Friday, July 30, 2010

Commercial or Raw Dog Food?

There are some good arguments on both sides of the raw food or commercial dog food debate. It is particularly frightening when you hear on the news that some dog food has been tainted in some way, or that your dog's current food is under question for something that could possibly cause him harm. When things like this come up, it is another layer added to this powerful debate. Because there are so many different types of dog food available, it is difficult to figure out which kind you should feed your pooch. You might even wonder if you should feed him or her commercial dog food at all. Your veterinarian should be able to help recommend an appropriate diet for your dog.

If you decide to put him on a commercial dog food diet, you should be familiar with his nutritional needs. Dogs need meat and fiber as well as many other vitamins and nutrients in order to maintain optimal health. Depending upon their age, sex and size they will need different types of nutrition. Pregnant dogs and puppies have different needs as well. Great protein comes from dog food that contains lamb, chicken and turkey and you should make certain that your dog's diet contains these protein items. You should avoid products with by products or preservatives and those that have grain listed as the top ingredient.

As for the raw food diet, it includes giving your dog meat bones which are raw, veggies, organs from protein sources, chew bones and proteins such as cottage cheese and shelled eggs. Dogs have, in fact, survived on diets like this for centuries. Since the 50's, commercial dog food has been available however, allergies and dysplasia along with other health problems have been connected to commercial dog foods.

The raw food diet for dogs requires the owner to properly mix the proper nutrients to ensure that the dog is completely healthy. It is also an expensive diet for owners to provide to their dogs, while commercial dog food is affordable and the proper amount of nutrients has already been researched for you. Commercial dog food requires your dog to eat the same thing over and over while the raw food diet provides interesting, different and variations in foods, which keep the dog happy. However, because essential nutrients like fatty acids and such are added to commercial dog food, supporters say that dogs on the raw food diet are missing out on essential nutrients like these.




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Monday, July 26, 2010

The Health and Safety Risks of Chain Dog Collars

Chain dog collars may be ideal for keeping control of that unruly dog, but abusing the advantages of a chain collar or inappropriate usage could affect the well being of your dog over the long term. This article explains how.

Firstly, be sure to know that you have been instructed fully by a professional on how to apply the chain with your dog. When you are getting the chain collar, you should try to ensure that the dog collar is two to three inches bigger than the dog's neck so as it doesn't cause too much pain to the animal.

They may be ideal to use when you are out and about in public areas, but putting your dog in a crate whilst he or she has a dog collar like this on can be incredibly risky for the dog. Ensuring that you take off any canine collars that you may have in advance of putting your dog away for the night or for a fixed period of time can put your mind at rest.

Many dog breeds can wear a chain without much incident; however, there are some dogs that are unsuitable candidates for wearing a chain collar. One such breed of dog is a Yorkshire Terrier - a breed which has a very delicate area in the neck called the trachea.

All in all, chain collars are relatively harmless dog accessories that can be used with your canine harmoniously. Ensuring that you take some precautionary measures beforehand though can ensure that you do not need to make that dreaded visit to the vet.




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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Selecting Quality Dog Training Leads

Every professional dog handler and trainer has a specific lead they prefer. Let's face it the lead is that provides the direct contact between the trainer and the dog. There are a lot of dog training leads on the market today. Training leads are available in any pet store and are usually sold in the nylon and leather variety, though leather is definitely more expensive. Ideal leads for specific dogs vary in accordance of the dog's size, breed, and level of energy. For a small dog breed, a six feet lead would be suitable. For larger dog breeds, ideal training leads may be more than 20 feet long.

There are specialty training leads that are used various training scenarios. Check cords are used when training bird dogs when teaching the dog to whoa on command and remain steady at the shot. These leads are generally made of rope and are designed to easily slip through cover so as not to hinder the dog during its normal search pattern used to locate the scent of the game birds. If the dog does not whoa on command the handler normally steps on the lead to correct the dog.

Quality dog training leads used for police work are usually made of leather or shock cord. Depending on the type of mission the dog is trained for these working leads range from 6 to 12 feet. Dogs used to search for contraband at airports and other transportation sites are trained on longer leads so that the dog can access the locations being searched.

For the average person training his or her own dog a good dog training lead will assure that the dog will remain safe during the initial training period. Training your dog to walk at heel takes time. Distraction such as other animals or vehicles can cause a dog to move into a dangerous situation. Many times the only way to keep a dog from chasing a squirrel into traffic is to affectively use the training lead. Even the use of an electronic collar is not as effective a tool in this situation.

