Dog Walking - Leashes And Collars Explained

Article Title: Dog Walking - Leashes And Collars Explained
Author: Lisa Nobles

With so many different types of leashes and collars to choose
from, no wonder many dog owners' just decide on their favorite
football team and be done with it! If you're struggling to
decide on a leash and collar for your dog, the following article
will discuss the in's and out's of each. So let's take a look
more closely below.

Leashes:

Dog leashes come in many varieties. Whether your dog is an
adult dog that has been walking on a leash for years or a puppy
who is still trying to chew his way through one, there are
better leashes than others.

There are basically four types of leashes to choose from;
noting that each of these leashes come in different weights and
materials. The four most common types are:

1. Retractable leashes: If you like to allow your dog to roam
and sniff here and there, this is a great leash choice. To
consider with these leashes is the safety of what the dog might
get into as he is sniffing his way through the walk. Lawn
fertilizers and toxic bug sprays are examples of these
considerations. As long as you are aware of the potential
dangers, the retractable leash works fine.

2. Leather leashes: If you are training or use the heel command
when walking your dog, a six foot long, leather leash is best.
If you do not use the heel command, a six foot long leather may
give you better control, however it also may give you a
continually aching shoulder as your dog pulls you while roaming
and sniffing.

3. Bungee leashes: Usually a six foot leash that constantly
maintains tension. This aids tremendously in preventing the
pulling. Additionally, since the bungee takes up the slack, it
is less likely the leash will cause the dog or you to trip.

4. Hands free leashes: These leashes are hands free. They snap
around your waist and are usually six feet in length. Great
leashes if you hike or jog with your dog.

Collars:

Dog collars are usually made out of knitted nylon, leather,
rope or chain link. Of these materials listed below are the most
common types of collars:

1. Regular collars: Small dogs or dogs that are walked on the
heel command do fine with regular collars.

2. Harness collars: Harness collars discourage dogs from
pulling. They strap around the dogs chest and if the dog pulls,
the harness collar directs pressure onto the dog. The goal of
this collar is to inhibit the dog from straining against the
leash.

3. Choke and Prong chain collars: These work great on giant
dogs with super thick fur. Additionally, it is a sure bet your
dog will not be able to slip out of this collar. If the dog
pulls the chain around the neck of the dog tightens. There is
great debate to the ethical nature of these types of collars, as
they can cause permanent damage to a dog if used abusively or as
a matter of leash correction.

About The Author: Now that you know about the different types
of dog walking equipment, you need to learn how to start
training your dog! Learn the number one mistake most people make
when training their dogs. Get solid dog training tips online
free at http://www.stopbaddogbehavior.com

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Teaching Your Dog To Walk On A Leash Properly

Article Title: Teaching Your Dog To Walk On A Leash Properly
Author: Lisa Nobles

If you've ever been to the dog park and watched some owners
walk their dogs, it's hard to determine who is walking who. To
make your walk times enjoyable for both you, as the owner and
your dog, proper leash walking is imperative. And now you don't
have to just dream it.

It is possible to teach your dog to walk by your side with
enough slack in the leash to step over it. This is the ideal way
to walk your dog.

So how does an owner teach a dog how to walk on a leash
properly when it was not taught as a puppy? First the owner must
recognize that they taught the dog to walk them (and not the
other way around!). Many times this is inadvertently done by
pulling on the leash and keeping it tight with the dog walking
beside them. Anytime a dog feels pressure by reaching the end of
the leash, he is instinctively going to pull in an attempt to
relieve the pressure.

So yes, you did teach your dog to pull you!

In order to get your dog to obey now, you need to teach your
dog that walking beside you is pleasant and what you want him or
her to do. Constant slack in the leash is what you are after. A
tight leash on a dog is not pleasant for the dog and will result
in pulling. So praise your dog when he or she is walking with
the right amount of slack. And keep patient, it may take a
little while to retrain your dog.

Here are a few more tips on keeping your dog in line while
walking:

• Leash- Dog trainers all agree that the proper leash length
when training for a pleasant walk is six feet.

• Look- Get your dog to look at you during your walks. Rarely
can a walking/leash correction be made unless the dog is looking
at the owner. Looking at you lets him know you are still there
and are still "best friends." With smells, other animals and
noises especially, dogs are easily distracted. Get your dog to
look at you in order to make the correction (walking beside you
with slack in the leash).

