Obedient Dog Tips

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I’m not talking about something that requires batteries. No, I’m referring to the twenty-two breeds recognized by the AKC as being toy dog breeds – from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier. They make great human companions, adapt well to smaller spaces, they are generally good-natured and they’re cute.
With so many people “down sizing” their homes and living in more compact areas, toy dogs and other small dogs may offer the perfect choice in a canine companion. But first, you need to assess your environment to determine if a toy dog (or any pet) is compatible with your life style.
While toy dogs in general can make good companions in small apartments, some breeds adapt more easily to these conditions than others. Toy Poodles, for example, adapt well to small spaces, and they are “non shedding” which is important if you have allergies.
Will you be leaving the dog alone while you work? While no one wants to leave their pet alone all day, sometimes it is unavoidable. There are many opinions as to whether you should leave a dog at home for eight or nine hours per day. Some feel it is not fair to the dog, while others do it successfully, and have happy, well-adjusted pets. Develop a morning and evening routine with your dog in which you feed them, walk them, and play with them so they know what to expect. Some experts say that dogs have no sense of time, so they can’t tell if you’ve been gone eight minutes or eight hours.
Obviously, ensure the dog has plenty of water and that the dog’s barking will not disturb others.
If you have small children, you may want to delay getting a toy dog or get a larger breed. Toy dogs can be quite fragile, and small children may indeed think the dog is a toy. When the child is old enough, a dog is a great way to teach responsibility by feeding and caring for the dog.
Do you have other animals in the house? Some toy breeds do not tolerate children, other animals or strangers very well. Others, such as the Bichon Frise (BEE-shon FREE-zay) are very sociable, and get along well with other dogs.
As a group toy dogs are more difficult to train than larger dogs. So you will need to be patient while house training your toy dog. Again, some breeds have a reputation for being easier to train than others.
In many ways, toy dogs are less expensive and more convenient to live with. Obviously, they eat less, their beds, mats, and crates are smaller and they require less fenced area if you let them out. With many more travel facilities being “pet friendly,” your toy dog can be a great traveling companion. Many breeds can be “carry on luggage.” While I don’t recommend it, I’ve known people who have taken their toy dogs along on their motorcycle trips!
Toy dogs can be good home protectors, too. Breeds such as the Chihuahua and Pekingese are naturally wary of strangers and bark readily at unusual noises.
Finally, we can make some generalizations about the characteristics of various breeds, but keep in mind that dogs – like people – are individuals, and they may or may not possess the characteristics of their breed. For that reason, you may want to consider an older dog rather than a puppy so that you can observe the dog’s behavior.
OK, if you’re determined to get a toy dog, and have done your research to determine which breeds best fit your lifestyle, what should you do to ensure you get a healthy, happy, well behaved pet? Should you consider a pure breed or a mixed breed?
While many people will only consider a pure bred toy dog, understand that pure bred dogs (of any size) will have more genetic-related health problems than mixed breed dogs. The reason is that pure breeds started with a very small population of dogs, and it is kept that way to ensure consistency in the breed. Thus genetic problems are carried on from one generation to the next. If you’re willing to accept these risks and the inevitable veterinarian bills, then go for a pure bred toy dog.
It’s now possible to have a pure bred dog’s DNA tested to see if it carries, has, or is free of specific genetic diseases. The problem is that DNA testing can only be performed for a few certain diseases specific to a given breed.
Mixed breed dogs, on the other hand, come from a much larger gene pool, so the chances of chronic genetic disease are much lower. “Mixed breed” can be a misnomer because some “mixed breeds” may have no pure bred dogs anywhere in their linage. Therefore, mixed breeds don’t develop any of the, well, “deformities” that are the hallmarks of pure breeds, like the Dachshund (back problems) or Bulldog (breathing and many other problems). Mixed breeds have evolved to the right size and shape of what a dog should be. And, since many pure breeds are bred for certain behavioral traits, mixed breed dogs are more even tempered.
Another reality is that pure bred toy dogs have become fashion accessories for the rich and famous, and the price of toy puppies has risen accordingly. It’s not uncommon for pure bred puppies of certain breeds to bring several thousand dollars. A better alternative is to check out pet adoptions and rescue centers. Not only will you be giving a dog a home, but you’ll be helping to prevent over breeding.
The Internet has many, many good sites to help you learn more than you ever wanted to know about toy dogs – or any dog – for that matter. With a little research, you can find an ideal companion you’ll enjoy living with for many years.

