Reasons To Train Your Dog

Article Title: Reasons To Train Your Dog
Author: Darnell Symington

So you have decided to get a dog. A canine can be a wonderful
companion that will be with you for many years to come. But
dogs are inherently wild and will require dog training to make
them comfortable in an urban setting. Many people choose their
pet based on the attributes that they like and the training will
bring out those instinctive actions and mold them into
acceptable behavior for an urban life. Individuals find that
pet being properly trained is very important to the
communication between pet and master.

Purpose Of Training

Even though your pet will need many dog supplies, there is
nothing as important as a properly fitting collar and leash.
Training your pet would be next to impossible without these
items. These items are used to guide the dog during the
training and should never be used for punishment. The purpose
of training is not to make the dog submissive, it is to treat
him which behaviors are acceptable and which ones are not.
Trust is an integral part of training and if your pet does not
trust you, he will not listen to you.

When To Train

The best time to train your dog is while he is a puppy.
Lessons learned in this stage of development are retained
throughout the life of the canine. In this stage, pets are
eager to learn and eager to please so they can grasp new
techniques pretty quickly. This is especially important when
dealing with the larger breeds of dog, as they can quickly
become too big to manage during training. When animals are
young, they look up to the one that feeds them and gives them
shelter. They try to learn everything that they can from their
provider and trust that their provider will teach them about the
world. This is why training a canine at a young age is so
effective.

Training your dog is one of the best gifts that you could give
your dog. Proper training will keep him out of trouble, keep
him safe, and keep him healthy. If unsure how to proceed on
your own, enlist the help of a professional trainer or enroll in
some pet training classes. These classes are very popular and
they help the dog learn commands at a faster pace because he can
observe other animals doing the same task that you are
requesting of him. With proper training, your pet will be
happier because he will know exactly what you are expecting of
him.

About The Author: Darnell Symington is an avid dog enthusiast
and enjoys writing about her experiences with her favorite pets.
She shares insights and experiences in a easy to understand way.
You can find more of her writings at
http://all-about-dog-training.com/dog-supplies/

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What Dogs Should Not Eat

Article Title: What Dogs Should Not Eat
Author: Dave Jackson

Dogs, especially puppies, are so innocent to their surroundings
that they'll experiment anything once, even if it's harmful.
Even this morning, as I was spraying an organic insecticide made
from flowers, my miniature schnauzer took a few licks to see
what is was. Just like snakes, dogs use their tongues to test
the environment. This spray isn't that bad because it's all
natural. Still, even natural repellents are pretty hard on the
kidneys.

Dogs will try anything, even more than cats, which seem to be
the most finicky pets you could own. So when you are putting
out the dog food, chances are, even if there is something bad in
there, if it tastes good enough, they'll eat the whole bowl and
look at you to see if more is coming. And by the way, make sure
you're not overfeeding your puppy. Don't feed them scraps or
your unfinished food. That's a lot of food for an animal that
doesn't get out very much. With nowhere to burn off the food,
your pup will put on the pounds.

So if dogs can't tell you how the food tastes, or read the
label to see if there is anything in their food that might be
rough on the kidneys or digestive tract; it is up to you, their
caretaker, to carefully check what is in that big bag that sits
in the pantry. With the recent horror of the Chinese putting
anything in mix, it is time for you to do a little label
investigation to make sure you are not slowly killing your dog
with ingredients that still make it onto American shelves.

First, a little lesson in economics. Dog food manufacturers
are in business for one, primary reason - and it isn't to make
dog food! It's to make a profit. Dog food is only the vehicle
to get them profitable. This being the case, know that if they
can save money on manufacturing and beat the competition, they
will. They don't do this because they want to hurt your pet.
They do this because if they don't - the way their business
model works - they will lose money and sell less dog food.

Have you been to the dog food aisle lately? Some stores have
two or three aisles. There is huge competition on price and
ingredients. You'll find your normal dog food; names you've
grown up with, and then you'll find newer, organic or special
diet dog foods. So know that there is not a lot of concern
going on for your dog - just marketing what may catch your
fancy. But you need to be aware of what to look out for on
those labels.

Since Fido will probably eat the same food day in and day out,
it is important to look past the attractive labels and clever
marketing. Current pet food regulation allows manufacturers to
use ingredients you wouldn't feed your pet in you knew. Look
for the word "by-products" on the label. This can mean feet,
bones and intestines.

