Great Golden Retriever Puppy Training Tips

Great Golden Retriever Puppy Training Tips
by Kevin Taylor


Golden Retrievers are great family dogs. They are friendly and great with kids. They are usually easy to train because they are very loyal and want to please their owners. While there are many great aspects of owing a Golden Retriever, you will still need to spend some time training them to adhere to the rules of their new home. Just like having a new baby, you have a responsibility to teach them the proper place to use the bathroom and how to behave in the home.
It is suggested that you take the first few days that they puppy is at your home and spend the entire day with them. You will need to introduce them to the sounds and people that they will come into contact with at your home. Your first priority should be to train them to go outdoors to use the bathroom. You can do this by taking them outside every half hour or so just to sniff out the yard area. If you would like them to use the bathroom in certain areas of the yard, take them on a leash and walk them to that area.
Wait with them there until they have done their business. Be sure to offer great praise when they urinate or have a bowel movement in the area that you would like them to use at all times. This will encourage them to go to this area when they need to.
You should also spend some time walking them around the neighborhood. This will teach them to walk with you while they are on the leash and will also get them familiar with their new surroundings. They will likely be exposed to other dogs in the neighborhood. They will hear them barking and know that this is part of their new environment.
You should decide what the rules will be in your home as well. Will you allow your new puppy to get up on the furniture? Will they be allowed to sleep in the bed with your or one of your family members? These are rules that you will have to enforce from the beginning so that the new puppy will know what they are and are not allowed to do.
If you do not want the dog to be on the furniture then you should allow them to run freely in the home. When you see that they are trying to get up on the furniture then you should immediately gently push them down to the floor and tell them "no". After doing this several times they will stop trying to get up on the furniture.
Positive reinforcement is a great way to teach your new Golden Retriever puppy to behave in the way that you want them to. Keep some treats at hand so that when they are being good or when they learn a new trick you can give them positive rewards for their positive behavior. Your puppy needs your guidance so be sure to show them love and appreciation when they are being good and show them that you are not pleased when they make mistakes. They will make mistakes but keep working at the training and you will find that your new dog is a great addition to your family.


About the Author:

Kevin Taylor is a Golden Retriever Trainer and breeding enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby.golden retriever puppy training
http://www.goldenretrievercentre.com

Potty Training your Puppy

Potty Training your Puppy
by Gary Jensen

Are you having a new puppy at home? They can be cute and cuddly but always remember that the first thing to do when you have a new puppy at home is to do potty training your puppy. A messy house is not the best scenario that you want to experience everyday. In order to avoid such situation, make sure to start potty training your puppy as soon as you get the puppy home.
How to do potty training your puppy?
It is much better to spend some time and effort in training your puppy this early than do all the cleaning up everyday when the puppy makes a mess inside your home. Here are the steps on how to do potty training your puppy.
Before you take your new pet inside your house make sure to bring the puppy first to its outside toilet spot. Put her down and let the puppy do its entire ritual thing (sniffing and circling the ground) before relieving itself.
Remember that after each meal almost immediately the puppy will have to go thus you take him outside to its toilet spot and do his thing there. That way the puppy knows where to go when he has to relive himself.
When the puppy wakes up in the morning or even during the day when the puppy had a long sleep, always take the puppy out to its favorite toilet spot. When it accidentally makes a mess inside the house, do not punish the puppy, simply take the puppy outside to its toilet spot for him to know that this is the right place for him to do its business.
Constant repetition of such process will teach your dog and when the time comes the puppy will immediately go to its toilet spot on its own. Just make sure that he has easy access to its toilet spot outside.

About the Author:

It might take sometime and lots of effort in your part but to do potty training your puppy will surely bring comfort between you and your new puppy at home. You will certainly have a clean home and a discipline pet.

Teaching Dog Obedience

Teaching Dog Obedience  
by Andrew


What dog obedience program is best for you and your dog?
When it comes to teaching your dog obedience, there are lots of programs out there. It could be hard to choose the best one for you and your dog. Finding the right program however, can be very rewarding. TeachingDogCommands.com has compiled a hand picked list of the top 5 dog training programs to make your search for the right program easy.
Always make sure the program in which you choose does not teach through force. Positive reinforcement is key. Programs which give insight into the dog psychology are usually good choices. They work with the instincts of dogs in order to teach them obedience. Remember, dogs are pack animals. The goal is to get your dog to see you as pack leader.
Barking, biting or chewing can often times result from a lack of communication or miscommunication. If the lines of communication are not open, there is no way for your dog to know how what is expected of him or her. Be clear and consistent with what the boundaries are for your dog. There should be no question in your dogs mind what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.
Typically a behavior problem is following a trigger. A dog will not misbehave out of spite. There is a reason for the behavior. Recognizing these triggers can make correcting your dog much easier.
It is key to remember during the training process that creating a happy atmosphere will aid in the success of teaching your dog commands. This should be a rewarding and exciting experience for you and your dog.
As mentioned above, Teaching Dog Commands is a good place to start. There are many programs to choose from, but this site has narrowed it down to the top 5 dog training programs. These programs were hand picked and will have you teaching your dog obedience commands in no time!

