Wednesday 27 February 2013
Hunting Dogs
How does one choose good hunting dogs without getting stung? Many dog breeders are like horse traders—you get what you get, and that isn't what was listed. So a dog breeder's reputation, letters of reputation or phone calls, and looking at siblings or mother and father of the dog means a lot when looking for good hunting dogs. Make sure they have some form of guarantee and for how long they guarantee the puppy or dog.
But what is good for one hunter may not mean the same for another, so make sure you know what you want before going out and looking. Do you want versatile good hunting dogs for all-purpose hunting, or one that is excellent at squirrel hunting or coon hunting? Look at where they will be living the remaining time—will it it he be a family member? Make sure the breed you want is one you have information on and have done your homework on. Just because grandpa had one doesn't mean you know what you need to know regarding the purchase of good hunting dogs.
Good hunting dogs need to be disease from and have clean genetic lines, regardless the breed. Make sure routine worming has been done as a puppy—which has usually been done from two weeks. Also, look at their shot records—did they receive a two-week puppy shot series with only two weeks between them, beginning around five or six weeks? Once the puppy is weaned from its mother, its immune system becomes compromised, and it is up to the breeder to maintain that system up to eight weeks of age when it leaves the next. A breeder who sells before then is not worth his/her weight in salt. Good hunting dogs mean that—a good hunting dog, not one that is haphazardly bred to make a quick buck. Georgia is famous for good hunting dogs, as most Georgia hunters think more of their dogs than anywhere else, but make sure you don't get a bad breeder anyway.
More info http://www.hunting-pro.com
Training Your Dog - Best Tips And Tricks Revealed
As soon as you first bring home your new puppy or dog the most crucial thing that you must do is to train your dog to be well behaved. The primary thing you should have when training your dog is the correct information, it will be irritating if you have been attempting really hard to train your dog only to discover that you have been doing things incorrectly! The greatest mistake you could make as a dog owner is not training your dog. Numerous people do not even try training their dogs because they don't know how to do it correctly or because they merely can't be bothered or are too slack. If you do not train your dog then your dog will probably be likely to develop bad habits and destructive behaviors when it's an older dog.
It is highly advisable that you should prepare your self and have an idea of what is to be expected when training your dog. Different breeds of dogs have different wants so it will be helpful to do some research about your dogs breed a little bit before you start training. After some research and you're feeling that you are ready, then you can start training your dog.
There are 2 primary categories of dog training - behavior training and obedience training.
Behavior training - Teaching your dog the rights and wrongs and preventing or stopping unwanted habits which could vary from chewing on your furniture, stopping disgusting behaviors such as poop eating (coprophagy), jumping on people to digging holes or barking excessively.
Obedience training - Basically teaches your dog to grow to be an obedient dog that will always comply with your household rules and do as you want such as to sit, come when called, lay down on command and much more. Potty training and lots of other types of training are involved in obedience training your dog.
The first most important rule when training your dog is to teach your dog its name. Use it on a regular basis, call your dog by its name each time you want to get your dogs attention. As soon as your dog is aware of its name and comes when called then you are able to make the leap and start on obedience training. The next big thing on your priority checklist ought to be to toilet train and house train your dog. Do you really need to put up with your dog relieving itself all over the place in the house for more than you have to? Of course not, so it's important that you should handle this as soon as you can. Throughout the training process accidents are unavoidable, especially if you have a puppy, puppies cannot hold it in as long yet however they'll be able to hold it in longer as they get older. It is your responsibility as a dog owner to simply clean up the mess till your dog has been toilet trained.
Short training sessions which are about fifteen to twenty minutes have been proven to be essentially the most effective. Lengthy training sessions that go for hours will often make dogs bored and lose interest. Attempt to train your dog about two - three times every day. Remember to revise over old and learned training once in a while so your dog does not forget. A good dog trainer will never punish their dog because this won't do any good and won't teach your dog anything but to only be afraid of you and will trigger bad habits for you to deal with in the future. A good dog trainer will always use praise and treats to reward their dog when it has accomplished the fitting thing. Be patient with training and keep training until your dog learns what you want it to do.
With proper obedience and behavior training, you will build a stronger bond together with your dog and be a proud owner of a cheerful and healthy dog that you would be proud to walk around on with and spend time bonding with. Training your dog is the most greatest thing you can do for your dog as it's the foundation to the beginning of an amazing life for your dog.
Small dog trained through Pitbull distraction.
Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors
Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including:
Jumping up on people
This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young puppy. When that puppy is older, larger and heavier, however, this jumping up behavior ceases to be cute and begins to become annoying and even dangerous.
A large, heavy dog jumping up on people can be dangerous to young children and even to some adults, since a large, 100 pound plus dog can easily knock down a child or small adult. Since you as the owner are responsible for the behavior of your dog, it is important to nip this problem behavior in the bud.
The best time to do that, of course, is when the puppy is still small and easy to handle. When the puppy jumps up on you or someone else, gently place the puppy’s feet back on the floor. When the dog remains standing there, be sure to praise it extensively.
It is also important to give the puppy an alternative to jumping up. Puppies jump up on people to express their enthusiasm, so it is important to redirect this energy in a more socially acceptable direction. Try teaching the puppy to present his paw instead of jumping up.
When teaching the puppy to not jump up on people, it is important to be consistent. Consistency is important in any training program, and all members of the family must understand that the puppy is not permitted to jump on them.
Pulling, charging and tugging on the lead
One problem you definitely want to nip in the bud is this one. It is important that the puppy learn to respect the collar and leash now, when he is still small and light enough to handle. Teaching this lesson to a 10 pound puppy will be much easier than teaching the same lesson to a 150 pound dog.
Using a good strong body harness or head collar can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or to retrain a dog that has already learned to pull on the leash. When first fitting a harness, it is important to allow the puppy to walk around wearing it, so that he can get used to wearing it.
The first thing your puppy must learn, and the basis of all subsequent training, is teaching your dog to heel. Teaching your dog to walk quietly at your side on a loose lead is the basis of all dog training, and until your puppy has mastered this vital skill he will be unable to move onto more advanced training.
When walking with a puppy on a leash, it is important to always keep slack in the leash. If the puppy begins to pull on the leash, the handler should quickly change directions. The puppy will then find itself lagging behind instead of forging ahead. The least will be loose except for the split second it takes to change directions. It is important for the handler to use a quick tug of the leash, followed by an immediate loosening, when teaching this lesson.
When teaching the puppy to walk properly, it is important to never allow the puppy to pull you around, or to forge ahead on the leash. Allowing the puppy to pull you around will teach him exactly the wrong lesson.
How to Puppy-Proof Your House: Safety for Your pup, peace of mind for you
The decision to bring a puppy home is just the first step towards a long commitment. The first and foremost thing to do is to get the house ready for the arrival of the new pup. Your house could be a danger zone for a puppy considering the curiosity of a new pup. You need to puppy proof your house, make sure it is safe and that all the essential puppy supplies are bought.
But how do you know if your house is safe and ready for your new puppy? Listed below is a checklist for you to take note of before you bring your new puppy home:
1. Clear your house of poisonous items - Have you cleared your house of all poisonous items and taken them out of your pup's reach? If you haven't, now is the time to put away cleaners, laundry detergents, bleach, disinfectants, insecticides, cleaning fluid, fertilizers, mothballs and antifreeze in cabinets or high up on shelves. Of course, as he grows, and if he has an adventurous streak, he's sure to jump high on to your shelves to find out what's where.
2. Secure all medications and unauthorized foods - These items will cause food poisoning or damages to your dogs' health - Drugs such as Motrin and Tylenol causes liver damage. Common household food items that are harmful include alcoholic beverages, avocado (the only "fatty" member of the vegetable family), coffee, salt, yeast dough, garlic, fatty foods - turkey, artificial sweeteners – Xylitol, potatoes, onions, nuts, chocolate, grapes and raisins.
3. Uproot all life-threatening plants - Do you have life-threatening plants at home? Seemingly harmless plants such as apricot pits, spinach and tomato vines are dangerous to your pup. You can find a detailed listing of poisonous houseplants that you might have in your family, at this site: www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm
You can also ask your vet for more such plants that could affect your pet's health and life - If your puppy has ingested poisonous plants, contact: Animal Poison Control Center at - 888-4ANI-HELP - (888-426-4435)
4. Put away dangerous objects - Position electrical cords out of your puppy's reach, so that he cannot chew them. Pick up and keep dangerous loose items such as nails if they are lying around. Put away all sharp objects such as wires, sewing needles and pins, far away from your puppy's reach. This is to prevent your puppy from swallowing them as such items can harm his mouth and internal organs.
5. Supervise your puppy's movement - Don't let your pup remain by himself, unsupervised for long, irregardless of him being indoors or outdoors. Also, remember to keep him away from balconies, upper porches and high decks or he may just slip through the railings and fall. Remember to keep your toilet cover seat down: puppies sometimes like to play in water. Frolicking in the toilet bowl is harmful for him as he may swallow the toilet cleanser. Also, don't tie ribbons round his neck because he may chew it and this can lead to digestive problems or choke himself if the ribbon gets snagged on other things.
Preparing the Essential Dog Supplies
1. Food and water bowls - Select solid and stable bowls that won't tip over when he eats or drinks out of it. Are they easy to clean? Buy one each for food and water. Initially, buy small bowls and then as he grows older, buy him larger ones. If you do this, he won't develop the habit to overeat for his age nor will he fall into his water bowl whenever he goes to take a drink.
2. Collar - There are a large variety of lightweight collars available for your puppy. No matter which one you choose, attach an identification tag, listing your puppy's name, your address and phone number.
Let his first collar be made of lightweight nylon or leather. To get a good fit, you should measure his neck properly. To do so, measure the circumference of his neck and add two inches to it. To be sure that the collar fits properly, slide two fingers between his collar and your pup's neck. If it's a snug fit, the size is right. But if there's too much space, you need a smaller collar. If your fingers don't fit in comfortably, the collar size is way too small. Your pup may take a little while to adjust to his collar, so give him time to get used to it.
3. Leash - Leashes come in many lengths and styles, such as leather, nylon and retractable leashes. If you buy a six-foot leash it would serve both as a leash for training and walking.
It is important to keep your dog leashed unless he is in a close-up area such as a fenced in yard. In many parts of the U.S., leash laws prevail, making it mandatory to keep your puppy on his leash at all times. If he's unleashed, you may be fined. If your dog happens to defecate in public places, you are expected to clean up after him.
