Learn About Real Cat Care
By Julee Mitchelsin

If you are one of the many people lucky enough to own a cat or
several cats as pets, then you need to take time and make the
effort to learn proper cat care. One of my biggest struggles
with people is that they choose to have pets but then do
nothing to intentionally take good care of them. This is why,
as a veterinarian, I make all of my clients come to a seminar
about good cat care and dog care before they can receive
services at my office.

Many other veterinarians think that this measure is extreme and
that I cannot really subject all of my clients to that kind of
seminar. While I have had a few clients disagree with my
tactics, the majority of my clients have submitted to my
request without hesitation. Why? Because I believe that people
know that they need to learn proper cat care or dog care and so
they are willing to atttend a seminar.

I believe that taking the time and energy to learn proper cat
care or dog care is absolutely essential for all pet owners.
People need to realize that owning a pet is a serious
responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. On the contrary,
it must be given attention. I pride myself in being a
veterinarian that is committed to preventative care by teaching
my clients how to give good cat care and dog care. I find that
the more education pet owners get at the start, the less
problems they have that need my attention.

If you are considering getting a cat, then I suggest you slow
down a bit and take the time to really learn about proper cat
care. Inform yourself about the reality of being a pet owner.
Learn what your responsibilities will be before you commit to
taking them on. If you are not sure where to look for
information on good cat care, then talk with a veterinarian or
other cat owners near you. An even easier method is to head off
to your local library and check out a few good books on the
subject of cat care. Inform yourself. Get online and see what
you can learn about even the basics of cat care. The more you
learn, the less question marks you will have later.

Cats are amazing animals and they make great pets. Do what is
most loving for your pet and learn about good cat care before
you bring your new cat home to stay.

About the Author: Julee Mitchelsin is a veterinarian that is
passionate about teaching good cat care methods to future and
current pet owners. See http://www.catcarehelp.info for more
details.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

The Importance Of Cat Care
By Michelle Bery

Having a pet can be a wonderful experience as our furry friends
integrate themselves into our daily lives and become cherished
members of our families. We all certainly have our allegiances
when it comes to our pet of choice. Just as dog owners will
brag of the canine’s family-friendly quality and loving
demeanor, cat owners will boast of the cat’s intelligent nature
and subtle personality. Of course, part of having a pet – of any
variety – is the responsibility for their daily care. And cat
care, as any cat owner will tell you, is paramount to ensuring
your feline’s good health and longevity.

First and foremost, when it comes to cat care – just as you
would do for a baby – you must take steps to make your home a
safe place for a curious kitty. When doing this, it is helpful
to get down on the floor so that you can get a perspective for
what may look interesting to your tiny new family member.
Remove any small things from the floor that could be a choking
hazard, and look for small, dangerous places where your kitten
could inadvertently get stuck. Also, be mindful of lit candles
and open windows!

Of course, cat care also means proper medical supervision. If
you don’t already have a reputable veterinarian with whom you
feel comfortable, it is important that you seek one out. Do
some research among the animal lovers in your community; you
will often find that there is a consensus among them regarding
the best choice in area veterinarians. It is essential that you
set up an initial appointment for your cat to make sure that all
of your cat’s protective shots are in order. The same
veterinarian will be significant going forward for regular
check-ups, teeth cleaning, and any other medical intervention
that you may need.

Ask your veterinarian about the food most appropriate for cat
care. As you will find, there are a variety of cat foods on the
market today, all advertising their own all-important nutrients;
it can be difficult to navigate. Your cat’s nutrition needs will
change as it ages so it is important that you keep pace. Your
veterinarian will be able to tell you what is nutritionally
most important for your kitten – as well as your older cat.

Finally, when it comes to cat care, it is important that your
cat feel comfortable and that is has a place of its own. A
litter box placed in a removed area of your home will offer
your cat a place to go to the bathroom. Talk with your
veterinarian about how best to introduce the litter box to your
cat.

Ultimately, the most important cat care is the love and
protection that you offer, allowing your cat to grow healthy
and strong.

About the Author: For easy to understand, in depth information
about cats causes visit our ezGuide 2 http://cats.ezguide2.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Removing Dog Urine Odor From Your Carpet
By James Carlson

Pet urine odor can be very difficult to completely remove from
a carpet. If you are having trouble removing odor from your
dogs little house training accidents you should read this
article to get learn how to permanently take care of it. 