The term in the “Dog house” used to mean that one was in some sort of trouble. These days dog houses are worth being in. The pet business is becoming a booming business. There are stores selling pet accessories opening up and businesses dedicated to making mans best friend comfortable. Not only do dog houses provide shelter from the elements, they are also designed to be comfortable, safe and clean.

Dog houses now offer more than just a few pieces of lumber and some nails. There are many different types of dog houses available in the market; some simple and others more complicated. To ensure that your pet gets exactly what it needs, build one yourself. Include in your dog house budget other necessary pet accessories like appropriate toys for inside and outside use.

Building a dog house can be a fun family project. First go online and find what dog house plans there are and decide on one. Make sure that the plan is suited to match your dog’s size and is also suitable for the climate that you live in. Use building materials that can last and survive the elements and are locally available. Consider the proper bedding within your dog house and determine the dog house best location.

Dog houses do not need to be overly complicated. Keep in mind dog houses main purposes are to keep it dry, to keep the dog out of the elements and to provide for the dog’s safety. A dog house can also be built to include a storage area for all the pet accessories.

Dog houses need to be kept dry.

Dog houses should be water proof and should have the ability to stay dry; even when the dog brings water into the dog house. Keeping the dog house dry is not only for the dogs comfort but a dry dog house may prevent the growth of bacteria, parasites and viruses that can cause certain health issues for the dog. Installing windows that will allow for cross ventilation can be helpful or better install a fan to circulate air. If you live in an area where humidity is a problem, a canvas flap may be installed as a door.

Dogs cope well with the elements.

Dogs have the body hair which acts as insulation. Short hair dogs and long haired dogs are both designed to keep warm in cold weather. Putting a heat source into a dog house isn’t necessary depending on you live. Comfort is crucial. Use reasonable judgement to make sure that your pet will be able to stand in a dog house under current weather conditions of the area you live in. Therefore, insulating a dog house wall isn’t necessary if you live in Florida but could definitely be a consideration if living further north. Proper installation of insulation can be a hazard as the dog may start pulling on it and inevitably eat some of it. Once again, careful thoughts and planning are necessary to create a succesful environment.

Size Matters

Since the dog’s body is going to keep the dog house warm, it does not make sense to build a dog house that is too big. Measure the dog’s size when he curls up for his nap and add a few inches; this should be a comfortable inside size for a dog house. Also add a few inches of height taller than its shoulder.

Other tips

Your local building supply store or lumber yard offers the supplies you need for your dog houses. Wood is the preferable material; make sure it is treated to prevent the growth of unwanted germs. Do not use cement floors as these tend to be cold during winters. Finish the dog house with pet accessories like bedding materials and pet toys. Pet accessories can be purchased at any of your local pet supply stores. Alternatively, there are many online stores that sell the pet accessories you need to have for your dog in his new happy home.

One of the most popular questions I get is how to choose the correct sized dog carrier. Below are some questions to ask yourself before looking for a dog carrier:• What does your dog weigh? o If still a puppy, what will it weigh when full grown? What did its parents weigh?• What is the length of your dog? Take a measurement from their tip of their nose to the base of their tail.• What do you want to use this carrier for?Dog Weight:Most dog carriers are good for dogs up to 12 pounds. After that, you may want to think if you really want to be carrying around a 12 pound plus dog. If so, I would look into a wheeled dog carrier or another type of carrier besides one that hangs on your shoulder. The weight on every carrier is different, so please check. If it does not say in the description, don’t be afraid to ask. If you have a very tiny dog, such as a dog less than 4 pounds, you should be able to choose any dog carrier there is. Dog Length:It is important to give your dog enough room to move and feel comfortable in the carrier. But at the same time you don’t want it to be too large that every time they move, they are tilting and off-setting the carrier. The best thing to do is measure your dog and add a few inches to get the correct size dog carrier. If the carrier you are interested in has a place where the head sticks out, you will not need as big of a carrier than if you were picking a carrier that is enclosed. Carrier Purpose:Are you looking for a carrier to just take your dog to the veterinarian’s office or are you looking for a carrier to take your dog into stores with you? The purpose of your carrier will affect the price that you have to pay. If you are looking for a simpler carrier that can show your dog you will be able to find many lower cost options. If you are looking for a dog carrier that will hide your dog you will be spending more money. This is due to the extra materials needed to make it more like a purse than a carrier.

