How to House Train Your Dog

House training is undoubtedly the one aspect of dog training that is essential to ensure that your dog becomes a valued member of your family. As with many other aspects of dog training, the best method of achieving a successfully house trained dog is to use your dog’s own nature to your advantage.
A wonderful thing about dogs that can make house training much easier, is that dogs are instinctively very clean animals. The majority of dogs would rather not soil the areas where they sleep and eat. In addition, dogs are very good at developing habits. This can be used to your benefit in relation to establishing a set place for your dog to urinate and defecate. For example, dogs that are used to eliminating on concrete or gravel will prefer to eliminate there rather than on grass or dirt. It is possible, and desirable, to use these natural canine tendencies when house training your dog.
The first step in house training your dog is to set up your training area. A small, confined space such as a bathroom, or part of a kitchen or garage, works best as a training area. This method of training differs from crate training. Crate training is great for puppies and small dogs, but many larger adult dogs find a crate too confining if they haven’t been used to it from an early stage.

It is important that you spend as much time in the training area with your dog as possible. Use this area to play with your dog, and let your dog eat and sleep in the training area. Provide your dog with a special bed in the training area – this can be anything from a store bought custom dog bed to a large towel in an appropriately sized box. At first, you will probably find that your dog will want to eliminate in this area, but once your dog has recognized the training area as his or her own space, he or she will be much more reluctant to soil it.

The next step in house training is to set up a toilet area for your dog. Your dog must have ready access to this place every time he or she needs to eliminate. It is also important for you to accompany your dog into the toilet area until he or she gets into the habit of eliminating in that area. This will help reinforce to your dog that there is one area for toileting, and no other.

Regular meals for your dog assists in making the house training process easier for both you and your dog. Feeding your dog on a regular basis will also have the added benefit of creating a regular schedule for your dog’s toilet habits. Once you know when your dog is likely to need to eliminate, it will be simple to guide your dog to the established toilet area.

Once you have your dog using the toilet area on a regular and systematic basis, it is very important to not confine your dog without access to the toilet area for long periods of time. If your dog is unable to hold it, he will have no option but to eliminate in the training area. And this occurrence will confuse your dog. He will no longer associate the toilet area with being the ONLY area in which he can eliminate. You will thus be making your job of house training your dog more difficult for yourself.

When your dog is consistently eliminating in the toilet area and not soiling the training area, it is time to extend that training area to the rest of the home. This process should be done slowly, starting with one room and slowly expanding to the rest of the house. The area should only be extended only once you are sure of the dog’s ability to control its bladder and bowels.

First expand the training area to another single room, and allow your dog to eat, play and sleep in that room, but only when supervised. When it is not possible to supervise the dog, place it back in the original training area. Then, after the dog has accepted the room as an extension of the original training area, the area can be extended.

Once your dog has become used to sleeping in the bed within the training area, you can move the bed around the house, relocating it from room to room. But when you are not with your dog, he or she should be confined to the training area.

You can speed up the house training process, but it is important to proceed cautiously. It will be much easier to take your time in the beginning than to have to retrain a problem dog later. You should always praise and reward your dog each and every time it uses the established toilet area. It is equally important not to punish your dog for mistakes. Punishment will only confuse the dog and slow down the house training process. You wouldn’t consider punishing a baby for soiling its diaper, would you? Or even a toddler for soiling his or her pants from time to time? Your dog is the same as a human child in this respect – he needs time to learn both to control his toileting, and what you require of him.

Read More

Natural Food for Dogs

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Read More

Kids and Dogs Safety Tip Sheet

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

Read More

Exercise for Dogs

The ten worst excuses not to spay or neuter a pet are:

1. Just one litter and then we'll have Fluffy spayed.
   (Studies show that virtually the entire pet overpopulation stems from the "just one litter mentality.)
   
   
2. My dog doesn't run loose, so he doesn't need to be fixed.
   (Murphy's Law says otherwise.)
   
   
3. We always find homes for the kittens.
   (And that means that an equal number of kittens at the pound will be killed.)
   
   
4. I want the children to witness the miracle of birth.
   (Rent a video.)
   
   
5. My dog is so cute and unique, there should be more of her.
   (The shelters and pounds are full of cute and unique dogs, most with only a few days to live.)
   
   
6. It's not natural.
   (There hasn't been anything "natural" about dogs since we began to develop breeds thousands of years ago.)
   
   
7. I just couldn't look my dog in the eye if I had him castrated.
   (Watch it, you're anthropomorphiizing.)
   
   
8. A female dog or cat should have at least one litter for health reasons.
   (Medically, factually and ethicaly indefensible.)
   
   
9. Neutering my dog will make him fat and lazy.
   (Too much food and not enough exercise make a dog fat and lazy.)
   
   
10. Fixing my pet will change its personality.
    (The main influences on an animal's personality are the kindness and care with which it is raised.)

Read More

Dog Food Secrets

The ten worst excuses not to spay or neuter a pet are:

1. Just one litter and then we'll have Fluffy spayed.
   (Studies show that virtually the entire pet overpopulation stems from the "just one litter mentality.)
   
   
2. My dog doesn't run loose, so he doesn't need to be fixed.
   (Murphy's Law says otherwise.)
   
   
3. We always find homes for the kittens.
   (And that means that an equal number of kittens at the pound will be killed.)
   
   
4. I want the children to witness the miracle of birth.
   (Rent a video.)
   
   
5. My dog is so cute and unique, there should be more of her.
   (The shelters and pounds are full of cute and unique dogs, most with only a few days to live.)
   
