the Dog House

by Rena Murray

The peaceful dog park erupts suddenly into a hotbed of aggression dog dominance, with your dog and others engaged in a nasty show of dog dominance behavior. What happened? Who is to blame? How might this be prevented?

The first prevention, of course, is to ensure that your dog has had ample psychological and physical challenge and release PRIOR TO entry into the dog park, such as with a forty-five minute walk on a heel. Then you enter with your dog clearly under your control, so the other dogs there do not feel they must teach him the rules, as they would naturally in the wild. Unfortunately, though, most dog walkers expect the park to be the place of outlet for the dog, so all kinds of pent-up issues enter the gates, just waiting to erupt.

Now, dog owners, please do not tell someone off with unacceptable words or gestures if their dog seems to have started a fight with yours. The true instigator might well have been your dog or another. You have heard of “fighting words” with people, and the adage that “the second to strike gets caught,” so why would you expect anything different in the dog world?

If you have a little trouble-maker, bring a professional dog behaviorist with you to see what is really going on with your dog. Then too, what might you be doing wrong?

If your little one tends to be attacked, then perhaps it is not the fault of the big Doberman. Perhaps your precious little Pomeranian was a silent aggressor. You need to find out through a trained eye, and correct any dog behavior problems. The subtle ones can sometimes be the most insidious and most difficult for the normal owner to detect.

If your little dog gets right in the face of the big dog, he is challenging the big dog. Give him a firm correction, or the big dog is going to pin him down. It is not proper dog instinctive behavior nor fair for a Chihuahua to go after a person or dog any more than a big Rottweiler. That must not be tolerated by people, and you certainly cannot expect another dog to put up with it, either!

So remember to be fair and consistent. Same rules for everybody, from the German Shepherd to the Jack Russell.

Also, stop picking up the little ones! That is reinforcing the bad dog behavior by sending the message, “It’s okay.” Learn to give firm “pack bites” or touches to the instigators, big and little, before a fight escalates.

What to do when two dogs have fought with each other?

The wrong reaction is what you most often see - pulling Spike and Butch away from each other while yelling “Bad dog!” or “No, no!” at them, and things like “You’re not coming back until you behave!” Not only did all of that go in one ear and out the other, but you left the dogs holding the bag and with a traumatic experience. So the next time Spike and Butch see each other, they are immediately going to fight. They go back to what they were doing before.

Now here is how to fix it. First, both owners, CHILL OUT! Not every pair of dogs gets along right away when they first meet. Gain firm control of your dog, breathe deeply and relax, then bring the dogs back to each other. Do not allow either one to face the other. Sit them down, back to back and fairly close. Whoever calms down first - let’s say it’s Spike - let him smell Butch, but do not let Butch turn around and look at him until Butch is also relaxed.

Next, take a walk with them together, owners in between. That turns Spike and Butch into a pack, and while pack members might have little spats, they do not really fight with each other. That is not allowed. Then, bring them back to the dog park and let them play with each other. This removes the traumatic experience from both. It is a step-by-step process.

So avoid aggression dog dominance, shows of dog dominance behavior, those nasty fights! Going to the dog park? Take the doggie rules with you!

About the Author

For help with Dog Dominance Behavior and Dog Behavior Problems, contact RENA MURRAY at http://www.PawPersuasion.com/ for COACHING! This Dog Behaviorist-Dog Obedience Trainer blends best of the Dog Whisper Behavior and other methods in no-nonsense Articles, FREE Email Newsletter - PAW PERSUASION POINTERS, and Paw Persuasion Blog - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/ . Get help with Rena!

by Andi Wize

The flights are reserved, the bags packed and the kids are finally ready! But just as you’re rushing out the door, you run into Fido with those big, sad puppy eyes. Oh NO, what about Fido?

When planning vacation and holiday getaways, our pets are often a forgotten, last-minute detail.

Next time, consider using a pet sitter. It allows your dog to stay in the comfort of their home and maintain their normal routine. These are things even well-meaning friends or family, and certainly kennels, cannot offer. Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help protect your home from intruders.

