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The Artful Dog Shopper - I am a dog lover by nature. I have just always loved the little four legged fur balls. Another thing I have always loved is animal art. It could be photographs, paintings, statues or even dog cartoons. I don't really know why I like them, but I do. I've noticed there are a lot of other animal art lovers out there too. It seems to be a natural connection. People with children often have a ton of pictures of their children. People with pets are not that different.

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ - 1) Why should I crate train my dog? Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or bed? The reason is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a house. If you don't provide it, they will create it themselves in an effort to feel safe and secure. A crate serves as a den for your dog. 2) How does crate training work?

What's In Your Dog Food? - According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be around 25 to 30 years, yet the average dog generally lives no longer than about 13 to 14 years. She says that this deficit is due largely to poor nutrition. For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent moisture, which leaves very little room for nutrition.

Commercial Pet Food for Your Dog? - What you feed your dog is really SO important for your dog's ultimate health, susceptibility to illness, and longevity. You know, if you really want your dog to be as healthy as s/he can be, you should stop feeding ANY of the widely available commercial dog foods. I'm talking here about the types of dog food commonly found in supermarkets, and even about most of the supposedly superior brands sold in some supermarkets, pet food shops, and even by many vets.

How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too - Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Don’t despair; instead, keep in mind the following hints while searching and you’ll know what choice is right for you and your lifestyle. First, it’s a little depressing to think about a Great Dane in an apartment your friends have dubbed “the water-closet”. Even if you are able to hire a dog walker, it’s going to be too cramped for you both.

Have an Itchy Dog? Consider These Grooming Tips Before Turning To Chemical Treatments - Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a variety of factors. Dogs actually have more sensitive skin than humans, and are often exposed to a variety of irritants in their environment. These grooming tips may help alleviate your dog’s constant itching. Brushing your dog daily will remove pollens, grasses, and other outdoor irritants as well as stimulating the skin’s circulation and preventing matting.

Dog Safety - Summer is coming and more and more people are putting the tops down on their convertibles, letting their dogs get fresh air out of an open automobile window, or letting the dear dog ride in the back of an open pickup truck. This seems like a great idea and dogs do love the wind in their fur; but! It can be a very dangerous thing to allow your dog to do.

4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know - 4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know by Mark Eckenrode You’ve probably had a day or two when you felt like your dog just wasn’t paying any attention to you at all, right? You talked, you yelled, you shouted, maybe you jumped up and down and waved your arms, but she just wasn’t interested in anything you had to say to her in any tone of voice. You’re not alone. 1. Your dog isn’t human.

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together - Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best can be the stuff of childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of heartache and pain and even injury. How can you ensure that your child and Man's Best Friend have a loving and safe relationship? Mostly, it's the responsibility of the adults of the house to teach toddlers and even older children that a dog is not a toy. It's a living, breathing creature that feels pain, shame and humiliation as much as love, pride and happiness.

Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training - There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large adoring eyes, and unconditional love pave the way for a new attachment. Yet many new puppy owners quickly learn that their adorable little pets come without a whole lot of knowledge about what is expected of them. Clicker training for dogs, an easy system of positive reinforcement, can turn that clueless puppy into an obedient delight. The clicker is a small, hand held device that literally 'clicks' when you press it.

Baby Safety & the Family Dog - I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was for moments of peace and quiet as well as much needed arm rest. A recent CNN article addresses valid concerns about dogs and mechanical swings. It is important to keep in mind that all dogs react differently and supervision is a must all the time! I have seen first hand a variety of reactions to baby equipment by different dogs.

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 2 of 3 - Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just can’t decide where to begin? If so, let’s break it down and sort through all the options. In Part 2 of this 3 Part Series, we’ll continue looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. We’ll learn what it is that brings various breeds together to form a Group. Learning about each Group will narrow down our search for the best Breed(s) for us.

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 1 of 3 - Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just can’t decide where to begin? If so, let’s break it down and sort through all the options. Over a series of 3 unscientific articles, we’ll begin by looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. We’ll learn what commonalities bring various breeds together to form a Group. Learning about each Group will narrow down our search for the best Breed(s) for us.

