Jan062009
by Chris Totallin

Both dogs and people may be unfortunate enough to know the pain of arthritis, but thanks to Dasuquin for dogs, relief is at hand.

A dog with arthritis will most likely feel a great deal of discomfort, even if he is lying down.

All is not lost though, owners can help take control of this terrible condition.

Glucosamine is a boon in the treatment of arthritis, as it has multiple benefits including pain relief, reduction of inflammation and rebuilding of cartilage.

Products that contain glucosamine and Vitamin C are generally most beneficial for dogs with early stages of arthritis, and those with glucosamine with both MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and chondroitin are best given to dogs with advanced arthritis.

MSM is a key element in cartilage construction and MSM has been hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties.

One such product that contains the holy trinity of glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin is Cosequin. These key ingredients help regenerate joints and the connective tissue.

This supplement has another hidden advantage in the form of supergrade Vitamin C known as Ester C.

If your dog is a picky eater and you want something you can pour onto his food, a practical solution would be Nutramax Pet MSM.

This is a high quality product which tastes great and gives fantastic health benefits for your dog.

Like the previous product it is most useful when given to dogs in advanced stages of arthritis.

Whether your pet already has this terrible condition or not, it’s worth considering giving Nutramax Cosequin MSM.

It can also be used as a preventative measure against arthritis setting in.

They come in a great chewy liver flavor tab which will go down well with your dog.

You can give supplements but feeding well is key to good health.

Make dinner healthier by crumbling Nutramax Cosequin over the food.

As well as vegetarian glucosamine, omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, this supplement contains highly nutritious foods fit for human consumption, in a superfood powder form.

Cosequin MSM for pets is another super product in the fight against arthritis but it’s not just your dog’s joints that will benefit.

This supplement will promote healthy skin, bones and coat thanks to the blends of Omega acids, glucosamine, MSm and manganese.

Treating a variety of afflictions from arthritis through to flea dermatitis, it is also tasty - the part your dog is interested in.

We hope this has offered concerned owners some relief.

Cosequin is available without prescription, but it may be worth having an informal chat with your vet to ensure the best course of treatment.

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Jan062009
by Christine Andrews

Has this ever happened to you? A friend comes over to visit and, the next thing you know, your dog is jumping up on him to say hello. While it’s embarrassing for you, it is annoying and sometimes frightening to your guest.

Teaching your pooch to keep all four paws on the floor is part of being a responsible dog owner. It’s also relatively easy to do. This is a good thing, because while some dogs are simply jumping up in excitement — others are using it as a way to show you who’s the boss. Here’s what I mean…

The main reason dogs jump up is because they are excited. It’s just an enthusiastic greeting. His adrenaline is running high and he’s happy about something. This is often the case when someone comes over to visit, or if you’ve been gone for a long time.

But some dogs will jump on you for a less common, but more serious reason.

You’ve probably heard that dogs are pack animals. This means they live in groups - and everyone has their rank in the group. The leader of the group is the alpha dog, and he will do certain things to show that he is the boss. For example, the alpha dog always eats first - before anyone else in the pack. The also shows he’s “top dog” by showing he’s physically superior. This is done with another dog by putting one or both paws over the other dog’s shoulder. If he thinks he’s the boss over you, one thing he will do is jump up on you.

You see, your dog sees you as part of his pack too. So if you notice he’s not just jumping up on you in excitement, but at other times too, it’s more likely he’s expressing dominance over you.

If this is the case, you are dealing with more than a jumping issue. Your dog sees himself as the alpha dog in your relationship. This is a more complex issue - and you’ll need to make some serious adjustments in your overall relationship with your dog. You’re going to have to brush up on your alpha-dog techniques to solve this problem.

That said, most jumping problems are simply a case of excitement. Solving this type of jumping is relatively easy. The key is consistency. You can’t expect your dog to understand that it’s okay to jump up on you when you’re in your grubby weekend clothes - but not when you’re dressed up to go to work. If you want this habit to stop, he needs to be taught that it is never acceptable to jump up on you.

Here is a 2-step technique that most trainers use to stop dogs from jumping.

The first step is easy. Whenever he jumps on you, give him the cold shoulder. Withdraw all of your attention - even negative attention! You can’t yell, shove or correct him at all. Just ignore him.

To do this effectively, whenever your dog jumps up on you, immediately turn your back to him. Use your posture to convey the message that this behavior isn’t acceptable: fold your arms, turn your back to him, turn your face away and avert your eyes. Because dogs understand body language (it’s a big part of how they communicate to each other) he will understand this message very clearly.

