Sunday, August 16, 2009
3 Great Puppy Training Tips
By: Dave Curran
Puppies learn very quickly and from an early age, so its important to teach them how to behave as soon as you bring them into your home.
A new puppy will be easily distracted by it's new environment and will want to explore and play as much as it can. In the process, it may very well get up to some mischief. As any dog owner knows, this is unavoidable, however you need to train your puppy to ensure that any problems are nipped in the bud early, or prevented from happening.
Remember that a new puppy has recently been removed from its mother and family, so it may be nervous and unsure. This is the perfect time to give puppy some routine and structure. Remember, you want the puppy to know what its limits are. Here are some great puppy training tips to help you:
Tip 1
Give your puppy a space of it's own where it can retreat to when it needs a rest. A crate is a good idea. Encourage your puppy to sleep in its crate whenever it gets tired. This will discourage puppy from wanting to sleep on your bed or lounge.
Tip 2
Hitting your puppy is not a good idea. The puppy will become scared or may turn aggressive. While that may not be a problem when puppy is small, if he is a large breed, it will be a problem when he grows. A firm voice is a much better deterrent than a slap.
Tip 3
You need to train your dog to be socially comfortable. It is very important to get your puppy comfortable in the company of other people and other dogs. To make sure that your puppy is not scared of, or aggressive towards other people or dogs, give your puppy plenty of exposure to others. Regular walks are a good way of introducing your puppy to others. And walking will also prevent your puppy from becoming bored (and possibly being destructive around the home), and will keep puppy (and you) healthy.
I hope these tips have been helpful. And remember, if you are having trouble training your puppy, or want to learn more, there are professional trainers available to help.
Regards
Dave
Dave has over 30 years experience with dogs, and realises the frustration confronting many dog owners.
If you are becoming more and more frustrated by your uncontrollable pooch, or would just like to learn how to train your dog, then please don't delay. Click here now:
http://www.dogtrainingsecretsforyou.com
Labels: dog/pet/puppy
Thursday, August 06, 2009
5 Easy Tips on How to Properly Transport Your Dog
By: Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre
As dogs become part of your family, there are instances wherein you would want to bring them along with you when you travel, or when you might need to relocate elsewhere. Transporting your dog is not as simple as lugging your pet around the plane, but it does not have to be overly complicated. Here are some tips on how to properly transport your dogs.
1. Choose the right sized animal container. Make sure that your dog can move comfortably inside the container, with enough room to stand and sit erect, lie down and turn around the box while standing. This means that you should measure the animal's girth (from one side of its body to the other), height (from the floor to the top of its head), leg length (from the floor to the part where its legs meets the body) and body length (from the snout to the base of the tail). Taking these measurements, buy a box that is twice the girth on one side, about as high as the height measurements, and as wide as the body length and half the leg length.
The box should have ventilation holes as well as a handle. To be sure that your animal container will be approved by the airline you are planning to take, call them in advance and ask for their specifications. It is also highly recommended to buy the container well ahead from the airlines.
You can also use your own dog carrier if you have it, but make sure to seek the airline's approval days before your travel date. Some airlines require that your pet container be made of sturdy materials, so check if your container meets their standards or not.
If you have a small dog or cat, you do not need to fret about animal containers. They can go in the cabin with you, or in the case of some airlines, they will be placed in a heated and ventilated hold where they will be comfortably away from other passengers.
2. Prepare your dog for traveling. This would mean training it to its new surroundings and putting it inside the animal container, dog carrier or kennel a few weeks before the departure. This would ensure that your pet will behave perfectly when it is being transported inside the kennel or animal container.
Contact your preferred airline way in advance to know if they would accept your dog on your preferred travel dates. This is because some airlines have restrictions on the number of animals on board. Take note also that if you are travelling with an animal, you may be required to check in earlier than usual. However, animals tend to get frenzied at the airport, so you have to strike a balance. If your dog is going to be in the cabin with you, you can check in as late as you can. The reverse is true however if your dog will be transported in the cargo hold, give it as much time to get accustomed to the new place and relax before take off.
