Instead of spending $100 on Fifi’s trip to the doggy spa, Im going to show you how to clean your dog up properly on a budget.

If the dog is small, you can use the sink to wash him/her, and of course the best place for larger dogs is a tub.  If youre not a fan of fur in the drain, grab a hose and tkake your dog outside.

For cleaning the fur, make sure you use tearless shampoo for dogs.  A crying dog is not a happy dog.  If your dog has any sort of skin irritation, its recommended to use whatever is prescribed instead of the normal Wal-mart stuff.

Make sure to dilute the shampoo with at least 25-50% water since it may be too thick for your dog.  Make sure it is dog shampoo because things like people shampoo and dove liquid soap will irritate your dog’s sensitive skin.

To make your job easier, make sure to brush the dead skin and excess hair from your dog before putting him/her in the water.  This will help prevent skin irritation on your dog, and help to not clog up sink or tubs.

Start from the legs, work your way to the tail, and then the torso and the rest of the body.  Don’t forget to rinse, dry, and of course, brush your dog once more.

Go enjoy bath time and don’t forget the rubber duckies.

When I got Josie she was 4 years old and had given birth to about 8 litters of pups. When the rescue got to her she had a huge metal chain around her neck so heavy it was actually weighing her down. Josie started off timid and skinny afraid of any fast movements; but now she has all her boxer qualities she carefully follows outside and is bouncing and excited to see you at seven now she truly has a new life.

There are several rescues in every city normally for a breed you have in mind do some research and I’m sure you can find a great pooch to take home.

Faith was born in 2002 and is believed to be a full blooded Chow Chow, amazingly faith was the only puppy with deformities to live from this litter. She was actually born with her two back legs and a highly deformed front arm which had to eventually be amputated. When they first got faith they were told they would need to put her down but the family just couldn’t do that. They not onlu gave her a loving home but they worked hard to get her to walk upright.           

It was a scary time, the way faith got around when they first brought her home was by dragging herself along the ground. The family decided then to try and teach her to walk and hop to make it easier in her body. They would take a spoonful of peanut butter and hold it above her head, time and patience paid of for the family as faith slowly but eventually learned how to get around much easier.

Visit Faith’s website http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Against-All-Odds/1

Watch Faith’s Amazing Video

Probably some huge bull dog or some rotweiller that grew up too close to a power plant and looks like he might be half wolf.  But all of those are wrong, this is what he looks like:
This little Portugese Water Dog was given to the presidents family around Easter of 2009 by Ted Kennedy.  The Obamas decided to name the dog Bo, based on a grandparents nickname.

I know what you’re thinking, he looks kind of weak to be the strongest in the world, but just think of it, he can pee on the president and live to bark the tale.  How many people do you know would get way that?

The breed itself (portugese water dogs) are known to be high energy and great for people with allergies because they dont affect allergy sufferers much.

So if you plan to get a portugese water dog of your own, just don’t try and compare your dogs, Bo may have an upper hand since h comes with his own secret service.

                One of the well known foods that is toxic to your dog is chocolate, but let us not forget there are many other foods that can be dangerous for them also.  Grapes and raisons have been shown to cause renal failure, while macadamia nuts can go as far as causing paralysis. Onions and garlic contain something called thiosuphate which is toxic to not only dogs but cats as well.  Cherries and apricots as well as peach, pear, plum, and apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

                Another food many people don’t know can cause serious harm to your dog is bones. Especially cooked bones, after being cooked they tend to splinter, which can easily harm your dog by possibly puncturing or even getting stuck in the intestinal track. There are many liquids that are just as poisonous including alcohol, coffee, and tea.

                There are many other household foods and items that are extremely dangerous for your dogs. Keep your dogs away from your cleaning supplies as well as pest repellants which can be highly toxic. If you have found this helpful and would like to see what other items can be poisonous visit this site: http://hubpages.com/hub/Dangerous-to-Dogs

When first home keep an eye on where you’re pet is at all times. You’ll learn their favorite spots and be able to keep them extra safe

food and snacks, make sure if you have smaller pets,  that they are out of reach to your new puppy or kitten.

Here is a list of foods you don’t ever want to feed your pet:

Alcohol
Chicken & Turkey Bones
Nutmeg
Apples (stems & seeds)
Onion
Apricots (seeds)
Coffee (grinds & beans)
Peaches (seeds)
Avocados
Dairy Products (large amounts)
Pears
Baking Powder
Fatty Foods
Plums
Baking Soda
Garlic
Potatoes (peelings & green)
Broccoli (large amounts)
Grapes
Raisins
Cherries (stems & seeds)
Macadamia Nuts
Yeast
**Tobacco, although not a food, ingestion can be poisonous

Just got home from shopping? Plastic bags can be either chewed and swallowed or can suffocate some pets accidentally

Keep you pets safe and enjoy their long lives

There are so many things to be considered for example size. Do you have a big enough space for a large dog or are you in a small apartment which will be better for a small breed. Also a small dog is vulnerable and can be very weak, whereas a big dog can be very powerful and even overwhelming. Also as I said earlier a dog’s activity level is important to consider. If your extremely active, a jogger perhaps, there are certain breeds are perfect for you. All dogs need exercise but not the same amount so think about your daily activities and how much time you can spend taking your pup out before you choose him.

Maintenance is another huge issue when picking a breed. Some breeds tend to shed more than others while some need weekly to daily grooming as their hair tends to grow long and is susceptible to matting. In addition to matting there is the issue of drooling. There are many big dog breeds who drool and it can be a sticky mess.

There are definetly more things to consider but the ones I touched on I feel are the biggest concerns people have. There is a lot of information out there to help you with your decision one in particular that I found helpful is from AnimalPlanet.com, it is a quiz and based on your answers it chooses Dog breeds that are more compatible to what you’re looking for. Here’s the link http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do.

Its not all candy that will kill your dog, but any candy containing xylitol has been proven to be deadly and can also give your dog liver damage.  Xylitol is used as a sugar substitute in many “sugar less” candies.  While it is safe for diabetics and anyone with hyperglycemia, any type of artificial sugar alcohol is bad for your dog.

So if you know your dog gets near you candy stash often, try to make sure you don’t have any xylitol by reading the label.  Some brands of gum also contain xylitol such as Orbit, Stride, and Trident.

Heres the important thing to remember, if you notice your dog had a piece of your sugarfree gum or candy, the best thing to do first is to the NAPCC and they can be reached at 1-888-426-4435

I wish you the best in raising a healthy dog, and try to keep all candy on high shelves and always from all pets.

