Unfortunately, increasingly more dogs are becoming too heavy. Overweight dogs live shorter lives and often develop other related health problems. What can you do in case your dog is gaining weight?
The first thing to do is to have a look at how you interact with your puppy.
Do you feed the dog family table leftovers? Does he have between-meal treats? Does your dog have chips along with you while you are watching television?
These items can certainly be eliminated. Only feed your dog at his meal times. Your dog doesn't need to have all those excess calories. You don't need to be terrible, but you will have to cut down the number of doggie snacks he receives every day.
Observe just how many dinners you're providing him and examine your dog food content label carefully. You may be overfeeding the family dog. The majority of family pet foods list on the label precisely how much food a dog needs to be given each day. Be certain that you are adhering to these guidelines. Quite a few owners learn they have switched brands and didn't bother to read the content label and discover that the canine is receiving an excessive amount of food.
Do you have to give your puppy a treat to make him obey? If you do, you have to spend time training your furry friend. Dogs want to delight their masters and can work for praise by itself. Keep the canine guessing. Ask the pup to perform a trick but just reward him every second time. Provide the dog lots of compliments and pets as soon as he does respond correctly. Continue doing this and bit by bit eliminate the need for a food reward.
You also should look into the amount of exercise your furry friend is actually getting each and every day. Leaving the puppy outside in the backyard is just not adequate. Not many pets will workout on their own. They may be in the garden however they are probably not getting rid of unhealthy calories. It's good to get out and have fun with the dog or take him for a walk.
When the weather conditions or perhaps your situation doesn't allow for plenty of walks you have to consider various other workout solutions. Retain the services of a walker, find ways to get the dog active indoors, but get your four-legged friend active.
As a dependable pet owner looks at what and how the dog eats and your companion will live a lot longer and healthier lifestyle.
Many people will give different types of answers based on their experience with their dogs. However, the scientific facts related to the feeding aspects in the case of dogs need to be given emphasis during the feeding activities maintained in the case of dogs.
Usually, the puppies should not be separated before they are eight weeks old. However, some times the orphaned puppies may exist. Usually, about five percent of the body weight may be taken as criteria for the quantity of food to be given to the puppies. However, the amount that is consumed by the dog varies with the size of the dogs also.
However, one can have a thumb rule of feeding the puppy goes until you see visible fullness of the abdomen to a moderate degree. If you are going on feeding the animal without giving emphasis to the animal’s stomach appearance, then the puppy may experience some kinds of digestive upsets and diarrhea may occur in them.
This may cause many inconveniences to the owner as well as the puppy. Unlike adult dogs, the puppies need to be fed with restricted amounts of food but in more frequencies. However, once the age advances, the amount may be increased to some extent but the frequency of feeding is often decreased on many occasions.
A dog on a raw diet may consume only two to four percent of their body weight. Just observe closely the feeding pattern of the dog and the body condition of the animal. If the dog becomes obese, just reduce the quantity of food and if the dog becomes thin, then have an increase in the feeding items.
As mentioned earlier, puppies and adolescent dogs eat more than adult dogs. Likewise, the geriatric dog eats less than the adult dog due to the reduced movements of the dog. However, remember to restrict the amounts of protein during the feeding of diet to the aged dogs.
A dog (Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel) with a bandaged foot. Note the suspenders made from a pair of human suspenders. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The importance of the physical examination need not be underestimated in the case of dogs. Simple but systematic physical examination techniques may diagnose most of the disorders in dogs and hence, without physical examination of the dog, one should not resort to knowing the status of your dog's health.
Simply observe the dog with scratching. Catch the dog and simply separate the hair material from the itching site. To the surprise, you may come across a big wound in the scratched site. The wound might be the main reason for the scratching of the dog at that site. However, one has to rule out the occurrence of wounds by severe itching itself.
Many times, when the scratching dog is examined physically, one can come across plenty of lice infestation or tick problems in the skin and coat. The parasitic condition might not be diagnosed at all if one has not carried out the physical examination. Similarly, the dog may reveal the signs of pain when the physical examination is carried out by deep palpation technique. The dog show signs of pain when the dog is examined in the stomach or the back regions.
Even if it is possible that by pressure based palpation, one can detect the acute renal disorders in the affected dogs turn to the examined site at the region of the kidney or at the back region. The dog affected by the Cystitis with severe retention of urine is often diagnosed by mere physical examination.
