How To Find The Ideal Veterinarian For Your Dog
Having a dog as part of your family will certainly add life and happiness to your home. In addition to giving you and your children additional companionship and joy, most families also feel more safe and secure when they have dogs at home since they are great with sensing and alarming their owners of any possible intrusion in their properties.
And part of owning a dog is of course, taking care of them properly. In addition to training and teaching them tricks, playing with them, making sure that they have the correct food to eat and bed to sleep on, and regularly taking care of their grooming and hygiene, it is important also that their health is looked after.
This is why it is important to take your dog to your trusted veterinarian regularly. At the vet's clinic, your pooch can be given his or her needed shots and they can also receive proper grooming there as well. Lastly, if your dog has an illness or any health problem, your vet can detect and treat this immediately and properly.
If you still do not have a vet yet and it is your first time to look for and get one, below are some tips that can help you with choosing the best veterinarian for your dog:
1. Visit the vet's clinic or centre. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the premises and if every file, tools and equipment are properly arranged and nothing looks disorganized. This would also be the best time to check out the machineries the vet has and uses in diagnosing and treating the pets. Take note if these equipment are up-to-date and if the facility is indeed fully equipped.
2. And when you visit the vet, talk to him or her. Check how the vet communicates to you. Does he or she use comprehensible and laymen terms when telling you about certain scientific details about pet healthcare and their services? Also, it is important to note how the vet talks to you. Does he or she show some empathy and warmth or is the vet too rigid and cold? You want your dog to like and warm up to the vet so if you don't feel comfortable at all with talking to him or her, listen to your guts and choose a different one.
3. Ask your friends or other pet-owners for their recommended vet. They may already have one since they have pets. If they have nothing but praises for their veterinarian, then you will have nothing to worry about. Book an appointment for your dog to this vet as well.
4. Lastly, select a vet that offers a wide-range of services. You will want a highly-experienced vet who does not simply offer check-ups and giving your dog shots. Check if the vet can also provide dental services and if they have emergency or after-hours treatment.
Get to know more about a highly-trusted and regarded veterinary center and their many specialized pet services in Victoria by clicking on http://bellvet.com.au/locations/grovedale-vet/.
Three Steps You Can Easily Do Right Now And At Home For Dry Skin Dogs
Dogs dry skin can be treated at home using a few simple and natural techniques that anyone can use. The simple fact is that dogs are naturally sensitive by nature and is why millions of dogs suffer from painful, cracked and itchy skin which can ultimately lead to bigger health trouble if not taken care of quickly.
Because dry skin can happen any time during the year, many canines especially have the most trouble during the winter months. Many owners prefer to keep their dog's inside during this time where it is warm. Unfortunately, this creates the perfect situation for less humidity which in turn allows your dog's skin ailments to only get bigger.
However, statistically, dry skin in winter is only the tip of the iceberg. The fact remains that skin issues can persist throughout the year regardless of the time of season and the type of breed. So what can you do to help your pooch get over this trouble once and for all? How can you cure dry skin in dogs inexpensively at home? Here are three tried and proven homemade remedies that your pooch will love you for.
The first is perhaps is what surprises people the most. Yet, this has been scientifically proven time and time again. What your doggie eats directly affects the health of your dog's skin. Why? Because processed dog food bought commercially from any big-box pet store includes ingredients that severely cause serious irritation and allergies that all lead back to dry painful skin. This is perhaps the biggest dirty little secret of the pet food companies. Although they would have you believe through flashy commercials and advertisements their food is made from top quality ingredients, it simply isn't true.
The pet food industry is a 20 billion dollar business. For increased profits, harmful chemicals, dyes, additives and preservatives are added as ingredients and fillers that have been proven to cause severe skin irritation, hair loss and even death. It goes without saying then that reading the labels of your dog food is crucial if you seriously want to cure your canine's dry skin. But reading it is only half the battle. You must also discover which ingredients to avoid. It's actually rather simple and is most effective.
Renowned author and animal researcher Andrew Lewis has devoted his life's work in uncovering dangerous commercial dog food ingredients with proven science. His painstaking work has only yielded nine safe to eat dog food products that have no harmful and potentially lethal ingredients. That's nine out of the hundreds of dog food brands currently available on the shelves as this article is written.
Second, helping your dog's skin is as easy as including a moderate level of a good, quality protein along with a generous dose of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. By incorporating these into your pooch's diet, you instantly improve the health of a growing coat while keeping the skin underneath moist and healthy.
Andrew Lewis strongly promotes a homemade diet for dogs dry skin issues because, one, you can easily make each meal right in your own kitchen using your own ingredients from your refrigerator and pantry and two, it's actually less expensive than buying commercially processed store bought dog food.
And third, a great supplement to your dog's diet for dry skin is to add a few tablespoons of flaxseed oil on a daily basis. Just like the Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils above, you can simply drizzle flaxseed oil over the homemade food you make to ensure you canine is receiving the right amount. Once you start to see some improvement, you can reduce the dosage of the flaxseed oil down to a third of the original amount you started with.
The really great news about making homemade meals from home besides the fact that they are easy and healthy is that many of the ingredients you use will already have healthy doses of all these oils mentioned above. In fact, if you want to use an even less expensive alternative, try olive oil or even salmon oil for dogs dry skin.
