Can One Really Trust Having Shock Collars For Dogs?

Article Title: Can One Really Trust Having Shock Collars For
Dogs?
Author: Claire Quaty

Some people say that, like any device for animal training, a
shock collar should be used in moderation and should strive to
be both effective and humane. Shock collars used for dogs
really do the job but some people believe that their excessive
use borders on animal cruelty. Many activists are opposed to
its use because of this.

The Association of Pet Behavior Counselors has a statement
opposing the widespread application of the shock collar for
most dogs. They don't go so far as recommending the banning of
the product entirely, but feel the use of the product needs to
be done in a controlled fashion. When used moderately during
the training process, the shock collar can generate great
results without being cruel to the dog. Excessive use should be
avoided.

The primary purpose of shock collars is to deter negative
behavior a dog or other animal is doing. They are primarily
used during the training of the animal and are not often needed
afterward. The device works by delivering a small electric shock
to the animal's neck in order to shape the behavior of the
animal during the training process. Behaviorist Psychology is
behind this particular approach to training.

Unfortunately, the Association of Pet Behavior Counselors
believe that owners can unintentionally misuse the shock collar
and harm their animal during the process. Because the owner
himself isn't well trained in using the collar, he can cause
great pain or discomfort in his pet. Using the shock collar can
also be a source of considerable distress in the animal - even
when the owner thinks he is using it properly.

In a nutshell, it's just too easy to use a shock collar
excessively and use it during times in which it is
inappropriate to use such a device. The animal will associate
the shock with whatever it was doing when the shock was
delivered and can easily become confused about what behaviors
are appropriate and what behaviors are not. It's too simple to
accidentally shock your animal when you didn't mean to.

An inappropriately used shock collar for your dog can result in
the inaccurate association of pain with normal things - like the
owner, certain foods or an inanimate object. This is a serious
problem that can lead to unintended and dangerous consequences.
The animal can become afraid of almost everything that has
become associated with pain. The dog can become aggressive and
fearful around people, children, or food - perceiving a threat
that actually isn't real.

Such a collar can go awry and cause problems if not used
properly on the animal. It is imperative that users of shock
collars take the time to understand the device and learn how to
properly train an animal while using one. As an effective animal
trainer, it's important that you train yourself first.

About The Author: Read more from Claire Quaty at:
http://www.pets-mag.com

Getting To Know Your Bulldog

Article Title: Getting To Know Your Bulldog
Author: Dan Stevens

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about the Bulldog:

Originating in England, the Bulldog has an unmistakable face.
Although the Bulldog is often called other things to include
the British Bulldog or English Bulldog, they are all the same
breed. This particular breed can be dated back to around the
early 16th century. By the 17th century, this breed was used
as bull bait, a barbaric form of death through suffocation for
the bull. Because of its brutality, this use of the Bulldog
was outlawed in 1835. The result of this ban was a large
reduction in the number of Bulldogs people owned.

Today, the Bulldog is a great family pet, gentle, yet very
protective. If you want a dog that is easy to care for, one
great with kids, and one with an excellent personality, the
Bulldog should be a consideration. With a frowning face and
powerful looking body, this particular breed is often
overlooked, which is a real shame because it makes an excellent
family pet.

Physical Appearance

Even though the Bulldog is more on the small side, it is very
stocky with a powerful and proud stance. For instance, an
adult dog could weigh between 40 and 50 pounds with a height
between 12 and 14 inches. Because the body is short and
compact, it waddles when it walks. The muzzle is extremely
short with saggy skin on the face. All Bulldogs have a short,
smooth coat but colors vary.

Temperament and Personality

Unfortunately, the Bulldog has been wrongly labeled over the
years as being a ferocious beast but in truth, this breed is
amazing gentle with adults and children. In most cases, the
Bulldog gets along well with other animals but early
socialization is recommended. Sometimes, you may see a little
bit of stubbornness and protectiveness out of your dog but at
heart, the Bulldog love to play and is rather friendly.

Health

Due to the flat face and short muzzle, the Bulldog is prone to
breathing problems, particularly during hot weather. Some dogs
have trouble with the palate, which can collapse, cutting off a
good air supply. The good news is that if your dog should
experience this problem, it can be fixed with minor surgery.
While a collapsed palate is not a physical emergency, if not
corrected, you would notice loud breathing and snoring.

Another important factor associated with owning a Bulldog is
that because of the body structure, it cannot swim well.
Therefore, if you have a swimming pool or live near a pond or
lake, you want to take extreme care. Keep in mind that this
breed has a large head in proportion to the body. For this
reason, giving birth is difficult, which is usually why puppies
will be delivered via Cesarean section. Finally, Bulldogs can
also experience cataracts, cherry eye, allergies, and problems
with the joints, specifically the hips.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having
sold over 21,000 copies. See
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/bulldog.php
for more on dog breeds.

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Getting To Know Your Pomeranian

Article Title: Getting To Know Your Pomeranian
Author: Dan Stevens

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about the Pomeranian:

One of the most fascinating aspects of this breed is that in
its much earlier and larger incarnations it was used in Lapland
and Iceland for pulling sleds. Eventually, the Pomeranian moved
on to other regions along the Baltic Sea. At this particular
time, the breed was still used as a working dog but then it
started to increase in popularity as a family pet. The name
given to this dog, which was originally Pommern or Pomore,
means "on the sea."

The Pomeranian was introduced into English nobility. While
somewhat popular, it became even more so after Queen
Charlotte's granddaughter, Queen Victoria, returned from Italy
with her new furry friend. Although the appearance was much
the same, the earlier varieties of the Pomeranian were actually
larger than what we see today.

This dog belongs to the Spitz family, which includes other
breeds such as the Samoyed, Schipperke, and even Norwegian
Elkhound, which surprises many people as they are all
considered "toy" breeds due to the small size. Over time,
breeders were able to fine-tune the Pomeranian, which led to a
much better coat and smaller size. In addition, breeding
experimentation provided a greater selection of color while not
interfering with the breed's strong but sweet temperament.

Physical Appearance

Following the American Kennel Club's standards for the
Pomeranian, the average weight is between 3 and 7 pounds and
height is 8 to 11 inches. The appearance of the breed is quite
distinct, having a wedge-shaped head. The result of the small
body and head is a look very similar to that of a fox. In
addition, the Pomeranian has small and high set ears and a tail
that curls over the back while being held tall.

Although all of these characteristics make the Pomeranian the
cute dog it is, the coat is without doubt its pride. In fact,
this dog has two coats. The first is the soft, thick, and
fluffy undercoat while the second is the straight and course
overcoat. Every year, the male dog will shed the undercoat, as
the female goes into heat, once a litter is delivered, and if
experiencing too much stress.

As mentioned, breeding has resulted in a wide range of colors
and color combinations - 13 in all. These options for the
Pomeranian include:

Black
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue and Tan
Chocolate
Chocolate and Tan
Cream
Cream Sable
Orange
Orange Sable
Parti-color (typically white with other colors)
Red
Red Sable
Sable

In addition to the standard 13 colors for the Pomeranian, the
American Kennel Club also recognizes the following:

Beaver
Brindle
Chocolate Sable
White
Wolf Sable

For the Pomeranian to fall within the standards set by the
American Kennel Club, the dog should be well proportioned.
This means the dainty head cannot be too large or small, but
must balance well with the body type. Additionally, the
Pomeranian's legs must be proportionate. In fact, even the
breed's expression is to display alertness, intelligence, and
pride.

Temperament and Personality

Like the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian does not realize it is a
small dog. With a serious bark (or yelp as some may say), the
dog is actually a great watchdog. This breed loves its family,
enjoying good, quality cuddle time. However, it is also an
energetic and agile dog that is relatively easy to train.

