pet

Choose your best friend

February 12, 2009 By Amanda Somrekli

by Amanda Somrekli

Your puppy should have its own personal space. The crate, also known as a cage, kennel or den, must be big enough for the puppy to easily stand up and turn around in. I hate the word cage as it makes it sound like a punishment cell and that is most definitely not its purpose. A puppy should be able to go to its crate whenever it wants during the day.

You have to consciously watch your puppy to learn its body language. This will give you clues as to when it needs to go to the toilet.

You have to praise your puppy every time it does the toilet outside. The tone of your voice should be really enthusiastic but keep it soft not loud.

As the world now longs for toy breeds, believe it or not, these aren’t the best with children. The are more self-preserving and can get hurt much easier than a large breed. Dogs that were bred to herd, like border collies, can chase children and bite them.

In the beginning, the puppy should only be expected to stay in the dog crate for 2 daytime hours at a time. During his periods out of the crate, your puppy will need plenty of playtime, attention and loving.

Puppies should be given at least an hour between crating periods when they can play and explore and romp. This helps to burn off their seemingly unlimited puppy energy and helps them understand that crating will only be temporary.

Special treats can help make his new bedroom a pleasant place to stay. Give your puppy a small treat every time he has to go into his crate. Make his new bedroom comfortable. Get him a soft clean but durable blanket.

They are probably unsuitable pets for people who cannot or will not provide a considerable amount of daily exercise, both physical and mental. They are also inappropriate in households that are not prepared for the characteristic behaviors part of the Border Collie’s working heritage that include:

The second method mentioned here for house training puppies is crate training. This method involves keeping your puppy confined to a crate when there are not people around to supervise it.

Border Collies are unsuitable for households with small children. They may end up trying to herd the children or react quickly to unexpected movements.

About the Author:

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Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: animals, cats, Dog Food, dog training, Dogs, pet, pet supplies, pets_and_animals, puppies, sale

The Hounddog Brazilian mastiff

February 11, 2009 By jessica morris

by Hedi Salson

Tracking and sniffing is the Brazilian mastiff’s job, the gentle giants are a cross between a mastiff and a bloodhound. Giving them their full title of Fila Brasilerio they originate from Brazil and were introduced to the United States of America by the Conquistadors. In the early years of the breed its main purpose was to guard plantations.

The bigger the better and this one is big, the Brazilian mastiff can weigh over 100 pounds and stand 2 feet tall. Colouring goes from tan to black, with yellow and brindled dogs been very sought after, facially the dogs have the looks of the other cross the bloodhound.

mastiffs can be gentle or aggressive when the situation requires it, very very loyal and make a valued member to anyone’s family, very good with children also.

hunting comes natural to the Brazilian mastiff because of their bloodhound instincts, the purpose of the mastiff in the hunt is to mainly track the hunted animal , and after capture to hold the animail with causing no damage. Their real name starting with fila means to hold in Portuguese.

protective and loyal are only part of the traits of this breed of mastiff, they are in general a much healthier dog benefiting from been more active and not been prone to been over weight.

One of the downside traits of the mastiff is their dislike for strangers, they have been known to attack for no reason, so be warned if you have a tradesman coming to the house make sure your protective giant is out of the way.

The way to get to know you Brazilian mastiff is to spend time with the dog, the have personality of their own and will repay you with loyalty and affection, as well as eating you out of house and home. The protective side has even been showed with some mastiffs taking a dislike to show judges.

if you are thinking of getting a Brazilian mastiff puppy be sure to do your research, make sure the breeder has a license and will give references if asked, and if you are not sure ask questions.

About the Author:

Do you love Mastiff Dogs , If so go over to hedi salsons new website packed with detailed info including the Houndog of the Brazilian Mastiff ,free mini course for instant download , have a look NOW

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, dog breeders, Dog Health, Dogs, family, home, life, pedigree dogs, pet, pets

Easy Dog Training

February 10, 2009 By Fred Denton

by Nellie S. Wilson

There are many easy dog-training exercises you can use to train your dog. All dogs should have basic dog training, as this is key when you are trying to communicate with your dog. Without any training you and your dog will not understand each other.

