How To Choose The Right Dog Bowls For Your Dog?

There are many options available in today’s market. You should choose accordingly to your dog’s size, eating and drinking habits, your personal style and taste, and of course health and safety issues.

Plastic Dog bowls

Plastic bowls might be inexpensive, but some dogs become allergic to plastic and develop skin irritations, and/ or lose the pigmentation of their noses.

Plastic being porous, can trap dirt, odors and germs, which even your dishwasher will not be able to eliminate.

Plastic can also leach plasticizers (most commonly phthalates) and colorants, into your dog’s food, which are very harmful to its health.

Plastic bowls being lightweight will easily tip and spill over and can be chewed on by aggressive or playful dogs.

Ceramic Dog Bowls

Ceramic dog bowls can be a good choice if chosen wisely.

They are usually heavy enough to be spill-proof, but some decorative glazes can contain lead and other toxics (mainly found in foreign products). So it is important to make sure that the bowls were intended for food usage and have a lead-free glaze finish.

Check the bowls regularly for cracks (especially fine ones which can be difficult to detect), chips and scratches, as they encourage the growth of bacteria. If such a bowl becomes damaged, do not attempt to super-glue it! It is not safe for your dog! Just replace it.

Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

They are the most healthy choice for your dog. Stainless steel has been the material of choice for food processing, dairy and brewery industries. It is durable, sanitary, rust-free, and non-leaching. Such bowls will also last a lifetime.

For Older Dogs Or Taller Dogs 

Getting an elevated dog feeder for a taller or older dog (or both), is a good idea since it will help them to eat and drink more comfortably from a dog feeder which is at a more natural body level. They are much more comfortable for older dogs with arthritis, have bad backs, or joint or muscular pain.

For a dog with stiff or sore muscles or joints, bending down to eat can be uncomfortable or painful. An elevated dog dish will encourage him to eat more in a more comfortable manner.

Elevated dog feeders reduce food and water gulping. This will prevent some rare, but serious conditions: bloat (or volvulus), and mega-esophagus, which is a condition when the food accumulates into the esophagus instead of descending to the stomach .This can lead to regurgitation and vomiting.

Again, with an elevated dog feeder, the dog’s head being more raised as he eats, gravity will draw the food down into its stomach.

Some are outfitted with a single bowl or double bowls to accommodate your space or your dog’s drinking and eating habits

And if bending causes you discomfort, you won’t need to bend down as much to pick up or put down heavy, full dog dishes: the stainless steel bowls are light enough to remove for easy cleaning and filling.

Keep Your dog bowls Clean

Whichever kind of dog bowls you opt for, always keep them clean. Hand-wash them in warm, soapy water (and rinse them well), or run them through the dishwasher regularly. This will prevent any unhealthy build up of any sort on the bowls.

If you have an elevated feeder, wipe its top often to keep it dry and clean. Also, when choosing a raised dog feeder, check wrought iron dog bowl stands for safety, as a few accidents have been reported: some dog’s collar tags have been caught onto unsafe metal stands which can harm your dog or just scare him off enough so he will not want to use its new feeder.

A healthy dog, is a happy dog!

Choosing A Dog Bed – A Waterproof Dog Bed

If you have a dog and need to choose a dog bed, you should consider a waterproof dog bed. This makes it easy for the bed to stay clean and dry, even if the dog is wet. This will also make it easy for any water on the dog to repel and the dog bed will have fewer odors. 

 

A waterproof dog bed makes sense when you are looking for supplies for your dog. In addition to choosing a dog bed, you should also consider a pen to keep the dog in or a crate. These are ideal if you are housebreaking the dog. 

 

A dog will generally not urinate where he is sleeping, so this is not the reason for the waterproof dog bed. The main reason is that the dog can get wet when being exercised outside and in the damp weather. When he lays down in his dog bed, he brings that moisture with him. When this seeps into the dog bed, it creates an odor that is formed due to mildew and mold. This can be unpleasant for both the dog as well as you. 

 

A good waterproof dog bed is one that has a covering that can be tossed right into the washer for cleaning. While your dog may prefer a dog bed that has an odor to it that smells like him, you will definitely prefer to have a dog bed that smells clean when it is in your home. 

 

If you have a dog bed that is outside, such as in a kennel, you need to definitely choose a waterproof dog bed. Larger animals that are kenneled or have dog houses still need a dog bed in which to sleep. A waterproof dog bed is the best solution for any dogs that are kenneled or kept in a dog house.  Even if your dog is only in the dog house for some of the time, it is a good idea to make it comfortable for him by installing a waterproof dog bed. 