Because of the small body size, the Pomeranian makes a great
pet for people without a yard or those with a small yard.
However, because this breed also enjoys exercise, it makes a
great pet for those who like spending time outdoors. In other
words, the Pomeranian is a versatile dog - perfect for many
types of families.

Health

Fortunately, the Pomeranian breed tends to be healthy but like
most other dogs, there are a few possible health risks. With
good care, a dog of this breed could easily live to be 14, 15,
16, or older. Some of the more common concerns with the
Pomeranian include a Luxating Patella, dry eye, cataracts, and
skin ailments.

Health risks that are not quite as common would be epilepsy,
hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, and hydrocephalus. Then on rare
occasion, you might find a dog in this category dealing with
Hip Dysplasia and Legg-Calve Perthes, a degenerative disease of
the hip joint. Of all possible health risks associated with a
Pomeranian, a collapsed trachea, or heart disease known as
Patent Ductus Arteriosus are the most serious.

It is also important to keep this breed of dog well groomed.
Otherwise, the undercoat can become tangled, pulling on the
skin and causing blood circulation problems. Typically,
brushing the coat two to three times a week is sufficient.
Since this breed of dog is also prone to dental problems, most
veterinarians recommend brushing, along with regularly
scheduled cleaning, which would be done professionally and
under anesthesia.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having
sold over 21,000 copies. See

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/pomeranian.php
for more on dog breeds.

Why You Should Adopt A Dog

Article Title: Why You Should Adopt A Dog
Author: Kadence Buchanan

Dog adoption is made easy through the countless animal welfare
organizations and animal shelters existing in every city across
the United States. With literally thousands of adoptable dogs
listed, a prospective dog owner can select to adopt a dog that
needs a wonderful family to go to and be loved. In fact, when
you search through these shelters and find a puppy, you are
doing a great service to the community and to the local dog
rescue or animal shelter that you went for your dog, cat,
kitten, or puppy adoption. Thus, you should not hesitate! You
should go today to your local area's shelter facilities and
practically support dog and puppy adoption. But before you exit
such a life-saving premise, you should first consider some
important factors that will shape your decision.

In fact, you are interested in getting a dog from a shelter you
can increase your chances of completing a successful adoption if
you make some observations and you are not afraid to ask the
shelter's personnel some necessary questions. Begin by visiting
the shelter several times and watch the interaction of the staff
members with the animals. Pay attention to how they treat, clean
and behave to them and if possible keep notes of their attitude
towards the dogs in general and the one you are considering of
adopting in specific.

A buyer who chooses to adopt a shelter animal instead of buying
a puppy should be just as careful in his choice and as selective
of a place to adopt as the puppy buyer should be in his choice
of a breed and a puppy. This is mainly due to diseases and lack
of proper care. Although dogs are vaccinated against common
canine diseases when they enter a shelter, they do not always
receive immediately the appropriate vaccinations, especially if
they have been already exposed to a disease while roaming the
streets. In addition, if the shelter keeps each dog in
different compartments, but a chain type of fence separates
them from each other-meaning that their nose can be in direct
contact-then illness are possible to be transferred from one
dog to another. Furthermore, if their feces are not picked up
regularly and their cells are not cleaned properly, worms and
other feces-spread diseases are possible. Thus, ask the
shelter's veterinarian to perform a thorough background
physical check on the dog you have set your eyes on and take
proof of their vaccination before exiting the shelter or
clinic.

Finally, you should be aware that owning a dog is a big
responsibility. Apart from their need to be fed regularly
depending on their size and breed, dogs have to be taken
outdoors, and they often require medical care. Although it is a
disaster that many people fail to recognize these and other
issues beforehand, you should not decide to adopt a dog based
on an impulse. It has to be a well-thought decision that takes
under consideration how much time you have available everyday,
what is your current lifestyle, and which are your living
accommodations. Thinking beforehand where the dog shall live
once it enters your house premises is as important as teaching
your kids not to be afraid of the hairy new family
addition-some children might even get jealous or afraid of a
new dog. Plan ahead, research extensively and be well-prepared
in order to enjoy for many years to come the amazing company
and unique companionship a dog can offer to everyone in your
family.

About The Author: Kadence Buchanan writes articles for
http://etotallypets.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes
articles for http://4homelife.net/ and
http://itsfamilytime.net/

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Getting To Know The Rottweiler

Article Title: Getting To Know The Rottweiler
Author: Dan Stevens

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about the Rottweiler:

The Rottweiler dog, often referred to as a "Rottie," is an
amazing creature that has been given a bad name over the years
due to it getting into the wrong hands. This large dog is
indeed powerful and robust but also sweet and eager to please.
The Rottweiler originated from Germany although it has also been
linked to Roman Empire days as well. With people traveling long
distances with cattle, this breed of dog was helpful with
herding duties, along with protection from prey or robbers.

Sometime around the end of the 19th century, the Rottweiler's
popularity had dramatically declined. However, with the start
of WWII, this breed's popularity level again began to climb, as
the need for a strong, obedient, and intelligent dog was needed
for police work. The Rottweiler fit the need perfectly. But
something else happened. People also discovered that this
breed of dog had an extremely loving and loyal side, which now
made them a popular choice for families. By 1935, the American
Kennel Club had official recognized the breed for show.

Sadly, we still see bad publicity associated with this breed of
dog - not because the breed is ferocious or evil but because
irresponsible owners get their hands on the breed, sometimes
teaching them to fight. All of this has caused a serious
misunderstanding about the Rottweiler, which is a real shame.
The truth is that while this breed does tend to be protective,
if the dog is socialized young, handled with a firm hand, and
introduced to various situations it will make a wonderful,
devoted pet that is great with children and other animals.

Physical Appearance

This breed of dog looks strong, proud, and almost like royalty.
The Rottweiler is black with beautiful tan markings on the
muzzle, cheeks, chest, eyebrows, and legs. When you look
closely at the chest markings, you would notice upside-down
triangles. Sometimes, a Rottweiler will also have a small
patch of white in between these triangles. For a family pet,
this marking is fine but for showing, it is not. Then, the
breed's muzzle would be tan, with the color going down the
throat. Over each eye, there would be a brown dot, which
serves as the eyebrows. Other markings include any color on
the leg not going up more than one-third, each toe should have
a small black mark, and the area under the tail would be tan.

The Rottweiler also has black nails and there are even black
splotches on the inside of the mouth. The one most prominent
feature of this breed is the head, which appears to be a little
over-sized. Giving the dog its look of being alert, the
forehead is wrinkly. This dog also has teddy bear eyes, often
with a calm but alert expression. In comparison to the head,
the Rottweiler has small ears, laid close to the head. Even
the coat of this breed is special, being of medium length with
an undercoat that is waterproof.

Although a Rottweiler is born with a tail, these are generally
docked extremely short. The reason is that Rottweilers used
for working can have problems with the tail breaking and then
getting infected from being in the field. In most cases, a
reputable veterinarian will perform the minor surgery while the
dog is still in the puppy stage, which allows less pain and a
quicker healing.

Finally, this particular breed has a broad, strong chest.
Because of the extra room, the lungs have much more capacity
than that of other dog breeds. According to the American
Kennel Club, the dog's back needs to be straight (no sloping)
and for males, a height of 24 to 27 inches with the female
hitting about 22 to 25 inches. Weight also varies, males
averaging around 110 pounds with females around 95.

