Sep
30
We have a lot to cover so I’m going to beat around the bush. Let’s dive right in…
Rule #1: The puppy should never be left unattended in the house or outside.
You can’t stop your puppy from chewing on shoes or peeing on the floor if
you are not paying attention.
Watching your puppy at all times when they are running around the house
allows you to stop the problems before they start.
In other words, if you see your dog getting ready to chew on a shoe, you
can tell her No! and offer her an acceptable chew toy. This is how you stop
the chewing problem in it’s tracks. If they are never allowed to chew on
shoes, they won’t develop the habit.
Rule #2: When outside the puppy is always on a 20-25 foot cotton leash.
Once again, how can you expect your puppy to come to you or pay attention
to you if they run off and you have to go chase them down? You can’t.
Having them on a long line at all times when outside gives you control and
the ability to “reel” your puppy in if they are doing something they shouldn’t
(digging in the garden.)
We are not punishing them for anything, we are limiting their freedom and
building leash tolerance for later leash training.
Rule #3: When the puppy can not be supervised it is kenneled (referred to
as crated).
A wire kennel from the local pet store will work fine in this situation.
You can use this kennel to keep your puppy safe when you can not supervise
them.
Another use for this is potty training.
Do not leave your puppy in the kennel for more than 3 hours at a time.
Rule #4: You and only you feed your puppy. This is important.
We are not teaching them to be mean or whatever. We are teaching them that
you are the provider of all things good and other people after some time
will be allowed to interact with the puppy too.
However, they should not feed, give treats, or walk your puppy. That is your
job. They should not be able to play with the puppy without you around either.
This goes for the wife, kids, husband, friends etc…
We have to build a bond before we start socializing the puppy.
Rule #5: LOVE THEM. This is one of my pet peeves with us dog people. Nearly
every single behavior problem is caused by too much attention and love.
Let me explain.
Dogs are animals. Then they are dogs. Then they are a breed of dog. Then they
are our friends.
If we neglect the animal instincts, dog instincts and breed instincts and only
treat them with love and attention all the time, they fall out of balance and
start to compensate for the lack of these things by doing things we as people
consider “problems.”
For example, carrying your Yorkie in bag, while very Paris Hilton like, is not
good for them because they do not get exercise and do not burn off energy. They
compensate by being little freaks that go nuts and run around like a wind up toy
gone on the fritz.
In this case, the owner is serving their needs (fashionable, popular, cute,
makes them feel neat) while making the poor dog suffer and the dog compensates
by acting up.
Without proper boundaries, rules and discipline dogs will make up for the lack
of these things on their own and start to show behavior problems.
By properly setting up rules, boundaries and serving the puppies needs before yours.
You will set yourself and them up for a healthy relationship for life.
By: Jason Mann About the Author:
For more information about raising and training puppies [http://www.topdogtrainingsolutions.com/dogtraininginfo/when-do-I-start-puppy-training.html] try visiting
TopDogTrainingSolutions.com there you will find information about dog training and solving common behavior problems.
Criminal Lawyers
Sep
29
It’s never too early to train your pup to walk on a leash. As a matter of fact it’s often a bad idea to wait until the pup has grown a bit to get them used to being on a leash. Young dogs take time to adjust to wearing collars and leashes so make sure that you start this practice as soon as possible. The sooner they get used to the idea of wearing a collar the easier it will be on both them and you.
Buy a good pup collar with an id tag on it before you start training. Personally I always have my cellphone number etched onto the pups id tag - just in case they manage to sneak out. This has worked on at least once occassion. Don’t use a choke collar during leash training - it gives the dog the wrong idea about what’s going on. When you’re putting the pups collar on do so gently and with care but do make sure it’s firmly closed - this can be difficult to judge at times with the amount of puppy fat on their necks. The puppy might paw, whine and scratch at the collar at first but will then adjust to it - once you don’t fuss over it then neither will the pup.
You can now attach the leash to the pups collar. Again do this very gently - you don’t want the puppy to associate the collar and leash with fear or pain. With the leash attached let the pup stroll around the house so they can get used to the idea of the leash being there. A great idea is to attach the leash to the pups collar as they receive a meal from you - this develops a pleasant association for them in their formative years.
Once the pup is comfortable with the fact that there is a leash attached you can now pick up the leash. Don’t lead the puppy around - instead let him lead you to wherever he’s going. This allows the dog to still associate freedom of movement with the collar and leash being present. Praise your puppy as often as possible during leash training - every aspect of this training needs to be as pleasant and rewarding for the dog as possible for there to be true long term benefits.
Leash training a new pup is a challenge in itself it’s not something you can ignore - it’s absolutely essential for the pups safety. The sooner the training starts the more rewarding your relationship with your little doggy buddy can be.
By: Niall Roche About the Author:
Treatment Lung Cancer
Sep
28
These fun puppy pups party games are sure to keep the kids interested at your next party, so be sure to note them down and get planning.
The first puppy pups party game is called ‘Pass the Bone’. It’s kind of a fun relay race for all the kids. Have everyone divide into two groups to compete against each other. For this you’ll need two decent sized rawhide bones. Get the groups to line up in two straight rows. Then give each person at the end of each row one bone to place between their chin and their chest. At your go, these players will turn to the player next to them and pass the bone and the person receiving the bone most take it by grabbing it between their chin and chest as well. No one can touch the bones with their hands. The point is to try and pass the bone from one end of the line to the other before the other group does the same. At the end of this game give the bones to the real puppy pups in your home as special treats.
This next game called, ‘Puppies and Kittens’ is great fun to play at your next outside puppy pups party. Gather everyone in a loose circle and tell them all that they are to be one of two animals, either a puppy or a kitten. Then have them close their eyes and find the inner animal within. Once they’ve all decided whether they are to be a puppy or a kitten. They must try and find the other kittens and puppies in the group by sound alone. No one can open their eyes. So everyone will need to start barking or meowing and following those sounds to find the others in their groups. You’ll be watching to see which animals form a complete group first. Give the winning group, probably the puppies since this is a puppy pups party a special treat.
