K-9 Corner

Dog Obedience Training

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Click here to see how I trained my dog! One reason for practicing basic dog obedience training is to build a foundation from which the owner and the dog can learn to effectively rehearse with each other. First, you can start the dog obedience training by establishing a general language for both of you.

Dog obedience training is also an easy way to establish the social hierarchy. When your dog obeys a simple command of 'come here, sit,' they are showing compliance and respect for you. Dog obedience training is one of the most effective thing’s you can do for your dog and yourself. Dog obedience training will teach you how to communicate with your pet and how to correct any improper behavior that might cause you unpleasant things, such as aggressiveness, jumping on people, running your vegetable garden, chewing on your couch or your favorite clothes or shoes and the list could go on and on.

Teaching dog obedience training becomes a lot simpler when you understand how important positive reinforcement is. It really is the foundation of any kind of dog training course. But it's also important that the dog trainer has a lot of patience, because some dogs pick it up faster than others.
If your dog doesn't pick it up quickly, try not to get angry at him. He's not doing it on purpose he really is trying his best. Dog obedience training helps to establish the owner in the role of pack leader, and lays down clear guidelines that the pack can follow. The capacity for a dog to learn basic, dog obedience and even complicated behavior is an inherent trait in all dogs. Try respecting your dog's behavior and act accordingly at the initial stage. Try to praise him for good behavior instead of chastising him for bad behavior. This, in turn, lets your dog know the proper response that you expect, in place of socially inappropriate behavior.
In closing, I have included links through out my blog for a wonderful dog obedience training program called
"Secrets to Dog Training", please take a moment and read my review of this product, it really is a must see! I hope the information I am posting here in my blog will be informative and will serve the dog lover’s and owners that stop by. Please feel free to e-mail me with any comment’s you might have concerning my blog.
Thanks,
Thomas Jackson
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Training Tip of The Week

Kreativ Blogger Award

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Well guess what I need to share with my readers today. I awoke this morning to find that my good friend TC from the wonderful blog
Animals That Give Pause has awarded me the Kreativ Blogger Award. Now I must tell you that this really means a lot to me because TC is the author of several outstanding blogs, and to be recognized buy her for my efforts is really something.
And again I would like to publicly say thank you again to TC for this award. And I would also recommend to all my readers to visit her blog, Animals That Give Pause and discover what a talented and very often funny blogger TC is.
And now in keeping with the tradition of this award, I will list several of my favorite things, (in no particular order ) (1) My wonderful wife (2) My pets (3) cooking (4) Gardening (5) Reading (6) Great movies (7) Great food. And now to pass this award on to four blogs that I feel also deserve to be recognized for their outstanding contribution to the blogging community.

(1) Riviera Dogs
(2) Phoenix Down Farm
(3) Me and My Dogs in Halifax, Nova Scotia
(4) Three Dog Blog

Congratulations to you all!

Puppy Obedience Training

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Click here to see how I trained my puppy! Puppy obedience training consists of housebreaking and obedience training, which will develop obedience, discipline, and a well-behaved attitude in the puppy up until it reaches adulthood. Unfortunately though, a lot of dog owners do not know how to properly train a puppy to behave. They either strike the puppy for a mistake done or yell at them for something, which will in the end only bring about a mean and vicious temperament in the dog.
Teaching your dog or puppy to act properly, or more appropriately, training him or her to act properly doesn't have to be a battle. Using these puppy obedience training tips and techniques can help make your training experience fun and enjoyable for both you and your new companion.
Puppy obedience training is the cornerstone of a great, lifelong relationship with your dog. Without a sound basis of understanding of what behavior is acceptable and what is not acceptable, your puppy and the dog that it becomes, and you, are on a collision course.
It is hard not to give in to our beloved puppy when he or she gets into trouble. Those cute puppy dog eyes stare up at us and we find ourselves unable to provide proper dog obedience training.

Puppy training obedience begins the moment we acquire our new friend. Basic animal training starts with teaching the dog how to communicate its need to use the bathroom. A puppy is just like a toddler.
You have to ensure that consistency is part of dog training obedience. Dog obedience training is easier as you do not have a lot of bad habits to try to break. You really only have to teach.
Puppy obedience training is the only way to ameliorate the impact of annoying canine activities such as untimely howling and excessive barking, chewing,digging, disobeying, soiling your home, escaping through open doors, and other inconvenient habits. The best time to begin puppy obedience training for your puppy is between 7 weeks and 18 weeks. Never use punishment like chain pulling or hitting to scare the puppy. Instead, try to discipline it using rewards for good jobs. Praises and rewards encourage and motivate the puppy to perform better each time. Therefore, the key is to be very generous with a puppy frequently praising and rewarding him for his correct actions during the training period.
Puppy obedience training usually begins with potty training.
Start this training early because it is always easier to teach good habits from the beginning than it is to break bad habits later.
A puppy is like a young child, it is always learning, gaining valuable experience every single day.
Waiting until the puppy is older and has already learned bad habits makes the training much more difficult. The sooner that you get started, the better.

An environment filled with patience, flexibility and fairness will help ease puppyhood training and obedience. In this kind of environment, you will find that your puppy will love his training sessions. His confidence and trust in you will grow as will your mutual bond. Some of the dog obedience training issues includes, puppy socializing, crate training, excessive barking training, separation anxiety, puppy mouthing and biting and leash training.
It is time to learn how to teach dog obedience instead trying to scare, or beat them with a newspaper. Show them the correct way and they will give even more love and companionship. To learn more about training your puppy, please visit this link. "Secrets to Dog Training"

Jumping on the furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:57:00 +0000

Deciding whether or not your dog is permitted access to the furniture is a pretty big deal. If you have a big dog, it’s an even bigger deal. Furniture access is a matter of some importance for two reasons: firstly, because it’s mighty inconvenient to have to fight for space on your own couch; and secondly, because it strongly relates to the matter of dominance, which is of the utmost importance as far as a harmonious dog/owner relationship goes. Your dog knows that the furniture – in particular, your bed - is your turf. If he’s allowed up onto your personal, private territory as a matter of course and whenever he feels like it, that’s conceding a pretty big point to him; especially since it’s rarely a two-way issue (when was the last time you invaded your dog’s own turf and snuggled down for a nap in his bed?). It’s best to be aware of these things before making a final decision on furniture access for your dog. If you do decide to allow him unimpeded access, you’ll need to make sure that you’re extra-stringent with the other facets of alpha-dominance to prevent him from getting an over-inflated sense of self-importance. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to forbid your dog access to the furniture outright, until he’s at least five or six months old. When a puppy’s growing up, he’s forming the basis of his conceptions as to what constitutes appropriate behavior, and he’s figuring out his own ranking in the social hierarchy of the household. If he’s allowed to leap onto beds, couches, and armchairs (the three most-prized pieces of furniture in the house for any dog) at will and from day one, he’ll have a skewed view of his own ranking. He won’t see it as the privilege that it is: he’ll see it as his God-given right, and something to be taken for granted. This does a lot towards equalizing your dog’s rank with your own, which – as far as your role as the owner goes – is decidedly not a good thing. To maintain a good relationship with your dog, not only do you need to be the boss, but he needs to know that you are. To prevent attitude problems from developing in adolescence, it’s generally best to keep your puppy as humble as possible – which means that he needs to appreciate being allowed up ‘on your level’. Rule number one, as far as this issue goes, is consistency.

