Canine Allergies - Does your dog have an Allergy?

Author: Matthew Seigneur

Canine Allergies - Does your dog have an Allergy? Did you know that your dog can have allergies, just like you?

The most common dog allergy is itching of the skin. Their respiratory tract can also be affected causing them to wheeze, sneeze, and/or cough. You may even notice a discharge from their eyes and nose. In some cases, the digestive system can be affected which will cause them to vomit or have diarrhea.

In the United States around 20 percent of the dogs suffer from some type of allergy. Some of the allergies might be allergic to fleas, atopic dermatitis, allergies to food, allergies to some thing in the air, allergies to some thing they come in contact with or a bacterial allergy.

Atopic Dermatitis

This canine allergy is caused by the dog's immune system hypersensitivity to common substance around them, such as dust mites or mold. Atopic Dermatitis is an allergic skin disease that usually appears within the first two years of a dog's life.

Watch your dog for grooming excessively, by licking or chewing his back legs, paws, and abdomen, these are signs that he may suffer from atopic dermatitis. Another way to check is to see if his ears are reddened and hot to the touch.

There are signs that are not as noticeable like in the armpits, groin, and between the toes of his paws. Saliva staining is another sign of atopic dermatitis. It appears as a reddish brown stain. If the case becomes severe, the skin may change color, especially the abdomen, from a pink to a dark red to a very dark black.

It can be difficult to diagnose because flea allergy, food allergy and parasitic infections have some of the same signs. After you have ruled out the three above allergies from you list you may then need to have your dogs skin tested for allergies such as dust mites, pollens, and mold. After your vet has determined the cause of the atopic dermatitis he can recommend treatment. Flea Allergy

No the flea is not the real allergy here, it is the fleas saliva. Your vet can perform a skin allergy test to determine if your dog is allergic to flea saliva. If he is then a regular strict flea control regimen is required to reduce your dog's symptoms. But, be sure to use the chemicals with caution, as some can harm your dog. Inhalant Allergy (allergies to some thing in the air)

These allergies are caused by the same things that cause allergies in humans, tree, grass, weed, dust mites, molds, and chemicals.

Any dog is susceptible to inhalant allergies, but the most common dogs affected are terriers, golden retrievers, poodles, dalmations, German shepherds, Chinese Shar-peis, shih tzus, lhasa apsos, pugs, Irish setters, and minature schnauzers.

If you notice your dog chewing at his feet and constantly licking then he may have inhalant allergies. Other common symptoms include biting, and scratching. The worst itching will be on his feet, hind legs, groin and armpits.

Inhalant allergies are often associated with recurring ear infections in you dog. Food Allergy

Food that your dog may have eaten for years may become a food allergy. So, this type of allergy is often overlooked.

Dogs usually cannot tolerate fish, eggs, whey, milk, chicken, pork, beef, corn, wheat, soy products, chemical preservatives, and artificial sugars in their meal.

It may take a long while to determine the food allergen. A way to find the allergen is to put your dog on a diet that consists of protein and starch that your dog has not eaten before.

Start adding back the ingredients of the dog food you have been feeding him, spreading this out over a week. If the symptoms return then you should be able to determine the food allergen.

Then look for a dog food that does not contain the allergen. Symptoms of food allergies in your dog may be scratching at ears, shaking of the head, itchy skin, licking and biting their back legs, rubbing their face on carpet, inflammation in their ears, coughing and in rare cases vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea. Contact Allergy (allergies to some thing they come in contact with)

This is the least common type of allergies in dogs. Some of the common items that may cause a reaction are wood bedding, grass, plants, and flea collars. Bacterial Allergy

There are several different types of Staphylococcus (Staph) living on your dog's skin. That is normal! Most dogs do not develop an allergy to them, but some dogs might.

Bacterial allergies will cause hair loss that looks similar to ring worm. The areas that are infected need to be treated with antibiotics.

About the author: http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures. http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/ provides dog supplements and dog health care information.

Dog Mental Health

Author: Matthew Seigneur

Your dog's mental health is just as important as their physical health. Keeping your dog happy and healthy is your main goal. Keeping your dog healthy also includes his mental well being. We will be talking about a few of the mental problems that your dog can have and ways to help your dog with his mental health.

Do dogs get depressed?

Of course, dogs get depressed. They go through bouts of depression and you will notice your dog moping about and not wanting to play, only drinking small amounts of water, and you may even notice them losing a lot of weight. You want your dog's mental health to be good, but how can you tell what is causing this depression?

After you have ruled out a physical aliment by taking your dog to the vet; now you can look around and see what may be causing this change in your dog's attitude and help get your dog's mental health back on track.

Grief can cause depression in dogs just as it can in the human race. Has your dog lost a playmate recently? Maybe a dog down the street has moved away. Or maybe the child in your family has gone off to college. Your dog longs for that companionship and now it is gone. If you have moved or have left your dog in the care of others while you were on vacation this can also be the root of your dog's depression. Start helping your dog enjoy life again. Give him extra attention and love. If he has lost his doggy playmate, take him to the park or to the doggie daycare so he can play with other dogs and maybe make a new friend that will help him over this depression. This may just pull him out of his depression.

Depression untreated can lead to more serious physical problems that you are sure to want to avoid. If you can not seem to bring the zing back into your dog's life you may want to ask your vet for some anti-depression medicine.

Anxiety is probably one of the most common mental disorders in dogs all over the world. It is your responsibility to notice when your dog is stressed and what causes his stress and to keep him out of these types of situations for his protection or to help him overcome his anxieties.

The different signs of anxiety and stress are excessive drooling, whining, panting, moaning, shivering, or reluctance to move.

The different types of anxieties and how to know them:

Separation Anxiety

This is probably the most common anxiety in dogs. Your dog will be soiling the floor, chewing up furniture, and their barking or howling can be heard clear down the block are sure signs of separation anxiety.

Noise Anxiety

Noise Anxiety is a problem for thousands of types of animals. Dogs that are afraid of loud noises often run to hide, but because of their fear they do not pay attention and may endanger themselves by running into oncoming traffic, etc.

Social Anxiety

This anxious behavior is seen in dogs that as puppies were never around other dogs or a lot of people. This can be seen when your dog is around others if he tries to cower in a corner to hide. He is feeling overwhelmed by his surroundings and all the commotion from the other dogs or extra people.

These are just some of the problems that your dog may have. Remember to pay attention to your dog; he is your friend and companion. He needs your protection as well as your love.

http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/dog-mental-health.s html Visit http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ for all you and your dogs pet supply & dog breed info!

About the author: http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures. http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/ provides dog supplements and dog health care information.

Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You?

Author: Blake Kritzberg

Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog? Not an obsession, mind you not the sort of longing that would send you rushing to a breeder, thousand-dollar-bill in your sweaty palm but just a gentle appreciation for the virtues of the Poodle, Pug or Pyrenean Mastiff?

Let's say you have -- but you thought buying a purebred pup was a less-than-ideal use of your family's resources. If that's the case, it might be time to look up your local Dog Rescue organization! Dog Rescues are organized by breed, so prospective parents can sign up to be notified when new poodles or pugs come in.

What's the advantage of adopting a rescue dog, instead of a breeder pup? A rescue dog isn't always cheaper than the breeder's (though it usually is). The main difference is this: your money equals a new life for a dog that completely lost out on his first roll of the dice.

*How do I adopt a Rescue Dog?

Dog rescue organizations are volunteer-driven, and loosely organized. Your best bet is to 'Google' for the one nearest you, using the breed name. So poodle lovers can search for 'Poodle Rescue' or 'Poodle Rescue Florida,' if they live down south.

Once you find an organization, you'll want to apply as an adoptive parent. This may involve a down payment. It also usually involves a form in which you describe your history of animal ownership, and supply references. You'll provide some information on your beliefs about dog discipline, your house and yard, and where you plan to keep your newest family member.

The dog rescue foster moms and will want to talk to you in person, too, to get a feel for your compatibility with their particular pup.

*What will I pay for a Rescue Dog?

On average, you'll pay between $200 and $300. If you thought ""rescue"" adoption was cheap, this might seem like a lot, but the fact is it simply covers basic procedures to bring the animal back to health. Most dogs arrive at the Rescue with skin problems, tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations, possible parasites and other issues.

*How will a Rescue Dog differ from a breeder or pet store dog?

