Better Food, Less Mess

Good Bacteria: Yogurt and Kefir

Crate Location

When crate training it's a good idea to remember that, although every dog needs his own space, canines are pack animals. Because of this they have an instinctual desire to be near the other members of their family.  Accordingly, you might want to purchase more than one crate or kennel -- appraise your lifestyle and remember wherever you spend a good deal of time, you'll need a crate there for your dog as well.

It's a good idea to place the dog crate in a bedroom where your puppy can be near a family member when sleeping at night. It will make crate training less stressful to your puppy if he knows he is not alone at night. You'll also be able to know if your puppy needs to go out at night.

Effective Flea and Tick Control

Controlling Fleas and Ticks in Your Home

Good Old Home Cooking

Leashes and Collars

It's in the Accessories

Is your dog panting in the heat of summer or trying to keep warm on cold winter nights? You can add comfort to your dog's sleeping arrangements by adding accessories to their sleep area. Heated beds are available to keep your pooch warm and toasty. Just plug them in and let your dog enjoy the warmth. To keep your canine nice and cool, try a cooler mat. Some are designed to be soaked in water and air-dried and will keep their chilling power for days.

You Are What You Eat

History of Dog Food

A Fitting Collar

To find a collar that correctly fits your dog, take a measurement of her neck. Use a soft tape measure or string that you can place against a ruler. Take that measurement and purchase a collar that is in the neck size range for your dog. To know if you've bought the right size the collar, check if you are able to fit up to two fingers underneath your dog's collar. However, the collar should not be so loose as to slip over your dog's head.  Even better?  Take your puppy or dog to the pet store with you and try on several until you find one that fits correctly.  NEVER use a collar and lead for breeds that are known for collapsing tracheas (such as Chihuahuas) - ALWAYS use halters for these breeds when on lead!

The Sporting Group

Loss of Bladder Control in Dogs

The most common cause of the loss of bladder control is a hormonal disorder that occurs in older dogs. Occasionally, spinal degeneration or trauma also causes incontinence. Dogs who have serious seizures may also lose bladder control. Other medical problems include bladder infections, diabetes, and kidney disease.  There are medications to address many of these issues.

However, if your dog is relatively healthy, check to make sure that your dog isn't urinating due to separation anxiety, stress, or a change in the environment. Dogs sometimes revert to their pre-housetrained ways with the introduction of a new puppy or baby in the household.

The Shedding Factor

While some dogs appear to shed more than others, all dogs do shed - even those marketed as 'hypo-allergenic.'    Some dog breeds have a faster rate of hair replacement and growth --- and accordingly, tend to shed more.

Environment, heredity, and nutrition all play a factor in how much dogs shed. The amount of time that a dog spends in the sunlight and extreme temperature changes affect shedding. Dogs who spend a great deal of time outdoors may shed during seasonal changes to prepare for warmer weather. The amount that a dog sheds may change as he becomes older or sick. And a female dog tends to shed more after she has been in heat.

Regular brushing helps keep shedding to a minimum. If your dog is shedding due to stress, see what you can do to make his day-to-day life more relaxed and structured. If you are looking for a low shed breed, try the Poodle or a dog from the sight hound group, such as a Greyhound or Saluki.  Remember that a dog's coat needs attention, whether they are shedders or not and many breeds require grooming (professional or maintenance by the owner at home).

Sudden Aggression

If your normally gentle pooch suddenly exhibits aggression towards other dogs, don't automatically call a trainer. Veterinarians suggest that you rule out all medical causes of aggression first since these are often culprits. Dogs in pain can exhibit aggressive behavior; dog joint pain, problems with teeth, and changes in eyesight are all common causes. More severe causes can stem from brain injury or changes in brain chemicals, conditions that are often manageable with medication.

Many times it is relatively simple things to discover and modify - look for the triggers that cause this and then remove them.   It requires you to become somewhat of a detective, but unaddressed aggression can escalate to bites and harm to all involved, both human and canine.

