy reaction to insulin and aids in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
* Zinc: is required for the activation of white blood cells. Approximately 100 enzymes rely on zinc to stimulate biochemical reactions.
* Potassium: is needed for enzymes, muscles, and nerves to function properly. A deficiency will often mean weak muscles, lack of appetite, and even heart problems.

With these powerful ingredients, Dia-IonX™ truly is the most comprehensive blood sugar support available for your pet.

Dog Obedience Training Is For All Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:52:39 PDT

Dog obedience training is not just for pure bred show dogs, or those dogs used for services like police work, public service and military missions. Obedience training should be for all dogs. It is surprising that so many owners of mixed-breed dogs feel that their dog isn't good enough or acceptable for formal obedience training. While it is true that many All-Breed Dog Clubs and Specialty-Breed Dog Clubs do discriminate and refuse to allow enrollment of mixed-breed dogs, dog clubs are simply just one place where dogs can receive formal obedience training.

The yellow pages and online search engines can help you find dog training classes in your area. With the exception of some dog clubs, mixed breed dogs are welcome. The mixed breed dog learns just as fast and just as well as their pedigreed brothers.

Price of dog training is another area that has stopped so many people. Without actually inquiring, they assume that the price is prohibitive. The simple truth is that, formal dog obedience training classes are inexpensive.
There is an easy to follow training program that is very inexpensive. You can have the teachings of a professional at home. Daniel Stevens is the trainer and his program has excellent rave reviews. There are many Secrets to Dog Training Reviews and all agree the small outlay is excellent value for this program.
The tuition for formal dog obedience training is a sound investment for all dog owners. In a short period of time and only fifteen minutes a day, your dog will learn and respond to words very quickly.

It will come immediately when called instead of running in another direction, or worse, ignoring you. It will sit when you tell it, instead of jumping all over your guests. It will walk at your side instead of pulling you down the sidewalk. It will lie down when and where you tell it to and it will stay where you tell it to. No longer would you be trying to control a dog exhibiting bad dog behavior.

Many people unfortunately, who own watchdogs for example, are forced to confine them to back rooms when they have visitors, simply because there dogs have had no formal dog obedience training. They fail to understand that a watchdog confined to a back room is about as handy as a car without the key.
An obediently trained dog knows the difference between no and okay. Not only can this training elevate the status of your family dog, it also instills in it the soundness of character that you never knew possible. A dog with obedience is a welcomed dog anywhere.

Scottish Terrier – a Wonderful Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:04:17 PDT

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The Scottish Terrier also often called the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is well known for its classic terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland White Terriers.

The behaviour and qualities and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its origins.You should compare characteristics with with the other major dog breeds, of which there are around 500.
The Scottie is often called by the nickname of "little diehard". Originally given in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. George IV had a pack of Scottish Terriers, supposedly so courageous that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the inspiration for the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, "Dumbarton’s Diehards".
As always it is difficult to know the real origins of the Aberdeen Terrier, but it was bred for controlling small rodents in Scotland for centuries. It may be the original breed of the five Scottish Terrier breeds and there are some references back to the 16th Century.

The source of the name "terrier" is the Latin terra meaning "earth". The Scottie was a hunter where these short legged, powerful dogs were designed and built for the reason of killing small rodents such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their tunnels.

Scottish Terriers appearance is characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The wiry coat exists in many colors, including black, brindle or wheaten of any shade. Scotties with 'Wheaten' (straw to nearly white) coats sometimes occur, but should not be confused with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.

Scottish Terriers are sturdy, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Scottish Terrier has a long head relative to its body which averages just under a foot high. The Highland Terrier has stiff ears and tail. Scottiewere bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of burrows when they were wedged after digging after vermin and voles.

Scottish Terrierhave petite, bright almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Highland Terrier personality is one of liberty and guts. Often people say a Scottie thinks he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the extent that he is quite fearless that sometimes appears foolish in the face of a much larger dog, when he suddenly realises that he is only eleven inches high. Professional dog walkers, such as London Dog Walking love to walk them, they are never feel frightened by the larger dogs!