Temperament and Personality

If a Rottweiler is socialized when young, introduced to various
situations, loved, played with, fed properly, exercised, and
trained, it would make an outstanding addition to just about
any home. However, because there are strong personality
traits, people have taken an innocent dog, teaching them to
guard drug houses, and even attack people.

Yes, the Rottweiler can be a little stubborn sometimes, even
those carefully raised but overall, this dog is calm and they
live off the attention of owners. The size and strength of the
breed makes them a great watchdog. Even though this dog does
not bark often, when feeling threatened or afraid, the powerful
voice is heard. Keep in mind that this is a strong breed so you
want the Rottweiler to be handled by an experienced dog owner.

Health

Fortunately, the Rottweiler does not have too many health
problems. The things you want to keep your eyes open for or
even have the puppy of interest tested for would include Hip
and/or Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat, various forms of cancer,
Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, Von Willebrand's Disease, thyroid
problems such as Hypothyroidism, and eye problems. Also keep an
eye on their weight.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having
sold over 21,000 copies. See

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/rottweiler.php
for more on dog breeds.

Getting To Know Your Shetland Sheepdog

Article Title: Getting To Know Your Shetland Sheepdog
Author: Dan Stevens

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about Shetland Sheepdogs:

Also known as the "Sheltie," the Shetland Sheepdog originally
began life as a small herding dog for Shetland Island terrain.
When you first look at this breed, you will notice a strong
resemblance with the Collie although the Shetland Sheepdog is
smaller. While the exact origin of this breed remains unknown,
we do know that somewhere off the coast of Scotland the dog was
bred down to what we know it to be today.

To give you an idea of the makeup of the Shetland Sheepdog, you
have breeding from the Yakki, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Border
Collie. Then, it is believed that in the 19th century, this
breed could have been crossbred with other dogs to include the
Prince Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian, and perhaps even the King
Charles Spaniel. However, to add even more question to the mix
is that in the early part of the 20th century, the coat of the
Shetland Sheepdog came out brindle, which would indicate two
other breeds to include the Corgi and Terrier.

What we do know is that the American Kennel Club first
recognized the Shetland Sheepdog in 1911, which resulted from
the first registration of a dog named Lord Scott. Although the
Shetland Sheepdog was once a prominent breed in Shetland, today
you rarely see it. Instead, the Border Collie has taken its
place in importance and use.

This breed has an amazing ability to compete. As an agile dog,
they are outstanding when it comes to showmanship, obedience,
herding, tracking, and so on. Therefore, using the Shetland
Sheepdog in competitions or show is a satisfying decision.

Physical Appearance

The Sheltie has a graceful and sweet appearance. As far as the
breed's coat, there is a double coat with the topcoat being long
and straight and the undercoat being short and furry. In fact,
the topcoat is water-repellant while the undercoat is extremely
thick. To keep tangles at bay, it is important that the
Shetland Sheepdog be brushed and groomed on a regular basis.
Otherwise, you could be dealing with deeply matted hair in
places such as the hind legs, under the elbows, and even behind
the ears.

If you want to show your Sheltie through the American Kennel
Club, there is a definite height requirement. For instance,
the male and female dog would need to be between 13 and 16
inches at the withers. For weight, most males will fall
somewhere around 14 to 18 pounds with the females averaging 12
to 16 pounds. Another requirement includes ears that are
tipped or just slightly bent. Colors of this breed also vary
to include:

Sable (light gold to mahogany)
Tri-color (white, black, and tan)
Blue Merle (gray, black, white, and tan)
Bi-blues (gray, black, and some white)
Merle (not often seen in show but acceptable)
Double Merle (brings risk of blindness and deafness)

Temperament and Personality

When looking for a good family dog and companion, the Sheltie
is a great option to consider. This particular breed is
exceptionally bright, loyal, affectionate, and loving. The one
thing you need to be aware of is that the Sheltie can be wary of
strangers. Socializing this breed at a young age can help
overcome some of those types of unwanted behaviors. The
Shetland Sheepdog is great with adults but wait until you see
them with children. They are patient, protective, and
extremely gentle even with the smallest of child. This breed
also works well with other animals.

Some people believe that the Shetland Sheepdog barks too much
and while some can be a little on the yappy side, but with
proper training, this trait can be overcome. With most breeds,
you would find either the male or female having a slightly
better edge over the other. However, with the Sheltie, male
and female are equally great dogs. When choosing this breed,
just make sure you have adequate time for training and playing,
as well as room for running around.

Health

Unfortunately, the Shetland Sheepdog is prone to certain health
problems such as Epilepsy, Ophthalmologist, Hypothyroidism, and
various types of skin allergies. As far as the eyes, this
particular breed can inherit two problems. The first is called
Sheltie Eye Syndrome or SES, which affects all three layers of
the eye, resulting in a blind spot to full blindness. For
this, special testing can be performed while a puppy to
determine if the defect exists. The second is called
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA. In this case, the dog
would begin to experience problems with night vision, which
would eventually lead to daytime problems and then blindness.

Dermatomyositis is another health risk associated specific to
the Sheltie. Unfortunately, this problem is often not
diagnosed until after six months or is even misdiagnosed. What
happens is that Dermatomyositis starts as Alopecia on the top of
the head, which means losing hair. Sometimes, the problem can
affect the dog's tail as well. Sadly, while this appears as a
skin problem, it is actually an autonomic nervous system
disease, eventually leading to the animal being humanely
euthanized.

Other possibilities although not as common, include Von
Willebrand Disease, a hereditary defect, and Hypothyroidism, a
condition in which the thyroid is not functioning as it should.
Typically, good grooming, diet, and exercise will go a long way
in keeping the Shetland Sheepdog healthy.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having
sold over 21,000 copies. See
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/shetland-sheepdog.php
for more on dog breeds.

Dog Aggression - Behavior All Owners Need To Be Aware Of

Article Title: Dog Aggression - Behavior All Owners Need To Be
Aware Of
Author: Colin Pederson

Aggression in dogs can be found in a variety of different
behaviors and personality traits. Most dog owners only focus on
the common aggressive dog behaviors such as barking, biting,
growling etc... But it vital that you get to know your dog,
that you can distinguish all types of dog aggression.
Aggression and dominant behavior are natural instinct for pack
animals such as dogs, they play an important role in the
survival of wild dogs, giving each member of the pack a place
in the hierarchy, using aggression to defend against predators,
to hunt, and to assert dominance.

The level of aggression your dog demonstrates is determined by
how much of a threat the individual or animal is seen to be. We
class these as low and high level aggression. Low level
aggression is the everyday aggression most dogs display. This
is generally passive aggression, giving the other dog or person
a warning that your dog is aggressive and in control of the
situation. Low level aggressive behaviors include

1. Growling
2. Ignoring owners commands
3. Pushing and leaning into people
4. Jumping up on people or animals to intimidate
5. Aggressive stance

You will notice your dog displaying this lower level aggression
when he or she begins to feel threatened. A common time to
observe your dog in 'low level aggressive' mode is when he or
she is introduced to another dog for the first time. Both dogs
will take a stiff stance, observing and keeping their head up,
tails up, and ears pointed. This is intended to make themselves
appear dominant, and to look as tall as possible. After getting
a good observation of the other dog and getting comfortable
with the situation, one dog will generally back away, and you
will notice the aggression begins to die, and the two dogs will
start to become familiar with each other. Generally speaking, a
spayed female will usually be the first to back down, followed
by a neutered male, then an intact female, and last to back
down will be an intact male. The build and stature of a dog is
often irrelevant when it comes to introductions and this first
aggressive encounter. The exception to this hierarchy is in
instances when neither dog backs down, the aggression then
builds as the battle for dominance begins. This will often lead
to an extremely loud vocal display and often physical
interaction.

