Yes, Your Dog Will Be Happier If You Use These Dog Grooming Tips
Most dogs handle their own grooming needs. But, you can offer a helping hand as necessary. If you do this, you will have many benefits to it. For example, it helps the two of you to bond. And, it allows for you to catch diseases or other health problems that can affect your pet. Cant get your dog to sit still long enough? Then, do a small portion of her each day. Eventually she will enjoy it and allow you to do it easily.
Dogs use licking, shaking and scratching to stay clean. If you brush them, you can help the fur to stay clean and unmated. Some dogs that have longer hair will require this attention daily. Others who have shorter hair can be brushed just once a week. Most dogs will enjoy the brushing. Others will not right off the bat. In order to help this process, use the brush in a small amount while talking soothingly to her. Afterwards, give her a treat for being good. Add a little more time on each time.
Dark specs on the skin can be fleas. In order to check for these types of problems, run your hands down here coat as you brush her. If you see quite a bit of black flecks, which are flea dropping, then you need to seek help for your animal right away. You may also notice rice like debris near her tail. These are a sign that the dog has worms. Again, you need to take your pet to the vet in this case as they will need treatment.
Just like you, your pet needs her teeth brushed daily. You can do this using a child sized toothbrush or just a finger toothbrush that is designed for your pet. The paste that you use should be one designed for dogs only. Your toothpaste can seriously make your dog ill. To help keep dogs teeth in tip top shape, give them rawhide chews to gnaw on. This helps keep teeth as well as gums healthy.
Youll need to do other types of grooming as well, but not as frequently. You should check ears and nails weekly or monthly. Look into your dogs ears. If you see small, black/brown specks, this can be ear mites. For nails, walks that are given on sidewalks as well as in the driveway can help to wear them down. Make sure, though, that the nails are not too long. You can learn from your vet the proper way to trim them to help the dog to stay healthy and to walk correctly. You should not trim them without getting some training though.
When Your Best Friend Gets Lost: Tips In Finding Your Dog
The dog is mans best friend, So, the saying goes. Dogs have proven to be loving and loyal companions of people. That is almost everyone owns at least a dog. From pitbulls to dachshunds to terriers, dogs are a part of the daily human lives.
But what happens when your pet dog gets lost? What if, one day, while you are strolling across a park quite far from your home with your Labrador, your pet suddenly gets lost? Do not resort to panic, as this would not help solve the situation.
The first rule when youre going out with your pet dog is never letting it out of sight. In short, do not let your dog pet to get lost. Although, The first rule is not to let the dog get lost. Although, sometimes, even dogs that are properly trained dog will look for ways to be free to roam around. In order for you to find it, here are ways.
- Check the various animal shelters in town. If your pet dog has not been claimed by others or picked up, leave a complete description of your dog with the animal shelter staff. Include your name and contact information. If possible, show a recent photograph of you and your dog. This is also a reason why the god license of your pet should be current and updated.
- Check in your vicinity all the pet shops and veterinarians. You could ask the staff or vet if somebody has reported a lost dog, and if the dog share the same characteristics with your lost dog.
- Post details of your dog along with your contact information in billboards or in areas where the dog might have gotten lost.
- If possible, place an ad in the local papers for your lost dog. Check also the Found classifieds. Check it daily. Youll never know when somebody turns up to say that he or she found a dog.
- Check in your neighborhood. Most likely, your dog could be somewhere here. Dogs do not go away far from their own homes.
- It would be easier and faster to find the dog if it has complete identification details, such as a name tag, identifiable collar, among others.
- Be sure you have your dogs current photo. Keep it at all times, just in case you need to show what your dog looks like.
Taking care of your dog is like taking care of a dear friend. Show your concern to the dog, and it will return back the favor.
Tips to Help Your Dog Sleep Through the Night
Barking. Whining. Destructing furniture. Your hyperactive pooch’s lack of sleepiness may be the cause of your restless nights.