The first thing you need to do is thoroughly clean the surface
of the carpet. This is often all that is necessary to remove
the odor. So start there and let the carpet thoroughly dry
before continuing. To clean the carpet use a solution of one
part white distilled vinegar and three parts water. Mist the
solution on the carpet and after allowing it to dwell for a few
minutes, blot it up. If you have a home spotter, rinse the area
with plain water. Now let it dry.

If it is still smelly you can move on to the next step.
Purchase a bottle of enzyme cleaner from your local pet store
and mix it up by following the directions on the bottle.
Thoroughly saturate the area and place plastic wrap over the
spot to keep it wet for twenty four to forty eight hours. After
that time has passed, let the area dry. You might have to use a
little of your vinegar and water solution to spot clean it
after it is completely dry of a water mark appears. 

If the odor is still present after the last step you have to go
to the extreme measure of pulling up the carpet and removing the
pad. Purchase or rent a knee kicker from your local home
improvement store and use it to pull back the carpet. Cut out
the affected area of pad and take a sample of it to the home
improvement store. Match the thickness and density of the pad
and purchase a replacement section along with a can of spray
sealant and masking tape. Return home and clean the sub floor
with your vinegar and water solution and allow it to dry. Next
spray the sealant on the dry sub floor and allow it to dry.
Then replace the section of pad you removed and use the masking
tape to bind the edges of the old and new padding. Now just use
the knee kicker to replace the carpet and you are done.

Hopefully this has been of help to you in removing the pet odor
from your carpet. If it sounds too involved you should call a
local carpet cleaner who can handle the problem for you for a
reasonable cost.

About the Author: Learn more about this at
http://www.flintcarpetcleaning.info , a website on carpet
cleaning services and care.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

By Bart LeToad

It’s an all too familiar scene; a family walks into the pet
store to look at the cute kittens and puppies. And when they
leave they are the proud owner of one of those cute puppies or
kittens. Swept away by the emotions of that cute little dog
bouncing in the window or the soft meow of that precious little
kitten. We all know that once you hold that cute little puppy
that it’s hard to put down. But sometimes an impulsive buy like
this can mean a long and hard road of frustration and pain for
you and your pet. That is why a family would be better served
to spend a little time doing research on the particular breed
of dog or cat they are considering as their new family member.

When considering a purebred puppy. One thing you can be sure of
is the inherent characteristics of that particular breed. When a
family is considering bringing a purebred into their home, they
may need to consider the breeds’ characteristics and whether
they will suit the family personality. For example, buying a
breed of dog that requires lots of exercise and activity when
you’re family is not an active family will only result in a pet
that is under stimulated and hard to control.

Unfortunately, the number one reason competent pet owners take
their pets to the local humane service is because they bought
their pet based on emotional decision, rather than an informed
one. And now they don’t like the dog they’ve ended up with.
What if the shoe was on the other foot and it was the dogs
giving up their owners because they didn’t like the way the
owners turned out. It doesn’t matter what the problem is, from
chewing your shoes or the arm of your leather chair to
something major like snapping at your child or attacking other
pets. This behavior only increases the frustration level for
both the owners and the pets and will result in the breaking of
both the owners and the pets’ heart.

Stay smart about your research in particular what breed you
want to bring home. If you are interested in buying a Labrador
retriever, the last person you want to rely on for that breeds’
information is the person you are buying a puppy from. They have
an interest in promoting the sale of their animal they may tell
you what you want to hear to help them achieve the sale. Seek
out independent sources using places like the Internet or your
local library. Contact the AKC or visit their website and look
at all the information they have on the particular breed you
want. Make sure your research things like size and weight,
health problems, amount of exercise and is your breed going to
shed a lot. These things are just the tip of the iceberg. So we
have provided you a list that you can take with you when you are
researching your particular breed.

1. Does the dog shed a lot?
2. How much food will have to buy each month?
3. Are they easily trainable or are you going to exert a lot of
effort?
4. Are they easy to potty train?
5. Will a weekly brushing work or do they had to be groomed by
a professional groomer?
6. Does the breed bark a lot or only when provoked?
7. Is the breed overly protective?
8. Does the breed require any out of the ordinary care?
9. Is the breed easily socialized?
10. Is the breed temperamental?
11. How big is the breed going to get or how small is it going
to stay?
12. Are they a family dog and will they get along with your
children?
13. How long can you expect him to be a family member?

