From the monthly archives:

January 2009

Effective Tips On How To Train Your Dog

by Pet Care on January 19, 2009


The proper care of your beloved canine involves more time and effort than merely providing appropriate food, medication for health, and other needed supplies.

Dogs are sociable, lovable and excitable and it’s why we love them. However, these sweet traits can also be the root of major behavioral issues like chewing furniture, biting, not coming when called, barking or running away.

So, it’s important to start training your dog from a very early age. As an instinctive pack animal and follower, your dog will become subdued and more comfortable in a variety of social situations.

To learn some of the best tips on how to train your dog, keep reading for suggestions from some of the top trainers in the country.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Starting a dog training program is not as simple as it sounds. You need to begin with positive reinforcement. That means instead of yelling at or scolding your dog when he does something wrong, you reward him when he does something right. It’s a good idea to mix up treat awards with praise and petting, unless you want an overweight, but well-behaved pet.

The dog will learn that good behavior is rewarded. Just like humans, dogs respond best to praise and encouragement. Your dog will learn faster and equate good behavior with a tasty treat.

Avoid Bad Habits

One of the most common mistakes among dog owners is to yell at their pets when they’re barking incessantly. Why doesn’t this work, and why does it make the problem even worse?

It worsens the problem because your dog’s barking at something, whether it’s a squirrel in the yard or a car driving past. When you start yelling at your dog, it thinks that you’re “barking” too, therefore reinforcing the behavior that barking is okay.

Remember, your dog can’t understand your words. He can learn a few commands and understand your tone. To solve an incessant barking problem, try using a spray bottle of water.

Additional Tips to Stop the Barking

When your dog begins barking uncontrollably, say the command “quiet” softly and give him a small spray of water. Eventually, your dog will learn that “quiet” means he should stop barking or he’ll get sprayed with water.

Another method involves ignoring your dog completely when he’s barking. Sometimes dogs bark because they’re bored or want attention, so it’s best to ignore this behavior.

Once the dog stops, reward him with a treat. Because your dog may be barking out of boredom, sometimes a simple distraction, like turning on the radio or throwing a toy, will work.

Normally though, dog training is most effective when you use rewards and positive reinforcements, not scolding or yelling. Remember, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

What Type Of Outdoor Products Should I Have For My Dog?

by Pet Care on January 18, 2009


One of the biggest and most common problems with owning a pet is the toll it can take on your yard! Dog feces and urine can cause grass damage and loss from the pH levels in their urine. Unsightly fecal material in your yard is not the most inviting thing for others to see or smell either! Fortunatly, we understand just how you feel and we have come with a list of a few noteworthy products for you to try. All of the listed products are safe to use and will not harm your beloved pet or family! These products keep the environment in mind as well. You will want to check out these dog feeders for your dog right away. These are essential for dogs.

Dog Spot Eliminator from The Organic Farm Store is a great product that is going to combat the discolored, dead, and dying areas of your lawn caused by the acidic level in your dog’s urine. This revolutionary soil renovation product contains micro nutrients with no added fillers. The Dog Spot Eliminator works just like this: apply Dog Spot Eliminator on a patch-by-patch basis, or better yet, over the entire lawn. That is it! That is how simple it is to use this product! It is said to be 100% effective when used correctly. These elevated pet feeders are an awesome addition to your dog supplies and products.

Triple Pet WasteEaze by Benedent is a product that is going to bring a noticable change to your lawn! For starters its going to signifigantly lower the odors from your pet’s waste, especially with young dogs who frequently have really strong stools and urine. This is a product that you are going to put into your pet’s waterbowl and as they drink their water it is going to go through their system lowering their pH and helps to destroy compounds that cause odor! It combines all natural Yucca Schidigera, a natural Yucca plant extract and Anthium Dioxide. This is going to do the second best thing for your lawn; it is going to eliminate dead, dry, and yellow grass patches in your yard! Your dog is going to be healthy and going outside to the yard will have never been more pleasant with Triple Pet WasteEaze by Benedent. This product is available in 8oz, 16oz, and 32oz bottles. You need only one capful to 24oz. of water in their bowl. These stainless steel dog dishes are a must when it comes to your pet.