3. Feeding. The day before your flight, reduce the amount of food you give your dog while making sure it has enough water. You would have to give your dog a light meal two hours before surrendering your pet to the carrier.
Walk the dog before going to the airport and again before checking in.
4. Check the weather. If it is summer, chances are you will not be allowed to transport snub nosed dogs, which have difficulty maintaining normal body temperature on hot days.
5. Do not sedate your dog. Not only would sedation cause it potential harm, some airlines do not allow this, while the rest discourages it!
Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre is a true animal lover. He loves to play with his dog and is thinking of getting a new cat. He is the freelance writer of AnimalStars.com, a luxury online pet store that specializes in dog and cat collars, pet ID tags, pet birthstones, pet bells, latest pet accessories, cool pet clothes, colorful pet jewelries, and pet health.
Labels: pets/dogs
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Aging Dogs - How to Make Them More Comfortable
By: Betsy Reinier
As dogs age you may notice at a certain point where the dog starts to "break down" in the rear, have more trouble walking and getting up. This could be caused from several different things. Arthritis, disk problems, previous accident or hip dysplasha. Also, the cold weather and hard surfaces does little to help the discomfort of the aging dog.
A trip to your Veterinarian can help you solve the question of "why." Now you need to know the "What." What can be done now to keep your dog more comfortable?
To start with:
Use extra rugs or blankets -- Lay down extra rugs and/or blankets your old guy to lay on. This will help his old bones and make him more comfortable.
Glucosamin sulphate / Chondoitin sulphate -- This helps lubricate joints. It can be found in some dog foods, but not a very high dosage, so you'll need to add more. Ask your Veterinarian on the amount you should be giving your dog. Obviously a small dog does not need as much as a larger dog.
Vitamin E along with Selenium -- These will help maintain both muscle tone and keep the elasticity in the tendons and ligaments.
Canine chiropractor-- You could also try a certified canine chiropractor or even acupuncture for your dog. Again, depending on what kind of problem the dog is suffering with. Talk to your Veterinarian about this. It's certainly an option.
Arthramine --I give this product to my old dog Jericho, who will be 13 on the 4th of July. You can buy this at some pet stores or with some mail order magazines for pets. (Note: I did run out of this and the pet store didn't have any more left, so Jericho went almost 2 weeks without until I could get more. I noticed that he had more trouble getting up and was a little unsteady on his feet as he walked. He is back on it and has improved once again. So it does work for him).
As with any treatment, it will take a little time to see improvements so don't give up. Once you find what works best for your dog, you need to give him that supplement/pill as directed by your Veterinarian.
Betsy Reinier has had dogs all her life. Her main goal is keeping dogs healthy, happy, safe and very spoiled! To learn more on how to keep your dog healthy, happy, safe and to keep him very spoiled, please check out http://www.dogspoiler.com and visit http://www.doggyknows.com for more helpful articles.
Labels: pets/dogs
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Dog Vitamins - 3 Crucial Vitamins Your Dog Must Have
By: Dominic Jackson
Just like humans taking vitamins to keep themselves fit, healthy and energetic throughout the day, dogs need dog vitamins too. Even though most commercial foods have already mixed vitamins as part of their dog food formula, many veterinarians and researchers believe that extra vitamins and supplements will be required in dog's diet to keep them healthy.
You see, there are many free radicals in the air that are responsible for illnesses and aging of dogs. And the only way to fight them is with a healthy dose of vitamins.
With that said, a common question among dog owners is, "What vitamins does my dog need?" To clear up the air, here are 3 main dog vitamins that can prolong your dog's lifespan and boosts his/her immunity so they can stay illness-free most of the time...
Vitamin #1 - Vitamin C
Research has shown that Vitamin C is responsible for promoting the growth in dogs, and the repairing of the tissues. And just like humans, old tissues die and new tissue forms. So to prevent our dog from rapid ageing, Vitamin C is a must.
Vitamin #2 - Vitamin B
Did you know that dog vitamins B control your dog's skin, coat, eyes and liver health? So if your dog is suffering from bad looking coat and skin conditions, it is most probably due to the lack of dog vitamins B.
