Dobermann - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 65 - 69 cm (25.5 - 27 inches)

Weight: 25 - 33 kg (55 - 73 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Simple

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium - demanding

Temperament: Alert & bold

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Doberman Pinscher

Temperament:

The Dobermann is energetic, alert, bold and affectionate. Dobermanns need firm training and discipline, but they do tend to be highly obedient. With the proper training they make good family pets and guard dogs. Dobermanns can be potentially aggressive towards strangers and should have an experienced and dedicated handler. The Dobermann tends to become a one-person dog and is extremely loyal to it's owner.

Grooming:

Minimal grooming is needed with Dobermanns. During moulting use a rubber glove to remove the dead and loose hairs.

Exercise:

Dobermanns are built for speed and they have plenty of stamina. They demand vast amounts of exercise on a daily basis. They enjoy swimming, running alongside a cycle or running free in the woods or park.

Feeding:

Because Dobermanns demand plenty of exercise they also demand plenty of food to maintain their energy levels.

History:

Louis Dobermann was the owner of a dog pound in Germany who decided to breed a larger, stronger dog than the pinschers and terriers that were popular at the time. In order to keep the terrier agility and spirit, Dobermann crossed some of these dogs with Rottweilers and German Shepherds. Otto Goeller completed the evolution of the breed when he added some Manchester Terrier bloodlines. The final experiment was immediately successful and the breed has become widely popular since then.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Bold, hardy, powerful and compact.

Color: Black, brown, red, blue or fawn. All with well-defined tan markings in designated areas.

Coat: Short, thick, smooth and lying close to the body.

Tail: Commonly docked.

Ears: Set high, normally dropped but may be erect if cropped.

Body: Square, strong, muscular body. The shoulders are well defined and the topline slopes towards the rump.

Additional Comments:

Dobermanns used to have a reputation for being bad-tempered. But after careful breeding selections and training that has been altered to a large extent. But it is important that the dog knows who is boss in any family or working situation.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/dobermann/

Scottish Deerhound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: Bitches minimum: 71cm (28 in) Dogs minimum: 76cm (30 in)

Weight: Bitches: 29.5 - 36.3 kg (65-80 lb). Dogs: 38.6 - 48 kg (85-105 lb).

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Moderate

Exercise: Moderate

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Gentle & intuitive

Country of Origin: Scotland

AKC Group: Hound

Other Names: Deerhound

Temperament:

The Scottish Deerhound is dignified, gentle, affectionate and loyal. Scottish Deerhounds adapt easily to different situations, as they seem to have a strong intuition as to what's right and wrong. They are kind towards children and most other dogs, but depending on their individual nature they may not be so friendly with fellow household pets, such as cats. Scottish Deerhounds rarely bark and respond quickly to gentle training, often a friendly request is all that is needed for them to respond appropriately.

Grooming:

The Scottish Deerhound's coat should be brushed often and the excess hair in the ear canal should be removed. Depending on the coat's condition, it may need to be stripped (the dead hairs plucked out) once or twice a year.

Exercise:

Scottish Deerhounds need plenty of exercise, such as playing with other dogs, running in the park or going for long walks. This breed can be rather hard on themselves physically.

History:

It is presumed that the Scottish Deerhound evolved from crosses of the Greyhound and the rough coated local dogs of Scotland. For centuries this breed was highly valued by their Scottish masters for stalking, hunting and holding deer. The human contact with their masters has resulted in their close relationships to people, however the possessiveness of their Scottish owners almost made them extinct. In 1825, after the author Sir Walter Scott described Scottish Deerhounds as being ""the most perfect creature in heaven"", and when the artist Landseer depicted them in his paintings, the breed was re-established.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Tall, hardy and shaggy.

Color: Dark blue/grey, grey, brindle, red or fawn with black points. A white chest or toes are permitted.

Coat: Shaggy, thick, dense, and crisp to the touch. It is 8-10cm long on the body, neck and legs. The hair is much softer on the head, brisket and belly. There is a slight fringe on the inside of the legs (but is not long enough to resemble feathering).

Tail: Long, straight or curved and covered with thick, stiff hair.

Ears: As small as possible. Soft, colored black or dark, set high and folded towards the back in repose.

Body: Deep chest, hips set well apart and a well arched loin.

Additional Comments:

Scottish Deerhounds are more suited to country life rather than the city and they don't like cramped spaces. They need a large area where they can reach full speed and length.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/scottish_deerhound/

Dogo Argentino - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 61 - 69 cm (24 - 27 inches)

Weight: 36 - 45 kg (80 - 100 lb)

Life Span: 11 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Fairly demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Loyal & protective

Country of Origin: Argentina

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Argentine Dogo, Argentinian Mastiff

Temperament:

The Dogo Argentino is loyal, playful, intelligent, protective and courageous. Dogo Argentinos need dominant handlers that can provide correct training and early socialization. This breed is usually aggressive towards other dogs, especially towards dogs of the same sex or larger in size. They can get along with household pets, provided they are socialized with them from puppyhood. The Dogo Argentino is playful with children and highly trainable. Their natural protective instincts make them good watchdogs and guard dogs. The Dogo Argentino is not suitable breed for first time dog owners and needs someone who is firm, consistent, yet still loving.

Grooming:

Dogo Argentinos are average shedders and don't require much grooming. Their fast-growing nails need to be clipped frequently and an advantage with these dogs is that they don't tend to have a dog smell.

Exercise:

These active dogs need daily exercise and should have access to at least a medium sized backyard. Dogo Argentinos are very sociable and are happiest when they are included in family activities.

History:

Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, an Argentine physician developed the Dogo Argentino. He began his systematic breeding in 1928 and crossed the local breed known as the Old Fighting Dog of Cordoba, with Bulldogs, Bull Terriers and Mastiffs. This new breed had strong guarding instincts and was able to hunt large game with great stamina. The Dogo Argentino is one of the few breeds developed in South America.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Muscular, graceful, powerful and athletic.

Color: White. A small dark marking is allowed on the head.

Coat: Short, glossy and smooth. The hair may be slightly thicker on the neck and throat.

Tail: Set high, tapered and may be carried slightly above the backline when active.

Ears: Set high and either cropped or natural. Natural ears are drop, short, thick, broad at the base and tapering to a rounded tip. They can be semi-erect when alert. Cropped ears are triangular, short and erect.

Body: The length of body is just slightly longer than tall and the chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and extend well back. The back is strong and firm and the belly is moderately tucked up.

Additional Comments:

The Dogo Argentino is banned in some countries including Australia and Great Britain, due to its temperament. All dogs are individuals and some are more dominant or aggressive than others. Potential owners of this breed should find out the family history of their puppy, to ensure it comes from lines with well-mannered temperaments.

Today, the Dogo Argentino is still used as a hunting dog, a guardian of property, a family companion, and an all-around working dog.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/dogo_argentino/

Dog Training - Teaching Your Dog the Basics

Author: Paul Schmitt

Dog training begins the minute you bring your new dog home. Whether your dog is a puppy or adult dog, you must always stay in control. Start with a good leash and a few basic commands. Introduce him slowly to the exterior and interior of your home while keeping him on a leash. By doing so, it will become easier to train your dog.

The dog training techniques used by experienced trainers and breeders are simple to implement at home. There is nothing complicated about the following commands:

· Sit · Stay · Heal · Roll over · Stop

Most dogs are eager to learn. Use the time you spend teaching your dog the basics to build a bond between them and you. Dog trainers and breeders commonly use a dog treat to enforce good behavior.

Start with a simple command like ""sit"". Once the dog has done what you ask of him, reward him with a small treat. The dog will learn that good behavior receives a reward. This is the best method to succeeding at dog training.

Dogs are curious animals so it is important that you teach them early on some boundaries. Some people don't allow their dog up on the furniture or near the table when the family is eating. Training your dog to respect these boundaries is a little more difficult than training him to do tricks. However, it can be done if you are consistent in your methods.

Dog training takes consistence. Even the best dog trainers in the world will agree that a dog will learn faster if he is feed the same commands daily. Training your dog requires some affection too. Don't neglect rewarding your dog with a pat on the head, a cheerful ""good boy"", or a big hug.

About the author: Paul likes to explore and experiance many kinds of interest. I enjoy watching movies, reading books and pets. I have a couple dogs that I enjoy very much. I trained them myself. You can find more information on dog training, visit http://www.dog------training.blogspot.com I enjoy writing on many topics that can help people out.

Dog Training - Resolving Problems

Author: Paul Schmitt

Consistent dog training commands are essential. The best-behaved dog is one that has had an owner who knows what they are doing. Some behavior problems are due to the type of breed you are dealing with; however, most behavior problems can be overcome if you know how. The dog training process takes time, patience, and ongoing affection.

