In Search of Safe Dog Food - Dog Lovers Must Look For an Alternative to Sickening, Damaging Dog Food

By Rick Stegren

Most of us love our dogs and want to feed them safe dog food. We love our pets and happily accept the serious responsibility of caring for them. Unfortunately, many dog owners are unknowingly killing their pets. Bad dog food is common and any caring pet owner must seek an alternative to commercially-available products.

We wrongly assume that the food we find in grocery stores, department stores and pet shops is safe. Dog food, generally, is actually a repulsive and unhealthy mish-mash of absolutely ghastly ingredients, peppered with carcinogenic additives.

Did you know that thousands upon thousands of pounds of dead animal corpses are ground into the dog food supply every year. That bag of dog food in your pantry may very well contain the rendered flesh of road kill, euthanized pets, and other dead animals. Your dog isn't eating a healthy blend of high-quality ingredients, he or she is actually consuming the carcasses of diseased animals.

That's just the beginning. What you might have thought was a safe food may also contain numerous poisons. Researchers have found measurable quantities of the poisons used to put the previously-mentioned animals "to sleep" in commercial dog food products. Dog food companies also utilizes a wild combination of chemicals and additives--many of which have been banned from the human food supply because they are known to encourage death and disease.

There are chemicals, plastics, inorganic waste, animal feces, filler, dangerous phony proteins and more in commercial dog foods. Most well-intended pet owners, however, don't realize that they aren't using safe dog food. They wrongly assume that the products are sufficiently regulated and that they are created by companies who are completely dedicated to the health of the loving dogs who consume them.

As a result, we notice shorter lifespans and increased incidents of illnesses in our dogs. The food upon which they rely is killing them.

This creates an urgent need for all pet owners who are aware of the disgusting dog food manufacturing process to find an alternative to bad dog food. One highly recommended alternative to commercial products is the use of homemade food. Recipes are available that can help responsible dog owners to supply their beloved pets with an easy-to-make, affordable and safe dog food.

Warning: Tainted Dog Food Supplies Pose Major Risks. Commercially Available Dog Foods May Encourage Early Pet Death. CANINE HEALTH BULLETIN: Learn more about the current dog food crisis. Free video and recommendations that may save your dog's life. Is the corporate dog food industry more interested in profits than in producing healthy dog food? Please make an informed decision about your dog's well-being.

About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

By Richard Cussons

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - the name seems to sound ancient and noble, right? It was centuries ago when Toy Spaniels became popular pets, especially pets of the royal family. A Blenheim-coated spaniel was the children's pet in the household of Charles I thus named King Charles Spaniel.

The early spaniels had longer, pointier snouts and thinner-boned limbs but as time goes by, breeding with breeds such as Pug and Japanese Chin took place. In 1920, a selective breeding of short-snouted Spaniels took place and the result - a dog that resembled the boyhood pet of Charles II of England (Cavalier King Charles) thus named Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Considered as one of the toy dog breeds, the standard for the breed requires a height of 12 to 13 inches at the withers, the weight - proportionate to height must be between 13 and 18 pounds. The coat is silky, free from curl with feathering on ears, chest, legs and tail (undocked). There are four recognized colors; Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan, and Ruby with Blenheim as the most common.

Known as "the ultimate lap dog" or the "love sponge of dogs", Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are highly affectionate tail-wagger little creatures. They are lively, outgoing and eager to please animals, good with children, other dogs and non-canine pets as well. They love people and must not be left alone all day.

Despite their reputation as naturally well-mannered dogs, training is necessary to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to teach what is and what is not acceptable behavior. Fortunately, these dogs are intelligent enough to understand what you want thus makes training easier.

Owners or soon to be owners must look after this breed's health for they are prone to genetic defects such as mitral valve disease and syringomyelia, both can be very severe and very common. Other diseases common to this breed are episodic falling, hip dysplasia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, luxating patella, primary secretory otitis media and deafness.

City dwellers may also want to consider this breed since Cavaliers can do well in apartment life and a small yard and indoor active will be enough.

Richard Cussons writes information articles on different breeds of dog such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Find out Cavalier King Charles Spaniel information here...

The Genetic Makeup of Miniature Shar Peis

By Melissa Coleman

The Mini Shar Pei comes from a recessive gene in their DNA. These dogs were once considered mistakes, but recently the gene responsible was discovered. The Mini Shar Peis are miniature versions of the Shar Pei.

The basic difference between the standard Shar Pei is that the Mini Shar Pei can only be seventeen inches tall. They are a solid color with a black or bluish tongue. Their coat colors can be black, brown, red or fawn and they have a very wrinkled face. All Shar Pei puppies are wrinkle puppies. They are one of the cutest of breed puppies. They have a short tail, which comes above its back and ends in a tight curl. They can have either a brush coat or a horse coat with the hair no longer than one inch on the back. The texture of the coat can be harsh to soft, but never long and wavy or excessively thick.

The Mini Shar Pei is a short dog that is broad and square. Their most pronounced characteristic is the wrinkling around his face. He is a good-natured dog with a flair for independence. He is fiercely loyal to his family and will defend them from any stranger. Mini Shar Peis may be little short dogs, but they are mighty powerful. The Chinese first bred Shar Peis hundreds of years ago to be fighting dogs.

They evolved into guard dogs until they almost became extinct. They have made a major impression on the world in the last seventy-five years. Shar Peis must be socialized early in their lives or they will become naturally aggressive. This goes back to their Chinese ancestors fight training.

They will always defend their family and their territory fiercely. But Shar Peis and Mini Shar Peis, in particular, make great family pets. They are loveable and affectionate with their family and have a tendency for comedy.

The Mini Shar Pei is a dog that goes back into ancient Chinese ancestry. They worked as the official guard dogs for the Chinese royal family. The English word for Shar Pei is sand coat, referring to the dog's coarse coat. These dogs were made for defense. They are hard to grab because of their small eyes and ears and if there body is grabbed the grabber will only get a handful of wrinkly skin as the dog has time to turn around and bite. These dogs were great guard dogs in their day. At one point they were nicknamed the Golden Lion. They eventually became the most rare breed on earth only to reappear in the last century.

They make loveable and playful pets and some wonder if they weren't first bred as companion dogs instead of fighting dogs. The Mini Shar Pei is now one of the most popular dogs of all time. The puppies that grow into their skin are definitely one of a kind.

Melissa Coleman often lectures to local rescue groups about the many purebred dogs being abandoned. Both of the Shar Pei types have the noticeable characteristic of wrinkles around the face. Shar Pei information can be found on the Internet and in encyclopedias.

5 Stages in a Puppy's Life - From Birth to Potty Training and Beyond

By Marc Smith

There are few experiences as joyful as bringing a new puppy into the home. Welcoming this little bundle of warmth, energy, and fun as the newest member of your family is a day that will never be forgotten. It's important to know that your little family member has special needs that must be met during this time of development. From potty training puppies to teaching discipline, it's important to know that your puppy is going through several stages on the way to being a fully developed dog.

In order to know your pup, you must get in touch with your dog's instincts and behaviors. As much is possible, it's helpful to get familiar with a dog's way of thinking. It's not enough to let a dog just grow up. For both of you to experience a loving, joyful relationship, it's important to guide your tiny friend from puppyhood into a balanced, friendly dog. Knowing the 5 stages in a puppy's life is an important first step.

Stage One (Birth to about 13 days) - Your pup is practically helpless. Restricted in motion, except crawling on the stomach, the puppy is only aware of physical needs.It's all about reflexes dealing with food, eliminating food, and getting close to the warmth of mom and brothers and sisters. Whimpering or whining is a reflexive behavior to indicate need of food or bodily contact.

Stage Two (13th - 19th day) - Your puppy will open his or her eyes. Development is fast during these 6 or 7 days. The pup can now see, hear, and walk. Puppies can be introduced to solid food since milk teeth begin to appear. Although there are quick changes during this stage, your puppy still will not be able to have any permanent learning ability.

Stage Three (19th day -7 weeks) - In general, what happens to your puppy during this stage plays a huge role in his or her future behavior. It's a crucial stage of development and it's where socialization begins to take place. Your and your puppy will begin to bond during this stage, and your pup will form relationships with other animals during this time. You'll notice lots of wrestling and playing with brother and sisters in the litter during this time. It's important to note that puppy's acute hearing is developed here and loud noises will startle your puppy. Handle your puppy well and often during this stage. Stage three determines much of your pup's future behavior.

Stage Four (7 weeks - 10 weeks) - Your puppy should be weaned from his mom during this period. Motor skills aren't completely developed, but your puppy's nervous system is similar to an adult dog. If your puppy had a happy third stage, he or she is thrilled about forming more human attachments with the entire family! This is the perfect time for your puppy to also begin learning.