 

You can get a waterproof dog bed in a variety of different sizes, depending on the size of your dog. They make a dog bed for all sized dogs, even very large ones. Naturally, the size of the dog bed coincides with the size of the dog. 

 

There are also different patterns and colors from which to choose when you are looking for a dog bed. While your dog will most likely not care whether his waterproof dog bed is blue or red, you can find one that you will like.  Your dog will most likely be attracted by the scent of the dog bed more than anything else. After you have cleaned the waterproof dog bed your dog will most likely roll in it to get his scent onto the bed. After all, he considers the bed to be part of his den and his safety zone. 

 

It is important for any dog owner to make sure that their dog is comfortable, especially when sleeping. You should choose dog beds for comfort as well as those that are waterproof. 

 

How to Stop Dog from Barking

A dog will bark for many different reasons. Dogs may bark to warn you that a stranger is approaching or an intruder is breaking into your home. Dogs that are in pain or frightened will also bark. Dogs also bark to get their owner’s undivided attention or to frighten their owner or other people.

Whatever the reason, we are all in agreement that it can be extremely annoying and look for ways to stop dogs barking. Many dog owners with dogs that bark constantly are charged with disturbing the peace. Thankfully, it is possible to stop dogs barking without just cause.

The best way to stop dogs barking is to train your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark. A number of options are available, the best being the reward/reprimand technique. This method is both humane and effective.

As an alternative to this method of training, some dog owners choose to use an electronic collar, also known as a bark collar. The collar is worn by the dog, which is then activated when he starts to bark. The dog is startled when the collar emits a small electric shock. Eventually, your dog will stop barking as he connects discomfort with his barking. In my opinion, bark collars are a cruel way of training dogs to stop barking.

There are many reasons why electronic collars should never be used, the least of which is that some dogs don’t connect the pain from the shock with their barking. Some dogs are able to tolerate the shocks so the barking continues. Also, dogs with thick coats may not feel the electric shock if the prongs on the collar are not in touching the skin. In addition, just using an electronic collar to stop dog barking hardly ever works. Usually, optimal results are obtained by including dog obedience training.

Although electronic dog collars don’t really hurt dogs, some people think that they could be discouraging to dogs. For this reason, citronella collars are the choice of some people. Citronella collars emit a mist each time the dog barks. Most dogs hate the smell. Once your dog understands that the foul smell is emitted when he barks, he will stop barking to avoid the smell. They are probably just about as successful as electronic collars.

The vast majority of vets and dog trainers believe that, although shock collars can be useful, they are no substitute for good dog training. Obedience training is effective for most dog behavior problems, not just dog barking. It also helps with other dog behavior issues.

Surgery is the most drastic and, in my opinion, barbaric option to stop dogs barking. In order to stop dogs from barking, a portion of the larynx is removed. It is not unheard of for the dog’s bark to return, voiding the surgery. Happily, the majority of vets are against surgery as a way to stop dogs from barking.

In conclusion, I hope we have convinced you that obedience training is the best way to stop dogs barking. You should bear in mind that, if your dogs stops barking by using a barking collar, he will also not alert you to an intruder in your house. By providing your dog with good obedience training, he will protect you and your family but he will also understand when barking is appropriate.

Canine Licking – Why Is Your Dog Licking Everything?

Are you frustrated with canine licking?  If you have a dog licking everything in sight, including you, herself, and the carpet, you and your dog have a problem.  What causes this odd dog behavior?  And is there any way to stop dog licking?

Why Does A Dog Lick Everything?

Dogs lick for many reasons.  Dogs greet their owners and show their affection for them by licking them.  It’s also a way of showing submission to the pack leader.  This is normal dog behavior. 

But sometimes dogs carry this to an extreme, either licking themselves until they develop bald spots, or engaging in excessive licking in dogs around their owners.  Other dogs lick the carpet, or furniture or other items.  These bad dog habits can be extremely frustrating, and even mystifying.

Any time a dog is licking herself enough to cause a bald spot or even a sore, she needs a trip to the vet.  Many problems can cause excessive canine licking, including fleas, allergies, arthritis, and skin irritations.  The more the dog licks, the more she itches, and the more she licks.  It becomes a vicious cycle, and your dog can develop a lick granuloma as a result. 

