Essential Features Of A Good Dog Training Book

Article Title: Essential Features Of A Good Dog Training Book
Author: Xavier Gallery

Training your dog is a time-intensive project that requires
patience and solid strategy. Most inexperienced dog owners
ultimately fail at training their pet because they either lack
the knowledge of what to, or they become frustrated when their
dog does not respond. This failure leads many to turn to the
plethora of dog training books available on the internet. There
are a number of excellent resources available, but what exactly
makes up a good dog training book? Here are some important
things to research before buying any training product.

Navigation
In order to successfully implement a training program with your
dog, you need to understand the concepts behind it. A
well-written dog training book starts with the basics and slowly
guides you through the more advanced techniques. There should
be clear step-by-step instructions for each task, and the
chapters should be organized by skill level. Too many inferior
books lump broad categories together, which can confuse amateurs
on where to begin. Ideally, it should be easy to continually
reference topics in the book since it is unlikely you will
memorize everything after one read.

Beyond Puppies
Some books can lose their value after the first year of a dog's
life. They guide you through potty training and other behavior
issues prevalent in puppies, but they don't offer enough
information on dealing with older dogs. This can be a big void,
especially since it is much harder to break the habits of an
older dog. Thus, it is important to choose a book that spans
the life of your pet. A well-trained dog may never demonstrate
obedience issues, but there are other bad habits such as
aggression that may need to be dealt with later in life.

Illustration
As humans, we learn more efficiently through reinforcement, and
this is why the best dog training books feature a number of
pictures and illustrations. Training your dog is a rather
precise science, and there is simply too much room for
misinterpretation without giving a visual reference. Some of
the more premier dog training guides offer video instruction in
addition to their books. This can be useful bonus that provides
another way to learn the material.

Support
No matter how confident you are in your abilities, you will
probably reach a point where you have a question. Finding a
training resource that offers email support or a learning forum
is a great way to ensure you can find an answer. This is one of
the benefits with the dog training ebooks available online, as a
handful of them provide email support with the cost of their
product. Having access to a support network makes it less
likely that you will give up when you reach a difficult point
during the training process.

Training your dog can be a fun experience that builds a strong
bond between you and your pet, but it can also become a
nightmare if things aren't going well. A good dog training book
will teach you what methods to use and how to implement them
over the course of your dog's development. But for every good
book available, there are a hundred others have limited value.
The best way to protect yourself against the inferior products
is to do your research and look for product reviews. Choosing
the right book from the start will ensure success with your
training regimen.

About The Author: http://petsbegood.com

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How Are Hunting Dogs Trained?

Article Title: How Are Hunting Dogs Trained?
Author: Gray Rollins

Information on training a hunting dog.

The term hunting dog is applied to any dog that is able to
assist a human in the act of hunting. There are several
different types of breeds of dogs that are quite useful as
hunting dogs and each has a particularly unique and useful
talented that is used during hunting.

Hounds such as coonhounds are often used for stalking prey
either by sight or sound. Sight hounds generally kill what they
are stalking for their masters, while scent hounds are very
likely to corner prey in some manner so someone in the hunting
party may kill it.

Hunters that hunt small game such a wild turkey and pheasants
normally use gun dogs. There are pointers who point at game
birds that are being tracked by the hunting party and will
additionally flush out the prey for the hunter. There are also
pointers that basically freeze and point when a game bird is
spotted and allows the hunting party the opportunity to flush
out the prey. Retrievers are a class of hunting dog that will go
out an retrieve the carcasses of prey that have been shot by the
hunting party.

Curs and terriers are also in the gun dog classification of
hunting dogs. Terriers ferret out animals in their habits (dens
for instance) and then kill them with brute strength. Curs are
hunting dogs that are very well known to take on creatures that
are much larger then they are.

When you begin to train your hunting dog the first thing you
need to do is to begin getting them used to the great outdoors.
A dog that is going to assist a hunting party needs to be able
to handle all types of weather. Allow your dog to roam around in
an empty open area with your close supervision. When doing this
you want to make sure that your dog is given plenty of water.

You are also going to need to teach your hunting dog how to
track. This task can be accomplished by purchasing a container
of animal blood and create a small trail of it that your dog can
follow. Leaving a treat at the end of that trail can further
encourage your dog to take to tracking.

If you are extremely patient with your dog while training it to
be a hunting dog in time you are going to have a very faithful
and useful member of your hunting party for years to come.