"Secrets to Dog Training"

You must be consistent! Once you’ve made your decision as to whether or not he’s to be allowed up on the furniture, you will have to stick with that decision, or else – whatever that decision was - you won’t have a hope of enforcing it. So, if he’s to be allowed up on the couch but not the bed, for example, he must never be allowed up on that bed – not even for a moment. If you decide not to allow him up on any furniture at all, you must ensure that nobody counteracts your decision and invites him up there. Changing the rules according to human whims and impulses isn’t fair on your dog. It’ll just confuse him. He can’t tell the difference between an expensive new couch and a grubby old one, or between clean paws and muddy paws. This can have a detrimental effect upon your own peace of mind (not to mention your dry-cleaning bill), and if you take that frustration out on your dog, it’s confusing and upsetting for him. This is why, if you’re going to allow him any access at all, it’s a fantastic idea to impose limits: to teach him that he can’t just leap up as and when he chooses, but that he must wait for an invitation. Inviting your dog to join you on the couch is pretty easy. All you have to do is pat the seat next to you, and – in a cheery, friendly tone – say, “Up you get!”. Most dogs need little more encouragement than this, and will be up like a shot before the second syllable’s even passed your lips. You’ll also need to enforce the “off” command – this allows you to relax in the knowledge that, when you want some leg room, it’s there for the taking; and also reminds your dog, in no uncertain terms, that his furniture access is not a right – it’s a privilege! As is to be expected, most dogs are less enthusiastic about obeying the “off” than they are the “up you get” command: on occasion, you may be required to resort to physical force to maintain obedience. Don’t worry, it’s not inhumane in the slightest, merely highly effective. Here’s what you do: - First of all, supply him with an attractive alternative. Being asked to get off a comfortable couch to lie on the unadorned floor is hardly something he’s going to respond to with enthusiastic obedience: set him up for success, not failure, by giving him a comfy dog bed. You can make one yourself, out of towels and pillows, or you can purchase ready-made dog beds in a variety of sizes and materials from the pet store. - When it’s time for him to disembark, point to the dog bed and say, “Off” in a calm, authoritative voice. No need to raise your voice or shout: use a no-nonsense, but pleasant, tone.
If there’s no immediate response, do not repeat yourself. Keep your arm pointing at the bed, and maintain eye contact. If you have a perceptive dog, often it’s enough to simply intensify your expression (raising your eyebrows or tightening your mouth). - Wait for 30 seconds (which will feel like an eternity!). - If there’s no response after 30 seconds, you can resort to a physical enforcement of your request. The Humane Physical Enforcement Some owners drag their dogs off by the collar, which is effective in the short-term (provided your dog is of a size that you can physically handle). However, it’s not recommended - simply because, as a technique, it allows your dog to demonstrate his refusal to obey you. He can still dig in his paws and strain against your opposing force, which is both downright disrespectful and counteractive to all the alpha-dominant behavioral training in the world. It’s much more effective to think smart: make him get off under his own steam, simply by making the couch (or chair, or bed) uncomfortable for him. To do this, slide your hand, palm-down, under his rear. Slowly slide your arm forwards, using it as a lever to gently and slowly pry him off the couch. It raises his bottom in the air by degrees, which is increasingly uncomfortable for him – enough to make him leap off the couch of his own volition. This is both more effective, and physically a lot less demanding, than dragging a reluctant dog off by his collar: by making him want to get off when you ask him to, you’re strongly enforcing your obedience requirements, which is great for your role as an authority figure. Further Reading For more information on canine psychology and behavioral problems, check out Secrets to Dog Training. It’s an absolute goldmine of valuable information and advice for the responsible dog-owner, and covers just about every topic you could ever need to raise a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog – everything from obedience work to correcting problematic behaviors to dog-whispering to teaching ‘tricks’ is covered in full detail. You can check out Secrets to Dog Training by clicking on the link below:
"Secrets to Dog Training"

House Training an Old Mutt - It's Never Too Late

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:38:00 +0000

House training an old dog is possible, despite what majority of people imagine. A canine is never too old to acquire where you desire him or her to go relieve them. When you first begin house disciplining for an senior dog you are supposed to reject any health problems that may constitute for more difficult potty training. When you reject medical troubles it's time to begin home training for your elder huge canine! With passage of time and support you will see that your older mutt will contentedly go potty within their selected area.

Have Fun House educating an Elder Dog

You need to try to like the understanding of house training your canine or at the least provide the feeling of doing so. If you look at the process as a duty your mutt will pick up on your attitude. If you advance the house disciplining method with a positive view, things will go much more smoothly for both of you. potty disciplining an older canine will take a bit of time and patience, but usually a excellent attitude will get you both all the way through.

Consider to be tolerant throughout this crucial phase, remember, your dog did not have the benefit of learning early. Mutt's are just like humans; they get set in their behavior and build up functions. They may have never even thought of moving to the toilet anywhere else but where they usually go, so it might take you some time to force them to break their acts. Have confidence; home teaching an senior canine is achievable!

Various challenges you might find while home breaking an senior canine is it's idleness about your mutt's's motivation to learn. An inability to split old routine can be difficult at times for various mutt's'sthat is set in their habit. Aged mutt's's can be immense, but they are repeatedly idle and indifferent to admire when compared to a puppy, which could make home educating hard. For second time, I repeat, don't loose hope! Endurance is the key here.

Remember Using training Help when House Educating an Older Canine

You may find it very useful to make use of potty disciplining aids while house educating an senior dog. Some types of the products you may want to look at are summarized below:

·Fragranced puppy pads which smell similar to urine & magnetize the dog to a particular area!

·Newspaper can be useful especially when combined with urine perfumed spray or drops.

·Crate educating will support your mutt to maintain her private area spotless until you can escort him or her to the proper place to potty.

·Take the dog out every two - three hours to the "designated house place" and force him or her when they go to the good place.

·Room or seclusion training, which works the equal way as crate training, motivates the canine to maintain his or her space hygienic.

You may find it beneficial to use numerous of these techniques when home educating your elder large dog. For instance, you might want to place your elder dog in a crate while you are absent from home, but when you come home you can take the canine outside every 1 or 3 hours to force him or her to go in the good place. The key is to be consistent, to do the similar things every day so that your dog picks up on the attitude & in due course does it on his or her own.

Constructive Reinforcement Takes Devotion & Time

If your mutt goes to the restroom in the wrong place, scold them if you catch them in the act. It often helps to shift the accidents to the proper spce, if possible. If you don't find them in the act, scolding them would not help the situation. In spite of, focus on pleasing them when you are disciplining your canine friend. When you see your canine go house in the correct spot, honor them, and simply offer them constructive attention. Make Consistent application to this & your older mutt will be home trained & living contentedly within the restrictions of your house.

potty training an senior mutt can be annoying, so remember that steadiness & honor will go a long, long way. Old habits die hard, so do not stop with the routine even if you are quite certain that your huge canine has it down. Stay determined with the process until the canine can show to you over a long span of time that they are truly home taught.

Learn more about house training tips, behavior training, and large dog breed specific information regarding your canine companion at largedogbreedz.com

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

For more great information on house training your puppy or dog you "will" want to visit this link to:
The Ultimate House Training Guide

Does your dog chew grass?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:02:00 +0000

