On dog bites and other dog injuries... (Part 2)

Author: Granny's Mettle

Dog bites are very common injuries for both adults and children. People bitten by a dog can have permanent disfigurement, psychological trauma, and worse, even death. It is therefore necessary to always provide great care when dealing with dogs, even those that are considered as pets.

Precautionary measures are provided by experts and medical practitioners to avoid getting bitten. However, when one gets dog bites, one should know his/her rights, especially when it comes to recovering damages.

If you or a family is bitten by a dog, you should:

… try to identify the dog. If the dog has rabies, it is important that you should seek medical care and get the appropriate vaccines against the rabies.

… not argue with the owner of the dog. Arguing won't do any good, especially when the owner doesn't want to believe what happened. Many owners believe in the goodness of their pets that's why it's hard for them to accept that their dog would bite without severe provocation.

… not sign any papers or make statements on record. The dog owner, property owner or their insurance company might try to get you to sign papers or record your statements on tape. Take note that their primary goal is to get you to make statements that will help in their cause to avoid possible liabilities for your injuries. If this happens, you should consider having a lawyer present to assist you.

… make a report to the police. Report the incident to the police and they will investigate the circumstances of the dog bite. They will then provide a report that may help establish the incident.

… seek medical care. The dog that bit you may have rabies. In that case, you will need appropriate vaccines to counter the effects of rabies. On the other hand, dog bites involve puncture wounds from fangs. These can be easily infected. Also, you may have scrapes and abrasions from protecting yourself during the attack. An infected wound can result in a worse scar, and even serious complications and consequences.

… consider consulting a lawyer. A reliable lawyer can help you get back your financial losses as well as the emotional and psychological effects from the injuries caused by the incident. Even if the insurance company offers to give you payment, it helps to have a lawyer review the proposed settlement. A lawyer you can trust can help you obtain a fair outcome.

The Law

Different laws on dog bite injuries are provided in different states. In Michigan, victims of dog bites can easily establish liability on the part of the owner. Under Michigan law, it doesn't matter if the dog has never bitten another person. There is no ""free bite rule"". Dog owners are liable even if it's the first time that they're dogs bit somebody.

On the other hand, people may also be injured even without getting bitten by a dog. An attack may cause injury through the dog's claws, when the person was knock over, or when the driver of a bicycle was upset by a dog. If injured, these individuals may file claims, and recover damages from the dog's owner.

Check your state's law for information on dog bites.

About the author: For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.personalinjurydefenders.com

Use Homemade Dog Treat Recipes For Dogs With Allergies

Author: Todd Jones

Utilizing homemade dog treat recipes may be the best alternative to dog owners whose pet has severe allergies. Although some dogs have no food allergies as all there are many dogs that are either severely allergic to one or two specific ingredients and other dogs have allergies to many ingredients. Buying dog treats for dogs with allergies can be a difficult task. You have to examine the labels carefully to ensure that you the dog treats do not contain any ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction in your dog. This can be difficult because sometimes it is hard to determine what is included in the dog treat and there may be derivatives of the ingredient that your dog is allergic to that can be hard to identify.

Homemade dog treat recipes are one of the safest ways to provide treats to dogs with allergies. When you use homemade dog treat recipes you are cognizant of each and every ingredient that goes into your homemade treats. You can modify the homemade dog treat recipes to exclude any ingredients that your dog is allergic to or you can find homemade dog treat recipes that do not include these ingredients in the first place.

About the author: Todd runs a website where you can find all sorts of homemade dog treat recipes . Over 140 homemade dog treat recipes available at:

http://homemade-dog- treat-recipes.com

Pros and Cons when Choosing a Specific Breed of Dog

Author: Jon Dunkerley

Pros and Cons when Choosing a Specific Breed of Dog

By Jon Dunkerlen

www.web-rover.com

Ok so you have made the big decision to purchase a dog. Whether the decision was yours alone, or that of your kid's, you being the voice of reason must determine the appropriate breed of dog that will be part of your family for the years to follow. Think of it as a trip to the grocery store. You have your absolute necessities, your health food, and your junk food.

Necessities

So you are at your wits end! Your kids are driving you crazy, "we wanna dog, we wanna dog, we wanna dog!" You dream of puppies in your sleep, your kids demand animal crackers in their school lunches; they draw pictures of puppies and stick them to the refrigerator door. Just last night, you thought you heard your wife bark in her sleep You decide that living in this state of craziness is no longer acceptable! Your options are; get the hell out, invite your family to lobotomy class, or submit. Junk Food So you walk into the grocery store and immediately see this huge box of chocolate chip cookies. You know in your heart that you shouldn't buy the damn box, but no matter how hard you try, your mind will not waver from imagining big fat chunks of chocolate mixed with icing sugar as it dribbles down your chin and stains your nice new shirt! We can and will use this same analogy when discussing the new addition to the family: Every year, thousands of dogs are purchased, adopted, or taken in by individuals acting on pure impulse. These people just want a dog, its cool to have a dog, oh wait till the girls see me now, nobody's gonna mess with me now… These people have no time to think about the implications to owning a pet nevermind which specific breed would best suit their living situation. They do not fathom the living cycle: Mrs. Johnson walks into a pet store with her 5-year-old daughter. By the way, Mrs. Johnson is a single mother living in a 2 bedroom dump up town, and holds two jobs just to make ends meat. Upon entering the store, Jenny, Mrs. Johnson's daughter sees a little Husky pup and remarks emphatically that she wants this dog! Wanting to please her daughter, Mrs. Johnson works out a payment plan with the store, and the mother and child exit the store with the pup. Do you remember the big chocolate chips with icing sugar… So the pup is now at home and growing rapidly! The child is in school all day, the mother is at one of her two jobs leaving the pup alone. All of us know what happens when young pups are left unavaded to their own device? Now the icing sugar is really beginning to drip… Three months have passed and the mother is at her wits end! The daughter is no longer interested in the pup, the mother would rather mop the floor with it than take care of it leading to the pup being dumped at the nearest animal shelter! Stain… The lesson here is simple. When planning on adding a dog to the family, research the different breeds that exist, to try to best suit the breed characteristics of the dog to your own living arrangements.

Health Food

The health food isle of one's grocery store should be frequented quite often throughout one's weekly visit to the supermarket. Being knowledgeable on what you put into your body can make a world of difference in ones productivity, emotional state, and overall well being. When selecting a breed of dog to add to the family, refrain from giving in and choosing the cutest pup you can find, do your research, and be fair to the dog! Let's practice empathy for a minute: You have just graduated from College and are looking for work. While you are looking for employment, you rent this 375 Sq. bachelor pad above Maria's Pizzeria. The place is a dive and you know it! You are afraid to tell your parents where you are living, you refuse to invite your friends over, half of your stuff is in storage due to lack of space! Now imagine yourself as a rapidly growing Husky pup. You want to see the world, wanna run, be free, chase rabbits, chase a ball, dig in snow… Instead you are confined to a small living space, ly in a corner, overheat in the heated apartment, are subject to abuse from your owners when it is their falt for not watching you when you mess up, unable to fulfill your own instincts! I hope by this stage of the game, you are grasping the point that I am trying to make. There are thousands of dogs on the streets today due to lack of research, commitment, love, and basic understanding. These dogs did not ask for the life that they have, it was placed on them by stupid humans who think of nothing else but how to improve their own self image. The situation is however improving. Now, good breeders will not just sell pups to anyone. They require a wealth of information relating to living conditions before parting with a puppy. I can only hope that more people will follow suit and start paying attention to where their dogs go, and who they go with.

About the author: For more great articles from Jon, check out www.web-rover.com

How To Housebreak Your Dog...Even If It's Still A Puppy.

