Dog Breed: A Factor in a Household with Children

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Joiada

Most children have an endearing and infectious fascination over dogs. Parents cannot resist the children’s request for a canine family member. They’re so drawn by it that they tend to forget that getting a dog is like having a new child in the family. Having a dog entails responsibilities that can be overwhelming to a child, especially if the child is not well-oriented with pets. Pet care is more than just buying food, treats, shampoo, flea powder, biobag dog waste bags, dog poop scooper, and toys. In fact, pet care is more than just playing with the dog.

Before parents get a dog for their children, they must search for the right breed for the family. Breed characteristics will determine if the dog is the right one for the family. Take the chow-chow as an example. Children are attracted to its furry and bear-like appearance but they don’t know that the chow-chow can get moody. Children can get a little too playful in unavoidable situations but the chow-chow will not react to this too well. The same goes for the Pembroke Welsh corgi as well. Its tiny structure can be very deceiving. Although not ferocious, their herding nature makes them prone to nipping, which is not safe for a family with little children.

It is not all the time that animals are as cute or as ferocious as they look. The English bulldog, for instance, has been feared by many for the longest time. But, only dog experts and enthusiasts know that the presently-bred English bulldog is one of the most ideal animals to keep when there are kids at home. Although not athletic and extremely hyper, the English bulldog of today has a very docile and friendly disposition. You will see a lot of videos in the internet about kids (even babies) and English bulldogs playing together.

Just because a dog is not playful does not mean that it cannot be kept at home with the kids. The Rottweiler is a well-known guard dog that has caused many human fatalities. One look at its majestic stance and you’ll already know that you cannot mess with this breed. Yet, Rottweilers are very protective of their own household. When socialized and trained well, they can make very good playmates for children.

The breed is a large determinant in buying a dog but it still boils down to the time you can invest on it and how much adjustment you are willing to make. Parents should teach their children the right ways of handling and petting a dog so they don’t hurt the dog. Little children at around ages 2-4 think they can carry a small dog but they carry it in awkward positions that can hurt the dog. This can either cause injury to the dog or to the child. Remember, dogs get aggressive when threatened. Parents should take time to teach their kids and instill in them that dogs are not toys. Dogs are living things that also have emotions and feelings. Parents should also train their kids to implement proper pet care. A dog needs to be feed, taken out for walks, and given baths. Unlike toys, you can’t just abandon a dog just because you’re sick of it.

The family also needs to invest time in training and socializing the dog. It has to be socialized properly so it learns how to deal with other people and animals. Teach the dog basic obedience commands so that the children will not have a difficult time controlling the dog. Finally, encourage the whole family to set aside time for the dog. Dogs are pack creatures that look up to the leader. Show the dog that the family members are the leaders by showering them with love and affection without losing the discipline.

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Dogs and Canine Acquaintances: Introducing a Dog to Another Dog

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Joiada

 

Getting into dog-loving mode is easy when you lay eyes on your pooch for the first time. Suddenly, shopping seems extra exciting. You want to complete the whole canine shopping list: leash, collar, crate, shampoo, flea powder, dog poop scooper, bags for dog poop, food and water dishes, food, dog bed, nail clippers, toys, treats, etc. The list can go on and on, but a responsible dog owner never forgets that completing that shopping list is not the mark of a good dog owner. Dogs need more than just the paraphernalia. A dog owner must prepare himself or herself before the arrival of the dog. Aside from buying the necessary equipment, he or she should also be prepared to handle behavioral problems.

Selecting another Dog

If you already have a dog and you plan to introduce another dog at home, you might think that you have an advantage because you already know how to handle dogs. Another hurdle for the owner is how to ensure that the two dogs get along. Suppose they are guard dogs; they should be fighting together, not against each other.

Securing a peaceful environment for your dog starts even before you bring another dog to the house. First of all, you must know your capacity to keep more than one dog at home. Two dogs are already a handful. If you don’t have the necessary equipment to separate them, don’t even think of expanding your brood. Start growing a brood one dog at a time.

The best gender combination for dogs is a male and female. The problem with similar genders is that each will clamor for pack dominance. If it’s just one male and one female, each get to be a pack leader in their own right. Unless you plan on breeding dogs, both of them should preferably neutered and spayed.

Finally, study each dog breed: the breed of your current dog and the breed of the other dog you plan to take home. If you have a Rottweiler that’s on the fierce side, you may want to avoid bringing overly playful and rambunctious Boston terriers. There is a possibility that they will get along well but study your dog’s attitude first.