   
6. It's not natural.
   (There hasn't been anything "natural" about dogs since we began to develop breeds thousands of years ago.)
   
   
7. I just couldn't look my dog in the eye if I had him castrated.
   (Watch it, you're anthropomorphiizing.)
   
   
8. A female dog or cat should have at least one litter for health reasons.
   (Medically, factually and ethicaly indefensible.)
   
   
9. Neutering my dog will make him fat and lazy.
   (Too much food and not enough exercise make a dog fat and lazy.)
   
   
10. Fixing my pet will change its personality.
    (The main influences on an animal's personality are the kindness and care with which it is raised.)

Read More

A Guide to Tracking Down a Good Dog Training Club

As an ardent reader of the Collins Dog Photoguide I came across this article, which I feel, might be of interest to readers.

Traffic Accidents
A traffic accident is probably the most common cause of serious injury to a cat or dog. Always approach the animal with caution, it may react aggressively because of the pain.

Move the dog as little as possible, but if you must move it, it is probably best to use a blanket, sliding it underneath the dog. Seek the assistance of another person and lift the dog gently to safety. Check for heartbeat and any haemorrhaging. Attempt to stem excessive bleeding by holding a clean pad or clean handkerchief over the wound, binding it tightly with a makeshift bandage. Call the nearest vet's surgery to warn of your arrival.

Burns
The only recommended first aid is to clean off the offending substance and immerse the body part under cold running water for as long as possible. Seek professional advice immediately.

Heat Stroke
This occurs most commonly when a dog has been left alone on a hot day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth.

Remove froth and lower the dog's temperature as soon as possible by placing or dousing the animal in cold water. Take the dog to the vet immediately where it will be treated with drugs and more cold water.

Poisoning
Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try to make it vomit. Salt and mustard in water will usually work quickly, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate0 pushed down the throat.

Drowning
It is a popular misconception that all dogs can swim, but this is not always the case. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of water as soon as possible. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog's head lower than its body, open its mouth and begin to pump the chest by pressing down on the ribs and releasing the pressure immediately. Repeat at five-second intervals.

Choking
Sometimes a piece of stick, bone or small rubber ball may get stuck in a dog's throat. Your dog may be unable to breath as a result and swift action is necessary.

Open the dog's mouth carefully and see if you can see the object. Pumping the chest, as in the case of drowning (see above) may dislodge the foreign body, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible where the object can be removed under anaesthetic.

Read More

A Dog-Eat-Dog World In The Freelance Work Marketplace

There are many ways to find freelance writing work on the net. The most popular method is by signing up to one or more of the many freelance work sites available. There are a ton of them to choose from. Take Elance.com for instance, it is the site that I am known as a “service provider” and it's where I get most of my writing projects. While I do also have offline clients, mostly corporations, Elance is a good supplement to my writing business.

However, there are some things that you should be aware of before you go rushing off to sign up to one of these sites. Take a look! (I will use Elance as an example because it is the one I am most familiar with).

Costs: Many of these sites don't charge a signup fee, however, many charge either a monthly fee (can be quite steep like Elance, writing category, $75 per month for select provider status), or they charge a transaction fee for each project you accept. Many charge both (again Elance does this, 8.5% of total project amount).

Categories: Many of these sites break out their projects into levels such as basic level, where basic providers can bid on basic projects and select providers, where select providers can bid on any job, basic, or select. They also have a category in writing called professional for $40 per month where you can bid only on basic projects as well. Of course, as you may have guessed, you pay a higher price for select as you are looked at as an expert in the field, whether you are or not. Elance doesn’t check, so if you are willing to shell out the $75 per month, you too can be a select provider.

Bidding: Now this is where it really gets competitive, the real dog-eat-dog stuff. The reason is that, say for instance that you are paying $75 per month to bid on projects plus an 8.5% transaction fee for each project you bid on, then along comes a provider that underbids you and gets the project, regardless of your skill level, portfolio or client references. It is disheartening and frustrating. You’ve just been passed over for what is known as a “low-baller.”

Low-balling is a frequent practice on these sites, especially from foreign providers whose cost of living is a lot lest than the US. Also, you will find “newbies who have no experience, portfolio or references stoop to this to get the project to build these things.

You may be thinking that this may be understandable in some cases because everyone has to start somewhere, right? Wrong! Actions like this devalues our skills as a writer and says to prospective clients I work cheap, use me like slave labor!

Additionally, you will always find providers who will underbid you simply because they outsource the work and get a percentage. So they can make money without ever doing the work themselves. They can afford to bid less because a piece of the pie, which is better than none at all.

This also undermines the skills of writers trying to make a living off writing. They are basically deceiving the client by not disclosing that they have a "team" or writers that the work will be outsourced to. Again, this prevents you from getting work. My personal belief is that if you have a team of writers and you are a legitimate business, then you owe it to the client to disclose it. It will also help the other providers bidding against you to swallow it better. It becomes more of a way of doing business and less of a sneaky tactic.

To top it all off, a lot has to do with the way the contracted work site markets itself. Elance, one of the largest freelance work marketplaces on the net, markets themselves as basically a place where customers can get "cheap labor." This prevents providers from being able to place a bid based on what they are worth in terms of skills, experience and expertise. They basically have to bid what the Elance marketplace will bear, which in most cases is peanuts in comparison to what writers in the real world make. Providers on Elance are literally at the mercy of customers because they flock to Elance to get a 500-word article written for $5 or a 100 page ebook for $300. Both absurd prices by the way and a fraction of what writers in the real world get. This type of marketing makes it so hard for more seasoned writers to bid higher, because so many providers on Elance are willing to offer these ridiculous prices.

