All About Dogs

How to Control Ticks and Fleas

2011-05-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Fleas and ticks can harm your pet and make your dog uncomfortable. Well these pest can silently invite themselves onto your dog and then into your house. It irritates your dogs and may carry Lyme disease.

Companys like Frontline, K9 Advantix and many other companies offer monthly medications given to dogs orally. Some through the application of droplets for their fur. These products protects your dog from fleas for thirty days and will kill all of the fleas within 12 hours of application.

Scooter the world smallest dog

2009-09-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Scooter, the tiny wonder that could fit into a tea-cup, is claim to be the world smallest dog at six months old has died.

He broke his leg jumping out of the hands of a minder earlier this week. His tiny leg was put in a cast but the medication he was given for it caused stomach ulcers and he did not survive.

Scooter slept and spent most of his life in the shoebox. He is 8cm tall, 20cm long and weight about 400 grams when fully clothed.

World's Tallest Dog Loses Leg

2009-07-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

This is Gibson a 7 year-old Harlequin Great Dane, a 5 year Guinness World Record holder for tallest dog in which he stands 7-feet tall on his hind legs. Gibson was diagnosed earlier this year with bone cancer and had his front right leg amputated due to complications.

A dog named Bo, a gift for Obama's family

2009-04-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

This is currently much talk about dog named Bo, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog , given to the Obama girls as a gift by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. There are mixed respond to the choice of dog for the Obama's family.

Dog shelter said it's a disapointment as Obama should have gotten a dog from the rescue. And it is interesting to read comments posted. Why not pure breed? Some would say. Does it mean that they would care less for the rescue dogs? What do you think?

As it is a gift for the Obama girls, and the girls are happy with the water dog, does it matter it is a pure breed or rescue dog ?

Service Dogs

2009-03-01T02:31:00.000-08:00

What are service assistance dogs? They can be the hand and legs for the disabled person. Disabled person normally have dificulties in doing simple chores. They are specially trained dogs, trained to assist the dsiabled person to open and close the doors, switched on/off the lights, taking off the socks and even sweaters. To think off how much these amazing dogs can do to lighten the burden of the disabled person.

Assistance dog can even take out clothes from the washing machine and pulled the basket to the clothes hanging area, pulling the wheel chair, picking up handphone that is drop on the floor. They can open the drawers and take out the things that is required of them.

They are trully amazing dogs, aren't they!

Hearing Dogs

2009-02-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how hearing dogs give assistance to these people who have hearing impaired. They alert the deaf owners of sounds like doorbell, telephone ringing, smoke alarms and all other household sounds.

With hearing dogs around the house, life has change for the deaf owners. Alerting them of dangers like smoke from the iron or gas stove and giving day to day assistances like microwave oven dings, doorbells rings.

Like this 7 years old Evie Crook, Gem the golden labrador hearing dog has transformed her life alltogether. full story .....

7yr old Evie Crook with her guide dog Gem the youngest
person to have a guide dog to help with her deafness
Photo: ROSS PARRY SYNDICATION

Life-Changing Hearing Dog of the Year

Eddie - a three-year-old hearing dog that acts as the ears for his severely deaf owner has been named Life-Changing Hearing Dog of the Year by the charity that trained him. For full story ....

Toddler killed by dogs

2009-01-07T04:29:00.000-08:00

"A three-year-old girl has died and another child has been seriously mauled in a dog attack at a south-western NSW home." quoted from a recent news report.

The attack had devastated the small town and everyone is in a state of shock. It is terrible.

Yeah, dogs are suppose to be friendly and lovable. Such horrible things are not suppose to happen. It did happened.

What will happen to these dogs? It seems that the dogs were seized from the property and authorities were seeking to destroy them.

All I want is a Dog for Christmas

2008-12-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a season of giving and you are thinking of giving a pet dogs as a Christmas gift? You might be giving in to your children's demand and pleas for a dog or your promise to your little darlings for a adorable cute little doggie as a christmas present. The idea is with warm thoughts in mind. But are they really a right gift and a good idea?

Pet shops are urging parents to think twice. The reason being that are they really committed to having a dog. Are you prepared for the extra chores that is required? Are you willing to take the dog for a daily walk? Feeding, potty training, cleaning and so on. What if the destroy your precious items? Are you going to punish them to release your anger? Most untrained dogs like to bite at anything.

Having a new dog around the house during the holiday season is totally a bad idea. You will not have the time to look after them when your children is tired playing with them. As mentioned earlier the extra chores during holiday season is very tiring.

Dog food is not cheap. Not to mentioned you need to take them to vets for jabs. What about their toys and accessories? Dog training cost money as well unless you know how.

So before you buy the dog as a present, make the neccessary survey first. If all is thumb up then go ahead with it. If the new dog owner can take care of the new pet, then the dog wont be neglected.

Dog Saves Dog at Highway

2008-12-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

Dogs are truly amazing sometimes. This is what we have never seen before. Kinda of make me want to cry after seeing this video. Just happen to come across this video at youtube.

Obamas to Consider shelter dogs

2008-11-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

The puppymania has begun for the local pet rescue organizations, lobbying the President-elect Barack Obama who has promised a puppy for his daughters. The family is looking for one of the few breeds considered hypoallergenic.

