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Dog Tips
Read these 651 Dog Tips in 31 categories ranging from All About Dogs to Your New Dog/Puppy. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Dog tips and hundreds of other topics. Become a Guru or Become an Advertiser.
EVERY dog will bark - it is their natural job to do so.
We humans have expectations in regards to barking and dogs... and believe they frequently bark when they are not supposed to. Many of the frequencies of sound are above (or below) the human ear to hear. For example - electronic garage door openers, key locks on cars, some radio band frequencies commonly used, etc. So just because you can't hear the sound, that doesn't mean your dog can't!
If you notice persistent, unwanted barking observe what is going on around your dog when it occurs. Is the garage door opener used by a neighbor as they pull into their driveway? Does your dog bark a few seconds before you hear that garage door being raised? Is the speaker on your TV or HDTV sound system sitting on the floor, vibrating in on your dog's level as they lay by your feet asleep, causing them to wake up and start barking without warning? These are all things to look for, discover and remove prior to blaming the dog for 'unneeded barking' and becoming aproblem.
If you can find no reason for unnecessary barking (and there is a difference between alert barking - there is someone at the door barking - and unnecessary barking), use a trick from us dog trainers. Fill several squirt bottles with water and position them around your house in easy reach. The second your dog starts this type of barking, squirt them in the hindquarters with a sharp "NO BARK" command (hopefully he already knows the NO command). It will startle them, not hurt them physically, but re-channel the behavior. With repitition, dogs quickly learn when they bark for this reason, they will get wet and startled from behind.
But what happens when you are not at home and in easy reach of this training tool? Citronella collars are readily available on the Internet and in most reputable pet stores. Attached to the neck, the mechanism lies beneath the dog's throat and when vibrated by the sound of the bark, shoots a small stream of citronella spray outwards. It achieves the same goal - when a dog barks, they smell a scent they don't like. I recommend this collars only in extreme cases however and they should not be used 24/7 for a dog as they lose their effectiveness as a training tool otherwise.
The best advice is to become a 'pet detective' and figure out why your dog is barking first, then to be a great pet owner and eliminate the barking trigger; finally to work via training and re-train the reaction to the sound. Allow times for your dog to bark (and bark on command), for this is their natural way.
In the end, TOGETHER, you and your dog can overcome an unnecessary barking habit with just a bit of work! And it will be MUCH quieter too!
If you have a toy sized puppy or dog, you might want to consider toting him around in a dog carrier. There are a wide variety of options available. You can choose from tote carriers, slings, pet pouches, and even canine strollers. If you decide to put your dog in a carrier, choose something that is suitable for his weight and well ventilated to keep him cool. Despite the fact it might look 'really cool' in its construction, remember to keep in mind the natural sitting or laying down posture of a dog. With repeative use in the wrong position, this can cause harm to a dog's spine and bone structure!
Hiking is a great form of exercise, but if you are outfitted for long hikes, is your dog? You can take your dog along with you on hikes and backpacking trips, but make sure you follow a few rules and your comfort and experience can be maximized.
First, make sure the trip is appropriate for the dog's ability and size. Just about any dog could walk a few miles down a logging trail, but only good climbers with lots of stamina can climb mountains or go on extended trips. Make sure you have enough food: dogs can carry their own food and water in their own dog pack.
And if you're a gear head, you can outfit your dog, too, with appropriate dog clothes. Doggles, dog boots, dog coats and dog jackets are all appropriate, depending on the trip and how much you (or the dog) are able to carry. Remember to keep the dog well watered, especially during the summer. But also remember that dogs can drink from any spring or stream without having to worry about the same bacteria that can end a trip for their human companions.
Most of all, enjoy the trip. It's a great time for you and your best friend to be alone for an extended period, with plenty of exercise and fun for both of you!
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Unless you are getting a new puppy from a reputable breeder, you are supporting the billion dollar puppy mill industry via their outlets (petshops) or backyard breeders (who buy their stock from petshops and other backyard breeders). Reputable breeders NEVER sell their puppies through petshops.
The rule of thumb to help you determine which category is selling you that puppy is to see if you can visit their facilities and see the conditions, meet the puppy's parents, etc. If not, it is always a 'buyer beware' situation.
Since your dog is a "senior citizen," he/she will need less exercise. The rule of thumb is the larger the dog, the shorter the lifespan, so while a tiny ten-year old Chihuahua is still very active, a ten-year old Shepherd would require a lot less exercise. Your dog will tell you if he needs less exercise; he won't be as interested in walks and chasing Frisbees as he was as a younger dog. Take your cue from your dog; if he isn't as interested in exercise has he used to be, don't force him!
However, it is very important that elderly dogs have at least some exercise; this will prolong their lives and prevent many health problems. Just like people, an elderly dog should get as much exercise as he wants and is capable of. Don't force him past his limits. If you have questions about your senior canine citizen's fitness, your veterinarian can answer these questions for you.
This is a very common question for dog owners. When dogs drag their bottoms on the carpet or outside on the grass, it means that their anal glands are bothering them. The anal sacks are located just inside the dog's rectum. Their purpose is to "mark" their territory with the dog's own special scent.
However, when the anal glands are too full (similiar to what a human feels when constipated), dogs will try to empty them by dragging his/her bottom. Unless dogs drain their anal glands, it causes them pressure and pain.
Part of any dog's yearly check-up with the veterinarian should include emptying his anal glands. In fact, veterinarians can teach dog owners how to do this themselves. Many groomers do this as a part of their grooming routine as well - ask your groomer to do it at their next bathing session. It's very easy and will be a great relief to your dog.
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