Dog Training – Early Training Is Essential - Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like all youngsters they need training. If you do not train your puppy now it will take a serious amount of help from a training school to get him to be obedient later on. Puppies just like babies learn mostly in their early years and unfortunately will also pick up the bad habits also. Early attention will save you heartache later on and give you more quality time.

5 Surefire Ways to Show Your Dog You’re The Boss - You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let’s take a look at what a “pack mentality” means. Dogs are born into packs – in the wild, packs are the essential social order. Unlike humans, who use a variety of political processes to determine leadership and rank, dogs sort out their social order by dominance and power. In a wolf pack, there is a Top Dog – a clear leader who is the dominant, Alpha male.

First Aid For Dogs - Before your dog encounters an emergency, maybe as dog owner you should consider learning a little about dog first aid. Pet supply stores will often sell dog first aid kits, but here are a few tips on how to make your own kit or supplement the one you bough from the pet store. Even if your dog has never bitten anyone before, you should always keep a muzzle in your dog first aid kit. Muzzles come in all different sizes and can be purchased from most pet stores.

Is Your Dog Fat? - Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs. You can and should do something about it. Overweight dogs may live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their unconditional love and companionship may be shortened because of it. Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and play comfortably and their breathing may be labored.

How Intelligent is Your Dog - It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence in your dog. Even puppies that are not especially smart nonetheless display flashes of brilliance in their behavior. And it is also very normal to look for the same things in our pets that we look for in our children, like a keen mind, a sense of humor and loyalty. But the trait that we tend to brag about the most is actually our dog’s intelligence. There is not really a single type of canine intelligence.

Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry - The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake. Now, as then, charms are often given by mothers to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms. Many women start collecting them as pre-teens and continue adding to the collection as they mature. Charm bracelets make an ideal gift because of their broad appeal.

Dog Jewelry: Express Your Love For Mans Best Friend - Dog jewelry is a favorite not only amongst dog lovers, but also amongst those who like to own different kinds of animal jewelry. Dog jewelry ranges from bracelets to charms to totems to specially made dog jewelry for men and women. Most of the high end quality dog jewelry is made from yellow gold or white gold, but may also be made in sterling silver. These are the more expensive varieties of dog jewelry other more reasonably priced variations of dog jewelry are also available.

Natural Dog Shampoos are Good for Your Dog's Skin and Coat - A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your dog always having a lush, soft coat? Does your dog's skin remain rash and itch free? If you said yes to either or both of the above questions, yours is a very fortunate dog. More likely, like me, you said "No", or, perhaps "Sometimes". Most of our dogs suffer from a dull coat and/or a skin irritation of some type from time to time.

Dog Shock Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits - Dog Shock Collars Dog shock collars are a touchy subject among animal owners. While their goal is to train a dog to follow a set of rules, many people feel they can be cruel to animals. There are many reasons to believe this and more to not believe. Here are some facts and some ideas to consider if you are in the market to purchase a dog shock collar. First of all, the name itself, dog shock collar, is a turn off. No decent pet owner wants to hurt his pet.

Fat and Obese Dogs Live Shorter Lives - Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing dogs. If you love your dog, you should do something about it. Overweight dogs live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their precious companionship may be shortened because of it. Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and play comfortably and their breathing can become labored.

Train Your Dog With Respect - Proper training of your dog should begin when he is a puppy. The first four months of a dog’s life are very important in the training of your dog. This is when they learn behaviors that they will practice in the future. Socializing your dog is one of the most important things you can do to influence your dog’s future behavior. As soon as you bring your new puppy home, you should start letting him interact with other puppies, dogs and humans.

Correcting a Dog Behavior Problem - Jumping - The first thing to realize when you are training a dog is that he only does things that work. Therefore, when you are dealing with a dog behavior problem, the first thing you need to address is, “What is he getting out of it?” With jumping, your dog is trying to get some attention-any attention. Is it working? It is if they are still doing it! Even if it is negative attention, the dog will still persist in his attempt. They are very diligent.