Height at withers for both sexes of the Highland Terrier should be roughly 25 cm (9.8 in), and the length of back from shoulder to tail is roughly 28 cm (11 in). Generally a well-balanced Scottie dog should weigh 8–10 kg (19–22 lb) and a female from 8–9.9 kg (18–22 lb). Aberdeen Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.

Aberdeen Terrierare very alert, playful and sure in themselves. Scotties typically live approximately twelve years.
Scotties, whilst being very loving, can also be irritatingly stubborn. Because of this stubbornness, a Aberdeen Terrier needs resolved, but gentle handling from a puppy or it will rule the household. Every new Highland Terrier addition should have a clear puppy training plan.
The Aberdeen Terrier makes a great watchdog because it generally only barks when necessary and usually only for strangers. Dog socialisation is imperative as it is a courageous breed that can be antagonistic around other dogs unless instructed and introduced to other dogs at an early age.

Because the Scottie were used to fight and hunt badgers and other vermin they love to dig and chase small vermin, such as Squirrels, rats, and mice. Yet another reason to recommend that Aberdeen Terriers are generally walked on a leash.

Whilst Highland Terriers are generally a robust breed they have a propensity of developing specific cancers than other purebreds. Research has identified six cancers that Scottish Terriers are more likely to go down with ( when compared to other breeds) are: (in descending order) bladder cancer and other transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract (more normal in older dogs and more common in females so keep an eye on blood in the urine, problems to urinate and frequent urination – and get veterinary assistance); malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma.

Common prevention for dog cancer includes, ensure that your dog has minimal contact to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; be prudent when treating dogs with some flea medications; give a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and plenty of exercise.
The Highland Terrier are also sensitive to von Willebrand disease (vWD) which symptoms are varying degrees of bleeding tendency, normally easy bruising, nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); sometimes known as lion's jaw, that created major bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions stop growing after twelve months or so, and can regress. The firm swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and difficulty in eating. This is also an inherited disease and if extensive, could be difficult for the dog.
Because of these inherited diseases it is highly recommended to buy direct from a breeder, who can show he has not had a problem with these diseases.

Famous Scotties include former President George W. Bushs’ Barney and Roosevelts – Fala. Infact the Aberdeen Terrier is the only dog breed that has lived in the White House more than three times.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Scottish Terrier include: Humphrey Bogart; Liza Minnelli; Queen Victoria; Theodore Roosevelt; Shirley Temple; Tatum O'Neal owned a Scottie. She was said to be so saddened by her dog's death to old age and cancer that she fell back into drugs.

A Highland Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier are pictured on the Black & White whisky label. In Enid Blyton's Mystery Series books, there is Buster a Scottish Terrier, who is often part of the mysteries.
So all in, a rightfully popular dog breed, particularly in personality per lb, but you will need to train and be firm with your Scottish Terrier.

Dr. Ava Frick's Animal Fitness Center for Pet Pain Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:23:06 PDT

Horse joint pain is something I never actually thought about. I always assumed horses, like my horse Semper, didn't feel pain or get sick. When my beautiful pet Semper seemed to be aching, I had no clue where to begin. Luckily I found Dr. Ava Frick's website about her Animal Fitness Center. I found out that all animals can get sick just like humans. If I did not take my equine to Dr. Ava Frick so soon he might of had horse paralysis and I would have never forgiven myself.Animal Pain Relief
After a horse is over 15 years old Dr. Ava Frick told me that it is common for them to get equine arthritis. Tendons and cartilage, in horses and humans, wear down over time as they grow old. I got Semper since I was 14, so it is only natural for my beloved horse to experience pain, tenderness, stiffness and swelling in the joints. I was not able to tell that my beloved horse was suffering for so long because I could not tell he was in any pain. I was still putting him through hours of practice and even rode him everyday around our farm.

Equine joint pain is usually treated with medications and drugs. However, I know for a fact that pain medication can also be harmful to the internal organs of horses. I really wanted to make sure Semper's care was as natural and holistic as possible. Good thing Dr. Ava Frick also supports different types of therapy and pain management programs that are all natural. The main thing I liked about the Animal Fitness Center is their alternative treatment to relieving pain and discomfort in all animals. Not only do they specialize in relieving pain through electronic devices but they also concentrate on the proper nutrition needed for a fast recovery. I was truly relieved to see how my horse was cared for during his stay at the Animal Fitness Center.

