Archive for the ‘Dogs’ Category

 

How To Travel With Dogs

Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006

Traveling with dogs can sometimes be a challenge. In our case we have two dogs that are as different as day and night. One is an 80 lb. Labrador and the other a 5 lb. Papillion. So you might imagine what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for the other.

Living in South Florida we have been known to have our occasional hurricane. I’m here to tell you that I HATE storms. They announce one coming and the dust is trailing behind me! To complicate my fear of storms we have the 2 dogs and an elderly father that lives with us. So our exit out of town needs to be well thought out.

Tip! Potty training for dogs will certainly try your patience! Be gentle and patient. Expect the right results by consistancy and perseverence.

First of all, its important to have a list of necessary supplies. By having the list you aren’t rushing around at the last minute worrying that you’ve remembered everything. Things you might include on your list are your dog’s or cat’s vaccination record. If you don’t have one, at the very least have the vet’s phone number. He or she can always provide the information to you, should the need arise. Have a list of any medications your pet may be taking and the proper dosage. Water and food dishes, leads, collars and a few toys are a necessity when traveling with your pet. You want them to feel as comfortable and “at home” as possible.

For our lab, we have the option to take one of the back seats out so that he has plenty of room to stretch out. The Papillion gets an old pillow to rest on, or you may have a dog bed. Try to keep as much familiar for them as possible. This assists in keeping restlessness to a minimum.

Tip! For senior dogs being crated up and moved to the relatives or a kennel can be traumatic. Since a pet sitter either stays at your home or visits your dog periodically, this stress can be eliminated.

We research our route well before heading out to make sure of which hotels are pet friendly. Be sure and call the hotel ahead of time. We have found that hotels we visited in the past, stopped accepting pets. We also found a wide range of additional fees for the stay. Holiday Inn Express is one of our personal favorites. I can not stress enough the need to phone ahead!

While in the car be sure your pet is always secured. We keep our dogs on a lead and have found this very helpful. Especially when someone is exiting or entering the car you don’t want the pet to dash out into traffic or up a tree and be harmed.

Like people, pets appreciate stretching their legs and the chance to relieve themselves. Most rest stops have designated areas for you to use. Be sure you take this time to water and exercise them. A happy pet makes for a happy owner and a pleasant trip.

Tip! Purebred dogs are more expensive � the prices have sky-rocketed and sometimes hit the $1,000 mark. Consider going to the humane society or animal shelter to find a perfectly fine dog.

 

 

Find PetFriendlyHotels and DiscountHotels at our HotelFinder website.

Purebred Breeders Of Dogs Directory. Featured breeder listings.

 

How To Tips For Nervous Dogs

Tuesday, November 21st, 2006

In The UK we are fast approaching Fireworks Night which in our multi-cultural society heralds a sustained period of celebrations including Diwali or Deepawali coming to an end around New Years Eve.

Around the world the Firework has for hundreds of years formed a key part of celebrations.

I thought it might be useful to outline some tips for dog lovers like me about how to keep your dog calm during what can be a scary couple of months for our faithful friends like our mutt Sam (a Black Lab/ Springer Cross).

Tip! Why do dogs beg or steal from the dinner table? Quite simply, they want food.

There’s nothing new here and I can’t claim to have invented these but they’ve worked for Sam I hope they work for you.

On particularly noisy nights Sam likes to have a safe hiding place, he uses a small alcove at the side of the Settee; it’s in his favorite place (other than the cat litter tray!) next to us in the living room; I know someone who uses an animal carrier with the door open.

We also do the obvious stuff like close the curtains and turn up the Television to drown out the Firework noise, but we don’t shut the doors as I was once told this would make him feel trapped.

Tip! Fleas multiply fast and do not voluntarily leave the body of the pet, the flea allergy will last for a long time.

We always try and make Sam tired so in the afternoon we try and take him for a long walk and a play with his Friends, Sophie, Honey and Snoopy.

Like you and I Sam feels sleepy after a big meal, so before the Fireworks begin give him a big meal preferably high in Carbohydrate, try rice or mash Potatoes.

There are also a number of products on the market including a natural remedy called Serene-UM. I understand that this product works best if given to a dog over a period of time so now’s the time to start. Apparently people often make the mistake of only giving there animal Serene-UM a few days before and this reduces the effectiveness. I found a Website that will deliver Serene-UM to your home http://www.pets2home.co.uk/ and it’s on special offer!!