There are times when you will come across a potential client that is willing to meet your price, but it doesn’t happen as often as you think. It would be great if this continued and clients would wake up to the fact that they “get what they pay for.” Many have found the cheap labor source to be unreliable in terms of content and delivery. I have been contacted many times by Elance customers who paid one provider their low fee to write something, only to ask me to rewrite it at a higher price (I won't bend on my prices, work or no work) because the provider either:
Took a down payment for the work, did half of it and disappeared, or
Plagiarized entire work, word for word, or
Just did shoddy work.

It appears on these sites that customers have to learn the hard way sometimes. So when they contact me for a rewrite, I charge my going fee, and you know what? They pay it without blinking an eye and you can bet they learned a valuable lesson the hard way.

Unfortunately these kinds of actions on the part of the providers give good quality writers a "black eye." It causes customers to be skeptical and leery of what we say we can provide them in terms of our skills and expertise. So it makes the bidding and negotiation process that much more difficult.

Unfortunately I am only familiar with Elance, however, I do believe that the actions that I have described here, do exist on other sites as well. You can visit any one of them and see how low the bids are for various writing jobs. It appears to be the norm out there.

Signing up? Take a look for yourself, visit these sites and learn all you can about them before making a decision to fork over your hard-earned money on a subscription. It may be quite awhile before you will even see a small return on your investment!

Elance.com
Guru.com
Getafreelancer.com
Freelanceyourproject.com
Contractedwork.com
Rentacoder.com

Now, luckily I have been with Elance since 2001 and have built up a portfolio, a long list of client references and even made some decent money. But it hasn't been easy and I would hate to see anyone else jump in thinking that their troubles are over and the money will start rolling in. I have branched out and obtained corporate clients that have become long-term clients.

You may not be so lucky or it may take you just as long if not longer to get to that stage. So keep in mind before you shell out high monthly fees coupled with a percentage of the project amount that trying to eke out a living as a freelance writer on these contracted work sites is rocky going at best. It may take months before you are awarded your first project from a client. Don’t quit your day job just yet! Good luck in your writing endeavors!

Read More

The power of dogs

Well first of all I was always a cat owner, till my husband bought our first Chihuahua (Stitch) in 2002, Stitch was about 6 weeks old and was generally purchased for our children and it stud that was till he was about 5 months or so. Then I started to notice that he was starting to favor me and follow me around more and more everyday, one day I hid from him and watched him run up and down the hallway from the crack in the bedroom door, until he found me and it just melted my heart, my cats never did that and after that he became ALL MINE Stitch stole my heart. Around a month later my mother handed down her old sewing machine to me, I tried making everything that came to mind but nothing ever turned out perfect, but I kept sewing anyways.

Shortly after I got my sewing machine my sister in-law gave me a little dog shirt that she had found on clearance at Walmart and I looked at this little thing and said “ this would be a piece of cake to make” and that very night I began working on little shirts for Stitch. It was a very exciting challenge and the results were outstanding! Stitch always had a new shirt for every occasion, then one day that same sister in-law told me that I should try selling my dog shirts on eBay. So about a month later I did as a matter of fact it I listed my first item on my birthday, at that time dog clothes on eBay was only about 3 pages long so no matter what I listed, it always sold. Stitch became my right hand man, and tested and modeled all of my creations and never complained. We had such a close bond that I understood him and knew what he wanted by just looking at him and he always understood what I told him and sometimes it would just blow me away.

None of my items would sell for over about $10 but that was a lot for me and I was proud, eventually I started making dog dresses, it took some fine tuning but I finally got the pattern right. So as the months passed Stitch became my best friend, my companion and a very close member of my family, we were inseparable and I never left him home. Meanwhile had found success on eBay but the dog clothes section was starting to grow more every week, competition was getting rough and some of my listings were ending without bids. I started to be more creative and put more effort into my clothes and do a lot of research on what kind of dog clothes people were looking for so I started to study websites that sold small dog clothes and found out that dog clothes like mine were selling for twice as much without the haste of re-listing and fees.

I started thinking about opening up my own website and started out with the free 2 page ones and I did get a purchase or two from my eBay customers but at that time I was also selling my shirts for a frugal $6. I did get tired of only having 2 pages for my clothes, I wanted to be more professional, since I was making extra money from eBay so I invested it into a real website, It did take a lot of work to build and even now I’m still spending many hours a week on my current site but it’s worth it.

I finally had my first real website and shortly realized that traffic doesn’t come automatically so here I go again, doing hours of research on website promotion till I found and hired a company to submit my site to a certain number of search engines for about $40 a month, I thought that’s all I would need but I was so wrong. I finally found Overture, signed up and before I new it, I was doubling the income that I was making on eBay WITHOUT THE FEES, I canceled the monthly submissions. In 2004 I learned of Adwords, signed up and started to triple and sometimes quadruple my income in a day and haven’t sold on eBay since.

I owe it all to Stitch without him, none of this would have ever materialized, he played so many vital roles in this business and ultimately changed my life, without Stitch there would be no Princess Petwear.

Stitch passed away on 12-23-04 at 3 years old and I have yet to stop crying over his memories.

Its 2005 now and the dog clothes selection on eBay is now up to 50 pages long, I now work for my business 40+ a week and consider myself a work-at-home-mom with 4 kids, ages 13, 11, 7, 2. I still miss my Stitch, I always catch myself daydreaming of him remembering how soft his fur was and how I loved to rub my check against his face, I also find myself reminiscing on how would baby talk him and shower him with kisses and hugs, then I wipe the tears from my face and get back to work.