The filled bladder together with signs of pain during the examination at the site of urinary bladder indicates that the animal is affected by Cystitis. Auscultation of the heart in both right and left sides helps to rule out the abnormal heart sounds and the pulmonary area based auscultation reveals the respiratory system disorder like pneumonia.
Many dog owners loathe trimming their pet's toenails. Why? Because the puppy dislikes the entire operation and makes it nearly impossible. Nail clipping doesn't need to become a major battle of wills or a struggling match. The most essential part of trimming is getting your dog used to having a person play with his paws.
A good thing to do is get your puppy used to get his paws played with. As frequently as you can simply touch and manipulate his paws. Reward him with a snack and lots of encouragement when you try this. If you own an older dog who dislikes getting his nails clipped, go back to this step and get him familiar with having you feel his feet in a pleasurable way.
As soon as your pet is comfortable with having you touch his feet you can look at cutting.
To help make the task easier, have all your gear completely ready before you start. Get your trimmers or scissors available and be certain to own some kind of clotting agent. A styptic pencil is quite useful. Mishaps can happen, so it is important to be ready. If you do cut the dog don't panic, generally, the bleeding will stop without treatment in a short time.
Exactly how short can you cut? Dog's have no feeling in their toenails, clipping does not hurt. What may hurt the pet is if you cut the quick. If your pet has light coloured toenails it is much simpler to view the quick. This region is at the base of the toenail and extends out into the nail. This section of the nail can bleed if you cut your pet's nails too short and can easily hurt the pet. If your family dog possesses dark toenails and you can not view the quick just take the very end off. You're better off cutting more regularly then cutting the animal.
There are a lot of great clippers that you can buy at nearly every animal supply shop. The main thing is to make sure that they are sharp. What a lot of puppies are usually objecting to when they start squirming during cutting is not the trimming but the pressure that you are applying to their nail and paw. You can significantly minimize this if your trimmers are sharpened. Many people choose to utilize animal trimmers which have a special guard on them. This keeps the nail from sliding too deep into the clipper.
When does one clip? Many dogs will need to have their toenails clipped around every 2 to 3 weeks. This number will change depending upon what kind of surface your pet walks upon. Dog's that spend most of their time in the house will need to have their toenails clipped more often than a puppy that does lots of strolling on concrete or other rough surfaces.
If you are really not comfortable with clipping your pet's nails you could have it done professionally. You could possibly even request to watch the groomer and then determine exactly how they go about cutting the toenails. You might also get the aid of another person to help you handle your puppy particularly if you are new to trimming.
Bathing a dog needs to be given more emphasis. This is because of the fact that if you are careless in bathing, the animal may end up having some infections. For example, if you don’t close the ears with a large cotton ball, the water may enter into ear canals and may cause some ear infections with signs like constant discharge from the ears and shaking of the head.
A frequency of bathing actually depends on the breed of the dog. If the dog is of a hairy type like the cocker spaniel, then the bathing is to be carried out once in six to eight weeks. If these breeds are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat lose the protective characters. However, when the dog has defecated on the skin due to the frequent digestive upsets leading to diarrhea, to avoid the bad smell, the dog may be subjected to frequent bathing sometimes by the owners. Take more care in avoiding some irritant soaps or human soaps. The soap materials used for human beings are not suitable for dogs. Similarly, many human shampoo products are having some ingredients that are not suitable in the proportions that are to be used in the case of dogs. Hence, always try to use the shampoo products that are mentioned mainly for use in dogs. Take more care in using any new product.
Always have good time and patience for products required for bathing in one place with availability f water source. Dogs love the sprinkling of water, river, and oceans. Even when you are using a bathtub, have everything in one place and then start bathing of the dog. Try to have a leash, conditioner, towel, and shampoo in the bath place.
A conditioner is of help to make the combing activity easier later. Bathing should be a convenient activity for both the dog and the owner. This should not be a burden.
Everyone seems on edge about the latest outbreak of avian flu. People in China are told to kill their poultry in order to keep the virus from spreading. Meanwhile, people in the United States watch on in fear that the avian flu will come to their shores. So what exactly is all the hubbub about? After all, every winter millions of people come down with bird flu.
Origin of Influenza
Influenza, the term, came into use around 1504, though it had little to do with the virus. It came from the word: influence. At the time, influence meant: “the ethereal power of the stars acting on men.” It was basically a supernatural way of explaining the effects of disease on people at the time. During a particularly nasty outbreak of the flu in Europe during 1743, the term was officially attached to the name of the disease. 96 years later, the term was shortened to just: flu.