Tip! Always groom your dog after they have been outdoors in and around where ticks live, high grass, thick brush, or even in the woods.

If you’re worried all this won’t work speak to your Vet about Dog Appeasing Pheromone. It comes as a plug in diffuser and I’m told has really calming influence on Dogs.

Terry King

kinterry@googlemail.co.uk

 

 

Terry married and lives with his wife Louise and his dog Sam a Two year old Lab/Springer Cross( Sam not Louise)

 

How To Find Great Gifts for Dogs And Dog-Lovers Alike

Monday, November 20th, 2006

If you know a dog-lover, then a whole new world of possible gifts is open to you. Of course, first you need to decide whether or not you want to get a gift for the dog-lover, the dog, or both. Here are some excellent dog-lover gift ideas:

For The Dog-Lover:

It is possible to find just about anything with a dog motif – pajamas, mugs, t-shirts, statues, etc. – but that does not mean that your dog lover will appreciate any or all of these things. So, what should you get for a dog-lover?

Tip! Why do dogs beg or steal from the dinner table? Quite simply, they want food.

First of all, do not go out and buy something with just any old dog on it. Find something with a dog that looks very similar to your dog-lover’s dog. Find an item with the same breed. Next, think about whether or not this person will actually wear a t-shirt with a giant picture of a schnauzer on it. Not everyone will. On the other hand, she or he might use a tote with a small schnauzer embroidered, classily, on it.

Also, think of a gift that is useful and not to bold, like greeting cards. People are often in short supply of greeting cards, and a set of greeting cards with something as personal as the likeness of a pet printed on them are certain to be appreciated.

Tip! Purebred dogs are more expensive � the prices have sky-rocketed and sometimes hit the $1,000 mark. Consider going to the humane society or animal shelter to find a perfectly fine dog.

If giving an item that simply has a “likeness” to a pet is not personal enough for you, you can take a photo of the pet, and then have a gift made from it. You could give something as simple as a framed photo of the beloved dog, or you can visit a place like ofoto.com and have your photo made into coasters, playing cards, or a number of other items!

For The Dog

Before getting a gift for the dog, make sure that you know what sort of dog it is. For instance, a small dog will not be able to handle large toys or bones, and a small dog bones could pose a threat to a large dog. Also be aware that a puppy has different health requirements than an older dog. Depending on the ailments of an older dog, he may not be allowed to eat protein, may only be able to eat soft food, or might have other requirements that must be followed. A good dog gift is one that does not cause harm to the dog! Also, be ware that while a dog might love a toy that sings or beeps, his owner may not!

Tip! For senior dogs being crated up and moved to the relatives or a kennel can be traumatic. Since a pet sitter either stays at your home or visits your dog periodically, this stress can be eliminated.

So, what should you get for a dog? One great idea is to sign him up for a “stuffed animal of the month” club. Every month, the dog will receive a brand new stuffed animal, just in time to replace last month’s old, ratty, and chewed-up one.

Consider baking your own dog treats for the dog (again, be aware of the specific health guidelines that that particular dog might have to follow). There are great dog treat recipes on line or in doggie cookbooks that you can follow.

You might think that a Christmas outfit or a Halloween outfit is the perfect gift for a dog, but I am here to tell you that the dog most certainly will not agree! Instead, consider getting the dog a sweater – to be used specifically on cold days, and not for style.

Dog Gifts For The Owner And For The Dog

A Frisbee or a ball is a gift that both a dog-lover and a dog will enjoy. There are even Frisbees made with “handles” that make them easier for the dog to pick up.

A monogrammed leash and collar (with the phone number embroidered on, as well) is a wonderful gift that will make the owner and dog look snazzy while out on their walk, while also helping to ensure the safe return of the dog if he slips away.

 

 

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on dogs and gifts, please visit Dog-Lover Gifts.

 

How to Rid Skin Allergies for Dogs

Sunday, November 19th, 2006
Tip! For senior dogs being crated up and moved to the relatives or a kennel can be traumatic. Since a pet sitter either stays at your home or visits your dog periodically, this stress can be eliminated.

Perhaps you have noticed your dog seems to be scratching more than usual or maybe they are licking their legs or feet consistently. You have probably checked for fleas, and have found nothing. It is very likely that your dog has developed a skin allergy. Skin allergies are very common in most dogs but some breeds are more prone to skin allergies than others. Golden retrievers, Poodles, Dalmatians, Boxers and Terriers can often have difficulties with these conditions. Dogs with double coats such as Akitas, Chows, Newfoundlands and other dogs are also potentially at greater risk as the double coat holds allergens to the skin and allows bacterial growth to occur more readily than in a single-coated dog breed.

