Thursday, May 31, 2007

Get Your Dog To Stop Whining On Your Command

Article Title: Get Your Dog To Stop Whining On Your Command
Author: Zane Madisson

Do you find the dog whine annoying? It is annoying to many
people and you are not alone in your feelings. Dogs whine
because it is a part of their nature to do so. They are trying
to get your attention and this is one of the ways they can do
that. Is your dog neglected by any chance? Does it lack some
kind of shelter or protection? You should feed your dog on a
regular basis and make sure it is clean. Overlooking any of
these things can and will lead to problems.

A good thing to look out for is the moment your dog begins to
act up. Try and see if the activity is the same when your dog
whines. If this keeps happening, it must be something you are
doing, or something related to the activity taking place. If
the whining is taking place in a more random manner, then you
might have a harder time trying to come up with a solution.
Always make sure your dog has proper hygiene though.

Does it whine a lot or just a tiny bit? If your dog is whining
all the time then something is seriously wrong. But hey,
everyone and everything has their own mood and maybe your dog
is just in one of its moods. That could certainly be one of the
possibilities. One of the most common reasons the dog is whining
is because it wants food, and it wants it now. You should try to
stay clear of feeding your dog from the dinner table because
this is going to set a bad precedent.

Canines need to eat their own kind of food, dog food
specifically. But have no fear, as most of these problems are
just plain old common sense. It really is amazing how many
problems people do not pick up on. I hope this can be of some
help to one of you out there. Take care and all the best.

About The Author: Zane Madison -
http://www.dogtrainingguide.org/dog/training/behavior/whining/dog.html

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Why Have A Corgi In The Family?

Article Title: Why Have A Corgi In The Family?
Author: Kay Stevens

This is easily answered in two words - Unconditional Love. The
Corgi will love you no matter what. He will love you whether
you're rich or poor, famous or infamous, healthy or sick, young
or old, liked or disliked, caring or even uncaring, the Corgi
will be faithful to you. Where else could you find a love like
that?

About the Corgi

There are two types of Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgi and
Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Probably the best known is the Pembroke
Corgi made famous as The Queen's Dogs.

Because of this a lot of people think of a Corgi as being a
small nippy, yappy dog. This couldn't be further from the
truth. The Corgi doesn't yap - he barks.

Although the Corgi is a small dog (grows to approx. 25cm-30cm,
10"-12"), he is not a "small" dog. He is a big dog in a small
dog's body. He has a relatively normal body length but has
short legs.

The Cardigan Corgi has a normal length tail whilst the Pembroke
Corgi generally has a docked tail.

Training

The Corgi can be easily trained because he is naturally
intelligent. But at the same time he can be stubborn.

Health

No major worries. The main concern is weight (which applies to
us all). The Corgi does like his tucker so a sensible diet is
recommended. If you allow him to over-eat and he wacks on the
weight then that puts a strain on his back and hips. Average
lifespan is 12 - 15 years.

Grooming

The coat of the Corgi is reasonably dense but short. It is
easily brushed and doesn't require a lot of time spent to keep
him looking good.

So, Why Have a Corgi?

We know that he is loving, easily trained, doesn't take much
effort to groom and his health is generally good. One very
important point that hasn't been mentioned yet is his ability
to integrate into the family. The Corgi is extremely adaptable
to his surroundings.

You could have him on a large property where he can run around.
You could have him with kids who would play with him. Or an
elderly person could have a Corgi in an appartment where he
would be content just to sit and watch T.V.

To put it in a nutshell, he is VERSATILE.

You must consider all these points when choosing a dog breed
which will be suitable for your family.

Why would you NOT consider a Corgi for your family?

About The Author: Kay Stevens writes for
http://www.corgidogworld.com where you can learn everything
about Corgis and the products available to keep them fit and
healthy.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Military Dog Tags

Article Title: Military Dog Tags
Author: Rick Gambino

Almost everyone has heard of dog tags at one time or another.
Whether you have seen a teenager wearing dogs tags with their
initials on it or actual dog tags which are worn by members of
the armed forces, dogs tags are worn by many different kinds of
people. Although they have become a part of mainstream fashion,
true dog tags are much more than a simple piece of decorative
jewelry. Military dog tags are worn by soldiers and other
members of the armed forces as a means of identification. In
the unfortunate event that a soldier is killed during combat,
their military dog tags can be used to identify their body and
inform the family of this extremely sad event. Although people
living in regular conditions can be identified by a driver's
license or similar form of identification in the case of a
tragedy, these normal means of identification are not enough
for soldiers because of the extraordinary circumstances they
are living in. If a soldier kept an identification card in
their wallet or pocket, it could easily be stolen or lost
during combat. However, because military dog tags are worn
under a soldier's uniform, the chances of a soldier losing or
having them stolen are much less likely.