Because dog food manufacturers have to make sure the product
won't spoil, typically 12 months, they include preservatives.
Fats used in dog food would go rancid, so they use synthetic
preservatives called butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and
butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol
which is also used as a less-toxic version of automotive
antifreeze, and ethoxyquin. Look for these on the label. There
is not much information documenting their toxicity, safety,
interactions, or use in pet foods that may be eaten every day
for the life of your dog. Propylene glycol was banned in cat
food because it causes anemia in cats, yet it is still allowed
in dog food.

These potentially cancer-causing agents such as BHA, BHT, and
ethoxyquin are allowed at pretty low levels. Using these
chemicals in dog foods has not been thoroughly studied, and long
term build-up of these agents could be harmful. Because of the
questionable data in the original study on its safety,
ethoxyquin's manufacturer, Monsanto, was required to perform a
new, more rigorous study in 1996. Monsanto didn't find
significant toxicity associated with its own product, but in
July 1997 the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine requested
that manufacturers voluntarily reduce the maximum level for
ethoxyquin by half, to 75 parts per million.

The ball is in the air on ethoxyquin. Some pet food critics
believe that ethoxyquin is a major cause of disease, skin
problems, and infertility in dogs, others claim it is the
safest, strongest, most stable preservative we have for pet
food. And ethoxyquin is approved for human foods, preserving
spices such as cayenne and chili powder, at a level of 100 ppm —
but it would be pretty hard for even the most hard-core spice
lover to consume as much chili powder every day as a dog would
eat dry food. Ethoxyquin has not been tested with cats. Still,
it is commonly used in veterinary diets for both cats and dogs.

What is the answer? What I suggest is that you contact
suppliers who make dog food in small batches and ship them to
your door. These companies are few and far between, but they do
exist and they have higher quality ingredients with none of the
dangerous preservatives. I discuss this in detail on my
website.

About The Author: Dave Jackson lives in south Florida with his
miniature schnauzer. He has great tips on how to care and feed
your dog on his website http://www.ThreeBestDogs.com

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Keeping A Boxer For A Pet

Article Title: Keeping A Boxer For A Pet
Author: Shareen Aguilar

Keeping a dog for a pet and companion is fun to do. Though it
seems that there isn't much about keeping dogs for a pet, it
actually takes more than feeding, grooming and keeping your dog
happy. There is even a lot of thinking involve the way you train
them and keep them fit. Aside from the daily nutritional needs
of your pet, you also have to make sure that they have their
regular check ups.

Choosing the breed of dog you would love to keep involves
thinking. And if you are the type of person who would like to be
keeping a dog for life, then looking at specific areas of
concern other than how a dog looks have to be considered. Ask
yourself important questions first and whether you can be
capable and worthy to be called a responsible pet owner.

But what about Boxers? What about them? These are dogs that
doesn't are considered as guard dogs for they symbolize
strength, agility and awareness when strangers are around. They
are highly recommended for security purposes. If you are eager
to make sure that an attentive pet is around for you, Boxers are
a great choice.

During World War I, Boxer dogs were used as military dogs.
Primarily, a Boxer dog's task was to be the guard dog but other
military works such as being the messenger and attack dog was
also common. Because of this, their strong and athletic physique
remains incumbent up to now. These dogs physical attributes have
made this breed important in aspects where help is important.
Throughout history, the Boxer had been counted on for jobs such
as, other than being in the military, guide dogs for the blind,
herd dogs (usually for sheep and cattle), and even as police
dogs.

In domesticating a Boxer, it is important not to deprive them
of their physical activities. Any dog needs physical exercises.
Walking at the park is one simple way to do this but a Boxer dog
would appreciate it if you run alongside them. This isn't only
to maintain the athletic state that your Boxer has, but, it's
most valuable to maintain their health in good state.

Keeping a Boxer dog for a pet involves a lot of work but it
doesn't mean that it's not fun. Just like us, these dogs have
their own needs and it goes out to all the other breed of dogs
in the world.

About The Author: Click http://www.boxer-dog-secrets-guide.com
to find out more about making your Boxer happy, healthy and
obedient.

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Which Puppies Are Good With Kids?

Article Title: Which Puppies Are Good With Kids?
Author: Dave Jackson

Ready for a puppy? Great! If you are looking for a dog that
will work best with your family, consider the fact that dogs
between the ages of 1 and 5 are best with children. This is
because dogs in this age range aren't as excitable and wanting
to play rough as puppies do. Small dogs at this age aren't old
enough to suffer health problems that make older dogs cranky.

The best way to find a puppy good with kids is to adopt one
from an rescue center. And there you can ask them what kind of
temperament the puppy has. Many shelters test puppies to see
how they react to a child environment. Puppies from shelters
normally live with volunteers who train them to get used the
experiences they'll find in their permanent home. Ask for a pet
that has lived with children.