The Different Breeds Of Dogs - The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There are seven different groups in which the dog can belong. They are assigned to one of the groups based on what the breed of dog was originally developed for. There is also a miscellaneous group if the dog doesn’t fit into one of the seven. The seven different dog groups are as follows. The first is the sporting group. These dogs were developed to work with people who hunted birds.

Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips - Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too Late Canine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. What’s more, distemper often mimics benign problems, like the common cold. This is truly the most insidious aspect of this illness. Sadly, many cases progress to the point where they are no longer treatable before the owner even realizes what's happened.

Dog Clicker Training - Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs and people that the training part just slips in! Dog clicker training gets the dog to figure out what you want, making it an enjoyable game. This wonderful, cruelty-free method is revolutionizing dog training! Have you tried it yet? It's quite easy to learn at a basic level, and once you and your dog get the habit, it can be used for many enjoyable tricks as well as for all the essentials of training.

Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog - Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy and fun process. First, start by putting the crate somewhere the puppy enjoys being. Try the family room or wherever everyone "hangs out". Open the door and just let your puppy explore at his own pace. Reward him for going near it by tossing a cheerio or some other small treat. To teach the words "kennel" (I use go to bed) Just toss in a treat and say the word. Don't shut the door everytime. Never shove your dog in a crate.

Electric Dog Fences: Keep You Pet in the Yard and Out of Places You Don't Want Them to Be - Electric Dog Fences Is an electric dog fence something for you? Are you concerned about your dog roaming the neighborhood? Or, are you having trouble containing your animal and your neighbors are complaining? Finding an electric dog fence is the easy part. Deciding which electric fence is for you is another story. Choosing an electric fence can save you many aggravations. Dogs can jump over, chew through, and even dig under most other types of fences leaving you helpless.

Is your Dog Malnourished? - Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets ... particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets' food to be acceptable for human consumption. After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets' food?

Burberry for Dogs? - Burberry is one of the world's famous designer brands. But branded trench coats and sweaters for dogs? A thought that may make you raise your eyebrows! Is today's designer fashion selling out? Despite what you might think, high-class designer labels also cater for your pets nowadays as does British luxury label Burberry who has just released their own collection of Burberry clothing for dogs.

Dog Anxiety - Fear of Thunderstorms, and Other Dog Fears - How to Deal With Anxiety in Your Dog Anxiety in dogs can be caused by any number of things - illness, travel, thunderstorms, death in the family, separation, or they may develop unexplained phobic or neurotic behaviour, or barking or other antisocial behaviour. If you can identify the cause of the anxiety, then the best solution to the problem is to remove the cause.

Dog Clothes make Great Gifts - When it comes to the art of giving, a gift of clothes is fraught with peril. We all have stories to tell, and if you don't, you will. Just give it time. Mine started early. My grandmother, having survived the Depression, knew how to stretch a dollar. Clothes for her grandkids were always purchased 3 or 4 sizes too big so we could "grow into them". And she passed this charming trait on to my mother.

How to Start a Dog Bakery Business - How to Start a Dog Bakery Business A dog bakery business is a lucrative choice for a pet business to start if you want to enter the pet industry! Opening a dog bakery also allows you a few different choices as to how you want to set up your business. You open a store front dog bakery, online store and within these two choices come more choices; wholesale, retail or both! Find out the Laws in your state.

Dog Lover Gifts - Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday" or "Merry Christmas" a dog owner will agree that dog lover gifts are always among those most cherished and appreciated. Many times, a dog lover's gift is designed with a specific breed in mind; among the various popular breeds owned include the following...

Train Your Dog To Be Your Frisbee Playing Buddy - On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem like just a bit of fun, but this activity actually holds other benefits as well.1. Certain breeds are accustomed to an active lifestyle, so, when they are forced to remain idle, they tend to create interesting diversions to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, their idea of fun may be something that you consider to be destructive behavior.

Dog Obedience Training - Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several tips to keep in mind before starting any dog obedience training. First of all, understand that dogs have an attention span of no more than ten minutes. Training routines, therefore, should be limited to this time frame. Secondly, all training should be positive. Reward your dog for correct behavior and always end your obedience training sessions on a positive note. Training for a dog is similar to going to work for a human.