You just need to be sure you are ignoring your dog - not just ignoring the behavior. You can’t look at him or talk to him. You shouldn’t acknowledge him in any way at all. Trust me, when you aren’t giving him any attention, he’ll calm down quickly.

The next step is very important. Even though you are “ignoring” your dog, you will need to pay close attention to what he is doing. This step is a matter of timing.

As soon as your dog stops jumping and has all four paws on the floor, you are going to praise him… a lot. Be wildly enthusiastic. He will see that by staying on the ground, he will get your attention. Don’t worry that he was jumping just a few seconds ago. He will associate your praise with NOT jumping.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this simple technique works. All your dog wants is your love and attention. By withholding it when he’s behaving poorly - and praising him when he’s being good - he’ll soon be the well behaved dog you always wanted.

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Jan062009
by Sharon Davies

Rottweiler rescue organizations provide a valuable service by serving as an alternative to the dog pound for owners of purebred Rottweiler dogs that, for a variety of reasons, must give up their dog. The owner may have gotten the Rottweilers with good intentions, planning to keep the dog for its entire life. Then something happens. Many purebred Rottweiler dogs end up homeless because of death, marriage, eviction or new children. The Rottweiler is an excellent watchdog, and some owners get their Rottweilers for the purpose of guarding property. When the property changes hands, the watchdog may not be needed any longer needed. Instead of easing the Rottweiler into retirement as a house pet, some owners prefer to give their dogs away.

A Rottweiler dog owner who can no longer keep his or her Rottweiler can surrender the dog to a Rottweiler rescue organization. However, owners should be absolutely certain they are being forced to give up their dog before they turn the Rottweiler over to a Rottweiler rescue organization. Luckily for the dogs, Rottweiler rescue organizations are eventually able to find homes for most Rottweilers. Remember, no one should get any dog thinking that they can turn it over to a rescue group if things don’t work out.

The Rottweiler is a confident breed, and a strong-willed owner needs to show the dog who is in charge. An adult Rottweiler weighs eighty to one hundred thirty-five pounds, and an out-of-control Rottweiler can be harmful to itself and its human companions. Rottweiler puppy training should begin at eight to ten weeks of age. However, owners of rescue dogs often know little or nothing about the training their dogs have received, so they can’t assume their dogs were trained as puppies. Depending on the circumstances, the Rottweiler rescue group may not have information about what kind of training a dog has already completed.

Rottweiler rescue dog owners should take obedience training with their dogs. These classes are an enjoyable experience for both the owner and the dog, and they will either be a welcome review for a dog that may have received training earlier in life or provided much-needed structure for a Rottweiler who has never had formal training.

Rottweilers crave leadership, and your rescue dog will be relieved when you assume the responsibility for leadership in your relationship. In addition to discipline and training, adequate exercise is essential for a Rottweiler to keep the dog’s energy in balance. A well-exercised dog is easier to control and discipline than a dog filled with pent-up energy.

Rottweiler rescue organizations screen dogs and their prospective owners. All dogs surrendered must be current in their vaccinations and health treatments, and they are required to undergo tests that assess their physical condition and their temperament. Owners who surrender their dogs pay a nominal fee to cover the screening process. The fee also serves to discourage owners from dumping dogs on the rescue group.

If you are interested in adopting a rescue dog, contact a Rottweiler rescue organization near you. Most organizations will require that you be at least 21 years old and that you have the permission and consent of all adults in your household. If you don’t own your own home, you will be required to provide written permission from the owner for you to adopt a Rottweiler. If you are discouraged by these requirements, please remember that they are designed to reduce the possibility of an irresponsible owner having to return a rescue dog and to make sure prospective owners understand the commitment required to adopt a Rottweiler.

The Rottweiler rescue group will match you with a dog and place the dog temporarily with you in foster care for a trial period to see how you and the dog get along. You will be required to pay a nominal fee, commensurate with the age and health of the dog you adopt. Charging adoption fees helps to defray the rescue organization’s expenses and helps to reinforce the commitment involved in adopting a dog. The process eliminates would-be adopters who are not willing to make the personal sacrifices needed to help the adoption succeed.

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Jan052009
by Stephen Dairenemin

Do you want to keep your dog in your yard without a fence? Does your dog have a problem with digging under your current fence? Do you take your dog with you on hunting or camping trips? Would you like to own an underground dog fence, but don’t have time to spend on installation? Do you have certain areas in your home which you would like to be off limits to your dog? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you may want to consider the advantages of a wireless dog fence.