Symptoms Of A Skin Allergy

Dogs will often display one or more of the following symptoms when they have a skin allergy:

1. Biting or chewing at the skin
2. Licking of the feet, legs and belly area
3. Rubbing of the head
4. Scratching
5. Bare patches of skin
6. Irritated or red patches
7. Dry or flaky skin

Tip! Barking from boredom or in order to attract attention is best treated by eliminating the cause. If you give your dog plenty of attention and exercise, you can insist on quiet behavior the rest of the time.

The behavior will come and go depending on the exposure to the particular allergen. The exposure can be through mites, fleas, insects, the environment, cleaning products, changes in diets or medications. The dog first encounters the irritating compound and the body begins to build antibodies to attack the substance the next time the dog is exposed. They body simply overreacts to the exposure causing irritation and the behaviors listed above.

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How To Control Allergies

Just like with humans there is no way to “cure” allergies, rather there are some ways to manage the allergies and control the environment to minimize the contact between the dog and the allergen.

The first step is to try to find out what the cause of the allergy may be. Look for any chemicals or perfumes that may be in the area. Pot pourri, air fresheners, carpet shampoos, dog shampoos or even paint or wallpaper or new carpeting can often trigger allergic reactions. Try to find new items or products being used in the house and eliminate them if possible.

Tip! Potty training for dogs will certainly try your patience! Be gentle and patient. Expect the right results by consistancy and perseverence.

Food items can also cause allergies that appear to be skin related. If the dog has recently had a change in diet or has started to eat plants or vegetation in the yard try changing the diet to the previous food or keeping the dog indoors for a few days to see if the allergy goes away. Often a diet that avoids commercially prepared foods and relies on more natural foods or foods specially formulated for allergies will provide good control and management of symptoms.

Seasonal allergies can often be controlled with small environmental changes and the use of antihistamines. A vet can prescribe and monitor the use of antihistamines for the dog, never use human medications, as there can be other serious health risks for your dog or puppy. For dogs with chronic skin allergies there are vaccinations that can be administered by your vet that will provide protection for several weeks per shot.

Tip! Because of the companionship, entertainment and unconditional love dogs give us it stands that we humans are willing to care for mans best friend by spending millions to protect, dress and entertain them.

Skin allergies are serious and can lead to bacterial infections and other conditions as the dog’s immune system is weakened. Be sure to talk to your vet about managing the allergies to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Find hundreds more articles like this at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can also find unique dog beds, dog supplies, and pet furniture that you’ll never find at your local pet store. In fact, if you later find your order being sold at your local Petco, we’ll refund your purchase plus an extra $20!

 

How To Prevent Dogs Bad Breath

Saturday, November 18th, 2006

A dog’s bad breath usually has basically the same cause as bad breath in humans: anaerobic bacteria break down proteins in the dog’s mouth and release volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), which smell like rotten eggs. These bacteria live in airless pockets in the back of the mouth, between the teeth and the gums and on the back of the tongue. In dogs more often than humans, however, the worst problem lies with a layer of tartar on the teeth.

Tartar is made up of mineral deposits, bits of food, and live bacteria: if you could magnify the tartar on a dog’s teeth, you would be able to see that it is actually very rough with numerous hollows and cavities where bacteria can live, digesting the little bits of food that are caught there as well. When the tartar is very advanced, it extends beyond the gum line, creating ideal conditions for the proliferation of bacteria that flourish in the absence of oxygen. This is often the source of halitosis in dogs, and because older dogs often have a considerable buildup of tartar, dogs bad breath is particularly associated with elderly dogs.

Tip! For senior dogs being crated up and moved to the relatives or a kennel can be traumatic. Since a pet sitter either stays at your home or visits your dog periodically, this stress can be eliminated.

It’s best to try to prevent halitosis in dogs by avoiding the troublesome buildup of tartar in the first place. There are several ways to do this: get into the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth when the dog is very young – toothpastes are available especially for dogs and cats that contain enzymes to break down the tartar and prevent it from advancing. Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly and have his or her teeth professionally examined. Dental cleaning is available to clear away accumulating tartar before it gets too bad. You can also purchase a variety of chew toys and bones that help dogs scrape the tartar off their own teeth while they are chewing. If you do all of these things, you should be able to avoid dogs bad breath.

