Little Known Ways To Train Your Dog

July 29, 2008

by Karen Brown

Today there are a number of different things that one can do when it comes to training your dog and all which enable you to communicate more effectively with them. There are books that one can read or you could take lessons with a dog trainer so that you learn the right procedures to use. But along with these, there are plenty of dog training free tips available online which you may want to think about using as well.

When it comes to training your dog, it is a good idea to start as soon as you possibly can with them. But do not think for one moment that just because your dog is older they are unlikely to be able to learn what you are trying to teach them. In fact, even older dogs are able to learn some of the very basics of training.

When using any kind dog training tips whether they be for free or not it is important that you remember that dog’s will lose interest in things very quickly. So it is crucial that all the training you do with them is kept short otherwise you will soon discover they become bored and so actually trying to teach them what to do will be much harder to achieve.

When you are carrying out any kind of training with your dog it is a good idea that you do it when you are actually doing some other activity that they like. Doing this will help to keep them interested and so the likelihood of them becoming bored and wandering off is greatly reduced. Also throughout the session you should use as much positive reinforcement as you can praising them and providing them with rewards when they have produced the right result.

If you do find yourself having to reprimand your dog for any kind of bad behavior it is crucial that you keep it short and sharp and to the point. Also it is crucial that you reprimand them as soon as the bad behavior has occurred rather than waiting until later after the training has been completed, as the dog will simply not understand why you are telling them. As previously mentioned a dog’s attention span is not very long and generally the live for what is going on now as what has happened in the past or what is going to happen in the future.

As well as the few dog training tips that we have offered to you above there are plenty of others available that you may want to consider using in your training sessions with them. Below we provide just a few more dog training tips free that you may find very helpful.

Remember dogs are pack animals and it is important that when you first start their training they learn that you are the alpha dog. A good way of establishing this is by rubbing their belly and this shows that they are submitting to you as leader. By establishing that you are pack leader will often help in making the training sessions you have with them progress much more easily and smoothly.

Another thing that one should remember when it comes training your dog it will take time and you will need to have lots of patience. Plus at all times you must be persistent with what you are doing and consistent in the way in which the training is done. If you keep this in mind then you will find that the sessions you have with your dog will be much more pleasant for you both. We hope that you find the above the dog training free tips that we have provided useful and will assist you when it comes to teaching your dog the right things.

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Questions For A Shar Pei Breeder

July 29, 2008

by Melissa Coleman

You have decided to get a Shar Pei and now the time has come to decide on a Shar Pei breeder. This is a very important decision and you will need to know what questions to ask to find out if you are dealing with a good breeder or not. Many times a good breeder will insist that you ask them a lot of questions so do your homework, don’t be shy and be ready to have a nice long talk with each breeder before you make your decision. Deciding on a breeder can affect your relationship with your pet for many years, so be sure before you make up your mind.

Any reputable breeder is going to be listed with a national breeder registry, using the registry’s breeding standards as his or her own. You are going to need to question a breeder that is not listed with a registry and find out what they use for breeding standards and also why they choose not to be part of a national organization that lends credibility to their business.

A good Shar Pei breeder will be part of your life, and your pet’s life, for many years to come after the transaction is completed.

It is very important to maintain open communication with your breeder and if you are talking with a breeder that indicates that they may not have a policy where they stay in contact with owners after the sale then you may want to forget about doing business with that particular breeder and move on to the next candidate.

A good breeder will make sure that a new owner leaves not only with the dog but also with detailed care and feeding instructions, usually in writing, and a sample of the dog’s food so the owner knows what to feed their dog. If your breeder does not offer any care and feeding instructions and also neglects to mention anything about food samples then it may be time to move on to a different breeder.

Life is not predictable and you may want to know that your Shar Pei breeder will be there for your dog if unforeseen circumstances force you to have to leave your dog behind. Some breeders will take pets back so that they do not wind up abandoned or in a shelter.