Stage Five (11 weeks - 4 moths) - It's a great time to introduce discipline and routine. Your little pup will begin to be assertive and confident ready to test you in many situations. This is a fun time for learning, praise, and bonding as your puppy learns the rules of your household.

Know your puppy and the rewards will be amazing for a lifetime.

Marc Smith is a successful entrepreneur and extreme dog lover. He's raised dogs throughout his life and even entered a few award winners in obedience dog shows. Marc and his family currently with with his three wonder pups: Oscar, Toni, and Emmy. For more info about dogs and their development, please visit Marc's Potty Training Puppies blog.

Five Steps to Follow If a Dog Or Other Animal Bites Your Dog

By Kelly Marshall

If an animal or other dog bites your dog, the possibility of it becoming serious is very likely. The saliva of other animals or dogs contains huge amounts of bacteria, which can certainly induce an infection throughout the wound. Even a little bite that does not look serious can critically damage your dogs underlying tissue. Regardless of the size of a bite wound, it is best to have a veterinarian check and treat the injury to make sure it remains infection free and does not end up worse. Here are five things you should know and do if your dog does end up bitten by another animal.

1. When a dog experiences pain, often it will lash out, even at their owners or family members. This is extremely common so the first thing you should do if your dog receives a bite is place a muzzle on your dog, which gives you protection in case the dog snaps and tries to bite you or someone else. Before touching the animal, use a muzzle, or if you do not have one available, use a makeshift one and carefully tie the dogs mouth closed using panty hose, gauze, or other material available but without covering the dog's nostrils. If the dog suddenly gets stick or starts having trouble breathing, remove the muzzle immediately.

2. If the pet is tiny and cannot wear a muzzle, use a towel and place it around the dog's head to protect you from a dog bite. You certainly want to avoid blocking the dog's air supply, so wrap its head loosely and only leave the towel on for a short period.

3. Once you have muzzled the dog, you should use K-Y or another type of water-soluble jelly and carefully put a thin layer directly on the dog's bite wound. You are now ready to trim the hair near and around the bite wound area. This makes it simpler to clean the wound along with helping it air out so it heals quicker. Use electric clippers, a disposable razor or scissors to gently, carefully trim the hair.

The K-Y jelly will protect the injury by preventing the hair from getting into the bite wound. After trimming the dog's hair, clean the injury carefully to prevent infection. Use running, lukewarm water to flush the wound for approximately five minutes. If the bite is more than twenty-four hours old, use antibacterial soap to scrub the bite injury as there may already be bacteria in the wound. Flush with running, warm water and dry the wound.

4. Once you thoroughly clean and dry the injury, apply Neosporin or another antibiotic over-the-counter ointment on the wound. A clean cloth or gauze makes an excellent bandage but slip your finger under the bandage to be sure it is not too tight.

5. Always keep your dog's rabies vaccination and other vaccinations up to date.

Watch the dog bites carefully and have your veterinarian examine the dog wounds for your own peace of mind.

For more information recommended by Kelly Marshall, see these recent articles Aggression With Dogs: How It Came Into Being and All About Vitamins.

Why Everybody is Raving About Dog Food Secrets

By Josh Gan

As a dog owner, we all care about our pet dogs, don't we? As a matter of fact, I can see that most dog owners love to treat their dog by simply slipping a doggy bone, snack or treats as part of their effort to show the loving care that our pets deserve. Although this seemed to be harmless, however, our simple actions may cause more potential negative repercussions than benefits especially when it is not done in moderation (e.g. diabetic dog food), thus contributing to our dog's weight gain and obesity. In fact, the last thing we ever want to see is our own darling pet suffering from unknown sicknesses, abnormal aging process, and even dying prematurely or sudden death.

Well, death cases among dogs as young as 5 years of age are no longer uncommon anymore. In fact, experts have revealed a shocking discovery that most dog nowadays have been silently "poisoned" by our choice of food that we chose to feed them and more so by giant commercial dog food companies who are nothing but greedy monster that keeps extracting money from us rather than promoting and maintaining the health and well being of our precious dogs. After much research, the evil conspiracy surrounding the dog food industry is finally exposed! Veterinarians and dog nutritionists have finally come out with a concrete conclusion that majority of the commercial dog foods are seriously lacking in proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Worse still, 80% of the commercial dog food package in the pet store is filled with slaughterhouse waste, poisonous waste materials, useless fillers, banned additives & preservatives and more worthless and potentially harmful "ingredients", which also includes several diabetic dog food.

The above findings reported by pet care experts are indeed frightening and is a major cause of concern among pet owners. As a pet owner ourselves, we sometimes take things for granted and assuming all expensive dog food must be of top quality and safe for consumption. But, this is a wrong mindset - not all expensive food is good and safe!

There are many frightening, hidden dog food conspiracies that many dog owners simply don't even know! Luckily for us, a pet health expert by the name of Andrew Lewis has decided to expose the dirty little secrets of dog food by releasing Dog Food Secrets - The Dog Food Conspiracy. In this 82-pages dog food reviews eBook, Mr. Andrew Lewis goes into great length cutting through the smoke and mirrors and takes a swipe at these unscrupulous dog food companies and shed some light on how you can do, as a dog owner, to protect your dog from suffering the sad, same fate as with other ignorant owners.

In Dog Food Secrets, you will learn details on how to pinpoint the most ideal and healthiest food for a particular dog As you dig through the content of the book, you will be becoming more informed on what are the key factors that can affect the quality of the food as well as your dog's quality of life, weight management, vitality and energy, even weight. These are vital information that every dog owner should not missed if they want their dogs to live longer and stay vibrant since this eBook actually reveals the absolute truth about the practices dog food manufacturers are trying to keep away from us!

Overall, the content of the eBook is well worth the $ 57 price taAs a dog owner, we all care about our pet dogs, don't we? As a matter of fact, I can see that most dog owners love to treat their dog by simply slipping a doggy bone, snack or treats as part of their effort to show the loving care that our pets deserve. Although this seemed to be harmless, however, our simple actions may cause more potential negative repercussions than benefits especially when it is not done in moderation (e.g. diabetic dog food), thus contributing to our dog's weight gain and obesity. In fact, the last thing we ever want to see is our own darling pet suffering from unknown sicknesses, abnormal aging process, and even dying prematurely or sudden death.

For more information about the Andrew Lewis's Dog Food Secrets, and how you can prolong your dog's health and longevity, please visit Dog Food Secrets Exposed!

Why Do Dogs Show Aggression?

By Joseph M Sabol

Dogs are not naturally aggressive, however, a certain level of aggression is possible in all dogs because in the past, it was needed for survival. By keeping this in mind, it will be easier for you to understand your dogs behavior. There are certain things that may cause a dog to show aggression. Knowing these reasons will help you know how to handle the problem.

Territory
Dogs are naturally territorial, it comes with the package. It is something that has been inbred in dogs for thousands of years. Dogs are more territorial than you might expect. Areas where your dog will show dominance are, their yards, homes, and family.

If the dog is socialized properly, this form of aggression can be easily dealt with. Dogs also tend to consider their bones, toys and food "theirs". It is important that the dog knows and understands that aggression will not be tolerated. You should be able to remove the dogs food or take away a toy if necessary, without a problem.

Fear
Another area where aggression is commonly seen is when a dog is scared. When a dog fears for its safety, the dog will not hesitate to become aggressive to protect himself. This is why dogs need to develop social skills early on. Make sure to expose your pet to people and other animals at an early age so he will become confident in all situations. This will eliminate fear aggression. Socialization is the key word to preventing aggression in dogs.

Dominance
All dogs are born with a pack mentality which means every dog has his place in the "family". When pups in a litter are 3-4 weeks old, the more dominant puppy or puppies will begin to show their leadership. As they grow older, this mentality stays with the dog throughout his life. When the dog joins your family it has to figure out his position in the group. You as an owner must immediately let the dog know that you are the leader or "alpha" member of the group, not the dog, because if you don't this allows opportunities for the dog to show aggression. In fact, the dog may feel that he is the boss of you. You must fulfill the role of leadership. After all, you are the dominant species!

All dogs will test you when it comes to establishing authority, no matter what breed it is. Just make sure you stand your ground. If you notice any problems with aggression, do not hesitate to ask your vet or an experienced dog trainer for assistance.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information

Terrier Breeds

By Joseph Devine

If you are considering getting a pet for your home, there are a number of breeds that are available. Dogs are great companions for people to have depending on what type of dog you are looking for. Terriers have also been recommended to be great pets depending on the specific breed you choose.

There are many different types of terriers that you have to choose from depending on your specific situation. All the breeds are made in different shapes, colors, and sizes, so you can choose one to fit your specific needs. There are many different breeds, and below are a few of the most prominent breeds that people seem to be aware of.