Using the tips that we’ve given you here along with your sound
judgment should enable you to pick the breed of dog that will
best suit you and your family’s personality. Remember to make
an informed decision rather than a spur of the moment emotional
one. By doing this you and your family will have chosen the best
friend of a lifetime you could have and in return you will
receive unconditional love.

About The Author: Once you have chosen your pet, visit our site
for the best prices on Petsafe, Dogtra & Tri Tronics products!
http://www.pet-super-store.com

Carpet Care Tips For The Pet Owner
By James Carlson

If you have pets you probably already know that they can take a
huge toll on your carpeting. By following a few rules and being
prepared for the occasional accident however animals do not
have to be that much of a problem. Read this article and get
some tips to help you live with both animals and carpet.

The first thing you need to do is be prepared. Keep some
bottles of spotter handy and some rags to clean up any
accidents as soon as they happen. In one bottle of spotter have
a mix on one part white distilled vinegar to three parts water.
You will use this to clean up any pet urine accidents. Also
have a bottle of basic spotter for any other messes that might
occur. After you use the general spotter follow up with the
vinegar solution to neutralize the spotter and kill any odor.
Be sure to dab spots when cleaning, never rub.

The next tip is to keep your animals nails trimmed. This is
especially important if you have Berber carpet as your animal
can easily snag a loop and cause a run down the entire length
of the carpet. You can buy clippers to do it yourself or most
groomers and vet clinic will do it for you at a reasonable
rate.

The last tip I will give you is to bath your animal often. This
helps to remove pet dander and oil from the skin of your animal.
The amount of oil on our dogs skin depends greatly on their
breed but all dogs will have some. The oil is easily
transferred to the carpet and will create dark spots. Also give
them a pet bed or a blanket to sleep on to protect the carpet.

You should find these tips beneficial and they will hopefully
let you live more easily with animals and carpets. Good luck.

About the Author: For more information on carpet visit
http://www.evansvillecarpetcleaning.info . You source for
carpet cleaning information.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Dogs are, by instinct, den dwelling animals, and like all canines, they don’t want to defecate or urinate in their den. With crate training, the crate becomes a substitute for the den. House training becomes easier with the use of crate training. Additionally, your puppy will be a more secure and happier puppy with his own den. 

Like anything else that is worthwhile in life, it will take some time and effort to properly crate train your puppy. The rewards, however, are well worth the extra effort. When you start to crate train your puppy take it slow and be patient.

Very important is that you never use the crate as punishment for bad behavior or accidents since this will only cause your puppy to view the crate as a bad place and defeat the whole training process. An advantage of crate training is when guests visit or when small children are present unattended, or when entertaining for example, it is convenient to be able to put your puppy/dog into its crate where it can relax and sleep, unattended.  Of course, you too can relax knowing that your puppy/dog will not be harmed or cause problems or escape from the house. If your puppy/dog should ever have to spend a night or two at the vet’s, he will be a little more secure if he has been crate trained since most veterinary clinics use crates for their animals. Also, a puppy/dog who understands and is comfortable in a crate is much easier to manage while you are performing other tasks or while your puppy/dog must be left in someone else’s care in a situation that is also likely to be stressful to the dog and make an unconfined dog more likely to try to escape. Another benefit of crate training is if you should travel with your puppy on an airplane is it keeps your puppy calm. While traveling in your automobile, your puppy/dog will be kept safe in his/her crate. An unrestrained puppy/dog can be a hazardous situation for both the animal and its human.  Some instances of these hazards are: ·        An excitable dog who sees another animal outside the vehicle might leap into the driver’s lap while the car is moving, potentially causing an accident.  ·        Dogs have been known to leap through the window of moving cars, injuring or killing themselves. ·        Drivers who are distracted by their dogs moving around behind them, barking, or getting into forbidden things while the car is moving can also cause accidents. ·        If the dog is only moderately injured or uninjured, and particularly if the owner is injured, a loose dog might consider people coming to the owner’s aid to be the causes of the accident or threats to its family or property and might attack or attempt to drive off the helpers. ·        In the event of an accident, even a well-behaved dog can become a dangerous projectile that can seriously injure the driver or passengers in seats in front of the dog. These are just a few of the reasons that crate training is very beneficial to your puppy or dog and you. 

We have all heard of arthritis occurring in adults and even in children, but our pets? Yes, even Fido can develop this painful disease. Although your dog cannot speak, he can show you if he has arthritis or not. 