My dog crops grass like a cow. He eats it with gusto whenever he encounters it, to the extent that my friends have begun to refer to him, jokingly, as ‘The Ruminant’. This habit of his doesn’t bother me at all, since it seems to have no ill-effects on him whatsoever - although, when I’m standing outside in the cold waiting for him to relieve himself during one of his infrequent small-hours toilet calls (normally his timing is much more considerate), it’s hard not to hop impatiently from foot to foot while he enthusiastically tears out the mandatory five to seven mouthfuls of grass, chews thoroughly, and swallows, instead of just getting on with the task at hand. Unless your dog’s digestion is suffering unwanted upheavals from his grass-eating habit, it’s not really a problem. Dogs have been eating grass since the dawn of time (or at least, of the species) with few ill-effects, aside from the odd bout of vomiting - and really, this is one of those things that seems to bother owners a lot more than their dogs; most dogs, will simply re-ingest the vomitus and go about their day unfazed. Truthfully, nobody really knows why dogs eat grass. There are a variety of theories as to why animals that are widely regarded as carnivores would willingly consume moderate quantities of vegetation. One of said theories pertains to the fact that dogs are not, actually, carnivores. They’re omnivores, which literally means, “eat anything”. This theory postulates that the modern-day dog eats grass in a deliberate attempt to supplement his diet with nutrients that are missing from his daily meals. The main crux, thrust, and gist of this argument centers around the idea that dogs, as omnivorous animals, are eating too much meat and need to balance this out with some greenery on the side, much as you or I might crave a nice tart salad to go with our steak. If you ask me, this is nonsense. First of all, most of us feed our dogs primarily on kibble, which contains the full spectrum of fully-absorbable nutrients that dogs require (or at least, high quality kibble does; I can’t vouch for the quality of supermarket-brand dog food). If you’re feeding your dog on meat alone, whether canned or fresh, there may be some substance to this theory – dogs need a wide range of vitamins and minerals for optimum health, most of which are not contained within fresh meat. It’s true that canned meat has some added nutrients; the main problem with canned food is that it’s too soft and jelly-like to maintain healthy teeth and bowels. Dogs fed primarily on canned food are far more prone to developing dental disease at a relatively early age (not to mention an increased incidence of constipation and flatulence, from the lack of fiber and roughage.
As far as dog food goes, unless your dog’s on a specific, prescribed diet, kibble should constitute the main part of his diet – you can add a few spoonfuls of canned meat for variety and temptation, if you like. Another popular theory is that dogs use grass as a sort of natural emetic: that, since a nauseous dog lacks the phalangeal structure necessary for the good old ‘finger down the throat’ move, he’ll resort to nature’s bounty as an alternative. It’s true that grass does sometimes make dogs vomit – those tickly stems can irritate the stomach lining, and there have been a few occasions when I’ve seen dogs vomit up a chunk of something that’s proved to be indigestible, and along with the offending article, there’s also been a clump of grass in the vomit too. However – and I’m sorry to pour cold water over this one too – I have to say that this is pure conjecture, and somewhat nonsensical conjecture at that. Dogs are perfectly capable of vomiting all by themselves, without the assistance of grass; I’ve seen too many dogs enjoying a post-prandial mouthful of mixed lawn greens, without any regurgitational side effects, to lend the theory any credence. If you’re worried that eating grass is going to hurt your dog, you can lay that concern to rest right now. The one possible downside is that he’ll irritate his throat or stomach lining, but this issue will only cause him strife for a second or two at most: he’ll either cough the problem away, or will toss his cookies without further ado (which rarely bothers most dogs). Really, grass-eating is nothing to worry about – it’s a life-long habit with many dogs, and if yours does decide that it’s no longer in his best interests, he’ll simply stop eating it all by himself. You may need to keep an eye on him around recently treated lawns, or anywhere where nasties like pesticides, snail bait, and rat poison could be around, since most garden chemicals are highly toxic to dogs. Ideally, you’d be keeping an eye on him anyway if he’s around those substances, but grass-eaters are at higher risk than most since they’re more likely to ingest plant matter that herbicides and other toxic chemicals have been sprayed onto. In addition to this, it’s also best if he’s kept away from those clumps of dried-out grass that lie around on the lawn after it’s been freshly mowed. It shouldn’t be a problem if the grass is mowed by a push-mower; but if it’s been through a gas-operated machine, the grass will be tainted with petrol fumes and grease, which at best will taste horrible and at worst can make him pretty sick. (Fortunately for your peace of mind and your dog’s peace of digestive tract, all but the most food-obsessed dogs will usually spurn this smelly fare in favor of clean, fresh grass.) If your dog’s grass eating is really bothering you, presumably this is out of concern for your lawn, rather than your dog, since there’s ample evidence that dogs suffer no adverse effects from frequent grassy snacks.
There are a couple of things you can try doing to reduce his desire to supplement his diet with eatables from the backyard – but, because this is one area of dogdom that nobody really knows that much about (scientists are frankly mystified by the appetite of the average dog for verdure), the success rate is more hit-and-miss than guaranteed: * Try varying his diet slightly. Unlike humans, dogs do not need a widely varied diet to keep them “interested” in food; they’re creatures of routine, and diet is no exception to this rule. However, since one of the theories that attempts to explain why dogs eat grass is centered around a lack of nutritional variety, you can try introducing various tasty vegetables into his food: most dogs enjoy tomatoes, carrots (either steamed or raw) and chopped apples. Be sure to stay well away from grapes, raisins, and onions, since these are toxic to dogs. * Supervise him whenever he’s around grass. This may not be a particularly user-friendly option, especially for off-lead walks; you’ll have to keep a real eagle-eye on your canine walking buddy to make sure he’s not making a dash for the greenery. Realistically, there’s not really a lot you can do about your dog’s grass-eating habit (aside from deny him access to grass utterly, which wouldn’t be fair to your dog and would make your daily dog-walking expeditions more of an exercise in frustration than a relaxing stroll). The general consensus from the experts seems to be that grass-eating, although somewhat of an enigmatic pastime to us humans, is just ‘one of those things’ as far as your dog is concerned. It won’t do him any harm, and you can be sure that if he’s eating it, he’s enjoying it – so there’s really not a lot to be said for depriving him of that simple pleasure. Furthermore, and in addition to the logistics of permitting this penchant, I’ve got to say that watching your dog ripping up and chewing generous mouthfuls of turf with an expression of half-lidded bliss on his face can provide you (and passersby) with some unexpected entertainment when the two of you are out and about together! For further reading … For more information on dog psychology and general canine behavioral traits, with a particular focus on problematic behaviors, you’ll probably want to take a look at Secrets to Dog Training. It’s a complete, detailed manual for the intelligent and responsible owner, and covers everything from obedience training through to preventing and handling a huge variety of common problem behaviors. Well worth checking out! You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training website by clicking on the link below:
"Secrets to Dog Training".

Causes of Snoring in Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:23:00 +0000

It is not unusual to see pet owners let their pets sleep with them at night. In fact, 1/3 of pet owners have at some point, allowed their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs provide a companionship that can't be given by any other breed of animals. But this doesn't mean that it is unlikely for some to let their cats and another pets sleep with them.

Dogs have a sleep pattern that is much like ours. Dogs often resign with complete trust on their masters, which make them a bit more relaxed during the night. This explains why most dogs fall to sleep more easily and later on, enter into deep sleeps where REM sleep activities can occur.

In fact, once dogs enter this stage, the owner needs to shake them heavily before they are actually roused from sleep.

For sure, many of us have already witnessed a dog paddling during sleep or at times, barks with eyes close. These dogs are said to be dreaming.

Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs. There are breeds which deliver heavier breathing while there are those who breathes very lightly. The heavy breathers are much prone with snoring than those who do not snore as heavily.

Dogs who snore can be quite a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the occurrence of this phenomenon.

Like with humans, there are various considerations why dogs snore. Most though deals with the obstruction of air passage which cause the collision of certain parts along the throat area that in turn, leads to collapse of these parts.

A snoring dog must be checked of various causes to determine which treatment can be best applied. Some dogs are especially prone to specific allergic reaction that causes the constriction in the airway. It may also be that there are some excess tissue found in this area that inhibits proper breathing. It is best if a veterinarian checks on various factors through careful evaluation of the dog's anatomical features and general symptoms.

Or probably, your dog is overweight. Like with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore during the night. This is because they have more flesh surrounding their throats. Thus, they have excess tissues that dangle along the throat which can potentially cause the obstructions.

Once this problem is corrected, the risks of developing snores will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, you may eventually enjoy nights of quiet tunes.

Snoring also lies with the general face features. Dogs all seem to have pushed-in faces which narrows their air passages to certain degrees. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contribute to the difficulty of breathing. They are like humans who are forced to breathe using only twenty-five percent of their actual nostrils. Dog breeds with shorter faces need lots of effort to maximize their nostrils. It takes them more hard work to control breathing and they are more prone to snoring.

Minor surgeries can do your dog great relief. Be sure though that before any decision is made, you are well educated with the potential risks and consequences of surgery for dog snoring. Most are actually irreversible so careful analysis must be rendered. It is best to follow the guidelines provided by your veterinarian.

Beware of Puppy Mills

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:58:00 +0000

First of all, let's start by saying that not all breeding kennels are puppy mills. There are many responsible breeders out there who take great care in the breeding of their puppies and dogs. These people are not the target of this post. The intention of this post is to help inform the general public about the horrors of puppy mills and to urge people to educate themselves before deciding where to buy a puppy.
It is not difficult to get a puppy, but when you want a good and healthy puppy there are places you should avoid buying one. When you are looking for a puppy and see those adorable puppies in the local Pet Store it is alluring to take one home with you. But be aware most of those puppies are coming from puppy mills.
Puppy mills are operations whereby purebred puppies are bred in great quantity. These breeding facilities are designed to produce the greatest number of puppies possible, for size of the operation, and get them out to pet retailers as fast as possible.
Puppy mills are breeding grounds for not only puppies but disease as well. There are many puppy mills that are dirty, unkempt, and overcrowded places, that rarely see a visit from a veterinarian. These conditions, because they are so unhygienic, cause diseases and infections to spread amongst the dog population. It is for reasons such as this that humane societies and other groups are working hard to have these puppy mills outlawed in North America.
If you are unable to find the purebred dog or puppy that you are looking for at a shelter, contact a breed rescue group. Almost every breed has its own rescue group and are very easy to locate by doing an internet search. You can search in your state or nationally until you find what you are looking for..