About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
http://DogTeachers.com - a great site for dog training. Learn
more about agility training and learn which dogs are easy to
train - stop by and visit us today. Gra

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Training A Sled Dog

Article Title: Training A Sled Dog
Author: Gray Rollins

Information about sled dogs and how they are trained.

Sled dogs are a group of dogs that are used to pull a vehicle
that has no wheels but is set on runners over terrains of ice
and snow. Sled dogs are attached to these vehicles by harnesses
and lines. It is said that the origins of sled dogs can be
traced back to Siberia as the people that live there have a long
history of nomadic travel due to rather harsh winters.

There are certain breeds of dogs that are synonymous with being
sled dogs. These dogs being Huskies and Malamutes although just
about any medium sized dog would be suitable to be a sled dog.

Dogs that are selected to be sled dogs need to exhibit three
main qualities. First of all they need to be in peak physical
condition and be able to pull a sled, they need to have the
endurance to be able to pull a sled over sometimes great
distances and they need to have the speed in order to do the
task of pulling the sled quickly. There are many teams of sled
dogs that have been able to travel over one hundred miles in a
twenty four hour period of time.

Teams of sled dogs can range from three dogs to a team of two
dozen dogs. Sled dog teams not only pull several different types
of sleds for racing and other transporting purposes they have
also been known to pull skiers when there is little to no snow.

Pups that are being trained to be sled dogs are weaned from
their mother as soon as possible in order to shift their
attentions to their musher. They are at about six weeks old
shifted from their mother into their own pen in order to
accomplish this.

When pups that are being trained to be sled dogs are around
five months old they are already running around with the lope
that is characteristic of a sled dog and is also the time when
they are first introduced to a harness.

There are many methods in which pups learn to be sled dogs. A
very common method is to harness up to a dozen pups behind a
pair of experienced older sled dogs and control the speed that
they go with the use of an atv. The speed that the older dogs
are allowed to go is gradually increased as the pups' endurance
and strength continues to increase.

People are amazed that sled dogs are so excited to be able to
pull a sled over long periods of time and generally over very
rough terrain. Mushers can attribute this to the very early
interactions that they have with the pups that builds such a
strong relationship between themselves and the dogs so very
early in their lives.

About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
DogTeachers. Learn more dog training tips at
http://www.dogteachers.com/tips/ and
http://www.dogteachers.com/obedience/

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3 Tips To Buying Pet Meds Online

Article Title: 3 Tips To Buying Pet Meds Online
Author: Xavier Gallery

Pet health care has experienced tremendous growth in the past 5
years. New advancements in disease treatment and prevention
have improved the quality of life for our pets, but the average
cost of care per animal has risen substantially. This has lead
to pet owners seeking any opportunity to save money on medical
costs. One of the more popular ways to save is to buy discount
pet meds online. But before you jump into the online
marketplace, here are some important things to watch for.

Total Cost
Unlike books or computers that have a relatively
straightforward pricing structure, pet meds are packaged in a
number of different ways. Frontline Plus for example (a popular
flea control product), is packaged according to dog size as well
as the number of treatments. This is important to note since it
is easy for advertisers to draw you in with an attractive price.
However, this may not be the best value for your situation if
you own a large dog, or perhaps even multiple dogs. The point
is to compare prices across a consistent grade in order to find
the best discounts.

Shipping
As with any online purchase, shipping can make or break the
deal. Pet meds are no exception to this rule, and they can in
fact be more susceptible to bait-and-switch techniques. For
example, a number of pet medicines require refrigerated delivery
which adds to the cost of delivery. Since the consumer
typically absorbs this cost through additional fees, the listed
price of refrigerated meds rarely represents the total cost to
you. Thus, it is important to read the shipping terms and
options between merchants before making a final decision.

Support
Customer service is an important part of any sales transaction,
but it becomes invaluable when you buying something you cannot
inspect until it arrives at your door. Some of the so-called
discount pet med suppliers on the internet are merely
third-party distributors or warehouses. They are not
specialized in the pet care industry, and most of their customer
service reps have very little exposure to the products they
sell. This not only creates a gap in communication, but it can
also lead to a higher percentage of wrong orders. Make sure
your online pet med supplier deals solely with pet related
products. Ideally they would also feature a staff of
veterinarians available to answer any questions you have about
their products.

Utilizing the online marketplace is a great way to find cheap
pet meds, as long as you know exactly what you are looking for.
Consumers can expect to save about 20 percent off of retail
prices because the internet retailer has fewer costs than the
average retail store. The key to being successful in this
market is to do your research before buying. Compare prices of
identical products, analyze shipping costs, and look for coupon
codes sites like http://1800PetMedsCoupon.com Soon you will be
an expert online shopper who enjoys the convenience and savings
that can only be found online.