The military dogs tags which are issued by the government are
made of stainless steel and have a dull finish. Military dog
tags are made of stainless steel for obvious reasons
(durability, resistance to scratching and weather exposure),
and the dull finish is used to draw as little attention to the
tags as possible. As you probably know, soldier's wear their
military dog tags on a metal chain. Most of these chains are
nickel plated and normally measure thirty to thirty-six inches
in size. The necklaces are extremely secure and ensure that a
soldier's tags stay with him at all times.

About The Author: Although dog tags are normally used in
military situations, they are also very useful under other
circumstances. For more information about dog tags, visit
http://www.compucardinc.com/dog-tags.html

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Monday, May 28, 2007

Dog Life Jackets-Treat Your Dog Right

Article Title: Dog Life Jackets-Treat Your Dog Right
Author: Karen McLean

Does your dog go just about everywhere with you? Do you share
your adventures with your dog? Is your dog your sailing
partner? If so, make sure to keep your dog safe in and around
the water with a dog life jacket.

While there are no regulations regarding dog life jackets,
wouldn't you feel better knowing your best canine friend was as
protected in his dog life jacket as you are in your life jacket?

A dog life jacket is the perfect solution for the dog owner
that has a pool, lives near the water or just visits the lake
or the beach. A dog life jacket is easily visible, has high
buoyancy and is designed to hold your dog's head higher in the
water thus making it easier for him to breathe and giving him
more stamina. A dog life jacket keeps him safe in cold, choppy
waters or fast currents. Swimming is tiring work even for a
dog, so make sure they wear a dog life jacket.

Water therapy is a great way to exercise every part of your
dog, especially if he has been injured. Deeper water therapy
combined with a dog life jacket can help your dog regain his
strength through exercising which will help your dog return as
closely as possible to pre-trauma activity level. Water therapy
is also a great way for overweight dogs to lose weight. Working
out in deeper water with a dog life jacket is a less stressful
way to exercise your dog and helps them to lose those unhealthy
pounds.

So go ahead and take your dog to the lake or beach. Let him
swim along side of you, but let him swim safely with a dog life
jacket. Always remember the rules of water safety apply not only
to you but to your dog. Dog life jackets save dogs' lives.

About The Author: Karen McLean is the owner/operator of
http://www.mypetspecialties.com where she is devoted to
offering humane pet training aids and pet safety products like
dog life jackets.

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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Why Major Medical Pet Insurance Is A Wise Choice For Pet Parents

Article Title: Why Major Medical Pet Insurance Is A Wise Choice
For Pet Parents
Author: Alex Krooglik

You might have heard the terms "major medical" or "catastrophic
coverage" when talking about health insurance. Both of these
terms refer to insurance that has a high deductible and a low
premium and that only pays out when you have a more costly
health problem.

But did you know you can also get major medical or catastrophic
pet insurance for your cat or dog too?

Catastrophic or major medical pet insurance is ideal for pet
parents who have a small amount saved up to cover the higher
deductible. By paying just a little more of the veterinary bill
in the first place with the higher deductible, your pet
insurance can do its job more effectively and cheaply when the
large bills come in.

How much lower are the premiums on a major medical plan? Well,
like anything in insurance, the answer is "it depends." But in
general a major medical plan with a $500 annual deductible
could be half the price of a regular plan with a $100 annual
deductible! Obviously every situation is different so you'll
want to find out for your specific circumstances what the real
difference is.

Clearly a major medical pet insurance plan won't help you with
small medical emergencies that cost a few hundred dollars. But
with the high cost of veterinary care these days you could
easily be left with a bill for $5,900 or perhaps more* if your
pet were to swallow string and require emergency care.

Not every pet insurance company offers a major medical option
so be sure to ask. More information on Embrace Pet Insurance's
catastrophic pet insurance is available at
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/Content/Learn/ChoosingCoverage/pet-insurance-catastrophic-major-medical.aspx

For those pet parents who can afford a higher deductible, major
medical pet insurance can be a terrific way to protect your pet
with a very affordable premium without your having to skimp on
coverage.

