Dogs And Horses

Article Title: Dogs And Horses
Author: Valerie Dancer

The size difference between dogs and horses is usually that the
horse is very much larger than the dog. Nevertheless, most
horses are much more frightened of dogs than the reverse. This
creates unique problems - for dogs and horses, and for the
person who has to control them both.

When introducing dogs and horses, unlike other animal training
areas, it helps very little to start the interaction out when
both animals are young. Young horses are at least as skittish
as older ones, and are often accompanied by a mare. Neither is
naturally fond of nor curious about puppies. To a horse, nearly
everything but their owners and a few other horses are threats -
at least until they're mature. But when mixing dogs and horses
it can be very useful to introduce your young puppy to older
horses at a very early age, as this will help to avoid the
barking problem.

But there are many circumstances where dogs and horses interact
successfully. Whether the dog owner is a regular visitor to
stables or riding schools, or whether the dog lives on the
premises both can get along well.

In the early stages of dog and horse interaction. always keep
puppies and dogs restrained around horses until they've learned
what to do and what to avoid. A lead, for at least the first
several weeks of training, is a must. And ensure that the horse
is not in a position to rear or run where the dog can be
injured.

Training dog and horses to interact involves a series of
separate, but easily learned behaviours.

To start your dogs and horses training, first, the dog has to
learn to respect a boundary, a dog can easily slip through a
paddock with metal bars, or a series of stalls, or other
enclosures. Begin by using a leash and collar and make the
boundary training part of a more general walk where you train
the dog to follow you. Be sure your dog follows you, not leads
you.

When mixing dogs and horses, the dog, will sense of smell the
horse and be naturally curious about the horse, as it
approaches the boundary. Allow the dog to approach - but not
move beyond - the boundary. If it tries to breach the boundary,
tug on the leash and give a sharp 'No!' or 'Stop'. ('Stay' is a
different behavior, requiring a different - and unique -
command.)

When dogs and horses first meet your dog will have a tendency
to bark, this needs to be suppressed. Barking frequency varies
with breed and individual temperament, but horses aren't
discriminating. When seemingly threatened, they react - and a
horse's reaction to barking is not usually something pleasant.

Dogs and horses are both pack animals and will usually follow
the lead of the alpha (leader), unless, they're trying to be
the alpha. This drive for dominance, coupled sometimes with
fear or simply the desire to warn of a threat, can lead to
barking.

During your dog and horse training you need to reinforce your
'top dog' status, by a sharp jerk sideways on the leash,
accompanied by a sharp verbal 'No bark!'. Jerk sideways, not
back, in order to get the dog's attention without risking
injury to the throat. Dogs have very strong neck muscles, but
throats can still be too easily bruised by excessive force.

If the dog insists on barking, remove him from the area and try
again another day. Don't give up too easily, though. You don't
want to train the dog that every time he barks 'Danger', you
obey by fleeing.

As with any dog training regiment, patience and consistency are
the keys to success. Be firm, but not abusive, and execute the
same unique command and physical movement regularly for each
associated behaviour taught. Teaching dogs and horses to be
comfortable with each others company you need to be sure that
your commands to your dog do not frighten your horse.

About The Author: I have owned dogs for 42 years. Learning to
train from my mother who trained to county level. Over the
years I have found that the old ways of training are not always
the best, that praise is the best form of training, and the
younger the dog, the easier it is to train.
http://www.dogtrainingproblems.biz

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How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Barking

Article Title: How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Barking
Author: Gray Rollins

Tips on teaching your dog to stop barking.

The family dog is a valued member of countless families all
across the world. However your dog barking constantly and very
loudly is generally not a very desirable trait. This makes a
lot of dog owners want to begin training their dog to stop
barking.

First of all before you begin training you dog to stop barking
please realize that it is an unrealistic demand of your dog to
be completely quiet all the time. However it is very possible
to make sure that your dog is trained to show a bit more
restraint when it comes to barking.