Dog training allows you to communicate with your dog in a way that both of you will understand each other. Training a puppy of dog is simply as long as you keep it simple, short and fun for both of you.

If you have a puppy then it is important to start training them right away within the first month. Puppy’s minds are constantly adapting to their surroundings in the first month and this is when they learn new habits and behaviors. You want them to learn good behavior instead of picking up bad habits and undesirable behavior. All of the members of your family should participate in the training and everyone should agree upon the responsibilities and rules concerning the dog.

Your dog should have a schedule that everyone follows as well as designated sleeping, eating and toilet areas. You should also play, feed and train your dog at the same time each day. Monitoring food and water consumption is important o teach them bowel and bladder control.

When you are away from home a leash and collar can be an excellent tool in order to establish boundaries as well as prevent accidents. However when you are at home you should not confine your dog but allow them to interact with the family.

Dogs are fast learners and to instill good behavior they should be rewarded immediately after exhibiting good behavior. Dogs should only be rewarded when they deserve it and not just because they are giving you a cute puppy face. It is possible to train your dog to recognize its name by crouching down and calling its name and then rewarding him or her when they respond. You should try to repeat this as much as possible until your dog comes when you call its’ name.

Common dog behavioral problems such as aggression, biting, chewing, digging, excessive barking, fearful dogs, jumping, pop eating and separation anxiety through training. It is important to remember that training even easy dog training will take time and you need to have patience and be prepared to give your dog lots of attention. The sooner you begin training the easier it will be.

About the Author:

Deciding how to train your dog does not have to be difficult, just get dog training tools and read about best way to train your dog.

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: animals, clicker training, dog crate, dog leash, dog training, Dogs, pet, pets, pets_and_animals

Shih Tzu: Man’s Best Friend

February 9, 2009 By Rebecca Simpson

by Rebecca Simpson

The popular Shih Tzu breed has rich origins in royal Chinese history. Today’s Shih Tzu descends from dogs bred by Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi of Tibet, who rose to power in 1861 and died in 1908.

The Empress bred her dogs for traits like loyalty, good disposition, and perfect facial features. She gave Shih Tzu puppies as gifts to Chinese nobility and foreign diplomats. Tragically, when the Empress died, her successor resented the dogs and the era they represented, and many dogs were killed.

The breed first appeared in the United Kingdom during the late 1920s or early 1930s. North American soldiers who got to know the breed in Europe during World War II became fond of the little dogs and brought them back to the United States and Canada.

The Shih Tzu is a small, lightweight dog, weighing from nine to sixteen pounds. Its size makes it well suited as a lap dog and a pet for city dwellers. The dogs have been bred for centuries to provide human amusement and companionship. They are eager to please and thrive when they are the center of attention.

The dogs were bred to have a lion-like appearance, with their flattened facial muscles, bowed legs, bulging eyes, and intimidating facial expressions earning them the nickname of “lion dogs.” Their wrinkled faces were also said to resemble chrysanthemum flowers, giving rise to the breed’s second nickname of “chrysanthemum dog.”

The Shih Tzu’s coat is long and slightly wavy and requires careful daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles. The results are worth the effort, as the dog’s silky coat enhances its elegant appearance.

The dog makes an excellent family pet but is equally content to be a companion for a single owner or a couple without children. The Shih Tzu is happiest when it is the center of attention, so families with infants or very young children are advised to wait until the children are a bit older before purchasing a Shih Tzu, to avoid potential problems with jealousy.

The British Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935, and the breed continues to be popular in the U.K. and Europe. In 2006, the Shih Tzu ranked ninth in the American Kennel Club’s rankings of breed popularity. This is a particularly remarkable accomplishment, considering that the AKC first recognized the breed in 1969. The little Shih Tzu has come a long way in the United States in just under forty years, and it is likely to continue to grow in popularity as more and more people discover what a delightful pet this breed is.

About the Author:

Rebecca Simpson is a passionate lover of the Shih Tzu and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Shih Tzu Tibetan Lion Dogs plus a whole lot more.