But how do you find the perfect pet sitter? Start looking before your next trip and follow these 10 recommendations:

1. Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used. Word-of-mouth is often the best reference.

2. The Interview. Set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved with the dog or are they distant or restrained around them? Does your dog want the pet sitter’s attention? Don’t second-guess your dog’s reaction (or your own); if they don’t seem engaged, move on.

3. Questions, Questions. The kind and volume of questions pet sitters ask will showcase their actual experience in caring for your particular breed of dog. A professional sitter will take notes; you should too. If they don’t ask questions, cross them off your list!

4. Affiliations. Judging solely by an organization affiliation (such as PSI - Pet Sitters International or NAPPS - National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) is tempting. However, remember these national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up.

5. Client References. Ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person.

6. Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, is does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy.

7. The Dotted Line. Ask for a copy of their contract and carefully review the details later. A contract will protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions!

8. Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a great idea. Monitor your dog’s reaction; is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong or very energetic).

9. Listen to your gut! Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it doesn’t “feel” right, it’s not! Keep looking.

10. Before you leave. Leave detailed instructions (prepared earlier), phone number(s) in the event of an emergency, and your vet’s name and number.

Investing your time in advance and following these steps will ensure the best possible pet sitting experience. So the next time you’re making those early travel plans, remember to put Fido, and his pet sitter, on your checklist to avoid those big, sad puppy eyes!

About the Author

Article by Dog-and-Cat-Training.com Visit http://www.dog-and-cat-training.com/dog-training/ for more dog training articles, over 100 dog and cat tips, and more!

by Richard Cussons

The Maltese is a small Toy dog that stands no more than 10 inches at the shoulders. He weighs between 6 - 9 pounds and is covered in a long mantle of white, straight silky fur. Maltese are extremely sweet and loveable little dogs that have been apart of aristocracy for more than 28 centuries. This breed was celebrated by the Greeks, Italians and, of course, residents of Malta.

Even though the breed is now adored by both the rich and everyday people, he still holds true to his natural traits of devotion, love and trust towards his owner. The gentle temperament of the Maltese and his spirited nature is what continues to win the hearts of so many.

That being said, they should not be overly pampered as this can ruin their ideal temperament traits and make the dog extremely overprotective of their owner, and jealous of others that spend time with their master. Furthermore, they will be hard to control if he is allowed to walk over his family. Like all dogs, he must be taught his place in your home. He requires proper socialization and basic obedience training.

Maltese are the perfect size for apartments and are happy living in close quarters with their owner. They do require sufficient exercise, but they are rather active indoors. Therefore, a few short walks per day and play time should suffice.

This breed is easier to love than he is to care for. This is because his silky white coat requires daily care, as does his eyes. This breed is susceptible to tear stain, a condition that causes the dog to have watery eyes that form goopy discharge at the corner of the eyes. It also causes the hair under the Maltese’s eye to turn a deep rusted red color. Keeping their hair out of their eyes, by tying it up on their head if it is long, and by wiping up the buildup, helps keep tear stain under control.

Maltese dogs do not shed, but their coat easily mats and becomes dirty. This means anyone who owns a Maltese must be prepared to purchase grooming supplies such as combs, a brush, and dog shampoo. All of these items are a regular part of Maltese care.

If the dog does not have his hair clipped short (which requires daily combing), and his hair is left long so that it trials on the floor, his coat will require brushing a few times per day. Furthermore, he should have a bath once a month to keep his coat a pristine white. The coat should also be clipped regularly.

Maltese usually live to be 15 years of age. In rare cases, they have even been known to live as long as 18 years. They are prone to sunburn, kidney stones, tooth, eye, and knee problems. These dogs also tend to shake. This could be because the dog has the chills or is experiencing a condition known as White Dog Shaker Syndrome.

The Maltese loves his family, tolerates well mannered children and does not mind other house pets. He is a superb family companion and a true sweetheart among dogs.
About the Author

Richard Cussons cares about all dogs the Maltese is a favorite. You can find out more about Maltese dogs at the Maltese Savvy website.

by Bob Janeway

Most experts say that all dogs evolved from wolves and that they only became domesticated between 11,000 and 24,000 years ago. Ever since, people have started selecting to breed more than 500 breeds of dogs.