Do you think that it is a ridiculous idea that a dog would need dog swimming vest? While many people would agree with you, there are legitimate reasons for a dog life jacket.Do you have a very small dog yet enjoy taking them on trips to the beach, lake, or just to your backyard to the pool? While many dogs are very good swimmers, there are some that cannot swim very well and need the extra boost that a dog water vest would provide.You may not be able to get to a small dog by the time you realize that it has fallen overboard before it sinks. If the dog was wearing a dog swim vest, the floatation would allow them a little more time so you can get to them.If you own a pool and want to make sure your dog is safe, a large or small dog life jacket will keep your dog safe and prevent them from drowning. It provides that extra buoyancy they need to keep their heads above the water. Many dog life jackets have a handle on the top that allows you to pull the dog out of the water.There are even large dogs that need a dog floatation jacket. If your dog is anything like my 100lb German shepherd, once the water hits his belly, he freaks out. I wouldn’t trust him in the middle of a lake. A dog life vest would also be great for an aging dog. One, who may not have the strength or stamina to allow for a swim, but with an extra aid from a dog life preserver, can enjoy the water how they did when they were little.But please note you should never leave a dog unattended when around water and wearing the swim vest.Finally, it is important that you measure your dog correctly so that your dog can’t slip out of the jacket. The jacket should provide adequate movement for their legs and neck so they can safely swim while in the water.Some of the most popular brands for designer dog floatation vests are Doggles, Outward Hound, Ruff Wear, and Paws Aboard.

One thing you can count on when bringing home a new dog is the fact that he will nip and bite at your fingertips during the first few days or weeks. This is totally normal and there is no reason to get frantic that you may have purchased an aggressive dog. However, like any hostile behavior you wish to change about your dog, you need to take a few steps so that your dog understands that biting is not something you as the “pack leader” want him to continue doing. In other words he has to understand that biting is a huge no-no.
So how do you change biting behavior which is quite natural for dogs? Well, the first and foremost, you have to determine his age. This is very important because dogs under the age of about 15 weeks have to be handled slightly different when it comes to mouthing and biting than dogs over the age of 15 weeks.
If your dog is new and younger than 15 weeks, the following tips can help you control his annoying biting behavior:
1. First, you should begin to show your dog that you prefer his licking instead of biting. When he changes his behavior and licks at your fingertips or hands, make sure to praise him very gently. You can also encourage your dog to lick more often by rubbing a little butter or coconut oil on your fingertips. Let him know by soothing caresses that what he is doing is a good thing with each lick.
2. If your dog is continues with his biting habit at your fingertips and he is just been fed and really doesn’t need anything in his mouth, just set him aside with a nice bone for a little while. This is where a crate would come in very handy. Simply place your dog in the crate for a short period of time so that he can re-channel his mouthing attention to his favorite bone. And it is very important not to scream at or punish your dog along the way. You must create a positive learning environment for your dog. A hostile environment for a dog creates a hostile dog. A biting dog can become an even more serious issue when he starts biting members of your family and worse yet, strangers.
3. Whenever the dog bites down hard on your fingertips or hand, use a disciplinary tone of voice and give a command such as “No-No” while looking firmly into his eyes. Then simply hold this firm demeanor for a few moments and then immediately change your body language and go back to whatever it is you’re doing before, and with a calm approach. You have to remain calm. Many dog owners feel that being violent is the best approach but its not. Doing this step a few times is sufficient for your dog to learn the command and to stop biting down hard when he is commanded not to.