Smelly Cats And Dogs - If a cat or dog smells bad to you the owner, there may be an underlying problem. The first thing that a pet owner needs to do if their cat or dog starts to smell bad is try to figure out where the problem lies. Usually cats are meticulous groomers, so if you were to notice an odiferous emanation from your cat, it could be a sign of bigger problems. A cats aroma can be less than pleasing for many reasons.

Dog Names - The name you choose for your dog will say a lot about your dog, as well as you! Every day puppies are been given names that they will eventually come to know as their identities. Different dog owners have different methods they use to determine their dogs name. The majority of dog owners tend to choose their dogs name with two syllables ending in y or ie. Experts have told us that dogs are more likely to recognize one or two syllable names.

Dog Worms -- Don't Let Them Get Started - There may be no warning before dog worms strike. It was about two AM, when beneath our bed the new puppy we'd brought home from the pound just a month earlier began screaming. Not yipping or whining -- this was the kind of agonized screams that'll stand your hair up on end. Our cute, playful new puppy was being eaten alive from inside. He had worms, even though he'd received all the right shots just a few weeks before.

Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You? - Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog? Not an obsession, mind you – not the sort of longing that would send you rushing to a breeder, thousand-dollar-bill in your sweaty palm – but just a gentle appreciation for the virtues of the Poodle, Pug or Pyrenean Mastiff? Let’s say you have -- but you thought buying a purebred pup was a less-than-ideal use of your family’s resources. If that’s the case, it might be time to look up your local Dog Rescue organization!

Dog Houses and Kennels - If you keep dogs outside, choosing dog houses and kennels that are appropriate for their breeds and the climate where you live is crucial. Some kennels are designed primarily for shelter from heat and the sun, while others are built with cold winter weather in mind. By doing just a bit of research into the many options of dog houses and kennels you have available, you can be sure that your puppies will be optimally comfortable and safe from the elements in your area.

The Gifts We Give Our Dogs - Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep! Times have changed. As the world has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized.

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him - 4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him by Mark Eckenrode Do you have at least one framed photo of your dog somewhere in your house... or maybe in your wallet? Is your dog pretty darn close to being the very center of your universe? Do you love spoiling him, respond to his every whimper and cry, and spend hundreds of dollars on gourmet treats? To say that dogs are man's best friend is anything but a cliché.

Dog Crate Buyer's Guide- How to choose the right crate and accessories - Why use a crate: When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog's instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to "hold it" until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control.

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog - 5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog by Mark Eckenrode Do you really know all there is to know about your canine companion’s nutritional needs? Many pet owners think they’re doing what’s best for their dogs when it comes to food, but in reality they rely on pure instinct more than science. Nutrition isn’t a guessing game, even when it comes to your pooch.

How Many Dogs Are Too Many? - I’m a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community. Why? Because I testified in support of a new regulation to limit pet ownership to no more than a total of three dogs and/or cats, older than six-months of age, in one household. The reason for the age threshold is to give people time to place any puppies or kittens that their family pet has. Every major dog/pet organization I’m familiar with opposes such regulations or laws.

Crate Training for Puppies and Dogs - Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog, or even whether you should? Crate training gets a dog so used to being closed into a crate that he or she can safely be left in it for hours at a time, though only when necessary. The method has its pros and cons. If it works for your dog, it gives both you and the dog a wonderful flexibility in many situations. Crate Training: PRO Crate training helps tremendously in potty training puppies and adult dogs.

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part One - Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate Train Crate training dogs, (or crate training puppies) if approached correctly is by far one of the most effective tools you can use to form good dog behavior. The most subtle mistakes in crate training are sometimes the worst because they go undetected and are repeated over and over again which can make the whole experience of potty training dogs negative and frustrating.

10 Questions I'm Most Asked about Dogs in Heat - 1. What is heat? Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It’s equivalent to human menstruation.2. What are the symptoms? Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don’t expect bleeding comparable to a human female. For small dogs, it’s usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle.