In order to make the correction and get him to look at you, a
message has to be sent to him through the leash. Usually all
this requires is a quick and gentle flick of the wrist. If that
doesn't work, lure him to look/glance at you somehow without
pulling on the leash. Make sure when he even just glances at you
anytime during your walk, that you pat him on the back, draw him
towards you, and smile.

• Love- The owner is the one that dog wants to be closest too.
Always let him know you want him there by your side. Love him
constantly, whether on walks or at home.

So remember to not pull on your dog's leash while walking him.
Instead, re-train your pet to walk next to you with some slack
in the leash and your walks will become more enjoyable for the
both of you

About The Author: Dog aggression is a massive problem for dog
walkers. Who else wants to quickly and easily stop their dog
from exhibiting aggressive dog behavior in public or at home?
Visit http://www.stopbaddogbehavior.com for free online dog
training tips.

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The Cost Of Owning A Dog

Article Title: The Cost Of Owning A Dog
Author: David Beart

When that sweet little puppy face is staring at you, begging
you to take it home, it's easy for rational thought to go out
the window. And if that adorable face comes complete with a few
face licks, you're most likely already sold. The moment you're
being bombarded with wet kisses, you're probably not thinking
about all the time and energy, not to mention the cost of owning
a dog.

Besides the time spent training and caring for it, there are
also the basic expenses of food, a warm bed, grooming and
veterinary care. In addition, you'll want to have a few other
things on hand: a leash and collar for walks, toys for playtime
and treats for training. Most of these expenses vary from dog
to dog.

Take food, for example. A three-pound Chihuahua will eat less
than a 100-pound Great Pyrenees. But it's not only the amount
of food they eat; it's also the type of food. You can spend a
nominal amount on low-quality dog food that contains a lot of
fillers, and not enough protein and minerals, or you can spend
several times that amount on a special raw diet. While these
types of diets generally offer all the nutrients and vitamins a
dog needs, minus added filler, some dog owners like the
convenience of a dry or canned food.

As smaller pets take up less space, so do their accessories. A
teacup poodle-sized dog bed would never accommodate a Great
Dane. A tiny bed will cost considerably less than a large bed.
But then again, you may decide to forgo a dog bed altogether in
favor of letting the dog sleep on a family member's bed. A toy
that is the perfect size for a tiny Yorkie mouth could be
dangerous around a larger dog. A big dog could choke on a toy
meant for a small dog. Larger toys are in order if you're
getting a large breed dog. Buy a few nice toys, if you can.
Consider it part of the cost of owning a dog.

Grooming is another consideration. It's important that dogs
are bathed and brushed regularly. This helps keep their skin
healthy and their coat shiny. As some dogs are prone to skin
disorders, it's always a good idea to maintain good habits in
this regard. Some dogs shed more than others. Even dogs that
are touted as "non-shedding" breeds still shed, but maybe not as
much as others. The home of a golden retriever might harbor
tumbleweeds of dog hair in every corner, while in the home of a
maltese, you might only find a few hairs here or there. Regular
washing and brushing can help control shedding, though at
certain times of the year, dogs lose more hair in preparation
for the change of seasons. It's also important to keep a dog's
nails short. If nails are left to grow, the quick (the fleshy
portion on the underside of the nail) grows along with them,
making it difficult to trim nails short without damaging the
quick. If the nails are excessively long, it can be difficult
and uncomfortable for a dog to walk on them. To save money, as
well as bond with your dog, you can do all of the grooming
activities yourself. You'll spend more on the initial supply of
shampoo and nail clippers, but they'll pay for themselves the
more you groom your dog.

The most critical expense to consider is that of veterinary
care. Unlike toys and treats, this expense cannot be eliminated
in a pinch. This is a necessary cost of owning a dog. In a
perfect world, dogs would see the vet once a year. They'd go
for annual rabies and distemper shots, as well as tests to check
for other canine diseases. This schedule would stay in effect
for the life of the dog. Unfortunately, sometimes dogs need
more frequent vet visits. Ear infections, sprains and stomach
ailments are among the most common reasons dogs visit their
vets. Thankfully, these are usually temporary issues, and dogs
recover rather quickly.

