We have just added a brand new service on poochdogs! A Dog Questions and Answers service.

It works just like other answers sites you may be familiar with – but just concerns dogs!

You can ask a question and provide an answer to questions other people have asked. In doing so you accumulate points which you can use to ask more questions.

Share your knowledge with others and find out other people’s experiences in dealing with problems you may encounter with your dog.

Take a look here:  Dog Questions

Deluxe Dog Steps

Do we need dog steps?

This question is always come out when we are having a dog at home. Dogs love to stay and sleep on the furniture inside the house where the owner often to use it. For example like; sofa, recliner, chair and bed which holds your scent more. This is because your dog wants to feel closer with you all the time. Because these favorite places are quite high for the dog then we need the stairs to help them reach the favorite spot easier. As we know small dog breed find it hard to jump up on furniture while other bigger one find it difficult when they are older and some are arthritis dogs. Using these dog steps can be very helpful to help the young dogs maintain their joints health until they get old and make it possible for the senior dogs to reach their favorite spots.

Before buying dog steps for our beloved dog it is better to know about these dog steps equipment further. Dog steps are more like dog stairs, simple series of steps made commonly with the top of the dog steps match with the height of the furniture like sofa, beds and recliner. The main purpose is to let the dogs use them to reach their favorite spot without jumping up on it which is hard for the joints and can cause arthritis.

Dog steps come with many kinds of material, wood, metal and plastic. Most popular is the wooden variety because they look great and match easily with other furniture inside the house. If you often to move them frequently then plastic ones are suitable for you because it is the lightest product among others. Commonly these items are covered in soft material so the dogs will feel comfortable under their foot when climbing on it.

Main Benefits of Dog Steps

There are many benefits for dogs using the dog steps to reach their favorite spots. For small dog breed jumping on high distances can make their backs hurt and will cause the back pain as they get older. Just like human, dogs can also develop the arthritis if they keep jumping without using the steps and injure the joints at young age. Using these types of aids are the best choice to maintain the joints health and avoid arthritis.

Many dog owners decide to own a couple of dog steps in their house for their dogs so they won’t be bothered to move them on different spots. Dog steps come with many colors and styles so you can choose the best fit with your other furniture theme.

Teaching the dogs to use the steps are quite easy because the dog itself find it more comfortable using them than jumping and much easier. By using the steps in house can make us feel relief to leave the dog playing alone without worrying they would be injured because of the jumping actions.

So as the final thought, we now know that owning dog steps can give us many benefits as the owner and for the dog itself. We don’t have to worry they will get injured from jumping because they are using stairs and climb easily to their favorite spots and the dogs love it.  By using this type of product your dog can maintain their joints health that means no vet bills for joints and arthritis problems. Many of these products look good in shapes and styles so they won’t be problems match it to other furniture.

View the original article here

See larger image Pet Gear Soft Step III Pet Stairs, 3-step/for cats and dogs up to 150-pounds, Cocoa (Misc.) List Price: $88.49 USD

PetZoom Pet Park Potty Dogs Supplies

So you have decided to have a new member in your family, a dog. As we know there are so many dogs supplies needed when we are going to have a dog. For the first dogs supplies you need to have are books about your dog breed. There are many kinds of dog breed available to choose when you have a dog and they come with different needs of dogs supplies. Read the book and learn about the behavior of the dog and the dogs supplies that need to be bought for your dog breed.

Next dogs supplies should be the dog food. You may know what kind of dog food is suitable to your dog breed from the book or you can consult it with the vet or local pet store. Then you will need to search for the dog bowls to place the dog food and water. You can choose the stainless steel for more durable and healthier dog bowls.

For training dogs supplies you will need the dog crate, collars and leash and dog treats. For dog crate dogs supplies you can choose for the plastic and portable or the wire dog crates. Just make sure that you buy the dog crate big enough for the puppy to grow up. This crate dogs supplies is needed for housebreaking your puppy and do the potty training. This crate dogs supplies will become the den for your dog to sleep and rest.

