Archives for December, 2008
Familiarizing your puppy with its new home is essential! It is necessary that your little one learn every aspect of their home and learn their boundaries as well as interacting with the family.
Taking your puppy outdoors is not only necessary but it is also good for their physical needs as well as mental needs. When you allow your pup to go outside, you are going to have to be strict about keeping watchful eyes on your little guy or gal. It is recommended that this be done especially in the early months of your new lives together. Also you can get your dog some dog shampoo such as oatmeal dog shampoo.
Why all the fuss? There are dangers that are potential health hazards to your pup! Puppies are really naieve and untrained in what they need to be wary of. It is your job as a responsible dog owner to keep your puppy safe from these hazards. First off, keep in mind that puppies are naturally very curious and very adventurous, so the experiences your puppy may find may not all be good ones! You will want to also be sure to check out this leather dog couch as soon as you can.
We have some tips outlined in helping you to provide a safety plan for you and your pup. You want to really avoid areas where dogs are allowed to run loose. This can lead to your puppy falling victim to an aggressive dog or a dog that may be sickly. You also have to keep in mind that not all owners keep their dogs in control while off a leash, even at a dog park! Most adult dogs are usually good around puppies. Some dogs however, they could be aggressive due to poor training, lifestyle, or perhaps due to a dominance stance. So it is wise to avoid places where dogs run free. Another tip to follow and is a good rule of thumb is NEVER
FORGET OR NEGLECT TO GET YOUR PUPPY THEIR IMMUNIZATIONS!
It is extremely important that you have your puppy vaccinated regularly. Many dog breeds are runners by nature. There is nothing more free than letting your dog run through a wide open area so they can flex their muscles and stretch their legs. However, it is just not a good practice to let your dog off a leash unless it is in an area you know and is secured. The leash is not to restrict you from letting your dog exercise and have fun, but is there to maintain control and to keep your puppy or dog safe.
Dogs can be attacked by other dogs, cats, or animals or if an area is close to a roadway, your precious pooch can be hit and seriously injured or killed. You also have to be leary of children who could be a bit too rough and are feverently bent on chasing a small dog. This can create panic, stress, and fear in your little one. Just by observing your outdoor environment and utilizing caution in public areas such as parks, public dog runs and parks, and places like fields you can find a great way to help your puppy get the most out of their outdoor adventure while taking away the threat of injury or sickness.
Dec 31, 2008 | | Pets
People Feed The Dog with Alpo dog food for years and have found it to be nutritious and well liked by their dogs. Recently Alpo dog food was involved in the pet food recall with one of the products. The canned food Alpo Prime Cuts in wet gravy had to be recalled due to the industry wide contamination of pet food products. Purina voluntarily recalled this product quickly and efficiently to prevent harm occurring to people’s pets. Pet owners were provided with the necessary information to check any food that they may have purchased to make sure it was safe to use. The recall was based on the fact that wheat gluten used in the production of dog food had been contaminated with the harmful substance melamine. Because of the rapid recall consumers can now feel confident that Alpo dog food is safe for each dog to eat.
Types Of Alpo Dog Food
Alpo dog food comes in several tasty types for each dog owner to choose from. There are three types of dry dog food. First is the Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor. This dry food is full of beef flavor that dogs love to eat. Next is the Grrravy wet or dry food. This food can be served dry or mixed with water to make a delicious brothy gravy any dog will love. The last Alpo dry dog food choice is Come And Get It. This food combines the flavors of beef, chicken, liver, and cheese flavors to tantalize the dog’s taste bud.
In canned varieties Alpo dog food comes in two categories: with gravy or without gravy. The gravy types of canned food are Prime Slices, Prime Cuts, and Prime Entrees. These come in a choice of beef, turkey, chicken or lamb flavors to provide a variety in the dog’s diet. The delicious gravy style meals come packaged in convenient 13.2 ounce cans or 22 ounce cans.
Chop House Originals, Diced Cuts, and Hearty Classics are the gravyless varieties available from canned Alpo dog foods. These meaty styles will prove to satisfy even the pickiest of dogs. Chop House Originals comes in real meat or poultry flavors, Diced Cuts in a ground beef style and Hearty Classics in a loaf of beef, chicken, liver or bacon.
Alpo dog foods even offer tasty snacks that will make any dog feel extra special and Healthy Dog. Al’s Grill and Snaps are available at most stores that sale Purina products. These nutritious snacks will make great training rewards or will be a nice occasional treat.
