Why Pet Insurance Is A Good Financial Investment

By Eddie Lamb

If you have ever considered how many people you know have pets, it is likely that you will find most everyone has at least one type of pet. Some individuals have a combination that is made up of cats, dogs, birds and fish. Luckily birds and a fish hardly ever have a health problem which requires the expertise of a veterinarian. If you have a cat or dog, then this is a different story. Both dogs and cats can get sick with illnesses that can require extensive veterinarian care. It is for this reason that it is a wise thing to invest in pet insurance.

By purchasing a policy for your pets, you are protecting the financial interests of your family. Vet bills for an emergency situation can put you thousands of dollars in the red. You can avoid this with a very low cost insurance plan.

The same illnesses that plague mankind can also strike our canine and feline friends. It is not uncommon for a dog or a cat to have cancer. There are other diseases which can strike our little friends which can drive up a huge veterinary bill. This is including the chance that your pet would be severely injured in an accident. A pet which had to have an operation and veterinary stay because of an illness or accident could cause the owner to pay thousands of dollars in veterinary care. An insurance policy which covers our little friends would help absorb the impact of such a high medical bill.

The human members of your family more than likely have regular doctor and dental visits. Chances are, you probably also have insurance which will cover all or part of the costs involved in this preventative care. Some health insurance policies will also cover your pet for preventative healthcare. This may include regularly scheduled veterinary checkups, as well as dental examinations.

While shopping for insurance for your cat or dog it would help if you kept in mind how much money you would like to pay out of pocket for each visit. Your deductible will determine how much your insurance will cost. The higher your deductible, the lower the insurance premium will be. Keep in mind that the typical policy for a pay it will run you less than $20 monthly. This is a very minimal amount, considered that some vet bills for extended care can run up a bill in the thousands of dollars.

One of the main factors you may want to keep in mind while looking for a health insurance policy for your dog or cat is the amount of your deductible. You should also make about whether or not the policy will cover multiple pets. Some insurance companies will allow you a discount for insuring more than one pet.

Since this type of insurance has become very popular, you may be surprised to find that your own personal insurance company may offer coverage for your pet. You should ask your insurance agent if they cover pets, because you might be able to get it cheaply. If your current insurance agent does not offer policies for pets, you can find it elsewhere at a very low monthly fee. You can also pay for a year upfront and possibly save even more money.

Since pets are viewed more as family members, it is easy to justify spending a small amount of money each month to ensure they are covered in case of an accident or major health concern. When you purchase pet insurance for your beloved pets, you are investing in a healthy future for them as well as reducing the risk of having to meet a large financial bill on your own. - 29895

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Training Aggressive Dogs

By Carl Covason

A major problem many dog owners face is dog aggression. Not only is it trying for the dog owner to deal with an aggressive dog but it can be hazardous as well.

The very first thing you should do before trying to tame an aggressive dog is to figure out what it is that is making him aggressive.

Is your dog exhibiting aggression towards other dogs?

If so, one way to tame an aggressive dog that seems to be out to get other dogs is when you are taking your dog for a walk and you see another dog, get your dogs attention.

If you know anything about dog training and dog training commands then you might be familiar with the command "Watch Me". This is a great command to use when your dog is getting near another dog because what the command means is for your dog to look you in the eye and give you his full attention.

If you are able to get your dogs attention on you then you have a great chance that they will walk right by the other dog without getting aggressive.

You also want to make sure your dog cannot make direct eye contact with the other dog. When dogs make eye contact with each other they are challenging each other to prove who the leader is. This can be a major cause of aggression if both dogs think they are king of the hill.

Another form of dog aggression is food aggression. Some dogs feel threatened when they are eating and become very territorial around their food. If this is something that sets your dog off then you need to be very careful if you have children around your dog.

One of the ways to help get rid of food aggression in dogs is to make sure that they do not get feed until everyone else in the house has finished eating their meals. This will show your dog that you are the head of the pack and help you gain his respect which is needed if you are going to be able to train your dog not to be aggressive. - 29895

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Have a Dog? Help Him to be Your True Best Friend

By Michelle Robert

Are you a dog owner? If so, then you will undoubtedly agree that sharing your life with a dog has it's shares of ups and downs. There are wonderful moments, and then there are others that are extremely challenging for all kinds of reasons. The fact remains however, that through it all, dogs are still "man's best friend" in my opinion...it is just harder to make friends with some dogs than with others.

Currently we share our home with a very smart, and very loving little miniature schnauzer. Although things are great with him, they weren't always. Shortly after he came to live with us, we learned that he:

1. Barked at everything and jumped/growled at anyone who came to visit us

2. Completely despised his monthly visit to the groomers to be clipped.

So what could be done to help him...and us? Well we did some research, and spoke with our veterinarian to learn some techniques and strategies to help him become a "good friend". This article will discuss what we learned.

1. His barking/jumping/growling problem took a little time, because as a schnauzer, he was a bit territorial like many terriers tend to be. While it was important to him to protect his territory, it was important to us to be able to have visitors to our home! So we tried many different ways to improve this: reward systems, squirting water, coins in a can, newspaper, and more. You name it, we tried it, but nothing worked. We finally discussed the situation with our vet who suggested a remote training collar. After more research, we settled on the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer for a couple of reasons. Probably most important for us, we liked that it has 9 stimulation levels so that we could very carefully control the settings to use the least amount of stimulation that would be effective. We also liked the tone-only training option, that gave us even more versatility. We also decided to get the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer, 300 yds., which provided us with a 300 yard range to be able to train from a distance. And I can say that it worked! In a very short period of time, the Innotek Ultrasmart helped our little guy to become the model doggie citizen, and our friends were now happy to visit us.

2. Helping our dog overcome the stress of going to the groomers each month involved not really training him. but training us. We figured that if we could learn to do his monthly clip at home, we would be able to help him feel more comfortable, and be able to get the job done quicker, making him happier as well. So we invested in the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper, and it has made all the difference in the world. We chose these clippers because as an Oster product, we knew they would last forever, so we wouldn't have to buy new ones each year, and because of the reviews on what a smooth, quiet, and fast job they did. I will say that we have been very pleased with how the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper works: other than it getting warm, which we easily solved with cleaning and changing out the blades and using Oster Kool Lube, it has been so easy to do his clipping. Once we learned how to do home grooming, voila, no more schnauzer trauma! In fact, since our dog gets a treat at the end, I actually think he likes getting clipped each month.

Having a dog can, and should be a joy, but it often takes a little work to get to that point. In our case, we had a little help from the Innotek Ultrasmart Remote Trainer, and the Oster A5 Turbo Clipper. But the investment and time we took to use these tools to help make life with our dog better for us and for him have been so worthwhile. The reward has been a merry, little schnauzer whose intelligence, loving nature, and desire to please truly make him our best friend! - 29895

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How to Housebreak a Puppy - Part 1

By Ana Walsh

When it comes to housebreaking a puppy, you need to make sure to start potty training them right from the start. It's easy to get caught up in their cuteness and the excitement of having a new pet, but you want to be sure to establish good habits with them right from the beginning or it could cause problems later on.

When it comes to housebreaking, there are plenty of methods out there for doing it. Paper training is one commonly taught method, which I don't recommend. Paper training involves training your puppy to pee and poop inside of your house on a puppy pad or on newspapers. Then, after they've learned to do that, training them to go outside. It's much more effective to train them to go outside right from the start if that's where you plan on them going for the long term.

Crate training is another popular technique. With crate training, you leave your puppy in a crate whenever you're not able to supervise them. To crate train your dog, you'll need to get a crate that's about the same size as your dog's bed. This prevents them from peeing or pooping in it when you leave in there, because if they do, they'll be forced to be in close proximity to it for the remainder of the time they're in there.

