Choosing the Best Dog Breeder

When you have decided that you want to add a dog to your family, then next choice you have is where to buy the dog. You might want to go to a rescue center and find a dog that needs a home. However, if you have your heart set on a particular breed, then you should buy from a breeder.

You shouldn't just go out and find the cheapest breeder. You need do your research and find a reputable breeder who has looked after their dogs and knows what they are doing.

If you just find the cheapest breeder, then you will be promoting a person or company who don't look after their dogs and are being cruel to animals by breeding dogs that are going to have health problems. Keep reading for tips on finding reputable breeders.

Tips

1. Assured breeders - If you have found a breeder and think that they are a good match for you, with the breed you want, then make sure that they are members of assured breeders. This will mean that they stick to breeding guidance and that they care about their dogs. Their dogs will be healthy and are not cruel to their animals.


2. Screening - Once you have found a breeder and they are members of assures schemes, ask that the puppy go through health screening first. A good breeder will have no problem doing this. Make sure the tests look for hip and eye problems, and generally anything that will help you predict the future health of the puppy.


3. Meet the puppy first - A genuine breeder will let you meet the puppy first and with its mother. This is to make sure that the puppy is correctly raised and you will have a good idea of what the puppy will look like in the future.


4. Conditions - Ask to have a look at the conditions the puppy is living in. If the breeder is keeping the puppy in bad conditions or the puppy is unhappy, then report the breeder for animal cruelty and look elsewhere.


5. Guidelines - If you are a new dog owner, then you are able to ask the breeder for some guidance on training of the puppy and generally towards the care of the dog. A breeder who cares about their dogs will have no problem giving you this advice. If they have a problem helping you, then you should look elsewhere.


6. Love for the dogs - You should make sure the breeder cares about the dogs and they are not just using them as cash machines. Ask to visit the dog breeder and see how their dogs live. A happy mother is what you are looking for. Generally, breeders who offer their dogs on the cheap are the ones that you should avoid. You should expect to pay a few thousand dollars for a healthy and well looked after dog. Good breeders are not just after a quick profit, they want their dogs to go to good homes.


7. Lifetime contact - A good breeder will want to get to know you and where you live so that they know you will be a good owner. They will feel a responsibility to make sure you are suitable for their dog. They should want to keep in contact with you over the years and get some updates about the progress of the dog. Bad breeders are more likely to take your money and run and you will never see them again. So, ask if there is a way to keep in touch with them. They will most likely give you their email address and you should send them pictures and updates, a few times a year.

Worms - What They Do To Your Dog

It is not unusual for your dog to come down with worms. One third of all dogs will be infected by various kinds of intestinal parasites in their life. There are many types of worms that can affect your dog including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms. As a caring owner of a dog, you should be aware of what to look for when it comes to worms. If you are aware of the symptoms, you can take the necessary measures so that your dog will remain active and healthy.

Symptoms in dogs affected by worms

When a dog is affected by worms, it can suffer from a distended belly. The stomach might be in bloated condition. If the infection is serious, there will be vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea as well. It is possible to see some worms in the dog's stools. The most common way that worms are spread from one dog to another dog is through the stools. Some worms will be transmitted to your dog through the infected ground.

Tapeworms are probably the most common worms that you will find in dogs. There will be very few clinical signs when a dog is affected by tapeworms. If there is a heavy infestation, there could be weight loss and intestinal upset as well. There will be segments of tapeworms which can be found in stools, which actually look like pieces of rice. The most probable cause for the spread of tapeworm is the ingestion of fleas. It is possible that tapeworms might transfer to other pets as well.

Facts about worms

You should know some important facts about intestinal worms. Healthy dogs can be affected by worms. Some dogs will not show any symptoms even though they suffer from worms. You can find noticeable itching in the anal area in some dogs and some dogs will have increased appetite levels, diarrhea and weight loss symptoms.

In some instances, the worms from dogs can spread to human-beings as well. Hence, extreme care should be taken. The roundworm larvae can migrate through the blood stream and it can also reach the eyes. In such cases, there will be loss of vision. If children are living in poor hygienic conditions, this kind of situation might happen.

Prevention

A dog can catch worms from other dogs. Infected feces of other animals, raw meat and fleas are a great source for the spread of worms from one pet to another. In order to control worms in your dog it is important to take your dog for regular checkups with your vet to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Everything You Need To Know About Taking Care Of Your Canine Friend

Knowing how to take care of your canine friend is a great way to show them how you truly love them. As a dog owner its your job to make sure that your pet is healthy and well fed. A well looked after dog will bring joy to both the owner and the pet and your relationship will be unbreakable.

There are lots of ways to taking care of your dog with some covered below:

- Dog Train: Almost every dog requires the owner to train them in order for them to behave the right way. The first thing to do is teach your pet their name. Other things is potty train them so they don't mess all over the place. After each training you should reward your dog with something nice to eat so they can know that they are doing the right thing.

- Exercise: Just like humans dogs need to exercise and play to stay fit. To help them exercise you can take them for a walk around the park or play some Frisbee with them in your yard provided your yard is large enough. Some pet owners even swim with their dogs which they enjoy very much.

- Check Ups: To ensure that your pet is healthy not only on the outside but the inside as well you should take him/her to a veterinarian every once or twice a year to make sure all is well. Another thing you shouldn't forget is to update their vaccination.

- Good Shelter: Shelter for your pet is very important because this is where they will be protected from the rain and take cover from too much heat. You can either buy a dog house or you can build it yourself if you know how. Don't forget to clean it every once in a while and put a nice soft blanket to keep him/her warm at night.