Though most dogs sleep from 10 to 14 hours a day, some tend to be off schedule with your sleep time due to lack of routine, hyperactivity or anxiety.
Pluto Pet, maker of natural supplements for pets, offers the following tips to help your dog – and you – have a restful night.
* Make sure your dog gets well-balanced meals. The first step to healthy sleep is a healthy diet. According to the American Kennel Club, puppies need more calories and essential nutrients than adult dogs. For this reason, you should choose foods specially formulated for puppies. Adult dogs should be fed according to their size and energy needs.
* Give your pet a relaxing supplement. To quickly and effectively calm your canine down, some veterinarians suggest giving your dog a calming product, such as Pluto Pet’s Pet Calming Spray. After two to four squirts in your pet’s mouth, Pet Calming Spray relieves restlessness, fear, nervousness and aggression, helping antsy pets sleep throughout the night. The spray meets all Food and Drug Administration guidelines for good manufacturing practices and causes no negative side effects.
* Provide your canine with an exercise routine. Help your pooch get rid of pent-up energy. Walk your dog at least twice a day and make sure you set aside time to play every day. Just like with humans, exercise helps dogs stay healthy.
* Set a bedtime. Put your dog to bed at a designated time every night. This will help your canine companion conform to your sleeping schedule. Make sure you give your pet the opportunity to go to the bathroom right before bedtime.
* Create a comfortable sleeping area. Provide your dog with a blanket, towel or pillow to sleep on. Whether your pet sleeps indoors or outdoors, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that enclosed areas, such as dog crates or dog houses, give many pets a sense of security and a sleeping spot to call their own.
Tips On Choosing The Best Dog Tracking System
Dogs are mans best friend, and this is not an understatement. This is because man and dogs find things that they can both enjoy such as playing, wrestling, running, and even hunting.
There are people who bring their dogs along whenever they are out for a hunting activity. They do this because they find their dogs company during hunting a worthwhile inclusion.
Moreover, there are dogs that are also adept in hunting activities especially those that were trained for specific types of hunting activities.
It is for this reason that certain devices were created in order to help hunters monitor the activities of their dogs. An example of these devices is the dog tracking system.
Basically, a dog tracking system is a device that is used by hunters to track the activities of their dogs while they are out hunting. These tracking systems are typically used to monitor dogs on their location, their current activity, or to check whenever dogs have already gotten its prey.
So, for people who are not aware of how dog tracking system works or why they are so important for some people, heres a list of some facts regarding this marvelous device.
1. Dog tracking systems are used mainly by hunters like coon hunters, upland bird hunters, hounds men, etc. They use this system in order to monitor their dogs that are out on the field.
2. This particular tracking system is also used whenever the hunters can no longer see their dogs because of distance or terrain.
3. Dog tracking collars are great alternatives when hunters can no longer use their dog bells or their beeper collars.
4. With dog tracking collars, they can easily spot their dogs and call their attention. Best of all, dog tracking collars are also applicable in tracking numerous dogs in a certain hunting activity.
5. There are some dog tracking systems that allow the handler to verify or find out what the dog is doing. All they have to do is to use some performance systems that are included in the collar.
In this way, the handler can tell if the dog is currently walking, if it has stopped, if it is barking at something, or if it has already caught its prey.
Moreover, dog tracking systems are not only for hunting purposes. There are people who can make use of this device whenever their dogs are lost.
With dog tracking system, hunting can be fun for both dogs and their handlers.
Tips On Buying A Dog
Beware Of The Impulse Buy
It is hard to resist the appeal of a puppy in a pet shop window, especially if it looks a little bit sad and wistful. These pups have already had a change of home and often a long journey from their original breeder. Even though they may appear well, they could be carrying infections which may cause problems later on after you’ve taken the puppy home. A reputable pet shop should have the pups vaccinated by a veterinary, who will provide a certificate of inoculation.
A Careful Choice
Whenever possible visit the home of the breeder, or the owner of the bitch. You will be able to ensure that your pup came from a clean and healthy home, and also see what the mother is like, and maybe the father too. When I’ve purchased a dog for myself, I’ve always been lucky enough to see both parents which is very re-assuring.
