Turn A Dog Poster Into A Work Of Art

Author: Caroline Kent

I know what you must be thinking. A dog poster? A work of art? When we think of the word, 'poster,' most of us imagine a garish, wrinkled picture with tattered corners and torn edges, scotch-taped to the back of teen-ager's bedroom door or a college student's dormitory wall.

Certainly, not a Van Gogh by any definition!

However, with all the great framing and laminating options available today, it is possible to turn your favorite dog or puppy print into a masterpiece that any dog lover would be proud to display!

A great option for protecting and displaying your dog prints is wood-mounting. Laminated, wood-mounted posters or prints are chic, appealing and appropriate in any surroundings!

When you choose to have your dog poster wood-mounted, it is fastened to a 3/8 inch wood fiber board and then laminated with an ultraviolet filtering film. This film insulates your dog poster or print from dirt, moisture, fingerprints and other potentially damaging elements.

Your wood-mounted dog poster is then trimmed, beveled and finished in black to create a beautiful, elegant piece of art!

Wood-mounting is available for most posters up to a certain size. If wood-mounting is not available for your preferred size dog poster, you can choose to have it laminated which will extend the life of the print.

The next time you're shopping online for a new dog or puppy poster to adorn your wall, take the time to consider your framing options. It might cost a little more to have your poster framed, mounted or matted, but the final result will be worth it.

You'll have a stylish, attractive, well-preserved work of art that you'll be proud to display on any wall in your home!

About the author: You can find a wonderful assortment of pictures of dogs and pictures of puppies that you can wood mount, frame and laminate at: http://www.bestdogpictures .com

Guide To Breeding and Training A Chihuahua Dog

Author: Sagi Venkata Ramana

Chihuahua Dog is the most loveable, adorable and huggable pet in the world. This breed has been popular with the high and the mighty. This breed is most visible along the celebrity circuit. From Marylyn Monroe to Paris Hilton, the Chihuahua can be seen sitting pretty on the laps of these celebrities.

This small and lovable pet is very easy to train and maintain. This particular breed is loved for its size and its temperament. This makes it one of the most sought after pets of celebrities. This particular breed loves to be seen out in the open. It enjoys travel and therefore makes the ideal companion for top shot celebrities and film stars who are always constantly on the move.

The popularity and craze for this breed was partly due to Marylyn Monroe. She took her Chihuahua everywhere and it became the most widely photographed pet. Celebrities don't seem to have enough about this and it is not unusual foe people to own three or more of the same breed.

The film Legally Blond also furthered the people's interest in this breed and more and more people are adapting this highly lovable breed.

The soft fur makes this pet instantly lovable. It also has a smiling demeanor, which endears itself to whoever comes into contact with it. It has a tendency to lick your face as way of appreciation and love. So don't forget to clean your face of the moisture after it has licked your face. Kissing your dog frequently can also cause allergies.

Also the fur, which falls, could lead to allergies. So keep your dog healthy by giving it a bath regularly and brushing its coat. Also ensure that it I free from pests and other insects.

Like others breeds this dog also needs a bit of house training. As this breed spends most part of the day on the lap of its owner, it is not expected do much apart from staying quite when asked to. This small dog has a fairly long life span.

Due to its diminutive size this particular breed is also prone to a lot of injuries and accidents. Children like to play with it and sometimes cause injuries during play. This diminutive dog also faces the danger of coming under your feet. So one has to remain alert all the time.

When this particular species of dog is taken outdoors, one should never leave it alone. Bigger dogs could harm this and even maul it to death. Therefore when you take this dog to the outdoors see that there are no bigger dogs around before letting go off your pet for playing.

About the author: Venkata Ramana is a Chihuahua Dog Lover since childhood. Also Visit his Pomeranian Dog website and discover how you can make boxer dog the happiest, loving dog alive, Running healthily with you.

How To Find Good Dog Training Videos

Author: Marc Lindsay

In today's society, with dog being commonly referred to as ""man's best friend"", many methods of dog training are now available for dog owners and dog trainers. Professional dog training services are available, but can be costly and it will also take away the bond between you and your dog. This has lead pet owners everywhere to seek out aids, to help them train their dog at home. These aids include:

dog training book reference electronic dog training collars electronic fences dog training video reference

You can find tons of resources on the internet if you're willing to spend some time researching them. You'll find anything from short course, to professional course online and you can even find professional dog training coaches that will teach you to train your own dog.

The following paragraphs will discuss how a good dog training video can be helpful, and tips on how to locate the dog training video that fits you and your pet best.

A good dog training video will provide you with so much valuable information pertaining to training your dog. But since there are a variety of methods of dog training used by various dog trainers, finding the right dog training video may take more than one attempt. It is important to first establish the method of training you would prefer to use before purchasing a dog training video. By deciding on a method of dog training beforehand, you will narrow the selection of dog training videos you will have to chose from. For example, if you do not wish to use an electronic dog training collar to aid in training your dog, you can safely eliminate any dog training video that includes dog training methods that involve the use of one.

The next step in locating a dog training video that will work for you and your pet is knowing where you can locate such a dog training video. Most commonly, the best dog training video can be found at pet supply stores. Some pet supply stores will devote entire sections of their store to an excellent selection of dog training videos. A good dog training video can sometimes be found in other places, including but not limited to:

video rental establishments libraries department stores video stores

The benefits of a good dog training video are many. The dog training video will generally be less costly than professional training, and the dog training video will enable you to train your own dog at home.

About the author: Dog Training Video and Puppy Training Video product reviews so you know you are only teaching your dog the very best techniques.

Dog Training Basics

Author: Robert Kempe

All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during training. Make sure you also use a positive tone. Your dog will recognize your moods and associate them to their behavior by your tone of voice.

The first word the puppy should learn is their name. They actually learn the sound of their name and associate that as a directive towards them for their attention. This will come naturally over time since the family will be calling the pup by its name the day it arrives in your home.

I suggest that before you start training verbal commands that you understand your puppy’s personality. Ask yourself if they are timid, aggressive, quiet, sensitive, playful, etc? These traits will affect the type and speed of the training with your dog. Understanding the dog that is being trained is a vitally important talent of a good trainer.

As soon as you are able to touch and feel the puppy, call them by their name. Constantly give them affection and praise with the tone of your voice. Keep repeating their name over and over and over until the pup understands that when they hear their name, it is addressing them. When you prepare meals for them, call them by name and then distinctly say the word “come.” This is probably the simplest and easiest commands to teach because it is associated with something the puppy wants or gets excited when they hear that command. This theory and type of training is used in all the generic commands. Remember to always keep praising them when they obey a command and make sure they feel rewarded.

House breaking a puppy is probably the most stressful for a new trainer. However, the good news is that most dogs are generally clean in nature and sense that the house is not the place to do their thing. Knowing that canines tend to have their bowel movements in the same place that they or some other dogs have previously defecated, you need to understand that the sent left behind from previous mistakes will signal to the pup that is where they are supposed to be defecating. So when you do catch them doing something in the house that you do not want, scold them in a simple command such as “shame.” The puppy will hear your tone of voice and feel bad. Usher them outside as fast as you can. Praise them when they defecate outside. Do not use the command “no” since that is a command to have the puppy stop the current act. “Shame” is used after you have found the evidence of the unwanted act. This is a common mistake a lot of armature dog trainers have.

If you have a pup that will not heed to the command “come,” do not chance them. This will only make your puppy runaway farther. Instead, when they look at you, call their name and immediately you run away from them. Soon they will be chasing you and will associate the command “come” as intended. They will come to you.

Remember this always, a puppy should only be scolded when they are caught in the act of doing something they should not be doing. Never scold a puppy when you have not caught them in the act. Use the command “shame” when looking at the evidence but do not look at the dog when vocalizing this. Over time, they will associate the command “shame” with your disapproval mood. They may never associate it to their act unless you catch them in it. Leave it at that. No other scolding will help, in fact it will do just the opposite. It will make the puppy loose trust in you rather than want to correct their error because they do not associate the act with your mood and commands.

If you find this article useful, please visit the site http://www.the-germa n-shepard-dog.com where you can find other useful information on the German Shepherd and all other canines.

About the author: Please visit http://www.the-germa n-shepard-dog.com for more information and other articles written by Robert Kempe.

4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know

Author: Mark Eckenrode

4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know by Mark Eckenrode

You’ve probably had a day or two when you felt like your dog just wasn’t paying any attention to you at all, right? You talked, you yelled, you shouted, maybe you jumped up and down and waved your arms, but she just wasn’t interested in anything you had to say to her in any tone of voice. You’re not alone.