Wireless dog fence is a new and popular product in today’s electronic world. If your bank account is a concern then a wireless dog fence is a good option saving lots of money spent on a physical fence that can be dug under. Do you want your dog to be safely contained but to be able to exercise too? This is the thing for you! A wireless dog fence is safe, affordable, and easy to install. You can’t see it and no one knows it’s there except you and your dog. Some brands can be used inside or outside giving you flexibility to control their boundaries inside too! And because they are easily portable, traveling is a cinch when you use wireless dog fence! Lastly, if you already have a fence and your dog is an escape artist, a wireless dog fence can help solve this frustrating problem. You can even teach your dog to respect your physical fence if they are consistently kept within it, but most dogs learn it’s the collar they need to respect.

When choosing a wireless dog fence for your dog, keep in mind a few important details. We always recommend that you purchase your system from a reputable manufacturer with a good warranty, for peace of mind right from the start. The best ones are Petsafe, Innotek, and Perimeter. Your transmitter needs to be appropriate for your dog’s weight. Also, you may want to consider purchasing an additional transmitter which can be used to enlarge the area. A wireless dog fence may not be the right choice for you if your yard is sloped. And we strongly recommend that you should buy a model that can be adjusted to several correction levels.

If you use the instructions, then installing will be easy and only take a few minutes. Your home and your garage are both a good place to put the transmitter where it will not get rained on! After putting the collar on your dog, the most important part is training your dog so they quickly learn what is expected of them.

Some dogs may take longer than others to learn the boundaries, but the average is a few weeks. Consistency and persistence in training will pay off. You should always supervise your dog for the initial period after the installation of your wireless dog fence. You can also place flags to mark the boundaries and use them to show your dog where he is allowed to be. Make sure you have a leash on hand, because you will need it for your first few times. Also, you need to turn the correction level to the lowest point. Put the leash on him and walk around with him until he gets shocked when you come to the boundary. This shock is very humane and is not designed to harm your dog, but just to get his attention. The static shock is similar to discharge you get after rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching a ground point. Pull back and praise your dog after they receive the shock. You can also give treats at first to reinforce your training. Your dog may learn to respect the boundary within one or two times, or it may take a bit longer for him to understand. He will eventually learn, however, and then you will be able to remove the leash. Continue supervising him without the leash for awhile, until you feel very confident in observing him respecting the boundaries of the fence at all times. The method for training a dog to an indoor wireless dog fence is very similar.

Wireless dog fence is a great new thing today, and is good for dog owners as an affordable fence for their dog. While there is possibly no perfect solution to keeping our dogs safe and contained, today’s inventions such as the wireless dog fence are coming very close!

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Jan042009
by Joel Silverman

Now that you are moving on to Intermediate Training, consider teaching your best buddy the Lie Down command. He is quick to Sit on command at this point and the Lie Down behavior is merely a step away.

First, command your little pal to Sit. Take his favorite treat and move it a bit closer to the ground prior to allowing him to take it. Don’t allow movement from the Sit position. After he has this process learned, move the treat a bit farther away but still keeping it on the ground. Uh Oh! Now, he must lie down in order to reach this little goody. When he does this, simply say, “Lie Down.” Be consistent and eventually you will be able to fade out the treat completely. Patience is a must — he may try to get up but simply keep him in the Sit position until he has mastered the entire technique.

You must communicate to your dog that pulling on his leash is unacceptable. Good manners are a must and lunging and jumping at other people or pets is simply bad behavior. Begin teaching him to walk next to you by making small circles, walking very slowly. Change from walking to the left to walking to the right. Eventually, there will be total slack in the leash. But hey! Once in a while, allow him to smell the roses. Every dog loves to explore and your baby deserves this treat occasionally.

After your little friend is consistent with the Sit behavior, training him to Sit Up is a snap. Choose a bit of food or his favorite treat, hold it over his head while he is in a Sitting position but low enough so that he can reach it. Continue this maneuver but raise the treat a bit higher each time so that he must stretch for it but still remain seated.

Now, you must hold the treat higher yet. Uh oh, he won’t be able to take it unless he raises his front paws from the ground. At this point, use the verbal cue, “Sit Up” and immediately reward him. Very shortly, he will understand what is going on and you may fade out the treat gradually, use only your hand and give the cue “Sit Up.”

Your dog is going to eventually appreciate learning the Sit Up, Lie Down and Heel commands in the Intermediate Behaviors Training. As you are consistent, patient and loving with your best friend, he will do his utmost to earn your approval and please you.

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Jan042009
by John Savage

Do enjoy this article on the wonderful Yorkshire Terrier.

If you already own a Yorkshire terrier it will not surprise you to hear me say that these dogs are much more than the pampered pet that you sometimes see on the television. Yorkshire terriers are very intelligent as well as being a very loyal dog, and many people consider them to be one of the most intelligent of breeds.