Nutrition isn't the only way you can help your pooch with skin issues. Don't forget that dogs dry skin can also be cured by making your own natural soaps and shampoos at home and eliminating the harsh and abrasive chemicals found in the commercial bought varieties.
Here's the most important part! I'm getting way ahead of myself when it comes to these three natural remedies for your dog's dry skin because there are so many more inexpensive and proven ways to help your pooch. Discover what they are and how they can help you by clicking here!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8358525
5 Things Dog Owners Should Know
A tired dog is a good dog. We've all heard this phrase, what does it really mean? Well, it doesn't mean that if you simply tire your dog out he or she will be the perfect canine citizen. What it does mean, however, is that many behavior problems stem from boredom. Is your dog chewing inappropriate items, digging in the garbage or has he found some other unique behavior that doesn't agree with you? You might ask yourself, how much exercise is your dog getting on a daily basis? Often times these behaviors may be related to boredom. Bottom line, dogs need exercise every day.
To vaccinate an adult dog annually or not, that is the question. The American Animal Hospital Association ("AAHA") seems to have answered that question when it updated its guidelines regarding canine vaccinations schedules. Rabies vaccinations are governed by state rules which means you are legally required to follow whatever schedule is set forth be it annually or every 3 years. The AAHA guidelines provide for an every three year schedule for the core vaccines against parvovirus, adenovirus and distemper. Even that schedule seems outdated as research tells us that the vaccination for parvovirus and distemper should last 5 years and for adenovirus 7 years. At the 3 year mark you can ask for a test that can be performed determine whether additional vaccinating is necessary, it's called a titer. There are many other non-core vaccines that may or may not be appropriate for your dog, factors that should be examined include age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle. These should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Food, you are in control of what goes in. Pet obesity is a significant issue and even if we can't control what goes in our own mouth, we can certainly control what goes in our dogs' mouth. Being overweight can lead to a number of health issues including osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart and lung disease, high blood pressure and the list goes on. Health issues are not only hard on your dog and led to a reduced life expectancy but are also hard on your wallet with trips to the veterinarian.
Training, early and often. Training with your dog strengthens the bond you have with your dog and creates and understanding of appropriate behaviors. Just like a child, you need to set the rules and then be consistent in your application of the rules so your dog does not get confused. Pay attention every day to the interactions you are having with your dog, you may be rewarding inappropriate behaviors inadvertently.
Dogs don't do things out of spite. As much as we'd like to believe that our dogs share our views of right and wrong, they don't. Dogs are not guided by morals, they are guided by an outcome or what feels good to him as a dog. That guilty look you get when you return home is not knowledge that they did something wrong, it is appeasement behavior or an attempt to calm you.
By Kristen Smoot
Choosing a Great Dog From a Shelter
If you and your family have decided to get a new dog, selecting one from the local shelter is an excellent way to find the right dog for you. There are however a few things that you should be aware of and watch out for when selecting that pound puppy.
Whether you are looking for a pet at the local shelter or a local rescue organization they may have puppies as well as adults. When selecting a puppy there are a few things you should watch out for. If you're looking at an entire litter you do not want the alpha dog. That's the dog that usually appears to be somewhat of the bully and in charge. That dog will be a bit of a challenge to you later on.
At the same time you do not want the puppy that is sitting off by itself and not interacting with the other pups. That is a puppy that will have issues later on with fear. You want the puppy that is outgoing and comes to you, wants to be with you and wants to be petted he'll be easy to spot.
Remember that saying from Forest Gump? It applies to puppies as well. Puppies are like a box of chocolates you never know what you're going to get. (until they grow up)
If you want to know what you're going to get then an adult dog would be best for you. With an adult dog you can tell what it is already. You don't have to wait for it to grow up. So how do we select that adult dog?
The first thing we look for in that perfect dog is an outgoing personality. We want a dog that's very friendly, outgoing and doesn't appear to be fearful of anything. A dog that shows fear is going to be a dog that is hard to work with for you over the years. In fact fearful dogs often become aggressive dogs so stay away from that fearful dog.
You'll also want a dog that doesn't show any aggression towards people and even other dogs. This is important if you own another dog or plan on being around other dogs.
Unfortunately quite often people think they can adopt a dog and change it. What I mean by that is they feel that they can take that fearful dog or the aggressive dog and keep it from being that way. Sometimes we can help them with training but a lot of times we can't, so why start off with a dog that already has problems. There are so many great dogs available for adoption that are complete sweethearts and have no emotional baggage. It just makes sense to adopt a dog like that rather than one with problems.
So when looking for your next dog at a shelter or rescue take your time and pick the dog that's right for you and your family. Don't just grab a dog because of its breed or its color. Instead pick a dog that you'll enjoy spending the next 10 and even more years with and you will be much happier.
Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8368200
How to Get Rid of Your Dog's Fleas Naturally
Having dogs that are infested with fleas can be a nightmare because you get them all in your house, in your yard and all over you as well. I'm going to share with you how I found a natural cure for fleas that is very effective.
I've had dogs all my life and never really experienced fleas until one year. Yes I got my first dog when I was eight years old and we never experienced fleas or ticks. In fact we never even use those flea and tick collars that were so big back then.