You won’t get your money back, and you should not expect to, but at least you know your breeder cares enough to have a policy in place that takes care of your dog even when you are no longer able to.

Be ready with a lot of questions for your Shar Pei breeder. A good breeder will insist on questions and a good breeder may also be able to offer you free pet insurance so be sure to ask about that as well. Get to know your breeder because they will be a big part of your life and the future of your pet as well.

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Proper Ways To Groom A German Shepherd

July 29, 2008

by Jan Ryan

Caring for your German Shepherd doesn’t require a lot of bathing, but it is essential to have regular grooming. If you maintain proper grooming procedures you can provide your German Shepherd with a shiny coat and prevent them from contracting skin problems. When it comes to grooming your German Shepherd you should do moderate grooming for eight to twelve weeks and maintain it every night. Regularly brushing and combing at least twice a week will manage the double coat present on a German Shepherd.

During the shedding season the normal shedding of a German Shepherd becomes much worse so you should consider using a shedding blade or similar tool since you will need proper training before you can use a shedding blade. When grooming your German Shepherd you should use a metal rake to take out the mats in the undercoat around the neck, chest and thigh areas. After bathing it is best to use a modern high velocity dryer to remove excess water instead of the hand fluff method. Always go in the direction of hair growth when you are brushing your dog.

When grooming your German Shepherd you may want to give them a haircut. You can use a pair of scissors to remove the long hairs that you find under the feet as well as the stray hairs around the feet. Rather, if you want a fluffier or fuller looking coat, you should brush the hair in the opposite direction of growth and then do light brushing in the direction of hair growth.

To give the dog an overall neat appearance another alternative is to use thinning shears. To make your German Shepherd look heavier boned you should use selective thinning. This technique is also helpful in controlling the year round shedding of this breed of dog. In addition, grooming your German Shepherd should include focusing on the toenails, ears and teeth. Check the nails while brushing and trim them as needed in order to avoid the split or broken nails that come with unattended nails that grow too long.

By grooming your German Shepherd you are evenly distributing the oils in the fur which can help prevent matting and tangles. It will also keep the dog looking neat by removing the dead skin cells and loose hair that can clog the coat. While grooming, be very careful not to cut or scratch the dog’s skin.

Just be careful not to cut or scratch your dog’s skin while you are grooming them. Use a combination of brushes and brush heads in order to make sure you tackle all parts of your dog’s coat.

It is important to carefully select the right dog shampoo since a German Shepherd can be easily affected by wheat or other allergies. Oatmeal shampoo can be one option to use but it does cause materials to buildup faster so you will have to bathe more frequently.

If you don’t have to worry about fleas then a shampoo with aloe is a good idea. By constantly using proper grooming techniques you can keep your German Shepherd looking well-groomed all the time

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Large Dog Breeds: The Rottweiler

July 29, 2008

by Sharon Davies

The Rottweiler was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1935 and is classified in the working dog group. This breed has been renowned historically for its ability to guard, protect and herd. Unfortunately, the Rottweiler dog breed in recent years has developed the reputation of being aggressive and prone to violence. A large, strong dog, the Rottweiler can certainly be a formidable opponent. Its ancestry may help explain how it developed its good and bad reputation.

The Rottweiler has an illustrious though unconfirmed history. The breed is thought have descended from Roman mastiff dogs almost two thousand years ago. These dogs were a viable part of the conquering Roman army. They were used to herd cattle to feed the army and also as watchdogs. By 700 A.D., the Romans had been ousted from the city of “das Rote Wil” (the red tile) but ancestors of their dogs remained and were used as beasts of burden and for herding in the city, which later became Rottweil, Germany.

The inherent intelligence and strength of the breed allow these dogs to be trained in many tasks and the Roman army utilized Rottweilers in conquering Europe. The protective nature of the breed can manifest itself in aggression if Rottweilers are not trained from an early age. Some owners take advantage of that aggression or mistreat dogs so that these tendencies come out.