Animal help groups hope the Obamas to consider shelter dogs as the Obama family's decision to get a rescue dog can change and give hope to millions of animals not only in US but mabybe, yes maybe worldwide. It surely will change the peoples mindset of shelter animals.

The Obamas have said they aren't getting their new dog for at least two more months, until they're settled in the White House. So in the meantime, to all hypoallergenic dogs, get ready, be trained, be groomed and look your best for the big day when you will be chosen. Good luck to the shelter dogs. Which one of you will be adopted by the First Family.

Dog sinks teeth into Bush visitors

2008-11-15T01:47:00.000-08:00

Last Modified: 15 Nov 2008
Source: PA News

President George Bush's dog Barney appears to love getting his teeth into White House issues - including visitors.

Boston Celtics public relations director Heather Walker said that Barney bit her wrist and drew blood as she tried to pat the Scottish terrier in September after a White House ceremony honouring the basketball team's 17th NBA championship.

"It was very strange. I didn't expect him to bite me," Ms Walker said.

Halloween pet photos

2008-11-01T00:59:00.000-07:00

How to Measure Your Dog's Smarts

2008-08-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Wasserman, Studio One Networks

Most dogs behave in ways that may seem downright dumb. Drinking water from the toilet bowl. Eating grass. Sniffing the waste of other canines.

But there are reasons for these behaviors: Dogs prefer cold water over stagnant water that's been sitting in a dish, grass is natural roughage and may induce vomiting if they have a stomachache, and urine and poop are the newspapers of the dog world, communicating who did what where and when.

Dogs may actually be far more intelligent than we think. Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia and a best-selling author of books on dogs, including The Intelligence of Dogs (Free Press), thinks so. He says that dogs display intelligence in a variety of ways -- reading social cues, learning new tasks, understanding language, solving problems and more. He even argues that you can measure your dog's smarts.

The theory that canine intelligence can be tested still is controversial.

Break the Habit of Jumping

2008-06-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dogs jump on people for a variety of reasons. They want attention. They want to be closer to you, and jumping gets their face closer to your face. It can be a very pushy friendliness. And it can be a dominance gesture. But this can hurt a child, or an elderly person, during the collision.

If you push a dog away, he is being rewarded by getting your hands on him. If you yell “get down”, that is also attention. To discourage jumping, ignore your dog, also turn your back, or walk away when he jumps.

This removes the reward, and incentive, and prevents jumping from being a successful behavior. When a dog sits, praise him, or give him a treat. Withhold all attention (even eye contact, or speaking), until all four paws are on the ground. Ask visitors to pet your dog only when he sits. This teaches your dog to associate good things: attention, praise, treats, with sitting.

There’s no quick and easy cure. Be consistent. Your boisterous dog will learn to be calmer and more courteous.

What is your Dog Saying?

2008-06-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Shakes toys back and forth in his mouth. This simulates predatory behavior in the wild, shaking the neck of prey to kill it.

Keeps the hair on his back standing on end. Dog’s hairs have little muscles attached, reactivated by fight or flight reactions, to make them look bigger and fiercer. If your dog is very cold, the hair stands up, and traps an insulating layer of air, so the cold cannot get to the skin.

Circles before going to sleep. Dogs in the wild create a safe spot to sleep in. Dogs today are genetically programmed to create a nest.

Whines. Dogs whine if they are cold, hungry, or separated from their pack. Dogsare born pack animals. They want to be with their pack. They can be taught, by brief absences, to cope with being alone.

Licks you. Licking you is an attention seeking gesture. It can be a submissive gesture, to demonstrate that they accept you as the leader.

Sniffs other dogs’ behinds. Hormones generated from the anal
glands let another dogs know the sex, mood, and sexual status of another dog.

Sniffs around to find the “right spot” before eliminating. Eliminating is more than urinating for a dog. It is a communication to other dogs, after sniffing to “read” their communications.

Luxury Dog House

2008-05-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Merry Pet MPS002 Wood Room with a View Pet House

Special Edition - Royal Mail Dog Stamp

2008-04-20T00:58:00.000-07:00

A series of Special Edition stamps was launched to celebrate the roles performed by working dogs in the UK.

Tips for the First Night Home

2008-03-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

Tips for the First Night Home
The first night may prove to be a challenge as puppies often cry and whine throughout the night. Also, he probably will need to go out to toilet. Just as the daytime routine is important, so is the evening routine.

• Use the crate and bedding at night. As difficult as it is, avoid letting your pup sleep with you or any other family member. It could lead to behavior problems down the road.
• Your puppy’s sleeping arrangements should be in a central location in the house. If you let your puppy sleep in your room, you may have trouble catching any shut-eye.
• Tough love should be your motto. Usually, a puppy takes a few nights to feel safe at night. Take him out to toilet every 4-5 hours. Other then that, he will need to get used to sleeping on his own.
• If your puppy still has trouble sleeping at night, hide a ticking clock in his bed. The sound imitates the heartbeat of the mother and can sometimes soothe an anxious puppy. To simulate the warmth of his littermates, place a warm water bottle or oversized stuffed toy in his crate for added comfort.