Collars and leash are important dogs supplies to train you dog. You can begin the obedience and barking training with the bark collar and leash training for dog walking. You can put an ID tag on the collar and a small bell when puppy, just in case your dog are missing when wandering alone. You can use the dog treats dogs supplies to teach your dog the obedience training like sit, stay and come command.

Grooming dogs supplies also needed to take care your dogs’ hair and also for the skin care. Having a dog grooming for your dog will make them happier and make the bond between you and the dog stronger. You can have the basic need dog grooming dogs supplies like grooming clippers, nail clippers, dog brushes, dog combs, dog shampoo and grooming table.

Dog beds and dog toys are also important dogs supplies. On the previous article it was said that dogs spend almost half of their life with sleeping. So this dog bed dogs supplies are very important actually, you don’t want your beloved dog to sleep on the cold floor right? Dog toys dogs supplies is needed to keep the dog busy and to be his friend to play inside the dog kennels.

Scent remover dogs supplies also needed for the potty training. Some accidents will happen when doing the potty training, so to prevent the puppy eliminating at the same spot we use this scent remover dogs supplies when cleaning the mess. With this dogs supplies potty training will be ended successfully.

View the original article here

See larger image PetZoom Pet Park Indoor Pet Potty, 25.5" x 20" x 2" (Misc.) List Price: $34.99 USD New From: $28.49 In Stock Used from: $27.37 In Stock

When Snowy, a West Highland terrier from Cambridgeshire, couldn’t keep her food down for two weeks, her owners sensibly took her for a check-up at the Cromwell Veterinary Group. Imagine their surprise when the routine x-ray came back looking like this!

Yes, that is exactly what it looks like; Snowy had swallowed a family of 5 toy cats, the biggest of which was 2 inches tall! The other 4 cats were about an inch long as well, which means they would take up quite a lot of room inside any dog, let alone a little West Highland terrier – a breed that rarely grow to taller than 11 inches themselves!

After the operation to remove the cats, associate vet Carol Barker reported that Snowy had made a good recovery and was much happier. Although we don’t know how Snowy managed to find or swallow the toys, this is a clear reminder to all owners to keep easily-swallowed things out of reach of toys. Especially if they look like lunch!

View the original article here

It’s pretty common knowledge that most dog owners care a great deal about their pet’s wellbeing.  However, where regular baths, a healthy diet and dog insurance are good enough for most owners, there’s always one group of people who have to take it further.  This time, the crazies happen to be in the Calvary Episcopal Church in Massachusetts, which has decided to open a “Perfect Paws Pet Ministry”, allowing local dogs to worship the Lord and ensure they go to Heaven.

Starting next Sunday and repeating on the third Sunday of every month, owners can bring their dogs to church and, while the humans take communion, a special blessing will be offered to the dogs.  Prayers will also be offered for those dogs that have already died or pets of other species.

Is this a good thing, we wonder?  On the one hand, it seems the spiritual wellbeing of a pet is as much the owner’s responsibility as their physical wellbeing.  On the other hand, animals can’t make moral decisions and, even if they could, they can’t repent – oh and there is no God, which makes the whole thing pointless.  Nevertheless, as long as the animals aren’t being hurt in any way and this church-going isn’t getting in the way of regular exercise, we can’t see any reason to be more outraged than we are sardonically amused.

View the original article here

Since the holidays are coming soon I thought an article about finding a pet sitter might help you enjoy your holiday away from home just a little better.

When you’re a dog owner there is a lot more to consider right before you go on vacation.  It’s not just a matter of getting you and the kids ready to go, you also have to figure out what to do with your dog, if you are unable to take it with you.

One thing you can do is use a pet sitter.  This is a great solution because your dog will get to stay in a situation where they are most comfortable.  It is also generally less expensive than putting your dog in a kennel.  You’ll also feel a lot better knowing right where your pet is.

There are many different people you can consider for the job of your pet sitter.  Some friends and family members might want to take on the task.  Even so, you need to find the perfect pet sitter so you can go on your vacation with an easy and relaxed mind.