In a number of ways. Your new adoptee is likely to be:

Older. Few dogs are rescued as puppies. A few are 'adolescent.' The vast majority are middle-aged.

Cautious. Your adoptee may have a lot of fear and yes, grief, to process. If he felt like a part of his former family, he may be grieving his sudden ""ejection."" He may need time and patience to take an interest in food, play, or his general surroundings. If he was starved or kept isolated, he'll need time and patience to learn to socialize.

""Readable."" Buying a puppy means taking a wild guess at the eventual adult. When you rescue a grown dog, you get a much better idea of his personality. It's easier to make the perfect match.

*Am I the right type of owner for a Rescue Dog?

An important question! You, the owner, are the last and most crucial link in a chain. The chain's only purpose is provide a ""happily-ever-after"" for a dog that desperately deserves one. Can you be that happily-ever-after, even for a dog that may have some rough edges?

Ask yourself these questions:

- Do I really care what color the coat is, what sex it is or how many pounds it weighs?

If so, you really want a puppy from a breeder, not a rescue. Rescue dogs rarely conform to an exact type.

- Am I looking to save money?

You may not save money buying a rescued dog, even though the initial cost could be $700 or $800 less than from a breeder. Rescue dogs often need more medical care because of the abuse and neglect they suffered before.

- Is my life relatively stable and my household relatively quiet?

All abused creatures, whether dog or human, crave and need an unusually organized household. Many people can be good parents to a rescue dog. But perhaps the best potential parent of all is an older person or couple whose children are grown, and who has time and patience to devote to the dog's mental and physical healing.

- Can I provide regular medical care and regular grooming?

The deepest wish in the heart of the Dog Rescue folks is each of their dogs never has to go through another minute of hunger, discomfort or pain again.

When dogs are starved, they sometimes have incontinence problems that heal only slowly. They may need more regular teeth cleaning than a continually cared-for dog. Some need a house training refresher when former owners didn't bother. Most were never clipped or groomed, even in the non-shedding breeds. Do you have the time and resources to keep your dog totally safe and comfortable?

- Can I consider the need and adopt a boy rescue, or an older rescue?

For reasons not entirely clear, many potential adopters go for girl dogs. There's no logic to this: all rescue dogs are spayed or neutered, and boys are as intelligent, witty, loyal, well-behaved and loving as their female counterparts. Perhaps it's just that the rescue impulse leads us to think of ""damsels in distress""!

At any rate, that adorable boy that needs a home really deserves your attention. Someone less educated might pass him by for reasons they don't fully understand.

The upshot is, a rescue dog can make the best pet you've ever had. He understands exactly what you're giving him, since he didn't have it before. Your newest family member will offer you an overabundance of loyalty for the rest of his days.

*How can I help with Dog Rescues?

Dog Rescues are always looking for help. Of course, they need financial contributions, and kennel and medical supplies. They also need 'foster moms' who perform the difficult task of patiently rendering a dog adoptable, then giving it up to its final owner! So if you have skills in this area and want to help, contact the small and amazing group of volunteers that make up your local Dog Rescue.

About the author: Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs . Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog.

http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Choosing your Boxer Dog

Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

Choosing your Boxer Dog

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.

Need products and supplies for your dogs? Visit http://www.mypetanimals.com/Dogs/ today! This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large site devoted to helping you find all the pet and animal products you need! This article may be distributed and published on any website, as long as this statement and URL remain intact, and the website address is linked properly.

About the author: This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large site devoted to helping you find all the pet and animal products you need! This article may be distributed and published on any website, as long as this statement and URL remain intact, and the website address is linked properly.

How To Discipline Your Boxer Dog

Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

How To Discipline Your Boxer Dog

Most would agree that the day you bring the Boxer puppy home, you must already pick the direction in which you want to go with him.

Disciplining one is a matter of thinking and working a step ahead of your Boxer. Do it with love, gentleness but firmness as well.

Also, a Boxer that is well behaved today may not remain so forever. DogÆs behavior constantly changes; new problems can always develop and existing ones could get worse. So make the discipline constant.

Training your Boxer is the most important thing you will do for him and for yourself in order to have a much better relationship together.

A trained Boxer will listen and can safely be allowed freedom more than an untrained one.

A disciplined and well-trained Boxer is more confident and makes a wonderful companion that is smart, soulful, most people-oriented dog and blessed with boundless energy - a pleasure to live with.

A poorly trained dog can be a loud and destructive nuisance around the house that weighs on you more like a commitment and responsibility rather than a blessing.

Teach them young when the Boxers donÆt know any better rather than stressing them out when they are older and more difficult to control.

It is not fair on your Boxer to let him pull on the leash when he is a small puppy and this doesnÆt hurt your hand, then to scold and shout at him if he does the same when he is big and strong and makes your arms feel like falling off the joints. It is not fair on the dog and certainly not fair on you.

Start the training some place that is familiar to your Boxer, where there is minimum distraction.

But remember socialization is also an important part of the training because you donÆt want to end up with a very shy Boxer.

So after both of you are skilled at several obedience commands, start taking him to different areas for practice, where there are increasing amount of distractions present. Examples are near a supermarket, busy parking lot and a busy park on Sundays. This may seems like starting all over again but youÆll have a superbly trained dog at the end of it. So it's worth the effort.

Keep in mind Boxers are intelligent. Being an intelligent dog has its own advantages and drawbacks.

They are quick to learn.

It also means Boxers have a mind of their own that would sometimes show up as stubbornness. Thus, they can be harder to train than most other dogs due to their independence.

Understand BoxerÆs intelligence/stubbornness, handle it well, and you can avoid problems in disciplining and training them.

As owners, you must maintain respect between you and your Boxers. Respect goes both ways.

Respect their intelligence. Love them. Set the rules for behavior. Trust them. There is no need for extreme measures to show Boxers that you are the top dog.

Handle their hard-headedness with patient and don't give up on their training.

And because they are stubborn, conventional obedience training may not be the most effective way to get them to listen to you.

Utilize their high play drive for more effective obedience training.

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

Basically Boxers are intelligent and could be stubborn. So you have to outwit them!

While training your Boxer, 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.

Your Boxer's favorite activities should become training, so that training becomes his favorite activity.

Boxers LOVE to play! You will have the happiest Boxer in the world and most obedient if you will just spend some time, giving them your undivided attention everyday. Otherwise they feel ignored, bored and will tear or chew things up and will not listen to you.

Some tried and proven tactics you can use to make your Boxers listen to you more.

* When playing with your Boxer 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 the Boxer gets older.

* From the very beginning, make sure your Boxers know you are the master.

However, it suffice to teach your Boxer to obey simple commands of raising a paw in a handshake, giving a hand lick for a kiss or doing a roll over to show his submission to you. Most Boxers love performing these simple tricks (obedience commands) for you.

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

* Once it is established you are the boss, one owner declared: ""Life with your Boxer will be just kidney bean dancinÆ all the way!"" Another reported: ""My Boxer wanted to be class clown at obedience class until I got serious and showed him I was the boss.""

* The Boxer must always eat after you do.

This is the easiest way to show to your Boxer who is the boss. But this is easier said than done when there are many people in the family and not all would respect the rule.

* Very active young Boxers have short attention span.

It is best to have many short 5 to 10-minute lessons than a single, long 30-minute lesson. Keep the training session short and sweet. Lengthy session easily becomes dull, boring and tedious for both you and the Boxer. * Start the training at quiet places familiar to your Boxer with 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 the distractions.

* Speak to your Boxer 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 boxer.

* 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 theyÆd listen to you more.

* Use only one word like ""sit,"" ""down,"" ""drop"" and ""stay"" when teaching Boxers commands. For example, when your Boxer gets on the lounge with you, say ""sit - down"" and he should sit then lay down on your lap. * To keep a Boxer from charging the front door, put up a door/gate that he canÆt see through or hop over.

Have him wait till people enter and come up the stairs then he gets a treat. This particular owner noticed that even when the gate is left open the Boxers don't usually go by unless they see a squirrel or cat!

* Finally, no matter how well trained you think your Boxer is, he has an attention span of seconds!

DonÆt let him run away because heÆll just keep going and going. Always keep him leashed outdoors if not in a fenced area. He can run faster than you and you will not catch him if he runs for the road!

Boxers and Obedience Class

Discipline is one of the most important aspects of owning a Boxer.

