the Dog House

by John Mailer

There are five basic steps when it comes to changing your dog’s diet. They are as follows:

Step 1: lf a dog is in a new environment, has a new owner, or is being required to undergo some other emotional or physical strain, dog food changes should be postponed until the stress has been eliminated or the dog has adapted to it. With changes in ownership, the dog food fed by the previous owner should be obtained if at all possible and fed until the dog becomes accustomed to its new surroundings.

Step 2: Once the dog is in a proper emotional state to accept a dietary change it should be accomplished without delay. Start by substituting 25 percent of the old dog food with the new dog food. Mix the two thoroughly making every attempt to conceal the new food within the old. This mixture should be fed until the dog eats the mixture with the same relish that it ate its previous dog food. For some dogs this may be the first time the mixture is fed; for others it may take several days or even weeks. Don’t hurry the procedure. After all, the dog may have had 24 months to get accustomed to its old diet. Don’t expect it to change all of that in just 24 hours. Once the dog is eating the 25:75 mixture as well as it did its previous food, proceed to step three

Step 3: During the third step, 50 percent of the old dog food is replaced by new food and slightly less effort is made to conceal it within the old dog food. Again, when the dog is eating the 50:50 mixture with the same gusto it did its previous food, proceed to step four.

Step 4: Now 75 percent of the new dog food is present in the mixture being fed, and little if any effort is made to conceal the new dog food except to mix it evenly with the ordinal food. By now, most dogs will readily accept the increased mixture the first time it is fed. If the dog accepted the 50:50 mixture at the first feeding, step four can be eliminated and you can proceed directly to step five.

Step 5: This is the final step, the one in which all of the old dog food is eliminated from the dog’s diet. One hundred percent of the new dog food is fed from then on. For some dogs this procedure may take only three days and require only steps two, three and five. For others it may take longer and must progress through each step separately. Do not become discouraged. With dogs, food likes and dislikes are mostly learned from previous experiences. Changing a dog food is a process of unlearning and relearning, and such things cannot be hurried.

The third general consideration is to make sure that the balance of dog nutrition remains the same.There is no better time to check out exactly what dog nutrition level your dog needs. Just hit the browser with dog nutrition and all the information is there before your eyes.

About the Author

John Mailer has written many articles about dogs and puppies and how to train them. His main business is as an internet marketer Make Extra Money Online Dog Food

by Lori Matthews

The New Year is a time for making resolutions, things that you want to change to make the year a brighter one. For many, it is losing weight and for some it is giving up smoking. We all make one, whether we stick to it or not and it is a tradition that will always be in our lives. However, New Year’s resolutions do not only have to be for you, they could also stretch towards your pets. For example, wouldn’t it be nice to make a resolution so that your dog could have a better life?

Creating a New Years Resolution for Your Dog

If you are thinking of making a New Year’s resolution for your dog, you may be wondering what to start with. For many dog owners, the main thing that they would like to change for their dog is how active they are. A lot of dogs gain weight through no fault of their own and their owners up until now, have not given them the appropriate exercise that they need in order to stay healthy. So, one New Year’s resolution could include taking the dog on more walks.

Another thing that is extremely important is your dog’s diet. Many dog owners feed their dogs a variety of fatty foods that are basically just not good for them. They do not do this to fatten the dog up, they do it because they love the dog or feel guilty and they want to treat the dog to the wonderful things the dog enjoys - eating. Some feed less quality dog food that contains fillers, binders, artificial ingredients, by-products and more. However, these fatty treats and low quality foods are really not good for the dog and that can lead to various health problems. So, another New Year’s resolution that you should take on board is feeding your dog a healthier diet including premium dog food and treats.

How Dog and Human New Year’s Resolutions Are the Same

Basically, it is just like looking at your own New Year’s resolutions when making resolutions for your dog only they depend on you to stick with it. You want to stay healthy and in order to do that you need to eat healthy and exercise more. The same goes for your dog. They need to be exercised and they need the right food, otherwise they can end up unfit and extremely unhealthy. If you really care about your dog, it is really important to take good care of him. Sure, your dog may love nothing more than a cookie every now and again, but depending on the ingredients, it simply may not be healthy and it could potentially harm your dog.