If tartar is already a problem, and you are starting to notice your dogs bad breath, you will probably find yourself paying for an extensive cleaning, probably under general anesthetic, by the veterinarian. There is some risk involved when the dog is old, but heavy tartar on the teeth comes with high risk of health complications anyway, so in most cases, it is worth taking a chance. Aside from improving your pet’s health, the procedure is effective at putting an end to severe halitosis in dogs.

 

 

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to
Bad Breath Cure, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

 

How To Successfully Crate Train Dogs and Puppies- FAQ

Friday, November 17th, 2006


1) Why should I crate train my dog?
Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or bed? The reason is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a house. If you don’t provide it, they will create it themselves in an effort to feel safe and secure. A crate serves as a den for your dog.

Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or bed? The reason is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a house. If you don’t provide it, they will create it themselves in an effort to feel safe and secure. A crate serves as a den for your dog.

Tip! Consider adopting an older or rescued dog? Older dogs are great family members and need homes.


2) How does crate training work?

Like babies, puppies cannot control their bladders until they mature (usually between 3 and 6 months). Dogs have a natural instinct to avoid eliminating in their dens. Therefore, confining your puppy in his crate for the proper amount of time encourages him to “hold it” until you take him outside for a walk. Pet Dreams offers Free Crate Training Tips with more step-by-step details.


3) What about housebreaking older dogs?

It is never too late to crate train your dog! The number one reason dogs end up in shelters is behavior problems. Crate training, at any age, can help break bad habits and solve most of these problems.


4) How long do I need to use the crate?

Crates are not just for training- they are good for the lifetime of your dog. By providing a crate for your dog, you are in essence providing him with his own bedroom. Crates are especially important for older dogs that use it to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday family life, which often includes small children or other pets that may harass them.

Tip! During the crate training period, it is important to keep a daily diary of when the dog does its business each day. If the dog is on a regular feeding schedule, the toilet schedule should be consistent as well.


5) How safe is crate training?

Dog crates are the best housetraining tool available. They provide a room for your dog while protecting your home furnishings from damage. However, even a crate isn’t an absolute safe harbor for your pet. As per crate manufacturers warnings, you should always remove standard collars before placing your dog in a crate. Otherwise, your dog is at risk for possible strangulation if his collar or ID tags become caught in the crate’s bars. Pet Dreams’ Cratewear bumpers are the only bumpers made high enough to help prevent collar strangulation and other crate-related injuries.

Purebred Breeders Of Dogs Directory. Featured breeder listings.


6) I was told that dogs like their crates, so why do I have to force mine inside?

There are many reasons to not enjoy a bare metal dog cage.

  • Comfort: When dogs lie down in their crates, they are leaning up against wire bars, which can be very irritating. Crate bumpers and pads, like Cratewear, provide the comfort your dog will appreciate.
  • Security: Wire crates leave your dog exposed on all sides. Crate covers provide den-like security.
  • Location: Separating your dog from the rest of the family can add stress. Dogs are social animals, so the ideal location is a room full of activity. Your dog will enjoy his new room while still being part of the family. At night the bedroom is an ideal place for a crate so your dog will feel the security of being close to you.
  • Time: Confining him in his crate for excessive periods of time will be a negative experience for your dog. After housebreaking your dog, we recommend removing the door from the crate so he can enjoy his den any time he chooses.


7) What can I do to make my dog’s crate more appealing?

  • Use Cratewear to make his crate safe & comfortable 
  • Put appropriate toys and treats inside the crate, which will entice him to go in on his own.
  • Feeding your dog in his crate can develop a positive association with it.
  • Give your puppy lots of praise when he enters the crate.


8) How do I stop my dog from whining or barking the crate?

Again, make sure the crate is in a good location. Veterinarians and trainers recommend covering the crate to give your dog the privacy he needs to feel secure. If your dog can see you, he’ll want to be with you outside the crate. Crate covers lower the number of distractions your dog sees, which reduces barking and stress. Note: Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety should not be crated. If you feel your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and is showing clinical signs, please avoid crating him until speaking to a professional.

Tip! Barking from boredom or in order to attract attention is best treated by eliminating the cause. If you give your dog plenty of attention and exercise, you can insist on quiet behavior the rest of the time.


9) What’s in it for me?