But just what are these mixes all about:

Mixed breeds usually start with unplanned matting’s between purebred dogs.  However, there are now planned beading’s between Poodles and Labradors, Yorkies and Bichons, Poodles and Cockers and even Bulldogs and Boxers.

If your still considering getting an animal and don’t have one yet take this into consideration. Do you get up in the morning ready to go on your two mile run or are you waiting until sunset to go on your walk by the beach. Choose a pet that would be excited to do these activities with you.

As I have said before animals live in the moment they are excited and willing to do things your excited to do as long as you train them early on. Play time is exercise to them: tug a war, catch extreme Frisbee, chasing the hose, swimming, a long walk mix it up and enjoy the experience in the moment. Take a lesson. Get out there and play.

A dog’s diet can be broken down into a ratio of 40% meat, 50% veggies, and 10% grains.  A human’s diet is a lot different which is why you can’t feed your dog the same things you eat.

To make sure your dog gets the best nutrition, check the label on your dog food before buying and one thing you can do is ensure meat meal protein is high on the list of ingredients.

You can use holistic dog food which are 100% natural and use human grade ingredients.  This is probably the best way to go.  Even though its more expensive, holistic dog food has to pass multiple tests to ensure quality and that its nutritious.

I hope you have luck in finding a dog food your dog enjoys which fits in your budget.

                Everyone has different experiences with adding a new member to the family. Some people have had extremely bad experiences with their new dog not getting along with their first one.  Yet some people have great experiences, which I was lucky to have. There are many articles out there that help you with tips about finding the perfect dog and also pet the experiences and lessons they learned in the process.

                I’m going to tell you about my experience and I hope it will be helpful to some of you out there that are having cold feet about adding a new puppy to your home. After me and my fiancé got our first boxer and realized what a joy he was we started having thoughts about adding another boxer to our family.  The biggest concerns we had was the fact that we were going to have to take a lot of time out again to train the new puppy as well as the fear of our first boxer, Huey, not getting along with the new addition.

                After a few weeks of debating what we would do we finally decided on getting our new puppy! Long story short it was the best idea we had. Huey took to the pup right away, he was gentle as if he knew that the puppy was small and fragile. We definitely had a few surprises, one being how well they get along. They play together, sleep together, get in TROUBLE together, they are literally best friends. Another interesting thing was it was much easier to train the second puppy, we realized quickly that he was learning from what out older dog did which made our lives much easier.

                Although we have had a wonderful experience and wouldn’t change a thing there are a few cons to getting a second dog that are important to know. Double the dog means double the work, double the money, and double the trouble. The vet bills are the hardest change, it’s a new dog so you’ll need to get new shots and puppy checkups which can be very costly, as well as any emergencies you have. Hope this helps some of you that are in the middle of deciding on the pros and cons of adding your new pup!

Back in the day people didn’t have big corporations to build toys for their dogs so they did it the old fashioned way, they made it themselves.  Now for homemade dog toys we want to steer clear of your dogs favorite chew toy, aka your couch.  Ive seen it happen a few times, maybe its the shape, but dogs love chewing furniture and pillows.  One solution is to give your dog old cushions, and heres a really low cost hint, drive around town on garbage day for free cushion heaven.

Now there are a few more slightly more ethical methods, while remaining economical.  Not everyone hunts deer and can just give a dog a giant bone, but most people can afford a piece of rope.  You should make sure the rope is too thick for your dog to choke on so you can avoid any future medical complications.

Anyone with a yard knows the easiest toy is a simple stick, if only you could make something to throw it too.  A simple sort of rule of thumb is anything your dog likes to chew, as soon as the item is old, just give it to your dog.  Shoes, deflated balls, even jeans all make great homemade dog toys.

Be careful with metal objects.  Do not let your dog chew on things like old car bumpers (trust me Ive seen this).  The material can not only hurt your dogs teeth, but some metals can be poisonous, like lead.

So now you can save that $20 for a DVD of Marley and Me, and just create your own homemade dog toys for a fraction of the price.

• Brucellosis, caused by the bacterium Brucella canis, involving watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, abortion of fetuses, early death of offspring.
• Distemper, caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), involving fever, loss of appetite, watery eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties.




• Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria, involving high fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, excessive vomiting, dehydration, hypothermia.




• Mange, caused by sarcoptic mites and demodex mites (parasites), involving irritated skin, scaling, skin infection, intense itching, extensive hair loss.




• “Parvo,” caused by the parvovirus, involving weight loss, fever, vomiting, nasal discharge, pus-filled eyes, diarrhea, dark or bloody feces.




• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, involving rash, stomach pain, joint pain, diarrhea.

Over the weekend my pup Josie and I spent a little time together on the beach in ft. lauderdale where we tried to find some pet friendly restaurants and hang-outs. One of our favorite spots became a place called “coconuts.”

Coconuts

429 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale , FL, 33316
954-525-2421
http://www.coconutsbahamagrill.com/

Coconuts is located right on the intra-coastal in Fort Lauderdale so it has a great view. The staff is friendly and even brought out water bowls and treats for my dog. Food is excellent although some of it can be a bit pricey, but it is on the water…

After lunch we went to another pooch hangout the “canine beach” which isn’t actually its own entity but the city of ft. lauderdale allows residents and non- residents alike to purchase passes for the pups to swim at the beach from sunrise blvd . north for about 100yds. On the weekends in the late afternoon when the dogs are allowed you can normally find quite a few playmates for your pup all the owners are very nice and they clean up after the dogs keeping the beach as a beautiful hang-out.

Every dog should get out and see the beautiful place they live and hey I think you’ll enjoy it to!

Some people have said you should decrease how your dog eats and only feed her once a day.  This is 100% false, she will have more mouths to feed and will definitely need more to eat.  Your best  bet is to leave food in a readily accessible place for your dog at all times.  The puppies in her womb will be taking up too much space so she can’t handle big meals, having food always around gives hr the freedom to eat when she can.

Eating too much can make labor difficult on your dog so you may want to be careful with portions when it goes to the later stages of your dogs pregnancy.  Be very careful with any vitamin enriched dog foods.  High calcium foods can induce an early labor.  Over supplementation can also lead to birth defects in the puppies so don’t add anything to the food just because it may be “healthy.”

I wish you the best with your new puppies, and remember to keep them wrapped up and warm when they’re newborns.