Research, Research, and Research

If you're looking to get a dog, you're not just making a purchase, you're making an addition to the family. It is helpful to assess your needs and the needs of your family and lifestyle before you take the plunge. Think about whether you want an active, outdoor dog or an indoor companion. Do you have time for grooming or very little at all? Are you an experienced dog owner or do you need a dog that is easily trainable?

Also look at your living situation. Do you have room for a dog to roam in the backyard or do you have tight living quarters? Next, you're ready to start looking at breeds of dogs. Find out what their temperament is and what type of care they need. Talk to breeders and take a look at the dogs that you're interested in. Attending dog shows, obedience trials, and canine competitive sports is one way of doing this.

The best advanced research will render the best final outcome in your decision!

Dog Grooming: Eye Tear Stains

If you have a smaller dog and his/her coat is light in color, chances are you have noticed dark patches under his/her eyes from time to time. Unlike their human counterparts, dogs don't develop dark circles from a lack of sleep or when they've had a 'ruff' night. Those dark patches can be caused by a multitude of factors. Dogs who eyes tear excessively can develop yeast or bacterial infections that cause a reddish-brown stain. Blocked tear ducts, ear infections and allergies are also common causes of eye staining. There may even be a genetic component. And, if the water in your area has an especially high mineral level, your dog's eyes may have a tendency to stain. Once you have determined the cause of your dog's eye stains -- and if you can eliminate the source -- you can work to remove the stains from your dog's facial hair/fur.

Responsibility And Commitment of Pet Ownership

If you are considering the addition of a canine into your life, be aware that it will require quite a bit of your time, money and commitment.  Reject impulse decisions that can have lifelong effects --- not only on you, but your family members as well.  Some of the small breeds have a lifespan of 15 years or more.  The average cost for the first year of a puppy's life will be close to $2,000, not including the purchase price.  Puppies require a great deal of interaction and time for socialization and training. They need to be fed three times a day until they are about six months of age. Young puppies need frequent potty breaks throughout the day and sometimes in the middle of the night. As your dog grows older, he'll still need a lot of love and attention from you. Most dogs need regular walks and exercise. On the average for the total life of a dog with a 14-year life span, you can expect to outlay over $10,000 (based upon a 50-pound dog that lives in the Midwest in 2008 - more expensive places can double or triple this cost).

If you've decided that despite the emotional, time and financial commitment, you still want a dog - you will find the rewards of a loving, loyal companion are well worth it.

The Drool Factor

If you are not opposed to a little drool around the house, you can enjoy the company of breeds such as Saint Bernards, Basset Hounds, and Mastiffs.

However, if too much salivation is less than appealing to you, you're in luck. Most of the dog breeds are not prone to drooling. Keep in mind, however, that drooling is sometimes caused by health issues such as dental decay, or nervousness.  Always research the breed that you are interested in beforehand and ask the breeder about particular characteristics to see if a dog is compatible to your lifestyle.

Shelter Dogs

A shelter dog can be a great addition for any dog owner or family.  Gone are the days when only terrible, ill-mannered dogs ended up in shelters.  The top 10 reasons for pet relinquishments in 2008 were: 1) owner moving, 2) landlord did not allow pets, 3) too many animals, 4) cost of pet maintenance, 5) owner's personal problems, 6) inadequate facilities, 7) no homes for available litter mates, 8) owner has no time for pet, 9) pet illnesses and 10) biting.

The key is to make sure that you've found a dog that is compatible for you before you adopt from a shelter.  Spend some time observing the dog while in the shelter with the understanding that many are in total alien environments - especially the tiny breeds who were more than likely raised in a home environment, not a kennel or shelter.

Most shelter dogs are screened for adoptability. Shelters often pay careful attention to the temperament, likes, dislikes, and behavior of their dogs. Dogs from shelters often get proper socialization and basic obedience training. You'll also have a modest adoption fee to pay compared to the cost of purchasing a purebred dog from a puppy mill via your local petshop.