1. Your dog isn’t human.

Unless you believe in pet psychics, there’s really no way for you to read your pooch’s mind and figure out exactly what she’s thinking. The good news is that, like many dog owners, the problems you’re having can probably be traced to one simple thing: you’re trying to communicate with your dog from a human standpoint, and your dog isn’t a human. Sure, you know that, but lots of humans try to relate with their dogs in the ways that they think are rational as humans. The problem is that dogs are driven in every act and every moment by very strong instincts. Deciphering those instincts and leveraging them to build a productive relationship is like finding the keys to the city.

2. Your dog doesn't speak English.

Take the word “no,” for example. Does your dog speak English? Not understand English. Does she speak it? What’s meaningful to her is your tone of voice, not the word itself. Now let’s think about that – we’re taking up excess time trying to teach our dog a word she’ll never speak and that probably doesn’t mean much to her anyway. Sure, it’s meaningful to us, but that’s only one side of the equation. What about something that’s meaningful to both human and dog?

3. You know what a growl means, and your dog knows what a growl means.

If you think that mutually meaningful language doesn’t exist, you’re not thinking creatively enough. What does it say to you when a dog growls at you? Anything from “get away from my food” to “back off, dude,” right? Yet in every case, a dog’s growl typically means that she is not happy with whatever you’ve done. And you’ve seen dogs react to other dogs’ growls, right? So you know what a growl means, and your dog knows what a growl means. Where’s the disconnect? Growl at your dog!

No, seriously. The next time your pooch starts stepping outside her bounds or doing something you don’t like, growl at her. A nice, strong, guttural growl that would put the alpha wolf in a pack to shame. While you’re growling, look directly into her eyes. You’re almost guaranteed that she’ll back off.

4. Instincts save time and communicate effectively.

See that? You worked with her instinct and the information hardwired into her brain, and the result was instantaneous. Why spend tons of time trying to work against that instinct and end up frustrated, angry, and still miscommunicating? This approach works in everything from basic discipline to full-on obedience training. You just need to figure out how to apply it in each of those situations.

I’d like to help you learn to apply it, and that’s why I created the multimedia presentation Instinct vs. Man. It addresses day-to-day life with your dog as well as specific topics like playtime, training, and territory. Beyond that, you’ll get some great insight into why your dog thinks the way she does and how it affects her actions and reactions. You’ll understand why those months of training stopped working after a few weeks and how to get her back into the routine and acting like the fun, upbeat dog you love.

-- Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Learn Exactly What Your Dog is Looking For… Without Being a Vet, Visiting an Animal Shrink, or Paying Outrageous Prices for Dog Toys!”

Click Here => http://www.DogMatters.com -=-=-==-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

About the author: Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog…. http://www.DogMatters.com

Tips For Finding Your Lost Dog

Author: Wes Cutshall

- The first thing to do when searching for a lost dog is to confirm that your dog is actually lost. Dogs, especially curious breeds, can easily find an interesting place in your backyard to investigate for quite some time. Often no amount of calling your dog's name will distract him from finding out what exactly is moving under that bucket by the fence. Search every corner of your residence before venturing out looking for your lost dog.

- Once you've determined that your dog has definitely left your residence, don't pack up the whole family in an effort to search for the dog. Often dogs will return soon after their departure. You'll want someone at home to contact the others in the event that your dog wanders back home soon after the search party leaves.

- Dogs usually don't go far. They're curious animals that like to look and sniff around. It's more likely for a dog to be a few blocks away than a few miles away. So stick close to home for the first part of your search. Be sure to check all the streets in your neighborhood. Talking to other dog owners you see is a good idea as either their dog or the owner himself might have seen your dog. It's more likely that a dog owner will notice a wandering dog than someone who is not a dog lover.

Fido Finder - When searching the neighborhood, be sure to call your dog's name. Your dog can hear you from a great distance. Your dog might be in between houses or behind bushes. Don't rely on just your eyes for finding your dog. If you own a dog whistle or any device that makes a loud noise, it can be used to attract your dog's attention. If you own other dogs, they might be helpful in finding your lost dog. Bring them along for the search so they can alert you if they smell or see something of interest.

- Once you've exhausted your physical search, it's time to post lost dog posters, which you can print from our web site. Don't just put the posters on your street; post them at the entrance of your neighborhood and in places people frequent. Community mailboxes are also a good place to post your lost dog poster. People often recognize a lost dog poster when they see one. Although it's important for your poster to be marked with ""LOST DOG,"" it could be more important to emphasize your dog's breed and color. Keep the information simple. Someone who might have found your dog doesn't need to know your dog's favorite food or whether it is spayed or neutered. Name, breed and color are really the only things that someone needs to know when looking for a lost dog. Provide your contact information on the poster; provide your phone number, but not your name or address.

Fido Finder- Be sure to call your local veterinary offices and animal emergency clinics to see if anyone has brought in a lost dog. Give them information about your lost dog and take them a poster if you can.

- Be sure to visit your local animal control, humane societies, and animal shelters to look for your lost dog. It's quite possible that your pet could end up there and describing your dog over the phone isn't enough to find out of he has been taken in. Again, leave a lost dog poster at these locations so employees can contact you should your dog show up.

- Be sure to check the newspaper's classifieds section for Found Pets. These ads usually change daily, so you should check them each day. If your newspaper has a web site, see if you can search these listings online.

About the author: Founder of FidoFinder.com - Where Lost Dogs Are Found

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him

Author: Mark Eckenrode

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him by Mark Eckenrode

Do you have at least one framed photo of your dog somewhere in your house... or maybe in your wallet? Is your dog pretty darn close to being the very center of your universe? Do you love spoiling him, respond to his every whimper and cry, and spend hundreds of dollars on gourmet treats? To say that dogs are man's best friend is anything but a cliché. You might be the most miserable person in the world without a friend to your name... but your dog will treat you like royalty every time you walk through the door. So how do you repay that unconditional love and devotion? There are hundreds of different ways!

1. Spoil him rotten.

A lot of people spend a lot of money at chic pet boutiques, dressing their dogs in hundred-dollar sweaters and paying for meticulous pawdicures. They buy diamond studded collars and give their dogs rooms all to themselves. You probably don’t have the budget for things like that, right? You can still spoil your dog with simple, everyday things that cost you the absolute minimum. Next time your pooch needs a bath, focus on giving him a massage while you’re working the shampoo into his coat. Take him out for a drive once each week and dress according to the weather so you can open a window and let his head hang out, his ears flapping in the breeze. Or you can…

2. Stuff him silly.

Your dog lives by food! It drives every thought he has, every impulse in his body. But you’re more rational, you know that food needs to be both delicious and nutritious to make sure he has as long and happy a life as possible. Why not try making some homemade treats and dog food that are absolutely packed with all of the vitamins and nutrients he needs? Bake him a delicious, healthy cake for his next birthday, then share a few cookies with him!

3. Prepare for the worst.

If you know exactly what to do in a tough situation or an emergency, you infinitely increase the chances that your dog will be around for a long time to come. Do you know what to do when he’s choking? You should lay your dog on his side and place one hand on his back and the other on his stomach just behind his rib cage. Using the stomach hand, push in and toward the throat twice, but without too much force. If you can see a foreign object, sweep your fingers through his mouth to remove it. If he’s still choking, place your mouth over his nose and exhale until his chest rises. Repeat once, and then thrust two more times. Continue until he coughs out the obstruction. Now consider what would happen if he started to choke and you had no clue what to do, then ended up spending 10 minutes calling vets and driving him there. Making sure you’re prepared to care for his health and wellbeing is a great way to show him how much you love him.

4. Speak his language.

Unless you believe in pet psychics, there’s really no way for you to read your pooch’s mind and figure out exactly what she’s thinking. The good news is that, like many dog owners, the problems you’re having can probably be traced to one simple thing: you’re trying to communicate with your dog from a human standpoint, and your dog isn’t a human. Rather than saying “no,” a word that doesn’t really mean anything to a dog, try growling in a deep, throaty voice the next time you’re unhappy with something he’s done. He’ll get the message immediately and you won’t have to go through a big, drawn-out battle of wills. He’ll appreciate you meeting him halfway!

These are just a few of the ways in which you can show your dog how much he means to you, and I’d love to share hundreds more with you. That’s why I’ve assembled the DogMatters.com Megapack, a collection of my hottest dog care titles. From 101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for Under $10 and Secrets to a Healthy and Happy Pooch to 180 Gourmet Dog Recipes and Instinct vs. Man, you’ll be amazed at all of the information, tips, and ideas you never even imagined existed. Why not give it a try? Think about it – it’s just one more way to show your pooch how much you love him.

-- Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Learn Exactly What Your Dog is Looking For… Without Being a Vet, Visiting an Animal Shrink, or Paying Outrageous Prices for Dog Toys!”