Online guide for training a dog - Online guide for training a dog Guide for training a dog So you can use a guide for training a dog. At one time or another we all did. There's no more joy and a certain amount of fun especially when it comes to helping our new best pet friend. That little guy wants desperately wants to please you so we need to find ways to break the communication gap. You can rely on a guide for training a dog as those writers have been there and done that.

Bow Lingual Dog Translator - Does it work? - Arrf, Woof, Bow-wow! Ever wonder what these dog sounds mean? Do you think your dog might be trying to say something really important to you? Well now you may be able to find out. The Japanese toy company Takara claims that their new dog translator called Bow-Lingual can actually translate dog sounds into human words and phrases. The device comes in two parts: a radio microphone that attaches to the dog's collar, and a receiver held by the owner that is said to translate the dog's barks.

Who's Pulling On The Leash, You Or Your Dog? - Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation is that you and your dog are equally enjoying the walk and neither is pulling and tugging the other in any certain direction. If your dog tends to be pulling you off into its own direction a large amount of the time you are walking, you can train the dog to stop doing this. What's interesting is that you have actually been training the dog to do this behavior not only by allowing it but by supporting it without realizing it.

A Dog Name is Something To Be Chosen Carefully - How important is a dog name? Well let's think about this. How often do you call your dog? Who will hear your dog's name? Will you be writing to anyone about this dog? Now that you think about the times you'll use the name, maybe you should put some thought into what that dog name is. I mean, if you have a Great Dane who weighs 120 lbs, you might not want to call him something like Baby or Tiny. Or you might... it's a personal thing. Personally, Tiny would be hilarious to me.

Help Your Dog Become a Good Canine Citizen - Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you may be able to get an award to prove it from the American Kennel Club (AKC) through its Canine Good Citizen Program. This certification program is for all dogs, whether purebred or mutt. Any dog who has completed his vaccinations can be tested, and there is no upper age limit. Ten behaviors are tested:1. Accepting a friendly stranger2. Sitting politely for petting3. Letting someone brush and groom him4.

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 3 of 3 - Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just can’t decide where to begin? If so, let’s break it down and sort through all the options. In Part 3, the final article in this three part series, we’ll continue looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. We’ll learn what it is that brings various breeds together to form a Group. Learning about each Group will narrow down our search for the best Breed(s) for us.

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog - So you’re bringing home that cute little puppy from the best breeder after doing all that research, or you found the most adorable “mutt” at the pound, where you were just going to look, you swore. And now you realize that you weren’t as prepared as you thought. Maybe you’re planning in advance for the new bundle of joy. Either way, we’ll give you some valuable tips we’ve learned over the years of bringing home little bundles of terror – I mean joy :) Learn as much as possible.

No Need For BSL- Breed Specific Legislation - No Need For BSL- Breed Specific Legislation Written by: Rachael Stacknick Member of: www.web-rover.com In short breed specific legislation is a quick fix for a growing problem, only thing is it does not fix the problem. Many cities, countries, states and provinces have now jumped on the band wagon to implement BSL. Most recently Ontario and there ban against "Pit Bull's".

Dog House Training - Dog House Training can be simple. To start your dog house training, the first thing you'll need to do is buy your best pet friend a nice dog training collar, lead and dog crate. You should choose one made of nylon or soft leather. When your puppy grows older, you can buy him a heavier collar, and if he's a large breed, it should be made of heavy leather, with a strong buckle and clip. Dog house training can be simple.

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies - 3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies by Mark Eckenrode Have you ever thought about what you need to do should your dog – or another dog – ever suffer a serious, life-threatening injury? What if they have a severe allergy to an insect bite or a bee sting? It’s great to know your vet’s phone number, but what if something happens during off hours? What if you don’t know where the closest emergency animal clinic is located? Augh! Enough with the questions already, right?

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog - Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal.

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs - Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one’s suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian. Not only is it important to recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early.