But other diseases are much more serious, and much more
expensive to treat. It's said that fifty percent of all dogs
over age ten will die of cancer. But certain breeds of dogs are
more likely than others to have particular health issues, even
before that age. Bulldogs, pugs and other short-muzzled breeds
are predisposed to breathing problems. Hip dysplasia is not
uncommon in golden retrievers. Cocker spaniels are susceptible
to eye disorders, such as cataracts. Of course, most dogs live
long, full, healthy lives, but it's a good idea to research your
breed to understand what to expect.

Other items such as collars, leashes, toys and treats, run the
gamut from inexpensive to downright pricey. You can find
serviceable nylon collars and leashes, or you can opt for the
rhinestone-encrusted collar with matching leash. It's the same
with toys. You can find an inexpensive fleece chew toy, or an
indestructible rubber polymer bone. Dry kibble treats can be
purchased in bulk, or you can opt for natural treats that are
made with real meat and vegetables.

Whether you spend a lot or a little, your dog won't know the
difference. However, what he will know is how much love and
attention you lavish on him, and he'll be forever grateful. If
you figure affection and loyalty into the cost of owning a dog,
you may find that you get back everything you spent, and so much
more.

About The Author: David Beart is owner of the
http://www.professorshouse.com , a site dedicated to family,
relationships, dog health, and household issues.

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The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier

Article Title: The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier
Author: Susan A Bailey

Yorkshire Terriers, according to Yorkshire Terrier information
sources, originally came from Scotland and bred with native
terriers. The founding father was named Huddersfield Ben.
Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to kill mice and rats.
There are very few records of dog breeding from this time.
Yorkshire terriers were originally bred to kill rats, not to be
a fashion accessory. They arrived in America as early as 1872
and have never looked back.

If you took a trip back in time to 1870, you probably would
have a hard time recognizing a Yorkshire Terrier. In about one
hundred thirty years, the breed has gone through tremendous
changes in their looks and in their functions. But the Yorkshire
Terrier has adapted to the great changes that the Industrial
Revolution brought to the economy and to family life. Yorkies
back then weighed about thirty pounds and came in more colors
than just blue and tan.

Back in the 1870's, word was getting around about the great
pups from a sire named Huddersfield Ben, who was born in 1865.
Huddersfield Ben was considered an ideal dog – a champion ratter
as well as being friendly and handsome. Any dog that resembled
Huddersfield Ben had to have been from Yorkshire, where Ben
lived. Yorkshire dog breeders kept their breeding methods secret
so they could be assured of buyers. His puppies eventually
became known as Yorkshire Terriers.

Back in 1865 – the year of Huddersfield Ben's birth – dogs were
bred to exhibit useful qualities, not for their looks. There
also was not much interest in keeping breeds pure. There are
very few accurate records of dog breeding at this time. It is
also thought that dog breeding was considered such a secret
business that no records were kept for fear of the knowledge
getting out to competitors. Yorkshire Terriers got their name
because the breed was perfected in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Terriers were bred to be specialists in killing rats.
They were (and still are) thought to be more reliable at killing
mice and rats than cats. They were also bred to bark when they
found their prey and to let their masters know where they are.
The mining industry thrived in Yorkshire at this time – and the
mines were full of rats. They were until the Yorkshire Terriers
got to work.

As time went on, the need for big working dogs decreased.
People were living in smaller homes and needed smaller dogs they
could physically control easily. The Yorkshire Terrier filled
this niche admirably. They were a hit on both sides of the
Atlantic. Not only did they make great guard dogs, but were
affectionate and did not need a lot of exercise. They were
introduced to America in 1872.

Over the last century, Yorkshire Terriers have become ever
smaller. The original Yorkies were about thirty pounds and came
in several colors. Today's show Yorkies are not to exceed seven
pounds and must be steel blue and tan (and have those colors in
specific proportions). The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that
tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about
the health of breeding such small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier,
as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America.

About The Author: Susan Bailey loves everything having to do
with dogs, including Yorkshire Terrier history. The
http://www.officialyorkieguide.com/ Yorkshire Terrier has a very
sketchy history at best. There would be a lot fewer abandoned
Yorkies if people studied more
http://www.officialyorkieguide.com/Yorkshire_Terrier.php
Yorkshire Terrier information before they bring a puppy home.

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