Tips for the Future

• Picking a trainer can be a daunting or confusing task. Consult your veterinarian or visit www.BarkBusters.com for the best training options for you and your growing puppy.
• Keeping your puppy healthy starts with a visit to a veterinarian. Usually, a yearly exam and the vet-recommended vaccinations will keep your puppy in tip-top shape.
• Exercise your puppy regularly. A walk in the neighborhood or a trip to the park is good for mind and body—for both you and your dog. Be careful not to over do it with young pups.
• Be consistent. Puppies learn through experience and association. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn and the better he will perform.

# # #

About Bark Busters
Bark Busters, the world's largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 240+ franchised offices in 41 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs.

Tips for the First Day Home

2008-03-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

Tips to “Puppy Proofing” Your House and Yard
In addition to the essential supplies mentioned above, ensure your home and yard are safe for the exuberance of a new puppy.

• Remove potential hazards—anything that would make an enticing chew toy—such as power cords, window blind cords, potted house plants, children’s toys, coins, batteries, shoes and clothing, garbage bins, and anything “bite sized” that could be ingested by a curious puppy. Outside, remove bite-size rocks, sticks, fertilizers, gardening tools and equipment. Also, be mindful of toxic household and garage items, such as antifreeze, detergents, mothballs and tobacco products. (See a complete list of dangerous items on our home page at BarkBuster.com.)
• Large and unstable objects should be moved out of harm’s way. These objects could potentially fall on your inquisitive puppy as he explores his new surroundings.
• Move anything cherished or breakable to higher ground. Puppy tails have a way of sweeping a coffee table clean.
• Get on your hands and knees—at the puppy’s view—to look for potential problems. If you think an item could be a hazard, remove it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Tips for the First Day Home
Your pup will be excited and anxious in his new environment. It is your job to make him feel safe and comfortable.

• Be patient. Although accidents will happen, do not reprimand your puppy during the first 24 48 hours while he is acclimating to the new environment. But do praise him profusely when he does something positive. This will start you both off on the right foot.
• Structure is a must. Have a planned schedule from the day your pup arrives—especially when trying to housebreak. Take your puppy outside frequently, and stay with him so that you know he has toileted.
• Getting acclimated will take him some time. Show your pup where he will be eating, sleeping and toileting. As your puppy adapts to his new surroundings and routine, he will feel more comfortable.
• Naps are important for a puppy. Be sure to give him the space and time he needs to relax. Try not to overwhelm your puppy. He is like a new baby, and will need frequent naps throughout the day.
• Start training early. Dogs are pack animals and seek authority and reassurance from the pack leader. Providing this leadership is key to managing a dog’s behavior. For additional behavior and training tips, please visit www.BarkBusters.com.

Tips for Bringing Home a Puppy

2008-03-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

PRLog (Press Release) – More than a million puppies will be given as gifts this holiday season. To help new pet parents prepare, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, has compiled a series of essential tips based on the experience of the company’s worldwide network of dog behavioral therapists.

“The love and laughter that comes with a new puppy epitomizes the joy of dog ownership,” says Liam Crowe, CEO of Bark Busters USA and master dog behavioral therapist. “But while puppies are cute and cuddly, accepting the role of guardian for a new pup comes with significant responsibilities. Be certain that you or the recipient is ready for such a commitment.”

Tips for the New Arrival
Before you bring home your puppy, have these supplies on hand:

• A crate is an invaluable tool when housebreaking a puppy. It also provides your young dog with a sense of security when you are busy or away. However, never leave a puppy in a crate for longer than 4-5 hours.
• Bedding should be thick enough for comfort and sized appropriately for the breed. Be aware that some puppies that are left unattended for too long may chew their bedding.
• Baby gates serve as a great training tool in that they can be used to block off “restricted” areas of the house and help to teach your puppy what areas are off limits.
• Dog-appropriate toys, like the puppy-sized Kong™, are the smart choice. Although children’s toys look cute, they can prove hazardous. Never use old clothing or shoes as toys; a puppy cannot differentiate between your old and newly bought items. Stick with size-appropriate toys for your breed. Always supervise your puppy when he is playing with toys that contain squeakers as they can be a choking hazard.
• Two dog bowls: one for fresh water and one for quality dog food. Consult your veterinarian for food recommendations.
• A well-fitted collar and leash are a must for training and safety during outdoor excursions. Avoid chain leashes; a soft cotton leash is a better alternative.
• A pet ID tag allows your puppy to find his way home should he roam. You may also want to microchip your puppy at your next vet visit.
• Brushes and dog shampoo will eventually be needed for every breed.
• An odor and stain eliminator is a cleaner you will want on hand for those inevitable housebreaking accidents.
• A veterinarian should be researched and chosen beforehand. You will want a contact should an emergency arise. Introduce your new puppy early to the vet and learn what vaccinations he will need.

