What You Should Know About Dog Adoption

Author: Masni Rizal Mansor

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about dog adoption to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from dog adoption experts.

When considering the birth rates among animals, it's not hard to understand why animal shelters are always filled with animals waiting to be adopted. Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a seven year period, one female cat and her offspring will produce approximately 420,000 kittens. Likewise, one female dog and her offspring will produce 67,000 puppies during a six year period. Since there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them, some 6.5 million animals are euthanized each year.

Given the statistics cited above, adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do. However, before making the final decision to adopt, there are a number of things to consider.

Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were ""turned in"" because the owners didn't have time for them. Many were left alone for long periods and some were never properly potty trained. In short, when adopting an animal you must be prepared to work with them. They may come to you cowed or with feelings of trepidation and may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you might give them. You will need to be patient and by all means, loving. When they finally realize that they can trust you they will reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.

Adopting a dog as a means of entertaining a small child is not recommended. A dog is not a toy and should not be treated as one. Small children should be trained to understand ""animal etiquette"". In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased. They should understand that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away. If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult should follow up to be sure these things are getting done. It isn't the dog's fault if a child fails to meet his or her obligations and the dog shouldn't have to suffer for the child's failure.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole dog adoption story from informed sources.

Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners. Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise. New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately. Dogs are not stupid and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.

When contemplating adoption, prospective new owners should be prepared to deal with the fact that their new adoptee may not be completely housebroken. Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training; furthermore, when the dog was placed in the shelter it continued to do its ""business"" right in its pen. Housebreaking is not a complex chore and should not deter someone from adopting a pet. Some owners will use a cage to assist in this training, while others will just take the dog out for a walk several times a day. Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses that pay extra dividends on cold or rainy days.

Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general. These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. There are proven solutions to all of these ""offenses."" If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking. A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.

Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. It's difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications. And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.

Is there really any information about dog adoption that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

About the author:

Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on dog parasites , pit bull and dog diseases .

4 Tips To Aid Your Dog's Diarrhea

Author: gene sower

Is your dog having a problem with diarrhea? Does he have ""accidents"" while trying to get outside to go to the bathroom? While your dog may not be losing too much sleep over the problem, there is no doubt that you are not happy with the runny mess being made in your house!

Diarrhea in dogs often happen because of eating something rotten from the outside, or even from getting into a chemical inside of the house. There are times when he may have an intestinal virus that could be the cause. Perhaps you suddenly changed his diet which may be a contributing factor to the problem.

Below are several tips in which you can use to effectively help your dog recover from diarrhea:

1. Do not let your dog have a continual feeding of food in the dish. If you stop putting food in your pet, then he will stop having to use the bathroom. So it is obvious that once you notice your dog has the runs, simply stop feeding him for 24 hours after the onset of diarrhea. This alone could be enough to knock out the problem. However, if after 24 hours have gone by and there is still a problem with your dog's bowel movement, then contact your vet immediately because something could be seriously wrong.

2. Try feeding your dog bland foods for a while to keep her stomach calm. When your dog is ready to begin eating again you may want to have a week at feeding bland foods to keep her digestive system calm. Such bland foods may be skinless chicken or cooked white rice. Another ideal food that fits perfectly for the sour stomach is boiled hamburger meat.

3. Remove any dairy products from your dog's diet. Because most dogs lack the enzyme ""lactase"", they have a very difficult time digesting milk. Lactase is needed to properly digest the sugar in milk.. If you are feeding your dog any type of milk product and she has diarrhea, then completely eradicate milk from her food choices. You will see dramatic improvement within days.

4. Keep your dog's system flowing with plenty of liquids. When your dog has diarrhea, his body is depleted of liquids and essential fluids. Be sure to keep your dog's water bowl full at all times. And like people, dog's also loose a lot of minerals when their body is depleted of fluids, so it is a good idea to keep a separate bowl filled with Gatorade. Gatorade is an excellent liquid that will help your dog's body with getting enough of the potassium and sodium that it lost.

About the author: Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of http://www.naturalpetsworl d.com , a site devoted to offering a huge selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

Treating Your Dog's Constipation

Author: gene sower

Constipation usually occurs when the dog does not get enough bulk in his diet or when he does not get enough proper exercise. When a dog does not get the chance to eliminate when he needs to, he may develop the habit of holding it in. A dog that is not let out enough will also likely to develop this habit. In these simple cases of constipation, you may use the following treatment to ease your dog's discomfort:

1. Feed your dog a natural diet that includes fresh vegetables with sufficient amounts of bulk. Raw meat is also considered a natural laxative for dogs. If your dog's stool looks dry, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of bran (depending on his weight) to each serving of meal. Adding bran helps the stools hold extra moisture. You may also apply a similar treatment using ¼ to 2 teaspoons of powdered psyllium seed. This is available online and in most health food stores.

2. You may also use mineral oil temporarily in cases where there is a large build-up of hard stools. Depending on the size of your dog, add ½ to 2 teaspoons to his meals twice a day, for no longer than a week. Continued use of this method is not ideal because the oil will draw reserves of vitamin A from the dog's body. In addition, continued use of this process may create a dependency on its use for normal elimination.

3. Make sure that the dog is getting plenty of opportunity to go outside to relieve himself. Another treatment that is very effective is to make sure that your dog is getting enough sufficient exercise. Exercise is vital for massaging his internal organs and increasing the blood flow all over his body, which also stimulates a slow metabolism. Running, long walks, or playing fetch are great forms of exercise that both you and your dog can benefit from.

Chronic case of constipation

If your dog is suffering from chronic and prolonged constipation, you may also try homeopathic treatment, which is a natural form of remedy. Consult a vet who specializes in this form of treatment to determine if this is the best route to take.