When at the shelter, test for yourself how the small dog reacts
to a gentle touch to his ears. Touch the paws and try putting
your finger in his mouth to see what he does. On the floor, try
running around and make some noise. Watch the reaction. You
are looking for a puppy that accepts the same behavior you will
have around your house.

Did you know you can adopt dogs from guide-dog training
programs? These are pups that didn't make the cut as a
seeing-eye dog, but make wonderful pets.

If your heart is set on a purebred dog, my advice is to look at
the mother and father of the puppy you're interest in. Their
temperament will tell all. If they are sweet, the puppy will be
as well. It would surprise you to find many dogs considered
good with kids are mean spirited because of the parents.

That said, there really are some breeds better than others for
homes with children. For example, the sporting breeds of
retrievers and spaniels are known to be gentle. They enjoy to
be touched and their bite is generally soft. They are high
energy, however, and as puppies can have sharp teeth that can
hurt when they nip.

As the world now longs for toy breeds, believe it or not, these
aren't the best with children. The are more self-preserving and
can get hurt much easier than a large breed. Dogs that were
bred to herd, like border collies, can chase children and bite
them.

If you are serious about finding if the dog will be best with
your family, you can employ the services of a professional dog
trainer in your area and have them run a temperament assessment.
They charge around $75 an hour - but it may be worth it. If
you use the trainer later with your dog, they will probably do
the assessment for free.

In a 2006 study on dog bites by Pediatrics, they recommend that
parents wait until children are of school age before getting a
dog. Babies were the most likely to be bitten by dogs they
knew. Always supervise interaction between dogs and kids.

About The Author: Did you enjoy these tips? There are many
more at my site about the Three Best Dogs on the planet. As
always, do your due diligence and find the puppy that is right
for your lifestyle. Please visit http://www.ThreeBestDogs.com
for Dave Jackson's look at the best dog for you.

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Pets Are Afraid Of Vets. Why Are You? Bills? Veterinary Pet Insurance S The Answer

Article Title: Pets Are Afraid Of Vets. Why Are You? Bills?
Veterinary Pet Insurance S The Answer
Author: Wade Robins

The consultation fee of doctors is very high and in case of
vets it ca be a real bother for you. The treatment of pets is
not only expensive but complicated as well, since the ailment
has to be pin pointed by various tests, making the cost shoot up
northwards. With the inception of Veterinary pet insurance, it
has now become an affordable exercise. Each policy should be
closely read and its provisions discussed with the vet, as he
may give a kind advice on the subject. The insurance cover is
designed to your specific need hence is a reliable product to
have, if you own a pet. This insurance cover not only covers
treatment cost but hospitalization cost can also be covered
under its scope, as a rider on paying more premium.

Right Ingredients of A Veterinary Insurance

Insurance companies offer different kind of covers according to
the animal you have as a pet. So now you can even take an
insurance cover for your bird or a rabbit that you own. An
online research could be done before zeroing in on the best
available options. The ratings for these insurance covers can be
surfed through which make the decision making a more systematic
process. The more research you do the more you will know about
the provisions and exclusions of an insurance cover, atleast you
will know what you are buying and save your self from unpleasant
surprises that might pop-up at the time of the claims. This
small investment can save you from exhausting a considerable sum
in the future, in the form of heavy vet bills. For more info see
http://www.knowpetinsurance.com on Pet Insurance.

The veterinary insurance is theme that is keenly followed by
the insurance companies through their associates to target pet
lovers and pet owners. In this era when the cost of treatment of
not only humans but also the animals have gone high it puts you
in a precarious situation where in you will like to attend to
the problems of your pet and get him the best treatment but the
cost of treatment might even surpass the monthly savings of the
owner. Well, cheer up now, you have a way out, veterinary
insurance is designed to acknowledge this issue only. The part
of the cost of treatment will be borne by the owner the rest
will be reimbursed by the insurance company. The premium for the
insurance cover can also be customized keeping in view the
financial background of the owner of the pet. The insurance
cover also ensures better treatment to the sick pet. The
veterinary insurance is a welcome relief to the pet owners in
this age of inflation and high living cost.

About The Author: You can also find more info on
http://www.knowpetinsurance.com/Pet_Sitter_Insurance on Pet
Sitter Insurance and
http://www.knowpetinsurance.com/Travel_Pet_Insurance on Travel
Pet Insurance. http://knowpetinsurance.com is a comprehensive
resource to know about pet insurance.

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Are You Feeding Your Dog Quality Food?