Read More

New Dog Flu

A new respiratory virus which is very contagious has been recently detected in dogs around the country. Previously it had only been found in the greyhound racing industry. It has been detected at kennels in New York, Florida, and Massachussetts according to the CDC.

Canine flu was discovered last year when an unusual illness was affecting dogs at greyhound tracks in Florida. Virologists, working with researchers from the CDC and the University of Florida, determined the greyhounds had a type of influenza previously found only in horses.
This is the first time researchers have encountered an equine influenza virus jumping the species barrier, and they have not determined how it occurred.
Most of the exposed dogs become infected, the researchers said. The virus is spread from dog to dog via coughing, contaminated objects, and even people.
Some facts known so far:

" About 80 percent of exposed dogs contract a mild form of the disease.

" 20 percent of infected animals show no signs of the disease but can still spread it.

" The mortality rate is thought to be between 5 and 8 percent.

" The disease mimics kennel cough-a type of canine bronchitis that is rarely serious.

" Canine influenza symptoms include low-grade fever, cough, and nasal discharge.

" The bordetella vaccine, which protects dogs against kennel cough, does not work against the flu.

" Development of a vaccine for canine flu is currently underway.

" Most dogs recover with no treatment. Others require the same kind of treatment people need: plenty of fluids and rest.

" In severe cases, dogs may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics to fight secondary infections.


You have probably seen the many rumors floating around the internet about this disease. It is not as deadly as many will want to make it. The flu is now showing up in Florida animal shelters, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics, mostly in Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson alerted the public last week to the canine respiratory disease.

What you should do regarding this new disease

" If your dog exhibits any signs of respiratory illness, immediately see your veterinarian.

" Tell the doctor if your dog recently boarded at a kennel.

" Use a boarding kennel you are familiar with.

" Stay on the lookout for announcements of disease outbreaks in your area.

Read More

Dog Beds for Larger Dogs

Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and planning when owners purchase a permanent dog bed. Even though large dogs can be just as lovable as their smaller canine counterparts, they require a more complex sleeping situation than small dogs. It’s obvious that a large dog requires a large dog bed, and that an extra large dog requires an extra large dog bed. This goes without saying. But how big? And what kind of bed is best?

In this instance the answer is a function of not only the size but the breed of dog. You must measure the dog when he is fully grown, or at least have an accurate idea of what his size will be when he is fully grown. Just as with smaller dogs, you have to take into account your dog’s sleeping style – for example, whether he sleeps curled up in a ball or stretched out across the bed. All of these factors will help define your choice of large dog bed for your canine pal.

Placement is more of an issue with larger dogs than smaller ones. No matter how sweet and cuddly your large dog is, very few people want to share a bed with a Great Dane. And the size of the dog definitely limits the spaces available to him for sleeping. You can’t squeeze a Great Dane comfortably into a small bathroom and expect him to stay there overnight.

Large dogs tend to have a strong protective instinct, and so it is quite often the case that they sleep near the front or back doors. If your living room or family room happens to be the nearest space to one of those doors, a large bed that resembles actual furniture serves a dual purpose. First, large dog beds and extra large dog beds that mimic real furniture will keep your oversize pet off of the real furniture without making him feel deprived. And secondly, furniture type beds are actually more comfortable than a more standard round dog bed. They have pillows to rest heads and paws on and they are treated with flea and tick resistant powders to keep your dog free from those bothersome pests while he sleeps. In addition, they are sometimes filled with memory foam and gel products that conform to the musculature of the animal, which helps keep him comfortable while he sleeps.

Read More

How To Be A Good Dog Owner

Before making the decision about buying a new dog, here are some points you should consider :-

1. Is someone at home for most of the day ?

A dog, especially a puppy, should not be left on its own for more than a few hours at a time. If you are out at work from 9-5 don't get a dog unless you can make satisfactory arrangements with a friend to let the dog out.

2. What about holidays ?

It is sad to say that more dogs are destroyed at holiday time than any other. Unless you have a helpful family to look after your dog, be prepared for the expense of boarding kennels. Because of the increase in running costs, reputable kennels now have to make a higher charge - don't forget to book well ahead.

3. Are you prepared for the cost of keeping a dog ?

This includes not only the cost of food, and kennels at holiday time, but also the cost of vaccinations and also possible veterinary fees in case of illness. A dog, like a child, can fall ill quite suddenly and unexpectedly, so be prepared for any eventuality. Take out pet insurance for peace of mind.

4. Exercise

To keep healthy and happy, dogs need daily exercise, and this means a good run in a field or park, or a game with a ball, not just a stroll round to the shops on a leash. If you love your dog, be prepared to sacrifice some of your leisure time each day, whatever the weather. If you can't provide this kind of exercise to a dog, consider giving a home to an older dog. Your local dogs home may have just the right one for you.

5. Family circumstances

Dogs and children usually love each other and get on well, but don't make the mistake of buying a young puppy for a small child. Young children can be very cruel and a puppy may be badly thrown about. Worse still a young pup's bones may easily broken if a child treats it like a toy. Wait until the children are older and a little more responsible.

6. Grooming.

If you don't have much time to spare, choose a dog with a smooth or wire coat which needs little attention to keep it tidy. Long and curly coated dogs look beautiful, but they need daily grooming to keep them this way. Poodles need regular trimming, as well as grooming, so unless you are able to do this yourself be prepared for extra expense

Read More

Six Ways Your Dog Can Save Your Heart

Science has finally caught up with what dog lovers have known for years--that having a dog is great for your health. Here are six ways science has proven that living with a dog promotes better heart health.

