DOG LOVER

The 7 Must Know Techniques to Puppy Crate Training

2009-11-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

If you have just brought your new puppy home, think about it, humans and dogs have been living together for thousands of years. During that time, one characteristic has remained true for all dogs, they are instinctively clean beasts and will avoid relieving themselves where they eat and sleep and this forms the basis for the quickest house-training method, puppy crate training.

If correctly used, a dog crate will set a foundation of trust for you and your dog.

1. Whilst crate training puppy, never allow him or her outside alone or loose. That means come what may, and whether it is bright sunshine or blistering rain, he should be on a leash with you on the other end of it.

2. Giving your dog plenty of time (whatever those weather conditions and making it clear that he is there for "potty" or whatever other phrase you want him to associate with the act. I prefer "garden" myself, it is much less embarrassing.

3. Don't allow him to play or chatter to him while he is learning. Redirect him with the leash if necessary and make it clear that this is business time.

4. Praise and look excited if he performs. This fosters his confidence and trusts that if he does what he is expected to do, and then he gets an excited (well at the first) owner praising him.

5. When you chose a crate, there is a lot of choice. It can be expensive to buy one at each stage of your puppy's growth. Personally I prefer the enclosed plastic crates, with an open wire door. These are relatively inexpensive and can also double up as a travel carrier. You could buy one and trade up to a larger one when he outgrows it. If you get a big one early on, make a divider and put something in the unused end like a cardboard box. It must be a snug fit whilst allowing him to stand up and stretch but that's it. The reason for this will be divulged later on.

6. Basic stuff

Make your puppy crate training easier by ensuring that he is in his crate WHENEVER he is not drinking, eating, relieving himself or having supervised play.

7. Example puppy crate training routine: puppy in crate for a couple of hours, hopefully sleeping, out to relieve himself, eats and playtime for a couple of hours, another toilet call and then another sleep for two or three hours.

Why does puppy crate training work so well for housebreaking your dog? Well its because of that that genetic history, they will not willingly soil where they sleep and it works because it limits your puppies opportunity to sneak off for a crafty one while you are not looking and he wont go to the toilet while he sleeps there and that's why it should be a snug fit: if its too large then he might be able to use part of it to go to the toilet and still have part left to lie in.

There are a lot of techniques to house-training a dog and puppy crate training and I recommend a great guide to this and other dog training methods. Don't waste any more time!

By Jay Nash

A Review of Secrets to Dog Training

2009-11-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

For owners with troublesome dogs, the Secrets to Dog Training program could be very beneficial in correcting bad behavior in their pet. No matter how old or young the dog is, the Secrets to Dog Training program is sure to work when you use it as the training system for your pet.

Secrets to Dog Training has assisted more than 60,000 owners of dogs in dealing with behavioral issues in their dogs and will be sure to help many more. Using this program will make it easy for you to teach your dog, to listen, and understand the commands that you give it, as well as to correct any behavioral issues your dog may have. This training program is great for any dog owner no matter their level of training experience, and is very easy for both the dog and the owner to learn.

You will be able to figure out what you are not doing correctly when teaching your dog with Secrets to Dog Training. If a dog owner doesn't communicate correctly with their dog, it could lead to bad behavior, and for this reason it is often at the hands of the dog owner's training that the dog learns the bad behavior. The Secrets to Dog Training program will teach you how to effectively communicate with your dog, so that you can begin training them in a way that will yield positive results.

You will also be given a lot of tools to assist you getting started with training your dog. You will get a ebook that is 260 pages long and a 30 minute video that you can download, which will show you how to train your dog correctly. You don't even have to wait for the materials to be mailed to you, it's all an instant download to your computer as soon as the purchase is completed. After you buy the product, you will be able to start learning and reading.

You will also benefit from unlimited assistance from professional dog trainers and the program's team of trainers. If you are having difficulty training your dog, these resources could prove to be worth more than you would every imagine, especially if you find yourself needing extra help trying to correct difficult bad behaviors.

The problems that this system can assist you with goes on and on. Some of the dog behavior issues that Secrets to Dog Training can assist you with include:

House Breaking

Vicious Behaviors

Domination issues

Jumping up

Barking

Chewing - stopping it

Coprophagia - breaking the habit

Dealing with separation anxiety.

Digging.

Also, this system will show you how to do popular techniques, such as dog whispering, that will help you in the training. A great part of the ebook is about humane training techniques for dogs, which has been shown to work wonderfully when it comes to training dogs.

You will not only be getting the video and the ebook, but many other bonuses that will make the price of the dog training program. Included in these extra bonuses are an audio book, a guide to dealing with dog aggression, a guide to dog grooming, a guide to the best house training methods, a guide to training a security dog, and a guide to help you learn to take the position of the alpha dog in pack, which will help your dog to be much more open and responsive to whatever training you present to him.

Over all, the Secrets to Dog Training system work wonderfully for any person who has had trouble training their canine. It is priced to be affordable, it's incredibly easy to understand and learn, and will be far more efficient and cost effective to you than the time and money it would cost to hire a dog trainer.

By Ryan Hill

Top Ten Dog Breeds That Are Specifically Meant For Companionship With Children!

2009-11-04T16:59:00.001-08:00

Children and adults, all like to play with dogs and or own a pet, why? Well because they are good with children and teaches them about companionship, they also keep adults company whenever needed. However, not all dog breeds are ideal for households with children.

Though all of this is true children still don't provide pets the respect needed they ten to get abusive without knowing what they are doing. Younger children often cannot control their desire to play, in which can lead to them hurting the dog, and they don't realize what they're doing. Dogs can sometimes get aggressive back and use they're teeth to hurt the children while trying to defend themselves or communicate their discomfort. Dogs can also accidentally hurt children when trying to just have fun.

There are many dogs you can find that will be self-centered and many that wont.

So I'm going to give you my opinion on all the dogs that can be really good for kids and that are the best choice when looking for the perfect pet.

10. Maltese

The Maltese is a tiny breed, very small. But in this case that is a great thing. They are excellent with children, and do not cause any indoor damage. They are very playful and have a habit of being loving. They will provide your family and your kids excellent entertainment, in which case they are also great companions.

The Maltese is definitely a harmless breed the couldn't hurt a fly, but it's not a problem if you just want to keep them indoors. They will always provide your kids and adults with a great friend, they are also non shedders.They rarely need bathing and are great for self exercise, they are VERY playful dogs.

9. Papillon

These dogs are light and great for children because of that reason. I'd say in America they are probably one of the most smaller popular dogs there is. U will probably see movie stars with them. But they are great because they have a high tolerance for children and are very affectionate. This breed definitely keeps the sun pointing down on it.

They are easy to take care of and shed a lot, that's about the only bad thing about them is they're shedding.

8. Miniature Dachshund

Code name wiener dog and or hotdog dog, they are given these nicknames because of they're on shape. It has a very long and smooth back and short legs with ears that are always flopping down. Though it may look funny this breed was actually used for hunting moles for a very long time. They rarely use them for that now though.

That is actually the truth of their breed.