When my vet first talked to me about the benefits of this procedure I was all for it. Knowing I wouldn’t be showing my dogs or breeding them there really was no reason not to get them neutered. He told me he could have the surgery done next week and left the room to print me an invoice of the costs I’d incur. Knowing that this procedure is done hundreds of times a day and is one of the most common you can imagine my amazement when he handed me a piece of paper that at the bottom stated ‘Total: $550’.

Now $550 was the total cost for just one of my dogs! Long story short I decided not to go with the previous vet I had been seeing. As I think everyone should do, I asked around and did a few days of research which eventually led me to a few new vets and organizations that spay and neuter at a much more reasonable price. I ended up paying $250 and that covered both of my 50 pound boys as well as their pain medication. There are many cities that depending on income will actually do the surgery for free so make sure to call up your local humane society and ask them about their programs.

So need help finding a program near you? Here is a great link to help you find free or low cost spay/neuter program near you: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/

Some animals are just cute than others this one, were not really sure what it is but it claims to be a snoozing pooch none the less very adorable footage.

Melissa Gray and Robert Wayne, from the University of California, Los Angeles, led a team of researchers who surveyed a large sample of gray wolf populations. She said, “The mutation for small body size post-dates the domestication of dogs. However, because all small dogs possess this variant of IGF1, it probably arose early in their history. Our results show that the version of the IGF1 gene found in small dogs is closely related to that found in Middle Eastern wolves and is consistent with an ancient origin in this region of small domestic dogs.”

Previous archeological work in the Middle East has unearthed the remains of small domestic dogs dating to 12,000 years ago. Sites in Belgium, Germany and Western Russia contain older remains (13,000-31,000 years ago), but these are of larger dogs. These findings support the hypothesis put forward by Gray and colleagues that small body size evolved in the Middle East.

Reduction in body size is a common feature of domestication and has been seen in other domesticated animals including cattle, pigs and goats. According to Gray, “Small size could have been more desirable in more densely packed agricultural societies, in which dogs may have lived partly indoors or in confined outdoor spaces.”

Adapted from materials provided by BioMed Central, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

1. Melissa M. Gray, Nathan B. Sutter, Elaine A. Ostrander and Robert K. Wayne. The IGF1 small dog haplotype is derived from Middle Eastern gray wolves. BMC Biology, (in press) [link]

First the little guy.

“Dancer” is a Chihuahua from Okahumpka, Florida who weighs only 18 oz and stands 4.1″ tall, paw to shoulder.1 When he was born on June 8, 2006, he was so small and fragile that veterinarians suggested that he be euthanized.

Lucky for him, his guardian Jenny Gomes ignored them. Having already rescued the mother whom she had found pregnant, abandoned and malnourished, Ms. Gomes wasn’t about to give up on her pups either. “He was about as big as my thumb,” she says, adding that she didn’t expect Dancer to survive but wanted to give him a chance.

Dancer may have a legitimate claim to the title. The last smallest dog — measured by height — was Danka Kordak of Slovakia, which stood 5.4 inches high, according to Guinness officials

Largest dog

J. Flynn and his wife Wendy of Peabody, Massachusetts own Hercules. Flynn, not a small man himself, weighed 270 pounds and his dog still weighed more than him, tipping the scales at 282 pounds with a 38-inch neck.

Flynn says that Hercules has paws the size of softballs, but is gentle as a baby and wouldn’t hurt a fly. They got him because Wendy wanted a dog larger than their two-year old bull mastiff was. They did think he was big even as a puppy, which is why they gave him the name Hercules. However, they had no idea Hercules would get quite so big when they first got him and Flynn claims he’s done nothing out of the ordinary to encourage the growth other then feed him a normal diet.

Eisenhower said, “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight — it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

Jessica, 26, walked her pit bull Tina while Justin, 27, brought along his two boxers, Buckley and Brennen.

Preventing these fleas is the number one way of evading these pests. You should make sure to bath your dog regularly preferably using a flea repellent shampoo which will help to keep the fleas away. If you do get fleas you’re going to want to purchase a flee repellent which comes in soaps, sprays, and also powders. If the fleas are bad the best thing to do is buy a flea comb which trap the fleas when brushed through the hair; make sure to dip the brush in warm soapy water in order to kill them.

Now the fleas are finally off my dog am I done? Absolutely not, just because the fleas ON your dog are gone that doesn’t mean they’ll stay away. They can be in your house hiding in cracks and carpets as well as your yard. To overcome your house the main thing is VACUUM! Get all the hard to reach places and don’t leave anything out, after this step you can finally spray the insecticide, which will kill flea eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. You can also use flea bombs or flea foggers to help rid your home and yard of these pests.

Remember, to help prevent these fleas from coming back you must do these at the same time, you don’t want to free the house of fleas, yet have your dog sleep without bathing him all that will do is give the fleas another chance to fall all over your house. So make sure the day you spray the yard, is the day you spray and vacuum the house, and last but not least wash your dog! Best of Luck.

Men and women love chocolate.  Women crave it like men crave chicken wings and nachos, but chocolate is harmful to man’s best friend.  You know that caffeine kick we get from coffee and even chocolate, it comes from a stimulant called Theobromine.

Theorbomine may help us cram for a test, but give it to your dog, and you’ll be cramming him in a box.  I cannot stress how dangerous it is to your dog’s heath.  The chemical affects the nervous system in your dog and can cause seizures, put your dog in a coma, or death.

Luckily there are ways to help your dog, but remember that time is a factor.  First you must look for signs.  I know some dogs like to have a moping around day, but if you notice your dog is vomiting a lot or has constant diarrhea, he may have had a low dose of chocolate.  Keep him/her hydrate since prolonged periods of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

On the other hand, if your dog seems restless, pees a lot, or twitches; your dog may be faced with a worse case of chocolate poisoning.  In that case rush to the vet.  Your dog may be able to get some medicine to induce vomiting and get rid of what was taken.

Remember small doses are bad too, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any strange behavior in your dog.

Types of Biting

There are two types of biting – normal or playful biting and aggressive biting. Playful biting and nipping is a common behavior in puppy litters. They tumble, play, romp, bite and nip. This is normal.

Playful Biting

When you bring your puppy home, you and your family become his litter or pack. Since biting was normal behavior in the litter-pack, your puppy will think it is normal behavior in this new pack. When you play with or pat your puppy, you will find that your arm or hand, or both will end up in his mouth. This is referred to as mouthing. All puppies do it, but it cannot be allowed to continue.