The flu, itself, is a whole family of viruses called Orthomyxovirids. They are a diverse family that is commonly found in the guts of birds. The specific type of viruses that infect birds are called type A flu. It was one of these type A’s that was believed to have infected people a long time ago. Thus giving us, the flu for the first time. Though the virus that initially infected man, has long since evolved into a variety of human-specific strains, the initial origin appears to lay squarely among birds. As such, all human flu bugs could, technically, be called: avian flu.
Pathogens and specificity
Pathogens are viewed as being any living organism that is capable of causing a disease. It is a term that is generally reserved for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Pathogens are usually very specific in who, or what, they infect. This has a lot to do with the way in which they are constructed.
Both bacterial and viral outer structure, consist of a receptor binding proteins. These proteins give the pathogen a certain geometry. This geometry allows the pathogen to attach to complementary receptor sites on the cells of the critter that they are trying to infect. Because of the wide variety of life forms on the planet, each cell type has a different arrangement of receptors. Most of the time, the pathogen’s geometry will not fit these receptors, and the critter remains immune. Only those unlucky few species, whose cell receptors do fit, are the ones that have to suffer the infection.
Occasionally, though, a new pathogen comes along that has a geometry that is general enough to allow it to latch onto many different species. These are the pathogens that are often the more deadly.
Influenza is one of these general viruses. It is capable of infecting most bird species. It’s also very good at doing what all life forms do. It evolves. This has allowed it to cross multiple species barriers, and jump from birds to people, to pigs, cows, and horses. Thus making influenza a very cosmopolitan virus family. This still doesn’t explain all the worry about this recent outbreak of avian flu though. For that, one must go back in time to 1918, and the Spanish flu.
It was the close of World War I, and the world appeared to be returning back to a more peaceful state. Then, in various parts of the globe, people started coming down with a particularly virulent form of the flu. This was a unique case though. Instead of the very young, and elderly dying, it was affecting young men and women instead. Usually, these are the most immune to the effects of the flu. By the end of 1918, this form of the flu had killed ~50 million people. It was the largest pandemic (worldwide epidemic) in recorded history. So what happened?
Normally when one gets the flu, it is more of a hassle than anything else. This has a lot to do with the fact that the flu types we normally catch, are viruses that have infected us before. They have changed just enough so that they can infect us again, but they still remain recognizable to our immune system. As such, our bodies can keep the virus in check, and then eventually eliminate it. The 1918 flu, though, was different. It is now largely believed to have been a case where a new flu virus had hopped species. It went from birds to humans, possibly after circulating and hybridizing inside pigs (which can catch both bird and human versions of the flu). This new bug was completely alien to our immune systems and thus, took many completely by surprise.
This is what has many scared about this newest avian flu virus (dubbed: H5N1, for the specific proteins found on it). It has proven to be particularly virulent among birds, and the few cases of it infecting people have many worried that another pandemic is on the rise.
Zoonoses.
Influenza is a type of disease referred to a zoonosis. It means that it can be transmitted from one animal group to another. Zoonotic diseases used to be further broken up into those that humans catch from other animals (anthropozoonoses) and ones that other animals catch from humans (zooanthroponoses). Unfortunately, both terms have been misused and confused so much, that neither is particularly favored anymore. Now they are all viewed as zoonotic diseases. In the end, this makes the most sense, as human beings are animals anyway. To break things up any further just seems excessive.
The flu is not the only zoonotic disease that humans get from other animals. Our primate cousins have given us quite a few different diseases including malaria, hepatitis B, Dengue fever and lymphoma. Of course the most infamous of these zoonotic diseases would probably be HIV.
Though there are those that would like to believe that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus was a genetically engineered weapon that was released among the African populace (they give far too much credit to genetic engineers, who are proud enough to make yeast that can fluoresce), the simian origin of HIV is pretty well established. HIV has close ties to the simian version: SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus). The big difference between the two, besides their first letters, is that SIV rarely kills the apes it infects. In fact, many apes are capable of carrying viral loads equivalent to those seen in humans with advanced AIDS, yet rarely show any signs of trouble. This suggests that the host and the pathogen have been doing this for a very long time, and the host’s body has found a way to handle the virus. Humans only recently acquired HIV. As such, our bodies have yet to “learn” how to deal with the threat that this virus poses. Which is one reason why HIV is so very virulent at the moment?
These are just some of the diseases that other animals have given to humans. But what of the reverse? What have we given our animal brethren?
Many of the “classic” diseases that most humans catch are ones that we are capable of giving to our primate cousins. This includes the flu, measles, chicken pox and tuberculosis.
