21. Fussy Eating

I am told by countless owners that their dog will not eat dry food or many other types of food and that they will only eat smoked salmon/steak/or best mince etc etc. This is because we actually teach our dogs to be fussy and picky eaters by free feeding. That is leaving down food all day. The dog then comes to the realisation that it can eat at any time and does not fall into a routine. Free feeding can also have an effect on , control complex behaviour also know as “dominant behaviour” though that term is vastly overused it can give the message to a socially mobile dog that he could be a pack leader as he has access to food at any time.

To overcome this decide on how many times you will feed per day. If he is over 1 year then this will be either once or twice. Feed the food of your choice not the food of his choice “I am a firm believer in a quality all in one dry food” If you prefer the more natural diet that is fine as long as you cook the meat “Never Feed Raw” put this down for ten minutes only, if the dog has eaten it in that time fine, if not pick the food up and put it away.

When the next meal is due then only put out amount of food you would normally feed, do not double up. It may take a few days for the message to get home, but it will in the end. Remember the dog’s dim and distant ancestor is the Wolf. Which is a feast and famine eater; they sometimes go many days or even longer between kills, so your dog will not starve, instinct and survival will take over and the dog will resume eating the food you choose not the food he chooses. Many people think that it must be boring feeding them the same thing every day. But do not realise that supplementing a quality dry food with tinned or pouch food is like putting tomato sauce on Lobster Thermidor.

I am sorry to say I am not a fan of most tinned or pouched meats and in some cases these are detrimental to the dog’s behaviour. We also assume that taste is a factor. It isn’t, dogs have only 17% of our taste capacity, lets face it if they can eat there own and other animals faeces which many do, then their choice of taste and quality must be questioned.

22. Recall Problems

How often do you see dogs coming back to about three foot from their owners then skipping away again, as if it’s a game, the owners probably in a hurry get angrier and angrier and start shouting, which of course exacerbates the situation? Giving the dog even more reason not to return, as he is aware that he may get smacked.

All this is caused because the owner did not correctly lead train and stimulate the dog in the park in the first place. He/She actually taught the dog not to come back, by only putting the dog back on the lead at the end of the walk. It doesn’t take long for the dog to click on that recall and lead mean end of fun and walk.

May I suggest the owners were probably on their mobile phone at the same time? Go to any park and see the dozens of people on mobiles walking their dogs, the poor dogs have to stimulate themselves somehow, and start running off to other dogs and people for the attention that they crave.

Give your dog’s quality time and quality training. During the walk call your dog back to you at least three or four times. Place it on a lead and reward with a brief game or a real tasty titbit, and then let it off again. Your dog will then learn that coming back to you is good news and being placed on the lead does not mean the end of the walk and end of play!

Play hide and seek behind trees etc, especially important before the 16 week puppy mark, and as early as is humanly possible. . It doesn’t think your hiding it thinks you are getting lost, and will tend to keep a beady eye on you, and by hiding especially at a young age sets up the recall and the need to keep you in sight for life. You can now get their injections so the dog can be fully covered and socialised at 10 weeks rather than 12 and I would strongly recommend this for every new puppy owner The vaccine is made by Intervet and is called Nobivac D.H.P.P.I/L. So switch off the mobiles and play games, stimulate your dog and he will have no need to wander off and not want to return.

23. Kennel Cough

On top of the Antibiotics from the Vet, Benylin Dry Cough mixture, twice a day will help to relieve the irritation. Also avoid any pressure from a collar, as this will exacerbate the condition. If you must go anywhere with your dog on a lead, use a body harness. Avoid areas where there are other dogs and if visiting your vet, make it the last appointment. Leave your dog in the car and go and tell the vet staff you are outside waiting to go in, or ask to be placed in an isolation room. This will help to reduce the spread of this highly contagious disease.

24. Timidity and Fears

How many times have you seen a dog shaking or cowering and the owner sympathising and reassuring it with petting and nurturing? This may appear to be perfectly logical behaviour, but is actually giving the dog all the wrong signals and rewarding it for being timid and nervous and confirming it has a reason to be fearful, therefore the very thing you are trying to cure is reinforced by your actions. The shy and timid dog should be exposed to as many different situations as possible. Take it along with you to the shops, the bar or the pub, and everywhere you can introduce it to new sights sounds and smells.

Don’t push it into fearful situations but gently desensitise it to the things it fears praise for calmness never for fear Consistent treatment in this manner will begin to deliver the message to the dog that there is nothing to fear. Do NOT cuddle the dog, or hug it and tell it there is nothing to fear. Dogs do not understand most of the words we say — they understand our actions. If the dog gets a hug, it assumes it has done the correct thing and will continue to be fearful.

25. Tag and Identification

It may surprise everyone to know that the maximum fine for not displaying a dog identification tag in the UK is £5000. (Where did they get that figure from?) Irrespective of whether your pet is already micro chipped. The law which is the Control of Dog Order 1992 states that “Every dog while in a highway or in a place of public resort, shall wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a plate or badge attached thereto”. I would also recommend you put your mobile number on the disc in case you are away on holiday with the dog; the home number would be useless if your dog then goes missing. You could also add the Vets number in case you cannot be contacted and the vet can keep the dog until you can pick it up.

26. Shy Timid or Frightened Dogs

I am a firm believer that socialisation is so vitally important; it almost outweighs any other consideration including the risk of contracting disease. The fear of infections has led breeders and owners alike to make the tragic mistake of keeping their puppies isolated until they have completed their vaccinations.