Click Here => http://www.DogMatters.com -=-=-==-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

About the author: Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog… http://www.DogMatters.com

Dog Breeding

Author: Mark Woodcock

So you have a female pedigree dog with papers, you want to make some extra cash, so you think you'll go ahead and mate her with a stud so she'll breed and have some puppies. Not so easy! Proper breeding needs time, education, experience and of course money. Dog breeding does not make you money. If you are a good dog breeder, after postnatal care costs and proper veterinary care costs, there is little money left. Inexperienced dog breeders could end up with unwanted puppies which will just contribute to the growing dog overpopulation problem that exists. There are some 3 million plus unwanted dogs and cats in the United States, around 25 per cent of them are purebred. Of course there has to be some breeding, as without breeding we would have no puppies to grow into dogs.

Good reasons to breed your bitch is to perpetuate good qualitities of certain breeds of dog and to perpetuate a specific breed. If you breed puppies which are in demand, then you will usually be able to find them good homes. You should consider several things first if you are seriously considering breeding. Is your bitch of a good quality to be bred? Does your bitch fit her breed standard? Have your bitch examined by a veterinarian for her suitability for pregnancy and therefore avoiding inheritable abnormalities. If your bitch can match up to these things and fits her breed standard, is healthy you may want to breed her to pass on her good traits. You should start by finding a reputable breeder to mentor your, attend dog shows and educate yourself by reading about breeding. You should also develop a good relationship with your veterinarian, one who could be called upon for any pregnancy and whelping problems you may encounter.

Getting your bitch pregnant is not as simple as you may first think. You should choose a good stud dog, check out its pedigree. cycles also vary from breed to breed and individual to individual to the timing of mating is also crucial to ensure pregnancy and in some cases may have to be repeated if mated to early or too late in your bitches cycle. Some people assume that dogs don't have problems during pregnancy or whelping, in the case of purebred dogs that have been unnaturally selected, this is not the case and some breeds may be prone to complications. It is common during whelping to lose some puppies and therefore it is essential that you work along with your veterinarian to laern how to identify and handle any problems that may arise. Breeding is not a light undertaking, it's not just a hobby and does not always make you money like a business should. You should therefore take your time, you should have some money to invest along with plenty of energy.

About the author: If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this live link to: 1 Flea Control

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies

Author: Mark Eckenrode

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies by Mark Eckenrode

Have you ever thought about what you need to do should your dog – or another dog – ever suffer a serious, life-threatening injury? What if they have a severe allergy to an insect bite or a bee sting? It’s great to know your vet’s phone number, but what if something happens during off hours? What if you don’t know where the closest emergency animal clinic is located?

Augh! Enough with the questions already, right? Any emergency is stressful and scary, and one involving that furry little four-legged member of your family is no exception. The toughest of owners can be instantly reduced to helpless balls of mush if something’s wrong with their dogs and they can’t figure out what to do.

1. Preparation is key.

The key to getting through a veterinary emergency is preparation. You may think you have that covered with a first aid kit and having the phone number to your vet handy, but what if there isn’t enough time to move your dog? You need to be well-versed in some of the more common animal emergencies just in case a situation ever arises. And hey, if a situation never arises, you’ll still feel more confident knowing that you have the ability to deal with one.

2. Know how to care for wounds.

Did you know that you shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide on a bleeding wound? Nope. It slows clotting to the area, which means your dog could actually lose more blood than he would if you didn’t use the peroxide at all. In fact, the best way to treat a deep, severely bleeding wound is to apply a clean cloth and hold it in place for five minutes, then tape the cloth to the wound. That original cloth should never be removed – that also slows clotting – and should instead be layered with more clean cloths if blood soaks through.

3. Know what to do about poisoning.

Did you know that certain varieties of toads, salamanders, newts, and other amphibians are poisonous if licked? Hey, guess who loves to hold little woodland critters in his mouth! Your dog. If you notice your pup drooling, whining, and wiping at his mouth after a trip into the forest, get him to a clean water source and rinse his mouth thoroughly. While the poison can be fatal if left in the mouth, it’s fairly easy to cleanse from the tongue and glands.

Now imagine all of the scenarios that can happen to your dog, from fractured limbs to choking and everything in between. Do you really want to risk not knowing how to handle them? You don’t have to anymore, since I’ve written Secrets to a Healthy and Happy Pooch to help you learn how to cope with nearly any emergency as well as have the basis for handling all of the everyday and lifelong problems and situations you’ll face with your dog. From choosing toys to cancer and everything in between, it’s all in the book… as well as how to create the most effective first aid kit and handle the most common emergencies. Listen, even the most experienced dog owner needs a little help and advice now and then. Secrets to a Healthy and Happy Pooch is that constant source of help and advice.

-- Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Learn Exactly What Your Dog is Looking For… Without Being a Vet, Visiting an Animal Shrink, or Paying Outrageous Prices for Dog Toys!”

Click Here => http://www.DogMatters.com -=-=-==-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

About the author: Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog…. http://www.DogMatters.com

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog

Author: Mark Eckenrode

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog by Mark Eckenrode

Do you really know all there is to know about your canine companion’s nutritional needs? Many pet owners think they’re doing what’s best for their dogs when it comes to food, but in reality they rely on pure instinct more than science. Nutrition isn’t a guessing game, even when it comes to your pooch. Think about it – if you were left to feed yourself based only on what you craved and had no knowledge of what your body needs to function, would you be eating 5 servings of fruit and veggies or would you head straight for the Ding Dong case at the market?

1. Cover all of the bases.

A dog’s diet can be as complex as any human’s (including yours!), and it’s absolutely essential that you, as an owner, hit all of the vital nutritional bases. A deficiency of certain vitamins and nutrients can lead to upset tummies, overly dry or oily skin, brittle bones, weight issues, and, in some of the worst cases, death. A balanced and proper diet is the building block of your dog’s overall health – if he doesn’t get the right blend of nutrients, the most impeccable care otherwise won’t mean a thing. But with the right diet, his defenses against disease and disorders are infinitely stronger than a dog whose owner hasn’t put much thought into an eating plan.

2. Mix it up!

For the most part, pre-packaged food will help you cover all of the major nutritional requirements a healthy, fairly young dog has. This where many owners trip up simply because of the ease of the decision. Most think that the major choice is between dry and moist food, when in reality the best diet you can provide your dog is one varied in ingredients, textures, and nutritional value. Dogs, of course, are carnivores, and that instinct remains in their blood to this day. They continue to hunt prey (poor Kitty), love sausage-flavored treats, and adore the great crunch they get when chowing down on a bone. Those varied elements should give you a little bit of insight into how diverse your dog’s diet can be.

3. Move beyond meat.

Building some portion of his diet from meat gives you many of the crucial nutrients he needs for energy and growth, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to aid in digestion and stability. You could throw down a bowl of dry food every day and maybe give him a “treat” of moist food once a month, but how would you like it if the tables were turned and he insisted on feeding you pancakes every day for the rest of your life? Not such a sunny outlook, is it?

4. Make it a real meal.

Listen, nobody ever said you had to rely on a bag or can of food to feed your dog. You cook for your family all the time. Doesn’t your dog deserve similar treatment? Most owners say they’d love to cook for their pups but just don’t know where to start, and that’s where I come in. Now you can help fulfill all of your dog’s nutritional needs as well as his taste desires with just one quick flip through my new book, 180 Delicious Gourmet Dog Recipes. I know, I know, you’re busy, and there’s barely time to cook your family a proper meal. That’s why you’ll love this book – in addition to covering all of the usual recipes like traditional dog chow and cookies, I’ve created several that are healthy and delicious enough for you, your dog, and your family. Being skeptical is natural; after all, I never dreamed I’d come up with recipes I could easily share with my dogs! But how can you pass up recipes like biscotti, muffins, omelettes, dinner mints, and even sushi?

5. Give him some green.

Your dog needs a well-balanced diet, and the best way to accomplish that is through a wide variety of ingredients. Did you know that many dogs love veggies? In fact, if your dog likes to nibble on grass, he may appreciate some of the veggie-oriented recipes in the cookbook. Give it a shot and see what you – and your dog – think. After all, the worst that could happen is an improvement in your pooch’s health!

The only set rule in feeding your pup is to make sure his meals satisfy the unique nutritional requirements any dog has. You don't have to stick to the bag or the can, and you don't have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. Making dishes for your dog can be a family event, and nothing expresses gratitude better than a big, sloppy, wet kiss. ""180 Delicious Gourmet Dog Food Recipes"" features a huge array of delectable treats made to please any pup... but you'll be amazed at how many you can eat, too! It's a great starting point for any well-rounded nutritional plan for your dog. You'll both be happy you made the investment!

-- Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Learn Exactly What Your Dog is Looking For… Without Being a Vet, Visiting an Animal Shrink, or Paying Outrageous Prices for Dog Toys!”

Click Here => http://www.DogMatters.com -=-=-==-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

About the author: Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog… http://www.DogMatters.com

Pictures of Dogs and Puppies - 5 Unique Ways to Display and Share Your Favorite Dog Breed Pictures

Author: Caroline Kent

If you're a dog lover like me, you've probably taken dozens of pictures of your beloved dogs or puppies.

And where are those cute dog pictures now? Are they stashed away in a drawer or shoebox, gathering dust?

Don't let those adorable pictures of your dogs stay hidden away and be forgotten! There are so many decorative ways that you can display your favorite pictures of your dogs or puppies. Here are five unique ideas to get you started:

1. Display your precious dog pictures as a collage under glass!

A coffee table with a glass top is a terrific spot to display your cherished pictures of your dogs or puppies! Remove the glass and layout the pictures on the tabletop, in whatever theme you like. Think about the location of the table and how guests will approach the table. Place the pictures of the dogs or puppies in varying directions for a unique look! When you're satisfied with the layout of the pictures, place the glass top back over the photos.

2. Display your best-loved pictures of dogs or puppies using CD cases! You can purchase CD cases at your local office supply store. Be sure to use the standard size cases and not the slim variety. Throw away the plastic insert that's included in the case. Cut the dog pictures to the size of the CD case. Attach a piece of cardboard to the back of each photo. Place the dog photo inside the case and snap it securely shut. Now attach the CD case to the wall with a strip of Velcro. Arrange the cases in a 4 x 4 square pattern or place diagonally at different angles. What's neat about this type of display is that you can easily change the pictures of the dogs and puppies inside the case as often as you like!

3. Display several of your favorite pictures of dogs or puppies in a shadow box! A shadow box is a great way to display larger dog-related items that won't fit in a standard frame. Arrange the cute pictures of your puppies or dogs inside the shadow box, then add some of your favorite dog mementos such as his first ID tag, collar, or lock of hair. You could even add one of his favorite dog biscuits or treats. Be creative and display whatever treasured dog items would add the most meaning to the shadow box!

4. Display your favorite pictures of dogs or puppies on a velvet, satin or grosgrain ribbon! Cut a length of ribbon - the size of the ribbon will depend upon the number of photos that you choose to display. Arrange your favorite dog pictures on the ribbon. Attach the pictures of your dogs or puppies with one of those self-adhesive Velcro circles or squares. Now fill in the open spaces of the ribbon with colorful beads, sparkly glitter or some unusual buttons. Then, add a pretty bow at the top of the ribbon for a finishing touch!

5. Display your most cherished dog picture in a mirror frame! Take a piece of mirrored glass and cut it to fit a frame of your choice. You can find mirrored glass at most stores that sell window glass. Now, take a single-edge razor blade and scrape away the mirror's black backing to create a 'window' of clear glass for the picture of your dog to show through. The 'window' can be large or small, oval, heart-shaped, smooth or rough around the edges. Tape the picture of your dog or puppy to the back of the glass and place it in the frame.

These are just a few creative ways to display and share your favorite pictures of dogs or puppies. Don't limit yourself to the methods listed above. With a little thought and ingenuity, you'll be able to think of some more exciting and distinctive ways to show off those wonderful pictures of your dogs or puppies!

About the author: You can find a wonderful assortment of pictures of dogs and pictures of puppies to display and share at http://www.bestdogpictures .com

What is the largest breed of dog in the world. The Old English Mastiff

Author: Sharon Medforth

The Old English Mastiff is the LARGEST breed of dog in the world . .They can weigh anywhere from 110 pounds to the 343 pounds. Zorba,an English mastuff ,held the world record of the world's largest dog. Most Mastiff males weigh around 160-230 pounds and females around 120-190 pounds. The hight of a mastiff can range from 26 inches at the shoulder to 36 inches . The Irish Wolf Hound and Great Dane can be taller then the mastiff , but do not match the mastiff for weight and over all size . The mastiff is also one of the most powerful dog in the world . My friends mastiff ""Abraham "" was the top weight pull dog in North America in 2004 ""PULLING 7300 POUNDS More on this subject can be found at http://mastiff25.tripod.com/

About the author: Sharon Medforth is a long time dog breeder and has been breeding and showing mastiffs for 10 years under the kennel name of Island West Mastiffs

Female Dog Care

Author: Aki Desorcy

As there are certain health issues that affect only the female dog, care should be taken to ensure that these are fully understood before deciding whether or not to buy a bitch.

The most important concern is that of spaying.

Only those who are fully educated in all aspects of a specific breed and who have the time and energy to put into making sure that bloodlines are kept strong and healthy should ever consider breeding. With that in mind, most owners of female dogs will not be thinking of breeding and should therefore seriously consider having their pet spayed.

If the necessary surgery is carried out before your dog has her first heat cycle, the likelihood of her ever developing breast cancer will become almost zero percent. That alone is a very good reason to have your dog spayed as breast cancer is otherwise relatively common in older bitches. The chances of your dog developing pyometra, a disease of the uterus that can be fatal, is also greatly reduced.

Having your dog spayed will also relieve her of the twice yearly 'season' and the anxiety that often becomes part of it. She'll no longer want to roam in order to find male dogs to mate with and you'll no longer have to put up with the crowds of dogs who follow you during walks or who gather outside your home. And most importantly of all, unwanted pups will not become a problem.

******************************************** For more dog care help visit my blog at http://www.dog-treats-n-dog-care-tips.com/ ********************************************

If your female dog starts collecting her toys and treating them as if they were puppies, she's almost certainly experiencing a false pregnancy. Fortunately, this rarely lasts more than a week and although the dog will become very protective of her imaginary offspring, treat her as normal and she'll soon forget them.

If you've opted to not have your dog spayed, it's important to understand how her heat cycle works. The first 10-14 days is the period BEFORE ovulation and this is the time during which she will bleed. Ovulation occurs as the bleeding stops so it's important to understand that it's during the 10-14 days following bleeding that she's actually most likely to become pregnant. Far too many owners make the mistake of believing that their female dog is safe once the bleeding stops and over-filled dog pounds are the sad result.

Doggie diapers are available in most pet stores and come in a range of sizes to fit different breeds. These are designed to stop the dog leaving blood on your furniture and rugs but unfortunately, unless the dog has been taught to accept wearing them from a very young age, most will soon chew them off.

Female dog owners who choose not to have their dog spayed MUST monitor their dog regularly for any lumps in the breasts and remember that unless they're serious about breeding, they have a duty to ensure that their dog doesn't produce unwanted puppies who will eventually find themselves sitting in a pound waiting for their death sentence to be passed. copyright2005 by Aki Desorcy ************************************************* Aki Desorcy is the Author of

http://www.dog-treats-n-dog-care-tips.com/category/dog-care/ Visit for your free ebook today!

This article may be used as long as you keep the resource box together and make the back link live. ***************************************************

About the author: Aki Desorcy is the Author of http://www.dog-treats-n-dog-care-tips.com/ Where you will find free dog care tips,dog treat recipes and other useful info for your pooch. Go to http://www.dog-treats-n-dog-care-tips.com/category/dog-care/ For your free ebook today.

Dog Crate Buyer's Guide- How to choose the right crate and accessories

Author: A. Grignard

Why use a crate:

When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog's instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to ""hold it"" until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control. For older dogs, crates act as a ""bedroom"" where they can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of kids, other pets, and everyday family life. Also, it's never too late to crate train! A crate can help break bad habits that improperly trained dogs may have developed over the years.

Plastic or metal?

Plastic kennels are good for travel, and are generally the only method of containment permitted by airlines. Metal wire dog crates are ideal for home use, however. They are generally roomier and more open. They're also sturdier, so they will stand up to your pet's movement/ activity and be able to last as your dog's permanent bedroom.

What size?

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If the crate is too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil one side and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose of the crate. Buy a crate large enough to accommodate your dog's full-grown size and get a divider panel. This way, you can keep the one crate and have it ""grow"" along with your dog.

Accessories:

Always be sure to include appropriate toys and treats in the crate. This will keep your dog occupied and prevent your teething puppy from chewing on the crate's metal bars. It is also important to purchase crate bedding. A crate cover is great for lowering the number of outside distractions your dog sees, which can reduce barking and stress in the crate. A crate pad will be more comfortable than the crate's plastic pan. Finally, a bumper like the one included in Pet Dreams Cratewear will help protect your puppy from injuries caused by chewing or leaning against the crate's metal bars.