You need to stick to a healthy eating plan for your dog as his health really does start from the inside. When you have a healthy dog, you will notice that they are happier and a lot more active. So, if you have not yet started to look at your dog’s diet and exercise routine, now would be the perfect time at the start of a brand New Year.

Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets.

About the Author

Please visit her site containing information on quality, premium dog food by Lifes Abundance

by Sherry Massey

Chances are, at one time or another you will need to turn to someone else to care for your dog. Perhaps you’ve accepted a work assignment that will keep you out of town for a month. Maybe you’re finally going on that long awaited cruise. Whatever the reason, you find yourself in need of someone dependable and trustworthy to care for Rover. Although some dogs do best at home with a pet sitter, other dogs do better in a boarding kennel. Consider your dog’s personality and needs before making a decision.

Things to know up front: For kennels, pet boarding is a business. Their success depends on volume as much as quality care. Kennels care for many animals at the same time and your pet will probably be kept in a cage or run. Don’t expect a kennel to give your pet the same kind of attention and affection that you do; it just won’t happen. But good kennels employee people with a natural love of dogs that will be kind and gentle and care for your pet to the best of their ability.

Kennel choices: Most vet offices offer boarding services. While vet office care may be limited, with smaller cages and limited exercise opportunities, many people, especially those whose animals have medical needs, feel more secure leaving their pets with a trusted vet. Other owners turn to private boarding kennels that can range from bare-bones to luxurious. Sparse facilities do not differ much from vet offices. Cages are usually small and exercise is limited to two walks a day. More expensive facilities offer mixed playtime for dogs that are socialized, outdoor exercise areas, larger runs rather than cages, and grooming services (all of which may be at an extra charge). Upscale doggie hotels are all the rage in some areas. Your dog may receive a massage, bath and haircut, obedience training, soothing music and luxurious bedding while you’re gone.

Where to start: Whatever level of care you decide on, there are some basic things to know and do before making a final decision on where to board your pet. Price, comfort, health and safety are all valid concerns. After all, you’re entrusting someone else with one of the most emotionally valuable things in your life.

Ask friends, neighbors, family, and your vet or dog trainer for recommendations. Then do a little background investigation. If your state requires licensing and inspections, make sure the kennels you are considering are in good standing. Also ask whether the prospective kennel belongs to the American Boarding Kennels Association. This trade association promotes professional standards, requires members subscribe to a code of ethics, and offers accreditation for professionalism, safety and quality of care. If you’re satisfied that a kennel meets basic requirements, schedule a visit.

What to look for: First impressions are important. Sniff the air as soon as you walk in. There should be no strong antiseptic smell or odor of urine or feces. Some antiseptic odor is understandable in concrete areas, but if odors assail your nose as you walk in the door, you may want to consider another kennel.

Look for a pleasant atmosphere. Do the current boarded dogs look happy? Do they come to the front of the kennel to greet you? Dogs that lie to the back and do not interact are a bad sign. Is the staff competent, confident, friendly and caring or do they seem harassed and irritable? Are there a sufficient number of workers or are they short-handed and overworked? Is the kennel owner ready and willing to show you where your dog will be housed and exercise areas? If not, cross this one off your list.

Make mental notes as you tour the facilities. Are dog beds clean? Look for clean food bowls and water bowls without scum or floating objects. Are the runs clean or is there feces lying around? It’s impossible to keep all runs clean 100% of the time, but you’ll be able to tell the difference between filth and recent deposits. Is the kennel yard full of debris? Is the building in need of serious repair? Is there good ventilation and a comfortable temperature? If possible, take a look at the kitchen. A clean kitchen is a good indicator of a clean pet area. Get a tour of outdoor exercise areas and runs. Are they protected from the elements? Is the noise level overwhelming? Although it is impossible to prevent dogs from barking, especially while someone is walking through the facility, the kennel should not be overcrowded to the point where dogs are constantly barking. Observe any activities offered. Note especially how aggressive dogs are handled.