By taking this stance they risk ending up with a fearful, timid dog that may become aggressive as an adult. “95% of all reported dog bites are fear related“. Owners should strike a commonsense balance: puppies, especially from birth through to 14 weeks must be exposed to a variety of people and experiences. There are many activities and places to take dogs; without endangering their lives, it is vital that you take the time to expose your new pup to as many of these as possible.

This is especially true for one’s second or third dog; it is too easy to keep the new pup in the company of the older dogs, depriving him of the opportunity to develop self-confidence of his own without relying totally on the older dog/s and their protection.

27. Herbal and Natural Treatments

I am a strong advocate of herbal medicines for dogs especially in areas of Timidity, Fear and Anxiety. The more common and easily obtainable are Dr Bach’s Rescue Remedy, (chemist or health food shop, internet) D.A.P Diffuser (internet or vets) and Skullcap and Valerian (health stores chemists internet. These can be especially helpful in situations such as separation anxiety excessive barking and firework and thunder phobias.

28. The Lead

Your lead is the most vital piece of training equipment you can own, it has multiple uses, it is also an aerial to your dog. Tighten it at the wrong time and you can send messages that could spark aggression, fear, or anxiety, use it to drag your dog around and it could damage his neck and spine, especially if it connected to a choke chain which I abhor. Used correctly it can be a godsend almost the only training aid you will ever need.

All training including sit, stay, down, recall, sit stay, wait etc should initially be trained on a lead. Unfortunately most of the leads I see are far too short to be effective and are of a material that hurts and can burn and damage your hands.

The lead should be at least 5 foot long irrespective of the size of the dog, this will help all training and lead work in the future. It should be made of something like Cushion Web which is extremely strong yet very soft, (sounds a bit like a advert for toilet paper) NOT Nylon which is harsh as can burn and damage your hands.

The problem is that most lead manufacturers haven’t a clue about dogs and what constitutes a good lead, they just produce what makes the most profit. Good quality leather leads are OK though I find them a bit hard on the hands at first. Shop around till you find what you want, don’t be fobbed off with what the industry or pet shop wants you to buy. I have my own specialised Cushion Web leads made for me; you can now buy them direct from my site, it is worth shopping around until you get exactly what you want.

29. Counter Surfing

This is where dogs are constantly picking things up either from the floor tables or kitchen worktops, at best it can be frustrating and annoying, at worst it can be fatal if they eat something that is dangerous. The quickest way and most permanent resolution to this problem is to go to your local joke shop and buy a spring loaded cap banger. This is a little metal device that when you put a cap in it and set it by putting a suitable object on top, then anyone or in this case anything picking up the food/object will set off the banger takes about three/four bangs and the dog normally decides to call it a day. The beauty of this device is most dogs are crafty and only steal when you are not in the room therefore it is the perfect solution.

30. Dogs Ages in Human Terms

If I were to stop 100 people in the street and ask them how do you calculate a dogs age human in human terms 90% would say one dog year to every seven human years the others 9% would probably say they don’t know and 15 may know the correct calculation.

This is one of many doggy old wives tales that are totally and utterly wrong. As a general rule of thumb it should be fifteen for the 1st year ten for the 2nd and then five for every year thereafter. This is only an approximation there is a chart that works on size and breed that gives it more accurately than this. If you calculated every seven years and the dog is 16 years old then the dog in human terms would be 112 using my method the dog is a more realistic 95.

I also think we are all aware that a one-year-old dog does not act like a seven-year-old child; it is more like the rebellious teenager round the back of the bike shed having a quick fag. In addition, they are far more aware of the opposite sex than a seven year old would ever be.

31. Firework Aversion

For many dog owners the run up to November 5th is a nightmare. To help alleviate the problem purchase a sounds disc from places like Sounds Scary on the web or pet shops. Do this at least a six weeks before the main firework days for instant November the 5th in the UK or the 4th of July in the States. A DAP Diffuser also can help which is a chemical copy of the pheromone the nursing mother gives out to calm her litter along with herbal calmers such as Dr Bach’s Rescue remedy. Using the pheromones and the herbal remedies and a calm base, start playing the disc very softly at first the build up of the volume should be over weeks not hours. Never try to rush this and if the dog shows concern go back a few steps. Never comfort or cuddle an anxious dog (see tip 24)

If initially the dog has just been frightened for the first time by fireworks, you should act very blasé and immediately go outside and play with toys such as balls or Frisbees, or even a training session where you can praise for actions other than the fear, this can be done whilst the noise is going on. You may therefore overcome a potential future problem immediately.

How this works is the same principal as for instance flying, the plane suddenly hits turbulence, watch everyone’s first reactions, they look to the Stewards/Stewardesses to see if they are showing anxiety. If they are calm and acting perfectly normally then our anxiety and fear also dissipates. It is worth trying this tactic when your dog has any negative experience, even though it does not appear too affected, just in case of a potential phobia later on.

32. Dry and Crusty Nose

adding a teaspoon of flax seed oil to the dog’s food daily often helps.. Dry noses and other dry skin complaints respond well to a multivitamin supplement (especially if they include vitamin B complex).