One particularly nasty disease that we are capable of transmitting is the infamous Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). FMD rarely affects humans, but it does use us as a carrier for it. The disease can hang out in our nasal passages, throat, and on our clothing. It usually infects various forms of livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats). Symptoms usually include fever and prominent sores on the feet and mouth (hence the name). Most infected animals to survive. Only ~5% die from the disease.
The second disease is far more pernicious, and the victims have us to blame. It is the coral disease referred to as: white pox. This disease can kill up to 10 square centimeters of coral a day (~120ft a year). Over the past decade over 90% of Caribbean reef coral (Acropora palmata), has died. The culprit behind it is the little human gut bacterium: Serratia marcescens. While humans can occasionally fall victim to this bacterium, it usually doesn’t infect us. Instead, it lives in our guts and gets expelled in our feces. Improper sewage treatment has resulted in human excrement flowing out into the Caribbean, where the newly released bacterium has infected the local coral.
So remember; the next time you start to feel under the weather, don’t worry about coughing on your dog. Chances are, your canine pal probably won’t get it. Unless, of course, it is the flu.
Why should we use dog poop bags to pick up our dog's waste? Well, actually there are many good reasons. Some we are well aware of, and some maybe not.
1) Common courtesy to our neighbors. How often have you stepped in dog poop and tracked it into your home or into your vehicle? Hard to get off of the carpet isn't it? And it's also very difficult to scrape off of our shoes. Common courtesy and good will to all means that if your dog did it, we must take care of it.
2) Dog poop poses a real threat to our water. It is an environmental pollutant. Studies done in the last few years put dogs third on the list of contributors of bacteria in contaminated waters. Dog waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the oxygen in the water that is necessary for fish and wildlife.
3) Dog waste is a health hazard. It contains 23 million coliform bacteria per gram and potentially heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms. These worms can live in soil for long periods and are easily transmitted to humans or other animals. Dog poop bags will safely contain and eliminate all of these health hazards.
4) Dog waste is not a good lawn fertilizer. It is actually toxic to your lawn, causing burns and unsightly discoloring.
5) Fines for not picking up dog waste range from $250 in New York to $750 in London to $1000 in Colorado and even a whopping 2000 Euros or $2651 U.S. dollars in the Gulf of Naples in Italy. DNA registration of dogs is required on that remote vacation island to successfully catch offenders. DNA registration is becoming more common around the world with resounding success and cleaner environments.
So there are many good reasons to use poop bags to pick up our pet's feces. However, one recent study indicates that 41% of dog owners rarely or never clean up after their friend. Maybe they are not aware of the very good reasons to do so. We may have a lot of educating to do before dog owners realize that their pooch can be a canine sewage pipe.
And the easiest, cheapest, most sanitary and most discreet method of taking care of dog waste is by using plastic bags and a dog poop bag holder. The bag full of dog poop is best carried hidden and protected from breakage and there are many available holders that help with this task. Some have the option of being attached to leashes or carried on a belt or belt-loops. A unique dog poop bag holder will help show proof of your concern for your pet, for yourself and for your community.
By Kay Ringelstetter Please consider this new, unique and discreet dog poop bag holder, which is the safe way to carry your dog poop bag and other necessities. This convenient poop pouch will safely and discreetly carry your poop bags and also has interior and exterior pockets for empty waste bags, dog training supplies and an inverted bottle of hand sanitizer. It also has a handy clip for a dog poop bags dispenser, keys or a flashlight. This new way to carry your dog waste bags and more is convenient, discreet and sanitary. Article Source: EzineArticles
Most people think of outdoor dog houses when they thing of a dog house. However, there are also indoor dog houses. Which are perfect if you want to keep your dog safe while indoors. These dog houses are a great way to control your dog's movement. If you are training your dog you may also want to consider an indoor dog house. Many people don't like the fact that their dog has to sleep outside at night and therefore choose the dog house option.
Indoor dog houses come in various options such as soft indoor dog houses, dog pen indoor dog houses and table indoor dog houses. The soft indoor houses are like over size gym bags with padding and mesh siding. Therefore your pup can see exactly what is going on and receives top quality ventilation. They are also super comfortable given the extra padding. These can also double as pet carriers. If you are going on vacation you may want your dog to use this indoor housing to prepare him for the trip.
