Dog Skin Cancer: How to Protect Your Best Friend from an Untimely Death

By Keith Evans

For people who adore dogs, your furry friend is sort of a member of the family. You wish to take nice care of him and make sure his health is at optimal levels simply as you'd for your other relatives. Because dogs are coated in hair, you may not instantly detect skin changes or even smaller tumors, but these will be deadly things for a dog if they're left unchecked. Did you know that canines can develop dog skin cancer from being exposed to the sun simply like people can? Though they're covered in hair, they have areas like their paws and nose that are exposed.

Not all varieties of dog skin cancer are caused by the sun, however. There are dog melanomas and mast cell tumors which are lethal if they are not treated in time. Malignant melanomas are very fast growing tumors that are often exhausting to catch in time. They can unfold to the dog's organs rather rapidly. There are, after all, benign tumors as well.

Squamous cell carcinomas are another form of dog skin cancer which happens in the epidermis. They are typically caused from sun exposure. They do not unfold to lymph nodes, however they're terribly aggressive and can destroy tissue round the tumor.

Mast cell tumors happen within the mast cells of a dog's immune system. They are by so much the most common skin tumors that a canine will experience. Doctors don't grasp why these mast cell tumors develop, however it is thought that it might be linked to irritants on the skin.

Nobody wants to determine their beloved best friend fight dog skin cancer, however if you pay close attention to your dog's skin you'll be able to hopefully catch it early enough to be treated. Just as humans should check their bodies on a regular basis, you must do the same for your hairy friend. - 29895

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Choose Atlanta Dog Sitting Services: A Great Value In A Bad Economy For The Best Dog Care

By Michelle T. Cooksey

Even though a dog is a part your family, there are times that it makes more sense not to take the pet on a trip. If you do not take the pet on the trip you will need to make other arrangements for its care. While you might choose a kennel, you will find that Atlanta dog sitting services: A great value in a bad economy.

Taking a dog to a kennel can be a real hassle. The kennel can be expensive, especially if you need to be out of town for several days. It is also stressful for your pet and even at the best of kennels, there is the possibility of disease or parasites. In addition, there is the time that it takes to get the pet to and from the kennel. There needs to be a better way.

If you have considered a dog sitting service int he past but have hesitated because you think they may be expensive, consider this. Most people can save money when using a dog sitting service rather than boarding a pet. The savings can be anywhere from thirty to fifty percent off the cost of using a kennel. Hiring a pet sitter can actually save you money.

By hiring a pet sitter, your pet stays in its own home. In its own familiar settings with its own bed, food and water. Your pet will get individualized attention and never have to spend its nights in the kennel cages.

You will find that dog sitters are professionals that are insured and bonded. Additionally, most will gladly provide several references of satisfied customers. You will also find that the sitter loves animals, otherwise they are in another line of business very quickly.

In case of emergency, the pet sitter will contact you and get your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Before deciding to take your pet with you on a trip, there are some considerations you should take. Although you will probably enjoy the pet's companionship, how will the pet react to the trip?

Long car trips mean that they pet must take potty breaks in unfamiliar areas. This can be stressful for the pet. Flying means that the pet will be traveling in the unheated luggage area of the plane which can be very stressful for the pet.

If you are traveling with a pet, you will need to make sure that you are staying in pet friendly accommodations. Be sure that you know about any deposits that are required and if they are refundable. In addition, check to see if there are daily fees that you must pay for having a pet in your room. You also need to determine what your pet will be doing while you are involved in meetings, eating in restaurants or in other places where the pet cannot go.

Remember, Atlanta Dog sitting services are a great value in a bad economy. If your pet needs to stay behind when you travel, it is often best and the most economical choice. - 29895

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How To Get Rid Of Dog Fleas Guide

By Matt Adams

If dog fleas are ruining your life, and no doubt ruining the life of your dog, you need a plan to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Flea infestations have to be one of the most stubborn and frustrating things to deal with, but it is possible to rid your home and dog of these annoying little animals. To get your plan off to a good start, lets talk about the steps you will need to perform to be effective in killing fleas.

Before you make a plan, it's important to realize a couple of things. One, fleas on your dog are only about 5% of the total fleas in and around your house. Two, live fleas are also only part of the infestation - flea eggs, larvae and pupae will all be present, and even when all live fleas have been killed, those eggs, larvae and pupae will develop into more fleas over the next two weeks unless they are dealt with as well.

1 - Get rid of the fleas in your house - get as many fleas out of the house as possible, which means removing your dog while you are treating your house. Fleas live on and around the floors, in cracks and crevices, and on objects that your pet has been in contact with. Pick up any objects that can be washed, and launder these items using the hot cycle. This will include your pet toys, dog bedding, throw out any dog food that is in or around the dog bowl, your clothing, bedding, cushions etc. Any where it is possible for fleas to live, or lay eggs, needs to be cleaned.

Vacuum the whole house and any upholstered items REALLY WELL! Make sure to get underneath the bed. Vacuum out your car if your dog has been in the car. Then throw out the vacuum bag once you are finished, or flea eggs and larvae will hatch and re-infest. Clean your hard surface flooring with soap and water. Clean the floors in your garage, basement or patio if your dog has been in contact with those surfaces. Finally, with all animals and people out of the house, arrange to have a house flea treatment.

2 - Kill the fleas in your yard - at the same time that you have your house treated with an insecticide and IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) combination, you should have your yard and any other area your dog frequents treated as well. Fleas like heat and humidity, but don't like bright light, so make sure to get under decks and in cracks and crevices where they like to hide.

3 - Rid your dog of fleas - while your house and your yard are being treated, find a good place to give your dog a bath to kill the fleas that are actively on his coat. Give him a thorough bath with dog shampoo, making sure to start at the head and work backwards so that fleas don't simply migrate towards the head where they won't be submerged and killed. After your dog dries, make sure that all fleas have been killed by double checking with a flea comb. Now is a good time to wash the clothes you wore to wash your dog, in case any fleas were transferred during the flea killing bath.

4 - Kill fleas for the next 2 weeks to prevent re-infection - 2 weeks after the initial treatment, any fleas in the larvae stage which were impervious to the chemical treatment will now hatch and reinfest your home. After the initial treatment, make sure to follow up with vacuuming, floor washing, laundering and pet bathing regularly over the next two weeks, and your chances of catching young fleas before they have a chance to re-infest will be greatly increased. - 29895

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How To Train a Dog With Ease

By Jenash Muldavi

The day you bring your brand new puppy into your home for the first time is a joyous one; but it can also cause a lot of stress, especially if this is the first time that you've had a dog. You'll need to learn many things in order to be a good caretaker of your new dog.

The first thing you need to do is to ensure that your new pet feels loved and secure in their new home. Talk to your dog in a gentle tone of voice and be sure not to yell at them, even when they do something you don't like. Yelling at your dog can make them afraid of you and leave them with mental scars; they may never look at you quite the same again! As soon as you can after bringing home your new puppy, you should go to dog training classes.

There are a lot of good reasons to train your dog; and it's not only your new puppy that needs some training? You have a lot to learn too! You have to learn all about how to care for your new dog, as well as what not to do with your puppy.

You'll understand the need for training your puppy almost the minute you bring them home. Your new dog will be extremely energetic and will run all over the house, chewing on everything, possibly breaking things and peeing on the floor.

You'll learn a lot of useful things in dog training classes, such as which commands are the most effective and just as importantly, what tone of voice to use when giving your dog a command. You'll need to learn these things and practice them regularly? This will make your new dog a better behaved member of the family and while some puppy damage is almost inevitable, can prevent much of the damage your new dog may cause.

Every single day you will need to take your dog out for a walk. You will soon learn that you need to teach your dog to walk without pulling the leash and that it has to follow your directions.

There can be very serious consequences to being unable to control your dog while going for a walk? And a leash is necessary at all times, no matter how well behaved your dog may seem. Your dog will naturally want to chase squirrels and other small animals? Even into the middle of the street!

