How Can I train My Dog

By David Ross

If you are considering bringing a new canine addition to your home, there are several things to consider. Having the right tools and the proper training will make the transition to a dog-owner family easier on you and your dog. While it is viable to trains dogs yourself, those who don't have experience working with dogs will be wise to invest in a dog training course.

If you hear stories of other dog owners who have failed, don't lose heart. Whether you have owned a dog that has run your house, or simply want to avoid it, dog training school is a necessity. Dogs don't misbehave because they are not good, but lack of training can result in poor behaviors. By sending your dog through a training program, you are doing your part to ensure a happy relationship.

So, why choose a dog training school versus doing it yourself?

Pet owners tend to get caught in a power struggle with the dog. Dog training includes learning the right body language and tone of voice, as well as a reward system for your dog that still leaves you in control. Owning a dog is like having a child, and sometimes some outside advice can be a lifesaver.

Dog obedience school provides young puppies and fully grown dogs the opportunity to socialize. Learning to interact with other canines is an important skill when you take your dog out. By going through a dog obedience course, owners will develop friendships for themselves and their dogs.

Dog owners that participate in a class with a formal setting will be taught commands in the premium environment. The instructor will be able to teach the owner to speak so the dog understands, and will be able to model body language needed to get results from your dog. There are tips that while simple, are often not well known to the general public. An instructor will be able to watch you work with your dog and to modify things that need work.

By working in a classroom environment, the dog will be learning commands with distractions. While this may initially seem like a disadvantage, it actually makes it better. The skill sets will be remembered easier at home once the distractions are removed. This is more effective than trying to get a dog to remember his manners with distractions, when he has only learned them in a controlled environment.

Putting your dog through obedience school is the beginning of a long and satisfying relationship. Having a dog that is well trained results in one that is more secure, confident and well behaved. Trusting its owner and his expectations will result in consistent behavior. Dogs that have gone through obedience school are also safer around children and visitors, and it also prevents undesirable behaviors.

A well trained dog will give you the full benefits of dog ownership. Not only will you have a faithful companion, but there are other benefits of dog ownership you may not have thought of. Lower instances of illness, an exercise partner, and a conversation piece for social interaction are a few. Dog ownership is a delight for the owner and the dog. - 31851

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Hair Loss and Your Dog

By Catherine V. Testaratti

Hair loss, usually referred to as alopecia, is a widespread ailment commonly found in dogs that results in minimal to total hair loss. At times it can be caused by trauma, inflamed hair follicle or an immune disorder. An early diagnosis can make the difference in the amount of hair loss so immediate treatment is necessary.

Hair loss, or alopecia, can cause severe damage to your pet's lymphatic and immune system so it's best to detect it early. This disorder affects all breeds and size as well as gender so watch for it in all pets. Early detection can prevent extreme hair loss and alopecia can start slowly.

Excessive chewing and symmetrical patches of hair loss are early signs of this condition. The areas can get infected quickly so you need to be diligent in seeking treatment for you dog. Early detection can keep this disorder from spreading.

Mange is the most common cause of alopecia. Mange is caused by the mite Demodex. Regular washing of your dog and constant checking for this condition can help to ward off any outbreaks. And remember, after checking your dog or applying treatment, proper hand washing is important.

Alopecia can show itself in many ways and for many reasons. A number of missing patches can be the result of an inflamed hair follicle. Extensive hair loss can be a more serious issue and you might need to have the dog tested. Unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to prevent this.

Several remedies might be involved in treating your dog's condition. Everything from medical shampoos to topical creams and they must be maintained in order to control the problem. Some additional testing might be required such as checking your dog's hormonal levels to see if there are underlying problems.

Dogs are also prone to ringworms, which cause patchy hair loss and reddening of the skin with chaffing. If you suspect that your dog has ringworms, get him to the vet for treatment. Additionally, ringworms are extremely contagious so wash your hands after touching your dog's affected area.

Literature on these and other problems can be found in most pet stores in the pet dog supplies section. Why not be as informed as possible to help your dog or cat. If you notice symmetrical or patchy hair loss on your dog, seek help immediately to keep your pet healthy.

You are responsible for the health and welfare of your dog. Be diligent in their treatment if you notice any symptoms of alopecia. Don't let him suffer through without proper medical attention. - 31851

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How To Walk Your Cat on A Leash

By Virginia Sutherland

Many folks who have been owned by cat would chuckle uncontrollably at the thought of putting a leash on it, just like a dog, and taking it for a walk around the neighborhood. Cats have their own opinion about things, and the idea of tying your cat to a piece of string and making her follow you may be one that is hard to believe.

Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.

Training your cat to the leash is best done in small steps. First, allow the cat to get familiar with the leash by placing somewhere it can be sniffed and evaluated. Then, in baby steps, put the leash or walking jacket on your cat.

The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.

All the new sights, sounds, and smells are bound to be quite overwhelming to your cat, and this is where your immense patience has to come in.

Don't buy a leash that is designed for a small dog, but instead look into purchasing a leash or lead that is specifically designed with a cat in mind. These leads wrap around your cat, giving you control of the cat and keeping the cat from choking itself in a frantic attempt to get away.

Once kitty has gotten used to, or somewhat used to, wearing the harness at home, you can try to ad the leash. At this point many cats will have malfunction of their legs... or won't be able to walk straight. Not to worry, for most kitties the excitement and stimulation of being outside make them forget that they are on a leash.

If, after you have been taking very slowly, and your cat still, after you have progressed to actually going outside, still is scared after a few tries, then maybe this is not for your kitty.

Trying for some time in baby steps is the way to be successful, but there are cats who just won't have any part of this. Be observant. If your cat gets a little more comfortable each and every time, then continue taking her out. Short trips with lots of praise and treats.

You may be surprised that before long your cat will absolutely adore her outside adventures ans will get all excited any time you go anywhere near her leash... just like a ,,, er,,,dog :) - 31851

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Healthy Teeth Means Better Breath for Your Dog

By Catherine V. Testaratti

Who would think that your job as a dog owner would involve brushing your dog's teeth? Well, dog's can have bad breath just as people do. When you brush your dog's teeth, then you can enjoy those little doggy kisses with fresh breath, not doggy breath.

As with people, dogs can suffer from the same dental issues as their owners. We can eliminate the same problems that we have by just giving them a good brushing weekly. Tackle that plaque and tarter buildup and give them shiny teeth with minty breath and brush away.

One thing you might be thinking is "how am I supposed to brush my dog's teeth?" Well, since you can't teach your dog to rinse and spit, you use a special doggie toothpaste. Also, you can purchase a finger toothbrush in the dog pet supplies section of your local pet store.

Exercising our dogs usually involves playing with a Frisbee or tossing a ball or sticks. Well, these things can break your dog's teeth. It's a good idea to check your dog on a regular basis for broken or chipped teeth so you can eliminate infections which can result in large vet bills. Keeping our dogs healthy will extend the life of our beloved friends.

Without a doggy dentist, most broken teeth will usually result in an infection for your dog. Infections can lead to other health problems for your adored furry friend so be sure he receives proper care right away if there is an injury. Keeping your family pet healthy will ensure a long happy life.

Infections in the mouth can lead to more severe bad breath. So regularly brushing your dog's teeth and checking for injuries or broken teeth can eliminate any issues early. Doesn't your dog deserve the best care you can give him?

Always use caution when playing with your dog. As we have mentioned, broken teeth can cause serious infection which can be harmful to your beloved dog, so play fetch and catch with your dog, but don't be careless. You dog will love you for it.

Hit the dog pet supplies section of your local pet store to find an age appropriate toy suitable for your dog. Getting your dog a toy that is not recommended for them can cause broken teeth, leading to bad breath so make sure their chew toys are what the vet has recommended. If you are not sure, ask the clerk at the store or your vet.

Most of us have experience with a puppies sharp little needle teeth. As they grow, they will start chewing on anything in sight to relieve the pressure of the adult teeth coming through. Be sure to keep plenty of chew toys around for you pups chewing habits and throw away anything that poses a choking hazard. - 31851

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Are Pet ID Tags Customizable

By Andrea Smith

There are a lot of reasons why you should be sure your pet is wearing a pet id tag, and just as many options to consider in getting a customized pet id tag.

There is no end to the variety you will find in materials used in making pet id tags. You can get your tags in aluminum, stainless steel, brass, plastic, or pretty much any other material you can think of. Always be sure to have at bare minimum your pet's name, address, rabies vaccination information, phone number, and any special medical or dietary information. pet id tags make great gifts, and whether you are gifting them or getting an id tag for your own pet, be sure to get double sided pet id tags so you have plenty of room for all the important information.

Custom pet ID tags are available traditionally engraved , laser engraved, or full color sublimated. Artwork and logos, either designed by graphic artists, provided by the customer or taken from stock designs can be included on one side of the tag and the necessary and pertinent information can be incorporated on the other side. Another great gift idea is to include a personal message on one side of the tag such as, "Happy Birthday Spot!"