Bull Terriers are usually a medium sized dog, and will come in a variety of colors. Bull Terriers will weigh anywhere from 45 to 65 pounds, depending on the size and sex of the dog. If these types of puppies are well socialized from birth, they will have no problems playing with both children and other pets that you might have in your home. These dogs usually have two different varieties in their color. Either they are completely white, or they will have majority white with some types of color.

Border terriers have also become a quite popular breed of terrier. Border terriers are on the smaller end of the spectrum as far as their sizes go. They will usually weigh anywhere from 11 to 15 pounds that again depends on the sex of the dog. Border terriers are also well known for their ability to be a watch dog for your family. They have a long life expectancy, and are great pets for those owners with allergies and asthma.

Jack Russell terriers have become the most popular of all of the terrier breeds. This breed is also a smaller breed with shorter hair for the people with allergies. Over the years, these dogs have come in many different colors, but they are all around the weight of 15 pounds. This type of dog is very energetic, and will be able to keep up with your children to play. These types of dogs also have a long life expectancy of about 13 to 15 years. These playful dogs are very smart, so training them shouldn't be a difficult process.

These are just a few of the many terrier breeds that are available to choose from. You should research into the type of pet that you should like to make sure that a terrier will be the right dog for your family's situation.

For more information, contact the Austin veterinarian clinic at http://www.austinveterinarianclinics.com Joseph Devine

Preventing Doggy Accidents

By Jeff Lepage

It can sometimes be quite unavoidable, yet it does happen, however how you handle it is what it all comes down to.

If you have carpets when this happens, the carpet can and will most likely stain. However, some carpet cleaner spray, and some elbow grease and get rid of that stain in a jiffy. Now, if you clean it up, even with the cleaner, the dogs sense of smell may still detect his scent there, and go there again, and again, and again. Now, to make him not go there, its best to spray that area with a vinegar type spray, that will keep him from going in that area. Of course, this is just a temporary solution to a greater problem. You must start potty training your doggie, or re-potty training him if he has had a relapse.

Relapses can happen if and when the dog is left alone for longer than normal times, and it goes past his walk, or pee time. After a certain amount of time, he will just have to go, and go he will. If you are lucky he will just go in one area, but there will be A LOT of urine in that one area, so be careful not to step in it. Or you may be an unlucky one, and the dog wants to go mark territory, so he may squirt all over the house in different spots. It is rare, but it does happen.

If the dog goes in just one area, it will be the area closest to the door he/she usually goes out to go pee. Which can sometimes be the door you come in, so hopefully you step in it with your shoes on, and not your socks, or barefoot (Hope your not wearing sandles either). If you do step it in, do not freak out, or scold the dog in any way. The dogs memory is short for praises and punishments, it only knows the last thing it did before you punished it, or praised it. However, the way this memory works, is that it will usually associate the praise and punishment with whatever it did. This is altogether a different kind of training, which I will not get into right now.

So, please, do not punish your dog, if it did its business inside, and you didnt catch him/her in the act. Just clean it up, and take your dog outside right away. Take him for a nice long walk, or a good long play in the yard, if that is your thing. He will most likely relieve himself again while you walk or play. Because usually the exercise will make him want to.

The best thing you can do is take your dog out for as many walks as possible. If you are leaving him/her alone for the day while you are at work, and can not came back to walk him/her at lunch, then get up a little earlier, and take him/her for a nice long walk before hand, at least 20 mins long, 30 mins is even better. That way they will be draining, and will feel more comfortable through out the day. Plus, they will have used up alot of energy, and will rest most of the day waiting for you, and will stay out of trouble.

Then, the first thing you should do when you get home from being away all day, is take him for a walk right away, another 20 - 30 mins is best, bigger the dog, the longer the walk. Also, remember, the smaller the dog, the more walks you might have to do, because of a smaller bladder of course.

This should prevent any more accidents inside.

Jeff L. love dogs, and wants the world to know how to better care for their best friend. Training is apart of a long and beautiful friendship with your furry friend, find out more on dog training at: http://www.behaviorofadog.com

Dog Food, Dog Food, Dog Food

By Gayle Cousineau

So many dog food choices, so little time!

I was recently in a veterinarian's office and asked if I could give a treat to a beautiful Golden Retriever. His human said sure and asked what it was. I replied that it's a low-fat lamb and rice tidbit. He quickly pulled his dog back with an anxious response, "No, he's Vegan." I responded with "Oh, me too! What's his sign?"

I didn't actually say anything because I do understand that a lot of dogs have adopted many food allergies much like their human companions. Dogs are Carnivores. Their teeth, jaw, and digestion were originally "designed" for raw meat. My dogs definitely prefer it, but their enjoyment of it is usually prefaced with hearing me either say "leave it!" Or, "that's gross, hurry up and swallow!"

There are so many diet options - Vegan, Raw (which I do believe is the most natural), kibble and only kibble, kibble with raw, Vegetarian, Fish and Potato, Venison or other rare "seasonal" meats. When did this happen? When did dogs get so definitive about their food preferences and worse, have horrible allergies to food? It seems that there is also a level of subtle arrogance about what we feed Pooky. Our concern shouldn't be brand, but content and our dog's well-being.

Having had a dog with serious skin allergies, I do understand. We spent a year or more on expensive food trials. That didn't work. Finally, there were allergy shots and that didn't work. Prednisone and prednisone only worked. The allergy testing proved (much to her pleasure) that she was allergic to cats, mold, and dust! Welcome to my world! So, food was not the issue. You would think that the higher the price of the food, the greater the health. Not so.

We are all left with the responsibility of knowing our dogs and what works.

• Do they eliminate regularly? But, not excessively?
• Is their stool solid?
• Are they of a healthy weight - a light layer of tissue over the ribs and a nice chest pad?
• How are their teeth? Are they mostly free from plaque?
• Are they fed on a semi-consistent schedule?
• Do they have an excessive amount of gas? (you'll know this one for sure!)

I won't recommend a dog food. With six dogs, I admit mine get kibble. They love it and no one is wondering what someone else got that they didn't. It's of good quality, but probably not considered "top of the line." Be responsible for your dog's nutrition and health, but if they eat better than you, it might be time for an evaluation or you could just say "I'll have what they're having!"

Sometimes it's good to remember that maybe what your dog appreciates most is love and a full belly.

Gayle Cousineau http://divadogtraining.com/blog Dog Trainer and Behavior Modification for Dogs and Their Humans

How Dog Training Can Help You Find the Perfect Family Dog

By Daniel Waser

If you are considering getting a dog, or even if you already have a dog, it is important that you understand the necessity of training your dog properly. It is also important to begin dog training sooner rather than later. There is a lot of information available online. In fact, you will probably be quite surprised at the amount of free information available to help you better train your dog. Dog training schools can be quite expensive and, simply, not an option for every dog owner. Fortunately, you can train your dog on your own by doing enough research to gain the knowledge you need to successfully take on this job.

In fact, you may find this to be a great experience for both you and the dog and a good time to spend some quality time with the new addition to your family. The dog should respond to the teaching reasonably fast, after which you will be pleasantly surprised to see how happy your dog is when he does what you ask and receives praise in return. You will probably be amazed at how fast dogs can pick up new things when properly taught by you or a trainer. As you see, with just a little effort, finding the perfect dog for you and you family does not require a costly dog training school.

Dog owners are often astonished at the results of crate training which gives your dog a small space that allows them somewhere to go when they need to step away from everything. If you have not yet tried crate training, you should consider trying it. It really is a great way to train your dog and with results to please both you and your family. However, it is important with crate training that you understand the difference between a training crate and a cage. A crate is not an old cage that people dig out of their garage to put pets in occasionally.

Rather, this is a place where the dog can go when they need a nap or just need to get away. It is a place for them to "escape" to. They will quickly become accustomed to the crate and will know when it is time for them to make that escape. Trust me, you will be amazed at how quickly they start to understand this technique.

Crate training is one of the least expensive dog training methods. Ask around a little and you will probably find someone who can testify to the benefits of a dog training crate and even give you a few tips on using it to its fullest. And, if a dog training crate does not work for your little friend, do not worry. There are plenty of dog training methods, one of which will certainly work for you and your dog!

Daniel Waser is a dog lover since his childhood. He has a lot of experiences with dogs. Visit his website for more information about Dog Health Problems or get his latest Dog Training Tips

Handy Training Tips For Dogs

By Daniel Waser

Training a dog can be done relatively easily, despite what some people believe. You simply have to keep a few training tips in mind. You must teach the dog that you are in charge, and not him. You must also use a tone that exudes superiority and confidence. Lastly, you absolutely must be consistent in your training methods. Learn to master these three tips and your dog will learn whatever you want to teach him.

You're in charge.

Even when you see your dog's adorable face, you must keep in mind that you are the one giving commands and your dog must obey your commands. If you're too soft with your dog and let him be in charge, your rug, shoes and many other belongings will likely suffer. That's not mentioning the other people who will be affected by your dog's lack of good manners. Set boundaries and let your dog know what is and isn't appropriate. Use appropriate tone of voice and gestures like pointing.