About the Author:

Searching for training programs to train your dog is difficult. It was hard to find which ones are right. I wanted to outline a few tips I found and recommend reading teachingyourdogcommands.com which tells about the top 5 programs to correct a disobedient dog in no time.

Whitening Dog Teeth | How to Clean, Whiten Dog Teeth

Whitening Dog Teeth | How to Clean, Whiten Dog Teeth
by Kevin Pederson

Whitening of a dog's teeth has a lot to do with oral hygiene. It can be very important to maintain the same for your dog since dogs tend not to bother with this as such. Over time, yellowing and decay of the teeth would be only natural if one does not attend to the same. Brushing a dog's teeth may seem strange and downright unnatural, but it is a very important and often overlooked step. More than a simple case of looks and wishing for whiter teeth, oral care would be important for the dog's health as many problems can be stemmed if the dog has an established dental hygiene routine.

One would also have to bear in mind that there are differences when it comes to dental care for a canine. Your dog should learn to adjust to you carrying out an oral hygiene routine from the time of being a puppy so as to learn to accept the process. There are special brands of toothpaste that have been formulated keeping dogs in mind and it would be preferable to use these when attempting to brush the teeth. If there is a problem with staining of the teeth, look for special brands catering to dogs which specifically deal with whitening of the teeth. In most cases, simple regular brushing, depending on the dog breed, would be adequate. Talk to your dog's veterinarian about establishing a dental care routine at home and looking at measures to help keep the dog's teeth healthy. It is also important to exercise caution and to get the puppy used to the idea of cleaning and sitting still for the process.

It would be of utmost importance to take the dog for dental care to a veterinarian as well, since he or she can perform a much needed cleanup using the tools available. A cleanup is something a regular dentist would perform on you which would take care of a layer of buildup, which can be detrimental for your dental health. Similarly a cleanup for a dog would ensure that the layers of buildup are eliminated and it would take care of a lot of the staining. This would be true in case of regular home dog dental care as well as visits for a cleanup. Getting the stains out if already severe can be a tedious process and would often require a professional to get the job done.

About the Author:

Kevin Pederson, authors web content for http://www.diethealthclub.com a complete online resource featuring diet, health and fitness. This article is focused on helping you plan for new year resolutions for healthy diet plans

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The Main Purpose of Crate Training For Dogs

The Main Purpose of Crate Training For Dogs
by NaQueen Zaire

Teaching your dog to become housebroken and to stop going to the bathroom in the home is the main purpose for crate training for dogs.

The moment you arrive home you should allow the dog to go in your yard and relieve himself. This is one of the best ways to get him started.

If necessary, find a spot in the yard and make it his designated "poop" area. The way to show him where it is at is to wait for him to go in that spot and then praise and reward him. Find the best thing he responds to whether it be an edible treat or a toy. Whichever it is, continue to use this as his reward.

In order for him to realize the crate is his own personal space, it would be wise to take him directly to it the moment you enter the house .

Eventually he will get used to it. However, like a baby, he may whine and cry about being in it at first. It is up to you to ignore the whines and make him remain there.

Size of Crate

When done correctly, crate training for dogs is a very cool and effective technique as long as you purchase the right type of crate that is suitable for the size of your dog.

Small dogs need small crates. However, if your dog is small now, but you know she will grow to be bigger when she is at adult hood, then you must purchase a crate that will fit her size as an adult.

Do not purchase one that is too big though because if you leave her in there too long she will just go to the opposite end of it and release herself.

If you have no choice but to buy one that is too big, then you should use some type of divider to stop the puppy from being able to travel to the other end. Therefore she will hold it as long as possible because she will not go where she lie her head.

Length of Time

When using crate training for dogs, you must set a time schedule.

This will set a routine for her that she will get used to. Because of the routine, it would be very essential to the time it takes to train her.

You should also allow the puppy to run free and play with the family at least every two hours. This will not only be beneficial on her bladder, but it will also let her know she is still part of the family and is loved.

It really doesn't matter if you keep the crate in the kitchen, bedroom or living room just as long as it is in the place that all the family congregates.

If there are no more family members, then you probably should keep it in your bedroom.

To reinforce that she is doing something right, make sure you continue to show her love and affection when she does go outside. Also continue to give her a treat when she goes.

Your puppy is small as well as her bladder, therefore, you cannot expect her to hold it in longer then her body allows so please make sure you stay on top of the two hour set schedule.

It would be unfair and cruel to her to leave her in there cramped up and unable to move longer than two hours. Remember she is a dog and needs to run around freely. It is in her nature.

