Maintaining Your Dogs Healthy Lifestyle
By Victoria Seidler
For some time now there have been various health trends that people follow. Some are good, while many are not. Many of these trends are simply a good way for someone to make some really good money off of peoples desperation to be healthy. There are always new diets to follow, new artificial sweeteners, and new methods for a achieving a healthy lifestyle. While all this is taking place, a similar trend is beginning to take place with dogs. It seems nowadays that everyone has a new doggie diet to put your faithful canine companion on.
Again, not everything people recommend is good. I have found in my years studying health that it is usually very simple things that you can do that have the greatest results. The same applies to your dog. Let us go through some simple ideas that will have a great impact on your dogs health, and should grant them a long them a longer healthier life. These things may seem rudimentary, but as I said the simple things that people most often overlook are the things that work best.
Lets start with their diet. If you are feeding your dog table scraps stop it. For one thing, a lot of the common foods we eat on a daily basis are not good for dogs. For instance, studies have been done that prove grapes can make some dogs sick causing potential kidney failure, vomiting or diarrhea. Dogs need to eat a healthy diet full of protein and healthy meats. They are carnivores aren't they. Some vegetables are OK in moderation, but you need to research before you feed your dog these things. Under no circumstances give them junk food. We shouldn't be eating it either. Peanut butter, carob, and yogurt are OK in moderation as well. The occasional dog treat is OK, but make sure they are made from all natural ingredients. You also want to make sure your dog drinks filtered water, and takes an all natural supplement to support healthy function. There are some really good ones out there if you research. You can find supplements and vitamins that help with dog obesity, joint problems, and general supplementation for better health
Next, you want to make sure your dog gets plenty of good quality rest. This can start by spending a little bit more money and getting them a nice bed to sleep on. There is a great variety of nice dog beds to choose from if you know where to look. You can find everything from simple mats, to gorgeous masterpieces that will even rival your bed in terms of elegance and quality.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Give your pooch some good quality dog toys to play with. Give them some variety and see which king of toys keep them busy the longest. I have found that the hard rubber ones with the hollow spot for treats will keep them busy for a long time, especially if you put a couple of small treats inside. Try some good fetch toys, and take a few minutes each day with them playing and interacting with them. A few minutes a day means a great deal to your loyal four legged companion. Simply put, make sure to spend some time loving on them each day. Following these simple tips will do wonders for the health of your dog.
If you are like me, you'll want to give your dog the best of care. The suggestions above, aside from the perhaps indulgent suggestion to get a designer dog bed, are not going to cost you any additional funds. Caring for your senior dog is a bit more effort but in time, the routines become, well routine. And now I'm getting tired myself and am eying my dog Lizzy's Big Sky dog blanket. It's just too soft - so we cuddle on the sofa together.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_Seidler
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
K9 Advantix For Your Dog
K9 Advantix™ for Dogs Over 55 lbs-Blue-USA/EPA/FDA - 12 Month Supply - $ 159.81
From: Pet Nutrition Products, Inc.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Is A Pug The Right Dog For You?
Is A Pug The Right Dog For You?
By Michelle Arthur
Need expert Pug information help you with your dog? Here’s the vital 411, from their history to upkeep and health issues.
Pugs are members of the toy dog group due to their small size. But though small in stature, don’t be fooled, as these are quite powerful and often heavy dogs! Adult dogs vary in weight from approximately 15 to 25 lbs, with females weighing on the low end and males on the high end. They are “a lot in a little package” and you shouldn’t be afraid to horse around with them – they’re not delicate creatures, so feel free to play tug and wrestle around a bit!
These dogs make a lot of funny sounds! Don’t get a Pug if you want a quiet dog. They will snort and snore and make other wheezing noises due to their squished-in noses…but they tend to not be barkers, so you’ll be spared the yipping characteristic of most other small breeds.
They are affectionate, loyal, playful dogs with wonderful personalities. They love to keep your attention and will do almost anything to keep you entertained. Many people think of them as little clowns.
These dogs get along very well with children and are ideally suited for a family’s home. Our two boys are terrific around our 6-month-old baby, and they’ve also played well with our friends’ toddlers. They are not aggressive with other people – far from it! As far as getting along with other canines, they usually get along well but just be careful as you would with any breed until you get to know the new dog.
When it comes to housetraining and obedience training, be warned, this is a stubborn breed! They’re intelligent dogs and they aim to please, but once they have something in their minds, it can be tough to change. The best bet is to use food as an “ethical bride” in your training efforts and to try a positive training method such as clicker training, which is ideally suited for this sensitive, affectionate breed.
As for Pug care, these dogs need to have plenty of exercise on a daily basis despite their small size. Daily exercise will often do a terrific job of helping your dog stay healthy. And just a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes would be ideal, so don’t worry about running marathons with ‘em. Just build some time into your schedule to let these dynamos stretch their legs every day.
They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years when healthy, and many live longer! So this means you can look forward to a long time together with your dog. There are two major health issues that you need to keep an eye on, however -- CHD and Pug dog encephalitis. Check with your vet for more info on both issues.
That’s all the Pug information you need to decide whether this is the right dog for you!
Michelle Arthur is a Pug lover, owner and trainer who has helped hundreds of people find, train, care for and breed these adorable dogs. For more information, please see Pug names, Pug information, Pug guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Arthur
By Michelle Arthur
Need expert Pug information help you with your dog? Here’s the vital 411, from their history to upkeep and health issues.
Pugs are members of the toy dog group due to their small size. But though small in stature, don’t be fooled, as these are quite powerful and often heavy dogs! Adult dogs vary in weight from approximately 15 to 25 lbs, with females weighing on the low end and males on the high end. They are “a lot in a little package” and you shouldn’t be afraid to horse around with them – they’re not delicate creatures, so feel free to play tug and wrestle around a bit!
These dogs make a lot of funny sounds! Don’t get a Pug if you want a quiet dog. They will snort and snore and make other wheezing noises due to their squished-in noses…but they tend to not be barkers, so you’ll be spared the yipping characteristic of most other small breeds.
They are affectionate, loyal, playful dogs with wonderful personalities. They love to keep your attention and will do almost anything to keep you entertained. Many people think of them as little clowns.
These dogs get along very well with children and are ideally suited for a family’s home. Our two boys are terrific around our 6-month-old baby, and they’ve also played well with our friends’ toddlers. They are not aggressive with other people – far from it! As far as getting along with other canines, they usually get along well but just be careful as you would with any breed until you get to know the new dog.
When it comes to housetraining and obedience training, be warned, this is a stubborn breed! They’re intelligent dogs and they aim to please, but once they have something in their minds, it can be tough to change. The best bet is to use food as an “ethical bride” in your training efforts and to try a positive training method such as clicker training, which is ideally suited for this sensitive, affectionate breed.
As for Pug care, these dogs need to have plenty of exercise on a daily basis despite their small size. Daily exercise will often do a terrific job of helping your dog stay healthy. And just a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes would be ideal, so don’t worry about running marathons with ‘em. Just build some time into your schedule to let these dynamos stretch their legs every day.
They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years when healthy, and many live longer! So this means you can look forward to a long time together with your dog. There are two major health issues that you need to keep an eye on, however -- CHD and Pug dog encephalitis. Check with your vet for more info on both issues.
That’s all the Pug information you need to decide whether this is the right dog for you!
Michelle Arthur is a Pug lover, owner and trainer who has helped hundreds of people find, train, care for and breed these adorable dogs. For more information, please see Pug names, Pug information, Pug guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Arthur
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Discover: How to Prevent Dog Bites Case
Discover: How to Prevent Dog Bites Case
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is the most serious. However no matter how serious it may be you can contain it if you are able to diagnose the cause of this aggressive dog behavior.
In the following 8 tips
1. Before you treat any illness you have to be able to recognize the type of aggression your dog is exhibiting. Bellow are few aggressive dog behavior you have to notice I will be expanding the subsequent tips.
Fear aggression
Possessive aggression
dominant aggression
dog to dog aggression
aggression towards infants
punishment or pain elicited aggression
protective or territorial agression
2. Then you have to consult an authority like professional trainner, veterinary behaviorist.
3. You need to avoid situations that elicit aggressive dog behavior.
4. Lots of the aggressions are even fault of the dog owners. Many employ punishment in teaching obedience commands. All you have to do whenever you want to teach obedience comman is to use reinforcement methods.
5. Fit your dog with a head halter while training, a humane way to treat and control your og. Use this option only on a temporary basis. Employ the service of experience head halters to fit dog handler.
6. Fit your dog with a basket muzzle if restraint is necessary for extended periods (about 3-5minutes).
7. A helpful technique for behavior modification is obedience training, though this type of training will hardly eliminate a dog aggressive behavior.
8. It is advisiable for you not to approach a dog that is sleeping or unaware of your presence.
--------------------------------
About the Author:
Lateef Olajide is the author of "Aggressive Dog behavior Training blog." Visit his site to find out how you can get a free consultation. http://aggressive-dog-behavior-training.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lateef_Olajide
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Secret Signal That Tells You Your Dog is Ready and Eager to Learn
Brett Fogle
No one knows your dog better than you, and as such you will find your dog has ways of telling you, it’s time to play. This can occur by him bringing you the collar you use while training or he may run back and forth to the front dog around training time.
Different times of the day and evening, We find it’s best to Practice commands at different times of the day and evening as your dog gets better and more adapt at learning.
The best way to motivate your dog to learn
Your dog LOVES to please you, as such when your dog does what you want him to do praise him HEAVILY and use high tones a lot of rubbing and food reward. This will ensure that your dog will look forward to learning
Different body positions while issuing command
Does your dog really fully understand a given command? Try giving the command when you're in a different position than usual. For instance, if you are sure your dog understands the command "Stand", try issuing the "Stand" command (from a sit or down):
A) While you're lying down on the floor, stomach side down.
B) While you're on the sixth rung of a ladder.
C) While you're one flight above or below your dog, each of you located at the opposite ends of a staircase. Different levels of volumes and different tones of voice
Try issuing commands to your dog in several different volumes (whisper, quiet, moderate and loud) and different tones of voice (squeaky, in a low voice, grumbly, singing, etc.). Disappearing after issuing command Give a command your dog knows well, and then go out of sight for 3 minutes. Does your dog remain in position until you return and release him or her?
What 3 Things you should never do when training your dog
1)Never correct the dog by hitting,
2) never use the same command to mean 2 different things
3) never train the dog when you are in a bad mood or not feeling well
Who do dogs mind better, men or women?
Dogs do not have a preference they love their masters equally if male or female what they do respect however is consistency in commanding. It keeps them from getting confused.
Disappearing before issuing command
First, try standing behind your dog, facing away from him, when giving a command. Use a mirror when possible to watch your dog. Then give your dog a "Sit-Stay" command, and then go out of site for 1 minute (i.e.: into the next room where your dog can't see you). Then, while still out of your dog's sight (but within hearing distance), issue a command for your dog to "Down”.
The one mistake you mustn’t make
Never ever hit your dog.
What every dog must have when left at home alone
1) Plenty of water
2) Food
3) His toys.
===============================================
Brett Fogle is the author of Dog House Training Secrets
An Easy-To-Follow, No-Nonsense, Ebook about Dog Training.
Learn To Train Your Dog in 7 Days or Less -- Guaranteed!
Click Here Now: http://www.dog-house-training-secrets.com
===============================================
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_Fogle
No one knows your dog better than you, and as such you will find your dog has ways of telling you, it’s time to play. This can occur by him bringing you the collar you use while training or he may run back and forth to the front dog around training time.
Different times of the day and evening, We find it’s best to Practice commands at different times of the day and evening as your dog gets better and more adapt at learning.
The best way to motivate your dog to learn
Your dog LOVES to please you, as such when your dog does what you want him to do praise him HEAVILY and use high tones a lot of rubbing and food reward. This will ensure that your dog will look forward to learning
Different body positions while issuing command
Does your dog really fully understand a given command? Try giving the command when you're in a different position than usual. For instance, if you are sure your dog understands the command "Stand", try issuing the "Stand" command (from a sit or down):
A) While you're lying down on the floor, stomach side down.
B) While you're on the sixth rung of a ladder.