- Wash Him/her: Your dog needs to be washed to stay clean. Washing your dog will help in fighting fleas and ticks and reduce the chances of him getting skin infections. And since your kids will be playing with the dog its better that it stays clean so they don't get any germs.

- Diet: Giving your pet a proper diet is very important for their health. You should watch what your dog eats, the food you give him should have the right nutrition's and make sure you don't every feed them. Also let your kids know of what type of food they can feed your dog because stuff like chocolates can be toxic to dogs.

- Pet Tag: Although its not something you maybe thinking about but in case your pet does get lost you should make it easy for them to be found. To do this you should put a collar and tag with your contact information so you can be easily contacted when they are found.

Group Versus Private Dog Training Lessons

If you are considering a career as a dog trainer you may be wondering if you should focus on group classes or whether you should offer private obedience classes. Actually, both classes can offer great benefits to you. They each have their advantages for you, the dog trainer, and for owners and dogs.

Traditionally, group classes have been the way to go for most trainers. They allow you to give one lesson to many people at one time. All of your clients are paying you for your training expertise at once. You are getting the maximum return for your work. If you are using a facility - perhaps renting a space - you can reduce the number of nights you have to rent it. If you are giving group lessons on the weekend you can give them all on one day. Your expenditures are kept to a minimum with group lessons. From a business standpoint group lessons offer many advantages.

With group lessons you can also offer as many or as few classes as practical for the number of students. It's up to you to determine the best working number of dogs and owners in a class. However, it's usually possible to fit in one or two more students and their dogs if necessary, so you have a great deal of flexibility. You can also set up classes to appeal to special groups, such as puppy kindergarten classes, classes for older owners, classes for new dog owners, and so on. There are good reasons why group lessons have always been popular with both trainers and owners.

Yet there are some good reasons to consider giving private lessons, too. For one thing you can give these lessons during weekdays on a day and time that is convenient for you and the owner. You will usually go to their home so you would not need to use your own facility. Private lessons can be a way to supplement your dog training income at very little expense to yourself.

Additionally, many owners are willing to pay more for private lessons. They may have dogs with a problem that can't be addressed in a group lesson - some issue that isn't resolved with simple obedience lessons yet which is well within your scope as a dog trainer. It could be housebreaking problems that wouldn't be an issue in a group obedience class. It could be a problem that is only triggered in the home environment, such as excessive barking in the backyard.

Some owners are simply more comfortable receiving one-on-one instruction and they are willing to pay extra for your time and attention. They can be inhibited in a group session and will be able to focus on learning and training their dogs much better with private instruction.

Likewise, some dogs may learn better in a private training session since there are fewer distractions offered than there are in a group lesson. It may be easier for a dog to focus on learning without being surrounded by several other dogs and people in an unfamiliar setting.

While group classes offer the trainer the advantage of having many clients in one place at one time, private lessons can be very lucrative for dog trainers since you're offering a more specialized service tailored to an owner's needs. Specialized services can almost always command higher rates. Your time and effort spent working with one dog and one owner in a private lesson can be a great supplement to your income as a dog trainer.

Easy Dog Training Tips

This article is loaded with tips on how to begin training your best friend to behave better. You will find a good assortment of ideas that will help the new dog owner become an expert when it comes to dog training.

The easiest way to crate train an adult dog is to make it fun. Put the crate in a room and use the crate to play games by throwing in a toy and allowing your dog to go in and get it. By using this method, the dog learns that the crate is a fun place where good things happen. You can also make a game out of throwing a treat in the crate an allowing the dog to go after it.

Dogs can be a real pain when it comes to jumping up on you or company. I use a simple spray bottle to humanely teach the dog not to jump. A very effective and humane way to eliminate this problem is by using a water bottle. Simply adjust the spray bottle to have a jet like stream. When the dog approaches to jump give the command "no jump" as you spray the dog between the eyes with two sprays from the water bottle. Three or four rounds using this technique will teach the dog that jumping is not allowed.

Sometimes thinking like a dog can help you solve some of the problems that your dog is exhibiting. Dogs are different that humans and they need to be treated using what makes sense to them.

When training your dog the stay command, take small incremental steps. First tell him to sit and then stay. When he has held that position for 15 or 20 seconds, give him a bunch of praise. Repeat the process, praising him after he stays a bit longer with each repetition. Make the sit-stays longer and farther as he gets better. When your dog is doing the sit-stay well then move onto the down-stay using the same simple steps.

As a good dog owner you want to provide plenty of physical stimulation as well as mental stimulation daily. Training sessions keep your dog busy and with physical exercise like walking and playing fetch you will keep your dog active. Remember that a trained dog is a happy dog and an exhausted dog is even happier.

If your dog doesn't like car rides, you can teach him to enjoy it. Simply get your dog used to car rides in small steps. Start by going for a rides around the block. After you have done this a few times you can start to make the rides a little longer. Make each trip longer and in no time your dog will love to take rides in the car.

Hopefully this assortment of tips will give you a head start when it comes to having a well behaved dog. These tips should help you begin to develop your skills as a dog trainer by having a well-behaved, obedient dog.

How Can I Make Money Working With Dogs?

Dogs are so popular these days that there are lots of people who would like to create a career in dogs for themselves. They love dogs, they enjoy spending time with them, and they feel they have something positive to offer to both people and dogs by working with animals. Fortunately there are many dog-related careers available to people. Here are five good ways to make money and earn a living working with dogs.