Well years later I'm in my early 30s and my wife and I have a couple of dogs and all of a sudden we have fleas. I was really bothered by it because this is something I'd never experienced before. In fact one day I mentioned to my grandmother who was visiting how this spring we seem to have fleas and it never had been a problem before.
She said to me I can tell you why you have fleas. It's because all your banana trees died this winter. That was true we lived in the South and we always had banana trees and elephant ears as part of our landscaping. However this particular winter we had some unusually cold temperatures and freezes that lasted for several days.
Our banana trees would die every winter because of the cold but they would definitely come back in the spring, this year that didn't happen. My grandmother explained to me how the banana trees have oil in them that keeps the fleas and ticks away. As I started doing some research I found that this was true in fact some people actually just take banana peels and sprinkle them around their garden or the yard. It seems that when fleas eat on one of these banana peels they die.
I personally have not tried the banana peels but I can tell you I immediately went out and bought more banana trees and have had them for the last 30 years without having any fleas.
I realize there are all types of topical treatments and pills you can give your dogs to eliminate fleas and ticks, however I have found that owning banana trees is the easiest way to do it. I also like the fact that I do not have to give my dog some type of medication that may or may not be good for it in the long run.
So if you're having a flea problems run down to the nearest nursery, get yourself a couple of banana trees and put them out in the yard. They will multiply year after year and help you control the fleas.
Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8368263
Dog Health Concerns: What Are the Most Common Health Problems of Dogs?
Dogs are among the most popular pets in different parts of the world. They are smart, fun to be with, and capable of loving unconditionally. A dog is actually not just a pet. A dog is a reliable companion, and a dependable friend that can stand by you through thick and thin. Different happenings have shown how dogs can even risk their lives for their pet parents, which just proves the popular belief that dogs are man's best friend.
Just like other animals, dogs deserve sufficient level of care and attention from their pet parents. Their basic needs should be provided, and their health should be taken care of. Are you a dog owner? Did you know that dogs can acquire diseases that are similar to those of humans' illnesses? As a dog parent, you should gain knowledge about the common health problems of dogs. You should watch out for such conditions, for you to be able to address certain needs of your pets.
Below are some of the most common health problems of dogs:
Obesity
This is the most common pet health problem. Some pet parents tend to neglect it, but it is important to take note that obesity can lead to further health conditions like diabetes and joint problems. For this, it is advisable to have an effective diet and exercise plan for your pet.
Skin Diseases
Infections, allergies, and parasites - these are the common causes of skin diseases in dogs. Fungi may cause infection, dust mites and some types of dog food may cause allergies, and the most common parasite in dogs are fleas. You may opt to use medicated soap and shampoo to treat your dog's skin disease. However, it would be better to consult a veterinarian.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
The most common cause of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs is viral infection, although a lot more factors can cause this condition. Typically, it may not indicate a serious health problem; but if your dog vomits recurrently, then it's time to consult a veterinarian. To fight diarrhea, it is advised to provide your dog with plenty of water and avoid feeding it within 12 to 24 hours. As for vomiting, try feeding your pet with bland foods like boiled potatoes.
Fractures
Dogs are very playful indeed. They tend to engage in extreme physical activities, and as a result, they become prone to having fractures. This condition can be treated through using a cast or undergoing surgery in worse cases.
Cancer
Yes, dogs can also have cancer. Some of the symptoms are lumps, weight loss, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite, and weakness. Treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
In being a dog parent, it is not enough to just provide your pet with food and shelter. You should also constantly watch out for its health. You should invest time in regular check ups, and be responsible enough to look after your dog's diet and lifestyle. Dogs are indeed man's best friend. And as a good friend, you should never let your dog down. You should raise your pet well, and make sure to provide everything that it needs.
Dogs are man's best friend. They are a good stress reliever and they are faithful especially if you give them the best care. Find out more about dogs in my website Dog Bark Collar. Learn more about it and other topics like No Bark Dog Collar.
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How to Get Rid of Fleas on Puppies
Well fleas on puppies is dangerous and must be taken care of immediately. If you have fleas on your puppy then it's good that you've taken the time to take care of this issue. It could cost your puppies life if you don't take care of it yourself. There are many ways to take care of your puppies flea problem. If your puppy is 8 weeks of age you can use flea products, you can also treat your house for fleas or you can get a a flea collar.
If your puppy is 8 weeks of age then you have more options available to treat your puppy with. Flea treatment products aren't bad and there are plenty of great veterinarians that can help you with the best option for you. If you've never used flea treatment products then sit down with your local vet and explain to him the problem your having. He'll most likely then figure out what product to give you and then you can use it on a daily basis. This is a great start to ending your flea problem.
The next thing you can do is to treat your house for fleas. Treating your home for fleas is a very important step if you want to end your flea problem for good. You can dehumidify your rooms for fleas if you have a dehumidifier or if your willing to buy one. Also getting very comfortable with your vacuum cleaner will help allot. Another thing to make sure of is to wash your puppies bedding and living area. This can reduce the problem a lot if you do it.
Fleas can be tricky but it's the simple things you do that will make all the difference. Another great option is a flea collar. The rule is to never put chemicals on a puppy that is less than 6 weeks old. If you do that it's very dangerous but if your puppy is older than six a weeks a flea collar is a great start. There are many ways to go about using a flea collar but the best way is to find what feels comfortable to you.