Dog training problems occur due to the dog's unwillingness to learn. No matter how hard you try to enforce a training regimen, your dog rebels with a poor attitude. How can you stop this attitude problem? By addressing the poor behavior, it happens, as you would with a child.

Simply training your dog when they are young you are reinforcing good behavior. A dog learns early how they are expected to act before any bad habits are formed. Now to train an older dog means that you have to break his bad habits.

Here are some suggestions: 1. Examine your behavior before pouncing on your dog. Sometimes your approach is making the command hard to follow. Dogs are sensitive creatures and need love and affection. Yelling a command out or having a harsh tone will get you no-where. 2. Evaluate the mood of the atmosphere when training. If there are distractions, it will be difficult to train your dog. Remove the distractions and start over. 3. Don't give up. Sure you may just want to throw in the towel after the first few problems. Instead, consult your veterinarian or an expert breeder. Even the human society offers solutions to prevent you giving up the dog.

These are just three simple steps you can take to resolve what appears to be a training problem with your dog. Remember, dog training takes commitment, time, and affection. Dogs are breed to be our companions and they need you.

About the author: Paul likes to explore and experience many kinds of interest. I enjoy watching movies, reading books and pets. I have a couple dogs that I enjoy very much. I trained them myself. You can find more information on dog training, visit http://www.dog------training.blogspot.com I enjoy writing on many topics that can help people out.

Dog Training Help - How do I stop my dog from chewing things?

Author: Paul Schmitt

Need dog training help? You have come to the right place. Chewing is perfectly normal behavior; however, when it gets out of control it can be devastating. With just a few helpful dog-training hints, you can break your dog of this poor behavior.

Dog training help is available at your local Human Society as well. Just one phone call and an associate will walk you through the steps in correcting this frustrating problem. On the other hand, you can try the following hints: 1. Don't hit your dog when you catch him in the act. 2. Provide your dog with several chewable toys. 3. Confine your dog in a crate when you leave or sleep at night. 4. Give your dog more attention. 5. Don't sculled you dog after the fact, it does not good.

In most cases, providing your dog with several chewable toys helps the minimize the chewing problem. Unfortunately, chewing is perfectly normal. Your dog needs to chew to clean his teeth and build strength in his jaw. A young dog will chew out of necessity, while a mature dog will chew because of disorder.

Yes, dogs get depressed, frustrated, and emotional. Treating them poorly will result in a bad chewing behavior. If your dog is jealous of a newborn baby or another dog, he is apt to chew up your shoes or chew furniture. Therefore, giving your dog the right amount of attention and affection is a key to keeping the dog from poor behavior.

Getting dog training help early on is just as important. Do not allow your dog to chew up the house before you look for help. Even your local Pet Store carriers' sprays to use on furniture that will deter your dog from coming near it. But be careful of toxins.

About the author: Paul likes to explore and experience many kinds of interest. I enjoy watching movies, reading books and pets. I have a couple dogs that I enjoy very much. I trained them myself. You can find more information on dog training, visit http://dog-training-help.blogspot.com/ I enjoy writing on many topics that can help people out.

Turn Your Dog into the Perfect Family Companion

Author: Alli Ross

Brought to You By: http://www.stickyarticle.com/dog-training/

A well-trained dog will make a much better family companion. This is especially true in households with young children or elders. Proper dog training has been known to cut down on common problems such as biting, jumping, and messing up in the house.

Whether you are training your dog yourself, or hiring someone else to train it, there are 5 basic commands that every dog must master. These include sit, stay, down, and heel. One of the most important ones, however, is simply the word no. You cannot properly train your dog without gaining their respect. This one simple word can save you a ton of hardship.

Now, you may be wondering how to establish this vital element of respect. Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals. They continually look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key here is to set yourself up as the pack leader.

If you don't establish yourself as the dominant leader, you will run into a variety of behavior problems.

Dogs were originally trained by humans to do important work. By providing your dog with basic obedience training and ongoing training sessions, you are giving them an important job to. This alone can alleviate boredom and neurotic behavior.

Don't forget to provide your dog with plenty of play time. It is important to always incorporate fun things into every dog training session. This crucial time strengthens the important bond between you and your dog.

About the author: For more information on proper dog training , visit http://www.stickyarticle.com/dog-training .

Canine Diabetes; is Your Dog at Risk?

Author: Lori S. Anton

The classic early warning signs of diabetes were all present when I brought my canine companion of twelve years into the Veterinarian's clinic. Muffy was lethargic, unsteady on her feet, drinking large amounts of water, and experiencing incontinence for the first time in her life. I knew something was seriously wrong.

After blood work and a physical examination, the veterinarian said that Muffy had developed type-two canine diabetes. After a brief discussion, we decided to try and regulate her blood sugar level with diet modification and insulin twice daily.

At first, it was rough going. Weekly checkups revealed Muffy's sugar levels continued to bounce from one extreme to the other. Determined not give up, I monitored her urine samples at home for sugar content and adjusted insulin injections as necessary. Gradually, we began to see improvement.

After just a few months Muffy was once again her frisky self. You would never know by watching her race about that she had a serious health problem. A special diet, proper amounts of insulin and regular exercise have worked together with Muffy's routine veterinary care to turn the tide. As a result, I can look forward to many more happy years with my little dog.

Wyoming veterinarian Mary Flitner, who recently moved her practice to New Mexico, received her D.V.M. degree at Colorado State University and an award for excellence in large animal surgery in 1997. Flitner states that diabetes in dogs and cats is more common than most people realize. According to Flitner, a pet's chance of developing diabetes will increase with age.

""This is especially true in overweight, less active dogs.""

Besides weight and age, diet is another significant factor. Dogs given table scraps without discrimination are particularly at risk. The importance of diet cannot be over emphasized, warns Flitner.

""A high fiber diet, low in fat and sugar, is vital. And an annual checkup by a qualified professional is also an important part of proper pet care, as early detection of health complications increase successful management of the problem and helps prolong the quality of life for that pet.""

Flitner notes many pet owners mistakenly feel caring for a diabetic pet would be too difficult for them, an assumption that complicates the decision making process at a critical time.

""A diagnosis of diabetes in a family pet is hard enough to handle without misconceptions compounding the problem,"" said Flitner thoughtfully.

For instance, a pet owner might opt to euthanize a pet diagnosed with diabetes because they feel incapable of managing the problem. However, with proper instruction and guidance, that same pet owner could gain the confidence necessary to properly follow the care plan developed by the veterinarian, and enjoy many more quality years together with their pet.

""People need to know by regulating their pet's diabetes, that pet can still live to their full potential,"" said Flitner, acknowledging most care givers consider their pet an important part the family and struggle to make right health care decisions for them.

Flitner notes grocery store quality pet foods are not good choices for diabetic pets because of added fillers and sugars used to improve the taste.

""Some grocery store brands of cat food actually have trace elements of antifreeze in them, because cats are attracted to it. These type foods often have a high content of sodium, which is also unhealthy for the pet.

""A healthy well-balanced diet is important for any pet, but especially for those diagnosed with diabetes.""

Early warning signs that might indicate diabetes in your pet include: an unusually high consumption of water, increase in appetite, incontinence, lethargy, extreme changes in eyes (i.e. cataracts), lack of coordination, and vomiting. Care givers who note such changes in their dog should promptly call a qualified professional, because examination by a veterinarian is important and necessary for proper diagnosis.

Flitner also acknowledges the temptation to remove the water bowl from the pet's reach if incontinence is a problem.

""But, this is not the correct thing to do,"" instructs Flitner.

In the case of diabetic canines, drinking large amounts of water is the dog's attempt to flush glucose out of the kidneys which has spilled over from the blood. If the glucose doesn't get flushed out, serious damage to the kidneys and other organs can develop.

The best preventative measures against serious health problems in the family pet remain simple and practical: regular veterinary check ups, and a healthy diet. Exercise is also very important. Among other benefits, exercise helps increase the body's effective use of insulin.

For more canine health information, information on a special dog food formulated specifically for diabetic dogs, or other dog products, visit the Savvy Dog Lover web site .

© Lori S. Anton Savvy Pet Editor

About the author: Published writer and dog lover, Lori Anton, has been writing for nearly 30 years. Lori is Savvy Pet Editor. Lori is also Savvy Pet Editor. Savvy Dog Lover web site offers valuable information on pet health, care, and training, as well as top pet products. Visit

Savvy Dog Lover . Savvy Dog Lover - where the best bones are buried!

Pit Bull Terrier Dog Agility Training

Author: Tim Amherst

Entertaining your American Pit Bull Terrier with dog agility training is an excellent activity that can be fun for both you and your Pit. It is something that both of you can do together that will strengthen the dog-owner bond.