As a job, dog walking has become very much in demand in the past few years, particularly in larger cities with many apartment dwellers. People who live in apartments or in homes without sizable backyards, and who work during the day, are often in need of a good dog walker for their dogs. A dog walker will come by the home and take the dog out for a good walk, usually while the owner is at work. Many dog walkers will walk the dog for about an hour. For some dog walkers more vigorous exercise is involved, such as jogging. The good thing about dog walking for the dog walker is that he can walk multiple dogs at one time and have several clients per hour which improves his income. You can become a dog walker anywhere that there is a demand for such a service, though dog walkers are usually found in urban areas. You could also walk dogs for the elderly or the disabled in smaller towns or rural areas.

If you decide to become a dog walker it's a good idea to get some insurance and consider becoming bonded since you will be responsible for other people's pets. Decide how many hours per day or week you want to devote to the work. You can be flexible if it's a part-time job, but you must be reliable. Keep good financial records and have a written contract with your clients. It's a good idea to have extra collars and leashes with you when you walk dogs in case one breaks. Always pay close attention to the dogs and know where to take them for veterinary help.

Like dog walking, pet sitting has become very popular. Many people prefer to hire a good pet sitter rather than take their dogs to a boarding kennel. A pet sitter can come to someone's home and take care of the dogs without causing them the stress and upset of sending them to a strange kennel with unknown dogs.

In order to become a pet sitter you should do many of the same things discussed for becoming a dog walker: get insurance and become bonded. You will be in your clients' homes and you don't want to be blamed if anything should be missing or broken when they return home. Your insurance and bonding will cover you in case of any accidents. You should also keep good financial records and have a written contract with each client that details your services. Make sure you have contact information for your clients when they are out of town and that you have contact information for their vet. You should also know about any medications or special foods their dogs get. It's a good idea to visit with the clients and their dogs, in their home before they leave so you have a chance to meet the dogs and assess them. It also gives the dogs a chance to get to know you a little.

As with dog walking, a pet sitter is able to have multiple clients at any one time. It's usually only necessary to spend an hour or so with each client dog or dogs to handle feeding, play time and to make sure the dogs are all right. You may wish to visit twice a day in some cases depending on feeding schedules. These are things to work out with your clients.

Tips for Handling Dog Aggression

No one wants to have an aggressive dog in their home. You can't allow an aggressive dog to take over your house, especially when you know you should be the leader of your pack. As soon as you see signs of any aggressive behavior in your dog, use the following tips to stop it.

1. Assume the Alpha Position. Most of the time if your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior he is trying to assume control of the household, making a challenge toward your alpha position. Even if your dog isn't trying to challenge you, life will be easier if you have a clear pack order.

Take charge, make your commands clear, train your dog with care, and show your dog that you are the one in charge at all times. Even if this doesn't stop the aggressive behavior it will make it easier to manage.

2. Separate Problem Dogs. If you have more than one dog that is causing problems or if your dog has issues with guarding food, get rid of the issue. If you have two dogs that fight over food, for example, feed them in separate rooms. If you have two dogs that can't walk together, walk them separately.

Don't be too concerned. This kind of solution isn't usually permanent. But they do work in the short-term and prevent more serious problems.

3. Obedience Training. Obedience training is a good way to teach your dog how to follow specific commands and to respect your authority.

4. Keep Your Dog Busy. In some cases a dog will become aggressive if they don't have anything to keep them busy. If they are bored, have too much energy, lack focus, or anxious, they can become aggressive.

This is an easy problem to fix. When your dog is behaving well you should pay attention to him, give him plenty of exercise, and provide him with toys to keep him busy when you are away.

5. See Your Vet. In some cases aggression can be caused by a health problem. If your dog is sick or lacking in proper nutrition you should take him to the vet. These issues can cause your dog to behave aggressively.

6. Your Dog Needs Plenty of Exercise and A Good Diet. Good training won't help your dog unless he is also getting plenty of exercise and eats a good diet. A cheap dog food may not cause aggression but a lack of nutrients can make your dog's behavior worse.

7. Avoid Triggers. If you know something triggers aggression in your dog, avoid the trigger. If your dog doesn't like children or has problems with leashed dogs, or acts up when a truck drives by, avoid those negative stimuli.

8. Reduce the Fears in Your Dog's Life. Fear can be a cause of aggression. To reduce the fear in your dog's life, don't use negative punishment to change his behavior. Correct behaviors instead of punishing them.

If your dog has any phobias, don't reinforce them by giving him extra attention or care when he is upset by them. This will only emphasize to him that there is something to fear.

9. Work with a Good Dog Trainer. If you aren't making good progress with your dog's aggression, hire a professional. There are many good dog trainers who are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to handling dogs with behavior problems, including aggression. Contact a good trainer before your dog does something to hurt someone. Don't wait until it's too late.

Unlike many dog behavior problems, aggression is serious and it can't wait. It needs to be handled right away. Aggression can lead to worse problems such as biting or attacking. It typically makes the entire family uncomfortable. If your dog is suffering from problems with aggression, take care of it right away.

Buying Dog Clothes For Your Pet - 5 Things To Consider

Are you looking for the best possible dog clothes and pet supplies for your favourite pooch? The right clothes and accessories can help your pet stand out from others. A well dressed pet will also ensure that you get a lot of attention and satisfaction. There are so many options available to choose from that you are sure to get confused. After all, there are clothes for all seasons and occasions in addition to which there are pet supplies such as collars, beds, toys, leashes, food and canine health products available to buy. Be sure to use the following tips when you buy clothes for your dog so that you make the right selection:

1. What is your pet's size and build? Choose a costume that suits it. Each breed of dog has a unique build with certain body parts that are relatively larger or smaller than those of other breeds. The idea of one size fits all doesn't apply to clothes for dogs. While dogs tend to feel suffocated in tight clothing, they equally dislike loose and flappy clothing that can trip them up.