Dog crates give your dog a place he can claim as his territory. Providing your dog with a comfortable room of his own will help keep him off your furniture. In addition to the safety and comfort benefits for your dog, Cratewear will enhance your wire crate to fit your decor, making the crate an attractive addition to any room. All of this results in a more positive training experience for you and your pooch!

� 2005 Pet Dreams – Pet Dreams� and Cratewear� are registered trademarks. All rights reserved.

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for our complete line of dog crate covers, crate pads, and pet beds. Our site also contains more crate training tips, FAQs, articles, and forums!

 

How To Get Overweight Dogs to Diet and Slim Down Without Whining

Thursday, November 16th, 2006
Purebred Breeders Of Dogs Directory. Featured breeder listings.

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause many problems including heart disease, joint problems, and diabetes. Almost half of dogs in America are fat, especially beagles, dachshunds, basset hounds, and Labrador retrievers. Before your dog reaches the point where they need insulin shots, you can slim them down. It will take almost a year, but it’s worth it.

Even puppies shouldn’t be overweight – all dogs need to be slim, not fat, to be healthy. A dog is at the right weight if you can feel the ribs without excess fat covering. From the side, the dog’s belly should be tucked up, and from above, there should be a noticeable waist in front of the hips. When you feel his ribs, they should be shallow indents which you can count, although you shouldn’t be able to count them just by looking.

A major cause of overweight dogs is feeding them table scraps. While it is fun to feed your dog leftover food, there are serious consequences. One is, of course, that the dog will become unsure of who is the alpha in the family. The alpha is the one who eats first, and if the dog is being fed before or during the meal, the hierarchy of the family becomes unclear. Also, table scraps may not provide the right nutrition for a dog. For example, many dogs fed table scraps can get vitamin A toxicity, and excess protein and phosphorus. If a dog is fed exclusively table scraps, they usually won’t get enough calcium and can get over-activity of the parathyroid glands.

Tip! During the crate training period, it is important to keep a daily diary of when the dog does its business each day. If the dog is on a regular feeding schedule, the toilet schedule should be consistent as well.

To reduce the weight of fat dogs, one option is to just keep to the same feeding schedule, but feed the dog less, starting by feeding the dog only � as much as you do now. This option, however, can produce a dog that whines a lot, so many owners can add bulky vegetables to the food. You can also get special low-calorie foods, which are high in bulk so the dog feels better fed. Dogs don’t usually like low-calorie foods, but they will eventually eat it and get used to it.

Another option, which can keep the whining down, is to change the feeding schedule to twice a day instead of once a day. Never leave food out all day long. Treats need to stop being given, but instead of a treat, overweight dogs can be fed one of the two small meals. If you really want to give your dog a treat, use a carrot or an apple.

Tip! Purebred dogs are more expensive � the prices have sky-rocketed and sometimes hit the $1,000 mark. Consider going to the humane society or animal shelter to find a perfectly fine dog.

A balanced dog food is at least a quarter protein and 1600 kilocalories of energy per pound, but if the dog is not active, overweight dogs will need less food. For canned dog food, the calorie intake is measured at 500 calories per pound, although if the dog food is all meat, it’s 600 calories a pound. For dry food, 1500 calories per pound, and semi-soft or moist food is 1350 per pound. So if a dog weighs less than 11 pounds, feed them about 4 ounces of dry food a day. Up to 22 pounds, feed 5 ounces, 22-50 pounds gets 11 ounces, 55-75 pounds gets 17 ounces, and 75 pounds or more get 35-30 ounces of dry food.

All these calculations don’t necessarily work, though, as each dog metabolizes food differently and has different activity levels. Remember, a dog doesn’t have to eat every day, and can go up to five days without eating. Also, spaying or neutering the dog does not cause obesity.

Tip! Clean Up After Your Dog. The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be helping dog owners everywhere.

If your dog only nibbles at the food, don’t be fooled. Nibblers tend to eat more in the long run than gobblers, and thus gain weight quicker. And if the obese dog is picky, the dog will eventually become accustomed to the healthy food, it may just take a while.

Once your dog is on a diet, keep track of the dog’s weight. If the obese dog has lost even a little weight over two weeks, you’re on the right track.

Walks should be given regularly (a couple times a day), but don’t overdo it at first if the dog is really fat. Moderation in everything is the key to seriously overweight dogs. The goal should be double the amount of the walks your dog is getting now. Once your dog is trim, though, it’s good to walk your dog a lot – most dogs don’t get enough exercise.