DOG CARE 101

Other than being social animals, dogs are indeed good animal companions for various reasons. Aside from being the only animal in the world that can claim the “man’s best friend” award, dogs are well-loved by their owners because they are loyal, docile, and fun-loving.

But, all of these good qualities of dogs cannot be appreciated if you lack proper dog care. To be able to maximize the potentials of your dog, make sure that you equip yourself with knowledge as to how you can take care of your pet properly.

Dog experts say that the annual cost of taking care of a dog including food, veterinary care, toys and license would mount up to $420 for a small dog, $620 for a medium dog and $780 for a large one. (Note: this estimated amount exclude capital expenses for the dog’s spay/neuter surgery, collar and leash, carrier and crate.) Here are the basic things you should know in proper dog care:

1. Know what and how to feed them. The basic rule in feeding puppies–those are 8 to 12 weeks old–is to feed them four times a day. For older puppies, one to three meals a day would do depending on the dog’s age. Make sure that you feed puppies with high-quality, brand-name puppy food to avoid vitamin and mineral imbalances and bone and teeth problems that can lead to bad eating habits and obesity.

For older dogs, also make sure that you feed then with premium-quality dry food so you can provide them with a well-balanced diet. These dry foods may include cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits, and vegetables apart from broth or canned food varieties. Also make sure that clean and fresh water are available for their consumption.

2. Encourage them to exercise. Like humans, dogs need exercise to burn off calories from their bodies, to stimulate their minds, and to keep them healthy.

Aside from helping them to avoid boredom, exercise also lessens that possibility of bad and destructive behaviors. Make sure that you provide it with supervised fun and games to satisfy its instinctual urges like digging, herding, chewing, retrieving, and chasing.

3. Learn how to groom your dog properly. Clean dogs lead healthy lives. Make sure that you help keep the dog clean to reduce frequent shedding. Brushing and bathing the dog regularly will also keep fleas and ticks away.

4. Know how to handle the dog properly. Proper handling of dogs greatly affects their behavior. Handling a small dog require placing one hand under the dog’s chest to support its hind legs and rump.

If you own a large dog, lift it from the underside while supporting his chest using your arm. Avoid lifting or grabbing any dog by its forelegs, tail or back of its neck because it may lead to bad posture.

5. Give it decent housing. For a dog’s housing, a training crate is always ideal. If you can’t afford one, make sure that the dog has a warm and quiet place to rest like a dog bed or a wooden box with a clean blanket or pillow inside it.

6. License and identify your dog properly. Make sure that you follow your community’s regulations by attaching the dog’s license to its collar to secure it once it gets lost.

7. Keep its health in check. A regular visit with the veterinarian for a full check-up, regular shots, and a heartworm blood test every year can ensure your dog’s overall health.

About the Author

Here are the basic things you should know in proper dog care……Explore subjects such as dog skin care and dog health care at my website.

by Dawn Arkin

You are out walking with your child when you come across a person walking a dog. Your child looks up and screams “doggie” and starts towards the unfamiliar animal. You have no idea if the dog is friendly or not and you grab your child before they get too close. You have avoided a potentially dangerous situation.

Dogs bite thousands of people a year. Some bites are from stray dogs, but some are from loved family pets. Many victims are children who just don’t know how to approach a strange dog. How to you teach your children about dog safety so they don’t become a statistic as well?

Children, as well as adults, need to learn that not all dogs are friendly. If more people would realize this there would be less dog bites each year. Here are some things to teach your child about dogs so they are less likely to be bitten.

1. Stray dogs should never be approached. Stray dogs are a fact of life. Unspayed or neutered stray dogs reproducing and lost pets make up the stray population. If you come across a stray dog, call animal control and let them know the animal’s location. Stray dogs are never to be approached except by trained animal control personal.

