Aug 06 2010

Choosing The Proper Dog Crates For Your Pets

In a pet-friendly culture, you see man’s best friend everywhere- in homes, parks, spas and even restaurants. Today’s dogs enjoy privileges within the community that they never had in the history of their domestication. Dogs are loyal companions that provide security, affection and in some cases- can be trained to aid their owners for work and other specific purposes. So, for dog’s on-the-go, the most essential accessories to have are dog crates.

Crate selection is a necessary process in training your dog. You will need to purchase a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand and lie in it comfortably. Be advised that if you buy a bigger kennel your dog may eliminate in the corner, so it is important to get the right size. Take two measurements, taking from the shoulder down to the floor and from the head to the base of the tail then add three inches to both measurements. This gives you a figure on the minimum height and length of the kennel you need to purchase. If you are considering getting a dog crate for your puppy, purchase a wire crate with a divider panel. A divider panel is cost-efficient because it is versatile enough to adjust the crate as the puppy grows.

Dog crates come in many types and features. Generally, there are three types of kennels that are available to you at pet stores, these are wire, plastic, and metal crates. They come in different shapes, colors, sizes, features and some of them can be customized to suit you and your baby love’s needs.

Wire carriers are long lasting. They are cost effective and require less maintenance. Because the sides are corrugated, it has superb air flow. These kennels are resistant to corrosion, equipped with a sliding pan, and is easy to fold up and put away.

For air transports, airlines would advise you to use plastic dog crates as they weigh less and allow for optimum airflow in the confined space of the aircraft. To avoid upsetting your animal during the ride, it is wise if you get it accustomed to being in a crate prior to the flight. You would to risk traumatizing your pet.

Metal or aluminum crates are heavy duty. They are perfect for big, heavy canines. They come in collapsible varieties; most of these crates are pre-assembled and easy to clean. Although, they are slightly heavier than most crates, they are useful for traveling. Be sure you purchase the one with proper ventilation. Some aluminum crates are airline approved. Check on further airline guidelines before purchasing.

With all the fully-customized pet accessories we can access through your local pet store or on the internet, finding the best dog crate to fit your needs, lifestyle and your pets personality is an easy task indeed. Sizes and embellishments are yours for the asking if you find the right supplier.

The ease of mobility afforded to you by these dog crates is truly invaluable as they give your dog the opportunity to travel with you in style and comfort. The journey you take will be made all the more memorable if you take your best friend along.

Looking to find out more about the steps to crate training, then visit Tim Bell’s site on how to select the best dog crate for your animals needs.

categories: crates,crate training,training,dog training,puppy training,puppies,pets,animals,pet health,kids,home and family,home

Jul 30 2010

Important Secrets To Help Before Golden Retriever Puppy Training

One of the most popular family dogs today is the Golden Retriever. They are loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and are good around children. A family setting is perfect for this breed of dog and they thrive on being around people. They are active dogs, and with the right Golden Retriever puppy training, you give them a chance to show how well mannered and friendly they can be.

Puppies need training; it is an essential part of their happiness and the happiness of the household. Since Golden Retrievers are willing and intelligent, they’re capable of learning quickly. At an early age your puppy will be eager to please you, and a positive training experience will encourage him and make things easier.

Right from the start you need to be aware of what kind of method you are going to use to train them, if doing it yourself. When talking to your puppy, your commands will need to be clear and consistent. To get obedience, consistency is necessary. Your clear commands will let them know how they can please you and they’ll be eager to do that when young.

It will be best to begin training right from the beginning. The younger the dog, the more they want to learn. Their focus will be on you mainly in the early weeks so setting up a daily routine is something they will thrive on and keep them comfortable. Start with their food and water and when they’ll eat. Make sure he knows where he is going to sleep and when he is expected to be there to do so.

The rules of the house are essential in making sure there are no problems in the future. Just like with children, you need to show them what they can and can’t do. Correcting them when they are breaking a rule and praising them when they aren’t is part of that. Plenty of encouragement and praise will make them eager to please you by following the rules.

Your puppy will need to be house trained also and knowing the signs to look for when he needs to relieve himself will help you make it less stressful for both of you. There will be certain signs that he is ready to go, like sniffing around or circling the floor. He will normally need to go about a half after he has eaten and that is when you need to start paying close attention.

Crate training is chosen by a lot of pet owners. This helps in house training and also gives them their own special place to go when they want to be alone. If this method is chosen, a good crate that is big enough for him to stand and turn will be needed. Although this is a popular method, it should never be used as punishment. If it is, your puppy will resist the crate and be unhappy.