4. Grooming supplies - Grooming him means investing in a number of tools but this will depend on the dog breed you buy and his coat length. For short haired breeds, do invest in a brush with natural bristles, a rubber currycomb or a hand mitt. Sturdy wide-toothed metal combs, flea combs and mat splitters are needed for long haired breeds.
5. Toys - To entertain and exercise your pup, buy him a few toys, as this will help him exercise and get over their cravings for chewing. Choose toys specifically designed for pups – ones that can't be splintered, torn or swallowed. What's fun and safe to have are rawhide chips, nylon chews and hard rubber balls. And, if they don't fit comfortably in his mouth, it's not right for him.
6. Recommended puppy food - Give him his essential nutritive foods and get him used to a feeding schedule. Seek advice from your breeder directly or from your veterinarian.
7. Crate or sleeping bed - A Crate is basically a big cage made of metal, plastic or wood. Available in many sizes, the crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around easily, as well as lie down in. It should be airy. It is recommended to set up your pup's sleeping area in a place where it is warm, comfortable and within your sight. A crate serves very well as a den in your absence from the house. A crate could also be a portable crate enclosed in plastic or a simple wire crate.
When you buy an adult-sized crate, also buy partitions, or place a cardboard box in the back to serve as a cozy space for him. Apart from the crate, set up a sleeping area for him, for the times when you are at home and the crate is not in used. Buy a puppy-sized bed instead of an adult-sized bed, so that he is safe and snug.
A crate when used in the right way promotes good sleeping habits, helps in potty training your dog and discourage undesirable behaviors like nuisance barking and chewing. It can also be a safe confinement for your dog when he's not supervised at home or when you are driving. A crate is so useful, every owner should have one!
8. Stain and scent remover - To take the odor away from his nose, buy a stain and scent remover. This helps in house training and the maintenance of your house cleanliness.
These are the basic essentials a puppy owner should prepare when bringing a brand new pup home. Do take the time to ensure that your house has been ‘puppy-proofed' and you will find that the preparation will make socializing your new puppy a lot easier!
DOGTV Stimulation: Dog Playing in Corn Field
16 week labrador (lab) retriever puppy dog training and tricks
Advanced Commands to Train Your Dog
You and your dog should not feel like sophisticated dog training is a chore; therefore, you will need to ensure that it stays interesting. The easiest way to advanced dog training, is to make it enjoyable, so get imaginative. Possessing the ability to control your dog while at a distance is not only important for your dogs security, but can additionally benefit advanced dog training as well.
You've made it! Now you have trained your dog some essential commands, and also have handled a number of typical dog concerns, it's time to take a crack at the greater advanced commands. It is critical to recognize that your dog might not be ready for additional sophisticated commands. dogs don't constantly operate on a schedule, so focus on your dog's individual needs before moving on.
Many of the more complex commands are simply continuations of simpler commands. One example is, you can have your dog sit and stay for extended periods of time now that they are ready. If you have been effectively applying training techniques up to this point, this really should not be a challenge in your case at all.
Your dog may also be trained to seek, fetch, roll over, catch, shake, crawl, climb, jump, and many more. There is nothing more fun than having a dog that is well educated and can do many of these elements! Not only will folks be amazingly astounded when they realize how well behaved and intelligent your dog is, but it will help preserve you and your dog more content as well. That's not even to point out the matter of safety. Having the ability to adhere to your instructions will help to make certain that your dog stays as risk-free as possible.
If you have been effective by using a few of the prior strategies, there isn't any reason why you can't have great results with these more complex instructions. Your dog is now used to being educated by you, so there should be no problems. Still, periodically you aren't confident how to proceed, or you reach a level where you're just at standstill. When this happens, you need to further your own education and learning and watch demos of others instruction their dogs with sophisticated techniques.
In the past, you would have had to employ a pricey instructor to give your dog the best training possible. These days, there are numerous programs on the market that can turn you into a specialist as well. Training your pet on your own can be a great challenge for you, and it can bring you closer to your pet than you have ever been before.
Concentrate on sophisticated commands, and your dog will be more obedient than you ever imagined achievable. Your bond will expand, and you will feel incredibly connected with your pet. There are few things greater than having a dog who loves you, and who is able to carry out your instructions, regardless how complex they get!
Remember that your positive attitude will be sensed by your dog as well. Have fun with all training you partake in and the results you seek will soon show.
Shih Tzu - Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) and Items to have ready for new puppy arrival
One of the main things a new owner needs to take precautions against is a new puppy developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can occur without much warning and within hours of a puppy going to a new home, missing a meal, or does not eat full meals, gets chilled, overtired or exhausted from too much handling or playing. It occurs more in the toy breeds, but can also occur in larger breeds. Signs are a depressed affect or mood, weakness, wobbly gait, jerky, lethargic. The neck may get stiff. The head may appear to be tilted to either the left or right and teeth may be clamped tightly together. These are all signs this puppy is having a drop in their sugar level and if left untreated will progress to convulsions, seizures or coma and can then be fatal.
If any of these symptoms are present, take your puppy to the nearest vet or animal emergency center. If this is not possible or on the way to the vet, if you have white Karo syrup or can get this quickly. Mix the white Karo syrup with water and place on the puppy's tongue with a dropper or just place some syrup on your finger and rub on the puppy's gums. Do not put excessive amounts in the puppy's mouth, as the puppy can choke. Nutri-cal is the best to keep in a household of canines or puppies. Nutri-cal gives quick results and gets into the bloodstream within seconds. Dosage instructions is on the tube. You can give Nutri-cal using a syringe. Take out the plunger, place the opening of the Nutri-cal tube at the opening of the syringe and squeeze in the Nutri-cal to the specified dosage. Then squirt it a small amount at a time into the puppy's mouth. If your puppy has had a low blood sugar attack, using Pedyalite instead of water helps with any dehydration.
Prevention:
Add one tqblespoon of honey or sugar to every 16 ounces of water. Keep plain drinking water available as well. Leave food out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a puppy just arriving home up until at least 12 weeks of age and sometimes beyond this if the puppy is a very tiny size. Never feed chocolate, fried foods or milk. Do not allow puppy to become over-chilled or tired. Let your new puppy rest and become acustomed to his new home. Give puppy Nutri-cal, about one inch every 6 hours for at least 48 hours in a new home and if you begin to see puppy acting very lethargic, give Nutri-cal.
What should you have ready for a new puppy:
Food breeder had puppy on.
If you plan to change puppy's food, you still need to have a small bag of breeder's brand to mix with your brand until you have weaned puppy off breeder's brand of food.
Always keep Nutri-cal
Water Bottles
A Housebreaking Crate
Soft Blankets and Quilts
Non-slip steel bowls (a good brand can be found at Flint River Ranch
Accessories Section on web site at http://www.stainglassshihtzupremiumpetfood.citymax.com
Gourmet Dental Treats from HealthyPetNet
Ear Care Formula (I strongly recommend the formula from HealthyPetNet) Brushes, combs and a good tearless shampoo
These are just a few items to have ready for the arrival of a new puppy. Ask your breeder for anything else he/she would recommend you have. Most important is to have the Nutri-cal and to give Nutri-cal especially to the tiny toy breeds.
Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Coupons for shih tzu puppies and other products are offered to subscribers. Updates of available puppies. Sign up at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
One of the main things a new owner needs to take precautions against is a new puppy developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can occur without much warning and within hours of a puppy going to a new home, missing a meal, or does not eat full meals, gets chilled, overtired or exhausted from too much handling or playing. It occurs more in the toy breeds, but can also occur in larger breeds. Signs are a depressed affect or mood, weakness, wobbly gait, jerky, lethargic. The neck may get stiff. The head may appear to be tilted to either the left or right and teeth may be clamped tightly together. These are all signs this puppy is having a drop in their sugar level and if left untreated will progress to convulsions, seizures or coma and can then be fatal.
If any of these symptoms are present, take your puppy to the nearest vet or animal emergency center. If this is not possible or on the way to the vet, if you have white Karo syrup or can get this quickly. Mix the white Karo syrup with water and place on the puppy's tongue with a dropper or just place some syrup on your finger and rub on the puppy's gums. Do not put excessive amounts in the puppy's mouth, as the puppy can choke. Nutri-cal is the best to keep in a household of canines or puppies. Nutri-cal gives quick results and gets into the bloodstream within seconds. Dosage instructions is on the tube. You can give Nutri-cal using a syringe. Take out the plunger, place the opening of the Nutri-cal tube at the opening of the syringe and squeeze in the Nutri-cal to the specified dosage. Then squirt it a small amount at a time into the puppy's mouth. If your puppy has had a low blood sugar attack, using Pedyalite instead of water helps with any dehydration.
Prevention:
Add one tqblespoon of honey or sugar to every 16 ounces of water. Keep plain drinking water available as well. Leave food out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a puppy just arriving home up until at least 12 weeks of age and sometimes beyond this if the puppy is a very tiny size. Never feed chocolate, fried foods or milk. Do not allow puppy to become over-chilled or tired. Let your new puppy rest and become acustomed to his new home. Give puppy Nutri-cal, about one inch every 6 hours for at least 48 hours in a new home and if you begin to see puppy acting very lethargic, give Nutri-cal.
What should you have ready for a new puppy:
Food breeder had puppy on.
If you plan to change puppy's food, you still need to have a small bag of breeder's brand to mix with your brand until you have weaned puppy off breeder's brand of food.
Always keep Nutri-cal
Water Bottles
A Housebreaking Crate
Soft Blankets and Quilts
Non-slip steel bowls (a good brand can be found at Flint River Ranch
Accessories Section on web site at http://www.stainglassshihtzupremiumpetfood.citymax.com
Gourmet Dental Treats from HealthyPetNet
Ear Care Formula (I strongly recommend the formula from HealthyPetNet) Brushes, combs and a good tearless shampoo
These are just a few items to have ready for the arrival of a new puppy. Ask your breeder for anything else he/she would recommend you have. Most important is to have the Nutri-cal and to give Nutri-cal especially to the tiny toy breeds.
Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Coupons for shih tzu puppies and other products are offered to subscribers. Updates of available puppies. Sign up at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
Why our dogs scratch themselves?