By: Gail Leino About the Author:
Mrs. Party… Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for
Puppy Pups party supplies and fun free educational
party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Shop has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable
Party Themes to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or “just because” parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Injury Lawyers
Sep
26
Your puppy has learned to use his puppy pads consistently, and the pads have helped teach him to use the bathroom in one specific place. Now, you are ready to teach your puppy to go in another specific place - outside. What is the best way to make the transition?
Many of the same techniques used to teach the puppy to use the wee pad indoors also apply to teaching him to go outside. Being consistent throughout the training and praising desirable behaviors are very important for training your puppy to eliminate outdoors. If you sometimes enforce the rules and other times do not, your actions will only serve to confuse the puppy and make training more frustrating for yourself.
To start the transition, move the puppy pad by the door, and be sure your puppy knows where the pad is. When you see him going toward it, pick him up and take him out to his outdoor potty spot. It may help to bring a puppy pad outside at first, to help your pup understand what he is supposed to do. Some dog owners have better luck bringing a soiled pad outside, since dogs naturally like to go where they have gone before. If you have been using a certain word or phrase to teach your puppy to use the wee pad, like “go potty,” be sure to use that phrase when you take your puppy outside.
When you start taking your puppy outside to potty, carry him and set him down him in the place where you want him to go in the future. If he develops a habit of going in a certain place, he will likely use that place all the time. So if you prefer that he go to the back corner of the yard, place him there each time.
To make the process easier, take trips outside at the right times as much as possible. When your puppy heads for the pad, take him out. Do the same early in the morning, before bed, and after meals. When he starts eliminating outdoors consistently, remove the puppy pad altogether.
Even though you are now teaching your pup to eliminate outside, there is no need to punish him for using the wee pad. Remember, he is doing what you taught him to do. Rather, stop making a big deal about it either way. What you should make a big deal about is praising the puppy when he goes potty outside. The power of praising your puppy when he does what you want cannot be underestimated. Some dog owners also choose to give a treat to reward their puppies for their behavior. Treats are great incentives, but whether you reward with treats is a matter of personal preference. Someday you will have to teach your growing dog that using the bathroom is not grounds for a treat every single time.
All puppies are different when it comes to learning to eliminate outside. Some quickly understand and do it every time, while others will take longer to become fully trained. Whether you are in the lucky category or not, your puppy will soon know to eliminate outside and one of the hardest parts of raising a puppy will be behind you.
By: Rob Perissi About the Author:
Rob Perissi is the Founder & President of MEDNET Direct, a leading supplier of disposable medical supplies for dental, healthcare, spa, and veterinarian offices. MEDNET offers a full line of products for cold shipping transport and hot and cold therapy including
instant cold compress and
reusable heat pack products from Nortech Labs.
Sewing
Sep
26
So you’ve decided to buy a puppy? Dogs can bring joy, laughter, love, loyalty, protection and companionship into your life. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you choose the puppy you wish to bring into your home. Use the following checklist to ensure you purchase the puppy that’s right for you.
The Breeder
* Is the breeder experienced with the breed of puppy you are choosing? Can she answer any questions you have? Will she stand behind the puppy if problems arise?
* Has the breeder explained all the pros and cons of the breed you have chosen? Every dog has good and bad characteristics and the breeder should make you aware of them.
* Has the breeder insisted the puppy be enrolled in obedience school? Today many reputable breeders insist on this.
* Has the breeder offered you a starter kit? Many breeders offer customers a package when they purchase a puppy. It should include instruction on the care of the dog, at least one dog care book for the specific breed you are purchasing, a sample of the puppy chow that the puppy has been being fed, a list of supplies you will need for your puppy and information on obedience schools, dog trainers with experience in behavioral problems and veterinarians in your area.
* Has the breeder discussed crate training with you? The breeder should inform you on how important it is to crate train your puppy, explain how useful crates can be and instruct you on how to use the crate. Crates can keep your puppy safe from harm.
* Does the dog breeder have your puppy’s papers in order? You and the breeder should have a contract that you both sign, as well as a pedigree. Reputable breeders sell puppies with a spay and neuter requirement. This means you don’t receive your puppy’s papers registration application until the puppy has been spayed or neutered. All stipulations should be specified in the contract and explained to you so that you fully understand what your responsibilities are. There should never be an extra fee for your puppy’s pedigree.
* Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, or an equivalent to ensure the breeder that you are buying from is reputable.
Health
* When a breeder takes you to see the puppies, take note if they appear healthy and clean. Puppies should have bright, sparkling eyes, a healthy looking coat, clean ears and no odor. They should be active, frisky and full of life.
* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been de-wormed and vaccinated. If they have, the veterinarian would have issued a report stating exactly what was done.
* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been checked for hereditary diseases and conditions. Ask if the pups have been certified in these areas.
Socialization
* Are the puppies active, friendly and fascinated by people? Do they come running to meet you when approached? Puppies love being held, petted, played with and they should have outgoing personalities. If puppies shy away when you approach, buyer beware. You might want to consider choosing a different breeder.
* Is the mother dog attractive and friendly? Is she clean and does she look as if she is well cared for? By the time puppies are old enough to be weaned, the mother shouldn’t be overprotective of them or act in an aggressive way when you approach. If the puppy’s father is around, he should be friendly and greet you with ease. Never buy a puppy if either of his parents is aggressive. Dog aggression is often hereditary and you don’t want a dog that has a bad temperament.
* Are the puppies old enough to be sold? Puppies should not be separated from their litter until they are between 6 and 8 weeks old; 8 are best. On the other hand, puppies should have homes before they are 10 weeks old to prevent them from becoming dependent on their mother and siblings.