Reputable breeders are another option if you're looking for a purebred puppy. Breeders can advise the new owner on the health of the pup, provide a vaccination certificate and advise when next needles are due, how to feed the puppy and give some tips on toilet training. Some breeders offer a ONE year guarantee against genetic diseases. Breeders are required to keep documentation of the history of their breeding animals to ensure pedigrees are accurate. Good dog breeders are usually dedicated enthusiasts of a particular breed, their only aim in producing a litter being to improve and better their breed in terms of temperament, health and conformation
Those who want to do their part in putting puppy mills to a stop can do so in several ways. First off, don't buy dogs (or cats, for that matter) from a pet store. There are plenty of legitimate shelters and rescue agencies that have great pets for adoption, those that really need homes. There are even young dogs and puppies for those who want to bring a baby home. Also, don't buy dogs from newspaper ads or online, and advise your friends not to do so, as well.
Puppy mills are an animal lover's worst nightmare. No dog deserves to live in such conditions, but the issue can never end if these businesses continue to profit from their cruel endeavors.

The Porch Potty

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Ok k-9 Corner followers, I have something so cool to share with you today. I’m going to share with you a review I have done on a product my sister turned me onto a couple of weeks ago. Its called the Porch Potty. She had recently moved into a new apartment and she( as so many other people have had) had the problem with having a dog in an environment that wasn’t to friendly for the needs of potty time for her little Gorgi Snuff. (Don’t even ask me my she named her dog snuff, you need to know my sister) anyway there it was sitting out on her balcony a porch potty. So you know me, I had to pick her brain and find out all about it. And it didn’t take long to realize I had to research this product and post a review of my findings, so here we go.
There are two porch potty systems that are offered, the first is the porch potty standard. The porch potty standard has a drain in the center of the drain pan.
The 14
foot drain hose allows you to pour water over the grass to rinse it clean. The water runs down the drain hose to the nearest floor drain, gutter, planter, or even over the edge of your balcony. Use a watering can to sprinkle 2 gallons of water over the grass periodically. And now included with porch potty standard is an indoor catch basin that is easy to handle and can hold up to 2 gallons. Just place it under the Porch Potty, then remove and empty it periodically. Great for winter months, indoors, or if you don't have a convenient place to run the drain hose to.

The second system is the porch potty premium; it has both a sprinkler system and a drain in the center of the porch potty. Over 3 gallons of water is sprayed on the grass for one full minute, rinsing away any urine and odors. Now keep in mind you will need access to a hose bib to supply water for the hose with this model. There is also a water timer available for this modle. Now how cool is that!
Ok those are the two models now let’s touch on the grass options real quick. Synthetic grass looks like real grass and is easy to keep clean. Water and urine drain through the perforated holes in the grass. This is Included with the purchase of the porch potty. The second is training sod, this special sod only weighs half that of regular sod making it easy to handle. It has been grown without soil to make it easy to install without causing a mess on your porch. Pre-cut and ready to be laid in the a porch potty. And yes they can deliver this right to your door step. And finaly you can use real sod if you like , you really need to just decide which option is right for your situation.
Now in closing I have to give this product 5 stars, if you find yourself in the situation of needing a place for your pet to potty and don’t have access to a yard, this is for you. Please visit my new friends at porch potty.com you wont be disappointed!

Dog Nail Trimming

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:35:00 +0000

Dog nail trimming, this is so important and you would not believe how many dog owners just do not realize how important this is to the well being of our dogs. And like you I have friends that say “Hey my dog’s nails wear down by themselves just by walking on hard surfaces such as concrete or pavement when we go walking.” Well that’s just fine and dandy but let’s remember that with less active older dogs this can become an issue. Also, normal dog nail trimming is our opportunity to check for infections and other issues that may be in their early stages. Not to mention broken nails and just plain over all health of their paws. And when I say normal clipping I mean about every two weeks or so.

Now if you find it a pain to try to practice proper dog nail trimming; well yes you’ve got it. The trusty veterinarian or groomer will be more than happy to take care of this for a small fee of course.
And please do yourself a favor, don’t make your dog nail trimming time the only time you handle your dogs paws, check their paws several times a week. This does two things; you find any problems as well as you will get your dog use to having his paws handled and he will be easier to handle when its clipping time.

Now for the clipping part of this discussion, start out just clipping the hook part of the nail until you get more comfortable and confident and you will be less likely to cut to far back and hurt the little guy, or big guy. Hey now, here is some good advice from me to you. Years ago when my lab Jazz was at the groomers I watched them carefully how they where clipping his nails and they where more than happy to give me some pointers on the proper procedures. So don’t be afraid to get some direction from the pros! And trimmer size is very important; select a pair that’s right for your breed and size of dog. And good heavens please spend the money and get a good quality pair! You get what you pay for.

Let’s also pay attention to this important detail when it comes to dog nail trimming. Make sure you take the time to get your dog relaxed and as calm as possible. This isn’t something that needs to be rushed. Take your time. I know you don’t want to put your dog through this any longer than necessary but lets face it, if you hurry I guarantee you will be looking up an article on how to stop my dogs paws from bleeding! Because you screwed up and cut to deep. You will do just fine if you just research the proper clippers, take your time, make sure your dog is calm and just take off a little nail at a time while you are learning. And remember you can just clip a nail or two one day and if you need to try again another day. That’s ok to, just make sure it gets done!

Now in closing, keep in mind that starting these basic grooming procedures such as dog nail trimming when your dog is a puppy is always the best scenario because they will grow accustom to the routine, and if you do cut and draw blood please don’t pass out like I would do. Put some pressure on the wound and the bleeding should stop. And if you do draw blood, make sure you keep an eye on it and keep it clean! Ok now off you go, happy clipping.
If you would like some more valuable information on all aspects of dog heath please visit this link to the Ultimate Guide to Dog Health I know you will love it!

Dog Aggression And What's Causing It

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:39:00 +0000

The reasons behind dog aggression can vary....

So we've all seen it before, aggressive dog behavior which includes growling, bared teeth, and biting. Most of us do not understand the reasons causing these aggressive behaviors in our dogs.

Uncovering the underlying reasons for aggressiveness is the first step in learning how to correct and prevent dog aggression. A happier dog is a well-behaved dog, so understanding the root of our dog's aggression is important for a healthy relationship for you and your pet.

Dominance Aggression is when a dog is aggressive because they have a desire to establish dominance. This behavior can be exhibited toward humans, but is more commonly towards other dogs or animals. Because dogs are natural pack animals, and within a pack there is a certain hierarchy or pecking order dogs often will feel the need to determine their hierarchy. There are times when dogs will regard people in their family as members of their pack and in doing so they will try to become established as the alpha dog or pack leader. An increase in dominance behavior may be displayed when there are a lot of people or pets around.

Fear Aggression is another reason for aggressive behavior in dogs. When a dog is afraid they will give the telltale signs, and these signals must be taken seriously, because fear is probably one of the most misunderstood reasons causing aggressive behavior in dogs. A dog in a fearful state will commonly lash out because it feels trapped or cornerned. The dog will display warning signs before striking such as laying back ears, growling, and tucking their tail between their hind legs. When a dog lashes out because of fear, the behavior is often regarded as direct aggression rather the result of being afraid.

Territorial Aggression is a very common reason for aggressive behavior in dogs. Because dogs are often possessive of their home and family they will protect them fiercely. When a dog feels his space or family have been intruded or threatened by someone they often will show territorial aggressiveness. While it may be admiral, this reason provokes undesirable behaviors in dogs, which are unacceptable and unsafe for humans.