C) While you're one flight above or below your dog, each of you located at the opposite ends of a staircase. Different levels of volumes and different tones of voice
Try issuing commands to your dog in several different volumes (whisper, quiet, moderate and loud) and different tones of voice (squeaky, in a low voice, grumbly, singing, etc.). Disappearing after issuing command Give a command your dog knows well, and then go out of sight for 3 minutes. Does your dog remain in position until you return and release him or her?
What 3 Things you should never do when training your dog
1)Never correct the dog by hitting,
2) never use the same command to mean 2 different things
3) never train the dog when you are in a bad mood or not feeling well
Who do dogs mind better, men or women?
Dogs do not have a preference they love their masters equally if male or female what they do respect however is consistency in commanding. It keeps them from getting confused.
Disappearing before issuing command
First, try standing behind your dog, facing away from him, when giving a command. Use a mirror when possible to watch your dog. Then give your dog a "Sit-Stay" command, and then go out of site for 1 minute (i.e.: into the next room where your dog can't see you). Then, while still out of your dog's sight (but within hearing distance), issue a command for your dog to "Down”.
The one mistake you mustn’t make
Never ever hit your dog.
What every dog must have when left at home alone
1) Plenty of water
2) Food
3) His toys.
===============================================
Brett Fogle is the author of Dog House Training Secrets
An Easy-To-Follow, No-Nonsense, Ebook about Dog Training.
Learn To Train Your Dog in 7 Days or Less -- Guaranteed!
Click Here Now: http://www.dog-house-training-secrets.com
===============================================
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_Fogle
Dogs - Man's Best Friend
Keith Kingston
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades. Owning a dog can be a positive, enjoyable experience for the entire family. Keep in mind however, that the decision to own a dog is an important one that should not be taken lightly. A dog is not just a fun diversion or entertaining gift. Owning a dog requires a commitment from you that will last the lifetime of the dog. The responsibilities of owning a dog and the joys of owning a dog hold an equal place of importance. If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, here are some important considerations for you to keep in mind.
A dog is an important member of the family. If you live in a city, you will need to devote a lot of time to walking the dog, ensuring that the dog gets plenty of exercise and fresh air, and you will most likely be taking your dog along on family excursions and trips. If you live in a country setting, you will need to ensure the safety of your dog and protect the dog from the hazards that come from a rural setting. Holidays and special occasions will include the dog and you may even find yourself including the dog in family portraits and gift giving occasions.
Dogs bring companionship and joy to any family. The time and effort you spend caring for your dog will be returned to you in the form of the lifelong loyalty and friendship that you will receive from your dog. The dog will provide you with a friend to talk to, be an entertaining companion, and can also provide a sense of security and protection for your family. Individuals who are confined to their home or the elderly will find great joy in owning a dog and the problem of loneliness will be greatly reduced.
Because you will spend a lot of time caring for your dog in the form of walks and playtime, a dog can be a big health benefit for the owner. You may find yourself exercising more than you ever have before, and talking to your dog is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Owning a dog is beneficial to you and your family and the dog will be forever loyal and grateful for the time you invest in its care.
As unlikely as it may seem, owning a dog can introduce you to new friends that last a lifetime. Walking your dog, training classes, and romps through the park are great ways to come in contact with others who share your interests and love of dogs. You can be certain that your dog will bring you joy in your private life and introduce you to other dogs lovers as well.
Owning a dog can be equated to raising a child. You must be a responsible parent to your dog just as you would to a child. You can rest assured that being a responsible, loving dog owner will bring you many benefits, the most important of which is the trust and friendship of a pet who will love you unconditionally for its entire life. Owning a dog is a big responsibility and can even be costly when you factor in trips to the vet, having the dog groomed, and taking care of unexpected medical expenses. The hardships involved in dog ownership are well worth your time and money. You will never find a more loyal, devoted friend than a dog who loves you unconditionally.
Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher, offering information on puppy names and boxer dogs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Kingston
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades. Owning a dog can be a positive, enjoyable experience for the entire family. Keep in mind however, that the decision to own a dog is an important one that should not be taken lightly. A dog is not just a fun diversion or entertaining gift. Owning a dog requires a commitment from you that will last the lifetime of the dog. The responsibilities of owning a dog and the joys of owning a dog hold an equal place of importance. If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, here are some important considerations for you to keep in mind.
A dog is an important member of the family. If you live in a city, you will need to devote a lot of time to walking the dog, ensuring that the dog gets plenty of exercise and fresh air, and you will most likely be taking your dog along on family excursions and trips. If you live in a country setting, you will need to ensure the safety of your dog and protect the dog from the hazards that come from a rural setting. Holidays and special occasions will include the dog and you may even find yourself including the dog in family portraits and gift giving occasions.
Dogs bring companionship and joy to any family. The time and effort you spend caring for your dog will be returned to you in the form of the lifelong loyalty and friendship that you will receive from your dog. The dog will provide you with a friend to talk to, be an entertaining companion, and can also provide a sense of security and protection for your family. Individuals who are confined to their home or the elderly will find great joy in owning a dog and the problem of loneliness will be greatly reduced.
Because you will spend a lot of time caring for your dog in the form of walks and playtime, a dog can be a big health benefit for the owner. You may find yourself exercising more than you ever have before, and talking to your dog is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Owning a dog is beneficial to you and your family and the dog will be forever loyal and grateful for the time you invest in its care.
As unlikely as it may seem, owning a dog can introduce you to new friends that last a lifetime. Walking your dog, training classes, and romps through the park are great ways to come in contact with others who share your interests and love of dogs. You can be certain that your dog will bring you joy in your private life and introduce you to other dogs lovers as well.
Owning a dog can be equated to raising a child. You must be a responsible parent to your dog just as you would to a child. You can rest assured that being a responsible, loving dog owner will bring you many benefits, the most important of which is the trust and friendship of a pet who will love you unconditionally for its entire life. Owning a dog is a big responsibility and can even be costly when you factor in trips to the vet, having the dog groomed, and taking care of unexpected medical expenses. The hardships involved in dog ownership are well worth your time and money. You will never find a more loyal, devoted friend than a dog who loves you unconditionally.
Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher, offering information on puppy names and boxer dogs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Kingston
Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry
Carolyn Schweitzer
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake.
Now, as then, charms are often given by mothers to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms. Many women start collecting them as pre-teens and continue adding to the collection as they mature. Charm bracelets make an ideal gift because of their broad appeal.
Italian charms are the hottest trend right now and show no signs of slowing down. Silver, gold, and non-precious charms snap into place onto a bracelet similar to a watch band. The charms are like the "links" on the band. They're decorated with pictures, letters, symbols and designs that can be combined to create a message or theme. Which reminds me of a great thing about charm bracelets -- you can add to them. That means future gift giving opportunities!
Another growing trend in modern jewelry is "theme" bracelets. If you're looking for the ideal dog jewelry gift, a dog-themed charm bracelet could be your answer and a dog themed Italian charm bracelet might just be a slam dunk! Want to coordinate your accessories with your dog's? Buy her a branklet®, the doggie version of a bracelet or anklet.
As Italian charms have grown ever more popular, variations have come on the scene, one of which is a plastic or leather version. The charms slide onto the leather or plastic bracelet, which comes in a variety of fashionable colors. These charms usually take the form of letters, numbers, and popular symbols like hearts or butterflies. Like the traditional kind, they can spell out a message or a name, or advertise the wearer's interests or sentiments.
Ready to coordinate? For the woman who thinks of her dog as a furry child (or, heaven forbid, an accessory) mother-and-dog can now coordinate their look with leather charm collars for the dog! Picture "mom" wearing her leather charm bracelet, rhinestone charms spelling out "I Love my Dog". Picture her four legged companion alongside her, wearing a matching leather collar and charms of his very own. Bowser can headlight his name in rhinestones. Or maybe his collar will spell out how much his mommy loves him.
There's yet another type of charm that can be shared between man and dog -- or woman and dog, as the case may be.
To symbolize the prayer for protection, or the golden bond between owner and dog (or dog and dog), gold Protection Medallions and Bond Charms are the answer. The 14K hearts can be separated so that each owner wears half. For dogs who are best friends, or people who are best friends with their dogs, this is a gift of dog jewelry that says it all. Should your pal ever wander off, you'll have no problem proving that the two of you are a pair!
It's safe to say that charms have gone to the dogs, but in a very positive way! What a great time it is to be a dog.
© 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of Great-Dog-Gift.com . If you need inspiration for dog jewelry, stop by. The site offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. Carolyn is always looking for new dog gift ideas and dog stories to share with her readers. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Schweitzer
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake.
Now, as then, charms are often given by mothers to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms. Many women start collecting them as pre-teens and continue adding to the collection as they mature. Charm bracelets make an ideal gift because of their broad appeal.
Italian charms are the hottest trend right now and show no signs of slowing down. Silver, gold, and non-precious charms snap into place onto a bracelet similar to a watch band. The charms are like the "links" on the band. They're decorated with pictures, letters, symbols and designs that can be combined to create a message or theme. Which reminds me of a great thing about charm bracelets -- you can add to them. That means future gift giving opportunities!
Another growing trend in modern jewelry is "theme" bracelets. If you're looking for the ideal dog jewelry gift, a dog-themed charm bracelet could be your answer and a dog themed Italian charm bracelet might just be a slam dunk! Want to coordinate your accessories with your dog's? Buy her a branklet®, the doggie version of a bracelet or anklet.
As Italian charms have grown ever more popular, variations have come on the scene, one of which is a plastic or leather version. The charms slide onto the leather or plastic bracelet, which comes in a variety of fashionable colors. These charms usually take the form of letters, numbers, and popular symbols like hearts or butterflies. Like the traditional kind, they can spell out a message or a name, or advertise the wearer's interests or sentiments.
Ready to coordinate? For the woman who thinks of her dog as a furry child (or, heaven forbid, an accessory) mother-and-dog can now coordinate their look with leather charm collars for the dog! Picture "mom" wearing her leather charm bracelet, rhinestone charms spelling out "I Love my Dog". Picture her four legged companion alongside her, wearing a matching leather collar and charms of his very own. Bowser can headlight his name in rhinestones. Or maybe his collar will spell out how much his mommy loves him.
There's yet another type of charm that can be shared between man and dog -- or woman and dog, as the case may be.
To symbolize the prayer for protection, or the golden bond between owner and dog (or dog and dog), gold Protection Medallions and Bond Charms are the answer. The 14K hearts can be separated so that each owner wears half. For dogs who are best friends, or people who are best friends with their dogs, this is a gift of dog jewelry that says it all. Should your pal ever wander off, you'll have no problem proving that the two of you are a pair!
It's safe to say that charms have gone to the dogs, but in a very positive way! What a great time it is to be a dog.
© 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of Great-Dog-Gift.com . If you need inspiration for dog jewelry, stop by. The site offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. Carolyn is always looking for new dog gift ideas and dog stories to share with her readers. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Schweitzer
A Dog's Tale
Kim Bloomer
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog - a BIG, handsome, elegant, and intelligent dog. No, I am not vain at all, that is just what my mom always tells me so I assume it’s true. I am now 4 ½ years old and live a great dog’s life! I get exceptional quality food – my mom and dad believe in giving me organic food, with fresh vegetables and meat every day – so I can’t complain. They’re always buying me toys which I LOVE to terrorize, because that’s what dogs do. I have my own big bed in my own bedroom and I love that. I have a big yard and I like to bark at and chase the pigeons and cats who dare to tread into my space.
The only thing I don’t like is having to take a bath UNLESS it with the garden hose in the yard – that is great fun! The best thing is I get LOTS and LOTS of love with hugs and kisses from my mom everyday. My favorite games are tug-o-war and chase. I am the champion of tug-o-war in my house. Chase is so much fun because I am very fast and my people rarely can catch me!
The best part of my day is going to the park where I can meet up with my dog friends and people friends.
However, this great dog’s life wasn’t always mine. My mom and dad have no idea who my dog mom was or how I came to be with the bad people. My mom’s cousin (whatever that is) rescued me from the bad people. She found out I was left alone in a dark garage to just die. The bad people didn’t want to feed me or care for me anymore – not that they ever gave me much food to begin with.