2. If you are out walking and come across a dog on a leash, before approaching the dog you should ask the owner’s permission. If the owner says no, respect their answer. They know their dog better than you do.

3. If given permission, allow the dog to sniff your open hand before attempting to pet him. Give the dog enough time to become comfortable with your scent.

4. Pet a new dog under the chin at first. That is the least threatening location. Petting a dog on the head can be considered a threat to the dog, so until he is comfortable with you just pet his chin.

5. Don’t forget, even if a dog is wagging his tail, it doesn’t mean the dog is friendly. Always lean on the side of caution.

6. If you are out walking and a dog approaches you off a leash or without an owner, stand very still. Don’t move, don’t speak; keep your hands at your sides and remain calm. Look around for the dog’s owner.

7. If a dog runs up and knocks you down try to keep your neck covered with your arms and hands and lay still. You want to make it harder for the dog to bite you where he can do the most damage.

8. Don’t try to pet a dog in a car or the back of a truck. Do not pet a dog through a fence or a crate. These are places a dog is comfortable and they might think you are threatening their home.

9. Never tease or throw things at a dog. Not only is this a sign of aggression, but you can hurt the dog and might make him attack.

10. One thing you should never do is take food from a dog. Dogs will not tolerate anyone taking food from them and will become aggressive to defend their possessions.

Being safe around dogs takes common sense and respect for our four-legged friends. Teaching your children to give them their space will help keep your kids safe from bites.
About the Author

Dawn Arkin is a writer and animal lover who enjoys spending time with her pets. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

by John S. Rhodes

Dogs were never designed to wear any sort of clothing. Their fur and natural physiology give them ample protection against their habitat’s weather. People sometimes forget that dogs are hardy creatures that can brave conditions that would make any man wilt.

However, this does not mean that clothing is inappropriate or even cumbersome to dogs. While dogs have traditionally gone without clothing, there have been some factors that have made owners realize that clothes can make a dog’s life a lot more comfortable.

Reasons for Clothing

For one, while dogs are built for their environments, you will find that many pets live outside their intended habitats. This is because pet owner sometimes purchase dogs and take them to climes different from their accustomed ones.

Some dogs that are acclimated to extremely cold temperatures have trouble adapting to humid climes. This will surely result in rashes and skin irritations.

Some dogs have insufficient fur and acclimation to cold weather. This could lead to them suffering from any number of weather induced illnesses. This makes purchasing clothes for your pets a must especially if you want your pets to be comfortable even during extreme weather.

And believe it or not, some dogs love clothes just for the simple reason that it gets them more attention. Dogs love it when they see that the clothes they are wearing make their masters happy. They also like the extra attention they get from wearing clothing.

In any case, the simple fact that clothing can protect your pet from the elements and the fact that they would enjoy the attention as well should be enough reason to buy your pet clothing. For climates that are drafty, and cold, leather clothing can be a great choice to help repel cold, moisture, and the elements.

Getting Leather Clothing for Fido

Leather clothing is tough, durable, and is usually water repellent. Plus, leather clothing has the added advantage of protecting against pretty much anything outdoors that could harm your pet - thorns, moisture, dust, sun exposure, and others.

It would be best if you became intimately acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of leather clothing so that you can make the right decision regarding your pet’s clothing.

Leather is a good protectant. Leather does well under most punishing weather. If it is too cold, leather provides warmth. If it is too windy, leather serves as a good shield. If it is raining, it at least keeps water out - although pet raincoats would probably be better for this condition.

It will even give good protection under harsh sunlight, but only when it is not humid, and if the heat is bearable.

Remember, that leather is not a material that allows air to circulate freely through it. On the other hand, your dog does not sweat through its coat; it releases heat through its tongue and its ears (which accounts for all that panting). Breathable material, therefore, is not that required.

Leather makes for a cool costume. Leather always gives off a gruff, tough image that would be fun on a bulldog. You might like to try it with pugs as well. Leather can also give a sophisticated look to feminine, classy dogs such as collies. In any case, leather is an extremely versatile and fun costume to put on your dog.