Predatory Aggression is when a dog has a strong instinctive hunting intuitions or predatory behaviors that are mistaken as aggressive behavior. Certain breeds of dogs are born to hunt and chase game. These natural predatory breeds can mistake smaller dogs, cats, other small household pets and even children as being food.

Medical Reasons for Aggression - With some dogs, there may be undiagnosed medical problem causing the dog to act aggressively. While most dogs can be trained to act behavioral aggressive, there are times when an underlying medical condition is affecting the dogs physical health. While pregnant or nursing some female dogs become hormonal acting very aggressive in a maternal protective state.

Redirected Aggression is another reason for a dog to display aggression. This condition is very much misunderstood. Redirected aggressive behavior occurs when a dog is unable to take out its aggression on the actual root of the problem such as fear, anger, or territorial thoughts.

It's important to take a moment to assess and identify the probable source of your dog's aggressiveness. This is the first step towards eliminating the unacceptable aggressive behavior. Once the underlying root of the behavior is determined, taking the next steps to appropriately training your dog can be introduced, specifically catering the training to your dog's aggression.

For more information on dogs and dog aggression visit www.calmingdog.com

Does Your Dog Food Include Euthanized Dogs?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Every day in the United States more than one hundred million pounds of dead animals and animal parts are shipped to rendering plants.

These plants are in the business of disposing of millions of pounds of dead dogs and other animals. The end product is then sold to manufacturers for use in their product formulas.

The dead animal parts to be rendered include but may not be limited to bones, feathers, undeveloped eggs, blood, tails, grease, spines, hooves, heads, stomachs and small intestines of dead animals.

There is also a category known as Dead, Dying, Diseased or Decayed animals. These also are rendered for use.

And some smaller rendering plants are not satisfied with this ingredient menu.

These plants have found a steady source of “material” to render in euthanized dogs from dog shelters.
These dogs have been killed and arrive at the rendering plant in a plastic bag, often with their collar and tag intact.

All of the “ingredients” listed above, including the euthanized dogs are used by minor and major commercial dog food manufacturers to be part of your dog’s daily diet.

In Los Angeles alone, two hundred tons of euthanized animals including dogs are delivered to rendering plants on a monthly basis. Almost seven million dogs and cats are killed in dog pounds each year. Many of these end up at rendering plants.

Having been injected with Phenobarbital to kill them, this toxic chemical remains in the dog as her carcass is rendered for addition to commercial dog food brands found in many large retail chains and markets.

So your dog will be eating other dogs when you fill her bowl with kibble or canned dog food. Not only is she eating her own so to speak, but she is also getting a daily dose of diseased animal parts and Phenobarbital, a euthanizing agent.

Is it any wonder that the average life expectancy of dogs in the United States is only 10 years but would increase to 24 years or more if their dog food was really healthy, and not a toxic poison!

Dogs 4 Life provides information on dog food and dog care at www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html

Raw Dog Food And Your Pet

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:35:00 +0000

You've probably heard about raw dog food and wondered what all the hub-bub is about and if you should feed it to your dog. The truth is that a raw food diet is very good for your dog. This is because their natural diet in the wild was mainly raw meat.

Even when they were domesticated by man to be companions and working dogs, they thrived on healthy scraps that usually included raw off cuts and bones. As our modern diet has deteriorated to be a high sugar, high fat and high processed food diet, so, too, have the diets of our animals. It should therefore be no surprise that the diseases that increasingly afflict us have also spiraled to near epidemic levels in dogs.

Canine diabetes is one such example of a modern illness that has seriously impacted dogs. The incidence of cancer in dogs is even higher. Domestic pets are dependent upon their owners to feed them and care for them and the majority of dog owners have blithely trusted modern marketing and modern thinking and fed their animals a diabetes inducing diet. Combined with lack of exercise, this modern, processed diet has led to our dog's sharing in our illnesses. Feeding your dog raw dog food along with vegetable scraps, crushed egg shells, sardines for the essential fatty acids and the occasional cooked whole grains (complex carbohydrates) sets your dog up for the best possible health.

Here are three good reasons to feed your pet raw dog food:

1. Dogs thrive on a raw dog food diet. Scientific studies have been conducted to show the difference in health between dogs given a raw dog food diet with some healthful additions and those fed cooked meat as well as the same nutritional additions. These studies were not even comparing commercial dog foods with a raw dog food diet. The studies found that dogs on a raw dog food diet had stronger immune systems, did not experience illness, were less likely to be infected by worms and parasites and had lower incidence of fleas. Some of these results were surprising to say the least. However, they indicate the benefit of sticking to a natural diet for dogs as much as possible.

2. Three are no harmful additives. We live in a sea of chemicals. We breathe them, we drink them and we eat them. The more processed our diet, the more chemicals we ingest and this is the same for our pets. We can't do much as individuals about the air we breathe or even the water we drink, unless we buy a high quality purifier or trust suppliers of pure water, but we can certainly reduce our exposure to chemicals in our diets. Commercial dog foods rely on preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and flavor enhancers such as sodium. By giving our dogs a raw dog food diet, we are protecting them against harmful chemicals as best we can.

3. Raw dog food is environmentally friendly. A raw dog food diet is a part of the natural process and ends up back in the ground to rot. Every time we use a can of commercial dog food, we are adding to the global non-biodegradable waste problem. Commercial manufacturing is ruining the earth in the quest for markets and profits. Commercial dog food is one unnecessary market and the product is not the best food for dogs. If enough people made the simple decision to feed their dogs a raw dog food diet, the benefits would be significant, not only for their pet but also for the wider community.

Our dogs are very dependent upon us to make the best decisions for them. We need to use wisdom and not just follow the common wisdom. After all, this common wisdom isn't really very wise.

Lee Dobbins writes for Dog Breeds 123.com where you can learn more about different dog breeds and their care including more about different types of dog food.

Is Your Dog Food Killing Your Dog? A Must Read For All Dog Owners!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:31:00 +0000

If you are a dog lover, it's important you understand the dangers of using commercial dog food. With the number of dog food recalls that have happened in the recent future it's no surprise more and more people are starting to research the food they are putting in their dog's dish. Much of the dog food you find in the stores has been linked to all sorts of disease and illnesses - obviously you don't want to put your pup's health at risk.

The pet food industry has a tall task on their hands of trying to restore any confidence in commercial dog food. Many pet owners won't risk using commercial dog food ever again because of what happened.

Unfortunately many people didn't just see their dog get sick - thousands of dog owners lost their pets because of tainted dog food that they had purchased. It's not surprise that more and more people are starting to look into what exactly goes into commercial dog food.

The problem isn't just with dog food that has been recalled - it extends far beyond this. Commercial dog food is produced in a way that would make most people cringe. Since it's all about cutting costs for the companies they put in all sorts of fillers that have been linked to all sorts of health problems.

The trend recently has been for us humans to eat better. The more nutritious the food is that we consume means we live healthier lives. Paying attention to diet and avoiding foods that have excessive fats and processed sugars, especially in the processed foods we buy, helps us to maintain bodies that are fit and trim.

Yet, do we consider what foods we purchase for our dogs to eat? Are we simply buying certain dog food based on what we think our pets like the best to eat? You owe it to your pooch to pay close attention to what you are putting in it's precious tummy.

The companies that produce commercial dog food rely on some of the worst possible ingredients when they put together their "formulas". They look for the cheapest ingredients that just meet the laws in order to make the most money. The health risks are horrendous.

As an example, corn gluten is a by-product that is found in dog foods. This is used because it is an incredibly cheap filler. However, not only is it an extremely poor source of protein, but it is one of the most common causes of allergies in dogs.

Another disturbing ingredient used in dog food is chicken by-product meal. Where this comes from is sickening - it is made up of chickens feet, intestines, necks etc. Again, it is an inexpensive ingredient that they are trying to claim is a source of protein. However, the protein is useless and this also has the potential to be tainted or toxic.

Many dog foods include soybean meal in order to provide a source of protein. The ingredient itself isn't unhealthy, however soybean is the number one cause of allergies in dogs. It just doesn't make sense to include this considering how many dogs are allergic to it.

We could list several more ingredients, but I'm sure you get the point. The dog food you find in the stores is made up of such low quality ingredients that can put your dog's health at risk. The companies aren't looking to include the best ingredients for your pup - they just want to make as much money as they can.