When dogs meet a human for the first time, aggression will be
shown through jumping up, pushing or leaning until the person
becomes unstable and looses their footing, or growling with an
intense stare. With smaller dogs and young puppies this
behavior can often be portrayed as cute behavior and go
un-noticed. Failure to identify and deal with this behavior can
lead to more serious when the puppy has grown to be a larger
dog, it can become dangerous and difficult to train. Whether
your dog is a new/small puppy or a larger dog, it is important
to deal with these aggression issues as early as possible, so
your dog's 'low level aggression' doesn't become a problem in
years to come.

If your dogs passive (low level) aggressive behavior is
ineffective, it will escalate to higher levels of aggression in
an attempt to recover dominance. Higher level dog aggression
includes:

1. Snarling and snapping viciously
2. Biting
3. Jumping up and barking in an aggressive manner
4. Nipping at heels or legs
5. Staring and displaying teeth

Higher level aggressive behavior means business, your dog is
still feeling threatened or non-dominant and your dog will move
on to actual physical aggression, fighting, biting or attempting
to bite. This is where things get serious and potentially
dangerous. If you notice your dog's behavior escalating to high
aggression levels, you must look into behavior modification
training immediately. It is your responsibility to keep the
public, other dogs, children and visitors to your home safe by
isolating or sufficiently restraining your dog.

Aggression is a natural instinct for dogs, and it is essential
that the owner is in control of the dog's aggression. Through
early socialization and a firm understanding of the dog-owner
relationship, your dog should not show aggressive behavior. If
aggression does become a problem it is important to deal with
the issue immediately. Re-training using positive methods works
much better than punishment, but often professional assistance
is needed.

Neutering a dog will control the hormonal causes of aggression,
but not all aggression is hormonally caused. Spaying and
neutering dogs does not guarantee that they will be docile, and
breeds that are bred as watch dogs or herding animals will need
specific training on being non-aggressive. Some dogs are not
good with other animals or dogs, just like some breeds are less
tolerant of children. It is important to understand the natural
aggressive tendencies of the breed of dog that you are
considering obtaining to make sure you get a good match for you
and your family.

About The Author: Colin Pederson is a self-confessed 'Dog
Fanatic' residing in California with his wife and black Lab
Casey. Colin runs 'Dog Obedience Advice,' offering free advice
on dealing with http://dogobedienceadvice.com/dog_aggression,
and other issues all dog owners face.

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Pets On Vacation: Easy

Article Title: Pets On Vacation: Easy
Author: Jennifer Brown
Family vacations used to involve Parents, the Kids, and
sometimes Grandma. These days, taking a family vacation might
also mean bringing Fido along for the ride.

Taking pets on vacation might seem like a great idea. After
all, who would enjoy the endless expanse of tropical beach more
than your Frisbee-catching golden retriever? But to make it a
great vacation for everyone, you need to look after every
detail and prepare for any situation.

Getting There

If you're traveling in the car, be sure that your pet will be
comfortable for the entire trip. Nothing spoils a family
vacation quite like a dog with motion sickness. Plan ahead to
help your pet become familiar with long journeys. Start with
short trips to get both of you used to traveling together, and
then gradually increase the length of your drives. Stick to
your regular feeding routine, and wait until you've arrived at
your destination to give your pet a big meal. Dry food is more
convenient to use while traveling. Finally, never let your pet
ride on your lap while you're driving. It's dangerous for you,
for the animal and for everyone else on the road.
If, on the other hand, you'll be traveling by bus, boat, train
or airplane, check for rules and restrictions and make
arrangements for your pet while you're booking your tickets.

Don't Put Yourself in the Doghouse

Taking your pets on vacation is only half the battle. You also
need to keep them on vacation, so be sure that your hosts or
holiday accommodations will welcome your furry friend. If
you're staying with friends or family, be considerate. Ask in
advance if your pet is welcome, and expect an honest answer.
Some people are allergic or just uncomfortable around animals.
If you've booked a hotel room or campsite, make sure that pets
are allowed on the premises.

Stay Boy, Stay

The reality of taking pets on vacation is that you will likely
not be with them every hour of every day. Chances are, your pet
will not be welcome in the hotel dining room, in the amusement
park, on the ski lift or aboard the fishing charter. There will
be times when your pet will have to stay alone. If your pet is
prone to barking, make other arrangements as a courtesy to
other hotel guests. When you leave the pet in the room, make
sure that you place the DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door, and
tell the hotel supervisor or housekeeping staff what is going
on. A portable kennel is useful at times like these, especially
if you're staying in someone's home.

May I See Some I.D?

Your pet needs to be properly tagged, whether you're traveling
by car or by plane. Make sure that he or she has a current tag
containing the proper identification. We've all seen those
tear-jerking tales of animals that find their way home from the
other side of the country, but you don't want to risk having it
happen to your pet. Bring along a copy of your pet's medical
history, including medications and recent immunization. This
information is essential is crossing state or international
borders. Tell your vet that you're planning to travel, just to
be sure that your pet can handle it.

Pack for Your Pet

Don't forget Fido while your family is getting ready for
vacation. Having pets groomed before vacation time helps them
look neat and tidy, and makes them more comfortable for the
trip. Pack along your pet's favorite food dish, snacks and toys
to make him or her feel more at home and relaxed.

Your pet is one of the family, so naturally you want to include
him or her in your family vacation plans. If done successfully,
bringing pets on vacation can be a fun experience for all of
you. Think ahead and you'll all have a tail-wagging good time!

About The Author: Jennifer Brown writes for several Internet
magazines, including http://cheap-recreation.com and
http://lyroz.com

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Getting To Know Your Boston Terrier

Article Title: Getting To Know Your Boston Terrier
Author: Dan Stevens

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about the Boston terrier:

Nicknamed the "American Gentleman," the Boston terrier is a
cross between an English White Terrier and an English bulldog,
first originating sometime during the late 19th century. During
that era, the breed was called Hooper's Judge, weighing around
30 pounds. Over the years, the Boston terrier's name changed
and it was bred down in size. Although the early breed was
classified as lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight, today
they are usually between 10 and 25 pounds.

The interesting thing about the Boston terrier is that it was
the first American breed to be recognized by the American
Kennel Club in 1893. During the late 1870s, these dogs were
used for pit fighting but today, they are known as being the
first non-sporting dog bred in the United States, a docile
breed. Hitting a peak in popularity during the 1920s, the
Boston terrier remains a nice choice for families although
males tend to challenge other dogs for turf.

Physical Appearance

Again, the Boston terrier is not a large breed, being very
compact but well proportioned. The dog has a short tail, short
muzzle, and alert, erect ears. Height can vary but most dogs in
this breed are between 15 and 17 inches at the withers. As with
other terrier breeds, you will find the Boston terrier marked
with various colors and color combinations, as indicated below.

* Black with White Markings
* Brindle
* Seal
* Combination of black, brindle, and seal

Regardless of the color of the terrier, the chest, band around
the neck, muzzle, and partially up on the forelegs, along with
the hocks and rear legs should be white. Then, for American
Kennel Club standards, the Boston terrier should also present a
white blaze that goes between the eyes but without touching.

Temperament and Personality

The most noticeable characteristics of the Boston terrier are
alertness, gentleness, and excellent manners. Because of the
sweet disposition of this breed, it makes an excellent
companion dog. Typically, the breed loves being around people,
specifically adults. However, if socialized young, they also do
quite well around children and other animals. Interestingly, the
Boston terrier is not a big barker. While they will alert when
necessary, barking is seldom, making them a great choice for
apartment-dwellers.