For more information:

In addition to Cratewear, Pet Dreams provides a wealth of Crate Training Tips, articles, and FAQs to help you crate train your dog. We’ve also recently launched Forums where you can discuss all aspects of training with others and get advice from the experts!

About the author: Visit www.petdreams.com for Dog crates, Cratewear bedding and Sleep-ezz dog beds.

Training Your Dog To Stay

Author: Lee Dobbins

A properly trained dog is a joy to be around for both the owner and anyone else you happen to come in contact with. Not only will it make for a better relationship but it can help save your pet from being hurt or worse, if he is able to be called to your side to avoid danger.

You should always use a positive approach to training your dog. Rewarding him with a treat and praise will go a lot further than hitting and yelling. Dogs and puppies want your approval and will try to please you to get your praise.

Once you have taught your dog the two basic commands of “sit” and “down”, you are ready to move on to the “stay” command. This command comes in handy when you are out somewhere and you don’t want your dog to get into something he shouldn’t or to keep him contained in a dangerous situation. The steps are basically the same as for any other training with the action and command being the differentiating factor. Here’s some steps you might use to train your dog to stay:

1. Get the puppy (or adult dog) to lay down or sit (You should already have them well trained in these commands before you can expect him to stay).

2. Give the “stay” command – some people put their hand up with the palm facing the dog in sort of a “Stop” command as well.

3. Give praise no matter how long he actually “stayed”. Of course, at first the dog won’t really stay at all, but you must give the praise anyway.

4. Release him by calling him to you and reward him with praise and a treat.

5. Praise the dog no matter how long he stays in position. At first he will only stay for a short time, but as he catches on you can lengthen that time period and eventually even leave the room and expect to find him as you left him.

6. Repeat the steps 5 times. No more than 5 times or it won’t be fun! You can try again later in the day.

Training your dog is important so that you can take him out without him acting unruly, but you get much more from training a dog then you might expect. Your dog loves to hang out with you. He learns to listen to his name. He gets used to doing things with you, but on your plan. Training helps your dog feel more secure as it strengthens your position as leader. Spending a couple of minutes each day training your dog will help build a strong relationship.

About the author: Get more dog training tips and find out which dogs are easier to train at http://www.train-the-dog.com

How to Housebreak Your Dog or Puppy

Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a habit, breaking it can be a long, frustrating process. Your dog needs guidance and encouragement from you to develop a toilet habit you can live with. Animal behaviorists have learned a lot about dogs over the last couple of decades, and there are many tips available that will make housebreaking your dog or puppy a less frustrating task.

When you consider some of the things your dog or puppy is willing to roll in, or put in their mouth, it's a bit hard to believe they're picky and specific about their toilet areas. Dogs will go to great lengths to avoid soiling near where they eat and/or sleep. That means any accidents an un-housebroken dog has will be far from its food dish and bed. To a dog, however, ""far"" can mean about 6-10 feet. This leaves lots of ""fair game"" space in your home, unless you guide the dog to suitable spots.

Whether your dog is a puppy, or an adult dog new to your home, the process is the same: - Every few hours, take the dog outside to a place you designate as a ""bathroom"" area. - 30 minutes after the dog or puppy eats, do the same. - Stay in this bathroom area, and praise the dog lavishly when they relieve themselves. - If the dog doesn't use the bathroom when you've taken them outside to the appropriate spot, try again 15 minutes later. Continue doing this until they've actually used the bathroom spot. - When the dog is inside, watch closely for any signs of needing to ""go"". A dog will circle and sniff areas when they're about to relieve themselves.

How quickly your dog becomes housebroken depends partly on their personality, but mostly on your diligence in taking them outside at the right time. If your puppy is less than four months old, you should plan on getting up during the night to take it outside. Puppies over four months of age can usually ""hold it"" through the night, but if your dog cries to be let out, it is best to get up and let them tend to the urge. It is vital that you give your dog every chance to succeed during this time. Positive reinforcement of the proper behavior is the fastest way to teach your dog anything.

Accidents happen, and when they do, your response will affect how quickly your dog learns to ""go"" outside. If you catch your dog in mid-squat, clap your hands or call their name loudly to distract them. Once you have their attention, quietly and calmly take them outside. Be sure to praise your dog or puppy well when they finish relieving themselves outside properly.

If you find a wet spot or droppings on the floor when your dog is not around, simply clean it up. If your dog approaches to investigate what you are doing, ignore them. Don't talk to or pet the dog at this moment, because it could be interpreted as praise. Above all else, avoid yelling or physically punishing the dog, because they won't make the connection between their mess, and your anger.

Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at:

http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/housebreaki ng-your-dog/

About the author: ? 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard This article is provided courtesy of The My Pet Animals Shopping Portal - http://www.mypetanimals.com This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.

Training Your Dog To Lay Down On Command

Author: Lee Dobbins

Training your dog to obey commands is an important part of pet ownership . When your dog is properly trained, it is much easier for you to communicate with him and this enhances your relationship. In addition to making him mind you, it may even help save your pet from harm or danger.

Dogs want your praise, so using positive reinforcement when training your dog or puppy is the best approach. Hitting or yelling rarely works, and besides who wants to hit or yell at their dog anyway?

The “down” or “lay down” command is one of the basic commands and should be one of the first things you teach your dog once he learns to sit on command. It is not hard to train a dog to obey commands and once you have done one command, it gets even easier as the process is basically the same for each. Here’s some steps you can use to teach your dog to lay down on command:

1. Get the dog to sit (you should have already trained him in this command)

2. Firmly give the “down” command while gently forcing his legs out in front (this will cause him to lay down).

3. Give your dog praise. Show him you are really happy with your voice and body language.

4. At first the dog will get right back up, but as time goes on you can lengthen the time the dog stays in the down position by waiting to give him praise.

5. Repeat three to five times at each session. Repetition is important but you don’t want to do too much at one time. If you really want to drill it in, you can have several sessions spaced out throughout the day.

There’s more rewards than meets the eye with training your dog. For one the dog gets used to listening to his name. He also will get used to doing things on your command. All in all, training strengthens your positions – you as leader and helps the dog feel secure. Spend a couple of minutes each day training your dog. This will help cement your friendship.

About the author: Get more dog training tips and find out which dogs are easier to train at http://www.train-the-dog.com

Review of K9 Bytes Dog Collars

Author: Patty King

This is an amazingly strong collar for one that is handcrafted. I got one for a large dog who has been known to break collars in the past. Not only is this one sturdy enough for her, but there were so many gorgeous styles to choose from. You are able to find a collar that perfectly matches your dogs personality. From patriotic to floral, this store has it all.

They come in 3 different sizeds (small, medium, and large), and you can adjust them to your specific dog’s needs from there. They are quite easy to adjust.

I also really enjoyed the quick release buckle. If you need to take your dog’s collar off in a hurry, it is so much easier to push a button, then pulling and tugging the other kind.

This collar also comes with an o-ring, so you are able to obtain identification/rabies tags and attach them to this collar.

These are beautifully made and put together. You will not be disappointed with this product! I highly recommend them. Check their store out at: http://www.k9bytesgifts.com

About the author: Name of reviewer: Patty King is the mom to 2 human children and 2 canine children. She’s not sure (or not saying) which are easier to raise. When she’s not working on her gourmet coffee business and selling from her ebay store, she’s working hard to raise these four children. You can see her work at:

http://www.mygabbygoodies.biz/501 and

http://stores.ebay.com/Not-Just-Java?refid=store

Training Your Dog To Sit

Author: Lee Dobbins

A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even be a danger to himself and others. A properly trained dog, on the other had, is a wonderful and pleasant companion. In addition to helping you bond, it can even protect your pet from being hurt if he listens and will come when called.

When training always remember that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement – yelling at your dog and hitting him will not accomplish the task, instead use rewards such as treats and your approval – this will make the task much more pleasant for both of you!

There is a common “process” to training, no matter what you want the dog to do. They key is to get the dog to perform the action and at that exact moment give the command for the action, then praise the dog and reward him with a treat. After a while, he will catch on and associate the action with the command.

Here’s some steps you can use to train your dog with the most basic command – Sit.

1. The first thing you need to do is to get your puppy or dog to associate the act of sitting with the command. To do this, simply hang around with your dog and when he sits give the “sit” command.

2. Getting down to your dogs level will allow you to present his reward (treats) quicker so grab a handful of bite sized treats and get down on the floor.

3. Bring the treat up over the dogs head. He will smell the food and follow it with his nose. This action will cause him to sit (or backup, but obviously we are hoping for the sitting action).

4. The key to the training is to present the reward at the exact moment the dog sits, but you must also give the command at that moment as well so that he associates command with action. So as the dog sits, say “sit” and then immediately give him the treat.