In the previous article, we discussed two different reasons why a dog would try to sleep in its owner’s bed consistently and without fail. This is a tough problem to deal with because you have to be observant about your pet and his needs. You need to know what kind of animal you have whether it be a dog that is aggressive or a dog that is docile. In the last article we covered the aggressive dogs but today is the day when we cover the docile dogs and what could be going through his head and what specifically could be making him act out by sleeping in your bed. It’s a tough thing to diagnose because a lot of times you don’t interpret it as such. Most people don’t think that because their dog is quiet and their dog doesn’t bark at anyone too much that he is fine. This is really not the case because it is that sort of quietness that is masking the real problem, nervousness and sacredness.
Already it seems a lot of people are wondering why sacredness and nervousness has anything to do with sleeping in the bed. Well if you think about it from his standpoint it makes perfect sense. Lets imagine that you are him and for whatever reason you feel scared and nervous. It might just be your nature or it could be a reason for it. Either way you are scared and you have an owner that you trust and makes you feel safe when you are together, wouldn’t you want to spend as much time together as possible? If you look at it from that standpoint doesn’t it make perfect sense?
The solution to this problem is a bit more complex because mainly it will take a lot of time and you won’t see results on the first day. The best way personally to make a dog feel a little more open and comfortable is to take him to a place that’s crowded. Take him somewhere that has a lot of people that will be nice to him and want to pet him and scratch his head and ears. You have to make him comfortable around other people because that is the best way to overcome anxiety and fear. He might have a fear of animals or other people and whatever that fear is he needs to overcome it head on. It can be a bit scary for him so don’t pressure him or get angry at him because in the end it will only make this problem that much worse. When people approach him make sure they come to him slowly and don’t make any sudden movements. This will do a lot to reassure him and to make him feel that much safer. The main thing you need to do is to be sure you are consistent. This is the sure fire way to make sure that this plan that you are going to keep will work in the end.

Remember the old Halloween day? When adults escort their children door to door with the children dressed up in cute, scary and funny costumes. Halloween is no longer limited to small children with big imaginations. Even their furry friends (dogs) can also dress up for Halloween.The demand for Halloween dog clothes has grown in the past number of years. Some families like to have their dog with them while trick-or-treating for security purposes; how about dressing your buddy up for Halloween and allow him to have fun too. Some dogs like getting dressed up and the attention they get. However, those which are not party animals may become stressed. Nothing to worry about it, here are some tips that may get your best friend in the mood.First of all it’s not needed to wait until Halloween day. Start a couple of weeks before to get the dog clothes for your pet. Allow your dog sniff around the costume, lay it over him for a minute, praise him and give him a treat. Do this several times. Every day follow this procedure, leaving the costume on longer each time. Then loosely put the costume on your doggy and repeat what you have done in the instructions above. A minute at first and then gradually take longer increments. Accompany this with many of treats and much praise. If your dog gets nervous and agitated, and does not liking the costume idea, forget it. Get an alternative dog cloth that your buddy feels comfortable with.For you dog to feel comfortable with the costume that you select, some important factors should be noted. The correct fit is important. The dog clothes should not be too tight or constricting. Remember that the dog clothes should not cause overheating. The costume should be checked for things that may be poisonous or that may choke your doggy. Your dog needs atmost care when it wears a costume. A dog should not at any time be left unattended when wearing a costume. Now, where will you get dog clothes that perfectly fit your pooch? Buying dog clothes is much easier than ever before. The introduction of online websites makes dog cloth shopping a breeze. If you are confused with the wide variety of dog clothes that’s available in the market today, you can also seek expert’s advice in these websites. So what are you waiting for? Get your pooch some clothes and let’s have a safe and happy Halloween.