One thing about the animal chiropractic care that Dr. Ava Frick gave to Semper is that it was custom just for him. Treating an animals condition in this matter targets the actual problem and doesn't just mask the symptoms. Medication can treat horse joint pain but it doesn't treat the problem just the pain felt from it. Semper received massage therapy and PST, which is Pulsed Signal Therapy, and is a non invasive type of pain management that helps with the function of the problem areas. In just a couple of weeks under the supervision of Animal Fitness Center, my Semper started to show a marked improvement.Animal Chiropractic

Common Reasons for Dog Barking Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:42:22 PDT

I cannot get the thought of barking dogs off my mind this morning. That is due to laying awake listening to my neighbor's insane pack of dogs barking at coyotes all night long. This of course allowed me lots of time to do nothing but think about all the nearby dogs with various types of serious barking problems. Thinking about it made me realize I was in a neighborhood periodically terrorized by relentless barking episodes.
I have written a short list of just some of the commonest reasons that cause dogs to bark in excess . If your dog presents you with any of these types of barking problems, you will need to work with your dog to correct the problem. It is too bad, but this barking problem isn't going away without some work by you.

It is very common to see ( actually, hearing is a better choice of words) a dog begin barking upon seeing a stranger or another dog come into his view.This behavior is easy to understand, because it is very natural for a dog to want to protect its family and territory from others. The problem is if the dog continues the excited barking even long after he has no more reason to be protecting anything. When the offending object has moved along, the dog feels a positive reinforcement of sorts, thinking he was responsible for chasing the person or dog away form the area that he can see.

Many times the problems start when dogs start having a long-distance conversation with other neighborhood dogs that just goes on way too long. If your dog likes to engage in this type of excessive barking, you can train him to cut it out. The issue of problem dog barking should be corrected, because it affects your neighbors as well as you.

Dogs that are all stressed out and insecure are much more likely to bark even for insignificant reasons. Because they just aren't feeling secure in their surroundings they will bark out of nervousness. These are the kinds of dogs that often bark on and off all the time unless their masters are with them. My good friend's dog was such a nervous Nellie that it would bark if a leaf fell down form a nearby tree. That dog was really nervous. It doesn't take a big leap of imagination to realize that this dog barked all the time-for nothing.

A dog that is really lonely and bored may just start barking out of frustration-he wants to tell the whole world all about it. A dog that is left alone most of the time and doesn't get enough attention and playtime and from its master is the most likely dog to have this behavior.

Some dogs will bark at their masters (I know this from first hand experience) continually until they get their way-ignoring whether or not you are busy doing something else. A dog that has respect for his master and sees him as the Alpha dog, wouldn't be doing this. As a matter of fact, when you give in and feed him or play with him after he barks excessively at you for attention, you are actually teaching him that he can boss you around. I have been through this with my Lab-she liked to bark at me when she was bored and wanted to play-she was trying to train me, and did a good job of it too-until I learned better and stopped responding.

So, use these tips to put an end to your dog's excessive barking problems. Please check out my full review of the best on line dog training program.
For more free helpful articles about dog obedience training and solving dog behavior problems, please visit www.BehaveDoggy.com.

Shelties: pros and cons why this is the dog breed for you

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:37:49 PDT

photo credit: kymagirl

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There are many dog breeds eager for the opportunity to hoard obedience points, or round up sheep. But there are only a few that are eager to do it to please their masters to the umost level, and the shetland sheepdog has got to be one of them!

On sight, the breed's luxurious coat is the first important detail. But upon knowing it better, it may appear that it actually takes pains to please its master better! The sheltie will sometimes gravitate towards one family member as its favorite family member. But shelties tend to also grow aloof of others in the house that show again and again a hesitancy to spend more time with the dog. But in general, the sheltie's day is made when it can actually meet its whole “pack,” in one room, enjoying each other's company.

