Dog Supplies

7 Important Dog Training Tips For You

2009-12-12T02:39:00.000-08:00

Dog training provides your dog with important lessons. They can save his life and they can protect you, your family, your neighbors and your household items.

Sadly, many dogs end up at the local pound because they never learned how to adapt to life within human society. This is often because owners don't know proper dog training methods. When their dogs seem unable to make the transition, owners feel their only alternative is to let the dog go.

This doesn't have to be the case for you. All it takes is knowing the right dog training techniques that work, how to apply them effectively and where to look for help.

One of the first lessons is for you.

Make dog training fun and enjoyable for you and your dog. That way, neither of you will become stressed or frustrated. Remember that dogs pick up on your emotions, the energy you emit. If you become tense, your dog becomes upset too. In this state, he is confused and unable to learn.

It takes time for a dog to learn and retain what he's learned. He might succeed admirably on your first training session, but the next day he's just as likely to have forgotten it. He might seem to have it down for an entire week or more and then fall back into his old habits.

He has a lot to learn in his youth. Because a dog's natural instincts are far stronger than any training you might apply, it's easy for him to slip back at this early stage.

This is a normal part of dog training, but it's not impossible to overcome. Simply reassert the training as a refresher course. Don't think that he just can't learn, because he can. He proved it by getting it right the first time.

Puppies love to play and interact with humans. While this is fun to observe and experience, it can present a problem during training. For an especially exuberant puppy, make extra effort to calm him whenever he loses focus.

You can do this by helping him expel some of that energy. Chase him around the yard, toss the ball, play tug-of-war, and anything else that will drain him. After about 15-20 minutes, or when you see he's slowing down, take a 5-minute rest and then begin the dog training.

Keep your training sessions short, especially at the beginning. He'll learn much better if you keep each lesson to under 10 minutes. Take a break, an hour or so, and start again.

Here are 7 basic dog training tips that will make training fun for you and your dog.

1. Seek out trained professionals. They can shorten the learning curve for you and your pet by using only the most effective dog training methods. No guesswork, just results. Refer to any of the great dog training books that are available for proper techniques.

2. Use positive reinforcement during the dog training sessions. Negative reinforcement, such as hitting your dog, can bring the opposite results to what you're trying to achieve. As well, negative punishment can make your dog fearful and even aggressive.

3. Make it fun! Dog training doesn't have to be a grueling task. Dogs love to please their owners, so if the learning environment is relaxed and fun, your dog will learn much more easily.

4. Use small treat rewards to help make the training enjoyable. Choose a special treat to use only for the training process when your dog has completed a lesson correctly.

5. Choose appropriate training products. Speak to your dog trainer or pet store professionals for advice on the proper product for your specific needs. For basic training, you need the right collar and leash, which can be a clicker collar or one of the different types of harnesses.

6. Remember that it will take time for your dog to absorb and understand your dog training lessons. Allow him the time he needs but also remember to reinforce each lesson by using the same methods every time. This will help his retention.

7. Know when to change your teaching method. While you'll want to stick to one method, it must be one that actually works. Try different methods until you find one that gets the results you want, and then continue to use that method.

Once you see some results, you'll realize that dog training can be a rewarding experience.

You could consider it an art form or special talent reserved for people like you who have the envious ability to connect with their dogs on a unique level.

Done well, dog training is like poetry in motion.

Dog Clothes make Great Gifts

2009-11-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the art of giving, a gift of clothes is fraught with peril. We all have stories to tell, and if you don't, you will. Just give it time.

Mine started early. My grandmother, having survived the Depression, knew how to stretch a dollar. Clothes for her grandkids were always purchased 3 or 4 sizes too big so we could "grow into them". And she passed this charming trait on to my mother. So, we endured our baggy clothes, with the sleeves and pant legs rolled up, until we were finally big enough to wear them with dignity. By which time they were ready for donation.

Then there's my husband. Heaven forbid I should try to give the man a Polo shirt with an uneven hemline. Most Polos are made longer in the back to help them stay "tucked", but hubby goes un-tucked -- always. He rejects any polo that breaks the rule, no matter how subtly. For an otherwise easy-going guy, his behavior is almost perverse.

If you must give clothes this season, there's one giftee on your list who's sure to look great in any outfit you buy him. He'll wear your gift with pride and appreciation, head held high and tail wagging.

That's right, your dog. Or your best friend's dog. It's so easy you'll wonder why you didn't think of it before.

Dogs love any kind of attention you lavish on them. So, Spike will wear his outfit - whether it's cute or ridiculous - as soon as he sees how happy it makes his owner. Spot will eat up all that extra attention he gets from strangers. And Fifi might even want to Vogue for the camera.