Itching and scratching in dogs is a nothing short of a nightmare for pet owners. It can keep the owners up all night, driving them crazy. If it can be so painful for the pet owners, then just think how the dog must be suffering. All the dog does the entire day is itch and scratch, bite and lick leading to a complicated and aggravating situation if not attended to at the earliest. If your dog is itchy and scratching all the time, it is important to find out the cause of the itch. This can be quite difficult.
These are the symptoms of severe pruritus (itching) according to veterinarians. There are a wide range of causes and severity of itching and scratching in dogs with skin and coat trouble. The top ten worst itching offenders are:
Fleas
Airborne allergens
Parasites, such as ear mites, scabies or cheyletiellosis
Skin infections caused by bacteria
Ticks and lice
Food allergies
Fungal infections, including yeast infections
Seborrhea
Contact allergies
Whole-body illnesses, such as liver disease, immune-system problems and some cancers.
There are several types of scratching and itching that can affect your dogs. They can be broadly grouped under General Itching, Persistent Itching, Chronic Localized Itching and Chronic/Severe Itching.
In General Itching, the dog scratches the skin regularly but hardly shows any visible signs of localized problem. The most common reason for this could be fleas and ticks.
In Persistent Itching, the itching is more localized and the dog scratches a particular area but the visible signs are negligible to non-existent. This type of itching results in thinning of fur and flaky skin and more or less associated with allergies.
In Chronic Localized Itching, the itching is chronic and extremely painful for the dog. The symptoms include skin rashes and infection. These spots emit pus are make the dog smelly, ultimately resulting in hair loss.
In Chronic/Severe Itching, the dog experiences intense itching. The most common reasons for these are mange or microscopic mites, which lead to crusty and scab-like skin.
There are some other severe itching problems such as fungal infections. They are less common, but also require a vet's attention.
The best possible ways of treating itching in dogs is a combination of proper medication and skin treatment. Persistence in treating the itchiness topically while you are addressing the underlying causes through diet, supplements and medication will greatly benefit your dogs' ability to heal and reduce his or her stress as well
If your pet is suffering from Itch or Flea trouble I strongly recommend the
product Neem flea
spray
These are the symptoms of severe pruritus (itching) according to veterinarians. There are a wide range of causes and severity of itching and scratching in dogs with skin and coat trouble. The top ten worst itching offenders are:
Fleas
Airborne allergens
Parasites, such as ear mites, scabies or cheyletiellosis
Skin infections caused by bacteria
Ticks and lice
Food allergies
Fungal infections, including yeast infections
Seborrhea
Contact allergies
Whole-body illnesses, such as liver disease, immune-system problems and some cancers.
There are several types of scratching and itching that can affect your dogs. They can be broadly grouped under General Itching, Persistent Itching, Chronic Localized Itching and Chronic/Severe Itching.
In General Itching, the dog scratches the skin regularly but hardly shows any visible signs of localized problem. The most common reason for this could be fleas and ticks.
In Persistent Itching, the itching is more localized and the dog scratches a particular area but the visible signs are negligible to non-existent. This type of itching results in thinning of fur and flaky skin and more or less associated with allergies.
In Chronic Localized Itching, the itching is chronic and extremely painful for the dog. The symptoms include skin rashes and infection. These spots emit pus are make the dog smelly, ultimately resulting in hair loss.
In Chronic/Severe Itching, the dog experiences intense itching. The most common reasons for these are mange or microscopic mites, which lead to crusty and scab-like skin.
There are some other severe itching problems such as fungal infections. They are less common, but also require a vet's attention.
The best possible ways of treating itching in dogs is a combination of proper medication and skin treatment. Persistence in treating the itchiness topically while you are addressing the underlying causes through diet, supplements and medication will greatly benefit your dogs' ability to heal and reduce his or her stress as well
If your pet is suffering from Itch or Flea trouble I strongly recommend the
product Neem flea
spray
Video Source: Youtube
Why Should You Groom Your Dog?
Most people who own dogs always create time to groom them and will give you reasons for doing this. For some, grooming is about making sure the dog looks good, others do it to ensure the dog stays healthy while others are motivated by a desire to bond with the dog. On the opposite extreme are those who do not groom their dogs either because they are busy, or do not see the need for doing it, or any other reason. So, why it is important to groom your dog?
Let us start by defining what dog grooming is. Dog grooming basically refers to the process of cleaning and making the dog tidy. This includes all activities that you do to remove dirt, and improve the appearance of the dog in general. Why is this process important? The most important reason why you should groom your dog is the fact that it helps keep the dog healthy. Ask any veterinarian and you will be told that your dog needs to be bathed regularly to stay healthy. Bathing helps remove dirt but more than that, it prevents the dog from developing skin infection.
When a dog goes without bathing for a while, the dirt will cause it to start itching and scratching which in turn leads to skin abrasions that can become septic. And if a dog has infection such as thrush for instance, it is easier to prevent further infection if it is clean than if it is dirty.
Besides bathing, other grooming activities are also quiet beneficial. Brushing and combing for instance makes a dog look more attractive. This again is not the only reason why you should brush or comb it. When a dog is not brushed especially if it has long hair/fur, the fibers get intertwined, a condition commonly known as matting. Matting would not have been much of an issue had it not been that it creates its own problems. One of such is that it locks dirt in and increase chances of your dog itching. It is also quiet hard to wash a dog when there is matting.
You are probably asking, suppose my dog already has matting, what should I do? Brushing will help if the tangles are not very tight. However, if matting has gone on for a while without remedial action, then you will only hurt the dog as you attempt to brush or comb. The solution in this case is to undertake a different grooming activity: hair clipping.
Hair clipping is the best option when your dog's hair/ fur is very tightly intertwined. But clipping has other benefits including making it easier to clean the dog and improving the looks of your dog. There are hair clippers specifically designed for dogs. Besides clipping of hair/fur, it is also recommended that you trim the nails. Long nails when unchecked will curve inwards and may result in injury as the dog walks by piercing into its feed pads.
Finally, nothing will bond your dog and you than grooming. The prolonged, massage like touch will increase the faithfulness of your faithful friend!
Check out my site on dog grooming equipment. You can also get more information on best dog grooming clippers.
Let us start by defining what dog grooming is. Dog grooming basically refers to the process of cleaning and making the dog tidy. This includes all activities that you do to remove dirt, and improve the appearance of the dog in general. Why is this process important? The most important reason why you should groom your dog is the fact that it helps keep the dog healthy. Ask any veterinarian and you will be told that your dog needs to be bathed regularly to stay healthy. Bathing helps remove dirt but more than that, it prevents the dog from developing skin infection.
When a dog goes without bathing for a while, the dirt will cause it to start itching and scratching which in turn leads to skin abrasions that can become septic. And if a dog has infection such as thrush for instance, it is easier to prevent further infection if it is clean than if it is dirty.
Besides bathing, other grooming activities are also quiet beneficial. Brushing and combing for instance makes a dog look more attractive. This again is not the only reason why you should brush or comb it. When a dog is not brushed especially if it has long hair/fur, the fibers get intertwined, a condition commonly known as matting. Matting would not have been much of an issue had it not been that it creates its own problems. One of such is that it locks dirt in and increase chances of your dog itching. It is also quiet hard to wash a dog when there is matting.
You are probably asking, suppose my dog already has matting, what should I do? Brushing will help if the tangles are not very tight. However, if matting has gone on for a while without remedial action, then you will only hurt the dog as you attempt to brush or comb. The solution in this case is to undertake a different grooming activity: hair clipping.
Hair clipping is the best option when your dog's hair/ fur is very tightly intertwined. But clipping has other benefits including making it easier to clean the dog and improving the looks of your dog. There are hair clippers specifically designed for dogs. Besides clipping of hair/fur, it is also recommended that you trim the nails. Long nails when unchecked will curve inwards and may result in injury as the dog walks by piercing into its feed pads.
Finally, nothing will bond your dog and you than grooming. The prolonged, massage like touch will increase the faithfulness of your faithful friend!
Check out my site on dog grooming equipment. You can also get more information on best dog grooming clippers.
Dog Mating - Why Do Dogs 'Tie'
There is one thing you must never do - attempt to separate two dogs mating. It will appear as if they are stuck together. Commonly what happens after mating is the male will twist around so that the two animals are facing in opposite directions. They will be tied together. They may be whining as if they are in distress. Don't be alarmed the animals are going through the mating process in the natural way. If you try to separate them it may cause them injury. Be patient and keep the dogs calm. They will separate after about twenty to thirty minutes.
Because of the way dogs mate it is almost impossible for the bitch not to be impregnated. When the dog mounts the bitch the penis is not erect. The reason that penetration is possible is due to a tiny bone in the penis. This bone is known as the baculum. It is the baculum that keeps the penis rigid. At the base of the penis is tissue. Blood enters the tissue and it becomes swollen. Essentially the penis becomes trapped inside the female dog. This is when the tie happens. The two dogs remain tied until ejaculation has ceased and the swollen tissue shrinks back to its normal state.
If you have never witnessed two dogs mating you can rest assured that this is quite normal. In fact, if the tie did not occur you should be concerned. The tie is simply nature's way of ensuring the sperm enters and stays in the vagina. Nature doesn't leave anything to chance and gives the female the best chance to become impregnated. There is another reason for the tie taking place. A bitch in season will very often attract more than male. It is not uncommon for a bitch to have a number of dogs around her. The tie makes sure the process of mating is not stopped by other males trying to mate with a bitch in season.
It's very important the dogs are left to separate without intervention. If they panic and try to rip apart they probably will be hurt. There is more chance of a dog becoming distressed during the tie period if it is a first mating experience. The best you can do is to sit with the dog speaking in a calm low voice so that the animal remains passive and calms down as quickly as possible.
A German Shepherd Puppy May Be Just What Your Family Needs!
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member of your household. German Shepherd puppies bond with the family, and you will never have a truer friend. They are very tolerant of little children and make ideal family pets. A German Shepherd puppy is good natured, but needs firm training. If you are considering German Shepherd puppies for sale, you should know the benefits of having your dog professionally trained. The right training can make an enormous difference in your German Shepherd puppy development. They keep their training for a lifetime.
A German Shepherd puppy usually will grow to 24 inches high and will weigh as much as 95 lbs. The males are usually a little bit larger than the females. They range in color from black and tan to black and red, while the white German Shepherd is being seen more often. They’re ancestors are believed to come from Germany, from the sheep herding dogs that were relied on daily to care for the herds. They’re greatly adaptable and respected around the world for their intelligence, strength and agility. A new German Shepherd puppy does best out of doors and with plenty of room to run and people to interact with.