I hope these few areas of flea control has sparked some ideas and some options. As long as you've gotten a few ideas that will help you get started I'm happy. Taking care of fleas are very important to your puppies life. Fleas are a health risk and shouldn't never be avoided. Hope you do finally take care of your puppies flea problem and understood more of how to get rid of fleas on puppies.
If your still struggling with fleas then this may help http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBInOJudrJI. It may take time to get rid of fleas but you'll get there.
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Dog Parenting 101: How to Take Care of a Pet Dog
Are you planning to keep a dog? You are probably very fond of this furry creature. You are probably so delighted to play with it, listen to its soft barks, and stare at its cute little eyes. But hey, keeping a pet is not just about playing with it or making it wear a beautiful collar. It comes with a lot of responsibilities. Do you agree that once a dog enters your household, you should treat it like a family member? If you don't, then you might as well forget your plans of keeping a dog. Because yes, you have to treat it as a family member once you take it to your home. You become its pet parent, thus, you should do what a good parent does. Animals are like humans too. They have needs that you must provide.
Basic Tips on Dog Care
As a pet owner, you are in-charge of making it feel loved, happy, and comfortable. Below are the basic ways on how to take care of a pooch:
Regularly feed your dog and give it clean water to drink.
Feeding your dog properly is not just about regularly providing it with food. You should be able to watch your pet's diet as well. Feed it with the right kinds of food in right amounts. You may also want to talk to a veterinarian or a dog expert.
Provide an exclusive area for your pet.
In welcoming a dog to your home, you should make it feel comfortable. To do so, you need to allot a certain area where your pooch will feel safe and relaxed. Your pet's place should be clean enough and safe for animals to stay.
Give your dog enough exercise.
In taking care of your pet's health, exercise will never be out of the loop. You may bring your dog with you as you go jogging in the morning, or you may learn about different exercises that are specially intended for dogs.
Don't forget to provide the emotional needs of your pet.
Just like humans, dogs have feelings too. They communicate such feelings through the sounds and movements that they make. Hence, you should learn how to understand and communicate with your dog. Grab some self-help materials that may work for you or talk to experienced dog parents. Indeed, it is very important to understand your pet and establish a good relationship with it.
Learn effective training techniques for your pet.
As previously mentioned, you become a dog parent once you take a pooch into your household. Just like a typical parent, your job is to raise your pet well. To do this, you need to be knowledgeable about some effective training and disciplinary techniques. Being able to train your dog is beneficial for both of you in establishing a great connection.
Being a dog parent requires a lot of love, patience, dedication, understanding, and willingness to learn. Raising a pooch is not just a mere hobby that you do during your free time. Dog parenting is a serious thing to do. If you don't possess the previously mentioned qualities, then keeping a pet might not be for you.
Dogs are man's best friend. They are a good stress reliever and they are faithful especially if you give them the best care. Find out more about dogs in my website Dog Bark Collar. Learn more about it and other topics like Do Bark Dog Collars Work.
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How To Wash a Dog
Washing a dog can be a near impossible task given dogs really don't like to be washed and leathered with soaps. But still one cannot stand a stinky dog, no matter how adorable and cute he is. Smelling nice and a clean fur do add to the charm and 'cute factor' of your pooch. Given here are some ways on how to wash a dog, they'll certainly help even if your dog detests showers and soaps, and hopefully he'll look forward to his bath time. Take a look:
Prepare a workspace
Start with gathering every material you will need such as dog shampoo, towels, water and a sponge and lay them close to the tub but not in a manner that your dog can make a mess while kicking and splashing. Turn on the water but make sure it is at right temperature as dogs have a more sensitive skin than humans. Opt for lukewarm water.
Brush the coat
While washing your dog inspect his fur for any health/ skin/coat issue while relaxing and showing him some love. In case you spot any ticks, you might want to visit a vet or you can also remove them yourself.
Choose a Good Shampoo
If you see your dog scratching a lot then take a look at what is causing it. This might be due to allergies, parasites or maybe skin irritation. In such cases, pick up medicated shampoos meant specifically for that purpose. Otherwise you can go for mild shampoo. But don't go for one with a lot of chemicals as mostly dogs are allergic to them. If your dog is still a puppy then make sure that the shampoo is suitable for him.
Clean The Coat
Start with getting his coat wet and then apply the shampoo. Begin with head and then move towards neck and legs. Remember to apply shampoos in his creases and rolls. Scrub the areas that have more chances of getting dirty. While washing your dog make sure you do it properly and thoroughly especially if he has flea problems. This removes them from the body making it easier to get rid of them. Use a warm and damp flannel and rub it under his chin and face if your shampoo doesn't read "doesn't sting eyes". Use warmer water here as it aids in getting rid of the fleas. But make sure you do not get any shampoo in your dog's nose, eyes, mouth or ears. Let the shampoo stay on him as long as mentioned on the bottle.
Rinse Your Dog
Start rinsing your dog until the water from is fur starts running clear. Then rinse again. If he shies away from getting his face rinsed then make us of your hands to bring the water from faucet to his face. You could also make use of a wet washcloth to wash off water.
Rub Him Dry
Grab a towel and lay it over your dog and rub him dry. Remember to rub the insides of his eras too. Be careful while doing it as a dog's natural instinct is to shake himself when wet. Use a dry towel or hair dryer (in winters) and then brush him.