Aluminum poisoning is also possible with a dog that has a weak rectum. Signs of aluminum poisoning include chronic constipation with straining and sticky and messy stools rather than hard ones. Even if the stool is soft, weak rectal muscles make passage difficult. If you feel that aluminum poisoning is the cause of your dog's chronic constipation, stop using aluminum cooking pots and dishes when preparing your dog's food. Avoid pet food that is sold in aluminum cans. In addition, do not feed your dog processed cheeses, table salt, white flour, and tap water. To remove the aluminum from his body, use high doses of vitamin C - about 500 milligrams to 3 grams per day along with zinc supplement-5 milligrams for small dogs up to 20 milligrams for large dogs.

About the author: Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of http://www.naturalpetsworl d.com , a site devoted to offering a huge selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

Creative Dog Toys Help Alleviate Boredom

Author: gene sower

The old adage that a tired dog is a happy dog is all too true. And even more to the point, you could say that a mentally stimulated dog is a well-behaved dog. Boredom is often the root cause for a whole bunch of behavioral problems such as chewing things in the home, destroying furniture, digging holes, self-mutilation or even barking constantly. If your dog is exhibiting any of these chronic traits, chances are your dog is bored. And boredom almost always leads to trouble. Here's some ways to help.

To better understand your dog and help to maintain a good temperament, you have to realize that dogs like to work. They also like to play. They like to be involved. They also need a certain amount of physical exercise EVERY day. And they like to do it with you! Dogs, as you well know, are pack animals that crave interaction with other living things. Since your dog no longer has a pack of dog playmates, you and the rest of your family are the defacto pack. It's your responsibility to care for your dog's mental well-being just as much as it is to care for her physical well-being. Putting the dog out in the yard by itself with a sqeaky toy just doesn't cut it.

The point of this article will be to help you identify a class of indoor dog toys that elevates your dog's play to a new level. We all have limited time, right? So if you're going to play with your dog or encourage them to amuse themselves for a bit, the dog toys we'll discuss will help you maximize playtime as well as the mental stimulation your dog receives. These dog toys will improve your dog's indoor playtime beyond simple throw and fetch games or basic tug and play games.

The Hide A Toy Series

The Kygen company makes an adorable set of ""hide and seek"" dog toys called ""Hide a Squirrel"", ""Hide a Bee"" and ""Hide a Bird"". Each plush dog toy includes three squeaky toys that ""hide"" in a plush base: tree trunk, hive, or bird house. The object of the game is to get your dog excited about getting the 3 squeaky toys out of their plush base. Dogs that like to dig and gut their plush toys will love this innovative dog toy. Only with this toy, it lives to play another day!. And once the dog succeeds in removing all 3 squeaky toys you can stuff them back in (squeaking them like crazy to get your dog excited) and have them work at it again. I think this is a great dog toy for smaller dogs under 40lbs. Perfect for any type of terrier, for sure. Great toy for all puppies, too. Helps develop a dog's thinking and puzzle-solving skills.

Egg Babies

A similar line of seek and destroy dog toys are the Egg Babies. Also made by the Kygen company, these cute plush animals (ducks, fish, turtles, dinosaurs, etc) have a velcro slit up the center of their stomachs with 3 squeaky eggs inside. This is also the perfect activity toy for smaller dogs (under 40lbs) or puppies who enjoy gutting their toys. Except that with these clever dog toys, you can simply reinsert the eggs and press the velcro back together and the fun starts all over again without having to break out the needle and thread.

Treat Toys

While Kongs have lead the way as a must-have chew/treat toy in your dog's toy box for years, a couple of lesser-known treat toys I like include the Buster Cube and the Havaball. The Buster Cube is a hard plastic cube that comes in two sizes, one for smaller dogs (20lbs and under) and one for larger dogs (20lbs - 80lbs). The cool thing about the Buster Cube is that you can adjust the difficulty level to make it harder or easier for the treats or kibble to come out of the toy. As your dog gets better at getting the treats out, you can increase the difficulty to keep your dog challenged.

The Havaball is a personal favorite because unlike the Buster Cube, the Havaball is a grooved rubber ball that not only dispenses treats but helps to clean your dog's teeth and gums just by playing with it. By biting the slits in the ball, the teeth sink into the grooves helping to clean the teeth and stimulate the dog's gums, all the while dispensing treats. Havaball is also sold under the Kong brand as the Kong Treat Ball. Same toy, different licensing. It also comes in three sizes for toy breeds all the way up to extra large dogs and even includes a medium-sized black ultra-tough rubber version for really tough chewers.

All these innovative dog toys can bring an added dimension to your dog's play time. What they each have in common is the ability to reward your dog as the task is completed, whether it's removing certain parts or being able to dispense treats. Participating in this type of mentally stimulating play will help calm your canine by allowing them to divert some of their excess energy to something positive and interesting. Something that gives them positive feedback just by playing with them. And with ALL dog toys, we recommend you supervise your dog's play and discard any broken pieces that may break off over time.

About the author: Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of http://www.NaturalPetsWorl d.com , a site dedicated to selling a large selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

Learn To House Train Your Dog Easily & Effectively

Author: gene sower

The information in this article is based on the successful crate training method. Crate training is not cruel. I repeat: Crate training is not cruel. If used correctly, it uses the dog's natural den instinct to your own advantage by encouraging the dog not to pee or poop where it sleeps. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep. But you need to keep the following points in mind to be successful.

Establish A Regular Eating Routine As I'm fond of saying, ""what goes in must come out"". To help you figure out the best times to get your dog to go to the bathroom it's important to feed your dog at the same times every day. This is the ideal time to practice your house training lessons. For your dog's comfort it's also a good idea to feed your dog in the same place every day, a place that they will identify as their eating spot. With your puppy, there's a very short time between eating and eliminating. Figure around 15 - 20 minutes. When feeding your dog, give her 15-20 minutes and then pick up the uneaten portion (if any). This will also teach your dog to eat when fed. Again, these rules can be relaxed once your dog is house trained but for now it's key to establish a routine.