They are stubborn dogs but I've actually had experience with these dogs and they are very cute they gallop around like nothing going on and are kinda clueless but growing up with one I think it changed my life if it weren't for that dog I wouldn't be the animal expert I am today. Anyways they rarely shed and the only problem you might face is that they have sensitive backs, so you have to be careful about how your kids pick the dog up.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This dog is definitely kid friendly, well-mannered and just a normal dog. They're patient, quiet, gentle and are not aggressive.It is very small and excellent with kids and excellent with the older kids because they are quiet and don;t mind staying out of the way. Though that's not a great idea it would be better to be affectionate toward them so they don;t turn out self centered.They don't mind getting tugged and poked by kids. They don't bite, and the most that they do is snarl a warning if your kid is getting too rough. They love to play and be around children.

Cavaliers are generally easy to take care of, although they do shed. You'll need to groom them once or twice a week. They should be walked everyday, but playing with them also works as exercise.

6. Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs, and are very tolerant with children. They were bred for hunting and fishing, so they are very active dogs. If you have active kids and space for wrestling and romping around, then the Beagle is an excellent choice for you.

Beagles are very playful and friendly towards children and animals. It doesn't matter if you live in the city or in the country, because they can adapt to either environment.

Beagle puppies should be trained early so their tendency to bark and howl can be controlled. Beagles also like digging in the yard, as well as following scents. Beagles require a lot of exercise everyday, but make sure that your Beagle is always on a leash when you walk him. Beagles need only to be groomed once a week.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are very small playful affectionate and don't rest until they get the love they want from you they're number one friend. They are definitely gentle and love to cuddle. They are friendly with everyone,and don't mind being ruffed around.

Yorkies are good dogs to grow up with, and remain easy to take care of throughout their lives. They do tend to get they're hair in knots so it would be best to brush them at least three times a weak. They shed moderately and need to be groomed once a weak. Yorkies may be a little hard to housebreak at first, but a little effort should do the trick. You'll get your dog to do his business where you want in no time.

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4. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature schnauzers are small versions of the large schnauzers, and are related to terriers. Miniature schnauzers are reliable and affectionate dogs, and tend to be very loving towards their owners. They are excellent family pets, especially for families with children.

These dogs are stubborn that much is true they also rarely seem to be skiddish they tend to not like everybody. But this is rare and doesn't often happen. Altogether great dogs, very great companions and will stick to your side like glue.

These dogs grow regular hair, not fur and because of this it is 100% true that they do not shed!

3. Boxers

Boxers are large working dogs and are known for being playful and active. They are ready to pounce and play with you at the drop of a hat, and are very affectionate. Boxers are great guardians and will be your most loyal best friend. They are gentle towards children, and tend to be ideal playmates for larger kids.

Boxers may look athletic and serious, but they are very goofy and love to have fun. They are also easy to take care of because of their short fur, though they'll enjoy it if you groom them everyday. Boxers can entertain themselves by running around your backyard, and wrestling with your kids.

2. Border Collie

Lassie!!! The famous border collie. Border collies are very great dogs they are top of the smartest dogs in the world list right now, one of the top dogs too own. Trust me I know I've been around border collies my whole life. I had my 3 border collies doing unbelievable stunts and tricks.

Collies are beautiful dogs and are great with kids. They are smart and easy to train, and they are good pets for the family. They will protect you and your kids at top notch level while being the smartest dogs and the most loyal. They will go all out too protect they're closest comrade, once again trust me I know.

Collies definitely do shed, a lot, but its worth it. They will work they're hardest to make sure you are happy, so they'll need a lot of exercise. Walks and runs are fine, but it will be easier for you and more stimulating for your Collie of you teach them to fetch. I recommend living in country places with these dogs, that is where they are happiest and also they need a lot of space. So find a big field for them to run on.

1. Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Retrievers are sporting dogs that are considered the most popular family dogs in America. They are extremely good-natured and fun-loving, and tend to be gentle and loyal dogs. They are extremely patient and can tolerant any child's poking, prodding, tugging, and roughhousing.

Retrievers are affectionate dogs and love to be around people. They are very active and can keep up with a lot of playful children at a time. They love running around and swimming, which means that you'll need a large space for them.

Retrievers are said to be puppies forever because of their nature. They need a lot of exercise. You'll need to brush a Golden retriever everyday to keep their fur from shedding, but Labradors can do with once-a-week grooming.

Retrievers need a lot of space, but they can adapt to city life as long as you play with them a good bit.

By Caleb Mann

The Temperament of Labrador Puppies and How it Can Influence Their Training

2009-10-26T14:28:00.001-07:00

If you just got yourself a new lab puppy, there are some things you need to know about their temperament. First of all, they like to explore and do it for their own amusement. Labs are excellent family dogs and great retrievers. Because of their great intelligence and agility, they are used as working dogs also. After reading this article you will know exactly what to expect from your favorite dog.

Labradors are highly intelligent and capable of intense single-mindedness and focus if you get their interest. Therefore a bored Labrador could learn how to be a great escaper. Labradors, as a breed are curious and exploratory, following both people and interesting scents for food, attention and novelty value. In this way, they often can "take off" or become separated from their owners with little fanfare. You better take good care of your puppy or somebody could steal him, don`t forget how popular they are!

They also have a reputation as a very mellow breed and excellent family dogs, including a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals. Also, some lines -particularly those that have continued to be bred specifically for their skills at working in the field rather than for their appearance - are particularly fast and athletic. Their lack of fear may require training and firm handling at times to ensure it does not get out of hand because an uncontrolled adult can be quite problematic. Until he gets tree years old, your dog will be very active and will act like a puppy most of the time. Because of their enthusiasm, try to leash-train them early on in order to prevent pulling when they fully-grow. Labs often enjoy retrieving a ball without getting bored and, reflecting their retrieving bloodlines, almost every Lab loves playing in water or swimming.

Although they will bark sometimes when they hear strange sounds, Labs aren`t noisy or territorial. Labradors have a well-known reputation for appetite; they will always ask for food and eat almost everything they see, including uneatable things.

The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn make them an ideal breed for search and rescue, for detection and therapy work. Still, their best and most used working role in the field continues to be of a hunting retriever.

Labrador Retreivers are wonderful dogs that have a great temperament. Now you know everything you need to know about their temperament so that you will be able to know how to treat them or what to expect.

By Sammie F Woodard

Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

2009-10-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

If you are considering getting a dog what sorts of things ought you to be thinking about before taking the plunge? One thing is for sure, the saying "A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas" remains as true today as it ever has. Too many people are behaving irresponsibly by not giving enough thought in to what effort goes in to looking after a dog.

With the economic slump around the world during 2008 and 2009 a lot of animals have been thrown out of their homes, their owners unable to care for them. Many dogs are turning up to rescue centers in a sick condition, or without being properly vaccinated against disease, again because the owners did not have the money to care for them properly.

So, let us consider some of the basics before going out and choosing any kind of dog.

Bear in mind that puppies and older dogs require different types of care and attention. Do you have the patience necessary to train a puppy?

Are you prepared for giving a dog a home for possibly 15 years or even longer? A dog`s average life span is 12 years. That is how long you have to commit to your dog, giving of your time, energy, and attention. Not just feeding it, but providing it with veterinary care if it gets ill, (and just like humans, dogs DO get health problems). Veterinary care can cost a lot of money, hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the treatment, and how long the treatment will take before the animal is better. Taking out insurance is a wise move, but you still must allow for the cost of this in your budget.