Be strict.

You know the expression "give an inch and take a mile"? That's exactly what will happen to your dog if you are not consistently strict. Dogs can sense if you are being strict by your tone of voice. Be strict and use appropriate tone when you order him to stay in the yard. If you want to go out for a walk, you don't have to use the same tone. Be enthusiastic instead. If your dog starts running away, be strict again and he'll understand who's in charge.

Be consistent.

You must maintain a certain consistency in intonations, gestures and words when dealing with your dog, otherwise, the dog will get confused. Always use the same commands and always act the same way when he does something that is unacceptable. By being consistent, your dog will become better trained, which will improve your confidence in your training skills. The more confident you are, the better trained your dog will be! You can also establish consistency in your actions by always using the same door to take the dog out or by always using the same nighttime routine.

By being in charge, strict and consistent, you can better train your dog and better predict his behavior. Don't forget to show your love and affection for your dog as well! Treat your training sessions as games and reward him for his good actions.

Daniel Waser is a dog lover since his childhood. He has a lot of experiences with dogs. Visit his website for more information about Dog Health Problems or get his latest Dog Training Tips

Using Pictures to Sell Puppies

By CS Swarens

Are you trying to sell some puppies to a good home? Whether you breed dogs or your beloved pet managed to get free from her pen and find herself pregnant, selling puppies can sometimes be a difficult task. After all, there are many puppies available that are looking for a good home, so finding someone that is willing to purchase your puppies may be harder than you think. Of course, if your puppies are particularly adorable or are purebred, finding a buyer for your puppies may be much simpler. Nonetheless, if you hope to find a buyer quickly, it is best to use pictures to sell puppies with your ads.

Using Pictures to Sell Puppies Quickly

If you are ready to sell puppies, you likely don't want to keep the little cuties any longer than necessary. After all, taking care of a whole litter of puppies is time consuming and can be quite difficult. In addition, when you sell puppies to a new owner, you want to let the new owner get the puppies as close to 8 weeks as possible. This way, the new owner can start to bond right away with his or her puppy and form a strong and healthy relationship.

When you use pictures to sell puppies with your ads, you can expedite the selling process. This is because potential buyers will be able to see exactly what your puppy looks like, which will help the buyers determine if your puppy is what they are looking for. In reality, many buyers won't even bother with calling about puppies from ads without pictures. After all, since there are so many ads to choose from, there really is no reason to inquire into those puppies without pictures unless they are of a particularly rare breed. So, if you wish to sell your puppies quickly, it is a good idea to include pictures in your ads.

Choosing the Right Pictures

When choosing the pictures you will use in your ads, it is important to be certain to use pictures of the puppies you have for sale rather than puppies from another litter. If your picture is of a different puppy or puppies, the potential buyer may be disappointed when he or she sees the actually puppies that are for sale. As a result, you will have wasted your time as well as the time of the potential buyer.

It is also a good idea to make certain no people or other animals are in the photograph. The puppy or puppies for sale should take center stage in the photo, which means they should be all that potential buyers see in the ad. Having humans or other animals in the ad will only serve as a distraction.

You should also choose pictures that are crisp and clear so the potential buyer can get a good idea of what the puppies look like. Blurry pictures are harsh on the eyes and may actually be worse than having no picture at all. So, choose the picture carefully in order to increase your chances of selling those cute little puppies to good homes as quickly as possible.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com Research over 240 dog breeds at http://www.findapetonline.com/dog_breeds_a_e.html

Deciding How to Best Feed Your Pet

By CS Swarens

Deciding how much to feed your pet and what kind of food you should feed is one of the most important decisions you can make about your pet's health. Not only do you need to decide how much to feed your pet, you also need to determine how often you will feed your pet during the day and whether you will feed your pet canned food or dry food.

Deciding Between Canned Food or Dry Food

Both canned dog food and dry dog food are good options for your pet, though most dogs larger than 30 pounds should eat mostly dry food or semi-moist food. This is because canned food has more water per cup, which means it can be difficult for a larger dog to get the caloric intake it requires to maintain a healthy body weight.

When selecting dry dog food, it is important to purchase dog food that is of higher quality. Most dry dog food brands contain mostly rice, corn and soybean and very little meat. If you select a dry dog food that contains a higher amount of meat or fish meal, it will be healthier for your pet and your pet will not eat as much food as it would with a lower quality product. Therefore, while higher quality dog food does cost more per bag, your pet will eat less. In the end, the difference in price will be less than you expect.

When it comes down to it, deciding between dry dog food and canned dog food is a matter of personal choice. Just be certain your canine friend is getting enough to eat each day in order to support a healthy size and weight.

Deciding How to Feed Your Pet

When feeding your pet, you have two basic methods to select from: free choice or limited time feeding. With free choice, you simply keep your pet's food dish full at all times and it decides when to eat and how much it wants to eat. With limited time feeding, on the other hand, you present your pet with a meal and it has a certain amount of time to complete the meal before you take it away until the next feeding time.

While free choice is the easiest way to feed your pet, it often is not the best choice. When allowing your pet to eat by free choice, you cannot monitor how much food it eats and it can lead to obesity. In addition, if you have multiple dogs, you cannot be certain if all of your pets are eating well or if one is eating the majority of the food. On the other hand, free choice may be the best choice for those dogs that eat only small amounts of food throughout the day. Toy breed dogs that are at risk for developing low blood sugar are often best served through the free choice method.

When feeding your pet with the limited timed feeding method, you should determine how much food you wish to feed your pet for the entire day. Then, divide this by the number of times you will feed your pet throughout the day. Once your dog is an adult, you may be able to feed it only once per day. For the most part, however, it is best to feed your pet once in the morning and once again in the evening.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com Research over 240 dog breeds at http://www.findapetonline.com/dog_breeds_a_e.html

Deciding How to Best Feed Your Pet

By CS Swarens

Deciding how much to feed your pet and what kind of food you should feed is one of the most important decisions you can make about your pet's health. Not only do you need to decide how much to feed your pet, you also need to determine how often you will feed your pet during the day and whether you will feed your pet canned food or dry food.

Deciding Between Canned Food or Dry Food

Both canned dog food and dry dog food are good options for your pet, though most dogs larger than 30 pounds should eat mostly dry food or semi-moist food. This is because canned food has more water per cup, which means it can be difficult for a larger dog to get the caloric intake it requires to maintain a healthy body weight.

When selecting dry dog food, it is important to purchase dog food that is of higher quality. Most dry dog food brands contain mostly rice, corn and soybean and very little meat. If you select a dry dog food that contains a higher amount of meat or fish meal, it will be healthier for your pet and your pet will not eat as much food as it would with a lower quality product. Therefore, while higher quality dog food does cost more per bag, your pet will eat less. In the end, the difference in price will be less than you expect.

When it comes down to it, deciding between dry dog food and canned dog food is a matter of personal choice. Just be certain your canine friend is getting enough to eat each day in order to support a healthy size and weight.

Deciding How to Feed Your Pet

When feeding your pet, you have two basic methods to select from: free choice or limited time feeding. With free choice, you simply keep your pet's food dish full at all times and it decides when to eat and how much it wants to eat. With limited time feeding, on the other hand, you present your pet with a meal and it has a certain amount of time to complete the meal before you take it away until the next feeding time.

While free choice is the easiest way to feed your pet, it often is not the best choice. When allowing your pet to eat by free choice, you cannot monitor how much food it eats and it can lead to obesity. In addition, if you have multiple dogs, you cannot be certain if all of your pets are eating well or if one is eating the majority of the food. On the other hand, free choice may be the best choice for those dogs that eat only small amounts of food throughout the day. Toy breed dogs that are at risk for developing low blood sugar are often best served through the free choice method.

When feeding your pet with the limited timed feeding method, you should determine how much food you wish to feed your pet for the entire day. Then, divide this by the number of times you will feed your pet throughout the day. Once your dog is an adult, you may be able to feed it only once per day. For the most part, however, it is best to feed your pet once in the morning and once again in the evening.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com Research over 240 dog breeds at http://www.findapetonline.com/dog_breeds_a_e.html

Reasons to Buy a Puggle

By Christopher Bibey

The Puggle breed has a lot to offer. As a cross between the Pug and Beagle, you can imagine what this dog looks like and how it acts. But before you head out and buy a Puggle on the spot, make sure that you do your research. As you know, there are many breeds of dog to choose from. Some of them are purebred, such as the Pug and Beagle, and others are a mix between two.

Buying a dog is a big responsibility, so you want to make sure that you take home the right breed. After all, some breeds will fit well with your home and personality and others not so much.