Until your dog is house trained, also avoid treats and in-between meal snacks. The whole idea is to feed your dog, observe them constantly for the 15 -20 minutes after they eat and then bring them to the place where you want them to do their business. Do it like clockwork and you'll be putting your puppy in a position to succeed. This is all about setting expectations and teaching your eager learner to do what you want. And when they do, praise them wildly. Make it seem like that little pee or poop that they did is the greatest and most magnificent thing you've ever seen in your entire life. Your friends and neighbors may think you're crazy, but I can't stress enough the power of praise. It's what your puppy craves. Give it to her in generous amounts.

How Old Should Your Puppy Be? How old should your puppy be before you begin house training? Start as early as you can but don't expect results until the pup is about 14 weeks old. Before 14 weeks your pup cannot physically hold it in. Then why start early you may ask? Well, even though your pup may not be physically able to hold it in, she'll at least begin learning what's expected of her. Consider any training before 14 weeks to be ""pre-school"". When her physical abilities catch up with what you taught her, it will make it that much easier to put the lessons into practice.

Size Matters If you're considering crate training your dog as a means of house training, keep in mind that the size of crate you choose is very important. A good rule of thumb about size is: the crate should only be big enough for the dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in. You don't want the crate so big that the dog will mess at one end and sleep at the other. For large-sized breeds that will continue to grow substantially, you may need to buy a larger size later on if you intend for your dog to continue using the crate after it is house trained. And the most important rule of all: NEVER, under any circumstances, use the crate as a form of punishment. The crate should be a place where your dog wants to go, to sleep and get away from the bustle and activity in your home. You never want them to associate it with being punished.

Happy House Training!

About the author: Gene Sower is the author of the Happy House Training ebook. Learn To House Train Your Dog Easily & Effectively"" http://www.lucyt hewonderdog.com/ebook.htm

Your Dog's Veterinarian Visit: 6 Basic Areas Of A Full Examination

Author: gene sower

It is up to you to notice any changes in your dog's behavior or other odd instances that may indicate that your dog is sick. After all, he cannot tell you when he is feeling bad. Any information that you can give to the vet will be helpful in determining what may be the problem. In most instances, the vet will carry out a complete basic physical examination. During this examination he will more than likely ask you a lot of questions about your dog.

The following are all of the common areas of the dog that your vet will look into during a full examination:

1. Nose: Dogs typically have cold and wet noses. Your vet will be looking for any discharge and/or physical changes in the appearance of the nose. However, the vet will not be too concerned if your dog's nose is hot or dry.

2. Nails: The vet will take a look at your dog's nails and also the nail bed for damage, if he shows signs of licking or lameness. Some dogs have uneven wear and tear on their nails which means that the dog has been favoring one leg and may have an injury. If the vet finds that the nails are flaky, then further steps can be taken for a possible metabolic disorder.

3. Eyes: Many dogs unfortunately inherit or acquire eye diseases. However, sudden changes in the eyes of your dog may indicate a more complicated disease elsewhere in his body. A thorough eye examination will help give the vet clues about where else he may need to look for problems.

4. Mouth: The mouth area is checked for gum inflammation and tooth decay. Examining the dog's mouth will also give the vet a chance to check his blood pressure. This is done by pressing his finger up against the gums. If your dog has pale gums, then it could be anemia. If there is a yellowish color on your then this is possibly a liver problem.

5. Skin & Coat: By checking the coat and the skin of your dog, the vet can determine the possibility of other issues. For example, if the coat is dull in color, then this may be an indication of parasites or a minor infection that may exist anywhere else in the body.

6. Genitals: If your dog is female, then the vet will check the vulva for discharge or inflammation. Either of these two could represent a disorder of the urinary system or the reproductive system. Likewise, a male dog's testicles and penis are examined for possible inflammation and swelling.

About the author: Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of www.naturalpetsworld.com , a site devoted to offering a huge selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

Dog Obedience Training: Professional Dog Trainer Reveals Well Guarded Secrets

Author: Adam Katz

Professional Dog Trainer, Adam Katz, Teaches Dog Obedience Training Methods Anyone Can Learn And Master. Get Your Dog To Listen To You Anywhere You Are.

How annoying can it be when your dog has a particular behavioral problem that you cannot get rid of. A usual solution is to take your dog to dog training school and let a professional correct the problems. This is a hassle and expense that most people do not want. Adam Katz a professional dog trainer has exposed his secrets to dog training.

In 'Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer', author Adam Katz teaches the right dog training techniques to train your dog or puppy quickly, humanely, and effectively.

Learn more: http://indiarose5.agkatz.hop.clickbank.net

The information basically covers all three categories of training your dog: fixing dog problems, tips and secrets to use in your everyday training, and buying and raising a new puppy or older dog. It applies to all breeds and ages of dogs.

It doesn't matter if you own an old dog or a young one, the information is, in some cases, shocking! You'll be saving time and money, avoiding mistakes and disastrous situations, and learning secrets other people only wish they knew.

It is estimated that 93% of all ""professional"" dog trainers don't really know what they're doing. And the other 7% charge hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. You can save yourself time and money, not to mention sparing your dog lots of stress.

'Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer' is a very effective method. Many customers are singing it's praises.

Cornelia says: ""This is hands-down the most powerful dog training information I've ever seen!"" Barabra says: ""My 105 pound Newfie would steal food from the dinner table, and then viciously snarl and bite if I tried to take it away. But after using the techniques in your downloadable book, ""Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer"", my dog will now let me roll him on his side and take ANYTHING out of his mouth! Your tricks really work wonders. I'm convinced that you are one of the best dog trainers around!"" -- Barbara Allen, Santa Ynez, CA

http://indiarose5.agkatz.hop.clickbank.net

Adam's methods work on any breed of dog - even the toughest breeds like Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, Chows, Terriers, Greyhounds, Huskies.

Adam's slogan is, ""We Can Train Any Dog!"" Easy For Anyone To Use - Once you understand how to use the same dog training equipment and techniques that Adam uses, you'll realize that you don't need muscle, strength, expert timing or ""intuitive"" sense of dog language to get amazing results.