Golden Retrievers are a wonderful family pet and that is why many pet owners are choosing to go with that breed. They are a loving and loyal dog that will be a companion to every family member. They have a good temperament and are eager to be part of a family. And, with the proper Golden Retriever puppy training, they are well behaved, friendly, and a perfect addition to any household.

We’ve got the exclusive inside skinny on things to know before golden retriever puppy training now. Get our free easy golden retrievers guide.

categories: golden retrievers,golden retriever puppies,puppies,pedigree dogs,pedigree puppies,training dogs,dog training,training puppies,puppy training,dogs,puppies,pets,animals,home

Jul 14 2010

5 Tips For Choosing A Shelter Dog For You And Your Family

If you’re thinking about bringing a new canine home for your family, consider adopting one from a shelter. You’ll find shelters are filled with dogs that would make ideal companions if given the chance. Some are there because they became lost and were unable to find their way home. Others are there because their previous owners were unable to continue caring for them (e.g. they moved into an apartment with a “no pet” policy). A reputable shelter will take the time to make sure a pet in their care is a good match for you and your family.

This article will provide five important tips for adopting a shelter dog. The following suggestions will help ensure you bring home a healthy, happy, and affectionate canine.

1 - Identify Your Ideal Match

Some breeds are more active than others. Some are perfectly content to sit on the couch all day while others need plenty of exercise. Think about your lifestyle. If you enjoy hiking, jogging, or bicycling, an active breed, such as an American Foxhound, might be more appropriate than a Basset Hound. Also, think about your living space. If you live in a small apartment, a Chihuahua may be more suitable than a German Shepherd. Adopt a pet that accommodates your life.

2 - Get Up Close And Personal

The only way to know whether a given canine will make a good companion is to visit his kennel up close. Take the time to walk through the entire facility and visit as many dogs as possible. Signs of friendliness are easy to spot; you’ll notice a wagging tail, an eager approach, and an excited playfulness. In contrast, if a shelter animal remains in the back of his kennel, and refuses to approach you, that may be a sign of things to come.

Keep in mind, however, that some dogs remain standoffish because they are unfriendly while others are merely shy. The latter can make wonderful companions once they get to know you.

3 - Ask Questions Of The Staff

There’s a good chance the shelter’s staff will have spent significant time with each animal in their care. They’ll know which dogs have quirky personalities, special medical needs, and a spotty history. Speak with the employees (or volunteers) and ask questions regarding the canines that interest you.

Ask about the results of a temperament evaluation (if one was conducted when the dog was admitted). Ask about behavioral tendencies that emerged while in the shelter. Ask whether the canine is friendly, reserved, withdrawn, or playful. It is in the best interests of the shelter to make sure you adopt the right pet. Hence, they’ll be happy to answer your questions.

4 - Get To Know The Frontrunners

It’s one thing to look through the front of a kennel and be immediately drawn to a canine. It is another thing entirely to interact with him. The animal shelter should provide you with the chance to spend time with the dogs you’re seriously considering adopting. Some facilities will let you take the canines for a walk. Others will encourage you to spend time playing with them to see whether you enjoy the interaction. Take advantage of the opportunity. It’s the best way to determine whether a given canine’s temperament is a good fit.

5 - Avoid Rushing Your Decision

Most shelters are willing to hold a dog for you for twenty-four hours. This is a good chance to leave the facility and consider whether a specific canine will fit your lifestyle. Moreover, you’ll be able to do so more objectively without his longing eyes staring expectantly at you. Come back the following day and make your decision. There’s no need to rush.

Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to find a lifelong companion. Use a methodical approach and ask plenty of questions to ensure you bring home a canine that adds to your life.

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Jun 07 2010

Puppy Food - Your Little Pooch Could Have An Allergy

Did you know that your young pup could actually be allergic to her puppy food? Since the symptoms are very similar (and we are not trained vets), many dog owners have a hard time distinguishing the difference between an allergic reaction to food, vs. one from some other source. Keep in mind that a food allergy can present itself over a long-term time frame, like months or years, or last a short while, for a few days. And they can occur at ANY age, so it is certainly not unheard of for your pup to develop allergies to the same puppy food he’s been eating for months or years. Unfortunately, the downfall of consuming the same chow can sometimes create allergens to built in you dog’s system prior to ever seeing any symptoms. Research has proven that if your young pup eats the same puppy food for over two years, and develops a reaction, there’s a 70 percent chance it came from her food!

Okay, one of the best ways we can take very good care of our canine friends is to LEARN the signs of food allergies.