There are at least two main drawbacks to shelties. Aside from their notorious inclination to barking (if untrained), the sheltie may be wary of strangers. A sense of aloofness around strangers may look detrimental to some, but it is nonetheless permissible in the case of this breed. An example of a flaw is shyness or aggressiveness, which is not the same as a sheltie on its guard when strangers reach out for them. Shelties that initiate contact instead when they feel like it turn out friendly. The sheltie is however not the type of dog that is eager to greet each and every newcomer.

Shelties and children are a perfect fit. Many Shelties are content playing with their charges, or simply supervising them. The best situation for a nanny sheltie is that it is introduced to children while it is still a puppy, and that toddlers must not be left with the dogs alone.

Just as they are versatile when it comes to activities, shelties can also adapt to a range of family situations. They fit in to a wide diversity of settings, and do not mind dealing with owners of all ages. While they were indeed bred as herders, their complex history of bloodlines have toned down the important aspect of their working drive. This is an important detail for those looking to have a sheltie for a pet.

Given their herding history, shelties will thrive the most when they have a job assignment at home. Aside from this, recreation is also important. Shelties will not take boring, repetitive tasks sitting down. These dogs will also appreciate creativity in games, e.g. at least two balls instead of the usual one. In any case, playing chase is a favorite game. In any case, there is no way to miss the importance of shetland sheepdog training.

But despite its lush coat, grooming the sheltie is quite easy. The only cleaning required for a neat looking dog is a thorough brushing once a week, occasional baths, and regular nail and dental care.

All this implies that there is more challenge than most people think in zeroing in on the Sheltie that fits your needs the most. Focus on the dog that will fit in well with your family situation and life style. The obedience or work star may be more of a liability for a homebound person, while a retiree's companion might suffer sadly in a family of rowdy pre-teens. When you get help from a veteran breeder, s/he will walk you through your top needs and priorities in order to flesh out the sheltie for you or dog breed for you.

Training Your Great Dane

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:22:39 PDT

photo credit: robstephaustralia

There are many Great Danes in our neighborhood. They are very beautiful, and well behaved. I can't see anyone owning a Great Dane and NOT training it. Wow, that would be one huge mass of misbehavior :)

Announcing An Amazing New Book For Great Dane Owners Only! Finally, Everything You Need To Know About YOUR Great Dane!"

Guest Blog:

There is some uncertainty about the history of Great Danes as some reports claim the breed originates in Tibet and others say Great Danes originate as part of the Irish Wolfhound and Greyhound family of dogs. For a long time Great Danes have been much loved and loyal companions for humans. Great Danes have been used for many tasks throughout history, including guard work, heavy cart pulling and participating in battles. Hunting is another area Great Danes have been used, due to their speed and intimidating size. The size of the Great Dane makes it a good candidate for being a watchdog dog. The sweet and affectionate nature of a Great Dane has earned it the reputation of being a gentle giant.

Things to think about before buying a Great Dane:

Great Danes are working dogs and need plenty of exercise. If you like exercise you will be happy that your Great Dane needs 1-11/2 hours of exercise every day. If this is too much walking for you, you might want to consider a smaller dog requiring less attention. Great Danes are big dogs and they need a lot of space in a yard to roam around in. A strong secure fence will be necessary to keep your Great Dane inside. All puppies get bored when they are on their own so you will need to provide your Great Dane with something interesting to do, while you are away. If your Great Dane digs, it will be a big hole!

Training tips

It's a good idea to start training at an early age, with a large dog like a Great Dane. At around eight to twelve weeks puppies are able to understand some of the simpler commands. Start slowly and reward it for coming when called, sitting when asked to and remember to apply lots of positive reinforcement. Start early with leash training as this will enable you to include your dog in social outings, even when your dog might need to be tied up. Since your great Dane is so big, it's a good idea to forbid jumping up at any time. This may seem harsh but you won't want the experience of your dog jumping up on a child and bowling it over. The result could be disastrous. Starting early you will need to remind your dog who's the boss. Larger dogs need this reminder as a large dog unsure of who's the boss, will be difficult to control. As cute as it might seem to have your giant puppy taking up all of the lounge room chair, it will be a difficult problem to rectify when your puppy is a fully grown giant. Be careful that your Great Dane puppy never sits higher than you or it will think it is the dominant dog in the pack. A less than desirable outcome! Positive praise and reinforcement with tasty treats really helps your dog to know what to do and when to do it. Never use aggression such as hitting or yelling, during training. Trust will be replaced by fear and training will deteriorate further. Your dog will understand a stern voice and respond in a way that pleases you. Your dog wants to do the right thing and will learn this easily if you give clear instructions. To train your dog effectively, you need consistency.