The added bonus to adopting a shelter dog is that you'll be giving a new life to a dog waiting to give his love and affection to a new owner - there is almost an 'attitude of gratitude' from shelter dogs once you have gained their trust and accordingly, their devotion!

Pick Of The Litter

If you have the opportunity to take your pick from a litter of puppies, take some time to observe and interact with the puppy to insure you get the best dog for you, your family and your lifestyle.  If you just want a dog for companion purposes, then your main concerns are that the dog is healthy and that he's got the personality that you're looking for. See how the puppy interacts with his littermates to get an idea of what kind of dog he might be. Spend some one-on-one time interacting with the dog's parents as well for that will give you some clues to how your puppy will develop as an adult down the road as he grows.

Dog carriers make travel fun for pets

Dog carriers have a huge range of uses.  If your dog isn't a good traveler and doesn't ride well in moving vehicles, try a dog carrier.  Your dog may feel more secure in a dog carrier and it can be their 'home away from home' for dogs that get nervous during travel. Dog carriers help dogs behave well, stay calm and provide you with the peace of mind while driving!

Many rescued dogs need either a crate or kennel at the beginning of their transition from shelter to home, for the experience of the shelter might have been very traumatic for them.  The smaller confined space (as opposed to the wide space of your home) can be comforting to the shelter dog at the beginning of their new life with you.

When buying a dog carrier, make sure you select the right size.  The dog carrier should be high enough to allow your dog to stand comfortably and be roomy enough to accommodate the length of your dog, too. There are dog carriers to fit the extra-large Newfie and the small Dachshund.

In choosing your dog carrier, consider your lifestyle needs.

----- How often will you use your dog carrier?

----- How much do you want to spend on your dog carrier?

----- Does it need to have the ability to collapse to a very small size for space purposes?

----- Are you going to be traveling by air?  There are restrictions specific for this kind of travel.

----- Do you need a kennel or a crate?

Kennels are usually plastic with one door and have a handle - most collapse around the center and can be flipped into each other to save space.  Air travel is usually done with kennels and they come in a wealth of sizes to pick from.

Crates on the other hand are usually vinyl-covered wire and collapse fully into a flat almost suit-case like object readily slide underneath any bed or in the back of a closet when not needed.  You can also buy furniture that fits over a crate so it can be added to any room in your house (similiar to an end-table appearance).  For the larger breeds, adding a set of furniture movers (with wheels) to the bottom will allow you mobility to move this crate without having to break it down.  ALL have solid bottoms (unlike cages designed for rabbits which have wire bottoms)... make sure you don't buy the wrong one and your dog's paws or toes get caught in those wire bottoms!

There are many styles and types of dog carriers to choose from. Dog carriers can be plush, with plenty of stretching room, even air-conditioning and heat. There are dog carriers that are waterproof. Some dog carriers come with water bottles, food dishes and covers to prevent drafts.

Also, consider your dog's personality when choosing a dog carrier. Active dogs are going to need a dog carrier with ample space.  NEVER put a dog inside a crate or kennel with their leash on - it is just too easy for it to get tangled up and choke him to death.  If your dog is initially scared of a crate or kennel, begin with short spans of time and give them a Kong (available at any petshop) to occupy themselves with.

In the long run, the purchase of a kennel or crate for any dog is a must, whether you travel or not.  Many dogs prefer to snooze their afternoons away inside a kennel or crate with an open door and transition to using this same item when traveling!

Your Dog's Lifespan

Some dogs do live longer than others. Generally, a dog's lifespan is directly related to the dog's size. Smaller toy breeds tend to have longer lifespans than larger breeds.