You can Also Visit our website Myfabpets
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Stop Your Dog's Excessive Barking!
When you adopted your canine companion, you most surely expected to hear him bark from time to time. It's a normal noise that dogs make that can have a variety of meanings from "I'm excited, play with me!" to "I heard a noise and don't know what it is, I'm scared!" Excessive barking, though, tends to happen whenever you dog is left home alone and suffering from anxiety, is overly aroused with no way to use up his pint up energy, or is reactive to things that he may find scary.
Why does your dog bark?
Figuring out what makes your dog bark excessively can be tricky, but if you look into the context of his behavior you can learn the true cause. Once that cause is found, you can begin altering his environment, training, exercise and anything else to bring this disturbing behavior to a halt. First, consider each time you dog begins his barking habit, and investigate what caused the triggers. Is it a noise, seeing others outside the window, or does he only do it when you're away from home and your neighbors comes to you in complaint?
A dog who barks at noises as well as viewing people outside his window can be trained to quiet down after only a few barks as well as conditioned to ignore these triggers all together. It is simply a matter of adding more exercise to his daily schedule and helping him to feel more comfortable through the use of controlled exposure and positive reinforcement to help him alter how he views, or hears, these triggers. A dog who barks when left home alone for the day will require a different round of treatment, but it can be done with a dedicated and loving owner!
Stop the anxious barker
When your pooch barks uncontrollably when you're at work or school for the day, he is acting out the anxiety he feels when left alone as well as the boredom of no interaction during this time. Dogs are highly intelligent, and even the laziest of breeds still require a means to exercise both their bodies and their minds on a daily basis. Before leaving for the day, take your dog on a long brisk walk, or jog if he is athletic, so that while you are away he will happily rest. Leave some safe chew toys or even doggy puzzle toys with food hidden inside to help work his mind and keep him busy. This is providing an alternative behavior, which means he cannot bark and attempt to get the hidden food at the same time!
Furthermore, your dog should be allowed to just relax and be comfortable while he is home alone. This can take some training to help him do so, and will require that he has a space all to himself, such as a gated room, crate or puppy play pen. This area should give him enough space to at least stand, turn around, and lay down in various positions for comfort. If he is left in a gated room, giving him access to clean water will keep him hydrated, especially while he works at those toys with food inside!
When first beginning with his own area, he needs to feel as if he is safe there. Do a few simple training sessions with commands he already knows to bring about a positive feeling associated with this space. You can even entice him with some light play and a special toy that he gets only in this area. Other things to bring that positive feeling about his own space for your dog is to give all his meals here, as meal time is always a great time for any dog!
When he feels comfortable in this area, begin to leave him in there for only a few moments while you are a few feet away. For every behavior he offers that involves not looking at you, such as stepping further into his space, laying down or sniffing, mark it with a clicker or a quick "Yep!" and toss a delicious and quickly eaten reward his way. Do this for about 5 minutes a couple times a day before increasing the criteria. When you do, step just out of his line of sight, mark the behavior of him being calm and quiet, step back and reward him. He is learning to be calm without you around!
When in doubt, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist. However, always keep in mind that yelling at a barking dog will only exacerbate the situation and cause even more anxiety on his part. To him, your yelling sounds much like barking, as he does not understand human language as we do! Instead, prevent the barking by providing him that quiet and safe place of his very own and work on more exercise, training and conditioning.
My name is Charlene Wilkins. I am a life long animal lover and a volunteer at local shelters. I love sharing pet care information through my blogs and articles. I have written this article in hope that it will help you. Visit my website for more helpful information.
http://dogs101.affiliateblogthings.com
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog
Dogs are often referred to as man's best friend. However, not every dog breed is friendly with every human. Therefore, the importance of choosing a breed cannot be overstated.
One greatest tragedy for most dog breeds is the fact that many dog owners abandon their animal friend when they grow from being puppys. It is advisable for the owners to understand while puppies are cute, playful and friendly, they will grow into dogs and stop being puppys.
Consequently, when choosing a dog it is advisable to take into consideration the long-term. This will help you get a companion that will be cherished for many years to come. The factors to consider when choosing a dog include:
· Temperament
It is important to understand small and large dogs have different temperament- puppies are more temperament, making it possible to mould them through training and socialization. Furthermore, different breeds have different temperament.
The temperament characteristics you may consider include: Sensitivity, loyalty, aggression & protectiveness, intelligence, compatibility with other pets (i.e. cats or horses) and energy, playfulness & activity level.
Some dog breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers are often more friendly and outgoing, while others like Bull Terrier and Bull Mastiff are more aggressive. Ideally, the choice of dog should be pegged on your needs.
If you are interested in having a protective animal or a guard dog, an aggressive dog is a good idea. However, if you are interested in having a family pet, an easygoing breed is a better choice.
· Size
The size of the animal is an important factor when choosing a dog. Naturally, big dog breeds, such as Retrievers, German shepherd and Great Danes require more space indoors and outdoors. This is particularly important for exercise.
On the other hand, smaller dog breeds like the Toy Poodles, Maltese and Chihuahuas are ideal for smaller environments like mobile homes, apartments and senior care centers.
However, if you are planning to buy a dog purely on the basis of small size, this does not always translate to gentler temperament or less care.