Dog And Child

2008-03-01T03:40:00.000-08:00

Choosing a Dog For Your Child

2008-03-01T01:31:00.000-08:00

Not only are dogs loyal, empathetic and wonderful companions but they also teach your child responsibility and administer huge doses of unconditional love. Children and dogs seem to naturally fit together and can often form a lifelong bond that is even stronger than one might imagine. It can be extremely hard to choose the right dog for your child as there are so many different breeds and temperaments to choose from. Most of us simply go to the pet store and choose the cutest "doggie in the window" which may not be the best option.

1. Understand that owning a dog is a huge emotional and financial responsibility. Dogs require a lot of care and although your child will likely assist, it will ultimately be up to you (the parent) to properly care for the new canine family member. So, be prepared to handle the majority of your new dog’s care.

2. Conduct an online research dog breeds or ask your local veterinarian or shelter for recommendations. It is extremely important to involve your child in the selection process. Make choosing a dog family affair and all family members should research dog breeds and or temperamental traits.

3. Make sure that the dog's temperament matches your child's temperament. For instance if you have a rambunctious child, you should never pair him with a shy dog. On the same token, you should never pair a shy child with an aggressive dog. By carefully matching temperaments, you set the stage for a positive human/canine relationship to develop without strife or strain.

4. Ensure that the dog that you selected does not have aggressive tendencies.

5. Let your child interact with the dog and see how the chosen dog might respond.

6. Encourage your child to respect all dogs at all times.

7. You should teach your child that dogs have a natural tendency to bite when startled or frightened. Teach them not to play tug-o-war or other aggressive games with a dog. Also, teach your child never to bother a dog when the dog is eating.

Sniff Sandman

2008-01-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

Sniff Sandman, a yellow labrador retriever, is led on an exercise to sniff out a "find" by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agent Tom Gehlert at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona Jan 14, 2008. Dogs trained to detect explosives will help secure next month's Super Bowl, the biggest event in the U.S. sporting calendar, law authorities said on Monday. - Reuters

Meeting a strange dog !

2007-12-10T03:03:00.000-08:00

Never accept a dog owner's suggestion that you "make friends" with his dog by touching or feeding the animal. Remember, the dog should make the first overture of friendship, not you. And he will not do this until he smells you.

What should you do when you meet a strange dog? Never ever pat a strange dog on the head or under his chin. In fact you should not move you body or hand around much. Look for sign if the dog is a friendly or unfriendly dog. Do not make any threatening gesture. Do not panic and run. Wait to see what the dog is going to do. He will probably sniff around and walk away if you do not show any unfriendly gesture.

Tips to choose dog pet names

2007-11-11T01:07:00.000-08:00

1. Keep the pet name very short, one or two syllable if possible, so it is easier for the puppy to recognize it.

2.Choose a name you can easily call out. Some people like to name their pets related to people who they like or dislike. This sometimes can be very embarrassing.

3.Keep it to one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

4.Pick a name that matches your dogs appearance or personality.

5.Avoid names that sound like common commands such as Go, Stay, Sit, etc. This might cause confusion for your puppy when trying to train it.

What’s Really in Pet Food

2007-10-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

You're about to discover the terrifying-truth about commercial dog food that is linked to the deaths of thousands of dogs across the US every single day.

Many world-famous Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts universally agree any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much higher risk of dying prematurely and by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's often too late to prevent an agonizing death except by lethal injection.

See their shocking, research-supported claims in this report.

What is toxic to dogs?

2007-09-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

While you love your dear dog and want him to have the healthiest of diets, it’s important to know which foods to consume and which must be avoided at all costs. In fact, there are specific foods which are toxic to dogs.

Large amounts of cooked liver cause Vitamin A toxicity, which impacts muscles and bones. Yet another item which is toxic to dogs.

Spoiled food and garbage – just don’t go there. Definitely considered toxic for dogs.

Alcohol can result in coma and death.

Bread dough can result in a bloated belly and then disorientation and vomiting. Since it yeast that hasn’t risen yet, you do not want it to expand in Fido’s belly, much less get stuck in the intestines!

Dogs need to be kept away from all antifreeze spills since this could be hazardous and toxic to dogs. While the sweet smell and taste may be attractive to his sensitive nose, if your dog consumes any amount of antifreeze, rush him immediately to the veterinarian.

Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener contained in chewing gum and candy. Seizures, lethargy and weakness are the result if dogs consume significant amounts of this chemical.

Ibuprofen, like antifreeze, may smell sweet. Dogs will eat it if they’re found lying on the floor and don’t be surprised if your dog tries to chew threw a bottle to eat the entire contents. This is definitely toxic to dogs. It causes ulceration and perforates the lining of the stomach, and decreases the blood flow to the kidneys.

And keep the above mentioned foods and chemicals in mind to prevent your dog from consuming toxins. At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being. If you think your dog could have ingested a toxic substance please contact your local vet as soon as possible.

Are Grapes and Raisins Really Poisonous to Dogs?

2007-09-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

It turns out that raisins—and grapes—can be poisonous to dogs. The trend of poisonings was noticed first around 1989 when dogs that had eaten the fruit developed ARF, also known as kidney failure.

Between January 2001 and August 2004, more than 200 calls were made to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) involving dogs that had potentially eaten grapes or raisins.