If your dog licks her paws after she eats, she could have a food allergy.  Try changing her diet.  Check the first four ingredients, and look for a food that doesn’t have corn or meat by-products as one of them.  Check the protein source, too.  If chicken is listed in the first four ingredients, look for one that has lamb or beef instead.

Once medical causes are ruled out, you can assume it’s a dog behavior problem.

Can You Stop Dog Licking?

Yes, you can, but you may have to play detective to figure out why your dog won’t stop licking.  Often, excessive canine licking is due to anxiety.  The dog is licking herself to make herself feel better about something going on in her life.  It can quickly become obsessive compulsive behavior. 

Try to identify why your dog is anxious.  Is your dog left by herself for long hours every day?  It’s possible that you need to be giving your dog more time and attention. 

Dogs also need at least an hour and a half of rousing exercise every day to use up all their pent-up energy.  If you don’t have this much time to spend with your dog, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker during the day.  

Many owners inadvertently train their dogs to develop bad dog habits.  Be aware of when you give your dog the most attention.  Is it when she’s doing something annoying, like licking herself or you or your furniture?  If so, you’re reinforcing the behavior.  Dogs want your attention and will do whatever it takes to get it. 

Start giving her lots of attention when she’s doing something you like.  When she starts to lick, say “no!” very firmly.  If she’s licking you, turn away and ignore her for a couple of minutes.  If she’s licking the furniture or carpet, redirect her with a toy.  With time and persistence, you can successfully train her to end this bad dog habit.

A Good Dog Obedience Course Can Work Wonders

You can see how easy it is to accidentally train your dog to do the exact opposite of what you want her to.  Avoid this problem by finding a good dog training course that includes a free consultation with an experienced dog trainer. 

So go ahead…stop dog licking by taking the first step toward solving the problem of your dog licking everything in sight.

9 effective ways to stop a dog barking and avoid problems with a neighbor

  

9 effective ways to stop a dog barking and avoid problems with a neighbor.

By Dennis Fisher.

A dog that keeps on continually barking – especially at night – is a tremendous nuisance and a source of problems  with your neighbor.   Your neighbor could even be a dog lover but a dog bark that goes on and on can upset even the mildest mannered person.

At one time I was training director of an all breeds training school.  A new member of my Club, who had just joined the class, explained that the reason why she had joined the obedience training school was because she had been obliged to get rid of her previous dog – that she loved dearly – because of the complaints of her neighbor, who had objected to the dogs incessant barking at night.

I told her that it was a great pity she had not started the obedience training before and come to training with  the previous dog, because unnecessary barking can be avoided with the correct training.

The same principle applies to dog training problems as with any problems,

One has to look at the situation logically.  First of all determine why has the problems arisen in the first place?  Secondly what effective measure can be taken to solve the problem.

Why do dogs bark?    Dogs have an inherent guarding instinct and the reason why they bark is because they are warning you of intruders.  Obviously you will have no objection to the dog barking for this reason, so it is important to identify the nature of the bark.

With the little bit of training and observing your dog closely you can tell from the sound of the bark, whether it is an unnecessary bark or whether there is a good reason for the barking.

In the case of incessant barking we are obviously not talking about this type of barking.   Why do some dogs bark incessantly without any apparent reason?   A very common reason is because they are bored and lonely.  The dog is a pack animal and craves company.  If you only have one dog, it is highly likely that this could be the reason.

How do you cope with this situation? 

 

Here are nine ways that have worked for many dog owners who have to deal with angry  neighbors who complained about their dog barking.

(1) Get  another dog as a companion for your dog.  If your dog is a large dog, you can get a small dog, preferably a small spayed bitch.  They will soon become excellent companions.

 (2) Another solutions is to get a toy for the dog.  Dogs love their own special toys. Choose something very durably like a kong that cannot be damaged. During the day make a point of playing with the dog to get rid of excess energy.

 (3)Also make sure that your dog has it’s own special space to sleep where it can be comfortable and feel secure.  Stress is far more common with dogs than people realize. A dog needs to have it’s own area of security as much as humans.

 (4) Obedience Training is absolutely essential with all dogs.  A training school is an ideal place to train your dog because of the opportunities for socialization.  The socialization should begin early. Not only with this prevent aggression with other dogs as the dog grows older, it will also result in a more balanced temperament.

(5)If it’s not convenient to join a training class, this should still not prevent you from socializing your dog by taking it for a walk in public place.