* Development of Skin Problems The very first sign of a allergy is when you see your dog excessively scratch or lick himself. This means that his skin is itchy. You may also see him rub his face on the floor, carpets, and other inanimate objects just to relieve his discomfort. Excessive scratching, and even biting, can lead to skin being even more irritated (red patches, scaly skin). Your puppy may even suffer from hair loss.

* One more sign is trouble digesting food. Frequent flatulence, abnormally runny excrement, and vomiting are common symptoms that often accompany a food allergy.

* Impaired breathing is one more symptom. The allergy can cause your pouch to wheeze, cough, and sneeze, much the same as any other allergy can.

Here are some tips on how you can avoid these allergies:

* When the allergic reaction starts to manifest, take your pup off her current food. The next step is to begin slowly returning the ingredients of this puppy food formula, ONE ingredient at a time. By doing so, you can pinpoint exactly which ingredient is causing your pup’s allergies when systems return. You will then know just which ingredient, or ingredients, to remove from your dog’s diet. Of course, you should consult you vet before starting this elimination diet. With consent however, your vet should recommend following this diet for 12 weeks.

* You can also feed your young canine a hypo-allergenic puppy food with more pure and healthy ingredients like vegetables, potatoes, rice, duck, and lamb.

* Hyposensitization/Desensitization Desensitization is a process that helps your dog develop resistance against common food allergens by injecting him with a minute quantity of allergen at a regular basis. Through which, he will develop antibodies that will combat allergic reactions.

* You can use antihistamines. Same as for us, these drugs can be used to alleviate allergies in your pouch, too. Your vet will know which ones to use, and the proper doses to give.

* Skin testing/Blood Testing This procedure is done by vet dermatologists. The procedures are highly accurate and can help you determine the type of puppy food that your canine must avoid.

If you’ve just picked up your family’s new furry addition and want to find out the right way to care for your puppy, then check out Puppy Pet Supplies for helpful tips and advice on puppy training, and so much more! Plus, discover the four essential puppy supplies you need to have for your puppy’s arrival!

categories: puppy pet supplies,training a puppy,dog training,house training,potty training a puppy,crate training,puppies

Feb 17 2010

How To Bathroom Train Your Dog The Easy Way

Your desire to have your own puppy is to enrich your household through your rewarding experiences with your pet. However, you know that there will be obstacles to this objective. One important wake up call to this situation is when your pet starts to create a mess inside your house and in your daily schedule.

However, you know very well that dog training is the straight forward answer to this possible chaotic situation. Being able to train your pet to have excellent conduct and behavior involves many aspects. It will require different training facets but one of the most important of them all is potty training.

Potty training had been perceived by many as a very stressful and difficult task to undertake. But with the different schemes of going about it, many pet owners are willing to undertake their dog’s training on their own. The different techniques are often as good as the others. But then, you must always remember the foundation of dog training which is to teach your pet what is a good and acceptable behavior.

The sooner you start your training, the better. Over time, your dog will be able to develop habit of its own and that will be harder for you to correct the bad ones. Persevere in your efforts and be consistent with your training. Consistency is one of the main ideas that the dog could understand.

First step you must take is to choose an area for this training. It is advisable that the floor of this chosen area is easy to clean as the training could involve regular clean up if your dog misses the mark. Get plenty of newspapers or even cardboard and lay them all down in your designated area. Each time you notice that its bathroom time for your pet, steer it towards this paper heap.

It is also important that you lavish your praise while your pet is at it. Delaying the shower of love for a job that is being well done might not be easily connected by the dog. Then, as you remove the pile of newspaper each time you clean up the mess, get a slightly soiled one and put on top. Your dog could then connect its bathroom requirement with the real function of the layers of paper.

Overtime, slowly decrease the area covered with newspapers. In times when your dog did not manage to hit the mark, slightly increase the coverage again. Then repeat the process of decreasing the covered area until your pet learns to always find the proper spot.

When you only allot a space as big as your dog’s mess, you can now move with the next step in your training. Either you could buy an indoor toilet for this purpose or you could move the bathroom to the door ready for house training your pet. Now you can rest knowing that your dog was able to learn that there’s only a specific place to use as bathroom.

Remember one general rule about your dog and training; your main goal is to form a habit, a good habit at that. Because of this, it will automatically involve time and endless repetitions to achieve your purpose. But don’t be disheartened as the reward of your patience is that you and your pet gets rewarding experiences together, without the unsightly and unwanted mess.