If lawn repair kits or supplements to lower pH and odor causing compounds are not the way you want to go or are not working, then you will want to try our last product, the The Pet Patio Potty by Doggy Solutions! This is a portable dog litterbox that is planned so that it blends in with layout of your lawn or design of your patio. Doggy Solutions has created an outdoor model and an indoor model for you to choose from depending on your needs. The outdoor units are designed with high density polyethylene and is water resistant. The box frame has removable trays positioned over the litter so that you can remove your dog’s urine or feces without muss or fuss! It comes in an easy to assembly kit. The Pet Patio comes in 4 standard sizes and 3 different model types, perfect to accommodate large and small dogs alike.

Classic Look Great Price

by Pet Care on January 18, 2009


As far as pet carriers go, there is a lot of variety and difference in terms of quality. Just because you can find one for under $100 doesn’t mean that it is made well. The good news is that there are carriers under $100 that are made very well and on top of that they look great as well. Meet the roxy tan and black carrier.It is a simple look with sleek lines and the tan on black will match anything that you decide to wear that day. Not to mention that your little dog will be quite comfortable in it as you go about your business. It has all the standard features that you would expect in a quality carrier such as a fur lined pad, a headrest, pockets, and mesh windows for ventilation. For the price, you will be impressed.

Labrador Problems: Territorial Invasions

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


The Labrador is without a doubt a very beautiful creature that is also well built and sports a sturdy frame that is almost like that of an athletic animal. The breed comes in a number of skin colors including Black, Golden and Chocolate and in addition, the coat is generally thick and short and the hair is extremely straight. In fact, a Labrador Retriever has a double layered as well as dense coat. The Lab has a very intelligent bent of mind and at the same time he is docile with the elderly as well as with young children.

However, as with any other breed there are certain Labrador problems that every owner will have to look out for including those related to their health as well as their behavior. Nevertheless, the Labrador is generally a healthy animal though it can suffer from hip as well as elbow dysplasia and cataract as well as epilepsy. What’s more, if you fail to give proper Labrador training, or if you let your pet become bored, it could lead to some behavioral problems that can only be prevented by expending some extra effort, and providing better care and proper training.
There are certain Labradors that can prove to be a handful and these pets will not easily learn to behave properly unless sent to a behaviorist. This and other Labrador problems such as having a pet that always seems to be dreaming can be reason for you to become worried, though in reality these can be overcome through proper Labrador training. A typical Labrador problem that many pet owners will have to deal with has to do with a pet that chews up everything he can sink his teeth into. Such a problem can arise when the Labrador is too energetic and it also occurs when having someone or something invade his territory frustrates the Labrador.

To overcome these Labrador problems, it would pay to talk to a veterinary behaviorist or provide strict Labrador training and also ensuring that you spend a lot of time with your dog in helping him release his energy in a more productive manner.
Typical of Labrador problems is that of chasing cats and since this is more of an instinctive driven behavioral problem it can best be changed through giving your pet proper Labrador training which may require spending a lot of time and being patient so that he is taught how to stop this instinctive reaction on his part. Another common behavioral problem that your Labrador can show is that of becoming destructive and this in turn is generally due to his becoming anxious about something. Because dogs have advanced hearing capabilities, they can become aware of things even before humans get wind of these things and thus your Labrador may behave in a manner that is incomprehensible to human beings and so, this is another common Labrador problem that pet owners will have to contend with.

It is also always possible to condition your Labrador to not become skittish when he hears various kinds of sounds and a simple Labrador training step you can use is to play recordings of certain sounds at low volumes and then increasing the volume gradually to make your Labrador get accustomed to these sounds. In fact, this is an especially useful way to becalm your Labrador who could otherwise become so nervous that you may even be forced into giving him anti-anxiety medicines to overcome his fears.

Labrador problems are generally not a major concern for pet owners and with timely Labrador training you can easily ensure that your pet behaves in an appropriate manner at all times. Besides consulting dog training books you could also read this article to learn more about common Labrador problems.

Breed Description: Toy Yorkshire Terriers

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


It is very difficult for the Yorkie novice to discover that there are no different Yorkshire Terrier types. A Yorkie is a Yorkie is a Yorkie. This is according to the breed societies and national showing bodies like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC). However, if you look into any advertising for Yorkshire Terrier puppies, you will find lots of breeders insisting that there are such things as Teacup Yorkies, Standard Yorkies and Toy Yorkshire Terriers.