About The Author: http://1800petmedscoupon.com

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Pet Health Insurance - luxury or necessity?

Title: Pet Health Insurance - luxury or necessity?
Author: Susan Koranki

Pet Health Insurance - luxury or necessity?
If you are a pet owner you may already know how costly it
can be if your beloved `furchild' becomes ill unexpectedly,
or is injured in an accident. In fact, even routine
veterinary care and surgery can make quite a dent in your
savings.

The United States lags well behind most of Europe in the
number of domestic pets covered by Pet Health Insurance,
but more and more savvy pet owners are beginning to realize
what a lifesaver it can be…in every sense of the word!

Think about it for a minute – if Fido were to be seriously
injured or fall ill tomorrow, would you be able to afford a
veterinary bill for $1500, $2000 or $3000 plus? If not, you
could find yourself faced with a heartbreaking,
life-or-death decision. That's a situation no pet lover
wants to be in.

If you have pet health insurance you (and your pet) can be
spared the agony and heartbreak of being unable to afford
critically important veterinary care in a time of crisis.
Just as your own medical cover/health plan is there for you
when you fall ill, Fido's health insurance will be there
for him.

There are many different pet health insurance companies,
all offering plans that are similar in the respect that
they all require annual premiums, have deductibles and
offer a range of different coverage options to suit
individual needs.

However, there are also many differences between policies,
and before deciding which pet insurance company to go with,
it's a very good idea to pay attention to the small print
and ask questions. The following list is an example of the
kind of things to look for (it's not a comprehensive list
though, it's up to you to do your homework!)

Some pet insurance policies have age limits, both minimum
and maximum, and they can vary considerably between
providers.

There can be different `waiting periods' (the time it takes
for your coverage to come into effect) from one provider to
the next

There are different attitudes and regulations concerning
the cover (or lack of) for pre-existing conditions

Some pet health insurance providers may exclude certain
breeds (often larger breeds) who are prone to particular
hereditary or congenital illnesses or problems

In some cases a policy may cover routine procedures such as
vaccinations, annual wellness checks and/or routine
preventative care, neutering & spaying etc. Others may
charge a `wellness rider' or have additional charges for
this type of care

You may find you're limited to choosing a veterinarian or
veterinary hospital from a list of `approved providers', or
you may be free to pick whomever you want.

A pet health care policy may, or may not, cover dental
care, eye care and prescriptions – always check this.

If you have several pets, ask the pet insurance provider if
they offer a discount for multiple pets. You may find some
companies also offer `extras' such as discounts on pet
supplies and services or a regular newsletter.

You can get a lot of information about the different pet
health insurance companies and their policies by checking
online. You can also get free quotes and even register from
the comfort of your own home. How easy is that!

Pet health insurance is a growing trend in the US today and
rightly so. Any owner who experiences the shock and worry
of a suddenly, and seriously, sick or injured pet will
appreciate the sense of security provided by a
comprehensive pet health plan.

If you are committed to taking excellent care of your pet,
and keeping him safe and healthy, good veterinary care is
not a luxury, it is most definitely a necessity, - and a
pet health insurance policy can provide this.

Unless you have considerable savings, and are happy to dip
into them, unexpected veterinary costs could cause you a
good deal of hardship and heartache. Even if you DO have
the money, would you really want to spend it on high vet
bills when you could be paying a modest, annual sum instead?

About the Author:

Protect your pet, and yourself, by investing in a good Pet
Health Insurance Policy. Get lots more free information at
http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/pet-dog-insurance.html

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Learn How A Guard Dog Is Trained

Article Title: Learn How A Guard Dog Is Trained
Author: Gray Rollins

Information about guard dogs and how they are trained.

A guard dog, also commonly known as a watchdog, is utilized to
guard something (usual someone's home or a business) against
things like unwanted intruders such as criminals or wild
animals.

When a guard dog notices an unwanted creatures presence it
begins to bark which is both an attempt to scare away the
intruder as well as method to alert the guard dog's master that
there is some kind of trouble going on. Normally a watch dog's
job would end here but there are some watch dogs that are
trained to subdue any intruders. Watch dogs that are in charge
of keeping watch over a flock of livestock for instance may be
trained to take down a wolf that attempts to attack the flock
for example.