(*) - This figure is from a real claim received for a Labrador
Retriever in NY state

About The Author: Alex Krooglik is co-founder of Embrace Pet
Insurance in Cleveland, Ohio. The mission of
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com is to convince responsible
pet parents that pet insurance should be an integral part of
every pet's health care.

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Saturday, May 26, 2007

Dog Friendly Hotels 5 Tips For You And Your Dog At Dog Friendly Hotels

Article Title: Dog Friendly Hotels 5 Tips For You And Your Dog
At Dog Friendly Hotels
Author: Dee Power

Whether your plans include a beach resort, downtown hotel, or a
mountain lake retreat here are 5 tips to keep you and your dog
happy at dog friendly hotels.

1. After checking in, take your dog for a short walk around the
grounds, going back to your room several times. Your dog will
leave a scent trail and feel more comfortable in the strange
surroundings. Go down the hall, up the stairs, out the front
entrance of the hotel and down to the pool. Your dog is curious
about its environment just like you are.

2. Whenever you take your dog outside your room carry a small
spray bottle of cleaner, a few paper towels and of course
plastic bags for cleanup. You can pack this in a fanny pack to
be less conspicuous. Always take it with you, if you don't, you
can be sure that's the one time your puppy pal will go potty.

3. Never leave your dog in the hotel room alone, even if it's
crated, or otherwise restrained. The dog may not be able to
destroy anything in the room if it's confined but it can bark
and howl. And that's exactly what the dog will do when
separated from its family. Most dog friendly hotels insist that
dogs are not left in the room alone. Don't be tempted to run out
even for five minutes.

4. Even if your dog is well trained to walk with you off leash,
keep him/her on the leash at all times. Most cities have leash
laws. And just as importantly it's common courtesy to the other
guests. It's hard to believe but not everyone loves dogs. Small
children can be easily frightened by dogs, even if your dog has
the sweetest nature, the child doesn't know that.

5. Pack an extra leash. If it's time for a potty break that's
not the time to go frantically looking for Rover's leash.

There are many great dog friendly hotels. You and your dog can
have a fun vacation.

About The Author: Plan on traveling with your dog this summer?
Find out more great tips at
http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com, The Dog Lover's Guide to
Traveling. Brian Hill and Dee Power have written several
nonfiction books and the novel, Over Time,
http://www.overtimethenovel.com

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Friday, May 25, 2007

Dog Beds! - No, Orthopaedic Dog Beds... Would You Believe It?

Article Title: Dog Beds! - No, Orthopaedic Dog Beds... Would
You Believe It?
Author: Jay Gee

I look back at photographs of our wonderful Cocker Spaniel
"Sally" and shake my head in disbelief.

Who'd have thought it?

Dog beds, and not just ordinary dog beds, but designer
orthopaedic heated dog beds.

Forty odd years ago Sally had her little square of carpet and
her favourite old blanket on the floor in a corner of the hall
as her safe and pretty comfortable sleeping place.

Now our pet dogs have the amazing choice of anything from a
fleecy sheepskin dog bed with pillow to a designer wood frame
orthopaedic heated dog bed.

Yes, as I said, "Who'd ever have believed it?"

However, all these wonderful and rather luxurious additions to
the doggy world have given us dog lovers the opportunity to
pamper our pets and make sure that they enjoy as safe,
comfortable and luxurious a life as we can possibly provide.

So no matter the size, shape or breed of your dog, there's a
dog bed that's just right for your beloved pet.

So how do you choose a suitable dog from the emormous variety
of designs and stypes available?

Well it's best to take a note of your dog's current behaviour
and his sleeping preferences.

How your dog likes to sleep has an impact on what dog bed you
need. If being curled up is his favourite sleeping style, then
we recommend lounger dog beds. However, if he likes to sleep
sprawled out, we suggest pillow or mat style dog beds.

If it is cold where your dog sleeps a heater will keep him warm
and comfortable. It may be that your pet suffers from arthritis
or other disability that would most certainly benefit from an
orthopaedic dog bed.

There's soft cushion or pillow type dog beds, plus a huge
selection of sleeping mats and pads, some of which are
electrically heated. You can also choose from raised dog beds
and couches or as mentioned, wooden framed and orthopaedic
beds.

