Dogs Health Care Foremost
Dogs Scratchings Doesn’t Mean We Have Fleas! Just That We’re Digging Around For Puppies and dogs raising help for beleaguered owners.
Buying A New Puppy Dog
So, you've agonized long enough. Now you know you want a puppy. You've done all your homework, know the commitment involved in raising, care and training a new puppy dog. Breed and gender selection was carefully studied and you're ready, in fact, chomping at the bit, to get that new little friend for life. But where do you go to find your new puppy?A local pet shop should be a handy, quick place, right? Absolutely wrong, with a capital W. The source of pet shop puppies is always guaranteed to be a "puppy mill," whether the shop owner knows it or not. In case you're not aware, "puppy mills" are breeding operations run by unscrupulous profiteers interested only in making a quick buck by turning out litters as fast as possible. They do this by breeding their females on every heat, with no respite to regain strength and good health. The dogs generally live in miserable, overcrowded, often filthy conditions and are usually euthanized when their reproduction capacity begins to wane.
A responsible breeder is the only source you should buy your new puppy from. What is a responsible breeder and how do you locate one? A reputable breeder is one who really cares about the dogs or puppies he sells. He has taken the time to learn and practice good canine genetics and insists on knowing his pups will be going to the right kinds of homes. In doing that, he may seem an "Interrogator," asking so many questions it may make a potential buyer's head spin. But, that's the kind of breeder you'll want to find.
It isn't too difficult either. Breed clubs and breed groups for specific breeds provide a good, reliable source to start your search. Many of these can easily be uncovered with some internet surfing, along with publications devoted to the breed you want.
Once you've located your breeder of choice, a phone call and/or email can elicit answers to questions you'll want to ask. For instance: references that you can contact, especially any who have recently bought dogs or puppies from him; photos of a litter's sire and dam and their bloodlines; special guarantees and/or conditions of sale, etc.
Though the entire process may seem lengthy, when you finally conclude all arrangements and pick up your new puppy dog, be assured of a mutually happy lifelong friendship that made it all worthwhile.
Stumble It!
Dog’s Vaccination Notes
Vaccinations for dogs-often called “shots” are an important consideration in canine health. When you’re buying a puppy or older dog, be sure to ask the breeder for the dog’s vaccinations certificate. Most reputable breeders can supply this willingly, often without you requesting it.
But, absent a certificate for whatever reason, you should take your new puppy or adult dog to your veterinarian for a general health checkup and to receive inoculations for parvo, canine distemper, kennel cough and hepatitis. Puppies normally receive their shots at 6 to 8 weeks of age, with follow-ups at between 12 and 16 weeks. Adult dogs should get regular booster shots annually.
Puppies Tail Wagging: Learned Or Instinctive?
If you’ve never been privileged to see a litter of two- or three-week-old puppies, chances are you’d be surprised there are no happily wagging tails in evidence. After all, healthy, happy dogs always seem to be tail-wagging no matter what they’re doing. So what’s the problem with the aforementioned youngsters? Well, the fact is that puppies generally just don't wag their tails until they‘re about four weeks old.
Why Do Dogs Like Licking?
Some owners wonder about their dogs licking behavior, does it signal a troublesome condition they should worry about? Obviously, odd behavior should always be a concern for the caring owner. But licking can take various forms, some of which can certainly provoke annoyance. Depending on how and what your dog is licking can provide a clue to the why and wherefore, and help you understand, change or modify the situation.
Some dogs who like licking their owners do so out of deference or submission. Such a condition is of little concern and can easily be ignored unless it becomes excessive.
Often, though some owners pay it no mind, their dog licks their legs, hands or arms to taste applications of various lotions. Applying such lotions should only be done well before dogs have close access to their owners.
Other licking circumstances may indicate more serious conditions, which need consultations with a veterinarian to determine whether physical conditions exist that require medical attention to eliminate.