Clothes shopping for dogs is a lot like clothes shopping for babies. Unless you're going for practicality, cuteness is what counts. And that's easy to accomplish, given that any dog wearing clothes looks pretty darned cute.

Choices in dog clothes range from winter sweaters to football jerseys and summer tees. You can get a set of flannel PJ's for bedtime or a terry robe for after bath. There's even an entire line of Harley clothes for dogs, complete with leather cap and studded collar. Dog costumes made for parties and holidays are just too cute for words.

If you really want your gift to be a hit with admirers, accessorize. Try a designer dog collar and maybe a cool pair of sunglasses--they make them just for dogs. And I recently heard that leg warmers are making a come back.

Got a mischievous sense of humor? Making the baby look silly might be a no-no, but it's good clean fun when it comes to dressing up a dog. There are some really creative doggie costume out there that are good for a chuckle or two.

There's really only a couple of rules you'll need to keep in mind when shopping for dog clothes:
One is that if the dog in question is an avid chewer, you should avoid buying him anything tempting. Shiny buttons, fringe, and feathers are examples that come to mind. An object that can easily be chewed off and swallowed is a choking hazard and can get stuck in the dog's digestive tract.

The other rule is that any dog, no matter how tolerant, will be more comfortable wearing clothes that fit. Proper fit typically requires measuring from the dog's collar to the base of her tail for length. Most garment's girth can be adjusted with velcro tabs, but could still be an issue with a barrel-chested breed such as a bulldog. Measurements are typically in inches.

Remember that a dog will never "diet down" into an outfit that's too small , or -- unless you're shopping for a puppy or a pregnant female -- "grow into" an item that's too big. (Sorry, Grandma.)

Oh, and one more thing--if you're handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own dog clothes creations. Just don't forget to include an opening for the dog to relieve himself. Don't laugh, it happens a lot!

Now, if you're shopping for your own dog, you're all set. But if you're buying clothes for someone else's dog, I've got a few more tips for you.

Surveys conducted on the subject of gift preferences of men and women have shown that men prefer gifts that are more playful or practical. So, if the dog's owner is male this might translate into a doggie Harley jacket, a funny costume, or a reflective hunting vest (more on practical clothing in another article!).

Women, on the other hand, prefer gifts that are beautiful, memorable, and personal. It shouldn't be hard to find an item of clothing for a woman's dog that's either beautiful or memorable or both, and it will of course be personal!

Exception: if the woman is someone you don't know well. The more distant the relationship between giver and receiver, the riskier it is to give a personal gift. So, be they man or woman, if you don't know the dog owner very well, you probably shouldn't be buying dog clothes for their pet.

Dog Travel - Taking a Vacation with Your Dog

2009-11-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with you on weekend excursions and trips to the country. When it comes time to take a longer vacation, however, we always face the dilemma of what to do with Fido.

Traveling with your pup is not always practical, especially if you are flying somewhere. However, there are ways to make dog travel easier and more convenient -- it just requires a bit of planning.

The best way of traveling with your dog is to go by car or recreational vehicle. You can make as many stops as needed and your dog has the space to stretch out. Dog travel by plane is a little bit more complicated but it is not impossible.

If you are planning on flying somewhere with your dog, she will probably have to go in the cargo hold. This can be stressful for dogs, as the cargo hold is noisy and cold. Most airlines will not allow you to take your dog with you during winter weather -- it is simply too cold for a dog!

When traveling with your dog, always keep in mind her safety and comfort. She should have plenty of water to drink at all times, but since she will be less active during the actual traveling time you can probably cut back on her food a little bit.

Think about where you might be staying

Where are you going to stay when you are traveling with your dog? If you are planning on staying in hotels, be sure you know their restrictions and policies regarding dogs. Some hotels will not let you leave the dog alone in the hotel room. If you want to attend an event that prohibits dogs, you will have to arrange for a pet sitter for a few hours. If your hotel caters to dog travel, they may be able to help you locate a local pet sitter.

Maybe you're going to stay with friends when you are on the road. If your dog likes to jump on the furniture you should bring along a couple of old sheets to use as cover slips. Your friends will appreciate this touch and will be more likely to welcome you back for future visits with your pup.

Your dog will feel more secure if you bring some objects from home. Although she will be happy to be with you, if she has her bed and a few toys she will feel more comfortable and less anxious. This will make dog travel more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Because of their natural curiosity, dogs make wonderful travel companions. They also pave the way for making new friends when you are on the road. Dog travel can provide some of the most memorable vacations of your life and give you new perspectives and experiences everywhere you go.

Dog Crates

2009-11-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

If you are getting a new dog, you may also be considering how to train that dog to behave in your house. Often when it comes to potty training, people use crates. The idea is that if the dog is in a small den of his own, he will not want to soil the space and will wait until you put him outside. Additionally a crate can be a place where your dog feels comfortable as he gets used to his new surroundings, and knows is his safe place.