So many dog beds to choose from to keep your beloved pooch
happy!

There's a leading range of high quality dog beds at: My Pet Dog
Supplies - and all the advice, tips and information you'll need
to make the right choice of dog bed for your pet.

Here's - Seven Quick Tips for Buying Dog Beds from our leading
supplier...

1. From simple mats and pads to comfy plush pillows and
luxurious donut-shaped beds, many different styles of dog beds
are suitable for a variety of dogs.

2. Orthopaedic dog beds are great for older dogs. One or more
layers of supportive foam and a temperature regulator keeps the
bed warm at all times to ensure the comfort of your pet.

3. Keep your pooch warm on chilly nights with heated dog beds.
Low-voltage heaters provide safe, comfortable warmth all night
long.

4. Dog beds filled with soft, fluffy curls of cedar shavings
work naturally to reduce pet odours and eliminate fleas.

5. Commonly used in homes, dog beds can also be paired with a
dog crate or used in a vehicle to keep your pet comfortable
when travelling. Dog beds that feature a non-skid backing will
stay in place no matter where you use it.

6. The filling material is what gives dog beds their softness
and comfort. A blend of natural fibres combined with recycled
materials will resist shifting or matting and result in
superior comfort.

7. High quality dog beds should be durable and waterproof, as
well as easily washable in order to keep your dog comfortable
and healthy.

Is your dog as comfortable as he or she could be?

About The Author: My Pet Dog Supplies - provides articles,
information and tips on dog health, dog training, and dog
behaviour and a leading range of Dog Houses, Dog Beds, Dog
Kennels and Crates and general Dog Supplies. For the Essential
Dog Lovers Caring Resource Go To: -
http://www.MyPetDogSupplies.com - Today!

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Now You Know Why Dogs And Puppies Just Love To Chew

Article Title: Now You Know Why Dogs And Puppies Just Love To
Chew
Author: Jeremy Wong

Puppies chew for a variety of reasons and they do it to play,
to explore the environment, to assuage hunger and to establish
dominance. Puppies also chew to relieve boredom and ease
teething discomfort. It really comes quite natural to them and
they will chew whatever they can find lying around.

A dog or puppy needs items that he can chew on, else he is
going to go for your slippers, electrical wires or furniture. A
puppy chewing on electrical wires could injure or even kill your
dog. Chewing other things might poison him.

You might have wondered `why does my puppy chew on paper?'
Chewing paper results in a huge mess for you and probably
ingestion of the paper for your dog which might give him
stomach ache. Dogs like to chew paper because it shreds easily.
Mail coming through a mailbox gives him a challenge and is
exciting. Anything new coming into the house is a potential
challenge for those small but sharp teeth.

You can buy safe and sturdy dog chew toys from most pet stores,
a veterinarian or online for only a few dollars. Since they are
relatively cheap, it is a good idea to get an assortment of
chew toys of varying textures and sizes, so your dog does not
get bored with the one and set his sights on your favorite
shoes again.

Squeaky dog toys are fun to play catch with but not sturdy
enough to be toys for chewing. If your dog has only these, he
will chew them to pieces in a few hours. Knotted ropes,
sterilised bones and hard rubber balls are all good for your
dog to chew.

If you have to leave your dog alone, you should put him in a
crate or box (or a sealed room with nothing in it he can ruin)
and provide a chew toy so he has something to do.

Dogs should never be encouraged to chase or bite. Some dogs,
for example Corgis, Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, will try to
round up children by nipping at their heels. This is natural
herding behavior but you can teach the dog that it is not
acceptable to do so. Teaching a puppy is much easier than
training an adult dog what is and is not acceptable but, with
patience, it can be done.

You can teach your puppy or dog to chew the correct things. If
he starts trying to chew something other than a chew toy,
remove the object and give him the toy. A stern "no" should be
sufficient warning. You should not hit puppies. It will make
them fear you rather than respect you. Dog Bites. It is natural
for a dog to try to bite humans or other animals to establish
dominance. Again, a firm "no" should take care of this, quickly
followed by giving him his chew toy. When you hand the dog a
toy, you should say "take it" after a few seconds to discourage
grabbing.

Dog and puppy chewing is normal and all you need to do is
provide the correct chew toys and to tell the dog off if he
tries to chew the remote control, your new shoes or anything
else which is off limits. After a while, the command becomes
natural to him and he'll never do it again.

