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Puppy Dog Training

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I know exactly how it can be, you buy that brand new, nice smelling, affectionate dog and you really want to offer it everything beneath the sun. It is a natural reaction for any individual whom looks at a sweet, small puppy to shower him or her with every little thing they would like, however this can certainly cause a few undesirable behavior and produce even more work for you. Now it will be a very good plan for you to get started in your own puppy dog training soon, and let your dog fully understand who is in charge.

As the owner you have to develop a relationship with your new puppy. The relationship you develop has to include a stable foundation, as well as your own puppy needs to learn that you are the leader! Simply by giving in to those puppy dog eyes every time your dog cries, you are just demonstrating to your pet that he is in charge, that he is the boss. In the event that you grant your puppy free reign in and around your house, your dog will never learn self-control, discipline, and will lack respect for your entire family.

A dog not possessing respect for their master will be the hardest achievable circumstances to have. By simply giving into your own pup, he may mature to become an even much larger monster, with absolutely no behavior training, rowdy as well as a lot of instances aggressive towards some other pets along with individuals. Most dog owners who possess these puppy dog training issues, often times simply give them away to shelters or even worse, simply abandon them. I do not wish this to take place to any pet therefore carry out with your puppy dog training.

In order to achieve control and respect via your very new pup you must challenge him or her with some primary commands. These types of commands need to be comparable to Sit, Stay, Down, and so forth. You should help make your puppy sit prior to he will go outdoors, or goes for a walk. Make your pet follow some important commands just before his routines and he will probably soon understand he has to comply to you before he or she receives everything that he wishes. Keep in mind that pups love a challenge, so turn this kind of instinct into a positive effort for you. Get your own puppy to pick up their toys, sit, fetch tennis balls, anything that places you in control. As a result of making your pup comply with several primary instructions on a daily basis, he or she will probably quickly understand that if he or she complies to your request, he will get a treat.

Or perhaps he will get his favorite toy, or go for a stroll. The faster your own puppy can pick up on this partnership you are creating with him, the quicker you will find benefits throughout your puppy dog training. Whenever your puppy follows through along with your instructions you should continually encourage him highly enthusiastically! When your puppy recognizes that he pleased you, your dog will certainly want to carry on with this kind of behavior over and over repeatedly. You never want to yell or discipline ones canine throughout your puppy dog training due to the fact that this particular kind of actions will certainly just set you back, and also make your pet plan to rebel against just about any command you require of him.

Puppy Dog Training courtesy Dog Articles.

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Dental Care For Your Dog

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Our furry little friends are likely to develop dental disease if their dental needs are ignored. Periodontal disease is not uncommon among dogs, particularly small dog breeds. And just like with humans, these problems can result in bad breath, yellowed teeth, and in the worst of cases, even progress to loss of teeth.

The development of such problems usually begins with such signs as swollen, red, and painful gums. Your pet may have less of an appetite as well. These signs indicate a need for immediate professional care.

Tooth decay and/or the loss of teeth usually indicate the presence of bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated the damage can progress from only involving the mouth to further damage that can include serious complications related to the kidneys, lungs, and heart, all of which can lead to a shortened lifespan. Periodontal problems usually start with the formation of plaque.

Plaque builds on the teeth and in thirty-six hours or less, plaque can harden and tartar can form. This problem usually develops first and the worst in the upper back teeth. Unfortunately, once tartar has formed, it cannot be brushed away.

The good news is that these problems can be avoided. Although healthy routines can be started with any dog at any age, it is always best to start healthy routines with a young puppy. If the dog is older you should insure that he has a professional dental cleaning and then begin the healthy dental routine at home.

If you have a regular routine of brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis you can avoid most of these problems. The routine should be established while the dog is young if at all possible. He will then accept the brushing as part of his regular care.

At first the dog will wonder what you are doing so it is best to allow him to taste the doggie toothpaste. These special pastes are formulated to be appealing to dogs. You can use your finger or a special dog toothbrush. Don’t forget to clean both the teeth and the gums. Begin in the back and work in small circular motions. The entire brushing process will take less than a minute.

