The Dachshund Reports

Housebreaking Can Be An Ongoing Issue

The Valentyne — 2008-02-07T18:17:28-08:00

Often with small dogs accidents happen and turn into another housebreaking training session. A move to another house, a new person in the house, another pet in the house, all these can cause a small dog to recess back to pre housebroken puppy stage. This can be quite frustrating especially when the people in the household leve home for a job.

Keeping a pen or kennel handy can help you combat the relapse in training. Since a dog will not normally use the place where they sleep as a bathroom, confining them will help retrain your dog. Either put your kennel with dog door access or be diligent in taking the dog outside frequently to reinforce te outside bathroom concept. Very soon your dog will relearn the rules of outside bathroom duties and you will both be happy.

Keep Your Dog Safe For The Holiday Season

The Valentyne — 2007-10-24T16:58:26-07:00

With the Holiday Season coming on us, sometimes we tend to forget that what may be festive for us can be hazardous to the health of your dog. Remember that things like ribbon, yarn and string, especially around your dog's neck is very dangerous and if ingested can cause obstructions in the intestines and may require surgery. Glues and adhesive are known to be toxic but somewhat inticing to dogs. Our ever so favorite potpourri is also considred toxic sinceit contains different types of oils for the scents and can attract your dog to eat it. It is very important to be aware of he things we love to decorate with that can be harmfl to the health of your pet. As much as we must child proof our homes we must also pet safe our homes as well. To many, their dog is like a member of the family but we neglect to secure their safety during special occasion time. So just a gentle reminder can prevent an unexpected trip to the veterinarian at a time that is to be joyful. This Holiday Season, pay attention to your dog and it's surroundings and have a Happy Holiday Season.

Fall Is Sweater Weather For Some Dogs

The Valentyne — 2007-10-08T15:52:41-07:00

Now that the weather is cooling off, it seems more comfortable for most. However, for some dogs the cool weather is bringing on he shivers when they go outside. Most larger dogs have thicker or longer coats to insulate them for the dropping temperatures. But some dogs like the Dachshund and Chihuahua have very shot hair and their coats are not sufficient to keep them warm while outdoors. You will find them shivering and it is not because they are scared. It is important to watch these dogs in this kind of temperature change to insure the dog remains healthy.

It has become popular to purchase sweaters for these dogs. Make ure when you do buy a dog sweater that it fits properly. If the dog is a size that does not make fittng very easy, it is better to buy just a little larger to make sure that movement while tey wak is not restricted. Then if the indoor temperature is moderate, remove the outerwear until your dog goes back outdoors. Most likely if the weather is causing the dog to shiver, chances are that the dog will not continually be going in and out unless it is necessary.

Grapes And Raisins Are Toxic

The Valentyne — 2007-08-18T17:13:39-07:00

There are reports that grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. They can cause renal failure which can result in death. As few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many dog owners and handlers give raisins or grapes as treats. Vomiting is a sign of poisining in a dog that has eaen grapes or raisins and the dog should be taken to a veterinarian or an animal hospital if this should occur. Protect the heath of you dog by eliminating table or human foods in general. the ony exception is the recipes published that you may find to assist you in preparing foods and treats for your dog.

Is Your Dog Food Really Healthy For Your Dog

The Valentyne — 2007-06-12T14:32:42-07:00

Have your ever wondered just what your dog is eating? Are the ingredients in the food you are feeding good for your dog's health. Apparrently the is a growing concern abut this issue since the dog food scare a few months ago. While reading Dog Food Secrets I found that there are many ways you can make sure that your dog is getting healthy food and treats. Dog owners are special people and love their animals like children. They are part of the family. Feeding the kids of foods to keep them healthy and happy is something Hollie (My Dachshund) and I agree on and are happy to share with others. She loves her new found diet and is quite the healthy dog.

Paw Claw Health

The Valentyne — 2007-05-24T21:01:28-07:00

There is another great reason why walking your dog is a great benefit for the animal. On top of helping you and the dog get exersize, walking your dog maintains the animal's claws. Have you ever noticed that when you walk your dog regularly that you do not have to the the claws trimmed as often? This is because the concrete of the sidewalk acts like an emery board and helps to keep the dogs nail or claws filed down . This in turn keeps the dog's feet comfortable, healthy and looking nice. Over grown dog claws can hinder proper walking and actually cuase your dog pain. So, not only are you and your dog getting good exersize and increasing the overall health, you dog is also getting a pedicure.