33. Fleas

If you want a natural method of flea control give the dog a clove of garlic in his food each day. You can also purchase granulated garlic from a horse tack shop at a very reasonable price. Fleas hate the taste, which come out in the dog’s skin and will soon go looking for a more tasty meal.

34. Ear Mites

if your pet has contracted ear mites, then a simple remedy is to use corn oil to suffocate them place two or three drops of corn oil into its ears (you can use an eye dropper), massage the ear gently then clean our with a cotton ball. Repeat for 3 days. Regular ear bathing with oil is recommended by vets, to avoid a build-up of wax and irritants.

35. Urinary Tract Infections

Mix 30-40ml of cranberry juice into your pet’s food. This will boost the acidity of its urine, reduce bacteria and help relieve the discomfort. To ease the pain in fact any pain you can add half a dissolved aspirin or children’s liquid analgesic to your pet’s food.

This is part two of the Greatest Dog Tips see Greatest Dog Tips Ever (part one) for the first 20 tips.

Please rate these tips at the bottom of the page and add your comments thank you

Stan Rawlinson
www.doglistener.co.uk

Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer, who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with gundogs then moving to the behavioural and obedience side of training companion dogs. He now has a successful practice covering Greater London, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Stan is recommended by numerous Vets, Rescue Centres, and Charities. He writes articles and comments on behavioural issues and techniques for dog magazines including Our Dogs, Dogs Monthly and K9 Magazine and Shooting Times. He is also the founder member of PAACT The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers.

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Greatest Dog Tips Ever (part two) is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

However, in spite of the innate qualities of dogs, it is still important to train them to develop the skills that they possess. By nature, dogs are obedient animals. However, because of their character, training is important.

For this reason, numerous obedient trainings and advanced schooling programs were created to develop the necessary skills in dogs. The basic obedience skills such as sit, walk, or lie down are usually taught.

To do this, the help of a professional dog trainer can be very helpful. However, if you do not have the budget for it, you may opt to train your dogs all by yourself. You just have to equip yourself with the right tools and equipments.

Among the various devices needed to train dogs, dog training collars are the most important. Dog training collars helps the owner control the behavior of the dog, thereby, creating an air of authoritativeness over the dogs. Hence, dogs can easily understand that they have a master to follow.

One of the most common types of collars used by non-professional trainers or simply dog owners themselves is the electronic dog training collars. Although quite controversial, electronic dog training collars are effective if used properly.

Electronic dog training collars had created such media hype when quite a number of dog owners have discreetly denounced their use. The issue is focused on the outright infliction of pain caused by electronic currents that run from the collar to the dog’s skin. These electric currents can create shock, which can be very harmful for the dog.

However, experts say that when used properly, electronic dog training collars can be effective in training dogs and in managing dog behavioral problems. In fact, an electronic dog training collar can be safe and effective if the trainer or user knows how to operate the device properly.

In essence, electronic dog training collars create electric shock that warns the dog how to respond appropriately. The main purpose of producing electric shock is to assist the dog trainer during training sessions and in controlling behavior of your dog.

Nevertheless, not all electronic dog training collars are created equal. Each has its own distinction depending on the make of the product and its feature benefits.

Here are some tips in buying electronic dog training collar.

1. Budget

Electronic dog training collars can be very expensive. If you do not have the budget for it, buying an electronic dog training collar can be a problem.

So before you decide on a particular type of electronic dog training collar, try to see first if your budget can afford it.

2. Function

Each type of electronic dog training collar has its own distinct function. Hence, it is best that you know what you want in an electronic dog training collar.

For example, if you want to control the route of your dog whenever he walks, you can use a training collar that will fit near your dog’s nose. The electronic shock will direct him which way to go. If you want to control your dog’s behavioral problem such as excessive barking, try to use an electronic dog training collar that has a transmitter device attached at the collar placed near the dog’s neck.

3. Breed

In buying an electronic dog training collar, you also have to consider the dog’s breed. For smaller breeds, it is best to buy collars that will fit on their little necks. Moreover, this type of dog training collar has additional training device that will facilitate the training process.

4. Kind of training

If you are trying to correct canine behavioral problems, it is best to use remote electronic dog training collar. The transmitter can send signals to the collar as far as 300 feet. Hence, you do not have to be in close proximity with your dog just to train him whenever he gets into annoying behaviors.

All of these things can help you choose the best electronic dog training collar. Coupled with good knowledge about the product, electronic dog training collar is, indeed, one of the most effective training tools available in the market today.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all types of dog collars including the electronic dog training collar [http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com/Articles/Electronic_Dog_Training_Collar.php].

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Buying An Electronic Dog Training Collar Doesn’t Have To Be Shocking is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

So here was my dream, in living colour, high spirits and dignified stubbornness. I … well I was an untrained and inexperienced, though willing, Mum of one huge equine. I had no gear and even less of an idea. So began my training to become a suitable mum for my beloved dream come true.

The first step was to read books; lots of them. However none of them can physically prepare for the task of caring for a horse. I learned a lot since obtaining Angel, because I just had to get out there and do it, or ask someone else how to do it. I have a lot more to learn yet and I find it a rewarding and exciting path. This article provides some basics for anyone considering getting a pony or horse or who has just landed that dream and does not know where to start, just as I began my journey.

It is important that you talk to experts such as your vet and local horse club for professional advice. Other helpful tips and suggestions can be obtained through talking to horse owners, phoning or visiting the local pony club, or joining a horse forum on the Internet. Horse people love to talk about horses.