One of the first things that a dog being trained to be a guard
dog needs to be taught is that it needs to become indifferent
toward other animals. If guard dogs are not taught this, an
animal looking for a fight for example could distract them and
they would loose sight of whatever they were in charge of
guarding. Teaching a male guard dog to ignore female dogs can be
a daunting but not impossible task.

Barking is another issue that needs to be addressed with a dog
being trained to guard something. Most all puppies and older
dogs bark in order to let their master know that something or
someone is there. If you have plans for a guard dog that resides
outside you are going to want it to be quiet. This is a great
idea as it can also teach your guard dog to not run off in the
direction of any disturbances, which protects your guard dog's
safety.

Almost all guard dogs need to be trained to bite quite hard.
This way they can disarm and take down intruders and keep them
down until the police arrive.

Studies have shown that female dogs generally make better
choices for guard dogs. The reason for this is their strong
desire to protect there young.

There are many breeds that are commonly associated with being
used as a guard dog. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls
and Dobermans are all extremely popular guard dog choices.

If you have plans on purchasing a dog for the purpose of it
being a guard dog, do a bit of research to be positive that you
are selecting a breed of dog that is conditioned for this type
of training.

About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
DogTeachers. Learn more dog training tips at
http://www.dogteachers.com/tips/ and
http://www.dogteachers.com/obedience/

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Simple yet Powerful Principles for Dog Obedience Training

Title: Simple yet Powerful Principles for Dog Obedience Training
Author: Moses Wright

Simple yet Powerful Principles for Dog Obedience Training
Obedience training is important and essential to every dog.
It not only establishes lines of communication so that you
can understand each other better, it is also a bond
building process to increase the enjoyment, companionship
and satisfaction of your relationship with your dog.

Ideally, you should start to train and correct undesirable
behaviors as early as possible when your dog is 8 to10
weeks old. This is the period where they learn best and is
a vital time for influencing your dog's future behavior.
It's always easier to train a young puppy than an older
dog. Nevertheless, it's still possible to train older dogs,
you just have to correct his bad habits first and then
teach him the proper ones.

There are many incidents where owners abandon their dogs at
shelters because they cannot understand what their dog is
up to. The dogs display annoying behavior such as barking,
chewing and defecating all over the place and in worse
cases, show aggressive behavior towards the owners.

These incidents can be avoided if obedience training is
implemented. Most obedience training is used to create a
groundwork from which the dog and his master will learn how
to effectively correspond to each other.

In addition, obedience training is also an alternative dog
owners can turn to when their dogs are behaving badly. It
is one way of incorporating discipline in the dog's
behavior. Obedience training makes the dog realize that
certain behaviors are not allowed and that he should not
act that way. Done correctly, obedience training can
regulate your dog's behavior and he will be able to respond
properly with the right behavior that is expected of him.

Many dog owners wonder if it would be better to let
professionals handle their dog's obedience training. In
most cases, it can be much easier to have a professional
trainer or an obedience school to teach both owner and his
dog the proper way to follow a command. However, if the dog
owner feels he can follow simple instructions and do just
the same, then, there is no special need for a professional
trainer. A good dog training book is usually more than
sufficient.

No matter where you choose to train your dog, at home or in
a school, there are some universal dog training principles
that never change and all dog owners should follow them
strictly:

1. Fun and Reward - Obedience training does not necessarily
mean that strict rules should be imposed. This is because
the dog is not aware of the reasons why he should obey the
commands. Therefore, for him to respond to the commands,
the training must be done in such a way that the dog sees
the activity as something that is fun.

The dog will be able to respond positively if he sees that
whenever he follows what he is asked to do, he gets rewards
or praises, and that is fun for them.

2. Consistency - It is important to have consistency in the
course of training especially when correcting unwanted
behaviors. Always use the same "command" for a specific
task you require of your dog. Don't confuse him by using
different commands for the same task.

Once you've establish some house rules such as - keeping
the cooking area or sofa out of bounds to your dog, enforce
them constantly. If the dog learns that he can get away
with breaking these rules now and then, your previous
efforts will go down the drain.

Simple routines and precedents like this should not be
taken for granted. It is extremely important to teach the
dog what he can and cannot do and stick to it consistently.
Confusion will only make matters worse. Lastly, make sure
everyone in the family accepts and enforce your rules
consistently.

3. Timing - Timing is critical to successful training.
Praise your dog whenever he is doing something right.
Giving him a small treat he likes will work wonders for
most dogs.

On the other hand, do reprimand him on the spot whenever he
misbehaves or fails to respond to your command. Praises and
reprimands that happen later will have no effect on your
dog.