You will want to begin by attempting to determine what is
making your dogs barking get out of control. Do they seem
irritated or excited due to a particular stimulant? If you are
able to figure out just what is making your dog go out of
control with its barking you are one step ahead on successfully
getting the barking under control.

You should purchase some of your dog's favorite treats to have
on hand while training him to stop barking. Keep them in areas
where your dog is known to bark frequently so you have them on
hand for instant positive reinforcement.

One route you can take when you are trying to stop your dog
from barking is once they start barking praise them for being a
good dog and try to find out what the problem is. You will want
to then tell them to be quiet while showing them one of the
treats that you have on hand.

Your dog will be so focused on getting the treat that you are
offering them that they will not be barking. After the dog has
been quiet for around two to four seconds then let them have
the treat while praising them for being a good dog.

You want to scold your dog each time that it barks during these
training sessions. Tell then to be quiet in a loud and stern
voice. Continue to offer them their favorite treat and each
time increase the amount of time that they need to wait before
being rewarded. Continue this until you have trained your dog
to curb their barking habit so it is not so excessive.

Keep in mind that training your dog to curb it's barking can be
a long and drawn out process so it is very important to keep
patient. It will definitely pay out in the long run which will
make everyone in the family very happy.

About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
DogTeachers. To learn more about getting a dog to stop barking
- http://www.dogteachers.com/stopbarking/- and for more on
obedience training - http://www.dogteachers.com/obedience/ -
visit us.

The Importance Of Being A Responsible Dog Owner

Article Title: The Importance Of Being A Responsible Dog Owner
Author: Amy Nutt

To many people, pets are like members of the family. They are
often given gifts at Christmas and on other observed holidays,
taken on family vacations, and treated like those around them.
They are capable of giving back as much love as they are given,
and that is why it is important that dog owners be responsible
both in how they treat their pets, and in how they allow them
to behave.

While it is certainly true that a dog owner cannot necessarily
keep a dog from behaving a certain way, there are steps that
can be taken to insure the dog will behave in an acceptable
manner. Likewise, it is just as important to be sure you are
responsible for how your dog reacts to various surroundings.

If you own a dog that will reside outside, be sure it is
properly contained. The best way to do this is to put up a
fence. This keeps the dog within specified boundaries, while
allowing him or her to still walk, run, or play. If you are
going to have an outside pet, try to be sure you have adequate
space for your dog to play, because, like humans, dogs need
their exercise. It is just as important for their health as it
is for peace of mind.

If you are unable to build a fence, when outside, your dog
should be properly chained so as to insure his or her safety,
as well as the safety of others. If chained, the dog should
still have enough room to move around, and should not be
restrained in a way that is painful or harmful to the animal.
Failure to properly restrain a dog can result in his or her
running away, unduly attacking another person, or being injured
or killed by a car.

If your dog resides mostly indoors, it is important to make
sure he or she is well-behaved. This is important even if your
dog resides mostly outdoors, but you do want him or her to
respond favorably to commands given by you, and to get along
well with all who live in the household. Give your dog as much
love and affection as you can, as this helps to promote a
healthy relationship between you and your pet. Treat your dog
well and he or she will most likely respond the same to you.

About The Author: In-home puppy training training system that
teaches owners how to communicate with their dogs. Barkbusters
offers a written lifetime guarantee! http://www.barkbusters.ca/

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A Dog And His Bed - Choosing The Right Bed For Your Dog

Article Title: A Dog And His Bed - Choosing The Right Bed For
Your Dog
Author: Ian White

Just like dogs, dog beds come in all shapes and sizes.
Moreover, they come in a wide variety of materials and with a
diversity of prices. A dog bed can be as simple as a mat upon
the floor or as extravagant as a real piece of furniture. What
you buy depends partly on your personal taste, the type of dog
that you have, and the age of your dog.

Obviously, the bed has to be large enough to comfortably hold
your dog. Plus, it has to be something that your dog is willing
to sleep on every day. Older dogs that have acquired new owners
may not allow the new owner much choice when it comes to
selecting their sleeping location.