2. Is your pet comfortable wearing clothes? If not, then you have to gradually introduce various outfits, starting with small items that are relatively easy to wear. If your pet responds well to these items then you can introduce more after a while. In case your pet keeps biting or scratching at the clothes then you should remove them immediately.

3. Buy clothes made of high quality fabrics only. Anything less than the highest quality, whether you buy pure cotton or blended fabrics, will not be comfortable for your pet. Certain species of dogs overheat more than others and they should therefore be dressed with care.

4. Safety is a very important concern. The clothes you buy should be of fire retardant material. They should also be devoid of beads and other decorations such as pockets, buttons and studs that can be bitten off and swallowed. It is also a good idea to avoid buying clothes that have zippers because they can hurt your pet when they get entangled in its fur, as it surely will.

5. Stick to your budget so that you don't spend too much of money. If you can buy high quality dog clothes really cheap then you will be able to pick up a whole lot of outfits for your pet.

You'll be really happy with the dog clothes you buy if you put a lot of consideration into choosing them.

Search And Rescue Dog Training

Search and rescue dogs have one of the toughest jobs in the dog world. It's not surprising, then, that their training has to begin when they are only pups.

Search and rescue dog training actually starts by choosing the right kind of dogs for the training. SAR dogs need to be outgoing and confident. Some amount of confidence can be built up through socialization but it helps if a dog is naturally confident, curious and friendly toward people. Trainers will try to choose pups who are not shy. They may not be the boldest pups in the litter but they will be intelligent and curious. They need to show signs that they will enjoy training. And, a confident pup is always a plus.

Socialization is extremely important for the puppies chosen to be search and rescue dogs. It helps dogs become more confident and well-adjusted. SAR dogs need to be able to adapt to many different environments when they're working. Socialization at a young age helps prepare them to handle the different things they will encounter when they're adults, whether it's working in strange places, being surrounded by unknown people, searching in rubble or noisy city streets, or handling emotional scenes. The more different kinds of socialization a dog has as a puppy and young dog, the easier it will be for him to handle these things when he's a working SAR dog.

SAR dogs also need to learn basic training, such as obedience skills and how to work with their handler. In addition, the dog and handler work from a young age on "hide and seek" games where the young dog will practice finding the handler. At first these games can be very simple and easy. As the dog gets better at finding the handler the games can become more complicated to challenge the dog. Hide and seek can move from a simple indoor game to hiding in the backyard or a field. The dog is always learning and becoming better at "finding" the missing person, in this case his handler. As the dog progresses, the handler can ask the dog to find another person and make the game even more complex.

Treats and rewards play a big part in training a dog for search and rescue. Positive reinforcement is always a very important part of the training to encourage the dog and reward him.

Different dogs will search (or hunt) in different ways, depending on the breed of dog. Some dogs will scent by air and some will use ground scent. Sporting dogs are often more likely to use air scent while hounds are usually more likely to use the ground to track. However, most dogs will pick up scent where they find it. For instance, if you are searching with a Labrador Retriever he won't ignore scent on the ground just because he is a sporting dog. He's still a dog with a dog's excellent nose, capable of finding scent wherever it lies.

As the dog becomes more proficient he will learn the subtleties of searching. There are some differences in training for SAR depending on what the dog will specialize in searching for: live victims, cadavers, missing persons, etc.

The handler will also need to learn the different ways of searching. These can vary depending on the area searched - urban, rural, disaster setting, and so on.

Search and rescue dogs perform a very difficult job and often risk their own lives to save others. It can take years for a dog to become a fully-trained SAR dog. Hats off to these brave dogs and their handlers!

Antioxidant Vitamins Can Help To Protect Your Dog

Did you know the need to breath oxygen creates products that can also damage cells? These same destructive molecules are necessary when the immune system fights infection or when the body detoxifies harmful chemicals in the liver. These molecules are called "free radicals" or "reactive oxygen species" (ROS). In addition to causing cell damage and death, it is also thought that free radicals contribute to cancer, diabetes, senile deafness dementia and aging in dogs. Because free radicals are necessary the body has developed ways to minimize their damage. Antioxidant vitamins are one means to control free radical side effects.

Vitamin C and E

Vitamins C and E protect cells from damage and death caused by free radicals by protecting the fats in cell walls. They minimize the ability of free radicals to alter DNA and prevent cell cycle changes that are thought to lead to cancer. Chronic inflammatory conditions like skin allergies, arthritis, and certain bowel and kidney diseases produce large amount of free radicals. Alzheimer's disease in humans and senile deafness and dementia in dogs are also thought to be the result of chronic inflammation in the brain. Vitamin C and E are often recommended for the treatment of inflammatory conditions to minimize free radical damage.

Dogs can actually make vitamin C in their bodies during sugar metabolism. Whether this natural amount is adequate to control free radical damage is unknown. Natural production capabilities might also vary from dog to dog. Most dog foods have minimal amounts of vitamin E and few contain any vitamin C.

Naturally Occurring C and E

Citrus fruits, peppers, kale and tomatoes are all known to have large to small amounts of vitamin C. The seed oils of wheat germ, sunflowers and safflowers are the highest source of vitamin E. Nuts and nut oils contain moderate amounts while some leafy green vegetables contain small amounts of vitamin E. However, the amount of vitamin C and E in these natural sources is still insufficient unless the dog is willing to eat large amounts of these foods. With seed oils, that would substantially increase the fat calories of the diet.