The Dog pen indoor dog house is like a dog kennel in your home. It is genuinely made out of sturdy stainless steel and fencing. They are rather lightweight and large giving your dog plenty of space to roam around even though he is in a confined space. These are perfect because they also offer great ventilation for the pup and can be decorated with pet toys, dog toys, dog supplies and dog beds and blankets so that he is comfortable.
If you cannot bear to see a kennel style dog house you may want to consider wooden dog houses which can double as fancy end tables. These are perfect because your pup can crawl inside comfortably without anyone ever suspecting that it is a dog house. These can be made of hardwood and adorn the colors of cherry wood red, espresso, natural, mahogany and antique black. There is a flexible door so that they can come and go as they please and they are perfect for puppies and smaller dogs.
Many of these dog houses come in a variety of sizes depending on your dog's stature. The largest dimensions for the latter type of indoor dog houses are 24 inches wide, 36 inches long and 26 inches high. Depending on your budget these indoor dog houses have a pricing range of $75 to $500.
Indoor dog houses are not just for dogs to relax or sleep in at night but can also be very useful for dog training. Many dogs are uncomfortable in carrying cases so if they become accustomed to being in a smaller area then this is one form of training. It is also good for dogs who have not yet been house trained so that they can use their indoor dog house at night instead of on your living room floor carpets.
hen looking for an indoor dog house you will have many features to consider. Such features include a flexible doggy door, a latch hook to keep your dog from leaving the house, ventilation options, comfort padding options, quick clean options in case of accidents, housing style whether it be wicker, wire, good or mesh, and a pet guarantee.
You want your pup to feel protected and safe in these indoor housing facilities. Whether you use these houses as traveling pet carriers, outdoor houses or indoor dog houses, your pup should feel relaxed and comfortable. You can use these not only as a place for your pup to stay and sleep but also as a learning center to train your dog to behave and to become accustomed to smaller spaces. These come in a variety of styles so that you can choose your indoor house that matches with your house's interior design.
Morton does not like his Elizabethan collar at all. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A traditional medical cone is worn by canines after surgery is performed to protect the wounds from scratches and irritation. The most common include the Elizabethan or E collar that consists of a hard plastic cone to fit around the neck of a pooch and restrict the ability to reach target sites. Cones for dogs are available in different sizes and styles that should be chosen according to the needs of your pet.
The modern cones that are available for dogs can be worn to protect the surgical site and to ensure that the canine does not succumb to infection or additional damages. A dog is recognized as constantly licking at the wound that may cause a severe disruption to the regular healing process. Canines may bite at the injury and loosen the stitches that can lead to additional operative needs and complications.
The E collar is designed to provide a snug and secure fit around the neck of dogs that will minimize the ability to reach the targeted regions including the body and the head. The hard plastic consistency will provide the greatest levels of protection for pets. Animals may experience a great deal of stress and anxiety when wearing these collars and should be managed with alternatives.
The cone is designed to flare near the head of the dog to prevent the pet from being able to bite or scratch at the wound. It consists of a plastic material because it is more durable in comparison to other types of products ensuring that it will not be removed by the dog. Padding is included around the neck area that makes it more comfortable for dogs to wear.
If your dog cannot get accustomed to an E collar, a neck brace is an alternative that minimizes the ability to turn the head. This will restrict pets and provide the necessary levels of protection if the cone proves too stressful for the animals. Such a brace provides a strong consistency that is most comfortable for both small and larger canines.
Cones can be bought in a paper design and fitted to the shape and size requirements of the canines. Such alternatives are recommended for smaller canines because a bigger animal can roll on the material and cause damage to it. For pet owners, it is best to assess the health needs of pets and to determine the functional features that it can provide for individual needs.
The supportive devices can be better accepted by pets through a process of positive reinforcement. It is important to ensure that pets are provided with the necessary support and care that will prevent against extremes of stress. The professional and experienced vet will be able to advise on the options that are available.
The neck cone is one of the most important medical products to prevent animals from affecting the healing process. It includes the E collar, neck braces, and comes with a different material to prove more comfortable for the dog to wear on a daily basis. Be sure to provide the canine with a break from the collar when you are able to monitor behavior and reward positive responses.
The former Black Springs Hotel, now used as dog boarding kennels (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Having a pup or dog can be difficult when you live alone and have to go to a lot of business related travels and trips. You cannot just leave him or her alone, of course, that is why you should consider some options when doing it. One option you have is a boarding facility because you are definitely sure of the services they are giving you.
Certain options must be put in mind when you deal with this situation. First is selecting the best dog boarding to offer the required services that you need to make him feel great. Consider the best boarding facilities that can take good care of the animal. Be sure to select the best to get the correct outcome that is wanted.