Puppy school is not an option, it is a necessity to train owners, including children in the family, how to manage the Boxer and nurture it into becoming a well-adjusted member of the family.

Puppy school is for the Boxers to help develop good habits right from the start. Wait until your Boxer is at least 6 months old before putting him through any serious work.

Trainers with extensive experience and knowledge can deal with just about any behavior problems your pup might come up with.

Choose a trainer who is purposeful and patient. The well-trained Boxer is a sight to behold going through his paces in the class. Their innate intelligence makes many Boxers great successes in the obedience ring. Of more importance is for you as owner to continue to practice the obedience lessons with your Boxers.

They will best remember the lessons when you incorporate them into your everyday routines with your dog.

For example you can tell your pup to ""heel"" while he follows you around the house, and to ""sit"" and ""stay"" while you prepare his dinner. As your wake up greeting in the morning he can do a ""roll over"". Tell him to ""go find the ball"" while you get dressed and ""go get the leash"" before you go for walks together.

Need products and supplies for your dogs? Visit http://www.mypetanimals.com/Dogs/ today! This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large site devoted to helping you find all the pet and animal products you need! This article may be distributed and published on any website, as long as this statement and URL remain intact, and the website address is linked properly.

About the author: This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large site devoted to helping you find all the pet and animal products you need! This article may be distributed and published on any website, as long as this statement and URL remain intact, and the website address is linked properly.

How to Keep Your Boxer - or any Dog - Healthy

Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

How to Keep Your Boxer - or any Dog - Healthy

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 wonÆt 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

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 puppyÆs 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 tapewormÆs 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.

Need products and supplies for your dogs? Visit http://www.mypetanimals.com/Dogs/ today! This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large site devoted to helping you find all the pet and animal products you need! This article may be distributed and published on any website, as long as this statement and URL remain intact, and the website address is linked properly.

About the author: This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - http://www.mypetanimals.com - a large site devoted to helping you find all the pet and animal products you need! This article may be distributed and published on any website, as long as this statement and URL remain intact, and the website address is linked properly.

Thoughts on using shock collars to train your dog.

Author: Joyce Barker

A shock collar is a small box on a dog collar that usually has two metal prongs that are in contact with a dogs skin. The device works by usually emitting a warning noise followed by an electric shock to the dog. On some models the shock can be increased in intensity. These collars are designed to shape behavior, for example they can be set to go off when a dog barks. Alternatively the handler can carry a remote control unit that delivers a shock when the dog does undesirable behavior. There really is no need to use such methods to train a dog, there are more humane methods to shape a dogs behavior such as clicker training that gives a reward for shaping behavior.

The reasons why I believe shock collars are not necessary for training are as follows:

* A dogs skin is much thinner than a humans skin. As a result the shocks these devices give can be very painful. Additionally if a dog becomes wet the pain inflicted can increase.

* Shocking a dog can lead to behavior problems where the association of the shock with people or circumstances can lead to potentially aggressive behavior.

* Sadly there are people that will use these devices irresponsibly or worse for fun on their pets.

For many years I have used treats and praise for training my dogs. I believe in using kind training methods and rewarding dogs for good behavior. Dogs love to be rewarded be it with praise, treats, toys and exercise. In my experience a dog that is trained using positive training methods is well behaved, good tempered and happy.

Joyce Barker - www.dogtraininginfo.co.uk

About the author: Joyce Barker is a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers. She has over 25 years worth of dog training experience. She is the owner of www.dogtraininginfo.co.uk a company dedicated to promoting positive dog training methods.

Dog/Canine Diabetes

Author: Matthew Seigneur

What is canine diabetes?

Canine diabetes is a condition where there is a deficiency of the hormone insulin or maybe insensitivity to it. Inside the islet cells of the pancreas insulin is produced.

Insulin is usually responsible for controlling the body's main fuel, glucose. Insulin does this by preventing the glucose production in the liver and it also ensures that glucose that is taken in from food that is in excess is put into body stores.

In a dog that has canine diabetes, they do not have enough insulin to turn off the glucose production by the liver or to store it efficiently.

What this means is that the glucose rises and will exceed a level in which the kidneys let the glucose into the urine. This will cause the need to urinate more frequently. What are the signs of canine diabetes?

Excessive urination is one of the first signs you will notice, with also the intake of more water. Dog with canine diabetes also tend to lose weight because they breakdown stores of fat and protein in order to make glucose and ketones in the liver.

Other signs may include cataracts, increased appetite, decrease in activity, and recurring infections.

How do you treat canine diabetes?

Insulin is the best treatment for canine diabetes. It has to be given by injection because it is a protein and would be digested if given in a tablet.

With careful treatment of mixing the insulin you will be able to treat your dog with care. Your vet will be able to prescribe the correct type of insulin and help you know exactly how to mix and how to administer the insulin.

How do I keep my dog's diabetes stabilized?

Your vet will help with getting the correct dosage of insulin. Every dog is different as every human is different, so please always check with your vet before changing the amount of insulin for your dog.

Make sure you keep your dogs diet constant each and every day; this will help in keeping canine diabetes under control. It is best to use commercially produced special diet formulas for dogs with canine diabetes.

As long as you keep your dog on his proper diet and give him his insulin as prescribed by your vet, your dog will be able to live a long and happy life.

About the author: http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures. http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/ provides dog supplements and dog health care information.

Dog Fighting History

Author: Matthew Seigneur

Dog Fighting History

Using dogs in fighting has been around for hundreds maybe thousands of years. The Romans, Greeks, Spanish and French used dogs for fighting.

Fighting between all kinds of animals have always been a very popular event. As far back as can be recalled dogs called gladiator were bred for the sole purpose of dog fighting.

The British began breeding the bulldog for the sole reason of dog on dog combat, but they were not the first; since this event has been around since the day of the Roman Empire. The dogs that the British used are commonly known today as the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The bulldog is well known for being used to manage unruly bulls, and by hunters for helping them in catching and holding wild boars or other big game.

Since, the bull dog was so popular for these types of activities the sport of bullbaiting became very popular. Bullbaiting was where bulldogs and other larger animals were pitted together.

Animals such as horses, bears, lions, and yes even men were put together for the sole purpose of fighting. This bullbaiting sport was eventually outlawed, so the public turned to dog fighting. Dog Fighting was economically better for the owners of the fighters, because they did not need as much room for the fighting area, and they only had to feed two dogs; instead of one dog and a larger animal. Also, with just dogs fighting it would be easier to hold these fights in secret if the need arose.

To acquire a smaller dog with increased agility and more stamina and fighting ability the bulldog was bred with game hunting terriers. As this breeding increased so did the aggression in these dogs.

Dog fighting breeders especially searched for dogs with the gaming and aggressive behavior, as their goal was to refine the best canine gladiator in the bulldog.

Dog fighting was seen through out the 1800's into the 1900's and still does continue today. But, it is illegal in most of the 50 states in America and most European Countries.

http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-care-articles/dog-fighting-hist ory.shtml

About the author: http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures. http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/ provides dog supplements and dog health care information.

Dog Medecine

Author: Matthew Seigneur

Dog Medecines

Fleas and Ticks

All dogs may at times have a few fleas, which usually is not much of a problem. But, in some cases your dog may be allergic to flea saliva, which will cause a skin allergic reaction to even just one bite. Also, ticks can be a major problem, in some areas. From ticks your dog may contract tapeworm infestation or Lyme disease.

Some products that can help control flea and tick infestations:

Frontline Plus – Each tube contains fipronil and S-Methoprene which kills flea eggs and their larvae. This is one of the best products on the market to fight the infestation of fleas and ticks. Be sure to use this product as described. This product can make some dogs sick if they ingest the medicine.

Advantage – This product works extremely fast on relieving the flea infestation. It works by stopping the life cycle before it begins by killing the fleas before they have time to lay eggs. Advantage is water-resistant, so you can give your dog baths and know he is still protected against fleas and ticks. The active ingredient is imidacloprid. As with Frontline Plus read the directions and apply correctly; can make some dogs sick if ingested.

Bacterial Infection

To help heal and prevent skin infections from scrapes or dermatitis and also to reduce fungal growth use topical treatments. You can find Antibacterial topicals in all kinds of forms. There are ointments, shampoos, and sprays. Any type will help as long as it has hydrocortisone.