If you are looking for a Yorkshire Terrier, be very clear what the individual breeder considers a Toy Yorkshire Terrier. Most will call any Yorkshire Terrier a Toy Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier is in the Toy group of dogs for showing purposes after all. But there are some breeders who will insist that Toy Yorkshire Terriers are of a certain weight – four to six pounds. The average weight for a show quality Yorkshire Terrier is seven pounds.
The term Toy Yorkshire Terrier applies to one of two kinds of dogs. The first is just another name for Yorkshire Terriers, regardless of their size. The second refers to Yorkies that grow up smaller than the average Yorkie’s weight of seven pounds. When you are in the market for a Yorkie, you better know which version the seller refers to. Although Yorkies are the second most popular purebred dogs in America, there is a lot of bad Yorkshire Terrier information floating around.

If you discover that the puppy you are interested in is expected to turn out to be less than five pounds, run far away. These puppies are sickly, short-lived and overly excitable. They often have problems with housetraining, separation anxiety and biting. They are also incredibly fragile and can be killed if you drop them. Breeders of these kinds of Toy Yorkshire Terriers hope you know nothing about dogs.
There really aren’t any laws tough enough to stop breeding incredibly tiny, sickly Toy Yorkshire Terriers. Since there is a demand, there logically must be a supply. The best way you can help the dogs is not to buy such a puppy and discourage these irresponsible breeding practices. The best place you can go for a Yorkie and for accurate Yorkshire Terrier information is from a Yorkshire Terrier rescue.

Because there are no requirements for buying a dog, many people buy a dog that he shouldn’t. Then, those dogs wind up in shelters. Because of the particular needs of Yorkies, many Yorkshire Terrier rescues have sprouted up all over the country. They know how domineering, needy and yet how loyal these dogs are. They take the time to get to know each dog and help match one to your personality. Never buy a Toy Yorkshire Terrier puppy – adopt from an animal rescue, instead.

True breed lover collect everything possible about Yorkshire Terrier types. Yorkshire Terrier information can be gleaned by asking your vet or searching the Internet.

A Brief History Of The Beagle Breed

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


The Beagle has become a popular breed of dog in the United States over the past century or so. In fact, in the 1950’s, this breed enjoyed a brief stint at the number one spot for most sought after dogs in this country. But the Beagle’s roots go back much farther than 100 years or so – and could possibly date back to around 400 B.C. in Greece. Documents show that a Beagle type of dog may have been in existence at this time.

However, the Beagle as we know it probably originated in England in the early years of the second century. Royalty in Great Britain was known to keep packs of these hounds for hunting purposes. The Beagle was originally bred to hunt hares, and is quite adept at sniffing these creatures out and luring them back to the location where the hunter is waiting. To this day, Beagles can still be used for hunting, although many are simply family pets to be enjoyed.
England is the country that can receive the majority of credit for making the Beagle breed what it is today. It began in the middle of the nineteenth century with an Englishman by the name of Reverend Phillip Honeywood who bred these dogs as skilled hunters without much regard for the look of the animal. Another man from England, Thomas Johnson, took the breeding process to the next level by creating dogs that were beautiful as well as skilled hunters. When Beagles first came to the United States, the same care was unfortunately not taken to keep the breed intact.

The good news is that a man named General Richard Rowett decided to import English Beagles to breed, and completed the process in a deliberate and careful fashion. This resulted in Beagles making an appearance with the American Kennel Association in 1885, and standards being established for this breed by 1888, when the National Beagle Club was formed. Today, Beagles are still used as hunting dogs, although many more are simply enjoyed as family pets, due to their abundant energy and friendly natures.
If you are considering Beagle as a family pet you can rest assured that you will be getting a dog with a rich and colorful history. Whether you plan to use your dog as a hunting companion or simply a companion to curl up on the couch with on cold winter nights, this dog can fit the bill. Unfortunately, the history and the popularity of this breed has led to many Beagles getting bred in puppy mills, meaning that you need to do your homework before purchasing a Beagle to ensure that you are getting a dog that will be healthy and social. By understanding a bit of the history of the breed and collecting other types of Beagle information you will go far in helping yourself to find the right dog for you. You can find this information through articles like this, by studying websites on the Internet and by talking to your veterinarian or responsible breeder. The right dog will bring your family joy for years to come. Enjoy your Beagle!