· Family needs
Large dogs make better companions for small children, who often handle smaller dogs like toys, exposing them to harm. Some breeds are excessively protective or loyal, and thus may not make socially active companions.
The constant intrusion, particularly by strangers can stress the dog. Families who are allergic to animals should consider hypo-allergic dog breeds such as Maltese, Poodles and Shih Tzu. Although no dog is totally no-allergic, certain dog breeds shed less, making them better companions for allergy sufferers.
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Importance of Dog Exercise
If you are planning to own a pet dog it is important that consider the dog's size, temperaments, cost and suitability to family members. All dogs, including small and giant dog breeds, regardless of their temperament require several supplies, including: Food, treats, water bowls, crates for travelling, grooming supplies, periodic vaccinations & health care, collar & leash, dog-bedding and toys.
Large dog breeds often demand greater food expenses, while other breeds require more medical care. Therefore, it is advisable to consider your financial ability before choosing a breed.
By considering these factors, you take responsibility in selecting an appropriate companion, cherished by all family members, for many years to come. As a dog owner, it is advisable to provide your dog with the best home and companionship.
Importance of exercise
Dogs are active and are often bred for various purposes including providing protection, herding livestock and hunting. Wild dogs spend most of their day time scavenging & hunting for food, playing with other dogs and defending territory.
They lead a complex and busy life, solving simple problems and interacting socially. Unfortunately, the dogs we have in most homes are often confined, inactive and alone, for most parts of the day.
The inability to fully exercise their natural physical and mental tendencies contributes to many behavioral problems. The best a dog owner can do under such circumstances is to schedule some exercises.
· Problems for lack of exercise
Dogs, like children, need to be given something active to do. Otherwise, they will channel their energies in doing something that you may not like. Dogs that do not exercise exhibit certain behavioral problems including destructive digging, scratching and chewing.
They also exhibit investigative behaviors, such as garbage raiding. Attention-getting behaviors such as barking and whining are also common. The dog engages in rough play, play biting, excessive social play & predatory, jumping on people and knocking over furniture.
· Benefits of exercise
Keeping dogs, and particularly large dog breeds out of trouble, healthy and happy is possible with daily exercise. In addition to being fun, exercise offers the following benefits: Keeps weight under control; gets the dog feeling sleepy (rather than being restless when you are relaxing or at bed time); builds trust & confidence in fearful or timid dogs; reduces digestive problems & constipation; and keeps dog agile, limber & healthy. Furthermore, excessive barking, hyperactivity, chewing and digging is reduced or eliminated with a good exercise.
· Caution about exercise
Before starting the dog's exercise program it is advisable to check out with the veterinarian. The dog's veterinarian will be able to check the animal to determine whether certain exercises can aggravate its health, to suggest safe activities.
Giant dog breeds are prone to arthritis, hip dysplasia and ligament injuries. Therefore, sustained jogging is likely to exert too much pressure on their bones and joints. If you have a large dog, it is advisable to condition it before starting jogging together.
We provide the best info about giant dog breeds. For further details please visit the provided link.
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Make Food for Your Dog at Home
Why subject yourself to the confusion of choosing from a long list of dog food brands? How do you ensure that every single bite your dog will take is 100% fully packed with nutrients and consists only of the best ingredients?
You might already have figured out the answer, but you may also be thinking to yourself that it's such a tedious, even impossible task. However, rest assured that there is nothing difficult about making dog food for your pet at home. It is also not an impossible task, especially with the amazing array of home-cooked meals for dogs available online. There are even organic recipes available to dog owners who want their pets to enjoy only the most nutritious and delicious meals.
Some people end up spending so much money on dog food despite the persistent doubt in their minds that they could serve it something better. A dog can get the best meat if it is prepared by no less than its loving master. Home-made dishes for canines may be downloaded or copied online, and some sites even provide the costing for each recipe. What makes this endeavor worthwhile is that in the final reckoning, the expense on home-cooked dog food is markedly less than the equivalent overhead on dog food. Meat can be costly, especially if quality is a priority. However, the volume can be increased using healthy fillers such as potatoes or rice. There's another way to cut costing. Purchase meat from a trusted local butcher and ask for the more affordable cuts.
For sure, sufficient time must be allotted for both preparation and execution. But if a pet owner is truly devoted to his or her pet, this time consuming activity won't have to be an additional chore. Instead, it will be a fun and enjoyable task. There are also ways to prepare meals such that cooking need not be done every single time the dog has to eat. The food may be cooked at home in large batches and then stored in the freezer.
You can also be more adventurous. Why just limit your pet's diet to meat and meat recipes? Mix it up very well and serve veggie-beef balls, chicken casserole, peanut butter cookies, veggie and fruit strips, and how about non-fat yoghurt ice pops or a fruit parfait? The sky is the limit. With a handful of basic recipes you will have enough to get by during the first week of this new adventure.
Why is it important to consider preparing dog food for your pet yourself?
You are the best person to create a healthy, well-balanced, and complete meal for your pet. Since you care for this animal without any reservations, you are responsible for its well-being. However, the nutritional requirements need to be determined. That is where the challenge chiefly lies for homeowners. But there are plenty of online resources to consult.