Selecting a dog bed should be done carefully considering the
fact that your dog will be spending quite a bit of time in it.
Do you want the dog to have a hard, sturdy bed such as a basket
that you can put blankets inside for softness and comfort? This
would make the task of keeping the dog's bed clean relatively
easy. All you would have to do is throw the blankets into the
washing machine.

However, if your dog is still in the teething stages or simply
loves to chew, you may want to consider getting him a bed that
he cannot tear to shreds. The best way to figure out what type
of bed would be best for your dog is to watch him each night to
see how he likes to sleep.

Is your dog the one who looks for a small, cozy, hidden spot to
tuck himself away in? If so, then you may want to get him a
hooded dog bed. Does he climb up on the furniture and make
himself at home? If so, then a sofa dog bed, a donut dog bed,
or a shaped dog bed might be the perfect thing for him.

You have so many options to choose from simply because
manufacturers have begun to think of dogs as members of the
family and the variety of available dog bed styles reflects
this. Think about your dog's comfort and about the available
space that you have for the bed. Shop around and compare styles
as well as prices. First, however, take a glance at the listing
below to get a better idea of exactly what is available for you
and your dog.

Basket dog beds are generally made from wicker. Due to their
rough surface, you will need to provide some blankets or
pillows for your dog's comfort.

Donut dog beds resemble donuts in that they have raised sides
and a depression or hole in the center. A donut bed allows the
dog to feel safe, secure, and snug if the bed is the right size
for his body.

Hooded dog beds have an upper portion that arches over to the
other side of the bed. This type of bed is excellent for those
dogs that like their privacy, are shy, or simply like to hide
away from the world around them.

Reversible dog beds have the same premise as reversible
comforters for humans. Sometimes you simply get bored with what
you have and you need a little change. A reversible dog bed
flips over or maybe inside out to expose a different pattern or
color fabric.

Round dog beds have one depth for the entire bed. There are no
raised edges, indentations, arches, or corners. This type of
bed is completely level and obviously, round in shape. Of
course, this bed is also soft and comfortable.

Shaped beds are those that have been constructed to resemble
some object or animal. For example, the bed may have the
appearance of a truck, wagon, or sled. In fact, if you look
hard enough, you can probably find almost anything that you
wanted the dog bed to look like.

Sofa dog beds are for the dog whose owners truly include him as
part of the family. The dog bed is in the shape of a sofa. It
looks like a miniature sofa and is available in a variety of
colors.

If none of the above seems right for your dog, is it possible
that he is happiest the most when he is simply stretched out on
the floor. If so, consider purchasing a carpet sample or throw
rug all of his own.

By Ian White ©2007

About The Author: Author Ian White is founder of
http://www.pet-sitters.biz Dog Sitters and Walkers Directory
Dogs are happier in their own environment. Try this Pet
friendly alternative to boarding your dog.

Is A Beagle The Right Dog For You?

Article Title: Is A Beagle The Right Dog For You?
Author: Colin Philips

When you think of Beagles, you probably picture a pack of these
little guys baying at the top of their lungs as they race after
a fox or rabbit. While it is true that these dogs are popular
hunting dogs and have been used to hunt for several centuries,
they also make wonderful family pets. The Beagle has a keen
sense of smell and a strong hunting instinct. This member of
the American Kennel Club's hound group actually comes in two
sizes, under thirteen inches and thirteen to fifteen inches.

Except for the difference in size, both Beagle varieties are
identical. The beagle has dark eyes, droopy ears, and a long
tail.

Its coat is short and most commonly comes in a combination of
tan, black and white colors. You can also find orange, black,
or tan dogs with white markings.

The Beagle can adapt to apartment life, but may prove to be
annoying to neighbors if he constantly warns you of strange
noises.

These dogs are tireless hunters and need a way to burn off some
of that energy, so you will need to take your Beagle for long
walks or go for a romp in the park. Think twice before letting
him off the leash, however, since a Beagle who is hot on the
trail of a rabbit will forget all of his obedience training
while he tracks down his prey.