As far as German Shepherd puppy training goes, here are a few tips. They make an excellent family dog, even though they may pick one person as their favorite. If a German Shepherd puppy is raised with children around, the puppy will grow and develop patience and tolerance to all the special attention busy little hands can give. If you’re going to raise your German Shepherd puppy around children, especially young children, be sure to show a little extra patience…sometimes puppies get excited and love to wrestle with little kids and their toys.
A little care and lots of love and your German Shepherd puppy will grow into a loyal, well-adjusted and welcome member of your family for years to come.
West Highland Terrier puppy meets larger dogs.
West Highland Terrier puppy meets larger dogs.
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Dog Training - Teaching Puppy K9 to bark
German Shepherd Dog Training Methods
German shepherd dog training is enjoyable because German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that may be taught behaviors easily. They respond well to most any type of dog obedience training whether you use clicker training to teach commands, or other reward methods that may be more suitable to the time and effort you want to put in. So whether you want your German shepherd dog training to be about agility, simple commands, or training him to guard your home, here are a few tips that may help you make that happen quickly and easily.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a method of training a dog that encourages the dog to associate the sound of a clicker with his reward since it is quicker than producing a feeding a reward. It is a great method for German shepherd dog training because the breed is so quick to pick up new behavior. The way it works is that when you teach a new behavior or agility trick, you use a clicker as an audible approval sound that is followed immediately by a reward of some sort (a treat or a favorite toy). The reasoning is that the clicker gives the instant approval to bridge the time between the behavior and the production of the food or toy.
Simple Reward Training
If you do not have a clicker for your German shepherd dog training or simply think the idea is silly, you can use a more traditional approach. Try giving your Shepherd a command and moving his body for him accordingly. Once he has found the positions or behavior, reward him with praise and a treat immediately. Do not delay, because with smart breeds like German Shepherds, they may begin to associate a second behavior with the reward rather than your intended new trick.
German shepherd dog training is not difficult, but a little knowledge of how to train a dog is useful. Your Shepherd should be able to learn a number of commands in a matter of days if you use the methods above consistently and are persistent in your pursuit of a well trained and happy German shepherd.
When Your Dog Starts To Sneeze
Indeed, there are many things that both the dogs and the dog owners could have in common. For example, both dogs and dog owners could be prone to obesity if not regulating food intake and by not exercising.
In addition, dogs and humans may also acquire diseases that results from improper dietary regimen like diabetes, heart diseases, etc.
Moreover, the most amusing thing that both dogs and humans share is the fact that they are both vulnerable to allergies.
Sounds impossible? Think again.
Veterinary experts assert that dogs have allergies too. One of the primary signs of allergies is the itching of their skin. Their respiratory tract system can also be affected with allergies.
Normally, dogs will manifest symptoms of respiratory tract allergies like sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Their nose and their eyes may also manifest a discharge just like humans do whenever they have colds or flu.
There are also allergies that may have an effect on their digestive system; hence, it may result to watery stools, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Experts say that almost 20% of the dogs in the United States suffer from several types of allergy. So, for people who want to know more about the different allergies that dogs acquire, here is a list of the most common allergies:
1. Allergies with flea
It is a well-known fact that dogs are usually infected with fleas. However, what most people do not know is that they can get allergies through these fleas, too.
Well, it is not the fleas that actually cause the allergic reactions in dogs but the flea’s saliva. Hence, it is important for the dog to undergo a skin allergy examination so as to determine if a particular dog is sensitive to flea saliva.
In the event that the dog is allergic to flea saliva, it would be better for the owner to implement a rigorous flea control or flea eradication treatment in order to lessen the allergic reactions. Though, it must be kept in mind that solutions that are used in flea control should be safe to the dogs.
2. Allergies pertaining to foods
Like humans, dogs get allergies from food as well. There are instances wherein dogs get allergies from foods that their system cannot tolerate, such as wheat, soy products, pork, beef, whey, fish, eggs, milk, corn, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives that are placed in their food.
Moreover, dogs can get allergies in food that they have not tried before. So, the best way to combat this particular allergy problem is to feed the dog with the commercial dog foods more often instead of homemade products.
Some signs of allergic reactions to food in dogs are shaking of the head, scratching the ears, irritated skin, biting and licking at the rear feet, inflammations in the ear, sneezing, behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
3. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a known allergic skin disease in dogs. This usually caused by the hypersensitivity of the dog’s immune system to ordinary substances that can be found in the environment like molds or dust mites.
Usually, a dog is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitis when the dog begins to excessively lick and chew its paws, licking the abdomen and its rear feet.
Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in the armpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin. In light-colored canines, atopic dermatitis can be seen as a red-brown stain found on the same parts that were mentioned.
4. Allergies resulting from bacteria
This is the most common cause of serious allergies in dogs. Generally, there are certain bacteria that thrive in the dog’s skin. This is known as the species of Staphylococcus bacteria. In most cases, this does not cause allergies in dogs. However, there are certain types of dogs that develop an allergy to it.
The most common symptom of this kind of allergy is hair loss along with the development of ringworm like marks in the dog’s skin. The areas where these marks appear usually get infected, hence, it is important to treat them with antibiotics.
Indeed, allergies are not for humans only. Allergies great affects almost 20% of the total population of dogs in the United States, and that is a pretty alarming number. Therefore, it is extremely important for dog owners to know these dog allergies so as to come up with some preventive measures at the first sign of the attack.
Dog Training - puppy training techniques
Dog Training - puppy training techniques
Wednesday 6 February 2013
Dog Urine Marking Tips
dog marking is an instinctive behavior so it's a normal thing they must do. A dog leaves its scent in urine to tell other dogs a message; it could be about whose territory it is or is about the dog's social order or advertising mating availability. dogs also use urine marking to show their dominance or to claim something as belonging to them. Some dogs feel the need to lift their leg and pee on all new things that enter your house, shopping bags, visitor's belongings, new furniture, children's toys etc. Dogs with feelings of insecurity or who have separation anxiety may also mark, as territory marking builds the dog's confidence and petsafe.
Marking is definitely different from peeing. Dogs deposit smaller amount of urine. Marking in the house is usually done to an upright surface such as a doorway, table leg or piece of furniture or new and unfamiliar objects like visitor belongings. Many of these dogs are lacking in confidence and by marking new objects it makes them feel more secure having deposited their own scent on these objects. Dog urine marking is not a toilet training issue but rather an issue concerning a whole range of instinctive behaviors. Although male dogs are more likely to mark urine than females it is not unknown for a female dog to scent mark too. Often a female dog coming into heat or during it will mark to advertise her availability. A dominant female will also mark while smaller breeds tend to pee in the house more than larger dogs. Also two or more dogs living together in the same house who regard each other as the competition are more prone to urine marking. Urine marking can be a dominance issue.
First, prevention is better than cure, neutering and spaying dogs at early age is the most reliable and effective way to stop them from marking, but not infallible. Fixing them will reduce the body's natural chemicals and hormones that risen by sexual heat. If you have an adult dog neutered, it may take a full year for the male hormones to subside and stop controlling his behavior.
Interrupting and breaking this habit is also an effective way to stop and control. Give a close supervision to stop his/her marking behavior. It may take some days and weeks to at least minimize this behavior and really need intense supervision.
Also loud noise can startle and interrupt him from what he was doing. A can or a plastic bottle with coins inside could help divert his attention, when you see he is sniffing and circling around a place or an object and then he start to raise his legs, get his attention immediately followed by giving him command in stern voice like "no pee". Just be constant on interrupting and supervising him, just do not rant or give punishment that will make his insecure feeling more insecure. Regular reinforcing the normal housebreaking routine will help those dogs who sudden marking, praising him when he do his business on right place. Bring him to his regular pee place whenever he starts marking.
If you see the problem is a newcomer, build the friendship between your dog and the newcomer. Let the newcomer try to give him treats or feed him, let them also have some time to play together. For new baby or new pet, have some fun with your dog while newcomer is around, create positive event between them.
Thoroughly cleaning his marking area inside the house is a must. Dog may pee and pee all over again on that area so you must remove the evidence of the crime completely. Use cleaners with enzyme contents or 50/50 water and vinegar solutions to wash the area, just avoid ammonia based products.
Also make his favorite marking place unattractive to him. Place his eating bowl right on the place where he marks. Let his respected things placed on that area so he will not mess it with his marking. Belly bands are also effective solution to control his peeing.
Some severe marking problems are fixed with drug therapy. Dogs with high level of stress or been on bad past like being abused or other similar circumstances, drugs are proven to help. Be sure to ask professional vets and learn everything about drug alternatives and possible side effects before letting your dog in medication.
Marking is definitely different from peeing. Dogs deposit smaller amount of urine. Marking in the house is usually done to an upright surface such as a doorway, table leg or piece of furniture or new and unfamiliar objects like visitor belongings. Many of these dogs are lacking in confidence and by marking new objects it makes them feel more secure having deposited their own scent on these objects. Dog urine marking is not a toilet training issue but rather an issue concerning a whole range of instinctive behaviors. Although male dogs are more likely to mark urine than females it is not unknown for a female dog to scent mark too. Often a female dog coming into heat or during it will mark to advertise her availability. A dominant female will also mark while smaller breeds tend to pee in the house more than larger dogs. Also two or more dogs living together in the same house who regard each other as the competition are more prone to urine marking. Urine marking can be a dominance issue.
First, prevention is better than cure, neutering and spaying dogs at early age is the most reliable and effective way to stop them from marking, but not infallible. Fixing them will reduce the body's natural chemicals and hormones that risen by sexual heat. If you have an adult dog neutered, it may take a full year for the male hormones to subside and stop controlling his behavior.
Interrupting and breaking this habit is also an effective way to stop and control. Give a close supervision to stop his/her marking behavior. It may take some days and weeks to at least minimize this behavior and really need intense supervision.
Also loud noise can startle and interrupt him from what he was doing. A can or a plastic bottle with coins inside could help divert his attention, when you see he is sniffing and circling around a place or an object and then he start to raise his legs, get his attention immediately followed by giving him command in stern voice like "no pee". Just be constant on interrupting and supervising him, just do not rant or give punishment that will make his insecure feeling more insecure. Regular reinforcing the normal housebreaking routine will help those dogs who sudden marking, praising him when he do his business on right place. Bring him to his regular pee place whenever he starts marking.