There are two main approaches concerning the timing of
correction when your dog misbehaves. The first approach is
the "Direct Approach". It simply requires you to reprimand
your dog on the spot whenever he misbehaves – chewing,
barking, digging and biting. This is a more tangible and
straight forward approach to training your dog and is easy
to understand for most trainers.

The second one is the "Endurance Approach" as it'll require
you to ignore your dog when he misbehaves. Using the cause
and effect to your advantage, this approach requires you to
ignore the dog, especially when he behaves in a certain
manner to seek attention.

This approach requires you to pay attention to your dog
only when he's a good boy. The reason for this method is
that dogs love attention and are hugely motivated by it.
Unlike man, dogs do not know how to differentiate between
positive and negative attention. They see things in a
simple way. If a certain action gets reaction and
attention, you'll bet they repeat it over and over again -
cause and effect.

Unfortunately, for most dog owners, we usually give our dog
negative attention. For example: Do you let him out of his
crate when he groans or do you give him more attention when
he jumps onto you excitedly whenever you comes home? These
are considered negative attention and acts to motivate him
in continuing his bad behavior.

Fortunately, the opposite is true if you pay enough
attention to your dog when he behaves himself. Once the dog
understands that he'll get attention only when he's
behaving, he'll learn that only good behavior attracts
attention and he'll repeat his good behavior always.

What you should do is to focus your attention on your dog
only when he is behaving; praise him or give him a treat,
let him know that he's getting the attention. If this
technique is used correctly, he'll be a well-behaved dog
for a long time to come.

4. Training Session - You need to be in the correct frame
of mind before you train your dog. Don't train your dog
when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if
you've had a bad day and not in the best of moods.

It's best to find a training ground where your dog can
concentrate on training and not be distracted by activities
around him. You should start your training slowly
especially with young puppies. Avoid training a pup for
more than 5 minutes and older dogs' training should not
last for more than 15 minutes. They will not have the
mental stamina to concentrate on training. It's always good
to take breaks in between training session.

You should learn to set up the training session to your
advantage. The best time to train a dog is when he is
hungry; he will be mentally more alert and response better
to treat rewards.

Dog obedience training is not rocket science, once you get
the basics right, it will come naturally to you. Every dog
owner has the right to enjoy the companionship of their
dogs – Start training your dog now.

About the Author:

Moses Wright loves to spent time with his 3 beautiful dogs
and he loves to help fellow dog owners stop their dog
problems whenever possible. You can get a free copy of his
book filled with invaluable knowledge on dog ownership here:
http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/dogger_enews.htm

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Online Pet Stores

Article Title: Online Pet Stores
Author: Kuersten Steizer

It is mandatory for pet owners to take care of their pets in
all possible manners. Pets are sensitive and expect lot of care
and attention from their owners. Just cuddling and fondling the
pet is not caring. Pet care is done by grooming your pet in a
right way, looking after its diet and health.

There are numerous stores supplying pet supplies essential for
a pet. These pet supply stores provide all items from pet mat to
pet attire. They also give guidelines on the product and the way
of using it on your pet. They assist you with information
regarding your pet's health and regarding the behavior of pet.
This gives a fair idea to a pet owner in ascertaining pet's
behavior.

Online pet stores are one of the easiest ways of reaching pet
stores. Online pet stores supply with enough information on the
availabilities of pet stores. Online pet stores enhance the
importance of taking absolute care of the pet and the products
available for pet caring. Online pet stores are convenient as
they provide enough and more solutions and details of resolving
any problem regarding pets and this is easily done by
comfortably sitting on a chair. Hunting for each pet product is
a tedious job; online pet stores are one of the reliable sources
of extracting information and guideline regarding pet stores and
its supplies. This is very beneficial to a pet owner as he need
not run errands unnecessarily.

Online pet stores are outstanding in providing essential
details regarding pet stores and are the eminent industry that
has reached approximately $30 billion. Accessing online pet
stores web sites and collecting information regarding pet
medication, foods and other ancillary things essential for the
pet is done conveniently thus enhancing the usage of online pet
stores. A pet owner should be equipped with enough knowledge
about pet products and supplies required for their pet care.

Online pet stores are beneficial as they give a wide
opportunity to a pet owner to choose products from extensive
selection of products that which is impossible in a retail pet
store as they have limited products. Online pet stores are
convenient as they can be operated from any corner of the world,
and the prices are cheaper when compared to retail stores as
online pet stores do not involve maintenance and management
cost. Online pet stores are inclined to deception of identity
theft at rare times.