Author: Jake Berlin

The one unpleasant aspect of owning any puppy is the job of housebreaking. As cute as puppies are, each must be trained but remember that every puppy will conquer housebreaking although at a different rate. While some dog breeds can be housebroken in a very short amount of time, other breeds can be quite challenging. Paper Training Paper training or using commercially made training pads should be avoided. While this method of training has long been promoted as being easy and successful, the truth is that it teaches the puppy that going potty indoors is acceptable. Instead of encouraging the puppy to go outside, it actually causes confusion. Therefore, you should consider paper training as a last resort. Crate Training Using a crate to potty train your new puppy is an excellent and very effective method. With crate training, your puppy will, in time learn to wait to do its business outdoors. It is important to remember that puppies, just like babies, have very small bladders. For this reason, getting your puppy to wait through the night without needing to go outside will take a few months. This is normal and requires patience, love, and support on your part. With crate training, the right type of behavior is encouraged in your new puppy. Schedule Regardless of the breed, with dedication and a lot of patience, your puppy will learn the rules. Keep in mind that age does play a role in how easy your dog will complete the process. Since a small puppy eats more meals than an adult dog does, you can expect more trips outside. For this reason, you will need to set up a schedule that coordinates with the puppy's age.

Typically, a small puppy will need to go outside about every two to three hours. Although you will need to establish your own schedule, the following is what you might expect during the potty training period.

7:00 a.m. – Take the puppy outside immediately after waking up 7:15 a.m. – Feed and water the puppy inside a crate large enough for the puppy to move around 7:45 a.m. – Take the puppy outside to go potty 11:45 a.m. – Take the puppy outside to go potty 12:00 p.m. – Feed and water the puppy inside its crate 12:45 p.m. – Take the puppy outside to go potty

Around this time, your puppy will be tired and in need of a nap. Gently place your puppy inside the crate. To make it feel more comfortable and secure, add in an old sweatshirt of cozy blanket, a couple of soft toys, and then allow the puppy to rest for about an hour. Chances are that you will not need to coax it much since puppies sleep often. Remember, this schedule is to encourage a pattern, making potty training easier.

2:30 p.m. – Take the puppy outside to go potty 4:30 p.m. – Take the puppy outside to go potty 5:00 p.m. – Feed and water the puppy inside the crate 5:30 p.m. – Take the puppy outside to go potty

About an hour after your puppy has had dinner, take it for a short walk and then spend quality time playing and enjoying it. This quality time will help build the bond and a relationship of trust, which only helps to strengthen the desire of the puppy to please its master. In addition, playtime is excellent for socializing the puppy while helping it sleep longer during the night.

7:30 p.m. – Remove the puppy's water and any food for the night 8:30 p.m. – Take the puppy outside to go potty 9:30 p.m. – Put the puppy in the crate to sleep

More than likely, your new puppy will not be able to go all night without taking care of business. Listen for any restlessness or whining, a sure sign that the puppy needs to go outside. While the process can be inconvenient and tiresome since you never know what time the puppy will awaken, with consistency, your puppy will learn much quicker.

Remember, if the puppy should have an accident in its crate, never administer punishment – it was just an accident. Most puppies that mess in their cage feel embarrassed and ashamed. If your puppy has an accident, take it outside anyway so the association is reinforced. Then, clean the crate, add fresh bedding, and again, tuck the little one in for the night. Word Association During the potty training process, your puppy will begin to give you some kind of signal that it needs to go outside to potty. Your job is to learn those signals and the sooner the better. You may notice your puppy walking in circles, walking toward the door, sitting and staring at you, pawing at you, sniffing the ground, and so on.

When you see your puppy giving the signal that it is about to go potty indoors you need to say to it with a firm voice "NO!" In addition, you will need to establish one word or phrase that will be used to make the outside association. For instance, when you notice your puppy giving the signal, say "no". Then, use your command, which could be something like "Let's go potty" or "Potty time".

With that, pick the puppy up and take it outdoors. Soon, your puppy will begin to respond to that command and know what it means. Sometimes a puppy gets outdoors and forgets about going potty. After all, there are squirrels to chase, leaves to sniff, and flowers to investigate. To help your puppy concentrate on the reason for being outside at that moment, you will need another command.

In this case, you could use words like, "Go potty" or "Do your business." For quick and complete success, make sure that every time your puppy goes outside, the same command is used. This consistency is establishing the appropriate behavior. While it will take you hundreds of times before your puppy gets it, with persistence and patience, you puppy will catch on. After your puppy finishes going potty, provide lots of praise. Supervision Another key to successful housebreaking a puppy is making sure you supervise it at all times. While this can be challenging, at first when your puppy is very small, keep it in sight. This way, your puppy will not have the opportunity to sneak off to potty in other rooms of the house. If necessary, you can set up a baby or doggie playpen if you are busy. For example, while cooking dinner, you can use baby gates to keep the puppy in the same room with you or while taking a bath, place the puppy in the crate or playpen. Remember, this is only temporary. Indoor Accidents Your puppy will have accidents indoors so expect it. The key is to catch the puppy in the act. As an example, if you have stepped out of the room only to come back a few minutes later to find a wet spot on the floor, correcting at that time is useless. Whatever you do, NEVER rub your dog's nose in its potty. Not only is this unhealthy, it is demeaning and guaranteed not to accomplish a thing.

Since puppies often forget quickly, punishing five minutes after the fact only confuses the puppy, which can create an entire new array of problems. Remember, you want your puppy to trust you so it has to understand the punishment. If you do find a wet spot, use hot soapy water or carpet cleaner specialized for puppy accidents, cleaning the area thoroughly. Then, sprinkle or spray on a neutralizing deodorant. Although you can buy a number of products on the market, a mixture of 50/50 vinegar and water works quite well. Physical Problems On rare occasion, puppies can have some type of physical problem that inhibits them from being potty trained. Problems such as bladder infection or behavioral issues caused by stress are common causes for a puppy being slow in the potty training department. Therefore, if it seems that your puppy is having trouble going potty outdoors, keep an eye on the situation. If the problem continues, have it checked by your veterinarian.

One other consideration is that dogs that have not yet been spayed or neutered have a higher probability of going inside. With potty training, it is not an overnight fix. Puppies take tremendous time and responsibility to train. The good news is that once the training is complete, you have an amazing friend for many years to come.

About the author: Jake Berlin is the webmaster of Easy-Dog-Training.com, where you can learn how to put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog's behavior problems...And slash your dog obedience training time in half by using techniques that give you immediate results!!

Puppy Crate Training -- Fast Track to a Contented Dog

Author: Charles Burke

Puppy crate training is one of the most effective ways to housebreak your new puppy. Puppy crate training takes a little patience, but it's a good way to set your puppy on the right path. This method has an impressive track record. Be sure to prepare everything ahead of time. Even before you bring your new puppy home, have the puppy crate ready and waiting.

The size of the crate is important. For proper puppy crate training, you should have plenty of room in the crate for the puppy to turn around, stand and lie down, but don't get one that's too big. Puppies feel uncomfortable in a crate that's so big they rattle around in it.

If your puppy is a breed that will grow large, it's okay to buy a bigger crate for him to grow into, but make sure it has an adjustable partition in the back. This lets you keep his living space comfortable and cozy, but you can still expand it by moving the partition back as your puppy grows to full size.

When you are ready to begin puppy crate training, place your new puppy gently in his crate. Make sure you've also put a towel or small blanket and a treat or toy in the crate. If you're using a wire crate for puppy crate training, always remove the puppy's collar first so it won't get snagged on the wire. You may hear some whining or even crying at this point. You need to ignore it. Sometimes it helps to cover the crate with a blanket so his home feels a little cozier. Remember, dogs are not claustrophobic. They like an enclosed space. It's their den.

After your puppy has remained in the crate for about twenty minutes, remove him from the crate and take him outside. As soon as he goes potty, praise him, pet him and make him feel loved and close.