When it comes to crate selection there are a few kinds of crates that you can choose between. First are collapsible dog crates. These are often made of wire. If you want your dog to feel he has a lot of open air, these are the crates to use. Additionally if you travel a lot, you may like these since they can fold down to be put in the car and taken with you.

Other crate options are more closed in, like a den, with a wire front and some holes along the side for airflow. If you have a dog that seems to like to be able to hide, these are great crates for them. You will also want to find a crate that is easy to clean since you will be using this crate for dog training, and there are likely to be at least a few accidents.

What size dog crates should you buy? You need to know your dogs' size, and size the crate appropriately. The crate should allow your pet to be able to turn around as well as sit up. You also want your dog to be able to lie down and stretch out, not be forced to curl up in a ball all the time. For the most part, there are size charts for dog crates that will give you an idea of what crate will suit your dog, by weight. This is only a partial clue to the right size. Industry standards do not suit every dog and if you have a very tall or long dog, you need to take your own measurements to make sure. If you have a puppy, but don't want to have to keep buying new crates as he grows, you should look for dog crates that come with dividers. This way you can make it the appropriate size for your pup now, but move the divider to make the crate a better size as your dog grows.

Once you get a crate home, you may not know where to put it in the house. Some people they think since the crate may not be the most attractive thing you own, that you should put it in a room where it won't be seen. This is having the wrong effect on your dog. You are not trying to punish your dog, just keep him out of a trouble spot. Dogs are pack animals; so isolating him in another room is akin to punishment. Instead, you need to make sure the crate is placed in an area where the family will be.

Best Dog Kennels - How to Choose One For Your Dog

2009-11-20T22:51:00.000-08:00

The worst part of going on a vacation is leaving your pet behind. And, finding the best dog kennels around requires effort as both your much-loved pet and peace of mind during the vacation is at stake. The easiest way to look for the best dog kennels is to ask friends and family members or colleagues at your workplace. Someone or the other will surely come up with a recommendation or at least a negative review!

The other way is to look up the yellow pages, list the dog kennels that appeal to you most according to facilities advertised and area they are located in and then, take a tour of every single one of them. You may, if you wish, take your dog along on the tour as it may help you get a 'whiff' of his choice too.

There are certain questions you must ask at the dog kennels. Do not shy away from making enough queries to satisfy yourself. Basic things you absolutely must find out about include:

Meals and sleeping area.

Play areas and time allowed for recreation to the pets.

Check about the qualifications of the trainers and dog handlers available at the kennels.

Extra cost for grooming, walking, washing etc.

The drop-off and pick-up hours and if a friend can take your dog out for day in between.

When it comes to meals, the most important point is the quality and quantity. You will have to check if the dog handlers will be able to provide your dog the meals you leave so that its regular diet is not disturbed. You may also fear your dog falling ill if it eats other stuff at the kennel. Check what extra costs are involved in this meal-scheduling. Some of the best dog kennels provide extra care to pets when it comes to meals but at an extra cost.

Check with your kennel about all paperwork. Most dog kennels require certification that your dog has been vaccinated properly and other ownership details. Some of the best dog kennels around require additional certification and contact details from the dog's vet so he can be contacted when you are away.

Finally, of course, before you choose a dog kennel do compare the relative cost for all kennels you shortlisted. Sometimes, dog kennels charge you on a weekly basis while others on a daily basis. You may consider leaving your dog a day before you proceed on your vacation just to ensure it has settled down comfortably and also not be tense while you are going through the routine of packing and locking the house.

Some dogs go into a depression when they see the house being locked. So, it is advisable to drop your pet pooch at the kennel a day earlier. Nothing is more important than leaving your dog in safe custody while you are away.

Dog Health: Signs of Emergency Problems

2009-11-19T22:28:00.000-08:00

Our dog’s health is important to us. When we suspect our dog is ill, we want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, distinguishing between a minor illness and health problems that need emergency attention is not always easy. It’s important to be prepared for and know how to identify serious dog health problems.

Know where to take your dog in an emergency

If your dog falls seriously ill, time wasted locating emergency services can be fatal. Know in advance where to go. Many veterinarians offer 24 hour emergency services. Find out if this includes your vet. If not, find out where the nearest veterinary emergency hospital is located. Keep this information in a convenient place.

So how do you know if you are experiencing an emergency?

Most veterinarians will advise you to not to take a chance but call the nearest emergency veterinary service if you suspect that your dog’s health needs immediate attention. Staff will assess the situation and usually advise that you bring your dog in for an examination.

The following information will help you identify and respond appropriately to the most common dog health emergencies.