The exact mechanism by which grapes and raisins cause kidney failure is still unknown. Theories include pesticides, heavy metals, or mycotoxins (fungal material) on the skin of the grapes, but the fruit implicated in the deaths of the dogs has been tested and returned with negative results. Even when grapes were consumed off the vine in a family’s backyard, homeowners’ claims were that no pesticides or fertilizers had been used.

Poisonings have occurred from both seeded and seedless grapes, and from fruit purchased from a grocery store and picked off the vine. Nor does the variety of grape or brand of raisin seem
to matter. The amount a dog needs to eat to cause illness varies. Poisonings have been documented to occur in dogs who have eaten anywhere from a single serving to a pound of raisins.

What are the symptoms of grape and raisin poisoning? Sensitive dogs have a risk of initial gastrointestinal upset, followed by acute renal failure. Vomiting often occurs within the first few hours and the partially digested grapes or raisins are frequently found in the vomit and fecal material. Subsequent symptoms may include diarrhea, depression, excessive thirst and signs of abdominal pain. These signs can last from several days to several weeks.

If treatment isn’t sought immediately, ARF can develop within 24 to 72 hours. When the kidneys fail, a dog’s body is unable to filter the blood and excrete waste in the urine. Once urine is no longer being produced, most dogs die or must be euthanized.

Without understanding exactly how raisins and grapes cause toxicity, all cases of ingestion should be considered potentially dangerous. However, today, with a better understanding of the symptoms and progression of the illness, dogs can be treated successfully to prevent ARF.

The key is early recognition and decontamination. For a dog that is known to have ingested raisins or grapes, inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal helps to prevent absorption of potential toxins. In all cases of ingestion, however, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately to provide professional medical attention.

How to Avoid Foods Dangerous for Your Dog

2007-09-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

There are some common foods on the human table that are deadly for dogs. It is important to know about them to avoid causing severe or fatal illness in your loyal canine companion.

Understand that even though you can eat the food, this does not mean that your dog can eat it also.

Chocolate contains theobromine (a methylxanthine derivative). It can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, pant excessively, urinate frequently, develop a great thirst, have seizures, show hyperactivity, get an abnormal heart beat and possibly die. The negative effects depend on the dosage, the size of the dog, and the type of chocolate.

Onions, garlic and chives in all forms (dry, raw, cooked) contain thiosulphate, which can irritate the gastrointestinal system of your dog. A relatively high dosage (600-800 grams) in one meal or spread apart over a few days can damage red blood cells

Raw or undercooked meat and eggs - as with humans, care needs to be taken in handling raw meat and eggs to avoid the possibility of contamination with Salmonella bacteria and E. coli. Raw eggs contain an enzyme (avidin) that can lead to skin and coat problems for a dog.

Check the food you are sharing carefully. Many of these ingredients are tucked away in cookies, bread, cake, preserves and other processed foods. It is really important to be aware of what you are feeding your canine companion so that you can avoid these problem foods.

Reading your Dog

2007-09-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Although every dog is different and personalities among our canine friends almost as varied as among our human ones, there are certain signals which mean the same whichever dog is "saying" them. Learn to read them to avoid misunderstandings with your faithful friend.

If your dog is looking at something, he is thinking about it. When looking at the door, for example, he is thinking about going out. When looking at the bin, he's thinking about a tasty morsel inside and whether he can get at it. By interpreting this simple body language, you can reward behaviours you wish to encourage - and filter out the rest.

The Basics of Dog Training Commands

2007-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

The majority of dog owners in the world have one common problem with their dogs. They refuse to do what they are supposed to do. Some dog owners only have behavior problems with their dogs when other people are around. In most of theses homes the Dog rules the kingdom. These dogs have had no training whatsoever. What most of these dog owners do not know, is that it is the owner who really needs to be trained and not the animal. Once the owner takes charge and becomes the leader of the pack, the dog will follow in turn. Dog training commands are essential in taking charge of your dog and becoming the leader of the pack. The training of your dog is a natural bonding experience between you and your lovable friend.

The Commands

Every dog trainer will have their own list of dog training commands, but there are generally five basics on every trainers list. The first dog training command is to heel. Heeling means to have your dog stop along side of you. The second dog training command is sit. This dog training command is rather self-explanatory. The third command is down. The word, down, is used to get a dog to quit jumping up on people. Simply use the single word, down and not, get down, the dog will be more confused because he is only used to the one word, down, and get down will sound like one word to Fido. The fourth dog training command is to stay. It is always essential that your dog learns to stay sitting in one spot when told to for many obvious reasons, safety, being first and foremost. The last, but not least, of these five dog training commands is come. Come is setting your dog free and releasing him from commands.

A dog owner must realize that using your dog’s name will get his attention and this should also be rewarded in the early lessons. It is not necessary to yell at Fido, but do use a firm tone. Hand signals are another good way to teach your dog training commands as long as your dog has a successful attention span and can focus on the handler. Your dog will respect you if you stand tall and show him in your stance, that you are the authority in his world. Be strong and be firm and above all else, be consistent and your dog training commands can make your life a lot less stressful, and turn you into the King of your kingdom.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-basics-of-dog-training-commands-206940.html

About the Author:
My name is Roland Parris Jefferson III and I'm a researcher for the online community working out of lovely Santa Monica, California. For more facts, tips and tricks covering Dog Training, please visit my Police Dog Training Online Guide.