You may have to select several leads and collars before you find the right combination for you and your dog. If you are using the services of a professional dog trainer he or she will have valuable insight as to what collar you should purchase for your training activities.




James Kesel, MS is the publisher of Career in Dog Training website at http://www.dog-training-careers.com, providing information on dog training and dog training accessories including dog training leads.

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Dog Obedience Training - Train Your Dog Yourself

Are you a dog owner? Have you brought any such dog recently in your residence? Heartiest congratulations for that! So how is your dog obedience training going on? Haven't you started yet! What for? Don't you know that it is a continuous process and you must conduct it only? Well, if you have not started the dog obedience training process yet there is nothing to worry. It can be started from now on also. The dog obedience training is basically a program where the active involvement of both the dog and the owner is required.

The dog obedience training instructs the dog how to communicate with each other and in the best manner. Along with this the dog obedience training also forms the basis of a strong and favorable relationship between the two. But remember at the same time this is no child's play. To achieve that you shall have to invest good endeavor, grit and perseverance. The best way for dog obedience training is surely the house training. This is the most effective and suitable way and also accelerates the training process.

How should you embark on? Like any other training program the dog obedience training also depends on a sound principle. The principle deals with the concept of proper and strict discipline. Normally the dogs being social creatures live in packs. Even in those societies a sense of discipline exists. For this your dog is not alien to disciplines and can obey your commands. This means it can be made obedient through application of discipline. But you must be crystal clear of your task and intention from the commencement. It is essential otherwise your effort may be counter-productive.

From the initiation make it a point to train your dog to respond to your any command, be it to stand or sit. As dog obedience training is a process of communication between you and your dog and therefore you must be cautious of its ready response. For this the approach, fortitude and effort of the owner plays a decisive role in the dog obedience training. If there is any success it belongs to the owner but the failure is also due to the incapableness of the owner. Furthermore it should be continued since it's an ongoing process.

There should also be the inclusion of a consistent reward and punishment system in the training system. Once it is introduced you will notice the reaction of the dogs. This reaction becomes more apparent when the dogs are puppies. The dog obedience training begins with the sit and come training. Always be careful to watch whether it heeds to your call or not. Never forget that its extremely important and any failure in this will make you start again. Even if you have to start don't lose temper. You have to make it understand of your commitment and tenaciousness.

It's not good to punish it frequently as it can turn the dog to be arrogant. On the contrary reward it whenever it performs best. You can also consult with professionals and research on Internet for more information.




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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Tips On How To Potty Train A Puppy

Getting a puppy is a wonderful decision for just about everyone. However getting a puppy also means that you will soon be taking on the task of having to potty train it. While potty training a puppy can seem like a rather rotten chore to take on. It really does not have to be as difficult as it often seems.

One of the most popular methods of house breaking a puppy is the crate training method. Like most all animals dogs will most like avoid soiling their homes or "dens". By giving them a dog crate to stay in when it is not possible to supervise them you are creating an artificial den for them. As this particular instinct is very strong in most all dogs, crate training is a hugely successful method to utilize when you are going to be potty training your puppy. Keep in mind that a puppy needs to be taken outside several times a day to be able to defecate and urinate for crate training to be truly effective.

If you catch your puppy trying to eliminate anywhere in your home you need to make a loud noise that will be enough to get their attention and make them stop what they are doing. Take them outside immediately and give them plenty of praise anytime that they successfully use the bathroom outside.

Generally puppies can control their bowels one hour for how old they are currently. For example if your puppy is six months old it should be able to hold its bowel movements for at least six hours before needing to eliminate. You should take your dog to the vet immediately if they cannot manage to hold their bowel movements for proper periods of time. For instance say your dog has reached one year of age and is only able to control its bowel movements for about an hour then it's likely that your dog is having some type of medical problem.

Please remember that potty training your puppy can often be a long process. Try very hard to become discouraged should your puppy not take to your potty training methods right away. Negative training methods such as yelling at your puppy are rarely an effective manner in which to potty train your puppy. Positive reinforcements such as plenty of praise and petting when your puppy is doing well with it's potty training is the best way to have a successfully house trained puppy.




Gray Rollins is a featured writer for DogTeachers.com. For a more in depth explanation on potty training a puppy and advice on what to do when dog training isn't going well, visit us.

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Principles in Dog Training

Most people think training comprises teaching the dog to do things such as sit, speak and roll over, but even a 4 week old pup knows how to do these things already. Instead, the first step in training involves teaching the dog human words for each dog behavior and activity and for each aspect of the dog's environment.