Decreased cholesterol and triglycerides. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Results
of a three-year study of over 5,700 people showed that those who lived with pets, including dogs, had lower blood pressure and
triglyceride and cholesterol levels than did non-pet-owners, even after accounting for additional exercise, smoking, diet, weight, and socioeconomic profile.

Lowered blood pressure. Women undergoing stress tests have lower blood pressure in the presence of dog than they have in the
presence of a friend. The simple act of petting your dog causes your blood pressure to drop. What's more, the lowered blood pressure stays in effect even when the dog is no longer present.

Improved chance of surviving a heart attack. A study conducted by the US Department of Health concluded that 28% of heart patients with pets, including dogs, survived serious heart attacks, compared with only 6% of patients who did not have a pet, even after accounting for factors such as the severity of heart disease.

Longer life-expectancy after a heart attack. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had a dog were six times more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack than men without a dog. The presence of a pet affected survival rate even more than having a spouse or friends.

Reduced stress. A study by State University of New York at Buffalo of stockbrokers who had dogs or cats in their offices had smaller increases in blood pressure when they had to carry out stressful tasks than those who did not have a pet present.

Increased exercise. One study showed that when people get a dog, they increase their walking time fivefold--from an average of one hour to five hours. Five hours of walking per week has a benefit equal to giving up smoking.

So, the secret to a healthy heart may be trading in that hotdog for a hot-looking Dachshund--or Great Dane or Boxer.

Read More

Dogs and Heartworms

It is surprising how many people are still confused about heartworms and the effects that a heartworm can have on

your dog.

First lets look at what heartworms are and how your dog can become infected.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes into the dog's blood stream. The immature heartworms called microfilaria

travel through the blood stream.

The microfilaria settle into the heart chambers and major pulmonary blood vessels. This causes a blockage of the

blood flow and pathological changes to the surrounding tissues.

This blockage happens when the larvae grow into adult worms. An adult female heartworm can grow up to fourteen

inches and can live as long as five years.

A female heartworm can produce thousands of microfilariae, which is transmitted into a mosquito when it bites an

infected dog, and subsequently injected into the next dog that that mosquito dines on.

What Are The Signs That A Dog May Have Heartworms?

ØUsually the first system is weight loss. The dogs' hair may become dull and brittle.

ØThe infected dog also may tier easily.

ØA persistent coughs and or labored breathing.

ØIn more progressed cases victims may vomit blood from ruptured lungs.

If the disease is not prevented or caught in time the result will be a slow painful death from congestive heart

failure.

What Do I Do If My Dog Is Infected?

Treatment is available but it can cost hundreds of dollars, and may be ineffective depending on the degree of

infestation.

The best defense against heartworms is routine checkups with your vet. Giving your dog heartworm medication once

a month easily prevents heartworms.

Warning: You Must Have Your Dog Tested For Heartworms Before Starting Heartworm Medication!

Read More

Even Dogs Get the Holiday Blues: Meditation Can Help

Although your dog may not dread the family dynamics of Thanksgiving dinner or pout if you get him the wrong flavor chew toy, the approaching holiday season can cause stress for your dog. A different schedule than usual, travel or separation from you, too little attention, or even too much from Aunt Helen can all give your dog the holiday blues.

There is a simple way to ease your dog's anxiety during the holidays: meditate together.

Meditation is great for dogs. It relieves their stress and promotes better health and well-being. Meditation is great for you also, especially during the holidays. Meditation helps you slow down and stay in the present moment, while at the same time lowering both blood pressure and heart rate.

Meditating together helps you and your dog deepen the connection that you already share. It soothes your dog and helps your pack life run smoother.

You can also meditate before times you know will be extra stressful for your dog, such as before a plane trip or prior to all the relatives piling into your house. Meditating together lets your dog know that you love him and that he is foremost in your mind. This will help your dog stay calm in difficult situations.

How do you start? James Jacobson, author of How to Meditate with Your Dog: An Introduction to Meditation for Dog Lovers, and his dog Maui, show you how to transform the love you have for your dog into the heart of a meditation practice. This simple method is non-dogmatic, a lot of fun, and a great way to turn the holiday blues into tail-wagging holiday bliss.

Read More

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one's suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian. Not only is it important to recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early.

The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed account of their dog's symptoms to help the veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively treat the dog's illness or condition. Most canine illnesses are detected through a combination of various signs and symptoms:

Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate

A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F. which will eventually reach the normal adult body temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old. Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken off in the canine's rectum. Also any form of excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º when the dog is actually in normal health. If your dog's temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or below please take him/her to the emergency vet immediately! 


An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute (depending on such variables as size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. You can feel for your dog's heartbeat by placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage just behind the elbow. Don't be alarmed if the heartbeat seems irregular compared to a human's heartbeat, it is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.

Behavior Changes

Any behavior changes that are not associated with a change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy over a new pet or child may be an indication of an illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be:
Depression, .Anxiety, Fatigue, Sleepiness, Trembling, Falling/Stumbling

If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or even a few days, until positive signs develop or he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want for you to keep track of when the symptoms first appeared, whether they are getting better or worse, and also whether the symptoms are intermittent, continuous, or increasing in frequency.

Pain
Dogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they are suffering by giving you clues as to where the area of discomfort is. For instance, a dog that has abdominal pain will continually glance toward their belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over, or take the 'prayer position' which is when a dog gets down on it's forelegs with the hind legs still standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.

Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain. This also happens when an external injury or internal injury (such as an organ) is touched. Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without vocalization.

Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression. Please take note of this before concluding that a dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian know so that the correct treatment can be administered. Also females in general (even humans!) have days when they are just in a bad mood for no obvious reason. Take note of days of times that these mood swings occur as well as any events that might have triggered them. 

Read More

Keep Your Dog

Keep Your Dog Smiling With Preventative Dog Dental Care

What should pet owners know about dog dental care and periodontal disease?

An important aspect of the good dog dental care is proper dental hygiene. One of the most common ailments treated by veterinarians is periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is progressive. It starts out with the formation of plaque, a sticky bacterial film that forms in the mouth at the gum line. If not removed plaque will harden into tartar above and below the gum line. This build up causes the gums to become red and swollen, a condition known as gingivitis.

If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to advanced gum disease. Red swollen gums will begin to recede as the infection travels down into the root of the tooth and the jawbone. Once the gums have receded the damage is irreversible and the gums will not grow back. This is known as periodontal disease and results in loss of bone and loss of teeth. At this advanced stage the bacteria from the oral infection may now enter the bloodstream. This can lead to more serious problems such as heart, liver and kidney disease. These conditions if left untreated can eventually become life threatening. These problems can also be prevented by implementing a good dog dental care routine.

Why should I routinely inspect my dog's mouth?

By two or three years of age many pets start to show signs of oral disease. By implementing a home dog dental care routine you can assure that your dog's mouth stays healthy, clean and pain free. Start by routinely inspecting your dog's mouth. A healthy mouth will not smell offensive. The teeth will be clean and will not have any yellow or brown spots. The gums will be a healthy pink color and will hug the teeth.

What are the signs of gum disease in dogs?

Persistent bad breath, brownish deposits around the gum line, especially on back teeth, red swollen gums, loose teeth, painful and or bleeding gums are all indicators of oral disease. Although bad breath or "doggy breath" is the most obvious sign of a problem, many pet owners fail to recognize it as an indicator of dental problems until it's too late. As part of a good dog dental care routine check your dog's mouth at the slightest sign of a persistent offensive odor. Other indications can be decreased appetite and weight loss, a change in chewing habits, lethargy, and pawing of the mouth or the face.

What should I do if my dog's mouth shows signs of gum disease?

Dog dental care starts by checking your dog's mouth regularly. If you see any of these signs call your vet to schedule a dental exam. Your dog may just need a routine cleaning. The cleaning process is performed under general anesthesia. If the condition is minor, it's not much different than a dental cleaning that you or I would have done. Your dog's teeth will be scaled to remove tartar above and below the gum line and then they will be polished. Since your dog can't rinse and spit the mouth area will be flushed to clear it of any loosened debris.

If the condition is more serious your vet may need to administer an antibiotic to clear up any gum infection before cleaning your dog's teeth. Blood work will usually be taken so that your vet can determine if the infection has spread into the bloodstream. If the disease is in the advanced stages your vet may also need to extract some teeth. Whatever the outcome, your dog is sure to feel a lot better after receiving some much needed dog dental care.

Remember to regularly inspect your pet's mouth, schedule periodic dental check ups, and perform routine home dental care.

How important is home dog dental care?

Regular cleanings by your vet followed up by a home dental care program can help keep your dog's mouth healthy and disease free. Even if your dog's teeth are currently in good condition a preventative home dental care routine is essential to your dog's health. If not regularly removed, plaque and tartar build up can progress very quickly into full blown periodontal disease.

If you're new to dog dental care ask your vet to show you how to brush your dog's teeth. Also find out if there is anything else that your vet would recommend adding to your dog's preventative home dental care routine.

One recommendation is to entice your dog to chew. Daily chewing exercises will help remove food debris and prevent tartar build up. They're also great for relieving boredom and separation anxiety. So put your pet to work. Give your dog plenty of fun and yummy real bones, dental dog chew toys, and edible dog chews as part of your home dog dental care routine.

Do I need to brush my dog's teeth?

The most direct method of preventative dog dental care is brushing your dog's teeth regularly. Vets usually recommend that you brush your dog's teeth at least two times a week. If your dog is prone to dental disease you may need to do this more often.

What should I use to brush my dog's teeth?

If you have a young puppy introducing a tooth brushing routine will probably be much easier then if you have an adult dog. In either case start slow, keep the sessions short, and be very gentle while working in your dog's mouth. Use lots of praise and reassurance to reinforce good behavior. You will not want to give your dog treats during this task for obvious reasons.

Since a dog will swallow whatever you use never brush your dog's teeth with "people" toothpaste. This toothpaste is not formulated to be ingested and can upset your dog's stomach. It's also designed to foam which is not desirable when brushing a dog's teeth. So use a pet toothpaste formulated for dog dental care that does not require rinsing.

You will also need a pet toothbrush. There's a great triple sided pet toothbrush that will get the job done faster than a traditional style toothbrush. Or if you have a small dog you may want to try a pet finger toothbrush. Finger toothbrushes slip right onto your finger and are easily controlled to reach the common trouble spots up near the gum line. Add some specially formulated tartar removing toothpaste and you're all set. Dog toothpaste is even available in all-natural formulas and yummy flavors like chicken and vanilla.

If this is your dog's first toothbrush look for a pet dental care kit to get you started. These kits typically include a pet toothbrush, a tube of pet toothpaste and a pet finger toothbrush.