After two to three months your pup should be trained.

About the Author:

Find out more about dog training now! .

French Bulldog Dog Breed Profile

French Bulldog Dog Breed Profile
by Scott Lipe

Description: The French Bulldog, also known as the "Frenchie", is a small, muscular, and compact dog. It stands about 12 at the withers and generally weighs between 18 and 28 pounds. It has heavy bones and is considered to be a dwarf Mastiff. The French Bulldog has a broad, square head, very short muzzle, and large bat ears. Its face is more pleasant and open than that of the English Bulldog and the wrinkling is not as heavy. The lower jaw is undershot and the tail is naturally abbreviated. The usual coat colors of the Frenchie are brindle, white, brindle and white, and fawn.

History: It is generally considered that the French Bulldog began as a sort of toy Bulldog, a scaled-down version of the English Bulldog. It was kept by lacemakers in England. During the 1860s, these artisans were forced to leave England for France after being deprived of their livelihood by the industrialization of lace making. Their little dogs, of course, went with them to France. As the dogs gained popularity there, they became known as the French Bulldog. At this point, the Frenchie had either rose ears or bat ears, this issue had not been settled. American devotees are responsible for establishing the bat ear as the breed standard.

Temperament: The French Bulldog is probably one of the most pleasant dogs in existence. It bonds extremely strongly with its family and requires a lot of attention. However, it gives at least as much affection as it gets, so is a joy around the house. The Frenchie is extremely intelligent and has a true sense of humor. It is kind, tolerant, and loving with children. The French Bull dog has strong protective instincts and considers it an honor to protect those it loves. The Frenchie is a bit of a clown and will entertain the family with its antics. It should be pointed out, though, that the French Bull dog can be very jealous if attention is given to another pet.

Health Issues: As with all dogs, the French Bulldog is heir to several health conditions and congenital diseases. Von Willebrand's Disease, a type of hemophilia, can be carried by this dog. A Frenchie should be tested before surgery to see if it has this condition. As the French Bull dog has such a flat face, it can suffer from breathing problems such as snoring. It is also intolerant of heat and must be kept cool to prevent heat stroke.

Grooming: The French Bulldog requires only a weekly grooming and plenty of petting to keep its coat in good condition. The facial wrinkles should be wiped regularly to prevent infection. The nails should be kept short and the ear passages clean.

Living Conditions: The French Bulldog is strictly an indoor dog. It cannot stand extreme heat or cold and cannot live outside. More importantly, the French Bull dog needs to be around the people it loves. The Frenchie wants to interact with the family and will suffer if deprived of this. The Frenchie is happy living in an apartment, and requires on a daily walk to remain fit.

About the Author:

For more information about the French Bulldog Dog Breed including training and Puppies for sale visit the sites below. PUPPIES OR DOGS PUPPIES for SALE

The Labrador Retriever: Much More Than A Family Pet

The Labrador Retriever: Much More Than A Family Pet
by Tristan Andrews

Labrador Retrievers have become one of the most popular breeds used today as both assistance dogs and dog guides for the blind. The skills necessary for these two working jobs are extremely varied and are physically and mentally demanding, nevertheless, the Lab has once again proven that its popularity is based on much more than its good looks!

Dog Guides For The Blind

Nobody will forget the amazing story of the brave and courageous yellow Lab named Roselle, who on the disaster of 9/11, guided her vision-impaired owner, Michael Hingson, down 78 stories in the World Trade Center's Tower One.

The pair exited from the choking smoke, dust and fumes just moments before the entire building collapsed on that horrible day. Roselle was bred, raised and trained by the Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. As amazing at it sounds, she was just doing her jog that day.

A position originally dominated by German Shepherd Dogs in the early 1900s, dog guides for the blind now include a large percentage of Labrador Retrievers, as well as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs and Lab-Golden Mixes.

The Lab has risen to popularity in this service mostly because of their highly-qualified work ethic needed for such services: a stable temperament, a willingness to work, a moderate size and weight, and a low-maintenance coat.

Assistance Dogs

The type of work an assistance dog can perform is perhaps only limited by a trainer's imagination. Labs are trained to assist those with limited mobility by picking up dropped items such as pencils, credit cards and keys.

Some dogs are trained to alert hearing-impaired handlers to a knock at the door, a baby crying, or in the case of a child, the sound of the school bell signaling a class change. Other Labs are trained to help disabled individuals to lean on and hold onto.

Some Labs even alert handlers to oncoming seizures before they happen and provide assistance during a seizure. Labrador Retrievers have been taught to pull wheelchairs, turn lights on and off, and even remove the handler's socks before he or she goes to bed.

The benefits of an assistance dog can be seen at many levels. One of the greatest benefits is that people with assistance dogs regain a sense of independence, as well as an increase in self-esteem and self-worth because they can rely on the dog to help them, rather than have to rely on other people.