Mostly, they left me alone in the yard, garage, or even a dark bathroom sometimes. My mom’s cousin knows them and that is how my mom and dad know all this. The bad man hit and kicked me a lot and I don’t even know why. I guess that’s why I still don’t like very many men. I LOVE my dad though and some other men I know from the park that live with my girlfriends. My mom’s cousin took me home and fed me but I had to live with her other dogs. They didn’t like me very much and beat me up every chance they got – which was usually every day! I was so skinny and little that I just couldn’t fight back and it was too cold for me to be outside all the time. Thank God, my new mom and dad came and got me the week before Christmas four years ago.
They spoiled me right away. They gave me good food several times a day. My mom wouldn’t let me eat a lot at once because my stomach was too little to handle a lot of food at once. I wanted to though! I kept my tail tucked between my legs while eating for a long time because I was always scared. After a while though, I knew I could just eat and it would be safe. I got my own little bed in a kennel where I could stay and feel safe at night – in the house!
Now, life is so good. I am big and strong now and tough. Men are more afraid of me now since I am so big and tough-looking. My coat is shiny and clean and not dull and dirty like before. My mom even gives me a special supplement that I suspect is a treat really. She puts it in a bowl and I drink every single drop because it is so good. My mom and dad really love me and I’m happy now. My only wish is that when people get a dog that they would take care of them and love them. Otherwise, it’s better if they don’t take us home with them. We depend on our people to love us and take care of us and not to hurt us. We want to live with our people forever – not just until they get bored of us. So, please, only take us home if we can always stay with just you.
Thank you, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care consultant. She publishes several RSS channels including, http://www.Aspenbloom-WellPet.com and http://www.natural-pet-care-products.com For an all inclusive look at her business ventures go to http://KimBloomer.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Bloomer
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog - a BIG, handsome, elegant, and intelligent dog. No, I am not vain at all, that is just what my mom always tells me so I assume it’s true. I am now 4 ½ years old and live a great dog’s life! I get exceptional quality food – my mom and dad believe in giving me organic food, with fresh vegetables and meat every day – so I can’t complain. They’re always buying me toys which I LOVE to terrorize, because that’s what dogs do. I have my own big bed in my own bedroom and I love that. I have a big yard and I like to bark at and chase the pigeons and cats who dare to tread into my space.
The only thing I don’t like is having to take a bath UNLESS it with the garden hose in the yard – that is great fun! The best thing is I get LOTS and LOTS of love with hugs and kisses from my mom everyday. My favorite games are tug-o-war and chase. I am the champion of tug-o-war in my house. Chase is so much fun because I am very fast and my people rarely can catch me!
The best part of my day is going to the park where I can meet up with my dog friends and people friends.
However, this great dog’s life wasn’t always mine. My mom and dad have no idea who my dog mom was or how I came to be with the bad people. My mom’s cousin (whatever that is) rescued me from the bad people. She found out I was left alone in a dark garage to just die. The bad people didn’t want to feed me or care for me anymore – not that they ever gave me much food to begin with.
Mostly, they left me alone in the yard, garage, or even a dark bathroom sometimes. My mom’s cousin knows them and that is how my mom and dad know all this. The bad man hit and kicked me a lot and I don’t even know why. I guess that’s why I still don’t like very many men. I LOVE my dad though and some other men I know from the park that live with my girlfriends. My mom’s cousin took me home and fed me but I had to live with her other dogs. They didn’t like me very much and beat me up every chance they got – which was usually every day! I was so skinny and little that I just couldn’t fight back and it was too cold for me to be outside all the time. Thank God, my new mom and dad came and got me the week before Christmas four years ago.
They spoiled me right away. They gave me good food several times a day. My mom wouldn’t let me eat a lot at once because my stomach was too little to handle a lot of food at once. I wanted to though! I kept my tail tucked between my legs while eating for a long time because I was always scared. After a while though, I knew I could just eat and it would be safe. I got my own little bed in a kennel where I could stay and feel safe at night – in the house!
Now, life is so good. I am big and strong now and tough. Men are more afraid of me now since I am so big and tough-looking. My coat is shiny and clean and not dull and dirty like before. My mom even gives me a special supplement that I suspect is a treat really. She puts it in a bowl and I drink every single drop because it is so good. My mom and dad really love me and I’m happy now. My only wish is that when people get a dog that they would take care of them and love them. Otherwise, it’s better if they don’t take us home with them. We depend on our people to love us and take care of us and not to hurt us. We want to live with our people forever – not just until they get bored of us. So, please, only take us home if we can always stay with just you.
Thank you, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care consultant. She publishes several RSS channels including, http://www.Aspenbloom-WellPet.com and http://www.natural-pet-care-products.com For an all inclusive look at her business ventures go to http://KimBloomer.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Bloomer
Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog
Ryan Joseph
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think is well hidden.
One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to chocolate. The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids(sometypes have more of these chemicals than others)
Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog. If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog’s reach.
If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks. In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can be downright dangerous.
Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver andd kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby food since it can contain garlic.
Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression. Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to this one so keep out of the reach of both.
Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have the same effect in dogs.
When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit is safe, the leaves and roots are not.
And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures. Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog food is eaten every day caution is advised. Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog. Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial colors.
Ryan Joseph is a write and researcher of Pet health issues. For more information visit: http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Joseph
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think is well hidden.
One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to chocolate. The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids(sometypes have more of these chemicals than others)
Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog. If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog’s reach.
If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks. In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can be downright dangerous.
Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver andd kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby food since it can contain garlic.
Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression. Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to this one so keep out of the reach of both.
Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have the same effect in dogs.
When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit is safe, the leaves and roots are not.
And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures. Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog food is eaten every day caution is advised. Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog. Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial colors.
Ryan Joseph is a write and researcher of Pet health issues. For more information visit: http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Joseph
Training Your Dog... Is It Worth The Effort Or Is It Just A Waste Of Time?
Rockford Tapscott
Many people feel that taking the time to train their puppy or dog isn’t worth the effort. What with everything else we have to do these days in our busy lives, whose got the time?
Kimberley was just like that. She’d never bothered training Jack…but then, one day…
Kimberly and Jack ran excitedly up to the top of the escarpment and gazed out over the deep blue ocean waves as they rolled in from the east. The sun was just appearing over the horizon, the cool sea breeze on her face made her feel completely alive, and Kimberley was as contented as she had ever been.
The time she spent with Jack, the 3 year old German shepherd she had rescued from the animal shelter a few months earlier, was the most precious part of her life. He seemed to know just what she was thinking and was devoted to Kim to the point of being a fanatic.
He wouldn’t leave her side…unlike most of the other male companions she had previously had in her life.
Jack was the perfect companion.
He gave her unconditional love, he was always there for her when she needed to talk to someone, he lavished his undivided attention on her, he never spoke back, and was always waiting patiently for her when she came home from her work at the pharmacy.
The early morning walks they shared helped her forget the many troubles in her life, and allowed her just enjoy herself.
This morning was special.
She was on the first day of her annual two-week vacation, and had plans to take Jack up to the mountains hiking and camping for a few days later in the week.
The thought of getting away from the pressures of daily life made her feel a rush of adrenaline and Jack could sense her excitement, yelping and barking playfully as they frolicked in the grass at the top of the ridge.
They played for over half an hour, then turned to head for home to have something to eat.
Maybe it was the excitement of it all, but for whatever reason, Kimberly wasn’t thinking straight as she undid Jack’s leash to let him run on his own through the grassy fields as they descended the hill towards the township below.
It happened in an instant.
Jack caught sight of a rabbit hiding in the grass and took off after the animal in a frenzied rush of excitement and playful enthusiasm.
Kimberley called him back, but he was totally focused on catching the rabbit and heard nothing but the creature’s cries for help as it raced towards the safety of its borough.
Jack was a beautiful sight to behold as he chased the rabbit in full flight across the grassy field. Every second he gained on the small creature, until he was only 10 feet behind it and closing fast.
But Kim was looking on in horror.
The rabbit had built its borough close to the edge of the cliff, and Jack was running at full speed towards the huge drop down to the ocean below.
Kim could feel the fear welling up inside her and she frantically called him back as she ran towards the cliff top herself. “Stop Jack!”, she cried, but he paid no attention to her commands as he chased the rabbit towards the cliff top.
Just 6 feet short of the cliff’s edge, the rabbit dropped into the safety of it’s home below ground.
Jack didn’t see where the animal went, and in the few seconds it took for him to realize that the rabbit had escaped, his momentum carried him off the cliff and over the edge.
Kimberley screamed as she saw her beloved companion disappear out of sight. “No!” she cried as she ran headlong towards the jagged cliff top.
She peered over the edge with tears streaming down her cheeks, fearing that her best friend had fallen all the way to the rocks below.
She moved closer to the edge screaming out to Jack, praying that by some miracle, he had survived.
As she lay down to look over the edge, she saw Jack wedged precariously next to a tree stump on a small outcrop about 20 feet below, injured, but alive.
If he had gone off the cliff just 3 feet either side of where he did, he would have fallen hundreds of feet to the rocks below. His life had been spared, at least at the moment, by the narrowest of margins.
A huge feeling of relief welled up through Kimberley’s body as she saw that Jack was still alive.
She pulled out her mobile phone and called the police.
She quickly explained what had happened to the officer on the line and a team of rescue workers were dispatched to the cliff top to rescue Jack.
Kimberley watched on with trepidation as the rescue team carefully winched her beloved Jack to safety from the outcrop that had saved his life.
He had broken his left rear leg and had some cuts and abrasions, but on the whole, he was a very lucky dog that day…and Kimberley knew it.
She looked towards the sky and gave thanks that her best friend had been spared.
She promised herself that as soon as Jack was back on four legs, she would start to train him to obey her commands so that something like this could never happen again.
She felt guilty that her neglect at not training him properly from the start could have cost this beautiful animal his life. She felt sad but also happy that she had been given another chance with Jack, and she wasn’t about to waste it.
3 Months Later…
Kimberley and Jack are again able to take their early morning walks, but now, Jack’s lead is an option.
He obeys Kimberley’s every command, and they have a deep, new found respect for each other’s abilities that goes far beyond their roles of dog and master. They are truly great friends.
Maybe you don’t take your shepherd for off leash walks near cliff tops, but there are lots of hazards just as dangerous around your home that can cause your favourite pet to hurt himself…or worse.
Running into moving traffic, drinking something poisonous around your home, jumping the fence and getting into fights with other dogs…these are all situations that proper training can severely restrict or eliminate.
Think for a moment of how you would feel if your wonderful dog was injured or killed by a car right in front of you because he ran out onto the road despite your calls for him to come back.
Training is vital for every pet so that they know what is expected of them and they stay safe in an increasingly dangerous world. And properly training your pet is your responsibility.
Please, take the time to train your dog. If you don’t know where to start, there are plenty of good books around to help.
Another option is to take him to obedience classes in your local area.
This is the most focused training you can give him (and yourself…) but it’s also the most time consuming and expensive.
If you have the time and financial resources, it’s usually the best way (if you can find a good trainer), but if you don’t, then reading a good training book and following it’s instructions will give you a solid grounding on how to train your dog properly.
Train him well, and he will reward you for it in so many ways that you can’t imagine.
Rocky Tapscott is the author of a free Dog Training Handbook that helps you to get the most out of your relationship with your canine companion.
Drop by http://www.hobbyandlifestyle.com/dog-ownership.html for a free copy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rockford_Tapscott
Many people feel that taking the time to train their puppy or dog isn’t worth the effort. What with everything else we have to do these days in our busy lives, whose got the time?
Kimberley was just like that. She’d never bothered training Jack…but then, one day…
Kimberly and Jack ran excitedly up to the top of the escarpment and gazed out over the deep blue ocean waves as they rolled in from the east. The sun was just appearing over the horizon, the cool sea breeze on her face made her feel completely alive, and Kimberley was as contented as she had ever been.
The time she spent with Jack, the 3 year old German shepherd she had rescued from the animal shelter a few months earlier, was the most precious part of her life. He seemed to know just what she was thinking and was devoted to Kim to the point of being a fanatic.
He wouldn’t leave her side…unlike most of the other male companions she had previously had in her life.
Jack was the perfect companion.
He gave her unconditional love, he was always there for her when she needed to talk to someone, he lavished his undivided attention on her, he never spoke back, and was always waiting patiently for her when she came home from her work at the pharmacy.
The early morning walks they shared helped her forget the many troubles in her life, and allowed her just enjoy herself.
This morning was special.
She was on the first day of her annual two-week vacation, and had plans to take Jack up to the mountains hiking and camping for a few days later in the week.