So, how do you find that elusive and perfect sitter?  These ten things come to mind:

1.    One of the best ways is to get referrals from friends and family members.  If someone has had a good experience with a dog sitter in the past then chances are good that the person will be a good bet for you now.

2.    Whether you manage to find a good referral or not you’ll definitely want to take the time to interview the person.  That way you’ll get to see how they are around your dog and whether or not you like their personality.  It’s important that your dog feels comfortable around the person.

3.    A good pet sitter will also want to know a lot about your dog before they take on the job.  They will ask a lot of questions so that they know exactly what to do before you go away.  If the potential sitter does not ask any questions you’ll know that they just are not qualified for the job.

4.    There are some pet sitting associations out there like Pet Sitters International or National Associations of Professional Pet Sitters.  If your potential sitter is a member that is a good indication that they are serious about their pet sitting.  Don’t rely on these criteria alone because the associations may not be familiar with their personal style.

5.    You should ask for client references.  If they are an experienced pet sitter then they should have a list of people you can contact to see how they would rate their experience.

6.    You can also get bonding and insurance.  This doesn’t relate directly to making sure your pet sitter is the right one, but it can protect you in case of theft or damage.  That alone can help to put your mind at ease while you are away.

7.    In addition to all of the thorough checking you have done, you will need to review their contract.  There definitely needs to be a contract in place because that guarantees that everything is clearly, and legally, spelled out for both of you.  Their contract will also tell you how much their services are.

8.    It’s important for you to then arrange a second visit.  This is a time where the two of them need to be alone for a short amount of time so you can see if there are any problems that pop up.  When you return you can look at your dog’s reaction to see if they had a good time or if they seem scared.

9.    Above all, listen to your instincts.  If you have an uneasy feeling about a person then you should never hire them.  If you feel like the potential pet sitter will be great, then by all means hire them if everything else checks out.

10.   The very last thing you need to do is leave instructions for your chosen sitter when you leave.  This should include the phone number where you can be reached on your trip, emergency friends or family to call, and the vet’s name and umber.

It can seem like a lot to handle, but if you go through these guidelines you will be making sure that your pet sitter is the best one for the job.  When you’re making travel plans make sure choosing a great pet sitter is part of them.

Martingale Large Red Heavyduty Nylon Dogs Collars

Dogs Collars are must have dog equipment today when you have a dog. These dogs collars are most used for dog training and as a source of identification for our beloved dogs. Some dogs collars only made for everyday use and very fashionable so your dog will look good.

Before having a dog training using these training dogs collars you must identify your dog breed characteristic, dog personal temperament, age, size and training experience that your dog had before. In this article below will list some type of training dogs collars with some information how they can be used to help you to train your dog.

No Bark Dogs Collars

These no bark dogs collars have function as shown by its name to control dog barking not to stop it, because dog barking is the way how dogs communicate with others. When your dogs are having the excessive barking these no bark dogs collars will sense it and do their jobs such like emit a little shock for electronic dogs collars, spray a small amount citronella scent for citronella dogs collars and couple no bark dogs collars will send out some sounds that only can be heard by dogs and of all of this mechanism are unpleasant for your dogs. The purpose of these no bark dogs collars are to let your dogs know the consequences of doing the excessive barking and at last they will only bark when needed on the right time.

Electric Dogs Collars

Commonly electric dogs collars are controlled by remote by the owner from far spot so dogs won’t notice that it is his owner causing the electric shock. These electric dogs collars must be used wisely so it won’t harm the dog itself. Most electric dogs collars have level of shock like 5 levels and start only with the beep sound. These electric dogs collars using purpose are to get the dog attention when he is barking so it will not continue all along into excessive one. Never have these electric dogs collars as punishment tools, just use it when dog performing bad behavior.

Choke Dogs Collars

Choke dogs collars are made of chain and have two rings for each in the end of the dogs collars. These choke dogs collars are not recommended to be used anymore these days because of many cases of potential neck’s injury. When the owner or the dog pull the leash then the choke dogs collars will be tightened with no limit unless they stop pulling the leash. If you still want to use these choke dogs collars then proceed with care and full supervision when the choke dogs collars are wear on.