This is the first lesson that you need to learn. Homemade dog food must have the following components: a protein source, a source of carbohydrates, a little fat, and a generous helping of vitamins and minerals.
That's already the first step. You have just entered a new world of pet care!
Dogs are man's best friend. They are a good stress reliever and they are faithful especially if you give them the best care. Find out more about dogs in my website www.bestdogfooddiet.com. Learn more about it and other topics like Raw Food Diet for Dogs.
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By Jim Gilbertson
8 Ways to Introduce a New Pet Into Your Home
Getting a new pet is a very exciting time for everyone in the household. New pets are a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of responsibility. The decision to adopt a new pet is a very serious commitment that cannot be taken lightly. When you take decision to add to your family with an animal, you need to remember that a few things you must do when introducing a new pet into your home.
Keep patience and do not expect positive results overnight. Your pet needs time to adjust to his or her new surroundings. He or she may not automatically know the rules of your household. He or she is a little or very afraid at first of the new surroundings. Be very patient and adapt to your pet's needs as much and as safely as you can.
Expect some accidents to occur. New pets, and especially young ones, are very prone to having accidents around the house before they understand everything. Whether they go in a litter box or outside, always Keep patience and continue to take your pet routinely to the spot where ever they go. Reward them appropriately when they relieve themselves in the places where you allow them to do so.
If you have other pets, do not introduce your new pet all at once. It is a very dangerous decision to introduce pets together quickly and then to let them alone together. The pets may fight. One could become injured or even die. You may have to keep them separate for a while.
Supervise children at all times when introducing a new pet. You should never let your children alone with a new pet. The children or the pet could become hurt or worse if you are not there.
Allow your pet to explore your home safely. Make sure that your pet cannot chew on electrical cords, fall down stairs, or get into chemicals or other unsafe materials. Get down on the floor on the pet's level to see the things that you may have missed standing up. Correct these unsafe hazards before introducing the new pet into your home.
Make sure your pet knows where his or her food and water dish is. Your pet should always have access to fresh water and food. If you are feeding your pet on a schedule, try to make sure your pet knows that there is food ready and waiting for it.
Keep consistency with your pet to teach him or her what you expect. Always try to teach your pet the same way and reward positive behaviors the same way each time. When you are predictable, your pet may become predictable too. If you are unsure on how to teach your pet, talk to a professional pet trainer and sign up for some classes.
Show them a lot of love and attention. Once the novelty of having a new pet wears off, never forget that you chose to give them a new family. Don't ignore them or leave it alone for long periods of time. Include them into your family and show them plenty of affection and attention throughout its entire life.
Castlewood Bulldogs has a special passion for the Bulldogs that it breeds. Owners Ronny and Dawn Castillo have special places in their hearts for the Bulldog breed and want to share their joy with others who want to seriously adopt a Bulldog into their families. They are members of the Bulldog Club of America and The Bulldog Club Incorporated. All Bulldogs bred at Castlewood Bulldogs are bred with an emphasis on health, conformation, and temperament. Anyone who would like to provide a forever home to a Bulldog should please visit the Castlewood Bulldogs website at http://www.CastlewoodBulldogs.com or call at 417-274-1881.
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You Can Welcome A Dog Into Your Home By Tammi G. Pottebaum Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/You-Can-Welcome-A-Dog-Into-Your-Home-By-Tammi-G--Pottebaum/6365476#ixzz2xZh6M8ap Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
November 15, 2012 - Dog ownership is definitely a serious responsibility. You have to make sure you raise a contented and healthy dog. By learning all that you can about being a good dog owner that knows what they're doing, you can be certain that things go well for you and your dog.
Avoid giving your pooch table food. This teaches dogs bad habits. Table scraps can negatively affect the dog's health insurance and cause digestive issues or obesity. Keep your dog from the family dinner table for training purposes and also to avoid any temptation.
Since dogs cannot talk, you need to learn your canine's cues. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a person or dog, don't force it. This could cause the dog to bite. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
If there are prescription along with other medications within your home, have them away from your dog. In case your dog can access these pills, there might be fatal consequences. Call the vet immediately if you think that the dog has swallowed the medication.
Hand signals are wonderful when they are paired with verbal commands or dog name tags. When provided with signals of the type, dogs tend to pick some misconception faster. Use both ways with your dog to see which works best.
Be sure to keep prescription medications out of the reach of your dogs. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
Make sure to schedule a check up for your new friend having a trusted veterinarian. Once the dog arrive home, convey a call towards the vet and schedule that appointment. The vet will examine your dog. You also want to seek advice from the vet about fixing your dog for a moment not be breeding him.
Be careful with your female dog when she is in heat, if you don't want her getting pregnant. It is possible for a male to pick up her scent from miles away. In addition to possibly causing a fight amongst male dogs in the area, she could possibly get pregnant.
When choosing an animal to cohabitate with an existing one, attempt to arrange an introduction before deciding. Much like people, dogs may have a personality clash. If you discover two dogs that may get along, you will save yourself some trouble.
When selecting a new dog in the future and live with an existing dog, bring your current dog to meet him if at all possible. Dogs are social creatures, but it's true that some dogs tend to be more friendlier than others. Finding dogs that they like each other could save you headache and heartache over time.
