Dog - 7 Tips To Train Your Dog - Sanity Prevails!

So, you bring home your beautiful dog (or puppy) from the shop, pound or kennels and now it needs training. Where on Earth do you begin? Of course, there are plenty of books out there written about dog training and dog obedience. What we have done in this article is distilled all those tips into seven basic tips how to train your dog. They are: Be Your Dogs Leader. Be consistent. Dogs are pack animals by instinct. In the wild they live and hunt in packs. Indeed, in some parts of the world, feral dogs are a nuisance and guess what? When they go feral, go wild, they revert back to their pack instinct. So you need to be your dogs pack leader. To say, show who is boss would be an over simplification as most experts believe it is all about consistency, be consistent when enforcing rules and regulations. Expect your dog to push the boundaries and that is when you need to establish yourself as who is in charge. Earn your dogs respect by being firm but fair. Do not use violence to establish your rules, instead use positive reinforcement techniques. Maintain Eye Contact. When you are training your dog it is important to maintain eye contact. Dogs look to the eyes for cues in leadership. This is also a useful tactic when out walking, if you look into the dogs eyes when giving instruction, he or she will see you more as the leader. Teach Your Dog To Heel. This is one of the first things you need to establish. You can either use the short or long leash method but either way, it is important to reward positive behaviour i.e. when your dog follows your command to heel. Once this command is mastered you will find that you and your dog have a much closer bond, so that is why this is one of the cornerstones of successful dog training. House Train Your Puppy or Dog. Trust me, you do not want soggy carpets. Dogs quite naturally will keep their living area clean Yes, quite literally, they do not want to poop in their own backyard (or on your carpet). It just needs a bit of consistent (there is that word again) dog training. Reward positive behaviour, scold accidents quickly and do not forget to take your dog for regular walks and toilet breaks, preferably not just in your backyard and of course, always remember to take a plastic bag with you to pick up the mess. Check Out The Latest Training Aids. The dog training world is now full of very good training aids. Trust me, you do not need to do dog training all by yourself. What with clickers, electronic and chemical training aids, leashes and leads of different varieties, halters, electronic collars, muzzles and treat carriers you are sure to find the dog training aid that is perfect for your needs. Take Your Dog To The Vet. Simply put, you need to make sure that your dog is healthy and that there are no physical impediments stopping your dog from becoming successfully trained. For example, if your dog has cystitis it will be very difficult for you to stop your dog urinating in unexpected places. What is better than soggy carpets? A preventative trip to the vets of course. Be Patient. Do Not Use Physical Force. Unless you or someone else is in immediate danger you should not use physical force on your dog. It has been proven that the old stick methods of training simply do not work. Positive reinforcement works much better but of course, you may have to learn the most important attribute of all, patience. Allen Jesson writes for several sites including two sites that specialize in dog training and hot dog trainingand Seapets, a leading source for dog training aids. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Jesson