What's a Labradoodle—Designer Dog or Just Another Mutt?

2007-09-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

Bijal P. Trivedi
The Labradoodle, Yorkipoo, cockapoo, and schnoodle are the latest designer hybrid dogs to hit the catwalk.

Just as people meticulously customize a cup of coffee to suit their mood—a lowfat, decaf, mocha latte with chocolate sprinkles is particularly good—people are designing their pets to match their lifestyle.
The most popular breed of designer dog is the Labradoodle—originally a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. The mix reputedly combines the intelligence, aloof nature, the delicate frame, and the low-allergy, and non-shedding traits of the poodle with the boisterous exuberance, lovability, and loyalty of a lab.

Humans began domesticating dogs about 14,000 years ago. Breeds emerged as dogs were selected for various traits like the ability to guard and hunt. Like the many breeds that have emerged since, the evolving Labradoodle also has a purpose: to provide an allergy friendly companion, especially to people with special needs.

The most popular breed of designer dog is the
Labradoodles originated in Australia in the 1970s when the Guide Dogs Victoria, in Kew, Australia, received a request for a low allergy guide dog. But their Labradoodle breeding program was largely abandoned because it produced inconsistent results. The breed also arose independently on the farm of Don Evans, who ran a mixed dog farm in Northern Victoria, Australia.

Trouble With Pure Breeds

"Don Evans loved his dogs but he bred everything and anything," said Beverley Manners, a former German shepherd breeder for 30 years, licensed dog show judge, and currently the president of the Hawaii-based International Labradoodle Association, Inc. "If a bitch was in season and a male was interested, well, he just said, 'why not.' Don had bred poodles and labs together and had several second and third generation Labradoodles—that's where I got my original stock."

Labradoodle fever escalated when the Guide Dogs Victoria opened their doors and the general public spied the charismatic, wide-eyed, wavy-haired pooches. Many contacted Manners to locate Labradoodle breeders.

Manners was also intrigued with the Labradoodle—especially in light of rising allergy and asthma problems—and with the prospect idea of developing a new hybrid, free from the health issues facing the pure breeds.

"I was increasingly disheartened with breeding German shepherds," said Manners. "These dogs, like other pure breeds of the show world had been bred for looks, and health was largely ignored. German shepherds, for example, are plagued with 89 inherited disorders."

Top winning dogs are often highly inbred—siblings are interbred, and fathers are mated with daughters. The result is a tiny gene pool that is saturated with bad traits.

Manners began with dogs from Don Evans' farm and has been breeding the doodles at Rutland Manor Labradoodle Breeding and Research Center, near Melbourne, for the last 15 years—carefully archiving genetic and health records for all the dogs. The center's goal is to refine the breed to predetermine coat, color, size, and temperament of the puppies.

Resource Guarding

2007-09-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Dogs don't like to share. While many will grudgingly give up their treasure to their favored humans; others will threaten, and even bite at the people that dare to interfere. This is not an acceptable behavior in a companion dog. Starting early in puppyhood, you can make sure your dog never turns into a resource guarder, or if you find he is already guarding things of value, use these steps to help wean him off of this unwelcome behavior.

Lucky dog inherits $12m fortune

2007-08-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

New York hotelier and real estate billionaire Leona Helmsley has left $12m (£5.97m) to her pet dog, Trouble.

The pampered pooch received the largest bequest from Mrs Helmsley's will.

The will also says that when Trouble dies, she is to be buried alongside Mrs Helmsley, who died last week, and her late husband in their mausoleum.

But some human members of Mrs Helmsley's family fared less well, with two of her four grandchildren cut out of the will entirely.

Mrs Helmsley, who died last week, was dubbed the "Queen of Mean" by the US media, and was known for her tough approach to business.

She and her late husband, Harry, built a company which managed some of New York's most prestigious addresses, including the Empire State Building, as well as hotels across the country.

The money for Trouble's upkeep was left in the hands of her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who himself inherited $10m.

Two grandchildren, David and Walter Panzirer, were left $5m each on condition that they visit their father's grave at least once a year.

Their father, Mrs Helmsley's son Jay Panzirer, died in 1982.

But grandchildren Craig and Meegan Panzirer received nothing - "for reasons which are known to them", according to Mrs Helmsley's will.

Mrs Helmsley left her chauffeur $100,000.

She also set aside $3m for the upkeep of her and her husband's final resting place.

Proceeds from the sale of Mrs Helmsley's residences and belongings will go to a charitable trust.

Story from BBC NEWS:

Teething Puppies

2007-08-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

If you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, sternly say “NO,” and give your puppy an appropriate chew bone or toy. Praise him when he begins to chew on the appropriate item.

Bitter-tasting liquids are very helpful to apply to your furniture and handy to use on a bandage after a veterinary procedure to keep dogs and puppies from chewing the bandage.