Traffic accidents are one of the major killers of especially dogs and often times it are because the owner can't control the dog with words and commands. That is why the training part is so vitally important in order to keep your dog from harm. - 29895

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How to Spot Common Dog Diseases

By Jennefer Poultson

Dogs are the best pets and we all enjoy our carefree time with them. There are times though that they fall sick with common dog diseases; and we must be aware of these to be able to handle the situation appropriately. Listed are several dog diseases and symptoms you will do well to watch out for for early detection and treatment.

Heartworms are parasitic worms that infect the canine's heart and lungs. Mosquitoes are the primary culprit of this particular ailment. Notice if the dog has cough or is showing unusual fatigue-- these are signs that he has contracted heartworm. If they are untreated, the dog's condition may worsen to congestive heart failure.

Parvovirus attacks the intestines of the canine and is considered one of the most fatal and common dog diseases for them to have. Dogs that catch this are usually those that are often in dirty and unsanitary places. Virus enters their system through fecal matter and its symptoms manifest quickly. If the canine have a decreased appetite, is vomiting, has severe bloody diarrhea and is lethargic, have him checked immediately. Parvovirus is a dangerous and fast acting disease which can cause death within a few days of contamination.

Another disease that is caused by a dirty environment is distemper. To date, no cure for it has been found yet and dogs that have this only have a 50% survival rate - even less for puppies. The symptoms of this include coughing, chest congestion, diarrhea and abnormal excretion in the dog's nose and eyes.

Rabies is a viral disease associated often with dogs even though other animals like raccoons, cats and bats also carry this disease. The nervous system of the dog breaks down when they become infected with rabies. First, the dog will have fever and its eyes will have slower reflexes. Afterward, they will display alarming and aggressive behavior. Eventually this will lead to the last stage which is the ultimate failure of the canine's motor abilities. Euthanize the animal immediately when they have rabies as others can easily be infected through contaminated saliva.

Bloat is a dog disease that happens when the canine overeats or consumes his food too fast. The animal's stomach becomes twisted and this traps gas as well as cuts off the blood supply needed. This is really painful for the dog and will frequently lead to a fast death. Be attentive during mealtimes that your dog doesn't eat too quickly or too much at once. Some indicators of this disease are dry heaving, restlessness and depression.

Findings show that a majority of dogs are inclined to be obese as they grow older. While obesity is not really fatal in itself, it is a complication to many medical conditions. Dogs that are too fat will suffer stress in their heart, liver and lungs. They will also be a high risk during surgery. A nutritional diet will benefit their over-all health.

The dog diseases and symptoms we have discussed will aid you to detect early on the ailment your dog may be having-- bearing in mind though, that preventive measures are always better to implement. Strong and healthy dogs exercise often, live in a sanitary environment and has a good diet. Visit the vet for check-ups regularly. - 29895

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Dogs Live Long And Healthy With Organic Pet Food

By Lee Reid

The concern to eat healthy foods seems to equally apply to humans and pets, since many animal owners prefer to buy organic products to feed their four-legged friends. One could be surprised at the large organic dog food offer available on the market. Just like for humans, there are unsurpassed health issues that one could put a stop to or prevent in the first place.

Thus, organic dog food will reduce the risk of the pet developing skin diseases and allergies. The reason for the positive health effect is the lack of pesticides, additives, colorants and other chemicals. Instead there will be just grain extracts and high quality proteins as ingredients of organic dog food.

Organic dog food also offers more nutrients, and this aspect is reflected in the most relevant of ways in the higher levels of energy and the healthy weight of the pet. Regular dog food is often behind diabetes and overweight with all the additional problems that accompany these illnesses: poor mobility, bone ailments and organ failure. What's the trick about organic dog food here? Well, organic food items for pets are free of bulk fillers, they are nutrient-packed products that create energy not fat deposits. Prevention of the disease is therefore the best situation.

The summary of the benefits brought by organic dog food are a good immune function and a better and healthier digestive system. While the chemicals in dog food often make the dog vomit or cause it diarrhea, such problems will no longer be the case with organic dog food. A healthy metabolism goes hand in hand with a healthy diet. Then, the quality of the nutritional substances in organic dog food boosts up the immunity functions eliminating the risk for infections and all sorts of specific diseases that affect dogs on a common basis.

All in all, veterinarian experts claim that with organic dog food, the life span of any animal can increase significantly, not to mention the fact that it will go a lot better through old age. Most of the time, pet owners that choose organic dog food, normally use organic products for their meals too. You can inquire about organic dog food with the pet food supplier, and if you don't find what you need with the local shop, try to order it online. There are plenty of web pages that sell such products at fairly decent prices. - 29895

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12 Things A Dog Owner Should Know

By Jill Brown

Not only does your dog require good behavior and discipline, but so does the dog owner. While dogs can be a lot of fun, caring for a pet isn't all fun and games, It's a lifetime commitment. Taking care of your dog is a big responsibility. Don't take it lightly.

As a dog owner, you are directly responsible for your dog. It's within your power to give your dog a healthy and happy life. Don't take this responsibility lightly.

Learn these 12 rules to be the best dog owner you can be:

01. Obey all laws concerning your dog. Get your dog the proper license and vaccinations. Follow the leash laws and always clean up after your dog.

02. Try to spend at least a half hour or more per day playing with your dog. You don't want him to feel lonely.

03. Be informed about neutering and spaying before you make this important decision.

04. Don't forget to take your dog on regular visits to the vet. Yearly checkups, dental exams and vaccinations are all important.

05. Your dog need lot's of regular exercise. Give him at least thirty minutes a day. He'll love you for it too.

06. Make sure your dog has the proper ID's and papers. Get him an ID tag and a proper license. Get him chipped too so you can find him easily if he gets lost.

07. Your dog loves you so much. Try and return the favor. Be a best friend to your dog and let him know how much you love him. Don't punish, beat or hurt your dog. Always treat your dog with love and kindness.

08. Be sure to always clean up well after your dog. This will decrease the chances of infection and illness.

09. Groom your dog several times a week. Grooming is a great way of bonding with your dog.

10. Make sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition. Give him the best food you can afford.

11. Teach you dog to get along well with other animals and people. Take him to the park several times a week.

12. Your dog needs and wants training. Giving your dog the proper training will let you know how much you care for him.

Hopefully, these simple rules for dog owners will help you to be a better dog owner. Be a good owner and your dog will be a good pet. - 29895

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How a Pet Can Make You Happy

By Tukakir Hellaos

If you are in a busy mall, do some people catch your attention without them trying hard to do so? At the office, do you come face to face with individuals who have this wonderful aura that makes you feel envious? How about seeing individuals in the park who have smiles in their face throughout their stay there? Do you want to know the secret behind their glow? It doesn't have to be a mind-boggling question. Most probably, the cause for their state of bliss is their pet.

Yes, believe it or not, owning a pet can bring wonders to an individual's life. This premise is made more applicable with the ongoing economic crisis that everyone is facing today. With all the bad news hogging the newspaper these days, it is not so hard to go with the flow and feel glum. However, if you have a nice distraction, specifically an animal to bond with upon waking up early in the morning and after office house, you will feel much more alive and good natured.

There have been many studies conducted that can prove the efficacy of a pet's presence in the outlook of an individual. This is actually the reason why numerous hospitals and nursing homes employ pets in their therapy sessions with the patients.

The following paragraphs spill the reasons why pets can make a person feel blissful. Read on.

First of all, pets have this uncanny ability to make their owners feel good about themselves. Most pets are actually smart and responsible which makes them such a wonderful companion. They are also not ashamed to show their affection so their owners enjoy cuddling them. Unlike other people who are not content with what you give them, pets are already happy if you have met their basic needs. Just give them their food, water, dog house, quality time at the park and regular visits to the veterinarian and they will thrive. Pets do not throw temper tantrums regularly and they don't bug you at the office through phone calls or electronic mails. They are content to wait for you until you come home.

Second, pets can amplify your sense of self-esteem. You may ask how this is possible. Well, since you are the sole person responsible for their well-being, you feel like you have a purpose in life. Having a purpose in life can boost your ego, thereby increasing your self-esteem a few notches higher. This wonderful transformation will be seen by the people surrounding you. In the workplace, your boss and officemates will comment about your unique disposition. Your parents, siblings and friends will also feel that you have changed for the better, albeit in a subtle manner. Your face will glow with happiness that is a mere reflection of how elated you feel inside.