Here are a few reasons that you should think about buying a Puggle:

1. While not the smallest breed, Puggles do not get too large either. You can expect a full-grown Puggle to weigh approximately 25 pounds. Of course, this depends largely on the parents as well as the dog itself.

2. The Puggle has a pleasant disposition. Just like the Pug and Beagle, this dog is easy to get along with. If you have children, this is one breed that you definitely want to consider.

3. Do you want a dog that can accompany you while exercising? If so, the Puggle, once again, is a great choice. Anytime you head out on a walk or jog, you can be rest assured that your Puggle will be right by your side.

Are these enough reasons to consider buying a Puggle? Over the past couple of years, this breed has become more and more popular. Not only does it offer all of the benefits listed above, but this breed is also good looking.

If you are ready to buy, start your search for a Puggle breeder in your area. You should not have any problems finding a few with plenty of puppies to choose from.

Learn more about the Puggle breed of dog including information on buying, temperament, and grooming.

Reasons to Buy a Maltipoo

By Christopher Bibey

Are you thinking about buying a Maltipoo? If so, there are many reasons to move forward and bring home a new puppy. That being said, you may not be sold just yet. If you have any reservations about buying, the three reasons below may push you in the right direction.

1. The Maltipoo breed is very small. What does this mean to you? First and foremost, small dogs fit in well no matter how big of a home you have. In fact, the Maltipoo is a great apartment dog due to its small size.

2. Maltipoos have a great temperament. In other words, you never have to worry about your dog snapping or not getting along with others. Although there are rare cases, the majority of Maltipoos get along fine with all people as well as other house pets such as dogs and cats.

3. They are cute! Okay, this may not be the best reason to buy a Maltipoo, but it is a reason nonetheless. When you buy one of these dogs, make sure you are ready for everybody, both family and strangers, to tell you just how cut your dog is. If you want a good looking dog, the Maltipoo is definitely one to consider.

Now what do you think about buying a Maltipoo? The three reasons above should be reason enough for you to see how much this breed has to offer. Even though there are many other types of dogs to purchase, many of which are purebred, the Maltipoo holds it own.

Anybody looking to buy a puppy should at least consider the Maltipoo. The breed is small enough to suit any household, and friendly enough to get along with everybody. And remember, this breed is one of the best looking as well. What more do you need? If you are ready to buy, find a Maltipoo breeder in your area and select a puppy that suits your needs.

Learn more about the Maltipoo breed of dog including information on buying, temperament, and grooming.

Different Designer Dog Sweaters

By Carl Formby

Amazing though it may sound, the pet for the pet lover is as precious as a human baby. Everything about the pet, be it a cat, dog or rabbit, needs to be taken care of. The food has to be tasteful and nutritious, the health check up has to be done at regular intervals and o course the dress code must be uncommon and glamorous. There are different types of dog clothing available. Like humans they too need shirts, trousers, skirts and woolies. The designer dog sweaters are the latest rage among dogs today.

The cold and the snow in the winter make the little pooches shiver and that is the time to dress them well. The range of attractive designer wear available in mast of the shopping malls, offer all sizes, shapes and colors that suit the dog one has. Not just the sweater, the dog also requires hats and a coat to keep itself warm.

The coat is essential in case one takes the pet out. Made of wool, this tight fitting garment wards off the chill wind that blow during the cold seasons. Other than the coat the jackets available are smart looking and accurately designed. Interesting hats are given to the dogs to protect the head as well as add style.

Adorning the dog with designer sweaters is not enough the pet also needs toys like human babies do. They too require entertainment. The toy not just keeps him occupied but is a major requirement for its brain and muscular development.

Playing with toys is an indication of perfect health. There are different types of playthings available in the pet store. It is up to the pet parent to select the toys that would be best for its fur baby. For both the dogs and cats it is important to let them develop their hunting skills.

So balls and bones are the best for the dogs that will induce them to run and fetch from difficult quarters. For the cats it is wiser to get scratching posts for that is their natural habit. Scratching the post helps them to grow confidence as their defense weapons are sharpened.

Besides designer wear, the dogs can also enjoy the luxury of wearing simple summer apparel too. The favorite color of pets today borders on the pink. Cool pants, T- shirts and comfortable summer dresses are the common dress code of dogs now.

The patterns can be anything from single colored ones to floral designs. These are washable, soft and strong. The sticking is perfect and reliable because the pet tends to be rough at times and the weave may come off. For the more indulgent parent the dresses are custom made according to their preferences.

carl formby owns and operates petclothingfashion.com, dedicated to Orthopedic Dog Beds and Rhinestone Dog Collars

3 Stages of Pregnant Dog Symptoms

By Candis Reade

The animals have several common natural phenomenons just like the humans have in their life span and pregnancy is one such natural phenomenon. It is commonly seen that most of the dog owners keep their pet away from being crossed with others, when they are on their breeding period. However in several cases even after much prevention, the pet becomes pregnant. There are several cases in which it is very difficult to know about the pregnant dog symptoms and in some cases it is seen that the owners do not want to pay stress on the fact that their pet is pregnant. There are several symptoms of the dog's pregnancy which one should know in order to keep them fit. For getting pregnant, the dogs need proper heat cycle, proper conditions and in addition the proper time for breeding. The time period taken for getting pregnant is normally sixty days, however it can vary according to the conditions of the surroundings where the pet lives. The symptoms of the dogs are divided into three categories. They are as follows:

• Symptoms at the early stage of pregnancy

At the early stage of your dog's pregnancy she will eat lesser and she will show less hunger which will easily provide you the clear indication of her pregnancy. At the gestation period of your dog, she will feel tired and due to the change in her hormones level for the process of embryo production she will do less activity. The other good pregnant dog symptoms at this early stage are the enlargement of the size of the nipples of the dog. After the breeding of the dog the pregnancy process begins to take place, the breast of the dog gets enlarge and starts the process of the milk production for the coming puppy.

• Symptoms at the middle stage of pregnant dog

After the time period of a month of pregnancy, the female dog starts showing different symptoms. Now the hunger of the dog increases and this even gradually gets away with the end of the heat cycle period. There will be an increase in weight of your dog at this period and you can easily realize it by touching the abdomen area of the dog which will be fat and rigid. These are the pregnant dog symptoms of the middle stage.

• Symptoms at the last stage of the pregnant dog

The abdomen of your dog would get larger and it will get rigid. It is so because now it carries the extra weight of the puppies and depends on the number of puppies which the dog is having. You can easily feel the puppies' movement throughout the last weeks of pregnancy and from this you can easily know that your dog will give birth to the puppies very soon. If you are willing to have more information about there are several sites available on the net which can provide you information about the pregnant dog symptoms.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about 3 stages of pregnant dog symptoms, please visit My Pet Dogs for current articles and discussions.

What Are the Best Dog Foods to Feed Your Dog? - 7 Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

By C. J. Burke

As a loving pet owner you want to feed your dog the best food possible. The healthiest dog food
is always homemade. However, the following rating of the nutritional adequacy of pet foods for your dog will help you make an informed decision.

Seven Things You Should Know Before You Feed Your Dog:

1.) Meat and Nothing but Meat:

Contrary to what people think dogs in the wild don't eat just meat. They eat the contents of the intestines, which includes vegetables. They also eat the bones of animals which is a source of calcium. The bones are always raw and dogs in the wild know which ones to eat and which ones to leave alone. Sometimes they don't eat the meat as the particular meat may not be edible but the content of the intestines will include sources of proteins, like that of certain other animals. If you feed your dog nothing but meat and don't add the correct amount of vegetables and other nutrients found in fresh killed animals then you are not feeding your dog a healthy diet.

2.) Semi-Moist Dog Food:

These diets are very high in sugar and they have chemicals, dyes, and other additives to make them last long on the shelf, give them color, softness and an appearance that is pleasing to your eyes.

They look meaty...like real hamburger meat. Other than that they have no nutritional value for your dog and the diet is harmful.

3.) Generic Brand Dog Foods

Avoid these at all cost. They are often substandard foods and have highly questionable ingredients. The cheap generic brand pet foods have been written about for many years in veterinary literature as being inadequate and poor in quality. They usually have severe mineral deficiencies.

4.) Name Brand Commercial Dog Foods:

For a healthy young dog and up to middle-aged these foods are adequate but not the best. They are still loaded with chemicals, preservatives and dyes. Usually the companies put price before quality. With these foods a healthy dog up to thirty pounds will consume nine pounds of chemicals in one year.

5.) Top of the Line Name Brand Dog Foods:

These are the brands you might find in your veterinarian's office. They feature higher quality ingredients than the cheaper name brands but they still use artificial preservatives and chemicals.

6.) Natural Dog Food Products:

Many of these use vitamin C and vitamin E as natural preservatives and they add chelated minerals and amino acids for better absorption. They are usually made with the finest quality ingredients. You want to pick one with the lowest quantity of protein. Too much protein can stress the immune system, kidneys and liver. Make sure they do not have any inferior products like "wheat flour" though. Read the label. Wheat flour is really white flour, you want ground whole wheat or whole-wheat flour.