(6) If you hear your dog barking incessantly at night, first of all establish from the sound of the bark whether the animal is warning you of danger or whether it is just barking with no apparent reason.

 (7)If the dog has had some obedience training, you can go and correct the dog with a firm “No!” in the same way as you did in obedience classes when you had to correct the dog unsatisfactory behavior.  

 (8) If you have never had any obedience classes this make the situation a little difficult.  Don’t shout your correction from inside the house, because this has the effect of giving the dog the attention it wants.  Establish your own training schedule.   Use a command that the dog understands when it does something that is not acceptable to you.

 (9)Although you may be tempted to bring the dog inside, especially if the barking continues at night,  DO NOT DO THIS.   Try and resist the temptation. The dog will obviously bark to attract this type of action from you.

You are invited to visit the following site for a great deal of useful information about dog training:  http://www.freedogadvice.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Execive barking- how to choose and use the right anti bark collar for your dog

A dogs bark is a natural form of communication, however, when a dog barks excessively it is usually a symptom of an underlying problem. Let us look now at some of the more common reasons for excessive dog barking, and consider what may be the cause of your dogs barking.

Are your dogs physical needs being properly met, for example, does he have enough food water, adequate shelter and so on. If not, he may be trying to communicate his discomfort to you through his obsessive barking behaviour.

Does your dog receive adequate daily exercise that is adequate for his breed type and plenty of mental stimulation, or does he spend his hours in the garden with no contact from you or your family. If this is the case with your dog, Boredom may be the cause of his unwanted barking.

Does your dog spend much of the day alone at home while you are at work. If the answer is yes, his problem barking may stem from an exaggerated reaction to being left alone or what is referred to as separation anxiety.

Many dogs who bark constantly and unnecessarily are what you could describe as stimulus barkers. These dogs bark obsessively in response to the telephone or doorbell ringing. Is this your Dog?

Do you own a breed who is quite naturally possessive and protective of it’s owners? If the answer is yes, his barking may be due to him having become overprotective.

What about your dogs individual personality, could this be a factor in his obsessive barking? Dogs who have highly strung or nervous personalities can sometimes develop obsessive defensive barking behviour.

Finally, another common cause of excessive and unwanted barking is due to dogs manipulating theor owners. This type of behaviour is more common with smaller dogs, howerver, big dogs can be just adept at barking constantly to get what they want.

Has your dog visited it’s vet recently and been given a clean bill of health? If not, you might consider that poor or failing health may be the root cause of his constant barking. Consider having your dogs health checked before you eliminate poor health as being a reason for your dogs barking.

Now that you have determined the underlying cause of your dogs excessive barking behaviour, you next need to consider whether using an anti bark collar would be the best method in helping him or her overcome this unwanted behaviour. Please remember that when using this type of device, in most cases you are administering a punisher to your dog, therefore, for obvious reasons, it would be ufair to use such a device on a dog who’s barking is a result of separation anxiety or fear for example.

Have you tried any other conventional training methods to put an end to your dogs obsessive barking? If you haven’t tried to tackle the problem in this way, then you might consider this as an option before moving on to using an anti bark collar.

Let us assume then you have tried other forms of training and your dog is still a hard core barker. Let also assume you have decided your dogs motivation for barking warrants the use of an anti barking collar. What is the correct collar for the job? Well, there are basically three types of devices available. Let us look at them individually.

Sonic collar

The Sonic type of collar can be fitted to the dog and left, as it is triggered by movement in the dogs throat. When triggered the collar emits a high pitched sound that is inaudible to the human ear. The high pitched tone is meant to interrupt the dog from barking, whereupon the dogs owner can intervene with positive reinforcement.

Spray collars

This type of anti bark collar commonly emits a squirt of citronella spray at the dogs snout. Again this can be done automatically; or via a remote control. The only possible problem one could imagine to be related to this kind of collar is the use of citronella; dogs have what is called a Vomeronasal organ situated in the roof of the mouth that forms part of the olfactory system and this allows them to taste certain smells if you will. Scent molecules rest on this bonny plate, so as the dog can analyses them. As cironella has a strong lemony smell, this could remain on the vomeronasal organ for some time, therefore when the dog has received a squirt of citronella for barking (a punisher) and stops at once because of the obnoxious smell, the scent or punisher may still remain on the vomeronasal organ for some time after.

An alternative to this this type of collar is a device similar which sprays plain water along with a blast of compressed air.