Vaccinations are essential at an early age, usually after around 8 to 10 weeks and every year after that against such diseases as Canine Distemper, Canine Viral Hepatitis, Canine Leptospirosis, Canine Parvovirus etc. Worming your dog once or twice a year will also add to your costs.

Apart from the financial costs, you will also have to give up some of your time. Time spent in training the dog, in grooming it, and in exercising it. Exercise is essential to the well-being of a dog, taking into account the breed, and its age. Too little and it will get fat, lazy and bored, just like us humans. And, unlike most cats, dogs do not like to be alone, they like company. Will someone be at home with it for at least parts of the day? Do you like to take frequent trips away, will the dog need putting in kennels while you are gone?

Is your home big enough for the dog you plan on getting? Do you have a garden it can play in? If so, you must make sure your garden is escape proof, otherwise your dog could get out and cause injury to itself, car drivers, or pedestrians.

Just like with a young child within the home, you need to make sure the dog can not get to stuff like medicines, cleaning products or any chemicals. And, outside, things like rat poison, weed killers, or insecticides can pose a danger to dogs if ingested.

What else will you have to do with a dog? A lot depends on its breed and size. But, in general terms consider these points, which are by no means an exhaustive list:-

You will need to put a collar on your dog and attach an ID to it, with the dog's name, your name, address, and telephone number written on it.

On occasions you will need to bathe your dog, though not too frequently, say once a month.

Grooming its coat, possibly on a daily basis, depending on the breed of dog.

Checking it is in good health, by looking at the pad of its feet to see if has sustained any injuries. Examine its mouth, particularly its teeth. And, do not forget its ears.

Humans like a varied and balanced diet, and so do dogs. And remember you will need to have fresh water available for it to drink. Dogs can not tell us they are thirsty, so we have to do the thinking for them.

A lot is involved in keeping a dog. If it is for you having examined all that it entails, fine. If not, at least you found out before taking one on.

By Geoff Cummings

Top 10 DOG Halloween Costumes Ideas For 2009

2009-10-25T18:06:00.001-07:00

Halloween Pet Costumes are a great way to include your pets in the Halloween festivities.This year you can choose a collection of Halloween Costumes for your dog sure to be a hit. If you're looking for ideas for a Pet costume for your dog, here's our pick of the top 10 Pet Halloween Costumes Ideas for 2009.

1. ZELDA BEE - Let your pet BUZZ around in this! Costume includes striped shirt, hood with antennas attached and glitter detailed wings.

2. ZELDA PIRATE - Arrrrrrr! Imagine If you wear a Caribbean Pirate Halloween Costume and so does your dog, that will be very cool in your party. It includes shirt, striped pants, hook paw and hat.

3. ZELDA DEVIL - That Sneaky Little Devil! It includes cape with tall scalloped collar and headpiece with horns attached.

4. ZELDA PRISONER - Lock 'em up and throw away the key! This one includes striped shirt and pants, hat and ball and chain.

5. ZELDA PUMPKIN - Cute As A Little Pumpkin! It includes shirt with pumpkin cutout designed back and hood with stem and leaf detailing.

6. TATTOO DOG COSTUME - This is one macho pooch! This one includes jumpsuit with attached tattoo sleeves.

7. BIKER DOG - This dude is ready to ride! This one costume includes black jacket and hat.

8. BAD GIRL PET - Talk about a bad dog! It includes one piece dress.

9. SAILOR DOG - Ahoy mate! Costume includes jumpsuit and hat.

10. ZELDA QUEEN - Queen for a Day! It includes netted pink tutu and deluxe crown.

By Weller Gorey

Dog Training Basics - Keep it Fun For Your Dog

2009-10-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

Training is easier with puppies. Older dogs will take a lot longer to accept a new person as their leader but if you show consistent behavior dog will start to respect you.

Teaching good manners such as lying down, sit or stay is surprisingly easy. Most dogs will carry out these activities because they want to please their leaders and it's in their interests to do so. Never punish a dog for something is done earlier. If you come back to messy house there is no point in scolding your dog as your dog will not understand and will not know why you are angry with it.

Your dog will respond by acting submissively to please you. We make the mistake that this sign is a sign of guilt. Which it isn't as the dog just doesn't understand. Keep lessons short. For a puppy a minute or two is enough. Five minutes is just too long. But puppies are capable of concentrating on training a couple of times during the day. Older dogs can concentrate for longer but from no more than 15 minutes at a time.

Keep the lessons enjoyable. If you find it isn't enjoying itself stop the lesson. If you dog needs to release pent-up energy, let it. Once it has some exercise your dog will be in a better frame of mind for training. Train your dog when its mind is alert. The best time to train is before feeding time.

So with puppies you generally you will have three or four opportunities each day. As your puppy gets older and the number of meals becomes less, train it after it has woken and relieved itself. In summary these are a few simple tips to get your dog trained as quickly as possible.

By Darren Blair

Dog Grooming - How Much Does it Cost?

2009-10-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Most dog owners tend to take care of their dogs themselves, performing all the necessary cleaning, preening, and clipping themselves. However, for many people, this can be a time consuming and not always enjoyable experience, especially if their dog doesn't particularly enjoy being groomed.

This is where a professional dog groomer can help. They are experienced in dealing with jumpy dogs, and can help to calm them down, perhaps even to the point where the dog learns to enjoy a grooming. They also have all the proper tools, so they can do the job in half the time and to a much higher standard than you could yourself.

Although paying a professional to groom your dog is more expensive than doing it yourself, it can also save you a lot of time, and the results can be much better. So, assuming you're considering paying for your dog to be groomed, how much can you realistically expect it to cost?

Most groomers with charge between $35 and $70 for a complete grooming. Considering it might take you several hours to do the job yourself, you can see that this isn't so expensive after all!

Some groomers will adjust their basic rate depending on the breed and size of the dog. This is fair enough, seeing as some breeds are more complicated to groom, and a larger dog generally takes longer to groom than a smaller one.

Occasionally, groomers will insist on seeing your dog before they give you a price. This is so that they can assess the dog's condition before quoting for their work. As an example, a dog with a particularly dirty of matted coat will generally take longer to groom, so the charges will be higher.

Finally, the price you pay also depends on the level of quality you want. Most groomers offer an extra special service for clients who are preparing their dog for a show. This is excessive for most people, who just want the basic service, but for people who are hoping to win a prize with their dog, it is a necessity. You can generally expect to pay around $40 extra for this sort of service.

While many dog owners shy away from the idea of getting their dog professionally groomed, it can actually be a real blessing, saving you a lot of time and effort, and producing better results than you could yourself. When you take this into consideration, you will often find that what you thought was a lot of money is actually a bargain!

By Paul Watkins

Why People Love Dogs

2009-10-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

The saying "dogs are man's best friend" has been around forever. No one knows who first said it, but it rings true for most people. A dog is a pet you can count on to protect you and love you when it seems that no one else does. Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows how devoted they can be.