Providing such things as chew treats, hard dog biscuits and bones, and even soft toys for your pet can help to prevent dental problems. Besides keeping the teeth strong and healthy many of the items are specially formulated to freshen the breath. Feeding crunchy food items on a regular basis is another way to keep your pet’s teeth healthier. Another tip is that while warming your dog’s food will often make it more appealing it is important to insure that the food is only slightly warm and never hot. On the flip side, dogs should not be served cold food.

Dental Care For Your Dog courtesy Dog Articles.

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5 Tips For Driving With Your Dog

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Dogs are on the go with us these days.  Wherever we go, our dogs go with us, too.  Whether we’re traveling across the country or just going to the vet, dogs spend a lot of time in our vehicles.  Here are some tips for safe driving with your dog.

1.  Use a crate or harness for your dog when he’s traveling with you.  Whether you have a large dog or a small dog, it’s much safer for your dog to be in a crate or safely harnessed in your car.  Just as you are safer wearing a seatbelt when you ride in your car, your dog is safer when he is protected by a crate or harness. If you have an accident a dog in a crate will not be thrown through the window.  If the crate is thrown around the vehicle your dog will have more protection.  If the crate is thrown from the car, your dog won’t be loose on the road.  Pet harnesses also provide some degree of protection in case of an accident.

2.  Don’t let a small dog ride in your lap.  If your dog slides down he can interfere with your use of the gas pedal and brakes.  A dog in your lap can interfere with you when you’re steering. Driving with a dog in your lap is very dangerous.

3.  When you travel with your dog in your vehicle make sure that he is wearing a collar with up to date contact identification.  Your contact information should also include your vet’s address or someone who can take care of your dog in case of an accident.  If you are in an accident you want people to be able to identify your dog immediately.

If you are taken to the hospital your dog would be separated from you.  Anyone responding to the scene would need to be able to contact your dog’s ID information and speak to someone who could take care of your dog while you are being treated.  Most veterinarians can take care of a dog for a few days while an owner is laid up.  If you’re in the hospital longer than that other arrangements can be made, such as having a friend take your dog.  So, make sure that your dog’s ID and contact information is up to date.

4.  When you’re driving with your dog you should take along a water bowl and some water from home or bottled water.  You never know when your dog may get thirsty when you’re out together.  It’s good to have a water bowl for your dog that stays in the car at all times so it’s always there when you travel.

If you are going to be gone for more than just a few hours you should plan accordingly.  Take your dog’s food, feed dish, bedding, favorite toys and other indispensable items for overnight trips.

5.  Keep a copy of your dog’s vaccination records in your glove box.  Your dog should be wearing his rabies tag and other local tags on his collar when you travel.  It’s always possible that law enforcement or some other organization could ask to see proof that your dog is up-to-date on his shots.  Most states require that your dog be current on his vaccinations when entering their state.  This information is rarely asked for, but it can be requested if you are stopped by the police, for instance.

If you keep these tips in mind then driving with your dog you can have many safe and happy driving experiences on the road together.

5 Tips For Driving With Your Dog courtesy Dog Articles.

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Which Dog Food For My Dog?

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There are more dog foods today than ever before.  When you walk into any pet supply store the choices can be almost overwhelming.  How in the world are you supposed to choose which food to buy for your dog?

In order to choose a good food for your dog you should keep in mind that there is no “best” dog food.  Dog foods make many marketing claims but your dog will be able to do well on many of the foods sold in stores today.  All you need to do is learn a few dog food basics.

Choosing a good dog food for your dog depends on two essential skills:  learning which ingredients go into a good dog food and learning to read a dog food label.  As you get more experienced with dog foods you will soon learn which companies generally manufacture the better foods and it will shorten the time you have to spend examining foods.

Do you have a Toy or small breed dog?  You may want to consider canned food.  Canned food typically costs more per ounce than dry food but it usually contains more protein and fat and much less grain than dry food.  It also usually has fewer chemical additives such as artificial colors and flavorings.  Canned food also doesn’t need preservatives because of the canning process.  Finally, canned food has plenty of moisture which makes it easier for dogs to digest than kibble.  Most dogs love canned food.  On the other hand, if you have large dogs or multiple dogs the cost of canned food can be prohibitive.