* Has the breeder begun to socialize the puppies? If the puppies have spent time with humans and have been given proper care, attention and training, it will be obvious in the puppy’s reaction to you. It’s imperative that puppies become socialized at a very early age.
Your Responsibilities
* Are you committed to the dog that you’re planning on purchasing for the rest of its life? Purchasing a puppy is not something to be taken lightly. You are committing to the care, training and health of the dog and to love it and tend to its every need. Dogs, depending on the breed and life’s circumstances, usually live 10 years or more.
It is your responsibility to make sure it is in good health and happy as long as it lives. A dog is not a toy that you buy and then toss it in the corner when you’re tired of it. Dogs are living things that have to be nurtured. They have to be cared for and take as much, or more, care as a child. Owning a puppy is a very serious commitment and not to be taken lightly. If you are willing to spend the next dozen or more years caring for your dog, then by all means bring one into your life. You will have a firm bond to each other and spend many happy hours interacting together.
By: Ian White About the Author:
Author Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties.
For more information about matching dog lovers with breeders visit http://www.dog-breeders.biz
Malpractice Lawyers
Sep
26
There is nothing more ear-shattering than a whining Beagle puppy that won’t stop. When you get to a point where you refuse to invite people over your home, you know it has gone too far. Have the peace and tranquility you deserve. Learn how to silence a whining Beagle puppy once and for all:
o The worst thing to do is respond to your puppy’s whining. If you have crated him/her or left them in a separate room, they will whine at first. What you have to do is completely ignore it. The minute you enter the room, you are showing the puppy that whining will make you return. Beagles are very smart and should respond well to this.
o Bring your puppy out the same times each day at key times: after meals, when they wake up in the morning, when they wake up at night, and after they have been alone for a long period of time.
o Train your puppy to stop whining. Practice entering the room immediately after he/she stops. This will show the puppy that you will return if he/she stops. They will begin to see being quiet as something that is rewarded.
o Put one of your soiled shirts in the crate or room with the pup. This will remind him/her of you and make the puppy feel more secure.
o You can try to create a makeshift noisemaker. Take an empty can and fill it with coins. Each time the Beagle puppy starts to whine, shake the noisemaker. The puppy will not like the sound and start to believe that whining brings about that horrible sound.
o Another thing that works is a radio. Sometimes puppies respond very well to a radio on low. This will provide sound so that your puppy believes he/she is not alone.
By: Jeremy Hoffman About the Author:
If you’re sick and tired of your canine’s annoying problems and behaviors visit
http://www.petdogtraining.info to learn how you can cut your dog obedience training time in half by using the techniques that will give you immediate results.
Pet Dog Training offers six days Secrets to Dog Training Course for FREE where you can finally put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog’s behavior problems.
Anyone that owns a puppy or hard-to-train dog must take action immediately to ensure that their puppy is getting the best training available so he/she will grow up to be a healthy, happy, and lovable dog that you’ve always wanted.
SEO Services
Sep
25
Puppy Broker: A Puppy Mill Reseller
Are you thinking of purchasing dog and considering buying a middleman instead of directly from the breeder? Buyer Beware! Here are some tips on how to educate yourself on determining if that person you are purchasing a dog from is reputable or really a puppy mill re-seller.
What is a Puppy Broker?
A puppy broker is someone who purchases bulk “lots” of animals to re-sell instead of breeding dogs within their own kennels. Since these dogs are not seen in pet stores, they can be passed off as quality dogs, or from champion lines, or whatever the puppy brokers wishes the buyer to believe. Someone selling an entire litter which they did not themselves breed is likely selling puppy mill animals. A reputable, contentious breeder would never sell puppies in bulk or in “lots”.
Puppy brokers, also known as puppy mill representatives, know well how to market themselves to potential buyers and will prey upon an individual’s lack of knowledge. They will pass themselves off as persons who care about the dogs and wish to protect the integrity of a given breed.
Import Brokers
A trend among puppy brokers is to present dogs as quality imports which come from “healthier, studier” European lines. Such claims of lines being healthier are often false and these may be dogs purchased from overseas puppy mills. The only way to safeguard against possible medical problems is screening for genetic defects within a breeder’s program. Ask for health clearances and get them in writing.
The actual trip from Europe is very hard on the dogs. It is now being said that for every three dogs imported in this manner, two die. Many die either in flight or shortly after arrival. Stories of puppies dying shortly after being purchased are far to numerous.
How to Identify a Puppy Broker
There are two factors which allow a puppy broker to do business: your ignorance and your impatience to have a dog of a certain breed. If you want a quality, healthy dog, do not allow these things to be used against you! Educate yourself and be patient! You could pay for your impatience for the next 15 years.
What to Look For:
Puppy brokers always have dogs available. How is this? If they don’t have one in stock for you today, they will have one for you shortly. They just happen to know of a great litter from champion lines about to be ready for new homes! Use common sense! Breeding is not an overnight process! Quality breeders have waiting lists for their dogs and puppies are often sold prior to the actual birth. How has this broker found you such a great dog on such short notice?
Meet the Dam
Always meet the dam of a litter and pick the puppy up on location where the dogs are kenneled/live. If a seller will not allow you to go to the actual property where the dogs live, be very suspicious. If they hesitate to allow you to meet the dam, they either have not bred the dogs themselves or the dam is not who they claim. The sire is commonly not on property, but you always have the right to contact the sire’s owners. Be warned: they will go out of their way to cover the fact they themselves are not the actual breeder of a litter and may outright lie about this.
Champion Dog Lines - Maybe Not
Is the seller claiming your potential puppy is of champion bloodlines? In the internet age, it has become common for puppy brokers to take photos of champion dogs from the sites of reputable kennels and claim that these are the parents of their puppies. Often the actual owners of the sire and dam have no idea that their dogs are being used in this way. Contact them. If a puppy broker will not give you contact information, search the internet and get in touch with them yourself. Good breeders will not hesitate to speak to you about their litters. We can not stress enough how often this happens.
