Dog Training – The Secret To Success

Dog Training – Spending quality time together...Experiencing life together...Establishing and promoting mutual Respect...Communication..Understanding each other’s needs...

Dog Training – The Secret To Success

Building a bond with your dog is the secret to successful dog training.

As with any relationship, building a bond requires:

1.) Spending quality time together.

Spending quality time together does not mean just being in the same room as your dog. It does mean having some routines and rituals together that your dog can look forward to. Dogs love routine. One such routine can be to run to your post box together and then giving the junkmail to Fido to carry to the bin. That makes life worth living for Fido.

2.) Experiencing life together.

Take Fido with you wherever you go. If you walk to the shop on the corner to buy a newspaper, take him along. Let him practice a “sit stay” outside the shop. Dogs are wonderful companions. Take him along for your Sunday afternoon drive or when you go on hiking trial in the countryside.

3.) Establishing and promoting mutual respect.

Trust and respect are very important in any relationship, even your relationship with your dog. Your dog will trust you when, over time, he realises that you will keep him safe. Respect will come when you set enforceable boundaries. You must be firm but fair. Here also, as in any dog training, it is important to be consistent. If you don’t want Fido to jump up on you or your friends, then never allow that, not even once.

4.) Communication

You must develop a way of communication with your dog so that you and Fido can understand each other. It all developes from a proper dog training foundation. And the more motivational your corrections and praise are the stronger the foundation. Communicating with your dog means that he will understand when he’s doing something right and when he’s doing something wrong. You can communicate with your voice but your strongest communication with Fido will be through body language.

5.) Understanding each other’s needs

If you have reached a point in your dog training where you can communicate with your dog, you will start to understand each other’s needs. And that is a magical point. That is when both of you are really enjoying the training and where Fido will do just about anything to please you.

By: MS du Toit
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Bringing Home a New Dog - Shopping Recommendations

Bringing your new dog home ;Dog Food - Bowls for Food and Water -Grooming Tools and Supplies -Dog Crate - ID Tags -Bed Gates - Selection of Toys -.....

Bringing Home a New Dog
Shopping Recommendations
Bringing your new dog home for the first time is an important occasion and you want to be a safe and enjoyable experience for your pet. For a puppy or an older dog, this can be an intimidating time. With a little bit of preparation you can make the experience more enjoyable for both you and the dog. Besides the preparation of your home and its surroundings, you will also want to purchase furnishings and supplies ahead of time. Here are some recommendations to help you in your preparations.
Dog Food - Like humans our dog's health depends mostly on what they put in their mouth. Make sure to choose a high quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age and weight.
Bowls for Food and Water - Ceramic or Stainless Steel are probably the most sanitary choices, remembering that stainless bowls will get very hot if they are in direct sunlight. Large dogs and older dogs may benefit from raised bowls that require less stooping.
Grooming Tools and Supplies - The basic tools include a brush, flea comb, nail clippers and toothbrush. Basic supplies include shampoo and toothpaste made especially for dogs. If you are bringing home a puppy that needs house training you will also need puppy pads and urine cleaner.
Dog Crate - A crate is not only a comfortable den for your dog, but also a valuable tool for house training, for traveling, and for times when you need to keep the dog confined. The crate needs to be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around but not so big that he can make one end a toilet area. For puppies, crates are available with dividers so that you can keep the available area small when the dog is small and enlarge the area as the dog grows.
Bed - A blanket or fleece mat if your dog sleeps in his crate, or a comfortable bed if he is not.
Gates - Baby gates can be very useful for blocking off areas that are off limits.
Leash - A four to six foot lead generally works best for walking.
Collar - Nylon or flat leather collars work well. Make sure to check the tightness often, especially if you have a dog that is growing quickly. It needs to be snug enough that he can't get it over his head but not so tight that you can fit two fingers under it.
ID Tags - The tag should include at least the dog's name and your phone number. If possible include your name and address also. If you move, make sure to update your dog's ID tags accordingly.
First Aid Supplies - Having the right supplies on hand can really help in minor emergencies.
Treats - Soft treats especially for dogs can help in the dog's training.
Selection of Toys - Make sure the toy is appropriate to the age and size of your dog. Puppies that are teething can find great relief from a nylon or rawhide bone. Kongs and other toys are good for keeping dogs from getting board.

By Tom K. Kelly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

So Many Dog Foods to Choose From - Right?