From the moment a puppy arrives in your home and you have the opportunity to pick them up and snuggle with them, the wonderful puppy smell quickly gets under your skin and makes you fall in love. No one can deny how adorable puppies can be. Even on the saddest day their clumsy, frolicking play can cheer you up. They explore the world with abandon and can entertain you for hours.

You love dogs because they ask nothing of you except to be fed and walked. Offering them the smallest kindness can make them your friend and devoted companion for life. But teach them tricks and talk to them like a friend and they will give you back tenfold in entertainment and amusement.

Pets are a tremendous source of comfort to people who live alone and the elderly. It is a rare dog that is not full of personality when loved and cared for properly. For an elderly person, or someone who lives alone, it is more like sharing a home with a friend than an animal. Many people claim that their dog smiles at them and this may in fact be true.

Pure bred dogs may be more predictable when purchased as a puppy. You have a better idea of what the dog will be like when it is full grown. But a mutt can often be a good natured, easy to train pet. A mixture of breeds all rolled up into one, such a dog can have the perfect blend of traits without too much of any one thing.

Caring for your dog will assure that your dog cares for you. They enjoy living within comfortable and firm limits and when they become unruly it is more often because they are neglected than that they are spoiled. If you understand that a dog likes to have rules and likes to know what they are, it is much easier to train them in such a way that they become an enjoyable household pet.

Dogs can be taught to respond to many commands. They can be taught to do tricks and provide support and direction for the blind and the infirm. They are very smart creatures and seem to really enjoy the learning process. This makes them an excellent pet because you can teach them to behave in a way that works best for both of you.

A dog is also an excellent family pet. Many breeds are gentle and playful with children. Caring for a dog teaches children responsibility as well as compassion and discipline. A child who teaches their dog a trick feels as much pride in the accomplishment as does the dog. Everybody can benefit from having a dog for a pet.

By Jason Rodriguez

Is Dog Insurance Really Worth It?

2009-10-11T18:20:00.001-07:00

What would you do if the family dog (also a member of the family), got sick? Not just sick with a simple ear infection (easily treated with fairly inexpensive antibiotics), but frighteningly ill where their life hung in the balance? What if it was a dog you rescued a month ago, one that despite just being in your home for 30 days, you have completely bonded with, only to discover its past veterinary care and surgery had been completely mishandled, leaving the dog with a septic, deadly infection? The prognosis: without immediate surgery, the dog would die. For surgery of this nature, you are likely looking at a price tag of close to $4,000. Would you pay that to save your dog? Or, more importantly, you desperately want to keep your beloved pet alive, but where are you going to get $4,000?

If you have ever found yourself in this type of dilemma, you are not alone amongst the vast majority of dog owners. With rising costs in pet care, most pet owners, cannot afford the astronomical costs of medically treating their pets; something one should seriously consider before ever investing in the purchase or rescue of an animal. Like us, your dog needs medical treatment at various stages throughout its life; whether it be a quick trip to the vet for a check-up, vaccinations, or something more serious like a broken limb, or cancer; either way, at some point, large sums of money will have to be dispensed out of pocket for the care and well-being of your dog.

Instead of worrying over where the money will come from to treat your dog to the medical care it needs, insurance is something dog owners should consider, particularly when their dog is young and likely more prone to accidents. While many critics believe your money is better off sitting in a savings account versus paying the somewhat high cost of insurance premiums over your dogs lifetime (that you may never end up using), a reasonable monthly payment is a small price to pay for peace of mind. In addition, like most insurance premiums, not every medical procedure/problem is covered. In taking into consideration what is best for you and your dog, you must mull over all the options and ask yourself the following: if you are willing to do anything to save your dog, are you then willing to go into debt to do so? If you answered a resounding "yes" to this question, and realistically going into debt is not an option, insurance for your dog is the right way to go. One can never predict an unexpected, undesirable event in the life of a pet, however, being financially prepared over the lifetime of your dog will lift the burden of agonizing over where the money will come from to save your precious member of the family. "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas," and as that is the case, can one really put a price on them?

By Shelley Vassall

Dog Collars - Some Alternative Ideas

2009-09-30T17:44:00.001-07:00

Is there anything more enjoyable than taking the dog for a walk through country lanes and woods?

Rambling through forests, exploring rabbit holes and sniffing out fascinating scents is the average dog's idea of heaven.

Dog-walking in the countryside

But, the importance of keeping him under control so that he doesn't scare farm animals and wildlife cannot be over-emphasised. Absolutely essential is the need to ensure that his dog collar is always in place and securely fastened. The collar will, of course, have some form of identity on its tag in case he wanders off and gets lost.

Too many dogs go missing in the countryside; trapped, scared by loud noises, injured or simply lost in the woods. It is up to every dog walker to be responsible by honouring the countryside code.

Dogs who pull on the lead

If there's one thing guaranteed to drive a walker round the bend it's the dog that pulls on his lead. Jerking him back all the time is not very pleasant for the dog, or the walker. But the problem is not insurmountable.

The HALTI head collar is based on the same principal as the horse's head collar, the idea being that if you guide the head the body will follow. It was designed by Dr. Roger Mugford, a leading animal behaviourist and psychologist.

The HALTI goes over the nose, but does not restrict panting or yawning. Although originally intended for large, powerful dogs, it now comes in sizes to fit dogs of every shape and size.

Over the nose and round the neck

An exciting new innovation in the world of dog collars is the GENCON head collar. The GENCON consists of two loops - one to go over the nose, the other round the neck.

Designed by a trainer and breeder with more than 30 years experience beneath her belt, it can be shown to be remarkably effective. Feedback from those who have tried this new product have praised it enthusiastically.

The name GENCON is derived from the words Gentle Control, because gentle pressure is all that's needed to stop the dog pulling. Although still relatively new, the GENCON is already proving popular with pet owners, trainers, behaviourists and vets.

Still a battleground out there?

Another school of thought maintains that 'you don't need anything other than a flat collar, a long lead, patience and kindness.'

Too many people turn lead training into a battleground where dog and walker are constantly pulling against each other. Dog training isn't complicated. All that's needed is showing him what you want him to do and praising him when he does it. Simple.

By Jeff Canaan

Introduction to Dog Crate Training

2009-09-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Crate training has become standard practice for many dog owners by this time. Although the common belief that dogs have a natural "den instinct" is not, in fact, true, they do benefit from an exclusive and secure space to call their own. Dog crates allow owners to confine their dogs in an environment that quickly becomes familiar and reassuring to the dog. They allow dogs to become accustomed to being out of sight of their masters, and teaches them to hold their bladders until a designated bathroom break. Crates are also very desirable for transporting dogs in cars. Crate training is a somewhat lengthy, involved process, and a full explanation is outside the scope of this article. Here we will simply present a basic guide to choosing a dog crate and how to begin the crate training process.

When buying your first dog crate, your first consideration is size. A dog crate should be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and otherwise move with ease. Unless you want to buy multiple crates throughout the life of your dog, you'll need to buy one that will fit its full-grown size, even if you're getting the dog as a puppy. The tricky part about this is that you don't want the dog to have more room than it actually needs, at least not once it has outgrown the puppy stage. However, setting up dividers to reduce the space of the crate isn't difficult, so err on the side of too large rather than too small.