7.) Homemade Natural Diet

The absolute very best food you can feed your pet is a homemade diet made with fresh foods. The diet does not have to be raw if you are uncomfortable with that. The food can be cooked, but not overcooked. Meat can be medium rare and vegetables can be steamed. Chicken and turkey must be thoroughly cooked. Fresh fish is an excellent choice. You can also use the very highest quality dog food and mix it with broth, meat, chicken or turkey and add fresh vegetables and fruits. Pasta is O.K. but no sauces, spices or salt. But, a little olive oil is good for the skin.

If you are going to feed your dog a homemade meal it's always good to double check with your veterinarian first. Your vet has a complete record on your dog and will know if there are certain foods that your pet should not have. If your vet is not into homemade meals for your dog, which is a rarity nowadays, then find a good holistic veterinarian to work with.

If you are ready to feed your dog the best possible diet then here are some sources to help you start introducing your pet to the delights and benefits of a NATURAL, HEALTHY DIET.

A Guide to Finding Labrador Breeders

By Brooke Sunderland

Of all the breeds of dog that one can choose from, one of the favored is the Labrador. They are one of the most popular breeds of dog not only in North America but all around the world and it is really no wonder why. They are friendly, energetic and beautiful dogs. They are even great with children and make a wonderful family pet.

If you are interested in getting a Labrador then you should know that there is going to be a process that you are going to have to go through in order to ensure that you get a healthy and happy dog, and that involves finding Labrador breeders. It seems that there are dog breeders everywhere you look these days, but keep in mind that some of these breeders should be avoided at all costs. This refers to mass breeders in particular, who often do not properly care for the dogs and who are more interested in the financial aspects of breeding.

To get started finding Labrador breeders, you will first need to become more educated on the matter in general. Make a list of the different Labrador breeders available in your local area, whether they sound worthy or not. You will then need to start contacting the breeders on your list, and be sure to have a pen and pad handy so you can make notes while you speak to each one. This will help to keep you organized and help you keep track of which Labrador breeders you are actually interested in dealing with.

There are a few things that you will want to ask a breeder as well as some expectations that you should have about them. You will want to inquire about any written contracts that the breeder may have available for you to sign, specifying the rights of the seller and the breeder. You will want to make sure that all of the dog's health information is up to date and that they have had all necessary vaccinations.

It is also important for you to expect any decent and reputable Labrador breeders to ask you questions right back. They are not being nosy by doing this, but instead they are trying to ensure that their dog will be heading to a suitable home, which is something that should be respected.

Expect them to ask questions such as how large your home and yard are, how many people will be living in the home with you and what their ages are, and how much money you make. With a little work and a lot of preparation you will be able to find Labrador breeders that are reputable and to your liking. This is where you should purchase a healthy and happy little Labrador puppy. Remember that choosing a puppy is a long-term commitment, and so you want to find a puppy that is going to fit in perfectly with your family.

As a dog lover and owner Brooke Sunderland has gone through the process of finding a breeder before and understands how difficult it can be. There are some excellent Labrador breeders out there, and you just have to know where to look. There are some great dog books out there that offer Labrador information and which will be helpful to you here.

Your Pup and Other Dogs

By V Brown

Whether you've got a big dog or small one of the most important aspects of its training is teaching it to play well and not become aggressive when other dogs come near.

If you have a new puppy this socialisation should start as soon as possible after your pup has received its vaccinations. Many vets and dog training schools hold what they call puppy classes nowadays; the pup attends a regular session usually over a short period - say five or six weeks for an hour at a time - where it comes into regular contact with other puppies.

If you can't get to a class like this or there is not one available you may even be able to start something similar of your own.

One of the key aspects to socialising is getting your pup to act within the boundaries of normal behaviour while there are other dogs present: this means it won't be trying to jump all over the other dogs, it won't be growling, yapping or acting in a submissive way.

One quick way to start socialising your puppy for yourself is, if possible, you can arrange for a few other puppies to be available, and getting together in an enclosed area where they will be in reasonably close contact with the other pups, while still being close to you on a lead. Take their regular bedding or blanket and teach them to just lay down while the other pups are there. While your pup will initially become excited at the thought of having playmates, some praise and/or treats will soon teach them to ignore what is going on around them.

Each time you meet the period of mad activity with the pups will become shorter and it won't be long before they learn to walk past other dogs without paying too much attention them at all.

Before long you'll be able to walk your dog down the street and not have to worry when you see another dog coming the other way.

V Brown is a long time dog owner/lover who has recently introduced a new puppy into her house. For further information please visit The Dog House Or if you'd like more breed specific information you can visit German Shepherd Training

Stop Your Pup From Chewing

By V Brown

Your new puppy is a bundle and energy and for the most part a lot of fun, that is until you find your favourite shoe all chewed up in the corner or your children really can claim that the dog ate their homework.

A puppy chewing is a natural part of its growing and much like human babies it's the way they learn new things and start to understand their surroundings. Having said that there is good chewing and bad, and in this article we going to address the bad chewing.

Puppies will often chew on whatever is laying around the house, and while sometimes this is just an annoyance to you at others it can be quite dangerous for your dog. Certain foods like chocolate or things such as electrical chords can prove to be quite dangerous and in some instances deadly if your pup decides it looks like an interesting chew toy.

Much like other training, consistency is the key, you can't expect your pup to understand it's okay to chew up that old slipper but not okay to chew up your $200 pair of shoes, he doesn't know how much things cost, they look the same to him. If you discover your pet chewing something inappropriate, immediately take it away from him and use a stern "no" do not let it develop into a game. Do not chase your pet when you see it chewing something it shouldn't they'll quickly decide this is fun and just keep running around.

If you think your pup's chewing is excessive or seems abnormal a trip to the vet may be a good idea as sometimes dogs will chew to induce vomiting if they are feeling unwell.

Always try to have recommended puppy chew toys available though, as your pup does need to chew as part of its development.

V Brown is a long time dog owner/lover and has recently introduced a new puppy into the family so has decided to start sharing her experiences as the training etc begins. For more dog related articles and information please visit the World Of Dogs Or if you'd like more breed specific information you can visit German Shepherd Training

5 Tips to Labrador Puppy Training

By Tom Burns

Congratulations on your purchase of a Labrador puppy! Labrador puppies make amazing pets, and once you understand the personality they're incredibly simple to train. Labradors were bred for hunting and gathering purposes, thus they are incredibly active animals and require some attention when training. In this article I'm going to talk about the 5 tips of labrador puppy training that you can use to train your Labrador puppy.

Tip 1: Leash training. It is incredibly easy to begin training your puppy with a leash at this age. If you wait until your puppy is full grown, it is going to be much more difficult as Labradors are larger dogs and thus, they are little more difficult to control. Start your labrador puppy training on a leash early.

Tip 2: Simple commands. A few great simple commands to teach them are ones like sit, stay, and come. If you teach them these commands, you will then be able to teach them more complex commands later on.

Tip 3: This tip is crucial for labrador puppy training. Never punish your puppy. The reason I say this is that Labradors, being incredibly social animals, require a lot of attention. If you give them attention, even negative attention, it reinforces their current behavior, including bad behavior. It is incredibly difficult to do, I know. However, if you do this, your puppy will behave better in the future.

Tip 4: Instead, reward your puppy's good behavior. Labrador puppy training is about reward and love. Whenever your puppy does something that you like, give him a reward such a treat or a lot of attention. The best way to do this is to play a game like fetch or play with a Frisbee.

Tip 5: Finally, always make sure that you give your puppy enough attention. Then your labrador puppy training will become a lot easier. If you do not give enough attention, it is more likely for your puppy to misbehave.

Thanks for reading this article, I hope it is helped.

-Tom

Now, what if you are having difficulties with labrador puppy training? Sometimes Labrador puppies can be incredibly hard to train, I know, I understand. Just what are the solutions to problems of labrador puppy training? Click here to discover the secrets of the professional trainers!

Your Dog Health Care Must Include Annual Rabies Shots

By Sylvia Dickens

Dog health care must include regular rabies shots, although many dog owners do not keep their pets' vaccinations up to date. The misconception is that since the dog doesn't run free, it's not important.

Even though you keep your dog restrained on a leash or in a yard, you can never guarantee he will not come in contact with this deadly disease.

Did you know that your dog can pick up the rabies virus simply by licking the ground? If a rabid animal has left saliva or other body fluid shortly before you passed, your dog is at risk.

Much of the focus for many owners is on obedience training. Dog health care is often only an issue when the dog first arrives at the home or when it becomes ill.

Rabies shots are essential if you want to ensure your dog stays healthy. But that's not the only reason. If your dog comes in contact with a rabid animal, such as fighting with a raccoon, skunk or an infected dog, your pet could be euthanized.