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, shih tzu

Presidential Pets

February 5, 2009 By Camila Bilson

by Camila Bilson

Now that President Barack Obama has taken the oath and will now the call the White House his home, 10′s of Americans are wondering; will Barack fight off the presidential freshman 15 with some very health-friendly Dog Yoga exercises? President Obama has yet to indicate whether or not he will make Doga a regular part of his daily routine in the same way the last Democrat to hold office made morning jogs a regular part of his day. But knowing that President Obama is a dog lover, maybe it is not too unlikely to see him with his dog in the “downward dog” pose.

Because President Barack Obama has been pictured with a dog or two and stated during his acceptance speech that the Obamas will be bringing a dog to 1600 Pennsilvania Ave, perhaps it is not totally farfetched to believe President Oabama may enjoy some Doga exercises between performing his Presidential duties!

Many news-making pets have been able to call the White House their home over the past few administrations. President Clinton introduced his family’s cat to the world; “Socks”. President George Bush showed the world his dog loving side when he made his dog “Millie” famous. President George W. Bush also showed his fondness for dogs when he put his dog “Barney” on the map. Who will President Obama bring to the White House? Will Doga be appropriate?

After wining the Presidential election, Barack Obama took a moment to address his daughters while also addressing the nation, he said; “You have earned that puppy that is coming with us” His 10 year old daughter Malia has expressed interest in making a “Goldendoodle” their family pet, a hybrid of a golden retriever and traditional poodle.

Over the many years the White House has served as the President’s home, many other pets besides Socks, Millie and Barney were able to also call the White House their home; and oddly enough, not all the pets were the typical dog or cat! President William Henry called a cow his pet while in the Presidential office, as did Rutherford B. Hayes. Teddy Roosevelt brought a long with him a small zoo, including 5 bears. But remember Doga is only for dogs, not bears!

James Buchanan called an elephant his pet during his Presidential tenure! Good thing Malia, President Obama’s daughter did not hear about a pet elephant in the White House, a puppy may lose some of its appeal when compared to an elephant!

While most presidents are not known as being yoga enthusiasts, maybe they should be! Yoga has shown to be very useful in the reduction of stress and moreover, playing with dogs has also shown to be useful in reducing stress. Doga can often be the perfect answer for anyone looking to reduce stress and stay in shape, Presidential or otherwise!

The Amy Stevens’ Yoga4Dogs DVD is a great way to spend some time with your dog while enjoying a fun and stress-relieving workout in the comfort of your own home! Doga is perfect for all sizes and breeds of dogs. Doga is perfect for every kind of person; Presidents, architects, chefs, stay-at-home moms, plumbersanyone!

About the Author:

This article was written by Camila Bilson of Dogs4Dogs. To learn more about Doga and how Dog Yoga can help to reduce the stress in your life, visit the Yoga4Dogs website!

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Dog Health, dog yoga, doga, doga poses, health, pet, yoga 4 dogs, yoga for dogs

Yorkie 101: The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier

February 3, 2009 By Susan Bailey

by Susan Bailey

Today’s Yorkshire Terrier is a far different dog than when the breed appeared in 1865. In over just one hundred years, the size has been greatly reduced from an average weight of thirty pounds to a mere seven pounds today. And the trend is to have the Yorkie (as the breed is affectionately called) get even smaller, with adults tipping the scales at a mere three pounds. But who knows? Perhaps in the future, there will be a demand for the Yorkshire Terrier to grow back into a thirty pound dog.

Back in the 1870′s, word was getting around about the great pups from a sire named Huddersfield Ben, who was born in 1865. Huddersfield Ben was considered an ideal dog – a champion ratter as well as being friendly and handsome. Any dog that resembled Huddersfield Ben had to have been from Yorkshire, where Ben lived. Yorkshire dog breeders kept their breeding methods secret so they could be assured of buyers. His puppies eventually became known as Yorkshire Terriers.

Back in 1865 – the year of Huddersfield Ben’s birth – dogs were bred to exhibit useful qualities, not for their looks. There also was not much interest in keeping breeds pure. There are very few accurate records of dog breeding at this time. It is also thought that dog breeding was considered such a secret business that no records were kept for fear of the knowledge getting out to competitors. Yorkshire Terriers got their name because the breed was perfected in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Terriers were bred to be specialists in killing rats. They were (and still are) thought to be more reliable at killing mice and rats than cats. They were also bred to bark when they found their prey and to let their masters know where they are. The mining industry thrived in Yorkshire at this time – and the mines were full of rats. They were until the Yorkshire Terriers got to work.