Assistance dogs can also serve as ice breakers. Disabled individuals frequently feel shunned because the general public feels uncomfortable in their presence. The company of an assistance dog, particularly a friendly Lab executing amazing skills for the disabled individual, is often the attraction that can facilitate conversation, social interaction and the formation of friendships.

About the Author:

Tristan Andrews is a freelance author who writes about labrador retrievers and dog breed descriptions.

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Some Foods Are Bad For Dogs

Some Foods Are Bad For Dogs
by Bonnie Dye

Do you feel guilty eating a snack in front of your dog? If so, you're not alone. After all, we wouldn't do that to one of our kids, and our beloved pet is just as much a part of the family. Nevertheless, there are some foods you need to make sure your dog does not eat.

When you think about the wide range of things your pets might nibble on - from dirty socks to kitty litter - it's easy to believe there's very little that will make them sick. However, your seemingly indestructible pet can be experiencing many internal issues that don't show up on the outside for quite a while. Some issues only become noticeable when the problem has become extremely serious.

Here are some foods that will make them sick and can cause permanent harm, so avoid these at all cost.

First - CHOCOLATE This is one of the worst foods for your dog because their systems are unable to digest it. Those yummy brownies or a bit of your pick-me-up candy bar will make them sick and can cause major health issues.

If you absolutely can't resist giving your dog a chocolate treat, white chocolate is the least harmful, while dark baking chocolate is the most dangerous.

Second - GRAPES and RAISINS Once while dieting, I convinced myself that grapes and raisins are candy, so I still eat a lot of them. As a human they're very good for you, and although they may seem like something that would be harmless to your dog, they're not.

Consuming grapes or raisins can cause your beloved pet several issues, including kidney failure. At the very least, this seemingly harmless food could result in an emergency trip to the vet to have your dog's stomach pumped.

Third - ONIONS In most cases dogs don't really like onions, but if they get hold of one (even in another food) make sure you call your vet right away. This root vegetable will cause your dog to have major digestive issues.

Although these are the most dangerous things for your dog to eat, these are by no means the only items to avoid.

Here are a few other items that should be kept away from your pet:

*Avocado (including the fruit, skin, seed, leaves and stem) *Macadamia nuts *Garlic *Leaves and stems of potatoes, tomatoes and rhubarb These foods are toxic to your dog's gastrointestinal system and will cause severe digestive problems and potentially kidney failure.

These items can cause your pet to have labored breathing:

*Caffeine *Eggplant *Moldy foods (why do they eat those things??) *Tobacco products

In general, be aware of what your dog is eating at all times. Just as you would for a child, the best way to keep them safe and healthy is to make sure they don't have access to foods, garbage, chemicals or any objects that could be harmful to their digestion.

It's ok to give your dog a treat once in a while as long as you know what ingredients are used. Look for all natural products to give your pet the best, and at the same time avoid any health issues.

About the Author:

About the Author: Bonnie Dye has raised, trained and cared for dogs and cats for over 30 years. She is the co-author of "What Your Pets Want You to Know". To get your free report, "Secrets to Happy and Obedient Pets" go to Free Pet Care Tips

Do Dogs Understand The Meaning of Christmas?

Do Dogs Understand The Meaning of Christmas?
by Cathy Jordan

That depends on what your definition of the meaning of Christmas is. Dogs, of course, are not religious so they don't understand the elaborate concept behind religious holidays.

There is another level at which they are very adept at understanding and this type of understanding is much deeper than any humans.

They smell the pine trees, brought into the house; now how interesting is that? Some of them will try to mark the tree, of course, so their humans may have to take steps to stop that behavior or find barriers to keep it from happening at all. When our dogs go out, trees are one of their free zones so when one is brought into the home, it is a cause of great excitement.

Bright, glittering lights attract dogs - especially if they blink. All of a sudden, to the dog, not only is there a tree in the house - it is all lit up with bright lights and glitter. Balls hang from the trees and dog owners usually end up replacing any glass balls with unbreakable ones. Dogs like to swipe at hanging items (maybe not as much as cats but still what a temptation).

My dogs love it when we hang candy canes. They like the crinkle of the wrapping (a sound they associate with treats like hot dogs and cheese). But more than that, they love the candy canes themselves. We used to put the canes up high so the dogs couldn't get them but now, after a few days I'll unwrap some and let them have one each. They, of course, have learned to love the crinkle of that noise even more.

Everyone gets excited around the holiday season; this is a time of celebration and our spirits are high. Our dogs love it when we are happy. Suddenly mum and dad are humming; there is a sense of secrecy and excitement in the air. Dogs pick up on our emotions and our happiness increases theirs.