There are numerous breeds of horses available. You will need to look for an animal that has the correct temperament, abilities and height. Breeds such as thoroughbreds are tall and can be too high-spirited for a beginner. A Standardbred, like Angel, has an unusual gait (movement) which is uncomfortable until you are used to it. Look at the history of the horse – is it flighty, can it handle traffic noise, how old is it, does it have scars or uneven hoof wear which could indicate lameness? There are numerous things to look at, so if you can,have a knowledgeable and experienced person available to help you choose, there is a much better chance of a happy horse- rider relationship.

Once you have the horse or pony, the first, and most obvious concern, is where to keep your new pet. Horses require a lot of grazing, fresh water and room for exercise. Alternatively you can stable a horse just like you would send a dog to a kennel for a holiday. It depends on where you live and what your budget is like as to which is the most suitable option. When I got Angel, I spent months trying to find grazing for her, all to no avail. The former owners kindly let me keep her on at their farm, but most people selling or giving away a horse will not want to do this. Prepare yourself for a lot of telephone time and legwork checking out any vacant paddocks around your area. Look for a paddock that is well fenced, has a working water trough or natural flowing water, and ideally some form of shelter from weather extremes. This could be as simple as a shelterbelt or hedge. Also take note of any poisonous plants such as hemlock, buttercup, oak or foxglove, and any debris like tin cans, broken glass or hidden branches. These can all harm your horse.

Now that your horse has a place to stay, you will be wondering what to feed him. A grazing horse has fewer needs than a stabled horse, but may still require extra feed such as hay and oats during winter, and a salt lick, especially during summer. What you feed your horse depends on how much work they are doing, what temperament they have, and their condition, therefore professional advice should be obtained. A stabled horse relies on what you feed it so it will need a larger supply of hay, grains and dry pellets. An apple or carrot is good for your horse too, whether stabled or grazing. When feeding a carrot make sure to cut it lengthwise as small circular pieces can choke them. Remember the water, fresh and plenty of it as a horse can drink up to 55 litres per day.

Now housed and fed the health of your horse is the next priority to ensure their happiness and your enjoyment. To this end your horse will need to be regularly groomed, wormed and be seen by a farrier.

Grooming:
A grazed horse requires less grooming than a stabled horse because the natural oils in the coat help protect them from the weather. The most basic grooming required is to pick out their hooves to remove stones, which can cause bruising or lameness, and to remove mud and manure; a brush down with a curry comb to remove mud; and combing the mane and tail to remove knots and foreign matter. To brush a horse, use very firm strokes that won’t tickle him. Horses have ticklish spots just like our feet. If the horse starts twitching or becomes restless as a particular area is groomed that might signal a ticklish spot, and could result in a ‘pay-back’ nip from the horse.

To pick out the hooves, stand beside your horse and run your hand down the back of their leg. Most horses will raise the leg for you. Hold the hoof firmly and pick it out from the heel to the toe, avoiding the soft frog area (triangular middle piece). There is much more to grooming, but starting with these basics will ensure a happy comfortable horse. It will also provide you confidence in working around your horse. As you gain assurance and knowledge you can move onto other areas.

Worming:
It is essential that this be done regularly, every six to eight weeks. Horses can ingest worms through the grass and hay they eat, so cleaning up manure in the paddock helps stop the spread of worm eggs and other parasites. Your vet should be consulted for the size of the dosage and the frequency as it will vary according to the gender, age and state (e.g. pregnancy) of the horse.

Farrier (Blacksmith):
Your horse will need to be seen by a farrier every six to eight weeks to have their hooves trimmed. If the horse is wearing shoes then it may need loose or worn shoes to be fixed or replaced. Lack of regular attention on the hooves can lead to lameness, potentially resulting in permanent injury. Their hooves are just like human fingernails -growing rapidly and prone to chip, break, crack or split. If the horse is ridden frequently and on hard surfaces, shoes are required so that the hooves do not wear down too quickly.

After all of the above, only the primary needs of your horse have been attended to. There is much more, but as with my experience, it can be learned as you go along. There is one aspect that I haven’t discussed and that is the exercising, or riding, of your horse.

Some horses may come with their own gear or a local horse-owner may have some spare gear you could borrow, lease, or buy. The very minimum you will need is a lead-rope and halter so that you can catch and tie up your horse. For riding, starter saddle kits are available at a very reasonable price but will invariably not last as long as a more expensive set. Talking to your local saddler will help you unravel the somewhat confusing needs of saddle size and style, girth size, leather type and care. An essential item that you will need to invest in is a good riding helmet. I advise to get brand new over second hand so that you can guarantee its safety has not been compromised. A lunge rope and whip for non-riding exercise is good for your horse too. I use a cheap towrope purchased from the local service station as a lunge rope, so do look for alternatives to the expensive custom-made items. A lunge whip is not terribly expensive at the saddlers.

Horse care is a satisfying aspect of owning a horse. I hope that you can share in the enjoyment of horse ownership and the creation of a bond between horse and rider that is formed as you care for your dream.

Belinda Osgood is a full-time writer working from her home in a small rural township in the South Island of New Zealand. Passions include her pets, craft and rock-hounding. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

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I’ve Got A Horse, Now What? is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

Cats are animals, and as such do not have enough reasoning to tell and distinguish right from wrong. But you, the cat owner, knows what is good and bad, and so it is your responsibility to help your cat act accordingly. You need to deal with the behavior problems of cats.