Some of the signs to watch for are:

·        Favoring a limb

·        Difficulty sitting or standing

·        Sleeping more

·        Seeming to have stiff or sore joints

·        Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs

·        Weight gain

·        Decreased activity or less interest in play

·        Attitude or behavior changes

Being less alert If you notice these symptoms in Fido for more than two weeks, then take him to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation right away. This evaluation will more than likely consist of a physical exam and possibly X-rays.

As with humans, the sooner arthritis is diagnosed and treated, the better for the patient. What is Fido’s treatment? Very similar to the treatment of osteoarthritis in humans, which may include:

·        Healthy diet and exercise to help maintain proper weight.

·        Working with your veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve the pain.

·        Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common form of pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis in dogs.

·        You can also use over-the-counter pet treatments with your dog, such as pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids. Both have shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

·        Your veterinarian may prescribe both an NSAID and an over-the-counter treatment that together may help decrease pain and disease progression. 

A word of caution here.  Never give your dog human medication without checking first with your veterinarian. Certain medications can be toxic to dogs — particularly acetaminophen and ibuprofen — and a safe dose will differ between a greyhound and a dachshund. 

No matter how you decide to treat your dog’s arthritis, make sure you work with a veterinarian to ensure that you select a program that helps your best buddy. 

By Lee Dobbins

A dog may be man’s best friend, but it takes an awful lot of effort to make it cope up to how it we look at it. While large breeds do not just serve as companion to the master – it can be a hunting aide, a play a vital role in the police, or even as beasts of burden in the polar regions- dogs of the small variety arguably play this role more, as these are pets kept primarily for the purpose of companionship, if not for ornament. The fact that small dogs are kept indoors most of the time is a testament to this purpose.

It is important to know a thing or two in training small dogs in order to keep the dog more of a best friend than a nuisance. 

Training small dogs can also protect the owner and the dog from harm.  It only requires the repetition of commands that can be recognized on cue; intelligence is not so much a factor as a reaction to an anticipated stimulus.  When a small dog tries to attack a stranger, one can correct this behavior by executing a command that it will sooner or later recognize through repetition. 

The next time this negative behavior happens, the owner can execute the command by saying the cue words “down” or “off”.  Training the small dog with these basic commands may come in handy; more of than not, small dogs are often looked at as harmless pets.  But they can be a danger to visiting individuals who are strangers to the dog; this may elicit hostile behavior from the dog which may lead it to attack individuals other than its master. 

A good way to instill this discipline is to reinforce good behavior by rewarding the dog with a treat or a pat on its head whenever it obeys the command to stand down or to stay put, and letting it know the consequences of its negative behavior by attaching a leash to its collar. 

Just like in human beings, one does not motivate by instilling fear but by building on the positive reinforcement. Training small dogs can be especially effective if done when these are still “small” – when these are still puppies. 

During the first weeks of its life, the puppies get acquainted with the immediate environment it is living in. It is therefore best to raise a puppy into the house where it will permanently live.  The process of identifying with it’s immediate surroundings is a good training method for a small dog to stay within the confines of the house.  Apart from the benefit of preventing the dog from going astray, this is important in conducting toilet training for your small dog. 

A master should let the puppy know through a cue as to where it should relieve itself.  It helps to take the dog out for a walk in the backyard to give it an opportunity to urinate or defecate.  Sooner than later it will associate the backyard with its bodily chores. Then if it goes out of the house to defecate, reward the dog via a positive cue; if the opposite happens, let the dog know through a negative cue.

Teething is just as useful in training small dogs.  Because of the dog’s natural tendency to find just about anything to sink its teeth in, it usually finds items that are within its vicinity: furniture, shoes, and rugs.  The dog’s master may find a remedy to this condition by diverting its attention from the usual household items to a toy that is primarily suited for this purpose: “give the dog a bone”, this is the remedy.  By introducing this to the dog while it still in its infant stage, it will eventually pay no attention to your shoe rack or your dining set as its target.

One must not confuse training small dogs with tricks training, as this is notches more difficult than training for, shall we say, manners for your small dog.  A professional dog trainer is not needed to train the small dogs directly; in reality a dog trainer can just impart his knowledge to the dog owner, and the dog owner can train his dog with ease.  More importantly, learning how to train your small dog can build a stronger bond between the dog and its master. 

By better understanding your pet, the more you can personalize the parameters of your training and the more you will appreciate your dog as a pet, as man’s best friend.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://dogtraining.subjectmonster.com where you can learn more about training dogs of all types.