It's safe and fun for you and your dog. No ""violence."" No hitting. No abuse. Adam doesn't put up with that kind of nonsense, and neither should you. For More Information Contact:

Gary Neame onefreekiwi@xtra.co.nz http://indiarose5.agkatz.hop.clickbank.net

About the author: It is estimated that 93% of all ""professional"" dog trainers don't really know what they're doing. And the other 7% charge hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. You can save yourself time and money, not to mention sparing your dog lots of stress. Here's a small sample of the secrets you'll learn for fixing any dog problem:

Can I Feed My Dog Meat Only?

Author: gene sower

There are a few dog feeders who foolishly insist that meat is the only thing a dog should ever be fed. Meat alone is entirely inadequate for a dog. The foremost deficiency in a diet of meat is its lack of calcium. lf the meat is trimmed of fat there is also likely to occur a deficiency in energy. There are numerous other deficiencies, but none as dramatic as these two.

Meat, nevertheless, is the single most important source of protein fed to dogs. Thousands of tons of horse meat and beef are used each year in producing commercial dog foods. Hundreds of tons more are fed as a supplement to commercial foods or in home-made rations.

When fed as an addition to a balanced commercial food, meat can be added up to 10 percent of the weight of the mixture. When added in any greater amounts it will dilute the commercial food to the extent that the diet will no longer be balanced or adequate. When used as the sole source of protein in a home-made ration, meat should constitute at least 25 percent of the total weight of the diet. However, home-made rations should ever contain more than 75 percent of its weight as meat

All meats except pork can be fed to a dog either cooked or raw, but will usually furnish more nourishment in the raw state. Vitamins are destroyed by the heat of cooking. Fat also is driven out of meat during cooking, and unless it is poured back into the ration, it will become lost as an energy source. The only real justification for feeding a dog cooked meat in a homemade ration is because it is pork, or because the dog does not like raw meat. Dogs having a genuine dislike for raw meat are few and far between.

The nature of the animal from which the meat comes does not seem to be too important where protein is concerned. Nutritionally, most proteins from different animals seem to be about equal. For years it was contended by some dog owners that pork could not be fed to dogs. Feeding experiments do not find this to be true. In fact, pork liver is probably among the most nutritious livers commonly available to dogs. The only restriction which pork has when being fed to dogs is that it be cooked.

About the author: Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of http://www.naturalpetsworl d.com , a site devoted to offering a huge selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

Pit Bull Terrier Puppy Training: Potty Train Your Dog

Author: Tim Amherst

Potty training your new American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is a necessary evil. Your dog needs to learn at an early age where to properly relieve himself. You can begin working with your pup at 8 weeks of age.

Puppy potty training can sometimes prove to be a frustrating task. You must do the same routine every single day and it is important to give your puppy a lot of extra attention as this will make the house breaking process much easier. The house training process will take longer if you are gone during the day at a job because your dog won't be able to hold it for extended periods of time when he is just starting out. To begin potty training your Pit Bull, give him an area that is all his own. A tiled laundry room works very well if you have one in your residence. Cover the area with newspaper and make sure that you give him access to his bed, toys, and food bowl. When leaving to go out, make sure that your Pit pup is in his ""area"" and cannot leave. You can buy a baby gate which will keep him confined, without feeling shut in.

After you have gone, he will need to go potty at some point and will relieve himself. As time goes on, he will begin to go in the same spot and when this starts to happen, simply begin to remove the newspaper in the rest of the room which is not being used. Continue doing this until the only patch of newspaper in the room is the area he has chosen to do his business.

When at home, spend as much time with your Pit Bull puppy as possible. The potty training process will be much, much easier if take your dog outside every 45 minutes or so, then praise him excitedly when he relieves himself in the yard. You can also give him a small treat when he goes to the bathroom outside to further encourage his good behavior.

It is a bad idea and completely ineffective to scold your puppy for having an accident in the house. Positive reinforcement and a lot of extra time and attention is the best way to handle this task and remember that no dog is completely potty trained until they have reached the age of 6-8 months. Patience is a must!

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

Dog Attack Lawyers & Dog Bite Attorneys in California

Author: T.Going

Dog Attack Lawyers & Dog Bite Attorneys in California

Dog attacks have been a serious problem in the United States. Reports estimate that around twenty Americans each year are killed by dog attacks. To make things worse, children make up the majority of these victims, as around five million victims of dog attacks are under the age of 18. There are certain types of dog breeds that can actually view children as threats. Sometimes children don't understand the dog's motives, and end up getting themselves into trouble.

Since the late 1970's dog attacks have been on the rise in the United States. Currently there are around 65 million dogs that live in the United States and each year more people bring more and more of these animals into their homes. Of course, owning a dog is not considered dangerous, but many owners overlook the potential risks that they present. The reality is, any dog might attack under the right circumstances.

It is very important that both dog owners and the victims of dog attacks know the dog attack regulations in their local area. Owners have a certain level of liability for the behavior of their pets, while the victims should also be aware of the regulations that affect their rights. For instance, in the United States most dog bite regulations say that the dog owner is liable for the dog's behavior. While this is true in many cases, other circumstances to take into consideration include trespassing, veterinarians, felons, provocation and whether the dog was a police or military dog.

Dog bite regulations also include the 'one bite rule'. This is a law that protects a dog owner from liability the first time his or her dog bites someone. However, there are some exceptions to this rule that include negligent or reckless conduct. If the same dog bites someone for the second time however, then the owner is held liable regardless of the circumstances behind the situation.

Everyday around 1,000 people will need to seek emergency medical attention because of dog bites. Not only do these attacks cause physical pain, but they can also psychologically scar the victim for many years. This is especially true if the victim is just a young child. But, since dogs are such common and popular household pets, victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder that is so intense that they won't be able to interact with any dogs for the rest of their lives.

About $1 billion is spent each year in medical bills, insurance premiums and lost work due to dog attacks. Sometimes homeowners insurance can cover the damages caused by a dog attack, but generally the cost of the attack is paid for out-of-pocket. Dog attack lawsuits can help a victim recover monetary compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack it is very important that you contact a dog bite attack lawyer today.