Behavior problems of cats are the usual problems cat owners encounter from their cats. Some owners really feel very annoyed by several of their cat’s behavioral problems, so they just hire cat trainers for long-term solutions. Attitude problems are very common in cats.

If you have a cat, it is not enough that you shower your pet with utmost attention and care. It is your responsibility to instill in the cat righteous attitudes especially when there are other people living in your house. Being adorable and cute are not enough for the cat to get away from every offense it makes.

Tips for dealing with behavior problems of cats

Here are some practical tips that would help you control the unwanted behavior problems of cats. Take note that cats also need to act nicely especially when there are other people in the house or if there are guests:

• Discipline your cat. This is one way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. You could teach the animal about right and wrong behavior. For example, if you see your cat do a nice thing, pat it gently on the head. Otherwise, push your palm on the cat’s face. This would give it the signal that what it just did is not acceptable.

• Do not surprise your cat. Cats hate surprises so to avoid behavior problems of cats avoid surprises. Do not disturb a sleeping cat or suddenly take away food from an eating cat. Doing so would provoke the cat and make it really angry to attack you or anyone.

• Do not ever hit a cat whenever it does nasty things. This is not a good way to deal with behavior problems of cats. Hitting, just like in kids, is not very effective in making cats realize what deed is wrong. Do not ever teach your cat to develop fear of you.

• Make specific cat misbehavior impossible to be accomplished. This is another good way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. For example, if the cat wants to steel food from containers, keep the containers tightly closed and sealed. Also make light objects and figurines in the house out of reach of cats, or place them in a glass cabinet.

• For littering and waste elimination behavior problems of cats, you could invest in cat litter boxes. Cat litter boxes are very ideal in training the cat to urinate or eliminate feces responsibly.

• Take your cat to the vet regularly. That way, you could immediately tell if there is a physiological problem in the cat. Behavior problems of cats may also due to pains. Usually, when cats fall ill, they also tend to misbehave.

• Cats are possessive. They want your sole attention. If there are other pets in the house, your cat might sense that you are not faithful. To remedy this situation, do not let the cat see you care for and nurture other pets.

• Use reward and punishment to deal with behavior problems of cats. To make the cat also behave properly, you could also make use of the reward system. For every good deed you see in the cat, reward it by giving its special cat snack. Whenever the cat does bad acts, punish it by not giving it any cat snack, though you must show the cat that there is cat snack that is supposed to be given to it.

If you have tried the above mentioned tips and found no success do not lose hope, you can still tame your cat and you can have a much more rewarding life with your cat if you only learn a few secrets on cat behavior.

Did you know that you can transform your cats behavior with proven techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover how to end the behavior problems of cats visit Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems at All About Pets

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that authors name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

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How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

Our pets are exposed to a number of environmental hazards on a daily basis which result in a build up of toxins. Everything from air pollution to household chemicals and pesticides can represent a health threat. The more you can do to limit the build up toxins this kind of exposure causes, the better off you’ll be as you try to prevent dog disease.

The keys to good health for your dog are pretty much the same as they are for you…a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, bushing their teeth, exercise and providing fresh water to drink. Dogs need a good amount of protein in their daily diet as well as a certain amount of vegetables and fruit. No matter how well intentioned you may be, feeding your dog a diet consisting primarily of packaged foods will never work at preventing dog health issues as most packaged foods contain harmful artificial colorings and preservatives.

Avoiding these additives is essential to prevent dog disease. So too is making sure that your dog has regular veterinarian check ups and gets all of its required vaccinations. Keeping both their coat and their teeth clean can also be a big help as those are two of the easiest ways for bacteria to get into your pet’s system. Regular grooming and tooth brushing can help prevent the spreading of a number of diseases.

Just like their owners, dogs also require a certain amount of exercise. Dogs were meant to be active and living a domestic life can work against that. It is essential that you get your dog out of the house and running around, whether in the backyard or at the local park, for a few hours every day. When it comes to preventing dog health issues, the more fit your dog is, the better equipped it will be to fight off illness.

Along with a good diet and exercise, bolstering your dog’s immune system health is extremely important. Since the immune system directly affects the health of the entire body, the more you can do to keep it functioning properly the better you will be able to prevent dog disease. The easiest way to improve immune system health is through the use of a daily natural supplement.

Made from a careful blend of herbs and plant based ingredients like Mistletoe, Echinacea, Huang Qi, and Indian ginseng, natural supplements can provide your dog with all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients to ensure good overall health. Natural products go a long way toward preventing dog health issues by improving immune system function, increasing energy and vitality and maintaining proper liver function.

Your dog can live a long and healthy life if you make sure that it is getting all the essentials…proper nutrition, exercise, good medical care and a safe, gentle, natural daily supplement to provide that extra boost. Take the right steps today and you can put your dog on the road to good health for years to come.

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Handbook and has written many articles on preventing dog health issues. See this site for more information on approaches to prevent dog disease with natural homeopathic treatment options.

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Keep Your Dog on the Road to Good Health With Simple Tips is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

You should approach your vet to get a certificate for your dog ensuring that your pet does not suffer from any serious illness. For interstate and international trips, make sure that your vet gives you an appropriate certificate. Different states and different countries have different pet health certificate requirements and you should be aware of the local laws. Otherwise, your pet will be isolated from you for complete inspection or quarantine.