DOGS NEED TO BE RID OF WORMS PARASITES
Dogs and puppies should be wormed (actually, de-wormed might be more accurate) on a regular basis. Regular wormings are necessary to control the culprit critters known as hookworms, whipworms, roundworms and tapeworms, all of which live in the dog's intestine. The usual procedure is easily done with one of the tablet or liquid preparations available commercially. It's recommended to worm your dog every three months, with puppies done more often, according to your veterinarian's instructions. He determines the need by fecal examination. Besides the above mentioned worms parasites, one of the most pernicious types is the heartworm. These can be deadly. Mosquitoes, which are found almost everywhere, are the host carrier of the heartworm. It's strongly suggested that testing and treatment, if necessary, be undertaken by your veterinarian.
A Dog Training Bribe Can Work Wonders
Bribery may be illegal, unconscionable or even immoral in much of today’s society. But there’s nothing wrong with it in training your dog. Tidbit rewards can be an essential in initially teaching your puppy his name, to come when called, to sit, lie down, be quiet and a whole host of things necessary for the future good manners of a new puppy dog. Their use can largely be phased out gradually when lessons are properly learned and solidified. However, an occasional treat can keep your dog’s obedience sharp all the time, since he’ll never be sure a reward won’t be forthcoming.
Your Dog On Pill Medicine? Try Giving The Easy Way
Like many new dog owners, do you have trouble giving pill medicine to your pooch?. In particular, pills seem to prove a major nuisance You pop one in; your dog spits it out repeatedly. Impatience rises and, finally, either the pill crumbles on the floor or you accept defeat and arrange another trip to the vet. Ok, how can you master successful pill-giving?
Dog Pills Can Taste Good
There are two approaches: the expert way and the resourceful method. Try the second one first. Bury the pill in a gob of peanut butter, soft cheese or a piece of liverwurst. If your dog is a food-freak, victory becomes an easy triumph. But… if not, try the expert technique. Put your dog in the sitting position, then, placing the pill medicine between your thumb and forefinger, push his lower jaw downward. Center the pill as far back as possible in his throat, then clamp his mouth shut and gently massage his throat until the pill is swallowed. Observe him for several minutes, since some dogs are great fakers and will spit out the pill when they think you’re not looking.
Easily Train A New Puppy Dog Not To Jump Up
Early training a new puppy dog not to jump up will avoid a troublesome problem later on. You might think it’s cute when your little, say, Great Dane, puppy plants his front feet against your leg, begging for attention. But stop and think ahead about eight or ten months when he tips the scales at better than 100 pounds. Not so cute then, when his unexpected running leap bowls you over with his enthusiastic greeting. It’s even worse if it happens to a visitor in your home who gets injured.So, keep your puppy from developing the jumping up habit via a few easily used training tactics. Simply pushing your pup down won’t cut the mustard, and, in fact, may reinforce the unwanted behavior. Why? Well, what puppy wants is attention from you and he may construe your pushing as an invitation to play. Rather, you should ignore and turn your back on him while simultaneously commanding “sit” Pay him no further attention until he obeys the order and remains sitting for at least 10 seconds.
Another method to try involves crouching down every time you greet your puppy. Sometimes running at him as he’s coming toward you, will back him off long enough for you to issue the “sit” command. A startling distraction offers still an additional option. For example, a soda can filled with pebbles or pennies thrown close to the pup can provide a momentary draw back that allows you time to tell him to “sit.”
When your puppy's totally indoctrinated in the no jumping up behavior, he will be well on his way to becoming a pleasure for you to own.
Dog Rescue Is Its Own Reward
One way to get around the potential problem of knowing the size (and even the kind of personality) a pooch will be at maturity, is to forget about buying a puppy and instead choose a full-grown dog. Yet, because buying an adult dog is not the easiest of chores, it's often a disregarded option.