Pit Bull agility training is one of the more advanced types of dog training, but it is certainly quite enjoyable. Dog agility is an activity that has become very popular in England, Australia, and the United STates. It consists of a main event with multiple dog courses set up to compete in. All of the courses contain roughly 26 obstacles. In order for your dog to win, he must finish the course without any faults in the fastest time. This is an activity that certainly takes patience and a lot of practice.

Many of the obstacles that are included agility courses need extensive training in order to master. There are two basic types of courses, jumping courses and agility courses. Jumping courses are full of obstacles which your dog must clear, such as jumps which your dog has to make it over without knocking down, and weaves which your dog must stay in until the very end. In dog agility courses there are contact points on the obstacles which your dog must touch with his paws.

Dog clubs do not allow puppies under the age of one year to participate in agility exercises. A great many agility enthusiasts actually own their own equipment so that they can begin training with their dog at a much earlier time. Jax is a company which makes training obstacles in case you are interested in doing this.

Much of your dog's agility training must be done before you enter the very first show and your dog should have no trouble running the entire course. It is an extremely exciting and challenging activity and can certainly improve the bond between you and your best friend.

About the author: To learn all about raising an American Pitbull Terrier and training Pitbulls , visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

Have An Easier Time Training Your Dog

Author: Michael Colucci

Raising up is a dog is a hard task. The only consolation that you'll have when raising up a dog is that it's not as hard when you raised or will raise up kids.

Dogs may be a little rough around the edges when you start training them. But when they get trained, a small amount of dog burdens will be lifted away from your shoulders. Imagine that you will no longer have to step on dog poop all of a sudden or have your dog occupy your couch.

However to get your dog trained well it will need a little effort form you as well. As the saying goes, ""It takes two to tango."" The better you are at training your dog, the better attitude your dog will have. Here are some tips that you can do to make the training effective.

If you live with a family or lots of other people, chances are there will be one person with most of the burden of training the dog. This person might be the one who bought the dog or the person who got forced to train the dog. It is suggestible though to make kids train the dog. This is because kids have a higher pitched voice and are more animated making dogs react more. A child training the dog will also make the dog feel less abused or imposed because of their size.

Having the right attitude when you are training your dog will also be helpful. Don't think of training the dog as a chore, because if you do you will feel bored. Naturally when you feel bored, you and your dog will not enjoy. Prevent it from happening, because when it does happen you will be spending less time training. Try to enjoy and have fun, that's what your relationship with the dog should be anyway.

If you are tired or cranky, train at a later time. Relax first, if you train the dog when you are tired, you will only become more irritated when things don't go right. When the dog is having trouble with something new; try to go back to something the dog has already mastered. This will make the dog feel not so bad.

Don't give up immediately when things are not going your way. Just think about the dog learning something from a different language. If you are learning how to read a book in Chinese, you'll also have a hard time right?

If you're at the point of giving up, just think about the benefits of all things once the dog has been properly trained.

About the author: Michael Colucci is a technical writer for Free Dog Training and Dog Care

Dog Training Help - Why does my dog whine and bark excessively?

Author: Paul Schmitt

Proactive owners are great at seeking out dog training help. When a problem arises, you should immediately respond. Just like with children, poor behavior is a sign of a more serious problem. Helping your dog through the training process requires you to be aware of the differences between bad and acceptable behavior.

Dogs that suffer from emotional disorders tend to whine and bark more. Veterinarians say, ""Leaving your dog alone longer than 10-hours a day, will result in a poorly behaved animal"". The dog actually suffers from a 'separation disorder'.

A dog that whines excessively, even when you are home, is suffering. He wants attention or he is afraid of something. In older dogs, this is often a sign that their hearing is going. The dog is whines for no apparent reason and is always at your heals.

Excessive barking on the other hand is the owner's fault. For instance, if you have a sliding glass patio door and your dog continuously barks because of what he thinks is going on outside and you react by letting him out every time, you are reinforcing bad behavior. Instead, ignore him and say nothing. In a few days, he will learn that his barking has no immediate reaction and the barking will lesson.

It takes time to train your dog and it takes even more time to stop a bad habit. Keep in mind, a bad habit may be a signal of something more serious going on. With older dogs, this is especially true.

Seeking dog training help early on is the best thing you can do. Once you understand that some of your dog's behavior problems are do to how you reward him or how you react to him, the two of you can move toward a better master and dog relationship.

About the author: Paul likes to explore and experience many kinds of interest. I enjoy watching movies, reading books and pets. I have a couple dogs that I enjoy very much. I trained them myself. You can find more information on dog training, visit http://dog-training-help.blogspot.com/ I enjoy writing on many topics that can help people out.

Puppy Training - Teaching Your Dog the Basics

Author: Paul Schmitt

Puppy training begins the minute you bring your new dog home. Whether your dog is a puppy or adult dog, you must always stay in control. Start with a good leash and a few basic commands. Introduce him slowly to the exterior and interior of your home while keeping him on a leash. By doing so, it will become easier to train your dog.

The puppy training techniques used by experienced trainers and breeders are simple to implement at home. There is nothing complicated about the following commands:

· Sit · Stay · Heal · Roll over · Stop

Most dogs are eager to learn. Use the time you spend teaching your dog the basics to build a bond between them and you. Dog trainers and breeders commonly use a dog treat to enforce good behavior.

Start with a simple command like ""sit"". Once the dog has done what you ask of him, reward him with a small treat. The dog will learn that good behavior receives a reward. This is the best method to succeeding at puppy training.

Dogs are curious animals so it is important that you teach them early on some boundaries. Some people don't allow their dog up on the furniture or near the table when the family is eating. Training your dog to respect these boundaries is a little more difficult than training him to do tricks. However, it can be done if you are consistent in your methods.

puppy training takes consistence. Even the best dog trainers in the world will agree that a dog will learn faster if he is feed the same commands daily. Training your dog requires some affection too. Don't neglect rewarding your dog with a pat on the head, a cheerful ""good boy"", or a big hug.

About the author: Paul likes to explore and experience many kinds of interest. I enjoy watching movies, reading books and pets. I have a couple dogs that I enjoy very much. I trained them myself. You can find more information on dog training, visit http://www.puppy----training.blogspot.com/ I enjoy writing on many topics that can help people out.

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog

Author: Mary Casey

Your dog comes in from a romp in the woods and settles down on your lap for a belly rub when you feel gasp a bump on your dog's soft fur. When you look closer you find the bane of many a dog and dog owner's life the tick.

Male brown dog ticks and nonengorged female ticks are flat and brown. Deer ticks are tiny; you can barely see them if they haven't had their 'drink' yet. As the female ticks fill up on your dog's blood they start to look like gray beans about a quarter inch long. They have four small legs on each side near their mouth. The deer tick is know to carry Lyme disease and can be harder to find than the dog tick because it is so small.

How do you safely remove the tick? First you need the right tools, then you need a steady hand. First, get yourself a fine-tipped tweezers or you can use one of the new tick removal instruments they sell at your local pet supply superstore. The new instruments let you remove the tick without squeezing the tick's body so you don't introduce harmful bacteria from the tick into your dog's bloodstream.

1. First, grab the tick by the head or the mouth parts right where they enter the skin. This can be hard if the tick isn't engorged with blood. Don't grab the tick by the body.

2. Now you have a firm hold on the tick's head. Pull firmly back and out in a straight motion. Don't twist the tick as you are pulling it out.

3. Look at the ugly thing wriggling around in your tweezers. Then stick it in a jar of alcohol to kill it. Ticks don't die when you flush them down the toilet.

4. Just in case some bacteria were released during the tick removal, dab your dog's skin with a disinfectant ointment.

5. Wash your hands too.

Some old wive's tales about tick removal are not effective, and can be dangerous. Do not burn the tick with a hot match, you could burn your dog, or you. Sticking petroleum jelly on the tick, or dabbing it with alcohol won't work either. You need to pull out the tick with the tweezers.

What happens if part of the tick's head stays in your dog? Don't panic. Your dog's skin will inflame and break the pieces with time. Sometimes your dog's skin will react after you pull out a tick because the tick's saliva can be irritating to the dog. You may notice swelling or even a scar with a hairless area after you remove the tick. You could use some hydrocortisone cream to help if the skin looks really irritated, but it will calm down naturally, with time.

Of course, the best thing to do is prevent ticks from biting your dog in the first place. Use anti- tick medicine as prescribed by your vet and keep your dog out of high grasses and leaves. Remember, you need the right tools and a steady hand to win the war against the tick.

Important: Please consult your own vet or pet professional before using any advice!

About the author: Mary Casey is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers .

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums .

Pet Care - Care of the Geriatric Dog

Author: Michael Russell

Generally speaking, a dog over the age of 8 is considered ""old"". Depending on the breed, your dog's lifespan will be anywhere from 7 to 17 years. A dog's ""middle age"" is usually from age 4 to 8, anything after that is a bonus and your dog is in ""old age"". Start your dog's ""senior"" years off by having a vet exam once yearly, so that you can keep pace with any condition that might develop. None of this article is intended to replace good veterinary care, which is your best insurance that your dog will live to a ripe old age.

All through life keep your dog at its optimum weight and do not allow it to become fat. Obesity is the biggest cause of other major health concerns in the dog, such as kidney and liver malfunction, diabetes and arthritis. Don't give too many treats - this will add pounds! If you do treat your dog a lot, give it pieces of its own kibble and deduct that amount from the amount you feed. Do not ""self-feed"", this can lead to digestive problems. Feed twice daily or once daily and pick the food up that is not eaten. This is also the best way to regulate the amount your are feeding your dog.

Old dogs sometimes lose their teeth - you can ensure they eat their food by adding water to the kibble and pre-soaking it. Remember however that this will lead to more plaque on the teeth, and brushing the dogs teeth daily will help to take care of this problem.

Access to fresh water is absolutely necessary. Always be sure that your dog has plenty of fresh water available, and as it gets older make sure, too, that your dog can get up and get to the water. If not, then take the water to the dog!

Walk your older dog as much as possible. Even if it doesn't walk too well, a short walk daily will keep its circulation going and provide some stimulation from the environment, besides which it gives the dog some quality time to be with you. Walking stimulates the blood circulation and keeps the heart muscles stronger.

Old dogs, even if they have had perfect joints often develop arthritis. Arthritis will be compounded by obesity... the BEST way to prevent this particular condition is to keep your dog skinny! A good way to prevent the severity of arthritis is to feed a food that is labelled ""Senior"" as most of these foods have the right combination of nutrients to prevent obesity, including chondroitin and sulfate. You can also find supplements which will contain these beneficial elements.

Old dogs do not move as easily. They may not be able to get up and move to a shady place if they are outdoors in the hot sun, and likewise to a warm place if they are outdoors in the cold. The best place to keep your old dog is inside. If you can't do this, provide shelter and be sure to check in extreme weather conditions that your dog is protected from the elements or can get to protection. Wherever they are, the older dog suffers more from joint pain, and good bedding is important to provide comfort. Keep a good supply of old quilts and rugs for bedding, and wash these frequently to prevent flea infestation. If the dog is outdoors, provide clean straw, and change it regularly.

Old dogs generally do not see as well so make sure that you don't introduce new or dangerous articles into the environment where your dog generally moves. If you do, then be sure to ""introduce"" the old dog to this new element, whether it be clothesline poles or new couches. Sometimes the old dog can't see this new item and will stumble into it.

Old dogs also need extra coat care. Since they spend most of their time lying down, it is possible that the underbelly can get inflammations or a matted coat. Check often that the dog is clean and free from mats. If your old dog no longer wants to be brushed, and this is often true of longer coated dogs, then shave the parts of the body that become the most matted, (under the tail, the belly, under the elbows, etc.).

As your dog grows older, the best rule of thumb is to pay attention to details. Such things as irregular breathing, episodes of panting, episodes of crying or whining, weakness in the rear legs...all these things should be reported to your vet. Keep abreast of any changes and give your dog as much good home care and vet care as you can and it will live longer and remain happier.

About the author: Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Pet Care

Dog Training Basics

Author: Andrew Mills

Training Your Dog Mar 15 2006

Guides to Dog Breeds, Training

by Andrew Mills

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion.

Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists

between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack

leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set

yourself up as that pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any

potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of

dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal.

Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems. Dog training does

much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog

properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and

handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them

what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that

pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any

potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of

dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal.

Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.

dog training basics

When planning a dog training program, it is important to know that dogs are pack

animals. In wild dog societies, packs are formed, and each member of the pack

quickly learns his or her place in the pecking order. Except in the event of

death or injury to the alpha dog, the hierarchy never changes once it has been

established. The lower dogs know not to challenge the alpha dog, and the alpha

dog understand his place as leader of the pack. All the other dogs in the pack

look to the alpha dog for leadership, in important survival issues like finding

food and avoiding larger predators. In order to properly train your dog and gain

its respect, it is important for you to become the alpha dog. That is because a

dog that sees its owner as a superior leader will follow the commands the owner

gives without question. Getting the respect of the dog is the most important

step to proper dog training, and it will form the basis of all subsequent

training. The reasons for training a dog properly are many, especially in

today's world. A well mannered, obedient dog is a joy to be around, both for the

owner and his or her family, and for people in the community at large. In

addition, seeing a well mannered dog sets people's mind at ease, especially with

breeds of dog thought to be dangerous, such as Dobermans, rottweilers and pit

bulls. When training dogs and dealing with unwanted dog behaviors, it is

important to understand the motivating factors behind those behaviors. For

example, many dogs exhibit unwanted behaviors such as chewing and destroying

furniture due to separation anxiety. Dealing with the sources of problem

behaviors is an important first step toward eliminating those problem behaviors.

Many dogs exhibit unwanted behaviors as a result of stress in the animal's life,

and its inability to cope with that stress. The goal of a good dog training

program is to allow the dog to tolerate greater levels of stress without

becoming a problem animal. Training a dog with a head collar has a number of

advantages over training with a traditional or training collar. For one thing,

head collars are often easier to use for beginning dog trainers than are

training collars. Head collars are also quite effective at preventing dogs from

pulling, or controlling and retraining dogs that tend to pull.

Head collars can also be quite effective at controlling dogs in difficult

situations, such as controlling a dog that wants to be with other dogs. Most

owners know of some situations in which their dogs are difficult to control, and

head collars can be quite effective at controlling these volatile situations.

Head collars can be excellent for controlling dogs that are very strong, or for

working with a dog in an area that contains a great many distractions. For

instance, head collars are great for when your dog is on an outing, or in an

area where there will be other dogs and other distractions.

Even though a head collar can be a great tool, it should not be used as a

replacement for effective dog training. A head collar is most effective when it

is used in combination with strong and sensible dog training methods, such as

reward training and other forms of positive reinforcement.

Disadvantages of head collars

Even though head collars have many advantages, they have some distinct

disadvantages as well. For one thing, head collars tend to make many dogs

dependent on the equipment, and they quickly learn the difference between their

regular collar and the head collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly.

In addition, some dogs, particularly those not accustomed to wearing a head

collar, dislike wearing it and paw at it, try to rub it off or pull excessively.

If your dog exhibits this behavior, the best strategy is to keep it moving until

it learns to accept the collar. A good alternative is to have the dog sit by

pulling up on the dog's head.

Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an

important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like

German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these

high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves. In

addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is

a great way to fulfill some of the dog's own needs, including the need for

exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling

of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training

gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.

Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent

both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to

strengthen the all important bond between you - the pack leader - and your dog.

Find Out More about Dog Training Basics

About the Author

This Dog Training article written by: Andrew Mills

webmaster of doggypost.com

http://www.doggypost.com

About the author: Webmaster of Doggypost.com

How To Find Proper Guide Dog Training

Author: Marc Lindsay

Guide dog training programs are extremely important because guide dogs are trained to see for those who cannot see for themselves. Many factors are taken into consideration when deciding if a dog is a good candidate for guide dog training including:

* the dog's willingness to learn * the dog's ability to concentrate for long periods of time * the dog's intelligence * the way the dog pays attention to touch and sound * the dog's health

But even when a dog has all the necessary positive qualities sought out by guide dog trainers, that does not necessarily make them good candidates for guide dog training. Many good dogs are screened out because of undesirable qualities such as:

* a nervous temperament * aggressive tendencies * extreme reactions to other animals

In order to properly determine whether a dog is a good candidate for guide dog training, the trainer needs to spend a quality amount of time with the dog. It will not be able to be determined whether or not a dog is a good candidate for guide dog training in just one visit. In some guide dog training programs, if the trainer determines that the dog is suited for guide dog training, but is not quite ready, the puppy may go back to it's raiser for another month or two, so it can mature, then return to guide dog training. If the dog is determined not to be suited for guide dog training, commonly the school will attempt to place the dog in another line of service dog training.

Once a dog is determined a good candidate for guide dog training, the training process can begin. Different schools have different guide dog training methods, but commonly, guide dog training will last from four to six months. In order to ensure the dogs master all the complex guiding skills they will need, guide dog trainers have to introduce them to each situation gradually. After the trainer has introduced all that will be expected of the dog, the guide dog training is basically a system of rewarding correct performances and punishing incorrect performances. The reward system works in guard dog training because dogs have a natural need to please authority figures.