And if that isn't enough to get you to the vet, consider that rabies is a threat to your family as well.

What can you do to protect your dog and your family?

Rabies vaccines gradually lose their effectiveness over time. The longer it is since your dog was vaccinated, the more at risk he or she will become. In fact, within as a little as six months, your dog could be at risk. The maximum length of time the vaccine lasts is about two years, but by that time it's effectiveness has deteriorated significantly.

Many people use this two-year point as the period when they give their dogs booster rabies shots. This is an unsafe practice.

For the best protection, you must have your dog vaccinated every year. Any good vet will send you a reminder every year that your dog's shots are due.

Dog health care is important, but preventative health care is more important. It ensures your dog is protected against dangerous and painful diseases. Rabid animals suffer terribly. The disease affects their entire nervous system causing death. There is no cure.

Regular dog health care measures can protect your family from the rigors of taking the 'cure' if your dog does come in contact with the rabies virus.

And rabies dog health care can save your dog's life.

Recently, two dogs in North Carolina suffered after fighting with a rabid fox. One was quarantined for 6 months, the other was euthanized. That state also had a cat and a raccoon that were rabid.

You can never be sure when rabies will be present. Infected neighborhood cats, raccoons and skunks can wander into any yard without your knowledge and leave rabies-laden saliva.

If you seldom hear about rabies, do not think that your dog is safe. Every year somewhere in the country there are reported cases of rabies in wild animals. Unprotected dogs have been euthanized after fighting with those rabid animals.

Protection is far better than treatment after the fact. There is no reason for your family or your dog to suffer. It takes about 15 minutes a year to get your dog vaccinated against rabies and other serious diseases.

Make sure your dog health care includes regular rabies vaccines to ensure your dog's and your family's safety.

Want to know more important about your dog's health care? Sylvia has written a book on dog health care and dog nutrition. Find out more. Dog training problems? Read her review of the top dog training products available for immediate download.

Making Your Dog Happy - A Few Tips

By Stanley Pepper

It is important to all concerned that your dog becomes a happy, contented and relaxed member of the household. A dog's natural tendency is to jump with excitement when seeing you arrive home, in expectation of plenty of attention and fun. In order to ensure the happiness of your pooch, you need several things to keep it contented.

1) Plenty of space. This will depend on the type of dog you choose. Some dogs can manage well in a small city apartment. Others thrive best in a household with enclosed yard space which the dog can lay ownership to. Others revel in the wide open spaces of a farm or ranch setting.

2) Lots of Exercise. Just as with human beings, some dogs love to loll around the house and yard, while others are balls of living energy, who rarely seem to sit still and relax. All dogs, irrespective of size, need some regular exercise to keep fit and stay mentally alert and vigilant. Bear in mind that not all exercise has to be tough and strenuous. Taking your dog for a walk in a nearby park, playing a game of fetch with your dog, or tossing a ball for your dog to catch all prove to be excellent and enjoyable ways to exercise.

3) Compatibility to the Household Environment. When you, or someone else from your household, is at home for most of each day your dog rarely causes a problem. However, when the house is left empty during the working day, your very sociable dog may quickly become bored, destructive of property, and noisy. Some owners, faced with this problem, will solve it by getting a second dog. Other owners will leave their dog with a friend who may also own a dog, or make use, where one is available, of a canine day-care centre. This last solution can be expensive and has the potential to introduce further problems, so you may need to spend extra time with your dog after you get home from work each day.

4) Training Your Dog to get maximum communication effectiveness between yourself and it. This is another aspect and responsibility of dog ownership. All dogs require training, and the training requires an ongoing commitment on the part of the owner. Dogs are very smart but they need to be trained and shown what is expected of them, and how the various tasks you are teaching can be learnt, or goals you are aiming for can be achieved. Ideally, this should be part of a daily routine.

We wish you every training success and years of enjoyment for both you and your dog.

I am a keen dog owner and lover of all types. I am building my experiences in the area of dog handling and have a lot to contribute in the way of personal experiences. Visit our site to view the related article 'A Happy Dog' http://www.DogTrainingProducts.biz/AHappyDog.php

Introducing a New Dog Into the Family

By Stanley Pepper

Dogs make good family pets and fit in so easily and readily to family life, perhaps because dogs and humans are alike in many ways. For both dogs and humans, families are an integral part of life and society. Both are naturally sociable and usually make friends easily. Dogs are very quick to fit into life with a human family and are soon considered a central part of the household. They join in most family activities and are reluctant to be left behind when the rest of the family is going on an outing. Dogs are thrilled and excited to be given a chance to accompany their owners on all trips and excursions, and love to be taken for an exercise walk.

There can be no doubt about the quality and joy and companionship dogs bring to all members of the family and especially to their owners. They are quick to pick up on your mood and share your excitement at some event, or to offer you comfort and gentle support when you are feeling down. Sometimes this is done by seeming to share your difficulties and worries. A dog that is treated as a valuable member of your family will repay you many times over for your kindness. They will greet you enthusiastically each morning in a cheerful, happy and affectionate way.

There are sensible precautions that must be taken when introducing a new dog into a family where there are young children, or old and frail adults. The assimilation must be managed carefully and thoughtfully, and the family environment will play a large part in determining the nature and size and characteristics of the most suitable dog to choose in these circumstances.

Introducing a dog into your family household also brings consequent obligations you must bear. You must be prepared to commit the time this will require, and the time needs to be quality time to give your dog the friendship and the attention and the training which is a vital part of dog ownership. In addition to time and commitment, there is the question of additional costs and expenses the family will incur. One thing to bear in mind when costs are being analysed, is the benefit that derives from the added protection which the presence of a dog brings to the household. If the presence of your dog prevents thieves from entering the house, or vandals causing damage, any costs of ownership will be considered very minor indeed.

I wish you every training success and years of enjoyment for both you and your dog.

I am a keen dog owner and lover of all types. I am building my experiences in the area of dog handling and have a lot to contribute in the way of personal experiences. View the related article on our website: Raising A New Puppy In The Family http://www.dogtrainingproducts.biz/raisinganewpuppy.php

A Dog Just Right For Me

By Stanley Pepper

Before you make a decision about which type of dog will be just right for you, take time to consider some important and pertinent factors such as these four.

1) Acquire a puppy or a more mature adult dog?
There can be no doubt that puppies are playful, funny and a delight to watch at play. As they learn about their new world you can derive great enjoyment from watching your puppy trip over obstacles, roll around on the floor, become disoriented, but always get up again and continue to explore and have fun. If you can live without this type of excitement, or if you circumstances do not permit you to start with a puppy, then you should decide to get an adult dog. There are many wonderful adult dogs available for you to choose as your new family pet, and this option is often taken by busy family households. These owners know that in choosing an adult dog, they will avoid the destructive teething and house training stage and may well be able to select a partially or fully trained dog.

2) How much space is available?
You must consider your existing household limitations. If you live in a city with a small yard, or no yard at all, then your choice of size and activity level will be limited, particularly if there are no suitable parks or other suitable open spaces in your neighbourhood. Those owners who live in a spacious environment will have a greater range of choice.

3) Do I choose a pedigreed dog or a "bitzer"?
If it is your intention to show your dog you will no doubt select a purebred or pedigreed dog. If you are looking for a good and rewarding family pet, that you know will make an enjoyable companion, you may well choose a dog of mixed breed, because in this case there is no "right" answer to this question upon which experts would agree.

4) Are there frail adults or children in the household?
The presence of frail adults or children, especially very young children or babies, will have a heavy influence when you make your decision on the type and size of dog to choose for your household. Compare the temperaments of the dogs you are considering and select a dog with a temperament that is compatible with your circumstances. A large and rather gangly dog can unintentionally cause problems for older people, just as small, highly active dogs can present their own problems to older people, especially those with poor eye sight.

We wish you every training success and years of enjoyment for both you and your dog.

I am a keen dog owner and lover of all types. I am building my experiences in the area of dog handling and have a lot to contribute in the way of personal experiences. View the related article on our site entitled 'The Right K9 Companion' http://www.DogTrainingProducts.biz/TheRightK9Companion.php

Use These Simple Guidelines to Choose the Best All Natural Dog Foods

By Sherrie Chastain

Because dog foods are bought by people, dog food suppliers market to the ideas dog owners have about their dogs likes. This explains why they come in different shapes and colors, with or without gravy, dry or moist, etc. Dogs do not need any of these things for the best all natural dog foods. Isn't it interesting that pet owners spend around $13 billion annually for pet food which the majority of these are not all natural dog foods that give your dog optimum health.

Consumers Digest reported several years ago, "Few foods are so liberally laced with artificial flavors as pet foods" they also quoted sources that basically said that the only way they can get pets to eat the poor quality food is by adding phony flavors.