Various crate designs are available, with different qualities. The most common are either welded mesh "cages" comprised of metal grates for sides, with a removable tray in the bottom for easier cleaning; or, rigid plastic crates, usually with clips that attach the top half to the bottom. Both are sturdy and long-lasting designs, but are also bulky and difficult to move. Some metal crates can be disassembled or collapsed, but even these tend to be less convenient than the third type: soft-sided dog crates, made of nylon or other fabric stretched over a metal frame. These soft dog crates are the lightest and more portable of them, and tend to be more attractive as well. Unfortunately, the fabric in these types does not hold up well to the gnawings of a puppy or a dog struggling to escape its crate. If you are taking in a puppy, or dog that is not already crate-trained, save the soft dog crate for later in life.

Once you have a crate in your home, you can begin introducing the dog to it's new "bedroom". The most important thing to remember here is to make sure that all associations the dog makes with the crate be pleasant ones. Don't force the dog into its crate right away- rather, lure it in with treats or toys. Even once the dog has entered the crate, you should not seal it in immediately. Wait until the dog seems comfortable in the crate- you want this space to be a safe haven, not a prison. By the same token, don't use yelling, hitting, or other negative conditioning techniques to try to train your dog. Dogs, like people, will always respond much more effectively to positive reinforcement. You must also be as consistent as possible in maintaining your rules. If your dog whines or barks while in its crate, you must neither yell or pound on the crate, nor let the dog out- the former will simply scare and confuse the dog, while the latter rewards its bad behavior. Be firm, but loving at all times.

By maintaining a positive and consistent course of training, your dog will soon come to understand its dog crate for what it is- a cozy private space to call its own. A good quality crate should last through the lifetime of your dog, serving to keep its occupant safe and warm and secure throughout many happy years.

By Andrew Massaro

A Dog's Den Instinct

2009-09-29T15:59:00.001-07:00

When speaking of reasons to crate train dogs, many well-meaning dog lovers refer to the "natural den instinct" of canines. Since we humans are so intensely connected to our private space and sense of shelter, we assume other creatures must be also. Depictions in various media have also created the impression that wolves naturally reside in dens. This provides a biological justification for crate training- a simple fulfillment of a canine instinct to have an enclosed space to call its own. However, as we shall see, this particular notion is ill-founded.

Dogs are the direct descendants of grey wolves (Canis lupus), and are nearly genetically identical- only 0.2% of their genetic code differs from each other. Wolves in the wild most certainly do not "live" in dens. Quite to the contrary, they roam great territories, sometimes more than a thousand square miles across, in search of food. The only time that wolves use dens is for the purpose of breeding. Wolf pups are born blind and helpless, and must have time to develop before being exposed to the rigors of the wider world. Before birth, the wolf pack will dig or find a suitable hollowed-out space. This is where the mother will give birth, and for the next four weeks the pups will remain in or close to the den. Even during this time, the mother wolf does not necessarily live in the den- she may go out to hunt, leaving another pack member behind to watch the pups. As soon as they are able to do so safely, the pups leave the den to begin traveling and hunting with the rest of the pack. Although the pack may return to that den for the birth of the next litter, they may just as easily abandon it altogether.

So if wolves don't live in dens, and dogs are as close to wolves as you can get, it seems unlikely that dogs should have any "den instinct". Why, then, are dog crates so popular and valuable as training tools? The answer is simply that dogs are (in this case, unlike wolves) tractable, trainable animals. They have been bred over thousands of years to readily receive conditioning from humans, and accept the conditions we place them in. That can mean anything from the high-fashion lifestyle of a Paris Hilton "purse dog" to the desperate and brutal lives of pit-fighting dogs. Dogs have no more instinct to live in a crate than humans do to drive a car- but in both cases, education trumps biology. Crate training is useful because a dog crate is an easy way to restrict a dog's access to inappropriate items or areas. Also, dogs do develop an instinctual desire to not soil themselves with their own waste- therefore, confining them to a small area teaches them to "hold it", and aids the housebreaking process.

The point of this article is simply to demonstrate that approaches to dog training do not need a spurious "natural" justification. The reasons to use dog crates as part of a training regimen are plenty good enough on their own without fabricating non-existent behavioral elements. Dogs, like people, are intelligent and adaptable, and nurture will generally win out over nature. So never mind the talk about "den instinct", and focus on "den education".

By Andrew Massaro

Securing Your Dog in the Car

2009-09-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Since the days when the roads of America were filled with Model T's, dog owners have known that one word sets tail wagging and perks up ears: "RIDE!" The sight of a car passing down the road with a smiling dog's face hanging out the window, tongue waving in the breeze, is an iconic image. However, this happy scene is belied by the frequency of car accidents caused by unsecured pets, or by the incidence of unsecured pets killed in car accidents. Animals allowed to run loose in a moving car are likely to be confused and disoriented by the strange sensation of car travel, and may behave erratically and impair the ability of the driver to concentrate on the road. Likewise, a loose pet in a car accident is both at serious risk of injury and death, as well as becoming a deadly projectile that may injure other passengers. Keeping pets secured while in the car at all times is a basic responsibility for pet owners.

There are several options available for securing a pet during car rides. One of the most common and popular is the use of a carrier or dog crate. This is convenient because most dog owners already own one, and they are simple to use. While the metal mesh types of dog crates can be a bit unwieldy for transportation to and from the car, there are many soft dog crates available that are lightweight, easily collapsible, and convenient for car use. As an added benefit, because crates will obscure the dog's view of the outside, they may help to reduce car sickness. However, to be truly secure, you'll need to find a way to attach the crate to the interior of the car- otherwise, in the event of an accident, you and your dog are no more protected than if it were roaming free. If possible, an easy solution is to wedge the crate between the front and rear seats. Naturally, this doesn't work with soft dog crates, and depending on your car and how much leg room you need, it may not be practical. Another option is to attach the seat belt to the crate, by threading the strap through the bars of a window or the like. Keep in mind, though, that this arrangement will not stop your dog from being thrown against the side of the crate in the event of a crash.

To get the maximum security for your dog, a seatbelt harness is probably the best tool for the job. These items are simple body harnesses that attach to your normal seatbelt, providing the same kind of protection that your seatbelt does for you. Prices for these harnesses vary widely, but most go for around $35. They're not as quick to set up as a simple dog crate, but depending on the kind of dog crate you have, they may be more convenient. Most importantly, this is the safest way of securing your dog, since it makes it impossible for him to be thrown forward in a crash. And unlike a crate, a harness allows your dog the freedom to poke his nose out the window and catch the scent of the open road!

There are also "barriers" available that simply block the dog from moving from the rear of the car to the front. This eliminates the chances of them interfering with the driver, but does little to protect the dog in case of an accident, and are more expensive than harnesses. These should probably be used only as a last resort. Car rides with a canine companion can be one of the great pleasures in pet ownership. Don't let a trip turn into tragedy because of an unsecured passenger, whether on two legs or four.