The thought of getting away from the pressures of daily life made her feel a rush of adrenaline and Jack could sense her excitement, yelping and barking playfully as they frolicked in the grass at the top of the ridge.
They played for over half an hour, then turned to head for home to have something to eat.
Maybe it was the excitement of it all, but for whatever reason, Kimberly wasn’t thinking straight as she undid Jack’s leash to let him run on his own through the grassy fields as they descended the hill towards the township below.
It happened in an instant.
Jack caught sight of a rabbit hiding in the grass and took off after the animal in a frenzied rush of excitement and playful enthusiasm.
Kimberley called him back, but he was totally focused on catching the rabbit and heard nothing but the creature’s cries for help as it raced towards the safety of its borough.
Jack was a beautiful sight to behold as he chased the rabbit in full flight across the grassy field. Every second he gained on the small creature, until he was only 10 feet behind it and closing fast.
But Kim was looking on in horror.
The rabbit had built its borough close to the edge of the cliff, and Jack was running at full speed towards the huge drop down to the ocean below.
Kim could feel the fear welling up inside her and she frantically called him back as she ran towards the cliff top herself. “Stop Jack!”, she cried, but he paid no attention to her commands as he chased the rabbit towards the cliff top.
Just 6 feet short of the cliff’s edge, the rabbit dropped into the safety of it’s home below ground.
Jack didn’t see where the animal went, and in the few seconds it took for him to realize that the rabbit had escaped, his momentum carried him off the cliff and over the edge.
Kimberley screamed as she saw her beloved companion disappear out of sight. “No!” she cried as she ran headlong towards the jagged cliff top.
She peered over the edge with tears streaming down her cheeks, fearing that her best friend had fallen all the way to the rocks below.
She moved closer to the edge screaming out to Jack, praying that by some miracle, he had survived.
As she lay down to look over the edge, she saw Jack wedged precariously next to a tree stump on a small outcrop about 20 feet below, injured, but alive.
If he had gone off the cliff just 3 feet either side of where he did, he would have fallen hundreds of feet to the rocks below. His life had been spared, at least at the moment, by the narrowest of margins.
A huge feeling of relief welled up through Kimberley’s body as she saw that Jack was still alive.
She pulled out her mobile phone and called the police.
She quickly explained what had happened to the officer on the line and a team of rescue workers were dispatched to the cliff top to rescue Jack.
Kimberley watched on with trepidation as the rescue team carefully winched her beloved Jack to safety from the outcrop that had saved his life.
He had broken his left rear leg and had some cuts and abrasions, but on the whole, he was a very lucky dog that day…and Kimberley knew it.
She looked towards the sky and gave thanks that her best friend had been spared.
She promised herself that as soon as Jack was back on four legs, she would start to train him to obey her commands so that something like this could never happen again.
She felt guilty that her neglect at not training him properly from the start could have cost this beautiful animal his life. She felt sad but also happy that she had been given another chance with Jack, and she wasn’t about to waste it.
3 Months Later…
Kimberley and Jack are again able to take their early morning walks, but now, Jack’s lead is an option.
He obeys Kimberley’s every command, and they have a deep, new found respect for each other’s abilities that goes far beyond their roles of dog and master. They are truly great friends.
Maybe you don’t take your shepherd for off leash walks near cliff tops, but there are lots of hazards just as dangerous around your home that can cause your favourite pet to hurt himself…or worse.
Running into moving traffic, drinking something poisonous around your home, jumping the fence and getting into fights with other dogs…these are all situations that proper training can severely restrict or eliminate.
Think for a moment of how you would feel if your wonderful dog was injured or killed by a car right in front of you because he ran out onto the road despite your calls for him to come back.
Training is vital for every pet so that they know what is expected of them and they stay safe in an increasingly dangerous world. And properly training your pet is your responsibility.
Please, take the time to train your dog. If you don’t know where to start, there are plenty of good books around to help.
Another option is to take him to obedience classes in your local area.
This is the most focused training you can give him (and yourself…) but it’s also the most time consuming and expensive.
If you have the time and financial resources, it’s usually the best way (if you can find a good trainer), but if you don’t, then reading a good training book and following it’s instructions will give you a solid grounding on how to train your dog properly.
Train him well, and he will reward you for it in so many ways that you can’t imagine.
Rocky Tapscott is the author of a free Dog Training Handbook that helps you to get the most out of your relationship with your canine companion.
Drop by http://www.hobbyandlifestyle.com/dog-ownership.html for a free copy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rockford_Tapscott
Top 20 Dog Quotations
Danielle Hollister
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful quotations all about your best four-legged friend...
1. " A wise man associating with the vicious becomes an idiot; a dog travelling with good men becomes a rational being."
--Arabian Proverb
2. "You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'"
-- Dave Barry
3. "A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down."
-- Robert Benchley
4. "Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window."
-- Steve Bluestone
5. "A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent."
--John Calvin
6. "I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better."
-- George Bird Evans
7. "Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to."
--Joe Gores
8. "To his dog, every man is Napoleon. Hence the constant popularity of dogs."
--Aldous Huxley
9. "When the old dog barks it is time to watch."
-- Latin Proverb
10. "If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."
-- Fran Lebowitz
11. "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read."
-- Groucho Marx
12. "Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives."
--Sue Murphy
13. "It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it?"
--Eleanor H. Porter
14. "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."
--Gilda Radner
15. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
-- Mark Twain
16. "The more I know about people, the better I like my dog."
-- Mark Twain
17. "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
--Mark Twain
18. "Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God."--
Unknown
19. "The dog is the only being that loves you more than you love yourself."
--Fritz von Unruh
20. "If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer."
--Alfred North Whitehead
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollister
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful quotations all about your best four-legged friend...
1. " A wise man associating with the vicious becomes an idiot; a dog travelling with good men becomes a rational being."
--Arabian Proverb
2. "You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'"
-- Dave Barry
3. "A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down."
-- Robert Benchley
4. "Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window."
-- Steve Bluestone
5. "A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent."
--John Calvin
6. "I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better."
-- George Bird Evans
7. "Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to."
--Joe Gores
8. "To his dog, every man is Napoleon. Hence the constant popularity of dogs."
--Aldous Huxley
9. "When the old dog barks it is time to watch."
-- Latin Proverb
10. "If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."
-- Fran Lebowitz
11. "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read."
-- Groucho Marx
12. "Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives."
--Sue Murphy
13. "It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it?"
--Eleanor H. Porter
14. "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."
--Gilda Radner
15. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
-- Mark Twain
16. "The more I know about people, the better I like my dog."
-- Mark Twain
17. "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
--Mark Twain
18. "Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God."--
Unknown
19. "The dog is the only being that loves you more than you love yourself."
--Fritz von Unruh
20. "If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer."
--Alfred North Whitehead
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollister
The Gifts We Give Our Dogs
Carolyn Schweitzer
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep!
Times have changed. As the world has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized. So much so that many of us worry about our own welfare less than that of our dog. This didn't happen overnight-- the trend started decades ago.
Take, for example, my grandmother Rose. During the 60's and 70's, Rose and Henry discovered cruise vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled into port to "shop", Rosie made it her mission to find stray dogs and feed them. She'd head straight for the butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat, and comb the islands for the hungry and homeless. She would exclaim, "It's a crime the way these animals live!"-- in spite of the fact that the people of those islands were desperately poor!
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not passing judgment on Grandma, or anyone else. I spoil my pets as much as the next guy or gal, and take immense pleasure in it. Truth be told, I'd rather hang out with my dog than with a whole lot of people I know. We share a special bond, my best friend and I. Hey, admit it... lots of you feel the same way!
The fact is, man has always had a close relationship with animals, and has enjoyed having pets around for companionship. Having a pet can bring great pleasure into our lives, and is believed to have a therapeutic effect on the owner. For empty nesters and those who've delayed or opted out of having kids, pets almost take the place of children. We bond with our pets especially because they don't judge us. Dogs in particular offer the kind of unconditional love we all crave. They're always thrilled to have us around!
So, how do we spoil our pets?
Probably in much the same way that we spoil our children! Aside from all of the care attention lavished on America's pets, a tremendous amount of money is spent providing goods and services that were once deemed a luxury-- but are now considered essential.
Today's dog sees the vet for regular checkups. She eats premium dog food and munches on gourmet doggie treats, is enrolled in obedience classes, and runs agility courses. She has her own collections of toys, clothing, and possibly even dog jewelry and canine cologne. She sleeps indoors on a luxury orthopedic bed and takes shelter outdoors in her cedar dog house. She wears a safety harness when riding in the family car, a reflective vest on hunting trips, and rain gear in foul weather. She can even dodge UV rays with a pair of doggie sunglasses. Her responsibilities are few.
I could go on (don't worry, at some point I will!). But one of the most notable signs that we regard our dogs as members of our family is the fact that we buy them gifts. A dog gift for the holidays, a dog gift for a special occasion, or a dog gift to show our appreciation for how much our dogs appreciate us. Any reason will do. Heck, we even wrap our dog gifts! Here are some very interesting statistics regarding gifts for pets:
* More than half of U.S. households have pets, and many of them are including their "best friends" in holiday plans.
* According to a survey conducted by the Pet Supplies "Plus" chain, 97% of its customers will buy gifts for their animals this Yuletide season.
* 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on their spouses when buying gifts.
* 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives other than their spouse.
* 54% will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws.
* 83% will wrap their pets' gifts.
* 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents themselves with their paws.
* 71% will buy something practical for them.
Buying gifts for our pets is only the half it. If someone we know is a pet lover, we often show our support by giving the person a pet-related gift. And, since the saying goes, "love me, love my dog", there's often pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a casual dog-loving aquaintance, our dog lover gift might be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines we can add to. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, one could splurge on a diamond-studded doggie themed bracelet for the wife (although I wouldn't recommend this as an anniversary gift. Unless you're verrry sure.) and a new house for Spike.
The good news is, there's no shortage of goods and services to inspire even the most rabid of dog lovers and dog gift shoppers. And dog lover gift shoppers. Whether the names on your gift list are human or canine, you'll never run out of things to buy and places to shop. If you're one of those gifted gift givers who's never at a loss for what to get and where to find it I envy you. If you're more like the rest of us, and you need a little help, you'll find plenty of ideas online (Ahem!). You can also look for future articles in this series, in which I'll hone in on various ways you can pamper and reward the dogs and dog lovers in your life.
So go ahead, spoil your furry friends. Celebrate your love for your dog, and your sister in law's love for her dog. Shower them with goodies and gifts. It's a dog's life. And if I get to come back for another round, I want it to be as one of those lucky dogs!!
© 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of http://www.great-dog-gift.com. The site offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. (Plus advise on care and feeding. Especially dental care.) She's always looking for new dog gift ideas and dog stories to share with her readers. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Schweitzer
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep!
Times have changed. As the world has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized. So much so that many of us worry about our own welfare less than that of our dog. This didn't happen overnight-- the trend started decades ago.
Take, for example, my grandmother Rose. During the 60's and 70's, Rose and Henry discovered cruise vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled into port to "shop", Rosie made it her mission to find stray dogs and feed them. She'd head straight for the butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat, and comb the islands for the hungry and homeless. She would exclaim, "It's a crime the way these animals live!"-- in spite of the fact that the people of those islands were desperately poor!
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not passing judgment on Grandma, or anyone else. I spoil my pets as much as the next guy or gal, and take immense pleasure in it. Truth be told, I'd rather hang out with my dog than with a whole lot of people I know. We share a special bond, my best friend and I. Hey, admit it... lots of you feel the same way!
The fact is, man has always had a close relationship with animals, and has enjoyed having pets around for companionship. Having a pet can bring great pleasure into our lives, and is believed to have a therapeutic effect on the owner. For empty nesters and those who've delayed or opted out of having kids, pets almost take the place of children. We bond with our pets especially because they don't judge us. Dogs in particular offer the kind of unconditional love we all crave. They're always thrilled to have us around!
So, how do we spoil our pets?
Probably in much the same way that we spoil our children! Aside from all of the care attention lavished on America's pets, a tremendous amount of money is spent providing goods and services that were once deemed a luxury-- but are now considered essential.