Dec 31, 2008 | | Pets
It is always so exciting to bring home your new puppy. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with owning a dog especially if you want to be considered a responsible dog owner. You have to feed her, groom her, provide her with proper health care, and give her a safe place to call home.
But one of the most important things you can do for your new dog or puppy is to provide essential dog training.
Discipline and Behavior
Having a dog that is always misbehaving is not something that you want. They can an be an embarrassment and in worst cases, they can be dangerous.
Training can be a lot of hard work and require a lot of time and patience, but the end result is a well behaved dog that you can be proud of. The bond between you and your pet can be strengthened through training. Take the time to train your dog and set the rules for appropriate behavior. For the best results you should start early.
Dog Obedience Training
Obedience training is also an important part of your dog’s overall training program. Levels of training varies from basic to advanced.
You should at least provide basic training for your dog or puppy. Commands like sit, stay, and come, are all part of basic training. So are house training and leash training.
Of course, you can always progress to a more advanced level. Provide additional training for your dog and you will have a well behaved pet. Destructive behaviors like barking, chewing, and digging can usually be prevented just by including the proper training. Just find a program that meets your needs and provides a results such as Sit, Stay, Fetch.
Puppy Training
Puppy training should start at an early age. Some people wait too long to start training their puppies and it makes it a little more difficult and frustrating. Some people believe that it is not possible to train a puppy younger than six months old, but I assure you that is a myth.
Of course there are some skills that are beyond a puppy, teaching many of the commands and appropriate behaviors can start right away. Just do some research to make sure you follow the proper techniques.
There are many different sources of information available - dog training books, ebooks, websites, and even complete training programs. Something else you could do it enroll in group training. You can also hire an experienced dog trainer if your budget allows.
Group Training Classes
Most of the larger pet stores offer training classes. They are usually cheaper since they are in a group setting. You can also ask around as your local area animal shelter or other animal groups may offer free or discounted group training classes.
One added advantage of group training, in my opinion, is that it gives your dog the added benefit of socializing with other dogs and their owners.
Professional and Experienced Trainers
The benefit of a professional trainer is the one on one training that they will provide. Just be sure to ask around for recommendations so that you can find a trainer who is know to provide results.
In my opinion I recommend hiring a professional dog trainer for major issues such as dealing with an aggressive dog. This is not something you want to try and handle on your own.
Conclusion
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. As responsible owners we need to make sure that our dogs are well behaved and great to be around. Just be sure that you go into any training program with an open mind and the right attitude and you will find that it is a rewarding experience.
And remember, you can always search for more information about dogs.
Dec 31, 2008 | | Pets
The French Bulldog can best be described as a compact and tough dog. For many years the French Bulldog has been a popular pet for the family. While known as the French Bulldog it is likely that it descended from the English Bulldog along with a mix of other French and English breeds.
During the late 1800’s there was much popularity for the Bulldog in France and it was also at this time that the dog was brought to North America. The French Bulldog has always been a member of the non-sporting breed group and is best known as a family pet. The breed was first accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1898. When full grown they will typically weight between seventeen to twenty-eight pounds with an average height between eleven to twelve inches at the shoulder. By considering the temperament and needs of the French Bulldog you can determine if this breed is right for you and your household.
The French Bulldog can be either small or medium in their overall size and often has a dwarf mastiff appearance. They typically have broad shoulders, a deep chest, a thick neck and muscles that are well developed. The coat is typically a brindle color or fawn and white. If they are not used as a show dog they can also be bred with a coat color of black, mouse and liver colors.
They typically have a very affectionate and energetic personality. They make excellent family pets because they are easy to form a close and loving bond with. They like to spend as much time as possible near their human companions and are very faithful watchdogs for the family. Since the breed is not considered a sporting dog and typically has low energy they don’t have much exercise requirements. Although a good family pet they do tend to do better with the more mature children since they sometimes won’t be very tolerant or understanding of a young child’s behavior. The French Bulldog will typically tolerate other pets but only if your introduce them to the French Bulldog when they are still a puppy.
Unlike the English Bulldog, the French Bulldog is very easy to train due to their attentive and intelligent nature. Although most people prefer not to train their dog and just accept them as they are since they make sure excellent family pets without the training.
When it comes to special health concerns the French Bulldog is at risk for developing breathing problems if they undergo excessive exercise, high levels of excitement or high environmental temperatures. This is because of their short nose and overall skull shape, referred to as Brachycephalic syndrome. These breathing problems can become serious and life threatening. Therefore it is best to avoid walking your pet in hot, humid weather and you also shouldn’t leave them outside in hot weather for extended periods of time. If you ever notice your French Bulldog having trouble breathing or sounding like they can’t catch their breath then you need to contact a veterinarian right away for medical treatment before the condition gets too serious.