Whenever there is a time you can't supervise your puppy, such as when you leave the house, or you are cooking, working, cleaning, working on crafts, etc. you place your puppy inside the crate. This way, they learn that if they need to go potty, their body is able to hold it. It makes them realize they don't have to immediately go potty every time they feel the urge.

Purchasing the right size crate is crucial for this method. If the crate is too large, they may use that extra space to go potty in, which defeats the purpose. On the other hand, if it's too small, it'll be very uncomfortable for them because they can't lay down comfortably. The crate should give them just enough space to lay down and to turn in circles to re-situate themselves and get comfortable.

Here's an excellent tip that you'll really like. You can teach your puppy a 'potty word'. No, I'm not talking about profanity! A 'potty word' is a word/phrase you tell them when you want them to do their business quickly, instead of just goofing off in the yard. It doesn't matter what your phrase is, it can be anything. I'd suggest using a word that's exclusive to that though, not something you may say on a regular basis. Make sure you use this phrase consistently every single time.

When your puppy is outside going potty, you will say the 'potty word', then praise them and give them a treat. This will teach your pup to go potty when you take them outside for that purpose.

When you take them out to play games or go for a walk, you wouldn't use the word. This way they know the difference between going outside to play, and going outside to go potty. - 29895

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Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Dog

By Joanne Gallagher

Deciding what kind of dog food and dog treats are appropriate for your dog is as important as deciding what to feed your family. Reading ingredient labels to stay aware of recalls is necessary to insure your pet is receiving safe and healthy meals.

Recent recalls include dog food. Not all manufacturers were affected by this recall Merrick 5 Star, Solid Gold, Rotations, Pinnacle, Health Food for Dogs and Dogswell are examples of dog food manufacturers whose products were not affected by the contaminated dog food recall. Thankfully products affected were taken off the shelves and the recall is over.

As dogs age their metabolism slows down. Sound familiar? Older dogs require special diets. Veterinarians suggest a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates and low in fat for dogs who don't engage in an active lifestyle. There are many brands of dog food specific for aging dogs such as Merrick 5-Star Dry Dog Food Senior Medley. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, no animal fat and real meat make Senior Medley an appropriate choice for senior dogs.

Veterinarians recommend daily exercise for diabetic dogs and a diet to manage their insulin. A dog looks forward to treats and rewards and luckily diabetic dogs can enjoy a dog treat that is in line with their diabetic regimen. The Old Dog Cookie Company Diabetic Cookies are all natural dog treats that contain herbs and ingredients that help reduces your dog's blood sugar.

When the cartilage in your dog's joints breaks down and wears away a dog begins to suffer from arthritis. Glucosamine is a natural supplement that can prevent arthritis and relieve arthritis symptoms. Feeding your dog an all natural dog food like Dogswell HAPPY HIPS dry dog food with Glucosamine & Chondroitin will help maintain healthy hips and joints and apples and cage free chicken create a well balanced meal.

Food allergies are common among many breeds of dogs. Wheat, corn and soy based dog food can cause itchy skin, hair loss, and frequent bowel movements in a dog with an allergy to these products. Pinnacle Holistic Trout & Sweet Potato dry dog food with Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids for a healthier skin and coat contains no allergens such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, sorghum or soy.

Overweight dogs need to be on a special diet. If a dog is eating table scraps too may dog treats, and not getting enough exercise they will become overweight. This happens frequently when a dog is in a crate during the day and then spoiled all evening with love and food.

Caring for your dog from puppy to senior is an educational process. During each stage there are nutritional requirements that need to be met so your dog will be healthy and have the wonderful life every dog deserves! - 29895

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Train Your Dog At Home

By Adrian Logan

In the past, nearly every dog owner relied on home dog training to get their dog to obey and perform tricks. This was in the days before obedience classes were popular, or even available.

Pet owners who wanted a well behaved dog really had no choice but to spend time teaching Fido at home, and had to have the patience, willpower, and desire to do so. Many people learned how to train their dogs from their parents who had owned dogs, while others used instructions found in dog training books.

You can either train your dog through dog obedience classes or conduct home dog training just as your ancestors did. If you are low in budget, conducting home training is a better choice.

To train a dog, you can use a mixture of consistency, praise, and treats as dogs are quite a simple creature. Give them enough of those, and they'll be doing whatever you want in no time. You can teach them to obey you and to amuse your friends by performing some cute tricks.

One of the best method to train your dog is to model the behavior you want from him. For example, if you want him to sit on command, then gently place him in a sitting position while saying 'sit' in a firm tone.Remember to look into your dog's eyes too while conducting this training.

Continue to do it for many times and eventually your dog will be able to sit upon your command. When your dog does correctly, remember to give him a treat and praise him. If he still cannot do it properly, continue to do the training and your dog will one day able to obey your command.

Some dogs can learn the tricks quite fast while some take a bit more time. But the good things is they will get it one day.

With home dog training, just be sure to keep praising and giving treats for the first several times your dog does the right thing on command. After a while, you can forego the treats, but be sure to always praise, at least a little. Your dog wants to know he is making you happy. - 29895

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3 Top Carpet Types for Indoor Pets

By Shawne M. Patrick

Selecting a type of flooring could be a massive decision for those who are on the lookout for certain features. Carpet is a popular choice for many folks, preferring it over area rugs, hardwood, laminate, vinyl or tile. Carpet adds comfort to any room and it feels warm and comfy under bare feet. But let's not forget about our pets! Indoor pets are people's companions, chums and members of their family. We like them indoor - with us. So to choose the best fiber type carpet that may last and still look good for both the family and indoor pets, keep reading!

Recycled Fiber is carpet that has been made of recycled plastics. More and more carpet today is being made of polyethylene terephthalate. Massive words for big results! This is excellent carpet for indoor pets because it is very resilient to serious traffic, it's static resistant and best of all, water resistant! No more stains, no more'wet patch' looks and no electrical shocks! For the reasons mentioned, Recycled fiber is rated as the best fiber type carpet to have in the home with indoor pets. Maybe someday soon they will come out with Recycled fiber area rugs!

The second most popular fiber type carpet bought in the carpet industry - Nylon. Nylon type carpet is the hottest type of carpet that's acquired for residential homes. It claims 90% of the market! It's producing strategy and quality varies in style as it does with prices. This type of carpet does extremely well with a house full of children and indoor pets. It's highly resilient under traffic and it resists marking and soiling. It's mostly sold as complete flooring or you can get nylon fiber area rugs too.

Third best would be the next highest purchased kind of carpet - Olefin. Olefin fiber carpet is made of polypropelene. Polypropelene is one of the fibers that is commonly used to make carpet. Like nylon, it too is resilient under traffic and it resists staining and soiling too. This kind of carpet can work best for families with indoor pets as it will last for a few years. This is generally acquired for commercial purposes.

For example, plenty of business offices have this type of carpet. It's highly durable and though it's acquired for commercial use, it's excellent for indoor pets too. - 29895

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Kingdom Of Pets Review

By Brock Davis

If you are looking for the best dog training guide online, it has to be the Kingdom of Pets dog training guides. It is one of the most downloaded guide.

The author of this guide has made sure not to leave anything out and I'm sure you'll be very impressed with what's inside. I learned quite a lot from this product and have to say that it was more advanced than most books I have ever bought.

It was designed to be the one of the best; if not the best dog training programs there are available on the internet.

What are the pro's of the kingdom of pet's dog training programme?

Pros

* Lots of tips and tricks
* Leaves nothing to be desired
* Very detailed

Cons

* No videos

It is quite possibly the most detailed course I have ever encountered and I myself am a dog trainer. For anyone that wants to train their dog this programme is a good starting point. I'm sure you won't be let down by it.