Pet dental wipes are great for use on dogs that resist brushing. These easy-to-use pet teeth cleaning pads help remove food debris and plaque, kill germs and help to control bad breath. If your dog will not allow you to use the toothbrush method try using dental wipes regularly as part of your dog's home dental care program.

You may also want to try to increase the amount of time your dog spends chewing on real bones, dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews.

This type of chewing helps remove food debris and prevents tartar build up. If your dog chews enough you may be able to reduce how often you need to manually brush your dog's teeth.

How do dog's in the wild keep their teeth clean and healthy?

Dogs in the wild are generally much more active than our domesticated pets because they must hunt for their food. They also spend much more time chewing and gnawing on fresh bones, which helps to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Our domesticated dogs can spend a lot of time sleeping with their mouths closed while passing long period of time alone. It is commonly believed that the lack of fresh air circulating over the teeth and gums can encourage certain types of bacterial growth in the mouth. And since our pet dogs get their daily rations served to them in bowls it isn't necessary for them to spend much time chewing. Although gnawing on bones is how dogs in the wild keep their teeth free from food debris, bacterial accumulation and tartar buildup, our domesticated friends rarely spend as much time at such pursuits.

Encouraging your dog to chew will make a big difference in the effectiveness of your dog dental care routine. Real bones are nature's edible dog chews. But if you prefer not to give your dog real bones there are plenty of wonderful dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews that will get the job done.

Will real bones help keep clean my dog's teeth?

Give your dog some real bones - Nature's own edible dog chews. Most people don't provide their dog with quantities of real bones, so as to avoid the mess and unsanitary residue. It's great if you have an environment in which your dog can indulge in working on a fresh bone. But if not, you can buy some natural sterilized marrowbones. These hollow bones are also available pre-filled with tasty treats like beef, chicken, cheese, and granola.

If you get some unfilled bones you may want to try filling them with your dog's favorite treats. Try peanut butter, cheese or one of the yummy pre-made fillings available at pet shops and online stores.

If you would rather not give your dog real bones there are many enticing dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews available that will encourage your dog to chew.

Besides real bones what other types of dog chews will help keep my dog's teeth clean?

Traditional chew toys are still available and are just as popular as ever. But there are also a variety of very good dental chew toys, rope bone chew toys and edible dog chews designed to keep your dog engaged, with the added benefit of cleaning the teeth. These toys will entice your dog into playfully attending to the required dental hygiene. They can also keep your dog entertained and out of mischief during those times when you must leave your dog alone.

Rope Bone Chew Toys -Try a dental rope chew toy for great flossing action. As your dog happily chews on these toys the rope fibers clean between the teeth. Spray on some dog dental care spray or rub on a little flavored pet toothpaste to really enhance the cleaning action of this enticing dental chew toy. Check out a pet dental care spray & rope chew toy kit and get your dog dental care routine going today.

Dental Chew Toys - For long lasting chewing fun, and a great dental workout, get your dog a dental chew toy. Some brands are manufactured with grooves that make these dental toys real winners for cleaning your dog's teeth. Some dental chew toys can also be stuffed with your dog's favorite treats for hours of stimulating chewing. And for smaller dogs there are dental chew toys that not only have teeth cleaning grooves but also are combined with a rope chew. Just add some pet toothpaste to the dental grooves and your dogs will eagerly participate in their daily dog dental care routine.

Edible Dog Chews - Are you concerned about giving your dog rawhide chews because they can "ribbon" and cause your dog to choke? Many pet hops and online stores now carry a variety of composite chews. These all natural rawhide dog chews can't ribbon, are easy to digest and dogs love the baked in flavor. There is even an edible dog chew treat available that contains no animal by-products.

Dogs, like people, have different tastes and preferences. Choose whichever dental dog toy or dog chew treat that will keep your dog happily chewing his or her way to clean and healthy teeth and gums.

And remember that there are many convenient dog dental care products available that will help you to keep your dog's teeth and gums in great shape between regular visits to the vet and grooming salon. Unattended dental health problems cannot only distress your beloved pet, but can lead to serious conditions and ailments. Many of these problems can be prevented by implementing a regular home dog dental care routine.

Read More

How to Protect your Dog and Family

Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms. This is because the roundworm's larvae are transmitted from the mother to the puppy while it is still in the womb. A female dog can harbor roundworms in her tissue, often making them immune to dewormings. The roundworms then have the opportunity to emerge during pregnancy through the mother's bloodstream and infect the unborn puppies. Roundworms can also be transmitted to newborn puppies through the mother's milk during nursing.

Roundworms are also easily transmitted to humans. Young children are most susceptible because they are always sticking their fingers in their mouths! Roundworms are transmitted to humans and dogs through eggs that are in a dog or puppy's stool. They can either be ingested through direct eating of the stool or by eating something else that has eaten the stool (the dog eats a bird, mouse, etc. that has eaten the dog's stool).

Everyone should wash their hands frequently after handling the puppy or dog and make sure that all feces is removed from the yard and disposed of on a daily basis. Most infections in people are mild and cause no symptoms at all. However there have been cases of worms migrating to the liver, brain, and eyes.


Symptoms of roundworms in humans include:

.Anemia, Appetite Loss, Difficulty Breathing, Constipation, Cough, Cramping, Diarrhea, Fever, Hives, Itching, Nausea, Chest Pain, Muscle Pain, Passing of Worms, Rash, Skin Lesions, Swelling, Vision Disturbances, Vomiting, Weight Loss.