A toy breed like a Lhasa Apso can live 12 to 14 years and Chihuahuas can live 15-20 years or so given a healthy nutritional diet and proper vet care.  A very large breed like the Irish Wolfhound or Great Dane may only live 5 to 7 years.  To prolong any dog's lifespan, make sure your dog eats a nutritious, well-balanced diet, receives plenty of exercise, prompt medical attention and trained properly to live a long, healthy and safe life!

Frisbee - A Sport for All Dogs

Once upon a time, a dog owner tossed a plastic disk for a dog and a canine sport was born.  Now Frisbee is a popular competitive sport for dogs and people.  Dogs get lots of exercise and also bond with their owners.

 All dogs have a natural prey instinct.  They will tend to chase moving objects.  In order to teach your dog to catch a Frisbee, you can try and tap into this instinct.  Start by teaching your dog to fetch and return a tennis ball.  Reward your canine with praise or a treat each time he returns the ball successfully.

Next, throw the ball up in the air a short distance, close to your dog.  There's a good chance the dog will naturally try to catch the ball before it hits the ground.  Work with this skill until your pooch is good at catching and returning it.   Now you're ready to start with short tosses of the Frisbee for your dog to catch!

There are two main variations of the Frisbee sport - canines participate in distance catching.  Short distance involves multiple throws of the Frisbee or disc during a timed event.  In long distance, the longest throw and catch wins.  Freestyle consists of a series of short routines choreographed to music and involves multiple discs.

Frisbee is a sport which provides entertainment for the dog, the handler, and the spectator.  And the best part?  Almost any dog can participate in Frisbee due to its accessibility.  All you need is open space and a plastic disc.  Dogs with high energy and a good degree of athleticism tend to excel at Frisbee.  Interestingly enough, a good number of dogs originally from animal shelters have been known to do well at Frisbee! 

Mixed Breed Dogs

If you have done your research to carefully select a dog that's right for you and discover several breeds fit your lifestyle, it can never be a bad idea to get a mixed breed from a shelter.   Many times mixed breeds are free from the health issues that plague their purebred counterparts in closed breeding circles.

In fact, the so-called 'designer dogs' such as the Cockapoo, ChiWeenie, etc. are basically mixed breeds!  Two purebred parents of different breeds still produce a mixed breed puppy despite the fancy marketing term and added purchase price.

If you're getting a mixed breed from a shelter, you have the added advantage that many of these dogs have had basic canine obedience and socialization. Unless you are getting a puppy, you also will be privy to information about the dog's personality, particular likes and dislikes. Your adoption fee will also be much less than the cost of buying a purebred puppy from a breeder. And the best part is that you'll be giving a canine a new home.

To Bark Or Not To Bark

If you are trying to choose a breed of dog with minimal barking, keep in mind that most dogs can and will bark --- though some may do so more than others simply because of their breed's characteristics. There are breeds that do not bark much at all or rarely.

However, keep in mind that there are other characteristics besides just barking to consider.

For instance, the Basenji is a breed of dog that does not bark. However, they do make a yodeling and screaming noise that may not be for every dog lover. The Basenji also comes with a high degree of health issues. The Shiba Inu seldom barks, but makes a sound that can be equated with shrieking and is a fiercely independent dog.

Bassets and Beagles tend to bark more (as do a lot of the 'baying' hound breeds).   The smaller the dog, the higher tone of the bark generally and Chihuahuas have a very high pitched bark that can be annoying. Highly excitable dog breeds or those that frequently alert are more prone to bark if not trained properly.

Pet Shop Dogs

Most pet shops obtain their puppies from puppy mills. Unfortunately, puppy mills breed dogs purely for the sake of profit without regard to the health or socialization of the dog. These dogs often come with health problems and potential behavior issues. If you are looking for a purebred puppy it is always advisable to go to a reputable breeder who has carefully screened the parents for any genetic or health issues before breeding.  The rule of thumb is that if you yourself cannot view the parents of any puppy, you are buying from either a puppy mill or backyard breeder.   Without being able to personally view the temperaments of the mother and father, you have little guarantee of a loving, well socialized and mannered canine member of your family.