About The Author: Thanks, and I've hoped you enjoyed reading
this article as much as I've enjoyed writing it for you. Visit
http://dognpuppies.com for more informative articles about Dog
Behavior. Warm Regards, Jeremy C.W

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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Great Tips For Dog Agility Training

Article Title: Great Tips For Dog Agility Training
Author: Ethan Edison

Dog Agility Training actually began in Great Britain, and came
to the United States in 1977. The sport of dog agility was
created from equestrian agility sports. Dog agility training
also includes handler control and confidence with a set up of
various obstacles for the dogs. In the sport of dog agility
there are jumps, tunnels, seesaws or teeters, an A frame, and
weave poles. Weave poles are the most difficult dog agility
training to teach and for dogs to learn. The dogs who are
competing in a dog agility competition must follow a particular
path through the obstacles, complete the obstacles, and even
have what are called yellow zones – places where the dog must
touch in order to qualify for the obstacle and the competition.


The Seesaw: This obstacle is a lot like that you would see in a
children's playground, but this one has no handles on either end
and has yellow zones on each end. The yellow is put there so the
dogs must climb up the seesaw from the beginning, make it tip,
and then successfully go to the bottom. In dog agility training
you can help by having a seesaw and walking your dog up and down
the seesaw without letting them get off until they have
completed the obstacle. When they do this trick successfully
you can give them a treat or pet them and praise them.

The Pipe Tunnel: The pipe tunnel is very narrow at the
beginning revealing a small hole and opens up gradually where
the end is an open tube. This obstacle can be scary for dogs so
it is important to train with something similar. You can get a
tunnel like the ones they have at dog agility competitions and
squeeze it almost closed at the beginning to create the small
hole and allow it to get wider and wider as it gets closer to
the end. In dog agility training you can help by assuring your
dog to go through the tunnel and calling her from the end.

The Double Jump: This one, obviously, will test your dog's
jumping abilities. Sometimes there are single jumps and double
jumps in dog agility competitions. This is where poles are set
up at a certain height (much like those in equestrian
competitions), and the dog must jump over them without knocking
them off or touching them. In dog agility training you can help
your dog by having something similar at home to help them work
on jumping.

The A Frame: The A frame is a simple obstacle that makes your
dog walk up the wood and then back down without jumping off of
the sides. This obstacle also has yellow zones at the bottom
ends. In dog agility training this would be an easier one to
practice at home, because you just need to create an A form for
your dog to walk up and down.

The Dogwalk: This one looks similar to a large balance beam
with ramps on either end.

The Weave Poles: You have probably seen these in automobile
commercials. The poles are entered in the ground at specific
intervals and your dog must run side to side through the weave
poles. There are usually six to twelve poles in competitions,
and is usually the most difficult obstacle of any dog agility
training competition.

For more great tips, advice, resources, and information visit
http://www.dogkindercare.com

About The Author: For more information on dog agility training
visit http://www.DogKinderCare.com

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Pet Evacuation Plan

Title: Pet Evacuation Plan
Author: Gary Kurz

Pet Evacuation Plan
When the earth shakes, the wind blows or the home is filled
with the smell of smoke, most people automatically shift
into the self-preservation mode and scramble to preserve
their lives and the lives of others in the family. Those
who plan ahead and develop contingencies for such emergency
situations generally fare better than those who do not.
Professionals in the emergency disaster relief field
promote emergency evacuation plans for people, because they
work.

But what about an emergency plan for our pets? They are
family members too. Shouldn't our plans for emergency
evacuation include them as well? Thousands of trusting,
devoted pets are lost each year due to natural disasters
such as hurricanes, floods and fires, simply because their
people did not have an emergency plan that included them.

With proper planning, many losses and much heartache can be
avoided. Having an emergency evacuation plan in place
that includes the family pet does not require a lot of
effort. It is a task that is very easy to accomplish. The
following information and tips are provided to help you
develop such a plan.

• Never leave your pet behind unless circumstances
absolutely prevent you from taking them. For instance, if
the house is crumbling beneath your feet during an
earthquake and you can't find the cat, you probably should
get yourself and your family to safety first and then, if
safe, return to find the cat later. The chances are that a
cat or dog will manage to exit the house on their own
accord in such a situation, because they don't want to be
there either.