Brass tacks: If your first impressions are favorable, then get down to details. You need to know if pets are required to be current on vaccinations. Some kennels now require that your dog be vaccinated against Bordetella, canine kennel cough. Many kennels will allow you to bring your dog’s regular food. It not only cuts down on their costs, but helps your dog adjust to kennel life. If it is important that your pet stay on his regular diet, ask; don’t just assume. What veterinary services are available? Does the kennel have a vet on call? You may prefer that the kennel call your vet if there is a need. Make this information readily available and let your vet know that your pet will be staying at a kennel while you are gone. Ask questions about feeding schedules. If your pet needs regular doses of medication, make sure this service is offered. Find out how much exercise your dog will be getting and how often they are allowed to potty. Can you bring your dog’s bedding from home and his favorite toy? Is it important to you that a staff member be on the property around the clock? If so, make sure this is the case at your chosen facility. Be sure to get a breakdown of charges. Some services are included in basic daily rates, some are not. If price is an issue, get the details worked out up front so you won’t be surprised when you get home. And last, but not least, trust your instincts. If you just don’t feel good about a particular kennel, go somewhere else.

Prepare your pet: So, you’ve taken all the preliminary measures and selected a kennel for your pet. Now you need to prepare Rover for his stay. If the facility offers doggy day care services in addition to longer term care, give your pet the chance to try it out. Take him once or twice for just the day. Take special note of his first impressions and reactions. Quiz the staff on his behavior and interaction with the other animals.

Be sure your pet knows basic commands. Make sure he is current on vaccinations and is flea-free (most kennels require it). If your pet is going to be at the kennel for an extended time, you may consider a trial run of a weekend excursion. This allows you to work out any kinks before the longer stay. If necessary, teach your dog to sit before being petted or fed and to walk quietly on a leash. Socialize him to strangers, especially if medication or grooming will be provided at the kennel. Make sure he is accustomed to a crate if he will be in one at the kennel. It will make the stay less stressful and fearful for your pet.

Prepare the kennel staff: No one likes surprises, not even kennel staff who are accustomed to working with all animal personalities. If your dog has any unusual fears, aggression triggers or other idiosyncrasies, be honest for the safety and well-being of all involved. Let them know if Rover is not reliably housetrained, hates men or eats things he’s not supposed to.

On kennel day: Exercise Rover before you turn him over to the kennel staff. Leave the kids at home. Walk in the kennel door, give Rover a gentle pat, tell him you’ll see him soon and let him go. Long goodbyes, hugs and tears will only stress out your pet (and you). He’s not going to hate you for leaving. Go have fun.

Coming home: One last thing, don’t be surprised or alarmed if your dog segregates himself and sleeps a lot upon coming home. He is not upset with you or had a miserable time. Dogs in kennels are awake from the crack of dawn until nighttime. They are excited by barking dogs, meal times and visitors walking past them. He may simply be exhausted.

Boarding kennels can be a good solution for those times when your pet has to be left behind. Do your homework and find the best facility for you and your pet. It is well worth the time. Your peace of mind and your pet’s health are your reward.

Copyright 2007 Sherry Massey

About the Author

Sherry Massey is the owner of Barker and Friends Natural Pet Treats. Our mission is to provide healthy all natural treats and food to help your dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Please visit us at www.naturalbarker.com for a great selection of all natural treats we make from scratch, Flint River Ranch All Natural Pet Food, pet supplies and resources.

by Indra Guldi

Have you been having difficulty training your dog? Here are some basic rules that you need to know before you star training marathon.

The First Rule of general training is Always Be Consistent. If you are going to use a certain word or phrase as part of a command always say the exact same thing in the same tone of voice. Everyone that is involved in your puppy training should know and use the same expression.

The Second Rule of general training is Keep Training Sessions Short. Dogs and especially puppies, do not possess long attention spans. They burn out quickly and become bored. Most successful trainers limit training sessions to no more that 10 or 15 minutes regardless of the age of the animal. One of the ways to get additional training time is to use obvious opportunities to reinforce the command, when your animal is doing something that you are trying to train him to do.

The Third Rule of general training is Stay Calm and In Control. This is where most people fail in training. You can never lose control or get excited because when you do you may become mad, lose your temper, and do something exceptionally stupid and this way set back the animal’s understanding of the particular command . The Fourth Rule of general training is Do Not Over Praise. Some prefer to give a treat, others may use the expression “Good Dog,” and a third group may only give a single, gentle petting action. They all work because they show to the dog that you are pleased or approve of his actions. Too much of a good thing and the animal forgets what the two of you are doing. The command and his response are no longer reinforcing correct behavior.