By Andrew Massaro

The Great Dog Crate Debate

2009-09-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Among dog owners and trainers, the debate on whether "to crate or not to crate" is a debate that can be as fiercely-fought as that over corporal punishment for human children. On the side of the "Craters", the argument is that crate-training is a humane and effective way to promote pro-social dog behavior, protect the dog from a potentially dangerous home environment, and satisfy their natural "den instinct". From the "Anti-Crater" perspective, crating is no different than placing a prisoner in solitary confinement, causing irreparable psychological damage to the animal at the time in its life when it is most vulnerable. There seems to be no clear consensus in the community as to whether crating is simply a good "parenting" technique, or a horrific injustice. So- how does a new dog owner decide whether or not to crate?

To begin with, you should be aware that the supposed "den instinct" is purely a fabrication. Wolves, who are the closest relatives of the domestic dog, do not reside in dens. In fact, when the weather permits, they most prefer to relax in wide open expanses, such as large sheets of ice. Wolves only use dens to bear and raise their young, for a period lasting about ten to twelve weeks. During that time, the pups frequently venture to the mouth of the den, and begin to explore the world around them. Dingoes (a kind of feral domesticated dog found in Australia) behave similarly. So any claim that there is an evolutionary basis for crate training can be dismissed out of hand.

But that does not necessarily win the argument for the "Anti-Craters". Simply because humans have no innate instinct to perform mathematical calculations does not make it cruel to teach algebra to students. As much as most of us hated our math classes, they were an important part of our preparation to become adult citizens. Similarly, crate-training seems to be effective in training dogs to perform certain desirable behaviors, such as refraining from defecating or urinating in the home. Although, all things considered, dogs would prefer to eliminate wherever they chose to (much as we would prefer not to do math problems), their ability to "hold it" until they can go outside makes for a healthier overall social environment.

On the other hand, there is little doubt that crating is, at least initially, stressful for dogs. To continue with our analogy, try to remember your first day of math class. You were probably uncertain of yourself, anxious that you might not perform well. If those fears were well-founded, you probably found the classroom to be a stressful, scary place, where you were repeatedly asked to do things that you not only didn't want to do, but couldn't do if you did want to. Your teacher may have become frustrated with you, yelled at you, or punished you for being "stupid". If this was the case, you likely developed a severe dislike of math very early on. You may have even began to associate that stress and anxiety with school in general, and suffered as a student overall.

On the other hand, if your math teacher was always full of gentle encouragement, praise, and other forms of positive reinforcement, your experience was probably quite different. Even if you struggled to succeed initially, your hopeful and positive expectations may have led you to work harder and more happily, and you may have overcome your initial disadvantage as a mathematician. This is the principle that should be applied in crate-training. The more positive associations you create between your dog and the crate, the more likely crate-training is to be a humane and successful enterprise. Don't force your dog into its crate- lure it in with food, toys and treats. If your dog is in its crate and begins to whine, don't shout at it or pound on the crate. Neither should you release the dog- let it learn that if it is quiet and patient, its fears of abandonment and danger will be proven unfounded. Consistent application of rules, always reinforced with positive stimuli, make crate-training a beneficial part of a dog's education, rather than a form of imprisonment.

Though I have no illusions that this article will settle the Crate Debate, I hope it has been useful to you in deciding how you will train your dog. Whatever method you use, remember that love, kindness, and consistency should be your watchwords. Good luck!

By Andrew Massaro

Keeping Your Dog Properly Ventilated

2009-09-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

You probably know that dogs pant to keep cool. You may not know that this is a far less effective cooling mechanism than the one we use- sweating. Although the basic principle is the same- as water evaporates, it carries away heat energy- the surface area that is being used to relieve heat is only the size of a dog's tongue, rather than the entire surface of a human body. This is why it is vitally important to take measures to prevent your dog from overheating, especially when he's left in a confined space. Poorly-ventilated crates and unattended cars can become brutal deathtraps on hot days.

Normal dog body heat is between 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit. As you can see, they're already running hot, relative to humans. However, the temperatures at which they begin to suffer serious health effects from heat are comparable to humans- once their body heat reaches 104 degrees, they are at risk of death from heat stroke or brain damage. If the space your dog is kept in is uncomfortably hot for you, it may be dangerously hot to your dog.

Despite their generally unappealing appearance, the cage-style wire mesh dog crate remains popular because of the superior ventilation it offers. By allowing unrestricted airflow through the dog's area, these dog crates help to ensure that overheating does not occur. However, keep in mind that ventilation only goes so far. If the air in the area is hot and still, the dog's panting will be much less effective, and his own body heat will begin to build up around him. The best counters to such conditions are a fan, and most importantly, plenty of cool water to drink.

Likewise, fabric covers for dog crates are popular, as they provide privacy for the dog and are more aesthetically pleasing. However, they also impede air flow, and help to trap body heat. Remember to remove crate covers on hot days.

Beyond the conditions it is kept in, the qualities of the dog itself will affect its susceptibility to harm from heat. For obvious reasons, dogs that have thick or dark coats are more prone to overheating. Less obviously, so are dogs with short "snub" muzzles, such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, and mastiffs. Because of their shorter snouts, they have less surface area to pant with. Also, the larger the dog, the greater its ratio of body volume to surface area. That means more body making more heat with less space to radiate it out of, causing faster heat buildup. If your dog is of a very large breed, or is overweight, be especially vigilant in keeping it cool. The same goes for senior dogs, for obvious reasons.

By making sure your dog is always in a shaded, well-ventilated area with access to water, you can avoid the heartbreak of finding your dog in a state of shock, suffering brain damage, or dead. And putting aside the feelings of any human involved, any dog that becomes overheated suffers to a horrific degree, simply for the crime of lacking sweat glands. Whether you live in Arizona or Alaska, be aware of your dog's environment, and keep it cool!

By Andrew Massaro

Get Rid of Dog Fleas Naturally

2009-09-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Having a dog brings lots of fun, but it also brings certain responsibilites. We need to feed and water him, make sure he gets enough exercise, groom him and also look after his general well being.

If you're a dog owner you will already know that fleas are a really common problem. These pesky fleas irritate the dog so they are scratch, scratch, scratch all the time, but they can also live and breed in our homes. Not a pleasant thought!

There have been many solutions to the flea problem over the years, and some of these have been quite strong chemicals. These may well work, but how safe are they? For this reason more people are looking to natural ways to get rid of fleas.

The natural flea treatments are going to be safe to use on your dog, in your home, and around your children. They are also going to be much safer for our environment than the manufactured chemical treatments. The drawback is that they may not be quite so effective.

Some of the natural methods of controlling fleas include: bay leaves, coriander, dill, cloves and lemon peel. If you place these in your cupboards and anywhere that food is stored they will keep fleas away from these areas.

If you feed your dog a diet that has garlic in it, and also that is higher in essential fatty acids, this can help to make your dog seem more unattractive to fleas.

One of the easiest ways to keep fleas from settling in your home is to vacuum through each day. Fleas can get really deep into carpet pile, so vacuuming will suck them up. If you think that you may have fleas really deep down then put some slat into the carpet and leave for a few hours before you vacuum it up, as the salt will help to kill the fleas. Just make sure that you empty your cleaner outside as soon as you have finished, otherwise they will jump right back again!

Make sure you brush and comb your dog regularly as this too will help keep his coat flea free. You will also need to ensure that his bedding and any other items that he sits or sleeps on are washed often.