And that's not all...
Vitamin B also controls the nervous system in dogs. And that is why Vitamin B is one of the must have dog vitamins.
Vitamin #3 - Vitamin B2
Taking a healthy dose of Vitamin B2 improves your dog's immunity system and helps its body deal better with illnesses and diseases.
If you're serious in getting dog vitamins to keep your companion by your side for more years, you might want to consider checking out http://www.DogVitaminsYouCanTrust.info because they are offering 20%-70% savings on pet care products.
Labels: dog/pets/puppy
Sunday, July 19, 2009
New Puppy Care - 5 Handy Hints About Dog Health-Care For the New Puppy Owner
By: Jay Roach
If you are a new puppy owner, the amount of information you need to take in about new puppy care can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry! Help is at hand!
Here are 5 handy hints about some aspects of puppy care and puppy health that you might not be aware of. They will help you get your puppy set for good health for life.
1. Know your puppy's history
Get to know your puppy's breed and any health problems or little oddities that might be associated with it. For example, some dogs are prone to hip dysplasia (a disease that can cause lameness and arthritis in the hips); others might be susceptible to eye problems. Some are more likely to get allergies to certain foods or materials. The more you know about your puppy's history, the better prepared you will be for any dog health problems in the future.
2. Get your puppy microchipped
Microchipping is one of the easiest ways of ensuring your dog can find his way home if he gets lost. The microchip is a tiny chip placed under his skin. The chip carries a number recorded in a database that in turn records your contact details. The chip can be scanned and read with scanners operated by council pounds, animal shelters and vets so that if your dog is found, you can be quickly reunited. Your vet can arrange to insert a microchip for you.
3. Puppy dental care
Your new puppy should have lovely, pearly white teeth--and you want to keep them that way! Puppies will start teething--losing their puppy teeth--at around 3 or 4 months of age.
This is a trying time for puppies and owners as the puppy will want to chew on everything he can to ease the discomfort and to help new teeth break through.
You can help him by giving him plenty of appropriate things to chew like puppy chew toys--and even frozen carrots to help numb the pain in his gums! Then you need to keep his new adult teeth in top shape by giving him plenty of chew toys and bones throughout his life.
4. Flea treatment
Dogs and fleas just seem to go together but you can eliminate or at least reduce these pests with proper treatment. You may be lucky enough to have no fleas in your house but speak to your vet about what sorts of products you should use for your puppy in your area and when you should start to use them. Remember that you don't want to overload your young puppy's system with strong chemicals so make sure any products you use are suitable for puppies.
5. Start puppy training
You can start some basic puppy training as soon as you get your puppy home. Training your puppy with gentle, reward-based techniques will help to develop a bond between the two of you. Learning, and being rewarded for learning, will help to stimulate your puppy's mental development and will encourage good habits to form that will last for the rest of his life.
These are just 5 tips to get you started on caring for your new puppy. There's a lot more to be learned by the new puppy owner but remember that there's a wealth of information available to help you look after your pup. And don't forget to get well acquainted with your vet too--they can give you valuable advice about what's required to keep your pet in the best of health.
Jay Roach is passionate about the proper care and training of puppies, and about helping new dog owners understand their furry friends. For more facts, tips and guidance on new puppy care, and on buying and caring for a puppy, visit http://www.puppyprimer.com
Labels: dog/pet/puppy
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Pet Health Supplements - 5 Things That Every Dog Owner Must Be Aware Of
By: Kirby West
Just how important are pet health supplements? As a pet health expert, I get to meet a lot of people every day who ask me this question again and again. While some dog owners have a good idea of these supplements, some have no idea whatsoever. In this article, I am going to discuss the role of these supplements in promoting pet health and other related issues that you, the dog owner, must be aware of.
1. Pet supplements are very, very important for domesticated dogs. If you observe dogs in the wild closely, you will find that they often eat a lot of herbs and other medicinal plants. They do so to cleanse their system and to reenergize themselves. Unfortunately, domesticated dogs cannot do so. So, a regular dose of health supplements is the only way to make sure your dog gets all the antioxidants and other nutrients it requires to stay healthy.