The Fifth Rule of general training is to Always End on A Positive Note. Every training session should end with praise. The last thing you ask or command the puppy to do should be completed with the puppy doing it correctly.

The Sixth Rule of general training is Forget Discipline.In some cases a stern “No” is all that is required. You catch the animal urinating in the house, you say “No,” pick the puppy up and carry her outside. Dogs understand a change in the tone of your voice much better than they do most punishment.

More pet command training instructions you can find at Obedience Pet School Training!

About the Author

Born 1975, in Eastern Europe.right now living in Califoria.

by Sandra Faist

Is your dog your best friend? Let’s see; they are happy to see us when we get home; they don’t talk back (not too much, anyway), and they love us unconditionally. It doesn’t matter who we are, what we do, or how we look. Plus they keep us warm at night. What more could you want in a best friend?

Now that we’ve determined that your everyday house dog could easily be our best friend, think about those animals that stay by their owners side every minute, helping them to see, helping them to hear, or understanding that a seizure is coming on; to name just a few. These dogs protect and take care of us as much as we take care of them. They are service dogs; or, helper dogs. And of course, there are police dogs that spend their days protecting their owner. These are remarkable animals.

Additionally, there are dogs that are simply your companion or the family pet. That is until they are needed to go to work. These are your search and rescue dogs. They are trained to search for missing people as well as recover those lost in a drowning or other disaster. Earthquakes, an avalanche or rock slide, homes and buildings collapsing from the force of a hurricane or tornado, are just a few disasters these dogs are trained for. Search and rescue dogs work as a team with their volunteer handlers. The handler raises the dog and is responsible for all aspects of his training. Specific traits are required to be a search and rescue (SAR) dog. Any medium to large breed can do the job, but it’s the dog’s personality that is most important. The dogs are evaluated for their temperament; they must be friendly; they must be eager to please; and they must be obedient and attentive. They also must enjoy tracking and be able to concentrate on following a scent. To the dog it’s a game, and as long as they are praised or rewarded, they are happy to keep searching.

Training for search and rescue (SAR) dogs is extensive, taking about 600 hours before they are field ready. Handlers’ training takes 1000 hours. Training of the dogs varies depending on how they respond, and progresses at different rates. Their reaction to the training and the reward varies too. The dogs are trained for specific types of searches.

With their keen sense of smell, 40 times that of humans, dogs are able to find victims both on the ground and in the water. Air-scenting dogs are used to find missing people, as they are able to pick up human scent that is drifting in the air. They work off a lead with their heads up and are valuable for searches in collapsed buildings and finding victims of drowning. They look for people that aren’t tracked from one point to another. Tracking dogs follow the scent trail left by a human being that has passed along a certain route; they don’t rely on air scent. The trailing dog is trained to find a specific person. They are given something that belongs to the missing person, such as a piece of clothing. They work on-lead and follow the scent trail wherever it leads, even if it is mixed with other scents.

The Bloodhound is particularly good as a trailing dog because their long ears and loose facial skin trap scents right by their noses. Bloodhounds can sometimes follow trails that are a week old, whereas other dogs must be at the scene within hours. Disaster dogs are trained largely for searches of missing people due to tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or anything else that causes a structure to collapse. They are taught to work on unsteady surfaces and to navigate in small places.

A cadaver dog is trained specifically for finding the scent of dead humans. Water search dogs are able to capture scent on or underneath the water. They will frequently work with their handler on a boat. There are dogs specifically trained to search for victims of an avalanche. When the dog locates the victim, they alert both the victim and their handler before proceeding to help dig out the victim. Dogs can pick up a scent up to 15 feet beneath the snow.

When a dog searches for a missing person, he is given an article of clothing, or another item with the person’s scent. If a family member joins in the search, the dog may be unable to discern the difference between the missing person and the family member. This is because family members have similar scents. It is best to let the dog search the area before anyone else goes near it.