By Martha Mountjoy
As all dog owners know, dogs have a natural odor which unfortunately is not always pleasant! Depending upon the size of your dog, the strength of the odor varies from house to house. For example, a Saint Bernard is more likely to smell stronger than a tiny Yorkshire terrier! This can be extremely embarrassing when people visit your home and some may even never come back due to the smell of the dogs! So what exactly can you do?

Luckily there are products out there to help, and one of the best defenses against doggy odors are dog shampoos.

The Different Types of Dog Shampoo

The main aim of dog shampoo is to eliminate odors and to generally clean the dog’s coat. Dogs get mucky all the time, especially whilst out on walks in the park, so a good bath is often called for. There are different shampoos for different priorities. Some examples include:

* Shampoos to Make The Dog Smell Nice

There are many different types of shampoo around to make your pet dog smell nice and fresh. Some natural shampoos include scents such as ‘Lavender and Cedarwood’ and ‘Honey and Oats’. Dog shampoo can either come in bars or liquid and many owners prefer the bars because they last longer.

You can even buy luxury dog shampoo with scents again such as Lavender and fruity fragrances. If you simply just want to make your dog smell nice, you can also buy spray perfumes for dogs which can be used after you have bathed your pet pooch.

* Shampoos To Help the Dog

Other shampoos include flea shampoos and shampoos which help ease the dogs coat from various different conditions. There is even a shampoo to help detangle the coat to make it easier to groom. This type of shampoo is ideal if you show your dog. Some shampoos are combined and contain conditioner to help keep the coat smooth and smelling even nicer.

Overall, there are shampoos designed to suit all of your needs. Whether you just want to make your pet smell nice, or you need to get rid of pests such as fleas, there is something for you. They are readily available from pet stores and you will find a larger selection online.

About the Author: petsuppliesbox.com is packed with pet care supplies articles and cat supplies resources

Source: www.isnare.com

Unbelievable as it may sound dogs can be trained to sniff out cancer.

There have been many stories about dogs sniffing out cancer in their owners.The most notable story was reported in the prestigious medical journal, Lancet, in 1989. 

A female patient went to her doctor to have a mole on her thigh looked at after her pet dog would often spend several minutes sniffing at a particular mole on her body.  Her dog, a mix between a border collie and a Doberman, ignored any other mole on her body.  In fact one day when she was wearing shorts, her dog actually tried to bite the mole off! The results of her testing showed that the mole was a malignant melanoma.

Vaccinations are an essential preventive care for your dog. Through vaccination, dogs can now be protected from numerous disease risks, including rabies, distemper, hepatitis and several others. Some of these diseases are zoonotic (can be passed from dogs to people) and so vaccinating your pet benefits public health too.

Recently, several studies have shown that vaccines protect dogs for a longer period than previously believed. There have also been many improvements in the quality of the vaccines produced. Pet owners are now also aware and concerned that vaccination is not as harmless a procedure as once believed.

To assist veterinarians with making vaccine recommendations for their pet owners dogs, the American Animal Hospital Association has now issued a set of canine vaccine guidelines. These guidelines were developed by a group of experts and practicing veterinarians together.

A key recommendation is that all dogs are very different and therefore vaccine decisions should be tailored to the individual dog. Factors including age, breed, health status, environment, lifestyle, and travel habits of the dog should be always be considered. Infectious disease threats differ from place to place and so you should work with your veterinarian to tailor an immunization program that best protects your dog based on his / her risk and lifestyle factors.

Am I Putting My Dogs Health at Risk When Vaccinating?

All medical procedures, no matter how routine, carry some inherent risk and so it would be wrong to say that vaccinating your pet is risk free. As with any medical procedure the benefits of performing that procedure must be balanced against the risks. Veterinarians recommend that no needless vaccination risks should be taken and that the best way to go about this is to reduce the number and frequency of administration of unnecessary vaccines.These decisions should be made after considering your dogs age, lifestyle, and potential exposure to infectious disease.

What are the risks associated with vaccination?

Vaccine reactions are infrequent in my experience. In general, most vaccine reactions are mild and the side effects (local pain, itchiness and swelling) are self-limiting. Allergic reactions are much less common, but if untreated can actually be fatal. These can occur soon after vaccination, usually within a matter of minutes to hours. If you think this type of reaction is occuring, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Also, in a very small number of patients, vaccines can sometimes cause the patients immune system to attack their own cells, resulting in diseases that affect the blood, skin, joints or nervous system. Such reactions are very rare but can again be life threatening.