Third, a pet will gain you new friends. People gravitate towards other people who carry with them their dog, cat, rabbit or pigeon in the park. It will improve your social networking skills. Remember that there are a lot of topics that can be broached when one is in the company of an animal. From their needs to their quirks, you will not be at a loss for something to talk about with a total stranger.

Are you ready to gain the perks of possessing a new pet? Well, wait no more. Head to the nearest animal store and get one now. - 29895

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Guidelines for Crate Training Puppies

By Pat Richardson

I have owned dogs all my life, and one thing that I have recently learned that crate training puppies can be really helpful, and save a lot of stress when you are housebreaking your puppy.

When you decide you are going to crate train your puppy you need to make sure that you buy the correct size crate - he needs to be able to stand up in it (at adult size) and move around. The metal crates are the best.

One thing that you need to make sure of is that you buy the right size crate for your puppy. He must have enough room to stand up and to move around. The metal crates with a door at one side are the best ones to go for - they are nice and strong.

So to get your puppy used to a crate you need to put in a treat and let him walk in and investigate it. Do this a few times, and then when he seems quite happy walking in and out, and he is concentrating on his treat, you need to close the door. This is just for a few seconds the first time, then open it again.

When he is totally relaxed with this you need to move onto the next stage which is closing the door for a few seconds. So when his attention is on the treat, close the door whilst praising him quietly. No more than 20 seconds though. Let him out and give him a pat, no praise, just a little pat. Repeat this often and gradually increase the length of time the crate is closed. Don't do it for so long that he gets upset though.

To start off with crate training your puppy, put a treat into his crate and praise him when he goes in to the crate to investigate. Do this several times, always praising him. Then you need to close the door for a few seconds - telling him quietly that he is a good boy while you are doing it. It's probably best to do this while his attention is on the treat. Gradually increase the length of time that the door is closed, but always stay next to it at this stage of crate training.

In no time at all your puppy will be totally used to going into his crate, and you will be able to leave him in there for upto an hour if you need to go out without him.

Try not to leave a puppy any longer than this, as their bladders are not very strong when they are young, and you don't want him to make a mess in his crate. As he gets older and is properly house-trained, you will be able to increase this time a little.

Your puppy will love his crate and feel totally safe and secure in it. An added advantage of having a crate trained puppy is that is you do need to go out you can be sure that he will be relaxed and happy in his crate, so long as he has a blanket or bed and a few toys to amuse him. Often when a puppy is left alone he will become anxious and this is when he is likely to start chewing, barking and making a nuisance of himself. So if you don't want to come home to a destroyed house (it's surprising how much damage a small puppy can do when he is stressed), then all of your crate training will be a real asset, as he just will not feel anxious or stressed because he knows you will be coming back to him, as you always do. - 29895

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Dog Training Courses: Getting Started

By Neil Langston

If you are keeping a dog as pet, it is quite likely and natural that you want the best for your dog and expect also best input from your dog. This is a good reason to wish to train a dog some manners and maneuvers. At times, you come across the difficulty of understanding why your dog behaves in a certain way as it does, and you feel totally baffled.

But there are still miscommunications which seem to be your failing- you just can't figure out what your dog is trying to tell you. This is the time to bring in the experts, but professional dog trainers and dog behaviorists are expensive. Happily, with a little guidance -you- are the very best trainer your dog can have.

The good news for a do it yourself aspiring dog trainer is all the online resources available on the internet.Most of the content is about personal experiences with training dogs and the trick they are willing to share with you.These online dog training courses can be downloaded easily.

You can decide to train your dog following step by step procedures.Online dog training courses best feature is the easy sign up.All you have to do after signing up is download,read and apply what you learned to your dog's training.

So, you love your dog and thinking of some training course to get the best productivity from him but do not want to spend too much on it. Do not worry, here comes the less expensive online dog training courses from pets focused web sites.

Don't deprive your pups of the chance to be a productive member of your family. Save money and time with online dog training courses! - 29895

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Stop Your Dog From Digging Up Your Garden - 4 Great Ways To Get Your Garden Back

By Remco van Reenen

Gardens are the best playground for dogs. The ground is soft and full of rodents or moles and other creepy crawlies. Of course you should stop your dog from digging in the garden by all means, but do give him something else to do or somewhere else to dig.

Gardens are a wonderful playground for dogs. They can't resist digging up moles and rodents, and especially the smell of some roots drive them crazy and they will dig until they find the source of the scent.

Here are a few practical tips to keep him from digging:

1. If your dog starts digging while you are working in the garden, ensure that your garden hose is fitted to a sprinkler. When your dog starts digging around where you work, quietly turn on the tap and scare him with a burst of water. Do this a few times while you are outside with him. He will quickly realize that digging means a burst of water from sprinkler. It's not you, but the sprinkler who is correcting him. This is good because you do not want your dog to see you as the one who is spoiling his fun.

2. If your hose does not do the trick then you can always invest in a good long distance water pistol. You need to follow your dog around the garden while he is digging in various places. Aim at it's head, taking care not to squirt too much water into his eyes. As soon as he starts digging, squirt onto his head. Do not say anything, just keep on squirting every time he digs. Here again he will think it's the water telling him to stop and not you.

3. Does your dog seem hyperactive or does he chew destructively? He could be bored and then he could be digging without really chasing anything. You need to take him out of his surroundings for a least an hour to two hours a day. Dogs need change of sights and smells to stimulate them mentally. Try to build up a sense of expectation in your dog for his long walks with you. He will tend to rather wait to get out than dig up your flowers.

4. Lastly, try giving him his own patch of garden to dig and play in. Make it attractive for him by burying treasures like toys and bones in his area. Get excited when you show him how to dig them up. This will become a really nice way to Stop your dog from digging in the garden, as he will discover his own playground is much better fun than yours. - 29895

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Did A Group Of Poker Playing Dogs Help Bring Poker Out Into The Light

By Thomas Kearns

Most of you will instantly recognize the series of paintings titled Dogs Playing Poker created by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge. Mr. Coolidge was born into a family of Quaker farmers who were very much into abolition and was named after one of the most eloquent orators of the time who was given the resounding nickname of "The Lion of White Hall. Coolidge, nicknamed "Cash" by friends and relatives, did not receive any formal training in the arts, but was nonetheless a prolific artist, publishing his drawings in papers before reaching the ripe old age of 20.

The paintings along one of his favorite themes, mastiffs and Saint Bernards engaged in the activities normally attributed to humans, began with a commission in 1903. Well-bred and well-behaved dogs drink alcoholic libations, smoke cigars and pipes, and play five-card draw poker in nine out of sixteen of the paintings. Generally they are pictured as furry masculine types in fur coats or warm suits sitting around a table in a cozy room with the only source of light being a lamp above the table.

These reasonably well-behaved gentlemen are members of an established, respectable class of town folk, who though certainly not stodgy, are quite proper enough. If you can conjure up Sergio Leone's movie "Once Upon a Time in America," you are in the right time period. But the artist is not focusing on the greed and dark violence of the illegal underground clubs depicted in Leone's movie. He allows poker to come out of the darkness of all this into a more wholesome, mainstream faction of society where decent folk who may be wagering on a game, are certainly not into it for more than a few token pennies, and are indulging in a rare sip of whiskey and small pipe or cigar while their wives are away. By this time, poker was becoming a respectable and common pastime for most American males. It was no longer viewed as just as way to make a quick, risky and dangerous buck.

As early as 1875, respectable persons attended major night-time poker sessions. At least one monthly, Poker Chips, was dedicated to the game and most periodicals published related articles. At the turn of the century, unified rules for draw-poker were for the first time spread among all poker clubs. Reporters suggested that baseball had ceased to be the national game.