Before long, packages with interesting smelling stuff in more crackling paper of different types start stacking up under the tree. At this point, sometimes dog owners are forced to put a baby gate or something around the tree. It is just crazy that you AND your dogs can't all enjoy the season; no reason to spend all the time yelling at your dog and making it feel bad. Believe me your dog will never understand why things that he is usually allowed to take an interest in (maybe even encouraged to check out) are suddenly off limits. You may even have to get a small tree and put it on a table. The important thing is to find ways you can enjoy Christmas and share it with your dog.

As if all this wasn't enough, soon there are enticing odors in the home the dog is drooling uncontrollably. In most homes, the dog knows this means treats in the form of leftovers so now they are even more excited.

Guests start coming and going; these are people the dog knows and sometimes loves. Just look at the picture from the dogs eyes. There's a tree in the house, bright lights, crinkling paper, jingling ornaments, humming family members, songs of merriment, good-smelling food and people.

Of course dogs know what Christmas is all about. It's a time of celebration, a time to remember to extend love and charity to those around us and no one is more loving or charitable than your dog. It's a time when friends and family gather; extra pets and hugs are received. Special bones and handed out.

A dog knows Christmas is a time of great happiness. It's a time of faith and a time that represents hope and happiness, safety and tranquility. It's a time to love, to enjoy every moment of life, and to believe. Sometimes at some level, dogs may understand the meaning of Christmas even more than we do.

About the Author:

Cathy Jordan is an editor for onlinepups4sale.com.au; she lives in the United States in Northern Idaho. Cathy has bred and trained German Sheperds since 1996. She has also studied wolves and dogs and is writing a series of books on the subject.

Differences between Dogs in the Labrador Retriever Breed

Differences between Dogs in the Labrador Retriever Breed
by Tim Williams

No other dog is as well liked as the Labrador retriever across the UK or the US. The Labrador retriever, originating in Newfoundland, is especially popular because it is a dedicated and dependable house pet. In addition to being an outstanding house pet the Lab is also a fantastic hunting dog too. Back in time, the Lab was famous for lugging fishing nets on shore for the fishermen. Furthermore, the Lab is often used as guide or rescue dogs.

The defined life span of a Labrador retriever is about 15 years and there is really no difference between the girl and boy Labs with the exception of size where there can be a difference of not more than a few pounds. In the US and the UK the Yellow Lab and the chocolate Lab are the most liked house pets. These dogs are highly thought of and incredibly bright. They are also playful and full of energy. The icing on the cake is the fact that Labs also have an outstanding disposition which further adds to their desire to be a house pet.

One of the most distinctive features of the Lab is their tail. At the base of the tail the Lab's tail should be thicker and should thin out the closer it gets to the tip. The tail itself is only medium in length. The tail of the otter and the tail of the Lab are quite similar which is why many people say that Labs have an otter's tail. There should never be any curl in the tail but rather it should be stout. When the tail lacks in stoutness or is lean this is considered to be an imperfection in the Lab. The tail should not be docked or altered in any way. The tail develops the muscle of the Labrador by giving it a distinguished shape from the head to the tail.

A Lab is considered to be a medium to large dog in size with males being around 22-25 inches in height and females being 22-24 inches tall. The weight of a male Lab is around 80 pounds and for the female around 70 pounds. The fur on the Lab is known for being water resistant and is short and thick. The Lab's coat is one of the main factors that make him an ideal partner for outside activities in the winter months. Lab's have a coat that will be either brown or yellow.

The Lab has some other very distinctive features that are not found with their other canine friends. The head and the brow of the Lab are very prominent and defined. Their eyes are hazel or brown and there is a black lining that surrounds the entire eye. The ears are required to drop close to the head and are to be found a bit above the eyes. The body is essentially dominant and well-developed. Still, it is the defined tail and the nature of the Lab's temperament that are their trademark.

The Lab also has a very peculiar nose with wide nostrils and a broad muzzle. Lab's have fairly long legs but are steadfast. They are also extremely well balanced. The color of the Lab is very important in defining a thorough bred. A totally pink nose or a nose that is lacking in coloring is ineligible from being a thoroughbred.

About the Author:

Tim Williams is a labrador retriever enthusiast. He owns and maintains Labrador Retriever Answers, a resource for all labrador retriever lovers and where you can find more great information on the labrador retriever breed and other retriever advice.

5 Points To Consider Before Buying A Dog

Dog Training


5 Points To Consider Before Buying A Dog
by Dan Fletcher

Getting a new dog is an exciting and rewarding part of anyones life. These days you can find puppies for sale in so many places such as in newspapers, pet stores and online. But how do you go about selecting a new puppy? What points should you consider when buying a new puppy? Below are 5 points that you must consider before buying your new puppy.

1) How big is your yard? - The size of your home and yard will help you determine the size of the dog you should buy. Puppies all look small when young, but even the smallest puppy can grow into a large dog. Be sure to understand what breed you are looking at and learn how big the breed will grow. Be sure to be wary of cross breeds as you may not know what size they will grow to.