Normally, dogs must get health certificate at least 10 days prior to traveling. Older health certificates will not be valid even though different states have different requirements. The health certificate will contain information about vaccination shots given for the dog along with the health conditions of the dog. However, health certificate will not ensure that your pet has good general health. Most of the states in the United States require dogs to be given rabies vaccination shot 30 days prior to travel. This does not apply for puppies less than 6 months old since they don’t have rabies threat according to US public health service.

Some airlines don’t allow your dog to be shipped as baggage, however, you can have the dog shipped as cargo. Along with the certificate, name and address of the shipper must be mentioned. Age and pregnancy status of the pet should also be specified in the health certificate. The pet owner must also state that the pet is acclimated to lower temperatures not lower than 20 degree F if the pet is carried in winter. To ensure that your pet doesn’t suffer during traveling, call the destination embassy well ahead of travel to know the current laws about dog health certificate requirements.

Author: Raja Selvam
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Dog Health Certificate to Travel With Your Pet is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

You have an ongoing relationship with your pet, just like you do your children or your spouse. It’s important to maintain the relationship if you want it to be fruitful. If you don’t, all of that training you’ve done so far will be for naught.

Sometimes, though, like all relationships, the one with your dog can be rocky. Even well-trained owners have dogs with behavior problems when things change. Dog have been known to act out when their owners being working more hours, go back to school, have a baby or get married. Dogs aren’t themselves when they are ill or in pain. Some dogs are just never quite right because of problems inherited from poor breeding.

Here are nine things you can do to make sure your well-behaved dog stays that way.

1. Don’t forget that you are leader of the pack. Remind yourself that your dog is genetically programmed to be part of a group and to obey the leader of his pack. If you don’t provide him consistent strong, yet fair, leadership, he will try to become the leader. If he becomes the leader by default, behavior problems will increase exponentially. Here are some tips to make sure he remembers you are his leader:

- Don’t let him pull on his leash.

- Don’t put the leash on your dog until he sits quietly.

- Don’t let him get away with bad behavior.

- Always eat before he does.

- Don’t chase or play rough games like tug-of-war with your dog.

- Don’t allow him to bite anyone.

- Always go through doorways before him.

- Try to always be calm, fair and confident when dealing with your dog.

- Don’t give him anything – attention, food, play – without him doing something for you first, like sitting on command.

- Don’t allow your dog on furniture without your permission.

- Protect your dog from other animals or people who try to harm him.

When you are a strong leader, your dog will respect you. With this respect comes an innate desire to please. He will love you and want to obey your every command!

2. Train with your dog every day. Just like with humans, any behavior you train your dog to do will be forgotten if he doesn’t practice it. Work with your dog at least 15 minutes a day on an aspect of his behavior. This is important, also, to remind your canine that you are the leader of his pack. Try to teach your dog something new every month or two. This will keep him challenged and give you both a sense of accomplishment. Most dogs were bred to do some kind of work, and if you don’t give your dog purpose, he’ll become bored and develop behavioral problems.

3. Make sure to give your dog treats and praise. Continue the technique you’ve used to train your dog. People tend to get complacent, and before you know it, Spot is hogging your bed and dragging you down the street by the leash. To make things worse, he won’t listen to your commands any more. To prevent this, make your dog perform an act of obedience to earn praise, petting or a treat.

4. Never strike or yell at your dog. Hitting or kicking your dog will have about the same effect that it would on a spouse or a child – it ruins the relationship and breaks down all the trust your pet had for you. Some owners use physical abuse to train their dogs to fight for money. Others believe, erroneously, that abuse will make them become better watch or attack dogs. Statistics show that thousands of dogs are killed or injured by people every year. No matter how frustrated you get with him, never, ever strike your pet.

Dogs don’t respond well to yelling. All it does is get your dog more stressed, which will more than likely make his behavior problems worse. Everyone loses their patience from time to time, but remember that your dog only responds to fair leadership.

5. Get your dog proper medical care. Your dog needs a checkup at the veterinarian annually to make sure he’s in top form physically and to receive yearly shots to prevent rabies and other diseases. It’s important to go to the same vet every year so he or she can monitor your pet and notice any evidence of problems. All dogs need a teeth cleaning from time to time, too, to keep them healthy. If your dog is injured or sick, he needs to get proper medical attention. Your veterinarian can also give you advice on behavior as well as diet, breeding, training, and puppy selection

6. Attend obedience training. As an absolute necessity for getting a good to a positive relationship with your dog, be sure to take him to a six-to-eight-week-long obedience class, before his first birthday if he’s a puppy, as soon as possible if he’s an adult dog. A good trainer will teach you the basics and what a good dog/owner relationship is.

If you have an adult dog, don’t worry. That old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is not true! A dog of any age can learn good behavior. Both you and your dog will benefit. He will learn some good behavior and to respect you, the leader of the pack. You’ll learn the subtleties of your dog’s behavior and how to act in a fair, yet dominant, manner. Obedience training is great way to teach an “only dog” how to properly socialize with other dogs and people. Whether you are alone with your dogs or in a group of people and animals, your dog will learn how to behave.

Here are some tips to help you determine what obedience class is the right one for you and your pet:

- Ask your friends, family members, vet or groomer for

recommendations.

- Be sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement and no methods that hurt or frighten the dogs.