Dr. Stanley Coren, an animal intelligence expert, determined that Yorkshire Terriers are above average in terms of intelligence. Out of 132 breeds tested, the Yorkshire Terrier ranked 27th. Yorkshire Terriers are so intelligent that they can do better than obeying one simple command at a time, like most breeds. The Yorkie can follow a series of long and complicated commands.

People have sometimes said to me that they believe their Yorkshire terrier understands everything that they say. My response is usually that you are probably quite right because they are indeed capable of understanding what you are saying and even sometimes what you are thinking.

Let me give you an illustration of how this works. If you give your Yorkie a hug and a kiss, and tell him that you love him, he will come to realise that those words mean something good. He may not know exactly what you mean, but the words will have a good association in his mind. Its a bit like when you say the word Walkies, it conjures up good images.

Yes indeed. Yorkshire Terriers are very intelligent little dogs, but again, they are also fiercely loyal, even if it doesn’t quite seem like it. You see, Yorkshire Terriers, as a breed, are somewhat independent. This means that they have minds of their own, and they don’t feel the need to be in your lap, waiting for your command. They are curious, and they like to investigate, and sometimes their inherent instincts are stronger than your commands. If he sees a squirrel that he wants to chase, and you are telling him to come to you, there is only a 70% chance that your command is going to win over his instinct to chase the squirrel. For this reason, many people think that these dogs aren’t ‘obedient’ or ‘loyal’ and this simply isn’t the case.

So yes, your Yorkie is intelligent, and yes, he is very loyal, but on top of all that your wonderful Yorkie is quite fearless. When faced with danger, no matter what the size of the opponent he will not shirk or back off regardless of the challenge to his own safety. A fearless warrior indeed.

The Yorkshire Terrier is, without doubt, an intelligent dog, and a loyal dog, and much much more than a pampered lap dog. If you are thinking of getting a dog then I can heartily recommend a Yorkshire Terrier as being a wonderful pet.

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Jan022009
by Lisa Jebosefat

English Springer Spaniels are extremely smart and learn very quickly. Being highly enthusiastic, eager to please, loyal, affectionate, and people-oriented makes the Springer an ideal companion for both city and country life. They are energetic and playful animals, and many owners find humor in their play. With proper training the can excel in agility, tracking, retrieving, obedience, hunting, and field trials. They are the perfect choice for families because they are so wonderful with children. Children should be supervised with all breeds of dogs.

Owners will be satisfied with a Springer because they are so friendly and eager to please. There are people who use the sweet temperament of a Golden Retriever to describe the Springer’s personality. They are happy to just be with their family even if that means just lying around the house. As long as they are allowed to people with people, they are flexible and acclimate easily to different activity levels. As a breeder we have raised many puppies and we can personally definitely testify to their high levels of affection!

Normally weighing between 35-55 pounds at adulthood this is the English Springer Spaniel breed which is medium in size. They are typically healthy dogs that live happy lives that average about 10-14 years on average. Springers which are field bred have shorter hair and are generally more active than the show type Springers. Field bred Springers have docked tails, but their tails are docked longer than the show Springers so their tails are still functional as an alert signal while hunting.

English Springer Spaniels generally have two different variations of colored fur which are either black and white or liver and white. The tri-color coloration of black, liver, and white, is quite rare and will usually occur when the sire and dam are both tri-color. These are easily recognized by the white flash that runs down the middle of their faces.

If you need a good hunting dog, with plenty of energy, who is ready to sniff out some ‘game’, English Springer Spaniels are the breed for you. Springers love the water and would enjoy spending the entire day outside with their owners as they are not especially affected by weather. Being a very old breed they have been popular dogs for a long, long time. These dogs are the oldest but best hunting breed around.

Hopefully, you can understand the reasons that we believe Springers are a good option for a variety of lifestyles. These loving animals can find a place in anyone’s heart and home which is something we have experienced.

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Jan012009
by Scott Evans

To start with, the use of natural cat food can increase your cats life about twelve years because he will actually get the nutrition he needs. The majority of store bought cat food is majorly lacking in nutrition.

Basically, your cat is nutrition deprived even though you feed him daily. Feeding your cat natural cat food gives him the health he needs to live a long, fit life.

Using natural cat food will not only let your cat live a longer life but it will allow you to have less vet bills. Every year people spend thousands of dollars on vet bills trying to save their cats from preventable illnesses.

Giving your feline natural cat food will allow him to have a strong thriving immune system so he will be stronger and healthier then other cats.