2) Can you exercise your dog frequently? - If you exercise regularly and have lots of time on your hands, you can consider a puppy with high energy levels. If you will be at work and not have much time for your dog, consider a breed with less energy.

3) Long or short hair dog? - A lot of people don't examine the length of their new puppy breeds hair growth. A long haired dog will generally molt a lot of hair which can get everywhere, especially in carpets. Short hair breeds can be easier to manage and molt less hair around your home.

4) Kids or elderly? - If you have young children or the elderly around, you many need to choose a breed with low energy that is good around people. Larger dogs can easily knock young children and the elderly over, so consider this before purchasing your new puppy.

5) Can you secure your dog? - Certain breeds are notorious escape artists, but most dogs need certain provisions to ensure they do not escape from your property. Fences should be a minimum of 6 foot tall around your entire home. You should also be careful that your dog cannot dig under gates and fences to escape. If you buy a breed that is known for escaping or digging, you will need to allow extra provisions around your home.

Consider these 5 tips before looking at your new puppy. So many people think of these things after they have already bought their new dog, but you should consider all the points above before you even go looking for a new puppy.

About the Author:

Dan Fletcher writes for PuppiesSale.org, a site with lots of puppy articles, puppies for sale, Bulldog puppies for sale, and more.

Dog Training

Flea Control...How To Protect Your Pets

Dog Training


Flea Control...How To Protect Your Pets
by Avery Mann

What The Hey, They Don't Bother Me

As we all know by now, the flea is the vampire of the insect world. Ants, I hate ants, but you spray them and they die, and don't come back. When you spray a flea, he just laughs at you, turns into a bat and attacks some other part of your poor pet's body. Or worse, some part of your body. Don't you just love those good people that brag that fleas don't bother them? There are some claims that drinking a lot of beer keep them away. Testimony primarily given by beer drinkers, I might add. In the mean time though, their poor pet is licking and scratching up a storm. How can someone do that? The fact that you're reading this proves that you are not one of those types. Like me some weeks ago, you are searching the net hopeful of finding the answer of how to eradicate the fleas safely, leaving your pets healthy and happy.

My story will sound foreign to some, but for those of you reading this piece, eerily familiar. Growing up in cities and suburbs, I never have experienced flea infestation like we have since moving to a rural area. There's not that much of a problem with our two larger dogs that live outside. In fact our rottweiler must be sneaking a beer now and then, because I've never seen any fleas on her. The problem is the little ones who are "Mommy's" little angles. Don't get me wrong, I love them to death, but it's very obvious that they are hers. We're talking about two of the cutest Yorkshire terriers you have ever seen. Well, actually the son is a Yorkie-poo, but you get the idea. They sleep with us, which I have no problem with. That is until this heat wave brought a stampede of the blood suckers to prey upon us. Suddenly I can't sleep because I'm dreaming about getting bit by Dracula, over and over again. At this point I should mention the cats. Don't turn me into Bob Barker just yet. We have taken care of controlling the population, but there are still ten or twelve outside. There is also two inside, and momma likes to go out a couple of times a day. So you can see why we have the problem, and why I spent so much time researching a solution.

No Silver Bullet Or Stake To The Heart DR. Van Helsing Recommends chemicals?

It all began when faced with the reality that I either find a solution, or start sleeping on the couch. I shouldn't fail to mention the poor little ones that, a half hour after their flea baths, were scratching all over again. My wife, who incidently was not getting bit as bad, said it was the eggs. Why wasn't this flea shampoo killing the eggs? What am I paying for? I'm sure that this is really starting to sound familiar. So my next step was to go to the pet store and BUY. I didn't buy online because I didn't know what it was I needed. Of course I know about the advertised brand name flea treatments. But did you know that some don't kill eggs, some also kill ticks but aren't waterproof, and some don't even kill fleas. I figured if I had to spray chemicals, then I had better get it right, for my own well-being, as well as the dogs. About a hundred bucks later I walked out with the one that is waterproof and kills everything including the eggs. Also, I bought stuff to spray on the dogs, and the all-important house spray, because I was determined to sleep in my bed. The final outcome has yet to be determined. Some of the stuff worked, and some of it didn't. That is why I started my very time consuming research, to see if anyone has the ultimate answer.

There is A Simple Guide Someone Took The Time To Answer All The Questions

If you have been spending without knowing what the outcome should be, and realizing it, than read on. Is there a natural way to eliminate flea infestation? I wanted to know. I know that some methods work and some are a waist of money. Which ones? How do I know, other than everyone has stopped scratching, that the problem has really gone away? What keeps them from returning? Is there any long term effect on the pets or my family? I didn't think anyone could answer that one. You shouldn't ever have to call the vet because of fleas. You should know by now that they are selling the same medication. But is there a time when the vet should be called in? If you are at a stalemate when it comes to any of these questions, there is a simple guide I found that will defiantly ease your mind. For the price of one of the spray treatments, which may or may not have worked, this book will throughly give you piece of mind and save you money.