Surprisingly, the American Kennel Club, which judges purebred dogs on not just physical traits but also behavioral characteristics, defines the breed standard for Rottweilers as calm, confident, and courageous. Rottweilers are actually known more for their laid-back nature than aggression. Problems in behavior may stem from Rottweiler dogs’ natural tendency to protect their owners and families.

These dogs can become aggressive with other dogs and that is also recognized in the breed standard. However, aggression becomes violence when Rottweilers feel that they or their families are being threatened. Potential for violence is enhanced if their owners either early in life or as adults mistreat dogs and also when no training has been completed.

Potential Rottweiler dog buyers should research the breed before buying. Rottweilers are large, strong, active dogs and they require adequate room to run, loving discipline, and the opportunity to be put to work. Rottweiler buyers should also research Rottweiler breeders. Buying a purebred dog of any kind is a tricky business and there are many unethical breeders in the market to make money.

Steps a buyer can take to ensure he purchases a physically and emotionally healthy Rottweiler include researching the breed first and know what breed standard traits to look for, research breeders to find an ethical breeder of purebred Rottweilers, visit the breeder kennel to see how Rottweiler puppies are raised, obtain pedigree information to determine lineage, obtain health information to ensure the Rottweiler has been evaluated for genetic problems, ask the breeder to provide Rottweiler information, specifically on training and discipline, and lastly make sure the buyer’s household is appropriate to meet the Rottweiler’s social and activity needs

Buyers should know the breed standard for Rottweiler dogs and should look for the calm temperament, specific black and tan markings and other characteristics unique to the breed. Most importantly, the buyer’s household should meet the Rottweiler’s social and activity needs so that dog and owner will have a healthy, happy life together.

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Senior Golden Retrievers for Adoption

July 29, 2008

by John Charles

Many a person longs to own a beautiful Golden Retriever but understandably has second thoughts when they consider how lively a puppy is. Perhaps you are one of these people? Well the answer might well lie in adopting a more mature Golden, one who will easily adapt to your family and lifestyle, and one that will not be as disruptive as a puppy.

People sometimes say to me “yes, I agree, it makes good sense to adopt an older Golden, but where do I find one?” Good question, and the answer may surprise you - try your local breeder. I know, its seems on the face of it to be an unlikely source for a mature dog, but in fact there may well be quite a few reasons why a breeder might have an older dog for sale, and this can all be to your advantage.

When your mature Goldie comes to you they will already have been house trained, and so adjusting to your particular family lifestyle will be a lot easier. It won’t be easy, just easier, and you must expect a period of re-adjustment during which you will need to shower him or her with plenty of tender love and affection, something which, believe you me, it will not be hard to do.

When you meet your Golden for the first time you may well be so taken with them that you are tempted to ‘wrap them up and take them home’ straightaway. But, avoid this temptation. Take a bit of time to get to know them, and to know all about them, just to make sure that they are right for your lifestyle. Also, do involve the other members of your family in all of these initial decisions, as it is important that everybody feels happy about welcoming a new member into the family.

If you had a guest staying with you in your home you would of course take some time to show them where everything is, where the bedroom is and the bathroom and so on, and it is just them same when you introduce an older dog into your family. Allow some time in your busy schedule to ease them in to your home and routine, and this will pay dividends in the long run.

People often ask me how long it will be before your new Golden is comfortably settled in to your family routine, and I would like to suggest that it takes about a month, give or take a week or so. After this do consider taking them to a dog obedience training class somewhere because you will find that this pays handsome dividends. Yes, they will probably have been trained already before they came to you, but this will act as a sort of ‘top up’ training.

To finish with let me just say that, as with everything in life, their are for’s and against’s about owning a mature dog. On one hand they may have some medical conditions, and your initial enquiries should include questions about this. But on the other hand it can be so much easier introducing a mature dog into a busy family life, over introducing a rather demanding puppy.

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Tips & Tricks For Using Dog Training Collars

July 29, 2008

by Jenny Lindston

If you want to train your dog then using dog training collars is a perfect way to do so, and necessary. It’s the one thing around the dogs neck that makes him easy to control for the dog trainer and is used to get in touch with him.