Say No to Playful Biting

A puppy’s teeth are sharp as razors. It won’t be long until your arms and hands are riddled with puncture marks. When your puppy bites, cuddle him to your chest and encircle his muzzle with your other hand, at the same time saying a sharp, firm, and “No!” After repetitive and consistent reprimands, puppy will grow to realize that his playful biting is not acceptable and will give up the annoying habit.

When you encircle your puppy’s muzzle in your hand, do it gently but firmly. Be sure your hand is not over his nose. He has to be able to breathe while being reprimanded. This method of training will not work if other members of the pack (family) are encouraging roughhousing. Let all members of the pack know that rough play will not be tolerated.

Chew Toys

Be sure to buy your puppy lots of chew toys. Encourage him to play with them. Praise him when he chews the right things. When he chews household items, take them away and replace them with one of his toys. He will soon learn what is acceptable and what is not.

Spray bitter apple on your arms and hands to discourage biting. Be careful not to get it into your eyes or mouth. It burns eyes and mouths. It is meant for your puppy, not for you.

Repetition is the key to discourage biting. Each time puppy bites you, cuddle him, restrain muzzle and give a firm “No!” You will be surprised at how fast your puppy responds. Like children, puppies learn quickly what they can and cannot get away with.

Aggressive Biting

Aggression biting is accompanied by growls and a fixed stare. It is not a continuous action, but rather snap, release and retreat. When this happens, restrain the puppy’s muzzle in the same way explained for play biting, accompanied by a loud, sharp, “No!”

Aggressive dogs do not like to be restrained; they like to be in control. This is out of the question. You are the leader of the pack and you have to teach your puppy that you, and only you, have the dominant role.

One way to teach your puppy that you are dominant is to wrap him in a baby’s blanket or towel and lay him in your lap while you are watching TV, reading, or taking part in a conversation with someone. Keep him there for thirty to sixty minutes – until he ceases to wiggle and becomes calm. This sends him a forceful message that says, “I am in control.”

Roughhousing

Never roughhouse with an aggressive puppy. Play more passive and fun games like hide-and-seek, fetch, sniff-out-the-treat, or leash training. It is imperative that aggressive biting has stopped before your puppy is four months old. The longer he is allowed to display aggression, the harder it will be to break him of the habit. In a litter-pack situation, aggressiveness would never be tolerated by puppy’s mother and siblings. He would be promptly reprimanded and put in his place. If he hasn’t stopped his aggressive biting by this time, enroll him in a dominance training course that is taught by a professional. The expensive will be worth it for both you and your pet.

Dog Etiquette

It is your responsibility to assure that your puppy is taught the fine art of dog etiquette. He has to know how to control himself in a group setting, whether it is a group of canine or humans. It is important that your puppy interact with other dogs and children of all age groups. This teaches him how to interact with youngsters.

Biting in Adult Dogs

Adult dogs bite for only two reasons – uncontrolled dominance or fear. It is imperative that you never allow your puppy to bite aggressively without a harsh reprimand. However, never hit your dog. Instead of eradicating aggression, hitting encourages it.

Take Control

Taking control of, and abolishing aggressive behavior the first time it occurs is much easier than waiting until it has happened several times. Let your pet know right from the start that aggression of any kind is unacceptable.

Be Consistent

In order to get your puppy to obey your commands, you must gain his respect and trust. You do this by teaching him basic commands while he’s very young. Be consistent. Never let your puppy away with unacceptable behavior. Use repetition. Do the same thing over and over and … well, you get the idea.

Praise

When your puppy is successful in his efforts to please you, praise him and pat his head or scratch his ears. When he fails, try again. Never physically reprimand your dog. This breeds fear and fear will make him bite.

Success

Interact with your dog. Play with him, walk with him and bond with him. This will give him a desire to please you and when you reprimand him, he will get the message. Soon, your puppy will give up both play and aggressive biting and mature into a happy, healthy dog that will bring much joy into your life.

• • • -Narcolepsy is an extremely rare disorder which results in spontaneous urges to sleep
    • -Sleep attacks are prone to last a few seconds to several minutes and are harmless to the dog
    • -It is hereditary and usually appears by the age of two
    • -More common in purebreds such as Doberman pinchers, Poodles, Dachshunds and Labrador retrievers

  Narcolepsy in Dogs
  A Few Facts:

You will only need to go to the vet if the scrap or cut is deeper than about ½ which will most likely need a stitch or two. If the cut isn’t deep it’s liable that you yourself will be able to treat it.

Now if you’ve decided that you’re going to be treating it on your own the first thing you want to do is try to trim the fur away from the cut, if your dogs cut heals with fur or dirt there’s a chance of infection.

Next you want to clean the area with an antibacterial cleanser. Make sure when you’re doing this you not only clean the cut but even the skin around it.

Following the cleaning, in order to prevent any kind of infection apply antibiotic creams to the injured area. Keep in mind if you have a pup like mine who will scratch at the area you need to use an e-collar until the area heals. Check the condition of the cut for the next few days and if you see any signs of swelling or the area not healing correctly you’re going to need a trip to the vet.

• Areas of hair loss and skin crusting that look like ringworm
• Lesions

Pyoderma is another term used to refer to bacterial skin diseases in dogs. This is commonly caused by bacteria called the Staphylococcus (Staph).

The Staph bacteria has several species of its kind that normally live in dogs’ skin. This bacteria doesn’t pose any threat to its host as long as the dog’s immune system is operating perfectly and the skin is normal. However, when the dog’s immune system gets weak by either being unhealthy or by suffering from other serious allergies, it can develop allergies from this bacteria as well.

It is interesting to note that the Staphylococcus bacterium is not rare. It commonly exists everywhere in certain amounts. However, it’s the adverse reaction to it is the one quite rare to occur, but does in fact affect a minuscule percentage in the dog population.

When this happens, visible unappealing symptoms on the dog’s skin can be seen – red blotches, formation of pus puckets or pustules and considerable hair loss. A skin formation resembling a ringworm also signifies infection. The skin becomes ulcerated and emits an unpleasant odor. It has been noted that this allergies frequently affects pug nosed breeds of dogs and the obese ones.

A blood test can be done to determine the specific type of bacteria that causes the allergies and treatment in the form of antibiotics or immune stimulant may accordingly be administered. Culturing the skin to grow the bacteria in order to conduct sensitivity test and to discover the best antibiotic treatment to use is sometimes performed.

The Staph bacteria however have the tendency to return once antiobiotic is discontinued. It is best to desensitize with Staph antigen to fully free the system from this type of allergies. Good news is that this bacteria is not contagious to other pets nor to humans.