You can find this and other suggestions for Pet Lovers at: My RecomMANNdations

There's a lot of neat stuff for humans too.

About the Author:

At 57, I consider myself to be a Jack Of All Trades And Master Of A Few Things. I was a struggling actor for 25 years. During that time I learned a little about a lot of things, and would like to pass along some of that knowledge. I am an inventor and article marketer. I live in California with my beautiful wife and a menagerie of pets.

Dog Training

Popular Dog Breeds

Dog Training


Popular Dog Breeds
by David Beart

There are more than 100 different recognized dog breeds, some of which are more popular than others. Classification of these breeds varies in different countries, although broadly speaking most accept broad categories that include sporting breeds, hounds, working and non-working breeds, terrier breeds and toy dogs.

Sporting breeds include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels, all of which are popular breeds that are sometimes called gundogs, because they are trained to find and flush out game birds hunted by man.

Pointers are thought to have originated from Spain where they were bred for helping with the hunting of game birds. They literally gallop, and have an excellent sense of both sight and smell. They are well-built dogs with a high head-carriage and long, muscular neck. English, Irish and lesser-known Gordon Setters have a similar build to Pointers, but their heads are longer, with a finer skull, and their heavy coat is long. Both Golden and Labrador Retrievers are large, active dogs with large, but soft mouths and a good nose for finding game. Unlike Pointers and Setters, the Retriever will stay with its master until the bird has been shot, or until they are given the command to fetch the dead or wounded bird. Cocker Spaniels were originally bred in Britain for flushing woodcock, a game bird similar to the snipe. Nowadays they are bred mainly as family pets and for showing.

Popular hound breeds that use scent for hunting include Bloodhounds, Bassett Hounds, Foxhounds and Beagles. Those that rely on their sight for hunting include Greyhounds, Afghans, Borzois, and amazingly Dachshunds (or sausage dogs) that were originally bred in Germany as badger dogs that would go down holes after their prey.

Dogs are, by nature, hunters, and so it isn�t surprising that man has, over time, developed this instinct. Most scent hounds originated thousands of years ago. For example, the Basset Hound was used in 16th century France to hunt badgers, wolves and other small animals. It is an odd-looking breed, with a long body and short, sturdy legs, as well as long, droopy ears and a soulful expression. It also makes a loving, although notoriously difficult to train, house pet. The Beagle has also been used for hunting for thousands of years, particularly in Britain. Smaller than the Bassett, but bigger than Fox Terriers and long-legged Jack Russells, Beagles are active hounds that make wonderful companion pets.

Foxhounds usually hunt with people on horseback rather than on foot, even today with drag-hunting, where they hunt a smelly bag rather than live foxes. Since hunting with the hounds is believed to date to the Middle Ages, when horsemen in Britain and Europe hunted on horseback for food, foxhounds have clearly been around for a very long time. But bloodhounds are said to be the oldest of the scent hounds, and they have, of course gained fame for tracking down human criminals.

The so-called sight hounds were originally bred for speed. Today the Afghan Hound is a popular show dog although it is still used as a guard dog and for hunting deer and wolves in its native Afghanistan. The elegant Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound, is one of the quickest dogs on foot. This breed was originally kept in packs by Russian nobles that used to hunt wolves. It has also become a popular show dog in various parts of the world including the USA and Britain. The oldest of all the sight hounds is the Greyhound, used in Ancient Egypt to run down gazelles (a type of antelope). Greyhound racing has become big business in some countries.

Popular working breeds include St. Bernards, Boxers, Huskies and Collies, while popular non-working dogs include Bulldogs, Dalmations and Poodles.

When we talk about a �working breed� we mean a dog that did or does a very specific job of work, for example herding sheep (like Collies) or guarding properties or people (like German Shepherds and Dobermann Pinchers). Draught dogs (like Huskies) and guide dogs (like Labradors) are also categorized as working breeds.

There are several popular Terrier breeds including Jack Russell Terriers, Fox Terriers and Scottish Terriers. Hardy dogs originally bred to get rid of foxes, badgers, lynxes and so on, they are all quite small, sturdy dogs. Incredibly active, they make amazing, loyal pets.

Toy dogs are, of course the smallest of all, and two particularly popular breeds are the Pekingese and Chihuahua. The odd-looking Pekingese is a firm favorite and a particularly pampered creature in many countries. It originated in China in about the 8th century, making it one of the world�s oldest breeds.

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, and it originated in Mexico.

Whichever dog breed you choose, remember that the dog, unlike the cat, is happier if it does what its owner wants. This means that dogs are happier if trained to be obedient. If you train your dog well and care for it, you will be rewarded with amazing love and companionship. After all, it is true that the dog is man�s best friend.