Article Title: Are You Feeding Your Dog Quality Food?
Author: Joann Henry

Vitamins and minerals are essential to a healthy diet, not only
for humans, but for our dogs too. Are you feeding your dog
quality food? How does a pet owner decide which food on the
market is best for their beloved dog? In addition to vitamins
and minerals, dogs require the proper intake of fats, proteins,
carbohydrates and water in their daily diets. Just as human
beings benefit from eating healthy foods, dogs will be healthier
and more active if they are eating a quality dog food containing
everything they need.

Luckily, there are several top-notch commercial dog foods on
the market today from which to choose. Look for a quality food
that is nutritionally complete; meaning that it will provide a
balanced diet for your dog. If you are unsure of which dog food
is high quality, your veterinarian is sure to have a few
recommendations. The least expensive dog food, while still being
healthy, is dry food or kibble, which is nutritionally balanced
and it will help to keep your dogs' gums and teeth in good
shape. Many pet owners supplement their dog's dry food with a
canned, wet food, but if the dry kibble is of good quality, it
should be sufficient.

There isn't any proof as of yet that organic dog food is any
better than the high quality commercial brands, but if cost
isn't a concern and you feel better about it, that is another
avenue.

As you look for a dog food for your pet, make sure to read the
labels on the bags and understand what it is your pet requires
in his diet. Some dog foods use preservatives that are
unhealthy, so be on the watch for those as you read the list of
ingredients.

Your dog's age may determine which food you choose too. Puppies
obviously have a different set of needs than middle-aged or
mature dogs. Puppies are growing, so they require a higher level
of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D with protein that is
easily digested. As an adult dog, a few vegetables now and then
(no more than 10% of their diet), would be beneficial since they
contain fiber and vitamins and dogs typically love them. A
senior dog will have more of a restricted diet, but still needs
protein that absorbs easily, a good level of carbohydrate for
energy and possibly a small amount of glucosamine to help with
joint function. Get a quality dog food that meets them where
they are nutritionally and they'll be healthier for it
.
The healthier your dog is, the less money you'll give your
veterinarian each year. If your pet gets the vitamins, minerals
and other content he needs from a good dog food, the only time
you'll need to see the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and
necessary shots.

Overall, do your research and get recommendations from other
pet owners and your veterinarian, and choosing a high quality
dog food won't seem like such a difficult task. By giving your
dog the food that is best for him, you are helping him to live
longer and be healthier all the way around.

About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook.
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

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The Importance Of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog

Article Title: The Importance Of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog
Author: Joann Henry

If you knew that you could possibly extend your pets life span,
you would do anything you could to make that happen, right? The
good news is that pet owners can give their pets a chance at a
longer, healthier life if they simply spay or neuter them. There
are several other benefits as well, both for the pet and you,
the pet owner.

Did you know that pet overpopulation in the United States
results in nearly 4 to 6 million pets being euthanized each
year? This is probably the best reason to have your pet spayed
or neutered, but let's look at the other reasons too. Spaying
and neutering your dog prior to six months of age may prevent or
reduce the risk of a number of health issues that could occur
later in their life.

These health problems could either be very difficult or very
expensive to treat, not to mention the stress your pet(and you)
will face. For female dogs, spaying greatly reduces the
possibility of contracting breast cancer, uterine cancer, or
ovarian cancer. For male dogs, neutering eliminates the risk of
testicular cancer and reduces the possibility of contracting
prostate cancer.

As the dogs owner, you will appreciate that your pet will be
more affectionate and obedient after they are spayed or
neutered. For female dogs, spaying removes her heat cycle, which
will eliminate the incessant crying and nervous behavior female
dogs will sometimes exhibit while they are in heat. She will not
be so likely to attract unwanted male dogs anymore either. If a
female is spayed at the right age, she will be less likely to
end up getting pregnant. With an unplanned pregnancy, you will
have several puppies for which you will have to pay medical
expenses. They will also each need a good home and that will be
up to the pet owner once again.

A male dog that is not neutered will do nearly anything to get
to a female who is in heat. They will dig up the yard or break
through fences and rip leashes, causing property damage and
possibly injuring themselves(or you)in the process. After
neutering him though, he will be less likely to roam or run away
from home, mark his territory or all of your possessions with
urine, get into fights with other animals, or to bite someone.

Not only do pets and pet owners benefit from the spaying and
neutering procedures, but the community as well. Many times,
cities and towns will spend up to millions to control animals
that are wandering or unwanted. Animal shelters are completely
overwhelmed with the number of pets who are found or dropped off
daily. Homeless or stray pets can get into trash containers and
make a mess or do their business on private lawns or in public
areas. When stray dogs breed, sometimes it can contribute to the
problem of dog bites and attacks. Some pets who wander the
neighborhood will kill or frighten birds and other wildlife.

About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook.
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

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