Some products that can help control bacterial infections:

Septi-Clens Antibacterial Topicals – This product helps to heal skin irritations and minor cuts and also prevents them from becoming infected. As with all medicine please read the directions. You may want to cover the area where applied with a bandage to prevent ingesting.

Antibacterial Deodorizing Shampoo by Eight In One – This is a great product! You can give your dog a bath and help fight against infection. This shampoo is gentle to your dog's skin and has added ingredients against infection.

For Worms Your dog can become a victim of several types of internal parasites usually known as worms. Roundworms are the most common in puppies. Tapeworms can become a big problem when your dog has a high flea infestation. Treatment for worms usually comes in a pill form that will rid your dog of these parasites.

Some products that can help control gastrointestinal worms:

Drontal suspension is the most recommended by vets. This product will help control roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It is best for puppies and small dogs. The active ingredients are febantel and pyrantel embonate. As with any medication watch your dog for any signs that he might be allergic to the medication. If his appetite changes or you notice a change in his bathroom habits, please contact your vet.

D_Worm Liquid Wormer – This is an easy to give wormer that is safe for all age dogs. It can be mixed directly with their dog food. It will eliminate roundworms. The active ingredient in D_Worm liquid is piperazine. Be sure to read instructions and administer as recommended.

For Digestive Problems and Gas Relief

A common problem in dogs can be vomiting, diarrhoea, and growling intestines. The cause of these common problems can range from diet to disease. You can buy Gas Relief Dog Medicine for your dog. If you notice that the medicine is not helping or you notice any changes in your dog, please contact your vet.

Some products that can help control gas relief and digestive problems:

Odor Disposes Gas Relief – This is an effective natural gas reliever for your dog. This is one of the most effective on the market today. You can also turn the pills into powder and mix with your dog's food.

Gas Be Gone by 21st Century – This is a safe natural product that can be given to dogs and cats for relief of painful gas and digestive problems. This product also aids in a healthy digestive system.

For Canine Arthritis

If you know that your dog has canine arthritis, there are ways to ease his pain. You can find pills that you can give him for pain and for inflammation, also there are creams that can be applied. In severe cases your vet can prescribe a pain reliever.

Some products that can help control pain:

Healthy Joints & Hip supplements from 21st Century – Your dog needs to stay active as he gets older to keep control of weight gain and stiff joints. This product is a chewable tablet that contains 500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride, 100 mg of vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese for a healthy combination of pain reliever and helps support the connective tissues of the joints.

Glucosamine Plus by NaturVet – This product is awesome it combines glucosamine hydrochloride with vitamins C and E, which are anti-oxidants that will remove damaging radicals from your dogs system. It also contains yucca and boswellia which are two natural anti-inflammatories that aid in control pain and stiffness. This product contains just what your dog needs to be active.

About the author: http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures. http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/ provides dog supplements and dog health care information.

Dog Coat Health

Author: Matthew Seigneur

Dog Coat Health

Keeping your dog's coat healthy and clean is a very important to maintaining a healthy and happy dog. The largest organ on your dog's body is his skin and hair. Keeping your dogs' coat in good health is paramount, after, of course, letting your dog know how much you love them!

Most dog owners know to look for parasites on the skin but, what you may not know is that internal diseases such as liver disease, adrenal gland disease or thyroid gland disease can show itself through abnormal symptoms in the dogs' skin and hair. So, it is very important to examine and groom your dog so you can detect any abnormalities early.

Regular grooming will help decrease such infections like skin and ear infections. And you will be able to notice any abnormal skin discoloring or irritations.

Bathing and brushing on a regular basis can help keep your dog's skin and coat free from bacteria that can cause infection. Bathing with a 'natural' and very mildly antiseptic coat care lotion can also keep down your dogs' chance of flea infestations. Be also careful not to bath your dog too much or that could cause skin irritation, flaking and more.

If your Dog is ok (not himself, but his skin & coat!) with being bathed regularly, weekly bathing will keep down the doggie odor, encourage a healthy coat and skin, and also get your dog use to bathing. If your dog loves the outdoors and like to roam, then he may need to be bathed more than once a week. If he encounters a skunk while on his journey, he will need an immediate bath!

Why brush your dog?

Mats in the coat are the main reason! Mats can be uncomfortable, and can cause destruction of the skin, and parasites can hide in the mats.

If your dog scratches the matted areas, he will pull his skin, which will cause him to hurt and possibly bruise his skin - ouch! Help your dog stay comfortable by brushing him often. Remember the longer the coat the more brushing that will be necessary. If you can not remove the mats by brushing, you can clip the mats very carefully by using a blunt pair of scissors and being careful not to pull the skin. The most important thing to remember is to brush often so your dog will not get mats in his coat and this problem will disappear.

Your dog will soon begin to enjoy his bath time and quality time with you. You will be able to keep a happy and healthy dog for a long time. You will enjoy bath time with your dog as you see him enjoying the attention and the attitude after he is clean and shiny... Just make sure you dry him well, and don't let him outside as he may roll in anything he can to get his preferred 'smell' back!

About the author: http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures. http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/ provides dog supplements and dog health care information.

Do They Really Need a Dog Bed?

Author: Tina Spriggs

When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we were concerned about her comfort. She would have a hard time getting up in the morning. Her legs would shake and she would take five minutes just to get up, where once she could pounce up in a second.

Her hips were really thin and her muscle mass was decreasing rapidly.

What we found out was that we could help her by getting an orthopedic dog bed. The sad part is, we probably could have helped her avoid this by getting it for her when she was younger.

See, dogs can develop calluses and arthritis from laying on hard floors or rocks in the ground.

Naturally we did what we could to make her more comfortable during her last days.

That dog was a mighty powerhouse in her time, and it was so hard to see her deteriorate like this.

Now, all five of our dogs have warm dog beds to keep them comfortable, warm, and most importantly, healthier.

About the author: Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site Dog-Gifts-and-Toys-for-Dog-Lovers.com. Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

The Artful Dog Shopper

Author: Tina Spriggs

I am a dog lover by nature. I have just always loved the little four legged fur balls.

Another thing I have always loved is animal art. It could be photographs, paintings, statues or even dog cartoons.

I don't really know why I like them, but I do. I've noticed there are a lot of other animal art lovers out there too. It seems to be a natural connection.

People with children often have a ton of pictures of thier children. People with pets are not that different. They see the beauty in animals and want to have it to look at.

So how can we take this knowledge and turn it into a great gift idea? Well, there are a few different things that come to mind here.

One I like is getting a great picture of the dog you love and converting it to a black and white picture, then framing it and putting an inscription on the frame.

Now this can be done from you to the pet owner, on behalf of the dog, with something like. ""John, I'll always be your loyal friend. Love, Rocky.""

Or if it's for you, you could put something like, ""This is my faithful watch dog, Bessie.""

Or, if you have lost your beloved companion, as we did last year, you could write something like, ""In loving memory of Lucky. The best bird dog a guy could have.""

In either instance, you could certainly put whatever you think suits the receiver best, those are just some examples.

Our favorite picture is of our late but beautiful yellow Labrador, Lucky. She was out in the field with my husband one day and had been searching and searching for a mallard lost in the tules.

When my husband was ready to give up and call her back, she brought in one of the prettiest birds you ever saw, and she was so proud. The picture was snapped and now is forever matted in the most appropriate frame: A ceramic model with a yellow dog chasing some flying mallards.

Go get 'em, Lucky.

About the author: Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site Dog-Gifts-and-Toys-for-Dog-Lovers.com. Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

Treating dog arthritis with natural supplements.

Author: Mariangie Gonzalez

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that affect canines; especially large breed dogs (60-90 lbs) the best thing you can do is to prevent the occurrence of this disease with the appropriate supplements when your dog is 4 or 5 years old and not wait until symptoms show, but if your dog is already presenting symptoms and/or pain you should consider the option of natural treatment for your pet's condition.

Osteoarthritis in dogs (or just dog arthritis) can be treated effectively with natural supplements that are as effective as commonly prescribed drugs and much safer because of the less risk of side effects. Prescribed drugs may relieve pain, but they also can cause further degeneration of your dog's joints and health, which could include, damage to the liver, kidneys, muscles and gastrointestinal bleeding, among others.