If you see the problem is a newcomer, build the friendship between your dog and the newcomer. Let the newcomer try to give him treats or feed him, let them also have some time to play together. For new baby or new pet, have some fun with your dog while newcomer is around, create positive event between them.
Thoroughly cleaning his marking area inside the house is a must. Dog may pee and pee all over again on that area so you must remove the evidence of the crime completely. Use cleaners with enzyme contents or 50/50 water and vinegar solutions to wash the area, just avoid ammonia based products.
Also make his favorite marking place unattractive to him. Place his eating bowl right on the place where he marks. Let his respected things placed on that area so he will not mess it with his marking. Belly bands are also effective solution to control his peeing.
Some severe marking problems are fixed with drug therapy. Dogs with high level of stress or been on bad past like being abused or other similar circumstances, drugs are proven to help. Be sure to ask professional vets and learn everything about drug alternatives and possible side effects before letting your dog in medication.
Shih Tzu - Tips On Eliminating Bad Habits
Anyone who owns a shih tzu dog or shih tzu puppy will eventually run into the need to eliminate unwanted habits. While most shih tzu dogs are eager to please their owners and smart enough to do what is asked of them, it is important for the owner to properly communicate just what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.
Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases the cures will need to be tailored to fit the specific personality of the shih tzu dog. Every breed of dog has its own unique personality characteristics, and every individual within that breed has his or her own unique personality.
Whining, howling and excessive barking:
Let's start with one of the most frequently encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies. While some barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling and whining can become problematic. This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes. Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.
Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, barking and howling include:
If your shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog is howling or whining while confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet area. Most shih tzu puppies and shih tzu dogs will whine when they need to do their business.
It is important to teach a shih tzu dog or a shih tzu puppy to accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of destructive and annoying behaviors. It is important to accustom the shih tzu puppy to being left on its own, even when the owner is at home.
Always strive to make the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog as comfortable as possible. Always attend to the physical and psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.
If the shih tzu dog is whining, check for obvious reasons first. Is the water dish empty? Is the shih tzu dog showing signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the furniture? Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?
Do not reward the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog for whining. If the shih tzu dog whines when left alone, for instance, it would be a mistake to go to the shih tzu dog every time it whines.
After you have ensured that the shih tzu's physical needs are being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the shih tzu dog for inappropriate behavior.
Problem Chewing
Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore their world using their mouths and teeth. While chewing may be normal, however, it is not acceptable, and it is important to nip any chewing problems in the bud to prevent the chewing shih tzu puppy from growing into a chewing shih tzu dog.
Providing a variety of chew toys is important when teaching a shih tzu puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not. Providing a variety of attractive chew toys is a good way to keep the shih tzu puppy entertained and to keep his teeth and gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are great choices for most puppies.
The shih tzu puppy should be encouraged to play with these chosen toys, and the shih tzu puppy should be effusively praised every time he or she plays with or chews these toys.
Another great strategy is to encourage the shih tzu puppy to get a toy every time he or she greets you. Every time the shih tzu puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to get one of his toys.
It is also important to exercise good housekeeping techniques when training a shih tzu puppy not to chew on inappropriate items. Keeping the area to which the shih tzu puppy has access free and clean is important. Keeping items out of reach of the shih tzu puppy will go a long way toward discouraging inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the shih tzu puppy's area free of shoes, trash, and other items, and always make sure that the area has been properly puppy proofed.
If the shih tzu puppy does pick up an inappropriate item like a shoe, distract the shih tzu puppy and quickly replace the item with one of its toys. After the shih tzu puppy has taken the toy, praise it for playing with and chewing that toy.
Try booby trapping items the shih tzu dog should avoid by spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or other nasty but non-toxic items.
Connie Limon is publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
This article is FREE to publish with resource box.
Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases the cures will need to be tailored to fit the specific personality of the shih tzu dog. Every breed of dog has its own unique personality characteristics, and every individual within that breed has his or her own unique personality.
Whining, howling and excessive barking:
Let's start with one of the most frequently encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies. While some barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling and whining can become problematic. This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes. Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.
Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, barking and howling include:
If your shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog is howling or whining while confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet area. Most shih tzu puppies and shih tzu dogs will whine when they need to do their business.
It is important to teach a shih tzu dog or a shih tzu puppy to accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of destructive and annoying behaviors. It is important to accustom the shih tzu puppy to being left on its own, even when the owner is at home.
Always strive to make the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog as comfortable as possible. Always attend to the physical and psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.
If the shih tzu dog is whining, check for obvious reasons first. Is the water dish empty? Is the shih tzu dog showing signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the furniture? Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?
Do not reward the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog for whining. If the shih tzu dog whines when left alone, for instance, it would be a mistake to go to the shih tzu dog every time it whines.
After you have ensured that the shih tzu's physical needs are being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the shih tzu dog for inappropriate behavior.
Problem Chewing
Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore their world using their mouths and teeth. While chewing may be normal, however, it is not acceptable, and it is important to nip any chewing problems in the bud to prevent the chewing shih tzu puppy from growing into a chewing shih tzu dog.
Providing a variety of chew toys is important when teaching a shih tzu puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not. Providing a variety of attractive chew toys is a good way to keep the shih tzu puppy entertained and to keep his teeth and gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are great choices for most puppies.
The shih tzu puppy should be encouraged to play with these chosen toys, and the shih tzu puppy should be effusively praised every time he or she plays with or chews these toys.
Another great strategy is to encourage the shih tzu puppy to get a toy every time he or she greets you. Every time the shih tzu puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to get one of his toys.
It is also important to exercise good housekeeping techniques when training a shih tzu puppy not to chew on inappropriate items. Keeping the area to which the shih tzu puppy has access free and clean is important. Keeping items out of reach of the shih tzu puppy will go a long way toward discouraging inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the shih tzu puppy's area free of shoes, trash, and other items, and always make sure that the area has been properly puppy proofed.
If the shih tzu puppy does pick up an inappropriate item like a shoe, distract the shih tzu puppy and quickly replace the item with one of its toys. After the shih tzu puppy has taken the toy, praise it for playing with and chewing that toy.
Try booby trapping items the shih tzu dog should avoid by spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or other nasty but non-toxic items.
Connie Limon is publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
This article is FREE to publish with resource box.
Rottweiler Training - Schutzhund and More
The Rottweiler is a powerful and adorable dog. If you just brought one of these cute puppies home, you should know that Rottweiler training should start while they are young. These dog breeds have a natural tendency to become guard dogs and will be very protective of you, your home and your family. They are also very determined, highly intelligent and strong, and the right dog training can really enhance their natural skills. They will make not only good watchdogs but excellent family pets as well. It comes as no surprise that these dogs are well loved by dog and pet owners alike!
The benefits of Rottweiler training are great, but before you decide to even buy one, you should be able to consider the amount of time and effort that you are willing to allot to them. Will you be patient with him when conducting dog training? How about regular exercise and long walks? Will you also be able to bring them to the vet for regular check-ups? These are just some of the questions that you need to ask yourself before even buying a Rottweiler. Rottweiler training may be very fulfilling, but you need to be able to spend enough time to bond with your pet and make sure you are present in every step of dog training. Not being able to train him early will put you and your family at risk, so make sure that you are able to start early on and bond with them well. Here are some tips on how you can make the most out of Rottweiler Training.
You have probably already heard of Schutzhund, but will get into that later. The best way to begin Rottweiler training would be in quick sessions. This is for him to look forward to it and not easily get bored. You can start with the basic commands such as sit, stay and down, and then go from there.
Schutzund training is a rigid type of dog training that originated in Germany in the early 20th century. It was originally meant to train German shepherds as police dogs. This involves very specific behaviors that are meant for police dog training. Rottweiler training for Schutzund would then involve obedience, tracking and protection. There are about ten basic obedience commands for Rottweiler training, and you want to be able to master them all. Tracking will also be an integral part of dog training; their ability to recognize specific scents will be critical. This may take a lot of patience on your part. The last phase would be for protection. Your Rottweiler should be able to distinguish if he needs to attack, and let go once the handler asks him to do so. Protection would also require the Rottweiler to look after a certain person or object. You can opt to use a clicker for Rottweiler training, just try to make sure that you are able to start early.
Once you are able to complete the training, you can start to join Schutzund competition at various levels. This type of dog training may be very rigid, but you will surely reap the results in the long run. As with any other dog, you need to remember that Rottweiler training would never involve any type of punishment or abuse. Positive reinforcement is still one of the best ways to train your Rottweiler. They are excellent watchdogs and great family companions. Establish that bond with them and he will obey your every word.
Deaf Dog Training
Training a deaf dog is easy and simple. You just have to know how! As a deaf dog owner and trainer of many years, I want to make things simple for as many people (and dogs!) as possible. So, these are a few quick tips on deaf dog training and how to train deaf puppies. More tips and in-depth advice is found in my book, which is a guide to training a deaf dog. There you will find advice that has already helped many people to become excellent deaf dog trainers.
The best way to train your deaf dog is by positive reinforcement and clear hand signals, which help to overcome some of the disadvantages of deafness. Hand signals should be consistent and different from the hand gestures you would normally make. They should also be easily visible at a distance.
Although some owners invent their own hand signals there are some common ones that you can use to train your dog that are time tested; the most useful ones of course being the signals for 'come', 'stay' and 'sit'.
The 'sit' signal can be taught by holding a treat in your hand and moving it close to the dog's head over his/her ears. At that point most dogs lean back and sit down in order to look up at the food. The treat is given after a clear hand signal so that your pet will eventually associate it to the command "sit". You can use your index finger and sweep it down the front of your face in the air to represent sitting for example. Remember to pay attention to your own body language as dogs read their owners through their body movements. Another important signal to teach your dog is the "watch me" signal. This can be done by tapping your finger under your eye or by sweeping your index finger across your eyes
The first thing you can do to train your dog to watch you is to reward her for doing it. When you catch her watching you, make a clear hand signal of your choice and then give him a treat, and she will quickly associate it to the command you want to teach. This technique is useful to reinforce any good behaviour you want your dog to learn. You can do this with food and/or with a favourite toy.
