Zen & The Art Of Dog Training

Article Title: Zen & The Art Of Dog Training
Author: Sandy Finley

I'm a professional dog trainer. I don't ordinarily believe in
the mystical or magical. But I realize that when I do my job
well, I'm not being driven by human logic or some textbook
knowledge. I realize that my many years of working with dogs has
taught me to be able to cast aside my human limitations and for
the moments of our human/canine interaction, I can hear and
understand and become one with the world inhabited by dogs.

Let me try to explain.

I've learned the world of dogs is a Zen like place somewhat
counter-intuitive to humans. There is no such thing as time but
rather a flow of events that predictably cascades through the
dog's world. Breakfast is not at 7 am in a dog's world.
Breakfast is that slice of life that follows the sunrise and the
birds chirping and master rustling about in the food bin
accompanied by the smell of his morning coffee. Although this
happens at 7 am for master, this happens in the dogs mind as a
familiar routine that could better be called an association. My
dog and I both know when it's breakfast time but it's an
illusion to think we both tell time.

When I walk a dog I put her at heel. If she's an untrained dog
or simply unfamiliar with me personally, she will probably pull
and wander at first. My human logic would tell me that she wants
to be free and run and sniff the grass and bound through fields
like a free spirit. That's what I would desire were I on four
young legs and equipped with a nose that could smell and sense
unimagined sectors of the world that merely blow by my human
nose like chards of sand in a dust storm. But I'd be wrong to
think my dog thinks like me. My dog knows there is a natural
order to the universe and between us we shall chat and determine
our personal fit. In going on this walk together, it must be
determined whom shall lead and who shall follow. In my dog's
world there is no democracy. In my dog's world, his pack cannot
stop to debate or take a vote as to what action shall be taken
when a prey animal is darting across their path. Were such
decisions up for a vote, his pack would surely die. When I am in
a dog's world, I am the leader and his pulling on the lead is
merely taken as the appropriate inquiry, "Are you the leader or
am I?"

I give a short snap on the leash, which brings him back to my
heel and in his world, I have politely answered, " Thank you for
asking, I am the leader."

This question may be asked and answered several times in sundry
ways during our interaction. We are having a rich and wordless
conversation that goes to the essence of all that needs to be
known in this particular moment. This conversation is fluid,
dynamic and constantly ongoing. An undirected stare, a paw
placed on top of my foot, a lazy yawn can all be part of a rich
language that is pregnant with meaning and content.

Being human, I dwell on past victories and defeats. I plan and
scheme. I brood sometimes. A dog does none of this for all of
"this" is a moment that will change in another moment like the
breath going in and out. Dogs only care about now and when I
hear their owners bemoan past behaviors and challenge me to
"correct" their dog's behavior, I smile knowingly at my canine
pupil and understand that in this moment there are a universe of
possibilities that we shall discuss and act upon.

Yesterday, as I was browsing a magazine and my dog Zoe was
laying by my chair curled up like a giant question mark, I came
across an interesting advertisement. It was offering a
forty-five minute video on meditation and the difficult practice
of "letting go and living in the moment". I laughed out loud
when I read the exorbitant price for this vehicle to peace and
tranquility. I then returned the magazine to its rack and the
sound of my laugh caused Zoe to sit up. I thought to myself that
perhaps the reader of this magazine could find better
fulfillment if they merely owned and learned from a dog. I'm
sure it was my imagination, but it appeared, Zoe winked at me
before lying back down and rolling over.

About The Author: Sandy Finley is a professional dog trainer
and owner of Perfect Manners Dog Training in metro Chicago at
http://www.perfectdogtraining.com

.

__,_._,___

Tips For Traveling With Pets

Article Title: Tips For Traveling With Pets
Author: Dawn Orbeck

Every year, thousands of families bring their pets along on
their vacations. Some feel as if their pets are part of their
families, and don't want to leave them behind. For others, there
is simply no one at home to watch the pet, no funds available
for boarding, or the trip was a spur-of-the-moment plan and
there was no time to consider anything else except to bring the
pet along.

Of course before you head out the door with your pet, there are
some things to consider like accommodations, because not all
hotels, motels, campgrounds and other lodgings accepts pets. So
go through this checklist before you hit the road so you don't
have to leave your cat or dog in an unsafe environment.

Do Some Research & Confirmation Work

Check popular campground guidebooks, hotel, motel and other
lodge listing research work to see which places accept pets.
Then call ahead to confirm, as most print publications went to
press at least a year ahead of time, and places may have changed
hands or ownership status along with their pet policies. Find
out if the location charges extra per night, plus if there are
deposits and if there are any size requirements (for example, do
they accept large dogs).

Portable Pet Kennels

Many pets ride fine in automobiles. However, some do not. Plus
you may be traveling part way by airplane, bus or other means,
and not only that, once you reach your destination, pet kennels
turn into pet beds, making safe havens for your furry friends
each night away from home. So you might want to check out
portable pet kennels.

For airline travel with pets, call ahead to the specific
airlines you'll be using for exact details and requirements for
traveling with pets. On some fights, you need to have given your
animal food and water roughly 2 hours before take off, so you'll
want to check for exact details to see what your pet will need
and the size carrier that's allowed, etc. Some smaller ones for
cats and small dogs may be allowed under the seat, so ask.