Just as human arthritis, dog arthritis tends to get worse with age, and you can find some senior dog food formulas that claim to contain glucosamine and chondroitin, both of them are supplements used to prevent and treat dog arthritis, but in the majority of cases, the amount included is not enough to do any difference in your dog's symptoms. So, probably the best option is to feed your dog regular dog food and back that up with a supplement. Below you will find some of the most effective supplement used for the treatment of arthritis in dogs.

Herbal Glucosamine Blend: which is one of the most comprehensive canine muscle and joint support formulations available today, it includes Glucosamine HCl, MSM and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, along with a proprietary herbal blend of Yucca, Devil's Claw, White Willow, Meadowsweet and Alfalfa. Glucosamine is essential for the formation of joint cartilage and synovial fluid, MSM, has an anti-inflammatory effect slows the progression of arthritis and relieves pain.

Alfalfa and Yucca: A combination of five time-honored herbs for chronic rheumatic conditions it also includes Burdock, Licorice, and Shepherd's Purse. This extract is designed to help the body cope with the pain, swelling, and stiffness of arthritis and rheumatism while maintains the tone of the liver and kidneys to help eliminate excess waste materials and water from the joints. Chondroitin Sulfate: This formula is a supplement for muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, and bone problems. It does not only to help in the relief of pain, but to also treat the underlying problem. It really helps older animals.

The benefits of using natural, organic pet products are in the preventive measure, you want a healthy pet with a longer lifespan, but also an enhanced quality of life, there's no use on living longer if the quality of life is not good, holistic pet care, will provide a better quality of life for your pet and ultimately will save you money with less visits to the veterinarian, bills and prescriptions.

About the author: Mariangie Gonzalez is an Agronomist with a major in Animal Science & Pre-Veterinary and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website which carries pet aromatherapy, pet natural remedies, pet herbal supplements and much more. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com

Is Dog Obedience School for You?

Author: Tina Spriggs

Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know what to expect out of it? Do you know what it costs or where to find a good school?

If not, let me help take out some of the mystery of finding one to make sure you and your dog get the best experience you can.

If you have searched the web in this topic, you probably found some sites that are basically search engines within search engines, no real information about dog obedience schools. Or you might have found some obedience schools that were on the other side of the country. Needless to say, neither one was of much use.

Chances are you have a dog obedience school of some sort in your town, unless you've got a population of less than 20,000. In that event, you might need to opt for dog training videos or books, and I will go over some good resources for that later.

The first thing I want you to do is look for someone with proven experience. You can start in the yellow pages and look under ""Dog Training"" as opposed to ""dog obedience school.""

Ask a LOT of questions. These people are going to be molding the mind of your impressionable pup and you want to know that it's a good fit.

Ask things like:

What will the dog be taught? What is the success rate? What happens if you're not satisfied Will you be taught how to continue with your dogs new training? What are their methods of correction when the dog disobeys? Visit the facility too. Check it out. Meet the trainers and see how they act with people and dogs.

Ask if you can watch a training session or a video of a session so you get an idea of what your dog will be subjected to.

Don't make a final decision on a dog obedience school until your dog has met the trainers. Dogs are extremely good judges of character.

For the most part, someone in this line of work is going to be a good person and a dog lover. Some, however, will be doing it just to get a paycheck and may not have your pal's best interest in mind.

If your dog doesn't like them... take another route.

You might want to consider the local 4-H club. 4-H is where I learned how to train my own dog as a child. It isn't a dog obedience school in the traditional sense. It teaches kids how to train their dogs, or a friend's dog. It's a youth education program and it provides many facets of education, one of which is often dog training.

Read more about dog training videos if you would like an alternative to dog obedience school.

About the author: Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site Dog-Gifts-and-Toys-for-Dog-Lovers.com. Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

Toys are GOOD for your dog

Author: Tina Spriggs

Did you know that dog toys are actually good for your dog, and not just an indulgence on the part of the owner?

There are all kinds of uses for different types of toys.

First, starting as puppies, toys give your dog a distraction from other would-be toys like your couch or your favorite pair of shoes.

My dogs all love ropes. Every single one of them that has ever had one played with them until they were tiny pieces of thread.

Ropes serve a couple of great purposes, in addition to keeping your dog from chewing your house up like termites.

First, it's great bonding for you and the dog if you engage in a good game of tug-og-war. It also helps them exercise. Our dog Sadie is one big mass of muscles. When we play with the rope, she uses her entire body to try to get it away and you can just see all of her muscles flexing. She's a Black Lab and has the most beautiful, sleek black coat.

Rope dog toys also help keep their teeth clean. Who wants to have a dog with teeth problems? I mean, you really don't want to go into that pointy landmine when your dog is in pain and irritable, do you?

Like people, dogs are comforted by familiarity. So dog toys that they know and love are great travel companions. They help give your dog a little extra comfort when you're away from home or take a vacation with your dog.

Here are some tips to consider when buying dog toys:

Make sure they do not have small, choking parts. Dogs are like babies here, they put it in their mouth and can choke. They don't know Heimlich!

Don't get realistic looking toys like, say, shoes or food. You don't want them thinking that your shoes are toys or that hot dog sitting on the counter is really his toy.

Don't buy too many toys. Rotate the ones they already have. I do this with my kids too and it works great. It's like getting new toys all over again.

About the author: Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site Dog-Gifts-and-Toys-for-Dog-Lovers.com. Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

Tips on Hanlding Getting a Second-Hand Dog

Author: Louise Louis

It's appealing to see ourself ""saving"" an adult dog from an animal shelter but dealing with a dog with a troubled or insecure past can be very challenging.

The good news is that you'll be getting a full size dog so you know what to expect in that regard. He's likely to have at least some rudimentary training, perhaps from shelter personnel.

The worst thing that can happen is that the dog and the owner are not well matched. Inexperienced shelter personnel might place a strong-willed, dog with an elderly couple or a busy couple with young children.

Sometimes, owners over-estimate their own abilities and under-estimate the time commitment to handle dogs with tricky or troubled personalities.

Many older dogs entering a new home will not behave well. Expect problems like whining, barking, destroying things, and toilet mistakes.

That's because the dogs are anxious and do not feel safe in the new home. Do not take this behavior personally and try not to become angry.

Please recognize that the concept of gratitude is a human one. It does not exist in dogdom.

On the other hand, some owners make the opposite mistake and become too indulgent with these dogs. That will only increase the dog's insecurity and may create a dog that can't bear to be away from its owner.

If you get a second hand dog, you need to find a middle ground. The dog needs security, not pity. Be kind but be firm. You are in charge and you need to show it to your dog.

If you dog anxiously paws at your lap trying to get attention, ignore him! You make the decisions on playing, walking and feeding.

Behavior problems are minimized when your dog feels secure and has a leader (you) that he is confident can protect him.

I recognize that not all shelter dogs will come with problems, but because many will, it's best to begin your relationship on the basis that problems should be expected and dealt with.

In the long run, this will help the dog's new home become his last one.

About the author: Louise Louis is a long-time dog person and creator of www.ToyBreeds.com.

How To Keep Your Pit Bull's Attention While Dog Training

Author: Tim Amherst

There are certain rules that you should follow every single time you work on training your Pit Bull Terrier. One of these things is making sure that you are training him in an area where there aren't lots of distractions. Distractions can be an important tool used for training your Pit Bull Terrier, however it is important to get the basics down before doing so.

When your dog has mastered the basic commands that you've taught him and is excelling in his obedience training exercises without distractions, it is at this point that you can begin introducing outside distractions to challenge him more. Doing this is a great dog training strategy that will teach him to follow your commands even when there are other things going on around him.

Your ultimate goal is to have your Pit Bull obey your commands regardless of location or environment. As your dog progresses in his training, you'll be able to give him a command in the middle of a crowded area and he'll obey you. This is an important thing for not only his safety, but the safety of other people and animals as well. Having a well-trained dog can eliminate many of the horror stories you hear related to owning a dog.

You should also learn to prevent your dog's mistakes by learning what makes him falter. For example, if you've given the sit stay command to your Pit and he starts to get up, correct him immediately so he learns. You'll definitely know when he is getting ready to break the command by the signs he gives. He may bite or lick his paw, act uneasy and figity, etc. Whatever your dog does when his attention is beginning to stray, recognize it and work on regaining his attention.