After some repetition, do not give the treat right away. If the dog obeys the command regardless of having received the treat, then you can reward her. If not, repeat the process until she learns. Make sure that the reward received for the command "Come to me" is particularly alluring to your dog. This is because you will take your dog away from a source of pleasure (from the dog's point of view) as most likely you may be calling her back from doing something she enjoys (like playing with another dog or chasing birds).
Make sure the hand signal is clear and the treat given is different than other treats, it should be something your pet gets only when she obeys the command "Come Back".
Another way to train your deaf dog is by using a vibrating collar. This is an aid and it is not necessary but some people have found it useful. Vibrating collars operate with a remote control so that you can get your dog's attention even if she is not watching you. You have to train your pet to associate the vibration to a pleasant experience and reward her when she comes back to you as a result of the vibration.
It is advisable to show your pet the hand signal for "come back" before you give the treat, whether you use the vibrating collar or not.
Some people think that the command "No" should be taught as well but I do not agree with that. This is not necessary as the dog will be in different situations when the signal is given and it will create confusion. The key is to give a consistent hand signal for specific situations and the NO signal applies to many different circumstances. The "No" signal is substituted with the "come back" signal; the dog in fact will be already trained to stop whatever she is doing to come to you.
Remember that deaf dogs love training games just like any other dog would. You can play with your pet by making her follow a scent track. One game I used to play with my Dalmatian was to hide some food under of five identical cups. She would smell all the cups and recognize the one under which there was food.
A word of caution; it is never recommended to reprimand a dog. Dogs have a memory span of about three seconds, after that they forget the action they have done and they will only remember their owner getting angry with them without knowing why. The best method is to reward the good behaviour, not to punish the bad one.
Do not be fooled by the fact that your pet cannot hear you scream, because they can read your anger in your body language and pick up the vibrations in the air. This can frighten your dog and will only cause your pet to lose trust in you. People that yell and abuse their pets should not be dog owners, let alone deaf dog owners.
Dog Food: Only The Best For Your Dog
dogs make great pets. They are the friendliest animals you will come across. That is why many people choose dogs when they decide to get a pet. However, owning a dog takes a lot of responsibility. A puppy can be compared to a baby. You need to make sure they are getting all of their nutrients.
If you visit a pet shop, you would definitely get confused as there are hundreds of brands of foods for dogs. The dietary requirement of a dog varies as it advances in age. Puppies need different types of foods in comparison to adult dogs. You must have proper dog information if you want to provide your dog with proper nutrition. The food habits of dogs vary from breed to breed. Some dogs need large amounts of food while some need small amounts of food.
To ensure that your dog grows properly, a balanced diet is a must. Certain foods can be very harmful to a dog's health. Amongst many others, fried cashews, fried potatoes, cooked bones, tomatoes, will harm a dogs digestive system and tracts. Contrary to popular belief, corn is not good a dog's health. It is extremely difficult for them to digest.
Which dog food is the best? Processed foods from the store might not have all of the nutrients your dog needs. That is why you should read about dog food online and in magazines. Never let your dog eat grapes, tea, chocolate, raisins, or coffee grounds. You will be happy to find out that you can make healthy dog food at your home.
Boneless lamb (mixed with steamed vegetables) is an excellent food for your dog. Home-made food is much cheaper than processed foods. Never make the mistake of giving your dog those foods which contain artificial preservatives and/or artificial colors. Such foods can ruin the digestive system of your dog and might give rise to a number of diseases.
Sojos is a good bet when you are searching for just the right food for your dog. Solid Gold dog food (http://healthierdogs.com/dog_food/whats-really-in-commercial-dog-food/) is also a good food. Ask you veterinarian what he or she thinks your specific dog needs in the way of nutrients in his food.
Dog Mating - All You need To Know About Breeding
If your pet is a female dog and you have no intention of allowing her to have a litter then you must take action. The only way to be absolutely sure she won't breed is to have her spayed. This medical procedure can take place when the female dog is four months old. If a female dog is not spayed she will come into season. Every time this happens you will have to keep her securely locked in so that she doesn't come into contact with any male dogs. If they do come into contact you can be sure they will mate. The mating process of dogs is fine tuned to ensure the female has every chance to be impregnated.
Breeders understand the process of mating and know what to expect from the dogs in this situation. They also know how to position the dogs if necessary. There are breeders who are keen to get a litter because they sell the puppies. These are usually breeders who specialize in the breeding of a specific breed. There are many people who choose to have a specific breed of dog as their pet. Certain breeds have certain characteristics. For example, a Labrador is a good family dog, an Alsatian is a good guard dog and a Yorkie is a good lapdog. There is a demand for specific breeds and breeders want to ensure that when their dogs mate the result is a healthy litter.
One of the things breeders must ensure is that the dogs do not become distressed while mating. If they do they could become injured. The phase of the mating procedure when dogs may become anxious is during the tie. The dogs are unable to separate and do get agitated. This is especially so if one or both of the dogs have never mated before. However, they both have to stay that way and allow nature to take its course for the next twenty to thirty minutes. It is possible for the dogs to stay tied for longer than thirty minutes. While they are tied the semen is being released into the female.
As soon as the dogs separate the breeder will place the female in a crate. This is to stop her from urinating for about the next thirty minutes. If she does urinate some of the semen will be lost. Keeping her in the crate and preventing her from urinating gives her the best chance of becoming impregnated.
Canine Thickened Bladder Wall - Simple Tips For Helping Your Dog
Canine thickened bladder wall can occur in dogs of any age, but it usually presents itself with older pets. Something to keep in mind should your pet experience this ailment is that it can be caused by many different things. In a broad sense, canine thickened bladder wall issues refer to anything that causes irritation and inflammation to the urinary system. Another term you may hear in conjunction with this ailment is cystitis. Again, this is a general term and does not necessarily refer to a specific cause.
The most common cause of canine thickened bladder wall in dogs of all ages is an infection caused by bacteria. Other common causes include stones, polyps, tumors, and fungal infections.
The actual canine thickened bladder wall cannot be seen by the owner, of course, so other signs and symptoms must be used to alert owners of a problem. There are some fairly common signs seen in animals presenting with this ailment. They include the presence of blood in the urine, this is also known as hematuria. You may also notice that your dog is having a difficult time when he or she tries to void. There may be obvious signs of pain or you may notice that it is taking much longer for the animal to void than usual. In some cases, even after a long period of trying, the amount released will be very small. Another common sign is that they urinate more frequently than normal. All of these are signs that your dog may have canine thickened bladder wall problems.
The treatment for canine thickened bladder wall ailments depends on the cause of the irritation and inflammation. If the problem is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics will usually be prescribed. If the cause is related to stones, other treatment options may be called for, depending on the size and shape of the stones. Your veterinarian is the only one who can truly diagnosis the problem and offer treatment options. She might suggest changes in diet to a Prescription Diet that is capable of dissolving struvite stones and will reinforce the importance of providing your dog with plenty of clean drinking water.
Your veterinarian will also do a urinalysis to determine if the urine is doing the job it is supposed to do, cleanse the urinary tract and remove the bacteria and crystals that cause canine thickened bladder wall and infection. One natural approach is to consider homeopathic or natural supplements. Natural ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis and Staphysagris are all associated with helping your dog's bladder, urethra and entire urinary system.
Your vet will need to do some tests in order to rule out various causes of the canine thickened bladder wall problem. . When taking your dog to the vet for possible canine thickened bladder wall issues, try to have notes on when the problem began as well as if anything unusual occurred before the onset. This might include anything from changing its diet to possible physical injury.
Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Guide and has written on many canine health problems. See this site for more information on Canine Thickened Bladder Wall treatment options.
The most common cause of canine thickened bladder wall in dogs of all ages is an infection caused by bacteria. Other common causes include stones, polyps, tumors, and fungal infections.
The actual canine thickened bladder wall cannot be seen by the owner, of course, so other signs and symptoms must be used to alert owners of a problem. There are some fairly common signs seen in animals presenting with this ailment. They include the presence of blood in the urine, this is also known as hematuria. You may also notice that your dog is having a difficult time when he or she tries to void. There may be obvious signs of pain or you may notice that it is taking much longer for the animal to void than usual. In some cases, even after a long period of trying, the amount released will be very small. Another common sign is that they urinate more frequently than normal. All of these are signs that your dog may have canine thickened bladder wall problems.
The treatment for canine thickened bladder wall ailments depends on the cause of the irritation and inflammation. If the problem is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics will usually be prescribed. If the cause is related to stones, other treatment options may be called for, depending on the size and shape of the stones. Your veterinarian is the only one who can truly diagnosis the problem and offer treatment options. She might suggest changes in diet to a Prescription Diet that is capable of dissolving struvite stones and will reinforce the importance of providing your dog with plenty of clean drinking water.
Your veterinarian will also do a urinalysis to determine if the urine is doing the job it is supposed to do, cleanse the urinary tract and remove the bacteria and crystals that cause canine thickened bladder wall and infection. One natural approach is to consider homeopathic or natural supplements. Natural ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis and Staphysagris are all associated with helping your dog's bladder, urethra and entire urinary system.
Your vet will need to do some tests in order to rule out various causes of the canine thickened bladder wall problem. . When taking your dog to the vet for possible canine thickened bladder wall issues, try to have notes on when the problem began as well as if anything unusual occurred before the onset. This might include anything from changing its diet to possible physical injury.
Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Guide and has written on many canine health problems. See this site for more information on Canine Thickened Bladder Wall treatment options.
Dog can't stand up or walk and having trouble raising
Limb paralysis is a very common condition in dogs which can occur both in fore leg or hind leg, but more common in hind legs. Various reasons for hind limb paralysis are trauma due to accident or fall from height or fight among animals. Other common causes are old age, neurological and degenerative diseases, tick paralysis and nutritional hind quarter weakness.
Due to the paralysis or hind quarter weakness dog is unable to walk and bear weight on its legs which leads to recumbency. Recumbency has several complications like muscle degeneration, disuse atrophy of the muscles, neuronal degeneration, soft tissue damage, pressure sores and decubital ulcers. In addition to this, the blood supply to the area gets disturbed. As veins are superficial seated, they get blocked due to the weight of the animal whereas arteries are deep seated and initially blood continues to pool which causes marked swelling of the area (odema). Later, production of super oxides damages the cells and local tissues which take the form of a vicious cycle causing further production of free radicals and more damage. The blood supply will eventually stop leading to the death of the limb leaving to no other option but to amputate the leg of the animal. In addition to trauma, neoplasia can also lead to the amputation of the limbs/legs. If treated properly at an early stage the complications of the recumbency and amputation of leg can be averted for which proper ambulation and rehabilitation is very important. Earlier, when more than one leg was lost (amputated), then there was no other option available, especially in India and the animal was put to sleep (euthanized). But now the conditions have improved markedly in India and such animals can live further with proper treatment.