In a situation where there is time to plan your evacuation
however, such as an approaching fire-line or hurricane,
pets should not be left behind. Their lives are as
vulnerable to these threats as humans and they need to be
protected. Even if they manage to survive, the chance of
them running off and not being found is extremely high. If
they are found, it will probably be animal control and in
the aftermath of a natural disaster, efforts for reuniting
pets with their people are not high on the agenda.

• Do not book your pet into a local kennel or temporary
shelter unless local authorities determine the shelter will
withstand the impending danger. If the facility is in the
path of destruction, boarding your pet there will not
remove the danger to them. You will probably find that
local shelters and kennels will be closed and not accepting
business anyway. Additionally, kennels in neighboring
towns that are not in harm's way will probably run out of
vacancies very quickly.

The best idea is to check with your local shelter or
chapter of the SPCA long before the need arises. They may
already have all the information you need.

In the absence of having such information, it is suggested
that you keep your pet(s) with you. Recently there has
been a awakening in the motel/hotel industry to the
importance of pets to potential customers and more and more
establishments are making provisions for animals. It
should be relatively easy to find a motel that will accept
your pet for very little additional expense.

• Ensure that your pet's vaccines are up to date and have
that paperwork in a place where you can find it quickly if
the need to evacuate arises. If your evacuation occurs
during the time the disaster is taking place (i.e. the
beginning of a hurricane, etc.) make sure your pet has a
collar and that the required tags are attached. Without
meaning any disrespect, it might be a good time to treat
your pet like a piece of luggage by adding an information
tag to the collar with your contact information and an
alternate family member's (outside the endangered zone)
contact information. In the event you are separated from
your pet, this could be the one factor that ensures you are
reunited.

• Some organizations give advice for situations where you
have no choice but to leave your pet(s) at home. Except in
those where circumstances prevent you from locating your
pet and you must leave immediately (i.e. flood waters
rising, etc.) such advice does not resonate with this
writer. As a member of the family, they have an
expectation of being important too. They depend upon you
and you can't let them down.

Just a little effort today may save you a lot of heartache
tomorrow. Take the time and draft a plan for pet
evacuation.

About the Author:

The author is a retired Coast Guard Officer with over 32
years of service. He is also a Baptist Preacher and Bible
Teacher. He helps those grieving the loss of a pet to
understand the Biblical evidence that proves they live on.
His most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates"
delivers hope and comfort to the reader in a very gentle,
yet convincing way. Visit at http://www.coldnosesbook.com
for more information and tips.

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Dog Houses Your Pet Dog Will Love

Article Title: Dog Houses Your Pet Dog Will Love
Author: Jay Gee

Dog Houses are a must for today's modern, hard-working dog
lovers.

In our office alone, there's certainly been a lot of talk and
boasting about the latest insulated dog house, wooden log cabin
dog house, even the plastic igloo type dog house and the all
singing and dancing designer dog house and in general the sense
of "one-upmanship" when a new purchase has been made.

It made me think about the whole scenario of how we look after
and care for our pets throughout all the various changes of
temperature and weather conditions throughout the average year.

Let me ask you a question.

Does your beloved pet dog have his or her own cozy dog house, a
haven from the cold wind and weather in winter and a source of
cool shade in the hot sticky days of high summer?

Does he or she have the freedom to run around your garden or
backyard, or is he stuck indoors most of the day while you and
the family are at work and school?

If your dog suffers from being trapped in one little room in
your house for most of the day and only taken for a quick
exercise walk in the morning and evening, then it does seem to
be quite cruel.

However you're certainly not alone, and after all where else
can you leave your beloved pet when you are at work?

Well the simple answer is: Get a Dog House!

Get him his own luxurious dog house and allow him to run free
within the confines of your backyard or garden or within a
simple dog kennel or enclosure and have the protection and
comfort of the doghouse should the weather change or he just
wants to rest in safety.

I know, I know! – I hear you ask - Where do I start? Where can
I get a suitable dog house and will I be able to afford one?

When I started to investigate, I was astounded by the enormous
variety of styles and materials available and the huge
selection of suppliers and most importantly the wide variety of
designs and prices to suit absolutely everyone's budget.

I won't go into all the technicalities of dog house
construction and materials as I discovered that most of the
good quality suppliers provide adequate information on each
item they supply.