Treatment of Bacterial Dog Allergies
Bacterial Allergies must be treated with antibiotics

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Hair loss

Contact allergies occur when a dog develops sensitivity and manifests adverse reactions to objects that its skin comes in contact with. It is the least common among the four general types of dog allergies and the easiest to cure as it involves localization of a skin area’s reaction to an allergen. Examples of substances that can cause contact allergies are rubber, wool, certain types of metal like chrome and nickel, antibiotics or lotion applied on the skin, and chemicals like fragrances or fabric deodorants. Some of the irritants are usually common materials that the dog normally had no previous unpleasant reaction to such as beddings, flea collars or carpets. Allergies to chemicals is as rare as 1 in a million, but it is nevertheless advisable to restrict the pets from areas treated with cleaning fluids, carpet detergents and waxes.

The commonly affected areas are the parts of the body which are sparsely haired and are directly exposed to the offensive substance. There will be visible reddness, blistered lesions, or vesicles, with small bumps on the lips, muzzle, abdomen, and/or the back of the paws which gradually turn reddish in color and become very itchy. The dog sometimes scratches the irritated abdomen against the floor developing blisters and aggravating the condition.

Prednisone or corticosteroids is given to lessen the hostile itch and pacify the inflammation. Antihistamines, biotin, topical shampoos and fatty acids can also be utilized to ease the itching. It is quite sensible to monitor the animal’s lifestyle, habits and routine for the proper identification and elimination of the irritant. The simplest solution is the removal of the contact. Needless to say, the symptoms manifested such as inflamed feet and itch, is shared by atopy and food allergies, and it is therefore important to investigate the ailment on these areas as well.

Contact Allergies are treated by identification and removal of offending items by process of elimination

Allergies caused by fleas can include the following symptoms:

• Excessive scratching
• Lesions and sores
• Hair loss

The most common skin disease among dogs is flea allergic dermatitis. The allergies are caused by the fleas’ saliva and the symptoms are aggravated by the dog. On a normal animal, a single flea bite will have a minimal effect. But for a dog with flea allergies, the bite immediately causes swelling, redness and agonizing itching.

Allergies to fleas are highly debilitating. It causes listlessness and the dog’s appearance is unattractively “sickly”. The skin itch usually starts from the rump, and a “hot spot” develops at the base of the tail Hot spots are circular, reddish and painful sores in the skin resulting from the dog’s excessive scratches. It can also start at any part of the back.. When the hot spot gets infected, the dog’s bodily system gets strained and this can lead to a major health threat. The skin abrasion is also characterized with an unpleasant odor.

Fleas become more active during warm weather. Allergic symptoms arise during spring and improve when the temperature lowers during fall. This suggests that this dilemma exists year round in warm climates and of course in flea infested surroundings.

Most dog owners solve this problem by preventing the fleas from getting to their dogs through the use of topical solutions. Some allow their dog to take hormonal oral products that somehow sterilizes the flea bites. B Vitamin is also given to ensure return of skin and coat health especially after an allergic outbreak. Although flea allergies are very common, it helps to practice improved hygienic conditions to remove fleas from the environment. Additional care would also help by using flea comb to brush away the fleas, including their feces.

Flea Allergies must be treated by removing the dog from the source of the fleas and prescribed Corticosteroids.

• Non-seasonal and excessive scratching
• Dogs respond poorly to cortisone type medications
• Digestive disorders
• Respiratory distress

My dog once started scratching himself uncontrollably. I had been up to date as to his grooming and I am convinced this problem is not caused by a parasite. The third most common type of allergies in dogs is food allergies. I am guilty of sharing my food with him, or rather letting him finish my leftovers. A visit to the veterinarian enlightened me that I should not fully blame myself. There are indeed components in dog’s food that may cause allergic reactions. Meats, dairy products and some type of grains are the most common ingredients that can trigger this unwanted discomfort. Other people claim that the coloring and preservatives in the dog food is the one to blame, but studies have proved them false. There are valid health concerns over the presence of these elements in dog food, but food allergies is not one of them. I was reprimanded though since it’s a known fact that many dog breeds, like the greyhound, are extremely sensitive even to the most common type of food. Tuna, cheese and sausages easily brings allergies to most dogs. Humans do not eat dog food, let dogs eat dog food.

Though scratching is the most visible symptom, other behavior that are otherwise misconstrued as one’s dog’s newly acquired habit could actually be signs of food allergies. These symptoms are coughing, increased bowel movement from 1.5/day to 3+/day, vomiting, sneezing, hair loss, eye and nose discharge, breathing problems, itching around the anus and loss of appetite. A recurring ear infection despite antiobiotic treatment is also a major indication. Apparently this set of symptom can similarly be caused by other types of allergies. It is therefore crucial to rule out the other problems first before the dog can be properly diagnosed for food allergies.

It’s a daunting task to investigate the source of these allergies with the myriad of food in the dog’s menu. Since the dog is allergic to one specific allergen existing in one of it’s food, it is necessary to analyze and pinpoint that lone culprit. This can only be done through elimination. And elimination is a task that only those with extra time and energy can afford. It requires preparation and cooking of special foods that are not usually found in the dog’s day to day menu. A meal of rice mixed with some exotic meat such as venison may be served. Then, gradual introduction of the regular food the dog usually eats such that the offending agent can be detected and be appropriately kept at bay. A shortcut to this exhaustive elimination diet is to give the dog a different brand of dog food, the one which he hasn’t tasted before. But almost always they just vary in taste but not in ingredients, and that therefore just prolongs the agony. My love for my best friend is put to test as I help him find ways to overcome this problem.

It can be very frustrating that dog food allergies are rarely solved by any medicinal intake. It cannot be solved overnight and a lot of patience and thoughtfulness is required in the proper monitoring of quality food intake. I can say prevention is still a lot less burdensome. And leftovers are a welcome treat as long as they’re safe, but I guess I’ll stick to safer homemade dog foods.
Allergies caused by food must be treated by withdrawing the offending foodstuff from the dog’s diet by process of elimination.

• Excessive scratching
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Discharge from the eyes

An inhalant allergy, otherwise known as atopy, is the most common type suffered by dogs. Much like in human situations, certain elements in the atmosphere inevitably acts as allergens when inhaled. These may be molds, mildew, house dust mites, pollens from trees (oak, ash, cedar), pollens from Bermuda grass and also ragweed pollens. However, unlike humans that manifest inhaled allergies through respiratory problems, dogs display significant atopy through severe itching. There will be frenzied scratching in every parts of its body, feet included. Most acute itching can be felt on the armpits, flanks, groin and feet. Contrary to the belief of many that itching is caused by flea allergies, the most common cause is in fact inhalant allergies. The biting cum scratching can cause much hair loss, skin lesions and inflammation. The infection that arises from this behavior is called atopic dermatitis. Saliva also stains light colored hair and because of much licking, the dog’s hair color turns reddish to orange.