To learn more about Great Dane Secrets or secrets of the pros such as reducing dog licking take a look at our Review of DIY Dog Training.

Why Puppies Bite - Secrets Of Schnauzers

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:54:56 PDT

photo credit: stefani.drew

"Who Else Wants To Quickly And Easily STOP Their Miniature Schnauzer * Destroying The Carpet, Barking At The Neighbors, Peeing On The Floor, And Misbehaving Like A Spoiled Brat?"

If You Answered "Yes" To The Above Question Then Click Now

Why Puppies Bite

Guest Blog Article: There are certain elements of behaviour that you need to teach your schnauzer puppy as soon as possible and one of them is not to bite. If you want to stop puppy biting in its tracks, you need to be able to identify why your schnauzer puppy bites and teach him or her not to do so in relation to this. There are six reasons why all puppies tend to bite from six months to a year old, and all six need to be looked at before you can stop puppy biting. They are as follows:

Puppies explore their surrounding area to become familiar with objects and the texture of furniture in the room
Puppy bites to help ease the pain of teething, as babies tend to do when they are teething
Puppy has to strengthen his or her jaws and the new teeth that have come through
Some puppies have an unbalanced diet that is not nutritionally supportive of their needs and so will chew in an attempt to balance it
If puppy is bored, he or she will often bite objects and even people or other dogs just to have something to do
Your puppy will bite if it is feeling threatened as a way to protect itself

If you want to stop puppy biting then it is necessary to identify which issues your schnauzer puppy is dealing with. You can then take the necessary steps to correct the problem areas. The easiest one to deal with is boredom but if any of the other reasons are present then to stop puppy biting you must remove the problem sooner rather than later by using the following tips:.

Start training to stop puppy biting as soon as possible. It can actually start as soon as you get your puppy and this is actually desirable as it establishes you as the alpha dog in the house as well.
Keep patience with the process to stop puppy biting. It may take a long time to teach your puppy not to bite depending on the personality of the dog. So, be patient and repeat the training as often as possible to achieve success.
Teach your dog the “Off” command. This is also known as the “Leave It” command. It is designed to keep your dog away from an object that he or she is not allowed to touch and this in turn will prevent biting.
Socialize your dog as soon as he or she is fully vaccinated as that will encourage him or her to get along with other dogs instead of lunging at them with teeth showing!

The Poodle Is A Wise Intelligent Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:20:00 PDT

photo credit: JoshMcConnell

Do you need help to train your dog? Come on over here and check this out - Secrets Of Dog Training

The Poodle is commonly acknowledged to be the most wisely intelligent of all members of the canine race. There is a general belief that he is a fop, whose time is largely occupied in personal embellishment, and that he requires a great deal of individual attention in the matter of his toilet. It may be true that to keep him in exhibition order and perfect cleanliness his owner has need to devote more consideration to him than is necessary in the case of many breeds; but in other respects he gives very little trouble, and all who are attached to him are consistent in their opinion that there is no dog so intensely interesting and responsive as a companion. His qualities of mind and his acute powers of reasoning are indeed so great that there is something almost human in his attractiveness and his devotion. His aptitude in learning is never denied, and many are the stories told of his marvelous talent and versatility.

Not merely as a showman's dog has he distinguished himself. He is something more than a mountebank of the booths, trained to walk the tight rope and stand on his head. He is an adept at performing tricks, but it is his alertness of brain that places him apart from other animals.

The profuse and long coat of this dog has the peculiarity that if not kept constantly brushed out it twists up into little cords which increase in length as the new hair grows and clings about it. The unshed old hair and the new growth entwined together thus become distinct rope-like cords. Eventually, if these cords are not cut short, or accidentally torn off, they drag along the ground, and so prevent the poor animal from moving with any degree of comfort or freedom.