That way you, the owner, can more easily participate in the dog's domestic education by directing her to perform specific actions appropriately, that is, at the right time, in the right place and so on.

Training opens communication channels, enabling an educated dog to at least understand her owner's requests. In addition to teaching a dog what we want her to do, it is also necessary to teach her why she should do what we ask.

Indeed, 95 percent of training revolves around motivating the dog to want to do what we want. Dogs often understand what their owners want, they just do not see the point of doing it, especially when the owner's repetitively boring and seemingly senseless instructions are totally at odds with much more pressing and exciting doggy distractions.

It is not so much the dog that is being stubborn or dominant, rather, it is the owner who has failed to acknowledge the dog's needs and feelings and to approach training from the dog's point of view.

Golden's have long since surpassed their value as just sporting dogs, they make the best kind of family pet. Golden's are eager to work and too energetic to remain happy when penned up for long periods of time.

A Golden's sporting instincts make him eager for anything from duck hunts to backyard games.




The author has been writing articles online for several years.
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Friday, July 9, 2010

Wholesale Dog Toys

Your pet dog probably gets bored easily and needs dog toys to pass the time away. Instead of letting the "the little darling" rip the throw pillows you have on the couch or nibble on the furniture, buy lots of dog toys instead. The market provides a myriad of dog toy options to choose from. Wholesale dog toys vary in kinds, product line, shapes and sizes, and your dog will love them all!

Dogs are like children - they play a lot! They always expect you or your children to play with them as well. If you cannot fully attend to your pets all of the time, then give them quality dog toys.

Buying dog toys at wholesale prices gives huge discounts and a whole lot of toys. If you buy dog toys in bulk and stock your dog will never run out of playthings. Purchasing dog toys in large volumes will enable you to share some of the toys to the pets of your relatives and friends. They do make great gifts.

If your pet dog is an expert at destroying dog toys, keeping a stock will save you the worry of buying a toy every time you turn around. A dog with no toys will surely turn its attention back to your expensive shoes, slippers, bags, and furniture.

You should also buy wholesale dog toys if your pet is teething. Chewing and nipping is one of their unstoppable addictions. There are great, top-notch and durable dog toys that you can purchase at wholesale prices. If you want a breakdown of the wholesale price of dog toys, you can start your search online.

Take your pick from a line of hard and soft rubber balls, dental health toys, rope, fetch toys, talking toys, rubber rings, puffy and furry dog toys. Whether they are stuffed or made up of latex, vinyl, nylon, or rubber, what matters most is their durability and safety.




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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Tracking Dog Training - Fun Games For Beginning Tracking Dog Training

A dog is a tracking and sniffing powerhouse so tracking dog training can both be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. Did you know that a dog can sniff a drop of blood in 55 gallons of water? A dog's sense of smell is so accurate that it is 100,000,000 times more powerful than a human's scent!

This kind of training really harnesses this power for practical purposes. A great way to introduce the training is through games. Incorporating it in games makes your dog learn and have fun at the same time. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Find It!

Your dog loves it when you give it a treat, right? Start your tracking dog training with a simple "Find It" game. For starters, you need a dog treat. Have your dog sniff it, but don't give it to your dog. Then, make a great show of looking like you're hiding the treat from the dog by going to five or more places.

Then surreptitiously hide the dog treat in any one of the places you've visited. Then, say something like "Find it!" or "Go find!" Have your dog find the dog treat and praise your dog profusely when he or she finds it. If the dog becomes proficient in this game, you can make this type of training more challenging by hiding the treat while the dog is in another room.

Find Bubba!

This is a different take on the first tracking dog training game mentioned above. For this second dog training game, you are going to teach him or her how to find a certain person. This game is useful if you need the dog to find a certain person. First, you have to teach the dog to associate the name of the person with the person you want your dog to find. This training can be very useful if you want to teach your dog to track a family member for example.

Have your target person sit in a corner of a room, and say, "Find (the name of the person)!" Then, let the person give the dog a treat when the dog finds him or her. Do this several times until the dog learns that he or she needs to find the person when you give the command. Then, slowly ease the dog from the dog treats. This part of the training ensures that the dog is not trained to find the person who has treats, but to find the person only.

When the dog learns this technique, go to the next level. This time, teach the dog to find the person in another room. Then make it more difficult by having the dog use the scent from the air to find the person outdoors.

You can let your dog undergo this type of dog training for competition or for search and rescue. You can arm your dog with tracking dog training and you'll have a powerful ally when someone in your family goes missing.