Dog - Dog Health Alert: Combat Kidney Disease Now

My friend was grief stricken. Her body heaved with sobs, and in between she kept repeating: "He was so young. I never thought I'd lose him so soon." No, she hadn't lost a son or brother, but she had lost a friend. "It's like losing a member of your family," she cried. She was referring to the death of Jack, her beloved Golden Retriever puppy, who had contracted a condition known as Juvenile Renal Disease. Regrettably, this and other kidney conditions are common threats to your dog's health, and as we've seen, the effects can be devastating. The good news, however, is that with the correct type of dog care, much can be done to prevent and even cure kidney disease. So what exactly do the kidneys do, and what causes them to become infected? First things first! The job of the kidneys is two-fold: they balance a whole variety of chemicals in your dog's blood AND they filter out waste material through the urine. When there are just too many toxic substances in the body, the dog's kidneys can become infected. (We can define a toxin as a substance which is in the wrong place, or which is performing the wrong function.) Common symptoms of kidney infection are drinking copious amounts of water, and frequent passing of dilute urine (that is, clear urine with no smell). This can lead to vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and a wasting of the muscles. Many toxic substances are to be found in the plastics that dogs love to chew on, in unclean water and even in certain chemicals that are used in the processing of dog food. The resulting kidney disease can be debilitating at best and fatal at worst. Conventional treatments don't always work, and in any case they tend to be hugely expensive. Wouldn't it be better to avoid the onset of these conditions, and even to help your dog combat them (under a vet's supervision, of course) if they do strike? So what can I do? The safest bet is to go down the path of natural dog care: * Make sure that all the toys you allow your dog to play with are toxin free and chew -proof. There are many stores and online retailers who can help you choose the safest products. * Train your dog not to chew on litter and other discarded materials when you are out and about. * Give your dog only pure water to drink. Puddles, canals and lakes can be devastating! These days you just don't know what toxins are lurking therein. * In some areas even the tap water is suspect. So-called 'softened water' can be harmful and some areas have a high sodium content in their drinking water. Better to make it easier on your dog's kidneys by filtering all water before filling his bowl. * Many vets tell us that exercise is a key ingredient in the fight against kidney infection. Most people seem to be under the impression (as I was!) that exercise is only to keep a dog fit and to combat weight gain.. Apparently it also has a crucial role in helping stimulate the kidneys to do their job. * Finally, there is nothing to beat natural dog food, not only in the fight against kidney infections, but also against a whole host of other ailments. Many pre-packaged dog foods contain less than nutritious ingredients as well as a range of preservatives and other chemicals - many of which are toxic. * Natural dog food stores and online retailers will help you make the right choice here. You can even buy ingredients and herbs that are good for your dog and cook them yourself, but if that is too daunting a prospect there are a range of suitable alternatives. These will contain the nutrients, amino acids and vitamins your dog needs. Kidney disease, then, need not be the fatal condition it once was. We now know so much more about its causes and how to prevent it, and even how to boost a dog's immune system so that she herself can shake off any infection. Let's hope you and I and our dogs never have to suffer the same tragic experience as my friend and her dog! Interested in learning more about natural care for your dog? Visit Frank McGinty's site for some excellent news: http://www.familysoftshop.com/dogcare Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_McGinty

Dog - Shih Tzu - Useful Over The Counter Medications

Some over-the-counter medications can be used for emergencies in select situations. Always ask your vet before giving any over-the-counter medicines to your injured or ill shih tzu. 3% hydrogen peroxide: Can be used to induce vomiting and for general wound cleaning. Dosage is: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Syrup of ipecac: Can be used to induce vomiting. Dosage is: 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight. Bismuth subsalicylate: Can be used for vomiting and mild diarrhea. Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 15 pounds of body weight. 1 tablet per 40 pounds of body weight (doubt your shih tzu will be taking a full tablet!) Kaolin-pectin: Use for mild diarrhea. Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Buffered aspirin: Use for fever and inflammation, mild to moderate pain, arthritis, before giving vaccinations. Dosage: 1 adult table (5 grains) per 40 pounds). Ask your vet the correct dosage for your shih tzu. Diphenhydramine: Use for mild cough, allergies, allergic reactions. Dosage: 1 milligram per pound of body weight. Vegetable oil: Use for constipation. Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds mixed in food. Epsom salts: Use for constipation, as a soak to reduce swelling and inflammation. Dosage: For constipation, 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, dissolved in water and given orally; same dilution for soaks. Milk of magnesia: Use for vomiting, constipation, deactivate poisons. Dosage: 2 teaspoons per 10 pounds of body weight. Activated charcoal: Use to deactivate poisons. Dosage: 1/2 gram per pound of body weight. Petroleum jelly: Use for constipation. Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts on shih tzu puppies are offered to subscribers. Weekly updates of available puppies. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Dog - Tips for Dressing Your Designer Doggie