Search and rescue dogs are trained to find live humans and if no survivors are found, the dogs may actually become discouraged. This may be due to the fact that the dog is so attuned to their handler’s mood. Also, when they find someone alive, their reward comes in the form of the feedback they receive. After all, the reason the dog does his job is to get the reward; and finding a survivor is the ultimate reward.

About the Author

The author was in the insurance and medical industries for 20 years, the last 16 with the same medical practice. Now she is working at home writing and building her business; and enjoying more time with her children. She is the Softball Editor for BellaOnline.

http://dogstotherescue.com http://search-and-rescue-dogs.blogspot.com

by Matt Ryan

At some point in time most dog owners will encounter the problem of their dog pulling on the leash. This sometimes happens at the most inopportune of times and can become both an issue for the owner and the dog as well.

The best procedure for putting a stop to leash pulling is to start training your dog for the leash at an early age. When you first start taking your dog on walks try not to be predictive with where you’re going and what you’re doing. If you notice that your dog is about to head out to the end of the leash, turn direction and go in the opposite way he or she is doing.

Make sure that when doing this that your turn of direction happens before the leash gets tight. Doing this consistently and on every walk, especially in the beginning, your dog will learn to pay attention to what you are doing instead of going his or her own way. Thus, you’ll be putting a stop to leash pulling problems before they even become a problem.

One of the most effective methods for putting an end to your dog’s leash pulling habit is the start and stop method. The real beauty of this method is the simplicity of it. When your dog begins to pull on the leash, stop walking and have him or her heal. That’s it. There is nothing more to it than that.

Continue doing this every time your dog pulls on the leash and over time the leash pulling problem will become less and less. As with all aspects of training a dog, consistency and repetitiveness is important. Dogs are creatures of habit so use that habit to your advantage to putting an end to your dogs leash pulling.

An important thing to remember when leash training your dog is to not allow frustration guide how you react when things aren’t going as well as planned. Your dog will feed off of your negative emotions, in turn adopting a similar frustrated attitude and can easily become nervous. At which point, anything you’re trying to teach will not be learned and most likely turn into a set back.

Regardless of what method you use when trying to put an end to leash pulling or trying to prevent it from happening, when your dog does something positive, reward him or her positively. Positive reinforcement via treats, praise or a combination of both will go a long way to improving any training you’re trying to accomplish.

About the Author

Matt operates the dog information website A Happy Dog

by Susie Aga

You know when you see a puppy your heart jumps and you just fall in love with it and your mind takes a back seat; but most people forget adopting a puppy or dog is a huge responsibility. Adding a puppy to your household is like having a baby. It can be all consuming. Your house will be rearranged, your sleep schedule will be interrupted and your old life will slowly disappear. You will find stains that were not there before; things will go missing, and don’t forget their favorite thing: shoes that you innocently kicked off when you walked in the door will be chewed up. Those are just a few things that will happen with a new puppy.

The pluses for getting a dog or puppy are far more fulfilling than the minuses. You have unconditional love for the rest of both your lives. You have a constant companion who loves you no matter what. They love you when you stink or if you are in a bad mood, even when having a bad hair day they still look at you like you’re their bit of heaven. NO ONE loves you unconditionally except God; remember, dog is God spelled backwards.

You have to prepare yourself for adoption by researching which breed is right for your lifestyle and your personality. You have to ask yourself these questions.

1. How active or inactive am I and can my dog keep up or can I keep up with the dog?

2. How much time can I spend with the dog?

3. Is my environment large enough for a dog to live in? Does this dog need a small or large yard or does it even want to go outside at all?

4. Can I afford a dog, its dog food, yearly vaccines, vet bills and grooming if necessary?

5. Am I willing to change my life and routine to care for the dog and take the time to train and socialize the dog so it can be a life-long companion?

6. Will this dog be tolerant of my children and are my children at an age that they can interact properly with a dog and not annoy it.

These are just a few questions you should ask yourself:

If you are looking for a dog to keep up with your active life you might want a breed that is bred for all day long endurance.

High energy breeds need a lot of exercise and attention. Some can be high maintenance; you must make time to socialize, exercise and train your dog. You will become their mother/father, best friend and their teacher. If you have time for all that is needed, then a high energy dog can be perfect for your busy lifestyle. If your lifestyle is very active and you are considering a Shi Tzu you might want to think twice. If you are a couch potato in an apartment and are thinking of a Border Collie you might as well just go ahead and shoot yourself in the foot now and get it over with.