Corded Poodles are very showy, and from the remarkable appearance of the coat, attract a great deal of public attention when exhibited at shows; but they have lost popularity among most fanciers, and have become few in number owing to the obvious fact that it is impossible to make pets of them or keep them in the house. The reason of this is that the coat must, from time to time, be oiled in order to keep the cords supple and prevent them from snapping, and, of course, as their coats cannot be brushed, the only way of keeping the dog clean is to wash him, which with a corded Poodle is a lengthy and laborious process. Further, the coat takes hours to dry, and unless the newly washed dog be kept in a warm room he is very liable to catch cold. The result is, that the coats of corded Poodles are almost invariably dirty, and somewhat smelly.

Poodle's General appearance
---------------------------

Head: Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back.

Muzzle: Long (but not snipy) and strong not full in cheek; teeth white, strong, and level; gums black, lips black and not showing lippiness.

Eyes: Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence.

Nose: Black and sharp.

Ears: The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.

Neck: Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.

Feet: Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard.

Legs: Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle.

Hind-legs: Very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down.

Tail: Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back.

Coat: Very profuse, and of good hard texture; if corded, hanging in tight, ev

Quality Time with Your Companion Animal

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:04:41 PDT

From Dr Jane Bicks...Newsletter

Once again, a new school year has begun. With busier school and activity schedules, it’s also the time when pet parents may find themselves with less time to spend with their companion animals. Here are some easy tips for making the most of the time that you do have:

Set aside a few minutes in the morning to groom your dog or cat. While brushing or combing, talk about your upcoming day. If your pets don’t enjoy grooming, then just spend a few minutes petting them. Whatever your daily morning interaction, try to do it at same time and in the same place. Your companion will find comfort in the regimen – and so will you!

If you have a dog, do something that he or she will enjoy after you return home from work, like a game of catch, hide-and-seek, or take a long walk. If you have cats, we recommend using fishing poles with dangling feathers – your cat will love the chase!

Incorporate teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and/or nail trimming into your new routine. Too often, these health necessities are viewed begrudgingly as chores. Commit to making this time as pleasurable as possible, like time at the spa.

Massage is a wonderful way to connect with your companion animals. Check out one of the many pet massage books currently on the market to help you develop a technique. There is even evidence to suggest that massage can improve your pet’s health, and it will relax you, too.

Just remember – spending quality time with your companion animal can bring about dramatic changes in temperament, improving the bond you share with your pet and your overall quality of life.

Cancer Drug for Dogs Approved Too Bad We Need Them

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:19:10 PDT

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announces new drugs fairly regularly, rarely do these approvals have a direct impact on companion animals. But at the beginning of June, they broadcasted their stamp-of-approval for a new drug created by Pfizer Animal Health, Inc. The green-light is significant because it is the first drug developed specifically for the treatment of a canine cancer.

The drug, Palladia (which, incidentally, means “anything believed to provide protection”, or “a safeguard”), was created to treat a specific kind of mast cell cancer of the skin. These aberrant skin cells are responsible for about 20% of skin cancers in dogs. A significant number of these cancers develop into life-threatening growths capable of spreading to lymph nodes. The drug targets the individual tumor cells themselves while simultaneously working to cut off the blood supply to the whole tumor.

This represents a promising turn of events in veterinary science, as vets have only had cancer treatments designed specifically for humans at their disposal, without any clear evidence of the effectiveness of those treatments.

A Dog Cancer Resource

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:47:58 PDT

I had three dogs die of cancer, my beloved Sammy, and Katie and Benny. There were no resources available at the time.

Today, there is a new resource available.

"Nutritional Therapy Is a Key Component For The Treatment of Cancer Cachexia"

"Nutritional therapy is a key component for the treatment of cancer cachexia and for actually helping control malignant disease in some situations. Specific nutrients can be used as powerful tools to reduce toxicity associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and is important to enhance healing subsequent to surgery. http://tinyurl.com/caninecancersecrets

Prof. Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM
Professor of Oncology and Internal Medicine
Animal Cancer Center

Church Attendance Increases With Dogs!