 

How To Control Garbage-Raiding Dogs

Wednesday, November 15th, 2006

Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may know this scenario. You walk in the door and your pal greets you with elated tail wagging, wiggling and sloppy doggy kisses. Then suddenly, he’s overcome with a guilty look and it’s off to cower behind the couch. Uh-oh. You know what this means. Sure enough, a telltale trail of eggshells, coffee grinds, grease stains and tattered wrappers leads you to the scene of the crime: the kitchen. Your dog’s done it again, raided the garbage.

You’ve tried whacking him, you’ve tried gating him, you’ve put him in dog house solitary for a few hours as punishment. Still, no matter how much you holler and scold, your dog’s still up to his no-good hijinks with that darned kitchen trash pail every time you leave the house. What’s a frustrated dog owner to do?

Tip! Clean Up After Your Dog. The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be helping dog owners everywhere.

First of all, let’s think about who we’re dealing with here. It’s a DOG. He might be your lovable pal, and at times he seems smarter than your husband, but the truth is, here’s an animal that’s at least two steps down on the food chain. Just remembering that fact alone may help you realize that your dog does not have advanced reasoning capacity.

Okay: now that we have the pooch perspective on higher learning, we can reason out the situation in a way that your dog will never be able.

If your dog is home alone, bored out of his doggy mind, he’s eventually going to find his way into the kitchen. Sniffing around for a dropped crumb under the table, maybe doing a little counter-surfing on the sly. Then, he follows his nose to the fermenting dog buffet that you call garbage… and, half crazed from having to beg for his every meal, he immediately begins harfing down every delicious morsel. He can’t help himself!

When you come home hours later and push your dog’s nose into the mess while spanking his fanny, his limited brain is not ever going to master the long-term cause-and-effect of why garbage-raiding is bad and leads to a beating. In this immediate situation: he knows three variables: him, you, and the garbage. From that simple vantage point, your pushing his nose into the garbage equals a scolding.

However, when you’re NOT there, that’s only TWO variables: him, and the garbage. To him, that means “Let’s chow down!” Later, when you come home, he’s well-forgotten the garbage-raiding spree and only knows that 1. he’s happy to see you, 2. there’s garbage around, and 3. you’re yelling at him. But he doesn’t ask “Why?” because he has no ability to reason.

Tip! If you have dog lovers in your family, think of some unique gifts you can give them. They will remember this gift for a long time if you not only give them a gift for themselves, but include something for their dog or puppy.

How are beatings and scoldings going to keep him from going on his trash rampages? They’re not!

You can use simple Pavlov-style behavior conditioning to make your dog behave through positive reinforcement. The trick to this is repetition of a single stimuli: Command, execute, reward. All of this is immediate. It’s also the reason dogs bark every time they hear a doorbell on the TV. But we’ll never be able to explain to the dog that the doorbell on the TV is not the real doorbell. And you’ll never convince him that if he stays away from the garbage he won’t get a walloping. If you can, then I suggest you have him join MENSA, because that is one genius dog!

So, the real solution to the garbage raiding predicament is this: you’re going to have to move the garbage out of your dog’s reach. It’s a simple fix for an annoying problem, and probably the only reason why you haven’t done it already is because you don’t want to change your stuff around for a dog. Well, you’re not doing it for the dog! You’re doing it for your own peace of mind.

Tip! Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities are all different, it’s a good idea to look at their individual characteristics to see if they fit with your lifestyle.

Now, where can you move the garbage to? You can pick it up and place it on top of the washing machine, if that’s behind a nearby door you can close. You can rearrange the cleaning products under your kitchen sink and fit it under there, and then buy or fashion a lock for the cabinet door. You can shut it in the garage on your way out. You can hoist it up on a countertop that your dog can’t jump up on. You can stow it away in the bathroom.

Tip! Potty training for dogs will certainly try your patience! Be gentle and patient. Expect the right results by consistancy and perseverence.

There now, was that so hard? You didn’t have to spend tons of money on dog obedience classes. You didn’t have to go through the heartbreak of laying into your little pup when he’s giving you those big, sad eyes. And best of all, you didn’t have to come home and Febreeze the living heck out of your livingroom rug.

Move the garbage. For the love of dog!

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

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How To Find Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers And Their Dogs

Tuesday, November 14th, 2006
How To Tip! When next Christmas comes around withdraw your money and repeat the process again.