Here are some good matches for active outdoorsy people.

Labrador and Golden retrievers are great dogs and were bred to be around hunters and they take direction from humans very well. They have an abundance of energy and do well in an active environment. These breeds definitely need a fenced-in yard. They have to be able to run and exercise on a regular basis. They can be very rambunctious and overwhelming for small children if not properly exercised. Check out the Labrador and Golden Retriever rescue groups. This is a great way to save a dog’s life and to get a pure bred in the process. Rescue dogs in my opinion make the best pets; for some reason they seem to know they have been rescued and return the favor by rescuing you from a boring ho-hum life.

A few other high-energy breeds that are good with kids [some can be too exuberant for toddlers] and great companions for your family are:

Setters, Spaniels, Retrievers, Collies, Weimaraners, Shepherd, Jack Russell Terriers and Corgis just to name a few. There are rescue groups for all breeds and I strongly suggest rescuing a dog versus buying one if at all possible.

Now if you’re a couch potato or a homebody I suggest looking into some of the more laid-back breeds that really do not care to get their royal manes dirty, like a Pekingese, Pug or Shih Tzu, just to name a few. Most of these guys will adapt their energy level to their environment. The smaller breeds are more adaptable to apartment and inner city living than some of the larger breeds that will take up and need more space.

I have adopted dogs from rescue organizations all my life and it has been my experienced that the MUTTS I have adopted have been the best dogs I ever had. Their temperament and health seemed to be better than the pure breeds that came into my family. Mutts are truly my favorite.

There are plenty of rescue groups out there that would be more than happy to help you find your new family member. Do your homework and be prepared for adoption; that is your duty as a human. It is a huge responsibility and it requires your commitment for the rest of the dog’s life.

It is a proven fact that dogs can make you live longer. People that have pets are less stressed out and have less anxiety than others. Dogs are like wet cement in that whatever touches them leaves an impression. My favorite quote is from M. Gandhi “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Local rescue organizations can help you find a perfect match for your family. Please visit PetFinder.com to find rescues in your area. You can also look up animal rescue groups in Google and type in the specific breed you are looking for and so many will come up, you’re bound to find exactly what your heart desires.

About the Author

Susie Aga, Atlanta Dog Trainer Susie is a Certified Canine Behavior & Training Specialist and a member in good standing with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She has four rescue dogs and donates much of her time and services to Rescue Organizations, along with hosting The Animal Hour Radio Show which can be heard through her site. Susie is a Turner Brocasting Pet Expert.

by John Hinkle

House training an old dog is possible, despite what majority of humans imagine. A canine is never too old to acquire where you desire him or her to go relieve them. When you first begin house disciplining for an senior dog you are supposed to reject any health problems that may constitute for more difficult potty training. When you reject medical troubles it’s time to begin home training for your elder huge canine! With passage of time and support you will see that your senior mutt will contentedly go potty within their selected area.

Have Fun House educating an Elder Dog

You need to try to like the understanding of house training your canine or at the least provide the feeling of doing so. If you look at the process as a duty your mutt will pick up on your attitude. If you advance the house disciplining method with a positive view, things will go much more smoothly for both of you. potty disciplining an older canine will take a bit of time and patience, but usually a excellent attitude will get you both all the way through.

Consider to be tolerant throughout this crucial phase, remember, your dog did not have the benefit of learning early. Mutt’s ’s are just like humans; they get set in their behavior and build up functions. They may have never even thought of moving to the toilet anywhere else but where they usually go, so it might take you some time to force them to break their acts. Have confidence; home teaching an senior canine is achievable!

Various challenges you might find while home breaking an senior canine is it’s idleness about your mutt’s’s motivation to learn. An inability to split old routine can be difficult at times for various mutt’s’sthat is set in their habit. Aged mutt’s’s can be immense, but they are repeatedly idle and indifferent to admire when compared to a puppy, which could make home educating hard. For second time, I repeat, don’t loose hope! Endurance is the key here.