The next step in the puppy crate training process is to bring your puppy back inside and play together for twenty to thirty minutes. Then it's time to put your puppy back in the crate. You'll be able to gradually increase the crate time to two hours.

Puppies will not usually go potty in their crates. If your puppy has an accident, never scold. They really don't understand the idea that going potty is bad, so scolding doesn't help. It only confuses them. For best results with puppy crate training, you'll need to have a schedule. And when you take your puppy outside, always make sure you take him to the same spot each time. Especially at first, every time you remove him from his crate, you'll want to take him outside. This builds a clear association in his mind.

As your puppy begins to get the hang of puppy crate training you'll be able to leave him in the crate for longer periods. Eventually he'll feel so at home in the crate that you'll be able to leave the crate door open overnight and for short periods during the day. Successful puppy crate training has two simple requirements: patience and a regular schedule. With those two things, your new puppy will soon be a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.

About the author:

Puppy-Toy-Tips.com Learn great ways to use puppy toys for training and socializing your new pup. Make sure you're on the right track wnen training your dog. Also, go and get the free eBook of puppy coloring pages for your kids.

Good dog care is vital

Author: Rolf Rasmusson

Good dog care is vital

Dog care

Accepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly serious business. Caring for your new best pet friend is rewarding with that I feel good feeling. Love and care is what we all want and our pet friends aren't any different. Teaching our pets tricks, buying toys, supplies, training, collars, crates, clothes is all part of loving kind dog care.

The happiness and joy in watching our Charlie dog responding to new obedience house training seems to make us want to do much more for our lovable and charming friend.

We've learned a lot about health problems and symptoms, the how to's of medication, dog nutrition and keeping him healthy. Along with that we've also gotten a tooth brush for dental care. I mean it's no less than bringing up a little child. After all isn't that what puppies are? Little kids as well?

You'll want to investigate training collars and crates to help you in the training issues and you'll find plenty of help on line. Tips and tricks to help us are easily available and as close as the click of the mouse.

Don't forget to check out medical insurance as well. Health care cost for pets is soaring almost daily. How many times we've heard of pets having being taken to the vets and terminated because the cost of medical care and attention was beyond the masters budget.

And last but not least prepare you and your doggie for some fun trips. You can really enjoy those jaunts if you have proper travel supplies. So all in all good dog care can encompass many things. Love and kindness is the way with our best pet friends.

About the author: more dog care resources at www.dog-stuff4u.com

Time For A Dog Bath? Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog

Author: Teresa James

Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge. There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so you'll be prepared for your next dog bath and grooming session.

How often should you bath your dog?

How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It's best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it's time for a bath.

If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog's skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.

Where's the best place to bath your dog?

In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It's a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.

Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you'll be able to save your back and control the water temperature of your dog's bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.

If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn't be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.

Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?

Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that's comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. You'll get the job done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online stores will also save your dog stress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their ""Notable Products for the New Millennium"".

Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?

Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It's funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you when you don't want him to jump into the water at the beach.

If you're washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you'll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing a dog that's wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you may want to consider restraining your dog.

Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.

Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?

Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.

Things to have on hand at bath time:

Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. It's ergonomically designed for both you and your dog's comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their shop. If you're thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.

Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher - A Pet Shower is great, but if that's not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.

Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen.

Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog's ears.

Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamed or dry scaling skin, fleas

About the author: Article courtesy of: http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/home-dog-grooming.html dedicated to providing quality dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and Free Ezine. Publication is permitted so long as the resource information remains intact and the link is live.

Protective Dog Clothing For Your Active Dog

Author: Teresa James

You'll want to use protective dog clothing to keep your active dog safe and warm when adventuring in the great outdoors. The right dog clothing will go a long way in protecting your dog from cuts, scratches and severe weather conditions.

Protective dog clothing like dog coats, vests, and dog booties are important for more than one reason. The main function of dog clothing, like our own clothing, is to keep your dog dry and warm when the weather turns stormy and cold.

But many people take advantage of the newer styles of dog clothing that incorporate safety features like reflective materials stitched into the outfits. They help to make your dog much more visible when the weather darkens the sky. This is an important safety consideration for the dog that is active outdoors.

And if you take your dog hunting or hiking through the woods, she'll really appreciate the protective features of dog clothing designed specifically for active dogs. Even the most user-friendly trails through the park are usually somewhat overgrown at the edges with sharp sticker bushes and splintering bramble.

When planning our outdoor activities we put a good deal of thought into packing all sorts of protective clothing that we'll need to keep ourselves dry, warm and comfortable throughout our trip.

But are we leaving our canine friends out in the cold? Since many of our dogs look so well protected in their natural fur coats, most people never consider that they too could benefit from protective dog clothing. There are times when the cold weather or sharp thorns penetrate even the thickest of coats.

Just like us, if our dogs are left unprotected for extended periods of time they can suffer the chilling effects of the elements . . . losing their body heat at an accelerated rate.

So before your next outing, consider packing some protective clothing for your canine pal too!

Tips For Selecting Dog Coats, Vests, & Dog Booties

A good fit is essential. Dog clothing like a dog coat, vest or dog boots must fit well so that it will remain securely in place throughout an active day of hunting or hiking.

You'll want a dog coat that will protect your dog from the elements and rough brush found on hunting and hiking trails.

How sensitive to the elements your dog is will depend a great deal on the weather conditions, how much time he spends outside and the type of coat he has.

Shorthaired breeds tend to be more sensitive to direct rain and cold. Whereas the fur of thick-coated breeds are more prone to absorb lots of water.

The coat that you choose must be designed to keep your dog warm while providing protection from wind and rain. When it's windy and cold outside, fleece dog clothing will definitely help keep your pooch toasty warm.

But remember fleece alone is not the best choice for trail conditions. It won't provide much protection from the rain and it won't stand up very well against the rough brush on the trails.

A dog coat with a combination of a warm fleece lining and a durable nylon shell will provide maximum protection and will help maintain your dog's core body heat.

If there's a chance that you'll be taking your dog into a cold and rainy environment it's probably a good idea to pack a raincoat, too.

And if you choose a dog coat that covers the underside of your dog, make sure that it's designed to give your dog enough room to do his business.

Your dog's jacket will also provide some protection from thorns and burrs. Dog owners with thick-coated or longhaired breeds will find this a very nice bonus. Removing burdocks from fur is no picnic!

Dog clothing designed for the active hound should allow your dog to enjoy a full range of motion. So make sure the leg openings will not restrict your dog's movement.

Also, look for garments designed with clean lines that are less likely to get caught on things. A well-fitting garment designed for the shape of your particular breed is best.

Copyright 2005 Dog-Supplies Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live.

About the author: Courtesy of http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com a site dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and tips for dog owners.

Read more about selecting great dog clothes at http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-clothes.html & http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/small-dog-clothes.html

Online guide for training a dog

Author: Rolf Rasmusson

Online guide for training a dog

Guide for training a dog

So you can use a guide for training a dog. At one time or another we all did. There's no more joy and a certain amount of fun especially when it comes to helping our new best pet friend. That little guy wants desperately wants to please you so we need to find ways to break the communication gap. You can rely on a guide for training a dog as those writers have been there and done that.

So what may we expect? We can speed up our results with much success and even without the ole treat routine. It's so simple you won't believe it. Using a resource will prevent you from wasting your time and even more importantly not frustrating your new friend and causing a lot of undo stress. You'll also avoid contributing to its low self esteem as well. Your doggie has feelings too.

You'll learn how to properly use your voice with the proper equipment. You won't need a magic wand to have that perfect well behaved dog. Proper training techniques will work on all sizes and breeds. The even so called difficult breeds respond to techniques you'll find in these resources.

Training takes place in minutes per day eliminating those pet stains, damaged furniture, un-welcomed jumping on your guests and chasing him out the front dog. You'll eliminate those annoying traits all together. Whether young or old these training techniques will work for all. So relax while you and your best pet friend build a great relation when using your guide for training a dog.