Health

For the most part, the Boston terrier is a strong, healthy
breed. However, the breed does not handle heat and humidity
well, which is because of the short muzzle. In fact, too much
heat could lead to heat exhaustion. Although the average age of
the Boston terrier is around 13, some will live to 15 or 16.

Due to the short muzzles, the Boston terrier does have a few
considerations. For one thing, they can "reverse sneeze," which
is simply a gasp and snort. While it sounds horrible to the
owner, this does not hurt the dog. If you find your Boston
terrier becoming overly excited with an episode of reverse
sneezing followed, just calm the dog down and the episode will
stop.

Another non-dangerous tendency is to snort and snore, again
because of the short muzzle. Depending on the dog, he or she
may actually need minor surgery to help, making breathing
easier. Therefore, if you feel your Boston terrier is not
getting adequate air, we recommend you talk to your
veterinarian. Finally, some Boston terriers will have eye
problems such as ulcers. With a prominent eye structure, you
would want to watch for any signs of injury or redness.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch, a leading dog training guide having
sold over 21,000 copies (and counting). See
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/boston-terrier.php
for more on breeds.

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Article Title: Dog Rescues & Shelters
Author: Kelly Marshall

One of the saddest experiences for many dogs is becoming lost,
separated or abandoned by their family. Often dogs become
homeless when an owner has to move to a new town or city and is
not able to take the dog with them. Many times when owners pass
away the family doesn't want to keep the dog and turns them
over to a rescue.

There are many different breed rescues located all around the
world. These organizations are usually staffed entirely by
volunteers that rescue abandoned dogs and care for them while
looking for suitable homes. Often the volunteers choose to
provide homes for the dogs so they are not kept in kennels.
This process also allows the volunteers to get to know the dogs
and see how they interact with children and other pets within
their household. Some of the "foster" homes also offer some
basic training for the rescued dogs if they do not have a good
understanding of the basic commands.

Dogs that are brought into the rescue with a known history are
often easier to find homes for. Usually puppies are not brought
to a rescue, but there are often a high number of senior dogs
left at rescue shelters that are very hard to find homes for.

Benefits To Getting A Dog From A Shelter

For those families that would like to get a dog that already
has basic training, is housebroken, and also is spayed or
neutered a dog from a rescue is a perfect option. Often these
dogs are very well trained and there is a good record of the
interaction that they have with their foster families. These
families work to socialize the dogs as well as find out if they
are good with children, other dogs as well as pets. Volunteers
that work in the shelters are very familiar with the breeds and
their characteristics.

The dogs from shelters are always spayed or neutered. The cost
to adopt a dog from a shelter is often less than most vets fees
are for just the spay or neuter. All vaccinations are up to date
and the dogs are usually treated for fleas, parasites and
heartworms prior to adoption.

Dogs from a rescue are often very loving dogs that are eager to
find a good home and a permanent place to live. Many people that
have adopted a dog from a shelter report that the dogs are very
affectionate and loyal, almost as if they realize that they
have been specially chosen.

The cost to obtain a dog from a rescue shelter is usually
between one and two hundred dollars. Often dogs that have
required a lot of veterinarian services may require an
additional amount of a donation to cover the added expenses.
All the fees obtained from the adopted dogs are used to buy
food, provide shelter and veterinarians services as well as
advertise and find homes for other dogs in the shelter.

If you want to get a dog of a particular breed consider
adopting one of the many dogs currently in a rescue shelter. If
you have a shelter in your area you also may wish to volunteer
to help dogs in the shelter or even become a foster family for
dogs looking for permanent homes.

About The Author: Looking for unique dog supplies? Go grab a 5%
off coupon and shop for high end dog supplies like dog
furniture, elevated dog feeders, and upscale dog bowls at
http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com

Good Shih Tzu Bathing Techniques Are Essential For Healthy Coats And Skin

Article Title: Good Shih Tzu Bathing Techniques Are Essential
For Healthy Coats And Skin
Author: Connie Limon

A good bathing technique is essential for keeping your Shih
Tzu's hair in good shape and keeping skin problems at a
minimum. A lot of Shih Tzu owners say they have skin problems.
This is a problem I have not encountered a lot in my existence
with the Shih Tzu. However, it does happen more in some
bloodlines. Follow the instructions in this article and you
should have no problem in keeping a nice smelling and clean
Shih Tzu in your presence at all times.

Gather together everything that is needed before you start to
bath your Shih Tzu. This is always handier than having to run
here and there gathering up your supplies and tools once the
process begins.

The first bath you give your Shih Tzu may be traumatic. It
truly is best to delay bathing Shih Tzu puppies until they are
at least 3 months old. For the first bath you might try using a
small bowl, dishpan or the kitchen sink rather than the bathtub.
Always be sure the water is neither too cold or to hot. Shih Tzu
puppies react violently sometimes to either extreme. Be careful
your Shih Tzu puppy does not jump or wiggle out of your hands.
If the temperature of water is "just right," there will be less
chance of the Shih Tzu puppy wiggling out of your hands. Use a
mild shampoo especially formulated for dogs that is "tearless."
Regular baby shampoo can be used. I have never had a problem
with dry skin when I used baby shampoo. It is just harder to
rinse out. Shampoo formulated especially for dogs and puppies
is usually easier to rinse out. I do like using Fluffy Puppy
shampoo for puppies and even on the faces of my older Shih Tzu
because it is tearless.

Pouring water gently over your Shih Tzu puppy in the kitchen
sink, a small bowl or dishpan is much less alarming than using
a high powered sprayer. Once your Shih Tzu puppy is use to his
bath, you can try using the spray attachment which is much
better and faster at getting out all the shampoo. You can also
use a gallon milk jug (when it is empty and rinsed out of
course) to first pour water over the puppy. After being washed,
the Shih Tzu puppy must be dried off completely before being
allowed outside again.

An older Shih Tzu can be washed in the bathtub using a shower
attachment. Place a rubber mat in the bottom of the tub to
provide firm footing just as you would for yourself. Your
choice of shampoo and conditioner depends upon the type of coat
your Shih Tzu has. Avoid using human shampoo on your Shih Tzu. I
have used Pantene, but like the baby shampoo, it is harder to
rinse out of the hair and I just don't like the way it leaves
the Shih Tzu's hair looking dull. Many Shih Tzu are allergic to
human shampoo. I have found them to be "itchy" after a bath with
human shampoo. I switched over completely to shampoos especially
formulated for dogs. Some human shampoos have been known to coat
each hair and build up after use, which is probably what causes
the itching. There are so many really good brands of dog
shampoo on the market these days; there is truly no good reason
to use human shampoo on your Shih Tzu. In summertime it is a
good idea to use a shampoo to fight against fleas.

Be prepared to get splashed as your Shih Tzu gets older in the
bath. Either wear grooming aprons made especially for this
function or wrap a large towel around you.

If you are afraid you might get water in the ears of your Shih
Tzu, plug the ears with cotton before beginning the bath.
Getting water in the ears can cause ear infections.

Really wet down the hair of a Shih Tzu good before applying the
shampoo. Pour the shampoo down the middle of the Shih Tzu's
back. As it runs down each side work it into the hair with a
squeezing movement of the fingers. Do not rub or massage. The
coat is more apt to become tangled with rubbing movements. The
best way to get the cleanest hair is to gently squeeze the
shampoo through the hair really working up a thick, good
lather. You will need to pour a little extra shampoo on each
leg and foot, the tail, chest and stomach areas. Lift your Shih
Tzu up by the front legs to shampoo the stomach and then wash
the chest. Wash the head and face last using the tearless
shampoo.