If you are training your dog to be her best, have a look at How to Stop My Dog Barking, and see our supply of Dog Shock Collars.

categories: dog potty training,puppy bathroom training,puppy training,dog training,puppies,dogs,pets,animals,cats,education,family

Feb 06 2010

How To Choose Corgi Puppies - A Guide For New Owners

Choosing a Corgi puppy is hard to do, as they make loyal and caring companions. Whether you choose a Cardigan or a Pembroke Corgi, remember these tips. Corgi puppies are a good companion for a child. Their guarding and herding instincts help to keep the child safe, and their kind, gentle disposition makes them a great best friend.

Before choosing a puppy you should always research a responsible breeder. Visiting the kennel is a good way to check things out. When visiting the kennels take note of the cleanliness and size of the kennels. They should be kept clean, and have adequate room for the puppies inside. The puppies should be well socialized, and the adults should have a good temperament and be well behaved. A good breeder is willing to answer questions and guarantee that he will take the puppy back if things don’t work out.

The puppy that you ultimately do choose should be healthy looking and happy. The puppy should have no runny nose or eyes, have clean ears, skin and fur. Corgi puppies are great for hanging out with you while you relax, but they also like to be active. Taking your puppy out side to play ball or Frisbee for at least 20 minutes a day will make him a happy dog.

Most vets recommend that Corgi’s have x rays taken every so often to look for signs of hip dysplasia and other malformations of the joints. There have been incidences of progressive retinal atrophy, a disease in the eyes that can cause blindness, also spinal disc problems, autoimmune diseases, and cataracts can crop up in small numbers of Corgis. These are all reasons to take great care when choosing a breeder, as they will screen the adults for these problems, lowering the chances your Corgi puppy will have them.

Be sure to keep an eyes on your Corgis weight. They are very fond of food and can put on weight quickly and easily, increasing their risk of joint problems. Do a little research on their food before feeding it to them.

Thinking about getting a Corgi puppy? Make sure you check Justin Gordon’s excellent free guide to owning Corgi puppies, and training Corgi puppies

Jan 29 2010

Understanding Why Your Pooch Chews And Controlling The Behavior

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

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

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

Use A Crate

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

Provide Chew Toys

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

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

Keep Your Departures Understated

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

Provide An Outlet For Exercise

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

Offer A Swap

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

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

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categories: dogs, canine, puppies, dog behavior, dog tips

Jan 26 2010

Stop Your Puppy From Biting - 7 Golden Rules

One of the first things you will want to do with your new puppy is to teach it not to bite This behaviour if not stopped can become an act of aggression in your adult dog, possibly leading to a situation where he would seriously injure a child, even if unintentionally.

Stay Consistent

It is important that everyone trains the puppy in the same way. Teach your children to treat your puppy exactly as you do. Biting is a natural act in a puppy. It is natural for them to bite their litter mates as an act of playing and so they will want to do exactly the same with you or you children.

Act Just Like A Puppy

It is easy to stop them when you understand how they behave with their brothers and sisters. They stop if one of their litter mates yelps, so any time he nibbles on your fingers all you have to do is yelp just like him. He will stop and you can move your hand away. Don’t play with him for a while after he bit you. When you playing with him and he doesn’t bite, reward him with a few treats.

Keep Your Training Sessions Short

Keep your training sessions with the puppy short. Puppies don’t have a long attention span. It is important for the training to be positive and it also helps if you talk to your puppy in a happy voice. Give lots of praise. Pet the puppy when he pays attention to what you are saying.

Plenty Of Toys

When you happen to be working on the way to educate a new puppy not to bite make certain the puppy is provided with toys to bite and chew on. In case your dog bites your hand say ouch or yelp. Keep consistent in this. Should your puppy backs off it is important to let him know that this pleases you.

Love And Attention

Your puppy naturally requires lots of love and attention. Loads of play time with the right toys is also important. Puppies like texture. It’s a good idea therefore to keep plenty of different types of toys on hand. He will pick his favourite one. Use that one when you are teaching him not to bite.

Don’t Give Your Puppy Old Shoes And Clothes

Nevertheless, do not provide your old boots and shoes or clothes to your puppy to play with. He has absolutely no idea what may be new and what is not. He could believe this implies it is Acceptable to munch up all your clothing and footwear. Puppies will become confused easily. He has to recognize that your things are definitely not his playthings.

Stick With The Routine

Ensure everyone sticks to the program. You should never have the children let your puppy nip or bite them during play, this will certainly confuse the puppy. Train them to yelp and finish playing too. Make sure your puppy is provided treats for good behaviour and not for bad.