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements provide greater amounts of vitamins C and E. Many fish oils also contain large amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin C and E are not known to be toxic in the dog, but they should be used carefully.

Vitamin C is converted to oxalate that is filtered from the kidneys into the urine. This urinary oxalate can promote the formation of crystals and stones in the kidneys and bladder. Many dogs are predisposed to this medical problem and excessive vitamin C supplementation could make the condition worse for these animals. Extreme doses of vitamin E interfere with the intestinal absorption of the essential vitamins, A, D and K.

Antioxidant Fortified Dog Food

The ideal choice is dog food that includes vitamins C and E. Although many commercial dog food makers are beginning to fortify their diets with these vitamins, the offerings are limited and expensive. C and E can be easily added to homemade dog food to create a healthier dog food alternative. Dog owners should look for homemade recipes that include healthy amounts of vitamin C and E.

Dogs Therapy

Therapy dogs provide comfort and reassurance for many people in locales such as nursing homes, schools and hospitals. The un-sung heroes of service dogs, however, are the dogs' owners.

These dogs provide love and calmness to children, but it is the owners who are the ones who volunteer to get their pets involved. The pair creates a team that works together to improve other people's lives.

Examples of therapy dogs' and their owners' work include visits to a senior in an assisted living program or helping a child who is struggling with learning to read.

And, yes, family pets other than dogs are therapy pets, for example, animals like cats and rabbits and horses, etc.

Therapy dogs should not be confused with service dogs that are trained to assist someone with whom they live. Therapy dogs visit along with their volunteer parents as a team.

So how do you get your pet involved in helping others?

Becoming a Therapy Dog

There are many pet organizations that help connect certified therapy dogs with those who will benefit most. Many times, there is a long waiting list for these dogs and their volunteer owners at these organizations.

Almost any friendly dog is a great candidate to become one. It's not like some breeds or sizes of dogs are better than others.

Some of the outward signs of a dog with the proper disposition to become a therapy dog include:

· Likes people

· Wiggles tail when meets people

· Enthusiastically greets visitors

Of course, there are a few other requirements such as knowing basic commands and demonstrating tolerance of a leash. But a dog's temperament is probably the most important aspect of a good therapy dog.

In fact, Love on a Leash, a foundation for pet-provided therapy, provides a certification form that includes the following note for the evaluator: "Note: Any dog that shows aggression toward a person or another dog is automatically disqualified."

A number of professionals can act as the evaluator and can fill out the certification form:

· Any professional animal behaviorists

· Dog Trainers

· Veterinarians

· Other dog professionals like boarding/kennel businesses

The evaluator's job is to examine your dog and provide a yes or no answer to questions about the dog and the handler.

The Dog's Evaluation

1. Sensitivity to sound
2. Shyness or fearfulness
3. Ability to pet its head, feet, ears and tail
4. Healthy & well-groomed
5. Controlled around people
6. Maintains composure while a stranger erratically approaches
7. Obvious biting or mouthing or aggression
8. Follow commands such as sit, lie down, heel, and come all while on a leash
9. Ability to sit or stay for two minutes while the owner holds leash

The Handler's Evaluation

1. Comfortable with the "therapy team" visiting a relative.
2. Handler's ability to maintain control over dog when greeting a friendly stranger

Since an evaluator must attest to the above items, it is important to train your dog for these commands and abilities. In addition, commands like "leave it" and "paws up" are also helpful for therapy dogs.

Whether you train your dog yourself or you have a professional help you, the most important aspect is your ability to control your dog even under stressful conditions. Places you will take your therapy-trained dog like hospitals and schools can become suddenly very loud at times.

If you have an interest in training your pooch to be a therapy dog, begin by teaching the basic commands, and then work with the more advanced commands. When your dog can demonstrate the required abilities, just have your veterinarian or trainer "evaluate" her and sign the certificate.

10 Signs of Dominance in Your Dog

Having a dominant dog around the house can be annoying as well as dangerous. A dog who thinks he's in command might eventually bite you or someone in your family if he is challenged. It's important to recognize the signs that your dog is becoming dominant and do something about the problem.

Signs of dominance in your dog

Excessive barking. Dogs that bark all the time are not just a nuisance, they are imposing their voice on everyone. This is a sign of a dominant dog.

Getting on furniture or the bed without permission. If you allow your dog to get on the furniture or the bed, it's important that you teach your dog that he is only allowed to do so when he has your permission. If he gets up on furniture or the bed whenever he wants, he is displaying dominant behavior and putting you in a subordinate position.

Growling at you or other members of the family. Dogs that growl are giving you a warning that they may bite. This is a clear warning that your dog is displaying dominant behavior toward you.

Demanding your attention through nudges, whining, or mouthing you. Dogs that are constantly demanding your attention in these physical ways are displaying dominant behavior and trying to force you to pay attention to them.

Guarding food or toys. Dogs that guard their food or toys and who won't give them up to you easily are showing that they don't have to obey you. They are displaying dominant behavior and treating you like a subordinate.

Refusing to move out of your way. Dogs that block your path or refuse to move out of your way when you tell them to get off something are showing dominant behavior. Again, they are showing that they don't respect you.

Will not let anyone including you, the vet, or groomer handle him. Dogs that refuse to let anyone, including you, handle them are being dominant. They are showing a lack of respect toward humans.

Humping you or your guests. In addition to being bad manners, this is dominant behavior. Dominant dogs will hump dogs and other animals that they regard as being below them in the pack.

Ignoring commands he knows well. Dogs that ignore your commands, even though they know them well, are showing a willful disregard for your authority. Your dog is showing you that he is dominant and he doesn't have to obey you.