This course is a good start and a good beginning if you like knowing everything about dog training. Now to say I'm a dog trainer and then rant and rave about another dog training programme is only because I thought it was a very enjoyable read and it is very comprehensive.

You probably have heard lots about dog training before but with this course as already mentioned there is little left out if anything at all. This course has made much more of an impression than any other program book or course I've bought. I can assure you that it's a very enjoyable read and would be happy for another person to know exactly what it has to offer.

For the official Kingdom of Pets website, click on the link below. - 29895

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Understanding Why Your Pooch Chews And Controlling The Behavior

By Ed Jamison

Puppies chew as a way to explore and relate to the world around them. The activity is instinctive to them. Unfortunately, if chewing behavior is focused in the wrong direction, it can result in damaged clothes, shoes, and furniture.

It's important to realize that adult dogs also chew, but do so for a variety of reasons that extend further than mere exploration. For example, your pooch might feel separation anxiety if you leave him alone for long periods. Or, he might be bored. This happens often when canines lack an outlet through which to expend their pent-up energy. Your pooch may also chew on your belongings as a way to get your attention.

Whatever the reasons for the destructive behavior, you can control the problem. Below, we'll provide a few tips for training your dog to avoid chewing on your possessions.

Use A Crate

Crating your puppy is an ideal strategy for confining him when you're unable to watch him. Not only will he come to see his crate as his personal space, but you'll prevent him from ruining your furniture and clothes when you're not home. If you plan to keep him crated, be sure to give him a few toys with which he can entertain himself.

Provide Chew Toys

The goal is not to eliminate your pooch's penchant for chewing; again, that's his way of relating to the world around him. Instead, redirect the behavior toward objects that are acceptable for him to chew.

For example, all pet supply stores sell chew toys that can keep your canine occupied. Some are rubber; others are made from durable rope; still others are designed from strong leather and rawhide. Any of these toys will keep your dog's attention while providing the stimulation he desires.

Keep Your Departures Understated

Owners often unwittingly worsen their dogs' separation anxiety by overstating their departures. When they return home, they're surprised to find their furniture partially destroyed. Downplay leaving your home. The bigger fuss you make, the more likely your dog will sense that your leaving is a major event. That raises the likelihood of his chewing.

Provide An Outlet For Exercise

When canines lack an outlet for physical activity, they become bored. Moreover, their energy level remains unspent and stifled. That's a recipe for destructive chewing. Make sure your pooch receives at least an hour of exercise each day. He's less likely to suffer boredom and he'll have less pent-up energy to direct toward your couch.

Offer A Swap

Puppies find chewing new objects to be irresistible. If you see your pup gnawing on something he shouldn't be, take the item away and replace it immediately with a chew toy. Avoid getting into a tug-of-war contest with him. Instead, have a toy on hand and swap it quickly.

Some dogs love to chew almost anything they can get into their mouths. Other canines are more selective, though they can cause just as much destruction. Learn to control the problem by redirecting your dog's chewing behavior to objects you don't mind being destroyed. - 29895

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Dog Training Tip On The Best Dog Training Method For Your Puppy

By Adrian Logan

Many approaches are available for training your dog. You can bring your dog to obedience classes, conduct leash training or collar training, or just simple home training techniques. You have many selection and there are lots of books and DVDs out there to help you to select the best method to train your dog.

Which is the best dog training method? Is there one that stand out from the rest or one that is the most effective? That answer is largely subjective and depends entirely on you and your dog and your own individual personalities.

In selecting the best dog training method, factors to consider include how much time you have to devote to training, how patient you are, and how smart your dog seems to be. All of these will make an impact on your decision on training method.

For instance, if you have the time in your schedule to go for obedience class, this method is usually quicker and easier. If you don't have that kind of free time, another method may work better for you.

Leash training may be best for you if you take your dog out on lots of walks and have this worked into your schedule already. Those with a lot of free time but no money for classes may opt to simply train their dogs themselves at home. It is all about your preference and style.

Another factor to consider is your dog's preferences. Some dogs are smarter than others, and will respond better to the controlled environment of an obedience class rather than simple one on one home training. These dogs may also respond well to leash or collar training, though some people claim the latter is cruel.

The last thing you want is to get your dog injured. Select the best dog training method for you both, so that you can enjoy a happy co-existence together in the same home. Find the right way to train your dog, and you will find you enjoy each others' company a lot more and become close companions.

For more tips on dog training methods, do visit the resource below. - 29895

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Are You Looking For A Personalized Dog Collar?

By Pat Richardson

More and more people are trying to get a more individual look for their dog. They don't want to put on a black leather collar with a nice big shiny name tag, they want something better, they are looking for a personalized dog collar for their best friend.

For instance you could decide to go for a personalized dog collar that is made from leather and have the name of your dog put on the collar in lovely studs, various gems, or diamonte. You could decide to pick a collar made out of webbing with the dogs name printed on it. This type of collar would offer you a choice of both background colors and print color for the name of your dog, so is easily personalized.

The amount of personalization will vary, and it can be as simple as choosing a webbing collar with a nice background, then having your dogs name printed onto this in a contrasting or a matching color, or it can be as fancy as you like.

You could go for a nice glitzy pink collar decorated with lots of pretty gems, just right for your feminine dog. If you have a boy dog then you could go for the silver studs, or even decide to go for a spiked collar. You need to make sure that the spikes are the correct size though, as you don't want to risk any injury either to your dog or to anyone else that may come into contact with the collar.

Really the sky is your limit with personalized dog collars, there is just so much choice available you really will be spoiled for choice. There is no need to ruin the effect of your nice new personalized dog collar by putting on a metal identity disc, you can instead go for an i.d tag that is made to match the collar itself.

Generally, a dog collar will come in three main sizes. The smallers size is suitable for a miniature dog, the next size is best for a small dog and then a medium sized dog. Some designs are available in a fourth size which suits the larger breed dogs. If you look really hard you may also be able to find a supplier of collars to suit the giant size breeds of dog as well. So size need not be an issue when you decide to buy your dog a personalized dog collar. - 29895

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A Canine That Behaves

By Billy Matts

There's no 'magic' or luck behind creating the perfect dog. It is done through creating a balance of trust and respect between you and your dog. With total trust and respect, you needn't worry about the "what if"s, such as "what if my dog bites?" "what if my dog runs off?" and so on. These what ifs are based on a lack of mutual trust, which is created between human and dog when the human knows how.

Basic principles of achieving trust and respect involve the following: The walk - the walk is the deciding factor in how healthy your relationship is with your dog. It is the time when trust and respect is earned, both ways.

The leader of the walk sets the position and the followers look to the leader for guidance on where to position themselves. So a simple technique is to start off by having your dog on a leash, and keeping him next to or behind you, and not pulling, that means no tension on the leash. This means that you are setting the position, and the dog will soon get the point that you are leading the walk, you earn respect as the dog looks to you for direction on position.

If stress occurs on the lead then two things perhaps are occurring. You may be on a time limit, in a rush, or annoyed at the dogs lack of obedience. You may also not be projecting confidence enough to make your dog feel safe. Are you holding yourself calmly with arms low and relaxed? Trusting that your dog will not misbehave will return trust and respect, and will increase the likeliness of the dog behaving.

If you love your dog but your dog pulls on the leash and misbehaves on the walk, perhaps you are not giving the right kind of love. Dogs need love that involves structure and work before love. Dog psychology is very different to ours and just love is not enough for a dog, they need consistent rules. Rules such as when to go for the walk, when to get up, when to play, all rules that are set by the leader, all of which are healthy and result in the dog appreciating your love in a way they understand. - 29895

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Dog Training Tips For You

By Jeff Jones

Majority of the people have got dog pets at their home. You love him and adore him but it is very important that you must take out time for your dog training. The article would give you some of the great tips that you can use for the effective training of your dog.