There is a genetical predisposition to inhalant allergies and there are certain breeds that are more commonly affected. These are the Irish Setters, Schnauzers, Scottish Terriers, Boston Terriers, Cairn Terriers, West Higland White Terriers and Wire-Haired Terriers. Atopy usually appears in the first 3 years of dog’s growth. Female dogs are more vulnerable to this aversion than males.

Unfortunately, no cure has been found to resolve atopy, but several treatment options are available to control the symptoms. The best solution theoretically is to avoid the allergen. But since this may prove to be too impossible a task, a desensitization therapy and other remedy options are employed.  Steroids effectively relieve skin irritation and itching, but the negative effects of this drug in the dog’s body are a disadvantage. Other safer medications that can be used are Cyclosporine A, antihistamines and fatty acids.

Inhalant Allergies are treated according to the root cause and include controlling the environment with dehumidifier and air cleaners.  Dietary supplements and medicated shampoos.  Prescribed Corticosteroids and Antihistamines.

Allergies to dogs are generally based on reactions to their dander and saliva. The dander – tiny particles released from the hair and skin – become airborne and get trapped in upholstery, curtains and carpets. Saliva does the same thing once it dries. By taking measures to reduce your exposure to dander and dried saliva particles, you may be able to live comfortably with your pet.

Fighting Dander and Saliva

  First, buy yourself an electrostatic high-efficiency particulate air cleaner, known as a HEPA filter. These filters can be used throughout the whole house.

  Second, frequent vacuuming and washing of curtains and rugs can help reduce particles hidden in them.

  You may even want to consider removing rugs or carpet and replacing them with linoleum, tile or wood floors.

  Third, bathe your dog twice a month, but not more frequently than that. More frequent baths can give the dog dry skin — which will create even more dander. If your dog turns into the Tasmanian devil at the sight of water, brush her daily and wipe her down with a damp cloth. If you have a puppy, start getting her used to a bath early in life.

If all else fails, see your doctor about allergy shots, which desensitize your immune system to the allergens. Be aware, though, that having the shots can be time-consuming — as well as expensive.

New Hope for Allergy Sufferers

There is new hope for your allergy or asthma symptoms

. A revolutionary new drug called “anti-IgE” can allow a child or adult with moderate allergies to dander to live with a dog. The drug is administered in one or two injections each month.

If you need an inhaler or oral steroids to curb allergic reactions, anti-IgE may prove to be a favorable replacement. Studies show that 55 percent of those taking the experimental drug no longer required inhalants. The drug also greatly reduced inflammation and other symptoms, according to The New England Journal of Medicine. Even better, while harmful side effects may arise from the use of corticosteroids (normally prescribed for allergies) they are not seen in patients treated with anti-IgE.

IgE is the antibody responsible for reacting against allergens and causing cells to release substances, such as histamines, that cause allergy symptoms. Rather than just treating symptoms such as sneezing, anti-IgE gets to the root of the problem and actually blocks this antibody.

The drug is being developed jointly by Genentech, Inc., Novartis Pharma AG and Tanox, Inc. These companies have not yet filed an application for approval by the Food and Drug Administration, but they expect to soon, so watch for it.

If you ever leave your dog in the company of someone else; make sure they know where the first aid kit for dogs is located.  You can include your emergency information on the box if you need to be contacted or if you lose the first aid kit for dogs.

Every home has a first aid kit f rte family, why not keep a canine first aid kit for dogs in case any pet emergency occurs.  It is also helpful for routine canine health problems.

An important item to include in the first aid kit for dogs is your dogs development record.  It will include important details about your dog such as when the last vaccinations occurred, weight, and its veterinary specialists contact details.  These are critical to have in your first aid kit for dogs as it can mean the difference between life and death.

A canine first aid kit is often forgotten, but below I will list the items necessary for your first aid kit for dogs to make sure you are always prepared.

Another symptom of a sick dog is that often indicates sickness in a dog is a change in the dog’s behavior or personality. Sometimes sick dogs will seem to lose interest in their favorite activities, preferring to lie around or sleep instead. A sick dog might seem excited to go out for a walk, but then tire out more quickly than usual.

Dogs may act more aggressive, shy, or irritable then normal when experiencing discomfort. Pacing and unusual restlessness can also mean that the dog is in pain. If changes in personality or behavior seem to persist for more than a day or two, or are paired with any physical symptoms, it’s probably time to call the vet as this is a clear sick dog symptom.

Another early sign that there is something wrong is any vomiting, diarrhea, or strange color in their urine. If your pet is experiencing a change in their stools and haven’t changed their diet recently then they could have ate something which made them ill, which is usually normal. Bloody, cloudy, or diluted urine is also a sign of a bladder or kidney infection and a very dangerous sick dog symptom. If the condition lasts several days, it is important to have a vet check them out.

A dog’s nose should be cold and wet, not warm, dry, or runny. If they are experiencing any changes in the color of their gums, drooling, or breath it could also be a symptom of a sick dog. Any sudden changes in the nose or mouth should be reported to your veterinarian to be assessed by a professional.

Getting medical attention right away when you see one or more of these sick dog symptoms is the best thing to do for your dog. Waiting for treatment can cause your dogs condition to increase in seriousness and in some cases, end up being fatal. Keeping up with vet checkups and staying observant of your dog will keep them happy and healthy for a long time.

Click Here For A Comprehensive List Of Dog Diseases and How To Cure Them

• As soon as he wakes up in the morning (You don’t have to be awake.. much!)
• Right after his breakfast
• Right after his lunch
• Right after his naps
• Right after taking him out of his crate
• Right after his dinner
• Right after any snacks of much size
• Right before his bedtime
• If he whimpers in the night

Praise him in a cheery voice when he produces.

2. Only feed him and give him water when you can take him outside right away. Especially in a hot or dry climate, you would normally never let dogs be without access to fresh water, but for the weeks that you are training, this limitation will speed up the potty training process for your dog. There will be fewer accidents and so the dog will more quickly learn what you want. But use your judgment about any risk of dehydration. House training dogs and puppies is a matter of using judgment all along!