Today's dog sees the vet for regular checkups. She eats premium dog food and munches on gourmet doggie treats, is enrolled in obedience classes, and runs agility courses. She has her own collections of toys, clothing, and possibly even dog jewelry and canine cologne. She sleeps indoors on a luxury orthopedic bed and takes shelter outdoors in her cedar dog house. She wears a safety harness when riding in the family car, a reflective vest on hunting trips, and rain gear in foul weather. She can even dodge UV rays with a pair of doggie sunglasses. Her responsibilities are few.
I could go on (don't worry, at some point I will!). But one of the most notable signs that we regard our dogs as members of our family is the fact that we buy them gifts. A dog gift for the holidays, a dog gift for a special occasion, or a dog gift to show our appreciation for how much our dogs appreciate us. Any reason will do. Heck, we even wrap our dog gifts! Here are some very interesting statistics regarding gifts for pets:
* More than half of U.S. households have pets, and many of them are including their "best friends" in holiday plans.
* According to a survey conducted by the Pet Supplies "Plus" chain, 97% of its customers will buy gifts for their animals this Yuletide season.
* 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on their spouses when buying gifts.
* 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives other than their spouse.
* 54% will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws.
* 83% will wrap their pets' gifts.
* 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents themselves with their paws.
* 71% will buy something practical for them.
Buying gifts for our pets is only the half it. If someone we know is a pet lover, we often show our support by giving the person a pet-related gift. And, since the saying goes, "love me, love my dog", there's often pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a casual dog-loving aquaintance, our dog lover gift might be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines we can add to. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, one could splurge on a diamond-studded doggie themed bracelet for the wife (although I wouldn't recommend this as an anniversary gift. Unless you're verrry sure.) and a new house for Spike.
The good news is, there's no shortage of goods and services to inspire even the most rabid of dog lovers and dog gift shoppers. And dog lover gift shoppers. Whether the names on your gift list are human or canine, you'll never run out of things to buy and places to shop. If you're one of those gifted gift givers who's never at a loss for what to get and where to find it I envy you. If you're more like the rest of us, and you need a little help, you'll find plenty of ideas online (Ahem!). You can also look for future articles in this series, in which I'll hone in on various ways you can pamper and reward the dogs and dog lovers in your life.
So go ahead, spoil your furry friends. Celebrate your love for your dog, and your sister in law's love for her dog. Shower them with goodies and gifts. It's a dog's life. And if I get to come back for another round, I want it to be as one of those lucky dogs!!
© 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of http://www.great-dog-gift.com. The site offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. (Plus advise on care and feeding. Especially dental care.) She's always looking for new dog gift ideas and dog stories to share with her readers. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Schweitzer
Do You Know About Boxer Dogs?
Patric Chan
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs?
Boxer dogs are great all around dog breeds, distinguished
canine and the coolest, most lovable dog out there!
Boxer Dogs are medium-built and strong breed that are
so named because of its habit of standing on the hind legs
to begin a fight and boxing with the front paws.
By nature, Boxer dogs are working dogs. Throughout
history it has been trained as:
- hunting dog
- police dog
- seeing-eye dog for the blind
- guard dog
- circus dog
- courier dog on the battlefields during World War
I and World War II
- fighting dog in the once popular sport of dog fighting.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into
7 groups of herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting,
terrier, toy and working. And the largest breed registered
in the working dog category is the Boxer.
No doubt the Boxer Dogs make for great utility dog but
the greatest advantage to owning one is that Boxer Dogs
can be your most outstanding companion on four legs
and great source of personal fulfillment.
By the way, the AKC registered over 150 different breeds
totaling nearly one million dogs in 2003. To put that in
perspective, the animal shelters in America rescue up to
12 million homeless dogs and cats every year and 25%
of these are purebreds.
Devoted and glad owners of Boxer Dogs have come up
with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite
pet that include:
Alert
Boisterous
Boundless energy
Brave
Canine clown
Courageous
Devil dog
Devoted
Dignified
Exuberance
Family dog
Fearless
Friendly
Hearing dog
Highly trainable
Intelligent
Intuitive
Keen judge of character
Loving
Loyal
Patient with children
People dog
Poor swimmer
Playful
Quick learner
Self-assured
Smart
Soulful
Spirited
Stoical
Vigilant
Working dog
Wonderful pet
And you can add to the list…
The Boxer Dog's history could be traced back to
feudal Germany, where it was a small hunting dog that
could tenaciously hold onto a bull, boar, or bear till
the master arrived. It was also a utility dog for peasants
and shop owners, and even a performing dog in circus.
The Boxer Dogs as we know it today is a bigger breed –
a mixture of the German Boxer with a taller, more
elegant English import. The era of this modern Boxer
began in the 1880s and became really popular in the
United States in the late 1930s-1940s.
Handsome dog: Within the canine world, Boxer Dogs
are medium-sized dog standing at 21 to 25 inches at
the shoulder for a full-grown female, and weighs some
50 to 65 pounds. The male can be taller and 15 pounds
heavier.
It has a striking good look with chiseled head, square
jaw and muscled body that make for a very handsome
silhouette.
The ears are cropped and erect that enhance its hearing –
the Boxer most developed sense. It is always alert and
vigilant, an instinctive guard dog.
The shortened muzzle makes hot and humid weather
uncomfortable for the Boxer Dogs.
The coat is short, hard and smooth, and possesses
a natural sheen that can be enhanced with rubdowns
with a chamois cloth (especially after a bath).
The short coat cannot protect him well from extreme
elements of the weather and thus Boxer Dogs should
definitely not be kept outdoors. It is a housedog,
sensitive to temperature extremes, does not enjoy
the draft, summer heat or cold.
Boxer Dogs come in attractive basic colors of fawn
and brindle. The fawn varies from a tawny tan to
an especially beautiful stag red. The brindle (clearly
defined black stripes on a fawn background) can be
sparse, in between or dense.
A beauty standard for Boxer Dogs is that their white
markings or “flash” should add to their look and may
not cover more than one-third of the entire body. Some
predominantly or all-white puppies (known as “check”)
may be born in a litter.
In the US, however, the American Boxer Club members
are pledged not to register, sell or use these “whites”
for breeding so as to retain the beauty of the true fawn
and brindle colors in the breed.
Personality-wise, Boxer is a cool dog that will not bark
without cause. Its expressive face – the furrowed
forehead and dark, soulful eyes - is a charming quality
that sets the Boxer apart from other breeds.
It can mimic the moods of its master and adopting one
could bring you 9 to 11 years of joyful companionship.
In exceptional cases the Boxer can live up to 15 years.
Boxer Dogs As Pet
Pet Boxer Dogs, although low-maintenance, require
your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction,
consistent obedience training and lots of love. You
cannot leave them to their own design for too long or
they get lonely, bored and into trouble.
Being a big and strong dog as well as a highly
intelligent one, Boxer Dogs need both physical and
mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered and
dignified while still keeping their impish spirit and
fearless courage in tact.
All the best!!!
Warm regards,
Bryan Kinnear
A Boxer Dog Lover.
Discover How You Can Make Your Boxer Dog The Happiest,
Loving Dog Alive, Running Healthily With You...
http://www.boxerdogtips.com
Get free information all about Boxer Dogs at:
http://www.boxerdogs.boxerdogtips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patric_Chan
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs?
Boxer dogs are great all around dog breeds, distinguished
canine and the coolest, most lovable dog out there!
Boxer Dogs are medium-built and strong breed that are
so named because of its habit of standing on the hind legs
to begin a fight and boxing with the front paws.
By nature, Boxer dogs are working dogs. Throughout
history it has been trained as:
- hunting dog
- police dog
- seeing-eye dog for the blind
- guard dog
- circus dog
- courier dog on the battlefields during World War
I and World War II
- fighting dog in the once popular sport of dog fighting.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into
7 groups of herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting,
terrier, toy and working. And the largest breed registered
in the working dog category is the Boxer.
No doubt the Boxer Dogs make for great utility dog but
the greatest advantage to owning one is that Boxer Dogs
can be your most outstanding companion on four legs
and great source of personal fulfillment.
By the way, the AKC registered over 150 different breeds
totaling nearly one million dogs in 2003. To put that in
perspective, the animal shelters in America rescue up to
12 million homeless dogs and cats every year and 25%
of these are purebreds.
Devoted and glad owners of Boxer Dogs have come up
with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite
pet that include:
Alert
Boisterous
Boundless energy
Brave
Canine clown
Courageous
Devil dog
Devoted
Dignified
Exuberance
Family dog
Fearless
Friendly
Hearing dog
Highly trainable
Intelligent
Intuitive
Keen judge of character
Loving
Loyal
Patient with children
People dog
Poor swimmer
Playful
Quick learner
Self-assured
Smart
Soulful
Spirited
Stoical
Vigilant
Working dog
Wonderful pet
And you can add to the list…
The Boxer Dog's history could be traced back to
feudal Germany, where it was a small hunting dog that
could tenaciously hold onto a bull, boar, or bear till
the master arrived. It was also a utility dog for peasants
and shop owners, and even a performing dog in circus.
The Boxer Dogs as we know it today is a bigger breed –
a mixture of the German Boxer with a taller, more
elegant English import. The era of this modern Boxer
began in the 1880s and became really popular in the
United States in the late 1930s-1940s.
Handsome dog: Within the canine world, Boxer Dogs
are medium-sized dog standing at 21 to 25 inches at
the shoulder for a full-grown female, and weighs some
50 to 65 pounds. The male can be taller and 15 pounds
heavier.
It has a striking good look with chiseled head, square
jaw and muscled body that make for a very handsome
silhouette.
The ears are cropped and erect that enhance its hearing –
the Boxer most developed sense. It is always alert and
vigilant, an instinctive guard dog.
The shortened muzzle makes hot and humid weather
uncomfortable for the Boxer Dogs.
The coat is short, hard and smooth, and possesses
a natural sheen that can be enhanced with rubdowns
with a chamois cloth (especially after a bath).
The short coat cannot protect him well from extreme
elements of the weather and thus Boxer Dogs should
definitely not be kept outdoors. It is a housedog,
sensitive to temperature extremes, does not enjoy
the draft, summer heat or cold.
Boxer Dogs come in attractive basic colors of fawn
and brindle. The fawn varies from a tawny tan to
an especially beautiful stag red. The brindle (clearly
defined black stripes on a fawn background) can be
sparse, in between or dense.
A beauty standard for Boxer Dogs is that their white
markings or “flash” should add to their look and may
not cover more than one-third of the entire body. Some
predominantly or all-white puppies (known as “check”)
may be born in a litter.
In the US, however, the American Boxer Club members
are pledged not to register, sell or use these “whites”
for breeding so as to retain the beauty of the true fawn
and brindle colors in the breed.
Personality-wise, Boxer is a cool dog that will not bark
without cause. Its expressive face – the furrowed
forehead and dark, soulful eyes - is a charming quality
that sets the Boxer apart from other breeds.
It can mimic the moods of its master and adopting one
could bring you 9 to 11 years of joyful companionship.
In exceptional cases the Boxer can live up to 15 years.
Boxer Dogs As Pet
Pet Boxer Dogs, although low-maintenance, require
your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction,
consistent obedience training and lots of love. You
cannot leave them to their own design for too long or
they get lonely, bored and into trouble.
Being a big and strong dog as well as a highly
intelligent one, Boxer Dogs need both physical and
mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered and
dignified while still keeping their impish spirit and
fearless courage in tact.
All the best!!!
Warm regards,
Bryan Kinnear
A Boxer Dog Lover.
Discover How You Can Make Your Boxer Dog The Happiest,
Loving Dog Alive, Running Healthily With You...
http://www.boxerdogtips.com
Get free information all about Boxer Dogs at:
http://www.boxerdogs.boxerdogtips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patric_Chan
The Positve Benefits of Dog Day Care
Kelley Blackston
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner’s who have busy lives and are not able to socialize and exercise their dogs. Owners benefit from a guilt free day of work or play and can come home to a calm, relaxed pet. Dog day care provides the best of both worlds for dogs and owners alike.
Getting its start in California in 1987, dog day care has exploded to virtually every small town in America. Started by dog enthusiasts, owners apply the same principles of running any business combined with their love of dogs to the create the ultimate day care business.
An article in the online magazine VetCentric.com described the benefits of dog day care this way:
“The guiding principle behind dog day care is simple – provide a safe and healthy atmosphere with lots of interaction, both with other dogs and with people. Dogs can participate in group play, gnaw on a favorite toy, hang out with humans in the office, or just lounge on a couch and watch television. The point is that they’re not at home by themselves.”