When the permanent teeth begin to erupt, provide your toy puppy with an appropriate chew toy, something that is soft and that is not going to be swallowed and cause intestinal blockages. Choose an assortment of toys of all textures. In fact, dogs need to chew throughout their lives. It is wise to provide your adult toy dog with plenty of chew toys and bones that are soft and hard. Select items that are the right size for your toy breed puppy or dog. Choose carefully because some of the toys on the market might be just a little too hard for a toy breed. Avoid cow hooves with sharp edges. Broken teeth and sliced gums can be a real problem for dogs and puppies who chew on processed cow hooves.

Dog Days of Summer fair brings out area pets in Cardiff

2007-08-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

A Chihuahua/Yorkshire terrier-mix named Thumper pulls a Chihuahua named Nike in a wagon at the recent Dog Days of Summer dog fair in Cardiff. The dogs won the Best Dressed Award at the event, sponsored by the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, Cardiff 101 Group and the Encinitas Kiwanis Club. The dogs are owned by Ron and Linda Bloom.

Malaysia awards medals to pirate-DVD nabbing dogs

2007-08-27T07:23:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Two dogs trained to sniff out DVDs received medals from the Malaysian government on Monday for a five-month campaign that crippled movie pirates.

Lucky and Flo, black Labradors trained to detect the chemicals used in making DVDs, were the first animals to receive the outstanding service awards for finding discs stockpiled by pirates, the Motion Picture Association said in a statement.

The canine campaign led to 26 arrests and seizures of illegal discs worth over $6 million.

"The dogs have proven to be a major asset in our fight against the pirates and we intend to continue what Lucky and Flo have set in motion," S Veerasingam, Malaysia's deputy minister for domestic trade and consumer affairs, said in the statement.

Malaysia, which figures on a U.S. watchlist on piracy, has dramatically stepped up efforts to rein in copyright pirates as it negotiates a free-trade pact with Washington.

The success of Lucky and Flo has prompted the ministry to set up its own canine unit to fight the pirates, and the MPA, which arranged for their trial by Malaysian officials, plans to donate two new dogs to the unit by the end of the year.

Movie pirates even put a bounty of 100,000 ringgit ($28,560) on Lucky and Flo after they busted a fake DVD ring in southern Johor state in March, the MPA said. Since then, the dogs have been closely guarded.

Lucky and Flo's next stop on their crime-fighting tour is a visit to New York, followed by a trip to Toronto for an appearance at a film festival, said the MPA, which groups six major Hollywood film companies.

The MPA groups Walt Disney Co.'s Buena Vista; Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc; Sony Pictures, a unit of Sony Corp; Twentieth Century Fox, a unit of News Corp; Universal Pictures, a unit of General Electric Co's NBC Universal Inc; and Warner Bros, a unit of Time Warner Inc.

The group estimates that copyright theft cost its members about $1.2 billion in lost revenue in the Asia-Pacific region last year, with annual worldwide losses of $6 billion.

Steps To Teach your dog how to sit:

2007-08-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Stand in front of your dog Hold one of your dog's favourite treats in your hand Place the treat near your dog's nose Say the word sit Without holding the treat too high, place the treat directly above your dog's head To reach the treat your dog should sit down

Praise him saying excitedly good dog, pat him/her and give it the treat. Keep repeating the above steps until your dog doesn't require a treat to sit. To achieve this, each time you repeat the sit process, use smaller pieces of the treat.

Remember being a responsible dog owner will not only help your dog but also help your family life. A dog may be a man's best friend, but that may not be the case if that dog hasn't been trained. Please look into training your dog to get the best out of each other.

How to Deal with Mistake

2007-08-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Old fashioned house training methods tell us to grab the puppy, show him the mess and punish him. This is not necessary and probably harmful. Instead, if you discover an accident, just say "ugh" disgustedly and whisk puppy out to his proper toilet area. Leave him there while you clean up the mess. Make sure he cannot see you cleaning up.

Strangely, many dogs find it rewarding to watch their owner picking up stools or cleaning urine, and often leave another such gift as soon as they can. Because puppies seem to enjoy this game, it is a good idea to have them watch you clean up after they go to the bathroom in the correct place.

Puppy Potty Training

2007-08-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

The first step in puppy potty training requires that you learn the clues that indicate your puppy needs to potty. These clues are: restlessness, sniffing the floor, or returning to a previously soiled spot.

Your puppy will need to potty about 5-20 minutes after eating, sleeping or playing. When you take your puppy outside to potty, to the same spot each time and don't play. You want your puppy to focus on one thing only during puppy potty training -- going in the right area. As soon as your puppy potties, praise enthusiastically. Give your puppy a small food treat to reinforce the positive behavior. While your puppy is going potty, praise very softly so you don't interrupt the behavior. Be enthusiastic after your puppy is done.

While you're puppy potty training, you must keep the puppy close to you always so that the puppy does not have the opportunity to fail. This means starting the puppy out in a small area of the house and following the puppy nonstop. Alternatively, attach one end of a leash to the puppy and the other end to you, so that the puppy is no farther away from you than the end of the leash.

When you are not able to watch the puppy, put the puppy into a kennel. Or, if you have a fenced yard and the weather is good, you can put the puppy outside. A young pup 7-9 weeks old should be in a kennel for no more than two hours at a time. A puppy cannot control itself for longer than that.