- Choose a trainer that focuses primarily on group classes. Although it may seem like one-on-one training might be best, group classes give both you and your dog to observe other people and their pets. Your dog will also focus on your commands, not just those of the trainer. Some owners do both individual and group classes.

- Make sure there are separate classes for puppies and adult dogs. Dogs between eight and 16 weeks should be in puppy classes. You may also feel more comfortable with a trainer who offers beginning, intermediate and advanced obedience classes.

- Ask the trainer you are considering if you can watch a class. While you watch, note some of these details: Notice if the class is small enough that everyone can get some individualized attention. Watch to see if both and dogs and owners are having fun. See if the trainer provides lesson handouts. In a good class, you’ll hear plenty of praise and commands in upbeat, yet firm, tones. Does the trainer give the owners other information about health, grooming or specific breeds? You want to make sure your trainer is knowledgeable about the whole dog, not just obedience training techniques.

- Ask your trainer if he or she knows several different techniques to work with dogs. This can come in handy if your dog doesn’t always respond to the tried-and-true methods.

- Make certain that the trainer requires that dogs be vaccinated and certified healthy by their vet before enrolling in classes.

- Be sure to get a list of equipment you’ll need to bring with you to your first class.

Once you find the right trainer and obedience class, make sure both you and your dog are prepared. Be sure to bring all the required equipment. Don’t feed your dog before class – since treats are part of the reinforcement of good behavior, you want him to be willing to eat the treats, which he might not want if he has a full belly. Don’t forget to do your homework! Practice between classes is essential to reinforce your dog’s behavior.

7. Lean all you can about your dog, his breed, and canine care. You can never know too much when it comes to your dog. Learn all you can from books, television and magazines. Be sure just to take the time to browse at the pet supply store or your favorite online pet supplies merchant to see what kind of new products are on the market. A new toy from time to time is a new adventure for both you and your pet.

8. Keep your dog’s home safe and stimulating. Giving your dog a fun, secure place to live will help to prevent bad behavior and may even prolong his life. Always have a number of fun toys available, including balls, chews and squeaky toys. Be sure to play with your dog daily to give him the necessary exercise he needs, to help you bond with your pet and to just have fun!

If no one is home during the day, leave a talk radio station on. Keep your pet out of areas of your home where he might eat something toxic or injure himself. Keep your fence well maintained.

If your dog starts to have behavior problems, don’t despair! There’s nothing to say that you can’t start training him to change his behavior! With a little patience and perseverance, you will be able to eliminate most bad behavior. In the most extreme cases, you may not be able to stop the behavior, but with training your dog will show improvement.

Some problems won’t be entirely eliminated, especially if you chose a dog that doesn’t have the temperament for your lifestyle. But even some of these dogs can change if you have a good dog/dog owner relationship. Now we’ll look at some of the most common behavior problems and how to re-train your dog to behave appropriately.

Marilyn Burnham

Author: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’

The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!

For More Information On Dog Training

Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the decision to sell her business in the mid 90’s. Get a copy of her book: Dog Owners Boot Camp The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Dont Want You To Know!

Author: Marilyn Burnham
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Dog Training – 8 Ways to Cut Down on Behavior Problems is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

When looking, if you are considering discount bird cages, make sure you pick a good one. Besides the previous conditions that should be met, convenience and a pet bird cage that is easy to clean should also be taken under advisement. It really is not all that easy to get all of this. You have to look around and compare many different bird cages to make the right choice.

What size should your cage be?

Obviously don’t get a cage where the bird can’t move. You also do not want a cage that takes up half your living room either. The general rule for picking out the right size pet bird cage is this. Bigger birds, like a macaw, should be able to fully spread its wings in all directions. Smaller birds like canaries are like to fly more than sit on a bar. A bigger pet bird cage would be the choice to allow them to fly around in it. Just remember that a bigger cage requires more cleaning.

How far apart should the bars on cages be?

This is a giant safety issue with the bird that will be occupying this cage. The bigger the cage, the more space between the bars there will be. No bird, and I emphasise this again, NO BIRD should be able to stick its head through the bars of the cage that it is living in. You are just asking for the bird to break its own neck or strangle itself by having bars that are to far apart. A lot of the newer pet bird cages vary the spacing between the bars. This will allow a pet bird owner to purchase a big cage that is safe for a small bird.

What should my pet bird cages be made of?

Metal is the most common and most popular material for bird cage construction. Wrought iron is a popular material for these cages. Because the cages made from wrought iron are usually the least expensive, owners of larger birds tend to buy these cheap cages. This iron is made in mexico most of the time and is painted black. The paint can come off on the bird getting your little friend dirty. You also have to make sure there is no lead in that paint, which there probably isn’t. You can have the pet bird cage sand blasted to take all the paint off. Then have it powder coated for a long lasting and easy cleaning bird cage.

Stainless steal cages are also popular for their easy to clean characteristics. You must make sure that the bird can not get access to the welds. The bigger birds will gnaw at the welds until they break. You will come one day to find the bird out of the cage.

Wood cages. Not advisable to use. They are hard to clean and very unsanitary. The wood is very porous and holds germs. The bird will also chew up a wooden cage. Do not get a wooden cage for any size bird.

What shape should my pet bird cage be?

It can be any shape you like. Round, square, oval, triangle or any other exotic shape you can find. You must make sure that the bar spacing of the whole cage is safe for the bird. Bird cages that have spaces between the bars that narrow will catch the birds feet, toes and wings. This will lead to a seriously injured bird or even a dead bird. Always remember to take into consideration how hard it will be to clean the cage.