So Many Dog Foods to Choose From - Right?
The phrase, "putting on the dog" refers to people who try to appear wealthy or more important than they really are. If you were to walk down the dog food aisle in a supermarket or pet store, the front of the bags would sound very impressive, assuring you of complete nutrition for every stage of a canine's life. But in reality, many of these pet food companies are guilty of "putting on the dog". Before you put anything "in" your dog, flip those bags of dog food over to read the fine print.

Do you want your dog to be healthy, obedient and live to a good old age? Scientists determined that dogs have the potential to live to 20 years, but in reality, most canine companions struggle beyond the 10-year mark. Veterinarians are seeing an increasing number of heart and respiratory disease, joint problems and diabetes. The shelters are full of dogs that left their "forever homes" because they exhibited hostile and even violent behavior.

All of these health and emotional issues could have a solid basis in the type and quality of food these dogs have been given. It's not enough to merely fill up a bowl with any dog food so your pet doesn't go hungry. Dog owners need to evaluate what's going into the dog's dish because those ingredients can mean a better life or one that is filled with health issues.

Buy a premium dog food. Generally, this type of food is not sold in supermarkets and not even at your veterinarian's office. There are a few exceptions where you will find top quality foods at these establishments.

Before making a selection of dog food, turn the bags over and read the list of ingredients. The first 5 ingredients make up the bulk of the dog food so take note. If more than 2 of them contain grain products, like corn or wheat, the food is mostly vegetable protein, which provides less in the way of nutrition. Dogs who eat this type of food will have more bowel movements because their bodies are not absorbing a high level of nutrients and these ingredients are processed as waste.

If the bag lists "by-products" it's best to leave it on the shelf. By-products of animals can mean the head, feet and intestines. There is practically zero nutritional value in this ingredient. Look for chicken "meal" or lamb "meal" which actually provides a greater degree of animal protein.

Avoid foods that contain preservatives, like BHT or BHA. They can be harmful to your pet's health. Canned food often contains more preservatives because they are needed to keep the food fresh. Additionally, canned food has a high water content and that should be factored into your dog food buying decision. Dogs do very well on dry dog food alone, and the crunching action helps to keep their teeth cleaner.

If you want to give your dogs treats, the same rules apply. Check the list of ingredients. Try not to get your dog "hooked" on cheap treats with no nutritional value because that may make it difficult to offer a premium dog food that is not artificially enhanced with flavor additives.
By Lori Matthews
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Choosing Designer Dog Beds

Choosing Designer Dog Beds,Designer Dog Beds Designer dog beds aren't typically just the same old beds with a designer's name on them, however.,Fancy Prices Normal dog beds,

Choosing Designer Dog Beds
Traditionally, dogs were not provided beds, and were lucky to sleep on a pile of rags, if they were allowed in the house at all. In recent years. However, lately the trend has been for people to pamper their pets. Not only do their dogs have beds, they have deluxe, stylish designer dog beds to go with their chic haircuts.

With the growth of designer pet accessories such as dog collars and even clothing, it is no surprise that humans would want designer dog beds that would match the style of their home, and the style of their dog accessories. The trend toward high-end dog beds has become so prevalent that there are stores and websites specializing in nothing but designer dog beds.

Fancy Names, Fancy Prices Normal dog beds, which are available in a great variety of styles and colors, and which not only can meet your dog's needs but also can match your decor, only cost around fifty dollars. The price varies primarily according to the size of the bed (which in turn varies according to the size of the dog). As soon as you add a designer's name to the exact same bed, the price will at least double.

Form Factors of Designer Dog Beds Designer dog beds aren't typically just the same old beds with a designer's name on them, however. Even when these dog beds follow the same form factor as non-designer beds, the designer who puts his or her name on the label has thought out the look and style. They come in just about any style, shape or size you can imagine.

A typical form factor for these beds is the "donut" style. They don't resemble donuts all that much, as the bottom is actually solid and cushiony. They do have a ringed edge, also cushiony, and this edge is what gives this style of designer dog beds its name. The ring part of the bed makes for an excellent headrest for your pet.

Some dog beds carry the anthropomorphizing trend indicated by the prevalence of doggie sweaters and other designer doggie clothes to extremes. Designers create designer dog beds that resemble human furniture, like little sofas or lounge chairs. Chances are these mini sofas are available in a fabric or pattern that matches your own sofa.