Infected puppies can become quite ill and heavy infestations may lead to convulsions and even death. Most puppies that die are around the age of two to three weeks old. Puppies should be wormed at ages 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Adult dogs should receive yearly stool samples from their veterinarian to check for worms. Roundworms will look like spaghetti in the puppy's feces.

Symptoms of roundworms in dogs include:

.Potbelly, Diarrhea, Gas, Vomiting, Lack of Energy, Slow Growth Rate, Dull Coat, Coughing (if immature roundworms have migrated to the puppy's lungs)

Some dogs may show some or all of these symptoms while others may show no symptoms at all. When adult roundworms are seen in the dog's stool this is often because of ongoing disease in the bowel or sometimes because the worm burden had become so great that the worms are crowding each other out.

Treatment of roundworms is not dangerous and is highly effective. Buy your wormers from the vet and give them regularly as instructed. The tablets are not difficult to give if you train your dog to take them in tiny bits of cheese or put them into sweets. The best way to protect your family and dogs from roundworms is through a regular program of both medication and prevention (keeping the yard clean of feces). 

Read More

Dogs Care Vaccination

C Schedule for Dogs

Diseases	Primary Vaccination	Secondary Vaccination	Re-Vaccination
Canine Distemper Canine Hepatitis (CanineAdenovirus 2) Corona Viral Enteritis Canine Parainfluenza Parvo Virus Infection Leptospirosis (Canicola)(icterohaemorrhagiae)	6 weeks of age	2-3 weeks later upto 16 weeks of age	Annual

Read More

Dogs Training Tools

Dogs Training Tools

Collars some in many shapes and sizes, and variations and shock, spike, martingale, chain, and electronic ones are only a handful of them that you can find on the market today. They are typically made of metal, leather, nylon, or fabric.
.

Leashes are usually made out of leather and come in various length; some leashes can be looped around the dog's neck and eliminate the need for collars.
.

Vests and chest halters are used by some trainers to reinforce positive behavior. Muzzles are used on dogs that bite or bark uncontrollably; however, they are only a short-term solution, yet highly effective when dealing with aggressive dogs or breeds.



Clickers are excellent dog training tools, which can be used to reinforce positive behavior.





Bait pouches are used by many professional dog trainers and could be invaluable when trying to teach your dog new tricks.







Dog halters are often used to train and guide dogs instead of collars since often the dogs could slip out of the collars easily.

Read More

Dogs Training Commands

Marker Words : “YES” & “UH-UH”

TIMING is a crucial component of effective dog training.  The appropriate implementation of positive and negative word markers can make a world of difference to how well your dog responds to your verbal cues.

The positive word marker is “yes”. This should be used the exact second the dog does the behavior.  For example, if you say “Scooby, sit,” the second his bottom hits the ground, you should say “yes, ” thereby marking the behavior when it happens.  “Yes” essentially tells the dog he did the right behavior and reinforcement is forthcoming.

The negative word marker is “uh-uh”.  This is implemented once the dog understands the behavior and chooses not to do it. The negative word marker is “uh-uh.”  Uh-uh essentially means, “whoops, that’s not right, let’s try again”.  The negative word marker is often associated with a step towards the dog, effectively infringing on his territory.  Effective timing is very important for this command as well.

Commands:

Below are the most commonly used commands.  We may have discussed all or some of these depending on your particular needs.  Keep in mind that the actual word you use for a behavior may be different than my suggestions.  For example, you may use “lay” instead of “down.”  That’s absolutely fine as long as everyone in your family is using consistent verbal cues.

  


Sit The dog gets into the sit position on cue.

Down          The dog gets into the laying down position on cue.  This command is different from the “off” command, which means all four feet on the ground.

Stay          The dog is not allowed to move from a specified position…i.e., sit or down.

Wait          This is boundary training.  This means the dog cannot cross a certain boundary you have set for him.  He can be in any position he chooses.  The command is a very important safety and leadership exercise.  The best place to implement this command is at the doorway.

Release     This is your dog’s “release word” which effectively means the

dog is done with a particular behavior.  You use this word (many trainer’s use “OK”) at the end of each exercise so that your dog knows the exercise is over.  Otherwise your dog will think it’s his decision when the exercise is over.

Leave it    The dog should not look at or move towards a specified object.  For example, if you drop a piece of bread, you can tell your dog to “leave it” and he should remove his attention from it. This is different than the “drop it” command which means to drop what they have in their mouth.

Off            The dog keeps all four feet on the floor.  No jumping on people, countertops, furniture, etc.

Right Here The dog walks nicely on your left (or right) side without pulling.  Heel is a more formal version of this command.

Come          The off leash come is usually the most difficult behavior to achieve.  Your dog will need a tremendous amount of reinforcement for this behavior and you will need to have realistic expectations.  Please refer to the Off Leash Recall handout for more information on this particular exercise.

Words of Wisdom:

Remember that the sequence of commands is always the same, regardless of what command you are using.  Say the dog’s name, give the command, give the positive or negative word marker depending on his response and then give the release word.

For example: “Bisty, down.  Yes, good boy. Release”

No yelling:  Try to keep your voice calm and under control at all times. Dogs respect a pack leader who is calm, cool and collected.  If you aren’t careful, you can inadvertently train your dog to only listen when you are yelling.

Be patient:  Dog training should be fun and a special bonding time for you and your companion.  If you are overworked or overtired, don’t train.

Be generous: You won’t need to have treats on you forever!  But, it’s important to be generous in the distribution of a motivator when you are training.  We will work with you on weaning off the use of food, however you will never stop reinforcing your dog.

Read More