Bear in mind, it is a natural thing for puppies to bite as well as nip at their playmates so it usually takes a little time to unlearn the behaviour. No one wants a dog that is aggressive towards anyone therefore it is really worth putting into practice all these tips on how to teach a puppy not to bite.

Hannah Clapham is a keen writerwith a particular interest in the area of dog training. Her latest website discusses the benefits of using a Citronella Anti Bark Collar to prevent nuisance barking. For more information, visit the Citronella Anti Bark Collar website

Jan 22 2010

The Reason Why You Should Never Hit A Puppy

Typically, breeding puppies can be a very rewarding yet frustrating experience, especially when it misbehaves and starting chewing up your new $2000 couch. You might have smacked your puppy when it misbehaved in some way, and if you have been doing so, you should stop now.

Being physical with your puppy will do nothing but have an adverse effect in the relationship as time goes on between you and your pet.

Think about a new born baby. Will it make a difference if you hit it when it cries and screams? Of course not! Like babies, puppies just do not get it and applying this type of punishment will only cause your pet to stay away from you whenever possible.

The explanation for this is that dogs when young, do not know how to associate pain with bad behavior, unlike fully grown dogs. Remember that puppies that have just come into the world are curious and are discovering new things everyday. They also start their teething period and may have very sensitive teeth and so they chew your things. As it is already confused enough, by hitting and terrorizing it, you are just adding to the confusion.

By hitting it can causing your little new friend to be terrified of you, it will start to keep its distance from you and you’ll never create the wonderful bond that some dogs have with their owners. As the pup grows up to become an adult, this gap will further increase as well.

Shouting can also be terrifying for a puppy. While you think that shouting will cause no harm, the consequences are the same as hitting, and your dog will not trust you as much.

Instead of yelling at it to stop doing something, look your dog in the eyes, tell it in a firm voice to ” stop ” then physically remove it from its present location.

Teaching your puppy should be no different from teaching a child. Control your frustrations and never shout, instead be gentle and give it time to learn the difference between right and wrong. This is the only way to develop a great relationship with your dog

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categories: puppies,dog training,dogs,pet care,pets,family,hobbies,advise

Nov 25 2009

Dog Clicker Training Reinforces Positive Behavior

Dog Clicker Training, or training a dog with the use of a small clicker, was originally created by a dolphin trainer so that the dolphin could hear the sound while under the water. Since then, many other animal trainers adopted this method and clicker training has been used to train dogs, puppies, fish, elephants and other animals. Dog clicker training is used to teach older dogs as well as young puppies.

The clicker used to teach the dog is small and usually metal. It produces a quick, loud sound that delivers a message to the dog that the behavior is good and acceptable. It is a gentle method in training a dog or puppy and does not hurt the dog or injure its hearing in any way.

The idea of using a tool such as a clicker is to reward the dog or puppy with the quick sound of a click and a small treat when the dog obeys it’s trainer. Many times in training a dog receiving a treat alone is not as successful. The reason for this is that once the dog has achieved it’s goal, it quickly moves on to another activity and while the owner rewards the pet with a small treat the dog has already moved on to another activity. This proves to be confusing to the dog and training the dog takes longer and can frustrate both the dog and the owner. If the clicker is used to train the dog, the behavior is associated with the click immediately, and the dog associates the good behavior with the click, and not the delayed response of a treat.

By rewarding the dog immediately with a click and a small treat when the dog is behaving correctly, this reinforces good behavior, but once the dog starts to disobey, the click and the treat are held back until the dog can once again, behave as expected. A good example of this would be if the dog was sitting and was given a click and a treat. If the dog stands up when you walk away, you with hold the treat and the click until he sits once again.

Similarly, if the dog jumps up on the couch or people he would be held back from the clicker sound and the treat. If the dog calms down and waits to see what the trainer is going to do, he would be given a quick click as the calmness is rewarded with the click and treat.

As time continues in training, body language and voice commands can be used along side of dogs in clicker training. Together, they bring a strong message to the dog. It will help teach the dog quicker than just simple voice commands or treat commands.

These methods of using dog clickers help teach the dog good behavior and to reject bad behavior. Chewing and barking are among the negative behavior clicker training can deter. Good habits and happy dogs are not just the responsibility of the dog, but the owner has a responsibility to teach their dog just as one would feel the responsibility to teach their children to be positive members of the community. The dog will grow up happier and healthier too.

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categories: train your puppy with a clicker,train your dog,dog clicker training,puppy training,dog training,animals,pets,puppies,dogs,family