About the author: More doggie information at http://www.dog-stuff4u.com

How To Help Your Dog With Food Allergies

Author: Gene Sower

Because every dog is unique, it's sometimes very difficult to determine what causes food-related allergies and what doesn't. Common pet food culprits include wheat, corn and soy. Various proteins also create their share of problems in certain dogs. I was shocked to learn that some dogs are allergic to chicken, while I know from first-hand experience that my Jack Russell Terrier Lucy used to be allergic to beef. Here's an approach worth trying if your dog is exessively itching and scratching.

If excessive itching and scratching are the problems, that may simply be the lack of Omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids in your dog's diet that's making their skin and coat dry. Winter indoor heating may also be exacerbating the condition. Adding simple food additives to your dog's food may be the key without switching diets. Supplements like Mrs. Allen's Shed Stop, Flaxseed Oil, Pet Botanics Skin

About the author: Gene Sower is the author of the ebook ""The Dog Food Report: Do You Know What You're Feeding Your Dog?"" Download your free copy here: http://www.lucythewonderdog.com/dogfoodreport.htm Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved. This article can be reprinted as long as this resource box along with the link remains intact.

5 Tips To Selecting A Great Dog Gift

Author: Teresa James

You can have lots of fun selecting a dog gift for someone who absolutely adores dogs. And you'll be happy to know that no matter what size budget your working with there are lots and lots of wonderful gift ideas to choose from.

In fact you may have so many great choices that you could easily become overwhelmed.

So let's start by learning how to narrow down the flood of choices a bit. Narrowing the choices to match the gift to the person will get you well on your way to selecting that perfect dog gift.

Tip #1 – Determine How Much You're Going To Spend

Deciding how much you're going to spend on your dog gift is definitely going to narrow your choices.

But this is a good thing . . . because wonderful dog gifts are available in almost any price range.

And by narrowing your options based on price, you've just made your gift selection search a lot easier.

Tip #2 – Decide Who The Gift Is For

Is your gift for a current dog owner? If so . . . would you like the gift for the dog owner or for their dog?

If you're dealing with a bona fide dog enthusiast . . . either type of gift is appropriate and would be welcomed.

You'll want to think about starting with what you know already about the person as well as their dog.

Deciding if the gift is for the person or the dog will help narrow the many choices even further.

Are you buying a gift for a dog caregiver? Maybe for your dog sitter, dog walker, dog groomer or veterinarian or anyone else who you trust enough to care for your beloved pet?

Is the dog gift for someone who is actively involved with dogs? Or are you looking for a gift for someone who just loves dogs, but doesn't own a dog right now?

Tip # 3 – What's The Special Gift Giving Occasion?

Is there a special occasion coming up that calls for a dog gift?

Special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, get well wishes, pick me ups and pet loss condolences or memorials are all good reasons to give a dog lover a gift.

And there are times you may give a gift just because you care. What category does your dog gift fit into?

Some gifts can be personalized to special occasions with imprints, photos or amusing accessories.

A gift that is customized for the special occasion will be really welcomed and show that you put extra thought into your gift selection.

Tip #4 – How Does Your Dog Lover Express Their Fondness For Dogs?

To select a great dog gift you'll need to know a little about how your dog lover likes to express their passion or fondness for dogs.

Does he proudly wear dog breed clothing, display dog art prints & posters or like to collect dog figurines and other dog related knick-knacks?

Or maybe she likes to pamper her special pooch. Buying her little dog all sorts of treats, dog carriers, designer dog clothes and elegant dog jewelry.

Tip #5 – Don't Overlook Your Dog Lovers Other Interests & Hobbies

You may find that the perfect gift is one that combines a favorite hobby or interest with their love of dogs.

If your dog lover is a big sports fan maybe he would like a dog clothes outfit that reflects his favorite team.

Any dog gift with team colors and logos on them will be a hit when his friends come over to watch the big game. If you don't think his pooch would like to wear a dog shirt, a dog bandana might be a better choice.

Do you need to get a dog gift for a dog lover who plays golf? Then she would probably love some dog breed golf club head covers.

They can really add a sense of fun and style while protecting their valuable clubs.

The choice of dog lover gifts seems endless, but now that you know how to narrow your focus you'll be able to pick great dog gifts every time.

Just think about who you need the dog gift for, and have fun. The best gifts are the ones that make the moment special and get us all to smile.

Copyright 2005 Dog-Supplies Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live.

About the author: Courtesy of http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com a site dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and tips for dog owners.

Read more about selecting great dog lover gifts at http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-lover-gifts.html , http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-art.html

Dog Worms -- Don't Let Them Get Started

Author: Charles Burke

There may be no warning before dog worms strike.

It was about two AM, when beneath our bed the new puppy we'd brought home from the pound just a month earlier began screaming.

Not yipping or whining -- this was the kind of agonized screams that'll stand your hair up on end. Our cute, playful new puppy was being eaten alive from inside.

He had worms, even though he'd received all the right shots just a few weeks before.

Now he was dying, right there under our bed, and we weren't able to save him. The worms were just too advanced.

He had been a happy little guy, playful and filled with fun. So that night -- and those screams -- have stayed with me a very long time.

An experience like that will change your attitude fast. It sure changed mine. Up till then I'd been a bit cavalier about health care for my pets.

However, dog worms are serious business. They need to be treated as soon as possible. And even if you're not sure, get your dog tested anyway, just to be safe. Being safe is far better than listening helplessly to your dog die in the night.

If your dog has diarrhea, the cause can be dog worms and you should make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. To determine if dog worms are the problem you will need to take a stool sample to your vet. In some cases, however, dog worms can occur even when your dog has normal stools. A yearly stool exam is needed to make sure your dog doesn't have worms. Puppies should be checked more often. There are several types of worms. Your vet can test for all kinds and give the appropriate treatment. Roundworms are the most common, and are usually found in newborn puppies. Older dogs usually don't have problems with roundworms. Hookworms are also common. This worm lodges in the small intestine of the dog. When your dog has hookworms he will often have vomiting and diarrhea. In young puppies this can cause anemia and other complications. Whipworms live in the junction where the large and small intestines meet. These worms cause inflammation in the lower part of the GI tract, and the symptoms resemble those of colitis. Whipworms are difficult to diagnose, but your vet will usually treat your dog according to the clinical signs. Some dog worms need a host in order to be transmitted. This type includes tapeworms. Fleas most often serve as the host to carry these worms.

The flea ingests the eggs and acts as host for the larvae. then the dog swallows the flea with its tapeworm already present.

Often dogs with tapeworms do not show clinical signs. With no obvious symptoms, this makes it hard to diagnose the problem. However, if you often see your dog rubbing his bottom along the ground or on the floor, he may have an infestation of tapeworms.

It's important to get your dog checked. You don't have to learn the hard way like I did.

Dog worms are a serious health hazard. They impact your dog's health and should be taken care of the minute you even suspect there could be a problem.

About the author:

Puppy-Toy-Tips.com Learn great ways to use puppy toys for training and socializing your new pup. Make sure you're on the right track when training your dog. Also, be sure to get the free eBook of puppy coloring pages for your kids.

Organic Dog Food and Making the Right Choice

Author: Hanif Khaki

So what's the deal with Organic dog food?

As you know, dog food is available in a wide variety of colours, sizes, flavors, and shapes. The real distinction is obviously the ingredients contained in the products. You may be surprised to know that the ingredient list on dog food labels reads very much like human junk food. Some ingredients are even difficult to pronounce and are borrowed from medical encyclopedias. Then of course there are dog foods that are teeming with artificial ingredients, additives and preservatives that can be harmful to pets. So just what is ""Spot"" to do when it comes to healthy eating?

Many pet owners are discovering organic dog foods to feed their pets. Just as we humans are conscious of what we put into our bodies, these pet owners take that same consciousness and use it to make wiser decisions about not including chemicals in their dogs' diets. Organic dog treats are the next best thing to all natural dog food, as they are free of the pesticides and insecticides that are present in many foods.