2. Natural pet health supplements are the best choice for your dog. They contain powerful herbs which are very good for your dog's health and they are very safe as well.
3. Some of the most powerful herbs that you should look for include Huang Qi, Mistletoe, Milk Thistle, Echinacea Purpurea, Indian Ginseng, and Cat's Claw. These herbs can cleanse your dog's body thoroughly and boost its immune system considerably. A regular dose of these substances can keep your dog healthy and active.
4. Apart from these pet supplements, a dog's basic needs include good food, clean water, and plenty of physical exercise. So, give your dog plenty of raw food to eat and clean water to drink. Whenever you find time, take him out for a stroll, play with him, and do anything that makes him run around for a while. This kind of physical exercise not only keeps your dog fit, but also happy.
5. Last but certainly not least, love him a lot. Treat him like a part of your family and take good care of him. Your love and care can make a lot of difference to your dog's mental and physical health.
That's it folks. I hope the article clarified your doubts on pet health supplements and their role in promoting dog health. The five points I have mentioned above are something that every dog owner should be aware of. They are easy to understand and, most importantly, easy to follow. So, keep these tips in mind and take good care of your dog.
Kirby West is a strong and dedicated advocate of natural health for dogs. His research into alternative treatments is ongoing. Please visit http://www.natural-pet-treatments.com where you can learn about the natural remedies that Kirby has discovered in the course of his research.
Labels: dog/pet/puppy
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dog Health Questions - Information You Need to Know
By: Harold Petersen
Are you a new dog owner? Do you have a few dog health questions that you would like answered? Here are the most common topics where people have cares and concerns.
What vaccinations does your dog need? Around the ages of six to eight weeks, pups should be given shots to protect against these often fatal diseases: adenovirus, parainfluenza, distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Bordatella is also recommended though it is not usually fatal. Boosters should be given every one to three years respectively as a dog ages. Rabies shots, however, are required yearly by law. There are also vaccines available for problems associated to the different regions you live in.
What do you do if you think your pet has worms? Well, if you have noticed your pet having diarrhea or moving objects in the stool, they likely have worms. Get them to your vet for a de-worming. In puppies, this should be done regularly because they are born with them. Your dog can pick up hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and many others. Some of these can be passed to humans. Heartworms are deadly and should be prevented by heartworm pills given monthly.
How do you keep your pet free of parasites? Fleas and ticks are a constant annoyance and struggle for pet owners. They feed off the blood of animals and make them sick and uncomfortable. To get rid of fleas, make sure your dog is given a strong flea dip bath. For nasty ticks that can carry diseases, pulling them off quickly and with care is important. To prevent other occurrences, put him on a monthly topical flea and tick medication for prevention. It is effective and goes directly onto the coat.
Is your pet constantly scratching but you know it's not fleas? There can be other causes of itchiness besides flea infestation. Ear mites can settle in your dog's ears and cause severe discomfort and infections. See your veterinarian for this. Dry skin can also be the cause, especially in the fall and winter. Bathe your dog in soothing shampoos containing oatmeal or tea tree oil. Animals can have allergies just like humans, so that could also be a cause.
What should you feed your pet? Dry food should always be your number one choice. It is ninety percent meat, grains, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, canned meat is mostly water based. Dogs that live off wet food have the most cases of bad teeth and gums and obesity. When you choose your kibbles, be sure that meat is the main ingredient and not wheat or animal byproducts.
Does your older canine have trouble walking? If he is stiff-legged and slow to move, he may be arthritic. Senior dogs all hit this problem at some point. It is caused by the cartilage between the bones wearing down and creating friction in the joint. Difficulty getting up is a sure sign. If you have certain breeds like a German Shepherd or Siberian Husky, your vet should check for hip dysplasia.
Whether you have owned many dogs or this is your first, there are dog health questions that we all wonder about. Now you know how to feed your dog and take care of fleas! Always consult your vet before using any treatments on your four-legged buddy.
If you want to get some FREE answers to some of the more common dog health questions, then please click here: dog health questions
Labels: pets/dogs
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