Martingale Dogs Collars

Martingale dogs collars are safer to be used than the choke dogs collars because they have secure mechanism to keep the dogs safe from choking. Although the dogs collar are not very tight to the neck but they won’t slip out when the dogs back up trying to get it off. Best used to train active dogs that are rowdy, love to jump around and always trying to get the collars off.

Pronged Dogs Collars

From the appearance of these pronged dogs collars we can know that they have cruel mechanism. The pronged dogs collars have pointed rounded bumps inside the dogs collars. When the leash are pulled the dogs collars tightened and these pointed bumps will directly press the neck and causing discomfort to the dog’s neck that is not considerable. These pronged dogs collars only used for big, strong and powerful dog breed that got bad behavior problem. These pronged dogs collars only be used temporarily and should be changed to standard dogs collars after the negative behavior has been controlled.

Head Dogs Collars

Commonly known as the dogs muzzle. These head dogs collars are similar to horse head collar. The purpose of using these head dogs collars are not preventing the dog from biting as we can see the way the collar looks but to lead the dog direction rather than let the dog leading you.

Just remember for any types of training dogs collars you are using for your dog, use them wisely, carefully and with full responsibility for the safety of your dogs combined with positive training methods.

View the original article here

See larger image Red Large Martingale Heavyduty Nylon Dog Collar (Misc.) New From: $9.95 In Stock

Coolaroo Elevated Large Dog Bed

Dog breed come in vary sizes and characters, so we have to provide the match not only for the dog foods brand, dog toys, method of trainings, type of dog collars but also the size of dog beds. It is easy to find and purchase for regular size of dog beds but not the same for extra large dog bed. Sometimes when the owner give up on searching this extra large dog bed for their big dogs, they just ended buying the ordinary size dog beds for the big dogs and keep using it, this is wrong decision.

Big dogs mean bigger responsibility and job for the owner to provide the big dogs supplies. Big dogs will need extra food, extra space and extra training to keep the big dogs healthy and stay in fit condition. Most owners just forget about providing the extra large dog bed for the big dogs and just let the big dogs sleeping on the floor. We must know that big dogs need extra large dog bed to sleep so they won’t have much health problem which will make the vet bill increased.

Here are some reasons why we need extra large dog bed for our big dogs.

Provide the dog needs

As we know that dogs usually sleep for about half of the day just like the baby does. As a good owner we have to know this basic need. So the large dog bed is vital equipment to have for the big dogs. Big dogs will need more space to stretch their body on the large dog bed for avoiding the muscle cramps and most important to get their best rest time. You can compare this needs to yourself, will you be more comfortable to sleep on large bed? Then so will the big dogs on their large dog bed.

Prevent Joints Problems

The most common problems that the big dogs encountered are the joints problem and arthritis. With the large dog bed, big dogs will be able to sleep more comfortable and reducing the pain which can be increased when the big dogs sleep on bare and cold floors. For better support to the long spines and limbs of the big dogs you can provide the big dogs with orthopedic large dog bed. This orthopedic large dog bed also good as therapy for big dogs that are having the joints problems, for big dogs in treatment after the surgery and for older senior big dogs.

Hold the weight of big dogs

Big dogs are very heavy, so when you buy the large dog bed consider not only for the size and comfort but also the strength of the large dog bed to hold the big dogs weight. Normal dog beds will be broken in short time if used by the big dogs because it normally made for small and medium size dog breed. Big dogs also got strong teeth so beware of the chewing habit. Large dog bed must be made of strong material that is more resistant to big dogs chewing problems so large dog bed will last for long time.

View the original article here

See larger image Coolaroo Large Steel-Framed Pet Bed, Brunswick Green (Misc.) List Price: $39.95 USD New From: $28.99 In Stock Release date April 2, 2007.