Be aware of food labels however, as they can be very confusing. Natural dog food is not the same as ""organic""dog food and this can be quite misleading for many. The fact is, ""natural"" foods are not held to the same higher standard as ""organic"" foods. The USDA must certify a food as organic, in order for the food to be labelled as such. Natural dog treats are considerably less costly than their organic counterparts, and as such are not deemed as reliable. Natural foods do however guarantee the absence of food colouring and additives such as sodium metabisulfite or ethoxyquin, which are allergens linked to allergies, cancer and even brain damage.

Even though organic food servings are pricier and contain about half the amount of food in volume compared to non-organic food, dogs are reportedly more satisfied with the lesser amount due to the purity of the healthier ingredients contained. This makes the organic and non-organic dog foods very comparable in price.

The bottom line is that choosing to feed your dog organic food instead of the preservative and chemically rich non-organic food can definitely go a long way in helping your dog live a more healthy and troublefree life free of allergies, skin ailments, diabetes and cancer. An added benefit may be the lower veterinary bills brought on by your healthier dog.

For further information on this topic, be sure to consult the many resources available to you online. Enjoy your dog in good health!

About the author: Hanif Khaki is the acclaimed author of numerous health related articles and the founder of the popular pet resource site www.dog-treats.inform-about.com

Responsible Dog Ownership

Author: MJ Plaster

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give so freely, it's hard to imagine that some owners just don't take responsibility for their dogs. But it's true. Millions of dogs—healthy dogs—are euthanized every year. Whether through owner neglect or owner ignorance, millions of healthy dogs will endure the same fate this year. So what's a responsible dog owner to do? The best thing you can do, as a dog owner, is to ensure that your dog doesn't become a statistic, and you do that through responsible pet ownership.

Welcoming a new dog into your house means taking on additional long-term responsibility. Many new dog owners find something cute or romantic about bringing that puppy in the window home until they realize that there's a modicum of work involved in caring for that cute, adorable little face, and a price to pay for those wet, slobbering kisses. You wouldn't expect to return a baby. Its' no less wrong to return a dog when the novelty wears off, and it ought to be criminal to leave a dog somewhere on its own. In many ways, dogs are as vulnerable as newborn infants are, but dogs are dependent upon their owners for their entire lives.

Listed below you'll find basic steps to responsible dog ownership, and many of them are just common-sense rules of the road.

1. Selecting Your Dog – Turn to a local animal shelter or rescue operation to select a puppy or dog. Remember that older dogs need loving owners too. Refuse to purchase a puppy or dog that started life in a puppy mill.

2. Test Your Dog – Contact a veterinarian and ask him to run the usual series of tests on your new companion.

3. Spay or Neuter Your Dog – Responsible pet owners always spay and neuter their dogs and cats. There are far more dogs waiting for adoption than there are owners to adopt them.

4. Provide Medical Care – Aside from the annual physical examination and vaccinations, protect your dog from heartworm, ticks and fleas. Talk with your vet about the many options available today. Contact your vet at the first sign that something is wrong with your dog.

5. Provide Adequate Food and Water – Provide food suited to your dog's age, size and condition.

6. Walk Your Dog – Your dog will let you know when it needs to be walked.

7. Provide Exercise and Recreation – Provide ample space, dog toys and opportunity for your pet to exercise. If you haven't thrown a Frisbee in twenty years, you'll be surprised at how much fun it is to try to outsmart your dog—unlikely!

8. Protect Your Dog from Abuse – Animal cruelty is serious business, and in some states, it's a felony. Even the FBI acknowledged that animal cruelty is a known marker (future indicator) of violence against humans. If anyone in your house intentionally mistreats your dog, seek help immediately. You could thwart the next school shooting.

9. Discourage Aggressive Behavior – You'll know the difference between hearty play and aggressive behavior. Contact your vet at the first sign of aggressive behavior to discuss your options.

10. Coping with Serious Illness and Geriatric Dogs –Geriatric dogs are prone to many of the same illnesses that plague geriatric humans. You'll want to do everything in your power to keep your dog comfortable at the end, but at some point, it may become necessary to end the suffering. If you've been a responsible dog owner throughout the dog's life, you'll want to end that life just as responsibly as you cared for it.

About the author: M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.dogs-n-u.com/dog-food.htm and more http://www.dogs-n-u.com/. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

My Dog Wouldn't Do That!

Author: Ed Williams

What's the world comin' to?

I know that's not the typical opening to one of my columns, but this one is different because I'm having a real hard time writing it. I'm in pain. Real physical pain. There are two holes in the back left knee of my sweatpants, and I also have about a one inch scratch right on the back of that same knee that's really stinging. And guess why? A &%*@ dog bit me!

That's right, a dog just took a little chunk out of me. And ya'll might be wondering just how it happened, at least I hope y'all are.

I typically walk a couple of miles each day, and I do it on the roads that wind through our subdivision. It's a pretty hilly walk, you get a nice view of some great houses, and I typically enjoy it.

Today, I was out walking and was working my way through one of our side streets. I'd just walked past this one house with an open garage, and when I did, I heard some barking. Didn't pay much attention to it at first, but that changed when it became obvious that the barking was getting closer and closer to me. I turned, and found myself staring straight into the eyes of a chocolate brown lab.

This lab was a good sized dog, and he was growling like he meant business. I figured that the best thing to do was to just slowly walk away, which is exactly what I tried to do. I took a couple of steps, and then felt something nip up against the back of my left knee. When I turned around, the dog jumped back, tensed, and I thought it was gonna try and bite me again. Note that I said try and bite me again. I'm not ashamed to admit that that I was going to kick the living hell out of him had he gone for a second helping. Fortunately, he backed off and I got out of there as quickly as I could.

Know what cheeses me off the most about this whole situation? There are leash laws in our community, and those laws are in place for a reason. Suppose this dog had been bigger and had inflicted more damage? Suppose he'd charged out into the road after a ball and had gotten struck by a car? Suppose he'd bitten a small child? That's why leash laws are on the books in the first place.

All that being said, let me be fair to this bloodthirsty pooch - he was not the only dog who was running around loose and unsupervised today. And I'll bet my Elvis CDs that if you asked any of these dogs' owners why they didn't have them secured, they'd tell you one of the following:

1. My dog needs some freedom, we hate to chain him up in our backyard.

2. My dog is quite gentle and poses a threat to no one.

First, if a dog needs freedom, why is it being kept in a subdivision in the first place? Next, regarding the "dog who is quite gentle" baloney - folks, the chocolate lab I encountered was the third one that growled and got fairly close to me during today's walk. So don't spit in the water and tell me it's tea, because the truth is that no one likes to say that there are ugly babies, but there are lots of 'em, and no one wants to admit that their dogs are potential menaces, but the streets are full of 'em. And that's me saying it level.

Folks, from here on out, here's how it goes with me. I just bought a nice little container of pepper spray, and I'll carry it with me whenever I take a walk in the future. If a dog leaves his yard and comes out into the street with me, I certainly won't spray him/her. But if a dog leaves his yard, comes out into the street, gets real close to me and starts barking threateningly, well, he/she is going to receive a snout full of pepper spray. That's a promise.

In closing, for any of you animal rights activists that I've offended out there, don't whine one tiny bit to me. I still believe that human rights come first, and that means the right to walk out on a public street that my taxes pay for without being threatened by some crazed animal. And if y'all still want to protest what I've said here today, email me and I'll be glad to give you a street address that y'all can go stand in front of and protest all you want...

About the author: Ed's latest book, "Rough As A Cob," can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He's also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Author: Amy Howells

Feed him a balanced diet.

Additional tips from owners include:

Give an occasional yogurt treat - Ask your vet about giving Boxers calcium tablets as they could have some problems later on in life!