There is also a possible complication of tumor growth developing at the vaccination site, but this occurs most frequently in cats.

Please just remember, that if you have any reason to be concerned, just call your veterinarian for advice.

There are so many vaccines available – How do I know which vaccines my pet needs?

There are two general groups of vaccines: core and noncore vaccines.

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and protect against diseases that are more common and are more serious. These diseases are found in all areas of North America and are more easily transmitted than noncore diseases. The AAHA guidelines define core vaccines as: distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and rabies.

Noncore vaccines are for patients at an increased risk for infection due to exposure or lifestyle. The AAHA guidelines define non-core vaccines as: kennel cough, Lyme disease and leptospirosis vaccines.

How often should my dog be vaccinated really?

It is essential that your dog has the complete initial series of puppy core vaccines, as well as booster shots at one year of age. The young dog is at high risk of contracting infectious disease and so every step should be taken to prevent illness. Following the one-year boosters, the AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines recommend that the distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus core vaccines be administered once every three years. Your state and local municipality govern how often rabies boosters are administered and so please contact them or your local veterinarian to get more information (some areas require an annual rabies booster whereas others only require a three-year-effectiv e rabies booster every three years ).

Noncore vaccinations should be administered whenever the risk of the disease is significant enough to override any risk of vaccination. For example, a kennel cough vaccine may need to be given every six months to a dog that is repeatedly kenneled or exposed to groups of dogs at grooming salons or dog shows.

If my pet doesnt need annual vaccines does this mean I only need to see my veterinarian every three years?

Regular health checks (once or twice a year) are a very important disease preventative for your dog. Vaccinations are just one component of a health check. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet to ensure that all is well. your veterinarian has an opportunity, therefore, to detect and prevent problems at an early stage. Just think, dogs age more quickly than humans, so an annual exam equates to a human getting a physical every 5-7 years. Plus they dont always show signs of early disease, and they cant easily communicate discomfort to us.

Can my veterinarian do tests to see if my dog needs to be vaccinated?

The answer is yes. Tests that measure protective antibody levels for diseases are called titers. Reliable titer tests for canine distemper and parvovirus now exist. Your veterinarian can provide you with more information.

Dr Matt Homfray is part of the online veterinary team at http://www.WhyDoesMyPet.com. Our dedicated community of caring experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support

This is crazy! I use this all the time and my kids crawl across the floor daily. Guess what I’m throwing away?

Kellie Delgado
President’s Club,
Certified Beauty Advisor &
Leadership Representative
813-546-4773
eRepresentative at:
www.yourAvon.com/kelliedelgado
kellsam726@aol.comkelliedelgado@aol.com

While you might not be thrilled at some of the behaviors your faithful companion has taken on… you need to realize that your dog isn’t at all bothered by digging, barking, chewing, jumping, begging for table scraps, chasing cars, getting into the garbage, being aggressive toward other dogs —these behaviors are a part of who he is, and has been through the centuries. They are behaviors he (or she) would have used out in the wild. Your dog isn’t digging up your garden or chewing on your new shoes to spite you…  he’s not barking because he’s angry or feeling neglected — he does these things because they come naturally to him. There’s nothing more to it than that.

Once you understand and accept this, you’ll be in the right frame of mind to change the bothersome behavior once and for all. The trick to being successful isn’t at all about brute force or intimidation — it’s all about using your dog’s natural inclinations to help you correct the behaviors you don’t like while still keeping the warm, loving relationship you want to have with your best friend. It can be done, but it takes time and a consistent effort to turn those behaviors around.

As you work to change your dog’s bad habits, keep in mind that…

happy and healthy today, and for years to come.

You love your dog to death and want to keep him (or her) healthy and happy for years to come. The good news is this isn’t difficult —it involves regular medical care, good eating habits and plenty of fresh air and exercise. Coincidentally, these are the very same things that keep you and I healthy. Of course, since your four-footed friend can’t do any of this for himself, he needs you to take the lead.

Here’s what you can do to keep your dog (young or old) happy and healthy:

1.            Find the best veterinarian you can — someone you feel comfortable talking to and can afford to see. The practice location, financial policies and hours should be convenient, and the philosophy of the vet should agree with your own personal one.

2.            Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date by making (and keeping) appointments for regular checkups at least once per year; every six months for an older dog.

3.            Feed your dog the best food you can afford — better quality food can help your dog stay healthy, have a shinier, more glossy coat, better smelling breath, more energy and surprisingly also results in smaller, less odorous stools.