Breeding Your Purebred Dog

If you have made the investment in a purebred female dog, you may be considering breeding her to continue the lineage and/or profit. To find the a male stud of good breeding, start with a source that offers advice you can trust. The American Kennel Club has been promoting purebred dogs and breeding since 1884. The organization's mission is to "advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership." While they do not recommend specific breeders, they do provide links and resources on breeding.  Be aware that the AKC does NOT guarantee the health of any dog - only the lineage of record.  Do your homework there first, and your ultimate choice with be a more informed one.

Socialization

Dog socialization is more than dropping Fido off at the park for playtime while you sit on your cell phone catching up with buds.  Socialization is an important part of teaching your puppy or dog how to behave in a variety of situations, building of their self esteem (and reducing their fears at the same time) along with teaching them good canine manners both with humans and other dogs alike.

Socializing puppies begins at a very young age.  Reputable breeders handle young puppies at three weeks of age and then start exposing them to unfamiliar people at six weeks of age after the first series of puppy shots.  Socializing a dog is a life long task for without repeated exposure to situations, any dog will retreat to any fear-based bad behaviors.

When you decide to take on the responsibility of a dog, socialization becomes your job. Exposing your dog to other dogs, people, and situations is actually part of his training and helps to shape his personality. He'll learn what behavior is appropriate and what isn't and he'll be able to interact comfortably with dogs and people alike.

Vomiting Water

If your dog is vomiting his food and water after a meal, there is no need to panic immediately. At times, vomiting after meals can occur if your dog eats too quickly. If that is the case, then you can take steps to slow your dog down by feeding him by hand or feeding him out of a muffin pan.

Don't confuse vomiting with spitting up a meal. If your dog is truly vomiting, he'll act restless, salivate, lick his lips, and then the food will forcefully come out due to contractions in the stomach.

If a dog tries to vomit unsuccessfully, that's a sign of trouble. When in doubt, don't delay - call and/or take him to your veterinarian immediately.

Puppy Mills & Backyard Breeders

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.

 

Feet, legs & joints - you must be the detective & investigative reporter!

Sometimes the hardest thing to diagnose is problems with a dog's feet, legs and joints. A dog that wakes up in the morning stiff and walking with a limp may be perfectly fine by lunch time. The dog owner and the veterinarian have to be keen observers since the dog can't tell them -- with words, anyway -- how he/she is feeling. Because of this inherent problem with communication, the safest thing for any dog owner to do when he/she notices the dog limping is to take it to the vet and get it checked out. Be observant and tell the vet everything you have noticed your dog doing.

For example, if your dog appears to be jumping a bit when he/she walks, there may be damage to the superior articulations. A dog that doesn't want to put weight on a leg may have a fracture. And a dog that puts his leg down very slowly may have a wound of some type. Sensitivity to injuries of the bone also vary by breed; greyhounds, Chihuahuas and Maltese 'feel' these injuries with greater intensity. If you think your dog has been injured, get help before you examine him yourself. Consider a muzzle; he/she may accidentally bite you if your movements cause him/her pain. Ultimately, take the dog to the vet to get the proper care that he/she needs.

What exactly is a Dog?

Most folks think they know what a dog is. He's furry, got four legs, and a tail... he's man's best friend, right? But what exactly is a dog?

A dog is a canine mammal, a descendent of wolves from over 15,000 years ago. He has become domesticated through thousands of years of spending time with us two legged folks.  The scientific term for canines is Canis lupus familiaris.

Dogs are social animals and respond to a pack hierarchy. In other words, dogs have a leader and a pecking order, with some members being more dominant than others. Dogs are generally considered carnivores or meat eaters, but some circles consider dogs omnivores (an animal that eats meats and vegetables). Today, dogs carry many roles and task including that of companion animals, guide dogs, therapy dogs, hunting dogs, and even as television and film actors.

Barking - How to do it better!

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!