- Keep him comfortable so his immune system can remain strong.

- Boxers are shorthaired and sensitive to extreme elements of the weather and thus must be kept a housedog. His shortened muzzle also makes hot and humid weather uncomfortable for him.

- Give Boxers lots of exercise and regularly.

- Remember that he is a big and strong breed and requires physical outlets for his boundless energy and high play/prey drive.

- Walk them three times a day or have play sessions. Provide plenty of space for them to bounce around. You want to keep their spirit up and not break it or they won´t be the dogs you fall in love with in the first place. Healthy and happy Boxers are a joy to live with.

- Make a breeder your friend.

- Keep in touch with the breeder who sold you the Boxer. The breeder can advise you about care and health matters that are unique to the breed. Any Boxer breeder, for that matter, can be an invaluable ally to you throughout your Boxer's life.

- Guard your Boxer from fleas.

- Your Boxer has fleas if you find black specks in the fur or fleabite marks on the skin. A tip given by an owner is to give your Boxer garlic daily to prevent fleas.

- Boxers catch fleas from other animals. It is an every day problem that, at some time or another, you can expect to encounter in your Boxer.

- The fleas only go to the Boxer to feed on its blood.

- Fleas mostly live and multiply in your home. The comfortable living - central heating, double-glazing and, best of all, the fitted carpet - we create for ourselves and our Boxers also work best for the fleas.

- De-worm your puppy every month and your adult Boxer, every six months.

Worms is another everyday problem in Boxers but the puppy is more likely to get sick from worms than the grown up Boxer.

The sick one would lose weight and become weak, suffer from upset stomach, poor growth, listlessness or even lung trouble.

They may impede your puppy´s growth and cause him to have a potbelly or be thin and have a shoddy-looking coat. Your grown Boxer may not be showing any sign of worms but he could spread them more than the sick puppy, through large amount of larvae or eggs passed out in the feces.

If your Boxer has tapeworms, he has fleas too because part of the tapeworm life cycle occurs in flea as the host. As such, treatments against flea and tapeworm are normally prescribed together.

Some, like the roundworm, that infect dogs can also get passed on to children.

In more serious cases, your dog will catch cough, pneumonia and develop lung problems.

There are different types of worms that infect dogs such as tapeworm, roundworm, ringworm and heartworm. De-worm your Boxer puppy every month and your grown Boxer, every 6 months. Puppies get sick from worms, more so than dogs.

But your infected grown Boxers help spread the worms more through their droppings that would contain large number of larvae and/or eggs.

Released into the surrounding, these larvae and eggs could infect other animals and even children.

The tapeworms have a flat, segmented body. You see them as single segments or chains that resemble segments of rice in the droppings of infected canine. Part of the tapeworm´s life cycle occurs in the flea as the host.

Therefore, if your Boxer has tapeworms, it has fleas too and the treatments for both are usually prescribed together by the vet. The roundworms (toxocara) live and produce hundreds of eggs in the intestine.

They cause digestive upset in puppies, poor growth, and thin or out-of-conditioned coat. The infected puppies may become listless, have a potbelly or tucked in appearance.

Once the roundworms migrated from the gut to the lungs, your Boxer can suffer lung damage, cough and pneumonia.

The roundworm eggs in the dog droppings get passed out and about. These are very hardy eggs, resistant to heat and cold, and can survive up to 7 years in the soil. The eggs can pass on to children through ingestion and cause them to fall sick as well. As precautions, you can toilet train your Boxer puppy to use a place where you can easily clean up and dispose of the droppings into the sewer. Have your children wash their hands every time after they handle the puppies and discourage your puppies from licking people hands or faces.

About the author: For more information about keeping your dog healthy visit: http://www.dog-owner.net

How To Choose Your Boxer Dog

Author: Amy Howells

An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer starts with checking out the parent dogs for unbecoming traits like aggression, hyperactive and extreme shyness.

This is easier to do when you get your Boxer from a reputable breeder or from a pet shop that get their animals only from known breeders.

Exercise prudence if you are getting your Boxer puppy from pet stores, which often get their supply from breeders of unknown reputation.

These ""puppy mills"" as they are called are not known to put much emphasis on the quality and health of pups they are producing.

Reputable breeders would adhere to the accepted standards for Boxers in terms of uniformity in the breed, good health, temperament, size and color. Reputable breeders would be able to show the pedigree and registration papers and/or pictures of the parent dogs that may reside somewhere else. Professional breeders are also there to produce dog show champions or prospects.

Even if you are not looking to raise a show champion Boxer, known breeders can provide you with some ""best buy"" puppies because not all the puppies in a litter are show prospect/champion materials.

But the full litter would have had benefited from the same proven bloodlines, nutrition and medical care. So you can choose from among the good-looking brothers or sisters of potential champion for a bargain.

Your other source option is animal shelters that in the US alone receive up to 12 million homeless dogs and cats every year, and about 25% of them are purebred. Paying the adoption fee is a lot cheaper than the price you will pay to a breeder or pet store, and you will be saving a life.

The definition of good stock or purebred must include beauty, and in a Boxer good look means the coat is fawn and brindle, with the white markings or ""flash"" covering not more than one-third of the entire coat.

Sometimes the distribution of the ""flash"" alone may make the difference between a show champion and just a pet Boxer.

The all-white Boxer or ""check"" is prone to blindness and deafness, and the American Boxer Club members are not to register, sell or use the ""whites"" for breeding.

When it comes to choosing male or female Boxers, there are not much clear-cut differences in their personalities.

At times, the male is calmer, more tolerant of other dogs, willing to hold still for those hugs than the female. But at other times, the female can be so. One owner said the female Boxer is hyper and more aggressive especially toward other females, and that the aggression has increased as the female gets older.

About the author: For more information about boxer dogs visit: http://www.dog-owner.net

7 Simple ways to safe Guard your dog this summer!

Author: Venkata Ramana

If you have a hard time in summer imagine how it must feel under a fur coat! here are some simple tips to help your dog beat the heat.

1) Bob The Hair: If you have a shaggy dog like a pomeranian, Pekinese or any such variation then listen up. Your dog needs a hair cut. Tha hair should be cut with scissors and not shaved. Do not cut around the whiskers but you can carefully trim around the eyes.The less hair on your dog the cooler he will keep. If you have a short haired dog no need for a trim.

2) Play it cool: Food can be lighter and given before it gets hot in the morning and after it cools down in the evening.Depending on the dogs normal diet, reduce or entirely eliminate meat. Replace with soya, mashed or cooked with meat flavour. When a dog is panting give ice to lick.

3) walk on the mild side: Walks should be taken early and then again after sundown. Don't encourage chasing, fetching games too much.

4) Cool it: If you enjoy airconditioning so does your dog.If you have a cooled space share it with your pooch.

5) No closed encounters: Never leave dogs in a completely closed space. If your dog is home, Leave on the fan. In a car, leave the window partially open.

6) Let it all hang out: Dogs sweat from their tongues so never tie or muzzle the mouth in the summer. Whilst giving medical treatment see if you can hold the head rather than tying the mouth. If you have to tie the mouth be sure to release as quickly as possible.

7) Do not bathe your dog more than once a month. Soap/ Cleansers strip their skin of natural oils and lead to skin irritation. when dirty you can simply towel dry with a damp towel.

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

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

Author: Tara Pearce

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the best breeder after doing all that research, or you found the most adorable "mutt" at the pound, where you were just going to look, you swore. And now you realize that you weren't as prepared as you thought. Maybe you're planning in advance for the new bundle of joy. Either way, we'll give you some valuable tips we've learned over the years of bringing home little bundles of terror – I mean joy :)

Learn as much as possible about potty training, and expect none of it to matter, especially when you step in their deposits at 3 a.m. in the pitch black – it WILL happen!