Suffice it is to say that the most popular type is still the
traditional wooden dog house, with cedar being the favourite
type of wood.
However, the versatility of wood allows the manufacture of some
wonderful shapes, sizes and styles, from the simple A-frame dog
house to the more luxurious and very impressive ranch-house or
country house style.

There are insulated and heated houses, and amazing combinations
of wood plastic and metal, all designed to provide your pet dog
with a have of safety and comfort.

So if your dog is still longing for his own private place of
refuge and comfort, you must take a look at some of the
wonderful items available and easily affordable to you today.

Take a look at "My Pet Dog Supplies" (MyPetDogSupplies.com),
where you'll find a huge range of dog houses, dog beds, dog
kennels and exercise pens and a host of other essential dog
supplies.

About The Author: Jay's My Pet Dog Supplies provides articles,
information & tips on dog health, dog training, and dog
behaviour and a leading range of Dog Houses, Dog Beds, Dog
Kennels and general Dog Supplies. The Essential Dog Lovers
site: http://www.MyPetDogSupplies.com - Take a look Today to
Pamper Your Pet!

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Hip Dysplasia In Dogs Advice

Article Title: Hip Dysplasia In Dogs Advice
Author: Beck The Vet

Hip dysplasia is the most common cause of osteoarthritis in
young dogs. It is mainly an inherited condition and it is where
the ball and socket joint of the dog don't fit together properly
due to a loose joint. This then leads to other changes such as
osteoarthritis and pain. Some dogs will have no signs where as
others will be severely debilitated.

If a bitch or dog that has hip dysplasia but no signs of the
disease goes on to have puppies, the pups may show severe
signs. It is therefore essential that bitches and dogs have
x-rays and a good "hip score" before breeding to make sure
there is less risk of producing affected puppies.

The acceptable score varies from breed to breed. Your vet will
be able to take x-rays and send them away for scoring by the
BVA/ KC (British Veterinary Association/ Kennel Club). These
x-rays need to be perfectly straight with the dog on its back
and are thus taken under general anaesthetic.

If my young dog has hip dysplasia what can I do to help?

- Manage the diet. It is vital the growing dog doesn't grow too
fast or too slowly and is fed a diet appropriate for the breed
and age.

- Overweight dogs are at high risk and may develop more severe
symptoms.

- Exercise carefully. It should be carefully controlled. Ask
your vet your advice.

- Pain relief. Ask your vet! N.B. human pain killers are
poisonous to dogs!

- Surgery. Hip replacements can be performed at specialist
centres when dog fully grown.

- Physiotherapy

- Swimming

Please ask advice from your vet before changing diet or
exercise of your pet.

My old dog has hip dysplasia what can I do to help?

- Make sure your old dog is not overweight as this will put a
great strain on the already suffering joints. If your dog is
overweight consult your vet as he or she will need careful
monitoring throughout the diet. A special food may be indicated
which is filling and has all the essential nutrients but less
calories.

- Joint supplements containing glucosamine and condroitin may
help.

- Careful exercise. Little and often is best and don't be
tempted to overdo it at the weekend. Your old pet simply isn't
up to it any more!

- Swimming and physiotherapy

- Pain relief may be prescribed by your vet

If your pet is still in pain despite the above then surgery may
be an option. You should also consult with your vet before
changing your pet's diet and exercise regime.

About The Author: Beck the Vet is the Online Veterinary at
Parcel Pets where she helps pet lovers by providing free vet
advice: http://www.pets2home.co.uk/page--Vet-FAQ--ste_faq.html
Parcel Pets - http://www.pets2home.co.uk/ - are one of the UK's
leading pet supplies sites.

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American Pit Bull Terrier

Article Title: American Pit Bull Terrier
Author: Richard Merson

The american pit bull terrier originates from the introduction
of english and irish pit terriers into america during the mass
immigration of the 1800's. The english dog's originated from
cross breeding between terrier and bulldog breeds, the irish
dogs origins were shrouded in secrecy. The pit bull terriers
brought to america had been bred for dog fighting using the
terrier breeds killing instinct and the bulldogs tenacity and
powerful muscled body, they had been bred to be loyal and
accepting of their human masters and were considered family
dogs. The introduction of pit bulls to america saw the breed
develop as the breed was crossed with bigger dogs to produce
the american pit bull terrier.