Introducing both Dogs

You have to devote time to supervise interaction between the current dog and the new dog. Keep a close eye on them because not all dogs start a good relationship on the first few days together. If you have the luxury of arranging play dates for the both of them before bringing the other dog home, grab this opportunity.

One of the best pieces of advice from a veterinarian is to introduce the two dogs in a neutral territory. Your current dog might feel a little protective over its territory, which is usually one of the many causes of canine fights. Enlist the help of a family member of a friend during this introduction. There should be one person handling each dog. Keep them on a tight leash but give them room to sniff each other and get to know each other better. If they exhibit playful reactions, praise them explicitly (positive reinforcement).

It will take time for the dogs to warm up to each other so be the patient dog owner that you are supposed to be.

 

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Exercising Sound Judgment in Using Dog Nail Polish and Dog Hair Dye

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Joiada

dog grooming: dog nail polish groomingThe dog lovers of this generation are not afraid to experiment with canine grooming. Many dogs are now dressed up in doggie shirts, dresses, and even Halloween costumes. There are dog owners that go an extra mile for canine fashion. It should be no surprise that dog nail polish and dog hair dyes are popular nowadays.

Many dog lovers wonder if nail polish is really safe for dogs. Aside from clothes, dog nail polish really amplifies a festive mood. Or, if you do not have time to buy your dog a costume for a holiday or an occasion, you can simply brush a few coats of nail polish on its nails. Instant appeal! But then again, is it really safe? Dogs and humans have different functions and faculties. Their bodies react differently to chemicals. Given that information, pet owners should never use nail polish for humans on their dogs. There are abrasive and dangerous ingredients in human nail polish that the dog can ingest when it chews on its paws.

If you are really determined to put color on your dog’s nails, only use the nail polish that’s made for dogs. Nail polish for dogs is made of mostly natural ingredients because manufacturers know that dogs do not discriminate when they are in the mood to chew or lick. The nail polish should last 2-3 weeks n your dog’s nails, provided that they don’t scratch or chew on it. If you need to remove the nail polish, only use nail polish that’s made for dogs as well.

Another trendy canine accessory nowadays is canine hair dye. There are some sightings of dogs that are made to look like other animals (e.g. panda, tiger) with the help of hair dye. Like dog nail polish, there are also hair dyes that are made for dogs. The importance of using canine-friendly dye formulas cannot be emphasized enough, especially because the dye makes direct contact with the dog’s skin. When the dog licks itself, there is a risk of ingesting the dye.

There are dyes and nail polish formulas that are not properly regulated. Even if the label says canine-friendly, there should be proof that the formula meets canine health standards.

At the end of the day, the basic necessities of the dog should be attended to above everything else. The dog should have its complete set of shampoo, soap, powder, biodegradable dog poop bag, dog poop scooper, brush, anti-tick serum, and all the other necessities. Styling items like nail polish and hair dye are purely for the satisfaction of the dog owner. It is not totally wrong to use them but safety should be first, above anything else.

 

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An Overview of the Importance of Canine Diet

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Joiada

Finding the right diet for your dog is not always the case of love at first sight or in this case, love at first bite. There are some dog breeds, usually the smaller ones that have very sensitive digestive tracts. Some dogs have special dietary needs due to specific health conditions. The diet should always be monitored and adjusted accordingly, with the approval of the veterinarian.

When your dog is in a diet trial phase, you might want to carry a dog poop bag and a dog poop scooper. You should be ready if the dog has any adverse reaction to the current diet. Observe the dog’s poop if it is undergoing a new diet. How does it look? How does it smell? The dog’s poop should not have an adversely rotten smell. The poop should also be hard and small. The poop should not be stone-hard, but just firm. The size should be relative, depending on the size of the dog. A dog with an upset stomach would also excrete more often than usual.

The diet is a critical matter that should be discussed with the veterinarian. The most expensive dog food is not necessarily the best. The final judgment rests on the dog’s needs and preferences. Go over this matter with your veterinarian and actively participate in this aspect. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for your dog’s sake. As mentioned earlier, you have to consider your dog’s digestive tract and its nutritional needs. The diet should be based on the dog’s health. For instance, dogs suffering from arthritis should refrain from grains and starchy foods. They should undergo a high-protein diet. On the other hand, a dog with kidney problems should go for a low-protein diet. These specifications have to get your veterinarian’s stamp of approval.

canine diet

Veterinarians are generally comfortable with commercial dog food, unless the dog has special needs. But, top dog food brands already have formulas for these special needs. There is a specific commercial dog food for pregnant and lactating dogs, for example. There is also special food for overweight dogs.