What Breeds are Good for People with Allergies?

2007-08-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

Dogs with single-layer coats or hairless breeds are usually recommended: Poodles, Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Maltese, Portuguese Water Dog, Italian Greyhound, Basenji, and the Chinese Crested.

Hilarious talking dog video

2007-08-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Just thought you will like this video.

2007-08-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

Whippets can reach a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

The Taco Bell dog is actually a female, and her real name is Gidget.

One of the very first animals domesticated by humans was the dog.

The oldest known dog lived to be 29.

The "spring" in Springer Spaniel referred to this dog's ability to spring or startle game.

In Flemish, Schipperke translates to "Little Captain."

The Lhasa Apso was used by monks to guard temples.

The Doberman breed was created in the 1860's by Louis Doberman, a German tax-collector who created the dog to protect him while he worked.

Most people think that dogs sweat by salivating, but they actually sweat through the pads of their feet.

The name Pug is believed to have derived from this dog's resemblance to the pug monkey.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not color blind but can, in fact, see color. However, their color scheme is not as vivid as ours and can be likened to our vision at twilight.

You might expect that a Great Dane can eat a lot of food. In fact, they can eat up to 8 ½ pounds a day!

Cats can see a lot better than dogs. In fact, dogs first distinguish objects by movement, then brightness, and finally by shape.

Among dogs officially registered with kennel clubs in the U.S., Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed followed by Rottweilers and German Shepherds.

All dogs, regardless of breed, are direct descendants of wolves and technically of the same species.

A dog's whiskers -- found on the muzzle, above the eyes and below the jaws -- are technically known as vibrissae. They are touch-sensitive hairs than actually sense minute changes in airflow.

Dogs are capable of locating the source of a sound in 6/100ths of a second by using their swiveling ears like radar dishes.

Dogs have a sense of smell that is one of the keenest in nature. Humans might smell a pot of stew cooking on the stove, but a dog can distinguish the smells of each individual ingredient, from the beef itself to the potatoes.

Dog's Facts 1

2007-08-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

There are over 200 different breeds of dogs

Nearly all but two breeds of dogs have pink tongues. The two exceptions? The Chow Chow and the Shar-pei, both with black tongues.

The Basenji is the only barkless dog in the world.

Dalmatian puppies are born pure white, with their spots developing as the mature.

The ancient Chinese royalty loved the Pekingese, carrying them tucked into the sleeves of their royal robes.

Dachshunds were bred to fight badgers in their dens.

The Poodle haircut was originally meant to improve the dog's swimming abilities as a retriever, with the pom-poms left in place to warm their joints.

Greyhounds are no doubt fast. In fact, they can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour for short amounts of time.

Have you ever seen a dog curled up with his tail covering his nose? They do that to keep the nose warm in cold weather.

Many dogs' eyes reflect the color green in the dark, but some also reflect orange or red.

Laikia, a dog, was the world's first ever space astronaut. She was sent into space in an artificial earth satellite in 1957 by the Russian government.

Survivors of the Titanic included two dogs: a Pekingese belonging to Henry Sleeper Harper and a Pomeranian belonging to Miss Margaret Hays.

The oldest known breed of dog is the Saluki, which is an Arabic word meaning noble one. These dogs were raised as hunting dogs by ancient Egyptians.

The oldest breed of dog native to North America is the Chihuahua.

Dog's Facts

2007-08-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dogs vary greatly from breed to breed.

The smallest breed is the Chihuahua. It weighs only 4 pounds and is 5 inches high at the shoulders.

The tallest breed is the Irish wolfhound. It is about thirty-nine inches tall at the shoulder.

The St. Bernard is the heaviest dog. It can weigh about 200 pounds.

The Yorkshire terrier has hair that can be two feet long while other breeds may have no hair at all such as the Mexican hairless. The fur may be curly or straight.

Some dogs have two coats. The outer coat is long guard hairs and the undercoat is shorter and fluffy. These two coats protect the dog against rain and snow. Some dogs have a long muzzle while others have flat faces such as the Pug. Many breeds have pointed ears that stand up. Others and pendulous ears than hang down. Some dogs have long legs such as the greyhound. Others are extremely short such as the basset hound and the dachshund. The chow chow even has a black tongue.

What sort of personality does your dog have?

2007-08-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

A dog's temperament is shaped by its heredity, environment and breed characteristics. All dogs are different, and training methods that work on a boisterous Boxer might intimidate a petite Pomeranian. Not every dog will behave exactly like others of the same breed, but it's a good idea to study up on your particular type of dog in order to have an idea of why your Fido might act like he does. If you have a mixed breed, look up the different breeds your dog may have in his lineage.

Maybe you have a terrier who stubbornly does what she wants to do, never what you want her to do. With independent dogs, make sure you are firm (but not intimidating) and teach with authority.

If your high energy dog never stops for a second to even look your way, train no-nonsense way; it's work time, not play-time.

Then there are the shy dogs. They need to be taught with gentleness, but not coddled into being high-strung.

Some dogs do seem harder to train than others. But almost every dog will respond when taught with love, patience and consistency.