Peeing or pooping on your bed. A dog that pees or poops on your bed is showing you exactly what he thinks of your authority, and it's not much. This is dominant behavior.
If your dog is showing signs of dominance it's time to get help from a dog trainer or behavior specialist. Dominant dogs are often intent on preserving their position so if you do anything that they find challenging to their authority, they may bite you or someone in your family. Get help from a well-qualified professional.

Best Tips For Training Your Weimaraner

Weimaraner training tips

If you are after some good Weimaraner training tips, you have to find out where to start. First you have to recognize what your Weimaraner needs from you in a training situation and then find the best way to train them.

Many people think that a Weimaraner is smarter than it is, this is a mistake. A Weimaraner simply needs to be part of the household and be accepted, but it also will test where in the social order he stands. At his most basic level he is still a pack animal that needs to know where he stands.

To change any undesirable behaviour, the best way to train your Weimaraner is not to yell at your dog or hit them, but to concentrate on the way they will show those instincts.

Core Weimaraner training tips

There are a few simple things that all Weimaraner owner should think about when they start to train their pet. These tasks will make Weimaraner training easier for you.

Crate training- Crate training will provide your Weimaraner with a place that it will know as his own. Do not use the crate to punish your Weimaraner. When your Weimaraner is in the crate make sure you are in the house so that he can associate using the crate when you are home as a positive influence.

Most Weimaraner obedience training tips overall will agree, a crate trained dog can make house damage, reduced barking, and help with anxiety problems better overall.

Leash training- Having problems with your Weimaraner training on the leash? The goal now is to teach your dog to be able to keep a calm and controlled state of mind. This calm state of mind will allow your Weimaraner to react to your instructions without being too agitated about the walk.

Weimaraner with leash problems pulls at the owners leash and tries to run about. If your Weimaraner tries to pull hard while you are leading sit your dog down and wait until you are ready. After a while they will work out that you giving a tug on the leash will mean they have to stop walking.

The alpha position- The most relevant Weimaraner training tips has to do with your control of the household. People are under the misconception Weimaraner training is all on the dog to learn.

The responsibility is on the owner to teach the Weimaraner that you are in charge and that you have full control. That way they get to relax by knowing who is in charge of the situation.

The importance of consistency

The major point with all Weimaraner training is to make sure that you are always consistent in everything that you do. A Weimaraner will learn to respond to you if you are consistent and regular in the implementation of your commands. If you become erratic and only give them commands when you feel like it, they will become confused and stop following your directions.

If you give a command, be consistent with it and make sure everyone else follows your guidelines. Good Weimaraner training can be a lot harder on you than for your dog, but in the long run it is worth the effort you spent on it.

Tips of Caring for a Sick Dog

If you are like most pet parents, your treat your dog with utmost care. You are concerned about their overall well-being. When the inevitable situation of sickness happens to your favorite animal, it is your responsibility to make sure he is nursed back to health. Take the time to do what it takes for your pet dog to become lively and beautiful creature that it has always been.

How do you care for your pet animal when he is ill? With your pet doctor's advice, make sure you know what your pet is going through and what to do to alleviate his condition. Your dog will love you even more for it.

1. Keep your canine friend comfortable.

You need to make sure he is not disturbed when experiencing an illness. He needs a quiet room without a lot of people coming by to be able to get all the rest he can have. If necessary, you can set up a "recovery bed" for him with a pillow or soft bedding. You can also give him a blanket and his favorite toy by his side.

2. Give him easy access to food and water.

Your dog needs all the nourishment to recover quickly. Make sure you are able to give him something so he doesn't sleep hungry. More often than not, a sick animal refuses to eat, so you can cook up something creative that will "tempt" him to take a few bites. Treats are often effective, and so are homemade recipes. Most dog owners and experts recommend skinless chicken and rice that are easy on your dog's stomach. Keep your pet hydrated too, with clean drinking water.

3. Always monitor.

Throughout the period of sickness, your beloved animal will not be able to care for himself. Check his vital signs at least thrice each day and take note of the results. Make sure you give him proper medicine, as recommended by your vet. Remember that giving your dog the wrong dosage can be potentially fatal, so always pay attention to your vet's instructions.

4. Keep a log of the animal's condition and progress.

Make it a habit to always take important notes when it comes to taking care of your sick pet. All the information will be useful to gauge whether your dog's condition will need professional attention. You can also report this to your veterinarian who will shed light on the real situation and inform you of the actual solution that will help.

5. "No, he cannot play with you. Yes, it is a bad time."

Here's an important tip many pet owners forget: Your dog doesn't feel well, which means he isn't exactly up for some fun time. Instead he wants and needs to rest in order to recover. Let the kids understand that your dog does not want to play or run around. A sick dog is often irritable, but if you let him rest and gain back his strength, this shouldn't be a cause for concern.

6. Take note of this situation; take preventive measures so it doesn't happen again.

Prevention also matters. Protect your dog from parasites that weaken him or cause other problems to crop up, Give him trusted products that are formulated to protect him against parasites that affect him inside and out.

Puppy Training

5 critical development stages in puppies is something everyone getting a new puppy should know.

Puppies are cute, fun and usually wild and undisciplined when you get them. When taken from the litter they are looking for leadership also known as their new pack leader. Good leadership comforts a puppy and will help him grow up with a balanced life. Dogs are happiest when balanced. No leadership and only affection may cause a puppy to become unbalanced which can lead to unwanted behavior, unstable temperaments and your dog being the leader of the pack.