About The Author: Kuersten Steizer writes about
http://www.petsuppliescoupons.com/ Pet supplies,
http://www.petsuppliescoupons.com/Coupons/Animal%20Den.html
Animal Den Coupon Codes
http://www.petsuppliescoupons.com/Coupons/DogToys.com.html Dog
Toys Coupons

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What You Need To Know About Natural Recipe Dog Food

Article Title: What You Need To Know About Natural Recipe Dog
Food
Author: Gerri Stone

The various dog food recalls has caused most dog lovers to look
closer at what they have been feeding their much loved pets. The
vets normally recommend that you give your dog a recognized
brand of dog food, and all of their dietary needs will be met.
Most dog food labels say they are formulated by veterinarians,
and contain all the crucial nutrients for health and well being.
We all have discovered this is not true.

The publicity surrounding the pet food recall has let us in on
the dirty little secrets of the dog food industry. It is all
made in the same place, and the difference in price is due to
good marketing. The ingredients are bought in foreign countries,
and there is obviously no quality checks for the imported
ingredients.

The federal regulations about labelling dog food are a
different standard than it is for human food. Pet foods that are
labelled as premium, gourmet, or super premium are not required
to contain any higher quality ingredients, or have any higher
nutritional standards that any other complete product.

Many high-priced dog foods available use the term natural
recipe dog food. The catch here is that the word natural does
not have an official definition. You might think that giving
your dog a product labelled all natural recipe means that you
are feeding your pet less artificial colors, flavors and
preservatives, but this is not the truth. Rather, you are paying
for expensive marketing that misleads you, and could harm the
health of your dog.

So that leaves dog lovers with a big question- what do we feed
our dogs to keep them fit and well? Do we really have to start
cooking for the dog, especially when we don't have time to cook
for the family? The good news is there are great dog food
products available that will keep your pet healthy. And the
other good news is that dogs require the same basic nutrients as
humans- so if you decide to follow all natural dog food recipes,
you will be able to use the same ingredients you have in your
kitchen, without buying expensive or exotic ingredients.

About The Author: Find out the truth about the dog food cover
up, discover the the top 9 ultra healthy dog foods in North
America, and learn the steps to take today to add years to your
dogs life. Visit http://www.DogsFoodSecrets.com

.

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Simple Yet Effective Tips to Crate Train Your Dog Fast and Easily

Title: Simple Yet Effective Tips to Crate Train Your Dog Fast and Easily
Author: Moses Wright

Simple Yet Effective Tips to Crate Train Your Dog Fast and Easily
There is more to the crate than meets the eye. It provides
a safe haven for your puppy and frees up time for you to go
about your daily chores without worrying for the security
of your new pup. Those who are not aware of the usefulness
of a crate will see it as a form of torture for dogs,
however, if crate training is carried out properly, it can
be a fun and rewarding for both you and your puppy. It's
effectiveness cannot be denied, as shown by the number of
professional dog trainers who swear by it when potty
training.

Getting the Right Crate Size - An ideal dog training crate
should be large enough to allow your dog to stretch out
without hitting his head and allow him to be able to turn
around easily. The crate is too big if your dog can relieve
himself in one corner and move to play and sleep in
another. If your puppy is still young and not fully grown,
try to block off certain section of the crate with
cardboard or wooden boards.

Critical Crate Training Rules - You must introduce the
crate slowly to your dog when you begin crate training.
Crate him in short intervals, about 10 minutes, and
gradually increase the duration over time. Your dog needs
time to get used to being crated. Never crate him for more
than 30 minutes or longer the first time you put him into
the crate.

It is not advisable to crate a young puppy for long periods
of time. Your puppy should have the chance to exercise and
urinate before being crated. Dogs are clean creatures and
do not wish to dirty the space near their personal sleeping
areas. However, he might be forced to relieve himself if
you cruelly lock him in for longer than he can hold it in.

A good way to remember the maximum length of time a puppy
should be crate is to add 1 hour to his age in months. For
example, a 2 month old puppy should not be crated for more
than 3 hours without any bathroom breaks.

It's normal for dogs to kick up a fuss, bark and moan while
in the crate. If these things happen during crate training,
do not give him any attention! Yes! Do not even look in his
direction.

Dogs are intelligent animals. Don't let him know that he'll
get your attention when he kicks up a fuss. Simply ignore
him. Praise your dog or let him out only when he settles
down.