Beware Of Buying From A Newspaper Advertisement.
Be particularly careful about buying a pup through a newspaper advertisement, without seeing it first. As the old saying goes ‘buyer beware’ and this applies especially to all kinds of livestock. If your new dog is ill when it arrives, or quite unlike the promises of the advertisement, you may find it difficult to get any satisfaction. Even in the case of a money-back guarantee, it is very little compensation for the disappointment especially where there are children involved.
Buying From A Dogs Home.
You may decide to get a dog from a dogs home. You will have the satisfaction of feeling that you are saving a life and giving some unwanted pet a home. It is well to remember though that young dogs that have been straying for sometime may have become hard to manage. In the case of a bitch she may turn out to be in pup and you will find yourself saddled with rather more dogs than you can manage. Don’t just fall for the first dog that you see, talk to the officials at the home and try to find out the background of the dogs that you find the most appealing.
Choosing A Healthy Pup.
It is often difficult for a beginner to distinguish a healthy pup from a poor one – to them one attractive little bundle of fur looks very much like another – but really there is all the difference in the world. A healthy pup should be plump, but not have a swollen or blown-up stomach. Its skin should feel loose instead of seeming to stick to the bones. The coat should shine (unless its a wirehaired type) and of course be free from fleas or lice. The eyes should be bright and free from any sign of discharge. In addition it is wise to choose a pup which looks lively and readily comes to greet people. A timid pup may have a problem personality and be difficult to train. Finally, don’t be surprised if a reputable dog breeder wants to ask a lot of questions to find out if you are going to be a suitable person to own one of their pups.
Thank you for reading this article – I hope it has been helpful. I’ve based the information on my own dog buying experiences. Author – John Moore – Please use my link. http://www.pet-dog-cat.com
Tips In Choosing The Best Dog Breeders
Dog breeders could be found anywhere. However, buying the best-looking puppy in the pet store does not necessarily guarantee that you bought a pet with a top breed.
What are the different types of breeders? Which of them provide the best dog breeds?
1) Look for reputable breeders. Well known breeders know specific details about their specialized breed. They examine genetic diseases that are known to have physical and emotional impact on that breed, perform veterinary maintenance and sustain breeding records.
A breeder of good reputation will provide you with both the good and bad points about the breed you prefer. They offer useful advice and assistance to new dog owners.
You could spot a reputable breeder when they grant quality for the dogs they personally own. They would let you experience the kind of care they give the dogs and allow you to see where the dogs live.
Most outstanding breeders are not out to make money. They provide a written health guarantee with all the dogs they sell.
Majority of the reputable dog breeders belong to local or national breed organizations and clubs.
2) Avoid backyard breeders, puppy mills and pet shops.
* Backyard Breeders. These people have limited education about the breed standards. Commonly, backyard breeders do not maintain a regular check-up on the dogs diseases and genetic makeup. Usually, these people breed to make money and allows the dogs to leave without screening the present home of the dog.
* Puppy Mills. This is a term commonly used to describe a business that produces large quantities of dogs. Majority of the puppies born and trained in puppy mills do not usually follow a regular veterinary care and appropriate feeding they need. Puppy mills do not sell directly to the public. They only allow sale to pet shops, brokers and dog auctions.
There is no generic breed testing executed in puppy mills. The dogs born here have not been adequately socialized and trained. Most of the puppies are sold in large numbers at the age of 3 to 4 weeks that could later give the dogs emotional and health problems.
* Pet shops. Many pet shops grant guarantees. However, these guarantees last for only a year while majority of genetic diseases found in dogs materialize when the animal is over a year old. Most pet shops buy their dogs from puppy mills at a very young age for a cheap price. Young puppies that are not suitably socialized could cause behavior problems and poor health.
Finding the best dog breeder means your pet could last a longer life. Find a reputable breeder now and spare yourself from possible heartache.