Along those lines, some of these dog beds are styled to look like little human beds. Some even have headboards and footboards. Other designer beds are styled more like the rest of your furniture, with designer dog beds hidden away, as if they were miniature indoor doghouses, except disguised as end tables.

Special Function Pet Beds Some dog beds are available which have advanced functions to increase your pet's comfort. For example, heated dog beds are available. These heated dog beds are ideal for older or arthritic dogs. Heated dog beds may not be the ideal pet beds in warmer climates. In hot climates, dog beds are available with cooling pads.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Designer Dog Beds Different breeds of dogs have different body types, build and sleeping habits. The type of bed you choose for your dog should depend on not only your dog's body type but also your dog's habits. If your dog chews things, choose a bed that is sturdy and "chew proof".

It is very important that you consider not only the decor of the room where you wish to place the bed but also your dog's habits. A fancy doghouse style bed, which neatly hides your dog's bed away, isn't going to be all that useful if your dog doesn't like small, enclosed spaces. You don't want to spend a lot of money on pet beds for your dog only to have him ignore it.

If you are buying for a puppy, make sure you understand how big the dog will eventually grow. You will either have to buy a large bed later, or just buy one at the start. If your puppy is a larger breed it may be a waste of money to buy a small bed when he is small, as they grow fast.

By Johnathan Livingston
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Designer Pet Carriers For Your Designer Pet

Designer pet carriers come in a wide variety of options ,Types of Designer Pet Carriers, Pet Accessories for Travel....

Designer Pet Carriers For Your Designer Pet
You have designer tastes, and why should your pet be any different? For the pets that appreciate the finer things in life, designer pet carriers are a great way for them to stand out in a crowd while pampering their every needs. Designer pet carriers come in a wide variety of options and so you are sure to find the one the best suits your designer pet.
Types of Designer Pet Carriers
There are many different types of designer pet carriers that you can choose between. You'll need to evaluate what you'll want to use your use pet carrier for and in understanding that, you'll be able to select the best option for your own individual needs. If you'll be carrying along your pet, consider backpack pet carriers. Let your small dog ride in style right on your back so they don't miss out on anything going on around them.

Another option for designer pet carriers are front pet carriers. This'll place your small pet securely and snuggly against your chest and allow them to be carried around almost like a baby. Your designer dog will enjoy the pampering the front pet carriers allow - they'll be close at hand for everything that is going on!

If your pet will be joining the jet set crowd, you'll want to investigate airline approved pet carriers. Airlines often have strict regulations regarding how to transport pets both in the passenger and cargo compartments. You can select between designer pet carriers that would work well in either instance and still ensure that you're your pet is traveling in the utmost comfort.
Other Pet Accessories for Travel
There are other pet accessories that you should consider when preparing to travel with your pet. One of the first and most important to spend time thinking about are dog beds. It can be frightening for your pet to spend a night away from home, so finding dog carriers that have built in dog beds where they will feel safe and secure can be a very big deal towards ensuring their peace of mind and comfort.

Other dog accessories to look into include basic pet supplies like dog collars. Although your dog may not need a collar while in the comfort of your own home, most locales will require that you keep your pet in a collar at all times when they are out in public, to attach their leash to as well as to display their tags. Head to the pet boutique to find the latest in dog collar styles to help your designer dog feel comfortable while on the road.
Designer Dog Clothes
Many pets can be just as fashion conscious as their discerning owners. To keep your dog in the highest of styles while on the road, remember that they'll need to bring along their designer clothes. Whether you're off to visit family or you'll be heading to a dog show competition, designer dog clothes will make your pet look extremely cute while also ensuring that they are in fashion.

To recap, you can easily plan trips away with your designer pets by simply remembering to pack a few key items. First, you'll want to have your designer pet carriers ready to go and transport your pet in style. Second, you'll want to remember to pack all of the accessories your pet will need while on the road to keep them safe and comfortable. Third, you'll want to remember additional items that will enhance their appearance while on the road. And finally, don't forget to pack a little bit of downtime so your pet can truly enjoy their time away from home. After that, put them in their designer pet carriers and you'll be ready to go!

By Johnathan Livingston
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

The 5 Sure Fire Benefits of Dog Obedience Training

Fire Benefits of Dog Obedience Training,The benefits of strong healthy , Basic dog training opens up the communication ,dog the knowledge setting up, puppy or dog comes to his new home...