Animal should be lifted from the ground and should be given proper treatment as early as possible so that the blood supply to the area becomes normal. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy should start as they increase the rate of recovery. To facilitate the standing of the dog, devices are now available in India in variety of forms like slings, two wheeled wheel chair/wheel carts and four two wheeled wheel chair/wheel carts. In addition to this, orthotic and prosthetic devices are available in India at nominal cost (http//www.innovationindia.webs.com) which can markedly improve the living pattern of the animals. An orthotic is defined as devices used to support or protect an injured limb like braces (e.g. knee brace). A prosthetic device is designed to replace a missing limb or body part (e.g. artificial limb). The products available in India have several advantages for the pet lovers and owners the most important of which is the reduced cost. In addition to this, the products are custom made i.e. product is made individually for each animal/dog.
Slings may be strapped around the body or fitted for the fore limb or hind limb or both. Straps are long hand held to allow handler support the dog. Slings help in transitioning a recumbent pet to standing position.
Whereas, in certain cases, a combination of fore limb and hind limb devices becomes necessary for total body support, to prevent decubital ulcers and complications of recumbency. Wheel carts also known as canine wheel chairs or simply carts are such device which are beneficial to provide support, allow independence fro the owner and the dog and prevent the deleterious effects of recumbency. When placed in the wheel cart/chair, the dog needs some days to get habituated to the device. For a few initial days, the dog should be supervised so that they don't fall or get struck in some object. Also they should be able to eat and drink in carts, for this, their feeding bowl may be elevated from the ground. These wheel carts with two or four wheels are designed for dogs which are permanently disabled, according to the need of the individual animal, now in India http://innovationindia.webs.com. With little hard work, care and love the life of these speechless animals can be improved, so let's join our hands together to make this happen.
Video Source: Youtube
Designer dogs and mixed breed dog information
Designer dogs are the up and coming rage among Hollywood and dog lovers alike. dogs like the puggle (pug + beagle), the cockapoo aka cockerpoo or spoodle(cocker-spaniel + poodle), the labradoodle (Labrador retriever + poodle), the peekapoo (pekingnese + poodle) and the Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle) are growing ever more popular today than ever before. Why are these “mutts” so big right now?
1. Cute Names – Designer dogs have cute names that people love and make the appearance of a new breed of dog that very few have heard of. For example: the puggle.
2. Great for those with allergies – Unlike some purebred dogs, designer dogs are often bred to reduce the amount of allergens they produce by not having an undercoat.
3. Sheds less – Some designer dogs are bred to shed less than other dogs.
4. Genetic advantage - Believed to be less prone to inbreeding, the designer dog is thought to have better temperaments and also thought to be smarter and more trainable than their purebred counter parts.
Controversy surrounding these dogs have made purebred dog owners enraged. It’s bad for there business and the qualities listed above only hold true in specific cases. The designer dog fad has also had its fallbacks.
1. Bad breeding – bad breeding leads to unwanted dogs. Many people want to produce a designer dog without doing back-ground checks and without the skills needed to do so.
2. Bad owners – Some believe that just because they bought a designer dog means that they don’t need to train, care for or love their pet as much. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Designer dogs need just as much care and attention as all other dogs do, if not more.
3. More expensive – the price for these dogs have sky-rocketed sometimes hit the $1,000 mark. Sometimes its better just to go to the humane society or animal shelter and find a perfectly fine dog. The shots and care for these dogs can make their prices higher as well.
Don’t get me wrong, these are wonderful pets. However, they need wonderful owners as well. Love and care and proper healthcare and grooming are essential for a happy life-long companion. If you would like to keep your costs and concerns down when purchasing a designer dog I suggest that you check its breeding history and do temperament tests as well as get them screened for certain common genetic disorders such as hip-dysplasia and retinal atrophy. Proper preparation and responsible habits lead to a great dog.
Gabriel Killian
Dogs and Laser Pointers: A Big No-No!
While, it can be amusing to watch your dog chase the dot of the laser pointer, it really isn't a good idea. It appears that the dog is having great fun as he pursues the impossible to catch dot. Perhaps he is at first. But throughout the years I have seen a number of dogs driven into what can only be described as obsessive compulsive behavior from this simple and not so amusing game.
I can't be sure why this is the case, but I have theory.
dogs are predators, well mostly. Let's face it, the average domestic dog holds onto a bunch of hunting behaviors, but for the most part, has lost the ability to be a truly effective hunter. Yes, there are exception, but by and large, the domesticated dog is a rather inefficient hunter. This is because they have been bred over thousands of years to do specific tasks. Most of these tasks are variations of their natural hunting ability. Retrieving is a sort of modified hunt, and so is herding, and so on.
We expect that our working dogs have a high degree of success when working. In fact, we have bred them to be incredibly persistent. In doing so, we have removed a natural response to a failed hunt. A wolf will only pursue his prey so far and with so much vigor before he wisely recognizes that he is burning more energy than he can hope to recover from his prey animal, or that his chances of actually catching the prey are not worth the effort. In other words, his prey drive shuts down after a time.
Domestic dogs are not so good at this. Their drive shuts off when they achieve their goal.
A common tactic used in training protection dogs is the keep frustrating the dog by denying him his quarry until he becomes entirely single-minded in his desire to sink his teeth into the agitator. However, once a certain level of dedication to the hunt has been achieved, it is important that the dog have a high rate of success as hunting these human varmints. You see, it is important for the dog's mental stability that he get the reward of actually catching his prey, otherwise he becomes frustrated and unstable.
Applying this to the laser pointer game, it is clear to see that the pointer is a hunt that can never end. No matter how persistent the dog is, no matter how fast or skillful, he will never catch the light. As a result the prey drive never goes to sleep. The dog gets ramped up, and stays that way. The circuit is never completed and the dog enters into what can only be described as an unnatural state of existence.
The net result is that the dog is thoroughly frustrated and mentally agitated. The dog, needing to close the circuit, will begin to engage in other behaviors, which ultimately will not successfully close the circuit. And so the cycle continues. These dogs can be rehabilitated but it is a lot of work. It is much better to simply avoid the problem by avoiding the cause. Play tug, throw the ball, or engage in some other game your dog can actually complete, but for the love of your dog, don't play with the laser pointer!
More information is available at http://www.chicagodogtrainerschool.com/.
I can't be sure why this is the case, but I have theory.
dogs are predators, well mostly. Let's face it, the average domestic dog holds onto a bunch of hunting behaviors, but for the most part, has lost the ability to be a truly effective hunter. Yes, there are exception, but by and large, the domesticated dog is a rather inefficient hunter. This is because they have been bred over thousands of years to do specific tasks. Most of these tasks are variations of their natural hunting ability. Retrieving is a sort of modified hunt, and so is herding, and so on.
We expect that our working dogs have a high degree of success when working. In fact, we have bred them to be incredibly persistent. In doing so, we have removed a natural response to a failed hunt. A wolf will only pursue his prey so far and with so much vigor before he wisely recognizes that he is burning more energy than he can hope to recover from his prey animal, or that his chances of actually catching the prey are not worth the effort. In other words, his prey drive shuts down after a time.
Domestic dogs are not so good at this. Their drive shuts off when they achieve their goal.
A common tactic used in training protection dogs is the keep frustrating the dog by denying him his quarry until he becomes entirely single-minded in his desire to sink his teeth into the agitator. However, once a certain level of dedication to the hunt has been achieved, it is important that the dog have a high rate of success as hunting these human varmints. You see, it is important for the dog's mental stability that he get the reward of actually catching his prey, otherwise he becomes frustrated and unstable.
Applying this to the laser pointer game, it is clear to see that the pointer is a hunt that can never end. No matter how persistent the dog is, no matter how fast or skillful, he will never catch the light. As a result the prey drive never goes to sleep. The dog gets ramped up, and stays that way. The circuit is never completed and the dog enters into what can only be described as an unnatural state of existence.
The net result is that the dog is thoroughly frustrated and mentally agitated. The dog, needing to close the circuit, will begin to engage in other behaviors, which ultimately will not successfully close the circuit. And so the cycle continues. These dogs can be rehabilitated but it is a lot of work. It is much better to simply avoid the problem by avoiding the cause. Play tug, throw the ball, or engage in some other game your dog can actually complete, but for the love of your dog, don't play with the laser pointer!
More information is available at http://www.chicagodogtrainerschool.com/.
Video Source: Youtube
History of Hearing Dogs
If one is to take it literally, the history of service dogs will take an eternity to tell, as dogs have been serving and living with humans for thousands of years. What is meant by history here is tracing the beginning and development of professional dog training, wherein many assistance dog organizations and institutions emerge in various countries.
During the 18th century, in France, there was a hospital named Quinze-Vingts that employed dogs to assist blind patients in walking down the streets of Paris. In the same period in Austria, there was also a historical literary account of a manual written for the people in Viennese Institute for the Blind, which demonstrates and explains on how to train dogs. Years later, in Switzerland, in 1847, a man named Jakob Birner also published a comprehensive training manual for guide dogs.
The first recognized assistance dog institution in the world is the German Association for Serving Dogs, which was established by the Austrian Police and the War Dog Institute in 1916.Many other dog organizations and dog training establishments then began afterwards. But the biggest boom of demand for service dogs started in the late 1970s and consistently grew in 1980's, a decade when veterinary, especially canine, knowledge flourished. While most dogs were only trained to assist blind people at the time, in 1975, Agnes McGrath and the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals came up with a hearing dog program, which paved the way to the establishment of International Hearing Dog, Inc., the first institution to train dogs for hearing-impaired people.
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You can view more information at Hearing Dogs.
During the 18th century, in France, there was a hospital named Quinze-Vingts that employed dogs to assist blind patients in walking down the streets of Paris. In the same period in Austria, there was also a historical literary account of a manual written for the people in Viennese Institute for the Blind, which demonstrates and explains on how to train dogs. Years later, in Switzerland, in 1847, a man named Jakob Birner also published a comprehensive training manual for guide dogs.