A perfect solution can be found in "Rescue" opportunities offered by various breed clubs. Such operations have dogs (usually adults) put up for adoption. Many may be dogs of the particular breed sponsored by the club, although other breeds, some of mixed origin, may also be available. Why are these canines up for adoption? Reasons vary widely from strays found wandering city streets or suburban communities, to ill, incapacitated or deceased owners or even folks forced to give up a dog due to moving to an apartment or condo prohibiting pets.
On the internet, using search engines, you'll discover nearly unlimited numbers of Rescue websites to plumb for the riches of adoptees from which to choose your perfect pooch.
Puppies Need Grooming, Too!
Keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy and clean is one of the most often neglected facets of ownership. Yet, all it takes you is a few minutes, three or four times a week, to devote to brushing and grooming your “Best Pal.” The regular grooming routine (brushing, for short coats; combing for longhaired pooches) removes snarls, knots and dead hair and gives the coat a clean, glossy look, reflecting an owner who cares.
At the same time, the procedure provides opportunity to thoroughly inspect your dog’s skin, revealing any otherwise unobserved problems, like lumps, sores, ticks or fleas. Then, once spotted, these troubles can be properly cared for. Make it a point to resolve regular grooming sessions for your dog. He’ll be happier, and so will you.
8 dog training tips for you and your dog. by: Fayola Peters
Dog training requires simple persistence to be a successful and
delightful experience for you and your dog.
Here are 8 dog training tips to guide you along the way.
1. Dog Training Tips - Get your dog's attention
Before you can start training your dog you first need to get its
attention. You can do this by talking to him and offering him a small treat.
2. Dog Training Tips - Use the correct dog training supplies
If you have a well behaved dog a six foot training lead and a regular
buckle collar will do. However if you dog is uncontrollable you should
use a training collar. For the right collar size measure the dogs' neck
and add 2 inches.
3. Dog Training Tips - For safety in vehicles
Before you introduce your dog to the inside of a moving vehicle you
should teach him the 'down!' and 'stay!' commands. This ensures that he
spends the ride on the floor of the vehicle.
4. Dog Training Tips - Elimination
When your dog got to go it got to go. To prevent your dog from getting
busy on the carpet you should train him to eliminate on command.
5. Dog Training Tips - Praise
Always praise your dog when he learns a new command.
6. Dog Training Tips - Reprimand
Do not hit your dog! Any time your dog is engaging in bad behavior, use
the opportunity to teach him the 'stop!' or 'no!' command. Using the
'stay!' command can also be effective in these situations.
7. Dog Training Tips - Play with your dog
This will help in building the bond between you and your dog.
8. Dog Training Tips - Do some dog training everyday
Don't rush dog training. Teach your dog one command at a time and don't
move on until he gets it. A little dog training everyday is all that's
needed.
Well that's it for my dog training tips. Enjoy training your dog and
remember that it takes simple persistence.
About the Author
Fayola Peters is the webmaster of The-Dog-Training-Guide.com
(http://www.the-dog-training-guide.com)
Dogs Heat Cycle
You’ve just bought or adopted a beautiful little female puppy and you’re wondering all about her anticipated heat cycle. Depending on her breed and/or size, she will start her first heat at approximately six months of age. Some large breeds may not go into heat until they reach about their 14 month.
Signs To Look For
One of the first indications a female canine (accurately known as a bitch) is beginning her heat is some bleeding from her vagina, along with swelling of her vulva. You’ll have to look sharply if your pup is a small or toy breed, since these gals may only show slight bleeding. Also, male dogs hanging around your house are a pretty sure sign your little gal is in heat.
How Long Do Dogs Stay In Heat?
The heat cycle occurs twice annually and normally runs about three weeks, during which time a bitch can become pregnant if bred. Breeding at her first heat is generally frowned upon by experienced dog people, since pregnancy saps a good deal of energy and strength while a young dog is still growing into maturity. While she’s in heat, be sure she can’t get loose out of the house to prevent her being bred accidentally. After the 21st day, clean up around her vulva and surrounding coat area.