Whether you are buying kibble or canned food you will need to look at the label to find the information that you’re seeking.  Look for the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officers) statement that says the food meets the minimum nutritional adequacy standards required for pet foods.  This is no guarantee that your dog will thrive on the food but without this statement the food may not even meet minimum standards.

Next look for the ingredient list on the label.  Foods are required to list ingredients in order of their weight.  The first several ingredients should be the most important ingredients in the dog food.  Ideally you will see several sources of named protein among the first five ingredients.  These protein sources can be ingredients such as chicken meal, lamb meal, whole chicken, deboned chicken, and so on.

You should avoid foods that provide protein sources such as “animal digest” and “meat meal.”  According to AAFCO, these animal digests can be described as “animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair, horns, teeth, hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice and shall be suitable for animal feed.”  Meat meal is described as “an animal feedstuff produced by recycling animal byproducts. These byproducts include meat trimmings, inedible parts and organs, fetuses, and certain condemned carcasses. They are cooked (rendered) to produce a nutritional and economical feed ingredient.”  These are not the kinds of protein you want to feed your dog.  Choose named proteins so you know what your dog is eating.

You also want to choose named sources of fats in your dog’s food for the same reasons.  Choose chicken fat instead of animal fat.

Avoid foods that use corn gluten meal or that has multiple sources of corn.  Corn has been used on such a widespread basis in dog food that many dogs have developed allergies to it.  Not only that, but dogs can only digest about 54 percent of the protein in corn.  That means that nearly half of the corn your dog eats in a food passes through him.  Corn-based foods typically produce large piles of poop for owners to pick up and you have to feed large amounts for your dog to get enough nutrition.  It’s best to simply look for foods that have no corn or minimal corn in them.

Foods that have fewer grains are generally better for your dog.  It’s up to you if you want to feed your dog a grain-free food.  They are generally very expensive.

You can also decide if you want to try feeding your dog a high protein diet.  Some dogs do well on them while others don’t.  If your dog becomes hyperactive and isn’t getting enough exercise to burn off some of the energy on this diet you may need to go back to a normal protein diet.

Avoid products that use BHA, BHT or Ethoxyquin as preservatives.  Look instead for natural preservatives.

Avoid foods with artificial colors, sugars and sweeteners.  Your dog doesn’t need them.

Many dog foods claim to contain “human grade” ingredients but that can be misleading.  All poultry in the U.S. is hormone-free and dog food cannot, by law, be labeled human grade.  They may use anti-biotic-free meats and cuts of meat that humans would eat.  You will have to make your own decision.

If you examine dog food labels for these specifications you will begin to narrow down your choices.  After that, you may ask for some sample packs so you can see which foods your dog likes the best.  Remember that there is no single best food.  In fact, it’s best if you have 2-3 foods so you can rotate every few months.  This kind of variety is said to be beneficial for dogs.  If they are not having all of their nutritional needs met with one food they may make up the deficit with another food.

The most expensive foods are not always the best value for the money.  But the cheapest foods do usually cut corners and contain cheap ingredients.  There are a vast number of dog foods in the middle.  It takes some effort to choose good foods with good ingredients without necessarily spending a fortune but it’s certainly possible to do so.  Your dog will thank you.

Which Dog Food For My Dog courtesy Dog Articles.

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Dogs in Heat: The Facts

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There are numerous questions that people ask, when learning about dogs in heat. There are practical   answers that help dog owners to understand the estrous cycle.

The proper name for heat is the estrous cycle and during this cycle a dog can become pregnant. The obvious sign is bleeding from the vagina and the vulva might be swollen. The bleeding isn’t profuse, especially in small dogs. She will urinate more often. The biggest clue is the sudden surge of male dogs hanging around your yard. Observe the small dog before her first cycle more carefully, as it can be harder to tell when she first goes into the estrous cycle.