4.            Resist the temptation to overfeed — obesity in dogs, like in people, is on the rise and can bring on diseases like diabetes and other conditions that are difficult to manage and treat.

5.            Consider adding dietary supplements to your dog’s diet —glucosamine or chondroitin for example are used to protect against arthritis.

6.            Attend to your dog’s dental health as well — this will keep his teeth looking good and his breath bearable.

7.            Be sure you always control fleas and ticks, as they can be the source of illness for both your dog and your family.

8.            Keep your dog well groomed — regular brushing will help keep his coat healthy and shiny, and regular baths from an early age will help keep your dog clean and smelling great.

9.            Never let your dog roam on his own, unattended — he can be hit by a car, injured by another dog or wild animal, or contract troublesome diseases when out and about unsupervised.

10.        Exercise your dog — a good run, game of Frisbee or fetch help keep his heart, lungs and muscles in tiptop shape.

11.        Spay or neuter — statistics show your dog will live a longer life with no chance of getting uterine cancer, testicular cancer or other life threatening conditions.

12.        Be sensible about sheltering your dog — those pets that are kept outside all the time tend to bark more, dig or engage in other unwelcome behaviors.

Of course most important to your dog’s health — physical and mental— is the amount of love and attention your canine friend gets from you. Dogs are perceptive enough to sense when they are loved (and when they are not). Like people, dogs can get depressed if left on their own too long. Instead keep your four-footed friend close, spend some part of each day with him or her, do all you can to keep your dog healthy and you’ll be rewarded with a loving, happy and healthy companion for years to come. 

To train you dog, you first need to understand just how your four-footed friend thinks.

Dogs, no matter how cute and cuddly, are descendents of far wilder ancestors — wolves. Though they’ve become more docile and responsive to our commands over the centuries, these beautiful animals have kept their excellent eyesight, keen sense of smell, and their need to be a member of a pack. Only today that pack is you and the other members of your household.To train your dog, you need to understand, learn and use this to your advantage. A pack has one leader (that’s you) and others (everyone else in the house) who show respect to that leader. Most breeds, with a few exceptions, don’t want to lead the pack; they feel safer with someone else in charge. If your dog senses that you’re a wimp in need of direction, he’ll gladly step into that leadership role and rule the roost. Somebody has to be the top dog - if you won’t, your dog will.When it comes to training, what you want to do is redirect the dog’s natural inclinations to outlets that are acceptable to you. Training continues the work of building a relationship between you and your faithful companion. The process, done correctly and with patience, helps to establish communication, enhance understanding and is a subtle demonstration of your command over the dog.

Whether house training, training for obedience, or teaching your four footed friend a few more involved tricks to impress company - start with an attitude of quiet confidence. From there, use some of these common-sense guidelines while working with your dog:

1. Always be firm and consistent - this will show your dog that he can’t get away with misbehaving, even if he is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.
2. Keep training sessions short – no more than 10 to 15 minutes two times per day, depending on your dog’s attention span.
3. Find a distraction-free place to work - choose a quiet, familiar environment free of distractions so the dog’s attention isn’t drawn to other things that make it hard to focus on what you want to teach.
4. Every so often, show your dog who’s boss - make him move and take his place, or eat your meal before feeding him his, these simple actions put your pet in his place and establishes you as a leader.
5. Never yell at or hit your dog - this teaches him to be nervous and fearful around you and keeps him from learning what you want to teach.
6. Use repetition - do things over and over and over again, using the same tone of voice, command and hand gestures until he gets it, reward every time your dog does as you ask.
7. Use reward - not only the treats your dog loves, but lavish your dog with praise in a high-pitched, happy voice and add lots of squeals of delight for effect and be sure you say his name frequently.
8. When issuing commands like “sit” or “come” use a low, gruff voice - dogs don’t understand any of the words we say, but they do recognize and respond to a change in tone.
9. Practice learned tricks regularly - even after he’s got a trick, reinforce what he or she knows by doing the trick again and again every day; teach only one new trick each week.

If you’re having problems training your dog - don’t lose hope (or patience), start by talking to your vet (or breeder) and asking for some suggestions. You might also want to talk with other owners whose dogs are well behaved and get some tips and tricks to use. If you like to use the computer, go online to some of the discussion forums devoted to dogs, visit dog.com for example, to talk to other dog owners who are also struggling to get their “best friends” to behave properly.