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know - Chocolate. Who can resist it? Your dogs health depends on it! (resisting, that is). We humans get to indulge because most of us know when to stop. But your dog won't quit after just a few. Give her a chance and she'll down the whole box of Godivas in one gulp. So on Valentine's Day, you're actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!**Why is chocolate harmful to a dogs health? Chocolate, as you know, is made with cocoa beans.

BARF Diet For Dogs - Not As Gross As It Sounds! - Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for dogs – also known as “bones and raw food” or the RAW diet? It can be confusing – I remember asking TONS of questions when I first started. How do you know how much to feed? WHAT do you feed? Can you mix the BARF diet with processed food? How long does it take to prepare the raw food? How much does it cost to buy all the BARF products necessary? Should you feed raw meat and vegetables?

The Basics of Caring For Your Puppy - Potty Training Your Puppy: Make sure you feed your dog at regular times every day as this makes bathroom breaks regular as well. Feed your puppy 2-3 times a day. As soon as he is finished eating, take him to a grassy "potty area". Speak the words "go potty" or "go in the grass" before and while he is eliminating. Be sure to praise him when he is done. What you are doing is building word associations with the dog that will allow you to encourage his potty activity on command.

How to Protect Your Dog and Family from Roundworms - Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms. This is because the roundworm’s larvae are transmitted from the mother to the puppy while it is still in the womb. A female dog can harbor roundworms in her tissue, often making them immune to dewormings. The roundworms then have the opportunity to emerge during pregnancy through the mother’s bloodstream and infect the unborn puppies. Roundworms can also be transmitted to newborn puppies through the mother’s milk during nursing.

What You Should Never Feed Your Dog - Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very dangerous to your dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are essentially scavengers and will often eat just about anything they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal.

Lyme Disease in Dogs - It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme disease in animals including your own dog. The first sign of lyme disease in humans is a rash, well; animals do not develop this rash. Lyme disease is also not one of the first illnesses that the veterinarian looks for when you take your dog in for a visit. Many other common illnesses can produce some of the same symptoms, so it can be hard to detect. Lyme disease does affect each dog different as it does with humans.

Good dog care is vital - Good dog care is vital Dog care Accepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly serious business. Caring for your new best pet friend is rewarding with that I feel good feeling. Love and care is what we all want and our pet friends aren't any different. Teaching our pets tricks, buying toys, supplies, training, collars, crates, clothes is all part of loving kind dog care.

Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health -- Foods that Fido should Avoid - "Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got himself into sticky situations..." So begins a story in the latest report from the ASPCA on foods that may be toxic to dogs. It turns out that Magoo got into the pantry and snagged himself about a pound of raisins. He ate the whole thing, of course. The ASPCA never mentions Magoo's fate. But they do tell us that as little as a handful of raisins can impair a dogs health and has been fatal for some.

Dog Stew - Food is a substance that holds cultures together. Common foods unify and define countries and regions. However, a food that one group considers a delicacy, another group may find offensive. The French have long been called "frogs" because of their taste for the amphibians. The English once were sneered upon as "beefsteak" because of their trend-setting use of cattle, and in the Philippines at least one tribe is nicknamed "dogeaters."

Dogs And Separation Anxiety - Separation anxiety can be defined as an increased fearfulness of your dog after the departure of the owner. When the pet owner leaves for work for example, anxious dogs might bark or howl, have bowel or bladder accidents, they may begin to destroy things. For dogs that form an intense attachment to their owners (such as labradors), are more likely candidates for separation anxiety. You can start preventing separation anxiety even before you get your puppy.

Is There Taurine In Your Dogs Food? - Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic of conversation when referring to the nutritional composition that makes up the human and animal physical structure. Once thought of as an unimportant A.A. recent studies prove that this amino acid has metabolic properties that are very beneficial to various components of the mammal skeletal system.

Dog ebook for training and grooming - dog ebook for training and grooming dog ebook The dog ebook is a tremendous asset when learning about care giving and grooming your best pet. There are numerous simple and easy to understand manuals to assist you in your new task. House training, obedience, jumping, how to of tricks are all covered in a variety of simple easy to follow instructions.