Guide dog training is an important part of dog training, as the blind depend on guide dogs to help them get to where they are going.

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

Understanding - The Key in Dog Training Basics

Author: Hartono Lim

The reason dog are so popular today than any other pets is that it has a higher intelligence compared to most other animals or pets. Throughout the history, dog has played many important role, be it in war, or work dog, companions, and now even work for the police. So, what makes dog more special than the other? It is their ability to communicate with human, they do have feelings and they show it. Yes, we all know, dog can't talks like human, but then, we can't talk like dogs either, could we?

As I said before, communication is the key when it comes to 2 individual or more when they want to work together. In this case, we human and your dog. To establish a good communication though, we have to understand what each other say and feel. ""Understanding"", that my friend, be the key of dog training basics.

When it comes to barking or growling, dog does express their feeling through it. For example, when they come close to you and move around your front in a short distance, with eyes staring at you, they are trying to get your attention or simply ""request"". The next steps is to identify what kind of attention they want, are they asking to play? or are they hungry? or did they found something suspicious? What you can do next is to look at the direction their eyes are pointing and follow them.

What might make them trying to get your attention is that they are bored. Imagine, if you are a dog, and you have a master who work outside everyday for around 8 hours a day, while leaving you at home with nothing to do, will you be bored? Of course you will. That is simply one thing that discontent your dog. Some of them even put dogs in a ""jail"" or as many human define it: ""training crate"". Come on, do you put your friends in a jail? I'm not surprised that so many dog breeders complain that their dog bark continuously and trying to destroy their house without ""reason"". Well, now you know the reason.

Another thing they might express is sad feeling. How to identify that, you might ask. Well, same as human then, dog express it with high toned voice, as if he is crying. Now when it comes to this, what you can do is to spend more time and give some hugs to your dog as if you're accompanying your friend. You want somebody to share your feeling to, don't you?

The other one which is not uncommon, is when a dog angry, hopefully it's not your own dog. Usually dog will do a short and loud bark to warn. But when they growl slowly and they seems to ""freeze"", they are preparing to bite you. Dog are intelligence type of animal, but... they are animal too, they have instinct. When you do something that displease them, they get angry at you. What one can do is, just stay if a dog warns you, and possibly stare back and then walk away slowly. Remember that when you run, you show fear, and that simply means you are asking him to play chase with you. And some type of dog are trained just for that!

So starting from now, spend more time with your dog, more quality time and avoid using crate like plague 'cause it can only make your dog look like an inmate and might be possibly harder to control or make your dog depressed. You will realize very soon that understanding is the key to dog training basics. Remember, understanding is the key when it comes to group. After all, dog is your friend, not just a pet.

About the author: Free Dog How-To's Article on Dog Training Basics http://www.Forlim.com/ - Join Our Community Today!

Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 2

Author: Danny Presswood

On the Popular TV series ""COPS"" they play a song which says, in part, ""Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?"" Many people bring home an adorable, cute puppy that eventually grows into a dog. Without proper training, some of those dogs become destructive and eventually the owners shrug their shoulders and say ""Bad Dog, Bad Dog, whatcha gonna do?"" Hopefully, those people will read articles like this one, ""Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1,"" and others like them before they do the unthinkable and call the ""Dog Police"" to take their beloved pet to the pound!

In ""Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1"" we explained the ""Dog Pack"" instinct, and the ""Alpha Dog"" mentality, and gave suggestions on how to ""reprogram"" your dog so that he/she knows that you are the Alpha dog. You can find that article in the Dog Articles Feature at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises - www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com In addition to those ""Alpha Dog"" techniques, there are other things you can do to help alleviate your ""bad dog behavior."" This article will teach you ways to ""deprogram"" your misbehaving dog so you can retrain him properly and thus facilitate a more harmonious relationship between family and pet.

But before we proceed, if you suffer from ""bad dog syndrome"" with your family pet, make sure there isn't an underlying medical condition. Take your dog to the vet, explain your problem, and ensure he/she is healthy, and doesn't suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, or other problems. Once you find that your dog is indeed healthy, implement the following suggestions.

1. Read other articles, magazines, ezines, and books on dogs, training and behavior. The more you know the better trainer you'll be.

2. Be consistent. Just like a child, your dog will notice your inconsistencies, and will ""test your mettle"" by pushing the boundaries to determine who is really in control. Do it the same way every time.

3. Earn your dog's respect. Be firm and fair in training and discipline. Never resort to violence. Positive reinforcement techniques have always proven the more successful training method. Your dog's submission to you should always be out of respect, not fear.

4. Spend quality time with your dog. Interact with your dog. Quite often, the cause of misbehavior in dogs is similar to that in children. They are simply looking for QUALITY TIME, ATTENTION and LOVE. Remember all the love and attention you gave that sweet, adorable puppy? Well, your adult dog still craves that same love and attention. Just be careful when giving that attention to a problem dog, to always retain your alpha status.

5. During training sessions, always maintain eye contact with your dog until he turns away. That way he knows you are the master and he is submissive to you. I once maintained eye contact with a strong-willed Brittany for 12 minutes before he finally looked away. Demand your dog's attention during short training sessions. (A dog's attention span is a maximum of ten to fifteen minutes). As examples, command your dog to heel, and then look at you before commencing a walk. Or make your dog sit or lie down before getting treats.

6. Give your dog plenty of exercise. Take her for a thirty minute walk - the exercise will do you good, give her the attention she deserves, and tire her out so she prefers to rest instead of wreaking havoc! Dogs are a bundle of bounding energy. They can't help it, God wired them that way! Give them an outlet for that energy. If you live in the woods like I do, let them out to run and play. (However, I always pen them up at night either outside in a fence with dog houses, or I kennel them inside in cages and kennel crates with crate pads or beds). Take your dog to a park, or better yet, one of those fancy new dog parks where dogs are allowed to play and socialize. Let your dog out in a fenced yard, or if you don't have or don't like a fenced yard, get an electronic fence and containment system, so your dog knows the boundaries of where they can and can't go safely. K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises - www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com has some great inside and outside electronic dog containment systems, kennel crates, cages, pads, and beds.

7. Feed your dog a high protein, well balanced diet. Sometimes, dog misbehavior is simply a result of hunger and/or malnutrition. I suggest looking for food with meat and rice as the first ingredients, rather than corn meal and meat by-products. I also suggest a protein content of 24-30% and fat content of 10-18%. This will ensure a strong, healthy dog with a shiny coat.

8. Remove temptation. Put trash cans and people food out of the dog's reach. If you have a destructive dog, put him in the yard or in a kennel crate or cage while you are at work or gone from the house. If you let him out to ""do his business"" in the morning before you leave for work, he will be fine in an appropriately sized kennel cage or crate with pillow pad until you return. If needed, you can find sizing guidelines and the appropriate kennel crates, cages, carriers, pads, beds, and other supplies at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises - www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com.

9. If needed, use appropriate training tools. Although choke collars should be a thing of the past because of the possible danger of injury to your dog's larynx, an electronic collar is a humane training tool that can provide an appropriate negative ""signal,"" followed by your positive reinforcement for right behavior. With proper use, in a short time just wearing the collar brings appropriate good behavior. Very few things are more disturbing to a dog lover that seeing your beloved pet run out into the street and get hit by a car, or watching your $1000 bird dog run over the hill never to be seen again. However, if you know your limitations and feel you cannot handle the job yourself, you can find many reputable dog trainers who specialize in behavior problems. Your local vet can probably assist you if needed.

10. Finally, be patient. Positive training and dog behavior modification takes time. Your dog will soon begin to behave in a more positive manner if you follow these helpful suggestions.

Hopefully, these ideas and suggestions, along with a better understanding of who your dog is, will soon move you from saying ""Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?"" to saying, ""Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh How I Love You!""

You can find all the AWESOME products you need for training and spoiling your special dog at K-9 Outfitters, a Division of Damascus Road Enterprises - www.Damascus-Road-enterprises.com Danny Presswood, 2006, All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Danny Presswood is a retired US Army Combat (Airborne) Chaplain. He and his wife Cheri live in the wooded Ozarks hills of SW MO, where he can be reached at BlessedByCalvary@aol.com or (417) 461-0800. Presently working on his Doctorate, Danny writes the Dog Articles Feature for K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises, http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com K-9 Outfitters offers a plethora of AWESOME discount

The Bernese Mountain Dog - From Near Extinction to Your Home

Author: Charles Kassotis

Whenever new breeds of a specific animal are introduced, you run the risk of losing that original breed completely. This was the case with the Bernese Mountain Dog a century or more ago. In fact, many Swiss breeds were being pushed completely out of existence because of new dogs being brought to the Swiss Mountain region. Several people recognized the situation before it was too late and took steps to maintain some pure breeds from several different groups.