Spend some time deciding which brand and type of pet food to give your pet. There are many to choose from, so concentrate on those that are for your dog's age and size. Although some choose to feed their dogs table scraps, this isn't the best way to make sure that all of a dog's health needs are being met.
Be careful about what you feed your pet. Foods which are high in calories are ideal for growing puppies. However, adult dogs need less food and foods which are lower in calories to keep their weight under control.
Begin young when setting rule for your dog. Something which is cute as a puppy won't be as cute as he or she's bigger. Stop these complaints early. If your puppy partcipates in a behavior that you don't like, make certain it ceases right away. It is best to address this issue early.
Allowing your canine's bad behavior cannot continue. Dog's shouldn't be destroying furniture throughout the house. You encourage good behavior using the proper information. Remember the tips that you simply read here and teach your dog good behavior.
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Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
By: Katherina Emmons
Canine Care 101: Diet and Nutritional Requirements
Pet owners are responsible for the health, happiness, and well-being of their dogs. A balanced diet is at the very core of canine health because the right type of food eaten coupled with the right amount will boost the immune system of these faithful animals. There are many different brands of dog food being sold in pet stores and supermarkets today, but it is important for pet owners to be very discerning. Choosing the right food is critical to their pet's overall health.
There should be adequate support behind every claim from manufacturers that their product is "the best." It is up to pet owners to find out for themselves whether the brand offered suits their pet's nutritional needs. A dog's digestive system can be as fickle and sensitive as that of a human being. Sometimes, dogs don't take very well to frequent changing of dog food brands. Pet owners must realize that instead of trying things out and risking the dog's health (after all, it's the animal that has to adjust to the dietary changes) this is what they need to do. Responsible pet owners sit down and study the components of the product first and determine whether the nutritional content fit their dog's needs.
Typical dog foods contain a major protein ingredient that is incorporated with grains that serve as sources of carbohydrates and fiber. Nevertheless, gluten-a popular carbohydrate source used in dog food, can sometimes cause allergies in canines. This is a rare occurrence, but it could happen and when it does, your pet dog could suffer greatly. This entails that owners of dog breeds that are prone to certain ailments and sensitivity reactions must consult with their pet's veterinarian before deciding on a particular diet or dog food brand.
The key to ensuring good nutrition for your favorite canine friend and companion is learning about the daily requirements that suit a particular dog breed and size. Age is another important consideration. Very young puppies will have a different set of nutritional needs than adolescent or an adult dog. Generally, the recommendation from veterinarians is for dogs to have a daily diet that is composed of 70% meat and 30% filler. This may be the standard, but it can be adjusted based in the health status of the animal. What do we mean by this? If the dog is sick or prone to developing illness the meat allotment can be increased to meet increased needs. In the meantime, if the dog is older and packing excess pounds, owners must consider serving low fat meat such as turkey, chicken, and fish instead of beef.
Here's one more reminder about dog foods. The practice of feeding pet animals with commercially available food products has been around for many decades. However, some of the brands that are being sold today may contain low quality ingredients and a variety of harmful chemicals. Your pet deserves to be fed something that is also fit for human consumption. Make sure that every dish served to your canine companion is of the highest quality.
Dogs are man's best friend. They are a good stress reliever and they are faithful especially if you give them the best care. Find out more about dogs in my website www.bestdogfooddiet.com. Learn more about it and other topics like Homemade Dog Food Recipes
PROPER DOG GROOMING
GOOD DOG-OWNER RELATIONSHIP
Making your dog comfortable is the most important thing to do if you are interested in maintaining a happy relationship between your dog and you.
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Image from Dog trust
But the question is how and where do you start? This question have prevented many from keeping dogs and many more from having an expected happy relationship with their dogs, your ability to read this post from top to bottom will go a long way to give you just the information required to do that.
Have you ever seen a situation where a dog disrespects its owner? Where a dog become too sick to walk, where a dog eat everything it sees, where a dog continuously bark even when nothing strange is going on?
This problems are the problems faced mostly by poor dog-owner relationship and it can be prevented by following the right advice.
For a healthy relationship between you and your dog, you need to keep this in mind when deciding which breed of dog you want to buy.
image from sheknow
Some dogs like exercise and physical activities while others don’t, for you to choose a dog you have to consider your activities, do you have time for your dog? Or are you always busy at work. Feeding comes immediately after you have chosen a good breed of dog for you. Make sure you take your time to read the feeding guide provided for your dog.
A properly trained dog recognize the master as superior and respect and obey him/her. I can tell you that you can spear yourself all the disgrace and harassment you can face as a result of your dog if you train it properly.
But the question is how and where do you start? This question have prevented many from keeping dogs and many more from having an expected happy relationship with their dogs, your ability to read this post from top to bottom will go a long way to give you just the information required to do that.
Have you ever seen a situation where a dog disrespects its owner? Where a dog become too sick to walk, where a dog eat everything it sees, where a dog continuously bark even when nothing strange is going on?
Some dogs like exercise and physical activities while others don’t, for you to choose a dog you have to consider your activities, do you have time for your dog? Or are you always busy at work. Feeding comes immediately after you have chosen a good breed of dog for you. Make sure you take your time to read the feeding guide provided for your dog.
A properly trained dog recognize the master as superior and respect and obey him/her. I can tell you that you can spear yourself all the disgrace and harassment you can face as a result of your dog if you train it properly.
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