If you are bathing a very dirty Shih Tzu, you will need rinse
really well and repeat the process, then rinse really good
again.

A good human hair dryer works find for the Shih Tzu. Brush the
hair while blowing drying in order to make the hair straight.

About The Author: Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu
puppies for sale. Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
and sign up for our newsletters. We have a variety of colors,
the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable
prices.

Top Grooming Tips For Do-It-Yourself Dog Owners

Article Title: Top Grooming Tips For Do-It-Yourself Dog Owners
Author: Kelly Marshall

There are a few tricks of the trade that all professional
groomers use to give your dog that great look when they leave
the shop. These simple little steps help your dog feel more
comfortable and look better until the next trip to the groomer.
If you are not squeamish it is possible to complete these
grooming extras at home so that you can give your pooch that
just from the groomers polished look.

Eyes - often with dogs there is a tearing or staining effect at
the corner of the dog's eyes. This can be a serious medical
condition and should be checked by the vet, however there are
other dogs, and some breeds, that are just prone to tearing. To
remove discoloration on white and light colored dogs add a small
amount of hydrogen peroxide to warm water. Using a soft cloth,
and being extremely careful to not get too close to the eye
itself, apply the dampened cloth to the stained area, moving in
the direction of hair growth. If you do this on a regular basis
you will minimize the staining. Darker colored dogs will not
show tearing and just a soft cloth moistened with plain water
is all that is needed to remove debris and dirt that may
collect.

Ears - long hairs in the ears can collect wax and ultimately
dirt. By taking the time to look in the dog's ear and pull out
the long hair in the outside of the ear canal you can eliminate
the source of the wax build-up. Do this by firmly grasping the
hair at the base and pulling outwards. Pet stores sell
"stripping" fingers, which are small, rough sleeves that can be
placed on the fingers to provide more grip on the hair. Never
use scissors in a dog's ear or push your fingers into the ear
canal itself as this can cause permanent damage.

Toenails - unclipped toenails are both a safety hazards to dogs
and humans. Long claws can damage furniture and carpets even
with just walking or jumping. Long toenails can also cause
painful welts and even cut skin on humans or other pets.

To properly trim toenails buy a good quality dog nail trimmer
either in the guillotine style or a slotted scissor style. The
guillotine style is usually much easier to work with for most
people. Never use human nail clippers or regular scissors as
they will shatter the nail and possibly cause the dog pain or
at the very least leave ragged nails that will catch on fabrics
and surfaces. Hold the dog's paw still in one hand, and insert
the end of the toenail into the hole on the guillotine style
trimmer. Be careful to cut below the quick, the pinky looking
protrusion seen in light colored nails. The quick contains
blood vessels and nerves and is very sensitive, like the
cuticle on a human nail. Cut at a 90-degree angle so that the
nail will be parallel to the surface of the floor. If the dog
has dark nails and you cannot see the quick only remove the
very end of the nail and do not cut if the dog begins to show
agitation or try to pull the paw away when you apply pressure.

Anal glands - probably the least favorite task in grooming a
dog, anal gland emptying can be a bit messy and smelly, but
certainly helps the comfort of the dog. Dogs that "scoot" or
slide their bottom along the ground or carpet usually have
impacted anal glands, not worms as many people believe.

To empty the anal glands you will need rubber gloves, surgical
gloves are the best, a soft cloth and warm water. The steps
are:

. Have someone hold the dog facing away from you. Grasp the
tail close the bottom and expose the anus.

. Using the cloth and warm water heat up the area by holding
the warm, wet cloth against the dog's bottom.

. Remove the cloth and place your index finger and thumb
against the very outside and bottom edges of the anus, about ¾
of the way from the top on either side.

. Apply gentle pressure in an upward and inward fashion. You
should feel two hard balls or glands under the surface of the
skin and close to the anal opening. These are the anal glands.

. If they do not release a thick, smelly substance try the warm
water compress again and repeat the process.

If the glands do not empty it is important to get your dog to
the vets as soon as possible. Impacted glands are very painful
for the dog and cause tissue damage if not treated.

Providing these extra steps in your home grooming routine is a
great way to have your dog looking like they just came from the
professional groomers. If you have any questions or want
specific information on grooming consider taking a class or
doing some research on dog grooming practices.

About The Author: For a huge selection of unique dog supplies,
visit http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com today & register for an
immediate 5% savings

Getting To Know Chihuahuas

Article Title: Getting To Know Chihuahuas
Author: Dan Stevens

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about the Chihuahuas:

To breeders of the Chihuahua, this dog is known as the best of
the best and the worst of the worst. Although the Chihuahua is
small, adorable, and an excellent pet it deals with a myriad of
potential health risks. Unfortunately, with commercials
featuring this breed and a number of celebrity sightings, the
Chihuahua has been labeled as a "carry where you go," "easy to
manage" type dog when the truth is that it does require some
special care.

Yes, the smooth haired Chihuahua is fascinating and precious
but an accidental fall or drop could cause serious injury. For
this reason, it takes a knowledgeable and responsible pet owner
for this particular breed. When provided the appropriate diet,
environment, and attention, this dog is truly one of the best
companion dogs there is but without this, problems can and
likely will arise.

Physical Appearance

The smooth haired Chihuahua is alert with protruding eyes and a
smooth coat. Just as with the long-haired version of the
Chihuahua, the smooth haired breed is recognized by the
American Kennel Club. Show dogs will generally weigh between
four and six pounds but a purebred can be as heavy as 10
pounds. For show, weight is the most important factor since
height can vary dramatically, anywhere from 12 to 15 inches
from the withers.

Additionally, the smooth haired Chihuahua is found in many
different colors and color combinations to include:

* Solid White
* Solid Black
* Fawn (cream to light brown)
* Chocolate (light brown to rich mahogany)
* Blue Gray
* Tri-color (chocolate and blue or black, with tan and white
markings)
* Silver
* Merle
* Brindle

One important note - the Chihuahua of Merle color typically has
more health risks than that of other colors. In this case,
problems such as deafness, blindness, sterility, hemophilia,
among other things are possible.

Temperament and Personality

Words to describe the smooth haired Chihuahua would include
tiny, sweet, curious, smart, funny, and very, very devoted.
Because the Chihuahua is so small, it is best handled by older
children or adults. This particular breed does well around
children and other animals but they are somewhat suspicious of
new people, at least at first. Once the Chihuahua decides to
be your friend, it is your friend for life.

The Chihuahua is also a fearless dog, often not realizing its
small size. Seeing a four-pound dog defending its food from a
110-pound dog would be typical behavior. Not an aggressive
breed, the Chihuahua simply holds its ground. However, the
other side of this breed is the gentleness that owners love.

Health

The Chihuahua is so small that it is sensitive to cold weather.
Therefore, coats and sweaters are often used to keep the dog
warm, especially during the winter months. Some of the
concerns over the Chihuahua breed include problems with teeth,
pregnancy, birthing, seizures, and epilepsy. In addition, a
Patella Luxation is a potential health risk associated with the
kneecap.

You will also find that the Chihuahua often deals with a
collapsed trachea, which causes coughing and in severe cases,
trouble breathing. Usually, surgery or medication can help the
problem. The Chihuahua is also the only known breed to be born
with an incomplete skull. This means it has a soft spot in the
skull called the Moleras and while the area will grow together
as the dog matures, special care needs to be given during the
initial six months. Finally, this breed is prone to eye
infections because of the round, protruding shape.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch. See
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/chihuahua.php
for more on dog breeds.