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:55:29 PDT

Now, what do you think about this????

Bickford started with a Sunday afternoon service. After worship she served biscuits and invited everyone to toss tennis balls with our dogs in the side yard. Everyone was leashed. She called it Woof ’n’ Worship.

"Before long we had 150 people—150!," she writes. "The dogs got along famously. I giggled when, during my first reading, a handsome German shepherd with a clownish grin licked a tiny Chihuahua’s ears.

"Later, the choir sang “Amazing Grace.” Everyone roared when Pee Wee, a schnauzer, began howling along. He was almost in key!"

The whole story here

"Hundreds of Experts Agree, This
is the #1 Cause of Cancer in Dogs..."
http://tinyurl.com/caninecancersecrets

Don't Leave It ALL In Your Vets Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:56:26 PDT

"You Don't Have to Leave Everything to Your Vet & Stand By Feeling Helpless While Your Dog Dies From Cancer! You Can Personally Make a Huge Difference Beginning Today.. We Show You Exactly How"

You don't have to leave it all in the hands of your vet.

I hope from reading this page you see, there is MUCH you can do to save your dog's life.

Canine Cancer - Don't Stand By Helpless!

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:45:41 PDT

"The 5 Major Causes of Canine Cancer Are..." Go Here

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:19:18 PDT

Dear Reader,

Flea season is just about here & now the ASPCA is saying the spot on flea & tick treatments we all use are dangerous..

..talk about bad news and bad timing!

Good news is Andrew Lewis, author of a number of dog books is letting anyone who wants a copy to snap up his brand new product called..

A Holistic Vet Guide: How to Quickly & Effectively Cure Your Dog's Flea Problems WITHOUT Using Dangerous Chemicals"

..for just $7 when it retails for $67

Sweet! You can check it out

It's not surprising to see Andrew come out with this product so soon because his company came out with a book warning against commercial dog food about 6 months before the dog food crisis in 2007..

..he seems to always be ahead of the curve.

So I recommend you take a look, at $7 and with the news recently about these flea treatments, its a no-brainer, check it out here

Dog Food SECRETS™

3 Dogs Die In Same Family - Antifreeze

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:16:03 PDT

From Dogster: 7 Things You Need to Know About Antifreeze

Alert! Working at Dogster is like being one of the people who runs the dog park - the hilarious times are many and the lessons learned are valuable. But sadly enough, it's not always just fun and games. Those days do roll around when you show up and one of the dog park regulars is not there.

Bath Fresh Mist

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:50:35 PDT

Our rich and potent conditioning mist is naturally infused with a harmonizing blend of certified-organic herbal extracts, pure plant botanicals and natural fruit extracts, all of which helps to untangle hair and eliminate mats. And, Bath Fresh Mist is enhanced with moisture-activated odor absorbers that actually eliminate odors rather than just covering them up. With every application, you’ll be nourishing the coat, helping to make it strong, healthy and vibrant. The perfect finish to a bath or a great between-bath freshener, this formula can also be used when you brush your pets – they will love the attention!

• Certified-Organic Rosemary & Sage
• Essences of Mango & Kiwi
• Grapefruit & Lemon Oils
• Aloe Vera

The Tip of the Nose to Tip of the Tail Examination

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:12:45 PDT

A thorough at home physical exam of your dog, both when he seems normal as well as when you suspect a health related problem, can help pick up slight changes in his health. A simple guide to examining your dog is given below. Be sure to consult with your Veterinarian if you think you discover anything abnormal with your dog.

Wouldn't You Rather Learn How to Deal with
Minor Dog Health Problems BEFORE
they Become Major Ones?

Clickertraining: The Secrets Of Becoming A Supertrainer

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Bloggers) — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:23:46 PDT

How did Emma (and 45 000 other dog owners) learn so much about clicker training so fast...??

...as soon as you learn the 4 Secrets of Becoming a Supertrainer.

After many requests the book is now finally available in English. And best of all - you can download it to your computer right now!! In 5 minutes you can be on your way to becoming a supertrainer!