References
Check references. Those selling dogs should be able to produce a list of references from breed clubs, previous purchasers and at least one vet. Contact all references! We have found re-sellers of dogs who are negligent on severe medical attention which their personal dogs need, have poor reputations to being banned from breed/sport/show clubs, or do not give puppies vaccinations but sell them at too early of an age to avoid “unnecessary” expense.
Before You Buy:
Please do not support this growing industry of puppy mill re-sellers. There are many ways to determine if you are purchasing from someone wanting to make a quick profit. Do your research, ask breed/sport/show clubs, which often have online forums, and make an educated decision on where your puppy will be coming from.
By: Layla Dean About the Author:
About the Author: Layla D. is a animal lover and contributor to
georgia-dog-friendly.blogspot.com .
This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Layla D.
Injury Lawyers
Sep
25
Training your new puppy to pee outside is something that new dog owners will want to accomplish quickly. You want to accomplish this quickly to ensure that your expensive flooring will not be ruined and that you will be able to take your new puppy out to different places with you more often. I know that for me I always try to accomplish this potty training as fast as possible so that I am able to take my new pet out more often to get him properly socialized. Here is a great tip that I have found that has worked out really well in getting my puppy to learn that he has to go outside to do his business.
The number one tip that I have found that works out really quickly in getting my puppy to learn that he needs to go outside is to take him out frequently. Now for many of us this sounds like it is a very time consuming task which at times it can be seen as very time consuming, but it is well worth the hassle when you figure out that if you cleaned up as often as when your dog goes inside versus taking him out you will end up saving time.
Now with my new puppy I normally would take him out about every fifteen to twenty minutes which he would then start going outside all the time rather than on my carpet. Once he started going outside more often I would gradually increase the amount of time in between my taking him out until he finally no longer had accidents in the house. This method would typically take me about a month to two months before he reached this point with only the rare accident.
By: Jimmy Fisher About the Author:
If you want to find even more great ways that you can potty train your puppy and get him obedience trained you will want to visit this great training program that can be found here at
dogbehaviorsolved.info
Pregnancy
Sep
23
There is no question that dog training is important, unless you are one person who enjoys cleaning up after your dog’s messes. However, knowing hat training is important doesn’t make the task any easier. To help keep things simple, here are a few answers to some of the most common dog training questions.
When is the best time to train your pet dog?
The best time for dog training is when he is still a puppy. At this stage, a dog learns a lot and more efficiently. The reason for this is that the dog’s brain, like humans, is still developing during the early years of its life and with this, almost anything you teach the young would be absorbed and carried to adulthood.
What are the basic things you need to teach your pup?
First thing’s first. Never beat your dog. Try to make the whole training process enjoyable for your dog. For instance if you are trying to make him do something, give your dog some form of treat or reward right away so as to strengthen any positive response. If you don’t get the response that you want, raise your voice a little bit and say either “no” or “bad dog” so that he would know that what he had done was wrong.
You should be consistent in your commands and demands. If you give different instructions and varying signals, your dog might be confused and would not know how to follow.
Discipline. You should always make sure that your pet does not cause harm to others. Train him to behave nicely especially when there are other people around. Teach him to sit or stay still instead of barking and jumping around whenever he sees other people. You must teach him to respect you and your visitors.
Avoid playing roughly with your pet because he might develop this habit and proceed to do this with every person he meets. This can be easily misunderstood as well as cause other people and your dog serious harm. Ultimately, you might want just to keep him on a leash so that if worse comes to worst, he couldn’t misbehave.
Specific tasks. You can also teach your puppy some specific tasks which would be helpful. The sit command is simple. How complex can telling your dog to “Sit!” be? It is more difficult to make your dog follow, however, so it is important that you make him feel he will get something for following you. Teach him to associate dog treats with the word “Sit!” and he’ll be sitting at your command in no time.
To establish the association with your command, place the treat above his head (anywhere visible to him but still out of his reach). Say the magic word (you know, Sit!), push his flanks down gently so he will be forced to sit down. Once he’s seated, give him a nice pat, compliment him with a “Good dog!” and give him his treat. Do this over and over again until such time when you wouldn’t need to push him down so he would sit down.
There are a lot of other tasks you could teach your puppy like “Stop whining,” “Stop chewing”, “Lie down,” etc. As has been said earlier, the most important thing is to recognize your pet dog’s efforts by giving him a reward for every accomplishment. Do this and your puppy would be trained in no time.
By: Dr. Mark Clayson About the Author:
Mark Clayson is a professional, home business entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit
Start Work at Home for more information on starting or developing a home business or his
official site to find out more.
Free Lawyers
Sep
20
What is the best puppy food for a Chihuahua? Unfortunately, many health related problems in Chihuahuas can stem from a lack of the proper nutrition when they were a puppy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best food for your Chihuahua puppy:
1. Make sure the food you get has plenty of quality protein in it. Some dog food manufacturers, unfortunately, will fill their food with “by products”. By products are inferior sources of protein such as chicken feet, intestines, beaks, etc. Needless to say these by products are not a very digestible source of protein. Be sure and look for a quality protein like chicken meal. Chicken meal is a very concentrated source of protein compared to chicken because the water has been removed. It should be your protein of choice.
2. The best food for Chihuahua puppies is small and bite size so it will be easy to chew up. Also, make sure they like the food! There is nothing more disappointing than buying a whole bag of “healthy dog food” and then having your Chihuahua turn his nose up to it. Some dog food companies offer samples of their food so your dog can try it first.
3.Look for health promoting ingredients that will help benefit your Chihuahua puppy and their overall immune system. These would include fresh vegetables, proteinated minerals , grape seed extract and probiotics. These should be listed in the ingredient list on the bag. So read your labels carefully to make sure you are getting the best puppy food for your Chihuahua.