The Bernese Mountain Dog apparently originated in the Swiss Mountains, though there is little documentation or proof of the exact steps taken to arrive at the breed. It's named for the Berne canton of Switzerland where the breed was once very common.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working dog. This canine has been used for a variety of chores, including pulling small carts and working in search and rescue situations. However, it seems that the most common demands on these dogs has been as a protector and herding dog. Their keen smelling ability makes them adept at hunting down predators that could harm a flock.

One interesting point about the coloration of this dog is that it tends to be very symmetrical. The base of the coat is black and typically covers the majority of the dog's body. But there will be a white blaze on the Bernese Mountain Dog's chest with additional rust-colored markings - and those on the left and right sides will match. The American Kennel Club recognizes the breed, but will disqualify a Bernese Mountain Dog for having blue eyes.

Though originally bred to be working dogs, these canines are incredibly adept at several things. For example, their intelligence, willingness to please and ability to learn new things makes them popular as obedience dogs. Those same traits make them excellent as family pets. They may try to herd your children, but they'll also be fiercely protective of them.

The Bernese Mountain Dog tends to bond completely with his people, whether that's a single person or an entire family. One thing to remember about these dogs is that their loyalty tends to run very deep. Once they've bonded with you, it will be very difficult for them to ever love another family if you should not be able to keep them. The Bernese Mountain Dog bonds for life and expects the same from your family.

That's not to say that these dogs will be snappish with strangers. If they are socialized well as puppies, they tend to be very accepting of new people and even animals. Remember they were initially bred for herding and needed to be accepting of new animals brought into the flock.

If you have a Bernese Mountain Dog that's already approaching adulthood, you may be relieved at the thought that he's soon going to have less energy to burn off. Don't get your hopes up. Most accounts indicate that these dogs tend to take longer to mature and may retain many of those energetic traits of puppyhood for some time.

About the author: For more information on Bernese Mountain Dogs and other Popular, and not-so-popular breeds of dogs, visit The Working Dog Directory

Pit Bull Terrier Dog Training: Lessons From An Expert

Author: Tim Amherst

The number one, most basic dog training command is sit and come. Teaching your American Pit Bull Terrier these two commands is extremely important for him to learn. Both of these basic obedience training commands are used for many different reasons such as in competition or dog show and keeping him behaved when you have company. When walking your Pit Bull off leash, you expect him to come to you when called, not run around the park with you chasing after him shouting at him to ""come back here!"". When I see this (and I do all the time), it just makes me laugh.

Teaching your Pit Bull Terrier how to come isn't difficult, it simply requires repetition. All dogs learn by repeating the desired activity over and over again. The easiest way to get your Pitbull to come is to hold a toy in one hand and a treat in the other. When you are in the yard simply walk away from him, holding out the toy and excitingly calling him to you. When your well-behaved Pit Bull comes to you, give him the treat! Make sure to be consistent and always use the exact same training commands that you are going to use in the future. Repeating this several times a day is an excellent way to teach him, but remember to use lots of long breaks between training sessions so he doesn't get bored and don't forget to reward him with those doggie treats.

Getting your Pit to sit could prove to be slightly harder but again, is still only basic dog training that anyone can do. Once you have mastered the come command, call your Pit over to you, place your hand on the end of his back and roll right over his rump and into the back of his legs, giving the ""sit"" command while gently pushing his legs forward. When he sits properly, give your Pitbull a treat and lots of praise. If you would like him to sit for a longer period of time, simply delay the treat and praise, tell him to ""stay"", and take your time bending down to him to deliver the treat.

Basic dog training for your Pit is very simple and effective. Please remember to keep the exercise fun for both you and your dog and keep in mind that a training session shouldn't last for hours and hours, keep them short. Lastly, don't forget to reward your obedient Pit for all of his hard work!

About the author: To learn all about raising an American Pit Bull Terrier and training Pit Bulls , visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

The Australian Cattle Dog - Otherwise Known as the Heeler

Author: Charles Kassotis

The Australian Cattle Dog may not be a name immediately recognized by some people who are actually familiar with this breed. Many people know the Australian Cattle Dog as the Heeler. There are Red Heelers and Blue Heelers, and may also be known as Australian Heeler, Queensland Heeler or Hall's Heeler. No matter how you spell it or what name you use, this is an intelligent breed that loves to work.

This is truly an example of a dog bred to meet the needs of their humans. The large Australian ranches were not very easy places to live. The cattlemen who went to Australian to take on the elements thought they went prepared. They took herding dogs with them, but these dogs were largely unable to withstand the rigors of the vast range. The obvious solution was to create a breed that could handle the elements, had the stamina to travel the long distances, and the intelligence to do the herding jobs required of them. The Australian Cattle Dog is the result of that selective breeding.

The word ""heeler"" describes this dog's tendency to run behind the animals being herded, snapping at their heels in an effort to send them in a desired direction. The instinct to herd is strong in these dogs, making them ideal for farms. However, these dogs will try to herd almost anything. They may not do well with fowl since chickens and ducks are more likely to be killed or maimed by the snapping Australian Cattle Dog. Some owners report that their Australian Cattle Dog will resort to herding people if there are no animals handy!

The breed has been used in Australia for herding for more than a century, but was only recognized by the American Kennel Club about 25 years ago. Since then, the superior trainability has created a demand for these dogs in many shows and trials.

The selective breeding produced a dog with a heavy double coat. The coat provides insulation against both hot and cold conditions. Shedding isn't typically a huge problem, especially with regular brushing. If the Australian Shepherd is red, a uniform mottling in preferred though both red and blue dogs may have solid spots on their heads.

One point to keep in mind is that these aren't dogs that can be ignored for long periods of time. Socialization is vital to this dog. Australian Cattle Dogs that are left alone may become withdrawn and seem downright sad. These dogs desire to be in the middle of any and all activities. They aren't the best choice if they're going to be penned or chained without direct contact with their people on a regular basis.

The Australian Cattle Dog may also bond more extensively with one person - typically the person who works with (or plays with) him the most. When this happens, the Australian Cattle Dog may refuse commands from others and may even be reluctant to interact with others. If the dog is to be part of the family, it's important for the entire family to spend time with the dog.

About the author: For more information on Cattle Dogs and other Popular, and not-so-popular breeds of dogs, visit The Herding Dog Directory

Bloodhound - More Than a Trail Dog

Author: Charles Kassotis

The Bloodhound is known for several things - the incredible sense of smell, the baying bark, and its soulful features. This dog as a breed is very old with roots that can be traced back to Belgium, among other countries. It was probably in Belgium that several people interested in establishing a breed that could smell exceptionally well worked on the final breeding steps to establish the Bloodhound as it exists today.

The ancestors of the present day Bloodhound are credited with also helping to establish several other breeds. It's easy to see the common lineage in the Basset Hound but the Bloodhound also contributed to other lines, such as the Boxer. Today's Bloodhound is usually brown, red or a combination of the two, often with black markings. In ancient times, some of these dogs were actually white, though they were recognized as a separate breed.

These dogs typically reach a weight of 100 pounds or more, and they grow quickly. Just as young children need plenty of rest and sleep to allow their bodies to develop well, Bloodhound pups must be restricted while they're very young and growing so fast.

One of the most negative points about a Bloodhound as a pet is his tendency to become single-minded when he catches an interesting scent. And with the incredible nose and the floppy ears that help bring odors to the nose, these dogs can often catch an interesting scent. When that happens, they'll usually be off on the chase unless restrained. They have been known to keep running for many hours - even days. While it's entirely possible that they'll find their way back home, it's also likely that they'll encounter dangers along the way or suffer from lack of food, water and the force of elements while they're off on their own.

This tenacity on the chase has prompted the use of Bloodhounds when tracking humans. From the times of runaway slaves to current day kidnappings or escapes, Bloodhounds can often catch a scent when human powers of detection are at a complete loss. Bloodhounds have been known to track a person who was in a car for many miles, so sensitive are their powers of smell. Their baying bark helps trackers stay in touch with the route of the Bloodhound on the trail, though many trainers choose to keep these dogs on a leash during a hunt.

As a rule, these dogs are extremely gentle and easy-going. They tend to love people, including children, and will usually be tolerant well past the point of endurance for most dogs. However, they are sometimes simply not easy to train, at least partly because of their single-mindedness with regard to smell. A scent is just more interesting than anything else, including the instructions of his master. That makes the Bloodhound less ideal for competitions and obedience training than many breeds.

Don't let that soulful expression fool you. The Bloodhound can be an incredibly happy dog who finds joy in the simple things of life, especially if those things happen to come with an interesting smell.