Training Your Dog - The Basics

Article Title: Training Your Dog - The Basics
Author: Colin Pederson

Having a dog as part of your family unit brings a sense of
great joy and companionship. However, as a dog owner it is your
responsibility to ensure your dog is properly trained and
socialized to encourage healthy habits and behavior. Hence, it
is necessary to obedience train your dog. When looking to
obedience train your dog, there are a few basic aspects you
need to look at such as house breaking, training your dog to
'come' when instructed, and walking on a leash without
struggling.

Before and during the first stages of training your dog, use
the following guidelines.

- never instruct your dog to do anything that he can evade.
Frustrating your dog by being overly controlling or bossy
creates a negative training environment. Respect your dog's
personality and character and accommodate their behavior in the
initial stages.

- Provide rewards, treats, or hugs and praise when your dog
performs well and follows your instruction. This is an
important factor for any dog training, you must always praise
good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. This boosts
your dog's attitude, and encourages positive behavior, this
also helps develop your relationship with your dog.

- NEVER punish or scold your dog during training. Punishment
adds negativity to the situation, making your dog feel
pressured, leading to frustration and failure.

- Penalizing your dog is ok. Penalize doesn't mean punish. A
penalty can be anything that to teach your dog that he/she is
doing something wrong. Ignoring him when he's on the leash, so
there's no walk or just ignoring him when he's trying to get
your attention. This would make him feel guilty and behave
properly.

- Remember that for training purposes, Rewards work better than
anything. Rewards can be anything from a verbal praise to
petting, giving food, a ball or anything that turns him on.

You need to understand your dog, understand his/her personality
and conduct your training accordingly. The small time investment
spent learning about what triggers your dog will be time well
spent.

Training your dog takes a lot of patience from you, the dog
trainer. A vital thing for you to do is to learn that it's
realistic to teach your dog what you want it to learn. Your dog
is always learning, just as we are. You have to learn how to
reward your dog so that it is inclined to do what you want it
to do.

Stipulate a particular portion of daily routine to train your
dog. Five or ten minutes at a time, two or three times a day is
more than sufficient. There are certain rules that you must
follow to stop destructive behavior of your dog.

- Put a ten foot rope on your dog and let him drag it around
the house; if your dog dashes out the front door. Just before
opening the door step on the rope, or, for your big dog, leave
a loop in the end and loop it over the inside door handle. So,
now you are left with a handle to jerk your door back in if the
dashes out the front door.

- Try providing two collars to your dog. One should be a buckle
collar and the other, training collar. The buckle collar must
have your dog's tags on it. Never tie your dog up with his
training collar or leave it on when he is alone.

Remember, you are training your dog to behave correctly around
you, your family, and visitors, and to become part of the
family. With this in mind, you need to ensure your training is
a positive, enjoyable bonding experience for both you and your
dog.

When you have determined the dog training program or method
that you will be using it is important to take some time and
get the dog training essentials that you need to start the
process. While it is not important to get the most expensive
items, it is important to get good quality products to avoid
having to replace broken items. Depending on the size of your
dog these basic essentials will change slightly, but the key
elements will remain the same no matter what the breed may be.

Collar and lead

For younger dogs, it's ideal to use a soft-woven collar with a
buckle attachment. The collar should fit around the neck with
enough room to comfortably slide two finger between the dog's
neck and the collar. Having the collar any tighter than this
will create an annoyance for your dog, any looser gives your
dog room to wriggle out of the collar. Let your dog get
comfortable with collars, but don't leave the collar on when
your puppy isn't supervised.

When your dog has grown up a bit, a nylon collar and leash is
best. Use the same method for sizing your dog's collar as you
did when he/she was a puppy. Allow room for 2 fingers between
dog and collar. Retractable leash's are a popular option,
giving you control, while allowing your dog the freedom to
roam. Leash's are generally fully adjustable, so you can keep
your dog closer in crowded or high traffic situations, and
lengthen when going for a walk, or out in the open. A regular
nylon lead works just as well and may be easier to train with
than the slightly more complex retractable leash.

Choker-chains should never be used when training younger dogs.
You should only ever use choker-chains as a last resort with
stubborn adult dogs that won't stop pulling. Incorrect use of a
choke collar can result in serious injury to the dog.

Smaller dogs are often controlled using harnesses instead of
leashes. The small breeds may have issues adjusting to a collar
and, so a harness tends to be a much more popular option.

An often over-looked aspect of dog training is learning about
grooming. You should have a soft slicker type brush and a metal
comb as basic tools. A good set of dog nail clippers is also
essential. Never use human clippers as they will shatter the
claw and can result in extreme discomfort and pain for your
dog. If your dog has long hair, you will need something to keep
the hair trimmed such as a set of clippers or scissors.

Most trainers and breeders encourage crate training for dogs,
especially if your dog will be spending the majority of it's
life inside the house or in a confined area. Your dog's crate
needs to be large enough for the puppy or dog to enter and to
rest in comfortably, taking into consideration claustrophobia
and hygiene issues. The breeder or a pet store chart should be
able to inform you what size crate you need for your puppy.
Crate training is idea for housetraining your puppy or dog, and
will also provide a space of his or her own for the dog. The
crate is not a punishment area, so the dog views it positively.

Dog treats are one of the best ways to let your dog know he's
done something right, and to encourage future behavior. Don't
use sweet or human treats, these can have huge affects on your
dog's health, instead offer small kibble or special dog
rewards. If you wish to be very healthy you can even make your
own at home, there are several recipes available for free on
the internet.

About The Author: Colin Pederson is a self-confessed 'Dog
Fanatic' residing in California with his wife and black Lab
Casey. Learn more about dog training, dog aggression, how to
stop dog biting, dog chewing, digging and more at
http://dogobedienceadvice.com/dog_aggression

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Preserving The Show Dog Shih Tzu's Coat

Article Title: Preserving The Show Dog Shih Tzu's Coat
Author: Connie Limon

The Shih Tzu's coat for the show rings requires extra care.
Some show people actually keep their Shih Tzu confined and
caged to preserve the coat, or they wrap the coat or oil it.
Those who do keep their show Shih Tzu confined and caged pay a
price in loss of muscle tone in their dogs. Not all show people
practice these methods for preserving their Shih Tzu's long show
dog coats. It is also a myth that all show people do not allow
their show Shih Tzu to go for long walks, to play and just in
general to lead a normal life. For those who do allow their
show Shih Tzu do lead a normal life keeping the coat glamorous
requires a lot of extra effort, and much more grooming than for
the pet Shih Tzu.

Coconut oil is considered helpful as a means of preserving the
coat of a show dog Shih Tzu. If you do oil the show dog Shih
Tzu coat you must remove the oil completely before each show.
If you do not remove all the oil the coat appear limp and feel
wrong. It can also be uncomfortable to be around a Shih Tzu
that has been oiled. There are good oils on the market,
however, that do not have this effect on the coat and it may be
worth trying them if the Shih Tzu's coat seems to need it.
Wrapping the coat in tissue paper protects the Shih Tzu's coat,
but you lose some of the pleasure of seeing your dog in full
coat with his hair flowing as he moves. I do think this is a
beautiful, beautiful sight of the show dog Shih Tzu. The tissue
wrapping sort of reminds me of the days when women ran around
the house for house with their hair in curlers.

Probably the best thing to do if you are just starting out
taking care of your Shih Tzu show dog's coat is to experiment
with different methods of preserving the coat until you find
what works best for your dog. Much the same type of procedures
a pet owner must go through, although a lot more intense and
time consuming as the Shih Tzu show do requires so much more in
the way of grooming.