Tips For Toilet Training Your Pet Dog
Toilet training your pet dog as early as possible is always a better idea. It always feels good to see your dog well trained and behaved; however this can only achieved with a fair amount of persistence and patience. Although dogs are supposed to be very clean animals; their animal instincts can drive them to relieve themselves wherever they find it convenient. This can be very frustrating for the dog owner and we know how it feels like to your have your floors and carpets soiled and messed when least expected. With a fair amount of training; your dog can be perfectly potty trained. Mentioned below are a few tips that will help you to toilet train your pet dog and in all probability you would no longer need that carpet cleaner.
Patience and Persistence
It is important to take note of the fact that the younger the puppy; the longer he may take to learn and get into the mode of habits that is being taught to him/her. Therefore; it is important to be patient and with a fair amount of persistence; your dog will gradually learn the rules and form toilet habits when trained on a daily basis. Remember, that every dog has his own individual learning curve. So, spanking your dog every time he makes a mistake is not going to solve the problem.
Get the pet dog into a mode of habit
Many animal behaviorists believe that by getting the dog into a habit mode is the key to perfectly toilet train your pet dog. It is therefore recommended that the dog owner takes the dog out every few hours as well as 30 minutes after he eats his meal. Choose a specific spot outside where you would be taking him on an everyday basis. Also, praise the pet now and then or when he obeys well. If however, he refuses to go outside; try again in 15 minutes. Gradually, he will understand that going out is a sign of going to the bathroom. Also, pay attention to the dogs body language. If he/she starts to sniff or circle around; it is a sign that they need to relieve themselves. Select a designated spot each time you notice that your pet dog needs to relieve himself and take him/her to that spot every time.
Learn how to react to accidents
Like mentioned above; every dog has its own individual learning curve. This learning curve is greatly affected by the pet owners reaction to the accidents caused by their pets. Each time the pet dog displays symptoms of relieving himself; call out his name or clap in order to distract his attention. Constant control on his activities will help you determine his/her behavioral patterns as well. Make sure that you dont vent out your anger or frustration on the pet dog if he does cause an accident. Carefully clean up the mess and ignore the dog completely while doing so. If he/she does try and approach the accident area; make sure you dont yell at the dog. Simply ignore the pet or he may not be able to bond with you. The key is to train the dog and not instill fear in him.
Confining the Pet Dog
At times confining your pet dog is the best approach towards their toilet training. Large crates or cages are used to confine the pet dog. A dog usually refrains from reliving himself at the spot where he sleeps or sits as they are essentially sanitary creatures. So whenever, Mother Nature calls; a dog would instinctively move out of the cage or crate in order to relieve himself. This gradually would become a mode of habit for him. However, it is important to ensure that the pet owner gets large sized crates and cages to confine the pet dog so that he/she has enough room to move about. This helps in creating a pattern that the dog will follow even after he is no longer confined to a crate or cage.
Use of repetitive Commands
The home owner would need to use a certain set of words for the dog repeatedly till the dog understands what exactly it is a sign for. So for example; if you take him outside; you could say go potty. Dogs have a keen ear and a sharp learning curve. They would gradually understand what exactly the owner is signaling at. Use of these commands on a regular basis is important so that your pet dog becomes familiar with it and would gradually start to follow them.
Keeping your pet dog happy
It is important for your pet dog to develop a bonding with the owner. This only comes with love, affection and care. Treat your dog to a feast once in a while and praise him every time he obeys your command or responds well to the training.
Tips For Taking A Road Trip With Your DogTips For Taking A Road Trip With Your Dog
Vehicles: With the possible exception of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a side car, I’ve seen practically every type of vehicle used for taking the family pooch on a road trip.
Below I review three of the best:
1.) Tom Rose of High Ridge, Missouri, had a Ford van he converted into a dog-friendly transport vehicle. By enclosing the back area, installing custom upholstery and a special air conditioning vent, he created an area in the back of the van where his dogs could ride in their crates and still stay cool.