Back then, dogs went everywhere with their masters. A Yorkshire Terrier would go to work in the mines and come home with his master to the family. The family found the Yorkies to be great companions and excellent watchdogs. The coats became even softer and silkier. Eventually, the men went to work without the dogs and the dogs became pampered family members. The breed needed very little exercise, looked spectacular and was very trainable.

It is thought that the sire Huddersfield Ben weighed about thirty pounds. As the need for working dogs decreased, the demand for small dogs increased. The Yorkshire Terrier became increasingly smaller and smaller.

The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about the health of breeding such small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier, as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America.

About the Author:

Susan Bailey is an avid lover of the Yorkshire Terrier and has a popular website where you’ll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Yorkshire Terrier. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Yorkshire Terrier History plus a whole lot more.

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, yorkie, yorkshire terrier

Dog Food FAQ’s

February 2, 2009 By G D WILLIAMS

by G D WILLIAMS

Pet food never used to be a problem, as most people simply gave their pet table scraps. But now we know that giving our dog table scraps is bad, this is because it can cause to health problems, because the food eaten by humans is not always right for dogs.

Selecting the satisfactory dog food can be difficult and there is no one dog food that is suitable for every dog. Depending on the size, breed, and age of your dog the right dog food varies. Convenience might also enter into what you think is the right kind of dog food for your pet.

Preservatives

Chemicals and preservatives are just as bad for dogs as they are for humans. The recent case of contaminated dog food that has led to pet deaths has scared many pet owners. In many cases to the point of completely eliminating any commercial dog food in their home. While making your own dog food at home is certainly one way to control the food your dog eats, it is not always convenient or possible.

One way to eliminate preservatives from your pet’s diet is to select a holistic pet food that is chemical and additive free. There are a number of brands that provide good nutrition without chemicals or additives. Wellness dog food is one example of pet food that has all the goodness of nature without the nasty chemicals that can cause your dog to feel ill.

Dry Food Or Canned

Do you give your pet dry dog food or canned pet food is another decision you might want to make. For some pet owners this is a matter of economics. Dry food is easier to store and frequently a lot cheaper. This will mean you will have to make fewer trips to the pet store and less money will be spent by you at the end of the day. While this may be more economical, you should still take care about the kind of dry food that you feed your dog.

A better choice may be canned food as it has fewer preservatives in it. But this choice can pose a storage problem and you can find it a lot more expensive than dry dog food. Another factor in choosing might be your dogs preference! Some dogs will only eat certain types of pet food while others will eat just about anything. Experiment a little and be sure to change your dogs diet slowly into eating the new dog food of your choice. You can always try different flavors to see which your dog prefers.

About the Author:

This article was written by G D Williams, an up and coming authority on dogs. Did you find these tips on Wellness Dog Food useful? To find out a lot more Free advice about Dog Food visit Dog Diet Tips.

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: animals, dog, dog diet, Dog Food, Dogs, dogs diet, family, health, home, pet, pets, pets and

Dog Door Security Should be Priority

February 1, 2009 By Craig T Lewis

by Craig T Lewis

There have been a lot of pet owners over the years who have agonized over whether or not they should choose to get a dog door installed in their home. On one hand it would give the dog unlimited access to the house and the yard so that you wouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they have to go to the bathroom during those long hours when you have to be at work, and they could get out into the open air and get exercise if they need it. However, on the other hand it poses a problem as a traditional dog door can be breached by any animal that is in the area, including stray dogs, cats, and even possibly raccoons. If the dog door is big enough, you might even be giving a burglar access to your home unwittingly. These are all factors that people consider when they look at getting a dog door.

One thing that you can do to allow yourself to still have access to the dog door while at the same time making sure that your home is as secure as possible, is to invest in a locking dog door. These types of doors do not open for any animal or person that may push on them and can cut back on any security concerns you may have about installing a dog door. The secret to the locking dog door system is the way in which the opening to the outside is activated. There are two different types of locking dog doors on the market and although they use different unlocking mechanisms, they are still the same basic concept.