The majority of  female dogs come into heat at between six to twelve months of age, though it can be sooner or later. For some it it as long as fourteen months. Have your vet examine your dog, if she hasn’t cycled in fourteen months. They normally come into heat twice yearly. The smaller dogs are the ones that might come into their cycle earlier and the larger breeds might take longer than the usual time.

The estrous cycle is broken into four parts.

1) Proestrous is the initial stage. Its duration is between four and twenty days. The dog bleeds, is usually shy, her vulva is swollen, and she isn’t receptive to male dogs.
2) The estrous part of being in heat is from five to thirteen days long. The female dog is receptive to males and the blood secretion is a lighter color.
3) Diestrous is the next stage and now her secretions lessen and she begins to lose interest in the male dogs. If she got pregnant, the pregnancy duration would be between sixty and sixty-four days.
4) Anestrus is the period when the dog’s heat cycle finishes and she stays in in his stage for five to eleven months.

The majority of the cycle is around three weeks and doesn’t include the most of the anestrous period.

When your dog is in heat, she will be more excitable and can use some extra attention. Brushing,  petting, and talking to her will soothe her nerves. You can control the mess made through bleeding by putting a doggy pad on her or keeping her in her “den” area when inside. The space normally set aside as her place to sleep is her den. Visit her often, if she is confined to this space.

Breeders of dogs usually test for progesterone  levels, which signifies the dogs most fertile days. Normally those days are the 11th through the 15th day of heat. She can become pregnant during her first heat. The majority of breeders don’t breed their dogs that soon. They usually have genetic testing done prior to breeding. Some serious hip problems aren’t apparent until the dog is about two years old.

Spaying her is advisable, if you don’t want her to have puppies. The traditional advice has been to allow her to experience one cycle or  have puppies once before spaying. But vets now spay earlier. Ask your vet how soon you can have your dog spayed.

Dogs in Heat: The Facts courtesy Dog Articles.

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Which Dog Bowl Is Right For Your Dog?

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When you became a dog owner you became responsible for his care in every way. This includes feeding him as well as meeting every other need in his life. While the process of caring for a dog is not complicated many people do not give as much thought as they should about some of the basic care. This includes things like training your dog basic commands that could literally save his life, and learning about proper nutrition for your pet so you can insure that he gets a proper diet. Taking that one step farther, consideration should be given to the type of bowl that your dog will eat from.

Nowadays there are lots of choices available when it comes to dog dishes. We can find bowls that match our décor, personalized styles, or even self-feeding type bowls. They are also made from various materials, including everything from plastic and ceramic to metal.

Ideally the dog bowl should be easy to clean. Plastic bowls may not be a good choice for puppies because young dogs sometimes like to chew on things, including their food dish. A more durable bowl may be safer for them.

Size really does matter. The size of the bowl should be right for the amount of food that you feed your dog. Using a bowl that is too large can easily lead to over-feeding. Obviously, that can result in your dog becoming obese and unhealthy. Using a bowl that is too small can mean more work for you since you will have to feed your dog more often.

Another very important consideration is the depth of the bowl. If your dog has a short face you will need to use a shallow bowl. But dogs that have long muzzles can eat from deeper dishes without difficulty. One more issue related to the dog’s comfort when eating is the elevation of the dish. When dishes are raised up at a higher level, so that the dog does not have to bend his neck downward as he eats and swallows, eating is more comfortable for the dog. This is especially true for larger dogs. Dishes can be purchased in small raised holders or you can improvise with your own devices.

If your dog has a tendency to scoot his bowl across the floor you may want to consider looking for bowls that have rubber feet that will keep them in place. Another option is adding the rubber pads yourself or simply using a rubber mat to place the bowls on. Self-feeding bowls are the ones that have a dish that is continually filled. The reservoir is filled with a large quantity of food that drops down as the dog eats.

Which Dog Bowl Is Right For Your Dog courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Dog’s Giving Birth: Problems During Whelping

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Big breeds such as the Labrador Retriever produces large litters of small puppies and have fewer whelping problems than small breeds such as terriers, which produce smaller litters of large puppies.  Also, breeds with a large head such as Bulldogs usually have more difficulty giving birth than do other breeds.