IRIS Plastic Dogs Kennels

We can say that one of the happiest animals on earth is the dog. As we know that dogs are bringing happiness and give health benefit to their owner, sleep on dog bed half of their life and run happily at the backyard. So there come some questions such like “Do we need to use dogs kennels?”, “Will the dog be happy in dogs kennels?”

In facts almost every dogs that having a good training from their owner will be content spending time in dogs kennels. So as the owner, we need to know how to make the dogs happy inside the dogs kennels.

One of the many tricks to make dogs feel happy in the dogs kennels is having a dog pillow inside the dogs kennels. This dog pillow can make the dog feel comfortable and make a purpose for the dog to get in back inside the dogs kennels. When compared, this dog pillow has the same effect as our bed. All of us love our beds and claim it to be the best bed ever. Although in fact is not the softest bed and made of finest fabric but that is the most comfortable bed that we sleep on.

To make the dogs feel happy inside the dogs kennels we have to do some training to make the dogs get accustomed to the dogs kennels. This training is quite easy, the most important thing to have for this training is consistency. You will need to make a regular time schedule for the dogs to come out and get back inside the dogs kennels so the dogs will know the difference. After couple times of training your dog will be excitedly get back inside the dogs kennels when the time come.

Other than dog pillow you can also add his favorite dog toys insides the dogs kennels so the dog will be familiar with the environment and spend time to play with the dog toys and rest with his dog pillow. Some owners say that dog toys give more reasons for the dogs to get inside the dogs kennels when the time comes.

Just remember that the time scheduled must be regular training, don’t change the schedule many times which may lead the dog being confused. With regular training dogs will get back inside the dogs kennels when time come without being told and feel happy inside with his dog pillow and dog toys. Never forget to let the dog out when the time come because being neglected and left inside the dogs kennels all day will make the dogs resist to get inside next time.

Choose the size of the dogs kennels big enough so dog still have adequate room for stretching, moving around and play with his favorite dog toys. When done correctly this training will make your dogs happy in the dogs kennels and secured from any harm outside the dogs kennels.

View the original article here

See larger image Iris CI-604 Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen, 4 Panels (Misc.) List Price: $59.99 USD New From: $44.99 In Stock Release date December 5, 2005.

This is a message I received from one of the Dog Training Blog readers.

I have a Golden and a Rottie and lately they figured out how comfortable our couches are. They know that they are not allowed on the furniture. As soon as they hear the door or the garage opening they jump down and pretend nothing happened. Of course I see the hair and paw prints all over the couches. When I start brushing it off both of them go hiding. I know they always say that dogs have a 2 minute memory but I truly believe they know exactly what they did and have a guilty conscience

So how do I get them to stop getting on the couches when we are not home? I can never catch them in the act so I am not sure how to approach this.  Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks

M.

This can be a tough one because your dogs are doing this when you are gone.  Of course one easy way to accomplish this task would be to crate your dogs while you are gone.  If your dogs are not used to crates it will take some time to acclimate them.  I tell my clients that crate training is the greatest gift you can give your dogs, but that is another article for the future.

One thing you can do is place a bunch of plastic coat hangers on the coach or chairs.  The hangers make it uncomfortable to lay on the furniture so the dogs go somewhere else.  Of course there is the possibility that your dogs might just knock the coat hangers off and then get comfortable.

I actually have clients that will lay a couple of folding chairs on the couch as well, anything to block or make the couch uncomfortable.

A similar idea is to use  what we call a scat mat.  It is a peice of plastic sheet usually either 12 x 60 inches or 24 x 48 inches that you place on the furniture.  The mat is powered by a battery.  When the dog touches the mat it gets a static type shock.  This is usually a sure fire fix.  You can usually find a scat mat at PetSmart or other big box pet stores.

What technique do you use to keep your dog off the furniture?  Please share you success stories with us by using the comment box below.

Do you have a question you would like answered?  Send me an email info@dogtrainingblogger.com .  PLEASE click here to visit us on FACEBOOK, and when you do please click the LIKE  button to become a FAN.

Until next time…………………………..