Little by little, the skills at poker and skills at using a weapon were becoming the premier attributes of many a manly man. If a man had the ability to play a good game of poker, he was considered also to be a fine soldier, sheriff, law man of any persuasion and a solid, honest political leader as well. As a matter of fact, in World War I in Europe in 1918, poker was the most enjoyed form of entertainment among the troops and of one Harry Truman. Truman actually greatly enhanced his own skill at draw and stud poker as an artillery officer. Upon the signing of the peace treaty, while the troops were awaiting their transport home orders, Harry T. and his troops whiled away the time playing endless hands of poker. A habit they continued well after arriving at their homeland.

At that time, the prevailing view was to equate the ability to take risks at the table, to bet big, play smart, and bluff, (profitably, of course!) to the ability to survive in battle, in dangerous occupations like law enforcement, or do any job requiring a good brain and strong muscles.

Coolidge had ample opportunity to observe the types, the clothes, the cards, and the basement clubs where games were regularly held. Adding a vivid touch of anthropomorphic humor, he created memorable representations of the middle class enjoying a game by then at least 200 years old. - 29895

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How to do Dog Potty Training

By Paul J James

Regardless of how cute your puppy is when you bring him home, resist the temptation to delay dog potty training until later. Even very young puppies can be potty trained successfully.

A Crate

A puppy crate is a very helpful tool for dog potty training. A crate gives your dog his own "space" that he won't want to soil particularly at night. Be sure he given plenty of opportunity and encouragement to go potty before he's crated.

Choose The Right Food

You may be tempted to buy cheap dog food, but you will most likely regret it in the end. Cheap dog foods are full of fillers. Since the fillers can't be digested and processed into fuel, they pass through your dog's digestive system causing gas and creating large amounts of stool. Higher quality dog foods do not have as much filler so your dog passes much smaller stools

A Standard Schedule

Establishing a schedule for your puppy from the beginning will go a long way toward potty training him. Feeding should be done at the same times every day followed by taking him outside to relieve himself about 15-20 minutes after he eats. He should also be given the opportunity to go outside after naps and immediately upon being removed from his crate in the morning.

Clear Communication

Establish words that your dog can learn to associate with relieving himself. Use that word consistently to avoid confusing him. It's also important to learn your dog's signals that he needs to go outside; restlessness, sniffing around (especially in places he may have had an accident at some point) or going to the door can all be signals that your dog needs to go.

Reinforcement

When your puppy does well, praise him. Using the word he's come to associate with elimination, "good boy to go potty outside" will help him strengthen the connection between going potty and being praised.

Successful dog potty training requires patience and persistence but the pay off is well worth the effort. Well mannered dogs are a joy both to their owners and those around them. - 29895

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Simple Dog Crate Training

By Matthew Roberts

One of the most essential steps you can do for your pup while it is a puppy is to set its boundaries and limits. In other words, your puppy will need obedience. This will not only assist your pup as it grows older, but you will also have a much simplier time preparing him now than later.

There are numerous valuable ways to correct a dog and one of them is crate guiding. Crate instructing is a awfully effective method to educate your dog where to go potty. By keeping your puppy crated, it will hold a association to it's "home".

Some trainers say to designate a particular time to remove the dog from it's crate and guide them to an region that you require them to complete their business. Do this over and over again and your pet will recognize that there is simply one location that it is allowable to go potty.

Make certain the crate is large enough for your dog. You puppy ought to be able to stand, lay down, sit and turn around without any trouble. You want the puppy to feel as comfortable as achievable and to like his dwelling. When your dog enjoys his surroundings he will not aim to untidy it up with its poop.

The type of puppy crate you decide really is a individual choice. There are pros and cons to each type. A wire pet crate is very strong and offers your dog excellent viewing and airing. Your pet will feel less caged in then the rest as it is exceptionally open.

A plastic crate is also solid however does not present the visiblity of ventilation of a wire crate. Plastic crates are great for transporting your puppy. A soft crate is the most transportable and lightest. It is best used while traveling and if space is a fear. These crates can be straightforwardly folded consequently it doesn't take up a good deal room.

For puppy instructing any one of the assorted types will be adequate, although a wire crate may offer the top in contentment and visibilty. But whatever crate you decide, it is best to find a crate on the bigger size.

It is best to teach your puppy beginning at a very young age. It may take a little sweat on your part, however it will in reality save you time and also your sanity if you start training them whilst they are very young. A small work at this point will make you and your pet especially happy campers. - 29895

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Dog Potty Training

By Helen Carswell

If your dog is already an adult then it will be hard to let him undergo dog potty training. The suggested time to do dog potty training is when your dog is still a very young puppy -8 months old to be exact. Adult dogs cannot learn new things so it would be better for dog owners to start their dogs early when it comes to being housebroken.

Dog potty training rule no.1 is the 15 minute break. Once your dog eats, you as the owner have to wait a mere 15 minutes for your dog to produce poop or pee or both if he had solid and liquid intake. This takes a lot of patience yes, but it is necessary to save you from cleaning poop all the time.

Dog potty training rule no.2 is to get your dog to take a walk with you in your yard for example once the two of you are already awake. By that time, your dog will want to poop. After his breakfast, wait 15 minutes and go to the backyard once again and let him do his business there. Dogs have a crazy metabolism, after their afternoon nap, they also have to poop and pee so taking your dog outside after his nap is also suggested.

The third rule is to praise your dog once he or she poops in the yard. Your cheery voice will send a signal to the dog's brain that he or she just made you so happy and your dog will surely do his or her pooping in the yard more frequently.

Rule 4 is to let your dog eat when you have the time to take a walk. When it comes to water intake for your doggie, control his water intake when he is still untrained but be sure to have a lot of time in your hands because dogs need to be hydrated too.

If your dog is still not potty trained this becomes a big problem during summertime because dogs need to drink lots of water to keep their body at the right temperature. You can save cleaning time by having your dog learn how to tap on something or maybe ring a bell when he needs to pee. What needs to be done in this case is before you bring your dog to his peeing area, make him ring a bell. Do it every time you two go out so that he will make it into a routine. This will greatly help you get a tip off that your dog is about to go.

Rule number 5 will be a bit difficult for puppy and dog lovers but it has to be implemented. Once your dog had a poop accident i.e. pooping in a prohibited space, ignore your dog and clean up his mess as quietly as possible. Punishing or yelling your dog will not make him learn it will only confuse him. For some dogs, you yelling or being mad might be a bit amusing because hey, they cannot understand your language!

Keeping your pet with your when you two are in the house is rule no.6. Doing this will prevent any of those untoward pooping and peeing accidents and it will also strengthen your bond with your dog. Good luck on your potty training! - 29895

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Learn How to House Train a Dog

By Matt Bournston

If you're looking for information on how to train a dog, then I'm glad you've found this article. The aim of this article is to give you clear and concise information about how to train your dog. The article is split into three sections to make things easy for you.

House Training a Dog - The First Step to Take

Before you begin the proper training, it's worth first of all taking some time to observe your dog's natural habits. If you can spot a pattern, then this could be really useful information later on, so make a note of it.

By doing this, you may be able to get to the root of why he/she has accidents at certain times. For example, you may notice that he/she only has accidents when you're away from the house for long periods.

The Reason Why Dogs Have Accidents

A number of different factors can be the reason why your dog has accidents. For example:

* When it gets upset. For example, when it hears thunder.

* Sometimes dogs will sneakily soil inside the house as a way of avoiding going outside in bad weather.

* If your dog only soils in the house whenever you are away, then this could be a sign of separation anxiety. To solve this problem, it could be just a case of taking it out for more walks and generally giving it more attention when you are around.

How To House Train A Dog

The most essential factor when training your dog is in establishing a clear toilet place and routine. Take the dog on a leash to the outside toilet area at regular times throughout the day. If it does its business in the designated area, then give it a treat and make a fuss of it.

However, if your dog fails to soil in its designated area, then take the dog back inside the house and repeat later. If you spot any dog mess in the house, then one option is to restrict the dog to a smaller number of rooms. Continue to take the dog outside at regular times, and eventually it should understand where its regular toilet place is. - 29895

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Small Dog Syndrome - Does Your Small Dog Control You?

By Sally Alexander

Small dogs are little canines usually with big personalities. However, they can also become big problems if you don't train them the way you should. If you let them, they can develop what is called small dog syndrome.

Spotting a dog that has small dog syndrome isn't difficult. All you have to do is look for the overly aggressive, extremely yappy, and overly protective pooch.

The size of a small dog makes it better able to get away with bad behavior much more easily than a large dog. After one bark from a huge dog, the owner will probably want them to stop, but with a small dog they can easily keep yapping and yapping and be ignored.

Many owners don't see their dogs as pets, but as babies. Small dogs have a great reputation of being adorable and loving little creatures. Owners that treat their dogs like babies will often pick them up when they do something wrong and coddle them.

Their cuteness and cuddliness makes it understandable why many owners let them act out of control. It's easy to let them continue to bark like crazy when someone enters your house.

When you have your dog on your lap you may find that it is extremely protective of you and will not let anyone else come close to you. This is them owning you. Since you are supposed to be the owner, it is not acceptable behavior.

Why do they act this way? Is it because of their size? A dog acts like this because it is allowed to act like that. If it was trained not to and not allowed to continue the bad behavior it would no longer be acting like a tiny terror.

Small dog syndrome is not permanent unless you continue to let them get away with it. With consistent training and discipline your dog will learn it can't act that way, and become a happier and better behaved companion. - 29895

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Socializing Your Pooch Properly

By Derrick Sandkel

Dogs are a lot like human beings. They love to interact with just about anyone. You would actually be quite amazed at the way they take to different animals, such as other dogs, or even reptilian creatures. Of course this isn't the same for all dogs. You will find that some dogs are very hostile, even to their own species. It's strange, but it is quite factual. Like people, all dogs are different.

When you love animals, you can appreciate the value in having more than one puppy or dog as a pet, regardless of their type of breed. When you have more than one dog in the house, it can be somewhat difficult to keep a clean house. Canine territorial conflict is not pretty and can destroy a house as well as stress you out. Take the instance of walking your dog at night and a rival dog wanders by your property. It may not be as simple as merely strolling back into the house.

This type of situation calls for dog training or training a puppy to be social. Dogs are similar to children, since they learn so easily if you take time to teach them to behave properly. Things are so much easier to learn as a child. While your dog is, a puppy is the best time to help them distinguish between friend and foe. They are trying to learn and you should take advantage of that situation early on.

When you only plan to have one dog, you need to introduce it to other dogs while it is a puppy. This helps the dog understand that not all dogs are its enemy. You also need to touch and pet the puppy in order for it to become used to being touched. This makes for a friendlier dog, while reducing the chances of biting.

Make sure you have and keep a tight grip on the leash, when you introduce your dog to other dogs, at least until you are positive that they will not fight one another. It may seem controlling, however, it is your job to teach the puppy right from wrong as well as keep it safe from harm.

Puppies and dogs love to play, which includes biting, jumping and shoving one another. However, you can teach them not to do such things. They do these things while playing with one another; it is part of their nature. You just want to be sure that they are not really, hurting one another while playing together. Another distraction is having your dog or puppy jump on you continually, whether or not it is a lap dog.

Barking is a part of the nature of a dog or puppy. However, it can be nerve racking when a dog continually barks. Teach the dog not to bark continually by distracting it with a doggie treat. Keep trying even if it does not work the first few times, the dog will learn to stop barking, if you only give it a treat while it is being quiet. Using this method repeatedly will help you teach your dog to bark only when necessary.

One method of teaching a dog to be quite, and it's going to sound strange, is to put them on their back and yell in their faces. Okay it's not going to look good if someone walks by and sees it, but many professional dog trainers use this method. Also remember that if you have rescued an animal from either the street or an animal shelter, because they probably have not been taught from an early age. That does not mean it's impossible to train them however.

Take the time to train a puppy early. Doing so will make a much better pet of your dog or puppy. You will be able to enjoy your pet for years to come if you remember to do these things while dog training. - 29895

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High Rated Pet Care Insurance

By Barry Mcgee

If, like so many other devoted pet owners, you've decided that pet care insurance is an option you wish to explore to ensure the continued and excellent care of your beloved pet, then you're undoubtedly wondering how to go about wading through the sea of pet care insurance companies out there. One of the best things you can do to assuage your worry is to learn--with the help your veterinarian, the Internet, and other pet owners,--what the highest rated pet care insurance companies are.

What are the markings of a highest rated pet care insurance company? Many reputable, trustworthy companies have been around for many years-perhaps even before the pet insurance fad got underway. However, as the pet insurance trend continues to grow, the competition could become stiff, with more companies emerging and offering great rates for better services.

While there is no official rating system for pet insurance, a simple web search will yield several websites that will allow you to do multiple side by side comparisons of pet insurance companies and plans. Some of these websites also offer pet care insurance clients the opportunity to chime in regarding the quality of the companies they've used or are using.

You'll usually find the good, the bad, and the ugly on these sites, and while you can't trust everything you read on the Internet, a number of good or bad comments regarding a certain company should tip you off as to whether or not you would be making a wise investment.

In the midst of tragedy-be it your beloved dog being hit by a car, your cat being diagnosed with cancer, or your bird eating a poisonous plant-the last thing you need is to be further drained by having to deal with red tape, incompetence, or misleading fine print from a disreputable pet insurance company. Taking the time to find and do business with one of the highest rated pet care insurance companies is insurance unto itself-insurance that allows you to breathe easy and get down to the more important things in life, like spending more quality time with your finned, feathered, or furred family members! - 29895

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Methods To House Training Puppies

By Cecil Taylor

It takes more than a few stacks of newspaper to house train a puppy. Patience, commitment, paying attention and consistency are needed.

By following the steps listed below, the chances of accidents in the house will decrease. Expect your puppy and dog to have an accident occasionally. This is just part of having an inside animal.

Being consistent in the training will teach your puppy the behavior faster. Training can take several weeks or longer so be patient.

Set up a routine.

As with babies, puppies learn faster with normal schedules. This helps the puppy learn that there is a time for going to the bathroom, playing and eating.

For every month of age, a puppy can control their bladder for an hour. So, if the puppy is two months old, then he can control his bladder for two hours. Remember this when taking your puppy out for potty breaks. Hiring a dog walker might be necessary if you work away from the home to keep the schedule.

Your puppy needs to taken outside when he wakes up, after he eats or drinks, and during or after playtime. Use the same spot each time you take him out and make sure to use a leash. Teach him to associate words like "go potty" with using the bathroom. Use the words while he using the bathroom.

Rewards are one way to teach your puppy. When he has finished using the bathroom praise him or give him a treat before he goes back into the house.

Using a regular feeding schedule will help with the bathroom schedule. Normally, puppies will eat three or four times a day. Feeding him at the same time every day will make him more consistent when potty training.

To keep your puppy from needing to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, put his dishes up about two hours before bedtime. If he does wake up in the middle of the night, stay calm, so he won't think it is time to play. Don't turn on a lot of lights or play with him. Take him outside and then go back to bed.

Manage.

While your puppy is in the house, watch him so he will not have an accident.

Keep your puppy near you using a six foot leash if you are not playing with or training him. Some signs that he may need to use the bathroom include scratching at the door or barking, restlessness, circling or sniffing. If you see your puppy acting like that, take him outside immediately. After he uses the bathroom, reward him with praise or a treat. - 29895

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Why a Dog Health Diagnosis Gives You Peace of Mind

By Jennefer Poultson

Your dog is more than your pet. He is your best friend, companion, and protector. When he is not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is worry that there is something seriously wrong. Therefore, off you go to the veterinarian for a dog health diagnosis.

This really should be done on a regular basis instead of waiting until he needs to go. Your veterinarian can help you to know which things to look for if you suspect that your dog is ill. On basic trips to the vet, your dog should have several things done to keep him healthy to start with.

Firstly, your dog should be vaccinated. Many diseases that can be stopped with a vaccination are those that usually kill a dog. Your dog should have distemper and rabies shots, a long with treatment for fleas and ticks. As you dog ages, he/she can develop a form of Alzheimer's or even asthma. This can be easily treated by your vet. In any case, it is always important that your dog is receiving normal check-ups on a regular basis. This is what matters the most.

Many times dogs can get the same illnesses people get. From a common cold to full-fledged fevers, even cancer. So one of the most important things that you can do to make sure your pet is in the best health he can be is to have regular check-ups.

When you keep your pet in the best health he can be by getting check-ups on a regular basis, he will be much happier and so will you. Having a dog that mopes or acts like he does not feel well is worrisome. Just like a child who is too young to tell you what is bothering him/her, when your dog does not feel well, he cannot tell you his stomach hurts or his head hurts.

He is relying on you to make sure he is healthy the same as he depends on you for being fed, walked, bathed, and loved. There are many things you can do to keep your friend feeling great and preventing serious illness. Your vet may recommend natural remedies to keep your dog in top health.

Keeping on eye on your dog's diet is one thing that you can do. Make sure that the diet fits his age as well as his breed and any other needs he may have. You want an energetic dog, not a dog that lies in bed. Try to avoid dog products that are high in sugar and preservatives. While keeping your dog on a healthy diet, you also want to make sure that he is getting the needed exercise. Taking your dog for a walk in the park is great for him as well as you. Who could pass up something so easy?

A dog health diagnosis is the way to make sure there are no problems, even if they are little ones that could turn into something more serious later. After all, if you find out a few things about how to keep your dog healthy and happy, he will be around for a long time to be a faithful companion to you. He will love you unconditionally, greet you when you come home, and best of all, he will always be your friend. - 29895

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How To Choose A Perfect Dog Coat

By Dylan Brodderick

When I was a child dogs rarely wore dog coats. There was a wide spread myth that a dog's fur was enough to keep them warm on cold winter days. Clearly, this was false as some dogs are simply not naturally suited for colder climates. The dog coats that were available were generally pretty ugly and generally pretty difficult to put on.

Times have changed and there are now a plethora of dog coat options ranging from the practical to the ridiculous, from the inexpensive to the uber-pricey. There are models that the dog can step into, models that wrap around, and models that are similar to a cape with an elastic waist band. There are water-proof models and insulated models and light weight models. There are models suitable to short haired dogs and models suitable to longer haired dogs. Some of the coats for larger dogs have pockets for owners to carry small items such as books or water.

Dog coats come in a wide range of designs and colours. Some dog coats include safety features such as bells and reflective stripes. There are so many options that it can be difficult to choose the right dog coat for your dog. Below are the four most important considerations in choosing a coat for your dog.

1. Regional weather. Is the coat needed to protect your dog from the elements or is it a style thing? If you live in a temperate climate and the temperature rarely goes below freezing then you needn't worry too much about the insulation factor of the coat and, in fact, should be careful that the coat doesn't make your dog overheat. If you live in an area that has severe winters then you should look for a coat that is both insulated and wind proof and uses fabrics such as gortex. You may also want to look for a coat that is water proof especially if you live in an area that experiences freezing rain.

2. Washable. Dog coats can get awfully dirty during the course of a winter and especially during the spring thaw. I would only consider getting a dog coat that is machine washable. The amount of washing will depend on your dog and the areas in which you allow your dog to play and exercise. On average you should expect to wash her coat in the mid-season and again before you put it away for the summer.

3. How easy is it to dress your dog. If the coat is too difficult to put on then it will spend the winter in the closet and your dog will have a chilly winter. It is helpful to look for a coat with Velcro strip fasteners as these seem to be the easiest manner of dressing your dog. Also look for a coat that fastens at the back or side of the dog.

4. Size of dog coat to purchase. Before you start searching for the perfect dog coat you need to take a few measurements. Measure again the circumference if his neck and add 1 inch. Measure again around the broadest part of his chest and add one inch. Lastly, measure your dog from the start of her tail to the base of her neck. Take these measurements with you when shopping for a dog coat. - 29895

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Hints For Finding The Right Dog Coat

By Dylan Brodderick

When I was young our schnauzer had a form fitted black and red plaid coat. The fabric was rough. It always looked a bit dirty and the under the belly buttons were difficult to access and the buttons seemed to large for the button holes. As a result we only managed to wrestle the coat on to the unwilling dog once or twice at the start of each winter and for the balance of the winter the poor dog was cold.

In current times there are hundreds of dog coat options ranging from the plain and simple to the extra-fancy, from the reasonably priced to the super expensive. There are water-proof coats and insulated coats and light weight coats. There are coats more suitable to short haired dogs and coats more suitable to longer haired dogs. There are coats that your dog can step into, coats that wrap around, and coats that are similar to a cape with a waist fastener. Some of the models designed for larger dogs have pockets for owners to carry items such as newspapers, magazines or a small amount of groceries.

These coats are available in a wide range of colors, fabrics and styles. There are so many different dog coats on the market that it sometimes can be difficult to choose the right coat for your dog. A few things to keep in mind should make choosing a dog coat easier.

1. Climate. Is the coat intended to protect your dog from the elements or is it more of a fashion statement? If you live in a temperate climate and the temperature rarely goes below freezing then you needn't worry too much about the insulation factor of the coat. However, if you live in an area that has severe winters then you must really be careful to choose a coat that will protect your beloved pooch. Look for a coat that is both insulated and wind proof. You may also want to find a coat that is also water proof. Many coats use gortex and thinsulate and these coats work well.

2. Can the coat be machine washed? Dog coats can get grubby very quickly and sometimes can get soiled by the dog relieving himself. Only consider dog coats that can be thrown into the washing machine. Keeping the coat clean will depend on your dog. Hopefully, during the spring thaw it will be warm enough that your dog can go coat-less. Expect to wash the coat twice per year.

3. How easy is it to dress your dog. If the coat is too difficult to put on then it will spend the winter in the closet and your dog will have a chilly winter. It is helpful to look for a coat with Velcro strip fasteners as these seem to be the easiest manner of dressing your dog. Also look for a coat that fastens at the back or side of the dog.

4. How big is your dog? What size dog coat should you buy? Before you start searching for the perfect dog coat you need to take a few measurements. Measure around the broadest part of his chest and add two centimeters. Measure again the circumference of the neck and add two centimeters. Lastly, measure your dog from the start of the tail to the base of the neck. Keep these measurements handy when you when shopping for a new dog coat. - 29895

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3 Tips For Curbing Your Dog's Jumping

By Norman Littlejohn

Canines jump on people for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is to greet a person. Dogs learn to do this when they're puppies, so it is instinctive. Another reason is to display dominance. As pack animals, it's a natural behavior for them to stand on their back legs and place their front paws on others. That communicates their place in the pack. A third reason is because they have been encouraged to jump in the past. This often happens when owners condition their dogs to jump when they are puppies.

Whether your pooch is jumping on you, your visitors, or your neighbors, it's important to curb the habit. It can frighten people and make them less inclined to treat your dog with respect and kindness. The good news is that discouraging the behavior can be accomplished quickly with the following three tips:

Tip 1 - Block Him

When your pooch jumps, avoid letting him place his front paws on you. If he is able to do so, he will have already achieved his goal; removing him is unlikely to communicate that you find the behavior unacceptable. Instead, turn immediately to the side and lift your leg to block him. After he has landed on the ground, tell him to sit. Once he does so, kneel down by him and give him your attention. Doing this teaches him that remaining on all four paws is more likely to result in your attention than jumping.

Tip 2 - Turn And Walk Away

There will be situations in which your canine will jump and place his front paws on you before you have had a chance to turn and lift your leg. Avoid shoving him off. He may misunderstand your intent and believe you're playing with him. Instead, simply turn around and walk the other way. Don't tell him "down!" or "stop!" Avoid giving him any attention at all. Simply turn and walk. Then, come back to him. If he remains on the ground, kneel down and give him attention.

Tip 3 - Provide An Alternative

Dogs adopt behaviors as a response to stimuli. To curb his jumping, give him an alternative response that he can use. For example, train him to sit when someone knocks at your door. Or, train him to retreat to his crate or another area of your house when he hears the doorbell. Providing an alternative response may not help curb his jumping on you (use the two tips above to accomplish that), but it will prevent his jumping on visitors.

When canines jump on people, the reason is usually due to they're being excited to see the person on whom they're jumping. Remember, dogs are sociable by nature. Use positive reinforcement such as praise rather than punishment to discourage the habit. Before long, your pooch will learn that he can gain your attention without putting his front paws on you. - 29895

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Do You Want a Healthier Pet?

By Skibber Labskovs

There are many responsibilities that go into owning a pet of any kind. Many factors play a part in your pet being healthy. If your pet has ever been ill you know what heartache you feel. I remember how I felt the time my dog was ill; all I thought of was helping her get better. Do You Want a Healthier Pet?

The main thing you need to watch with your pet is the food you feed them; make sure it has the right nutritional value to it. Be certain the food is designed for them. This type of food will include all the nutrients your pet's body will require to be healthy. It doesn't matter if you own a hamster, cat, or dog, they all require the right food for their systems.

Only feed them people food if the vet says you can and only what the vet says. Caffeine is not good for dogs so they need to stay away from it. It can affect a dog's heart to the extent of a heart attack. A dog doesn't need to eat sugar either.

Animals can pack on extra pounds too if fed too many calories. This why the standing recommendation is to leave off scraps from the table. Fish that eat too much can die. Just like humans your pets are prone to bad health because of overeating. Most pets need enough water taken in daily to keep hydrated. Now when the pet of choice is fish, then they need certain water conditions to live healthy. So check the water often for any problems.

Don't skip your pet's checkup at the vet; this is important to its health. Dogs and cats regularly need exams and vaccines to keep certain diseases from happening. The most important one is probably the rabies vaccine. If your pets are in close contact with numerous other animals domesticated or wild this becomes twice as important.

Pets in general need exercise just as much as people do. Fish get what exercise they need easily because they have to swim to survive. Cats and dogs need to be played with, ran, or walked to be positive that they are exercised enough. Exercise will insure that your pet has good muscle tone and it will also keep their weight at the right spot. And as with people their hearts will be healthier too. Walk your dog or cat when you go get your exercise walking. This is a fun way of both you and your pet staying healthy. If you have a hamster for the family pet then it needs to have a wheel to play on. These are the ways for exercising your pet correctly.

Your pet also needs your attention and love to have good emotional health. We should all talk to them and pet them to show how much we love them. Grooming is even part of showing this love. Cats and dogs shed hair or the fur they have can get all matted without correct combing and brushing.

These tips will assist you in providing your pet with the best of care, so that they can be the healthiest they can be. Now isn't that what we all want for our pets? Get your pet healthier today! - 29895

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Begin Training A Puppy From An Young Age For Positive Results

By Greg Stannionis

What is it about puppies that makes them so irresistible? The first time you bring a puppy home, everyone rushes in excitement to greet their new family member. Then, when the new puppy has an "accident" on the rug, everybody seems to disappear. This is when you have to start training a puppy.

Many people find toilet training a puppy to be a frustrating and maddening experience, but it needn't be. If you educate yourself about dogs and their behavior, you can learn how to train your dog without causing either the puppy or yourself too much anxiety.

All animals, including ourselves, do what they do through a mixture of instinct and learned behavior. You may notice that your puppy will experience some anxiety before it relieves itself anywhere in the house. That is because dogs instinctively know that they don't want to soil their own dens, but your new puppy has just come to a new home and doesn't know where its "den" is.

On top of that, your new puppy can't "hold it in" for very long. It knows something is about to happen and will run around the room, whimpering and sniffing until finally it can't wait any longer. Punishing your puppy for this would not be appropriate, because it has done nothing wrong. Laughing it off would also be inappropriate, because it needs to be shown the right place to go or it may decide that it got it right the first time!

Do not teach it by punishment. Rubbing its nose in the poo and yelling at the dog aren't going to do any good at all. Instead, remove the waste and take it outside, where it belongs. Leave it there so the puppy can sniff out its location the next time. Clean the area indoors where the puppy relieved itself and remove all traces of odor using an appropriate cleaning solution.

Constant vigilance may be required at first for quick success at toilet training. Look for the signs that the puppy needs to go and take it outside before it relieves itself. Then immediately offer it a reward. In this way, your puppy will learn two valuable lessons. It will learn positive reinforcement for good behavior and it will learn that you are the leader of the pack.

Teaching the puppy who is boss is as important as toilet training itself. Dogs are pack animals, which means that they either follow the pack or lead the pack. Your puppy must know from the beginning that it is living in your home and that you are the leader of the pack. You need not be a harsh leader. In fact, benevolent leadership is a far better way to lead.

Training a puppy from an early age is best for everyone. You will have a happy, well-adjusted pet and your life together will be satisfying for both of you. - 29895

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Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up To People With The Following Techniques

By Remco van Reenen

Did you know that a dog jumping up on people can be hazardous? It is also irritating and humiliating. Use the following tips to stop your dog from jumping up to people.

You are probably annoyed when your dog starts jumping up on you. Guess what, so is anyone who comes to visit. This behavior may have been cute when your dog was a puppy; but, as he has gotten older, it is nothing short of a nuisance.

Imagine your company or you walking through the door with your clean clothes on and here comes your wonderful dog to jump all over you or your company.

When senior citizens and small children come in close proximity of your dog, they run the risk of being knocked over if your dog jumps up on them.

Your dog jumps up on people because he's happy to see them.

Your dog may jump on you to get your attention. Maybe you rewarded the dog somehow in the past. It may also be done to declare supremacy over you and your guests.

Teaching your dog that jumping on people is not good is a choice you have to make.

Yourself and anyone else who comes into contact with your dog has to be consistent with sending the same message: he will not get what he wants by behaving badly. Hitting or punishing a dog is not going to work.

At the first sign of jumping, turn away from your dog. Don't say anything or make eye contact with the dog. This lets the dog know that they will get nothing from you.

Praise you dog and pet him when the bad behavior is over. Practicing this step constantly will help your dog learn that more attention is given when he keeps all four paws on the floor.

You can also practice alternate behavior training. When your dog starts jumping, tell him to sit. This gives him other things to do.

Reinforcing positive behavior when teaching your dog not to jump is quiet simple. Be consistent in your efforts and the problem will disappear. Follow the methods that I have described and you will definitely be on the right track towards correcting his inappropriate behavior. - 29895

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Is Breeding A Male Dog Difficult?

By Kenneth Soon

If you are going to own a dog, the sex of dog you choose will be an important factor. Males tend to be more aggressive than females towards their handlers and also during encounters with dogs in your neighborhood.

Housebreaking a dog will take time and patience. Female dogs are mostly easily trainable compared to male dogs. They also fair much better when brought to dog training courses. The reason for this that male dogs need to be more aggressive to survive on the wild. The more aggressive the dog the higher the survivability rate and the higher its chance to become the alpha male that gets to breed with all the females in the pack.

Getting a female dog will be better for you if you are worried about your home becoming turned upside down - males will chew through almost anything until properly trained.

Male dogs are inclined to be wanders as well. Most of the dogs in lost dogs taken to the dog pound aren't normally females. If you have never owned a dog before, or you aren't good with dog training consider a female dog as house breaking will be much easier. Females will very seldom urine mark as that is the territorial nature of male dogs.

Sometimes owning a male dog can be quite embarrassing, especially when visitors come over to your house. Male dogs are known to be more aggressive towards visitors and are also renown for humping or sniffing the lower regions of your lady friends.

According to research, the dogs tend to be more affectionate towards their handlers if they were the opposite sex. The studies have shown that female dogs tend to react more favorably towards their male handlers.

Males tend to start urine marking their territories at a fairy young age. Once a puppy reaches adolescence (which takes about 3 months), they will begin to lift up one of their legs to mark locations like wall corners, couches or lamp posts if you're taking them out for walks. They will also yelp a lot less by this time as it is an inbuilt mechanism for survival so they do not attract larger predators. In addition they will also turn extremely curious and begin wandering around so you will need to keep a sharp eye on them.

This development is partly genetic, but also depends on individual circumstances: as this style of urination is associated with scent marking in adults, rank can have an effect, and cocking of the leg can appear later in lower-ranked dogs. The onset of puberty varies with both the breed and the sex of the dog. Males of round 4 months old begin to become interested in females in heat, but a full intro-mission that could lead to fertile mating only starts at about 7 to 8 months.

A female will only pique her interest in male dogs after she reaches her first season for breeding, and will not show any signs of interest or attraction prior to that. Female dogs will remain in puberty for about seven to ten months, while really large breeds of dog will only reach that point after two years. - 29895

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Tips On Dog Training

By David Cain

Are you thinking about bringing home a new canine addition to the family? If so, you will want to make sure you are prepared for the proper training and tools necessary to make sure the addition transitions well. While you can opt to train your dog yourself, if you don't have experience it may be well worth taking a dog training course with your puppy.

If you have heard horror stories from dog ownership, or viewed the show "It's Me or the Dog", make sure this doesn't become you. Whether a new dog, or one you own that has been running your house instead of you, then perhaps you are good candidates for dog training school. Often a dog will misbehave, not because it is a "bad" dog, but because of lack of training. Putting your pooch through a reputable training program will help make your relationship happy and peaceful.

So, why choose a dog training school versus doing it yourself?

Pet owners tend to get caught in a power struggle with the dog. Dog training includes learning the right body language and tone of voice, as well as a reward system for your dog that still leaves you in control. Owning a dog is like having a child, and sometimes some outside advice can be a lifesaver.

Dog obedience school provides young puppies and fully grown dogs the opportunity to socialize. Learning to interact with other canines is an important skill when you take your dog out. By going through a dog obedience course, owners will develop friendships for themselves and their dogs.

Being enrolled in a dog training class also allows owner and dog to learn commands in a premium environment. An instructor can teach the owner how to speak to the dog, as well as demonstrating body language that will yield results from your commands. While some of these tips may be simple, an instructor can facilitate the right responses and help give pointers for things that need work.

In a classroom setting, the dog will be learning in a busy environment with distractions. This means that the skills should transfer easily to the home environment where there are not other things going on. Unlike teaching skills at home, where they may be quickly forgotten once distractions are introduced, the classroom offers multiple benefits.

Putting your dog through obedience school is the beginning of a long and satisfying relationship. Having a dog that is well trained results in one that is more secure, confident and well behaved. Trusting its owner and his expectations will result in consistent behavior. Dogs that have gone through obedience school are also safer around children and visitors, and it also prevents undesirable behaviors.

A well trained dog will give you the full benefits of dog ownership. Not only will you have a faithful companion, but there are other benefits of dog ownership you may not have thought of. Lower instances of illness, an exercise partner, and a conversation piece for social interaction are a few. Dog ownership is a delight for the owner and the dog. - 29895

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Eskimo Dogs Make Good Companions?

By Smith Tallam

The American Eskimo Dog is oftentimes called a Spitz in America. The American Eskimo Dog is a loving, alert, agile, highly intelligent, social, and curious companion. She makes an excellent watch dog however can be trained to be not threatening or aggressive. It has a cream straight outer coat, with a thick undercoat. There is a lion appearance as the coat is longer and thicker around the chest and neck and has a heavy tail carried on the back. You would not see any blue eyes in this breed as it is considered a defect or unhealthy.

She will do well in an apartment as long as she can get frequent long walks. She was carefully bred to be a house dog and they need a good deal of family attention. She is excellent with children but obviously, never leave very young children alone with any dog for any length of time without adult care. The Spitz refers to a group of breeds and not just an individual breed. It is a group of breeds including the Samoyed, Pomeranian, Finnish Spitz, Siberian Husky and Shiba Inu. They can normally live 12 to 14 years with the right nutrition and care. There are also cases of these pets living over 20 year life spans. There are three sizes of the American Eskimo Dog tagged as Toy, Miniature or Standard. The Toy leads from 9 to 12 inches to the withers (which is the tallest point of the back), the Miniature runs 12 to 15 inches to the withers and the Standard runs 15 inches to19 inches to the withers.

The American Eskimo Dog, like many big dogs, are prone to patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, flea allergies, hot spots, epilepsy, cataracts, and Leg-Calve-Perthes Disease. They have no allowance for fleas and can develop severe flea allergies which can lead to painful skin lesions. Their skin is usually dry so they should not be bathed more than once every two or three months. All dogs should have their teeth brushed once a week. The heavy coat is easy to groom and remember to brush two times a week with a firm bristle. They are a medium shed breed, usually around May or June and then again in November or December. Many owners use an undercoat rake to groom which is available on line or check your local pet stores.

The American Eskimo Dog derives from the ancient Spitz family. They are recognized as the German Spitz in Germany. Acclaiming from the coastal regions of Germany, these dogs were once traded throughout Europe in the past. When this family dog came to America along with German immigrants, they were used as family pets, watch dogs and circus animals. Circuses began to sell puppies after performances and that was how they spread throughout America. They were popular during the 1930's and 1940's. Since we were at state of war with Germany, they were renamed during World War I to remove their national origin. They were given as a breed in 1913.

They can be rather protective but seldom will they bite. They groom themselves. They love to bark and is prone to weight gain. They can respond very poorly to harsh treatment and can take a bit long to mature, maybe up to two years. They must be trained early as a puppy to be more effective later on. - 29895

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Providing Relief from Dog Allergies

By Joanne Gallagher

Like humans, dogs can suffer from the effects of allergies. Specific Breeds are more prone to have allergies. Among these are Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, and Terriers. These allergic reactions are usually caused by ingredients found in food.

Food allergies usually cause the dog's skin to become itchy and irritated on and around the face, feet, ears, forelegs, armpits and near the dogs sphincter. Frequent inner ear infections, loss of hair, extreme scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that may respond to antibiotics but return after the antibiotics are completed are all common effects of dog allergies. If your dog displays an increased incidence of bowel movements it may also be a sign of food allergies. In general, dogs have around one and a half bowel movements per day, whereas food allergies usually increase the amount to three or more daily.

Suspected dog food ingredients such as preservatives, additives, peanut butter and tomatoes can cause your dog to have allergic reactions; Peanut butter is sometimes found in dog biscuits, and tomato paste is typically found in many dry dog foods. Protein can also cause dog allergies and is present in such items as chicken, beef, carbohydrates, wheat or corn. A diet of lamb and rice is recommended by veterinarians for dogs with such allergic reactions.

What most people don't realize is that you can prepare allergy free pet food for dog at home. Remember, dogs love fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Bear in mind that vegetables not only prevent allergic reactions but also provide added benefits that will provide your dog or cat with a longer healthier life. A gradual transformation between diets is recommended to avoid stomach problems.

Many dog allergies are initiated by air-borne and environmental factors. Dogs are often times allergic to trees, grass, pollen and fabrics made of wool or nylon. Other common substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs include plastic, rubber materials, mites, flea bites or insects. After direct contact with these substances, their body responds to these allergens by becoming itchy. Because of the dogs constant scratching they may develop sores which create an optimal location for an unwanted bacterial infection. Dogs sometimes experience symptoms of an allergic reaction yet they did not come in direct contact with the allergen itself. Veterinarians diagnose this as Atopy which is dermatitis caused by inhalation rather than physical contact. This normally occurs as a result of your dog inhaling pollen, dust, mold, or another allergy substance in the air.

Inflammation of the Paws, ears, and face may be a result of dog allergies. Seek advice from your veterinarian about controlling pet allergies. To provide relief and healing to sores on a dog's body, treatments such as fatty acid supplements, hypoallergenic shampoo and hydrocortisone creams are most efficient. Antihistamines may be used to relieve the dogs itching and make your dogs suffering more bearable. There are a few side effects to make note of when using an antihistamine. Among these are sleepiness, hyperactivity, constipation, cotton mouth & a decreased desire for food. Be sure you have consulted your veterinarian before using any medication for your pet.

When dogs have allergic reactions, the allergy frequently presents itself in the form of a sore on the dogs back or stomach. These sores often times force the dog to lick or claw at the infected area causing loss of hair. Food allergies as well as environmental factors can make your dog's life insufferable. Pin pointing the cause of the allergy will improve your pet's life immensely! - 29895

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