The american pit bull terrier is an exceptionally powerful dog
that is instantly recognisable. The dog has a broad chunky head
with large cheeks that cover extremely powerful jaw muscles and
has round eyes. The neck is thick and powerful dropping to
strong, wide shoulders and a deep chest. Colouration is
numerous but these short haired dogs can range in colour from
brown, fawn to black, blue and white.

Contrary to popular opinion these dogs are not wanton killing
machines, they do have violent tendancies toward other dogs but
are no more violent toward people than other dog breeds. They
are loyal, obedient and good with children and families. They
make excellent guard dogs and are generally good with other
family pets including other dogs if they have been socialised
with the other pets from puppy hood.

The american pitbull generally stands between 18 and 22 inches
tall, and weighs in between 10 and 50 kg, and has a few known
health problems such as being prone to cataracts and congenital
heart disease. American pitbulls have a life expectancy of
around 12 years, have litters of about 5-10 puppies and need
regular exercise to burn off excess energy. Colours vary from
fawn pitbulls, to blue pitbulls, rednose pitbulls and black
pitbulls.

About The Author: Richard Merson writes for Pitbulls at
http://officialpitbull.info

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Monday, May 21, 2007

Leash Training Your Dog

Title: Leash Training Your Dog
Author: Michael Copper

Leash Training Your Dog
Dog Quote: Oh, that dog! Ever hear of a German shepherd
that bites its nails? Barks with a lisp? You say, "Attack!"
And he has one. All he does is piddle. He's nothing but a
fur-covered kidney that barks. ....Phillis Diller

Training your dog to not pull on the leash

One of the most common problems people have with their dogs
is pulling on the leash. There are many reasons why this
can occur, and quite often it is nothing more than
excitement on the dogs part. If this is the case, allowing
the dog a few minutes to simmer down before taking it on
his/her walk can often stop it.

Once again, the dogs pack mentality can come to play with
the dog assuming leadership over its owner as the leader of
the pack. This comes back to the basics of dog training
where the dog must be aware of who the master is.

Failure to get this basic dog training technique under
control can lead to all sorts of problems, particularly if
the dog gets off the leash. In the presence of other dogs,
and sometimes young children this problem becomes
pronounced.

One of the basics of dog training is for the owner to
establish him or herself as the leader of the pack
otherwise no training can be effective.

Once this has been established you can start the process of
getting your dog to walk calmly beside you with or without
a leash. And that process can only start if you are able to
get your dog to sit calmly while you put the leash around
its neck. That is the very first step of training your dog
to walk without pulling in its leash.

Once you succeed in that task, you can move on to the next
step where you can get your dog to walk beside you without
a leash and be assured that he/she won't run away.

And from there you will not be one of those people where
the dog is taking them for a walk.

Stop Your Dog Jumping on People

Dog Quote: They have dog food for constipated dogs. If your
dog is constipated, why screw up a good thing? Stay indoors
and let 'em bloat! ....David Letterman

Jumping on People

No matter how much we might enjoy our pet jumping up to
greet us, there are many people who dislike having a
strange dog coming up and jumping on them. For many people
it can be a frightening experience as not everyone is a dog
lover.

Besides that, many people just don't want dirty paw marks
over their clothing.

It can also create major problems if a large dog were to
jump up on a child or an elderly person.

Dogs will generally jump up on people because they are
overly excited and pleased to see them - even if that
person is a stranger.

Many people inadvertently encourage this behavior by
rewarding the dog with attention after the dog has jumped
up on them. The dog then seeks similar reward from other
people whether they like it or not.

This is detrimental to the proper training of the dog and
all members of the family must realize that they're doing
more harm than good by encouraging their dog to jump up on
people.

Consistency is important in all forms of dog training,
where members of the dog's family will need to exercise
discipline and accept that training will be all the more
difficult if the dog is allowed to continue with this
behavior.

Failure to do so will lead to confusion with the pet not
knowing what is right or wrong.

An alternative to having your dog jump up on you and other
people is to teach it to sit and lift it's paw when
greeting you for a handshake or similar tricks where the
dog will be rewarded with attention.

About the Author:

I'm an online publisher of web content and blogs pertaining
to the needs and wants of the public.
I'm also a business coach, and my coaching web can be found
at http://www.course-internet-marketing.com ... do check
out my latest blog about dogs at ...
http://dog-health-and-training.com/ ...consider signing up
for my dog blog articles about the latest in canine health
care and training.

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