Commercial dog food is available in dry, semi-dry, and wet. Dry dog food is beneficial for the dog’s bowels and teeth. On the other hand, wet dog food has more protein and natural fat content. Plus, it resembles real food more. Dry dog food is just more convenient because of its longer shelf life. You can give your dog the best of both worlds by putting it in a combination diet. A combination of dry and wet food will make your dog’s eating experience more pleasurable. And, the nutritional content of the dog food should match the dog’s nutritional needs.

At the end of the day, the most important part is that the dog is in the pink of health. The coat should be smooth and shiny, while the skin underneath should be supple and devoid of growths and scabs. The ears, mouth, and teeth should be clean (note: no foul breath) and the eyes should be bright. The nose of the dog should be moist and a little cold without any colored and sticky discharge. The dog’s weight should be proportioned to its size. The dog’s urine has to be clear and yellow, without blood. Finally, the feces of the dog should be firm, brown, and with minimal odor.

 

When the points listed above are met, the dog should stick to the its current diet.

 

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Taking Your Dog to a Dog Park: Things You Need to Know

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Joiada

As a dog owner, you surely want to ensure that your dog is always at a safe state. Dog parks are popular leisure outdoor destinations for dogs and their dog owners. However, unfortunately, the statistics of accidents that happen in public (dog) parks continues to risen up. Your dog certainly needs ample amount of exercise and unless you have a large enough lawn, you are left with not much choice but to take him to spacious park that can accommodate your dog’s physical training needs. But with the danger of accidents, you may wonder if there’s still a better option left – thankfully, there is. The answer to such dilemma is private dog parks.

A private dog park is typically manned by professional staffs that know how to handle their clients (both the dog owners and dogs itself). These private dog parks are also equipped with the latest safety and security equipment, devices and other peripherals to ensure that everyone is safe. The management and staff also enforce appropriate park rules and regulations. However, every dog park has its own, specific and special terms and conditions. Thus, aside from the information that you may acquire from this article, you should still research about the private dog park that you are eyeing before finally deciding to take your dog there.

taking your dog to a dog parkAt private dog parks, you can feel more assured and comfortable with letting your dog off its leash. You see, you cannot just let your dog off-leash at a public park where a lot more other people, both young and old, roam. Even if your dog normally behaves well and is known to be well-trained, you will never know when accidents might happen.

You may ask, why should you fuss over letting your dog off its leash? Isn’t walking and running with its leash on enough? Yes, a daily walk is good for your dog. However, he also needs to be able to roam free. Off-leash exercise offers various benefits for your dog. Off-leash running elevates and improves heart rate. It also increases dogs’ metabolism levels and enhances gastrointestinal efficiency. It also does wonders for the dog’s joints and muscles and promotes overall health and fitness. It can also make socialization with other dogs easier.

Private dog parks basically charges for a fee, but there are ones that offer affordable and competitive rates. Taking your dog to a private dog park is an investment that you should be willing to do for your dog. Just as you would invest on dog poop cleanup service and buying dog supplies such as green dog poop bags, letting your dog enjoy the freedom at a private dog park is something that you should highly consider.

 

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The Basics of Dog Pregnancy

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Joiada

Dog pregnancy is a very essential matter that you should learn more about. If your dog is pregnant, it has special needs that you should be able to cater to. Although most dogs can go through pregnancy without much fuss and difficulty, there are some that needs extra care and attention while pregnant. Successfully caring for your dog starts with learning the basics of dog pregnancy.

basics of dog pregnancy

The typical gestation period in dogs lasts for about 63 days or nine weeks. If you did not see your dog mating with another, you may not notice that your dog is pregnant until a few weeks before she is about to give birth. Basically, the moment you notice that your dog is pregnant, you should consult her veterinarian to make sure of her condition and to know of the necessary caring measures that you should do.

A pregnant dog has several nutritional requirements that may be different from that of a not pregnant dog. However, you should not give your dog nutritional supplements unless your veterinarian recommends so. What you can do instead is to feed your dog with regular food at regular intervals during the first six weeks of pregnancy. After those six weeks, she may ask for more food, about 150% more than normal. Towards the end of the gestation, your dog should be given smaller meals but in multiple intervals since it may be uncomfortable for her to eat a lot in just one feeding.

A pregnant dog still needs exercise unless your vet discourages it. If your pregnant dog is perfectly healthy and her pregnancy is normal and not sensitive, you should continue encouraging exercise. Although the typical extensive exercise may be too straining for her, a regular, everyday walk is recommended. You should not let your pregnant dog become overweight since this may affect labor and delivery in a negative way.