4. As long as a dog food is high quality, there is no need for a special puppy formula for your Chihuahua. Look for one approved by AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) for ALL stages of life, both puppy and adult.
Did you know that dogs fed a high quality dog food live on average 5 or more years longer than dogs fed lesser-quality food?
By: Candice Lee About the Author:
Phantom of the Opera
Sep
20
Shitzu puppies are very active and they burn calories quickly. Their initial growth phase is during the first six months of life, although theoretically they are still puppies until eight to twelve months of age, or when they reach puberty.
While your shitzu is still a puppy, he should be fed at least four times a day because he has a small stomach and a high metabolism. As he gets older and his growth and development slow down, you can decrease the feedings to three meals, and later two meals a day. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to be certain this feeding schedule matches your shitzu’s needs.
Unless your shitzu is a very active dog, he probably will not require more than one to two meals a day when he is an adult. Ideally the meals should be provided at twelve-hour intervals, or if only one meal is provided, in the early evening, after he has exercised and before bedtime. If all of the food has not been eaten after twenty minutes, remove it. An after dinner stroll before bedtime will help your shitzu sleep more comfortably.
Some shitzu owners prefer to feed free choice, which means that food is available at all times and the dog eats whenever it desires. This method works well for dogs that are nibblers, not heavy eaters. Free choice feeding may be convenient, but it is difficult to know exactly how much food your shitzu is eating daily. It also is not usually successful because most dogs will eat even if they are not hungry. These dogs will eventually become overweight.
Obesity in dogs has now reached epidemic proportions in the United States - more than 30 percent of the canine population is obese. Overfeeding your shitzu (especially if it is a puppy) and inactivity can cause obesity, which in turn can lead to heart disease, skeletal and joint problems, and metabolic diseases.
The most effective way to prevent your shitzu from becoming overweight is to closely monitor his food intake and not overfeed him. Overeating is the most common cause of obesity in dogs.
The best way to know if your shitzu is eating the proper amount is to check his overall physical condition. You should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them. Weigh him once a week, if possible, and not less than once a month.
By: Justin Mathers About the Author:
Justin Mathers is a dog lover and owner. He is the owner of a few dog web sites which give information and resources to people wanting to train, or just get to know their dogs better. You can visit his web sites at:
Shitzu Puppies and
Dog Behavior Training and Yorkshire Puppies [http://www.yorkshire-puppies.com]
SEO Services
Sep
18
Puppies are like children. They can get into unimaginable difficulties when their environment is not structured.
Here is a basic checklist of environmental hazards:
Puppies can open loose cupboard doors. Buy cupboard door protectors or get out the good old duct tape and make sure that the cupboards that are low either can not be broken into or do not contain hazardous elements!
Puppies can chew light cords. Arrange your home so that light cords, TV cables, computer cords, and so on, are hidden behind heavy immovable furniture or are enclosed behind barriers.
Large Breed puppies can put their front feet onto ALL the counters. Push back items that they can get into, take them off the counters, or be prepared to have your most valuable items (such as your TV remote control) dragged off and chewed!
Clothing articles can be DEADLY. I personally have known several puppies around the age of five to six months that have died from ingesting socks or chewing on scatter rugs…. fabric often balls up and creates an intestinal blockage. By the time the vet discovers it, it is too late. Don’t allow your puppy to drag around socks or old towels, take them away and substitute with a dog toy.
Common houseplants can be poisonous. Make sure you know which ones are, and keep them out of the environment where your puppy will be. You can find the poisonous ones through a quick check on the internet.
Household poisons used for insect or rodent control should be absolutely out of the question in the puppies’ environment. Simply do not apply poisons in areas that your puppy has access to, under any circumstance!
Toys should be dog toys. Left over trucks from the kids’ toy box are NOT GOOD. Items which have small parts which can be chewed off or swallowed are NOT GOOD. Likewise, most bones are NOT GOOD. Vets will tell you of the numbers of surgeries they have performed to remove bone shards from the intestines of dogs. If you must provide bones, the bigger “knucklebone” is a good choice because it will not shred off into sharp shards.
Sticks are the favorite as far as retrieving, but sticks in the mouth of running puppies are dangerous. They can jam that stick into their throat if they run into an immovable object, OR they can take out the eye of another dog or even a child. Use good dog toys for retrieving…and be sure the toys are not too small for the dog’s mouth and can not be swallowed!
Nothing “settles down” a hyperactive puppy like a good exercise session. Do not over do, and be careful that you do not demand too much of your puppy before its young bones are ready….but go on walks, by all means. And make these walks a time to teach your puppy the basics of polite manners…sitting when you come to street corners, not barking at strangers that you meet. So that means these walks must be ON LEASH. (It’s better exercise for you, that way, too!) After the “controlled” walk, a good run in a dog park, off leash, or a good swim in a nearby pond are excellent ways to burn off excess energy. The rule of thumb for walking distance for a pup is “no longer than 20 minutes” before six months of age.
Nothing is as important in the care of a puppy as regular vet checks. Be sure that your puppy is immunized at the right times, fed well, exercised well, and spends the majority of its time in a “puppy-safe” environment….and have fun bringing up your puppy!
By: Michael Russell About the Author:
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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to
Pet Care ——————————————————-
Toddler Safety
Sep
18
It seems like you have been waiting forever, but its finally time for your new Doberman puppy to come home. Every puppy needs to be taught and trained on how to adapt to his new family, and the family has to adapt to having a new puppy in the house. The new puppy may be a little scared and sad to be away from his litter mates, or he may be excited and curious to explore his new home. Either way, there are some basics in caring for your new Doberman puppy.