Other benefits of dog day care include a social environment where dogs can play together, loads of activity, an excellent release for high energy dogs, year round daycare operation (except for major holidays), attention by trained staff members, and piece of mind for the working owner.
Dog day care centers are mostly held in large, open spaces that have some separation system for both size and temperament. Most dog day care centers have an outdoor exercise area as well. Some day cares provide furniture for dogs to climb on, agility equipment, and lots of toys.
Some things to consider when looking for a dog day care are the professionalism of the staff. Make sure they love dogs, know a lot about dogs behaviors, and interact with those in dog day care each day. Also, note the availability of space and “time-out” areas for dogs who do not get along. Make sure your dog will be comfortable with air condition, heat, and bedding. Also, check affordability and general dog day care policies.
Kelley Blackston
P.S. You may use this article in your publication, but the content and signature file must remain intact. Thank you.
"Thousands Have Discovered This Little Known Secret To Making Money With A Dog Day Care -- Now It's Your Turn..."
http://www.startadogdaycare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelley_Blackston
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner’s who have busy lives and are not able to socialize and exercise their dogs. Owners benefit from a guilt free day of work or play and can come home to a calm, relaxed pet. Dog day care provides the best of both worlds for dogs and owners alike.
Getting its start in California in 1987, dog day care has exploded to virtually every small town in America. Started by dog enthusiasts, owners apply the same principles of running any business combined with their love of dogs to the create the ultimate day care business.
An article in the online magazine VetCentric.com described the benefits of dog day care this way:
“The guiding principle behind dog day care is simple – provide a safe and healthy atmosphere with lots of interaction, both with other dogs and with people. Dogs can participate in group play, gnaw on a favorite toy, hang out with humans in the office, or just lounge on a couch and watch television. The point is that they’re not at home by themselves.”
Other benefits of dog day care include a social environment where dogs can play together, loads of activity, an excellent release for high energy dogs, year round daycare operation (except for major holidays), attention by trained staff members, and piece of mind for the working owner.
Dog day care centers are mostly held in large, open spaces that have some separation system for both size and temperament. Most dog day care centers have an outdoor exercise area as well. Some day cares provide furniture for dogs to climb on, agility equipment, and lots of toys.
Some things to consider when looking for a dog day care are the professionalism of the staff. Make sure they love dogs, know a lot about dogs behaviors, and interact with those in dog day care each day. Also, note the availability of space and “time-out” areas for dogs who do not get along. Make sure your dog will be comfortable with air condition, heat, and bedding. Also, check affordability and general dog day care policies.
Kelley Blackston
P.S. You may use this article in your publication, but the content and signature file must remain intact. Thank you.
"Thousands Have Discovered This Little Known Secret To Making Money With A Dog Day Care -- Now It's Your Turn..."
http://www.startadogdaycare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelley_Blackston
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior
Jeanne Perciaccanto
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior
Proper nutrition is the fundamental basis for every aspect of your dog's life.
It affects their health and longevity by offering an essential balance of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and the trace nutrients and minerals their bodies need for growth, repair and the mantainance of a sound immunne system.
Nutrition is a complex and integral part of your dog's ability to think clearly, lower stress levels and produce a calmer behavior.
Thinking takes a lot of energy. Dogs invoved in a training program, expend tremendous amounts of mental energy focusing on the tasks presented to them. If your dog starts with minimal nutrition, they become lethargic, edgy or hyper active when asked to perform the simplest of tasks. They cannot focus and loss concentration after a short period of time or become confused. If the dog is continually asked to do something they cannot comprehend, confusion can lead to an aggressive form of acting out.
In training dogs, the first thing I look at is the dog's diet! I work from the inside out. Training becomes ineffective if the underlying caiuse for the behaviors are not changed.
Hyper, unfocused and out of control dogs often eat foods with high levels of cereal compounds such as: wheat, corn and corn meal.
Aggressive dogs eat foods contain higher levels of incomplete protein which produce excessive amounts of energy. These proteins are often incomplete chains, not offering proper building and repair or may be difficult to digest.
Shy or stressed dogs do not digest their foods well at all and can suffer from intestinal complications such as diarrhea. Their coats are often dry, brittle and shed heavily.
One way to test the foods you are feeding is to soak the food in water for about 30 minutes. If it swells in size and becomes mushy, it is primarily cereal.
Are your dog's stool soft and loose or is the dog gassy? If so, they are not digesting the food properly.
By looking at their food, you will do more to help balance their behavior, as well as, contribute to their health and longevity.
Life Abundance offeres the best combination of balanced nutrients for a proper diet.
The proteins are complete chains and digest easily.
The carbohydrates are complex and do not turn into simple sugars producing energy swings of high and low behaviors.
The Probiotics in the food balance the intestinal tract and make the food digest more easily, which is perfect for the nervous or shy dog and ensures all dogs are recieving the nutrients they need from the food.
Jeanne Perciaccanto is a certified Dog Trainer at http://www.ultimatedogtraining.com and Health Educator.
Information on food can found at http://www.healthydogfood.net
Jeanne Perciaccanto has been a professional dog trainer for twenty years at, http://www.ultimatedogtraining.com and holds a degree in Health. She has combined both disciplines and researches diet and nutrition as it pertains to canine behavior. Visit http://www.healthydogfood.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanne_Perciaccanto
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior
Proper nutrition is the fundamental basis for every aspect of your dog's life.
It affects their health and longevity by offering an essential balance of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and the trace nutrients and minerals their bodies need for growth, repair and the mantainance of a sound immunne system.
Nutrition is a complex and integral part of your dog's ability to think clearly, lower stress levels and produce a calmer behavior.
Thinking takes a lot of energy. Dogs invoved in a training program, expend tremendous amounts of mental energy focusing on the tasks presented to them. If your dog starts with minimal nutrition, they become lethargic, edgy or hyper active when asked to perform the simplest of tasks. They cannot focus and loss concentration after a short period of time or become confused. If the dog is continually asked to do something they cannot comprehend, confusion can lead to an aggressive form of acting out.
In training dogs, the first thing I look at is the dog's diet! I work from the inside out. Training becomes ineffective if the underlying caiuse for the behaviors are not changed.
Hyper, unfocused and out of control dogs often eat foods with high levels of cereal compounds such as: wheat, corn and corn meal.
Aggressive dogs eat foods contain higher levels of incomplete protein which produce excessive amounts of energy. These proteins are often incomplete chains, not offering proper building and repair or may be difficult to digest.
Shy or stressed dogs do not digest their foods well at all and can suffer from intestinal complications such as diarrhea. Their coats are often dry, brittle and shed heavily.
One way to test the foods you are feeding is to soak the food in water for about 30 minutes. If it swells in size and becomes mushy, it is primarily cereal.
Are your dog's stool soft and loose or is the dog gassy? If so, they are not digesting the food properly.
By looking at their food, you will do more to help balance their behavior, as well as, contribute to their health and longevity.
Life Abundance offeres the best combination of balanced nutrients for a proper diet.
The proteins are complete chains and digest easily.
The carbohydrates are complex and do not turn into simple sugars producing energy swings of high and low behaviors.
The Probiotics in the food balance the intestinal tract and make the food digest more easily, which is perfect for the nervous or shy dog and ensures all dogs are recieving the nutrients they need from the food.
Jeanne Perciaccanto is a certified Dog Trainer at http://www.ultimatedogtraining.com and Health Educator.
Information on food can found at http://www.healthydogfood.net
Jeanne Perciaccanto has been a professional dog trainer for twenty years at, http://www.ultimatedogtraining.com and holds a degree in Health. She has combined both disciplines and researches diet and nutrition as it pertains to canine behavior. Visit http://www.healthydogfood.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanne_Perciaccanto
Identifying and Treating Health Problems in Your Dog
Brigitte Smith
An essential to your dog’s health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year ensure your dog’s immunity to some common infectious diseases. And when the vet gives the vaccinations*, it’s also an excellent opportunity for a thorough physical examination to be carried out, and a time to discuss any minor problems or issues which you feel may be affecting your dog’s health or wellbeing. This is a time when your vet may pick up inherited diseases and the like (when your dog is young) so they can be treated early, or just kept an eye on. And as your dog gets older, the vet may find the early signs of more sinister illnesses.
I recently took my dogs for their annual checkup, and for the first time alarms were raised about matters of significant concern - it was thought that Kara might have early stages of lymphoma (cancer) - which, fortunately, tests then proved to be not the case. And Jet apparently has something akin to the early stages of cataracts in humans in her eyes, and according to the vet, Jet is likely to go progressively blind over the next several years. At least knowing this in advance gives me the opportunity to watch for any developing signs and, if and when necessary, adapt her outings and home environment to take into account any sight loss, and most importantly, it has made me realise that vitamin and mineral supplementation in dogs is actually a very wise idea.
Worming and “de-flea-ing” your dog are the commonest forms of health measures which you probably undertake yourself for your dog. Fleas infest almost every dog at some time. Sometimes a lot of the time. Dogs which socialise with other dogs outside the home tend to become infested the most often. Fleas can carry disease and parasites, including tapeworm.
But fleas are extremely irritating for your dog. They often cause intense itching, which in turn can cause your dog to damage his/her skin by vigorous scratching. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites. Even after the fleas have been doused with flea poison and killed, the cycle of itch, scratch, itch, scratch, can remain.
My Rottweiler has been terribly affected two or three times now by this self-perpetuating cycle caused by her allergy to flea bites. Most of the skin damage has been caused by Kara incessantly scratching and injuring herself.
A dog with an infestation of fleas is neither a healthy nor a happy dog. So at the first sign of a flea, it's important to treat your dog for this very common problem. And those pesky fleas don't always readily show themselves. So if your dog is scratching more than usual, the first thing to do is a thorough search through your dog's coat. If you sight even one flea, treat your dog immediately. Some people treat routinely just because it's flea season, and still others actually treat throughout the year. And of course, it goes without saying that if you have more than one animal, you must treat them all at the same time.
This way, you'll ensure that your dog is as healthy and happy as can be!
* There are natural alternatives to vaccinations. For further information, subscribe to the Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter.
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address. Take a look around the site - http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com - while you're there - you'll find lots of useful information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith
An essential to your dog’s health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year ensure your dog’s immunity to some common infectious diseases. And when the vet gives the vaccinations*, it’s also an excellent opportunity for a thorough physical examination to be carried out, and a time to discuss any minor problems or issues which you feel may be affecting your dog’s health or wellbeing. This is a time when your vet may pick up inherited diseases and the like (when your dog is young) so they can be treated early, or just kept an eye on. And as your dog gets older, the vet may find the early signs of more sinister illnesses.
I recently took my dogs for their annual checkup, and for the first time alarms were raised about matters of significant concern - it was thought that Kara might have early stages of lymphoma (cancer) - which, fortunately, tests then proved to be not the case. And Jet apparently has something akin to the early stages of cataracts in humans in her eyes, and according to the vet, Jet is likely to go progressively blind over the next several years. At least knowing this in advance gives me the opportunity to watch for any developing signs and, if and when necessary, adapt her outings and home environment to take into account any sight loss, and most importantly, it has made me realise that vitamin and mineral supplementation in dogs is actually a very wise idea.
Worming and “de-flea-ing” your dog are the commonest forms of health measures which you probably undertake yourself for your dog. Fleas infest almost every dog at some time. Sometimes a lot of the time. Dogs which socialise with other dogs outside the home tend to become infested the most often. Fleas can carry disease and parasites, including tapeworm.
But fleas are extremely irritating for your dog. They often cause intense itching, which in turn can cause your dog to damage his/her skin by vigorous scratching. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites. Even after the fleas have been doused with flea poison and killed, the cycle of itch, scratch, itch, scratch, can remain.
My Rottweiler has been terribly affected two or three times now by this self-perpetuating cycle caused by her allergy to flea bites. Most of the skin damage has been caused by Kara incessantly scratching and injuring herself.
A dog with an infestation of fleas is neither a healthy nor a happy dog. So at the first sign of a flea, it's important to treat your dog for this very common problem. And those pesky fleas don't always readily show themselves. So if your dog is scratching more than usual, the first thing to do is a thorough search through your dog's coat. If you sight even one flea, treat your dog immediately. Some people treat routinely just because it's flea season, and still others actually treat throughout the year. And of course, it goes without saying that if you have more than one animal, you must treat them all at the same time.