If it's a young puppy whom you've just introduce the crate
to, maybe you can offer him a treat in the crate to calm
him down. Whatever you do, don't let him out of the crate
at that very moment.

If you notice that your dog displays hyper active behavior
as compared to before, you might be crating him for too
long. If your dog starts to chew on himself, let him out
immediately and consult a trainer or behaviorist.

Here are some tips to help introduce the crate to your dog:

1. To make his experience pleasurable, play with him there
or spend time watching TV there or reading as he gets busy
with chewing a toy. If he is there all by himself, he
begins to associate the area with isolation and may resist
being there at all.

2. Begin crate training at dinnertime. Give him his food,
one piece at a time, by throwing bits of kibble in to the
crate and making him search for it. This is one way of
making it fun during his training.

3. If you pick up his toys, place them in the crate, so
that when he returns he can play with them. To surprise
him, you can even hide a biscuit in the crate – that's fun!

4. Don't crate him for longer than he can hold the urge to
eliminate or defecate. If you are gone for long periods
each day, you should consider a larger confinement area
such as an exercise pen or a small room.

5. The best place to place the crate would be where your
puppy can see the environment and family members, hear and
smell you, the owner.

6. Never use a crate to punish your dog, it will backfire.
If you introduce the crate to him in a fun way, your pup
will take to crate confinement quickly and without much
fuss. It is meant to be a comfortable and safe space, not
where he'll get punished.

7. Crate training is not a long term solution to keeping
your dog safe without supervision. Puppies should not be
left alone for extended periods in their crates. If the
puppy soils the crate, this can slow down your training by
weeks.

To conclude, crate training is a very valuable and useful
obedience training lesson. Its main purpose is to provide
security, safety, reduce potentially destructive behaviors,
add to the ease of traveling and protection for short term
confinement, whenever the owner needs it. It is one
important lesson all puppies should learn from day one.

About the Author:

Moses Wright loves to spent time with his 3 beautiful dogs
and he loves to help fellow dog owners stop their dog
problems whenever possible. You can get a free copy of his
book filled with invaluable knowledge on dog ownership here:
http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/dogger_enews.htm

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Finding The Perfect Bed For Your Puppy

Article Title: Finding The Perfect Bed For Your Puppy
Author: Adam Peters

Wicker dog beds can look nice but they are usually better
suited to adult dogs. Young puppies may be better with a plastic
or a bean bag bed.

If you are thinking of purchasing a puppy then one of the first
things you will need is a nice, cozy bed for them. The puppy
will need somewhere that it can rest and feel safe whilst they
are getting used to their new surroundings and a wicker dog bed
can be the perfect gift for them.

Choosing the Right Bed for Your Puppy

When it comes to choosing a bed for your puppy you will
absolutely be spoilt by the choice available. There are plastic
beds, wicker beds and quilt beds all in a variety of different
styles. You can even purchase novelty beds too as well as luxury
beds but a firm favorite amongst many dog owners is the wicker
style bed.

Wicker basket type beds are particularly common because they
look nice in the home and they tend to blend in with the rest of
the décor. They also make a kind of squeaky sound as the dog
lies in it and that is supposedly comforting to the dog. So as
well as looking good, a wicker basket will soothe your puppy to
sleep too.

There are a few downsides to wicker baskets however and one of
those includes the fact that they can easily collect dust and
dirt and that means they do require regular cleaning. Another
problem includes the fact that puppies chew quite frequently due
to the fact that they go through a teething process. Due to the
fact that wicker is not very strong, this means that the puppy
could potentially ruin the basket and you would have to pay for
another one which again could get chewed up. Of course the more
serious side to this is that the wicker pieces could end up in
your puppy’s tummy and so generally wicker baskets are not
always as great as they seem.

If you are looking for a suitable alternative then generally a
plastic bed would be better. They do not look as good but they
are extremely durable. This means that they will withstand any
chewing that your dog wants to do and you will not have to
replace them as often either.

Another option is the bean bag variety and these are great for
dogs that prefer to live without a basket. They are comfortable
and they give the dog plenty of room to move around. The covers
on the beds are also usually washable and that can help you to
keep the home smelling nice and fresh.

Finally for short term purposes many people find that using a
crate often helps. That keeps the puppy in one place and reduces
the risk of any potential accidents within the home. They are
also great to keep the puppy in whilst you have to go out for a
short while. However you should always ensure that you purchase
a big enough crate otherwise it would be extremely cruel to keep
the puppy in the cage.