5. Give the dog praise – show joy in your voice and he will really respond.

6. Repeat three to five times at each session but no more than that. Training should be fun and not a boring chore so don’t overdo it in one sitting. You may have several sessions throughout the day.

When you spend the time to train your dog, you get much more than just a dog that does some tricks. He loves to do things with you. He learns to listen when you say his name. He gets used to being with you and doing things on your initiative. Through good training your position as leader is strengthened. You should plan to spend a couple of minutes every day on practicing his “tricks”. This type of repetitive reinforcement will help him to remember and also create the bond between you.

About the author: Get more dog training tips and find out which dogs are easier to train at http://www.train-the-dog.com

How To Maintain Your Love Affair ... With Your Dog Part One - Training

Author: Peggie Arvidson-Dailey

How to Maintain Your Love Affair with Your Dog - Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your Canine Companion © 2004-2005 by Peggie Arvidson-Dailey

When I first laid eyes on my little ball of black fluff at an adoption fair, I knew there was no turning back. My husband and I had been looking for just the right dog for months, and all the research and networking had finally paid off. There was no doubt in my mind that we had found the most perfect, precious four-legged family member in the world.

As luck would have it, the adoption fair was right around the corner from our home, this gave us a great opportunity for a home visit at the end of the event. I ran home, scrubbed and cleaned and did everything I could to make sure our home was ‘puppy worthy’. As soon as she arrived with her foster mom, the puppy made sure to let us know she was in the right place…but more about that later.

Because both of us had lived with dogs before, I was sure we knew everything we needed to start off on the right foot and have a loving and healthy relationship with our dog. I was only partially right. Through lots of hands-on experience and a great deal of patience and training, I’ve learned a number of ways to maintain that original love-at-first sight feeling.

Training and Behavior

About the author: Peggie Arvidson-Dailey, The Pet Care Business Expert, is author of “Surprisingly Simple Sales Steps: What Every Pet-Care Business Owner Needs to Know to Build Their Business in a BIG Way!” To learn more about her book and sign up for tips, hints and ‘sneak peeks’ at ways to run your pet-care business smarter visit http://www.peggiespets.com

Understanding Psychology of Dog Training: Pack Behavior & Establishing Control

Author: Moses Chia

Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of dog training and understand the pack hierarchal system of dogs, we must go back and examine their ancestor - wolves. Wolves live naturally in packs of at least 2 and more... They live in a dictatorship system with strictly defined hierarchies of males and females. In their system, a leader - usually always a male, the biggest and toughest wolf also known as alpha leader would be in charge of the pack and will have the right to everything. The rest of the dogs in the pack would be followers and follow their leader willingly. This hierarchy system is not static and would change when another dominant member challenge the leader's authority and win. For your dog, your family is the pack and every member is part of the hierarchy system. From the moment a new puppy or dog is introduce to the family, the new dog will start to pick up signals and indicators to figure out his own status in the family and who’s in charge. If your dog see you as a ""alpha leader"", he will follow your commands willingly and this will allows you to train him easily. On the other hand, if your dog is very dominant (because you allow him to pick up the wrong signals) and starts to challenge your ""alpha leader"" position, he may refuse to follow your command and turn aggressive against you easily. This situation usually happens in children where dogs see their chain of command higher than that of them. This also explains why children suffer more dog bites than adults do. If you would prefer to own an obedient dog that pay attention to your command, assuming the role of the “alpha leader’ and establishing control over your dog is extremely important! Your dog must learn that he is the lowest ranking in the family, subordinate to you, to the children, and must recognize you to be the leader. If such hierarchy is not set up properly, the dog will try to take charge and assume the role of the leader. This’ll eventually lead the dog to turn into “dominant dog” and thus tend to misbehave. If this happens, you’ll face an uphill task to properly train your dog. As we live in a democratic society, most of us will find it hard to understand the dog’s concept of dictatorship. Nevertheless, it is necessary that we adjust ourselves to understand how the dog live and think. By being dictating, you would think that this is cruel or even inhumane to the dog. If you think so, you are very wrong! In fact, dogs are more than happy to be a follower and taking instructions from a leader. You have to give your dog directions, organize his space and activities for him, and he’ll be more clued-up and know his boundaries of life, which means knowing what is expected of him when he’s indoor or outdoor. Your dog will be able to lead a less stressful and happy life and so will you.

About the author: Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of http://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Dog Aggressive Training: Understand & Eliminate your dog's aggression behavior

Author: Moses Chia

Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of canine communication similar to human frustration or anger. Like human, aggressive behavior occurs in every dog. The different lie in the level of aggression shown in them, and this is where dog breeds come into the picture. While some breeds are born with a greater tendency to become aggressive, problems usually occur in homes that knowing or unknowingly encourage the development of a dog’s aggressive behavior. It’s important to know what is going on when your dog show aggression, biting unwelcome strangers in your house is justifiable aggression. But if he bites the postman or you when you push him off the couch is certainly a crime! There are basically 3 main types of aggression behavior shown in dogs namely, dominance aggression, possessive aggression and territorial aggression. Dominance and possessive aggression are one of the most common reasons why dogs growl at or even worse bite their owners. This type of behavior does not develop in a vacuum and is always a result of the dogs’ interaction with its environment and owners. The dog has been accessing his position for some time and decided to challenge you for the alpha leader position. If your dog is showing aggressive behavior towards you or any family members, he has to be brought down to earth again. You must let him know that he is the lowest ranking member in the family: 1. Avoid physical punishment if possible, it is too provocative and may make matter worse. 2. Review your relationship with your dog to determine why your dog is challenging you. Do remedial steps to assume to role of the alpha leader role again: - You must eat first before your dog does. - You must go through doorways first. - Do not let your dog win you in games of strength. (Tug-of-war, wrestling) - Do not let your dog assume a superior position against you. For example, you lying on the floor while your dog’s two paws pressing against your chest. - Set & enforce your house rules consistently, let him know that he has rules to follow. Territorial aggression is display by dogs that are fiercely overprotective. Prevent this problem by introducing and socializing your dog when he’s young to break down his suspicion of strangers. Try to expose your dog to more things and different people, which means bring him out more often! Let your dog know that these people are harmless and his territorial aggressiveness will died down naturally. If you are unsure of your dog’s behavior when you bring him out to the public, be sure to put him on a leash and muzzle if necessary. This is to not only to safe guard the general public but also your dog. More often than not, dogs are always put to death should they bite and injure someone. No ""ifs"" No ""buts""! Lastly, remember that aggression is no small problem and need to be seriously dealt with. If you are losing control over your dog or feel that he by and large outsmarts you, seek professional help and advice immediately.

About the author: Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of http://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

How to Maintain Your Love Affair ... With Your Dog Part Two - Assemble a Great Team

Author: Peggie Arvidson-Dailey

In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits early. Part two focuses on the types of people you want on your dog's 'team.'

Create a Good Team of Advisors

? Find A Great Vet. One of the best ways to find a great vet is to ask for referrals from friends and neighbors. It is best to ask people whose relationship with their dog is similar to yours. The Humane Society of the US notes some other things to keep in mind would be the convenience: are their hours amenable to your schedule? Is it easy to get an appointment? Do they have an effective emergency system in case your dog slits her foot on a holiday? How many vets are in the practice? How about parking and space to load and unload your dog? If you have an unusual breed of dog, or one that is generally accepted as a ‘difficult’ breed (like a Pit-Bull, Chow Chow, etc) how comfortable are they handling your pet? Once you’ve narrowed down your list of vets, schedule an appointment to meet with the staff, take a tour of the facility and ask them for references from their clients.

? Be a Good Vet Client. When you’ve found the right vet for you and your dog, it’s important that you work hard to maintain the relationship. Know your dog. By understanding his personality and when “not right” is more than just a pulled muscle from an invigorating game of Frisbee™ you can help your vet isolate and catch diseases such as Lyme Disease. If you are aware of the nuances of your pet’s regular behavior, you will not spend more time than necessary calling or visiting your vet. Keep up to date on preventive care and keep your doctor in the loop if you are trying new or holistic care options. If you have an appointment, be sure to show up on time and make sure your dog is on a leash.

? Find a Good Groomer. If your dog is of a particularly furry breed and prone to matting, or you are not comfortable setting aside regular ‘home grooming’ time, it’s important for you to find and use a good professional groomer. You can find a groomer through referrals or through the National Dog Groomers Association of America. Before making your dog’s first appointment, see if you can stop by and see their facility. During your tour reflect on the following questions. Is it well-lit? Does it smell and look clean? Are its holding cages adequately sized? How does the staff handle their current clients? Do they seem to act gently? Does the groomer keep updated medical and grooming history?