This way, you'll ensure that your dog is as healthy and happy as can be!
* There are natural alternatives to vaccinations. For further information, subscribe to the Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter.
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address. Take a look around the site - http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com - while you're there - you'll find lots of useful information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Improve Your Dog's Health With a Natural Diet
Brigitte Smith
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog. Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog breeder may approve of commercially prepared foods as your dog’s sole diet. Many experts, however, tend to prefer a largely natural diet which for dogs is invariably comprised of meat and bones. Raw is preferable to cooked, as some of the minerals are definitely lost in the cooking process.
The reason why the commercially prepared pet food is so often fed to our dogs, is because, apart from the convenience, it can (depending upon the quality) actually contain many of the nutrients which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. The key word here is quality. There are in fact very, very few commercial manufacturers which produce nutrient-rich food. And they're not the brands you find in your supermarket, or even in most pet stores or vetinarians.
Raw bones with a little dry food as well as occasional rice or pasta, and perhaps the odd quality food scrap from your table, will generally contain most of the nutrients which your dog needs.
All dogs must obtain reasonable nutrition from their food to maintain excellent health and performance. The main nutrients required by your dog are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin or mineral deficiency in dogs fed a commercially manufactured diet today is not widely publicised. But then again, the slosh and dried formulae which are readily available from your vet or the local supermarket are not your dog’s natural diet. If your dog was left to fend for itself in the wild (assuming it could manage to adapt, that is), would choose raw meat. And one of the reasons why meat, and especially bones, are so good, is the chewing action and the teeth cleaning function which the bones perform. Of course, there are also commercially prepared substitutes which can also effectively clean your dog‘s teeth and satisfy his/her need to chew.
A lesser known fact is that to feed your dog only meat (with no bones and no cereals or other carbohydrate source) can cause severe deficiencies: your dog is likely to become lethargic, sick, and even death has been known to occur from an all meat diet. But what about dogs in the wild, I hear you ask? Isn’t meat a dog’s natural diet? Isn’t that what you just said, Brigitte? Well, yes and no: in the wild dogs eat the whole of their prey, not simply muscle meat - they thus obtain vegetable matter from the digestive tract of their prey, and calcium from the bones. As well, wild dogs occasionally, but routinely, add to their diet with plants, fruit and berries.
Most dogs relish some raw fruit and vegetables in their diet, so long as that's what they're used to. A dog who has been fed commercially prepared dog food all of its life won't be used to the taste of fresh food, so may well turn up his/her nose if you introduce such healthy food later in life. But persevere - try hand feeding pieces of carrot or apple to begin with. And if your dog is still very young, all the better. Start as you mean to go on and feed him/her some raw fruit and vegetables from time to time. Your dog's health will benefit!
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address. Take a look around the site - http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com - while you're there - you'll find lots of useful information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog. Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog breeder may approve of commercially prepared foods as your dog’s sole diet. Many experts, however, tend to prefer a largely natural diet which for dogs is invariably comprised of meat and bones. Raw is preferable to cooked, as some of the minerals are definitely lost in the cooking process.
The reason why the commercially prepared pet food is so often fed to our dogs, is because, apart from the convenience, it can (depending upon the quality) actually contain many of the nutrients which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. The key word here is quality. There are in fact very, very few commercial manufacturers which produce nutrient-rich food. And they're not the brands you find in your supermarket, or even in most pet stores or vetinarians.
Raw bones with a little dry food as well as occasional rice or pasta, and perhaps the odd quality food scrap from your table, will generally contain most of the nutrients which your dog needs.
All dogs must obtain reasonable nutrition from their food to maintain excellent health and performance. The main nutrients required by your dog are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin or mineral deficiency in dogs fed a commercially manufactured diet today is not widely publicised. But then again, the slosh and dried formulae which are readily available from your vet or the local supermarket are not your dog’s natural diet. If your dog was left to fend for itself in the wild (assuming it could manage to adapt, that is), would choose raw meat. And one of the reasons why meat, and especially bones, are so good, is the chewing action and the teeth cleaning function which the bones perform. Of course, there are also commercially prepared substitutes which can also effectively clean your dog‘s teeth and satisfy his/her need to chew.
A lesser known fact is that to feed your dog only meat (with no bones and no cereals or other carbohydrate source) can cause severe deficiencies: your dog is likely to become lethargic, sick, and even death has been known to occur from an all meat diet. But what about dogs in the wild, I hear you ask? Isn’t meat a dog’s natural diet? Isn’t that what you just said, Brigitte? Well, yes and no: in the wild dogs eat the whole of their prey, not simply muscle meat - they thus obtain vegetable matter from the digestive tract of their prey, and calcium from the bones. As well, wild dogs occasionally, but routinely, add to their diet with plants, fruit and berries.
Most dogs relish some raw fruit and vegetables in their diet, so long as that's what they're used to. A dog who has been fed commercially prepared dog food all of its life won't be used to the taste of fresh food, so may well turn up his/her nose if you introduce such healthy food later in life. But persevere - try hand feeding pieces of carrot or apple to begin with. And if your dog is still very young, all the better. Start as you mean to go on and feed him/her some raw fruit and vegetables from time to time. Your dog's health will benefit!
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address. Take a look around the site - http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com - while you're there - you'll find lots of useful information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith
Ten Important Things Your Dog Wants You To Know
Danielle Hollister
If your dog could talk, these are some of most important things she would like to tell you...
1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.
2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.
3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.
4 - Don’t stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can’t comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you’re telling me by the tone of your voice.
6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.
7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I haven’t been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is catching up with me and I just can’t do what I used to do.
9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.
10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can’t handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) Danielle Hollister is the Quotations Editor at BellaOnline and Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollister
If your dog could talk, these are some of most important things she would like to tell you...
1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.
2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.
3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.
4 - Don’t stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can’t comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you’re telling me by the tone of your voice.
6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.
7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I haven’t been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is catching up with me and I just can’t do what I used to do.
9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.
10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can’t handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) Danielle Hollister is the Quotations Editor at BellaOnline and Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollister
No More Excessive Barking - Teach Your Dog To Stop Barking
John Snair
A barking dog is often not looked at the same way as a quiet dog. This goes for the dog’s owner and their neighbours. Many dogs are given up by their owners each year due to barking. This does not need to be the case. Excessive barking is a problem that can be fixed if you are consistent and diligent with your dog training. In this article I am going to discuss why dogs bark and give you a few tips on how to stop your dog from barking too much, by teaching it when it’s ok to bark.
Dogs Bark Naturally - Why?
There are many reasons why a dog will bark. Here are a few... dogs will bark out of boredom, they will bark as a warning, because of loneliness, from fear, for communication, to get attention, they may find it is fun, etc. Some dog breeds tend to bark more than others...these can be the herding breeds. For example, a Shetland sheepdog is a breed prone to barking. They use barking as one of the tools in their instinctive job of herding. Shelties can be very vocal dogs as well.
How To Control a Dog's Barking
The best way to control a dog’s barking is to NOT allow the barking to become a habit. As soon as your puppy or dog becomes a member of your household, you need to start teaching what behaviours are good and bad, acceptable and not acceptable. Use a command such as’ No Bark’ or ‘Stop’ when your dog barks. As soon as it stops or quiets down, praise your dog. To give the commands use a firm voice but avoid yelling. Yelling can sound to a dog like barking and make the situation worse your dog will think it is supposed to bark as well! Show your dog that you really like when it is quiet and not barking. Just shouting NO can sound like a bark and get your dog even more exited and barky!
Praise Your Dog for Not Barking
Dogs train best by using positive reinforcement. Let your dog know when you are happy with the way it is behaving. As soon as your dog stops barking, you need to reinforce the stopping of barking with a treat and praise. No puppy is born knowing commands. You have to teach your dog that each command has an action and if that action is done, good things will follow. Positive reinforcement is the best training technique! Be careful not to praise unwanted behaviours you do not want by mistake. Patting and stroking a barking dog can give the dog the impression you like what it is doing and it will continue.
You May Want Your Dog to Warn That People Are At the Door
To achieve this without your dog think that it can bark all of the time, set up training scenarios. Have someone ring the door bell or knock at the door. Call your dog to come to you and have it follow you to the door. Ask excitedly "Who's there?" "Check it out!" or whatever verbal cue you decide to use. Get your dog to bark. Go to the door, have your dog sit and then get it to stop barking. Praise and treat your dog when it stops barking. Teach it that when you get to the door and check out the situation, the barking should stop and it should be quiet. You must be consistent and positive. Practice this situation in several short sessions per day and your dog will eventually learn what you want.
My Dog Barks A Lot Already
Sometimes you may get a dog that is already mature so you don’t have the advantage of training it as a puppy when it is easiest to create good habits and eliminate bad ones. If you are in this situation, you can try several things. First, determine why your dog is barking: Is it lonely, trying to alert you to something, is it experiencing fear, boredom, aggression, etc. Knowing the reason or reasons for the barking is a big part of finding a solution.
If your dog is alerting you to something, teach it that once you have checked out the situation and you have indicated that everything is ok; your dog must stop barking. My dogs have learned that I want them to alert me to things on the property or that could pose a threat. As soon as I have checked it out and indicated everything is ok, my dog does not need to alert me anymore.
A Bored or Lonely Dog Needs to Be Active
Toys, games, training, interaction all go a long way to help a bored or lonely dog. A tired dog is generally a better behaved dog. They are usually in a better state of mind when they are active. Boredom and loneliness can lead to other undesired behaviors as well. Get a variety of toys like Kongs, safe chew toys, Nylabones, etc., that will stimulate your dog's mind and give it something to do. Obedience lessons, a walk or playing fetch will help. Nuisance behaviours, such as barking, will quite often appear in dogs that are outside all day and alone. The biggest reason is that no one is home to teach the proper behavior. If no one shows your dog what it can and cannot do, the issue will persist. Play Barking
If your dog barks during play, quiet the type of play down. Get your dog into a relaxed mood and then and start the play activity again. Always keep play under control...be the leader in the activity and include training tasks in the play.
Some dogs are pathological barkers and may not be helped to stop their bad habits without using the help of a behaviourist. Sometimes just having a trainer watch your dog can help give you ideas on how to teach your dog not to bark. Sometimes a ‘fresh’ pair of eyes can see things that you can’t because you are constantly working with your dog and you may not see the issues clearly.
Training Collars
Many people want a fast and easy way to solve the bad barking behaviors that their dog is doing and may resort to various types of collars that can help to stop barking. If any training aid is used incorrectly, it can frustrate the dog and possibly make a bad situation worse. ‘No bark’ collars deter the barking through a shock, noise, or spray with a scent dogs do not like. Some dogs will learn to ignore the corrective action of these collars. Others may develop nervous behaviors due to the constant punishment.
The Best Way To Stop Barking Is To Not Let It Develop In The First Place.
Here a few things you can do:
1) Use positive training methods to encourage the dog to stay quiet when told
2) Teach a command that lets the dog know you want him to be quiet like ‘No Bark’ or ‘Enough’.
3) Keep your dog inside when you are not home. Dogs left outside alone all day are more likely to become nuisance barkers.
4) Obedience training for you and your dog.
5) Lots of exercise, proper attention to your dog, mental and physical stimulation. A dog that gets what it requires mentally and physically is less likely to become a problem barker.
6) Teach your dog when it is ok to bark.
7) Do not let your dog get away with barking for hours before you decide to tell it to stop. The dog may be getting set to stop anyhow and he is getting attention from you, increasing the chance of barking if it is doing it for attention. Always stop the bark as soon as it first starts.
8) Do not inadvertently teach the dog that constant barking is good by petting or talking positively while it is barking.
9) Teach your dog from day one what will and will not be allowed. Remember, some breeds are more prone to barking than others, but any dog can be an excessive barker.
10) Try to find the cause of the barking – like neighborhood kids teasing the dog.
Dogs allowed to become nuisance barkers may disturb your whole neighbourhood, which could end up being a bad situation for everyone. You can end up being fined by your community for violating noise ordinances or even having an irate neighbor take the law into his own hands! Do not allow your dog to become a nuisance.