3. When he does pee or poop where you don’t want him to, quietly clean it up in a matter-of-fact way. This isn’t a time to talk either loving or annoyed talk to him; essentially ignore him while you do the cleanup. Certainly never yell or physically punish him in any way.

4. When you and he are both home, keep him with you as much as you can, whether at your side (a leash can be handy for this once he accepts it), in a confined area, or in a crate, or otherwise nearby. (If you are crate-training, do keep the puppy in the crate as little as possible.)

Pooch Bakery

Sweet and Tasty Dog Treats

1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup margarine or butter
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons chicken or beef instant bullion
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cups white or wheat flour

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.Grease cookie sheets. In large bowl combone rolled oats, margarine and water; let stand for 10 minutes. Sitr in cornmeal, sugar, boullion, milk,cheese and egg. Mix well. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form stiff dough.

On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness; cut with cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large biscuits.

“The Moustached Little Devil”

Breed Origins:

Germany ( 1600’s )

Breed usage:

Small vermin hunting and lapdog

Dog Weight:

7 – 9 Pounds

Dog Height:

9 to 11.5 inches to the shoulder

Cost of Puppies:

Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history

Information, Facts & Origins of the Affenpinscher Dog Breed
The Affenpinscher originates from Germany and was bred originally for hunting small vermin hunting and as a lapdog. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1600’s. In France the Affenpinscher is known as the ‘diablotin moustachu’  meaning the “moustached little devil” or the ” Monkey Dog” because it produces a monkey-like expression! Affenpinscher is derived from ‘affen’ meaning monkey and ‘pinscher’ meaning terrier. This dog is classified as one of the Toy Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog’s name is often referred to as the German Affenpinscher. The word Pinscher is often mis-spelt as Affenpincher and Affenpinsher.

Description of the Affenpinscher Dog and Puppies – Coat and Colours information
The Affenpinscher’s coat is normally a shade of black, but can be black/tan, red, grey and others. The coat is normally short and wiry, with bushy eyebrows and a beard

Information on Grooming and Care of the Affenpinscher Dog Breed
The Affenpinscher requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Affenpinscher dogs.

Life Expectancy information of the Affenpinscher Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 – 14 years.

Age comparison between the Affenpinscher Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate – we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog’s age.

For Information on Affenpinscher Health Click Here

Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Affenpinscher can include:

• Patellar Luxation ( The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )

Dog Health Problems – Categories of Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxations fall into several categories:

• Grade 1 – Medial luxation occurring in toy, miniature, and large breeds
• Grade 2 – Lateral luxation occurring in toy and miniature breeds
• Grade 3 – Lateral luxation occurring in large and giant breeds
• Grade 4 – Trauma induced luxation occurring in various breeds

The categories – Grades 1 – 3 – for Medial or Lateral Luxation are believed to be inherited and are also suspected of being inheritable.

Dog Health Problems – Symptoms of Patellar Luxation
There are varying degrees of patellar luxation that are graded depending on whether the patella is intermittently or constantly luxated. Symptoms may include:

Dog Health Information – Treatment of Patellar Luxation
The treatment of Patellar Luxation involves replacing the kneecap into the groove, and preventing it from popping in and out.

1. Experienced

Unlike any other trainer you are going to find, Dove Cresswell is a professional Hollywood North dog trainer. She has worked on such films as Saved!, Charlie’s Angels and countless commercials. She knows how to work with dogs and can provide you with fast result

2. Reliable and effective training

Dove Cresswell uses a reliable and effective training method that you will not find with any other dog training course offered to the general public. You can learn the correct training postures and voice commands needed to turn into a professional trainer yourself.

3. 7 complete lessons

With the help of seven complete lessons, you will be given all of the information needed to effectively train your dog. She claims her training is proven and easy. Instead of reading page upon page from an e-book, there is no useless filler with this program. In minutes you can take advantage of dog obedience training, potty training, crate training, and countless good puppy and dog manners.

4. Step-by-step training

With this learning method Dove will walk you through each step of the process. You can watch the lessons on your computer as many times as you need to in order to learn the proper techniques, gestures and voice callings. Instead of going through some boring e-book, you will actually enjoy training your dog and watching the quick progression.

5. Save hours by becoming an expert

Instead of relying on a professional to come in and work with your dog, Dove Cresswells Dog Training Online has created each lesson for everyone. Whether you have dog training experience or not, you will learn how to properly treat and train your dog. This will save you hours of time taking your dog to obedience classes that are overpriced and too long. Keep your lessons to 15 to 25 minutes and start seeing results.

While there are a plethora of dog training guides and programs to look into, Dove Cresswell claims to have the top training guide on the market. She has professional experience, she provides you with seven complete lessons, and you can follow each lesson with step-by-step training. What more can you ask from a training guide?

Click Here to Visit Official Site!

Have you become accustomed to your dog peeing all over the house? What about barking too much and chewing up anything and everything? Perhaps your dog is a digger or shows aggressive behavior to others. These are just a few of the many problems people like you all over the world are dealing with on a daily basis.

There are ways that you can put an end to this kind of behavior almost instantly. The Easy D.I.Y. Dog Training guide will show you the best ways to put an end to your puppy potty problems. You will learn how to quickly teach your dog the basics of sit, stay, drop and heel.

Believe it or not, this guide claims to have the answers to how dogs learn. You can discover the simple fact behind the psychology of dogs’ learning habits. In addition, you will learn three special voice tones that can and will get your dog’s attention.

One of the biggest concerns with having an aggressive dog is around children. You certainly do not want your dog snapping at your children or others nearby. For this reason, you will learn important tips for how to train your dog to be around young children. By learning their temperament, you can effectively teach them how to play nice. This guide will show you four essential things that will ensure you get a family dog.

So what exactly does the full package consist of? First, you will be given a complete DIY dog training manual packed with valuable information. Second, you will be given a DIY dog training disc that you can listen to in the car or while you are lounging around.

The third item you will get is a 7 day potty training guide in the form of an e-book and audio disc. From there you will get a barking buster guide and vet health tips audio disc. If that were not enough, you will also get an e-book that highlights managing eating problems, a free subscription to the healthy dog life forum, and 101 healthy homemade dog recipes.

This system is filled with a plethora of items that can help you train your dog and enjoy it to the fullest. Stop turning your head the other way to your dog’s poor behavior and start acting now with the help of the Easy D.I.Y. Dog Training guide.

Click Here to Visit Official Site!