It is important to have a crate for your puppy. Put a blanket or towel in the crate and introduce your Dobie to the crate as soon as possible. Leave the door open so he feels like he can go into his “den” whenever he wants. You can also put a toy in the crate. If your puppy gets tired, or overwhelmed, he will likely appreciate his own special place to rest. The first few nights at home can be difficult for the puppy and the family. You can expect the pup to cry and whine most of the night. Something we found helpful was to put a large stuffed animal in the crate. We found a stuffed dog that was bigger than our puppy, and she immediately cuddled up to the toy like she would with her litter mates. After a few nights your puppy will get used to sleeping in his crate. If you can place the crate in an area of your home where it will not be isolated, this is best, especially at night.
The best food for your puppy is a premium quality dry kibble, formulated especially for large breed puppies. This special formula insures the proper amount of protein and other nutrients while preventing the puppy from growing too big, too fast. Rapid growth does not allow the bones and joints time to develop properly, which will cause problems as the puppy matures. We also give our Dobermans a human grade, all natural pet vitamin. This provides supplements not in the dog food and not naturally produced by your dog. Omega fatty acids and antioxidants are beneficial for your dogs healthy immune system.
Dobermans at any age do not like to be alone and away from their family. Your Doberman puppy will need lots of attention, but this is a good thing…who doesn’t want to play with their puppy as much as possible? Socialization is especially important for a Doberman puppy. Any family members, neighbors, friends of your kids and neighborhood pets that will be around your new Dobie should be introduced early on. This way your naturally protective new family member will know there is no threat or danger to “his” family.
Puppy kindergarten is a good idea for your new Doberman puppy. This provides several important benefits. It will get your pup used to traveling in the car and being out in public. It will be an excellent, positive opportunity for socialization, and it will give your busy, active puppy someplace to focus his energy. Dobermans are very intelligent and highly trainable. They are happier if they are challenged physically and mentally. Basic obedience classes will help your puppy learn manners and will make him much easier for you to control. Believe me, a Doberman will try to be the boss if given the chance!
Dobermans are a working breed and they like to have something to do. This is a breed that requires a lot of attention, even beyond the puppy stage. They are great companions and family dogs. If you take the time to work with your puppy, he will grow up to be a cherished member of your family.
By: Joseph M Sabol About the Author:
Making Money
Sep
18
What is heeling? Heeling is not the same as going for a walk. Heeling is an obedience exercise in which the dog stays close beside you, paying attention only to you and where you are going. As your puppy grows up, heeling will become the safe way for you to walk your dog through crowds and across streets, ignoring all normal or unusual distractions. It is the easiest lesson to begin with because you’ll be taking your new puppy outside on leash to eliminate and you can practice three times on each trip - on your way out, after he relieves himself, and coming back inside.
This will not be the heeling exercise as done in obedience class, but more of a lesson in “pre-heeling” because you can begin off-lead anywhere that’s safe, indoors or out. And instead of “Heel,” use the friendlier “Let’s go!”
Begin by getting the pup’s attention as he’s trotting along next to you, to make him conscious of what he is doing. Some pups will follow if you lean over, quietly clapping your hands in front of their nose; some like to hear cheerful chatter; others just want to go wherever you go. As you move along, you can add an occasional, “Sparky, watch me!” No doubt by now you’ve noticed that some one-word commands are actually two or three words. Just run them together and your puppy will catch on perfectly.
Hold his attention by walking just quickly enough to make the puppy want to keep up with you. If he’s not paying attention, stop and begin again. No correction. It all begins with just one step in the right direction, followed by verbal praise. Following a treat that smells good may get him started, but if a young pup’s attention is totally elsewhere, this is hot the right moment for a lesson. A few minutes of playtime, followed by a drink of water, may put him back on track to try again. Or wait until next time. You can practice anywhere, anytime, on or off leash. As you notice him walking next to you, take advantage of the opportunity to get in a speedy, “Let’s go! - good dog.”
Be realistic in what you expect of a puppy. A few steps on command earn a reward. A few more steps earn a reward. A week later Sparky is heeling nicely so praise and quit practicing immediately! Practice again later. Puppies arrive in the winter, too, when outside lessons
are not possible. A long hallway or a basement is perfect for indoor training. No distractions, limited space so your pup cannot go too far wrong, and you’re sure to have his attention because you are the most fascinating thing around.
Add some right turns for variety and to be sure he is really paying attention. As you make the turn, bend over and clap your hands to keep him on course. Left turns are harder because you have more to do. Put your left foot in front of the pup to gently guide him into the turn. Careful, or you’ll step on the pup and he won’t think this game is very much fun! However, if your left foot happens to bump the puppy, or he plows into it, don’t apologize. If he thinks it was his mistake, he will learn to pay closer attention. Repeat the “Watch me” signal.
By: Burke Jones About the Author:
Have you signed up for my free 9 part Puppy Training Course? Visit [http://www.pet-guides.com/puppy-training] today and start training your puppy tonight!
Multi-IP Hosting for SEO
Sep
12
It is a joyful event when a family brings home a new puppy. Deciding what kind of dog to bring home can be extremely difficult. The Labrador retriever has been known to be a very good choice as a family dog. When considering what kind of puppy to get, a black Labrador puppy would work well with a family. These dogs also have few health problems and provide a lifetime of companionship. A black Labrador puppy is a smart choice.
Traits Of A Black Labrador Puppy
The Labrador retriever is known as one of the more mellow breeds of dogs. For the owner that does not want to put up with too many problems, this is the kind of dog they will love. Labradors also have a great track with children. The owner can feel safe leaving the dog alone with children. As far as bringing home a dog that will work well in a family atmosphere a Labrador retriever would be a perfect match.
As with all puppies, there are good things and some less desirable things. In the case of a dog like the black Labrador puppy, it will eat whatever is put in front of it. This is true for all variations and ages of this breed. Therefore, the owner must monitor what the dog is eating and make sure it does not overeat. Overeating can result in various health problems.