The Beagle has a rich and colorful history that can be traced back many years. By understanding this history you can gain a better understanding of your pet. There is plenty of Beagle information available including the interesting history of your pet. Articles like this and interviews with experts in the field will help you to understand where your Beagle came from and why he acts the way he does.

Toy Pomeranians: Little Dogs With Big Attitudes

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


Perhaps you are visiting your local animal shelter, looking to adopt a small dog. You stop by one cage because the dog in there couldn’t get much smaller, and it is very cute. The dog has pointed ears, a foxy face, wide dark eyes and a profuse coat. The bark sounds more like a yap and can get high-pitched. Could this be a purebred dog? This very well could be a purebred toy Pomeranian.

Pomeranians are incredibly popular, but this popularity comes at a price. They are often purchased on impulse and then abandoned when reality sets in. You need to know basic Pomeranian information before taking on one of these dogs. They have certain demands that need to be met, but when they are they become a loyal and chipper companion that will be unforgettable. You need to get used to their yappy bark, their shedding and their delicate skeleton.
According to the available history of Pomeranian information, toy Pomeranians are getting progressively smaller and smaller. Every year, there seems to be a new “Smallest Dog In The World” listed in the Guinness World Book of Records. Although Chihuahuas dominate the list, a few Pomeranian types have held the crown. In 1900, just over one hundred years ago, Pomeranians weighing thirty pounds were still being shown in England. Although Pomeranians are progressively getting smaller, their attitudes are still just as large as ever.

Toy Pomeranians are vain, highly intelligent and protective of whatever they like. If they bark and snap at strangers coming up to your door, take this as a compliment (in a way), as you are liked enough by your Pomeranian to be worthy of protection. Toy Pomeranians will give warnings first before they bite, but as they are so small, you might not be able to see these warnings. But, Pomeranians are trainable given enough time and patience
Toy Pomeranians can be willful and seem to pay attention to you only when they feel like it, but training is possible. You need to be persistent and patient. Training sessions should be short, filled with praise and treats (or a favorite toy given only during training sessions). Never hit your toy Pomeranian, as one solid blow can kill them. They are far more delicate than even a cat.

Toy Pomeranians have excellent senses of humor, although the level of this humor will vary from dog to dog. One Pomeranian has become a small Internet sensation on the YouTube show “Cute With Chris” by pooping her pile of poo in the shape of a smiley face. Toy Pomeranians also will use tools like slamming doors or knocking over chairs in order to sound much fiercer than they really are. Living with a toy Pomeranian is a challenge, the same as with a child.

There should be no prejudice in the dog show world about different Pomeranian types. When perusing the web looking at dog breeds, don’t forget to look at Pomeranian information.

History Of The Chihuahua Breed

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


After first being discovered in the 1850s in Mexico, the Chihuahua was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904. The breed is named after the Mexican state Chihuahua in which they were found, a region that borders Texas and New Mexico. However, this isn’t where the breed originally came from. Rather the breed comes from the ancient Techichi breed of dog that belonged to the Toltec Civilization near Mexico City. When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs the dogs became sacred icons of the upper class and gained religious meaning when they were used in ceremonies to help guide the spirits of the dead. Somewhere between the fall of the Toltec Empire and the discovery of the Chihuahua in the 1850s the breed was crossed with a hairless dog from the Orient, which led to the modern breed we see today. The original Techichi breed was larger than today’s breed and they were also mute.
Officially the American Kennel Club describes the Chihuahua breed as graceful, alert and agile with a compact and terrier like quality. Although every dog of this breed has its own unique personality some Chihuahuas can be terrier like to the extreme and be very grumpy, haughty or even nasty if they are provoke. However, more often then not the Chihuahua is a dog with curiosity, intelligence and loyalty that makes them a wonderful companion.