? Be a Good Grooming Client. Prepare your dog for his trip to the groomers by continuing your in home ‘handling’ routine. If he’s used to people touching his ears and paws, he will be less stressed when a stranger touches him in an unusual environment. Make sure that your dog is up to date on all his vaccinations and veterinary records. Prepare the groomer for your dog and make them aware of any particular needs he has – if he is geriatric, tends toward nervousness, or if he has any chronic medical problems.

? Find a Reliable Pet-Sitter. Because you will need to leave your pet at some time in your relationship, it’s important that you have found a reliable person or company to care for your pet in your absence. You may be lucky enough to have family or a neighbor who is reliable and always available to care for your pet. However, if you are new to town and don’t have any nearby people to call, you should take time to interview and find a reliable pet-sitting company. Ask your vet or neighbors for referrals and be sure to interview a few companies to make sure you have the right fit. Important questions include: are they bonded and insured? Do they have experience with your breed of dog? Do they have back-up plan in case of illness or emergency? If you travel frequently on short notice, it is also important to ask how far in advance you must book to guarantee service. Perhaps most important is to take notice of how they interact with your pet. A couple of places to search on-line for a professional pet-sitter are The National Association of Professional Pet-Sitters or Pet Sitters International.

? Be a Good Pet-Sitting Client. Whenever possible, book with plenty of time to assure your place on the company’s schedule. Many pet-care businesses are run by a single person who may book up early, so once you know your schedule, make an appointment for your pet’s care. Be clear about your expectations, if you don’t want your pet-sitter to give your pet treats, make it clear. Be sure your dog is up-to-date with all vaccinations and complete all required paperwork prior to your first appointment. You will be asked to provide all pertinent information regarding the health and medical history of your pet. Do not make it difficult for your pet-sitter to park or access your home – have parking passes and keys ready for your sitter at the time of your initial interview.

About the author: Peggie Arvidson-Dailey is the founder of the Pet-Care Business Success University and the author of several articles, books and classes on running a successful home-based business. Go here: http://www.peggiespets.com/wst_page9.html to get your free copy of “243 Tips for Running a Successful Pet-Care Business.”

Dog Behavior Problems: Help! My dog is a nuisance when he misbehaves!

Author: Moses Chia

How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say, “I hate it when he barks non stop… or he utterly embarrassed me when he mounts people’s leg”. Dog owners usually have no problems to fill in tons of their dog behavioral problems into the above statements. I have to admit that I feel disappointed, even sad whenever I hear dog owners say that statement. Why? Because, these owners have failed to see things from their dog’s prospective! To put it simply, I should say that they don’t understand their dogs at all. Dogs do not misbehave because they're spiteful, or are out to annoy or anger you. They just behave in a manner which is expected of a dog! The fact is that dog behavioral problems that we can’t stand are not problems at all to the dogs. In fact, do you know that dogs “misbehave” for a reason or two? To list a few: 1. Dogs bark because they have something to say, something to tell you. 2. Dogs dig because they smell something underneath the ground. 3. Dogs chew because they are teething and are feeling uncomfortable. 4. Dogs chase after moving objects because they are following its instinct. 5. Dogs turn aggressive because they want to protect you. For your information, most dogs actually misbehaved (in our eyes) because of the lack of care, concern and training from their very own owners: 1. Health Issue – Many behaviorists & dog trainers believe that at least 20% of all behavior problems are related to the dog’s health in some way or another. For all that you might know. Your dog could be misbehaving because he is sick or in pain. Bring him to the vet for a thorough check-up if he misbehaves suddenly when he has always been a good dog. 2. Imbalance Diet – Feeding your dog the wrong food, with too high in protein, fat or carbohydrates is known to cause hyperactivity. Sugars, starches and many other factors in your dog’s diet can also cause behavioral problems in your dog. Always read the label of the food before you feed him, seek advice if necessary. Remember that dogs need different type of food in different stages of their life. 3. Exercise - Lack of exercise also cause plentiful of problems. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise is unhealthy and tends to be hyperactive, and display destructive behaviors. Dogs depending on breed type need plentiful of exercises - Do consider this factor before you get a puppy. 4. Lack of Leadership –I can’t stress enough on the importance of the leadership issue. Dogs display TONS of behavioral problems when they lack a leader. Aggressive & destructive behaviors, leg lifting, marking, mounting, barking & etc… It’s very important that you assume the role of the alpha leader! You must understand that all dog develop behavior problems. These dog behavior problems never develop in a vacuum. They are always the outcome of the interaction between a dog and its environment, including you! Most canine behavioral problems can be controlled if not solved completely. You just got to put in some effort and understand that prevention is better than cure. Lastly, do try to see and comprehend things from your dog’s prospective the next time your dog misbehaves. You’ll soon find that you love him even more!

About the author: Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of http://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Choosing The Right Size Of Clothing For Your Dog

Author: Eva Sanchez

Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quit affordable for anyone and everyone to enjoy with their dog, but not everyone knows the best ways to find their dog’s size or how a garment should fit to avoid accidents. Choosing the right size for your dog is very important, we always want our pets to be safe and feel comfortable in whatever they wear. 30% of all online dog apparel sales result in returns or exchanges due to improper sizing.

The first and most important thing you should know before you begin to buy for your dog is his/her measurements. You should write them down and always have them with you just in case you see something you can’t resist.

The most important places you’ll want to measure are:

The chest (circumference) measurements should be taken at the deepest part of the chest, which is usually right behind the front legs. This measurement is most important, so make sure you don’t exaggerate your dog’s chest by adding inches for more room and if you wrap the measuring tape to tight you will lessen the measurement and end up buying something too small.

Then measure the dog’s length from the back of his neck to tail. This measurement should start from the middle of the back of his neck right to the base of his tail. This measurement is not as important as the chest the length of the garment can vary and will be up to you whether you like him to wear his shirts long or short.

When measuring the dog’s neck (circumference) you should take the measurements around the lower middle of his neck.

If you have a breed with shorter legs then you’ll want to stick to short sleeves unless you’re purchasing from a store that makes their own clothes then you should provide them with his front leg measurements to ensure proper fit. The leg measurements should start from his under arm to right above his ankle. The length of the sleeves is very important, you don’t want your dog to wear anything with sleeves that are too long, this may cause accidents.

Every dog clothing manufacture has their own sizing chart, study it carefully for most charts won’t suit all dog’s so the most important thing to remember is the chest, as long as the chest size is right then it should be ok. If you’re buying online then you should provide the online store with his measurements, just to ensure you’ll get the right size. Some online stores will make the garment to your dogs measurements, this is a great feature for anyone but greater if you own a Dachshund or Crested or any hard to fit dog.

If you’re buying for a puppy from an online store then it’s very important to let the store know, what kind of puppy, how old and how much does he weigh. This is important so the seller can calculate what your dog’s size will be by the time you get your package.

Dressing your dog in different clothes for different occasions is lots of fun… after all, your pet is part of your family too. Just using common sense in choosing what size for him as we, wouldn’t wear anything uncomfortable. Like babies they can’t tell us what’s too tight or loose so it’s our responsibility to choose the right size for them.

About the author: Author Eva Sanchez founder of PrincessPetear.com, online seller of small dog clothes for boy and girl dogs. http://princesspetwear.com

Barking Problems: Train your dog to stop barking!

Author: Moses Chia

All dogs bark, it’s their way to communicate a message. Dog barks for various reasons: to greet, to alert, out of boredom, to attract attention or when they are excited. Although some barking from is acceptable, too much barking is certainly annoying, especially for your neighbors and eventually leading to complains. The easiest way to stop a problematic barker is to control his barking while you are at home: 1. Set up a situation where your dog will always bark. For example, you can ask someone to ring your doorbell or knock on your door. 2. When your dog charges to the door and start to bark loudly, approach your dog, grab his collar and give the command “quiet” – no shouting please, it doesn’t help. 3. If he stops barking, praise and reward. He’s a genius and deserves it. 4. When he continues barking, close his mouth with your hand, wrap your fingers around his muzzle – use both hands if needed, and give the command for him to keep quiet. Praise if he stops. Most dogs would be able to learn the “quiet” command with repeated training like this. Set up similar situations to ""lure"" your dog to bark and repeat training whenever possible. If you happen to own a hard-core persistent barker, use this method: 1. Vinegar-Water solution – mix a proportion of 7/8 water & 1/8 vinegar together. Pour the mixture into a water pistol or what kids call “super soaker” for longer distance shooting. 2. Aim and shoot at his chest whenever he can’t stop barking even on your command. Dogs hate the smell of vinegar and would usually back off and stop barking. He’ll even sneeze a few times. It’s harmless so you need not worry. 3. As always, praise him when he stops barking. For your information, your dog might still be barking noisily and disrupting your neighborhood when you are not at home. In this case, you’ll need a training equipment known as “bark collars” to help train him. There are several types of bark collars on the market. Some of these collars send an electric shock to your dog when he barks, some make a high pitch sound or emits a squirt of citronella which is annoying but safe for your dog. Usually, these collars can help you solve a problematic barker. Personally, I’ll recommend the high pitch sound or citronella collars. They are very effective and more humane dog training tools.