One thing is for certain if you start out with "bad hair" it is
virtually impossible to make it good enough for the show ring.
When purchasing your show potential Shih Tzu it is wise to
study the lines to find out which have good hair in their
genes. This way you can just continue to keep it looking good.

The topknot and whiskers also need very special attention on
the show dog Shih Tzu. The white whiskers on a parti-coloured
Shih Tzu must be really, really white to look good. It seems
this is especially true for the black and white Shih Tzu.

Some older methods of keeping the whiskers white was to wash
them at least once a day with a solution of boracic powder, a
teaspoon to a pint of water. This mixture is wiped into the
whiskers, being careful to get none in the eyes and then rinsed
away. One of the keys to keeping whiskers white is above all to
dry them immediately and keep them dry. An older method of
drying them was to work in some fuller's earth or talcum
powder, brushing this out and repeating until the hair was
absolutely dry. If you allow the Shih Tzu to dry his own
whiskers he will rub and rub until dry doing nothing but harm
to the length of the coat. Another problem you run into with
all this washing is that the hair becomes dry and brittle. You
will need to dress the whiskers with a little coat conditioner
from time to time.

A method of preserving the hair of the topknot is to use
several bands along the length of the hair to hold it to the
back of the head. You can also plait the hair to achieve the
same purpose. Use neither of these methods just before a show
as both methods will cause kinks in the coat of which you do
not want.

It is always wise to review the rules of the American Kennel
Club about the use of oils and conditioners on the coat of a
show dog. Any substance used to alter the natural color,
texture or body of the coat is usually prohibited.

About The Author: Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu
Puppies for Sale. Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
and sign up for our newsletters. We have the Shih Tzu in a
variety of colors, the small AKC standards, imperials and
teacups at reasonable prices.

Getting To Know The Boxer Breed

Article Title: Getting To Know The Boxer Breed
Author: Dan Stevens

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed,
and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance,
personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to
know about the Boxers:

The Boxer falls into the "working" class dog, being of medium
size with a stocky body. Interestingly, the Boxer is an
ancestor to two other breeds - the German Bullenbeisser and the
English Bulldog. The actual Boxer breed was developed in the
late 19th century, and was originally intended to be just for
show, unlike its descendants, which were exceptional hunters. A
few years later, the Boxer made its way to Europe, then the
United States. In 1915, this breed was recognized by the
American Kennel Club.

Although bred for show, the Boxer began its history during
WWII, at which time it served as a pack carrier, guard and
attack dog, and messenger. However, soldiers returning home
from the war took some of the dogs with them, helping its
widespread reputation for being both a great guard dog and a
great show dog. Soon, pet owners also discovered the Boxer to
be a loyal and loving companion.

Physical Appearance

The Boxer has a very distinct appearance, one of strength and
pride. This medium size breed is stocky built, has short hair,
and a square shaped muzzle. Remember, because these dogs were
originally used for hunting, the jaws are extremely powerful.
Typical colors include:

* Fawn
* Brindle
* White underbelly and on all four paws is also common

Typically, a full grown Boxer will weigh anywhere between 55
and 70 pounds with the males being a little taller than the
females, 23 to 25 and 21 to 23 inches respectively. In most
cases, the Boxer's tail is docked and ears cropped, although
this latter trend is begin to diminish.

In fact, ear cropping is now banned in many of the European
breeds. For many years, only Boxers with cropped ears were
allowed to show with the American Kennel Club but that was
changed in 2005. You will also notice that while the Boxer is
gorgeous, it has an under-bite. Because of this, seeing the
teeth snagged on the jowls is common.

Temperament and Personality

Boxers are extremely faithful and loving pets but they can be a
little demanding. This breed is alert, usually showing fearless
courage when it comes to protecting its owner. However, while
the Boxer will show a little bit of distrust when first meeting
someone new, it is a docile breed with high intelligence,
bravery, cleanliness, and even modesty, something not always
seen with powerful breeds.

Generally, the Boxer is highly devoted to its master and great
with kids but sometimes, smaller children are too playful. If
this breed is raised around other animals, they typically do
well. Just remember that at first, the Boxer may react to
unfamiliar animals or strangers.

Most Boxers are energetic so adequate playtime is important.
Because the Boxer is a strong and determined dog, we recommend
you start training at a young age for the most success. Since
this breed does not reach full maturity until around age three,
you will need to be patient while still a puppy

Health

There are some potential illnesses associated with the Boxer
that you should be aware of. These include Progressive Retinal
Atrophy, Epilepsy, Cancers, intestinal problems, sinus
infections, bleeding problems, Hip Dysplasia, heart murmurs,
and arthritis. To ensure you end up with a healthy Boxer, the
breeder can be tested and certified as "healthy" prior to
purchase.

In addition, if you want a white Boxer, keep in mind that
between 35 and 40 percent are deaf in one or both ears.
Although a challenge, if you are not planning to breed your
dog, with proper training and understanding, it would still
make an excellent addition to the family.

About The Author: Daniel Stevens is the renowned dog trainer
and author of SitStayFetch. See
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/boxer.php
for more on dog breeds.

All About Therapy Dogs

Article Title: All About Therapy Dogs
Author: Kelly Marshall

More and more therapist, doctors and mental health
professionals are becoming aware of the wonderful therapeutic
benefits of involving dogs in patient recovery. Dogs are used
with brain injury patients, elderly, physically impaired as
well as patients in hospitals and treatment centers. The very
nature of a dog, its loyalty, unconditional love and its pure
joy at seeing a friend really make them a wonderful asset to
any therapy program.

Therapy that involves dogs, known as Animal-Assisted therapy,
is used in many different settings in several different
countries. The dogs can be involved in helping with fine motor
control as the patients move their arms and fingers to pet and
brush the dogs as part of their therapy process. Large muscle
therapy is also completed when the patients take the dogs for
walks or on outings to parks and recreational areas.

Dogs can also be used as a friend for many patients. Elderly,
shut in and isolated patients come to see visits from their
therapist and their dog as a chance to interact with another
living thing. Dogs are very non-judgmental and are always happy
to see the patient, which is very positive for the patient both
emotionally and socially.

There is little hard scientific evidence as to how or why dog
therapy works so well with many patients. Many therapists
believe that the unconditional love of the dog helps patients
gain self-confidence and self-esteem. There is another school
of thought that caring for or spending time with a dog
something that often brings patients back to their childhood or
to a more positive time in their life. Regardless of exactly how
or why dog therapy works so well with patients is not as
important as the fact that it really does work.

Therapy dogs are not a specific breed or type of dog, nor do
they have to a certain age or size. Usually therapy dogs are
medium to large sized dogs but there are many small dogs that
make excellent therapy dogs. Many organizations that use
therapy dogs have volunteer owners and dogs come to the
hospital or care facility and work in conjunction with the
health care professionals and trained therapists on staff.

Therapy dogs must be very calm and well behaved. They should
have no history of any kind of aggression or lack of obedience
in new or unfamiliar settings. The dogs should be very well
socialized and should not be prone to barking or whining as
this can be disturbing to the clients as well as other patients
in the facility.

Most therapists require that the therapy dogs do through
special obedience and possibly other training. The dogs are
taken in and out of the facility many times before they
actually start working with the patients and clients. In
addition both the owner and the facility will need to carry
special insurance on the therapy dog to cover any possible
events.

If you have a dog that loves people, is very calm and relaxed
even in new situations, has lots of patience and is very
obedient you may want to volunteer with a dog therapy service.
The internet is a great place to start your search for
agencies, or contact your local hospital or long-term care
facility to find if dog therapy is being used in your area.

About The Author: For a huge selection of unique dog supplies,
visit http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com today & register for an
immediate 5% savings

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