When choosing it, you should be sure that the animal will not be alone. Know that other dogs are present to be with your furry friend and it will surely entertain him. It can certainly help the dog be entertained and not to feel alone in the place. This can also aid you in being confident given the situation. The staff is there as well to watch after him or her especially if he is a first-timer.
Right handling of those animals and taking good care of them are the main responsibilities of the staff. Certain benefits will be experienced by the owner when he decides to let the dog be there. However, you should be aware of the possible problems when you select a boarding facility.
Know the overall background of the service provider first before you decide to do it. Their facilities must function well given the type of place. It is also advantageous because of the choices you have. Various selections must be made to aid decide carefully. Choose the best by knowing their background and an overall number of years in the business.
Realize the basic advantages that you can have when you choose the best facility to answer all your needs. There are several choices to be made that is why you have to choose the correct one. Select properly to have the expected outcome and be sure that it is the type of outcome that you like to have.
All facilities have to be operated carefully by the staff. They need to be a dog lover to work well. Common standards should be fulfilled to fully ensure that the right care will be provided well. You may also ask for major recommendations from those people who have tried doing it. Asking your peers for help can be done indeed.
Ask those highly reliable veterinarians to help you in making the right decision. You must come up with the list of great options in mind. Having it can indeed help you when deciding which one is the most trusted provider. Be very careful when you do it. You need to finalize everything and choose the correct one.
Always set the appointment well to meet with the service provider. When he visits a facility, he needs to ask those related questions regarding the services. The details must be considered to have the right output.
Believe it or not, not everyone likes your family pet. By keeping your pet in an identified space with a good quality dog fence, Fido can remain as a good neighbor. I know, I know, it's almost impossible to imagine that anyone who knows Fido doesn't immediately fall in love with her. She might just be ok with the neighbors but the things she does in their yard make for some unhappy relationships. This is just one of the main reasons why every pet owner has an obligation to control their pets traveling range with pet fencing.
The problem, of course, is the about relieving themselves in someone else's yard, Yes, your pet may be friendly and would like to visit the neighbors but the fact is, many people do not share your love affair with your pet. They don't want the bother of picking up after an animal that's not theirs nor having their yards soiled with urine "hot spots" and doggie piles. Dogs, although usually very friendly also can be destructive of plants and landscaping, making many breeds poor neighbors.
That's not to say that your dog isn't a nice animal. Dogs are typically social and enjoy the interaction with a variety of people. This play interaction, however, is not without consequences. Things get broken, chewed on an otherwise "enjoyed" by your pet no matter if they belong to you or the neighbor. Having to face an angry neighbor because your dog destroyed his prize-winning rose bush garden isn't something to be desired.
There's also the issue of community security. This is especially true if your dog is a larger breed. Having a large dog escape the security of their yard could be seen as negligence on your part. Communities are becoming increasingly upset at pet owners who allow their animals free run of a neighborhood. Heaven forbid if your dog, while free, attacks someone or another animal. This is especially serious if the other dog or pet was on a leash.
The saying is that a good fence makes for good neighbors. A good dog fence also makes for a happy and healthy environment for your pet. By securing your dog using secure fencing, your best friend also has the security of knowing where his yard boundaries are located. There is no need to "guard" anything beyond the fence lines so your pet is more inclined to stay in his yard to better "watch" his property. Overall, electronic dog fencing is a good investment no matter what type of dog you may have as a pet.
People let me tell you ‘bout my best friend, he’s a warm boy, cuddly toy, my up, my down, my pride, and joy. People let me tell you ‘bout him he’s so much fun………….
If you’re old enough to remember that theme song – let’s get together for lunch and commiserate. If you’re not, it’s from an old TV show called “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father,” and you should seek it out on DVD. The point here isn’t nostalgia, though. It’s a cute theme, but it’s not good parenting – of children or dogs.
Dogs are pack animals and need leadership clearly defined. If you don’t take the lead, Muffy thinks she’s in charge. And Muffy has absolutely no clue how your household should be run. You can be absolutely certain that if Muffy rules the roost, everyone’s going to be miserable. You won’t be able to eat, sleep, or live in peace.
On the other hand, if you’re in charge, Brutus is going to be a happy camper. Teach him the rules and insist that he lives by them. It works.
The most difficult dog we’ve ever had is a Boston Terrier. She’s a sweet dog, but her wiring is tangled. A friend of mine who works in a social service agency likened her to a child with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. We have developed a strict schedule for her and we stick to it. Given the opportunity, she would play constantly, whine when we didn’t indulge her, and generally make life difficult.