Remember Using training Help when House Educating an Older Canine

You may find it very useful to make use of potty disciplining aids while house educating an senior dog. Some types of the products you may want to look at are summarized below:

·Fragranced puppy pads which smell similar to urine & magnetize the dog to a particular area!

·Newspaper can be useful especially when combined with urine perfumed spray or drops.

·Crate educating will support your mutt to maintain her private area spotless until you can escort him or her to the proper place to potty.

·Take the dog out every two - three hours to the “designated house place” and force him or her when they go to the good place.

·Room or seclusion training, which works the equal way as crate training, motivates the canine to maintain his or her space hygienic.

You may find it beneficial to use numerous of these techniques when home educating your elder large dog. For instance, you might want to place your elder dog in a crate while you are absent from home, but when you come home you can take the canine outside every 1 or 3 hours to force him or her to go in the good place. The key is to be consistent, to do the similar things every day so that your dog picks up on the attitude & in due course does it on his or her own.

Constructive Reinforcement Takes Devotion & Time

If your mutt goes to the restroom in the wrong place, scold them if you catch them in the act. It often helps to shift the accidents to the proper spce, if possible. If you don’t find them in the act, scolding them would not help the situation. In spite of, focus on pleasing them when you are disciplining your canine friend. When you see your canine go house in the correct spot, honor them, and simply offer them constructive attention. Make Consistent application to this & your older mutt will be home trained & living contentedly within the restrictions of your house.

potty training an senior mutt can be annoying, so remember that steadiness & honor will go a long, long way. Old habits die hard, so do not stop with the routine even if you are quite certain that your huge canine has it down. Stay determined with the process until the canine can show to you over a long span of time that they are truly home taught.

Learn more about house training tips at http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-training-articles/dog-house-training/ . For more information regarding large dog breeds and specific training agendas, visit http://largedogbreedz.com

by Kelly Marshall

Of the approximately four hundred breeds of dog in the world, there are only 146 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Divided into sub groups, these groups are:

· Terriers · Non-sporting · Toys · Sporting · Working · Hounds · Herding

In the terrier group, some of the breeds of dog are American Staffordshire terrier, border terriers, bull terriers, fox terriers, and jack russell terriers. These breeds of dogs are usually competitive and determined. The fighting breeds, such as bull terriers and pit bulls, are assertive and fearless but they are trying to breed down their aggression. The vermin hunters such as jack Russel terriers are extremely fast.

In the non-sporting group, there is a huge diversity in origin, size and type of dogs. They bred many in the non-sporting groups to do specific jobs but because it is obsolete, they became companion dogs. The most popular are miniature and standard poodles. Some of the other dogs in the non-sporting group are chow chow, Dalmatian, American Eskimo, French bulldog, and Boston terrier.

The toy group consists of very small dogs that are wonderful companions. They are usually very affectionate pets and great for smaller homes and apartments. Some of the many dogs in the toy group are Boston terrier, cavalier King Charles spaniel, Chihuahua, Papillon, toy poodle and pug.

Dogs in the sporting group are alert and naturally active with remarkable instincts in the woods or water. Many sporting dogs still participate in field activities and hunting. These loyal, intelligent dogs require a lot of exercise. Some sporting dogs are the American water spaniel, Chesapeake Bay retriever, pointer, Irish water spaniel and Labrador retriever.

Working dogs do just that. They breed these dogs to do jobs such as water rescues, pulling dog sleds, avalanche rescue, smell out illegal drugs and guarding people or property. Saint Bernard dogs, Dobermans, boxers are just a few of many working dogs.

Dogs in the hound group are great hunters. Some use their intense sense of smell to trail their prey. Other hounds have tremendous stamina which shows when they run down their quarry. Some dogs in the hound group are beagles, black and tan coonhounds, American foxhound, and the bloodhound. Hounds have a very distinct howl that is not for everyone.

Dogs in the herding group have an uncanny ability to control sheep and other livestock by controlling their movements. Although most herding dogs are fabulous family pets, their herding instincts are still apparent when they try herding their owners, especially children. Along with herding, these dogs love playing, working, exercise, and easy to train. Herding dogs make fabulous companions and are quick at training exercises. Some herding dogs are the Australian cattle dog, Border collie, Belgian sheepdog, collie, Pembroke Welsh corgi, German shepherd and Shetland sheepdogs.

The advantage of getting a purebred dog is their predictable behavior but there are many wonderful mixed breeds dogs also. No matter which group of dog you consider for a pet always become knowledgeable before selecting a breed.

About the Author

The more unique designer dog beds are at Oh My Dog Supplies. Find steel feeders, quality dog furniture, luxury dog couches, and more.

by Mike A. Jones

It is crucial to learn how to take care of a dog well before taking ownership. A dog requires a serious investment of the following resources:

1. Time 2. Energy 3. Finances

By the time you finish reading this article, the first level of your education on how to take care of a dog will be complete.

Below you will find 21 key factors involved. 11 are under Basic Needs, 5 under Equipment, and 5 under Treatment.

Section 1: Learn how to take care of a dog by being aware of their BASIC NEEDS

Dogs need:

1. Toilet and obedience training. A lack of training in these two areas can result in frustration and inconvenience for the owner to say the least, and at worst the dog could become a danger to their owners, the public, and to themselves.

2. To be with other dogs or people. Leaving them alone for long periods can have a serious effect on their health and well being. Even being left alone for 4 or more hours a day can contribute to destructive behavior.

3. To be brushed every day. This is especially important if their coat has long hair.

4. To have their teeth brushed and cleaned regularly.

5. Regular walks. How far and how often will depend on the size and nature of the dog.

6. A well thought out, balanced diet. You may need to get advice from your vet. A good range of high protein, fat, and carbohydrates is needed to ensure the dog remains healthy. Often the prepared foods available in pet shops or supermarkets contain the needed balance.

7. Plenty of water: A bowl of fresh, clean water should always be available.

8. Space: a fenced in area for play and exercise. The area will need to be kept clean of dog waste to avoid a health hazard.

9. A dry, warm place to sleep out of a draught. The bedding should be aired each day and preferably washed or replaced weekly.

10. Arrangements to be cared for when the owner take a vacation.

11. A vet so you can quickly take them in case of sickness or emergency. Think out carefully your choice of a vet. What equipment and facilities does the surgery offer? What costs are involved? Does the vet communicate well with you so you feel relaxed asking questions?

Section 2: Learn how to take care of a dog by obtaining the EQUIPMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. A lead for walking in urban areas.

2. A collar and/with an identity label or tag.

3. A bed and a dog blanket.

4. A scoop to collect dog waste for disposal.

5. A good quality dog brush.

Section 3: Learn how to take care of a dog by arranging for the TREATMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. Regular checks and treatment for worms and fleas.

2. Injections to protect against serious diseases: check with your vet.

3. Regular teeth checkups by the vet.

4. Optional: Neutering.

5. Optional: Microchip implanting.

Regarding the last two optional procedures, keep these points in mind:

Apart from avoiding unwanted pregnancy, some authorities say neutering can make a dog a better pet. For example, neutered dogs tend to be less dominant, and have a lesser tendency to roam and mark territory.

Dog microchipping will allow you to easily locate your dog in the event it gets lost or stolen. Regretfully many dogs end up with new owners, or are taken to dog shelters, because their owners cannot find them. The microchip can forestall that heartbreaking scenario.

The microchip is no larger than a grain of rice. The procedure is no more painful than a vaccination as the tiny chip is implanted under the loose skin over the dog’s shoulder.

The guidelines above emphasize the need to carefully think out dog ownership. However, this is just the first part of the education.

To have an in-depth understanding of how to take care of a dog, you are well advised to have a good talk with a local veterinary surgeon who can answer specific questions relating to the type of dog that is best suited for your circumstances.

Once you have decided on a particular breed, seek out other owners of that breed and learn more about the characteristics of the dog and considerations you will have to keep in mind. You will get a very accurate perspective by talking to other dog owners.

Learn how to take care of a dog well before ownership and you will be rewarded with an intelligent, loyal friend who will give you unlimited fun and enjoyment!

About the Author

5 tips for choosing the best vet - check Mike’s tutorial:

http://www.vitalstop.com/PuppyTraining

Get the right leash:

http://www.vitalstop.com/PuppyTraining/3-RightLeash.htm