Overall dog beds come in many shapes and sizes and whilst
wicker baskets might look nice and they might be comforting to
the dog, they can often be dangerous too.

About The Author: Adam Peters loves writing for
http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional
information on decorating styles have a look at his web
http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/wicker-rattan-furniture.html

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Things To Consider When Buying A Labrador Puppy

Article Title: Things To Consider When Buying A Labrador Puppy
Author: Marius Ciobanu

Few things can make one's heart melt like a new puppy, and few
breeds of puppies have the enduring charm and warmth like a
Labrador puppy. It should come as no surprise that the Labrador
puppy is the most popular breed of dog in the United States and
United Kingdom. The Labrador puppy is more than cute though,
they are also good natured, energetic, and one of the fastest
learning breeds. However, despite all of their positive
attributes, prospective Labrador puppy owners need to know that
it takes some work and research to help them select the Labrador
puppy that is best suited for them.

The first thing to remember when considering a Labrador puppy
is that it is a pure bred dog, therefore it is incumbent on the
potential owner to find a competent, responsible, and
knowledgeable breeder. A good breeder of Labrador puppies will
conduct health tests on the male and female adult Labradors
before breeding. This will help ensure that your puppy is
healthy and free of disease. Competent Labrador puppy breeders
also consider genetics when breeding dogs, and they will only
breed dogs that have excellent temperaments. Good breeding will
help give you a Labrador puppy that possesses all the great
traits that they are known for.

When it comes time to select a puppy from a litter, be careful
and cautious in order to avoid the pitfalls that trap many
Labrador puppy owners. It seems natural for someone to see the
puppy that approaches them first, or the one that seems the most
affectionate and friendly, to be the "pick of the litter."
However, this selection technique can often lead owners astray,
and when they select a Labrador puppy with those traits they are
often selecting the most forceful and domineering puppy in the
litter. Remember that the calmer and gentler Labrador puppy that
approaches you cautiously, or watches you from the background,
is often the puppy that is most likely to be an obedient,
enjoyable pet.

It is equally important to look for the Labrador puppy that
seems very shy or even scared. While one should steer clear of
the most outgoing and aggressive Labrador puppies, they should
be equally concerned with Labrador puppies that are timid,
nervous, or shy. The shy Labrador puppy often grows up to be a
shy, scared dog that is quick to bark or snap at anything that
scares it.

Once you have eliminated the most bold, and the most bashful,
your best bet is to focus your attention on the Labrador puppy
that possesses traits that are more "in the middle." A well
suited Labrador puppy should be curious, friendly, and
cautiously interested in you and what you are doing. Move the
puppy away from his littermates and see how he reacts to you.
Once you find that puppy that acts well in a crowd, or alone,
likes to wag his tail, and likes to be in your company, you may
have found that special Labrador puppy that will become part of
your family.

About The Author: For easy to understand, in depth information
about labrador puppy visit our ezGuide 2
http://labradors.ezguide2.com

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Dog Training Online: How To Socialize Your Dog?

Article Title: Dog Training Online: How To Socialize Your Dog?
Author: Paul Buckley

Basic Social Manners
Basic dog training also emphasizes socialization
skills(especially for puppies). Good socialization skills teach
your dog to get along with other dogs and people. For those of
you who need help with house breaking your dog help has arrived.
A calm firm and authoritative voice is most effective while
training a dog.

Most dog training course instructors will tell you that
positive dog training is the best technique to utilize. And
before spending any money ensure that the dog trainer uses
methods you are comfortable with. Use his name and explain what
you want him to do. See
http://www.dogtraining-online.us/dog-training-school/index.html

In this case most people have the inclination to yell and tell
their dogs to shut up. This particular reaction of dog owners
will confuse their dogs and will only make them understand that
the reason why their owners are yelling is because they are also
enjoying the shouting scene and that they are "barking" along
with their dogs. Giving the dog a job can be crucial to his
well-being. Dogs were originally bred by humans complete
important tasks with them and for them. Socializing your dog
helps boost it's confidence and reduces your dog's fear and
nervousness in normal circumstances. When you are introducing
new things to your dog make sure that you have him firmly under
control. Praise him for any movement that gets him toward the
sitting position. Be careful not to hold the treat or toy too
high or your dog will lift his feet off the ground.

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at
times but it's well worth it. Bringing a dog into your family is
basically like bringing a wolf into a pack. Crate training: This
is important especially to build up a tolerance to stay in a
kennel environment for several hours.

About The Author: See expert dog training online courses at
http://www.dogtraining-online.us/kingdomofpets.html

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