Walking Your Dog is Healthy For You Too

The Valentyne — 2007-05-19T07:35:49-07:00

Just recently I began walking my little Dachshund, Hollie on a regular basis. What I did not realize is that by walking her I was getting exercise as well. She just loves to go out and cruise the neighborhood. It just warms my heart to see her prance and it helps her training to listen and stay with me as we walk. Regular walks for a dog are great for their overall health. I even feel better and the exercise also helps my health but gives me time to do some thinking or just some fresh air enjoying. Everyone should get out and take in a little fresh air even if you do not have a dog to walk. When I babysit my friend's little boy, he just loves to hold onto the leash and walk Hollie. She is so little even a two year old can hold her. The time you take to add joy and health to your dog also increases your health and give some quiet time for the mind. This is something we all need from time to time. If you do not have a dog, find a friend who would appreciate you walking their dog. You will be glad you did. We are off on our morning walk........

Skidboot the Dog

The Valentyne — 2007-05-05T22:34:08-07:00


A heart-warming segment from Texas Country Reporter, with Bob Phillips. For more information visit www.TexasCountryReporter.com or www.skidboot.com

Small Dogs are Dogs with Charm and Personality

The Valentyne — 2007-04-30T21:48:12-07:00

Small Dogs are Dogs with Charm and Personality

This Article was written by Connie Limon

Small dogs have charm and personality. Over the course of time more and more new breeds have been created by selectively breeding dogs with a certain external appearance and certain character traits. Small dog breeds came into our existence for various reasons. Some small dogs, like the dachshunds and Yorkshire terriers performed specific tasks by hunters. Other small dogs like the Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Maltese were created especially as companions for the well-to-do and the noble. Every land in the world has produced its own breed of small dogs. These small dogs as a result of trade became known in countries all over the world.

The Chihuahuacomes from Mexico. The Pekingese and Shih Tzu originated in Tibetand China. Many types of terriers were bred in the Scottish Highlands. It is possible that the ancestors of the petit chien lion and of the poodle were from ancient Greece. The Chinese crested hairless dog is a descendant of the Aztec kingdom and China.

In earlier times to own an expensive purebred dog such as the Pekingese or the Shih Tzu was reserved only for the wealthy and privileged individuals. The situation changed, however, with the French Revolution when privilege based on social class was called into question. The middle class began to own expensive pedigreed dogs that were easily distinguished from a mutt. The popularity of the purebred dogs began to soar.

Breed standards in every breed describe from head to toe, height, weight, general appearance and character traits. A breed standard specifies how the ideal representative of each breed should look. Nature does not permit complete uniformity to these breed standards set by “people.” A standard only represents a goal to which breeders are suppose to come as close as possible of creating. Unfortunately, these rigid standards call for things that have created unnecessary health problems and unnatural characteristics for a dog. For example, noses that have been bred to be excessively short hindering the dog’s breathing and can cause pinched nostrils, which can lead to heart problems. Some breed standards call for legs so short that the dogs can no longer walk normally. It is the goal of responsible dog clubs and associations to work against excesses of this kind.

Small dogs differ from large dogs only in terms of their size. It does not need to be overly protected. It is untrue that small dogs are more susceptible to disease just because they are small. On the contrary, small dog’s life expectancy is even higher than larger dogs.

One of the added enjoyments of the smaller dogs is dressing them up in cute tiny dog clothes and accessories. Larger dogs can be dressed up as well, but there is just something extra sweet and cute about the teacup dog clothes, to see a cute little Yorkie in dog clothes is eye opening, and the Chihuahua dog clothes sometimes are the cutest of all.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She offers Designer Dog Clothes at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

http://EzineArticles.com/?Small-Dogs-are-Dogs-with-Charm-and-Personality&id=160767

The Housebreaking Dilemma

The Valentyne — 2007-04-23T22:25:51-07:00

My Dachshund/Chihuahua is about one and a half years old and has current regressed in her potty training. She has a doggy door but the weather outside has been a little rainy and windy. She has decided that she is too cold to go outside and the throw rugs are now her puppy pads. I have learned that reconfining her will assist in reinforcing that good behavior of going outside to go potty instead of inside. After researching behavior in these dogs, I learned that some Chihuahua dogs are never fully housebroke but we will keep on trying. Hollie there is still hope with the summer right around the corner. Get more details from Stay,Sit, Fetch the source I used to assist me with my housebreaking delimma.