For more information on hiring a dog attack lawyer or a

dog bite attorney please visit our website at http://ww w.sddefenselawyers.com/cadogbitelawyer/ This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

About the author: None

Dog Breath! Are You and Your Family Suffering from Your Pet's Bad Breath?

Author: Dave Eckholm

When was the last time your loveable canine gave you a big wet kiss? If your dog has doggie breath, you may not be the only one who is suffering. Your dog's problem extends beyond the odor. Canine halitosis (dog breath) can be a sign of periodontal disease or a mouth infection. The symptoms of periodontal disease are not limited to foul breath but also include excessive tartar build up, tooth discoloration and gum disease. Most dogs suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, but with proper dental care and food, the degree of the affliction can be limited.

Mouth infections are a more serious issue that will require a visit to your veterinarian. If the gums and soft tissue supporting the teeth are severely inflamed, it could be stomatitis. Another cause of bad breath could be a severe cavity, abscess, tooth fracture or something caught in the gum line. If you suspect any of these afflictions, bring your dog to the veterinarian for evaluation and treatment for pain with antibiotics.

If you have ruled out infection and are faced with periodontal disease, there are some treatments to help your dog's breath.

Proper Diet --Dry food is a good choice to provide chewing and gum stimulation. Moist food does not have to be chewed as thoroughly and can stick to the teeth. Rawhide and other dry chewing treats will also provide a chewing exercise. Consider food and treats with tartar control. Avoid giving your pet real animal bones as they can splinter and bits of bone can lodge under the gum line and cause injury.

Brush Teeth --Ideally your dog's teeth should be brushed once a day but realistically a minimum of twice a week is acceptable. There are special brushes, pastes and rinses to make this job more enjoyable for your dog. Don't use mint-flavored human toothpaste. It's foaming action and ingredients are hard on your dog's stomach. Opt for special dog friendly pastes like tuna or meat flavored instead. Start with one or two teeth and work up to a whole mouth routine. If your dog won't accept the brush, try a pediatric finger brush. It is a rubber, thimble-like devise that fits over your finger. The rubber bristles are soft and might be more comfortable to your dog.

Copyright 2006 Dave Eckholm/Old Dog Paws

About the author: Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, he started to have special needs. We searched for new resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!

Dog Breed Profile - Greyhound

Author: Stephanie Bayliss

History

There are conflicting opinions regarding the origin of the Greyhound, from the Celts who believed that they came from Greece, to the Romans who believed that they came from Gaul (in Western Europe), with many varying opinions inbetween.

There are ancient pictures which date back to 6000BC in the city of Catal-Huyuk in present-day Turkey, depicting dogs very similar in type to Greyhounds. Pictures from 4000BC found on a funery vase in Iran also depict Greyhound-like dogs which suggest that these dogs were held in the highest regard. Ancient artists tended only to depict images of religious or social importance.

Appearance

Greyhounds have an extremley elegant and graceful appearance; slender but also strong. They are propelled by extremely strong hindquarters; when they run it appears effortless and truly beautiful.

It is a pleasure to watch these dogs race, with their long neck and face set on their long, slender frame.

Greyhounds come in a massive variety of colours; Black, red, white, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colours broken up with white

Temperament

Despite what most people think, these dogs can be real couch potatoes! Although they are capable of short bursts of speeds of upto 64km/hr, they are not blessed with great amounts of endurance, so love to get home after walkies and sleep it off!

They are great family pets; kind and gentle with their families and very affectionate. They may be a little aloof with strangers, but never nasty.

However, their history must be remembered; they were bred to course and race and therefore have tendencies to chase and catch small things; this can include smaller dogs, cats and other small pets. They must be very carefully socialised with smaller dogs and extreme care should be taken around cats.

Grooming

With their short coats, they will only require a very minimal amount of time spent on grooming.

Exercise

Two 20 minute walks a day is ample for these dogs - they particularly enjoy getting home to relax after their walkies!! Real care should be taken with allowing these dogs off lead - unless they are EXTREMELY well trained, they are liable to run off and chase any small thing that moves - and at 64km/h, there is no chance you'll be able to catch them!!

Health Problems

Greyhounds can be prone to injury when expelling their pent up energy! They don't really suffer from any genetic diseases; they can be a little sensitive to drugs although vets should be aware of this if treating them.

About the author: Stephanie has written many articles on dogs. Visit Kennel Corner for more Dog Breed Profiles and other interesting dog resources, including a Dog Obedience School Directory

Keeping Your Older Dog Safe

Author: Dave Eckholm

Can you imagine letting a toddler run along the edge of a mountain? Would you leave your elderly grandparent who suffers from dementia alone on a bench in the hot sun? Would you let your mom whose eyesight is failing, walk around the edge of your pool? Of course not!

However, many loving pet owners make the same mistakes with their elderly dogs. As a dog ages, his eyesight fails along with his mind and energy. Things that were easy for him to navigate, such as the edge of a hill or a walk through the woods, are now extremely difficult. He can't always see the edge of a pool or cliff and his joints won't allow him to recover from a misstep as easily as when he was a young pup. Older dogs, like elderly people, tend to be more susceptible to heat and need to be kept comfortable during extremely hot days.

Here are a few reminders of what can be dangerous to your older pet and some ideas on how to keep them safe.

Daily Walk Safety

Retractable leashes are a great way to let your dog run a bit without getting away from you. Many older dogs get a bit of ""puppy"" in them and they will take-off running only to get into trouble because they can no longer see very well or hear commands. Some older dogs also develop dementia and cannot sense danger. Senior dogs need to be kept from wandering too far. A retractable lease will keep you in control but allow your dog the ability to roam.

Flashing safety collars or bright safety vests are also a great way to keep your dog visible to you and others. The collars can be seen up to one mile away and the vests are reflective. If your dog does wander off during his nighttime business, he will be less likely to be hit by a car and easier to locate.