The Beagle loves children and other dogs, but will probably
take every available opportunity to harass the family cat.
These dogs are very playful and affectionate, but they do tend
to sulk if they don't get their own way.

In fact, these dogs are so sensitive that something as simple
as someone laughing at one of them when he has gotten into some
mishap can cause the Beagle to brood for days.

You may need to warn your children to avoid upsetting your
dog's delicate sensibilities.

Although Beagles occasionally get too caught up in the chase to
obey commands, they still should learn at least basic obedience.

It will require patience and hard work to teach your dog, and
you may want to consider getting some professional help by
enrolling your little guy in puppy obedience classes.

Beagles love to eat and they aren't picky. If you put your dog
on a diet, he will happily eat garbage.

In fact, even if he isn't on a diet, he may still hit the
trashcans for an after dinner snack.

Your Beagle should be groomed once a week to alleviate
shedding.

Beagles usually get enough exercise to wear down their toenails
on their own, but you may want to check your dog's nails to see
if they need to be trimmed at least once a month.

Beagles are generally a healthy breed. However, some of these
dogs can develop heart disease or epilepsy. Of course, with
their propensity to overeat, Beagles can also develop weight
related diseases.

If you want a dog who is a happy, well mannered little
companion, then a Beagle may be the right dog for you.

About The Author: Dog Health Revealed is an excellent place to
find dog links, articles and resource. For more information on
Dogs visit:
http://www.doghealthrevealed.com/blog/2007/03/01/is-a-beagle-the-right-dog-for-you/

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10 Of The Biggest Dog Killers In Your Home

Article Title: 10 Of The Biggest Dog Killers In Your Home
Author: Colin Philips

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural
scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However,
there are many toxic substances found in your home that could
potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten
common household substances that you should make sure to keep
out of your dog's reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common
antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very
sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol
is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by
it.

Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and
lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your
antifreeze out of your dog's reach. If you suspect that your
dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian
immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the
obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark
chocolate is especially dangerous.

While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to
kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts
ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting,
diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity.

This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call
your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten
chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to
dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog's
reach.

Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and
abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog
has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets
can kill a small dog.

Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen.
Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal
pain.

If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your
veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can
cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12
hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well.

Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite,
vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a
watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They
contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system
excitement and seizures.

When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver
failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting
and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT
induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of
household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another,
but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category.

Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the
mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce
vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your
veterinarian immediately.

8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly
toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include
vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma.

You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you
suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item
containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture
cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are
toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting,
and lethargy.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or
seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants
are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants
includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil's ivy, aloe, and
ivy.

Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include
vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these
plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian
immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic
houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from
getting into substances that are toxic to them.

Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are
toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such
things.

As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something
dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your
dog to the closest emergency clinic.

About The Author: Dog Health Revealed is an excellent place to
find dog links, articles and resource. For more information on
Dogs visit:
http://www.doghealthrevealed.com/blog/2007/02/28/10-of-the-biggest-dog-killers-in-your-home/

What Does Your Dog Food Need To Be Healthy?

Article Title: What Does Your Dog Food Need To Be Healthy?
Author: Lori Matthews

When you think about it, what does your dog need from its food
in order to be healthy?

Today our pets have a wide variety to meet their tastes and
needs and we have our choice of what kind of food we can choose
to feed them. Despite the variety, pet foods usually fall into
three major categories. These categories are: Grocery store
foods, these types of dog and pet foods are usually found in
grocery stores and mass marketed retailers and can contain
lower quality, less expensive ingredients. The second category
is "premium dog foods," which can also be found in grocery's
stores but are also found in pet stores and through your local
veterinarian's office.

These types of foods are usually made from some higher quality
ingredients and are usually made evident by the expense of the
food. Some of these pet foods though can contain lower quality
ingredients that you aren't aware of. The third and final
category is healthy dog foods which are a relatively new
addition and make use of the latest research into the best
foods and blends for your pet.