Start your puppy off with confidence by providing leadership. Teach your puppy good manners, with rules, boundaries and limitation, teach him simple commands and fun tricks. Give him plenty of exercise and affection. This is the best way to show your puppy you love him. Many people make the mistake of showering a puppy with too much affection and not providing leadership and discipline. Discipline is love, exercise is love and petting, hugging and kissing is affection. Be sure your puppy is being raised in a balanced environment.

Your puppy is capable of learning and more importantly you are setting the stage for his development from 7 weeks of age. Puppies are paying attention and learning things from the minute you get them. If you are not teaching him good behavior then he is learning bad behavior. Leadership/discipline training can be fun and build a lifelong bond of love and companionship.

Puppy training should be fun, teach them tricks, commands, play the dominant role in fun puppy games most importantly set rules and boundaries.

Starting from birth the puppy stages begin.

First Period from 0-21 day's during the first 3 weeks of the puppies life the mental capacity is very small. The puppy reacts on the need of warmth, food, sleep and its mother.

Second period 21-28 days. Abruptly on the 21st day the puppy's senses start to function. This second phase is when the pup absolutely needs his mom. During this week the dog's senses function, the brain and nervous system start to develop and the big new world around him can be pretty frightening. The emotional and social stress of life will have the greatest impact on him during this week. Removal from the mother at this age could be detrimental. The breeder should also be knowledgeable in the dos and don'ts while handling puppies at this age.

Third period 28-49 days. Slowing the puppy reacts to his surroundings. He ventures away from mom to explore the world around him. This period the dog's nervous system and brain will have developed to the capacity of an adult but of course without the experince. He'll be ready to recognize people and respond to the voice. It's during this third period that social order or pecking order of the litter starts to form. This means that puppies that learn to get in and fight for their food will tend to become dominant and the pups that are cowed by the more aggressive pups will become shy and develop wallflower personality. It's desirable for the pup to live in the litter long enough for him to get a little competitive spirit from his family life but too much is harmful. The breeder should be knowledgeable in the dos and don'ts while raising puppies at this age. The puppy is now ready to learn and learn he will. So it is best for the human to get into the picture at this point. Proper involvement will mold the type of personality that you want the dog to have. When the puppy is exactly 49 days old although he will be physically immature, his brain will have attained its full adult form.

Fourth period 7- 12 weeks the trainer and the dogs should start to get to know each other. Research has shown that this, the 49th day is the best time in the puppies life to establish human relationships. Between 8-12 weeks of age is the best bonding period for a new puppy to be with his new owners. To develop a bond that will have a permanent effect on the puppy. Simple commands can be taught at this time. Teaching is at this point is in the form of games. Except in the case of house breaking or excessive barking, there should be little discipline. By the time the puppy is 12 weeks old he should know commands like sit, stay, come, possibly heel and some simple tricks.

Getting settled in the new home is a very important part of his education. A secure puppy will be a balanced happy dog and will take to learning and discipline.

Puppies that have had little human contact before 16 weeks of age have little chance of becoming what we want in a companion.

Fifth period 12- 16 weeks is when the puppy starts to school. The play teaching games stop and the formal lessons start. The puppy is ready to learn discipline behavior. This is the time a young dog will declare his independence. We prepare the dog for learning in the 7-12 week period. Fundamental training then begins at 12 weeks and by the end of 16 weeks the puppy will know his basic commands and respond well to them.

Teaching puppy things at a young age sets his developmental ability to learn. The ancient adage you can't each an old dog new tricks isn't necessarily true if your dog has developed learning skills as a puppy.

Early development training should include:

1. House breaking.
2. Learning to communicate. Dogs are talking to us constantly though body language and behavior. Make an effort to learn his and he will learn verbal language from us. Teach him words in a simple manner as if you were learning a foreign language.
3. Who the pack leader is.
4. What the rules, boundaries and limitations are.
5. General good manners no jumping, biting, barking, digging etc. To be calm when being handled for grooming and nail trimming, and riding in a car.
6. When and how to be calm and submissive.
7. Basic commands like sit, down, stay, come, and to properly walk on a leash.
8. He should be socialized with other pets. Spending time with other dogs will keeping him used to communicating with animals of his own species.
9. Be exposed to many sites and sounds. Here is a tip, dogs don't understand consoling they understand affirmation. If you give affection to a puppy in a fearful state of mind you affirm that his reaction of fear to noises or actions was the correct reaction. If you take a different approach by saying in a happy uplifted voice "that was fun want to do that again". This will send a clear message that the scary noise or situation was no big deal in fact make it a game by engaging him with a happy response. Making it a game will snap the dog's brain out of fear to acceptance. In some situation it is better to simply ignore his fear and walk away. Leaving him to figure out on his own that it was not big deal. We do not want to perpetuate fearful reactions in dogs towards lightning and thunder, fireworks, children's activities, cars going by, etc. Don't pet, pickup, show affection or pity to a fearful dog. Simply redirect his attention and make light of the situation.

I hope I have provided you with enough information for you to make a wise choice in choosing a puppy that has been started out right from birth and how to properly raise your puppy once you get him home.

10 Essentials For Dog

With such a wide range of pet products available today, it can be tough to figure out exactly what are the most important supplies for your dog, especially if you have just brought home a puppy for the first time. That is why we have created this checklist of ten essential pet supplies for your dog.

1. Dog Bowls

One of first things you need to buy, dog bowls come in many shapes and forms. From simple ones to the automatic combo feeder types, which solve the problem of buying separate bowls for food and water and worrying about your dog when you're away from home.