Dogs love to be outdoors, but their energy and playfulness are significantly hampered when ‘connected’ to their owner by a leash. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a place to take your pooch where they can run free and enjoy playing with other fun-loving dogs?
Enter the Dog Park!
This idea was born because many parks don’t allow dogs at all – even on a leash – so finding a safe place for exercise and play was something of a challenge. There may be wilderness trails close by, but is your dog safe to run off leash, assuming the regulations allow this? If your dog doesn’t respond 100% to your voice command there’s always the possibility that he will get lost or tangle with aggressive animals. Of course you will also encounter people, particularly those with young children, who are afraid of dogs and are frightened by a dog that’s running loose.
Okay – sounds like a dog park may be the perfect solution. But what exactly is it? Actually, this isn’t a ‘dumb question’ since it can have different meanings depending on the community’s definition.
Sometimes it’s simply a park where dogs are allowed, so the users designate it as a ‘dog park.’ A more sophisticated example is an area within a city or even a neighborhood that has been specifically designed with amenities that make it obvious that dogs are not just allowed, but encouraged to romp and play off leash. Dogs – especially those that were socialized as puppies – will quickly develop new friendships and enjoy having a variety of playmates.
The parks can be any size and may or may not be fenced. If they are privately owned, there may be a fee charged either on a per use or annual basis. Some states have a ‘recreational use immunity’ ordinance which protects the landowners from liability only if no fee is charged. Check out the regulations posted at your local dog park to see what is applicable.
At least one question has no doubt come to mind – what’s the likelihood of dog fights, and how can they be avoided? The reality is that it’s just about impossible to prevent an occasional fight. However, if your local dog park has an active user group this risk is significantly reduced. Someone will always be in the park to encourage or demand, if necessary, that an aggressive dog be kept on a leash or removed from the park. Another consideration to minimize the risk is to locate a park where large and small dogs have separate play areas.
It’s important to keep an eye on your pooch and recognize when his movements indicate an impending confrontation. Redirecting his attention at exactly the right moment, while staying calm and using trained voice commands, can save the day. Keep a favorite toy or treat handy and call your dog over immediately to distract him with something he enjoys. Caution – don’t throw the toy because both dogs may run for it with unpredictable consequences.
One important issue is the proper disposal of feces. Obviously, the concern is the spread of disease. Typically, the dog park’s user group will supply pickup bags, trash containers and regular disposal service. Since there is an expense involved and the park is usually manned by volunteers, expect to make a donation or participate in a fundraiser for this purpose.
All visitors to the park should share the responsibility to help keep the park clean, but unfortunately some people may think that someone else is paid to take care of this. Look for signs explaining the proper use of the park, and contact the park owner if none are present. Also, don’t be afraid to politely speak up when someone neglects to clean up after their dog. They may have just missed the ‘event’ or they’re new at this and simply don’t know how to properly use the bags. Tactful education and peer pressure works in almost all situations.
Most user groups have special event days devoted to sprucing up the park and generating a community spirit among the users. This is a great opportunity to show your support and to thank the owners and volunteers with your participation.
So – are dog parks just for dogs? The reality is that they’re more a social and recreational outlet for their owners. It gives people pleasure to watch their pooch at play while giving them the opportunity to exercise with their dog without the constraints of a leash. Since the dogs are the common denominator, no one is left out from enjoying the activities, even if just watching the dogs play together gives them pleasure. It’s a terrific opportunity to meet and socialize with others who are true dog lovers. Who knows – you may find just the companion you’ve been seeking. And we’re not talking dogs!

If you love your pooch very much, then you have landed on the right place. This passage is all about the best dog products that are available today. When it comes to buying the dog products, there are three items such as the dog cloths, dog beds and the dog carriers that are indispensable. These dog products are slowly gaining popularity worldwide and many pet owners are not aware of the benefits of gifting their pooch with these three indispensable dog care items. Just keep reading on the article to know more about these three indispensable dog care products.The Dog cloths for your Adding beauty to your PetPet owners have a misconception that the dog cloths will make their pooch uncomfortable. While it is true that some of the dog cloths available out there will make the pooch uncomfortable, the pet will love wearing the dog cloths if you choose the best one. These dog cloths will protect your pooch from the cold weather and also will make your pet look beautiful than ever before. However, you should train your pooch to wear the cloths, as most of the pooches will have the tendency to get rid of the cloths. Once these pooches get used to these dog cloths, you can dress up your favorite pet for various occasions too.The Dog carriers to have your pet with you all the timeOnce you dress up your pooch, it is time for some show off. This is where the dog carriers come in handy. With the help of the dog carriers, you can take your pet along with you to the parties and functions. Size and ventilation are the main factors to be considered while buying the dog carriers. You should make sure that your pooch is comfortable with the dog carrier of your choice.The Dog Beds for your pet’s rest and good healthThe dog beds play an important role in pet care. It provides a cushion to the joints and bones of your pooch. Moreover, the dog beds protect your pooch from the chillness of winter. Moreover, these dog beds will provide your pooch with a very comfort sleep. When it comes to selecting the best dog bed for your pooch, several factors need to be considered. The size, shape and the material of the dog bed are the primary factors to be considered. As the dog beds come in many sizes and shapes, buying the right dog bed for your pooch is not a big deal at all.Where to buy these dog productsBuying the above mentioned dog products is just a breeze today. You can buy them online at the convenience of your home. You can get the items delivered to your doorsteps with just a few mouse clicks. With all these benefits, there is no good reason why you shouldn’t gift these dog care products to your pooch. Plug to the internet and order one right away!