Water Safety

Accidental drowning is a major problem for older dogs. Many older dogs develop cataracts and they are no longer able to determine the edge of the pool. Once in the pool, they often do not have the energy to swim long enough to be noticed, nor have the strength and agility to jump out. There are several options to keep your dog safe near water. There are pool alarms designed to float on the surface of the pool and react to motion in the water. Another alarm attaches to your dog's collar and sounds if they fall in. There are also life vests for dogs, which are great for boating or when your dog is around a lake or river.

Extreme Temperatures

No dog is comfortable in extremely hot or cold weather and again, just as elderly adults are more vulnerable to the excessive temperatures, it can also be deadly for your dog. Keep him in air conditioning as much as possible on extremely warm days. Make certain that your dog has access to plenty of water. Avoid taking your dog in the car with you if you cannot bring him inside at your destination. If your dog is longhaired or tends to be easily overheated, consider a cooling bed or collar.

In the extreme cold, make the outdoor visits as brief as possible. Remember, dogs can get frostbite on their paws and noses. Outdoor dogs need to be brought in from the cold when the temperatures are significantly below zero.

Car Rides

Your dog might still love to ride with you in the car but now his safety is more important than ever. Getting your beloved pooch into the car can be a challenge. Arthritis can mean his jumping-into-the-backseat days are over! Ramps are available to help your dog into his co-pilot chair. There is also a lifting aid that will wrap comfortably around his middle to give you a way to assist him into the car. Remember, his balance is not as good as when he was younger so consider a seat belt harness to keep him from falling off the seat.

Household Dangers

It is as important as ever to keep your dog away from any plants, foods, or poisons that are toxic to canines. As they age, their systems won't be able to tolerate the damage from the poison or the treatment.

ASPCA is warning dog owners the newly discovered danger posed by is grapes and raisins. These fruits have been used as a training treat for dogs, but have been recently found to cause renal failure if eaten in large doses. If your older pet was trained using grapes and raisins or you have used these fruits as treats for your dog, he probably has developed a taste for them. You need to store these fruits where your dog cannot get into them. Of the 10 dogs that were reported poisoned by overeating grapes/raisins, only 5 survived. And that was with early, aggressive treatment. An older dog would not have much of a chance if he is accidentally poisoned in this manner. Please visit the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center Website, www.napcc.aspca.org for addition information.

Copyright 2006 Dave Eckholm/OldDogPaws.com

About the author: Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for his quality of life so we searched for new ideas, resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!

Dog Breed Profile - Border Collie

Author: Stephanie Bayliss

History

Border Collies date back many, many years, although were given the name Border Collie around 1915. They were bred out of necessity; shepherds in the borders between England and Scotland could not have worked their flocks without the help of their trusted sheep dogs. Many herding dogs exist, but the image that most people summon when they think of sheep dogs is that of the Border Collie.

Appearance

Border Collies have a fairly broad face, with strong short muzzle. They have beautiful, big oval eyes, which are usually brown but can be striking blue in merle coloured dogs.

The most common Border Collie colour is Black and White, although they also come in red and white, blue merle and many variations in-between. Their coats can be long or short, but are dense in both cases.

Border Collies look like true athletes; strong and agile - they are so active that its rare to see an overweight Border Collie!!

Temperament

Border Collies are extremely intelligent and are the true work-a-holics of the dog world!!

They are extremely loyal to their trusted family group but generally develop an unbreakable bond with their master; no dog can make its master feel more important and loved than a Border Collie; once you have their trust, its hard to break!

They are great fun for older kids as they will play Frisbee or ball; they have endless energy and the kids will tire long before a Border Collie would!

Their intelligence does not make them ideal pets for most people; they need significant amounts of exercise and if they are not given a job to do to keep their mind active, they can become destructive and stressed.

Agility, Flyball and Obedience competitions are dominated by Border Collies because of their energy and intelligence. Some of these competitions run classes called ABC classes (Anything But Collies) to give some of the other breeds a chance!!

Grooming

A quick groom once or twice a week (perhaps more at shedding time), should keep a Border Collie's dense coat in lovely, shiny condition.

Exercise

Border Collies require significant amounts of physical and mental exercise; they will walk and run for hours and will still want to play ball when you get home! They excel in agility, flyball and obedience because of their boundless energy and intelligence.

They will make themselves busy around the house; performing tricks and fetching and carrying newpapers and post. But if you don't give these dogs mental workouts and things to do, they will find things for themselves, like emptying bins and generally being destructive!

Not a dog for the feint hearted!!

Health Problems

Border Collies are one of the healthiest and hardiest dogs and do not tend to suffer illness often. Some Border Collies suffer from allergies and deafness is known to affect the breed occasionally.

About the author: Stephanie has written many articles on dogs. Visit Kennel Corner for more Dog Breed Profiles and other interesting dog resources, including a Dog Obedience School Directory

Dog Breed Profile - Rhodesian Ridgeback

Author: Stephanie Bayliss

History

Records show that ridgebacked dogs were used in South Africa as hunting and companion dogs as far back as the 15th Century. They were used to track big game (hence the name ""Lion Dog"") and were trained to trap the prey without attacking, and to alert their masters by barking.

In the 17th Century, these dogs were bred by European settlers with their own scent hounds and mastiffs, into the Ridgeback of today.

Appearance

Ridgebacks are large, handsome and althletic looking dogs. Their name comes from the ridge of hair on their back which grows in the opposite direction to the rest of their hair.

They have a broad skull with big round eyes which are quite wide set. They can have a black nose with dark eyes or a brown nose with amber eyes.

They have a deep set chest with strong, muscular shoulders and loins.

Temperament

Ridgebacks are stubborn and determined dogs; it is essential that they are properly socialised and receive some proper training at an early age. Because of their stubborness, they can be a challenge to train and may not be suitable for inexperienced dog owners.