To prepare for labor, you will need to gather the necessary supplies such as towels, threads for tying off the umbilical cord, and a non-toxic disinfectant for your hands.  Once the mother starts to go into labor, call the vet so he can be prepared for any possible problem.  Do not interfere with the process unless you absolutely have to in order to help the mother if she is having difficulty giving birth.  In this case, she may need some assistance.

The mother should produce a puppy within 2 hours after her water breaks.  The puppies come out at intervals ranging from just a few minutes to 2 hours at a time.  You need to contact a vet if the mother has been straining unproductively for more than half an hour because the puppies may be too large for her to deliver.  The vet may have to perform a cesarean section to where an incision is made in the abdomen so the puppies can be removed by hand.

Dog’s Giving Birth: Problems During Whelping courtesy of Dog Articles.

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What Does It Mean To Be A Responsible Dog Owner?

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Responsible dog ownership is very important for anyone who plans to own a dog. Most elements of responsible dog ownership are common sense but they always bear repeating.

1.  Before you get a dog ask yourself if you have enough time to properly take care of him or her.  Do you have the time to housebreak and train a puppy?  Can you afford good veterinary care and good dog food?  Can you make the commitment necessary to care for a dog?  Is everyone in your home able to make the same commitment?

2.  When choosing a dog, make sure that you choose the right dog for you.  This means considering your lifestyle and circumstances.  Do you like grooming?  Do you have time to groom?  If you don’t, then don’t get a longhaired dog that requires a lot of weekly or even daily grooming.  Do you live in a small apartment?  Then you shouldn’t get a very active dog that needs lots of room to run.  (But remember that size isn’t always an indication of how active a dog is.  Some very large dogs are quite happy to sleep all day while some small dogs can be extremely active.)  Do you have children?  By all means choose a breed that’s known for being great with kids.  In other words, think before you get a dog.  Don’t choose a dog impulsively.

3.  Once you bring your new puppy or dog home be sure to take him or her to the vet for a check-up.  This is the most responsible thing you can do for several reasons:  a) You need to confirm that the seller has given you a healthy puppy or dog; b) You need to be certain that the dog will not pass on any illness to other pets; c) You should be sure that your new puppy or dog is current on vaccinations for his or her own protection and for yours.  Most cities and states require dogs to be vaccinated, at least for rabies.  Check with your city or with your vet to find out about the vaccination requirements in your area.

4.  Be sure that you provide your dog with fresh water at all times and with healthy dog food.  Educate yourself about the ingredients in dog food.  Learn what makes a good food and what your dog needs in his diet.  Not all dog foods are created equal.  Some dogs are full of cheap fillers and other foods are made of expensive organic ingredients.  Find out what your dog actually needs so you can make an informed choice about his food.

5.  Keep your dog responsibly contained and do not let him wander the neighborhood.  Virtually every city and town in North America has leash laws of some kind that require dogs to be kept leashed or on their owner’s property.  A good fence or a leash when you are walking your dog will keep your dog from roaming.  Dogs that are allowed to roam and wander may become lost or hit by cars.  If picked up they can go to animal shelters where they may be put to sleep.  Keep your dog safely contained for his own protection.

6.  If you do not intend to responsibly breed your dog you should consider having him or her neutered or spayed.  Neutering and spaying prevents unwanted pet pregnancies and saves you from having to find homes for unexpected puppies.  Responsible breeding is not easy.  It entails health testing the parents, researching pedigrees, planning and overseeing matings and researching homes for puppies.  Unless you plan to undertake these activities most pets are better off being spayed and neutered unless you have reason to believe that your dog would have a health problem with such surgery.

7.  Do the right thing for your dog even when it’s difficult.  This means that when your dog has reached the end of his days and there is no more that the vet can do for him, you will have to make the difficult decision to say goodbye.  Stay with your dog and comfort him till the end.

Being a responsible pet owner is a big job.  It means that you have to think of everything for your dog from the time before you get him until the end of your days together.  But, in return, your dog will give you all the love in his heart and soul.  It’s a good trade.

What Does It Mean To Be A Responsible Dog Owner courtesy of Dog Articles.

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