About the author: For more information on BloodHounds and other Popular, and not-so-popular breeds of dogs, visit The Hound Dog Directory

Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1

Author: Danny Presswood

On a recent episode of ""America's Funniest Home Videos,"" (AFV) one of the top three submissions for the $10,000 prize was a video of the ""aftermath"" of destruction done to a home by the family's pet dog. This destructive dog had torn the door off an end table, ripped the frame completely off a doorway, destroyed a patio door screen and frame, shredded carpeting, broken glassware, and had literally ""eaten"" a three foot by four foot hole in the wall - destroying sheetrock, insulation, and framing in the process. I was horrified and appalled as I watched the video and listened to the mixture of giggles and gasps from the viewing audience. It was as if the poor, unsuspecting family shrugged their shoulders and said ""Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?""

The more appropriate question, however, is ""My dog, my dog, WHY do you do what you do?"" The answer to that question is not a simple one. Entire books have been written concerning ""bad dog behavior."" And the truth is that every dog is different, and therefore, there is no ""pat answer"" for every situation. However, a basic understanding of ""Who dogs are, and How they behave"" will lead us to some appropriate suggestions on how to handle difficult and domineering dogs. You can find this article, along with ""Bad Dog, Bad Dog"" Part 2, in the Dog Articles Feature at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises.

But before we proceed, if you suffer from ""bad dog syndrome"" with your family pet, make sure there isn't an underlying medical condition. Take your dog to the vet, explain your problem, and ensure he/she is healthy, and doesn't suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, or other problems. Once you find that your dog is healthy, the following information should prove helpful.

Dogs are, by nature, pack animals. Pack animal behavior is instinctive from before dogs were domesticated and lived in the wild. Every pack has a hierarchy, and every animal in the pack has duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Since your dog doesn't live in the wild, he/she assumes you, your family, and other household pets make up the ""pack."" Many times, ""bad dog behavior"" is a result of confusion over ""Alpha Dog Status"" or ""Alpha Dog Mentality."" You must establish that you are the ""Alpha"" dog in the pack. You must also establish that other family members, to include the children, all rank higher in the pack than your dog does. There are many ways to effectively put your dog in his proper pack ranking. Here are a few suggestions, or rules, for handling domineering dogs, and establishing pack rankings:

1. When you enter the house, make sure your dog enters last, even if you must put her on a leash. You'll find great leashes, harnesses, collars and leads at K-9 Oufitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com

2. Alpha dogs want the run of the entire house. Make sure certain areas of the home are out of bounds for the dog. That may include certain bedrooms, the laundry room, bathrooms, or the den. This helps the dog know you are master of the house, not him.

3. Alpha dogs occupy high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways. Don't step over or go around the dog, nudge the dog and tell her to move out of your way, and make sure she does so. This lets her know who owns the space and who is in charge.

4. Don't allow your dog to DEMAND your attention. Dogs usually do this by climbing on your lap, or by nudging your hand or arm. Make the dog sit, lie down, etc., and then give lavish praise and attention. Remember, you control when you give your dog attention, affection, and praise.

5. Exercise control over your dog's possessions. Take away all her toys, then give her a command, and when she obeys, give her the toy as a treat. After she plays with it for awhile, take it away again.

6. When you come home, make your dog greet you first. Ignore him until he does. He must be submissive to you, not the other way around.

7. Establish dog eating times. In the pack, the Alpha dog always eats first, and then the other dogs eat. Make sure the family eats first, followed by the dog. If you must feed the dog first, pretend to eat something first, then feed your dog. Leave the dog's food out for 10-15 minutes, then take it up, whether the dog is finished or not. She will learn quickly to eat when fed.

8. Always stroke (pet) your dog around the head, neck, and shoulders. These are vulnerable areas for the dog, and shows that you are superior. Be careful not to stroke your dog around the chest, because this puts him in the dominating position and undermines your authority as alpha dog.

9. Don't allow your dog to sleep in your bed! I know that's a tough one for some folks, but believe me, it's best for all concerned. The best thing to do is provide the dog with her own cage, crate, or bed. Put it in your bedroom if that helps you, but do it. Dogs ""Kennel"" by nature. They like a safe, snug place they can call their own. You can find a wide variety of kennels, cages, crates, and beds at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com

Your dog is your pet. Ultimately, all he/she really wants is your love and affection (i.e. time together). Hopefully, these ideas and suggestions, along with a better understanding of who your dog is and the role he plays in the family relationship, will soon move you from saying ""Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?"" to saying, ""Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh How I Love You!""

By the way, the ""Destructive Dog"" video did not win a prize on AFV, although I'm sure the family could have used the money for repairs. Following our guidelines would prove a lot less expensive and would make for a much more harmonious family and pet relationship. You can find all the AWESOME products you need for training and spoiling your special dog at K-9 Outfitters, a Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com. Danny Presswood, 2006 All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Danny Presswood is a retired US Army Combat (Airborne) Chaplain. He and his wife Cheri live in the wooded Ozarks hills of SW MO, where he can be reached at BlessedByCalvary@aol.com or (417) 461-0800. Presently working on his Doctorate, Danny writes the Dog Articles Feature for K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises, http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com K-9 Outfitters offers a plethora of AWESOME discount

Dog Comfort, Safety and Fashion with Collars and Leashes

Author: Connie Limon

Dog collars are practical and fashionable. A dog collar can hold your dog's identification which can be his ticket back home to you if he gets lost. A dog collar can also be your dog's most fashionable statement showing the world just how pampered and stylish he is.

Every dog needs at least one collar. But as it is with you and earrings or necklaces and rings, your dog and you will enjoy having several. Of course, you only really need one pair of shoes, but chances are you have many, a style and color for every occasion. So can it be the same with your dog's collar. You and your dog can enjoy a color and style for any and every occasion.

The dogs that belong to celebrities are known to wear some of the most fabulous-looking collars. The rich and famous love to splurge on fashionable collars for their dogs.

Throughout history people have adorned their dog's necks with jewels, brass and velvet. We are not the first generation to love our dogs. A dog-collar museum at Leeds Castle in England displays a collection of collars from medieval times to the nineteenth century. Many of those collars include the same kind of identification information we put on our dog tags today.

The collars you choose for you dog should provide comfort and safety as well as adornment. A collar that does not fit properly can create sores. A collar that is too loose can allow your dog to slip out. A collar that is not sturdy can break just at a time you need it most to be strong enough to hold your dog in safety. Finding the right fit is the first rule when purchasing collars for your dog.

Do not put a huge collar and leash on a little dog. It can irritate your dog's throat. The little guys under 8 pounds should have a collar that is 3/8-inch wide. Bigger dogs can use a collar 5/8-inch in size.

If you have a bigger and more active dog be sure the collar is strong. If your bigger dog suddenly flies to the end of the leash after a cat while on your walk, you will be glad he was wearing a very strong collar and leash. Once I was walking one of my 10 pound Shih Tzu's on a sidewalk that surrounded a lake. The ducks on the sidewalk suddenly flew into the water, and right after them went my Cindy and almost me too. Without a strong collar and leash that day she would have ended up in the lake for sure (I am unsure if Cindy can swim), but my first instinct would have been to run right after her and I for sure cannot swim. Luckily I was able to pull her back.

Look for well-constructed buckles and collars made of leather or other materials that won't fall apart right at the ""wrong"" moment.

Be sure your dog's collar is secure around his neck. Otherwise he could learn to get his head out of the collar. Put your thumb or other fingers inside the collar. If you can fit more than one finger comfortably between collar and your dog's neck, the collar on a small dog is too loose. Collar fitting can also be determined by the size of your dog's head. If your dog has a big neck and a little head, the collar has to be fitted snug around his neck. If he has a skinny neck and a large head, the collar can be looser.

Whether you pay $5 or $100 for your dog's collars, think about quality, comfort and safety before you buy. It is fun to find stylish collars, but just be sure your dog is comfortable and safe as well.

About the author: Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Buy designer dog clothes, collars and leashes at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

How To Train Your Dog For Hunting

Author: Marc Lindsay

A hunting dog makes not only an exceptionally loving pet but can also become a comforting and useful companion on your hunting trip. As well as the usual obedience and house training you would undertake with a family dog you will also need to give some hunting dog training. If you have never had a hunting dog before then you may want to consider consulting a professional and employing their services for a while until you really know what you are doing. Hunting dog training is specific to the kind of activity you will undergo with your dog as well as the breeds that are normally used for hunting.