Having said this, they are a pleasure to own. They make lovely family pets; they are confident and placid at home although they are generally aloof with strangers.

With their imposing size and a big bark, these dogs make good guard dogs and are likely to deter intruders.

Grooming

With their very short, dense coat, a minimal amount of grooming is required.

Exercise

Ridgebacks are big dogs and therefore require a significant amount of exersize - in the region of an hour a day as a minimum although they will keep going for as long as you ask them to!

Health Problems

As with many large dogs, hip and elbow dysplasia is not uncommon. Parents ""hip"" scores should be checked to minimise the risk of this hereditory disease being present - good breeders will only breed from parents with low hip scores.

It is estimated that about 5% of Ridgebacks have Dermoid Sinus; this relates to a tube like piece going from the surface of the skin into variable depths of the tissue. This has a tendancy to become affected. Breeders should ensure that puppies are tested for this condition before they go to their new homes; if a puppy is free of Dermoid Sinus, it is not something that will develop at a later age.

It is possible for vets to operate to remove the Dermoid Sinus.

About the author: Stephanie has written many articles on dogs. Visit Kennel Corner for more Dog Breed Profiles and other interesting dog resources, including a Dog Obedience School Directory

Dog Training

Author: Paul

Dog Training: Resolving Problems

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: Dog Lover

Dog obedience training

Author: Ted Belfour

Which dog owner won't feel proud of his disciplined dog? Reversely, who won't feel ashamed of an unruly dog? It is very important for your dog to be absolutely obedient to commands of his owner. You can't expect your dog to be obedient by birth or nature. You have to take pains to make him understand obey your commands.

Obedience training to your dog can be imparted in many ways - two of the more popular methods are typically carrot and stick methods. First method heavily depends on the stick or punishment approach. Second method deals with the reward system for the dog.

Leash and collar method of dog obedience training has survived for a long time now. It is primitive but still mostly followed. The premises of this training method are based here - leash will be the mode of communication with the dog. Dog must understand the commands, and if not obeyed to, leash should be put to action. Using leash alone is not sufficient - dog must be made aware of the good and bad behavior. Once tracked on the path to bad behavior, dog can be punished with the leash.

Reward system doesn't believe in punishing the dog. It follows psychological approach to deal with dog training. Dog is made to know the good parts of behavior and rewarded for the same. His ugly behavior is neglected in the form of psychological treatment. The trainer or owner walks away from the dog immediately after the show of bad behavior. Dog is an intelligent animal to understand the difference between the bad and good behavior.

Whatever technique is used for dog obedience training, it is important to know that the training must be consistent. Dogs get easily confused due to double standards employed. If you expect your dog never to jump on the bed, never let or invite him on the bed. Ensure that your dog never reaches the bed.

Obedience training starts on the fundamental issues like sitting, standing, walking, listening to your commands & following those, sitting in the car, etc.

The dog owner can easily impart obedience training. You may find alternates to this by getting your dog enrolled with some obedience classes or dog instructor. Evaluate all the training techniques, methods, equipment, infrastructure, experience, etc before taking the final decision on outside help. Remember, the most ideal way will be yourself to be the instructor. Your dog will love it.

About the author: Ted Belfour is the founder of http://www.house-training-puppy.info and http://www.training-a-puppy.info websites providing information on dog training.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 20 - 28 cm (8 - 11 inches)

Weight: About 8 kg (18 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Reasonable

Feeding: Small

Temperament: Affectionate & independent

Country of Origin: Scotland

AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is determined, courageous, intelligent and independent. Dandie Dinmonts demand attention and are very affectionate with their family. They are good with children, strangers and usually leave other dogs alone. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very sociable yet calm dogs and show utter devotion to their owner.

Grooming:

Dandie Dinmont Terriers need regular brushing and the coat will need professional stripping (plucking out the dead hairs) once or twice per year. The owner can learn to do the stripping themselves if they don't want the extra expense of professional grooming.

Exercise:

These dogs look as though they wouldn't do anything in a hurry, but they can be quickly aroused if they spot anything they can chase. Dandie Dinmonts tend to adapt themselves to the family activities for their exercise needs.

Feeding:

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not big eaters and only need small sized meals.

History:

The origins of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is somewhat obscure, but it is believed that they are the result of cross-breeding between the small, rough coated terriers and the Otter Hounds. In 1700 a distinctive type of terrier was found in the Cheviot Hills on the English/Scottish border. It wasn't until 1814 that they rose in popularity with the publication of Sir Walter Scott's novel Guy Mannering. This book had a character named Dandie Dinmont who owned 6 of these charming little dogs. It was from this fictitious character that the breed acquired its name.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Low-slung, hardy with a soulful expression.

Color: Pepper or mustard. Pepper is dark bluish black to light silver grey. And mustard is reddish brown to pale fawn.

Coat: The outercoat is hard but not wiry. The undercoat is soft and linty.

Tail: Reasonably short, covered with stiff hair and with feathering of about 5cm.

Ears: Pendant shaped, hanging against the cheek, set low and with slight feathering.

Body: The body is long, strong and flexible. The chest comes down below the elbows and the topline curves up over the rump and then down to the low set tail.

Additional Comments:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is more docile than other terriers, but it does have a surprising deep and loud bark.

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

Simple Tips On Finding Free Dog Training

Author: Marc Lindsay

Free dog training advice can be extremely beneficial when attempting to train your dog at home. Free dog training advice can come from various sources, including but not limited to:

* professional dog trainers * dog training publications * documentaries on dog training * dog training videos * the internet

The following paragraphs will disclose some helpful tips to use when you are trying to locate free dog training advice to help you train your dog at home.

The first place you can receive free dog training advice is from professional dog trainers in your area. Most professional dog trainers do not mind sharing their expertise, as long as you do not expect too much for free. Having a specific question in mind is an excellent idea when seeking free dog training advice from professional dog trainers.