You can get very creative when choosing pet ID tags. There are many different shapes available, from flower designs to bone shaped. You can have elaborate designs on one side of the tag and have all the important information about your pet on the other side. You can also have effects like reflective tape on one side so your pet can be more easily seen at night. or, you can choose to get more fancy with things like fake diamonds or rhinestones to add some sparkle.

Ranging in price from as low as a few dollars upwards to approximately ten dollars depending on the size, style and information engraved or sublimated, custom pet ID tags are a smart, and small, investment and make a very thoughtful gift for any pet enthusiast. - 31851

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Cleaning Your Cat Litter Box The Easy Way

By James Litterman

What can be worse for cat or cat owner than a smelly litter cat litter box.

For many cat owners, the cat litter box is the worst of part of owning a cat. Cleaning it is a job you never want to do. And, those who have to clean it can find themselves more vulnerable to cat diseases that are present there. For Certain, it's a bad job but it does not have to be too trying either.

There are many new cat litter boxes being designed to make the job, well, easier. One of them is the hooded cat box. They give the privacy to cats who are more sensitive and they also keep dust down substantially. They are perfect of a single cat owner as long as they are cleaned on a regular basis. For those who do not want to handle the litter you may use removable liners for these boxes. You can lift out the whole liner and throw it out. All you have to do is put in a new liner and add the fresh litter to it.

Self Cleaning Cat Litter

Another choice available to you is the self cleaning box. These are perfect for families that have many cats. Or they can be a great choice for anyone who does not want to have to deal with it. A rake removes the soiled cat litter into a removable receptacle which leaves the cat litter box clean. Then all you are required to do is throw the contents away.

For you to learn your kitten how to use its cat litter box, all you need to do is to place it in the right spot and keep it clean. The litter box should never be based near to wear your cat sleeps or near where his food is positioned.

When you have it positioned in a satisfactory place, you will need to let your cat what the box is used for. To do this, you are required to place your pet cat in the litter box and rake your fingers through the cat litter. The cat may decide to start using the box right away. When he does, praise him greatly. If he just wants out, play with your cat a for a few minutes and then put him back in. You should repeat this several times but don't push it. You don't wish to make him frustrated.

When To Use The Cat Litter Box?

It is best to use it ten to fifteen minutes after your cat eats, put him back into the litter box. Once your cat uses it, praise your cat for doing so. When he is sleeping, watch him so that you can take him to the cat litter box as he awakes.

Remember that cats respond better to praise than been told off. If he gets angry or frustrated, you never accomplish anything. Site the cat litter box in the position where he most frequently has accidents and encourage him to use it.

Your cat may stop using his cat litter box if it is not cleaned on a regular basis. Almost all cats will continue to use the litter box once they have done so several times, but you must to keep it clean. Also, a dirty litter box can result in cat health problems so do make sure you always keep it clean.

These are a few quick and easy tips to keeping your cats litter box clean. If you use them your pet will be your best friend for life. - 31851

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The Importance Of Automatic Litter Box For Cats

By Maaxbi Hatqo

The automatic self-cleaning litter box contains of urine and stool that can be de-cluttered by it. There is a machine that brings in the task for it, instead of needing the pet owner to scoop out these clumps performs a special sifting process.

Such sifting process will begin once then the need for de-clumping can be detected by a machine

Sometimes the cat gets elimination activity traumatic when the machine start to process the sifting process and the cat is still inside, this makes the cat owner feel traumatized.

But in the fact, the process of the prior to sifting process can be detected by the automatic self-cleaning cat litter box because the automatic cat litter box is the smartest one.

Citizenry consider the automatic self-cleaning cat litter box to the traditional counterpart. And many cat owners are trusty to use the auto, because the too much exciting use of goods and services is not required more by the device, and the opinion is misconception which it is made of a significant amount of power to grow your bill.

The constantly replacing is also not needed in the litter box also, because it suggests you to work the activity at least once in month, and of course the cat won?t develop odor or bad smell that always touch the ventilation house

Another way, you may belong for a few days without interrupting that the cat will create too much waste. Because every what your darling cat do, the automatic self-cleaning cat litter box will undertake it.

Other reason, the machine brings the convenience and makes far better than the tradition version. So never be doubt to buy the automatic self-cleaning cat litter box if you are about to make the investment. Be sure to like automatic self-cleaning litter box and you cat will really love too. - 31851

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