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Saturday, July 3, 2010

Dog Kennel Supplies

Dog kennel supplies cover many kinds of accessories. Carriers and crates are available for those who want to transport their animals. From air travel or just to take them on vacation in the car, to running errands in town. There are houses, stairs, and barriers for the SUV, van or wagon among other kennel supplies.

Dog crates are another form of dog kennel supplies used mostly for transporting the dog via airlines. They all meet the standards airlines place on transportation animal crates. Some even come with a sticker which says "live animal". Dog carriers are more versatile in styling and materials than are crates. From carriers which mimic airline luggage with wheels and collapsible handles, to ones that are like backpacks, across the chest messenger carriers, to ones which look like a purse. They all have easily washable interiors, leashes which will not get entangled in the dog as the it moves around in their carrier, and accessory compartments.

A new type of dog kennel supplies are the dog barriers, a safety devices which keeps the dog in the back of a SUV, van or wagon. Barriers are easily installed, without the need of tools and do not restrict the vision of the driver. All of them are made of a material which is non-reflective to cut down on glare.

As our dog population ages a common addition to dog kennel supplies are the dog ramps and stairs. These accessories for the elderly dog which has trouble getting to its favorite chair or accessing the vehicle. Those for indoor use tend to be stairs and are made from wood or plastic. They will have carpet on the steps to increase traction. Depending on the brand, the stairs will accommodate small to large dogs.

Dog ramps are made for outdoor use. For dog who need to get into a vehicle. Most of the ramps are collapsible, many have enclosed steps to reduce anxiety in the dog as they climb the ramp. Some are made of plastic or polyethylene, while others are made of metal. Metal ramps steps tend to be grated steps which allow for moisture to drip on through. The plastic or polyethylene ramps use carpet for traction. The carpet can be removed for cleaning.

Dog houses are for those dogs relegated to outdoor living and are another kind of dog kennel supply. Dog houses come in all styles and materials. There are plain dog houses made from wood, which look like a box with a door and roofing material on the top, to more elaborate dog houses which resemble most any house architecture. Most of these are made from plastic. All have doors which will reduce exposure to outdoor elements. They also come with optional pads for the dogs comfort. Some dog houses come in a duplex configuration for pet owners who have more than one dog. Other style of dog house allow for an addition in the form of a porch. Dog houses will accommodate all size of dog.

As you can see, dog kennel supplies will cover all manner of pet owner needs. This is not an exhaustive list of supplies found in the dog kennel, but will give you an idea of the larger and more popular accessories to be found.




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Friday, July 2, 2010

A Citronella Dog Collar and Shocking Results

A citronella dog collar had shocking results on our dog. Shock collars seem like cruel punishment and not something you would want to subject a pet to. That's certainly what we thought as our young spaniel go more and more vocal. But how could we communicate the need for a little more quiet?

See, that's the problem with some barking. You really can't easily find a reason for it. Maybe it's boredom, but you can't spend full time with your dog. Some high energy dogs can go almost non-stop.

Then again it may be just a result of being lonesome, which is related to being bored. But again, there are only so many hours in a day. You can only spend just so much time with a pet. Then again, maybe there is really no reason for it...

Maybe a dog just likes to bark. Have you ever seen a dog that seemed to be bothered by it's own barking? Likely barking is not a problem for the barker. It's just a problem for the listeners. In that case it becomes a challenge to somehow communicate to the dog that the noise is undesired behavior, undesired by you.

The best way to accomplish that is to link some kind of negatives consequence to wild, uncontrolled barking. Hollering usually doesn't get it. That just rewards the noise with attention which may be part of the desired reaction... by the dog that is.

That's where something shocking and startling comes in handy, but not really a harmful shock, just a startling shock.

Spray collars fill the part easily.

We got a MultiVet spray collar and this is what happened.

The collar consists of a little box attached to a collar. The box is positioned so it rides on the front of the dog's neck right under the head. The box contains a sensor to detect barking along with a spray pump and an oil reservoir.

What happens when the barking starts is the sensor picks up the movement and a puff of mist sprays out and covers the area around the dog's head. Citronella oil is not harmful, but it's very smelly. On top of that the surprise of that spray is obviously quite unsettling.

Our dog barked once and got a quick spray. The surprise was evident. A second quick bark was also met with a cloud and then the strangest thing happened. She learned that quick that barking was uncomfortable and it got very quiet. After just a few days she adjusted to the set-up and began to bark very seldom. At that point we either most of the time took the collar off or at least disarmed it.

It worked to actually communicate to our dog that the uncontrolled barking was not acceptable. Now she barks but mostly only when it makes sense to bark. The citronella dog collar did it's job and is really rarely needed anymore.




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