The Chihuahua still may not be a suitable pet for households with small or noisy children due to the chance that they can be clannish at times and occasionally a dog may be suspicious of people other than their owner. But for the individual or elderly couple they can be an excellent pet that loves to be pampered and are good for apartment living or those with limited incomes. It is best to get a feel for the temperament of a Chihuahua before determining if this is the right breed for you.
Often Chihuahuas aren’t aware of their small stature and you can typically see them acting much bolder than other dogs that are three times their size or more. The breed will often become extremely loyal to just one or two individuals, which causes them to become highly protective. This results in the Chihuahua becoming wary of any news guests introduced to their personal domain and can cause a rather violent reaction. Although not a very good guard dog, this trait makes the Chihuahua an excellent option for a watchdog.

For Chihuahuas human contact is a must, as they will need a lot of general attention, touching and petting. Without enough attention the breed will resort to various attention getting tricks, such as being mischievous. While some find this makes their dog a bit too needy, you will gain a lot of loyalty from your Chihuahua in exchange for love, affection and care.

Know the temperament of your Chihuahua dog before determining if they are right for your household. Research Chihuahua information to find out if this loyal and protective breed is right for you.

Popular Mixed Breeds: Bichon Shih Tzu

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and celebrates purebred dogs. Pure breeds are defined as “of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations.” Though pure-bred dogs are extremely popular and are the only dogs allowed to compete in AKC competition, a new type of dog is gaining recognition and breeder interest. Crossbreeds, or hybrids are on the rise. These are mixtures of two or more pure breeds, resulting in such combinations as the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog).

These hybrids, or “designer dogs” can participate in competitions sponsored by the American Canine Hybrid Club, which recognizes over 100 different mixed breeds. Hybrid dogs usually have parents with a documented ancestry. Hybrids have become popular due to the fact they can have any mixture of the characteristics of both parents. The most popular dogs to cross with other breeds are poodles and pugs. Some choose to cross breed for health as well as aesthetic reasons. Breeds like the Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic and shed very little. This is beneficial to pet lovers with allergies. The Bichon Shih Tzu is one popular, non-allergy causing mix.
The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, has resulting traits of both the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu breeds. The Bichon is known for its white, “powder puff” fur and its happy temperament as well as its hypoallergenic qualities. The Shih Tzu is known for being intelligent, alert and also very stubborn. It has a double coat of long, silky fur. Both breeds are two of the oldest breeds known. Offspring of the two usually have a soft, curly hypoallergenic coat (in any color), with the Bichon’s temperament and the Shi Tzu’s intelligence. Bichon Shih Tzu mixes are believed to have fewer health problems than their purebred parents.

Purebred animals have health problems due to their long history of in breeding, which is done to strengthen the characteristics of the breed. A Bichon Frise often suffers from a severe form of anemia and, though they are hypoallergenic, they are prone to severe allergies themselves. Shih Tzu are prone to eye allergies and other eye problems, cannot handle temperatures above 75 degrees, and require daily brushing to keep their fur from matting.
Proponents of the Bichon Shih Tzu, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, most likely dream of the day when hybrids can be viewed as their own pure breed. Many pure breeds are the result of cross breeding. The Shih Tzu most likely is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Though this may have occurred as much as 2000 years ago, the Shih Tzu probably began as a hybrid and is recognized as a pure breed today.

The ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back further, to 600 B.C. The Barbichon were Mediterranean dogs. Later, descendants of the breed went to sea with Spanish sailors and the name was shortened to Bichon. They migrated to Europe and the French added “Frise” to the name to reference the breed’s curly fur. The Bichon Frise dog was recognized as a breed by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1973.

It is important to know the many positive characteristics of resulting Shih Tzu mixed breeds such as the Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon. Shih Tzu information and Bichon Shih Tzu mixed breed information is provided in this article.

Every Dog Deserves a Treat

by Pet Care on January 17, 2009


All dogs deserve a treat at least most of the time when they are not being naughty. When you give your dog a treat though, you want the satisfaction that you are giving them something that is not only tasty, but good for them as well. There are too many pet treats out there that are filled with ingredients that nobody should be eating. so make sure to spend the time to find ones that you can feel good about giving your dog. There are too many overweight and unhealthy dogs around. Don’t let your dog be one of them. Make sure that you give them the best.