Tips, strategies and resources for a happier dog
Jan 19th 2009Puppy Tips
When expecting a new baby addition to the family you want nothing but the best. You check out the best day-care facilities, kindergarten and schooling.
So, why should it be any different when the new addition is a puppy? Hey, if it’s good enough for stars like Brittany and Paris, who are we to question this new trend in spoiling our pets.
Jan 18th 2009Vomiting
Vomiting is extremely common in cats and dogs. Dogs are guilty of dietary indiscretion far more often than cats, and scavenging behaviour is a frequent precursor to an upset stomach. Dogs and cats have a very easy vomit reflex and the slightest irritation of the stomach brings these things back up.
It can happen to dogs and cats of any age, breed or sex. Dogs are naturally curious animals and will chew on anything they can get their paws on. Raiding the garbage can for “snacks” has long been the past time of many dogs and is a common source for "Garbage Gut".
Jan 16th 2009Dog Training
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping dog’s attention and understanding your dog.
To get the respect of your dog you must be consistent. You should make a set of do’s and don’ts for your dog. Follow these guidelines to the letter, if a dog does something desirable always reward it, if a dog does something bad punish him or her appropriately. In dogs world consistency is a sign of a leader. You will make your training my easier and effective by being a leader who the dog respects and follows.
Jan 14th 2009Pet Friendly Travel
A pet owner must research the many requirements before taking a dog on an airplane. Different airlines have slightly different regulations, but most airlines follow the same basic set of rules in regards to flying with a dog.
One universal rule is that dogs cannot fly on a plane without the owner on board. Each airline that was contacted for this article has a rule that outlaws flying unaccompanied dogs from one point to another. Realize that the airline considers dogs to be cargo. Just as you are not allowed to send your luggage across the country without also being present, same thing goes when it comes to your dog.
Jan 12th 2009Grooming
There is nothing quite like having your dog professionally groomed. Even if you desire to groom your dog at home, a professional groom is always a treat. You end up with a fabulous-looking dog without all the work. Make it an outing you and your dog can enjoy together.
Your professional groomer should be chosen with care. Start looking before you purchase your dog. Most professional groomers are people who are devoted to dogs and will take very good care of your dog during the grooming process. However, there are always some groomers you want to avoid. So how can you know before you experience a grooming session with your dog?
Jan 8th 2009Obedience Training
Watching a dog off-lead during his obedience routine appears to be magic. It is a thing of beauty to see how badly he wants to be there, every step on the money for his trainer. Here are some tips to acheiving this doggy ballet of movements.
One secret to good obedience training is never to give your dog the chance to disobey. Make sure he understands the command and what you want him to do, and move toward it with baby steps so he always succeeds. Your happy praise at every turn is what he lives for.
Jan 8th 2009Clothes
The latest fashion trends show that small dog clothes are really in; every dog owner will dress his small dog in order to take a walk. The Clothes should be kept on at least 10 minutes in order for the dog to like them.
The dog is likely to try to get rid of the clothes; he will be trying to tug at these clothes but he has to be made to chew all his toys instead. Even the small dog clothes are to be protected by the dog’s teeth and his attention should be focused on other items such as food or toys.
Jan 8th 2009Dog Training
Puppies love to see your happy face! It’s their favorite thing. With these five tips, his training will go twice as fast.
1.) Use potty time. Puppies love to go outside. Since you are already rewarding him for fast response outside, with loving praise and a happy face, use the excitement to work on another lesson at the same time. For example, work on his leash breaking. Even if you have a fenced in yard he should be getting at least some of his housebreaking time on a lead. A dog who is always loose in his yard when he goes will not go on-lead in a strange place. He will hold it so long you think he surely will burst. Of course this is not healthy for him, and you never know when you will need to take him out on lead. As soon as he is finished his potty and received his happy praise, say, "Wanna work?" in such an excited voice he will happily agree. Spend a few minutes with his heeling and sitting work, depending on where you are in his lessons, and give high praise. It does not have to be a full session, just an added minute or two to reinforce the lessons he is currently working on.
Jan 8th 2009Lost Dog
Putting some kind of identification on your pet will increase the chances of its being returned to you. This article will outline the types of pet id available and the pros and cons of each.
The most typical form of pet id is the simple collar tag. This is usually metal, but increasingly can be made of plastic or even paper. Metal tags last the longest and resist scratching.
Jan 8th 2009Dog Sitting
If you have pets, you know that leaving them behind while you go on vacation can be stressful. You can minimize that anxiety by hiring a good pet sitter. This article has some advice to make the process easier.
Start by asking your vet if they recommend anyone. Pet-owning friends may also have names for you. There may be people who do it occasionally, like I do, just not as a business. Some pet sitters will advertise in the yellow pages or newspapers. Most will leave flyers or business cards with veterinarians.