How big should the door on the cage be?

The bigger the door the pet bird cage has on it, the easier it will be for you to clean. The downside of a big door is it makes it easier for the bird to get out. The latch on the door should be easy for you to get open but be bird safe to. Bigger birds are great locksmiths. They will figure out how to open a latch. They have all day every day to practice this. If you know someone with a large bird, a padlock on the door may be used. This is just so the bird can’t open the latch.

I love pets. No matter what pet you have, at some point you will be chasing them. Get yourself a nice comfortable and affordable pair of discount basketball shoes to do the chasing. You can find great deals at discounted prices over at http://www.discountbasketballshoes.org/.

Author: James Cropper
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Pet Bird Cages is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

There is undoubtedly a myriad of reasons causing these ferret health problems. Aside from lack of awareness, one thing that also adds up to this health concern is the lack of initiative and commitment. We always say that prevention is far better and preparation benefits pet owners. However, there are factors that affect our pet’s overall health and sometimes, these things are not unavoidable in itself.

There are various reasons behind ferret health problems and below is a list worth-reading.

1. Intestinal and stomach blockage is considered fatal for ferrets. In fact, this is one of the leading causes of ferret deaths. Behavior and manners identified with ferrets often lead to intestinal and stomach problems, all because ferrets are known to nibble or consume anything that comes their way. Common causes of intestinal and stomach blockage includes digesting inedible items such as rubber bands and erasers. Symptoms also include constipation and vomiting. The only effective way to prevent this problem is by means of ferret proofing your area or living space.

2. Parasitic infections are also considered as one of the most common ferret health problems. Symptoms such as weight loss and diarrhea are the prime indications of this illness. Stool samples are often required to determine parasitic infections and veterinary assistance is surely needed to treat these types of infection.

3. Adrenal disease, in general, is identified with lethargy and hair loss. These types of ferret health problems can be remedied by means of operation. Usually, the surgical procedure involves the removal of adrenal glands and as always, this can be prevented by means of regular check-ups and consultation.

4. Gum disease is also a health problem typical among adult ferrets. Usual causes include improper hygiene practices. As a pet owner, it is up to you to regulate the brushing rituals of your pets and this task includes home check-ups and annual cleaning.

Prevention is still the best cure for ferret health problems. As long as you know how to effectively care for your pet, problems such as these can be avoided. It also helps if you can identify symptoms right away. For the sooner you act to prevent these concerns, the better.

Want More? Get Your FREE Secrets to Having a Healthy, Happy, Well-Behaved and Long Lived Ferret Mini eCourse
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Author: Seth Evans
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Top Reasons Behind Common Ferret Health Problems is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers

Services like these can be quite expensive. Hence, trying to train your dogs using dog collars can save you lots of money.

Dog training collars are specially designed collars to put your dog under proper control. It guides them on what to do, such as the proper way to behave in public places when instructed to.

Dog training collars facilitate obedience training and enable the dogs to learn the necessary “obedience commands” such as heel, stay, and sit.

Before, there are only few options in choosing dog training collar. It is as if dog owners do not have any choice at all. Now, thanks to the revolutionary dog training collar enhancements, dog owners can now choose from a wider array of dog training collars.

However, the abundance of dog training collars is not at all advantageous at some point. With so many choices, dog owners find it difficult choosing the best dog training collar for their pets.

It is a well-known fact that not all dog training collars are created equal. Each has its own varying intensity when it comes to efficiency, affordability, and functionality.

Hence, it is best to consider some factors affecting dog training collar choices. To help you out, here are some things that you need to reflect on before deciding on a particular dog training collar.

1. Size

Of course, this aspect matters most. It is important that the dog training collar will fit comfortably on your dog’s neck. Do not make random guesses as to how long the collar should be.

Before going to the pet shop, try to measure your dog’s neck by using tape measure or any string or tape that can be used as a guide. Then, try to make some allowances, say, 2 to 3 inches more. You can never be too sure about the actual length of the item; hence, it is best to make room for extras.

2. Budget

Each type of dog training collars may vary from the most affordable to the most expensive. Among the different types of dog training collars, the electronic dog training collar is the most expensive. Since it runs electric current throughout its mechanism, the actual value for this collar is quite expensive.

If you cannot afford to buy expensive ones, you can always resort to cheap dog training collars. However, the efficiency of developing positive results is lower than the best dog training collars available in the market today.

Keep in mind that quality is always partnered with value. Hence, the better the quality, the higher the value.

3. Function

Some experts do not approve using dog electronic training collars. The infliction of pain tends to create inhumane act towards dogs. Hence, if you think you can still train your dog without having to hurt them, you can try the other types of dog training collars.

Just keep in mind to choose dog training collars according to the function that you need. For instance, if you do not want to use inhumane devices such as shock collar but would still want to tame down a wild dog, you can use the pronged collar instead. It is ideal for dogs that are hard to control.

Indeed, buying dog training collars can be quite tedious. However, once you have considered these factors, buying the best dog training collar is possible.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more dog training collars [http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com/Articles/Dog_Training_Collar.php].

Author: Lee Dobbins
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Factors to Consider in Choosing A Dog Training Collar is a post from: Pet Amours - Pet Resources For Pet Lovers