You should have your pregnant dog regularly checked against infestation of parasites. You should have your dog cleared from ear mites and fleas before she gives birth to her litter. Since the mother and her puppies cannot be treated with parasite treatments just after birth, your veterinarian would know what to do and deal with parasite infestation before the puppies arrive.

Provide an efficient, easy to access and safe spot where your dog can labor and deliver her puppies. Your dog may choose a place where she would like to labor and deliver her litter but you can ensure that she settles in your provided spot. Choose a dimmer spot yet one that is safe from mosquitoes and flies and other harmful animals and insects. Put comfortable bedding and keep food and water nearby.

Throughout your dog’s pregnancy, you should regularly bring her to the vet. This will ensure that everything is under control and if it is safe for her to give birth at home. Remember that some breeds may need to undergo a caesarian session.

Keep all supplies at hand. Dog supplies such as dog poop bags and dog waste bag holders should always be at the ready at all times.

 

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How to Find the Best Dog Walker

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Joiada

If you are one of the many dog owners who need to go to work everyday and are not that gifted with the luxury of time, you may need to find a way to ensure that your dog is being well taken care of. Although you can leave your dog at home while you are at work, it may not prove to be healthy for your dog. Generally, dogs need adequate exercise and this requirement is more necessary for certain dog breeds. If your dog is under a breed that needs regular and extensive walking and running exercise, you may need to consider hiring a professional dog walker.

Some may not see the importance of hiring a dog walker. Worse, some may see hire a dog walker because they think that it’s just a fad among dog owners. Little do they know that regular dog walking helps the dog manage both its physical and psychological health. For instance, a dog with not enough walking exercise may become irritable. They should also be walked regularly for them to get used to other people, too.

You may also recognize signs of attitude change and irritability when you go home and find that your dog has chewed on your couch or your favorite slippers. This can be a sign that your dog needs to go out while you are away. If there are nobody else left in your house while you are out for work or for other obligations, it would be best to obtain the assistance of a professional dog walker who can take care of your dog while you are away and who can assure that your dog receives the adequate exercise that it needs.

how to find the best dog walker

Now, how to find the best dog walker? Nowadays, it is so easy to look for almost everything that you need. You can seek for the help of different sources when looking for the best dog walker in town. First, you may ask your veterinarian for recommendations. He might know some professional dog walkers in your locale and his recommendations may prove to be good ones. You may also ask your friends and relatives in case they have hired a dog walker themselves, too. Your dog may be friends with their dogs even if they get to be taken care of by the same dog walker.

Moreover, you may also search the Internet for information regarding the best dog walker in your town or city. As you may already know, almost all information that you may need can already be found online.

When you finally found the best dog trainer for your dog, see to it that you provide him with necessary supplies that he may need during the hours that he will sit for your dog. Supplies such as dog food, dog poop bags and dog waste bag holders are necessary supplies that you should have ready.

 

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How to Find the Best Certified Dog Trainer for Your Dog

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Joiada

If you want to assure that your dog is trained well, it would be best to find and hire the best dog trainer in your locale. If you want your dog to learn topnotch tricks, you may want to choose a certified dog trainer over a basic dog trainer. There are several things that you should put in mind in case you want to do so.

First, you must sincerely want to hire a certified dog trainer and you should be prepared to pay more as they normally charge higher than basic dog trainers. Basically, a dog trainer is one who takes dog training classes, exams and certifications to obtain particular certificates and recognition. By hiring a certified dog trainer, you can feel assured and comfortable that your dog is in the hands of a really good and professional dog trainer.

best certified dog trainer

Now, how to find the best certified dog trainer to train your pet dog? There are a lot of certified dog trainers in the market today. These dog trainers vary in experience, age, skill levels and professional background. When looking for the best certified dog trainer, you should consult a variety of sources. You can try asking for information and referrals from the breeder where you got your dog. Your veterinarian may also know some dog trainers whom you can consider. You may also ask your dog groomer for recommendations. Depending on the knowledge and reliability of your source, you may be directed to local dog training institutions or schools that employ certified dog trainers. Meanwhile, some dog supply stores can also recommend their own certified dog trainers.

When looking for the best certified dog trainer, you must clarify what they mean by “certification.” There are specific certifications that you may want your dog trainer to have. For instance, you should ask if the certification of a particular dog trainer only follows the standards of the institution he is working for or if it is a universally recognized certification. You may want to research further about the requirements and qualifications that each certification entitle. Through that, you will know if the certified dog trainer has the qualifications that you are looking for.