It's amazing to see how much of a difference feeding your dog the right type of food can make. Your dog will be happier, healthier and even better behaved once you pay attention to their diet.

This article isn't supposed to scare you off of commercial dog food entirely, but you do need to know what to look for. Use the link at the bottom of this article for more information about finding the right foods for your pup.

There are resources available to begin feeding your dog with food that is not only tasty, but also nutritious to their dietary needs. You want your dog to live a long, happy and healthy life - do what you can to help them out by feeding them the right diet.

Go to www.naturalhealthydogfood.com to find out exactly what you should and shouldn't be feeding your dog.

Choosing the right healthy dog food is the perfect way to make sure your pooch lives a happy and healthy life - he or she will thank you!

Although dogs are regarded as man’s best friend, the truth still exists that dog needs training to adapt to humans.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Let's face it. Even though the dog is called 'man's best friend' it still needs to be trained to adapt it to human beings. How we train our dogs? By using a specific set of dog training commands. Every dog owner should know about these dog training commands, so that they can train their dogs to do both simple and complex tasks. In this article, I will give you a comprehensive list of dog training commands. This is list is in no way exhaustive, but it gives you an idea about the commands we most commonly use with our own dogs. As you read though this article, you will discover that some dog commands are pretty similar to those we use when talking to a human. Others are a bit wacky.

1. "Off": If you want to have your dog focus on certain things or become more attentive to you, then you can use this command. This is really an effective way of increasing a dog's attention span.

2."Dog's Real name": This is one of the most effective dog training commands that many dog owners don't seem to use. I recommend you call the dog by its own name whenever you feel like calling it. This will help the dog develop a personal relationship with you and help it understand your commands more clearly.

3. "Good": If you like something that your dog has done then compliment him using this command.

4."No": On the other hand, if you disapprove of something that the dog has done, you can use this dog training command to let it know about your dislike.

5. "Take it": If you want to give the dog a toy of food or something else, you can use this command to ask the dog to take the thing from you.

6."Sit": To tell your dog to sit, use this command. This is the same command we use for humans as well!

7. "Down": Ever wondered if there is a command you can use to tell your dog to lie down? Well, in case you don't know, this is the command you can use for this purpose.

8."Easy" If you want the dog to stop at the last part of the leash and hang around for you, or come back to you and wait, then you can use this highly effective dog training command. Also if you want the dog to be attentive to you even when there are certain distracting elements around, then too you can use this command.

9. "Quiet": How many times has your dog wrecked your nerves by barking loudly all day long? This simple command will work like a stopper on his mouth.

10. "Kennel Up" - "Bed": It is night time and you want your dog to have a good night's sleep. However, your dog doesn't understand it. Use any of these two commands to tell the dog to creep on to its crate.

As I said before, this list is in no way exhaustive. Also, if you really want to train your dog properly, merely learning a few dog training commands won't do. To learn about the other aspects of dog training, please take a look at my dog training guide by clicking the link in my resource box below!

Is your beloved dog driving you crazy? As a dog owner myself, I know exactly how much of a struggle training a dog can be. With our Obedience Dog Training course, you will learn how to train your dog in a matter of days, even if you are a busy professional. Try it by visiting:besthelptips.com/products/dogtraining

You can get more such tips at:
besthelptips.com/dog/

Dog Training Commands - How to Successfully Train Your Dog to Do Certain Commands

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Although dogs are regarded as man’s best friend, the truth still exists that dog needs training to adapt to humans. Dog training commands is necessary for every dog owners to train their dogs to follow simple to complex commands.

Here are some tips to effectively render dog training commands:

Get your dog’s attention; you cannot render dog training commands effectively if you cannot catch your dogs’ attention. No matter how hard you tried if you cannot engage your dog’s attention it would be useless. A slight rubbing on its fur or nape will do the trick.
Get acquainted and know your dog. Dogs like humans have different learning curves. Observe your dog for a few days before starting dog training commands. This will give you hints on the habits that your dog has and how to take advantage of those habits to help you train your dog with ease.
Consistency. Learn how to be consistent with the dog training commands you are about to render. Tone of voice, body movements must be considered when giving dog training commands.
Acknowledge good behaviors. Use reinforcements to acknowledge good behavior. Affirmations and simple praises are enough encouragement for your dog to follow your instructions and to let your dog know that he is doing a good job.
Test your dog. After your dog performed a certain task consistently, use distractions to test if your dog will still follow your instructions.

Dog training commands is one way for you and your dog to communicate effectively. If you succeeded on training your dog, you will indeed win yourself a canine best friend that you and your family can enjoy.

In the event that you have not succeeded in providing an effective dog training commands due to dog behavior problems, do not lose hope because there are experts who can help you to effectively train your dog.

Did you know that you can successfully render dog training commands in the shortest possible time with positive results even if your dog has behavior problems? Put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog behavior problems and slash your dog obedience training in half by using techniques that give you immediate results visit luv-pets.blogspot.com

Puppy Crate Training -- Fast Track to a Contented Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Puppy crate training is one of the most effective ways to housebreak your new puppy.

Puppy crate training takes a little patience, but it's a good way to set your puppy on the right path. This method has an impressive track record.

Be sure to prepare everything ahead of time. Even before you bring your new puppy home, have the puppy crate ready and waiting.

The size of the crate is important. For proper puppy crate training, you should have plenty of room in the crate for the puppy to turn around, stand and lie down, but don't get one that's too big. Puppies feel uncomfortable in a crate that's so big they rattle around in it.

If your puppy is a breed that will grow large, it's okay to buy a bigger crate for him to grow into, but make sure it has an adjustable partition in the back. This lets you keep his living space comfortable and cozy, but you can still expand it by moving the partition back as your puppy grows to full size.

When you are ready to begin puppy crate training, place your new puppy gently in his crate. Make sure you've also put a towel or small blanket and a treat or toy in the crate. If you're using a wire crate for puppy crate training, always remove the puppy’s collar first so it won’t get snagged on the wire.

You may hear some whining or even crying at this point. You need to ignore it. Sometimes it helps to cover the crate with a blanket so his home feels a little cozier. Remember, dogs are not claustrophobic. They like an enclosed space. It's their den.

After your puppy has remained in the crate for about twenty minutes, remove him from the crate and take him outside. As soon as he goes potty, praise him, pet him and make him feel loved and close.

The next step in the puppy crate training process is to bring your puppy back inside and play together for twenty to thirty minutes. Then it's time to put your puppy back in the crate. You'll be able to gradually increase the crate time to two hours.

Puppies will not usually go potty in their crates. If your puppy has an accident, never scold. They really don't understand the idea that going potty is bad, so scolding doesn’t help. It only confuses them.

For best results with puppy crate training, you'll need to have a schedule. And when you take your puppy outside, always make sure you take him to the same spot each time. Especially at first, every time you remove him from his crate, you'll want to take him outside. This builds a clear association in his mind.

As your puppy begins to get the hang of puppy crate training you'll be able to leave him in the crate for longer periods. Eventually he'll feel so at home in the crate that you'll be able to leave the crate door open overnight and for short periods during the day.

Successful puppy crate training has two simple requirements: patience and a regular schedule. With those two things, your new puppy will soon be a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.

www.Puppy-Toy-Tips.com
Learn great ways to use puppy toys for training and socializing your new pup. Make sure you're on the right track wnen training your dog. Also, go and get the free eBook of puppy coloring pages for your kids.

Crate Training Your Puppy Effectively

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Crate training is a very popular method of training a puppy because it is very effective. Puppies are fairly easy to crate train if you are consistent, because they are young and adapt very easily.

Puppies never want to soil their sleeping area, especially if they have adequate opportunities throughout the day to eliminate elsewhere. So if you are deciding to crate train your puppy, you must be sure that you have regular set times to take your puppy out throughout the day.

You, as the owner, can decide which times would work best for you by putting your puppy on a regular feeding schedule. This will ultimately cause your puppy to adopt a regular elimination schedule.

When owners are aware of the times that their puppy will eliminate during the day, this will make crate training your puppy much easier and less of a headache, and you should begin to experience positive results fairly quickly.