Ecollar or shock collar

This type of collar is often used when training dogs in the military or police service, where there is a very high degree of complience required from the dog. Unfortunately however, they have recently become popular training devices generally.

The more commonly used type is triggered by a sensor. This kind of collar emits a bleeping sound, that acts as a warning to let the dog know if it persists a punishment will follow.

The second type of electronic collar is operated via a remote control. Different levels of shock are available to the trainer; from low to high and anywhere in between.This collar should never be used other than by a professional who has experience of such devices, and when all other methods of retraining the dog have been exhausted. Using one of these devices correctly, requires exact timing along side positive reinforcement training techniques.

Ten Reasons Why Dogs Bark

If you are considering using a bark collar as a solution to your dog barking problem, then it is important to first understand why dogs bark. Barking is normal behavior and is part of the natural communication of dogs. Simply put, it is as natural for dogs to bark as it is for us humans to speak. If dogs did not bark they would have no other way of communicating with other dogs or with humans. However, dog barking is a problem when it becomes excessive. Excessive barking is an annoying behavior to a dog owner’s family, friends and neighbors. Approximately 35% of dog owners complain that excessive dog barking is their most common behavioral problem in their dog.

There is almost always a reason for a dog to bark and some breeds of dogs have a higher need to bark than others. Breeds of dogs that have a tendency to bark more are Beagles, Terriers, and some herding breeds, such as the Collie or Shetland sheepdog. Certain breeds have actually been bred to bark as part of their watchdog or herding duties. You can find an excessive barker in a purebred dog as well as a mixed breed.

Ten Reasons Why Dogs Bark:

1. Lack of Exercise- Your dog may need longer exercise periods and more play time

2. Boredom, Frustration, Loneliness- Dogs often bark because they need a more stimulating environment to release excess energy and sometimes bark because they are lonely.

3. Separation Anxiety

4. Improper Confinement- Some dogs will bark when they are confined in a room or crate for long periods of time.

5. Play or Excitement- Many dogs will bark when playing with people or other dogs. This type of barking is more common in younger dogs and puppies. Some dogs will even bark when they know they are going for a walk or a car ride.

6. Territorial Protection- This type of barking occurs when strangers or other dogs come near your property.

7. Attention Seeking- Dogs will bark for a need to be met such as food or water, to be let in or out, or in response to pain.

8. A Returning Family Member

9. Trained to Bark- Some dogs are trained to bark for performing certain duties. Hunting dogs, guard dogs, and herding dogs are examples of dogs that are trained to bark while doing their jobs.

10. Environmental Reasons- Your dog may bark at unfamiliar sounds or sudden movements, when a phone rings, when other dogs bark, at passing cars or strangers, road noise, or in response to fear.

If you want to help your dog learn that excessive barking is not acceptable behavior, an electronic bark collar can help. A dog will learn quickly that his barking will result in correction and will soon learn to stop the behavior. A bark collar gives your dog immediate correction that is a distraction to barking. When your dog barks the collar will give a mild static correction, similar to you what you get when you rub your feet on the carpet and then touch something. The correction will become slightly more intense if your dog continues barking. It is important to remember that when you use a dog bark collar, in addition to stopping the excessive barking, you also need to reward the dog for his good behavior. A dog bark collar can help you be successful in controlling unnecessary and annoying barking in your pet.

In order to control excessive barking in our dogs and change their behavior, we first need to understand the reason behind the barking. You can eventually learn your dog’s different barks if you pay close attention to him. If you can figure out why your dog is barking, then you can come up with a solution to the problem. Although barking is a normal and part of the natural communication of dogs, it is possible to control this behavioral problem in your pet.

Preparing Your Dog For Your Baby – Avoid Jealousy And Anxiety During And After Your Pregnancy

Why

Over the years I’ve worked with countless dog-owning young couples with feelings so strong for their dogs that they could not imagine those feelings could be any stronger for a child. However, when they became pregnant they found released from within an even greater capacity for love. An accompanying byproduct of this heightened state is a fierce, innate, hard wired need to provide the safest of environments for their child. From that moment and for many years to come they know that all decisions will revolve around the impact they will have on their child. That first pregnancy launches a furied time of preparation part of which is includes an evaluation of their current environment from its baby-friendly perspective. What was once just a means to access the basement they realize is now a path of potential danger that must be addressed. What was once just a cupboard to store cleaning supplies is now a reservoir of peril. What was once ‘their dog’ is about to become the ‘family dog’ and regardless of their devotion consideration is given to potential for conflict however minor.