The intentions behind this system were to create an easy to follow system that you can use to train your dog. It is filled with valuable information you can use to change your dog’s behavior so you can go out in public proudly again. Within Secrets to Dog Training you will find solutions to over 25 dog behavior problems, numerous case studies, some of the best dog training techniques and much more.

Although it is expensive, some people opt to pay for a professional trainer to do the job. You can throw that option out the window as you will learn how to train your dog on your own just like a professional. By the end of the system, it claims you will have your dog obeying to you regardless of the situation.

The only real way you can determine the success of a program like this is by hearing real-life stories from people who have used it in the past. There have been over 64,469 dog owners throughout the world that have trained their dog with success using this system. You will find countless success stories from real people.

There is a 100% free six day course that you can join to get started with your dog immediately. From there, you will want to read all of the success stories so you can get a basis of what to expect. Finally, take the leap and get a copy of the e-book and 30-minute downloadable video. It will take you step-by-step through the process of training your disobedient dog today.

Secrets to Dog Training claims to be filled with valuable information that can change your household forever. Instead of dealing with a dominant dog or a dog that is always running out the front door, you can pick up tips and secrets to help eliminate any problems you may be dealing with.

This is just the beginning of what you will find in this system. No matter what kind of problem you are dealing with, you will find over 25 dog behavior problems to correct your dog’s mishaps. Finally, you will be able to enjoy the dog that you once fell in love with.

Click Here to Visit Official Site!

There is no need to contact your dog whatsoever regardless of how bad they have acted. You never want to hit, spank or kick your dog no matter what the situation is. The only time you should come in contact with them is to pet them, stroke them and give them love and care.

Obviously the reason people hit their pets is to get their point across while releasing any anger or frustration. However, all this will do is teach your dog to shy away and fear you whenever your hand rises. In addition, you may get the opposite effect and your dog may begin to snap back at you for protection.

Of course, dogs cannot tell you to stop or say they are sorry. For this reason, there only response to physical dog obedience training is shying away or stepping up. You cannot blame an innocent animal no matter what they did. Peeing on the carpet, knocking over the trashcan, or tearing apart shoes does not deserve a slap or kick.

Instead of using physicality, you are much better expressing your anger through tone of voice. With the correct tone of voice, you can stop a dog from doing whatever it is they have done. They are far more likely to get the message and learn from your displeasure if you use your words.

You have to remember that you are the leader and a dog respects someone that will treat them as a child. If you really want your dog to listen and learn, it is up to you to act responsibly and voice your emotions as oppose to spanking or hitting them.

The last thing to keep in mind if you are going to train your dog properly is to use a solid and steady tone rather than yelling at them. Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse. For this reason, make sure you have a point to what you are saying and you get your point across in a subtle manner.

The only type of physical contact you should ever have with your dog is love and care. No matter how angry you are with them regardless of what they have done, you will get nowhere with physical abuse.

This is one of the most effective ways you will introduce your puppy or dog to the new home. The reason this is so efficient is because it uses the natural instinct of the dog to achieve what you are hoping to accomplish rather than you forcing them to do something.

In order to get the best results from crate training a dog, you need to get into a good routine. Having a routine to follow will help the dog learn when it needs to go to the bathroom while avoiding going in the wrong places.

Throughout the process, it is vital you praise your dog every time they go to the bathroom at the right time in the right spot. This will help them understand they have done a good job which will lead to them doing it the right way every time.

The idea behind crate training is to confine them when they are unsupervised. You will want to place them in their crate whenever you leave the house or at night when you are sleeping. As soon as you return home or wake up, you want to immediately remove them and take the outside to go to the bathroom.

Leaving a dog in its crate for too long of a period can lead to them going to the bathroom in their crate. After all, they cannot hold it forever. You want to use the crate as a tool to train them, not to abuse them by leaving them in it forever. Leaving them in too long will certainly be a setback.

Another tip to get results out of your crate training is to associate pleasant rewards and good things with good behavior. If you provide them with a treat or a toy after they have gone to the bathroom in the right spot, they will learn that good things come from going to the bathroom at the right time in the right place.

You have to understand that you are going to deal with accidents in the beginning phases as it takes time for them to learn. Make sure you do not punish them too harshly, but firmly let them know what they did was bad. This way they learn but do not become afraid of what you will do to harm them. Just understand that crate training is an extremely effective way to go about training a dog.

When first getting your puppy or new dog, you want to get in the habit of taking them outside as much as possible. This will help them learn that outside is where they go to the bathroom. Instead of just going inside, they will quickly realize where the appropriate place to go to the bathroom is.

Although we all wish our puppies could hold it for an eight hour period, the fact of the matter is they cannot. It is up to you to keep an eye on your puppy as all it takes is a few seconds for them to do their business. By watching any warning signs or hints that they may need to go outside, you will be able to stop them before they go.

It is important you do not vary their diet while potty training your dog. This will create a change in their system which will ultimately fluctuate their bathroom cycle. Maintaining a consistent diet will help them get used to the food they are eating allowing their stomach to properly digest the food.

Although every parent wants to give their little puppy treats for being cute, make sure you are only giving them treats for going into the crate. Too many treats will mess with their diet as well. For this reason, keep your treat-giving to a minimum.

Something that many people do not do is associate their dog with the words “go outside.” It is imperative you take your dog on walks to give them more exercise. Every time you are going to take them for a walk, you want to ask them if they want to go outside. In addition, learn to say this every time you let them out to go to the bathroom. This will help them realize it is time to go to the bathroom.

The last tip to help you with potty training your dog is praising them every time they do go outside. Reinforcing good behavior will help them realize where the appropriate place to go to the bathroom is. Punish them for going inside and praise them when they alert you that they need to go outside.

Dog Friendly Parks:

• Acadia Park
• Biscayne Shores and Gardens Park
• Deerwood Bonita Lakes Park
• Kevin Broils Park
• Kings Meadow Park
• Rockdale Park
• San Jacinto Park
• Snapper Creek Park
• Spanish Lake Park
• Tamiami Trail Park
• West Kendale Lakes Park
• Military Trail Park
• Olympic Park

Miami-Dade Parks currently has three designated Dog Parks:

• Bark Park at Amelia Earhart Park
• Northeast Regional Dog Park at East Greynolds Park
• Tropical Park

• 

  Snyder Park pup fun

Now that you know about all the fun there is to have, bring your best bud out for a fun day of play and meeting other pooches. As a local dog owner I’m always looking for something fun to do with my pups and many of these local parks are simply amazing and very well kept. Visiting your local dog parks is a great way to socialize your animals and get them out there.