Avoid lining the crate with newspaper. You want to make the crate as comfortable for your puppy as possible. You could place a nice comfortable blanket in the crate, and you could also have a few chew toys in the crate for the puppy as well.

Also, be sure that the crate is large enough for your puppy to turn around and lie down comfortably. As long as the owner does not leave the puppy in the crate for hours, and sticks to a set routine of taking the puppy out to potty, the puppy will not ruin his comfortable space.

These next two crate training tips are very important. First, taking the puppy out to potty must be the absolute last thing that you do before putting him into the crate. This greatly decreases the chances of your puppy ever using the potty inside of the crate. He would have totally relieved himself before going inside.

Second, taking the puppy out to potty must be the absolute first thing that you do when you take him out of the crate. This will greatly help with your puppy's ability to control his bladder and bowels. Your puppy is more likely to hold his bowels, as long as he is not inside of the crate for too long, because he knows that he will be going out immediately after he leaves the crate.

As the puppy gets used to this routine, your puppy will realize that he is only to potty outside and will avoid going to the potty inside of the house, especially not in his comfortable space. Also, be sure to praise your young puppy when he eliminates outside every time.

Your puppy definitely needs to be in the crate overnight. As your puppy grows older, and you feel more confident in him, you can begin to let him out of the crate at night time. This is not advised, however, for a very young puppy, even if your puppy is doing well with potty training throughout the day. Your young puppy needs to be in the crate overnight at least for the first few months.

If your puppy makes a mistake in the house, do not punish your puppy. Just clean the mess up. Mistakes mean that you trusted your puppy too soon by giving him unsupervised access to the house too quickly. You should not let your puppy run through the house unsupervised until you are sure that you can trust him.

With your consistent, daily crate training efforts, your puppy should be trained within 3 weeks
or less.

For more dog training tips and an honest, comparative review of the best dog training products online, visit www.yourdogdomain.info

Should You Get a Dog for Your Dog?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Many people consider getting another dog because they want a friend and companion for the dog they already have. In some cases, this can be a great idea… assuming that the family also wants an additional pet for themselves. Not only because they think the dog wants a dog.

Before making the decision to get another dog, it’s important to examine exactly why you’re considering another pet. Is it because your dog has separation anxiety and you’re hoping a canine companion will help him to cope when you go out? Or perhaps because your current dog is energetic and mischievous and you’re hoping a friend will help him to burn off energy? Read on!

A dog is an animal. Although it’s difficult to think of our furry family members this way, the fact is that they are animals who instinctively relate to the others in their household as their pack. If a dog has a behavior problem that involves the pecking order (such as being uncomfortable when the pack leader is not at home or lack of following house rules), another dog is not going to teach him to change his ways. In fact the new dog, who will likely bond with the other canine in the house, is more likely to learn these negative behaviors from the first dog!

Assuming the dog you already have is well adjusted and nicely behaved, a second dog is still going to require training and work on your part. Just as you wouldn’t expect a child to single-handedly teach a new baby to be potty trained or not to run in the street, so will your new dog need to learn these things from you… not from your dog.

Another thing to remember is that each dog has their own personality, even if they’re the same breed. The docile labrador retriever that already graces your hearth could have a progeny who chews it out of its frame!

Of course, there are other things to consider when thinking about getting another pet, including the double expenses of food, veterinary care and grooming. Other factors include double the vacuuming, twice the barking and the increased bill for boarding when you go out of town.

If these factors have all been taken into consideration and you still want another dog, then congratulations… you’re ready for another dog! Perhaps like my family did, you actually want another pet for yourself and not just for your pet (yes, one of our cats is technically our cat’s cat that we got for his birthday).

On the other hand, if the facts mentioned above are making you think twice, you’ll just have to resist (your dog’s?) pleas of “Pweeze can we get another dawg?”
For more information on dog separation anxiety please visit this link"Secrets to Dog Training"

Lori Verni is a freelance writer, Certified Master Trainer and owner of Best Paw Forward Dog Education in Holly Springs, NC. She also proudly brings you all of the free articles on FreeDogTrainingInfo.com, and has a book available: Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs. The book can be purchased at www.FreeDogTrainingInfo.com

How to Easily Stop Dog Aggression For Good

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Aggressive dogs pose a frightening and at times dangerous dilemma. Luckily, if you dog undergoes aggressive dog training, many of the problems can quickly go away.

Dog's bite millions of people every single year. For a number of different reasons, children are those that suffer the majority of dog bites.

Aggression in dogs can be brought about in a number of ways. Sometimes the environment that they live in plays a big part, while other times they inherit aggressive behavior. Some breeds are more likely to be aggressive than others, Akita's and Bulldogs are fine examples of this. As dogs traditionally live in packs, they are also built to fight for the top position and sometimes do this using aggression.

The first step in resolving dog aggression is to fully understand the problem and what's causing it. You will then be able to teach your dog not to succumb to these aggressive tendencies. You should also make sure your dog respects you, the best way to gain respect is by cementing your place as the Alpha Dog. Your dog will then be much more likely to follow your leadership and give you less problems.

Dogs might be aggressive due to being afraid or out of their comfort zone. Other common situation where dogs are aggressive is when they are trying to protect their homes, or when they come face to face with another dog of the same sex.

As soon as your puppy is 3 months of age you should get it used to socializing with other dogs. Some trainers suggest that your puppy needs to be 1 year old, however 3 months has always been fine in my experience. If you have an adult dog, it will most likely require more just socialization to fix the problem.

Regardless of how stubborn your dog may seem, with consistency and persistence you can train it to be less aggressive. Make sure you are seen as the Alpha Dog and have the respect of your dog - this will make the training that much easier. Positive reinforcement and praise goes a long way, use it when your dog behaves the way you want him to and he will learn over time how he should be behaving.

When training an aggressive dog, do it slowly over time. Don't expect results from one day to the next and always be prepared for your dog to lash out. If your dog is showing too much aggression, consider taking him to a vet. Underlying medical conditions may be causing the aggression. To learn more about training your dog, please visit this link. "Secrets to Dog Training"

Admitting an Aggresssion Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:10:00 +0000

For most people, our relationships with our pets are strong emotional bonds, and behavior problems can be pretty upsetting to deal with. Even more difficult is when a normally sweet, affectionate pet does something uncharacteristic, like biting someone, growling or snapping.

One of the things I’ve noticed in over 11 years of dog training is that due to these emotions, excuses pop up quite readily. Statements are made to the tune of, “He only bit that one guy because he was jogging,” or, “He was afraid that time, so that’s why he did it.”

I can safely say that if your dog is properly socialized and not the least bit aggressive, the chances of having a one-time “freak” occurrence such as this would be highly unlikely. However, as a trainer (and also a parent, neighbor, friend, etc.), I also know that more than one “freak” incident is not a coincidence. It’s a behavior problem.

I’m often amazed at how frequently people will look the other way and not do something about their dog having a problem. I understand that it’s upsetting. I realize that dog training costs money and takes time to practice. But in the scheme of things, it seems far more costly, both emotionally and financially, to endure incidents such as bitten people, police at the door, angry neighbors and more.

Working with your pet on a behavior problem now can prevent much aggravation from occurring in the future. In addition, stopping the problem before there are any more incidences could be a matter of life or death for your dog.

Does this sound overly dramatic? It’s not. The cold, hard truth is that with enough reported problems, your dog could cause you to pay fines, could be taken from you by authorities and could even result in euthanasia.

Perhaps you’ve worked with a trainer before but your dog seems to be still having a problem. Did you follow the methods recommended? Did you practice and make the training a way of life? Were they educated and experienced?

Has a knowledgeable pet person, such as your vet, groomer, trainer or rescue person warned you that a problem was developing but you didn’t take them seriously?

If any of these things are the case, keep in mind that it’s never too late to work with your dog. Don’t wait for problems to get worse. As difficult as it is to admit there’s a problem, it is far better to take steps and do something about it now.