Based on past experience some dog owners will be aware of the possibility of jealousy or anxiety however many will not be aware of the potential for either that the addition of a baby can uniquely elicit. Others have little worry about conflict based on malice or fear but much to worry about regarding unruliness. Behavior that could once be worked around; they realize will by necessity need to be addressed. Outside of injury due to unruliness, statistics confirm that an objective eye is warranted and that each dog should be assessed for its baby-friendly status. According to many high profile sources one out of two children is bitten by a dog before reaching the age of twelve and dog bites are greater health problem for children in the US, than measles, mumps, and whooping cough combined. For most dog owners though the risk their dog brings is due more to sheer unruliness than meanness of spirit. However either way intervention before the dramatic change in lifestyle that accompanies the birth of a child is becoming more common amongst dog owning expectant couples.

Myths

My initial interest in infant safety around dogs stems from the prenatal class I took in preparation for the birth of my first son. The nurse teaching the class was asked what precautions should be taken when the expectant parent was also a dog owner. The recommendation offered by the nurse that expectant moms and dads could help prevent future jealousy or anxiety by introducing a baby doll into the house hold, and simulate day to day interaction with an infant. This would entail cuddling, carrying, bathing, dressing, etc. I have read this as well on countless websites and in articles like this one and books. To a layperson this might make sense. However, children’s toys, including baby dolls, are made from the same material as is found in many dog toys. After over 20 years working with thousands of dog I can say with confidence that the keen senses of a dog are not going to be fooled into connecting a baby doll with a true baby and thereby acclimatizing it. However some have been known to make a grab for the baby doll as if it were another plastic toy gift from their owners creating unnecessary worry for the parents to be. 

Another well-meaning myth is that bringing home an infant’s hospital blanket will introduce the dog to its scent and somehow make it easier for the dog to accept the baby when it arrives. Where this advice originally came from remains a mystery but it certainly did not come from a professional. Any behaviorist, psychiatrist or psychologist knows that if desensitization is to have a desired outcome it is a slow incremental process. The idea that a sniff of a blanket might temper the sensory impact that an infant will have is the equivalent of expecting that a glance of the ultrasound image will realistically prepare an expectant mother for her labor experience let alone the impact of all that will follow once she brings her child home. Fortunately, there are much better options to turn to that will help a dog make the transition from being an ‘only child.’

Reality – Some Dogs You Can Change But Some You Cannot

Cohabitation between humans and dogs has existed for thousands of years. However, for better and worse, over the last century the nature of the relationship has changed significantly. Dogs are no longer just a means to an end for securing food, herding and protecting livestock, and protecting home and hearth. For many of us, they have become family members. The upside is that a dog is one of the few things that you can pour a little love into once in a while and harvest back an endless stream of unconditional love. The down side is that as well-meaning as we might be, many of the signals we now send our dogs confuse them as to who should be the teacher and who should be the student and without this stability they often unnecessarily develop behaviors that range from the annoyance of unruly behavior to becoming actual safety liabilities.

Expectant dog owning parents should keep in mind that over the last few decades many of the breeding protocols that lead to a physically and mentally balanced dog have become the exception rather than the rule. Also, training methodologies have changed such that many dog trainers now erroneously believe and so advise their clients that even the slightest discipline will make a dog’s behavior worse and so they recommend all-positive, all the time training. This in spite of the irrefutable evidence provided by every parenting dog, wolf, ape or human that the skills to survive and thrive in the real world come through both positive and negative. The end result of these poor breeding and training practices is that many expectant parents find themselves with a dog with characteristics that can impact the equilibrium of the household from a child’s safety. 

Some of these situations can be resolved by switching to a more realistic training model while others where the dog’s temperament has been more seriously impacted by breeding and training conventions can create anxiety and concern in the expectant parent. Early Intervention Whether for the Unruly or the Uncomfortable Dog Armed with fact rather then myth expectant parents can assess where and why their dog might need their assistance and how either through their own efforts or along with a professional’s develop a strategy that balances their dog’s needs with their baby’s safety.