Buy the smallest bag of puppy chow you can find. Your dog will hate the first one, and the second one and the third one. Buying small will help you overcome the horror of the money you've just spent on the 7th brand of dog food in 2 weeks.

Strip naked or at the very least to a swimsuit before bathing your dog. You WILL BE WET. No way to avoid it, even in a 2 foot deep sunken bathtub. Personal experience talking here.

Prepare yourself for the fact that the toy you thought was SO COOL in the store, will be sniffed and promptly ignored until the end of time. Your dog will only like the toys that will drive you the most crazy. One of the favorites in our house (NOT purchased by us) is a big skunk with a plastic bottle inside. Inside said plastic bottle is a marble. Aaaaaargh. 'Nuff said.

That gorgeous dog bed you bought? You know, the one that cost almost as much as the new king size bed you got to accommodate the new dog? Yeah, the dog will rarely, if ever use it. Preferred dog beds in this house? Couches, blankets dragged to the floor, pile of clothes, carpets – and of course, our bed, preferably leaving as little room as possible for the humans by stretching as wide as possible.

Training? What's that? Mine occasionally come when called, and usually sit when told, but that's about it. I've given up. Did you know that a dog can be flunked out of training school? Neither did I until it happened… to ME!

Fill in the blank: my favorite ______ will be chewed to death. Expect it. Embrace it. You will live it.

I think the biggest tip I can give to a new dog owner is to become a firm believer in Murphy's Law: whatever can happen usually will and at the worst possible time. Of course, if you'd like to avoid my jaded outlook on life with a dog, visit our website, http://www.a1-dog-info.com/tips-to-take-care-of-a-new-dog.htm for help.

About the author: Tara Pearce is the author and webmaster of A1-Dog-Info.com. Please visit us for all kinds of information about dog food, toys, health, books, supplies and clothes.

http://www.a1-dog-info.com

3 Simple Steps For A Healthier Dog

Author: Jim De Fazio

We all want what is best for our pet. Yet sometimes because of your hectic schedules, we tend to put our dog's care at the bottom of the list or it just becomes a habit of chores we perform every day without giving it much thought. We stumble out of bed in the morning, let the dog out, fill the water bowl, dump some food in the dish and go on with our daily routine. Let's face it this can get very boring for you and especially for your dog.

In order to maintain your dog's health there are really only three simple steps you need to follow: 1.A good diet 2.Plenty of fresh water 3.Exercise

A good diet is essential to your dog's health. Be careful what you buy! Read the ingredients label not just the name of the dog food. An all natural dog food is what you should be looking for, not one that contains filler and by-products. Remember you get what you pay for. Although an all natural dog food may be more expensive, studies have shown that your dog will in almost all cases eat more of the "bargain brand" than the all natural, nutritious dog food. The "bargain brands" will pass through your dog more quickly because they do not contain as much of the daily nutrients your dog requires. This leads to your dog being hungrier more often and thereby eating more. Your dog will retain more of the nutrients contained in the all natural food which means they will be less hungry, have healthier coats, more energy and better overall health.

Give your dog plenty of fresh water. Change it as often as you can. A good rule to follow is that every time you get yourself something to drink, add new water to your dog's bowl.

Exercise your dog daily. This is good for you also. Take long walks, throw a ball or stick around the backyard or park. Remember your dog's cardiovascular system, heart and muscles need exercise just like yours.

About the author: Jim De Fazio is the successful webmaster of http://www.natural-pet-supplies.com. A site that offers all natural food and supplies for your dog or cat.

Dog Safety

Author: Jessica Mercier

Summer is coming and more and more people are putting the tops down on their convertibles, letting their dogs get fresh air out of an open automobile window, or letting the dear dog ride in the back of an open pickup truck.

This seems like a great idea and dogs do love the wind in their fur; but! It can be a very dangerous thing to allow your dog to do.

Cigarettes thrown out of windows, rocks falling from construction trucks, stones being kicked up by cars and blowing sand can all be very harmful to your dogs well being. Your poor pup can land at the vet due to sand or rocks in the eye, or debris in their nose.

Dogs in open pick up trucks seldom jump out but could be thrown from a vehicle if it turned suddenly to miss something in the road or if the brakes were to be jammed on quickly. If left in the vehicle when parked, passersby could antagonize your dog and provoke him/her to be nasty or to jump out of the vehicle.

Next time you are inclined to let your dog hang out of a window or ride loose in the truck, please think twice. Take your dog to the park to play if s/he needs fresh air!

About the author:

J.R. Mercier is a freelance writer and is co-owner of Abby's Dog Gift Baskets and Abby's Bakery. Abby's is web-based business founded on a healthy, happy, dog and dog owner. Found on the web at http://www.gift-basket4you .com

Is a Boxer Dog The Right Pet For You?

Author: Amy Howells

Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their own design for too long or they will get lonely, bored and into trouble.

Being a big and strong dog as well as a highly intelligent one, Boxers need both physical and mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered and dignified while still keeping their impish spirit and fearless courage in tact.

Their high prey drive (some owners called it play drive) needs proper outlets or they could get destructive as house pets, and tend to fight among themselves especially if the other family Boxers are of the same sex. The female, it seems, is often more aggressive than the male.

Keeping Boxers busy is the best way to keep them out of trouble! Tire them out with long walks, 3 times a day. Give them plenty of exercise, play with them, especially the inquisitive puppies or they would tear up your home out of boredom, pent up energy and frustration. For all your love and caring, be prepared for wet slobbery drool and kisses and love in return.

What some proud owners say about their pet Boxers:

* ""Having a Boxer is like having another human in a dog body with you. You can talk to Boxers and they would understand. They demonstrate feelings just like human does. If they are loved, they will love and protect you.""

* ""Boxers are the most loyal companions. My Boxers bring me up when I am down. They are the canine clowns of the dog world. They are the only dogs for me.""

* ""They are a gift! The two I have are always smiling and they cheer me up when I'm not too happy. They can be your friends for life!""

* ""My Boxer can take up my moods or lay quietly by my feet for hours."" * ""Boxers are so intuitive, so easily bored and heartbroken. They are the definition of devotion and courage.""

* ""If I treat my Boxer puppy as an intelligent animal and talk to him almost like he's human, he is more responsive and better behaved, as though he's picking up on my sentiments by the way I am speaking to him.""

* ""Boxers can be very manipulative. They are a lot smarter than they look! Don't get taken in by their innocent-looking face or let them walk all over you no matter how much their eyes make them look like they are truly sorry.""

* ""Give up being house-proud and enjoy your ""devil dog"". Don't have potted plants because you'll end up with empty pots! Don't run to answer the phone because you'll be rugby-tackled and end up flat on your face.""

* ""Bringing a puppy or even an older dog into your home and your life is a major decision. It brings with it responsibility and commitment, but it also renders supreme joy, laughter, and sadly, but inevitably, tears. Not one of us who has ever shared his life with a Boxer would have it any other way.""

* ""Boxer dogs think they are human. Treat them like one - love them, talk to them, cuddle them and value them and you will get your love back unconditionally 10,000 times.""

About the author: For more information about boxer dogs visit: http://www.dog-owner.net

Training Your Dog

Author: Amy Howells

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at times, but it's well worth it. Here are several tips that should help things go much smoother and faster... plus reduce the frustration both you and your dog feel!

Conduct ""play training"" where by the training tasks are made into fun games and your dog's play drive is used as motivation. There are a lot of really good books available on this type of training.

Intelligent dogs can also be stubborn, so you may have to outwit them! While training your dog, you have to make him want to do what you want him to. You can't make him do stuff unless it is fun. Otherwise you are wasting both your time and his.

Try to make your dog's training so fun that it becomes his or her favorite activity. This will make learning much easier and more enjoyable.

Most dogs love to play! You can make your dog the happiest just by spending some time with them, giving your undivided attention each day. Without this, your dog will feel ignored, bored, or think they're in trouble. When this happens they're more likely to chew, tear things up, and not listen to you.