Canine Eclampsia, or Milk Fever In Dogs - Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which attacks a brood bitch about 3 to 4 weeks after whelping puppies. It is more common in the small breeds of dogs that have had large litters. Symptoms of eclampsia include stiffness, nervousness and restlessness. The brood bitch will loose interest in her puppies. She will very likely run a fever and have a rapid heart rate.

Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements - Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that affect canines; especially large breed dogs (60-90 lbs) the best thing you can do is to prevent the occurrence of this disease with the appropriate supplements when your dog is 4 or 5 years old and not wait until symptoms show, but if your dog is already presenting symptoms and/or pain you should consider the option of natural treatment for your pet’s condition. Osteoarthritis in dogs (or just dog arthritis) can be treated effectively.

5 Common Grooming Mistakes Made by Dog Owners - 1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails. Don’t be in a hurry to finish his nails even though your dog wants you to finish quickly. Take baby clips using a SHARP nail clipper (my preference is spring style or cat clippers for small dogs). Don’t use a Dremel or other electronic/motororized tool unless you’ve had some training in using it. It's too easy to overcut. If your dog has white nails, the quick should look pink.

Canine Diabetes - Does Your Dog Have it? - Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely Manageable Canine diabetes is a serious disease that causes there to be too much glucose in the blood. If your pet has any of the signs, a dog health exam will help you find out with certainty. Canine diabetes symptoms usually include the following:- drinking excessive amounts of water - frequent urination - weight gain (or weight loss in some cases) - increased lethargy during the day.

4 Ways In Which You Can Spoil Your Dog Rotten - 4 Ways In Which You Can Spoil Your Dog Rotten by Mark Eckenrode You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you can get, don’t you? Hey, who doesn’t? It’s almost impossible not to, with those adorable, big, beautiful eyes, the little lashes, the soft fur just behind the ears… they almost beg to be spoiled. But what can you really do? There are all of those new doggie day spas, doggie day cares, and other doggie luxury services, but how often can you really afford things like that?

Canine Bloat - What is Canine Bloat? Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach. Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists 180 to 360 degrees on it's axis between the esophagus and duodenum or the entrance and exit parts of the stomach. Bloat is a very serious problem in large breed dogs.

It's Story Time! - Find the Power Within, or The Truth About Dogs - I heard a story recently, and wanted to share it with you. It goes something like this: Once upon a time...The chief was sitting at the edge of the village, obviously deep in thought. He sat there for hours and hours, seemingly unmoving. The tribe was beginning to get worried and restless, but nobody wanted to disturb him. An elder eventually got up his courage and walked over. 'Chief,' he asked, 'what's going on? You look so troubled!'

Canine Joint Disease - Joint disease can be a problem faced by many dogs. Hip dysplasia is the most common that people are familiar with as a cause of rear limb lameness. Its front limb counterpart is elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia has only been recognized as a disease in dogs in the last 10 to 15 years or so, whereas hip dysplasia has been diagnosed for the last 30 to 40 years. Dysplasia means a developmental abnormality, it can be in the size, shape, or formation.

Give a Homeless Cat or Dog a Gift of Good Cheer - The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of excitement , expectation, and celebration.But for many it's also a difficult time. This is especially true for anyone not blessed with a close, supportive family, or those physically separated from loved ones. Consider, among these unlucky souls, the four legged ones who have to spend their holidays--all of their days, in fact--at the local ASPCA or animal shelter.

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part Two - Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained? Yes! in fact, he does. Your puppy or dog will soon see his crate as a place of security, IF it's approached correctly. The crate is NEVER to be used as a punishment. Introduce it gradually and gently; make the crate and your pet’s puppy potty training a positive and happy experience and he will come to view his crate like Linus views his blanket. Make sure your puppy has a balance of crate time and activity time.

Buy Dog Travel Supplies Online - Dog Travel Supplies. The shopping part along for dog travel supplies is amusing for sure. The trinkets, toys and accessories for pet product travel are a blast. Grab your favorite drink, your mouse and grease up that shopping finger and off we go to review those dog travel supplies. We found, while shopping for Charlie pet harnesses that combine safety with convenience. The step-in padded harness is easy to fasten to your best pet friend and can also be used as a walking harness.