I have found in the countless assessments I have done for expectant parents that every household can benefit by learning more on how their dog sees the world and makes connections that lead to joy and anxiety. Sometimes it is as simple as learning how to teach baby friendly obedience such as ‘Stay on Your Mat’? or a proper heel and recall so that opportunities to properly exercise their dog and thereby relive its stress can be taken advantage of more often once the baby has arrived. In other situations we discovered that due to circumstances beyond the control of its owners, typically the result of breeding or early socialization, the dog had some yellow or red flag characteristics. In some situations these were addressable, in others they were not. Unfortunately other then the traditional mythical advice outlined above there is in prenatal education very little practical advice for dog owning expectant parents.

The contents of the book, How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Baby ? is a culmination many years of experience working with families and dogs and provides strategies to objectively assess and address real life practicalities that come with babies and dogs living together.

Forewarned is forearmed and consideration as to how a dog and a baby might affect each other should become as an important part of prenatal preparation experience as learning the safest of car seats, cribs, strollers and any other factor that might impact an infant’s well being.

Secret Missions For Obama’S New First Dog

With every wag of its tail the First Dog will accomplish secret missions for dogs everywhere. The White House dog will teach the Obama children and their counterparts in homes across America about compassion, responsibility, and respect for animals while providing plenty of photo-perfect fun and stress relief.

But the dog has already sparked controversy and hope among people who passionately care about animals. The Obama dog will fulfill its missions as the nation’s doggie trendsetter with every choice the family makes for their new pet.

First, there was the issue of whether the Obamas would get a dog from a breeder or adopt a rescue. Not everyone agrees that rescued dogs are the way to go. The First Dog will have to earn high approval ratings to convince skeptics that are opposed to bringing home a dog with an uncertain lineage or past.

The Obamas settled that debate by choosing a rescued Portuguese Water Dog, called Porties. Is this choice of dog delivering the same message as the Obama campaign that anyone, regardless of origin or parentage, can make it into the White House?

Next, pet pundits discussed whether Porties are a good representative of rescued dogs since so few of their breed are abandoned. With an estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats in animal shelters that euthanize 3 to 4 million annually, animal lovers hope the First Dog will demonstrate that any type of rescued animal makes a great family pet.

Other questions have been raised: Will the new dog be hypoallergenic enough and is there actually such a creature as an allergy-free canine? Can a Portie protect Sasha and Malia, or will the gregarious, happy-go-lucky dog be oblivious to danger?

Another secret mission of the White House dog will be to set an example for children and pets by offering the Obama children a chance to experience what it’s like to have another creature depend on them.

The ASPCA’s “Guide to Kids and Pets” on its website clue parents in on what to expect children of various ages to do with an adopted animal. American Humane Association states on its website, “We believe that one of the best ways to protect children and animals — and, on a broader scale, create a more humane world — is through humane education that teaches kindness toward other people, animals and the environment.”

In line with the axiom that children learn leadership skills and empathy by having a pet, First Lady Michelle Obama has stated unequivocally that her children will do the walking and poop scooping.

Children who implore their families to adopt a dog typically face the dilemma of how to keep up with responsibilities of pet ownership when juggling school assignments and activities and thriving social lives. If Mrs. Obama succeeds in keeping her high-profile children engaged in daily dog duties, parents can point to the White House and say, “See? Sasha and Malia are taking care of THEIR pooch.”

One example of dogs having a mission coming to the aid of children is in our new book, Angel Dogs with a Mission (New World Library, 2008). Zoom, a Cardigan Welsh corgi, and Deb Richeson of Smithfield, Kentucky began visiting a local elementary school and offering the dog’s patient listening skills to special needs students. Not only “Zoom’s Kids” improved, but also the entire school’s reading test scores rose. Perhaps Sasha and Malia will read school papers to the First Dog that they write at the desk in the Lincoln bedroom and be encouraged by canine appreciation.

Some of the questions that will be raised about the First Dog are serious. The ways in which the Obamas deal with the following issues are sure to send important messages about responsible care to those homes that already contain America’s 60 million dogs.

* Considering the pet food debacle, what will the First Dog eat? Organic pet food? Wheat and corn-free? Vegetarian? What brands?

* Will the snow and ice-melting products used on the White House sidewalks be pet-safe?

* Does everybody know not to use cocoa mulch on the Rose Garden?

* Who is in charge of patrolling the premises so plants and foods that are toxic to dogs – grapes, raisons, chocolate, onions, artificially sweetened products — aren’t at drooling-mouth level?

* Where will the Obama dog sleep at night? In the bedroom with the children or in a crate somewhere else? Will it be the right size crate?

* Are the Obamas using biodegradable poop bags? It might sound like a funny question but savvy environmentalists will want to know.