These dogs are also known for their high energy. An owner must be willing to spend time outside with it and be willing to play catch with a ball or Frisbee for long periods of time. The exercise that this dog gets outside is what keeps it in shape and helps it to remain healthy. By playing the aforementioned games of catch or taking it for a walk the Labrador puppy will be healthy and feel loved. A black Labrador puppy will have an added level of energy and the owner must be ready for that.
A black Labrador puppy is an ideal dog for people with a family. It is also a coveted dog for people who spend lots of time outdoors and for hunters. A potential owner must weigh these traits and determine if this is the right dog for them because in the long run that will ultimately decide the happiness of both the owner and the dog.
By: Denise Duncan About the Author:
Denise Duncan loves all dogs, especially labradors, and enjoys training and raising them. She is a contributing author and editor for
http://www.AllAboutLabradors.com .
Get Mortgage
Sep
10
One of the most useful commands you can teach your puppy, is how to sit. When sitting, a dog will give you their full attention, which makes it a great command to use before moving to another command. It’s also great for safety- if your dog is about to cross the road unattended, then the sit command could even be a life saver! There are also some other commands (such as “stay”, and “lie down”), which actually begin from the sitting position, and you won’t be able to move onto them until your dog is sitting when you want.
Luckily, teaching a puppy to sit is quite simple. Dogs can’t flex their spine, so if you tip their heads high enough, they will just sit naturally. All puppies know how to sit already- you just have to teach them to sit, when YOU want! You can start teaching a puppy to sit from the age of about 8 weeks and above.
There are 2 easy steps to teach your puppy to sit…
1. Call you dogs name, and make sure it is standing in front of you, and looking you in the eye. This will ensure you have the dogs complete attention.
2. Command you puppy to sit. Make sure you use the same command each time (Usually just “sit”), and in the same tone of voice. At the same time as giving the command, push down on the back legs, forcing the puppy into the sit position. Make sure you push down gently, but firmly.
You can also use food- just hold the food above the puppies nose, and move it back behind the dog’s head. The puppy will follow the food, and sit down.
3. Congratulate your puppy for entering the sit position. Use praise even when you had to force the dog to sit, but give extra praise when the puppy sits on its own. You can use treats, but make sure not to use them every single time!
Repeat this training regularly, and be sure to phase out the use of treats, and you’ll have your puppy sitting on command in no time!
By: Dan Fletcher About the Author:
Cancer Mesothelioma
Sep
9
Everybody knows that puppies are among the cutest and most adorable animals in the world. Perhaps this is because they are not only beautiful but also truly tender and accessible for us. Besides, being able to breed a puppy is always an emotional task that requires not only effort but also love, tenderness and patience. This is why puppies deserve to have a cute name in order to enhance their natural cuteness and uniqueness as well and today we are writing this article to help you out with the choosing process. Please join us now and discover the best and cutest puppy names in the world.
You can begin by looking up among names that refer to specific physical characteristics. Some of the examples are Blackie, Inky, Pepper, Brownie, Chip, Cocoa, Toasty, Coco, Frosty, Snowy, Snowflake, Dinky, Bonsai, Peanut, Shorty, Stumpy, Biscuit, Nacho, Sandy, Souffle, Twinkie, Amber, Almond, Apricot, Foxy, Ruby, Curly, Oreo, Patch, Silky and Spotty. All of them make reference to different colors, markings and size and will perfectly adapt to your puppy’s general appearance.
Food is another great source from where to find some of the cutest (and most delicious!) names. Here are some possibilities: Apple, Bagel, Bean, Brie, Crumbs, Honey, Popcorn, Pip, Spaghetti, Taco, Toffee, Twix, Vanilla, Burrito, Candy, Cherry, Chunky. Finally, we suggest you to look for some other cute options among nature related names: Bear, Bamboo, Cane, Comet, Firefly, Panda, Pearl, Powder, Star, Sunset, Wombat. As you can see, the options are endless and we have only mentioned a few in each category. Finding a cute puppy name is truly easy. You only need to choose your favorite one and make your adorable happy for the rest of his life.
By: Jakomo Dupont About the Author:
Bedding Sets
Sep
6
Puppy training actually begins the moment you bring a new puppy into your home. The first week is very important. Everyone in the family needs to be on the same page when it comes to the routine, responsibility and rules that will be set for the newest member of the family. This is also a good time to be thinking about pet insurance, as small puppies have yet to develop a strong immune system or sense of danger, and the new environment could contain many potential hazards, most of which could seem perfectly harmless!
Animal Friends Insurance is one provider which can offer you a range of dog insurance plans to suit your needs and budget, including full lifetime cover for your new puppy. The first few days in your puppy’s new home are extremely important and will be a time of much excitement and joy. However, remember your new puppy has just been taken away from the only place he has ever known and is very vulnerable and impressionable. You have to set up a routine and rules from the start. Puppies are very smart and will learn very quickly. First you need to set up a special place for the newest member of your home.
Puppies need security and a set routine. Set up a small room to be their own special safe place for the next couple of weeks or so. Make sure you paper the entire floor and put down food and water bowls, a bed and scatter plenty of toys around. Try playing with your puppy quietly and gently. If your pup seems to be tired, leave him alone in his special place and let him sleep. Puppies are like babies, they need lots of sleep. Puppies are so irresistible and most people want to give them whatever they want. If you allow that to happen now when the pup becomes older you will find you may have problems breaking bad habits. Never hit your puppy. They don’t mean to be bad or misbehave- they are just doing what comes naturally to them. Show the pup what kind of behavior you want and teach him how to play with his toys.