Whether you work with your dog on your own or with a knowledgeable trainer, taking issues seriously and working on them immediately will surely help prevent more problems from occurring in the future. To learn more about training your dog, please visit this link. "Secrets to Dog Training"

Lori Verni is a freelance writer, Certified Master Trainer and owner of Best Paw Forward Dog Education in Holly Springs, NC. She also proudly brings you all of the free articles on FreeDogTrainingInfo.com, and has a book available: Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs. The book can be purchased at www.FreeDogTrainingInfo.com

Setting Limits for Your Canine Companion

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:38:00 +0000

When it comes to our beloved pets, many people don’t like to set too many limits. Even the most strict of pet owners will usually admit that they like to spoil their pet sometimes, and of course, a little spoiling is okay.
However when not enough limits are set, several problems can arise. Firstly, the fact that a dog who is allowed “carte blanche” is often a dog who causes aggravation and is not enjoyed as much as those who respect their boundaries. And speaking of respect, dogs who don’t have household rules they’re expected to follow regularly are far more likely to disregard other rules because they are less respectful of their owners overall.
While no one is suggesting that your dog should have to live a militant lifestyle or not be allowed to have fun, it is not unreasonable to have certain expectations for your pet. Particularly during holiday season, when people tend to do more entertaining, some of the ongoing behaviors that are frequently overlooked may now be experienced as annoying habits that you wish would go away.
For example, the begging at the table that usually seems so cute and results in you giving your dog people food is sure to lose its charm when guests are in attendance. Not to mention the jumping you may overlook when your dog is happy to see you arrive home from work… not quite as acceptable when Aunt Sarah is coming in the door carrying a cake and dressed in holiday attire!
Whether your dog could use some work on jumping, begging, barking, stealing, play biting, bolting out the door or any other behaviors, a little obedience training can go a long way toward sharpening up his manners. By teaching your pet some simple commands, such as “heel” (walk at my side), “sit,” “down,” “stay” and “come,” you can then use the commands in day-to-day life to teach new, good manners when you want them.
The down/stay command is invaluable for working on things such as begging, stealing and play biting, while the sit/stay is very helpful in working on not jumping, bolting out the door or licking visitors.
Of course, there’s also the added benefit of having your pet respect you more in general, so when you say “no,” he’ll feel more like he has to listen. Whether you teach your dog on your own or with the help of a trainer, it is so much easier to enjoy your pet when you have established limits for your canine companion!

Lori Verni is a freelance writer, Certified Master Trainer and owner of Best Paw Forward Dog Education for 14+ years. She is also the author of “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs.” To purchase the book, or for local training info, visit www.BestPawOnline.com or call (919)557-2853.

Being A Good Pet Neighbor

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:30:00 +0000

As you enjoy your pet's companionship, a little extra effort on your part will teach him to be a good neighbor. Ideally this should begin when your pet is young.
However, at any age, a dog can be trained to obey at least the basic commands. The best way to teach your dog obedience is to attend a dog obedience school. Kennel clubs, humane organizations and extension divisions of some universities offer obedience courses. There are also many good books on obedience training.
Many communities have "pooper scooper" laws requiring owners to clean up after their dogs. Law or no law, cleaning up after your dog reflects your consideration for others.

Daily walks can be a treat for both of you when your dog is trained to walk quietly at your side on a loose leash. This on-going training helps you control your dog so it won't jump on people or on other dogs.
A fenced yard is one of the best ways to keep your dog from soiling or digging in a neighbor's yard. If your yard is not fenced, check pet stores and catalogs for tie-outs. Two of the most popular are a swivel stake or a tree trolley. Many tie outs can be used successfully for dogs that weigh up to 250lbs. A tree trolley fastens to a tree, but allows a dog to run around the tree without the chain becoming tangled.
A barking dog can become a neighborhood annoyance. Excessive barking is frequently the result of boredom or anxiety when a dog is left alone for long periods of time. Regular walks and play periods with your dog and teaching it tricks will help prevent boredom.
Proper identification enables someone to contact you if your pet wanders far from home. Dogs should wear collars with an identification tag as well as have microchip or tattoo identification. To learn more about training your dog, please visit this link. "Secrets to Dog Training"

Puppy Pad Training

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Let’s talk about puppy training pads today because I think it is a very important part of basic house training. Now first thing we need to know here is that these pads are best used for puppies and or smaller variety of dog breeds. Let’s not move from your house in the country into an apartment and try to get your St. Bernard to use these pads, It isn’t going to work very well. It can be done, but today’s post is about puppy pad training. Remember it is always best to train your puppy to go out side, but there will be situations where that is not possible.
Now I do know dog owners who are not fans of puppy pad training, but I know others that just love them. The important thing to remember is that puppy pad training takes patience just like every other form of dog training. These pads are scented to attract your puppy to the pad when potty time comes. Make sure that when your puppy goes some where else that you pick it up and put it on the pad! Don’t through it
away, you need to show puppy what it is your trying to teach him.
Now there is a couple of things here you need to be aware of. There will be times that your puppy uses the pad and then tracks it off the pad, well I’m sorry that is just something we need to deal with, because if he hits the pad like you want him to and then you scold him for steeping in it and tracking it across the floor you will just confuse him and set your training back. Another issue is leaking, but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. The top name brands are much better at controlling this than the generic brands. Ok, now whenever you see your puppy starting into his "pre-potty pattern," such as walking around and sniffing the floor, you gently pick him up without talking and carry him over to the pad and then praise him when he goes to the bathroom.
When all goes well and he is using the pad consistently, the pads are either moved closer to the door and/or another set is placed outside. The transition is made from concentrating the toilet habits to one spot inside the home to one spot outside the home. Finally, the pads inside are eliminated. Well I hope this gives you a better understanding of puppy pad training. Now off you go, your dog needs some exercise.
For more great information on house training your puppy or dog you "will" want to visit this link to:
The Ultimate House Training Guide

Red Mange

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:30:00 +0000

"Red mange" now we are really talking about a little bugger here. When the immune system is compromised for any reason such as when a dog is a young, short haired, malnourished or in ill health the mites can become numerous in hair follicles. In normal skin the immune system of the host prevents the mites from reaching large numbers. They are always being held to relatively small numbers. In puppies with developing immune systems or in older dogs the situation can get out of control. The mites are allowed to proliferate and cause the skin disease often referred to as "Red Mange".

Red mange centers on the fore quarters with lesions first on the head and neck and then on the forelimbs. The early lesions resemble a "rug burn" hence the name "red mange". The "dry form" of the disease usually occurs in pups 3 to 12 months of age. It starts as scaly, rough dry areas on the skin with some hair loss. With red mange at this stage of the disease, you will see that the skin becomes greasy, red, swollen and scabby. Itchiness from the secondary bacterial infection occurs. Your dog appears "mangy and ugly. Lymph nodes enlarge due to the systemic spread of the mites and bacteria. From there, the mites and bacteria can enter the blood stream and affect other organs. If allowed to progress, the condition may become fatal due to the overwhelming sepsis.

Verification of red mange is done by deep skin scraping in several affected areas. The skin is pinched up to squeeze mites out of the hair follicles, mineral oil is then applied and the skin is scraped down until lightly bleeding. The material scraped up is placed on a microscope slide and is examined for the presence of these little buggers. If large numbers of mites are present and your dog has the signs listed above a diagnosis is made. If no mites are found and the signs are present then another scraping needs to be done since the mites are often difficult to find if the skin is thickened and severely irritated. Sometimes a skin biopsy must be taken to find the mites.

Types of treatment for red mange include clipping the hair from the affected areas and then shampooing the skin with a good quality degreasing shampoo. The skin is then rinsed with clear water and towel dried. A dip solution containing amitraz (Tactik or Mitoban�) is then sponged over the entire dog and allowed to air dry. This process is repeated every two weeks until skin scrapings reveal all dead mites. This may take from 4 to 8 treatments. If bacterial infections are present, appropriate antibiotics are also administered. It is very important to not stop treatment too soon. I would suggest that the dips be continued on two separate occasions two weeks apart AFTER skin scrapings reveal all dead mites. This ensures a complete kill of all stages of the red mange mite.

In closing I must recommend that you see your vet for proper treatment of red mange and follow the instructions given to you by your vet. The dipping solutions mentioned above are not to be played around with they are toxic and certain precautions must be made when dealing with them. Now then, if you would like some more valuable information on all aspects of dog heath please visit this link to the Ultimate Guide to Dog Health. I know you will love it!