Professional dog trainers make use of several varied training styles and methods to train a dog. Thus, there are many varied kinds of dog training collars.

If you are not a professional dog trainer then it’s not usual for normal people to use dog training collars for teaching basic dog obedience. They can also give advanced training and sporty dog training themselves, without further “experts”.

People teaching their basic obedience commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “heel” are most likely the ones to use dog collars. For getting the best fit you’ll need to measure the dogs neck and add a couple of inches to the result.

In different situations it’s better to use different types of dog training collars. If you try more and more dog collars you’ll also recognize that differeny collars for for different type of training.

There is more than one form of dog training collars available on the marketplace.

Electronic Collars: They are also termed as shock collars and were invented before thirty years. Today, this collar is the most effective way to train a pet dog.

If you are looking at other collars it’s most likely e-collars or remote collars. The dog misbehaves and you simple use the remote control to give out a light, which makes the dog behave correctly.

There is a signal sent by this collar that makes the dog feel and know what is right and wrong. In essence, the dog stops doing what is bad. There are several different types of these collars.

Chock Collars: They are the best training collars to train dogs effectively. These collars offer the dog trainers with an instant control and correction by stiffening the collar around the neck of dog. In training session, the collar remains comfortable and loose around the neck of a dog.

However, if the dog misbehaves or commits any mistake, the trainers tighten the collar indicating correction. This system stops the dog to avoid misbehavior and responds to its owner’s command properly.

Lightweight Collars: They are reliable and lightweight dog collars. They are used for all types of dog behaviors. These types of collars include pain buckle collars, limited choke collars, snap around choke, martingale collar, head collar, pronged collar, no-bark collar and choke chain.

These training collars functions well, when a person affixes and uses it accurately. Though some dissatisfaction exist among people about the usage of dog training collars, professional veterinarians and dog trainers acknowledge them as harmless training tools.

But still we have a lot of different dog collars on the market. Manufacturers are always trying to evolve the current collars into more comfortable and dog friendly versions. There are collars that are designed to glow in the dark and at night. Some have ornaments and there is one called schutzhund.

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Golden Retriever Nutrition For Everyday Health

July 29, 2008

by Carol Matthews

Golden Retriever care involves controlling your dog’s diet and nutrition. Golden Retriever nutrition must be balanced for a healthy diet. The Golden Retriever nutritional requirements are for a large working breed dog. Dogs also need plenty of water as a part of their daily diet. When a dog’s diet is balanced, it means that the dog is receiving the proper amount of nutrition. Nutritional sources, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals should be balanced and in the right proportions so to prevent obesity, thinness, and nutritional overload or nutritional deficiency.

A dog’s health and appearance are improved by an excellent diet filled with nutrition. Protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals are nutritional needs that can be met with natural and organic ingredients. Nutritional supplements can be added to your dog’s food and you can even make your own dietary supplements from simple Golden Retriever dog food recipes.

Golden Retrievers need high quality protein and have greater needs for protein than that of their owners. Golden Retriever dog food recipes should fulfill a dog’s nutritional needs based on ingredients, correct proportions and nutritional value.

With the right foods and nutritional supplements, you can meet the Golden Retriever nutrition and dietary requirements everyday. Proper Golden Retriever care requires meeting the nutritional and proportional needs with a balanced diet. Golden Retriever dog food recipes can be chosen to meet your dog’s dietary needs.

Meat provides the protein that is easiest to digest. Protein provides amino acids that are vital to a dog’s health. As for carbohydrates, ground whole grains, brown rice, potato starch and oatmeal can provide carbohydrates. The amount of fat eaten should be controlled. Fats help the body to absorb oil-soluble nutrition. Vegetable fiber sources provide a vitamins and minerals and enough fiber to keep the digestion tract healthy. Although beans are nutritious for dogs, beans and broccoli can cause excess gas.

You can create healthy and nutritious Golden Retriever dog food recipes from many common natural and organic food ingredients. Golden Retriever nutrition and dietary needs are similar to human needs. Vegetarian diets can be altered to meet many dogs’ dietary needs.

You can find a Golden Retriever dog food recipe to match what is in your cupboards. olden Retriever nutrition and great Golden Retriever care are attainable with natural and organic ingredients. There are vegetarian diets that provide quality protein and nutrients. Use dog food recipes that are wheat free and low fat for excellent Golden Retriever nutrition. Use soft recipes for dogs with chewing problems. Customize your dog food recipes for whatever size kibble or treats that you need. Hypoallergenic diets consist of turkey, fish, lamb and venison as the main protein sources and rice or barley as the main carbohydrate sources.

Choosing healthy snacks such as raw carrots, natural and organic treats will contribute to your dog’s overall health. By providing quality chew toys, your dog’s teeth will be cleaner and its gums will be healthy. Chew toys can occupy a dog’s attention for hours. Proper Golden Retriever care demands the best foods to meet Golden Retriever nutrition and dietary needs. With attention to the ingredients, your Golden Retriever dog food recipes can meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

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How to Care for Your Havanese

July 29, 2008

by Fiona Kelly

Are you thinking about adding a Havanese puppy to your family? These cute little creatures can make wonderful family pets, whether your clan consists of adults only, a brood of kids or even other animals in the house. But any new pet will come with its own unique set of concerns and care issues, and Havanese are certainly no exception to this rule. If you are seriously considering a Havanese, the first thing you will want to do is research the various aspects of Havanese care to ensure that you will be able to offer your new puppy the best home possible for him to grow and thrive.

There are a number of concerns regarding Havanese care specifically and dog ownership generally. First, there are certain Havanese health risks with this breed that you will want to be aware of, so that you can screen your breeder for potential genetic issues. Havanese will also require regular grooming, and a regimen of a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

There are a number of health concerns with the Havanese that this breed is genetically predispositioned for. These concerns might include eye problems like catartacts (even at a young age), and progressive retinol atrophy (which can result in blindness).

These might include eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinol atrophy, which can cause blindness. It may also entail issues with hip dysplasia, or a condition known as patellar luxation, which is a slipping of the kneecap. By becoming aware of these conditions, you can ask your breeder about the history of these issues in his lines of dogs.

Grooming is a very important routine with these dogs, with daily brushings and monthly baths. You might prefer to clip the coat of your Havanese to keep it shorter and easier to maintain, and this can be done through a professional groomer or at home if you learn how to give doggy haircuts.

A nutritious diet is an important component in good Havanese health. Your breeder or veterinarian will probably have some suggestions and recommendations in this area, but it is generally thought that a high-quality commercial food from the pet store will be sufficient. It is best to keep your puppy on the same food that he ate at the breeders, at least during his first few weeks with you.

It is also important for your dog to get regular exercise, whether it is a few rounds of fetch in the backyard or a walk through the neighborhood with you. Regular exercise will help to keep your dog’s energy level up and maintain a healthy weight.

Along with the nutritious diet, your pup will need regular exercise, and he will enjoy it more if he gets to do it with you! Take him for a walk every day, or play a few rounds of fetch in the backyard. With daily exercise, regular grooming sessions and a healthy diet, your pet will be the healthiest and happiest that he can be.

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Ways To Maintain Beagle Health

July 29, 2008

by Michelle Adams

A new pet is a source of great joy and also a source of great responsibility. When you and your family welcome a new beagle into your home you should instantly contact the vet to find out how to properly car for your beagle’s health. You should keep a close watch on your beagle’s health and take some basic steps to insure that your pet stays healthy for many years to come. Another important part of beagle health is to keep your vet involved with regular visits and consultations if there are persistent problems.

One thing people always wonder about is what is considered a healthy diet for your beagle? Dogs in general benefit from a healthy diet of vet approved dog food but you should augment your dog’s daily diet with other foods as well to help them grow healthy. Properly cooked meats and even raw vegetables and fruits are wonderful for a dog’s health. Remember that human beings have not cornered the market on eating food and that all animals eat food, it is just a matter of feeding your animal the right kinds of food.

Beagles love to get dirty no matter what their environment is and it is up to you to make sure that their love for dirt is not their eventual undoing. You should plan on bathing your beagle at least once a month.

And to maintain proper beagle health you should bathe your pet more than once a month if they play outdoors or come into contact with especially dirty situations that may not be the cleanest. Beagles have thick coats and those thick coats can pick up a lot so bathe your dog regularly to cut down on harmful dirt in their coat.

Proper grooming is also very important to your beagle, as their thick coat can be a problem for them. You should plan on regularly brushing your beagle as their thick coat can sometimes get tangles and snarls that can cause potential health issues down the road. Another very important part of beagle health is maintaining the length of their nails. If you are going to try and clip them yourself then be very careful because beagles are notorious for hating getting their nails clipped.

Your beagle health concerns and tasks don’t end at the coat and grooming as there are many other areas that you need to keep your eye on. Your beagle’s ears are cute and floppy but they can also block the flow of air in and out of the ears and this can cause problems. Once a month take a look under the ears and make sure all is well. You can try to clean them with a cotton swab but you could damage the inner ear if you do it wrong. The best thing to do is look for any build up inside the ear. If there is build up then get your dog to the vet.

Your beagle’s teeth need cleaning too. You need to get them used to teeth cleaning at a very young age by rubbing your finger gently over the beagle’s teeth every once in while.

They may then let you move up to a doggy toothbrush. Your beagle looks to your for their health care so don’t let them down, take care of your beagle.

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Caring For A Boston Terrier’s Health

July 29, 2008

by Wendy Caples

The goal of every owner is to provide quality Boston Terrier health care so that their dog can maintain a happy, healthy and long life. When it comes to proper health care there are some basic steps you can take to provide general care for your Boston Terrier without going through a lot of expense, but rather allows you to spend quality time with your dog.

One of the most important aspects of Boston Terrier health care is to make sure you have a good veterinarian. It is also important that you choose a good and appropriate food for your dog. Although more expensive it is worth the price to feed your dog a quality, premium food. These foods will help to keep your dog healthier for a longer period of time. The artificial ingredients and chemicals found in less expensive brands can actually weaken your dogs immune system. Finally you want to provide your dog with regular exercise in order for them to have a good life and to make sure they have proper protection when outside.

Another aspect of caring for Boston Terrier health is knowing what conditions to watch for and when to seek emergency care. During the life of your dog things are likely to go smoothly, but sometimes there can be an incident and by knowing when to seek emergency attention you can help keep the condition from becoming a tragic event.

One of the most common situations that affect the Boston Terrier and all dog breeds is a car accident. If your Boston Terrier is hit by a car it is important that you seek veterinary care right away since every minutes counts towards saving your dog’s life. Small objects such as balls and bones also present a chocking hazard for the Boston Terrier. You should perform the Heimlich maneuver or bring your dog to the vet right away if you notice them gasping for breath or being unable to breathe.

Certain diseases and ailments can affect Boston Terrier health that don’t affect other breeds in the same way. You can avoid these life threatening conditions for your Boston Terrier by known what they are and what you should look for.

However, despite these health conditions this doesn’t mean that caring for your Boston Terrier is more time consuming than other breeds. In fact, the Boston Terrier is one of the least time consuming of all breeds.

The biggest health concern that affects Boston Terrier health is breathing problems. Breathing issues can arise when your dog runs too much or becomes too stressed. Breathing problems are more prevalent in this breed because of their short noses. When your Boston Terrier is undergoing breathing problems you should try to soothe them as much as possible and if the breathing doesn’t improve then you should seek veterinarian care right away.

When it comes to treating your pet there are many options open to you thanks to the expansion of veterinary medicine. So in the event of an emergency you can be confident when taking your pet to the veterinarian.

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