So what is best for our pet and how do we choose the proper dog
food?

Quality, healthy ingredients make quality, healthy dog food.
Nutrition is important no matter whether you're a person or a
pet. Pets, just like humans, need good nutrition not just to
survive but to truly be healthy. They need good quality
protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats. This is
where premium, healthy dog food can benefit your pets.

Typically, healthy dog food contains quality protein, good
quality carbohydrates and fiber, natural fats and
preservatives. The protein does not come from dead or diseased
animals and you will never see the word by-product on the
label. By-products (feet, bones intestines, etc) are inferior
protein sources that are sometimes used and can be very hard
for your dog to digest. Less digestion means less nutritious
and therefore not as healthy. Quality protein helps build and
maintain muscle strength.

If you see corn, soy or wheat used as protein sources instead
of meat, you now know your pet isn't getting healthy dog food.
Good quality carbohydrates give your pet the energy to be
active. Good fiber sources help promote a healthy digestive
system and colon. Quality fats from animal sources contain
omega fatty acids that benefit the skin and coat.

Believe it or not dog food manufacturers that label their bags
"premium food" use these ingredients as well as chemical
preservatives and artificial colors that can be harmful to
pets.

Benefits beyond healthy nutrition

When your pet is eating right, it feels better, giving you a
happy and more playful companion, fewer trips to the vet, and
less wasted food. Ultimately, giving your pet better food might
seem expensive initially, but keeping your pet healthy saves you
money, time and expense in the long run. Healthy, premium dog
food can possibly extend the life of your pet giving you more
quality years together.

About The Author: Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and
wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people
and pets. Please visit http://www.premium4pets.com for more
information.

How To Build A Dog House

Article Title: How To Build A Dog House
Author: Robert Michael

Most of the population allow their dogs to live indoors and
relax on the couch and sleep in their owner's bed. If you are
interested in building a dog house for your dog then follow
these simple tips when starting this project.

1. Start building your dog house by finding out how big you
need to make the house so when your animal reach their full
adult size they will still fit in it. We like having a couple
of feet of air above us so we don't feel claustrophobic. Your
dog will appreciate having that much room, as well. 1/3 of our
standing height is where our comfort zone is. Take out a tape
measure and measure your dog to find out how much room your dog
will need. To figure this out measure your dog while standing
up, sitting on his haunches and in his most relaxed position of
lying completely stretched out. Whether your pet is standing up
or sitting he should be able to see out the front entrance. The
dog should not have to bend down and let his stomach touch the
ground to see out. Measure the width of the widest point of
your dogs shoulder's while standing above him.

2. The dog house should be raised a few inches off the ground
to let air and water go underneath it. Ventilation is important
because it discourages pets to bother you dog in its house and
keeps your pet healthier. Under the eaves you should have
several small holes in the walls. Inside the house put in a
wind block so your dog can warm up the house using its own body
heat. Adding a partial wall to the dog house will allow him to
get away from the cold and windy weather. This allows the dog
to choose whether he wants to sleep in the entryway or in the
other section of the house. Providing a pillow or bed would
probably make your animal very happy and a lot more
comfortable.

3. Build the floor so it is a bit slanted so it stops rain from
coming inside the dog house. Also, build the roof at a bit of a
slant for the same reason. If you want your dog house to be
insulated well then do not paint on the inside.

4. Storms typically come from the south and west in the U.S. so
making sure your dog house faces a different direction would
make the most sense. Having the door of the dog house face to
the east is highly suggested so the cold air cannot come
through the door so easily.

5. By putting hinges on the top of the dog house it makes it
easier for you to clean your dog's living space. Every time you
give your pet a bath it is suggested that you clean the dog
house at the same time.

Every dog really should have a warm, safe and comfortable
living space where they are safe from severe weather. Follow
these tips to help you build a great house for your dog.