About the author: Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of http://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

The Geriatric (Older) Dog

Author: Moses Chia

Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according to size and breed. It is commonly held that dogs live 7 years for every year that we man does. However, this serve as only a rough guide when converting and calculating your dog’s age as dogs grow up very rapidly in their early years and then slow down. For example, a 1 year old dog is comparable to a 15 year old kid, at age 6, he is comparable to 40 years old in human terms. By 12, it is consider a geriatric dog and is equivalent to an 80 year old man. It is generally believed that the smaller the dog breeds, the longer they live. Small breeds such as Terrier and Poodle may not slow down until 13 or 14 and could live to 17. On the other hand, larger breeds such as Great Dane and Wolfhounds rarely live pass 9 years. Diet A healthy diet for the older dog should be senior food that are formulated with low in fat and salt for a healthy heart, lower calories to help combat obesity since they are less active, lower protein to help the kidneys and liver, and higher fiber for the bowels to prevent constipation. A switch to a specially formulated commercial diet for the older dog will usually perk him up. If you have no clues about your older dog’s diet, you should consult your vet for advice. Medical attention You’ll probably find that your older dog needs more medical attention than before because this is the time where age-related problems start to kick in. If possible, try to make more than just an annual visit to the vet and keep vaccinations up to date. A yearly geriatric screen, including blood and x-ray would also be useful to keep a closer eye on his health. Patience Patience is a key factor on your part when you deal with your beloved dog as he grows older. More often than not, he will develop age related problems such as tooth decay, periodontal diseases, vision impairment, hearing loss and also less active than before. In any case, try to give them more time and understanding because they are not in their prime anymore. With enough love and care, older dogs can still continue their enjoyment of life well into old age. Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels. ~ unknown dog

About the author: Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of http://DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Love Watching Your Dog Wear Handmade Dog Scarf's Just To Suit Their Personality?

Author: Krystine Lewis

© Copyright 2005 Krystine Lewis

http://www.free-dog-scarf.com

Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care for them so much that we love to dress them up in all sorts of dog clothing. Take for instance, a handmade Dog Scarf. These great looking little dog scarf's do come in all sorts of fun colors just to suit your dog's personality.

I was recently researching ""dog clothing"" on some of the more well known search engines. I was amazed at all of the many different things that we can clothe our dog's with. On one such search, I found tee shirts, dog scarf's, sweaters, jackets, coats and boots. There were designer sunsuit's, petjama's and playsuit's. Of course, not to mention your regular old ""tuxedo and gown's"" for the poochies who get married. How incredible! I was astounded at how some websites really cater to the dog's and their owners.

I personally have found that my two dogs love to get dressed up with lots of dog accessories that I make for them. I love to Crochet and create new things all the time for my two dogs to play with. I have made dog blankets, dog scarf's, dog necklaces, dog ball's and fun loving dog toys. They can play to their hearts content.

It's a real joy to see how much your dog loves a new dog scarf or dog necklace. You can see it in their eyes and how they play and prance around. You know that you've made them one ""happy pooch"". They love all the attention that you give them and they play on that attention all day long! Enjoy your dog...they truly are a Woman's best friend.

About the author: Krystine Lewis created a website geared toward "" Handmade Pet Accessories, Dog Training, Free Crochet Patterns"" and other material for your enjoyment. Visit her website to learn all the tips, tricks and resources she has available.

free dog scarf

Tips to Help Solve the Three Most Common Dog Barking Complaints

Author: Cynthia Alexander

Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even embarrassed by their dog’s constant barking. Currently, there are approximately 63 million dogs owned by 44 million Americans. And just over one third of those owners complain of excessive barking.

Allowing your dog to bark excessively can be hazardous to it’s safety. I should know, I lost my dog because of it. I found out that excessive barking is one of the major reasons that people end up losing their dog. It’s a problem that nobody likes to talk about or admit to.

Here are some practical solutions to three of the most common dog barking complaints.

Complaint # One: Your dog barks for more than 15 minutes continuously, or off and on for more than half an hour - especially after you leave the house. Better known as separation anxiety.

Solution: Even the Queen of Talk herself, Oprah Winfrey suffered from this problem. The key is to not make a big deal when you are leaving the house. Many people feel guilty and start apologizing to their pooch when they have to leave it alone. Don’t! That negative energy will affect your dog. Your dog can feel your stress and will play into it, causing nervous barking. How you react will dictate how your pup reacts. Leave calmly without exciting your dog. Better yet, do something to preoccupy your dog so she’s not focused on you when you are about to leave.

Complaint # Two: Outside sounds cause your dog to bark for long periods of time.

Solution: You need to do something to block out those noises. You may want to consider putting your dog in a room as far away from the main street as possible and don’t let him have free reign of the house. And while he’s in there, try turning on a radio (preferably classical music or a soft style of music) to calm your dog. It’s really true that music soothes the savage beast.

Complaint # Three: Your dog constantly barks, whines or whimpers due to stress or anxiety or for any reason at all.

Solution: This can be a tough one for most people but, DO NOT give your dog attention when it’s behaving like this. Too many people unwittingly contribute to this particular problem by picking up their dog or going to him when he starts to bark or whine. Your dog is learning that in order to get attention from you, barking and whining is the way to do it. He’s controlling you. And by you picking him up or giving in to him in some way, you’re reinforcing that. Remember, YOU are the boss, not your dog. The way to break your dog of that habit is to ignore the unwanted behavior and only praise your dog when it is not barking. Then he’ll get the message that he only gets what he wants (attention or affection) when he gives you what you want (a calm quiet dog).

No dog owner should suffer the guilt, pain or embarrassment of having a dog that barks constantly. Finally, dog owners can safely leave Fido alone knowing he’s happy and quiet. And no more worrying about dirty looks from the neighbors. All it takes is knowing the proper way to deal with the behavior.

About the Author: Cynthia Alexander is a former dog trainer and author of the electronic book “The Ultimate Guide to Stop Your Dog from Barking…FAST.” Ms. Alexander gives many detailed answers to all kinds of nuisance barking problems, including separation anxiety. It is available via immediate download for $29.97 at http://www.stopyourbarking.com. A must have for anyone dealing with excessive barking.

About the author: Cynthia Alexander is an author of several books. She started training dogs over 20 years ago. She wrote this book as a response to complaints from her neighbors about barking dogs.

West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home

Author: Jeff Cuckson

Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland Terrier rescue dog. By electing to adopt one of the rescued Westies, you are giving an older dog a chance to find a loving new home

In many ways, this is simpler than going through the arduous process of training a westie terrier puppy. However, there still are steps you will need to take.

Westies that have found their way into rescue shelters sometimes have special needs, if only an owner who is patient and understanding of the way the dog might grieve for its previous family. People who volunteer keep the dog's needs foremost, and are choosy about the homes in which they place rescued terriers.

Expect an application process, an interview, and probably a home visit before you will be approved to take home a dog.

Westie rescue organizations need funds to pay for food and veterinary care while the dogs are waiting for placement, so most charge an adoption fee to cover these expenses. Additionally, you will be required to have the dog spayed or neutered, if it has not already been.

Many perfectly behaved Westies find their way into rescue. However, the stress of change, long stays in kennels, and grief at the loss of an owner, may make even the best Westie forget some of its good habits. Do not allow your adopted Westie dog to behave badly because you feel sorry for it.

West Highland White Terriers, and all dogs, crave routine. Establish a firm, consistent discipline and habits with new dog from the moment it arrives in your home, just as you would with a puppy. At the very least, you will need to train your Westie into your expectations, and out of his old ones. Do this gradually, to avoid causing even more stress.

Adopted dogs that have been abused or neglected may need continued veterinary care. If you are willing to take on the extra commitment of caring for this kind of dog, you should be prepared for the extra expense and lingering health problems. Find your veterinarian right away, and keep in close contact with him or her.

After your Westie is settled into your home, you may still expect at least one last home visit from the organization that provided your dog. Westie rescuers are determined that the terriers will be well placed. In many cases, you can turn to them for advice that will help make the adoption process a joy for both you and your dog.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Jeff Cuckson webmaster@madaboutwesties.com ************************************* Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW! http://www.madaboutwesties.com

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About the author: Author of....

”Mad About Westies!” .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!

""101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days!” - How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owner’s dull grey day

”100 Top Westie Sites!”

”115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!”