Fido's Belongings

When you are vacationing with your cat or dog, pack a favorite
toy or two, blanket or pillow, and any special things it may
need, just as you would your own. Don't forget some pet food, of
course, plus some snacks or treats. And if your pet may need
medication of any kind, bring along any medicines and / or any
pet vitamins, etc. that might be needed. And as an added
precaution, bring along the phone number of your vet, in case
there is an emergency.

About The Author: Visit Dawn OrBeck at
http://coastalvacations-blog.com for more info and at
dawn@CoastalVacations-Blog.com or call: 810-895-4408. She also
invites you to call their Sales Center to learn more today at:
800-378-1169 and mention ID# 5802DO for more info.

.

__,_._,___

All About Dog Beds

Article Title: All About Dog Beds
Author: Renske Buursma

If you are like anybody else in the world, when you have had a
long hard day of work or play, you probably crawl into your bed
every night thankful that you have it. Don't you think your pet
might feel the same way?

We all need a good night's rest in order to have a great day,
and what better way to give your dog the pampering he deserves
than to make sure he's got a comfy dog bed all his own. Whether
you are in the market for a large dog bed, a designer dog bed,
or just a fluffy pillow Fido can call his own, you have a
variety of options before you.

Large dog beds run about $15 to $50 at your local pet store.
The purpose for a dog bed is very similar to the purpose for a
human bed; they keep your pet off of the floor directly, away
from any creepies or crawlies that might be down there at night
and away from the draft. Another purpose for a dog bed is to
keep your dog from wanting to sleep with you, so if you have
that problem, it might serve you well to look into a bed for
your loyal pooch companion.

If you've got a picky pooch, there are even some beds that can
warm or cool based on whether or not your dog is in the bed, and
the temperature of their surroundings. This means that when it's
a bit warm inside, your dog's bed cools itself and vice versa.

These types of fancy beds can get up there in price. If you
just want to make a dog bed for your pet instead of going broke
on one (or just feeling like you did), consider making one for
them. This is a great activity for the family and a good way to
involve your kids in the project and teach them some of the
responsibilities that go along with owning a pet.

It can be done with a large cloth sack or sheet stuffed with
shopping bags (for that cushy effect). Tying up the ends of the
sheet or sack and stuffing plastic grocery bags into them is a
great way to make a dog bed because they can fit the form of
your pet, making it more comfortable for him. This is similar to
the idea of a beanbag, but not quite as involved (or potentially
disastrous, when it comes to pet beds).

If that doesn't work, using a few pillows and a large basket
(for the small to medium sized breeds) will do just fine. Line
the inside of the basket with pillows and blankets to make it
comfy enough for your canine friend, put it in a comfortable
space (anywhere they might normally lounge) and voila--you have
a homemade dog bed!

About The Author: By Renske Buursma, pet store owner with lots
of helpful articles about pet care at
http://yourhealthypetsonline.com

.

__,_._,___

Pets And Cars: Protecting Both (From Each Other)

Article Title: Pets And Cars: Protecting Both (From Each Other)
Author: Darryl Walters

We love our pets. We love our cars. And we love to put our pets
in our cars and take them with us to the park, to the beach, on
vacation.

But pet fur and paws can do a number on our car's interior.
Luckily, it doesn't have to. There are several ways to protect
a car from canine (or feline) family members. A seat cover is a
great way to do this; you can find them online or at most large
pet supply stores.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you may also want to
check with your dealer to see if they sell a seat cover as an
accessory.

For example, the Isuzu Ascender 5-Passenger offers a rear seat
protector as an option to protect the second or third row seat
upholstery. The Isuzu's seat protector is a heavy-duty,
water-resistant poly-cotton fabric that can be easily washed in
a washing machine.

Keeping your car in pristine condition is important, but so is
the safety of your pet. Letting your dog or cat move about the
car without being strapped in is like letting a child sit in the
back seat without a seatbelt. Even a minor accident could cause
your pet to be injured.

The best way to prevent injury to your pet during a car
accident (or even routine driving in which quick stops might be
unavoidable) is to install a pet car seat. Several different
models exist. For dogs under twenty pounds, you may want to
consider a car seat that mounts temporarily to the front or back
seat using the seat's existing seat belts. Many of these types
of car seats mount high enough that the dog can look out the
window but will still stay protected during an accident.

For larger dogs, we suggest the hammock style back seat
protector which prevents the animal from being thrown to the
floor or into the front seat in the event of an accident.
Hammock style protectors mount to the back of the front seats
and to the front of the back seats, and run the entire width of
your vehicle.

Pet seat belts are also an option. The seat belt is worn like a
harness and attaches to the regular seat belts in your vehicle.

Should you get into an accident with your pet in the car, the
restraint will prevent him or her from flying into the front
seat area or out a window.

For a cat, the safest option (for both pet and driver) is a
soft or hard case pet carrier. Push the seat forward just enough
to fit the carrier on the seat and behind the dash. Too much
space will allow the carrier to slide forward or even off the
seat altogether on impact. Many vehicles can now sense when
there is something in the front passenger seat other than a
person, and if so, a mechanism prevents the air bag from
deploying during an accident. If your vehicle doesn't have this
feature, it's best to keep your pet in the back seat since the
force of an air bag is likely to severely injure a small or
medium-sized dog.

About The Author: The all new 2008 isuzu pickup
http://www.isuzu.com/ line will have you excited to buy a truck.
Isuzu's light duty trucks
http://www.isuzu.com/owners_driving.jsp are the best we have
seen in a long time. Visit a dealer today!

.

__,_._,___