At the outset, it is essential to recognize the fact that dog training is necessary to keep your dog safe and also to ensure that your property and home are kept clean. If you do not take care, you would get embarrassed if your neighbor came and complained that your dog made his home or property dirty. This is one of the primary reasons as to why you should take steps for proper dog training. You can easily influence the obedience level as well as behavior of the dog by means of training.

One of the very first things that has to be taken care of in dog training is the aspect of potty training of the dog. At the same time you should desists from just punishing the dog ad positive reinforcements are quite effective in training. Rewarding the dog on obedience with some food is a very apt technique. You are likely to get better results and faster, that way.

There are many similarities between dogs and humans as far as learning capacities go. Some dogs are very sharp and quick, while others may be a bit slow. Do not make the mistake of comparing your dog with that of your relative or neighbor, as every dog is quite unique. If you want to control and earn the trust of your dog, be patient and consistent in conduct.

There are many ways that you can adopt for training your dog. Some dog breeds have got their own personal characteristics and traits which you should know how to use for your own benefit.

You should not ignore any bad or errant behavior of dogs. This is true even if the dog is not a big dog and is just a puppy. One of the key elements of successful dog training is to nip bad behavior in the bud.

Do make it a point to spend time with the dog on a daily basis. When the dog is calms, you can teach and train him better. Lengthy training sessions will not help as you should know about the short attention spans and limited memory of dogs.

Dog training is an essential ingredient to protecting your dog and also ensuring the benefit of your family. People who ignore this key element often end up causing many accidents to the dog, so you should start the training quickly. - 29895

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Their Hot, Trendy, and The Latest Must Have Pet Accessory

By Akitaman

Dog owners have experimented with various styles of collars for centuries and started adorning their beloved pets with interesting and unusual decorations to set them apart from the rest. Spiked pet dog collars have been around for many years, and were used to protect working and fighting dogs from other predators. Today, they are still used for that reason, but they are also trendy and fabulous fashion accessories for pets.

Why do pet owners choose spiked collars? You may be wondering why anyone would want their dog's collar spiked. The reason is pretty straight forward and logical, as spiked dog collars were and still are used to give dogs protection from potential predators and attackers. Following along with that thought process, it can be inferred that the earliest societies that started using the collars paid significant regard to their pets, even hundreds of years ago. Remember that in the 19th century, people kept dogs for specialized purposes. Dogs were used as either security or body guards, or as working companions. Farmers utilized dogs to guard their crops from smaller animals, and hunters used them to easily find the animals that they killed.

For these reasons, spikes were put on custom dog collars so that no predators could harm a dog, since the spikes served as a natural protection. Modern day uses for the spiked collar have truly evolved. Today, spiked collars are now worn by dogs not only for protection, but also as a fashion accessory. Many dog owners find great pleasure in dressing their dogs with trendy and novelty accessories that range from spiked collars to cute apparel that humanizes their pampered pooch.

A spiked pet collar will likely be made of sturdy materials, such as leather and steel, to make sure that it will endure the test of time. By making them extra durable and blending them into attractive colors and designs, spiked collars are a must have fashion accessory for many pets. The prices for spiked collars tend to vary. As with most things, the prettier and more ornate they are, the more expensive they will be. Leather collars are generally also more costly than synthetic leather versions.

Almost every pet shop and pet accessory store in your area, as well as online stores sell spiked pet dog collars. It has almost become a necessity for pet stores to carry them because many a dog owner, at one time or another will be lured into getting one such dog collar for their four-legged companion. This is why you probably won't have a hard time locating and buying a spiked collar.

The days of spiked pet dog collars being used solely for functional purposes are gone, with the new era in spiked collar fashion taking hold. People still used the collars as they were originally intended, but they now also use them to help their pet stand out from the crowd, with a fabulous look that illustrates the style and fun frivolity of the owner. - 29895

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Dealing with Dog Obesity

By Taylor Martinerin

Overweight pets can be a big problem for both the animal and the owner. Overweight dogs can die earlier in life, have severe health issues and be generally unhappy when they can't get around. Unfortunately, pet obesity is an increasing trend within the United States. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help keep your own four-legged friend from reaching this point, and new medical advances are helping reduce the problems they cause.

Experts have pinpointed a few basic problems that cause most dog obesity. The number one would be that dogs are overeating and eating table scraps. As cute as it might be to feed your pet at the table, resist if you want to help their health. Human food just can't be handled properly by dogs, nor does it really provide the nutrients that they need for their health needs.

Another reason dogs are seriously overweight includes lack of exercise. When the owner doesn't get out often enough, neither does the dog. These days more and more dogs are indoor pets, leaving the time outside to be brief bathroom breaks. Try to increase walk frequency if you think that your dog might be putting on weight.

One of the best ways to address dog obesity is to look at your own lifestyle. By helping your dog keep healthy, you'll also be helping yourself stay healthy. Getting out and enjoying life every day when you walk is the first way. Then make a pact that nobody in your family feeds your dog off the table. Make sure that your dog just eats dog food, not people food as well. If your dog continues to gain weight, consider lowering how much of their dog food you give them as well.

If you think that your dog might be facing an obesity problem, you really need to consider taking some steps to correct it. As we know it all starts with the dog owner. - 29895

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Dog Training Shows How Much An Owner Loves A Pet

By Adriana Noton

Many people who get a dog do a poor job of researching how much responsibility is involved in owning a pet. This is especially true of people who neglect dog training.

There's a wealth of information about dog training, but experts say that one of the best reasons to train a dog properly is to establish a relationship of mutual trust. Unlike other kinds of pets, dogs are social animals that have been bred through centuries to serve and be close to their human owners. Dogs by their nature are pack animals that look to a leader to know how to behave, and a human who doesn't establish this kind of relationship really fails to take good care of his or her dog.

About three weeks after they're born, puppies entertain into a behavioral period known as socialization. Between three and 12 weeks, the main task of puppies is social play. The investigate, they "play-fight, " and they mimic sexual behaviors. Their subsequent behavior is shaped by the puppies interaction with their mother and littermates.

Eventually, however, as you learned the local language you will be able to have a happier, more fulfilling life there. The same is true of dogs that live as pets in a human environment. Through obedience training a dog learns how to associate behaviors with certain human sounds. Saying "sit" to a trained dog always results in the dog sitting. Saying "stay" keeps the dog in one place, and saying "come" brings the dog to its owner. With proper puppy training, both the owner and the dog develop a mutual understanding that each can trust in their relationship.

However, all puppies go through a period of "stranger avoidance" between six and 12 weeks. This is a natural fear that develops as a way to keep puppies safe from predators. During this time puppies exhibit more "startle" reactions to sounds and sudden movements. These reactions keep a pup safe, but they also could interfere with establishing relationships with people. That's why it best not to rush a puppy through these behavioral period. Let it get its bearings first.

Dog training for obedience involves the owner and puppy learning a series of basic commands. Among these are "sit, " "stay, " "down, " "come, " "heel, " "drop it" and "leave it." In most cases, these commands are taught with the use of food rewards such as dog food, tiny dog biscuits or small pieces of appropriate human food such as string cheese or baked or boiled chicken. Each of these commands is intended to teach a certain posture to the dog that the owner can use to control its behavior.

Among the basic obedience commands, "stay" and "heel" may be the most difficult for puppies to learn. Puppies are naturally full of energy and playfulness and they want nothing more than to explore. Owners who find it hard to channel all that puppy energy must develop the patience to keep practicing all obedience commands until their dogs can do them well instantly.

A dog needs his or her owner to provide discipline, patience and most importantly, love. Getting proper training for a dog as early as possible provides all these essentials for a happy life. - 29895

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Your Dog Keeping You Awake

By Catherine V. Testaratti

Many new dog owners are totally unaware of the needs of their pet. They feel like they need to feed them, let them out in the yard and give them a little love and that's all. Well, there is a lot more to it then that.