The best thing about this set up was that on hot summer days, he could leave the diesel engine running (and the air conditioning too) and leave the dogs in the van for an hour or two, without the threat of overheating.
2.) If you’re travelling in an area with less extreme weather (like Los Angeles)… a pick up truck with a shell on the back is extremely convenient. I’ve installed sliding windows on mine, and put in hardware mesh so that the dogs cannot jump out, and nobody can get in. A light colored, fiberglass shell with cross-ventilating windows will keep the temperature in the back of the truck about equal to the outside ambient temperature in the shade.
If you don’t like to keep your dog in a crate, you can purchase a rubber bed liner that will make it comfortable for your dog to lay on. These usually run about $50, and can be purchased at the same places that install camper shells.
3.) A convertible Jeep. For obvious reasons, the Jeep Wrangler (designed originally for military use) is easy to clean after long trips, and the convertible nature of this vehicle allows you to leave your dog in the back while refueling or running into a gas station rest room, without worrying about your dog over-heating.
Products you can use to help keep dog mess in your vehicle to a minimum I came across this web site by a company called, Black Armor. Their web site is: http://www.black-armor.com/
You’ll find a number of products designed to protect the interior of your Car, Truck, or Sport Utility Vehicle from spills, stains, as well as premature wear. Many of these products:
- install and remove easily
- are unaffected by gasoline or oil
- clean and wipe easily
- are made of a tough, durable material that is non-skid to minimize the possibility of your dog getting tossed around.
- are guaranteed for a lifetime
- are made in the U.S.A.
You’ll also find that most are custom fit to the exact dimensions of your vehicle.
A gear bag to keep water, training equipment, and other dog related stuff is essential.
A Dog’s Life Web Site ( at http://www.dogs-life.com/travel.htm ) sells a nice product called the “Rollover Travel Pack & Bed For Dogs”. The pack is described as:
“- Perfect for on-the-go dogs and their owners, the ROLLOVER Travel Pack & Bed for dogs has a snap-on shoulder strap and built-in handle for easy carrying. The reinforced nylon pack-cloth construction will hold up over the long haul.
- Unbuckle the compact unit, and it unrolls to rugged storage pockets for everything your traveling dog will need– including dog food, water bottle, dog bowl and other necessities. Dogs can easily get dehydrated when traveling. Now the dogs water and bowl can always be in easy reach. And the insulating cushions inside the product keep your dogs cold water bottle cold longer, even on hot, sunny days.
- Fully opened, the ROLLOVER Travel Pack & Bed for dogs becomes a cushioned, fleece-topped travel dog bed with a water-resistant base for indoor & outdoor use. The thick polyester cushions also provide superior insulating qualities to keep dogs comfy, no matter what your destination.
- Now you’ve got a convenient way to help your dog feel “at home” with familiar things they can call their own.
- And at the end of the journey, the ROLLOVER Travel Pack & Bed for dogs is completely machine washable and dryable for easy care. Unlike other dog beds, the entire bed gets cleaned, not just the cover.
- Available in Small, Medium, Large and X-Large– comfortably sized to fit most dog breeds.”
(Check out their web site… they include a picture!)
Don’t forget to include a first aid kit for your dog, too!
Here’s a cool product for anyone who does a lot of outdoor camping/travelling with their dog: A first aid kit designed for both you AND your dog!
Called, “America’s first pet owner and pet first aid kit!” This don’t-leave-home-without-it product costs $32.95 and includes:
1 Blue clean-up mitt
1 First aid scissors, blunt tips
1 First aid forceps
1 Sterile eye wash (.5 oz)
2 Triple antibiotic ointment (1/32 oz)
2 After bite wipes (insect)
1 Adhesive tape (1 x 1 yd)
6 Gauze pads (2 x 2)
1 Self adherent bandage (3 x 5)
5 Cotton balls
4 Cotton swabs (3″)
1 Instant cold pack
1 Styptic pencil
1 Pair Latex gloves
1 Animal First Aid Guide
1 Human First Aid Guide
Seems like a good investment, to me! The web site URL is: http://commerce.friendlyproducts.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/onlinestore/pussnpooch.htm?L+friendly+voot6234+930023203
Additional Resources:
Travel Dog.com – http://www.traveldog.com/TD1999/resource/resour~1.htm
This site has a bunch of good resources you should read before embarking on your trip, including articles on choosing a kennel, travelling by car, and staying at a hotel with your pet. The site also has a number of resources for finding dog friendly beaches, camp grounds, events, kennels, parks, pet sitters, and pet transportation.