Make sure that you show him how happy you are that he is chewing on his toys and not your furniture. We all know that puppies are chewing machines. That is why it is important to have plenty of chew toys around for them to use. When you see the pup start to chew on your furniture or a shoe, immediately grab one of their toys and get the pup’s attention. When the pup starts to play and chew on its toy make sure to praise them profusely. This shows them that you are happy with what they are doing. This shows them that when they do certain things which make you happy they will receive attention. You want to reward the good behavior and not the bad. Puppies have to be watched over very closely for the first few days until they figure out what their boundaries are. They have to be shown what is acceptable to be chewed on and what is not. They are just doing what comes naturally and don’t know any better. If you are not available to watch over them make sure they don’t have access to places where they can get into trouble. This is where a baby gate can come in handy if you want the pup to be around the family during the day but out of harm’s way.
Routines are especially important to establish with your puppy. Having a set routine gives your puppy security and helps to keep him calm and not fearful. If you and other family members will be gone during the day or on certain nights you need to get the pup accustomed to being alone. Every time the puppy whines resist the urge to comfort him. One of the first things to take care of after the puppy is settled into its new home is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Make sure to do this right away and to set up the schedule for vaccinations. Vaccinations are very important because puppies are susceptible to many canine diseases.
Take out a comprehensive pet insurance policy too, as vet’s bills for unexpected mishaps and illnesses can be very expensive. If you establish a routine and rules from the start, everyone, including your puppy, will be able to form a bond that will last a lifetime. Puppies grow up very quickly and you will want to be able to enjoy all of the different stages they will go through. When you get frustrated with potty training and the chewing, just remember it will pass and soon you will be over the hardest part of the adjustment period. Like raising a baby, puppies need a lot of love, attention and special care. In return you will get devotion, love and loyalty from the newest four-legged member of your family.
By: Stephanie Andrew About the Author:
Animal Friends Pet Insurance is the UK’s only not-for-profit ethical pet and life insurance company. AFI has been trading since 1999 and since then has helped thousands of needy animals all over the world by donating 100% of their net profits to worthy causes. Animal Friends has received several industry awards and is run by former NatWest Businesswoman of the Year, Elaine Fairfax. Buy pet and life insurance online at
Pet Insurance by Animal Friends or simply call our friendly staff if you prefer on 0844 55 70 300; the policies won’t cost you more and you won’t be disappointed!
Eviction Lawyer
Sep
5
When you first get that bundle of love the last think on your mind is that you have an aggressive puppy. Sometimes owners don’t even see that their puppy has aggressive behavior; they’re just a playful puppy, right? However, a responsible dog owner needs to take these behaviors seriously, and take adequate steps to get their aggressive puppy under control.
What makes your puppy aggressive?
Dominance Aggression can be displayed when a dog is feeling out of control in their social environment. If they want to have a different social position, they may challenge you or others. To do this your dog may growl when you try to direct them to do something they don’t want to do. They may also change their demeanor at the drop of a hat.
Fear-Motivated Aggression will show through when a dog feels threatened or scared. Often a dog with this type of aggression may misinterpret harmless motions like reaching out to pet them. Your dog might see that movement as a threat that you’re going to hit him.
Territorial Aggression can be displayed when your dog wants to protect his territory. This also comes into play with their food and they exhibit “guarding”.
Protective Aggression is when the dog is very protective of his “pack,” essentially you. This happens when the dog sees himself as the alpha or the leader, and not you. Though aggression can be tough to deal with there are some ways to work through it. The most important thing is not to panic when your dog shows those signs. Instead, take a breath and remember these important tips:
Do not think that by confining your dog you will break them of their aggressive tendencies. Being confined can lead to boredom, and dogs that have been shut away and are bored are often the ones that snap. They have so much energy that they haven’t been able to get out of their system. Instead, make sure that you give your special pet plenty of exercise. Play with them, walk them, get them moving, and that can greatly reduce puppy aggression. Don’t ever hit your puppy as a response to their aggression. Answering aggression with aggression does nothing but reinforce the negative behavior and teach the dog that it’s okay to react physically. Instead, you need to use a strong voice and gently nudge the dog or pull on the back of the neck to correct their aggressive behavior. You are not trying to inflict pain on the dog, but instead, you’re just trying to snap him out of his current state of mind. Probably the most important thing about preventing aggression in your dog is to start training them adequately from an early age. Instill positive core behaviors in your puppy with proper training.
There are great resources out there to give you even more tips and tools to help you train your dog to keep from succumbing to aggressive tendencies. With a little bit of research and effort your sweet puppy will stay your sweet puppy.
By: Lisa Gold About the Author:
Loan Consolidation
Sep
5
A few simple ideas can make a big difference to how successful your puppy potty training will be.
#1. Features your dog potty must have: It should be easy to clean. Have a splash back. Have a post for him to aim at. Be big enough for when he grows up.
#2. For indoor use, it’s much cheaper to use newspaper under the grill of a dog potty than any of the pad, gel or litter type products.
#3. Restrict his access to the house until he’s house trained. A small room with an easy to clean floor and a baby gate is ideal.
#4. Puppies get accustomed to the surface they eliminate on. So don’t change this until he’s fully house trained.
#5. The paper training method is the best technique if your puppy has to relieve itself indoors. It works even better when you use an indoor potty instead of paper.
#6. Nature’s miracle stain and odor remover is great for cleaning up and eliminating the puppy’s scent. It’s available from Amazon.
#7. Thoroughly clean up and deodorize anywhere there are any accidents. Otherwise he will eliminate there again.
#8. Feed your puppy and play with him anywhere he has had any accidents. This will help prevent him eliminating in the same spot again.
#9. Everyone involved must use the same training methods or it will confuse your puppy and it will take longer to house break him
#10. Give your puppy frequent attention during this critical period. If you find he’s having too many accidents, it probably means you are leaving him unattended for too long at a time.
By: Bruce Hamilton About the Author:
Find step-by-step instructions on
puppy potty training, crate training and the direct outdoor method of house breaking.
Discover the most common house training problems and how to deal with them. Whatever the breed. Whatever the age.
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