About the author: To learn all about Pit Bull dogs and training a Pit Bull , visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

Discover: How to prevent dog bites case.

Author: Lateef Olajide

-------------------------------- You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. --------------------------------

Discover: How to prevent dog bites case. Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is the most serious. However no matter how serious it may be you can contain it if you are able to diagnose the cause of this aggressive dog behavior.

In the following 8 tips

1. Before you treat any illness you have to be able to recognize the type of aggression your dog is exhibiting. Bellow are few aggressive dog behavior you have to notice I will be expanding the subsequent tips.

Fear aggression Possessive aggression dominant aggression dog to dog aggression aggression towards infants punishment or pain elicited aggression protective or territorial agression

2. Then you have to consult an authority like professional trainner, veterinary behaviorist.

3. You need to avoid situations that elicit aggressive dog behavior.

4. Lots of the aggressions are even fault of the dog owners. Many employ punishment in teaching obedience commands. All you have to do whenever you want to teach obedience comman is to use reinforcement methods.

5. Fit your dog with a head halter while training, a humane way to treat and control your og. Use this option only on a temporary basis. Employ the service of experience head halters to fit dog handler.

6. Fit your dog with a basket muzzle if restraint is necessary for extended periods (about 3-5minutes).

7. A helpful technique for behavior modification is obedience training, though this type of training will hardly eliminate a dog aggressive behavior.

8. It is advisiable for you not to approach a dog that is sleeping or unaware of your presence.

About the author:

Lateef Olajide is the author of ""Aggressive Dog behavior Training blog."" Visit his site to find out how you can get a free consultation. http://aggressive-dog-behavior-training.blogspot.com

http://www.dog-bite-prevention.com

A Dog Day Care Franchise - Is it really worth it?

Author: Kelley Blackston

When you take into account that there are over 68,000,000 dogs in the United States alone, you can see why many people consider taking advantage of a dog day care franchise.

However, before you even think about a dog day care franchise, please do a self evaluation and make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

A dog day care franchise is a tremendous responsibility. It requires a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot of resources.

Now, please understand that I am not implying that a dog day care franchise is not a wise choice for you. I am only trying to help provide you with some useful dog day care franchise information.

Here are some general questions to ask yourself before starting a dog day care franchise:

- Do I really love dogs enough to start a dog day care franchise?

Yes, I realize like many opportunities in life, you have the potential to make good profits with a dog day care franchise regardless of whether you really care for the dogs or not.

However, if you don't have a love and passion for dogs, your success with a dog day care franchise will more than likely be limited.

- Next, are you willing to foot the bill for all of the necessary dog day care franchise resources?

Yes, even a dog day care franchise that comes with all the necessary information and tools is still going to cost you. Especially, if you are renting a building for leasing land.

These are just some of the reasons why I encourage people to do their research before taking advantage of a dog day care franchise.

So if you've read this article and find that a dog day care franchise is still a viable opportunity for you then great!

I wish you nothing but success!

About the author: Kelley Blackston

P.S. You may use this article in your publication, but the content and signature file must remain intact. Thank you.

""Thousands Have Discovered This Little Known Secret To Making Money With A Dog Day Care -- Now It's Your Turn...""

http://www.startadogdaycare.com

How to become Top Dog - A Dog Owner's Guide to Sanity

Author: Tina Spriggs

Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner off the counter are all signs that your dog doesn't respect your rules. In other words, you are not the Alpha Dog.

If you ever want to have a peaceful and happy relationship with your dog, you need to learn how to become top dog.

It's not just a silly phrase. Dogs have a heirarchial ranking system. In simple reality, the only two ranks you need to know of are top dog , and not top dog.... The Ruler, and the Rule Follower. Naturally you don't want to be caught in the trap of being subject to your dog.

You want your dog to respect you and obey you. Don't confuse the two. A dog may obey you out of fear, but not respect you. That is a dangerous situation to be in. Have you ever seen the movie Iron Will? If not, watch it. It gives some great insight.

There's a dog sled driver who beats his dogs into submission and treats them terribly. They respond to his beatings and he has a winning team, but at the first sign of weakness, they turn on him and... well it wasn't pretty.

Of course that's a dramatization and worse case scenario. Frankly, I think anyone who beats dogs has it coming. It's just not necessary to rule with an iron fist.

Most dogs are receptive to attitudes that are as basic and primal as fighting, but are much less violent.

For example, simply giving commands and being consistent goes a long way. If your dog is always made aware of what is and what is not acceptable, you will have a greater chance of success.

When your dog disobeys, scold him and send him to his quarters- whether it be a dog bed, a kennel, going outside or just a specific place in the house.

Don't allow him to beg for food. Doing this gives him the impression that it's okay to whine to get what he wants.

It's not.

If and when a dog should bite you, and you have had this dog and don't believe him to be wild or sick, then you have to take action to ensure he knows that it will not be accepted. (If there is any indication of disorientation of your dog at this time, call a vet. Dogs can bite if they are sick, hurt or scared. You should seek professional advice.)

Appropriate action would not be to scold or hit the dog but rather to grab his head firmly, not in anger or rage but in calm control, and bite him on the ear. Don't try to break the skin or really hurt the dog. You are just making a point here that you are the leader and he needs to respect you.

It is also highly recommended that you train your dog to walk with you on a leash, at your heel level. This puts the dog in an active submissive role on a regular basis and helps you to enforce that you are the boss.

I would suggest getting a book or training video to get more details on the topic, or research dog forums for advice from other owners who prefer to train themselves and not send their dogs to obedience school.

Remember that if you want to be the top dog, you have to take control. Leadership is essential in a dog's life. You are the one who gets to choose who that leader is.

About the author: About the Author:

Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at

Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers .

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

Do you have a dog day care business plan?

Author: Kelley Blackston

If you are considering opening a dog day care, then you need to make sure you have a dog day care business plan. A solid dog day care business plan will help you get started in the right direction.

My name is Kelley Blackston and I run a successful dog day care. The reason our dog day care has been such a success in our local area is because we have stuck to our dog day care business plan.

By making sure things are organized we avoid the pitfalls that many people have to suffer through when starting their dog day care business.

It would be very difficult for us to have a profitable dog day care if we did not have a solid dog day care business plan.

A dog day care business plan requires that you take into consideration the cost of resources and understand the laws of your area.

Be sure that your dog day care business plan takes into account all the various needs of your dogs and their owners.

You always want a strong dog day care business plan so that your dog day care business will continue to grow each and every week.

My main piece of advice for you is to make sure your dog day care business plan is very organized and easy to follow. Don't make it more difficult than it has to be!

Good luck with your dog day care business plan.

About the author: Kelley Blackston

P.S. You may use this article in your publication, but the content and signature file must remain intact. Thank you.

""Thousands Have Discovered This Little Known Secret To Making Money With A Dog Day Care -- Now It's Your Turn...""

http://www.startadogdaycare.com

A Dog Name is Something To Be Chosen Carefully

Author: Tina Spriggs

How important is a dog name? Well let's think about this.

How often do you call your dog? Who will hear your dog's name? Will you be writing to anyone about this dog?

Now that you think about the times you'll use the name, maybe you should put some thought into what that dog name is.

I mean, if you have a Great Dane who weighs 120 lbs, you might not want to call him something like Baby or Tiny. Or you might... it's a personal thing. Personally, Tiny would be hilarious to me.

I can just imagine calling, ""Tiny, come here boy!"" While a neighbor is watching and for the first time sees this ""Tiny."" Now that could be an interesting look to receive!

Maybe you have a dog that has a bit of a fiesty side nd you think it's a good idea to call him ""Killer."" Maybe you weren't thinking about the little old lady that lives by herself next door... waiting for ""Killer"" to go home so she can get to the grocery store.

Are these extremes? Of course! But, haven't you heard some dog names that just didn't seem... right?

My dogs have some sort of silly names. Actually, my Black Lab, Sadie, had a carefully chosen name. I was pregnant with my first child when we got Sadie. She was six weeks old and clever as they come.

Sadie was very majestic in all her movements and attitudes. So, we decided to look at our baby name book and see what we could come up with to suit her.

Sadie is actually a pet form of Sarah, which means ""lady"" or ""princess"" in Hebrew.

It totally fit her and is the best suited dog name I think we could have given her.

Two of her sons, however, were not so fortunate. See, two years ago Sadie had a litter of 7 pups, which we did not intend to keep. We already had four dogs and didn't need any more.