Would you choose artificial, poor quality for ingredients in your dog foods or would you rather choose dog foods that are all natural for your dog?

A carnivore's system is designed to eat raw meat, one animal at a time. Your dog should digest its meal and be eliminated before any putrefaction begins. A dog's digestive system is highly acidic, or at least it should be. Only raw meat stimulates a highly acidic system that is designed to kill unfriendly bacteria.

Ingredients in the Best All Natural Dog Foods

You will find the best all natural dog foods consist of approximately 75% organic, all natural raw meat. This can consist of beef, whole chicken or turkey wings, necks and backs as long as they are raw and fresh. When bones are old or cooked they become brittle and splinter.

The best all natural dog foods are also around 25% vegetables. This does not mean give your dog a whole, raw carrot. In the wild your dog would get these vegetable requirements from the predigested vegetables in the animal's stomach and intestines. You can add organic vegetables to your all natural dog foods by grating them, chopping finely (like what you would find in a rabbit's stomach) or run through a blender, food chopper or food processor.

In the wild a dog would get the water they needed from their prey, so the all natural dog foods you give your dog should be the consistency of a thick stew. The moisture content also has an effect on maintaining healthy kidneys and bladder in your dog. Many pet owners report their dog cutting down on water consumption when being fed these types of all natural dog foods.

Most of the minerals must come in the form of supplementation today. Calcium is very important. Bone meal is not an acceptable source of calcium for your all natural dog foods because bones store toxins and heavy metals like lead or even mad cow disease. The other reason is the calcium to phosphorous ratio. Pets need a 2:1 ratio between calcium and phosphorus. That is, for every 2 parts of calcium in the food, there should be 1 part phosphorus. As an example, if the food contains 2 grams of calcium, the food should contain 1 gram of phosphorus. Meat is naturally low in calcium and high in phosphorus. Bone meal is not only a source of calcium, but bone meal is also a source of phosphorus, so using bone meal reverses the 2:1 ratio so that perhaps your dog's body has a 1:3 ratio or 1 part calcium to 3 parts phosphorus. This imbalance could cause your dog health problems.

Finely ground raw egg shells are the best choice for calcium supplementation in the best all natural dog foods. They contain virtually no phosphorus and are extremely high in calcium plus they are affordable and lightweight. The best will use approximately 1 tsp. finely ground raw egg shells or about 8 large eggs for every pound of meat. Raw eggs are an excellent source of meat and affordable. Digestive enzyme supplementation are also a good ingredient in the best all natural dog foods. The four most commonly used enzymes in the best are amylase that helps with the digestion of carbohydrates, protease which helps with the digestion of protein, lipase that helps with the digestion of fats and cellulase for the digestion of vegetables.

Nutritive herbs provide a blend of vital nutrients that are essential in the best all natural dog foods. Alfalfa which is an Arabic word meaning "mother of all foods, dandelion leaf, nettle, and kelp are ingredients in the best all natural dog foods. These herbs can be found in various green food powder supplements from health food stores.

The combination of these herbs in the best all natural dog foods provide such nutrients as biotin, bioflavanoids, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, iodine, iron, potassium, linolenic acid, niacin, potash, sulfur, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. These herbs also aid in the assimilation of protein, fats and carbohydrates plus are an excellent blood purifier. They also aid the body to help detoxify the liver, clean the colon and keep the thyroid working.

Using these simple guidelines you can choose which are the best all natural dog foods to buy or how to make the best all natural dog foods available so your dog can enjoy optimum health.

Sherrie Chastain Holistic Healing Health Care Consultant Helping People Find Health & Happiness in their Lives for 25 years http://www.sherriechastain.com http://www.flagstaffkennelclub.com/bestallnaturaldogfoods/

3 Simple Steps For the Best All Natural Dog Foods Available Using This Homemade Dog Food Recipe

By Sherrie Chastain

Have you been looking for dog foods information to find the best all natural dog foods or homemade dog food recipe to make your own all natural dog foods?

All natural dog foods are in high demand right now because of the information surfacing on what commercial dog food suppliers are really putting in dog foods. There is no coincidence in the trend of our weakening dog's health and the fact that many ingredients in dog foods today, that many dog food suppliers use, are really not good for your dog's health.

At the "American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference" the use of grains by dog food suppliers in commercial dog foods and home-prepared pet foods was questioned. Grains like oats, wheat, rice, barley, etc. are mainly complex carbohydrates, they also contain some protein, fiber, B-vitamins and a few trace minerals, however, these grains are not part of an all natural dog foods diet of wild dogs. Dogs do not have dietary requirements for complex carbohydrates and can receive the other elements they contain from other sources that are more digestible and nutritionally beneficial for your dog. Grains must also be cooked or sprouted and thoroughly chewed to be digested, which carnivores do not chew very much.

Why grains are not part of the best all natural dog foods?

Dog Food suppliers introduced them into your dog foods because the high carbohydrate content provides cheap calories. Dogs never ate grains in the wild in the amount that dog food suppliers put in today's dog foods.

The enzyme amylase is produced by your dog's pancreas to digest and utilize carbohydrates. Your dog cannot continually produce the amount of amylase required for the high complex carbohydrates in dog foods today without added stress on your dog's digestive system. Also grain proteins are not as digestible as animal proteins which can cause your dog's immune system to become irritated and weaker. The result can be allergies and other chronic immune disorders for your dog. Some of the symptoms your dog may experience from eating grains are poor digestion, bad breath, bowel trouble, gas, itching, hot spots plus other allergic reactions.

Recently it has come to light that some major dog food suppliers of high quality dog foods that advertised certain types of protein like chicken were using things like chicken feet only in their dog foods. Common sense tells us chicken feet cannot contain the same protein as the whole chicken.

Because there have been so many incidents like this reported about dog food suppliers, along with the amount of grains and other questionable ingredients used in dog foods today, the only way to assure your dog gets the best all natural dog foods possible, is for you to make them yourself.

What should I use for the best all natural dog foods in my homemade dog food recipe?

Below is a good basic homemade dog food recipe. Remember any sudden change in your dog's diet can cause your dog to have an upset stomach, so start with mixing a small amount of your new homemade dog food recipe in with the dog foods you are currently using. Every day increase your homemade dog food recipe amount and decrease the commercial dog foods you have been using. In a week to 10 days your dog will now have the best all natural dog foods available. You will also be surprised at how affordable it is.

A good rule of thumb for your homemade dog food recipe is 1 pound of raw or cooked food per day per 50 pounds of body weight of your pet. So if your pet weighs 100 pounds your dog would eat 2 pounds of your homemade dog food recipe daily and if your dog weighs 10 pounds your dog would eat 1/5 pound or 3.2 oz.

Bones become brittle and can splinter when they are old or cooked so you should only give your dog raw fresh bones. Your dog also cannot digest large pieces of vegetable without them being chopped finely, put through a blender or a food processor.

Use organ meats and inexpensive cuts of meat along with discount produce that has ripened. You can use whole chicken or turkey wings, necks and backs in your homemade dog food recipe to make your all natural dog foods as long as you do not cook them, the bones must be fed raw so they will not splinter.

Make up large batches and freeze your new all natural dog foods in serving size portions for your dog, then just take out the night before and refrigerate. Add any supplements at the time of feeding. You can feed your dog 2 times daily just divide the amount your dog needs daily in half for each feeding.

The following basic homemade dog food recipe will yield approximately 2 cups of food or 1 pound of the best prepared all natural dog foods available. The following all natural dog foods recipe is a 75% meat 25% vegetable combination. This simulates a dog's diet in the wild.

3 Simple Steps for the Best All Natural Dog Foods with this Homemade Dog Food Recipe
1) Use 12 ounces coarse-ground or chopped meat, raw or cooked. You can rotate a variety of meats, poultry and fish (organic or natural are best) for your all natural dog foods.

2) Use 4 ounces ground or chopped finely, mixed vegetables, raw or cooked. Again organic is the best choice for your all natural dog foods. Many stores will discount over-ripe produce.

3) Optional ingredients you can use in your all natural dog foods are whole eggs (including shells), alfalfa, kelp, barley or wheat grass, garlic, spirulina, chlorella, apples, pears, bananas, parsley, nettles, almonds, walnuts, fish oil for omega-3's and a shiny coat (which indicates your dog's health), plus a good vitamin and mineral supplement for your dog's optimum health.

Combine the above ingredients with warm purified water, because the best all natural dog foods are the consistency of a thick stew. Your dog will also benefit from this more natural source of water.

You can make the difference in your dog's health just by preparing this easy all natural dog foods homemade dog food recipe. Give this all natural dog foods recipe a chance for a month and see if you notice added vitality and vigor plus a new shiny coat on your dog.

Sherrie Chastain Health Care and Beauty Consultant http://www.sherriechastain.com http://www.flagstaffkennelclub.com