Dog fleas, like many other insects, are attracted to light, so another way to clear fleas from your home is to put a candle onto a shallow plate with water on it. The fleas will jump to the light and get caught up in the water. You could use a nightlight in a similar way, plug it in as usual, but put a plate of water just below it.

A more natural flea spray is to mix a solution of half water and half vinegar, and apply to your dogs coat, making sure that none gets into his eyes or his ears. This natural flea treatment will help kill any fleas on your dog.

By Cat Archer

How to Potty Train a Chihuahua

2009-09-25T15:57:00.001-07:00

Trying to potty train a Chihuahua takes a lot of patients from you, but if your little dog is going to the bathroom in your house instead of outside then you need to potty train him and you need a way to do it quickly with good results. Well keep reading and you will find out just how you can get started training your Chihuahua.

Learning how to potty train a Chihuahua can be difficult at first, mainly because they are a stubborn breed of dog to train. But with some patients and praise, you can have your Chihuahua potty trained and no longer have to worry about him using your house as a bathroom.

You want to start potty training as early as you can. You should start the first day you have him. The best way to get started is to pick a spot outside that your puppy will go to the bathroom and stick with it. You will want to come back to this spot every time you two go out for a bathroom break. When your puppy goes in his spot, praise him and give him a treat or two.

Praising your puppy when he does something right is a sure fire way to make sure he does it again, and is something you should always do. If you keep praising your Chihuahua in a positive manner, he will become more confident that he is doing well, and soon you will have a puppy that is trained and the envy of all your friends.

By Jay Even

Tips For a Happy Dog!

2009-09-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Is your dog out of control? Does your dog mind you? Do you think your dog is unhappy?

By following these three tips below you can almost guarantee that your dog will be a lot happier. Your dog will be more willing to cooperate with you when you want your dog to do something.

Tip 1: Walk your dog.

Walking your dog is very important. How often do you walk your dog? Or do you ever walk your dog for that matter? As much as you probably hear it, your dog needs to be walked daily. Remember that it is in a dog's nature to want to roam and check out the entire world. That's just his natural curiosity. A dog locked up in an apartment or home all day needs to run, regardless of the size.

Tip 2: Make your dog work for a treat, don't just give your dog one.

Dogs were domesticated by humans thousands of years ago to perform some particular kind of chore or task. People bred dogs for the sole purpose of serving some kind of function once humans began to settle. Dogs are used to doing some kind of work before receiving a reward.

Your dog naturally wants to please you. This makes it extremely easy to get your dog disciplined and make him happy at the same time. A few simple commands like sit, stay and come are easy ones to begin with. You should also teach your dog what no means. Also when you are the one rewarding your dog, you are seen as the pack leader - the alpha male/female in the group. Think in terms of a dog and how a dog would see it.

Tip 3: Know what your dog wants.

You can do this by observation but it does take some time. Observe your dog's naturally behaviors and see what his quirks are. Over time you will get a "sixth sense" as to what your dog is looking for and what your dog is missing in his life. This isn't some voodoo black magic cult thing, rest assured.

Dogs communicate with us very well through their body language. They pick up on when people interact with each other. By quieting down the rational and logical part of the mind for a few minutes a day, it is possible to sense what your dog is trying to communicate to you. This does not mean nor even implies you should try to seek out some expensive dog psychologist or a dog whisper.

By Jerry Jansen

Dogs For Home Security

2009-09-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

"Man's best friend" can be a powerful addition to your home security arsenal. Dogs are inherently loyal to their owners and highly alert. With their ability to stay outdoors and their heightened sense of smell and hearing, they can provide round-the-clock protection from intruders as well as friendship for you and your family. The idea is not to have a killing machine, but rather an extra alert for you and extra deterrent for thieves.

Dogs for home security can be considered watchdogs or guard dogs. A watchdog's role is to merely alert the owner that someone is approaching or attempting to break-in to the property, whereas a guard dog's role is, in addition to warning of an impending break-in, to protect the owner with physical force, if necessary. A watchdog, therefore, need not be large, it only need be loud. Thieves are looking for an easy in and out operation, and anything that makes noise is going to make their task of escaping unnoticed much more difficult. While "watchdog" and "guard dog" are terms used to describe two general functional groups of dogs, the range of capability and training within these two groups is vast, from dogs that simply bark at strangers to dogs that are trained to lunge at intruders to dogs professionally trained to neutralize intruders with physical force.

Some dogs are particularly suited to be watchdogs for their inclination to bark loudly. They may not have the physical prowess of their more husky brethren, but they often make up for the lack of size with excellent hearing. Great watchdog breeds include terriers such as Yorkshire, Scottish, Cairn, and West Highland, as well as Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Dachshunds.

Other dogs have the bulk and courage to be a more formidable part of your home security plan. The most commonly recommended breeds for guard dog capability are the Bull Mastiff, the Rottweiller, and the Doberman Pinscher, Bull Mastiffs are not only large and strong, but renowned for being intelligent and alert as well. Rotweillers have an impressive combination of strength, courage, and confidence as well as loyalty to their owners. Doberman Pinschers are the quintessential junkyard guard dog from all the old movies, and their sharp snouts and ferocious barks are enough to scare anyone away. They are not only strong and fearless, but exceptionally fast as well. Other breeds which may be suited to guard dog capability are German Shepherd, Puli, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Komodor.

Some dogs are not traditionally "barkers" and thus may disappoint as watch dogs. Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Pugs, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes are all examples of dogs that are not as inclined to bark at strangers.

When considering a dog as a home security investment, consider that it will require much more time and attention than any of your other home security elements. It will need to be fed, kept clean, kept healthy, and given exercise. If you want a dog to have protective capabilities beyond just barking and alerting, make sure to have it professionally trained.

By Levi Mortenson

Training a Dog to Heel - So Easy a 5 Year Old Could Do It

2009-09-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

In a perfect world, the perfect walk with your dog would mean walking at a leisurely pace, or whatever pace you decide, with your dog right beside you, not in front or in back of you, and having him stop automatically when you stop. Instead, what you've got is a dog lunging forward on the leash while you try desperately to hold on. There's no stopping him and you definitely have no control whatsoever.

Does this sound like you're training a dog to heel? Not by any stretch of the imagination and you know it. In fact, you're desperate to learn what to do to train your dog so you can take nice walks. If you could take nice walks, you'd do it a lot more often and benefit from getting some exercise along with your favorite four-footed friend. And by exercise you don't mean getting your arm yanked out of it's socket and your back thrown out of alignment.

There is another good reason to teach your dog to heel, and not just for enjoyment purposes. A dog that is under control of the handler and can heel is going to stay safe. He won't be running out in the busy street, or trying to pick a fight with the big bully dog up the street, or running from you if his collar happens to come unfastened.

Turns out, training your dog to heel is pretty easy. Positive reinforcement in the form of training treats to reward the desired behavior, short training periods to start, and verbal attaboys are what it takes. Also needed is consistent training so he gets good at it and can do it with every walk you take.

By Lisa Gold

How and When to Begin Training Your Puppy

2009-09-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

Many people think you have to wait until a dog has reached a certain age to begin training. While it's true that your puppy won't be able to -- and probably shouldn't -- attend public dog training classes until he is four months old, you don't have to wait until then to begin obedience training your dog.