We cared for the pups though and watched them grow each day. My husband and I would swap stories about the cute little things they did.

The dogs all looked so much alike that we found it confusing to talk about them without names. Eventually, names started emerging on their own.

For example, there was one brown dog in the mix. (How he got this color and look is a mystery.) So we called him Brownie. Not the cleverest of names, but it helped us identify him.

Next there was Tipper and Bubba, who we ended up keeping. Tipper has a tiny patch of white on the tips of his front paws... hence the name ""Tipper.""

Bubba, as his name might suggest, is a big brute. He's the biggest and the meanest of the litter.

But, if we knew we were going to keep these guys, we might have gone a different route in choosing a dog name. Bubba doesn't exactly say, ""Son of a princess,"" but his attitude definitely does.

So here are some examples of the different ways a dog name can make a difference.

My advice? Think about all the times you'll use the name. Find out a little about who your dog is before giving him a name. And, think of yourself 10 years older than you are now... will you still like to say that name and think... I chose that?

About the author: About the Author:

Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at

Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers .

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

5 Tips For Choosing the Best Vet For Your Dog

Author: Charlie Lafave

If you haven't already found one, or worked with one in the past, you need to find a vet. Pick one you feel comfortable with, and who answers your questions in full, completely and gives you answers you can understand. You don't need a vet who talks down to you, or acts like you're too dumb to understand what they're saying!

Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals (as opposed to one who treats large and small – like horses, cows, cats and dogs.) Your community may only have vets that do a little bit of everything – and there's nothing wrong with that, if that's all that's available, but I'll remind you – you usually go to a specialist for your health issues, don't you?

If you're new in the community, or haven't needed a vet before – word of mouth is a great way to start looking for a new vet. Ask everybody you can get your hands on – co-workers, friends with pets, local humane societies or shelters. Ask questions: are they happy with their vet? Do they like the way they're treated when they take their dogs in?

If your dog is a particular breed, check with the local or state breed associations to find out who they use, or local breeders. This can be especially useful if you buy a puppy from a local breeder, because the vet will have seen your puppy and know at least some of his history. You may want a holistic vet. Go to their website at www.ahvma.org and check out their referral directory. Or contact them via phone at (410) 569-0795 You may also be interested in a veterinarian who has been trained in acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture XE ""Acupuncture"" Society. Log onto their website XE ""International Veterinary Acupuncture Society"" at http://www.ivas.org or call 970-266-0666. Once you have a referral from someone you trust, here are some questions to ask:

1. What services does the vet offer? Is it a one-doctor office, or a multi-doctor practice? As vets try to streamline services many are consolidating practices and forming partnerships and group practices. There's nothing wrong with this – just be aware that you may not always see the same vet. And find out if they offer 24 hour emergency services, or if he or she is affiliated with someone in the area who does. Like everything else in life, illness or accidents don't always happen between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

2. Does the vet offer a full surgery suite with on-site lab work? X-rays? Ultrasound? If the vet has to send all lab tests to an outside agency to be processed, you may be getting popped with additional charges because those tests aren't being performed or processed in-house.

3. Get a fee schedule. Cost is usually one of the biggest considerations for dog owners, and it should be lowest on the list of importance, at least in my mind. Not because cost isn't important – of course it is, but - if you have a vet that you're happy with – who gives your dog the best care you can possibly find in your area – does paying a little extra for that care really matter in the long run?

4. Check out the physical characteristics of the facility. Is it clean, or does it smell? Are the ads or magazines in the waiting room current? (That may not sound important, but if the staff and doctors aren't keeping up-to-date on the latest and greatest information, this may not be the place you want to bring your dog.)

5. Communication – by that I mean how well does your vet communicate with you? Will he or she explain the condition or illness in terms that you can easily understand, or do they try to confuse you with high-tech or medical jargon? A good vet will go over treatment options with you, explain necessary tests, review x-rays or test results, give complete and clear instructions for home care or further testing requirements, etc.

Take your time to do a complete and thorough evaluation before choosing a new vet. Your dog's life literally depends on what choice you make. Make it a careful one. http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj

About the author: Author, ""Dog Training Secrets!"" To transform your stubborn, misbehaving dog into a loyal, well-behaving ""best friend"" who obeys your every command and is the envy of the neighborhood, visit: http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj

A Dog Day Care business can be a lot of fun!

Author: Kelley Blackston

If you love dogs and you enjoy making money then a dog day care business may be a very good fit for you!

Let me ask you a question, ""Can you imagine starting your very own dog day care business?"" If you asked yourself that question and still aren't sure, let me give you a bit of dog day care business advice....

First, make sure that you truly love dogs. Second, study your area and see if there is a large dog population. Finally, get some legal advice.

You see, if you love and care for the dogs that you keep, the chances of your dog day care business being a huge success is much better than if you are just starting a dog day care business for the money.

Now the reason that I mentioned studying your area to make sure there are plenty of dogs is simple, no dogs equals no money for your dog day care business!

Here's a dog day care business tip: See how many veterinarians are in your area. Also, be sure to look in the paper at the classifieds section.

Finally, I mentioned obtaining proper legal advice. A local attorney in your area can give you valuable information about starting a dog day care business in your area. You want to make sure you comply with all laws.

A dog day care business can be a lot of fun! Just make sure you enjoy dogs, research your area, and always obtain good legal advice.

Good luck in your dog day care business endeavor!

About the author: Kelley Blackston

P.S. You may use this article in your publication, but the content and signature file must remain intact. Thank you.

""Thousands Have Discovered This Little Known Secret To Making Money With A Dog Day Care -- Now It's Your Turn...""

http://www.startadogdaycare.com

5 Surefire Ways to Show Your Dog You're The Boss

Author: Charlie Lafave

Do you have problems at your house with who's in charge? By that I mean, does your dog think he's the boss? In your effort to form a stronger bond with your dog you may have inadvertently told him he's the Leader of the Pack. Here are 5 simple and effective ways to correct that.

You Must Be The Alpha Dog First, let's take a look at what a "pack mentality" means. Dogs are born into packs – in the wild, packs are the essential social order. Unlike humans, who use a variety of political processes to determine leadership and rank, dogs sort out their social order by dominance and power. In a wolf pack, there is a Top Dog – a clear leader who is the dominant, Alpha male. He's the Big Dog, with pride of place at the dinner table (well, if wolves had a dinner table!), first in mating, first in decision making for the pack. Whether you realize it or not, your dog views your household as his own personal wolf pack. The pack mentality is so engrained in your dog's psyche that he will either view you as a leader - or a follower - depending on your actions. If you are to have a well-trained dog, you must establish that you are the leader, and he is the follower. Your dog has to know in his heart that you are the Alpha Dog, the Head Honcho, the Big Dog, the Top Dog – call it whatever you want, but your dog needs to know you're in charge. Dogs are a little like children in one respect – they're looking for someone else to be the leader – they want rules and regulations because that makes their role in the pack more clear-cut and understandable. It's scary being the leader – if you're not up to it, your dog may assume the role – because someone has to be in charge! If that's what's happened at your house, you need to re-establish your position as the Top Dog, or "Leader of the Pack." But here's an important note: being the leader of the pack has absolutely nothing to do with harsh punishment. It has everything to do with consistency and setting limits. A simple rule to remember (and one people have great difficulty keeping in mind) is that you are the leader, not your dog.

1. You Go Through The Door First Even something as straightforward as who walks through the door first can reinforce your position as "dominant dog." Leaders lead. Followers follow. If you allow your dog to charge through the door ahead of you, he perceives that as asserting his dominance over you. Put your dog on the leash, and make sure you're the first one through the door.

2. You Eat Before Your Dog Who gets fed first in your house – you or your dog? In a wolf pack, the leader eats first, and when he is done, the rest of the pack can dine. Do you feed your dog first because he pesters you when you're cooking your dinner, and it's simply more convenient to have him quiet and out of the way when you're eating? Food is a powerful motivator that can be used to clearly demonstrate who is the ruler of the roost at your house. In no way, shape or form am I suggesting that you withhold food from your dog – that's cruel and unusual punishment any way you look at it. What I am suggesting is that you control the timing of the food – you should eat first, your dog second, after you're done with your meal.