The basics of hunting dog training are similar to those of obedience and even potty training. While there are different methods and you will usually have to employ a number of these methods depending on the particular skill you are trying to teach, it is usual to use both positive and negative reinforcement. A positive reinforcement can be as simple as a petting because while this may be a simple action to you it is a popular action with your dog that shows them they have behaved well and done what you have asked them. A negative reinforcement should be a verbal reprimand like you would use with any dog.

Using check ropes or lead rope is not uncommon when training gun dogs and if this is the case then a negative reinforcement would be to pull the dog back on the lead. Whenever you use a negative reinforcement you should encourage the dog to perform the task correctly in order that you can quickly follow up a negative with a positive reinforcement. This combination of the negative and the positive is one of the strongest and most effective methods of training your hunting dog.

In some circumstances it may be necessary to use punishment. For instance, if you are training a hunting dog to avoid snakes then you can use an electric collar to assist the training. They are not dangerous but they do emit a shock when you press a remote button. Using a fake snake in conjunction with an electric collar should very quickly indicate to your dog that snakes are bad news. It may seem cruel to some but it is not as cruel as letting them approach a rattlesnake with no idea of the consequence.

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

Does Your Dog Do These Things?

Author: Cliff Waldrep

""She chews up all my pillows and shoes.""

""She barks and barks until I can't take it no more.""

""He won't return after calling, whistling, or whatever I try?""

Then it may be time for some dog training with your pet... Spot. Many animals have never been trained, but we all expect them to act like they have been? Many folks end up yelling at their poor Fido or smacking their family pet. Maybe you have, once or twice caught yourself hitting your dog on the butt with a newspaper. You have to realize just like people, dogs need to be taught too! Don't be one of the many who give up and then places their pet outside to live his/her days in solitude. And please, don't even think about taking him/her to your locate pound, because you think that this animal is just out of control.... This is your family pet?

When it comes to training your pet, there are many forms of dog training. For example, behavior dog training (obedience training) would have prevented many of these problems and can help solve the bad behaviors that exist. Many people think that behavior dog training is something that is done to a dog to make it perform some certain activity on command.

Behavior dog training is to train dogs to be obedient, to obey anything and everything they're told to do. It covers a wide range of lessons a dog can learn, including tricks, family manners, show ring exercises, and skill demonstrations.

Sniffing dogs, service dogs for handicapped owners, search and rescue dogs, sled and carting dogs, hunting dogs -- all carry their behavior dog training to the highest degree. They have been trained to obey an unusual set of commands, which increase their value as helpers to man.

""Dog Type"" also plays a part when training your pet. Training would be a breeze if our pets and we spoke the same language. With the different dog type comes attitudes, voice and body language, and mindset. They can be stubborn, dominant, submissive, or fearful, characteristics that can make them difficult to train. So please keep your dog type in mind when training your pet.

""A Little Trivia For All The Dog Lovers!""

Q: What are the ""dog days of summer?""

A: It is the time of year when Sirius, the ""Dog Star,"" appears on the horizon, just before the sun rises in the morning.

About the author: Cliff Waldrep loves sharing his many years of knowledge and techniques when training ""Man's Best Friend."" His expert teachings can restore your peace of mind when spending time with your pet. Enjoy more of what Cliff offers and visit him at Dog Training

Dog training - Training for Proper Dog Behavior

Author: Cathy Perkins

There are many reasons for teaching proper dog behavior, and teaching such behavior has many benefits for both the human and canine partners. Dog behavior training is vital to such life and death issues as preventing aggression, controlling dog on dog aggression problems and teaching dogs to interact properly with both their handlers and with other members of the family.

Understanding how dogs evolved, and how dogs interact with each other, is very important to understanding how to properly train your dog to be a devoted, loyal companion.

The original dogs were probably orphaned wolf pups adopted by early humans. These wild dogs probably learned to perform behaviors that their human protectors valued, such as guarding the cave or scaring off predators. In exchange for these valued behaviors, the humans probably provided their new companions with foods, protection and shelter.

That kind of relationship still exists today, of course, and dogs still can, and do, perform valuable jobs for their human benefactors. Those jobs include herding and guarding livestock, guarding property, guarding people, and finding game.

When planning a dog training program, it is important to know that dogs are pack animals. In wild dog societies, packs are formed, and each member of the pack quickly learns his or her place in the pecking order. Except in the event of death or injury to the alpha dog, the hierarchy never changes once it has been established. The lower dogs know not to challenge the alpha dog, and the alpha dog understand his place as leader of the pack.

All the other dogs in the pack look to the alpha dog for leadership, in important survival issues like finding food and avoiding larger predators. In order to properly train your dog and gain its respect, it is important for you to become the alpha dog.

That is because a dog that sees its owner as a superior leader will follow the commands the owner gives without question. Getting the respect of the dog is the most important step to proper dog training, and it will form the basis of all subsequent training.

The reasons for training a dog properly are many, especially in today's world. A well mannered, obedient dog is a joy to be around, both for the owner and his or her family, and for people in the community at large. In addition, seeing a well mannered dog sets people's mind at ease, especially with breeds of dog thought to be dangerous, such as Dobermans, rottweilers and pit bulls.

When training dogs and dealing with unwanted dog behaviors, it is important to understand the motivating factors behind those behaviors. For example, many dogs exhibit unwanted behaviors such as chewing and destroying furniture due to separation anxiety. Dealing with the sources of problem behaviors is an important first step toward eliminating those problem behaviors.

Many dogs exhibit unwanted behaviors as a result of stress in the animal's life, and its inability to cope with that stress. The goal of a good dog training program is to allow the dog to tolerate greater levels of stress without becoming a problem animal.

When dealing with dog behavior, it is important not to confuse human behavior with dog behavior. While there is a great temptation on the part of dog owners to see their dogs as almost human, in reality dogs and humans have very different motivations, and very different reactions to similar situations.

One trait that humans and dogs do share, however, is the need to form close social groups and strong bonds within those social groups. This bonding is important to both humans and dogs, but it has served vastly different ends as both species have evolved and changed over time.

Visit me on the web at:

http://dogtraining.hickorypublishing.com

http://dogsreallyrule.blogspot.com

http://www.squidoo.com/dogs-rule

About the author: Cathy Perkins is a dog lover who is allowed to live with her two dogs, Tillie and Pierrot, in the beautiful foothills of western North Carolina.

Dog Training

Author: Hugo Roger

Dog Training

Pets, we all love to have them, specially an dog which is one of the most WANTED pets. Why? Because they are the famous Men's Best Friend. Now just imagine how bad would it be to have a untrained dog. An untrained dog could litter anywhere in your house, back yard, front yard, just anywhere. After less than a month of having that untrained dog with you, it could create inside your house that really bad odor that could be coming out of anywhere. Especially if you have carpet in your floor which absorves all types of odors that are so HARD to get it off, sometimes even impossible. Now belive that all these things can be avoided if you go with your dog through a proper dog training.

If you are willing to go through the proper dog training it will save you alot of work and problems in many areas. But getting your dog through the dog training is not a easy thing to do. Sometimes it takes alot of work and dedication to achive just one small objective. To make your dog become more familiar with the training, so that your dog can acconplish a fast and productive dog training you will need make all this dog training more than just a 2, or 3 , times per week thing. You will need to make DOG TRAINING part of your daily life. You should try to work with your dog in daily bases, that way your dog will be more and more familiar with the tasks you ask and teach him to achieve. One good thing to remenber is you must make your dog training in short sessions, comparing to those long sessions you would normally have with your dog 3 times a week. Remenber to make the dog training a fun task for you and your dog, so knowing you are talking to a Dog, give him simple commands to achive such as, Sit, Come, Stay, avoide the HARD Ones since you are in the early stages of your DOG training sessions. Make sure you use short words for your commands and the best thing is to use a different command word for every different TASK you give. When telling him to stop a action , dont say CHILL DOWN, or cool off DOg, just say STOP.

To make the Dog training even more fun, dont forget the treats. YES! Everytime your doggy achieves a task make him happy by givinbg him a treat, that way he will understand he did a good action, he will know he deserved that treat and will always want to deserve because he likes it. But only give the treat if your dog accomplishes the task.

If you live alone, or you are a couple with no kids then you will have no problems in achieving a good dog training, because both of you will understand what is going on, but if you have kids at home make sure they understand what is going on around them, because we know kids love to have fun with their pets, fool around in the house, dig and hide small objects, play and get dirty everywhere. So make sure they understand that there will be a time for all that.

Owning a dog is taking the responsability to care, train, love and always give your best to your dog, so when you are on your dog training sessions, never forget one thing. Have Fun!

Dog Training

About the author: Hugo Roger is an expert and professional Dog Trainer and is involved in many dog training activites on his free time, and enjoy's giving free weekend lessons on Dog Training.

Visit my Dog Training Blog at

http://dogtraining-basics.blogspot.com