A lot of new dog owners complain about their puppies or dog keeping them awake at night. As puppies they are so cute and we make the mistake of letting them sleep in our beds. Then as they get older, they either become too big or they just become bed hogs.

As we try and put the cute puppy that's growing and taking over the bed out of the bed and room, we are now faced with whining and scratching the door. Now another problem is created and no one in the house is sleeping. Well except your husband and kids because we know they can sleep through anything.

Dogs can feel anxieties as we humans can. Sometimes your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety when he exhibits the whining and barking behavior when you are trying to separate them from the rest of the family at bedtime. Just moving his bed to your room or crating him in your room will solve this problem.

As we mentioned above, crating a dog is a solution for sleeping problems. Dogs do feel safe when crated and you will be surprised how fast this works. Some owners feel bad for the dog, but don't.

Try getting a friend for you dog. Doing a good thing by adopting an abandoned pet and providing your pup with a buddy can help relive anxieties when you leave. The dogs will play and tire themselves out which will help with nighttime sleeping.

Having a dog that is anxious and needy can also mean that they are not getting enough exercise. Exercising dogs, especially the hyper dog, is critical to a good night's sleep. Work your dog's exercise regime in with yours for a happier, tired dog.

During the day while you are at work, your dog is usually home sleeping. Then when you return home for the evening, the dog is wired for sound. Keeping your dog active is the key to a peaceful nights sleep.

Remember, being a responsible pet owner includes exercising your dog. Dogs enjoy socializing and getting out as well as you do. Make it a family affair, you, the kids and the dogs, strolling through the neighborhood and the you can enjoy a good night sleep. - 29895

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Keeping Your Puppy Safe Throughout Teething

By Keshal Jones

Furniture, shoes, toys and tennis balls are all prime targets for the little puppy that you've just brought home. When this happens, you might be inclined to discipline your dog but avoid doing this.

You might be regretting ever bringing the adorable little pup home just about now, seeing that anything within paw's reach just gets chewed to bits. This is normal and all puppies will go through this stage. There's not much else to be done except keeping anything that's easily chewable out reach.

Because your puppy's teeth is growing, it needs a different type of food than normal. Puppies with teething issues will most likely not want to eat anything too solid (just imagine you had your wisdom teeth pulled out), so you will need to purchase formulated food until it's no longer required.

Chewing on anything that might splinter like wood or bones should be avoided though you can buy special chewing bones from the pet store designed for dogs with overly sensitive teeth. Chewing on these type of objects should be encouraged as it can help your dog get past this stage of its life.

Look around the house for objects that you no longer need and which aren't too hard and let your puppy play with that. Alternatively, you can purchase toys for teething dogs at any good pet store. Such toys are in the form of chewing balls or rubberized bones.

Keep dangerous items such as sharp objects and wires around your house away from your dog. Remember that your puppy won't know what is deadly and what's not and will tend to chew on anything in sight, so be careful.

Getting a in-house dog fence is a great idea to prevent your puppy from roaming to hazardous locations around your home. They're an effective and inexpensive solution to keep your dog safe until it grows a little older. You will find these pet fences readily available for you to order on the internet.

Just know that this teething period will pass in good time so in the meantime, you job will be to keep a close eye on your dog to make sure it plays safely. Never leave your puppy to run around on its own unsupervised in the garden. - 29895

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Being Robbed by Pet Insurance Firms?

By Mr. John Sommer, PhD.

If you have been in a situation where you thought that your pet insurance company were going to pay for the treatment of your pet but they told you that you weren't covered then you know what it feels like being robbed.

Sometimes you're just not covered and there is nothing to do about it. Maybe the policy where difficult to read or maybe you didn't read it as closely as you should but other times the company should pay but they will try to avoid it. You might have been able to find that out beforehand.

In the paragraphs below I am going to tell you some simple but effective strategies that can help you find a pet insurance company that will be more likely to pay when your pet is in an accident and needs treatment. These are just the simple things and if you want more high level information, be sure to go check out my website.

The first thing to consider is whether you already know something about the pet insurance company's reputation. If you already know that they are not likely to be paying for any treatment without you having to pick a fight stay clear of them. It is not worth the effort.

After that you should seek to talk to some professionals. Vets will know a lot more about pet insurance companies than you might think. Every time a pet gets injured they will be involved in one way or another and they are therefore more likely to know who pays and who don't.

Thirdly you need to go online to check for reviews. The great thing about reviews is that they will have both positive and negative comments. You should look at both and make up your mind after reading both sides of the story.

Finally I suggest that you call up the company that you are planning on purchasing pet insurance with. It will be of great value to talk to their customer support personnel to see whether they are treating you in a kind manor. You can even call them up and fake an accident to see how they react.

4 basic steps that will have a profound effect on what pet insurance company to sign up with. Now there are no guarantees that they are going to pay in case an accident do happen to your pet but as least you have given it a fair try. For additional information about pet insurance companies be sure to visit my website. - 29895

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Shiba Inu Breeders - How To Find The Best Breed

By Melissa Fielden

Are you looking for a pet? Do you want to adopt a shiba inu for your pet? If you are looking for shiba inus as a pet, there are two ways to do this. You may look for shiba inu breeders or go to shiba inu rescue and choose from the adult dogs in their kennel.

The usual thing that happens when people search in the shiba inu rescue is that they can't find the right pet that they're looking for so it always end up in looking for a shiba inu breeder. Before anything else, you must need to know a few considerations about shiba inu breeders.

In this article, we will provide you the different considerations to follow in order for you to bring home the best shiba inu available. The major consideration in choosing a breeder is that the breeder's characteristics must be good. The breeder must be reliable and must be of good reputation. If not, it will be a big problem.

It is important that the breeder is not hiding anything. The breeder should allow you to see their dogs and to interact with them. This is a good characteristic of shiba inu breeders. It is a manifestation that they are honest and are not hiding anything.

Another characteristic is that a shiba inu breeder must not have an excessive amount of litters. This is a per year basis. The litter amount will be the measure if he or she is a good breeder because too much may be an indicator that he or she is a dirty breeder and that it will only lead you to have a puppy which is prone to diseases, with the potential to become a big problem in the future.

The breeder should also provide a good contract that protects you as the buyer and them as the sellers. Likewise, the guarantee on the health of the puppy should be in the contract and the clause that you may return the puppy when you are not satisfied can be a neat thing.

Moreover, there are a few breeders that do not like the idea of returning the puppy back to them. But, it is still your right so if they don't like it, go to another shiba inu breeder which is alright with this kind of condition. A breeder with a trait of being reachable at all times and having health certificates which are of NSCA should not be overlooked at. When you find this kind of breeder, adopt a shiba inu from them because these are the kind of qualifications are very hard to find.

Finally, while there are good parameters for shiba inu breeders there are likewise a red signal that will tell you to avoid those types of breeders. The major consideration is the filthy condition in the breeders place and if the breeder refuses that you step into its kennel. You should be wary in dealing with these types of shiba inu breeders. One last thing, the contract should be clear in both the price and the condition, otherwise avoid them, they are not reputable enough to adopt from. - 29895

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How to Pick an Appropriate Dog Food

By Taylor Martinerin

When one gets a dog there are many special things to do beforehand to make sure that he or she is properly taken care of. Besides getting them all their shots they need and an appointment with your local veterinarian you should also pick out the appropriate dog food for them. There are a lot of different types of dog food out there, so sometimes it can be really hard to select what might be right for your particular pet. Hopefully this will help a bit.

To start out you will want to consider what age your dog is. If you are getting a new puppy you will want to start out with a puppy chow. This type of dog food is generally smaller in size than regular dog food and it is softer for them. Puppies often have sensitive teeth, so this can really help them. Plus, puppies are often a bit overenthusiastic when they eat, so this makes choking less likely. There are a few different types of puppy chow on the market so you can look over each one and try them out to see which your puppy prefers.

If your dog is an older dog you will want to pick an advanced age dog food. Older dogs need slightly different nutrients and vitamins to remain healthy, which these foods can provide.

Middle aged dogs have a lot more leeway when it comes to selecting a food. There are several different flavors for dogs to have.

Special situations, such as dog obesity, can also have a big impact on your dog food selection. In this situation you would do well with choosing a weight management dog food. Just like with people, proper diet is necessary for animals facing the uphill battle against obesity.

Some dog owners like to use wet food for their dogs especially smaller ones. Though wet dry food can be used well as a treat on top of dry food, it isn't really a necessity.

Don't forget to ask what sort of food your dog was on before you got it. You will want to introduce them to their new food gradually so they do not get upset stomachs or diarrhea. By following these tips you will have an easier time getting the right dog food for your new friend. - 29895

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Obedience Training to Curb Behavior Problems in Your Dog

By Tom Wilson

Dogs should be obedient and when it is about the domestic pet then certainly well behavior is a must. Therefore, every dog owner must take a very good care while conducting different techniques of dog obedience training. There are some of the training techniques like dig whispering, clicker training, positive reinforcement, marker training, reward training, collar and leash training etc. In dog obedience training schools all these methods are practiced. Therefore, if you can sign up to the schools you will come to know more about the obedience training secrets for the dogs. * It is necessary to build a healthy relationship with your pet * Good rapport with the dog is a must * All this effort is directed towards turning your pet into a responsible social creature * Basic behavior and manners should be the first two things that are to be ingrained in your dog.

Dog obedience training is not so complicated and there isn't any confusion about it. With adequate training, your pet will be relaxed and confident and they will spend the leisure hours happily. For fulfilling some of the essential needs of the pets it is necessary to start with exercise and mental stimulation. There is no dog obedience train equipment which can train a dog overnight, rather there is a step by step process which you need to follow. Instead there is a step by step process of dog obedience trainings tips which can help your pet to learn different command and skills.

With the help of dog obedience training you can positively curb behavioral problems in your dog. Most of the problems that dog owners face is the miscommunication between them and their pets. Most of the behavioral problems are due to separation anxiety. You can correct these problems by implementing dog obedience equipments in the initial stages.

It is quite obvious on your part to think that your dog is behaving poorly simply because he wants to irritate you. But this is not the case, instead behavioral problems result because of a specific cause. Hence, to cure behavioral problems in your pet, you need to first identify the cause behind it. Make sure that you don't reward any strange behavior of your pet. Remember that you are here to eliminate the behavioral problems and not encourage them.

The behavioral problems are common in puppies and it is important that you should keep a careful eye on your new puppy. In the initial stages and even later on, the puppies are always dependent and reliant on you and therefore it is necessary that you should make him adjusted to the new environment. It is solely your responsibility to curve the best behavior habits, character and temperament of your puppies. Here are some of the dog obedience puppy training tips which will keep away behavioral problems for the dogs. * Rewarding and praising when it listens to you * All commands should be repeated * Do not punish excessively * Let him master his own commands.

It is sad to note that many dogs land up in animal shelters and in worst cases are isolated due to behavioral problems. This does not give you reason to start worrying when it comes to training your dog. There are some problems like destructive behavior and aggression that can be taken care of with dog obedience training techniques that can give you outstanding results! - 29895

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Tips To Stop Your Dog Pulling You Around on His Leash

By Jim Witt

The other week my mother-in-law asked me to walk her dog. While her dog is a relatively small dog, I ended up spending the majority of the walk struggling to get her dog to go where I wanted her to go. It was a frustrating experience, and somewhat embarrassing when others saw our struggle.

If this sounds similar to something you yourself are experiencing, there are things that can be done to fix the leash problem. First, be sure that you actually are using the right type of leash and walking equipment. Some leashes will work great, while others are pretty useless.

When a dog pulls on a leash, it normally is because they walk faster than we humans normally do. They may get bored while we stand around visiting with our neighbors. Whatever the reason, most of the time pulling on a leash is a natural dog behavior and will require training for them to stop.

A nylon buckle collar or a Martingale Collar is the best type of collar if you want to train your dog. Don't try to use a choke collar, since you can actually damage your dog. Find a six-foot dog leash for this training exercise.

A retractable lead will do a good job if your dog is constantly pulling away from you. A body harness doesn't do a good job if you own a large dog. Body harnesses are not to be used when you train a dog how to use a leash, so don't use them for that reason.

Train your dog to keep the leash slack by standing stiff whenever they pull on the leash. The best way to keep your dog going where you want them to is to positively reinforce the times where they follow your direction. Training collars are also a good training device.

You can also try to train your dog where he will have little distractions. It may be a good idea to start training your dog indoors if you can. If that is not ideal, find a place where you can walk with him and he will listen to your commands without being distracted by people or animals nearby.

If you are lucky you can begin training with a puppy. However, do not fret. You can still teach an old dog some new tricks. - 29895

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Dog Allergies to Food - The Common Culprits

By Lizzie Novotny

Dog allergies to food have been shown to give a dog much discomfort. This can cause them to itch and scratch. We may not know all the reason why dogs have these allergies, but we can simplify by narrowing down their symptoms, diagnose it and then eliminate the possible source.

Food allergies don't prey on a specific breed or gender of dog. It doesn't necessarily mean that it will show up right after birth. Sometimes food allergies show up around 2 years old and in some, and much later than that for others. Just like with humans, sometimes food allergies go hand in hand with other problems, such as contact allergies or sinus issues.

Dog allergies to food create hotspots and the itching and scratching of the skin. Food intolerances, however, can cause a dog to have an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, or vomiting. Getting rid of the food culprit can cure both issues.

When a dog itches, it normally occurs on the anus, legs, ears, face and feet. You may have some difficulty figuring out if its dog allergies to food or if its an ordinary skin condition. Some questions you may have to ask yourself are the following: Is steroid treatment ineffective? Does my dog suffer throughout the year? Does your dog have skin issues at a young age?

The itching normally occurs around the anus, armpits, forelegs, ears, face and feet. It may be quite challenging to figure out if its dog allergies to food or if its just a skin condition from contact with a specific environmental agent. In order to figure this out, you may have to answer a few questions. Is the dog suffering throughout the year? Does your dog not respond well to steroid therapy? Is your dog young with skin issues? If you answered "yes" to most of these--you probably have a dog that is allergic to food.

You want to make sure to rule out any dog allergy aggravators such as flea bit allergies or shampoos, etc. Once you rule out any aggravators you can begin testing the food that it eats. Pick one protein and one carbohydrate to test for the next 3 months with nothing but water and no treats. This is the only way, besides going to through expensive veterinarian testing. Once you narrow it down and are able to eliminate it, your dog will be much happier for it. - 29895

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Why The Best Number Of Dog Agility Jumps Are 4 To 8

By Martin Elmer

So how many jumps should you start with? Well, when practicing agility you can never have too many single jumps. But we do not recommend less than four jumps as a beginning point for good agility training.

You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can setup a "box" with your jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps.

It is possible to teach you dog to jump right and left. You can stand outside the box and send your dog; or handle from inside the box. You can practice serpentines and treadles by setting up the jumps in a horizontal line.

Go the next step and get eight jumps. Now you can setup two boxes with one introductory jump. You've now multiplied your drills that you can practice with your dog. Your jump grids can be of recommended size and quantity of jumps.

Another option is to setup the jumps in circles with jump bars at a 90 degree angle to the circle or on the bounds of the circle. With this pattern you can train a lot of various skills.

Now you can think about double and triple jumps. You can choose to setup two or even three single jumps to make your extended jump, but the real value of practice comes when doubling or tripling the jumps. You see it every time; the dog runs a clean course until the last triple jump obstacle, and then the dog is not ready for it. The result: the bar comes down.

You can really be ahead of the pack and have two sets of eight jumps. This is the ultimate in training because you can keep a jump grip up at all times that is separate from your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work. And when you include your double and triple, you can really practice all the jumping skills and drills necessary to get you those "Qs". - 29895

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The Easiest Way To Select The Right Dog Food?

By David E. Broadhead

Everyone wants their pet to be healthy. The diet of your pet dog plays a critical role in keeping it healthy and happy. It is vital that you be extra careful in picking the dog food for your pet. Read on for some considerations and recommendations about choosing dog food.

The 1st and the basic step in this direction is to keep a look out for the ingredients of the dog food. For this it is essential that you completely go through the list of ingredient as debated on the product package. Ensure that the product is free from any sort of constituents that might prove damaging to your pet's health. Remember that any dog food that has chicken spinoff, bone meal, birds derivative and meat spinoff as the first few ingredients on the list ; then such dog food is a complete no-no.

Besides ingredients; another thing to be noted out for is the nutritive value of dog food. It is vital that the product must have satisfactory quantity of all the essenatial nutrients. In addition to checking the nutritional value; it is suggested that you should always check the share of calories as present in a dog food. If a categorical dog food is observed to be running high on the calorie content; it's better to desist from purchasing such dog food.

When selecting a dog food, you also need to make sure that the dog food of your choice meets the nuritional needs of your pet. This is because different dog breeds have different nutritional requirements. While smaller dogs need more of carbohydrates, the larger ones need minerals and vitamins and minerals in a greater quantity. Check the nutritive wants of your pet and select a dog food that suits the same.

In the procedure of choosing dog food, you may also be careful about the preservatives employed in the dog food. There have been cases of companies selling dog food with chemicals which are harmful for your dog. The common suspects here are BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. It is mostly suggested that you choose dog food that has Vitamin C as preservative.

An APHIS authentication is the stamp of good quality dog food. APHIS certified dog food isn't just much safer you will rely on it to be highly nutritive. The validation is only given to those products which are made using ingredients fit for human consumption. You may be guaranteed assured that APHIS certified food shall never cause any harm to your pet.

Be truly carful when you are choosing the dog food. In fact, be as careful as you would be when you are choosing food for your baby. Remember that your dog also experiences pain but unlike you, it may not tell you when it is in pain. So it is best to avoid any possibility of pain in the 1st place by making certain the best diet. - 29895

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Top Puppy Training Tips

By Miyagii Moto

Dogs are the most preferred pets by majority of the population ever since the beginning of history. They have proven themselves to be efficient, loyal, highly intellectual and trainable in various tasks. They can be sweet and meek to their owners but ferocious to total strangers. This makes them a perfect companion for those who are single and unattached as well as to couples who are just planning to start their own families. People from all ages can also quickly adapt to the presence of an adorable canine.

It has been said that a dog's behavior only reflect his breeding and training. Obviously, there is nothing that you can do anymore to change his breeding. However, there is still a lot you can do with his training. You can still teach new tricks. Now, if you are thinking of getting another puppy as a pet, here are some of the best-kept secrets of puppy training that you should bear in mind.

The first thing that you have to do is to make your pet feel secure in your company. Spend some quality time by playing with him after you have gotten home from your office. This process will ensure that you have established a good rapport. It's a no-no to start implementing difficult tricks that would boggle his mind because it will not lead to any learning. After making your pet comfortable, slowly impose discipline by taking away his comfortable lifestyle.

Chain him, put him in his kennel or place him inside a crate to show that you mean business. At first, they might get a little noisy and howl until the wee hours of the morning, especially if they have been previously used to a very free lifestyle. Try to be immune to this kind of suffering. Sooner or later, they will realize that all their whimpering will have no effect on you. This will inculcate the fact that you are the boss and your orders must be followed strictly down to the last letter. It won't be long before they get used to this set up and will look forward to your arrival.

Second, teach him a simple trick followed by a treat. The treat could come in the form of a small chewable bone or a piece meat. Just like the classic conditioning method by renowned psychologist Ivan Pavlov, they will learn to associate the new trick with food. This will stroke their interest and whet their appetite for more food.

Third, you can go the opposite way of the second step and let your dog learn through the negative conditioning process. Instead of giving a nice reward, teach him the power of the words no, stop and don't in a strong and authoritative tone. They will distinguish that it is something significant in relation to your voice.

Fourth, you have to follow through. Be consistent when giving commands and orders as well as their corresponding rewards or punishments. Do not flip flop when it comes to this. Your dog will get confuse if you did something once then change the rules the second time. He must realize that everything is well-established when it comes to your instructions.

Lastly, give plenty of alternatives. If there are chores that your dog can't easily do as told, like not peeing on the plant, then provide another option like giving him a pee box. This will shift his attention and result to a more favorable attitude. Don't be such a strict disciplinarian all the time that you will take the fun out of this training exercise. Have fun with your pet dog. - 29895

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Finding a Large Dog Bed for Your Canine Companion

By John Gaddy

Finding the right large dog bed for your canine companion can be difficult. Sure, it sounds easy, but walk into the pet store and you'll find that finding the right large dog bed isnt as simple of a task as you would have thought. Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the appropriate bed for your dog can be a tricky endeavor.

All dog beds come in some several basic styles and types. Pillow-type beds are the most common, and most often are either circular or rectangular shaped. Such beds usually come with a removable cover that can be washed, with the inside "fluff" of the bed consisting of standard stuffing, foam, or cedar. While any padding provide excellent comfort, cedar is especially useful for use outdoors, as it serves as a natural flea repellent, and provides a pleasant, natural scent. Dogs that like to sleep stretched out tend to like these beds, as they allow them to spread out fully while sleeping and resting.

Doughnut style dog beds are very common for small dogs, but many large dog beds also available in this style. Such beds can come in two sections, such as a low-sided basket with a flat bed inside, or an all fabric design where the outer portion is padded and the doughnut hole is less padded, giving the dog a nest to cuddle into. Some dogs prefer these beds to others, especially dogs who like to nest to feel secure. Many a large dog has tried rather comically to fit into doughnut beds for their much smaller animal siblings. If your dog is a "nester" it will appreciate a doughnut bed in the right size!

Elevated dog beds are a newer type, with many variations of construction and design, from miniature couches to suspended hammock-type beds. The idea of these types of beds are to keep dogs above the cold ground and drafty floor level, also allowing older dogs to get up from laying down more easily. Your dog may take some convincing at first that its a safe place to sleep, but after an introduction, most dogs decide that the strange look is worth the added comfort!

Orthopedic dog beds are another type of large dog bed that can be especially useful for big dogs. All dogs, but especially big dogs tend to develop arthritis as they get older, and often experience stiffness or even difficulty getting up after laying down for a long time. Orthopedic dog beds can help to alleviate that stiffness and make it easier for an older dog to get up and moving after resting. Orthopedic dog beds come in many of the common styles of beds that are already available, but utilize more modern types of padding for increased comfort, such as orthopedic mattress foam, gel-foam and even built in heating devices to increase comfort and circulation within the joints.

Choosing the best dog bed for a large breed dog can be confusing at first, but if you carefully match the needs of your dog with his or her preferences and your needs, finding the selecting the right bed for your home can be done easily. - 29895

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Dealing With An Aggressive Dog - The Do's And Dont's

By Carl Covason

All dogs have the possibility of being aggressive. Some people believe that certain breeds of dogs are naturally aggressive but the truth is that the dogs that get a bad rap for being aggressive are the ones that people tend to train to be aggressive.

For example, take the pit bull. In the long and short of it, pit bulls are not overly aggressive by themselves. The reason people believe they are is because people like to train pit bulls to be aggressive.

While it is true that a dog of a certain breed is not guaranteed to be mean, all dogs have a personality of their own. If you find yourself with an aggressive dog then you need to take precautions for your safety and the safety of any children you have.

So what do you do if you get a dog that is a bit on the aggressive side?

Well it actually depends on how aggressive they are and what they get aggressive about.

One form of aggression is when your dog crouches down with their belly close to the ground like they are ready to spring in for the attack while growling and barking. If your dog does this it is best to completely ignore him. Make no eye contact because if you do it will be taken as a challenge and could easily turn into a game of who has the power.

Never lash out or spank your dog if he is doing this or it will turn into a game where he tries to dog you and lunge at you for his turn. Once it becomes a game you will have a very difficult time of breaking your dog's aggressive habit.

If your dog gets aggressive when he is eating the best way to deal with it is to stay around him every time he is eating. Do not touch an aggressive dog when he is eating. Start out by staying in the same room and gradually work your way closer every meal.

Always use your best judgment when doing this and pay very close attention to the signs your dog is giving you. If he is getting agitated then do not get any closer to him.

If you have a very aggressive dog then you need to use caution around him and get him trained either by training him yourself or by going to a local dog trainer. - 29895

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The Barking Dog, What Can I Do?

By Matt Closson

Control Barking With Respect

Your dog looks to you for leadership and must respect that leadership in order to be a well behaved and a happy pet. If a dog barks until you give in, there is no respect being given by your dog. You are being harassed into giving your dog what he/she wants. Giving into your dogs barking demands by reacting (punishing or rewarding) you are reinforcing your dogs barking behavior. By reacting, whether it is to discipline your dog for barking or to give them what they want, you have effectively trained your dog to make noise and keep it up until you respond.

Affection and play-times are obviously necessary aspects of life with a dog, but they have to be doled out on your own terms. If she learns that she can get what she wants by barking, then your house is going to become a Noise Pollution Zone (and this is not going to endear you to your neighbors, either).

You can prevent this type of pushy, demanding behavior and eliminate this form of communication between you and your dog, by simply proving to him/her that you will not be manipulated. The best way to do this is by ignoring the unwanted behavior. I am not taking about turning a blind eye to the misbehaving, I am talking about using a more active role with your body language, making it clear that barking at this time will not be tolerated.

Ignoring your dog in the right way is the most effective way to end the barking manipulation. Simply put, give your dog the cold shoulder. When he/she tries to manipulate you with their bark, turn your back to them. Don't look their way, turn your head and eyes away and present your back to them. Don't even say"no!' to them. This will likely dumbfound your dog and cause the to bark louder and harder. This is especially true if you have given into them before and reinforced the barking behavior. Expect the barking to get worse before it gets better. Remember if you give in at anytime, the dog wins and you reinforce its behavior.

As with any dog training, you must remain consistent. Giving in half way though the lesson will only teach your dog, "the more persistent I am the more I will get what I want." If it used to take five minutes of barking to get a walk out of you and now it takes ten minutes, be sure that you have just trained your dog to bark for ten minutes to get a walk out of you. Now, what can you do if your dog is not the manipulative type, and you just want then to stop the noise? You can safely and humanely, quiet your dogs barking by using your hands. No, I don't mean beating your dog until they shut up, no matter bad you may have wanted to do this in the past. No, this is a pain free method of getting your point across, that right now is the time for peace and quiet.

You can do this by:

It is best to allow for dog to calm the barking it's self. (it is kinder and more effective if your dog is allowed to express him/herself before asking to be quiet.) If he/she does not stop barking in a reasonable time, reach out and clasp your dogs muzzle gently, but firmly, in your hand. He/she may try to shake you off or pull away, so it helps to also grab the collar with your other hand for more control. This method works for two reasons: One, it automatically stops the barking(because a dog can not bark with its mouth shut.) Two, it make things perfectly clear that you are in-charge and should be listened to without hesitation.

Hold onto your dogs muzzle and collar until they stop trying to break free: only when your dog stops trying to break free does it mean that they have accepted your authority. When your dog has become still, hold for one or two seconds longer then let go and praise them. In addition to this short term method, lets take a look that some things we can do to reduce the amount of barking altogether.

Unwarranted or excessive unwanted barking(repetitive barking directed at nothing) can usually be calmed by more attention and exercise. Most dogs respond best to at lease 90 minutes of exercise a day. This can very depending on the dog, it's breed, age and health. If you feel you exercise your dog as much as you possibly can, but your dog still barks too much and shows signs of an agitated demeanor(fidgeting, acting more aggressively than you'd like, restless or destructive) chances are your dog needs more exercise to burn up that energy.

The good news is you can fix this problem fairly easily: you will just have to exercise your dog a little more. Try working in an extra half hour of exercise a day, that 30 minutes a day can make a world of difference. If this is impossible, you may consider hiring some one to walk your dog for you. If this is still impossible, you may have to except the fact that you are going to have a loud, frustrated and agitated dog until things change.

The second leading cause of excessive barking can be traced back to, too much 'alone time'. Dogs by nature, love to be social: they need a great deal of attention, interaction and communication. A dog that lacks these social activity can become anxious and restless. Just because you are at home does not mean you are giving your dog enough attention. If you find that your dog is spending a lot of time barking at nothing it might be time for some love and attention. - 29895

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Educating Your Dog

By Charles Mackey

Dogs are one of the animals that are considered as clean animals. Dogs have natural tendency not to soil the area where they eat and sleep. Dogs also have the habit to relieve on grass or on dirt rather on concrete. With this natural habit of a dog, dogs can be train successfully at your own home.

There are two ways you can do to set up your dog for successful house training. First, you have to establish a living area (den) for your dog. You can do this in a small confined area such as bathroom, part of the kitchen or garage. Spend some time with your dog in his den. Let him play, eat and sleep in this area. You can also give him special bed whether it is an open crate or a large cardboard box. He might eliminate in this are at the beginning but once he realizes that this is his den, he will try to avoid dirtying the place.

Once your dog gets comfortable with his own bed, you can now move it anywhere you want inside the house. You can also leash your dog to yourself so that your dog can follow you around your home and you can monitor his behavior.

Another thing you need to set up is a toilet area for your dog. But you have to make sure that this area is easily accessible to your dog. During the first few days or weeks, you will have to accompany your dog while it is eliminating. But it will eventually develop a habit of eliminating in the specified toilet area. Having an established toilet area will make it easier for a regular feeding schedule. Note that a healthy adult dog can control its bladder and bowels for 8 hours, so you will also know when it's time for your dog to eliminate.

Most importantly, avoid confining your dog to an area where it won't have access to its toilet area. This is not good, as your dog will develop a habit of soiling itself, its bed or its den. And this will also make it difficult for you to train your dog.

Another way that you can speed up the training process is through reward. You can reward your dog every time it eliminates in its toilet area. You must also avoid shouting at your dog for accidents or mistakes that it did. This can confuse your dog and might slow down his training process.

Creating a large room for your dog can sometimes make your dog relieves on his room. Make it a bit smaller and take your dog often to his toilet. Urinary problems and medical conditions in your dog can also cause him to soil in his bed when he is sleeping. Lastly, most dogs relieve more often if he drinks too much water due to boredom or habit. So owners should minimize their dog's water intake and try putting something in his room so he won't get bored. Keep in mind that if you don't introduce your dog to his room, he might feel imprisoned and will show signs of anxiety, barking, chewing and whining. And always ensure that your dog is enjoying his room. - 29895

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