We have over 30 years of dog experience. To see the information and resources we have available for dog owners and to view the 2000+ products we carry for dogs and their dog owners, visit: Dog-e-Direct
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Snair
A barking dog is often not looked at the same way as a quiet dog. This goes for the dog’s owner and their neighbours. Many dogs are given up by their owners each year due to barking. This does not need to be the case. Excessive barking is a problem that can be fixed if you are consistent and diligent with your dog training. In this article I am going to discuss why dogs bark and give you a few tips on how to stop your dog from barking too much, by teaching it when it’s ok to bark.
Dogs Bark Naturally - Why?
There are many reasons why a dog will bark. Here are a few... dogs will bark out of boredom, they will bark as a warning, because of loneliness, from fear, for communication, to get attention, they may find it is fun, etc. Some dog breeds tend to bark more than others...these can be the herding breeds. For example, a Shetland sheepdog is a breed prone to barking. They use barking as one of the tools in their instinctive job of herding. Shelties can be very vocal dogs as well.
How To Control a Dog's Barking
The best way to control a dog’s barking is to NOT allow the barking to become a habit. As soon as your puppy or dog becomes a member of your household, you need to start teaching what behaviours are good and bad, acceptable and not acceptable. Use a command such as’ No Bark’ or ‘Stop’ when your dog barks. As soon as it stops or quiets down, praise your dog. To give the commands use a firm voice but avoid yelling. Yelling can sound to a dog like barking and make the situation worse your dog will think it is supposed to bark as well! Show your dog that you really like when it is quiet and not barking. Just shouting NO can sound like a bark and get your dog even more exited and barky!
Praise Your Dog for Not Barking
Dogs train best by using positive reinforcement. Let your dog know when you are happy with the way it is behaving. As soon as your dog stops barking, you need to reinforce the stopping of barking with a treat and praise. No puppy is born knowing commands. You have to teach your dog that each command has an action and if that action is done, good things will follow. Positive reinforcement is the best training technique! Be careful not to praise unwanted behaviours you do not want by mistake. Patting and stroking a barking dog can give the dog the impression you like what it is doing and it will continue.
You May Want Your Dog to Warn That People Are At the Door
To achieve this without your dog think that it can bark all of the time, set up training scenarios. Have someone ring the door bell or knock at the door. Call your dog to come to you and have it follow you to the door. Ask excitedly "Who's there?" "Check it out!" or whatever verbal cue you decide to use. Get your dog to bark. Go to the door, have your dog sit and then get it to stop barking. Praise and treat your dog when it stops barking. Teach it that when you get to the door and check out the situation, the barking should stop and it should be quiet. You must be consistent and positive. Practice this situation in several short sessions per day and your dog will eventually learn what you want.
My Dog Barks A Lot Already
Sometimes you may get a dog that is already mature so you don’t have the advantage of training it as a puppy when it is easiest to create good habits and eliminate bad ones. If you are in this situation, you can try several things. First, determine why your dog is barking: Is it lonely, trying to alert you to something, is it experiencing fear, boredom, aggression, etc. Knowing the reason or reasons for the barking is a big part of finding a solution.
If your dog is alerting you to something, teach it that once you have checked out the situation and you have indicated that everything is ok; your dog must stop barking. My dogs have learned that I want them to alert me to things on the property or that could pose a threat. As soon as I have checked it out and indicated everything is ok, my dog does not need to alert me anymore.
A Bored or Lonely Dog Needs to Be Active
Toys, games, training, interaction all go a long way to help a bored or lonely dog. A tired dog is generally a better behaved dog. They are usually in a better state of mind when they are active. Boredom and loneliness can lead to other undesired behaviors as well. Get a variety of toys like Kongs, safe chew toys, Nylabones, etc., that will stimulate your dog's mind and give it something to do. Obedience lessons, a walk or playing fetch will help. Nuisance behaviours, such as barking, will quite often appear in dogs that are outside all day and alone. The biggest reason is that no one is home to teach the proper behavior. If no one shows your dog what it can and cannot do, the issue will persist. Play Barking
If your dog barks during play, quiet the type of play down. Get your dog into a relaxed mood and then and start the play activity again. Always keep play under control...be the leader in the activity and include training tasks in the play.
Some dogs are pathological barkers and may not be helped to stop their bad habits without using the help of a behaviourist. Sometimes just having a trainer watch your dog can help give you ideas on how to teach your dog not to bark. Sometimes a ‘fresh’ pair of eyes can see things that you can’t because you are constantly working with your dog and you may not see the issues clearly.
Training Collars
Many people want a fast and easy way to solve the bad barking behaviors that their dog is doing and may resort to various types of collars that can help to stop barking. If any training aid is used incorrectly, it can frustrate the dog and possibly make a bad situation worse. ‘No bark’ collars deter the barking through a shock, noise, or spray with a scent dogs do not like. Some dogs will learn to ignore the corrective action of these collars. Others may develop nervous behaviors due to the constant punishment.
The Best Way To Stop Barking Is To Not Let It Develop In The First Place.
Here a few things you can do:
1) Use positive training methods to encourage the dog to stay quiet when told
2) Teach a command that lets the dog know you want him to be quiet like ‘No Bark’ or ‘Enough’.
3) Keep your dog inside when you are not home. Dogs left outside alone all day are more likely to become nuisance barkers.
4) Obedience training for you and your dog.
5) Lots of exercise, proper attention to your dog, mental and physical stimulation. A dog that gets what it requires mentally and physically is less likely to become a problem barker.
6) Teach your dog when it is ok to bark.
7) Do not let your dog get away with barking for hours before you decide to tell it to stop. The dog may be getting set to stop anyhow and he is getting attention from you, increasing the chance of barking if it is doing it for attention. Always stop the bark as soon as it first starts.
8) Do not inadvertently teach the dog that constant barking is good by petting or talking positively while it is barking.
9) Teach your dog from day one what will and will not be allowed. Remember, some breeds are more prone to barking than others, but any dog can be an excessive barker.
10) Try to find the cause of the barking – like neighborhood kids teasing the dog.
Dogs allowed to become nuisance barkers may disturb your whole neighbourhood, which could end up being a bad situation for everyone. You can end up being fined by your community for violating noise ordinances or even having an irate neighbor take the law into his own hands! Do not allow your dog to become a nuisance.
We have over 30 years of dog experience. To see the information and resources we have available for dog owners and to view the 2000+ products we carry for dogs and their dog owners, visit: Dog-e-Direct
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Snair
How Do I Choose A Dog For Me
John Wahl
I would say that the first thing you should do is start by asking yourself what is it that you want a dog for? If you are a hunter, then you need to assess the needs that would be satisfied by having a dog. If you are a breeder and fieldtrial participant then there are a whole bushel of different questions you need to ask, and of course, if you just would like to have a dog, then you can ask yourself some pretty simple questions.
Lets start by saying we would just like to have the company of a dog. First you need to look at yourself, be honest, what type of personality do you have. I have found that dogs will pick up on your personality and at some point they will begin to assume that personality themselves. So, be sure you can stand yourself before starting down the road to dog ownership. Secondly and this is very important, do you have the time for a dog? Older dogs are easier but still demand and deserve attention, puppies on the other hand demand and NEED attention a lot.
The one thing that is usually forgotten when folks go looking for a dog, and this is a very big item, who is going to train your dog. Training and socializing are two things that are very rarely thought of when a dog is being sought and they are probably two of the most important. So when you are looking for a dog you also have to be willing to make a commitment, not only to yourself but also to the dog. You will have to commit to teaching as well as loving and taking care of them. More to this than just getting a puppy isn’t there?
You will need to ask yourself what one of the many breeds out there are you interested in. If you are a first time dog owner (pet) then I would suggest that you go to your local shelter and see what they have to offer. The reason I suggest this is because mutts and I hate that word, but dogs of various beginnings seem to be healthier (stronger immune system) than pure breeds, and for the most part a better disposition for beginners. Also the dogs you get from the shelter will or should have had all of their shots updated and have gotten a physical. That way you shouldn’t get any surprises. That doesn’t guarantee your dogs health 100% but it sure starts you out right.
You need to ask yourself “Will I like having this dog around all the time?” “Will I Like this dog five years from now the same or more than I do today?” and as corny as it sounds but it’s true “Can I love this dog enough to put certain parts of my life on hold or change all together?” If you can honestly answer these questions with a yes then I’d say that you are ready to assume the responsibility of getting a dog. I’m a firm believer in that you don’t actually pick your dog they pick you. I have had cat owners tell me the same thing and we all know how finicky and unreasonable cats are. Animals are great judges of character so when you are choosing your dog be in tune to the situation. Watch for little things especially from puppies. Watch for that one that looks back into your eyes as you are looking into theirs and all you can see is how much they want to be around you. It’s there you just have to accept it. Or the one that is sitting at your feet, not crawling all over you though this could be a signal too, but the one that is just sitting there being at peace just because it’s near you. I know it all sounds a little corny but give it a try what do you have to loose?
In closing the important thing you need to do when choosing a dog is ask the important questions above. Why do I want one? Do I have the time? If you answer these questions honestly then you should have no problem getting the answer. Dogs are some of the “best” friends we could ever ask for and all they want from us is attention and to be loved.
Owner Midwest Gundog Pet & Supply electronic training. Complete line of electronic training supplies and tracking units. Offer Consults before any purchases are made. These are tools and "NOT" toys. http://www.midwestgundogpetsupply.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Wahl
I would say that the first thing you should do is start by asking yourself what is it that you want a dog for? If you are a hunter, then you need to assess the needs that would be satisfied by having a dog. If you are a breeder and fieldtrial participant then there are a whole bushel of different questions you need to ask, and of course, if you just would like to have a dog, then you can ask yourself some pretty simple questions.
Lets start by saying we would just like to have the company of a dog. First you need to look at yourself, be honest, what type of personality do you have. I have found that dogs will pick up on your personality and at some point they will begin to assume that personality themselves. So, be sure you can stand yourself before starting down the road to dog ownership. Secondly and this is very important, do you have the time for a dog? Older dogs are easier but still demand and deserve attention, puppies on the other hand demand and NEED attention a lot.
The one thing that is usually forgotten when folks go looking for a dog, and this is a very big item, who is going to train your dog. Training and socializing are two things that are very rarely thought of when a dog is being sought and they are probably two of the most important. So when you are looking for a dog you also have to be willing to make a commitment, not only to yourself but also to the dog. You will have to commit to teaching as well as loving and taking care of them. More to this than just getting a puppy isn’t there?
You will need to ask yourself what one of the many breeds out there are you interested in. If you are a first time dog owner (pet) then I would suggest that you go to your local shelter and see what they have to offer. The reason I suggest this is because mutts and I hate that word, but dogs of various beginnings seem to be healthier (stronger immune system) than pure breeds, and for the most part a better disposition for beginners. Also the dogs you get from the shelter will or should have had all of their shots updated and have gotten a physical. That way you shouldn’t get any surprises. That doesn’t guarantee your dogs health 100% but it sure starts you out right.
You need to ask yourself “Will I like having this dog around all the time?” “Will I Like this dog five years from now the same or more than I do today?” and as corny as it sounds but it’s true “Can I love this dog enough to put certain parts of my life on hold or change all together?” If you can honestly answer these questions with a yes then I’d say that you are ready to assume the responsibility of getting a dog. I’m a firm believer in that you don’t actually pick your dog they pick you. I have had cat owners tell me the same thing and we all know how finicky and unreasonable cats are. Animals are great judges of character so when you are choosing your dog be in tune to the situation. Watch for little things especially from puppies. Watch for that one that looks back into your eyes as you are looking into theirs and all you can see is how much they want to be around you. It’s there you just have to accept it. Or the one that is sitting at your feet, not crawling all over you though this could be a signal too, but the one that is just sitting there being at peace just because it’s near you. I know it all sounds a little corny but give it a try what do you have to loose?
In closing the important thing you need to do when choosing a dog is ask the important questions above. Why do I want one? Do I have the time? If you answer these questions honestly then you should have no problem getting the answer. Dogs are some of the “best” friends we could ever ask for and all they want from us is attention and to be loved.
Owner Midwest Gundog Pet & Supply electronic training. Complete line of electronic training supplies and tracking units. Offer Consults before any purchases are made. These are tools and "NOT" toys. http://www.midwestgundogpetsupply.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Wahl
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