Another thing to consider is that when your cat is getting the nutrition he needs he will eat less food. Cats, unlike people, do not eat for the gratification of eating. When their nutritional needs are met they stop eating because they are full. The average cat will only eat once a day when they get the proper nutrition.

Another thing to consider when feeding your cat natural cat food is that you don’t have to wonder if it is safe for your cat. Making your own natural cat food is a great way to know exactly what your cat is eating. One important thing to note is that cats need a lot of taurine in their diet to live. Taurine is one of the most important things in a cats diet because it effects everything from their nerve function to their eyesight. Taurine can be found in unprocessed meat.

Some of the commercial pet food companies get their meat from dead, dying, or diseased animals. Examples are road kill, dogs and cats that are put down at the pound (the poison does not cook out so it is present in your cat’s food), and diseased cows. So not only does your cat get no nutrition from most commercial food but it also causes them harm. Take note that while some do use these for meat sources, not all do.

The safest way to feed your cat is to use natural cat food.

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Dec312008
by Mike Hamlin

Agreed, dogs are mans best buddies and his most faithful companion. However, this is not their inherent nature. They need to be trained to have these qualities. Hence whether you are talking about that lovely newborn puppy or a friendly old neighborhood dog, they are not familiar with the rules of the house immediately.

Have you recently got a new puppy or is your dog misbehaving? Don’t be concerned about this, because this article will teach you the information that you need to learn about dog training.

I agree it can be very annoying for you if you dont know how to act when your dog is gnawing your shoe, drinking from bathroom sink, messing up the house by urinating, barking when everyone is fast asleep and lot other nuisances.

Please don’t get mad at your dog. He is not doing the things he does on purpose. You just need to get his attention and remind him of the rules. He’s got to get used to his new surroundings.

A puppys training commences right from the moment he enters your home. However dont think this statement implies the training should be harsh or intense. I am simply implying that you should start imparting it brief 5 minute sessions that should be repeated continuously till the puppy begins to understand what you are trying to tell him.

Much like an infant who is experiencing everything for the first time, so is the puppy, so there has to be some slack given on your part. Hopefully you obtained your pup from a credible breeder that gave the dog a solid foundation from which you can begin teaching it all it needs to know.

Raising a dog is very similar to raising a child, but somewhat faster, because dogs age faster than we do. The basic sit down and kneel provides more then just the basics. It prepares the dog mind when facing outdoor factors.

Of course, the fundamentals such as potty training should be taught at home. However when your dog goes outside, he could be more friendly and more brave. This way he doesn’t act crazy later on, similar to the way that a lot of dogs behave when they see a different person. The sooner you can begin, the better it will be.

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Dec302008
by Jack Pointer

To bark at a stranger is a lovely service to a dog’s owner. To bark at a falling leaf or the setting of the sun is a nuisance. Usually this incessant, barking is because the dog is bored plus is being ignored. It is not trained plus has been allowed to become a problem.

Some cities have rules against barking dogs. It is bad to allow any animal to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. If you are the owner of a barking dog, there are ways you can amke your neighborhood peaceful.

If you are the dogs owner, it’s easier to train in a good habit than it is to train out a bad habit. So training your dog early on. If the dog barks, while playing or to protest being confined, command him very firm to be quiet. Tell him “no” and lightly but firmly hold his muzzle shut to show him what you want.

If this doesn’t work and it looks as if the dog is going to continue his bad habit, get close enough to him while he is barking to squirt him in the face with a fine stream of water from your garden hose. Don’t use too strong a stream, for you do not want to injure the dog. If he is startled enough, he will give up the barking.

The longer a dog gets away with exercising a bad habit, the harder it is to correct him. So try to give your dog some training time each day. Never leave your dog tied all the time.

Your pooch may not like being tied up at all, and might bark as soon as you leave home. If this is the case, you need to tie him up where you want to keep him. You also might have to drive around the block or park down the street then walk home. If the dog continues barking, startle him with a loud noise and command no!

A dog barking while staying in the house can also be a very annoying. If the dog barks in the house, try and make him think you have left. If he begins to bark again, go back end tell him no. You might have to startle him by thumping on the door.

After you have tried this approach, take the dog outside or untie him and play with him for a while. Then bring him back and repeat the procedure. If you keep your dog in a kennel, and he barks, you may startle him by hitting the top of the doghouse. Remember to give the command no immediately after scaring him.

It doesn’t really matter what kind of dog you have. They all can bark if they get bored. Your dog’s bad habits can be changed, however, for a dog will not keep doing something if he has made uncomfortable.

One of the most important things to remember is try and keep your pet from getting a bad habit in the first place. Pay attention and play with them regularly. He is your responsibility to care for, and you must keep him from bothering your neighbors.

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