The next place you can research and find free dog training advice is in different dog training publications. Books and magazines provide free dog training advice when you borrow the dog training publications from the library. You can sometimes find free dog training advice in various free publications specializing in pets. When seeking free dog training advice from different dog training publications, it is always best to seek recommendations from other pet owners. Talk to your family and friends. They could also be good sources of free dog training advice.

Finally, the world wide web is an excellent source of free dog training advice, and is often considered the best source of free dog training advice. Not only do many professional dog trainers have their own web pages that often display free dog training advice, many pet owners have like web pages. Dog lovers all over the world are eager to share free dog training advice with other dog lovers via the world wide web. Generating a list of links to these web pages is easy.

To bring up a list of links that will lead to free dog training advice is simple. First you must decide upon a search engine. Then in the provided area, type in ""free dog training advice"" and click search. This will generate the list of links that will be helpful in finding free dog training advice on the internet.

When training your dog at home, free dog training advice can prove to be very beneficial to you. Locating free dog training advice has never been more simple and the possibilities so endless!

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

American Pit Bull Dog Obedience Training

Author: Tim Amherst

The Pit Bull terrier is an amazing dog and is extremely energetic and can certainly prove to be a handful if not properly trained. American Pit Bulls are extremely loyal and when a relationship is formed, it lasts forever. If you're a new Pit Bull owner, you really need to understand how demanding these dogs can be and realize that they need a lot of attention and training in order to recognize their full potential as pets. Pits are very intelligent dogs and this will work to your advantage as you're going through the training process.

Because of their high intelligence, Pit Bulls can have stubborn streak in them but don't let this scare you when it comes to obedience training time. You as the owner must remember that there will be times when you ask him to do something and he's not going to obey, even though he knows what you are expecting him to do. Remember to remain patient in these times and don't get frustrated. The earlier you being training your Pit, the better. At 8 weeks of age, you can begin basic training and socializing your Pit Bull puppy. Remember, make sure to keep the training activities fun and use positive reinforcements to encourage desired behavior.

Socialization is one of the key areas of focus for Pit Bull training. Pits can be extremely friendly and affectionate animals but they can be dog aggressive if not properly socialized. The best way to socialize your pup is to enroll in training classes. Training classes allow your Pit to be trained side by side with other dogs.

When your Pit Bull puppy reaches the age of 13-16 weeks, you can begin a more serious training routine. During this age, your Pit will likely test his boundries with you and explore the area of dominance. He may nip and try to assume the alpha dog role. It is important to be strong during this time and maintain the dominant role in the relationship.

Pit Bulls are genuinely lovable family dogs that if properly trained, make a great pet for anyone. They are excellent dogs that love being around their ""people"". Be sure to train your Pit Bull as early as possible and remember to stay consistent.

About the author: To learn all about American Pitbull Terriers and training a Pitbull , visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

Agility Dog Training And Pit Bull Terriers

Author: Tim Amherst

Spending time training your Pit Bull can be very rewarding and fun for you both. It helps build a stronger bond between dog and owner that is important for the happiness of both parties. There are many different types of training that you can choose to do with your Pit Bull, one such is agility training.

Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is successful, your pet should be able to do it by only listening to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must not make any mistakes and must have the fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog and trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls because it gives them a good outlet for all the extra energy they seem to have.

Most experts recommend not starting agility training until your dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter in a competition before that age. Many owners who train their dogs to participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to have at home, so that they can begin training the dog at an earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so some trainers prefer to build their own equipment. Instructions can be found online and in books that should be available either in your local library or bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury, because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy is still growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have your dog cleared by a veterinarian before beginning any type of agility training.

The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to build a better relationship with each other, allowing them to work better and better together as time goes on. You should also work through any behavior or aggression issues your Pit Bull may have before considering agility training. The results will be less satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.

Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog competing in agility competitions will enroll him in a training class, at least to help teach him the basics, then work with the dog on their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will also help your dog work on his socialization, which will make him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend to want to fight when around other dogs, especially those of the same gender.

The most important thing to remember is no matter what type of training you do with your Pit Bull, you both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help build a better bond, leading to a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the benefits for both you and the dog are many.

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

Dogue De Bordeaux - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Giant

Height: 58 - 70 cm (25.5 - 27.5 inches)

Weight: 45 - 50 kg (99 - 110 lb)

Life Span: 10 years

Grooming: Simple

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Protective & calm

Country of Origin: France

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: French Mastiff

Temperament:

The Dogue de Bordeaux is friendly, attentive and curious. These calm dogs bond closely to their owner or family and rarely bark. Dogue de Bordeauxs make good guard dogs for protecting their family and home. This breed gets on with other household pets if they are socialised at an early age. Dogue de Bordeauxs tend to be caring towards children but quite wary of strangers.

Grooming:

The folds around the face need to be kept clean and the coat should be groomed with a rubber brush during moulting to remove the dead hairs.

Exercise:

Dogue de Bordeauxs need regular exercise. They can be hard on themselves physically and it is important that they don't tire themselves when they are young and still growing, as they need all their enegry to build a healthy body.

History:

The origins of the Dogue de Bordeaux is obscure, but it is believed that this French breed originiated from one of the strains of the Mastiff type dogs. They were used for guarding homes, butcher shops and vineyards and also worked as pack hunting dogs, pursuing boars, jaguars and bears. The Dogue de Bordeaux almost became extinct during the two world wars, but was resuscitated in the 1960s. In the early 1980s the first Dogue de Bordeaux arrived in America and is now used as a household companion or guard.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Powerfully built, muscular and a well-balanced body.

Color: Fawn - white marks are permitted on the chest and feet if they are not spread too widely.

Coat: Fine, short and soft.

Tail: Tapering, drooping or turned up when the dog is active.

Ears: Quite small, hanging close to the cheek, set high and slightly rounded at the tip.

Body: Broad shoulders with prominent muscles. A broad and well muscled back.

Additional Comments:

The Dogue de Bordeaux bonds so closely to it's family that seperation seems like a punishment to them. This breed is not ideal for anyone who is away from the house for long periods.

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