The first recognized assistance dog institution in the world is the German Association for Serving Dogs, which was established by the Austrian Police and the War Dog Institute in 1916.Many other dog organizations and dog training establishments then began afterwards. But the biggest boom of demand for service dogs started in the late 1970s and consistently grew in 1980's, a decade when veterinary, especially canine, knowledge flourished. While most dogs were only trained to assist blind people at the time, in 1975, Agnes McGrath and the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals came up with a hearing dog program, which paved the way to the establishment of International Hearing Dog, Inc., the first institution to train dogs for hearing-impaired people.
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You can view more information at Hearing Dogs.
Dog Vomiting
It can be disconcerting when dog vomiting takes over your happy dog world. Your best pal tends to get himself into a cycle which he repeats regardless of the outcome. His tummy gurgles with anticipation, sometimes audibly, thus he will graze in the backyard hoping to facilitate the process, only to come inside and create a mess (which we would prefer hit the floor) usually on the carpeting or some other inconvenient to clean locale. To top things off he then wants to re-ingest his expulsion. Every once in awhile dog vomiting is actually normal. Lacking the ability to ask for an antacid, dogs are equipped with their own natural method of dealing with feeling ill. We have all had that nauseated nastiness that indicates if we could just vomit we would feel so much better. dogs get that too from time to time and thus, nature has provided them with the necessary means of alleviating their discomfort.
However, there can be much more significant reasons for dog vomiting than mere discomfort. Some are very simple reasons that require no action by the concerned human and others can be quite serious. Cases of perpetual stomach ejections should always be checked out by a high quality veterinarian.
Just a brief side note. Humans react poorly to their dogs over 98% of the time when their dog makes the dreaded oral mess on the floor. Part of it is just simply our desire that for just this one time, they manage to get it into a place that is easy to clean up. Dogs are usually smart enough to figure out that bodily wastes are not tolerated inside the home, and they often feel as though they have created a "soiling error." This feeling that they have just seriously disappointed their human can add stress that can add to the upset stomach. Thus, humans who can calmly encourage their dog to vomit either in the bathroom or other easy to clean floor or better yet, make it outside, are going to have fewer instant replays when the emotional upset encourages another round.
Although it is a bit uncomfortable to do so, investigating the contents in the puddle is part of determining the reason for the puddle. Simply take note to whether it seems to be mostly mucous or if it looks like there is undigested food or other undetermined elements in the mix. Take care to notice of there is any blood, even nominal amounts. Dog vomit is not pleasant for either the dog or the human. For those who would rather replace the carpet before actually having to come into contact with the slimy puddle, dog regurgitation tends to put a serious damper in their day. And while no one looks forward to the very distinctive feel of the slick mess under a paper towel, bringing a sample to the veterinarian can help clear up the mystery much faster.
Undigested food that has come from a can may be difficult to discern from other stomach contents. Take a deep breath and grab a container or a baggie designed for dog waste clean up. If there's a real concern, your best bet is to take a sample along with you to the veterinarian for examination. Although it is typically the first inclination, don't pick it up with a paper towel or any other item that can leave substances like fibers behind in case it needs to be examined under a microscope. The cleaner you can retrieve your sample the better the view from the microscope lens.
Dog vomit with a high level of mucous content and a low level of food particles can mean inflammation of the intestinal tract, stomach, or in rare cases even the bowels. This means that your pup downed his food and initially it agreed with his system. Over time as the digestion process continued, something began to disagree with his system until finally he just couldn't resist the urge to get rid of it. This sort of inflammation, when repeated, can mean a multitude of issues including the lack of any number of specific digestive enzymes, an allergy to something he is ingesting, or a disturbance of the intestinal tract.
If the puddle is filled with mostly food that looks as though it has been swallowed and then returned, this can be caused by over eating or a bad case of anxiety. In rare cases, it can also indicate food poisoning. It usually doesn't take a veterinarian to figure out that if the dog vomit is littered with bits and pieces of socks, tin foil, that Christmas ornament you were searching for, or your credit card that your little guy decided to eat something that was supposed to be inedible and ended up paying the price with an adverse stomach reaction.
Bloody dog vomit can be sign of a more serious condition (although if your little garbage disposal is eating inedible objects this can be serious depending on his snacking selection) and requires professional assistance. It can simply mean that the intestinal tract and bowels are having significant indigestion and inflammation or it could indicate an internal laceration.
In some cases, the problem is solved as soon as the dog vomits. If there is a foreign object, a toxicity in something he ate, or a general "oops I really shouldn't have eaten that" issue going on, he will most likely be much more comfortable after he rids himself of the issue and is even likely to have solved the problem completely.
Puppy vomit can be a sign of a struggling adjustment of his tender digestive system. It can mean that he wasn't quite prepared for the weaning process, indicate that he is younger than he was initially presented to his potential owner, or it can simply be a case of over excitement. New puppies are a handful of emotions which vacillate between fear, excitement, apprehension, joy, and of course those emotions that accompany getting in trouble for his behavior. An excited puppy may not be able to keep his food down. Other puppies may be experiencing more than adjustment problems and may have come to his new home with ample issues regarding his health. Digestive problems are not uncommon in puppies of larger breeds that were obtained via a pet store or a puppy mill. If you know your new puppy came from a questionable background and he has repeated his vomiting routine more than twice in 24 hours, take him to the vet. If he has vomited once a day for more than 2 or 3 days, take him to the vet. Most cases can be cleared up with a little professional investigation.
If your dog is prone to episodes of dog vomit, prepare for his needs in advance and during his prone hours, restrict his movement to an area of the house that you can handle the mess. However, do your best to keep a close eye on the incident as you don't want your dog to clean up his own mess.
Video Source: Youtube
How To Treat Cushings Disease in Dogs
Cushings Disease, also called hyperadrenocorticism, is relatively common in older dogs. dogs with Cushings Disease produce too much of a natural hormone called cortisol, producing symptoms such as excessive drinking and urinating, a distended, swaying belly, hair loss and a sparse hair coat, possibly an increased appetite, and frequent panting.
Dogs with Cushings Disease may have been tested for other causes of increased drinking, including diabetes, kidney and liver disease, where all tests have come back negative. This is another sign of Cushings Disease.
The disease is an overproduction of a hormone (cortisol) which produces the signs of excessive drinking and urinating. The most common cause is due to a tumor on the pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the brain). A small percentage of cases are caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland (a gland in the kidneys). In some cases, dogs can show all these signs by being on steroids, such as prednisone. In this case, the treatment is to wean your dog off the drug.
To begin with, as always, have your dog correctly diagnosed - take him to your Vet. If he has some of the signs of Cushings (excessive drinking and urination) then it is first important to rule out other diseases. Your Vet will check for diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. A general blood screen will be suggestive of Cushings Disease. At this time they may recommend further screening tests and discuss treatment.
Treatments that your Vet may suggest might include drug therapy with trilostane or mitotane. Other conventional treatment might include radiation therapy or in some cases, adrenalectomy.
There are natural alternatives that can be used in conjunction with the conventional options. In this article, I offer several that you can try that may help.
A possibly effective natural solution is to try antioxidants. In Cushings Disease, the cells are more prone to injury from the high cortisol levels. The three most effective antioxidants are Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Selenium. These are best given in combination: give 100IU of Vitamin E, 100mg of Vitamin C and 20 ug if Selenium per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
Another natural solution is to try the herb Ginkgo Biloba. It has been shown to reduce cortisol production, similar to anipryl (see below).
High cortisol levels will make your pet feel anxious. A herbal solution to reduce anxiety is to try Valerian. The dog dose is 1 drop per lb of body weight twice daily.
When it comes to conventional solutions, try Anipryl. This is a newer, safe medication to treat the disease, available from your Veterinarian. It must be given daily, and can be quite costly to treat a large dog. It works directly on the pituitary gland helping to decrease cortisol production.
If you find these remedies useful, I guarantee that you will find the other remedies in my book and home study course, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, just as practical. If you use only a few of the remedies I offer, you will see how easy it is to save money at your Vet.
These remedies work - I use them every day in practice.
Best wishes...
Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His holistic pet health manual is at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com and http://www.theonlinevet.com.
Dogs with Cushings Disease may have been tested for other causes of increased drinking, including diabetes, kidney and liver disease, where all tests have come back negative. This is another sign of Cushings Disease.
The disease is an overproduction of a hormone (cortisol) which produces the signs of excessive drinking and urinating. The most common cause is due to a tumor on the pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the brain). A small percentage of cases are caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland (a gland in the kidneys). In some cases, dogs can show all these signs by being on steroids, such as prednisone. In this case, the treatment is to wean your dog off the drug.
To begin with, as always, have your dog correctly diagnosed - take him to your Vet. If he has some of the signs of Cushings (excessive drinking and urination) then it is first important to rule out other diseases. Your Vet will check for diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. A general blood screen will be suggestive of Cushings Disease. At this time they may recommend further screening tests and discuss treatment.
Treatments that your Vet may suggest might include drug therapy with trilostane or mitotane. Other conventional treatment might include radiation therapy or in some cases, adrenalectomy.
There are natural alternatives that can be used in conjunction with the conventional options. In this article, I offer several that you can try that may help.
A possibly effective natural solution is to try antioxidants. In Cushings Disease, the cells are more prone to injury from the high cortisol levels. The three most effective antioxidants are Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Selenium. These are best given in combination: give 100IU of Vitamin E, 100mg of Vitamin C and 20 ug if Selenium per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
Another natural solution is to try the herb Ginkgo Biloba. It has been shown to reduce cortisol production, similar to anipryl (see below).
High cortisol levels will make your pet feel anxious. A herbal solution to reduce anxiety is to try Valerian. The dog dose is 1 drop per lb of body weight twice daily.
When it comes to conventional solutions, try Anipryl. This is a newer, safe medication to treat the disease, available from your Veterinarian. It must be given daily, and can be quite costly to treat a large dog. It works directly on the pituitary gland helping to decrease cortisol production.
If you find these remedies useful, I guarantee that you will find the other remedies in my book and home study course, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, just as practical. If you use only a few of the remedies I offer, you will see how easy it is to save money at your Vet.
These remedies work - I use them every day in practice.
Best wishes...
Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural remedies for pets. His holistic pet health manual is at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com and http://www.theonlinevet.com.
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