3. Don't Walk Around Your Dog Does your dog lie on the floor and expect you to walk around him? In the wild, dominant dogs lie wherever they want, and dogs lower in the social order go around so they don't disturb the Big Dog. If you walk around your dog, he will assume this to be an act of submission on your part; therefore he must be the leader, not you. If your dog is lying in the middle of the hallway, or right in front of your easy chair, make him move. If he's on the couch and you want to lie down, make him move. Don't step over him. Just gently nudge him and make him get out of your way. You're the Big Dog, remember?

4. You Determine When Your Dog Gets Attention Even asking for attention or affection can be seen as an act of dominance from your dog's point of view. Dogs that demand attention are asserting dominance, so if your dog gets pushy, ignore him. When you're ready to give him attention or affection or pet or play with him, ask him to sit first. Don't run after him just so you can pet him. Make him come to you when you're ready to give him attention, or play with him. And when you play with a toy, make sure that you end up with possession of the toy, and then put the toy away when you're done. (Note: I'm not talking about his favorite toys that you leave in his crate. I'm talking about play toys that the two of you use for games.)

5. Don't Let Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed This is a tough one for a lot of people, but when you let your dog share your bed, at best you're making him an equal to you. He should have his own bed, either a dog pad or his crate that he feels comfortable in – you can even put the dog pad next to your bed if that makes both of you happier – but don't let him take over the sleeping arrangements. Before you know it, he'll be trying to make you sleep on the floor! Again, reinforcing or retraining your dog to recognize you as the Head Honcho has absolutely nothing to do with harsh discipline. These are changes you can make that will change the way your dog thinks about you. And making even small changes like these can have an enormous impact on the way your dog views the social hierarchy in your home – all without a harsh word being spoken! http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj

About the author: Author, ""Dog Training Secrets!"" To transform your stubborn, misbehaving dog into a loyal, well-behaving ""best friend"" who obeys your every command and is the envy of the neighborhood, visit: http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj

How To Stop Your Dog From Digging Holes In Your Garden

Author: Adam G. Katz

First, I need to figure out when he is digging. Since I know the dog and his lifestyle, I can rule out several factors such as boredom or puppyhood or gophers, etc... I noticed that every time he would start digging holes he was in the yard playing with a friend's dog, unsupervised. So, I first need to MAKE SURE that it was ACTUALLY MY DOG that was the perpetrator. A quick look at his feet would suggest that it was. Next, I needed to figure out if he would dig ANY TIME he was left alone in the yard or if it was only when another dog was present. To figure this out, I simply left the dog in the yard alone with access to the rose garden several times... and came back to find that he had not dug. So... it stands to reason that the only time my dog is digging in the yard is when there is another dog in the yard. (Who knows why? There could be a million unexplained reasons that only the dog knows. All I need in order to fix the behavior is knowledge of the dog and the circumstances). Now, I know that to fix any behavior problem I need to make the dog experience a NEGATIVE ASSOCIATION with the actual ACT of doing that behavior. In this case, digging in the garden. And he needs to experience that same negative association EVERY TIME HE DIGS! In this case, I must be 100% diligent to never leave Forbes unsupervised in the yard when there is another dog in the yard. Of course, if he was digging by himself, then I'd need to confine him to a kennel run where he cannot dig when I'm not supervising him. Or if there is another dog visiting then I will need to bring Forbes inside, put him in the kennel run, or use the presence of the other dog as a ""set up."" The next step is to make sure that he associates that negative (correction) just as he starts to dig. There are two ways I can do this: The Lazy Man's Way and the Old Fashioned Way. Both methods are based on the same principle. The Old Fashioned Way to make sure that the dog gets a motivational negative association when he digs is to: Step 1.) Leave a pinch collar and tab (one foot leash) on the dog when he's outside in the yard with another dog. Step 2.) Bury hardware mesh or chicken wire in the spot where he's been digging. The chicken wire should be buried two to three inches below the surface. Dogs don't like scraping their paws against this stuff. So, right off the bat you've got an immediate negative association. Step 3.) Spy on him and just wait until he start to dig. Step 4.) As soon as he begins to dig, yell ""No No No!"" as you run outside and give the dog a correction. As long as you continue to say ""No no no"" as you run to the dog, the dog WILL still associate the correction with the behavior. Step 5.) Be 100% consistent until you are 100% sure that the dog isn't digging any more. The Lazy Man's Way to fix this problem behavior is to use a remote electronic collar (e-collar). Everything else remains the same. (Click on the link above to read about my recommendations for buying a remote electronic training collar). When using the e-collar for this behavior, I'd turn the setting up to the high level. Your goal is to create absolute avoidance to this behavior (digging in the garden). And you want him to think that the dirt just jumped up and bit him! Usually if you correct the dog with the electronic collar for this type of behavior, you've only got to do it twice before the dog decides that it's in his best interest to leave your garden alone.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer! http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

About the author: Author, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!" which you can read more about at: http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

5 Ways Your Dog Senses The World Differently From You

Author: Charlie Lafave

Do dogs sense things differently than humans do? Well, yes and no. Dogs share the same basic senses with us: they see, hear, touch, smell and taste. But the level of their senses is different – an important distinction when you're trying to figure out just what your dog is doing.

Sight It was once thought that dogs were "color-blind" – only able to see shades of black and white with some grey, but scientific studies have found that's not true. Dogs can see in color – ranging from blues and greens to greys and crèmes, and of course, black and white. It's been estimated that humans can distinguish somewhere between 7 and 10 million different colors. (We don't even have names for that many colors!)

Picture courtesy of Dr. P's site: http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/dog.htm But dogs have it all over humans in detecting motion – that's one reason they can detect a cat up a tree at a much greater distance than you can! And their night vision is typically better than ours – dogs have an additional reflective layer in the eye called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back into the receptor cells of the eye, which not only increases their night vision, but gives them that spooky appearance of eyes glowing in the dark.

Hearing When your dog is barking like crazy in the middle of the night, don't just assume he's lonely and wants you to get up and keep him company. He may be listening to something that you can't hear, that's extremely upsetting to him – like a burglar breaking in your basement window. Dogs can hear at four times the distance humans can – that means you might hear something from a 100 yards away your dog could hear from a quarter of a mile away. Their ears are also better designed to gather more of the available sound wave – they have 15 different muscles that move their ears in all directions, plus they can move one ear at a time – and independently of the other to absorb even more information!

Touch Dogs also have a well-developed sense of touch, surprising perhaps under all that fur, although this sense is much less sophisticated than a human's. Puppies are born with sensory receptors in their faces so they can find mama even if they're separated before they open their eyes. But they also can sense touch all over their bodies, just as humans can. One reason your dog flops down on the couch next to you and tries to snuggle up on a hot day (or any other day for that matter!) is because he likes the comfort of feeling that you're right there!

Smell We can't even come close to our dog's ability to smell things. It's been estimated that a dog's sense of smell is 100,000 times more powerful than a human's. Scientists think that humans have about 40 million olfactory receptors, versus 2 billion for your dog! That's part of the reason dogs make such good trackers, and can trace scents across all sorts of distractions – like across roadways or through dense woods. Dogs also use their sense of smell as a communications tool – when they're running around the park with their nose to the ground, sniffing everything in sight, they're actually reading the calling cards of everyone – dogs, humans, cats, squirrels, and anyone or anything else, that has been there before him. Which is why he may not pay attention to you when you first get to the park – he's trying to see if any of his buddies have been there before him!

Taste Just as with humans, taste is closely linked to the sense of smell – the main difference is humans won't eat something that smells bad; while dogs are the opposite – the smellier the better. Dogs will gulp first and ask questions later. While humans many times won't eat something that doesn't look appealing, let alone doesn't smell good, dogs are more concerned with smell, than taste. They frequently gobble down food before they have time to chew it, let alone taste it. But that's ok – it's why when we clean out our refrigerators our dogs think it's time for treats. So the next time your dog engages in some puzzling behavior, whether it's barking for no reason, or ignoring you at the park, he might not be trying to irritate you – he's just responding to a different level of senses than you are. Take a moment to look around and try and figure out what's triggering his behavior before you get mad. Your dog could be trying to tell you something! http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj

About the author: Author, ""Dog Training Secrets!"" To transform your stubborn, misbehaving dog into a loyal, well-behaving ""best friend"" who obeys your every command and is the envy of the neighborhood, visit: http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj