Does Your Dog Have Arthritis?
Arthritis and Your Dog Do you know how to tell if your dog has arthritis? Since arthritis manifests itself by causing soreness and stiffness in hips, also shoulders, knees, elbows and the lower spine--if your dog companion is becoming reluctant to climb stairs or jump in or out of the car, more than likely your dog is suffering from arthritis. These symptoms do resemble the same type of discomfort that we humans can also experience. As time progresses, some breeds find that they are predisposed to genetic problems and these inflamed joints can lead to structural degeneration, restricted movement, and cartilage damage. Primary Arthritis is associated with aging and long term overuse. Secondary...
What You Should Know About the Canine Influenza...
This is not a Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) to be taken lightly! Even dogs inoculated for Bordetella, are candidates for infection! Puppies, dogs with compromised immune systems and senior dogs are at greater risk. · Since Labor Day Weekend 2009, this highly contagious respiratory viral infection of dogs has roared like a wild fire, up the East Coast from Miami to New England. · It is caused by the subtype H3N8 of the influenza A virus. · It is the source of acute respiratory infection in dogs. It can cause respiratory disease alone, or in combination with other canine respiratory pathogens. · It is not seasonal...dogs can contract it year round. · All dogs...
Many people are worried that their dog will grow to dislike their dog create, especially if they're put in it too often. To the contrary, dogs that are used to going in their dog crate are generally quite happy to do so. It's the dog that's never been in a dog crate before that kicks up a fuss and refuses to go into one. So, how do you teach your pup to like it's crate. There are a few simple things to you can do to ensure that your dog will like, or at least happily tolerate, it's time in its crate. Start Young You should start crate training your pup from the day you bring it home. Chances are your pup was one of a litter, and he may have symptoms of separation anxiety when you bring him home...
How to Determine the Best Puppy Pen
Having your very own puppy pen is important if you might be trying to welcome a new puppy into your family. Even should you may not think about it, introducing a puppy into your home can truly be a bit shocking to your normal routine and this is true, regardless of whether you may have children or not. Nearly all of the designs are created from tough components that will stand the wear and tear of time as well as the habitual assault of the dog if he feels like it. A majority of these kinds of pens are also simple to store, just collapse them up and everything should be all set for safe-keeping. Just like most merchandise, there's a whole variety that you could choose from. What's crucial is that...
Many dog owners believe that a dog kennel is cruel for a pet, but actually they are a safe place for your dog. A dog pen is a perfect choice for keeping your dog in a safe haven. Animals have always found safety and security in dens, and a dog kennel brings out the same animal instincts for them to feel that sense of security. I would highly recommend using the dog pen as a temporary safe place. It should never be thought of as any kind of permanent living space. Doing this can be very unhealthy for your pet, it limits them from exercise, interaction and many other things. When you have a new puppy in your home, dog kennel training is a great training tool. Using a kennel is the best and most...
Choosing Garden Fence Panels
If you are fortunate enough to have a little bit of ground around your home, you may have considered putting in a garden of some kind since being able to go out and gather fresh vegetables is so enticing. Then you remember the deer. They would pick the garden clean before it even had a chance to grow. You need garden fence panels! The local home improvement store is running a sale on garden fence panels. Not realizing there are so many styles and materials to choose from, you ask your wife to help choose the garden fence panel that would look best. She chooses the natural wood picket fence, and you agree. It would blend in with the siding on the house, and being made of treated wood, it would last...
Raised Kennel Decking
If you are interested in something that is somewhat portable for your dog kennel flooring, you really should take a look at Kennel decking. Kennel decking is just like any other decking that you lay down. It comes in pieces of varying sizes, though the most commonly used size is eight square feet, which is nice and simple to work with. Raised flooring in your dog pen is always a great idea. It keeps your dog a lot cleaner for one, and it also helps eliminate a lot of discomfort due to temperature fluctuations. It is certainly a lot warmer in winter and cooler in summer than cement, for example. Hard plastic doesn't absorb and hold moisture like cement does either. Most importantly of all, it is very...
Using a dog kennel is a wonderful way of keeping your pet safe and protected in his own environment. Some dogs prefer to live indoors while others like being outdoors. A kennel is a great way for them to get exercise and move about in their own living space. Your pet will enjoy being outside with the scenery and fresh air. Just remember dog kennels aren't the only way to get exercise, your canine with still needed to be taken out for more extreme exercise because a dog pen is not big enough and limits their movements. You have a choice to build your pet a nice dog kennel from building materials or buying one from a store. Most dog kennels are built from wood or steel type fencing. Your pen will need...
Insulating Your Dog Kennel
Whether your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors in his dog kennel or just some time, you need to ensure that it is a comfortable environment, and that it offers plenty of protection from either extreme of weather. Proper location of your dog kennel plays an important role in keeping it at a decent and bearable temperature for your pet. Placing it so that it avoids the hot afternoon sun, and so that there are natural wind shields or breaks around help keep things comfortable. So does facing the door of the kennel away from the direction you get most of your wind and rain from. Aside from this, though, what else can you do? The most recommended method of keeping your pet cool in summer and...
A dog kennel is a great way to let your beloved pet be outside safe and secure in their own environment. Dog kennels are also referred to as pens. Chain link dog kennels are a great choice, a lot of them are made of galvanized steel to last a very long time. Your canine is like a family member so it is important for you to have peace of mind knowing they are safe while outside. Dog kennels will keep your beloved pet safe from other animals. There is always the danger of your pet being hit by vehicles and severely injuring your pet. And we all know how expensive veterinarians can be. A dog kennel will be sure to keep your lovable pet safe from vehicles, and when your beloved family member is safe in...
A Vari Kennel For the Dog Who Almost Ruined...
The movie, "The Dog Who Saved Christmas" reminded me of our dog who almost ruined Christmas. It was unavoidable that we leave him alone in the house for a number of hours on the day before Christmas. He was good about everything except for the tree, and he must have gotten caught on the string of lights. When my mother arrived home late in the evening, the tree was lying on its side across the living room and the decorations were broken and/or chewed. We were lucky that he apparently did not swallow any of the pieces, and that the house did not catch on fire. It was just a good thing that we had another artificial tree in the basement. My mom spent most of the night re-decorating the tree. Come...
Dog Commands and Obedience Training - Help For...
Contrary to that old adage, old dogs certainly can learn new tricks. I know from where I speak. You see, I love dogs. I mean I REALLY love dogs. All kinds. Any kind. In fact my wife says I love them too much. And to be honest, I've proven her right - twice. You see, I'm very partial to rescue dogs. The more needy the better. My first rescue dog became my very best friend. A mixed terrier who was loyal, affectionate and protective. Towards me anyway. I was the ever-doting dog owner. Catering to her every need and even some I think I made up. But she never got close to my wife and our young daughter because I served her every need. When Rosie passed away prematurely at the age of 10, from an overdose...
Aging Dogs - Comfort for Old Dogs
Aging dogs that are happy and comfortable are a beautiful sight. It means that someone has done an excellent job of taking care of their dog and made his life worthwhile; it says very good things about the dog's owner. Arthritis in dogs is common as they age, they suffer from the same inconveniences that old humans do: Their joints get stiff, energy levels diminish, their hearing lessens and eyesight becomes less acute. Dog incontinence may also be a problem in old dogs. Fortunately a dog's sense of smell seems to be most resistant to aging changes. There are many products in today's world to make your aging dog more comfortable. Caring for Older Dogs An Old dog appreciates a warm, comfortable...
Concerning Your Dog's Sleep
Dogs love to sleep. For the record, most dogs sleep for about 14 hours a day. This is including short naps and long dozes. You may think that dogs can sleep just anywhere. That is another misconception. Some dogs are, for a fact, particular about where to sleep. Where to make your dog sleep is not an easy decision to make. You cannot just decide for your dog, though. It is better that you observe your pet where it usually takes its nap or where it normally sleeps first. Of course, you cannot just let your dog sleep around just anywhere. Let's say your pet loves to take its nap on the sofa, but you hate its hair spread all over the couch. Discipline your dog when you need to. Train your dog if you...
The news is full of stories where family pets as well as strays are being dropped off at animal shelters. One report stated that thirteen kittens had been left outside an Animal Control facility in a couple cat carriers. Another told of ten puppies being dropped off at a humane society. Why this growth in abandoned pets? Well, part of the reason is due to the fact that summertime is breeding time for feral cats. But the numbers have grown substantially over prior summers. So what's going on? In a word, the economy. Foreclosures are on the rise and this affects pets and their owners. Tough economic conditions create hard decisions. Many pet owners have to ask themselves if they can afford to keep...
What Is Crating?
A dog crate is a type of kennel for dogs which is portable and is easily transported around. Its use is to contain the dog for a brief and temporary duration of time so that a specific task can be carried out. It is usually made out of either metal or plastic. "Crating" refers to keeping the dog in the crate so that they can be trained, usually either in terms of housetraining or houseproofing of the dog. Although the reason for crating is obvious, the issue of using it remains controversial. One party stands that crating is a training method that leaves the dog defenseless, while the other party stands that this is argument is indeed the solution. Both arguments are valid; however, there are ways...
Crate training a puppy or dog is a topic that interests new pet owners. It is a very important method used to get dogs house trained. This allows owners to be able to trust their pets when they are not home. The concept behind crate training is that dog owners train their pets to hold going to the bathroom until they are taken outside for a walk. The crate training method on average works well as dogs have a natural inclination not to potty near themselves. While crate training is not difficult, it takes patience and persistence. Puppies when as young as two to three months old will still need to relieve themselves frequently. It is very important to know the steps involved with crate training in...
Are You Allergic to Your Dog? Some Ideas to...
Do you have allergies that you can't seem to control? Do you sneeze and cough and feel as though someone stuck two roles of toilet paper in your nostrils or even the other way around where your nose just won't stop running? If you're like millions of people just like me you have a problem with allergies, and to make that matter even worse you own a pet. There is almost nothing like this situation and if you don't like taking prescription meds for the rest of your life I am here to give you some suggestions as to what you can do to lessen or even overcome this problem. There is a common misconception that if your dog is a breed that has short or no hair at all that your exposure to allergens will be...
Crate Training Your Dog - Help For Owners of...
Think crating your dog is heartless? Well, consider this truism: dogs are den animals, and they instinctively seek protected, dry, dark places to lie down. Visualize the places your dog prefers to be when alone. In a corner, under a table or bed, behind a sofa. A crate can only come natural to him. Feeling any better? Have I assuaged your guilt at least a little? Good. Now you're ready to learn how to use this attribute of your dog to your advantage as well as his. No matter what age your rescue dog is, crate training can be accomplished and it will only produce beneficial results. Of course, there will be that one dog that simply cannot be crated, and that probably means there are other issues...
When Should You Not Share Your Bed With Your Dog?
Over the last century, the role of dogs in the society has drastically evolved. In many countries before, including the United States, dogs were not allowed to enter their owner's houses. They just stayed outside, probably in the backyard, and even had to earn their privilege of getting their own abode. They used to stay in barns or maybe just under the portico. Although there were already what we consider today as lap dogs, these were only for the well-off people. For farmers and commoners, their dogs were made to work, such as killing rodents, scaring off intruders or maybe herding the animals. Various means of dog training were used to ensure that these "working dogs" earned their own keep. Today...
When house breaking a new puppy, people will often use the crate to teach them not to relieve themselves in the home. Dogs need to learn where to go to the bathroom. They will make mistakes so don't punish them severely. You just want to scold them and reward them when they go where you want them to. And don't try to teach them the whole backyard is the right spot. Teach them that THIS spot is where they go when it is time. It usually takes 7 days before they will get the hint and start going to the right spot on their own. With a puppy, you need to be watching them all the time. If they make a mistake it was your fault not the dogs. Watch them closely and when you see them making the signs of...
Dog Kennel Crates
Currently, there is a handful of online dog crates to choose from. You can find these in different varieties such as plastic crates, cotton or even metal. It is often suggested to get a crate which is in between or a "plastic one". These aren't like the metal crates which could harm your pet and instead of being too flimsy like the all cotton crates that puppies can easily chose through - it is perfect for multiple uses. Buying online is often suggested in the case you want to select from various dog kennel crates without being restricted to only a few. Most of the pet stores only carry two to fifteen crates, but by shopping online you will have access to literally hundreds of them. With practically...
Ways You Can Stop Your Dog From Licking
ign="center"> Although dog licking can be considered by some owners a way that the dog gives them love and attention, it can also become an annoyance when other people come into the home and the dog wants to greet them with excessive licking. Even though dog licking is not something that is as dangerous as jumping or aggression, it is still not an appropriate behavior for a dog. It might also cause you embarrassment and your guest might feel uncomfortable in the presence of an over friendly licking dog. Here Are Some Tips Here is a very important point that you should take note. And that is consistency. Consistency should start at the very beginning, when your dog is still a puppy. If you want your...
Crate Training Puppies is Not Cruel
If you mention to someone you know that you're thinking of buying a crate for your puppy they will automatically think you are a cruel dog owner. They associate a dog crate with a cage and then they associate a cage with a cell. A cell is then associated with punishment and so on. And for you to try to explain about the 4 page description you read the night before on why you should crate train your puppy your friend has already created this negative opinion of you. If this situation should come up again you can simple explain that crate training puppies benefits both you and your puppy as you will have a nice clean home and a well trained puppy and your puppy will feel more at home. 'More at home...
Training aggressive dog is a thorny issue and has gotten many dog owners vexed over it. Dog aggression can be a serious problem as there are laws and by-laws in different states that demand the punishment of dog owners in the form of court charges. At the same time, should your dog happen to attack and injure anyone, your poor dog would be put down. That said, with proper dog aggression training, the aggression in dogs can be curbed so that they do not turn on strangers and your closed ones. Are you ready to start learning some 'training aggressive dog' tips? Training aggressive dog first requires some basic understanding of why dogs become aggressive. There could be several reasons that accounts...
When you start to train your pet dog, you need to first establish that you are the leader of the pack overshadowing your dog. This tends to make dog training sessions a lot easier and your dog will actually be more compliant to all your commands. The alpha dog is the supposed leader of all the other dogs in the dog world. He does almost everything first and he also does whatever he wants whenever he wants. This leader of the pack also gets the best of toys and food to eat. He is the sole decision maker for all the other pack animals and the other dogs. They all just do what the alpha dog allows them to do. Hence, if your own pet dog sees you as the leader an owner, then he will definitely obey your...
If you love Chihuahuas, of course you'll want to know more about them. These fascinating animals originated in Chihuahua, Mexico and were objects of worship to the ancient Aztecs. The word "chihuahua" means an arid, sandy place and there are actually several types of Chihuahua dogs. The Chihuahua in part due to their portable size have become quite popular lately and their popularity continues to grow. Although the Chihuahua is known as the smallest of the dog breeds, but what many people don't realize is there are different Chihuahua types. This little powerhouse has a huge heart so don't be fooled by its tiny size! Chihuahuas come in all sorts of colors, including chocolate, cream, silver, blue...
What You Should And Should Not Do When Crate...
All of the dogs will bark, complain and throwing tantrums for the first few days of staying in the crate. They are barking initially because they are not used to the freedom restriction that had been applied to them! They will need few days to adapt to the new environment. So, as a dog owners remember ignore these complains and they will stop barking when feel tired. After a while, they will stop barking and settle down in the crate. To make crate training your dog successfully, you might want to pay attention of the free dog training tips below. When starting to crate training a dog, you must decorate the crate as a place which is comfortable to rest and attractive to your dogs. Presume the crate...
Crate Training For Your New Puppy - 10 Tips For...
If you are thinking about crate training your new puppy, these tips will to make the process easier, both for you and for your dog. 1. Buy the dog crate before you bring your puppy home. This will give you time to arrange the crate and get it ready for your new pet. 2. Make sure you get the right size for your breed of dog. It should be about 1 1/2 times the length of your fully grown dog with enough room for your dog stand up, turn around stretch and lay down on his side. Follow the crate manufacturers guidelines if you are unsure about the size. 3. If your dog is still a puppy, it will be too big for him for now. Buy one with dividers so you can reduce the size of the crate to the size guideline...
Have you tried crate training puppies or dogs but been unsuccessful or do you intend trying to crate train your puppy in the near future? If so then you may be missing what I believe to be the most important part of crate training puppies. When I first used a crate, or cage as some people call it, I didn't find it to be too successful. My dog was very reluctant to go into the crate and would sit as far away from it as possible. He would even stay out of the room, where the crate was kept, only venturing in when every one else was in the room and settled. At this point he would enter the room almost crouching as he passed the crate, at a distance, keeping his eye on the offending object all the time...
Here are 10 tips that will help you prepare both your puppy and your home for kennel training. 1. Different breeds will need different kennels. Larger breeds typically prefer a kennel which is metal and allows them to view the room. Smaller breeds tend to prefer a more cozy, enclosed type of kennel. 2. Buy a kennel that is only big enough for your dog to turn itself around in. This will prevent your puppy from using the kennel as a toilet. Remember, this means as your dog grows, you must purchase a new kennel. 3. If you choose to buy a larger crate that your dog will "grow" into, make sure you purchase one that can be sectioned off to about the size listed above. 4. Crates can be expensive so check...