You must look for a dog trainer who has had extensive and comprehensive classes and training and one who can exhibit their declared qualifications. You may want to attend demonstrations and training sessions to see the dog trainer’s actual training skills.

You may also talk with the certified dog trainer personally to see if you can get along with him well. Of course, you would want to hire someone whom you can trust your dog with. A dog trainer whom you can comfortably talk with can prove to be a great choice.

Now, once you have chosen the best certified dog trainer for your dog, ensure that you have  adequate stock of dog supplies that will be needed for the training such as dog waste bags and dog poop bag holders.

 

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Dog Training Options

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Joiada

Owning a dog as a pet can prove to be really fulfilling – a dog can successfully bring fun and real joy to the household. However, even if it may be difficult for you to resist your pet’s cuteness, you shouldn’t spoil and let him chew on your sofa or on your own shoes. Thus, it is of utter importance that you come up with a dog training plan that can help you make your new pet understand the rules that you set.

Planning how you can have your dog trained may be tricky at first, especially if you are a first time dog owner. You may even be overwhelmed with mixed ideas of which tricks you want your dog to master and what behaviors should you expect from him. You may wonder if it would be best to hire a professional to train him, enroll him at a dog training school of train him by yourself. Indeed, there are a number of things that you should consider – and they are worth considering anyway.

dog training options

There are several dog training options that you may want for your dog. First, you can opt for a dog obedience class for beginners that is typically offered at local animal welfare organizations as well as private pet training schools ad institutions. These classes are normally affordable and it can be a great starter for your dog training plan.

Meanwhile, you can also opt to hire a professional dog trainer. Hiring a professional dog trainer may be necessary if you are having a hard time training the dog on your own or if basic obedience classes did not work. However, hiring a personal dog trainer may prove to be costlier. But if you are really aiming for your dog’s ultimate welfare and for the safety of the entire household, spending for the services of a professional trainer can be a good investment.

Meanwhile, as mentioned, you can also choose to train your dog on your own. There are a lot of resources that can help you with dog training. You can search for dog training articles online. You may also join forums and communities of dog owners and ask the participants about your questions about dog training. You may also ask friends and family who have experienced dog training. Moreover, you may also invest on dog training books and manuals to make dog training easier.

Whichever option you choose, you should ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials for training. For instance, you should stock on dog waste bags as well as dog poop bag holders that you may need during outdoor training.

 

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Dog Aggression: A Common Problem That You Should Learn to Handle

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Joiada

dog aggression

Dog aggression is one of the most common problems that dog owners need to learn how to deal with. A lot of dog owners would find themselves frustrated when their dog growls and barks angrily and assume an aggressive stance, ready to attack. The worst scenario that this problem can lead to is for the dogs to end up in shelters because some dog owners find their once loved pet as a danger to the family.

There are several ways that you can handle dog aggression and just like when you try to discipline your own child, you should not give up when it comes to taming your dog like a puppy once again.

Most of the time, dog aggression is caused by the failure to train and socialize the dog well. This can be solved by learning some necessary measures and ways to stop dog aggression.

The first step towards solving the problem of dog aggression is to understand what dog aggression is and what its types are. There are instances when dogs tend to believe that they are the dominant one – the leader of the pack. In the wild, canines group themselves in packs and every pack has a leader: the alpha dog. The alpha dog is supposed to be aggressive because he leads the pack and protects it against enemies. However, since he is the leader, he has the privileges of one: he can eat whatever and how much he wants, sleep wherever he wishes to and somewhat dictate orders to the pack. If you are unable to train your dog against this syndrome, it may think that it is more dominant than you.

Normally, this happens when you spoil your dog so much. Although you may want to give your dog the best life a dog can have, you should also keep in mind that it is a dog with animal instincts. Even though your dog is domesticated and it is not grown in the wild, its genetic makeup will always have an effect on its behavior.

What you can do is do not always grant your dog’s wishes. You should also ignore the dog when it does something wrong. Moreover, you should also ignore the dog when it signals that it wants you to pet him. Petting can be associated with licking. In the wild, less dominant dogs lick those higher in social order.

What you can do instead is hold your dog’s head by cupping under its muzzle. Rub behind its ears while applying little pressure. This can be associated with what is known as social order biting. Dominant dogs in the order bite the lower ones’ ears and neck areas.

Being informed about such possible problems in owning a dog is the best way to avoid it from happening. Just like how you would equip yourself with dog supplies such as biodegradable dog waste bags and dog poop bag holders, you should also stock on knowledge and information, too.

 

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