Here are some tried and true tactics you can use to make your dogs listen to you more:

When playing with your puppy, play at his level. If play is encouraged at ground level, this builds your role as the dominant, or ""top dog"", when you are standing and training your puppy. If the puppy is allowed to jump up and initiate play, then this can lead to unwanted jumping up as your dog gets older.

From the very beginning, make sure your dogs know you are the master. This is usually accomplished with simple tasks such as teaching the dog to raise it's paw for a handshake; kissing your hand; or rolling over on command to show submission.

There is no need for extreme measures to prove you are the boss. Obedience training should be both fun and rewarding for you and your dog.

Make sure your dog always eats after you do. This is one of the easiest ways to show your dog who is the boss. This is especially important if you share your food with your dog, because if you let them eat while you are, they could develop the habit of taking food right off your - or someone else's - plate. You may need to train your family to follow this rule too... and that could be harder than training the dog ;)

Very active young dogs have short attention span, and some breeds are worse than others. So it's best to have several short 5-10 minute training lessons instead of one long one.

Start the training at quiet places familiar to your dog, and be sure there are very few things and people around to distract him. Gradually move the training to places with more and more distractions so he will learn to obey your commands despite those distractions.

Speak to your dog strongly but not in an angry voice. Be kind but be firm while training and never give in to what they want. It seems cruel but in the long run you will have a much better relationship with you dog.

Celebrate after every training session for a good job done. Have a big play by running and throwing his favorite toys. If you give them a lot of playtime with yourself they'll listen to you more.

Don't confuse your dog by trying to use different words for one command. One word commands work best, and they should always be consistent. For example, when your dog gets on the lounge with you, say ""sit"" and he should sit. Then if you want him to lay down, say ""lay"" and he should do so. Also note how well your dog seems to understand your command words. Some dogs may not be able to distinquish between two words that sound the same. For instance: ""lay"" and ""stay"" sound very similar. With one of my own dogs, I've had to use the word ""sleep"" in place of lay, in order for him to understand me fully.

To keep your dog from charging the front door each time it opens, try putting up a door or gate that he can't see through or hop over. Have him wait until people enter and come up the stairs. Then give him a treat for waiting.

In closing: no matter how well trained you think your dog is, he usually has an attention span of seconds. So be careful not to let him run away, because some dogs will simply keep going and going as they find new things to chase.

Always keep your dog leashed securely when they're outdoors, unless you have a secure fence. Beware though: Some dogs can actually jump fences, even when you think they're high enough, and some even climb trees too. And most dogs run much faster than any human can so if your dog gets loose, it could be quite dangerous for him.

About the author: For more information about training your dog visit: http://www.dog-owner.net

Dog Flea Bites - Is Your Dog Suffering?

Author: Cat Tobin

As part of your dog's regular grooming session, it is important that you frequently examine his coat and skin for dog flea bites. Dog fleas can cause severe irritation by sucking on your dog's blood. If your dog should develop an allergy to dog flea bites, it could cause him to scratch uncontrollably, and develop sore, weeping skin. Fleas are also known to spread tapeworms to dogs that happen to accidentally eat them.

Fleas need an ample source of blood in order to lay their eggs, and your dog is a perfect source. They can easily jump onto your dog anywhere outside your home. And once they are done satisfying their blood thirst from your beloved pooch, they will usually stay in one area of your home, such as your carpet or bed, until they lay their eggs.

Fleas are not at all shy about having their presence detected. Chances are your dog has at least a few dog flea bites on him if he is scratching, biting, or shaking more than usual. If you happen to notice that he looks a little irritated, you should check him for fleas. To do this, start by pushing back the fur around his neck, along his back, and on his rear end and belly. Be sure to keep a look out for black and white particles similar to sand. These are flea eggs and waste material, a sure sign of a flea's presence. You can also use a fine-toothed comb to search for fleas. Run the comb over his coat and see if you can catch any of these annoying culprits. There are many options available for controlling dog flea bites on your dog. Your vet is the best person to discuss these options with you.

About the author: Visit PuppyTowne.net for more info on Dog Flea Bites . Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems! Dog Obedience Training . Immediate Results Guaranteed.

Dog Health Problems and Symptoms Where Do You Turn?

Author: Tara Pearce

I hope the reason you're here is to be proactive, rather than having a sick dog. My heart breaks every time I see one of my dogs in pain or not feeling well. Luckily it doesn't happen too often, but when it does, I get very upset. Doing research on your dog's health problems and symptoms can help prevent the problem from getting worse. And I must stress, when in doubt, see a veterinarian. I know quite a bit about dogs and I still hesitate before going to the vet, so you're not alone.

If you have dog health questions, your vet is the best person to ask. However, some common health problems in dogs can be addressed at home. Skin care for a smelly dog, for example. This can often happen due to skin allergies. Chinese Shar-pei can be bad for that, and I've been lucky so far. One of the best tips I've heard from breeders though is to not bathe her too often, as it can dry out the skin. This is perhaps quite the opposite if you have a long haired dog. I suggest visiting and joining online forums for your dog's breed, or at least dogs in general – you can get invaluable information there. For the record, when I do bathe my Shar-pei, I use an oatmeal shampoo. No skin problems in 3 years. You be the judge.

If you're looking for dog care for a mouth sore, it would depend on the kind of sore. My Shar-pei has "puppy pimples" which aren't dangerous and cause no pain to her, so I just dab some peroxide on them, and that does the trick. Of course, I got this tidbit from a breeder who got it from a vet. Please don't just blindly follow what I say – it may not be appropriate for your dog.

If you want more information about products related to the health of your dog, visit our website, http://www.a1-dog-info.com/dog-health-problems-symptoms.htm

About the author: Tara Pearce is the author and webmaster of A1-Dog-Info.com. Please visit us for all kinds of information about dog food, toys, health, books, supplies and clothes.

http://www.a1-dog-info.com

The Bernese Mountain Dog - All That You Wanted To Know About The Breed!

Author: Sagi Venkata Ramana

The Bernese mountain dog as its name suggests was generally found in the mountainous terrain. This dog is fairly large in size. The coat of the dog is tri-colored. This breed is highly intelligent and hard working. The dogs are generally preferred for draft and droving work.

This particular breed is self-confident and highly reliable. Its coat is thick and moderately long. This breed should be kept under constant care. This dog as it hails from mountainous terrain, it needs a lot of exercise every day. The Bernese mountain dog is good at doing many chores and hard labor. It can haul large cans and crates effortlessly.

The puppies should be given puppy food till they reach the age of four months. After that they should be given adult diet. Do not overfeed the Bernese, as it is prone to grow fat. The ideal diet is a nutritious diet, which agrees with its digestive system. Food should be given twice a day.

This dog is a much sought after breed. However, it is not easy to maintain. The dog is rarely found on the streets in the US. The dog is trained to herd cattle and pull cans of milk and other farm produce to the market. This dog is known as the farmers' dog.

This breed is very easy to train. A quick learner, the dog will listen to the gentlest of commands. To keep the dog happy and health, it needs to be kept busy for most part of the day. A daily walk is a must. Spending time with your pet and playing with it will keep him in a good shape.

The average Bernese mountain dog weighs about 80 pounds. If not properly trained, this dog can be quite a menace. The average lifespan of a Bernese is just 7 years. The dog also needs constant care. Brush the dog twice a week. He dog is known to shed a lot of hair.

This particular breed is also not comfortable in hot climates. If you plan to kep a Bernese as a pet be prepared to pay a lot of attention to its health. The Bernese is prone to a host of diseases. This particular breed needs to be de-wormed once in three months and vaccinated once in a year.

Before deciding to keep this particular breed as a pet one should know that it is prone to many ailments and therefore a trip to the vet may become a regular feature for the owners of this breed.

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