Magnetic dog doors can only be opened when a very strong magnet that is found on the dog’s collar comes within a certain distance from the door and activates it to release. These types of doors do prevent any other animals from either entering or exiting the house, but some people have had concerns over having a high powered magnet on their dog’s collar. While this does not have any harmful side effects to the dogs, it is a drawback for some pet owners to consider.

Locking dog doors rely instead on an infrared sensor that is mounted on the dog’s collar, much like the magnet. The door is triggered to release when this sensor passes in front of the door and it opens up. Pet owners who are worried about their dogs wearing magnets on their collars usually opt for this choice instead.

Whatever option that you choose, it is important that you go with a dog door that has some form of security so that your home is protected. Thanks to the locking dog doors that are on the market, you can have the convenience of allowing your dog to go in and out of the house when they need to, while at the same time maintaining the integrity of your home’s safety. Even though locking dog doors can cost more than the traditional dog doors, in the end they are well worth the investment for the safety and peace of mind that they offer.

About the Author:

Dog doors are a huge convenience, don’t let the fact that you have a large breed deter you. There are plenty of large dog door models to choose from. For securities sake though, still make sure to get a magnetic dog door.

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: dog door security, dog doors, Dogs, home, home improvement, home security, interior design, pet, pets, pets_and_animals

Prevention of Canine Ear Infections

January 29, 2009 By Jonathan C Halpert

by Jonathan C Halpert

Some dogs can go through their whole lives without so much as an itchy ear, while others have a never ending struggle with ear-mites, fungus, and allergies that have them forever scratching their heads. Many ear problems only affect the outer ear, and with a little effort you can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of your dogs infections.

Antibiotics like Otomax or Malotic are often used to treat severe cases, but some owners opt to take the more holistic route of using simple natural remedies to help prevent their dogs to keep from getting ear infections in the first place.

The easiest way to reduce the number of ear infections your dog has is to keep the ears clean and free of dirt and other gunk. Especially for long haired dogs, keep the hair around the ears trimmed and clean, Long hair can be a magnet for debris which can get carried into the ear canal leading to infection. Dogs with long, floppy ears are also at a higher risk of picking up dirt than are dogs with pricked ears.

A solution of vinegar and water or Hydrogen Peroxide and water is a good way to make a simple rinse for dogs with extra dirty ears. rinse the ears using either a 1:2 solution of white vinegar and water or a 1:1 solution of hydrogen Peroxide and water. Gently massage the dogs ears with a clean towel to break up and big chucks of debris, then rinse a few more times with clean water.

Commercial ear cleaners are a step up from simple vinegar. Most large pet stores will have several to choose from and many come with simple applicators as well which make treatment easier than trying to pour a vinegar/water solution into a wriggling dogs ear.

One of the easiest ways to reduce all types of infections is to improve the quality of your dogs food. The fillers often used in cheap big brand dog foods offer little to know nutritional value. In addition to sometimes triggering allergies, non-nutritional fillers do your dog no good and only serve to add bulk to the product – and ultimately to your dogs too. Treat your pup to a healthy lifestyle by starting with a high quality dog food, check with your local specialty pet center for quality brands.

In spite of looking and smelling terrible, most ear infections only affect the outer ear. Keeping the ears clean and groomed will help reduce both the discomfort of common problems as well as the risk of greater infection. More serious infections to exist and you should be aware of the symptoms. If you notice your dog tilting their head more than normal, walking in circles, or showing signs of general clumsiness, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should schedule a trip to your local vet.

About the Author:

To learn more about how to help your dog live a happier, healthier life visit the Canine Health Care web site.

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: dog, Dog Health, dog health care, Dogs, pet, pet health, pet health care

Choose your best friend

The Hounddog Brazilian mastiff

Easy Dog Training

Shih Tzu: Man’s Best Friend

Presidential Pets

Yorkie 101: The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier

Dog Food FAQ’s

Dog Door Security Should be Priority

Prevention of Canine Ear Infections

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