Then, there will be fodder for comedians and national news segments:

* Who will train the most famous dog in the world not to bite reporters or will that lesson be discreetly skipped?

* Will the dog have a Secret Service code name? What should it be?

* Will the dog sport a diamond-studded collar and sleep on a $500 dollar doggie bed as befits its celebrity status?

* When the Obama children have sleepovers, will friends bring their canines for doggie night out?

* What famous person or figure from history will the dog dress as for Halloween?

* Who will be the official White House doggie photographer?

* Which dog toys will grace the gleaming and carpeted floors and new playground?

* Does the dog’s name have ethnic or historical origins? Does it more creatively top previous First Dog names such as Spot, Buddy, Millie, Lucky, Grits, Liberty, Checkers, Him and Her, Feller, Heidi, Duke, Pushinka, and King Tut?

Summing up the First Dog’s capacity for bringing about change, we believe that although the new White House dog might become a source of debate and emulation, one of the dog’s greatest missions is just to be the First Family’s pet. Relief will come when the Obamas engage in a tug-toy pull instead of wrestling with the economy and other issues. For a moment, they can relax and forget the cares of the day.

Hopefully the First Dog will unite more than divide us. After all, who can resist a cute face and unconditional love? But the dog’s greatest mission may be as a pack leader for the two out of three American households with pets, so that all dogs will have good and safe homes, even if they’re not living in white houses.

What do you think the secret missions of Obama’s new First Dog will be?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

Buy A Dog Based On Breed

You should be aware of the fact that dogs are made differently from each other and although some may have similar traits, they can be very different. The differences in temperament and character among dog types can be as varied as the differences in people. It’s important to research what dog breed would be a great match to your lifestyle or to your home. That way you you won’t run into trouble when you bring a dog home. There are numerous types of dog breeds to choose from. Some are purebred and some are cross-bred, like the Labradoodle which is a combination of a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever.

There are numerous questions to consider. One of the first questions to ask yourself is, what size dog can your home handle? Do you have a yard?Having a yard for a dog to run around in, or one large enough for good size dog pens, means you can get a larger breed. The next big consideration is if you have children. If so, you would want a dog whose breed is mild mannered and can get along well playing with youngsters. While some dog breeds can get along well with older children, some of them would not do well with the antics of small kids. A home with small youngsters needs a medium to large size dog that is gentle by nature and patient with kids. Often, small kids treat their dogs like a toy. They don’t understand that a dog is not something they should include in their roughhousing as they or the dog could get hurt.

Does your home or business needs a watchdog so you’d be looking at larger, more aggressive breeds. Or maybe you would rather have a dog that you can enter into dog show competitions. Perhaps you just want a pet that can be your best buddy to stay by your side as you watch television or go for a walk. Do you live alone? If so, you might want a pet that doesn’t need as much attention and can be left alone while you go to work all day. One that would be content by playing with his toys or sleeping most of the day.
In deciding on the right dog breed for you, these questions are practical considerations.

Dogs can also be divided by two other major families, those that shed their coats or hair and those that in reality barely lose hair at all. Shedding is a huge complaint of dog owners. Dog hair is usually found on your clothing, furniture and lands on your guests’ clothes when they sit down. Be aware that even some short hair breeds can shed. The shedding of hair can be categorized into those that barely shed, seasonal shedding only or constantly dropping hair.

Different breeds will also have fundamental differences in both height and weight. Dog breeds, in terms of their weight can be stated as smaller dogs weighing under 10 pounds, 11-25 pounds is the typical weight of medium dogs, large dogs may weigh 26-50 pounds and extra large dogs weigh 51 to 80 pounds. Mastiffs and St. Bernards which belong to those extremely large dog breeds can tip the scale at 100-180 pounds.  In choosing a breed, don’t settle on the dog as it appears a pup. Remember to make your choice dependent on the size the dog will grow to as an adult. You shouldn’t be shocked to see that your big dog has an appetite as big or bigger than yours. Taking home a dog like a Mastiff means having a costly dog food bill. You may also want to be sure you have sturdy furniture that can withstand any roughhousing accidents.

Take time to study the dog breed, size, disposition and grooming requirements before you make a choice. More grooming and care may be needed of some dog types like those used in dog shows, or those with longer hair. Some dog breeds are more prone to certain illnesses and diseases. So do your research before buying. Having correct information about the different dog breeds will help you make the right choice so that you and your dog can have a balanced and positive relationship.

Next Page »