Severe stomach pain

Signs that your dog is experiencing abdominal pain include an abdomen that is tender to the touch, standing with their back arched, and refusing food. Take your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary service immediately. Abdominal pain can be (and often is) a sign of a serious health problem.

Other signs of abdominal distress include vomiting, whelping, shakiness and breathing difficulties. Your dog may be suffering from gastric torsion. Gastric torsion develops suddenly and rapidly and tends to affect large, heavily-chested dogs more than most. This condition needs immediate attention.

Abdominal distress may also be a sign of bloat, constipation, kidney or liver disease, urinary stones, poisoning, an intestinal obstruction or a simple tummy ache. Err on the side of caution. A visit to the emergency veterinarian is advised to safeguard your dog’s health and give you peace of mind.

Control heavy bleeding

A laceration that results in heavy bleeding must be dealt with immediately. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean, dry bandage. Bleeding should stop within ten minutes.

With the bleeding controlled get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible. With dogs, there is only a small window of time for stitching a wound.

If the bleeding does has not stopped within twenty minutes, or if your dog is bleeding from the chest take your dog to the emergency clinic immediately.

Breaks and fractures

If your dog has had an accident and possibly broken bones, the first step is to call your regular vet. If they are unable to see your dog soon, take your dog to the emergency clinic. X-rays will determine whether or not your dog has broken bones.

Do not try to clean or straighten the wound. If you have a small dog, use pencils or pens as a splint. For larger dogs, use rolled magazines or newspapers. Place them on either side of the bone, then roll cloth or adhesive tape progressively up the splint material.

While traveling to the vet, touch your pooch’s toes every few minutes to be sure circulation is normal. If they get too cold, rewrap the splint material more loosely.

Difficulty with breathing

If your dog develops breathing difficulties, don’t hesitate. Take them to the closest emergency hospital immediately. Breathing problems are a sign of several health problems, many of them serious.

Vehicle accidents

When a dog is hit by a car, take him to the closest emergency clinic immediately even if he appears to have come to little harm. They may have suffered internal injuries that need to be identified and taken care of as quickly as possible. Shock can also pose a threat to your dog’s health. To prevent shock, wrap your dog in a blanket.

Keep away from your dog’s mouth. Dogs in pain may bite, even if they have never bitten you before.

Convulsions

Any degree of seizure is a problem. Call your veterinarian at once. If convulsions last for more than a few minutes, place a blanket over your dog, keep away from his mouth and take him to the nearest emergency service immediately.

Seizures are a sign of serious health problems including epilepsy, metabolic problems, brain tumors, and poisoning. Seizures themselves can be life threatening.

Whenever you are seriously concerned about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to seek immediate veterinary advice. You know your dog well enough to know when something is seriously amiss. And you love your dog well enough not to take chances. Remember, veterinarians love animals too, and understand your concern.

Calling emergency services first will give clinic staff an opportunity to assess the situation and, if necessary, ensure that a medical team is prepared for your arrival. For further advice on emergency dog health problems, consult your veterinarian. A good veterinarian will be more than happy to help with any issue concerning your dog’s health.

Dog Supplies

2009-11-18T22:58:00.000-08:00

For a person who is new at handling dogs and taking care of them can face a lot of difficulties. Bringing a pet into the home means giving selfless love and a lot of care but survival requires more than this. A very vital need in the healthy growth of the pet is dog supplies. These are important as the dogs requirements are also needed to be fulfilled.

There are various types of supplies that are available in the market. What you should buy solely depends upon the breed of the dog that you have, his size and also sometimes if he is to be trained for professional purposes.

The owners find things collars, dog beds, leash, dog chews etc quite unavoidable and have to buy them. These are general grooming supplies that are necessary for the dogs. While you are training your dog, it is very important to ensure your own safety. Bite protection sleeves and full protection suits are important in case the dog gets violent and attacks you. Also, training collars are a great help in getting control over the dogs.

If you are training your dog for hunting purposes and as a chaperone for you, then it is important that you ensure the safety of your pet too. He should be equipped with the right measures so that he does not get hurt and injure himself. Also, camping equipment for dogs is also available so that they undergo no inconvenience when out with the owners on camping trips.

Also, dog beds are one of the most important requirements for the good health of the pet. Since a good night's sleep is equally important for them too, a nice and cosy is important so that the dogs can feel at home there. There are various options available depending upon the choice of the owner and the size of the pet. Other pet supplies include dog feeders, tote bags for small dogs, leash, dog doors etc.

All the necessary supplies that are required can be obtained through online dealers. They offer a wider range and often customize articles according to your dog. Choose your requirements and place your orders easily.

Ignoring these dog supplies is certainly not a great idea as this may affect your dog directly. Of course it is important to shower your pet with all the care and necessary provisions as well.