The time and effort you spend working with your dog will make a huge difference in his life, and yours. Not only will your dog be happier and easier to control in dangerous situations, but also he or she will have more freedom because you can count on your pet to behave properly in your home… with company… or when you’re out and about.

Adding a dog to your life can be one of the best experiences ever — or an absolute nightmare —depending on how much thought and planning you’ve put into this decision. You need to consider your lifestyle and surroundings… the time and energy you have… as well as how much money you want to spend.

So… before you commit to those big brown eyes and wagging tail, be sure you know (or have at least thought about) the answers to some pretty basic questions.

QUESTION #1  Puppy or adult dog?

It’s the first thing you really need to think about. Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they don’t stay that way for very long —— you’ll spend a lot more time with the adult dog than you do the adorable puppy. You should also know that it’s very hard to get a good read on the future personality (not to mention size, coat and activity level) of the adult dog from the puppy. Those adorable balls of fluff can also be mischievous, defiant and destructive and go through a stage of rebellious adolescence where they need almost constant supervision. You should also consider the cost and time commitment of vet visits, house training, behavior training and socialization.

In contrast, adult dogs have passed through all this — so what you se is what you get. You may have little information on the puppyhood and early life, but you’ll more than make up for this with an adult dog’s better attention span (making training easier), as well as a more accurate read on size and the amount of shedding. Your vet will also be better able to diagnose health problems in an adult — ones that cannot be foreseen in a puppy. What’s more, choosing an adult dog is a valuable service to good animals that need a loving home. You’ll find some wonderful dogs at your local animal shelter or online at http://www.petfinder.com/. Other good sources are your local classified pet column for lots of good, loving dogs that are “free to good home”.

QUESTION #2:  Purebred or Mixed Breed?

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular look or breed, need to consider allergies or other health issues, or have a specific purpose (a hunting companion or guard dog) in mind, then a pure breed is probably the right choice. The American Kennel Club (online at http://www.akc.org/) recognizes over 150 different breeds and offers a good deal of information on each one. Purebreds come with generations of breeding to strengthen and refine special skills — so that tracking or retrieving abilities become far superior to those of the general population of dogs. The down side is that this can unknowingly pass on other, less desirable traits or serious health problems as well.

Which breed is right for you and your family? Here’s a quick, easy-to-do quiz that might help you narrow down the choices: http://www2.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm.

For many of us, a key factor that drives our choice of breeds is cost. Mixed breed dogs are almost always more affordable than a purebred, though they make take more time and legwork to find. You might want to start with your local animal shelter where dogs are brought in for a variety of different reasons and are examined by a vet and cared for until they can be adopted — some shelters even screen dogs for behavior issues. To adopt a dog (puppy or adult) from the shelter you’ll typically be asked to pay a small fee to cover the exams and cost of neutering.

Rescue groups are another source for a potential best friend. Here dogs are placed in foster care with an experienced and loving host family, so you’ll know a lot about each animal’s temperament and level of training. If you do go this route, you should expect to complete some type of application process, as well as submit to possible home visits and a somewhat lengthy screening process. If all this seems too involved for you… consider making a regular check your local paper’s classified section. You should also get the word out to family, friends and co-workers. The more people who know you are looking, the better.

QUESTION #3:  Large or Small?

As you have for the age and breed, you need to put some serious thought into the size of the dog you plan to bring into your home. Common sense might suggest that a large dog in a small apartment isn’t the best choice, but these arrangements can be quite successful, if handled properly. Often it isn’t so much about the size of the animal (or yours for that matter) but rather your ability to be in command and control at all times that really counts.

Beyond this, larger breeds tend to cost more — you’ll need to buy more food, bigger crates, beds and toys, not to mention a sturdier collar and leash. Vet bills for surgery or medications will be higher, and grooming will also cost more. Smaller breeds are more affordable, but have a reputation (not deserved, but popular) for being high-strung and nippy, and can easily get underfoot, be hurt unintentionally or slip off unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of a busy home.

Answer, or at least think about, these questions and you’ll have a much better idea of what you’re getting into. Not that you still can’t be swept away by a pair of wide, trusting eyes or an adorable little face… but when that moment comes you’ll have a far better chance of making this new addition to your life a lasting one.

Thank you for stopping by the Pet Care Hub blog. I hope to educate and inform you about taking care of your pet, whether it be a dog, cat, fish or horse.

You are welcomed to commit on anything I post here and if you have information to share, I would love to have you post it here.

Thank you again for stopping by.