Housetraining Tips for Your Dog or Puppy - Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play, chew, drink, eat or sleep. Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty). Pick them up and carry them outside. When they go potty, tell them "good potty" and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into the habit of going potty, then playing.

Present Moment Awareness: Lessons From My Dog - I’ve always waited for the perfect moment to be happy: As though time were a flower waiting to bloom. My scruffy puppy-happy senior dog knows better. Watching his tail wag as he stands in the middle of a mud puddle, I now understand that happiness is where your heart is, not just where your legs travel. Last summer we moved into the house of our dreams: Beautiful, big and by a football-sized off-leash dog park.

Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers - Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet with how attached most owners are to their dogs, they seem to chose living with their allergies rather then giving up their beloved pets. If you find yourself getting congested or suffering a runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, sore throat, skin rashes or hives, headaches, fatigue, difficulties breathing, or asthma symptoms when you’re around dogs, then you probably have allergies.

Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children - Top five dog breeds for homes with children * Beagle * Bernese Mountain Dog * Bichon Frise * Bloodhound * Boston Terrier * Boxer * Brittany Spaniel * Bulldog * Coonhound * English Setter * Foxhound * Gordon Setter * Irish Setter * Keeshond * Labrador Retriever * Mastiff * Newfoundland * Pugs * Samoyed * Siberian Husky * Springer Spaniel * Standard Poodles * Vizsla.

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know... Part 2 - Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present at birth. The testicle/s, which developed in the abdomen, fail to descend into the scrotum. The usually underdeveloped and non-functional testicle/s should be removed, as it could turn cancerous later in life.If the condition remains after the puppy is more than 2 months old, then the chances are it will remain so permanently. Eye ulcers, if caught early, are easy to treat.

Finding A Reputable Dog Breeder - Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed, and in turn call themselves a “breeder.” However being called a “reputable” breeder encompasses far more than that. You wont find a reputable breeder trying to sell their dogs to local pet stores, or advertising in the classified section. A good breeder does not need these “gimmicks.” Instead, they rely on the quality of their dogs. Breeding is a practice that should be done with a sense of pride, and a feeling of fulfillment.

Good Dog Health and Happiness For Charlie - Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to us in our family. It all started when he was a puppy of course. Aside from the fun and laughter he brought into our lives he brought us new found responsibilities we hadn't concerned ourselves with BC. With some common sense and attention dog health shouldn't have to be a major family issue. Here's how we dealt with Charlie. A few dog health issues: Feeding –This is normally the easy and fun part.

Tinkling of Bells Helps Pet Avoid Accidents - If you listen carefully, you may hear bells ringing in the quiet suburban town of Simsbury, CT on a regular basis. That is, the sound of numerous family members being trained by their pooches. This innovative product solves the communication gap between man and his best friend, his dog. Typically dogs are trained to signal when they need to go outside and do their business in a variety of ways such as barking, whining, scratching at the door or perhaps sitting and waiting.

Dog Breeding - So you have a female pedigree dog with papers, you want to make some extra cash, so you think you'll go ahead and mate her with a stud so she'll breed and have some puppies. Not so easy! Proper breeding needs time, education, experience and of course money. Dog breeding does not make you money. If you are a good dog breeder, after postnatal care costs and proper veterinary care costs, there is little money left.

Cleft Palate In Dogs - Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's almost alway's because they have a cleft palate. A cleft palate can be a complete division up the middle of the palate, or roof of the mouth, or it can just be a small hole in the palate. Canine cleft palate is a failure of the two sides of the palate to fuse correctly during the embryonic stage of developement.

Parvo in Dogs - What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can be deadly even if treatment is given. So, to protect your puppy from contracting pravo you need to have your puppy vaccinated against this disease. First, let’s look at what Parvo is and what the symptoms are. Canine Parvovirus is a disease that attacks dividing cells. The most prominent location for dividing cells in your puppy’s body is the intestinal lining or the lining of the digestive system.

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