A bomber jacket would look great on a tough dog; it won’t really make them look intimidating, it will actually make them look adorable. Many wacky owners actually take to buying matching jackets for them and the dogs.

Watch for irritations. You do have to make sure that the materials used for these clothes do not irritate the dog’s skin. Watch out for skin eruptions, irritation, and itching. You should also make sure that there is not adverse effect on the dog’s fur.

If you see your dog constantly tugging and pulling at their clothes then they may have some irritation due to the leather material. It is either this or they are still uncomfortable with clothes.

It can be hard to “encourage” the dog to wear leather. Dogs may feel uncomfortable with clothes since they are, after all, not used to them. You can speed up their conditioning by offering them treats for wearing their clothes. However, leather doesn’t grow on them as easy due to their bulk and their relative lack of flexibility.

Conclusion

In sum, leather is a good choice of clothing to dogs due to its protective nature and style. It shouldn’t be too hard to get your pet to wear these clothes as well.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes wants to give you a $17 gift. Subscribe to his free Pet Comfort Newsletter and receive a collection of 10 dog training articles. Subscribe now and instantly download your free copy of Insider Dog Training Secrets — http://www.pet-comfort-products.com/free-pet-comfort-newsletter.html

by Richard Cussons

The Shih Tzu (pronounced “Sheet-sue”) has a lot of spunk and is a very alert and resilient dog. Like all dogs in the Toy dog group, Shih Tzus have a lot of character and are courageous for their size. Throughout history they were raised as pampered pooches in the Imperial Chinese Court. Bred in the forbidden city of Peking, the Shih Tzu didn’t leave China until the early 20th century when they first appeared in Britain. Today they are a popular breed worldwide.

Shih Tzus are good watchdogs and eagerly alert their owners to the approach of strangers. He does enjoy barking, but rarely does so without reason. He is very clever and responds well to persistent training. Without training the Shih Tzu will become extremely overprotective of their owner and aggressive towards other people.

Children and Shih Tzus get along famously as long as the child understands how to play with the dog. A Shih Tzu will not tolerate teasing young children and will snap at them. The Shih doesn’t mind the presence of other family pets, but his true joy is when he is in the company of his human family.

One of the aspects about Shih Tzus that surprise many owners is the fact that this breed is very active despite his small size. At his tallest, the Shih Tzu only stands 11 inches, and weighs no more than 16 pounds. Nevertheless, although this breed can be really active when it wants to be, they can also be quite lazy and will lie in their favorite spots whenever they have the chance. Therefore, it is important that the Shih Tzu receives the exercise he needs to make sure he doesn’t become overweight.

Due to the fact that Shih Tzus are small dogs and they are relatively inactive indoors, they make fantastic apartment dogs and wonderful dogs for seniors. Furthermore, the Shih Tzu is an ideal dog for anyone who has allergies as his coat does not shed. Of course, the down side to most non shedding dog is the required daily grooming of their coat - the Shih Tzu is no exception.

The Shihs coat is available in almost every color and bi-color combination. If kept long, the coat will need to be brushed a few times a day to keep it free from mats. His eyes will need to be cleaned to discourage the build up of discharge that can lead to eye infections. The owner will also need to make sure the hair on top of the Shih Tzus head is kept tied up and out of the dog’s eyes to avoid aggravating them. The Shih Tzu should have a bath every month, and should be trimmed every few months to keep the desired look.

As with any pet, owning a dog is a huge commitment that must be met for the entire life of a dog. The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 15 years or more. Considering he has a decent life expectancy for a canine, it should come as no surprise that this breed does not suffer any major hereditary health defects. Nevertheless, no dog is perfect. The Shih Tzu is still susceptible to illnesses. The health issues that appear to be the most common in the breed include ear, eye, respiratory, back and teeth problems.

The Shih Tzu will bring plenty of joy and happiness to anyone willing to share their life and affection with this regal and loving dog.
About the Author

Richard Cussons cares about all breeds of dog and the Shih Tzu in particular. You will find out more about Shih Tzus at the Shih Tzu Savvy website.

by Valerie Goettsch

One of the most annoying behaviors with some dogs and puppies is constant barking. How many times have you been ready to give up or felt like you’re going nuts because you can’t seem to get your puppy or dog to stop barking? With a little training, love, and patience, this frustrating behavior can be reduced or eliminated.