She does get to play fetch – when we decide it’s time and for as long as we choose. We have a special timer for play sessions and when she sees us reach for it, she sits and cries for her special ball. We get the ball from her special shelf and throw that ball, without interruption, for as long as that timer is going, sometimes just five minutes, or as long as 15 minutes. When the timer beeps – that’s it. The ball goes back on the shelf. Playtime is over. It took a while for her to adjust, but now she hears the beep, drops the ball, goes to get a drink of water and then finds a place to lie down.
Our dog is an extreme example – but a valid illustration of the concept. When guests come over, she is allowed to greet them, but not jump on them, harass them, or drown them with licking (unless they invite it). After she’s given the opportunity to say hello, she is confined to a crate in the same room, with chew toys to occupy her, where she can see and hear everything.
We’re able to have a nice evening with our company and without worrying about the dog ruining the gathering.
It may be easier to “give in” to your dog’s whining, begging or bad behavior. It’s also a recipe for disaster – most dogs who are given up or abandoned lose their homes because of behavior problems. It’s never too late to train a dog – they can always learn new tricks – and the most valuable trick of all may be learning to sit quietly.
That’s a good place to start. Put on your dog’s leash and collar. Grab a handful of treats. Go sit down at the dining room table. Tell your dog to sit next to you sit on the leash. Read a magazine for five minutes. Have someone join you for a conversation. Drink a cup of tea.
When Zeus is good, say “good quiet” and pop a treat. Ignore him if he whines. Try it for five minutes today. Maybe six or seven tomorrow. Don’t push it too far – you want him to succeed. Reward like crazy when he’s good. It’s a first step in taking control of your dog and your life.
When you have a dog, you have a best buddy. Millions of dog owners around the globe know this to be true. Nevertheless, you are tasked with caring for a dog if you should opt to bring one into your home. That's why you have to have some tips about how to do this. Keep reading for some great dog tips.
Consider teaching your dog hand signals along with oral commands. Consistency and practice are key to teaching a dog these non-verbal commands. Many owners get annoyed and resort back to oral commands, but a professionally trained dog should understand both. Try utilizing only oral commands when the dog is out of the way range, but when close up, only use the hand signals.
Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas give rise to infection in your dog, if you are swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms also. Speak to your vet about the best prevention system, but remember that this is not a single shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.
If you have got an interest in providing your dog with the healthiest of diets and making positive contributions to the earth's environment, make his food from scratch. You can buy locally grown organic ingredients and provide him with all of the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats he wants with no preservatives while reducing the waste from packaging too.
Pup
In order to make sure your dog is healthy, be absolutely certain to permit it to have access to clean water at all times throughout the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most vital elements. The sole exception would be that you would want to keep water from a pup for 3 hours before bedtime.
Dogs need frequent check-ups, as well. At regular intervals, your dog desires indications of dog worms testing, vaccinations, and general check-ups. With a puppy, you're going to need to visit your vet a little more frequently. If your dog becomes unwell or is hurt, don't delay in getting him to the vet.
Owning a new young dog is very similar to having a new baby. Puppies need lots of attention and need to be looked after continually. They are not prepared to be left alone for lengthy amounts of time and need to have a fair degree of attention devoted to them.
Treatment
When taking your senior dog to the vet for a yearly visit, be sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is often minimally aggressive and less expensive. This is the best way to keep your pet healthy for several years to come.
Your coaching methodologies should only use positive reinforcement. The promise of reward or praise will incentivize your dog faster and agreeably than domination or force. This form of training will give you numerous benefits in the future for your dog. Therefore, be kind when coaching your dog and revel in the great end result!
Don't bathe your dog once you have applied for a flea or tick medicine. Some medications out that they are waterproof, but they only mean against rain or swimming. They will mostly wash away with a dog shampoo, rendering the treatment ineffective. If you've got to wash the dog after a treatment, employ a soap free shampoo.
Not only do you have a chum when you have a dog, but you've also got a responsibility. It's important that you do your utmost to ensure that your dog is well-fed, healthy and happy. You need to make certain that you use the tips here to help so you and your dog both enjoy a good life.
Choosing the right dog for your family with kids need some research if you are new to the dog owner. Families with kids need to pay attention to certain dog qualities such as temperament, size, and energy level before adopting or buying a dog.