Why four months? Most trainers and dog training schools don't want you to bring your puppy in until she has been fully vaccinated. This is a protection not only for your puppy, but also for all of the other dogs in the class due to common, easily transmitted diseases. It isn't because your puppy isn't ready to learn.

The truth is a mother begins training a puppy as soon as he's born. She will gently correct him with head pushing, nipping and pawing. Puppies learn from each other while they are playing with their mother, and with their litter mates. They quickly learn what the rules are and what the consequences are for breaking the rules.

Some of the most important lessons you can teach your dog should be started at a young age. Lessons such as house training, leash training, submission and lack of destructive behavior.

Here are a few key tips to keep in mind when training your puppy:

* Keep your training sessions short
* Be consistent, both in method and timing. In method, don't correct your puppy today and then let her get away with the same behavior tomorrow. In timing, don't spend time on training today and then not do anything for a week.
* Training is based on effective communication, and communication needs can vary from breed-to-breed and even from puppy to puppy within the same breed. Take time to determine how to best communicate with your puppy to elicit the best behavior from her.

Training your puppy can be frustrating at times. But, remember that dogs are very social animals. They are used to being part of a pack, and you need to establish yourself as the leader of that pack. With time, patience, and lots of encouragement for good behavior, you will be able to train your puppy to be an obedient member of the family.

By CD Miller

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Own a Dog Now

2009-09-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

There are so many wonderful reasons why you should own a dog. First of all, a dog is a friend for life. When trained right and treated with love and respect, a dog can be a treasured family member. Dogs are very popular pets because they work to please their owners more than other pets. Dogs are loyal and most dogs would do anything to keep their family safe.

Exercise

In order to maintain good health, dogs need to get out and walk on a daily basis. This need encourages dog owners to also get some exercise with their dog. A big yard can help give your dog more space to run around in, but it is also best to take a daily stroll with your friend for fun and exercise.

Protection

A dog strives to serve and protect his or her owners from harm. Dogs have a keen sense of sight and smell, making them better able to spot danger. Canines also have the ability to recognize if a person has bad intentions. The reason they are able to do this is because dogs are very sensitive to mood swings. They may not open up to a stranger or trust every human because they can instinctively determine if a person is hostile.

However, keep in mind that some dogs and certain breeds are more sensitive to this than others. There are some dogs who think anyone, but their owners are a threat. This can be seen with some breeds and it also caused from improper training from birth, making the dog likely to attack a sweet innocent person. In addition, some dogs who live with a single women, naturally become very protective over her. These animals may be hostile towards any male that comes into her life at first, until the dog realizes that he has good intentions.

Companionship

Some people get along better with dogs than humans because dogs will not let you down. These animals have a purely sweet innocent personality when reared correctly. A dog is very pleasing to have around because they give constant affection and companionship to their owners. People who live alone can benefit greatly from the friendship a dog provides.

Assistance

Another great reason to own a dog is for assistance. Dogs can be trained to help make life easier for a disabled person. They can be taught to fetch needed items, provide direction for the blind, and much more.

By Sarah Ince

Dog Breed Traits

2009-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

In this article we are going to give you examples of the different dog breeds and how they may fit into your life. Some of the things that we will be covering is how dogs are not created equal, what are some of the common traits of specific dogs, and then finally why you should base your decision solely on the fact that you have done your home work, looked at the dog or "pet" of your choice and, that you and your family agree that your new addition will be perfect for your house hold. This is a permanent decision, you would not just give your child back or away would you?

All dogs are not created equal and all dogs do not follow suit with the other members of their breed, it is best that we start with that statement. We all know that the Golden retriever has a tendency to snap and the poodle is very affectionate which goes against all that you know about each of these two breeds. While there is always exceptions to the rules, there are enough of the dogs out there that do not follow suit with the others of their breeds, which is why we do investigations like this before we add the breed to our loving family. Remember that dog breed traits are guidelines so you can make an educated decision on a breed, it may not describe the certain animal you are getting ready to purchase. Always feel comfortable with the dog you are going to purchase on a one on one standard not off of what the breed standards are.

For instance some dogs are known to be hyperactive, rambunctious creatures that have ability to be very destructive, and incorrigible if they are not trained and monitored at all times. These breeds are the Jack Russel Terriers the Labrador Retrievers, and the Collie. Jack Russell Terriers also dig when they are bored, while the lab will show he/she is unhappy by urinating on your floor in your home, proven they are not fully house broken. Though this may be true I am sure yours will be a perfect angel though.

Some breeds are awful barkers, or even worse they are howlers. These dog breeds include the Boarder Collie who has a lung piercing bark. You also have the infamous Beagle that howls, and lets not forget the yappy Poodle. If you have a timid dog it will overreact to every sound or movement and will bark as well, usually in the smaller breeds. These dogs will include the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian, and the Lhasa Apso. The Chihuahua tend to be very hard to house break and also seems to be noted as a biter or more commonly and "ankle biter." Hounds in the city tend to be miserable and freak out on all the neighbors.

Finally you have the breeds that nobody could say a bad word about, this would include the Golden Retriever. These dogs are quite, good natured, and gentle but there is bound to be a biter in that mix some where. Then we have the other way the breed no one can say any thing good for, the Pit bulls and their cousins that only get the bad press because it sells. If you like the breed and you are willing to gently train them and teach them that you love them like one of your kids, you may have the best pet on the block.

By Jayme Kennerknecht

Dog Grooming Table

2009-08-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

The main equipment item in any groomer's salon is the dog grooming table. Without it, hair de-matting, cutting and nail trimming would be highly difficult. A table to groom dogs allows one to get the dog at a reasonable height for easy access to the nails, coat, eyes and ears. The applications of such a table are manifold, and the use is extensive in all salons. Moreover, lots of other tools depend on the table for proper functionality. This is the case with the grooming loop or noose that keeps the animal as still as possible while on the table. And the groomer needs such equipment to keep the dog still on the table.

The diversity of models is also a proof of the efficiency of different dog grooming table designs. When you plan to make an investment, it is better to buy an item that has the noose or arm incorporated rather than purchase them separately. Electric, stationary or hydraulic, the dog grooming table eases work a lot. Electric models are by far the most expensive because they allow the table surface to drop or raise at a comfortable height depending on the size of the dog.
Although cheaper, hydraulic models have a similar functionality principle. The comfort of a dog grooming table is that it prevents stooping, bending and other impossible work conditions. If the more expensive designs are not an option, you can always try the stationary table with adjustable legs. It will be more difficult to adjust the table legs manually, but this is nevertheless possible. The table top size is also important here, because for professional applications you will need an universal model. As for home use, the dog grooming table has to match the dog breed.
Both owners and pets greatly benefit from the advantages of a dog grooming table installed at home. The initial investment could be justified if your pet requires lots of grooming sessions per month. Performing the grooming routine at home can save you from paying lots of money to a salon. Small and medium-sized dogs can benefit from this form of treatment as long as they don't have thick hair. Otherwise, the dog grooming table remains an item of professional usage that is necessary to any pet treatment center, spa or veterinarian center. The choice of the model is normally influenced by the budget and the usage extent.
By Dani Waser