The French Bulldog is one of three Bulldog types. You can determine if the French Bulldog is the right pet for you through Bulldog information.
Dec 31, 2008 | | Pets
If you ask any canine they will probably tell you there is no such thing as bad dog food, but the reality is that many of the cheaper brands are not that good for them and may create dog health problems. Some of the lesser-known brands have been known to use ingredients that may not be the best for them, including beef from sick or dying cows as well as other animals that may not be in the best of health.
Additionally, not all dog food is created equal and it may not contain the vitamins and minerals dogs need for health and Dog Skin, and animals at different stages of their growth need different supplements and even if made with healthy ingredients it may be bad dog food if it does not have what your dog needs. There are certain things the dog will need for its health, but there are also certain foods that are healthy for humans, but can be deadly for dogs.
For example, apples are considered a health food for people, but for dogs apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can result in cyanide poisoning in canines. The same thing can happen with apricots and cherries making these fruits extremely bad dog food.
Accidental Ingestion Of Bad Dog Food Can Be Deadly
Everyone knows that smoking is hazardous for a human’s health, but nicotine can also be deadly for dogs. Cigarette butts, cigars and pipe tobacco if ingested by the family pet can cause nicotine poisoning, with the symptoms including hyperactivity, vomiting and diarrhea which can lead to rapid heartbeat and cardiac arrest. Nicotine patches and gum can be just as deadly to the pet so caution those in the house that use these products to keep them out of the dog’s reach as they make bad dog food.
Dogs are also susceptible to stomach problems, Dog Constipation and pancreatic diseases from ingesting too much salt, whether in their diet or accidentally ingested. They have been known to drink way too much water after the salt, which can cause the stomach to fill with gas and become twisted, resulting in a potentially painful death.
Also on the bad dog food list is raw bread dough, although not poisonous, if ingested the heat from the dog’s stomach can cause the bread to raise, causing extreme discomfort. Additionally, during the raising process bread dough creates alcohol which can cause health problems for canines.
Do not share your morning coffee with your dog, or a soda or other drink containing caffeine as it works as a stimulant and has been known to cause seizures in animals, some have been fatal.
Dec 30, 2008 | | Pets
If you’ve done your homework, you know that electronic dog collars are safe, effective, and humane for training your dog and are right for you. With the hard part out of the way, it’s now just a matter of choosing the collar that’s right for your dog. To give you an idea of where to begin when looking for an electronic collar for your dog, this short guide will show you the uses and available options on most popular models so you can make an informed choice.
Containment Systems (“Invisible Fence”)
There are two types of these perimeter-sensing collars for teaching your dog the boundaries of your yard: electric and wireless. Electric systems work with a buried line that you install to establish the perimeter of your yard. PetSafe is a good model for this application with an easy-to-use setup for both the fence and the collar receiver. PetSafe comes just about right to fit any standard-sized yard. To fit a larger area than PetSafe can handle, we recommend Innotek’s containment system.
With the Innotek system, you can experience a few extra benefits. You can expand its use to as many as 25 acres and use multiple collars in conjunction with one fence, making it ideal for owners or multtiple dogs. Both brands are recognized and are great options for hidden wire fencing.
For wireless fencing, we look to PetSafe once again. This innovative and fairly new technology works similarly to the wired systems, but requires no burial of a wire. Instead, it works by setting up a transmitter at the center of the area you want to “fence off.” The transmitter then sends out a signal to a radius that you can pre-set, allowing for simple and quick setup and even portability.
BARK COLLARS
These collars are popular for dog owners who have pets that like to make a lot of noise. The most popular and widely-respected brand is the Innotek collar. It’s reasonably priced and very advanced, having sophisticated sensors to tell if it’s your dog barking or another dog. In addition, the collar can intelligently increase the intensity of the static charge to curtail continual barking. When the dog stops barking, the collar stops correcting the behavior and resets to its original setting. These collars are totally waterproof and very lightweight, suitable for any dog and almost any climate.
BEEPER COLLARS
This high tech safety device offered by Dogtra can be set to notify you if your dog goes out of your yard. This collar emits a beep that allows you to quickly and easily find your dog. The design offers a variety of settings that are geared to work up to one mile away and includes features that are even helpful to hunting dog users.