Pets are increasingly becoming "humanized" these days, making a "dog's life" quite appealing. After all, they can receive pedicures, have stylists, go to spas, eat gourmet food and have had their own beauty pageants for years (a.k.a. dog shows), while being unemployed, and living at home for free. With the increasing tendency to treat pets as family, there is now a growing trend to ensure furry friends are dressed for any occasion as pet owners strive to personalize their pets by reflecting their personal style with canine clothing. Fashion, these days, seems to be "going to the dogs" as canine couture is popping up everywhere. Pet owners can find all types of pet attire in addition to just collars, from canine costumes to puppy pajamas. Not to mention accessories such as hats, pajamas, jewelry and boots, as well as formal outfits such as gowns, kimonos, dresses and coats for any occasion. Now days, you can find attire to suit any event, such as rodeos, hiking, dinner parties, holidays, sailing, camping, luaus and weddings. The new canine couture and doggie dress for success styles to clothe your pets for all events is becoming ever more popular, especially as the fall and holiday seasons approach. Nowadays, while you search for that cool Halloween costume or that perfect suit or dress for the upcoming holidays, there are plenty of on-line shops and brick-and-mortar stores to find a coordinating outfit for your furry friend at any price. Imagine your pet as Tinkerbell to your Peter Pan, or Robin to your Batman for Halloween. Envision your pet in a snow man, Santa Clause or elf suit while you entertain family and friends in your home for the holidays. What a way to distinguish yourself and your style with dog fashion fun! However, finding that perfect outfit for that special occasion can be just as challenging for your pet, as it is for you. If you think sizes run inconsistent with human clothes, the problem is just the same for your pet. So be prepared with these few tips and suggestions so your pet will look as perfect as you! Tips to Dress your Pet: ?Width/Girth - Make sure to use a tape measure to measure the broadest width in inches around your pet's chest or ribcage. ?Neck - Use a tape measure to measure the width in inches of your pet's neck around the top of the shoulders. ?Length - Measure how long your dog is in inches from base of neck from the back to the base of the tail. ?Weight - Know your dog's weight when purchasing clothing as many manufacturers use this measurement to size their clothing. ?Size - Often you may find standard sizes when you purchase pet clothing as the manufacturer may provide you with a legend of what sizes are most appropriate for your pet. Many sizes range from a 6-26 and the designer will indicate what that entails. ?Season - Be considerate of the time of year when selecting a pet's attire. While Fido may look great wearing his "hounds" tooth coat, it may not be appropriate or comfortable for your pet during the hot summer months. ?Safety - Make sure the outfit does not have any embellishments or loose pieces that could pose as a choking hazard for the pet or parts that could get caught on something to prevent your pet from getting anchored to something in your house. ?Fit - You don't want garments that cut off circulation or fit poorly on your pet's figure. Many manufacturers will indicate if sizes run small or are meant to be a tight fit. Depending on the cut of the clothing, knowing your dogs' shape and measurements will come in handy when finding that perfect fit for Fido. ?Sense - Use common sense before selecting an outfit. If your dog does not usually like to wear things on his fur, head or paws, he most likely will not be accommodating to wear a hat, dress or shoes you have selected. So if your pet is particular about things like that, save your money and don't bother clothing him as it may end up as a chew toy or may seem like a straight jacket to your animal. By selecting the perfect outfit, your pet can look fashionable and fun for any occasion. Style is no longer just reserved for us humans, so you should consider getting on board with the latest trend of pet fashion. If you always consider look, fit, comfort and style for your pet as you do for yourself, you will never go wrong and always be in fashion. Mona Valdez is a Sr. VP for Public Relations for several websites - one being floppyeargear.com which is a pet-boutique offering unique but affordable pet products. Floppyeargear.com offers a wide variety of products from collars, crates, leashes, toys, treats, training tools, etc., along with a new line of canine couture, costumes and accessories. Mona has a passion for pets and this latest website and article was inspired by her disappointment with the brick-n-mortar pet stores after her recent adoption of a homeless Chihuahua. So check out floppyeargear.com http://www.floppyeargear.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y or her other websites called rockntronics.com -- http://www.rocknrebates.com/ or stylenhome.com -- http://www.stylenhome.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mona_Valdez