Dogs bark for many reasons: boredom, alert/warning, attention-seeking, loneliness, and more. Sometimes barking becomes a learned behavior because owners mistakenly reward their dog with attention or treats in an effort to soothe their dog. No matter the situation, the worst thing you can do is to yell at your puppy when he is barking. Why? Because your puppy will think you are “barking” too and it just reinforces his behavior. He will only bark more. Fun, huh?

How to Teach Your Puppy to Stop Alarm-Barking at the Door
For this training technique you will need a partner and small spray bottle filled with a mixture of half water and half vinegar or lemon juice, or else a “penny can” (a soda can with a dozen pennies in it and the opening taped shut). Have your partner stand outside your closed front door and ring the bell. As soon as your dog starts barking, spray him in the mouth (be careful to avoid his eyes) or shake the can close to him to startle him and say “quiet.” Put your puppy on a “sit” behind you then open the door. Do this a couple times a day, and repeat the next day and the next until you can get your dog to stop barking with a simple command: “quiet.”

Another effective training solution is to use rewards and praise. Start with a partner at the front door and have them knock or ring the bell. When your puppy barks at the door, make a sound to distract him from the door and look at you. If he stops barking, say “quiet,” or “enough” (pick a word and be consistent). Give him a reward and praise. If he doesn’t stop barking, put that yummy treat right under his nose. When he stops barking for a couple seconds, say “quiet.” Wait a few more seconds and if he is still quiet, give him the treat and say “good dog.” There are two critical points: be sure to only reward your dog when he is quiet, and only use your command (”quiet” or “enough”) when he is not barking. This way he will learn to associate the word with being quiet. Once he does, that one-word command is all you should need to stop him from barking.

What to Do If Your Dog Barks at Everything
When you dog barks at walkers passing by, the mail truck, a bike rider, etc., in his mind he barks and they go away. He did his job. We know the person or auto was just passing by, but your dog thinks it’s his barking that drove them away and he successfully defended his territory. This behavior can sometime be stopped by preventing your dog from getting a view to the street, either from the yard or his favorite window inside the house. But usually you need to do more than that. Using the “quiet” or “enough” training mentioned above is often a good approach.

Many dogs also bark out of boredom.
If you have a boredom barker, avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods of time, especially outside. This reinforces territorial behavior, and leads to boredom. Plenty of exercise, attention, and playtime can go a long way in making sure your puppy has the proper outlet to help release his excess energy.

What if You Have an Attention or Protest Barker
If your puppy barks to try to get your attention try to ignore it. Don’t make eye contact or say anything. If you look at him or yell at him, you are giving him attention, which is just what he wants. If this doesn’t work, try squirting a water pistol at him as soon as he starts barking (don’t let him see where it’s coming from), clap loudly, blow a noisemaker, or make a sharp, silly sound to start him. Another technique is to simply get your dog to lie down. When my dog starts barking at me for attention, I put her on a “down” and a “stay.” Dogs don’t bark much when lying down and this usually works for me.

To help curb barking in protest because you have to leave him to go to work, the store, etc., try what I do: when I am ready to go out the door I give my dog a small treat and say “I’ll be right back.” She is so attuned to this now, she is already in a “sit” for her treat when she sees me get my purse and keys. I never have a problem with her barking or getting upset because I am leaving. I also leave the radio on, tuned to soothing music, and make sure she has some safe toys available.

Citronella Collar
If you are really at your wits end with a chronic barker, you may want to try a citronella collar. Some people find these very effective in curbing constant barkers. This collar emits a harmless spray of citronella toward your dog’s muzzle as a correction for continual barking. They are available at most pet stores and online pet supply sites.

Controlling inappropriate barking requires on-going training using consistency, praise, and rewards. But it will be well worth the effort to maintain peace in your house, as well as with the neighbors.
About the Author

Learn more about dogs and get more puppy training tips at My-Favorite-Dog.com featuring articles and information on dog health, breeds, dog beds, and more.

I’m going off topic for a minute here. Lately I’ve been seeing quite a few websites out there trying to promote themselves as the next big thing in website advertising. The coolest idea I’ve seen thus far is called, “The Chosen Link”. Basically it lets you buy a link and get up to 8 times your money back. But that’s not where it stops. There’s a ton of bonuses that the website owner is working on.

For something completely different and unique, check out:
http://www.thechosenlink.com

by JL Good

There are 5 things that will help you find the perfect dog to adopt at your local shelter.

1. One of the most important things to do long before heading to the shelter is deciding what kind of dog you really want. Spend time researching through articles on the internet, looking through breed books, and talking to friends about their dogs.

If you don’t have a clear picture of the kind of dog you want to live with, you could come home with the first dog whose big brown eyes and drooping ears made you feel sorry for him. Later on, you’ll be feeling a lot sorrier for yourself.

There are so many different personalities and temperaments, and such huge variations in size and coat length (and propensity for shedding and barking) that going to the shelter before doing your homework is just asking for trouble.

Once you know exactly what sort of dog you need, and what kind of activities you’ll be sharing with him, you’re ready to head to the shelter for the first time.

2. Be sure to take a piece of paper and a pen with you. Since those brown eyes and droopy ears can be such heartbreakers, you will probably want to look at all the dogs in the shelter, look at the notes and comments left by the shelter staff, and make your own notes about the dog’s personality and appearance.

Then take your notes home with you and calmly decide which dog will be the best fit for your household.

If you see a gorgeous mutt that you just can’t stand to leave behind, even for a few hours, at least go out to the car and talk it over with your family before filling out the adoption papers.

3. Wear old clothes. The Humane Society shelter near you is kept as clean and sanitary as possible, but lots of dogs living in close quarters do tend to smell. When you take your potential pooch out to the exercise yard to get to know him, he may forget his manners and jump up on you in his excitement. A wool suit is probably not the best choice.

4. Take everyone who will be living with the dog, if possible. Everyone should have a chance to help make the final choice, as far as their age and experience will allow. Since it’s even harder for kids to resist those sad eyes when they’re attached to the wrong dog, it’s even more important to do your research ahead of time.

By the time you make your trip to the shelter, everyone in the family should know you’re looking for a small dog (or a big one), a short-haired dog (or a long-haired dog), a shepherd (or a lab). If you know what you’re shopping for, it will be easier to pass by the dogs that just wouldn’t fit into your household, in spite of their desperation to go home with you.

If you children (or your in-laws) are afraid of dogs, there may be specific breeds that trigger their fear. If your child was bitten by the neighbor’s cocker spaniel, that would not be a good breed choice for your family. Even if you don’t let your kids make the final decision, take them with you and watch them closely for any signs of fear around certain dogs, and for any signs from the dogs that they may not be kid-friendly. You should also ask the shelter staff if the dogs have been temperament tested, and which ones they recommend as safe around children.

5. Expect to go home without a dog. If you go to the shelter with the firm intention of taking home a dog, it will be more difficult if none of the available dogs really fit your criteria. You may find yourself fudging a bit, deciding that maybe that Rottweiler will be okay, even though you had your heart set on a Golden Retriever.

Remember - there are hundreds of dogs that need homes, and your perfect pooch may be in the animal control van right now, on his way to the shelter. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for today, there’s a very good chance that you’ll find your dog the next time you visit, or the time after that.

If you don’t see what you need, talk to the shelter staff and put in a request. Give them the criteria you’ve listed, and ask them to call you when the perfect pooch comes through the door.

So remember - the secrets of finding the best dog to adopt are preparation, research, and patience. You should be practicing patience anyway, since your future adopted dog is going to need lots of love and patience while he earns a place in his new home.
About the Author

Learn everything you need to know about dog adoption, including choosing the right breed for your family and how to avoid common dog adoption mistakes, at http://www.older-dog.com