ELECTRONIC COLLARS
If your dog goes with you out onto the field, goes hunting, or enjoys large areas, the electronic training collar can help you train your dog within the area. TriTronics offer the greatest system, with options for providing optimum training for dogs who spend time outdoors. There is about a one mile range in most models, and up to twenty settings within stimulation levels. They are versatile, offering waterproof protection and lightweight feel, as well as long-life batteries which maximizes each use. Accessories available include transmitter holsters, field chargers for collars, battery packs, and “dummy” collars so that your dog learns to respond without the actual collar. If you’re looking to save a little money, try the SportDog collar, which is comparable and still gets you long ranges of use.
If you are hunting for a good electronic training collar for your dog, this guide has hopefully helped you understand the options and manufacturers you should be considering. Whatever you do, be sure your veterinarian and trainer are aware of your options and choices so that you can receive advice tailored to your particular dogs’ needs.
Dec 30, 2008 | | Pets
A dog that constantly scratches, licks, and itches is annoying to both the dog and the owner. If you’ve ever had a scratchy dog, you know that leaving things alone and hoping they get better isn’t a real option…unless continued scratching, licking, and itching are ok with you. When a dog exhibits these behaviors, you can rest assured that something is wrong. The trick, though, is finding out what that something is.
Choose the best outfits and Dog Supplies for your dog, he or she will love their New Dog Dress and other Dog Clothes that will put a smile on their faces each and every year.
If your dog has a flea allergy and you see fleas on him, bingo. But, how do you know if your dog has a flea allergy? Check for common symptoms like watery eyes. He also may lick his paws and use his paws to scratch his face. These are signs you have yourself a flea allergy. A vet-approved Benadryl, a nice medicated bath, and a trip to the vet for some flea preventative should clear his problems right up. Also, make sure you vacuum you home and dispose of the bag and wash your dog’s bed covers and any other fabrics he comes in contact with. Wash in very hot water. If your dog doesn’t have a flea allergy and has no fleas but is constantly scratching, licking, and itching, there are other things to consider.
After ruling out fleas, turn to your dog’s diet. If he’s on a grocery store brand kibble, you may have located your problem. Many of these brands leave out omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which are essential in keeping your dog’s coat shiny and his skin moist, soft, and healthy. Some of the brands also lack the proper amounts of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. Consider visiting your vet or a pet store where the selection of food and assistance is available. Look for a food with fish oils. Also, consider the fact that your dog may be allergic to certain ingredients in his old grocery store kibble. Some dogs are allergic to eggs, wheat, soy, and corn. Don’t be afraid to ask an associate and explain your dog’s condition. A fast fix may be right in front of you.
Once you’ve found and treated the problem, maintain maintenance. Continue buying the new kibble, continue washing his bed clothes on a regular basis, and treat him to a bath with a soothing oatmeal shampoo. Of course, when all else fails, make an appointment with your vet.
Dec 29, 2008 | | Pets
When it comes to you and your dog showing off how patriotic you are, sometimes the best thing to do is with a fashion sense. 4th of July dog outfits are a very fashionable way of showing how patriotic you are. When it comes to finding 4th of July dog outfits, there are a number of great places from which to choose from, however, sometimes the best places are the ones on the internet because they are usually much cheaper on dog supplies then going to the local store.
Of course you should never wait until the last minute to get the outfits neither because you run the risk of them being sold out or even having a late delivery. Instead take your time and choose your 4th of July dog clothes out early and get them before the rush. Sort of like a Christmas in July Sale, get your July outfits during the holiday season. You never know, you may even get a bigger discount when you do.
It is however important that you are not left being found without showing off your patriotic spirit. When everyone else is wearing their Red, White and Blues, you should be too; and most definitely so should your dog. So let your dog’s patriotic spirit run free and show how proud it is to be born in the US of A.
Not only does a red, white and blue dog dresses make a perfect 4th of July dog outfit, but so can so many others. Remember that with the Right to Bear Arms, camouflage too is a great choice and when it comes to dogs, there are tons of camouflage items for them to wear. Maybe even add in a bandana around the neck; red, white and blue of course.
No matter how you choose to look at it though, you and your dog needs to let your patriotic spirit out and make sure that the both of you have your very own patriotic outfit to wear no matter what time of year it is. However when it comes to dogs though, while you can get just about any red, white and blue outfit from anywhere, for your best friend you need to specifically look for a 4th of July dog outfit.
