Archive for January, 2010

Putting a Stop to your Dog’s Barking

If your dog is keeping you awake at night barking or disturbing the neighbors during the day with his barking, you know how important it is to overcome this problem. You may have already tried yelling at him and realized that this is completely ineffective. Understanding the causes of barking in a dog can be tremendously helpful.

Why Dogs Bark
One of the most important things to understand when trying to resolve your dog’s barking is that this behavior is completely natural in a dog. Dogs just naturally bark. They bark for many different reasons, including as a warning or alert. It is when your dog’s barking becomes excessive that it really becomes a big problem.

To get to the bottom of why your dog is barking, consider keeping a journal or a diary for a week or so and jotting down when you notice your dog barking or when your neighbors report that he is barking. This is a great way to narrow down all of the possible reasons and determine what is specifically triggering your dog’s barking. If he barks when you leave home it could be that he is experiencing separation anxiety. Many owners never even realize this is a problem until a neighbor reports it. It could also be that he is bored and is trying to relieve that boredom through barking.
 
Sometimes dogs bark to alert you to something. While one or two yaps might be fine, if the barking continues much longer, you could have a real problem on your hand. In this case, you need to know how to communicate to your dog that you are aware of the warning and he can stop barking.

Yelling at your dog rarely does any good when you are trying to put a stop to excessive barking. All it really does is encourage him to bark more. If you have tried this method you are probably already aware of this.

Putting an End to Problem Barking
If you are really serious about putting an end to your dog’s excessive barking, you must be able to teach him the proper commands as well as possibly redirect his attention if his barking stems from anxiety or boredom. The Secrets to Dog Training is an excellent resource that many dog owners have found to be helpful in overcoming barking as well as other problems.

 

TopDogProductReviews.com offers honest and up to date information on a variety of dog training products and services. Whether you have problems with aggression, barking, digging, chewing, do obedience or house training, you’ll find complete reviews on products and services designed to alleviate these dog training problems.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/putting-a-stop-to-your-dogs-barking-1666125.html

Tips for Successful Dog Puppy Training

If you decided to have a pet dog at home, you should know that there are certain responsibilities that a pet owner is required to do. It is not enough that you give your pet food, home, and other necessities. It is equally important for your pet to undergo dog puppy training. You do not need to hire a professional to do this because you can do this by yourself at home with a few simple tips. Read on to learn more.

Showing physical aggression toward your puppy will not advance your training but as a matter of fact, it will hinder it from progressing. It is recommended for you to show appreciation and respect for your dog and your dog will do the same for you. Showing anything besides respect will lead your dog to fear you and that is not good. Consistent and firm guidelines are a must if you want to get anywhere with training your pet.

One more dog puppy training guideline to consider is to reward your dog when he does something right. It is important that you provide this reward system on a consistent and frequent basis. You can do this by giving him a biscuit along with praise in a kind voice. Doing this will help your dog to continue doing the right thing for something he knows he will get in return.

It is very important to treat your dog like a dog and not like a small toy. I have seen many pet owners dress, cuddle and baby their dogs, which is very unhealthy. Many people do this because dogs have a tendency to be cute and cuddly. Our pets are not there for us to smother them with hugs, but they have basic needs that must be met. They all have distinct personalities as well.

Proper dog puppy training is the key to a happy and harmonious relationship between man and animal living under the same roof.

Make sure to visit Training Puppies.net for Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies and puppy crate training.

Ear problems?  Could be food allergies

Years ago my sweet dog Avery started having inflamed ears when he was just a puppy. I couldn’t figure out what the problem was. I cleaned his ears as often as I cleaned my other dogs’ ears. I kept the hair around his long ears trimmed. I used a good ear cleaner that my vet had recommended. I even took Avery to the vet and we went through a couple of rounds of antibiotics. His ears would clear up but, as soon as the medicine was gone, the inflamed ears and yucky stuff would be back again. Believe it or not, Avery had these ear problems, off and on, for years.

That was a long time ago, before people talked very much about food allergies in dogs. The very idea that dogs could be allergic to regular dog food? Preposterous! But now we know that it not only happens, but it’s actually not uncommon at all. And one of the signs of food allergies is recurring ear infections.

Your dog’s ears provide a warm, moist, dark environment — perfect for things to grow. When your dog’s immune system is healthy his body (and his ears) can regulate all of the proteins, carbohydrates, starches and other nutrients in his diet. If your dog’s immune system is out of whack because his body is having a reaction to his food, that reaction can manifest itself in an ear infection — or in hives, itchy skin or other allergic reactions.