2. Dog Food

Speaking of food, often times people give their dogs table scraps and random treats. However, what they might not understand is that they may be actually harming their furry friends, as dogs are allergic to many ingredients. Proper dog food is essential, because it contains all the required nutrients for your dog to have a healthy life.

3. ID Tags

ID Tags are very important to keep your dog safe, if he spends a lot of time outdoors or during a trip, for instance. They can be very stylish as well.

4. Flea and Tick Control

A flea and tick control product is an essential pet medication. Make sure you buy the appropriate products, because they are available in several versions, depending on the dog's age and size.

5. Dog Beds

Your dog probably won't mind sleeping on your couch or bed, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't appreciate having his own bed. There are several types of dog beds available: from the standard ones to the cooling and heated beds.

6. Leash

A leash is a must have for any dog owner, but with the constant fear of choking and causing their dogs suffering, many dog owners have restrained from using leashes altogether. Find one that is comfortable and safe for your dog, so that you both can have a nice walk in the park.

7. Brushes

It is important for you to brush your dog's hair on a daily basis, even though some breeds require more grooming than others. That is why grooming brushes are available in several types, depending on the dog's hair.

8. Chew Toys

Constant chewing is a fact that many dog owners know all too well, which is why giving your dog a chew toy is necessary to keep him from chewing off everything you own. You can even fill a chew toy with tasty treats, so that your dog is deeply engrossed in them rather than your shoes.

9. Dog Bones

Giving your dog a good dog bone not only keeps his teeth healthy, but it also prevents that awful breath which can make even the strongest fail. There are several healthy and affordable options to choose from.

10. Kennels

Kennels are a good option to keep your dog from wandering off or running a rampage in your house, but without a sturdy kennel many times it becomes extremely difficult for dog owners to achieve that.

"Now that you know these ten essential pet supplies, don't forget the most important thing your dog needs: love"

6 Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe And Sane

1. Create a safe space for your dog such as a quiet bedroom and stock the space with your dog's bed, food and water bowls, toys and long duration chew products. If music is accessible, classical music is very soothing for dogs, just be sure to keep the volume very low. Your dog will be very thankful if he can escape to the solitude of his special place and you'll be able to relax knowing that he is safe!

2. Prepare Thanksgiving Treats for your dog. Plan ahead to provide several, "keep busy" food toys and treats for your dog, which you can dispense during the course of the day. Frozen Kong's can provide 45 minutes of gleeful stimulation and you can fill them with safe foods that you likely already have on hand such as plain sweet potatoes, white yogurt, canned pumpkin or high quality canned dog food. Long duration chew products such as bull horns, Nylabones, or soft deer antlers are also excellent options. It's important to give your dog something to do while you have something to do!

3. As much as possible, keep your dog's regular routine for feeding, play and exercise, which will help him burn off energy and feel more balanced. If possible, make arrangements with your pet sitter or doggie daycare facility for your dog to play, walk and get the exercise he needs to help him cope with the stress of the holidays.

4. Food and Kitchen Safety:

• Prevent your dog from having access to the kitchen while the holiday meal is being prepared. It's very easy to trip over a dog and if you are carrying a heavy pot or boiling liquids, you and your dog could be accidentally injured or burned as a result.


• No matter how well trained, if food is accessible to your dog, he will attempt to consume it. Thanksgiving cooking is different from day-to-day cooking and your dog is likely on olfactory overdrive from long-term exposure to cooking and baking smells. To add to his angst, food is likely lying on every surface tempting him further. Food wraps such as tin foil and Saran wrap, turkey string and paper from butter sticks are equally tempting... and dangerous. Dogs can be alarmingly quick with their movements and food or food products can be pulled from the counter before you can react.


• Move the kitchen garbage can to a place where there's no chance that your dog can get to it. Thanksgiving "trash" is not the same as regular garbage and frankly, turkey and all the trimmings are irresistible to dogs. They don't know that onion, garlic, mushrooms, bones and many other holiday foods are toxic to them. All they know is that the smells emanating from the garbage can are driving them crazy and that they MUST get their paws on it.


• Put your dog in his safe space while food is being placed on the table and the meal commences. It will be too hard for your dog to resist begging from visitors (especially children) and many a dangerous morsel will "accidentally" be dropped on the floor.

5. The Stress of Visitors and Unusual Activity

• Don't assume that your dog will "be fine" with a house full of children and other folks whom the dog may or may not know well. Everything your dog knows as normal is upside down on the holidays; expect him to act differently as a result. Set your dog up to succeed by allowing him to mingle supervised for brief periods of time and then putting him in his safe room where he can relax and unwind. Placing your dog on leash for these interactions will make him feel more secure and allows you to control his movements around your visitors. Keep the interactions short to ensure the experience is positive for your dog and he does not become agitated or overexcited. Signs of stress or overexcitement include excessive jumping, barking, mouthing, hiding behaviors, growling, lip licking, yawning and trembling.


• Visitors coming and going offer many opportunities for the dog to run out the door. Ensure that your dog is wearing his ID tags in case he escapes. Assign someone in the family to leash the dog and stay with him in another room when visitors arrive or walk him on leash to greet the visitors as they arrive.

6. A Member of the Family Yes, but Not Human

• If you are feeling bad about restricting your dog's interactions this holiday, consider this. Dogs are certainly a member of the family but they are not human and do not have the same needs as we do. Your dog does not want to be thrown into the middle of holiday chaos; what he wants is his normal routine! Limiting your dog's interactions and movements during the holiday is not mean; rather, you are fulfilling your dog's safety needs and helping him cope with the all the changes and stressors the holiday naturally brings.