Make sure that your dog’s fashions are ready for just about anything whether it is the 4th of July, Memorial Day or even Labor Day. Nothing beats a great picnic or barbeque, and when you have all of your friends over celebrating, make sure that your dog is dressed up in his finest 4th of July dog outfit and you will be assured that the whole mood of the party is a patriotic one.
Dec 28, 2008 | | Pets
Have you been having trouble getting your dog to eat the food you give him or her? If your dog happens to be one of those types of dogs that discriminate on food, you should be very careful about buying dog foods. Always remember that there are some types of dogs foods that are not really so tasty that dogs would tend to snob it. To make sure that you dog will eat what you give it, you should make sure that you buy only good quality dog food like the canidae dog food. Note that canidae dog food is one of the best known brands of dog food in the market to day. Most dog owners and breeders all over the country prefers to give their pets the canidae dog food over other types of dog foods simply because dogs love this kind of food.
Getting Something That Your Dog Will Love
Canidae dog food is very taste and most dogs love it. Even if your dog happens to be very picky with his or her food, you don’t really have to worry about wasting your money on the canidae dog food. The good thing about the canidae dog food is that it offers you a wide variety of dog foods to choose from to Feed The Dog. The canidae dog food comes in four types of meat meals namely chicken, turkey, lamb and fish. If your dog happens to be very choosy of his or her food, you can buy a small pack of the different types of canidae dog food and let your pet sample them.
Giving Your Dog A Variety Of Food
Like human beings, dogs do not really like to eat the type kind of food day in and day out. In most cases, after giving your dog the same food for a couple of days or so, your dog will start to ignore the food. Once your dog starts to ignore his or her food, it is best not to force your dog to eat hat kind of food for the next few days. Since your dog need different variety of foods, make sure that you buy more than one type of canidae dog food. If you are feeding your dog twice in a day, you might want to give your dog different flavors of canidae dog food each meal to stimulate his or her appetite. However, when giving different flavors of food to your dog, give him only the recommended amount of food. Do not let your dog overeat or else your dog will become obese and may have Dog Constipation.
Dec 27, 2008 | | Pets
Dogs that lead a very active lifestyle demand a more comprehensive diet than average dogs require. Examples of these hard-working dogs are those that participate in agility competitions as well as those that team up with law enforcement on a search-and-rescue mission.
You will want to take a look at these deals on pet carriers for your active dog.
These dogs require nutritional needs that are different from an average household pet. Most of these sporting and working dogs participate in intermediate activities as well. These are activities that require low to moderate duration and intensity. Examples include: Competition or agility, service, search and rescue, tracking or hunting, police or guarding, detection, and even managing livestock.
Be sure to take a look at these pet strollers to give your hunting dog a hand.
Essential Nutrients For Your Busy Canine Athlete
Because your dog is always on the go, you need to provide him with larger doses of food and certain types of nutrients. This is especially important in times when they are most active. A typical working dog would need about 2 – 5 times more calories than a sedentary dog. These extra calories are converted into energy that helps our canine athletes perform better.
For your working dog you will need to pick up some dog accessories to keep them cool and collective.
Carbohydrate: Once your dog reaches adulthood, he has no need for carbohydrates in his diet, although he is able to absorb this nutrient if eaten. Less carbohydrates in the adult dog’s diet creates better performance. Therefore, minimum amount of carbohydrates is required for the working dog or any dog that participates in any kind of activity that lasts for more than two minutes.
Protein: Protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks for hormones, tissues, and enzymes. This nutrient provides energy and helps develop muscle mass for extra size and strength. Keep in mind, however, that too much protein in your dog’s diet can lead to excessive protein breakdown. A busy dog should have a diet that includes high-quality protein, enough to provide for muscle and structural repair.
Your dog’s diet needs fats. Not bad fats and not excessive amounts of fats, but the good fats! The main source of energy for working and intermediate athletic dogs comes from fats. This nutrient contains about twice as much energy as carbohydrates and protein provides. Adding more fat to your dog’s diet is the best way to increase his energy and strength. A diet high in fat is more appealing to your dog while at the same time providing him with better endurance.
Therefore, it is very important to supply him with adequate amount of essential fatty acids along with saturated and unsaturated fats. So far we have covered that your dog needs a little carbohydrates from healthy sources, how important protein is and that it is a necessity, and the difference from good and bad fats that are essential to the diet of your working and intermediate sportster!
Water: A hard-working dog normally loses more water during laborious activity so it is very important to provide him with an ample supply of water to keep him hydrated. This is even more important when your dog is under extreme temperatures (both hot and cold weather).
Dec 26, 2008 | | Pets