Changing food often helps your dog’s ears, especially if you are upgrading the food to one that’s higher quality. Animal protein is usually a better choice than vegetable proteins, such as corn, since it’s easier for your dog to digest and produces less waste in his system. Corn and wheat, found in many dog foods today, have been linked to many allergies.

There are lots of dog foods on the market today which offer “novel” or “exotic” proteins. You should be careful about feeding your dog a diet that is based completely on yak meat or making him crave emu burgers. (That’s not very far-fetched.) If your dog does have allergies you should try to use a food with an easily-available meat protein. Save the extremely exotic meat proteins in case the more common proteins don’t work for your dog. Whether your dog has allergies or not, you always want to have some options for him in the future. If you feed him the most exotic foods when you don’t have to, you won’t have anything available that he can eat if he develops an allergy to those foods.

If changing your dog’s food doesn’t completely clear your dog’s ears up you can also try adding some supplements to his diet. Acidophilus tablets, echinacea, and Ester C can all help improve your dog’s ear problems due to allergies. Acidophilus works to improve digestion. It has active live cultures, similar to yogurt, and can restore any imbalances in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Echinacea, in particular, can give a boost to your dog’s immune system.

I wish I’d known about many of these solutions when I still had my Avery. We battled his ear problem all his life. I tried one topical solution after another but the ear problems always returned. There was one terrible time when I tried a potion with blue gentian in it. Avery jerked just as I was pouring the concoction in his ear and my poor boy had purple ears for a few weeks. I tried to keep my friends and family from laughing at him but they laughed anyway. Poor Avery! It was bad enough to have ear infections. Now he had purple ears and people were laughing at him.

At least now we know much more about dogs and food allergies. We can do so much more to eliminate these ear problems by attacking the cause. If your dog has ear problems that seem to keep coming back after every treatment, look at his diet! He may have food allergies. http://www.happytailsspa.com/

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/your-dog-has-ear-problems-could-be-food-allergies-1662577.html

For many families, a dog becomes part of the family. The dog lives in your home and provides companionship and protection. The problem of owning a dog is what to do with that pet when you need to go out of town. If you live in Atlanta, there is a great option, Atlanta dog sitting services: A Great Value in a Bad Economy.

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

Perhaps you have considered calling a pet sitting service, but are afraid that the service would be too expensive. Most people find that they can actually save money by hiring a pet sitting service instead of boarding their pet. Most people will save one-third to one half of the cost of boarding a pet by hiring the pet sitter instead of boarding the pet.

Yes, your pet gets to stay in your own home. The dog will get to sleep in its own bed, eat its own food and even drink its own water. In addition, he will get individualized attention and not spend one night in the cages of the kennel.

Pet sitters are professionals that are normally insured and bonded. In addition, they will provide references of other customers who are very satisfied with their work. They also love animals. If they did not love animals, there are other businesses where they would be working.

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

Perhaps you are thinking you could just take the pet on the trip with you. Be sure that you consider the effect the trip may have on everyone involved. Sure, you will enjoy your friend’s companionship, but will he enjoy the trip?

Even a long car trip is stressful for your pet. There are all the potty breaks in unfamiliar areas that are stressful. If the trip is by plane, the pet has to travel in an unheated cargo area of the plane. This can also be stressful for the pet.

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

If you decide that it is best for your pet to stay home while you travel, remember to call for Atlanta dog sitting services: A Great Value in a Bad Economy.

You can go on vacation knowing that your pet is secure and safe with atlanta dog sitting. When you place your pet in the hands of Atlanta Pet Sitting, their every requirement will be attended to.

Reasons For Dog Relinquishment

Each year there are literally thousands of dogs that are abandoned or relinquished to animal shelters and dog rescues. The reasons people give for giving up their faithful companion varies but these reasons tend to fall into two distinct categories. These categories include owner irresponsibility and unforeseen circumstances.

Owner irresponsibility

More dogs are relinquished due to owner irresponsibility than for any other reason. Let’s look at how owner irresponsibility leads to the dog’s relinquishment.

Impulsive Adoption

Too many times a person will see a cute little puppy and fall in love with this little bundle of fur never taking into consideration of the costs of adopting an animal. There is food, toys, vet bills, licenses, and a whole host of other things the owner is not prepared to pay for. When he realizes that owning a pet is not cheap, he simply chooses to give it up.

Indiscriminate Breeding

Other irresponsible owners will indiscriminately breed their dog either by design or by neglecting to have their dog spayed or neutered. In some cases, an owner might think they would like a new pup so they breed their dog never considering what they are going to do with the rest of the litter. When they are unable to find homes for these pups, they simply take them to the pound, making it some other person’s responsibility to find homes for them.