About The Author: Robert Michael is a writer for De Pets which
is an excellent place to find pets links, resources and
articles. For more information go to: http://www.depets.com

Dog Collars For Every Size Pet

Article Title: Dog Collars For Every Size Pet
Author: Benjamin Brook

For the sake of safety and convenience, Is why dog owners will
buy dog collars. Safety, in case they get lost most everyone
will look at the collar for a dog tag and convenience when
attaching a leash or hooking the animal up to a stationary
post. Dog collars are also a good place to insert RF ID chips
instead of them being inserted under the dogs skin.

When a trainer first gets a puppy, Most owners will use a slip
collar when taking the dog for walks but as the dog grows, the
slip collar may be something the dog learns to remove and
people will switch to traditional belt-style dog collars. Slip
collars, which are also known as choke collars, get tighter on
the dog when it pulls or applies more resistance and is known
in some cases to damage the dog's throat and neck.

RFID or radio frequency identification devices are becomming
more common and allow vets to extract information about the
dog, including the owner's name, address and phone number to
help get the dog back to its rightful owner. Having it in dog
collars may be better than under the skin, but if you replace
the collar, the chip also has to be replaced.

Small Enough To Stay, Big Enough For Comfort

When buying dog collars for your pets, you should consider the
animal's comfort and think how you would feel constantly
wearing a belt around your neck. Many dogs don't like dog
collars and try to remove them with their front two paws. Your
collar needs to be of a size that fits snug to prevent the dog
from pushing it over its head and yet large enough to provide
adequate comfort.

If you are planning on purchasing a belt style dog collar, make
sure that it has more than one hole for the locking bar to slip
into. These belt style dog collars come in many colors and
designs to choose from.

About The Author: For more information on dog collars and
products please visit my site http://www.leather-dog-collar.com

A Dog Shower Is The Easiest Way To Rinse Your Dog

Article Title: A Dog Shower Is The Easiest Way To Rinse Your
Dog
Author: Peter J. Mason

All breeds of dog need to be groomed and bathed on a regular
basis, no matter what the length of their coat. Most will
enjoy being clean, you can see how playful they become after
their grooming sessions, even if the actual bathing experience
is not always easy. Your dog will love the fuss you make of it
when it is well groomed, and a clean dog is much more fun to
train than a dirty one.

Some dogs have coats that repel dirt and pollution effectively
whilst others seem to positively attract it. The state of your
dog's coat will also depend greatly on the environment you live
in, the dog's exposure to dirt and the type of food it eats.
The only golden rule about bathing frequency is; when your dog
smells like a dog, he needs bathing!

The bathtub is the most practical place to bathe your dog. You
will need hot and cold water to get the shampoo out of their
coat, as well as a dog shower attachment for a faucet and a
rubber mat to prevent slipping. You should start bathing your
dog when still a puppy and easy to maneuver in and out of the
tub. As they get bigger the dog should be able to climb in and
out of the tub unaided, but you should encourage them by giving
them a treat once they are in the bath and another once the
bathing is finished. Teaching your dog to stand on command
will help you to get them in and out of the tub. Although
there are exceptions, most dogs will enjoy the attention of
being bathed in the tub and the warm water should make them
relaxed and calm.

If you use full strength shampoo it will take a long time to
rinse your dog and get all the soap out of their coat. Rinsing
is easier and quicker if you use shampoo diluted with water. A
mild herb shampoo that you would use for yourself is ideal.
Giving your dog a final rinse in a solution of apple cider,
vinegar and water will help to repel fleas and skin parasites.
This will also avoid skin irritations by balancing the pH levels
in the dog's skin, and will leave them with a really shiny coat.
Dry them thoroughly with a thick towel to absorb as much water
as possible, or they will try to shake the water out of their
coat when they get out of the bath.

If your dog is small, bathing him in the kitchen sink may cause
less strain on your back. Alternatively you could use a washtub
outside, which will prevent too much water on the floor in your
house, but may not be practical in winter or if access to warm
water is difficult.

About The Author: Concentrating on latest developments in
cooking, Peter Mason writes almost entirely for
http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com . You can see his work
over at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/sinks.html and
various other sources for kitchen sinks information.