About the Author:

David Beart is the owner of the PetYak. Our site covers pet related topics such as feeding a dog, cat health, birds and tropical fish.

Dog Training

Tips On How To Pick The Perfect Puppy

Dog Training


Tips On How To Pick The Perfect Puppy
by faye bautista

If you're thinking about buying a new dog, there are a few things to remember before you make that decision. Currently, millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters every year, due in part to making the wrong decision on the type of dog to buy. Before you rush out to buy that new puppy, there are a few things to remember.

1. How much time can you devote to your new puppy? There are specific breeds, such as border collies, that require a great deal of attention and do not do well in a situation where they will be confined alone for hours at a time. Be realistic with your expectations and select a breed that is known for their patience and ability to spend a few hours apart from you.

2. Size matters. Although your new puppy may be a small bundle of joy right now, in six months you may be dealing with a monster. If you don't have a lot of space, or if you live in an apartment, a large breed may not be the best choice. In addition to space constraints, it is also a good idea to remember that large dogs do eat quite a bit more than the average teacup poodle and if you're on a tight budget, a smaller dog will be more economical.

3. Research breed traits. Buying a puppy should not be based on which dog is the cutest, or which breed you always thought looked nice. Take the time to thoroughly research these traits so that you can make an informed decision. Some breeds shed more than others, while some breeds have known behavioral issues. For example, Great Pyrenees dogs are very beautiful and popular, but they are bred for livestock guarding and not apartment living.

4. Research breed health issues. This is becoming a bigger problem due to improper breeding. Every breed may have congenital health issues, but some may be more severe than others. For example, German Shepherds are known to have issues with hip dysplasia, while some smaller dog breeds may have problems with their eyes.

5. Pick the right breeder. Many future health and behavioral issues can be avoided simply by choosing the right breeder. Once you have decided on the breed of dog that you would like, contact that breed's registry for an approved list of breeders. This will save you time, heartache and money.

6. Consider a shelter pet. While shelter pets are not for everyone, they may be a good option if you do not have small children or if you do not mind getting an older dog. You can save a life by adopting a shelter pet and still end up with a wonderful and loyal companion.

Selecting a puppy is an emotional decision, but it pays to keep these points in mind before you make your final decision. Once you're armed with the right knowledge, you'll be able to pick that perfect puppy that the whole family will enjoy and love.

About the Author:

The author is a freelance blogger and writer. She writes about entertainment, showbiz actors and actress, and TV shows such as Alice In Wonderland, and Erin Andrews video .

Dog Training

Should You Consider Alternative Medicine For Pets? Find Out Now

Dog Training


Should You Consider Alternative Medicine For Pets? Find Out Now
by Jeff Grill

Alternative medicine for pets is about two important things.

1. Treating and preventing health problems that commonly affect pet animals like dogs and cats using natural remedies.

2. Strengthening their immune system and increasing their vitality so that they stay healthy for a long time.

Why consider alternative pet health supplements?

Alternative medications, herbal and homeopathic medications in particular, are very effective. Unlike most other types of medications, they do not treat just the symptoms of a health problem. They also treat the cause of the problem. Also, these medications mostly contain herbs and other medicinal plants which are completely natural. So, unlike some prescription drugs, they do not cause any allergic reactions or other such side effects.

What to look for?

Some of the most important ingredients you should look for in alternative pet health supplements include Indian ginseng, mistletoe, milk thistle, and Huang Qi. These herbs are known for their ability to boost the immune system of pet animals like dogs and cats. They have been used by naturopathy practitioners across the world for hundreds of years.

Alternative medicine for pets - are they a better alternative to conventional pet medications?

We cannot say that for sure. These medications are surely effective. But they cannot replace conventional medications completely. There are a lot of health problems in pets which can be treated only with conventional medications. These natural remedies are definitely a good nutritional supplement for your pets. But in case of a severe health problem, you should always consult your vet and act according to his advice.

Pet health - important things to consider

Beyond making sure your pet always has fresh water, plenty of exercise and mental stimulation such as play, diet is the next important component. There are over 40 nutrients required for a sound diet. These are difficult to replicate in home prepared meals and should be either purchased via a high quality AAFCO certified pet food or via recipes prepared by a veterinary nutritionist. Randomly providing foods is sure to miss important vitamins and minerals.

As an added layer of protection, a natural supplement can help the body help itself. As pet owners, we are all adjusting our diets for better help by taking a multi-vitamin, drinking juices or other positive steps. For pets, these same approaches and the use of natural supplements designed for pets can be helpful.

About the Author:

Jeff Grill is a pet enthusiast, publisher, and webmaster.You can learn more about natural approaches to pet health at the following site - alternative medicine for pets. You can also read more at the site the author edits which is the Dog Health Handbook.

Dog Training