Lack of Proper Training

Many owners give up their dogs sighting bad behaviors on the dog’s part such as nipping, digging, and chewing. Almost all negative behaviors in dogs is brought about because the owner did not give the dog the attention and training it needed.

In each and every case where a dog has been relinquished due to the owner’s irresponsibility, the relinquishment could have been avoided by the owner taking the time to think, to plan, or simply to treat the dog as the companion and friend that it so badly wants to be.

However, there are cases when an owner cannot help relinquishing their dog. In these cases, the separation is painful for both the dog and the owner.

Unforeseeable Circumstances

Sometimes, an unforeseeable circumstance arises that makes it impossible for an owner to keep his dog no matter how attached he is to his pet and how much he wants to keep him. Illness may make an owner physically unable to continue to care for a dog forcing him to give up his pet.

During the recent economic crisis, many dogs were given up simply because their owners had lost their jobs and homes and wanted their dogs to have a better life than they could now give them. Others had to move from homes they owned to rentals that did not allow pets.

In most cases when the circumstances are unforeseen, the owner makes the heartbreaking decision to relinquish his dog wanting what is best for his pet, not his own selfish self-interests. In these cases, the owner’s actions are to be applauded rather than condemned.

For the dogs involved, whether the relinquishment is due to the choice of the owner, or the circumstances of a given situation the dog is not at fault and deserves a second chance at finding a forever home.

This article was written by Kelly Marshall of www.ohmydogsupplies.com - your online dog store, offering crazy deals on cute dog leashes and matching collars sets.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/reasons-for-dog-relinquishment-1659250.html

Dog Grooming Tips For Your Chow Chow

In keeping with their self-assured temperament, Chows are a breed that truly likes to stay clean. While there are exceptions, most very much enjoy the dog grooming process. While clipping the coat of a Chow can actually be damaging to the two layers of its naturally dense coat, regular weekly dog grooming is what keeps the breed free from mats and tangles.

Regular dog grooming also builds a stronger bond an owner and their Chow, something that is quite necessary for this breed’s temperament. Dogs love the feeling of good massage and the dog grooming process is a perfect time.

It is often recommended that grooming be done twice weekly with a good stiff bristled dog brush and dog combs. Some find applying a coat dressing keeps static to a minimum and helps thoroughly condition the coat.

Because of their special thick coat, wet bathing should take place only when needed, or not more than once per month. In fact, applying a dry dog shampoo is the most recommended method of upkeep for this breed. When it is time to bathe your Chow, use only dog grooming supplies specifically formulated for your pooch, such as dog shampoo and conditioner; human products have a different Ph and will cause skin irritations.

The Chow is a breed that has at least two periods of heavy shedding. Spring and fall are two times of year that will offer the heaviest shed. Using a FURminator dog shampoo coupled with the FURminator dog brush will significantly reduce the hair left behind.

While it may seem their heavy coat would be uncomfortable for summer, shaving the breed is highly looked down upon as it not only takes away the dogs natural defenses, it can also lead to sunburned skin.

The recommended course of action is to be sure all dead hair is groomed out of the natural coat. With the Chow, it is always important to brush down to the skin. Otherwise, dirt, debris, and moisture can become trapped in the hair, which then kinks up causing bothersome skin problems.

Dog grooming should fun everyone involved and especially necessary for the Chow; not only for his or her thick coat but for their personality as well. Use the right dog grooming supplies and you will enjoy the beautiful thick coat of your Chow. As part of your dog grooming process be sure to brush your dogs teeth, they are just as susceptible to the same mouth diseases as humans.

Michael, a dog owner for over 25 years, has amassed several dog obedience-training techniques as well as an extensive knowledge of dog health problems. Follow this link to read more dog articles from temperament to health and to shop the Discount Pet Supply Store by visiting the collection of Dog Grooming Supplies at Remarkable Dogs Where we are dedicated to providing only the very best for your dog.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-grooming-tips-for-your-chow-chow-1656983.html

How to Find the Right Large Dog Bed

Finding the best large dog bed for your canine friend can be nerve wracking. Sure, it sounds easy enough, but walk into the pet store and you’ll quickly see that it isnt simple at all. Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the best bed for your dog can be a tricky endeavor.