If you’re looking to purchase a wire cage for travelling with your pet, Foster’s and Smith have a variety for sale, and their return policy (if you don’t like it) is excellent!
If you’re looking to purchase a plastic crate, you can also find them at:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/fsstore/dir2.icl?SECID=6&SUBSECID=17&ORDERIDENTIFIER=ID9300203301401A7C02
Bringing a crate with you is practically a necessity if you’re going to be on a long road trip.
That’s all for now, folks!
Adam
Tips For Housebreaking Your Pit Bull Terrier Puppy Dog
House-breaking your Pit Bull puppy requires a lot of time, effort, and patience on the part of the owner. There is no set time-frame on when your puppy will be able to do this, or how long it will take, you just have to start a routine and stick with it until it is finished. Many owners lose patience with their dogs due to problems that often arise during the house breaking process. It is important to just work through them as they come, and to remember not to punish your puppy, but work through this process together.
Many things can be done along the way that will help make housebreaking faster and easier for you and your puppy. As with any type of training, you have to be consistent with the routine. Take your dog out at the same time everyday, or if you arent able to, make sure that someone else can. The puppy will soon learn when it is time to go, and eventually will know what is expected of him. You should have everyone else in the household alerted to the routine, and willing to help when needed. Sometimes it is helpful to keep a journal of your dogs habits, so that if they turn into a problem later, it will be easier to correct them.
You should also try to go outside with your puppy so that you can be sure he is going to the bathroom while he is outside, which will help avoid accidents while inside. If you are unable to go out with your puppy, he should be confined to one area such as a crate, or fenced in backyard, so that he can learn this is his space to go.
One thing that can interrupt the housebreaking process is irregular feedings. It is important that you feed your puppy the same amount at the same time everyday, and try to avoid giving him extra snacks and treats until he is successfully housebroken.
The most important thing when housebreaking your puppy is to be patient and understanding. He is going to learn overnight, and there will be messes along the way. You have to understand that this takes time, and try to maintain reasonable expectations of your puppy. It is important not to punish your puppy when that happens, rather just clean it up and accept it for what it is, part of the process. You will have a much better relationship with your puppy if you are patient with him as he grows.
Tips For Choosing The Right Dog For Your Family
Every family needs a dog, they are the perfect way to round out life at home. Kids love dogs and adults love dogs and lets face it they make for fantastic company. These are even the right animals to get you off your butt and exercising. Having to walk the dog each day is a great way to get yourself back in good health and good shape.
But what dog is the right one for your family? That is a good question, especially if you have other animals and children. Some animals are just not suited to be around kids or other pets. Pitbulls for example should not be owned if you have children. No matter how gentle and kind the dog seems to be, this is an unpredictable breed that you cannot depend on to stay kind and sweet. They can turn at any time and once they do, there is little that you can do. Every week there is another article in the papers about a deadly pitbull attack, you do not want this to happen to your family or neighbors so avoid pitbulls.
Labradors and retrievers make wonderful family pets. They are large and cuddly and sweet and always kind. These dogs are always tons of fun and energy and they are honest and loyal companions. When you have this kind of dog you will always get to feel safe and protected but also have the peace of mind knowing that your children will not get hurt by this animal at any time under any circumstances.
Dog truly are a mans best friend and once you have your very own you will know why this saying has survived for so many generations. Make your family complete by getting a dog that the whole family will be bale to bond with and enjoy.