If you have dog lovers in your family, it’s time to think of some unique gifts you can give them this Christmas. They will remember this gift for a long time if you not only give them a gift form themselves, but include something for their dog or puppy.

The Complete Christmas Collection. Christmas Recipes, Crafts and Kids Activities.

To get your ideas flowing, here are some gifts you can get for the dog lover: of course, if you can take some pictures of their dog in advance, many of the following ideas will be even more special.

         

  • a T-shirt/sweatshirt that says My Dog Loves Me – they’ll be proud to wear it.
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  • a picture of their dog framed in a paw picture frame – there is no better way to let them know you love them: every time they walk past this picture, they’ll be reminded of your kind gesture, and that you took the time to give them something special.
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  • a collectible figurine featuring their dog breed – this will become part of the room decor.
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    How To Tip! Support – Who’s your best support at Christmas ? Santa Claus or you may know him as Saint Nicholas. Think about his qualities ? kind, generous, loving, forgiving.

     

  • a dog lover’s calendar – excellent gift that keeps on giving: every month they’ll have a new beautiful dog to look at and enjoy.
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  • a nice, fuzzy, personalized throw to keep them and their dog warm on chilly evenings.
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  • a cooking book with dog recipes
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  • dog lover screen saver

Now that you picked a nice gift for the dog lover, it’s time to find some gifts for the dog. Here are just a few ideas to get your started:

    How To Tip! To prevent quarrelling on Christmas day family members must place their shoes side by side Christmas Eve.

     

  • a plush toy: be it a ball, a bone, or some other shape, dogs really enjoy these fluffy toys. Some come with a noise maker, but be careful that this toy won’t become annoying for the owner
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  • doggy clothing: you may get something pretty, or, if you like practical, get something warm for the winter, so when they take a talk the dog stays warm.
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  • doggy treats are very popular these days, and you can find them in pet stores everywhere. But, if you have the time, cook some treats yourself, and make a new friend
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  • treat machine, similar to the candy machines, where you press a handle and get a piece of candy. This will entertain the dog for hours and get him a treat every time he presses the handle. What fun!
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  • pampering items, like doggie shampoo, a nice brush, and even a nice bandana.

So, as you see, there are lots of ways to spoil your dog lover friends and family and their pet.

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don’t blow the bank. Find many Unique Gift Ideas at her site. And if you love dogs, visit her Dog Care Resource website.

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How To Select Dog Beds for Larger Dogs

Tuesday, November 14th, 2006

Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and planning when owners purchase a permanent dog bed. Even though large dogs can be just as lovable as their smaller canine counterparts, they require a more complex sleeping situation than small dogs. It’s obvious that a large dog requires a large dog bed, and that an extra large dog requires an extra large dog bed. This goes without saying. But how big? And what kind of bed is best?

In this instance the answer is a function of not only the size but the breed of dog. You must measure the dog when he is fully grown, or at least have an accurate idea of what his size will be when he is fully grown. Just as with smaller dogs, you have to take into account your dog’s sleeping style – for example, whether he sleeps curled up in a ball or stretched out across the bed. All of these factors will help define your choice of large dog bed for your canine pal.

Tip! Dogs love their masters and the masters reciprocate by providing them with all the things of comfort they can afford.

Placement is more of an issue with larger dogs than smaller ones. No matter how sweet and cuddly your large dog is, very few people want to share a bed with a Great Dane. And the size of the dog definitely limits the spaces available to him for sleeping. You can’t squeeze a Great Dane comfortably into a small bathroom and expect him to stay there overnight.

Dogs Of The World (eBook) An illustrated 475 page handbook of over 200 different breeds of dogs in the world.

Large dogs tend to have a strong protective instinct, and so it is quite often the case that they sleep near the front or back doors. If your living room or family room happens to be the nearest space to one of those doors, a large bed that resembles actual furniture serves a dual purpose. First, large dog beds and extra large dog beds that mimic real furniture will keep your oversize pet off of the real furniture without making him feel deprived. And secondly, furniture type beds are actually more comfortable than a more standard round dog bed. They have pillows to rest heads and paws on and they are treated with flea and tick resistant powders to keep your dog free from those bothersome pests while he sleeps. In addition, they are sometimes filled with memory foam and gel products that conform to the musculature of the animal, which helps keep him comfortable while he sleeps.

Dog Beds Info provides detailed information about small and large dog beds, as well as designer, orthopedic, and discount dog beds. Dog Beds Info is the sister site of Bird Cages Web.