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

Doughnut dog beds are a very common type of bed for small dogs, but some large dog beds also come in this style. These beds can come in two pieces, such as a low-sided wicker basket with a flat bed inside, or an-all fabric design where the outer portion is padded and built up and the inner circle, or “hole” of the doughnut is padded less, giving the dog a nest to cuddle into. Some dogs prefer these types of beds to all others, especially dogs who tend to like to nest into their beds to feel secure. Many a large dog has tried unsuccessfully to fit into doughnut beds for their much smaller animal siblings, with comical results as the big dog spills out over the sides of the small bed. If your dog is a “nester” he or she will appreciate getting a doughnut bed in the right size!

Elevated dog beds are a newer type of bed, with many types of construction and design, from miniature couches to suspended hammock-type beds. The idea of these types of beds are to keep older dogs above the cold ground and drafty floor level, also allowing them to get up from laying down more easily, as they are not all the way on the ground. Dogs who have not grown up with this type of bed may take some convincing at first that its a safe place for a dog to sleep, but after an introduction, most dogs decide that the strange look is worth the comfort!

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

Selecting the right dog bed for a large dog can be confusing, but if you carefully match the needs of your dog with its preferences and your needs, finding the right dog bed for your home can be done easily.

Before purchasing your next dog beds, be sure to visit dog-beds.com for informative large dog bed purchasing tips.

Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Poop?

Is your dog always eating his own poop? Are You desperate to stop this dirty habit? Does your dog embarrass you out in public when he does this? Let me give you the answer to the question ‘Why do dogs eat their own poop’?

So why do dogs eat their own poop? Most dogs will try eating their own poop at some point, however most of them will grow out of it by the time they reach adulthood. There are 5 main reasons why they eat it:

NUTRITIONAL VALUE - There may be nutrients or digestive enzymes in the poop.

BOREDOM - Your dog will hunt around your garden/yard if he is bored and (dogs being dogs) will eat anything he can get his paws on, including his poop!

HOUSEKEEPING - Maybe your dog just wants to tidy up after himself and keep your garden tidy!

COPY CAT - Your dog will see other dogs eating poop and will want to try it to see what it tastes like!

ATTENTION SEEKING - If your dog knows how mortified you are when he eats his poop, he may continue to do it to get your attention.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP IT?

#1 - Keep your yard/garden poop free and ALWAYS clear up after your dog as quick as you can.

#2 - Make sure your dog is well fed (but not over fed) with quality dog food. If you currently only feed your dog once a day, try spreading this over 2 or 3 meals.

#3 - Make your dogs poop less appealing to him by adding things to his food such as pineapple, pepper, pureed pumpkin or commercial products are now available.

If your dog continues to eat his poop, you may want to pay a visit to the vet or seek more professional help. I hope that you have found this article useful. There is a lot you can learn about dog training and why they do the things that they do.

For all dog training issues, including learning why do dogs eat their own poop, it’s important to practice dog obedience training daily.

Visit www.best-dog-training-online.info to get your FREE 6 Day Dog Training Course.

Good Luck!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-do-dogs-eat-their-own-poop-1653471.html

Educating Your Dog

Dogs can be considered to be clean animals. They would rather not dirty the area where they eat and sleep. They also have tendencies to eliminate on grass or dirt rather on concrete or gravel. With this natural tendencies of your dog, you can train them rapidly and successful at your home.

To successfully train your dog, you should follow this two easy ways on how you can teach your dog. First, you have to set up a place where your dog can eat and sleep. You can set up your dog’s den in your bathroom, part of the kitchen or garage. Ensure to spend enough time with your dog in his den. Additionally, you give your dog a special bed. You can use an open crate or a large cardboard box as your dog’s bed. At first your dog might relieve in his den but as soon as he realizes that this is his place, he will try to avoid on dirtying his place.

Before you try to move your dog anywhere in your house, make sure that it is already comfortable in its own bed. One way that you can monitor your dog is by putting him on a leash to yourself. This will let your dog to follow you around your home and will be easier for you to see its behavior.

Second, you should create a toilet for your dog. Ensure that your dog can enter his toilet anytime he needs to. At first you should guide your dog to eliminate in this area until he is comfortable using this area as his toilet. To make it easy for you and your dog, make a habitual feeding program. Hence, you will know when your dog will eliminate, and you can guide him to his toilet area. For a fit adult dog, it can control his bladder and bowel for almost 8 hours.

One thing you shouldn’t do is to lock up your dog without giving him access to his toilet. Be warned, that when your dog soiled his room or his bed, it would be hard for you to train your dog and he can have a habit on soiling in his den.

One way to speed up the natural house training process is to praise and reward your dog every time he eliminates in his toilet area. It is also important not to shout at your dog for accidents and mistakes. This usually confuses a dog and can slow down house training process.

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

If you want some more good tips on home dog training, then head on over to directdogtraining.com for some good dog training tricks.

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