Kids like to play with dogs. Sometimes they forget to respect dog's cue to back off. You need a dog that won't mind if his hair or tail gets pulled. Size is another important consideration. This is for the safety of children as well as for dog. There are dog breeds that are very good with children but too big; especially with small children who may be accidentally stepped on or knocked over.
Some dog breeds that are good with children have high energy or activity levels than others. If dogs don't receive the exercise they physically require, they are more likely to develop behavior problems such as excessive chewing or barking. Select a dog breed that loves children but requires less exercise if your family is not so active.
Here are some breeds that work well with kids:
Beagle: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 40 to 59 lbs. Beagles do shed. if you or a family member suffer from allergies, it is worth looking into other breeds that do well with kids.
Bassett Hound: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 50 to 65 lbs. Gets along well with other dogs and pets. Minimal exercise needed.
Cairn Terrier: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 25 lbs. Minimal shedding.
Cocker Spaniel: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 30 lbs. Regular exercise may be needed.
Dachshund: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 16 to 32 lbs. Minimal exercise needed. They are medium shedders and require modest exercise. Housebreaking can be difficult.
Golden Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 65 to 75 lbs. Easy to train. Get along well with other dogs and pets. Daily exercise needed. Loves to play with balls and other toys, so exercise is fairly easy.
Labrador Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 60 to 75 lbs. Minimal grooming required. Requires daily exercise.
Pug: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 14 to 18 lbs. Sheds copious amounts, usually seasonally.
While there is no guarantee a certain type of dog will get along well with children, there is a wide range of dog breeds (many more than mentioned here) that are known for being excellent family dogs. Always remember, before adopting or purchasing your next puppy, please do your homework.
Is barking a form of language among dogs with precise significance, or just playful noise? Dogs exchange information among themselves less by voice than by a wide range of facial expressions, body postures, and gestures, as well as by various scents. Dogs, who bark at night, are probably working off excess energy or announcing their presence, and this is undoubtedly the only message conveyed to other dogs within earshot.
When a dog goes to his owner and deliberately barks, it is simply meant to attract attention. You must try to guess his general behavior, rather than from the circumstances and his general behavior, rather than from the particular form or pitch of bark he makes. The howling or baying of hunting dogs is an instinctive hunting cry informing the pack that the dog is on a trail. Barking at strange noises is a warning as well as a threat display.
A lonely dog who bowls may be sending out a gathering cry to other dogs nearby. Wild dogs on the other hand, never back, they only howl. Could the barking of domesticated dogs be a form of communication more closely resembling speech? A pet dog that shares a close relationship with his owner and has been taught to understand many words obviously makes an effort, sometimes quite successfully, to give meaning to his own utterances.
A dog who wishes to assert his importance and boldness instinctively employs all of the effects that make him look bigger and more frightening, raising his back to increase his height and holding his head high in defiance. A dog who wants to show submission does just the opposite, making himself look small by crouching down with his tail between his legs and his ears laid back flat.
A dog who wishes to assert his dominance will take a perpendicular position with his head over the other dog's shoulders, while nudging or pushing, with his neck arched, head and tail raised and tense. The conventional play invitation is a posture with the forehead crouched, the hindquarters high, a wagging tail, bright eye and a little yap. A rigid stance with a steady gaze and a high, trembling tail is hostile. A high, steady tail signifies self-confidence, and held low indicates inferiority, fatigue, ill health, or a bad mood.
Pawing at the neck is an expression of affection, nose-nudging is another invitation to play. Paw-giving is a conventional canine gesture with two possible meanings. When he gives his paw to his owner while avoiding eye contact he's saying "Please forgive me" or when he wants attention, he is saying "I'm here, don't forget me." When he offers his paw to another dog, it's a sign of submission.
An owner, who takes the trouble to observe his dog and pay him the courtesy of listening to him, can establish a simple two-way communications system with his pet. Canine messages are generally very elementary, as he asks much less of us than we do of him. "I'm hungry," "I'm thirsty", "I need to go out", or "Come with me I think something is wrong" are among the messages he manages to convey very well considering his limited means. His most eloquent utterance is the emotional gurgle of barks that means to say "I've missed you!"
or scissors available and be certain to own some kind of clotting agent. A styptic pencil is quite useful. Mishaps can happen, so it is important to be ready. If you do cut the dog don't panic, generally, the bleeding will stop without treatment in a short time.
around every 2 to 3 weeks. This number will change depending upon what kind of surface your pet walks upon. Dog's that spend most of their time in the house will need to have their toenails clipped more often than a puppy that does lots of strolling on concrete or other rough surfaces.