The 5 Sure Fire Benefits of Dog Obedience Training
Dog obedience training is one of the most important elements you can have in your relationship with your dog.

The question I get asked the most is what exactly is dog obedience training and is it really all that important in the relationship you have with your dog.

In a nut shell, dog obedience training is very loose term used to describe what can be accomplished with a variety of different dog training techniques.

These techniques can range from protection dog training, puppy house training, dog housebreaking tips, dog behavioral modification and many others.

What ever training technique you decide to pursue first whether training your dog at home or at an appropriate dog training school, you should accomplish the following benefits.
1. The benefits of strong healthy bonding between your pet and you are best created by the use of some form of dog obedience training methods.

2. Basic dog training opens up the communication factor between you and your dog. This helps give you the basic idea's of what you want from your dog and helps your dog to understand and respect what it is you are teaching him.

3. Teaching obedience to your dog will give your dog the knowledge of the boundaries you are setting up with him. Boundaries will help your dog become more responsible to you and your family as well as other dogs, animals and people and create the manners you expect in any situation.

4. Dog training helps you in laying up ground work that actually helps your dog preventing the development of unacceptable behavior and bad habits such as chewing, digging, barking, biting, jumping, peeing in the house and many others.

5. Confusion is another prominent problem when your puppy or dog comes to his new home. Training your dog from the get go will eliminate all confusion and believe me, once your dog begins to understand what he needs to do, everyone life get a whole lot easier!

6. One more BONUS benefit: You will find that not only is it fun and rewarding training your dog but the confidence you will gain in knowing you can trust your dog no matter what the situation is truly relaxing. No stress in wonder what any situation may bring.

I have barely scratched the surface in name just a few of the benefits you will discover by properly training your dog.

I see so many dogs that are neglected the proper training that is only their owners would commit just a little time would bring so much happiness to them, their dogs and their neighbors.

Dogs get frustrated not knowing the rules of the road and it is up to you to teach them.
There are many ways to teach your dog that you can find online if you know where to look.
Just remember, it not about force, dominance, or cruelty in teaching your dog.

Training your dog the right way the first time can be done in a fractions of the time and done in such a way that is fun for everyone.

Do it right! You and your puppy will enjoy every minute of every training session and once those lines of communication are open and established your whole family will want in on the fun that comes with the benefits of training your dog.

By Barry Crewse
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Health Diseases Associated With Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,learning more about these diseases, you can take steps to prevent them from coming and harming your beloved canine friend.

Health Diseases Associated With Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
What comes into your mind when you think of cavalier King Charles Spaniel? When we speak of this breed, what comes first into the minds of most listeners is its origin; given the name King Charles. Indeed Toy Spaniels have been in existence for many centuries and even until now they are still gaining popularity as household pets among many families.

However, owners and soon-to-be owners should remember that fame and history are not the only things associated with this adorable breed. Two genetic defects common to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed are mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. Heart mitral valve disease (MVD) is a degeneration of the heart's mitral valve, one of the four sets of valves in a dog's heart. The disease is characterized by the inability of the longer valve to close fully after each pumping action thus gives way to some blood to flow backwards from the ventricle back into the atrium. Based on statistics, more than half of all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affected by the disease at age five thus the expected lifespan is only between seven to ten years.

On the other hand, syringomyelia occurs due to obstruction to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. Symptoms of the disease may ranger from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis. Another common symptom of the disease is scratching in the air near the neck thus referred to as "neck scratcher's disease". The disease is usually recognized among dogs between six months to three years of age nevertheless dogs of any age especially those with more severe diseases and unhealthy lifestyle can be affected by the disease.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca can also be seen in this breed. Also called dry eye, the disease is caused by decreased or inadequate tear production. Infections, trauma or reactions to drugs can cause injury to the tear glands or damage to these glands thus lead to the disease. A dog affected with this disease develops a thick, yellowish discharge. If left untreated, the disease will lead into chronic eye infections and may progress into corneal ulceration and worst, blindness. Other eye disorders common to this breed are cataracts, corneal dystrophy, distichiasis, dry eye syndrome, entropion, microphthalmia, progressive retinal degeneration and retinal dysplasia.

By learning more about these diseases, you can take steps to prevent them from coming and harming your beloved canine friend.

By Expert Author: Richard Cussons
Article:www.articlesphere.com