Doggy Mentor

Archive for May, 2009

Boxers have a very long puppyhood and are most frequently called, the “Peter Pan” of the dog world. They are not considered fully mature until they are two to three years old. Therefore, Boxer puppy care is extremely important.  This is one of the longest puppyhoods in the dog kingdom. They need a lot of puppy training in their early months to keep their master from wearing out.  

Boxers are very friendly and make an exceptional family pet. They are very alert, intelligent and strong dogs. But these dogs need good socialization skills as puppies in order to tolerate other dogs later on in their lives. The boxer, by nature, is not an aggressive or vicious dog.  However, he can become over-protective and dominating, if socialization has not been developed in his young years. So, a major part of Boxer puppy care is socialization. Bringing another puppy or an older dog into his environment at an early age will help him socialize within the dog kingdom.

Dog Training

Since Boxers have such long puppy lives, it is very important in Boxer puppy care to bring training into their lives as soon as possible. After food, exercise and boundaries have been established, your puppy needs to start training.  The housebreaking of your Boxer puppy can be done very simply. Using the crate method is very successful with Boxers.

Actually, most housebreaking methods are successful with Boxers because of their intelligence. Your local pet store will have many books on the different ways to housebreak puppies. But your Boxer puppy care will become more successful if you use the ‘clicker’ method. It is proven that Boxers respond better to clickers than they do to voice commands.  Again, your pet store will help you in finding a good clicker training class or book.

Start very young with your Boxer dog training and the both of you will be much happier together. Learning all of the various commands at a young age can only be a winning combination. Boxers love to be obedient and they love to have respect from their owners. They are often used for service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs and police dogs in K9 units. The military use these dogs as messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs.

After watching the versatility of these dogs in their later years, it is no wonder that Boxer puppy care is very important. The love and affection they give to their owners and their socialization with the world begins in their early puppy years. It seems obvious that Boxer puppy care, of the Peter Pan of dogs, is very important to our civilization.

Lab puppy care will make a significant difference in the life of a dog.  People usually get their dogs when they are little puppies so the training and care of this puppy can be important to the long life of the dog.  Lab puppy care should start from the choice of the breed.  Lab puppy care is quite easy compared to the care of these dogs grown to full size.  A Lab puppy is usually an adorable bundle of soft hair that eats a little bit from a bowl carefully placed on the kitchen floor.A full grown Lab can be a huge, monstrous dog that is filled with unbelievable energy.  Anyone looking for a new pet should check out the full grown animals.

Lab puppy care should start with choosing an expert breeder.  These people know how to produce great dogs, and they start training the dogs properly at a very young age.This training could make a difference in the behavior of the dog from the very beginning until the dog ages gracefully.  Lab puppy care will be much easier if the breeder has done the proper dog training from the birth of the dog.When the dog has grown completely, this proper training should make a huge difference when trying to control a huge, full-grown Lab.

Lab Puppy Care Includes Serious Training Methods And Proper Nutrition

Nothing is more important in Lab puppy care than proper healthcare.  Each puppy should have some shots before they are turned over to the new owner.  These shots should be followed up on a regular basis with periodic visits to a qualified veterinarian.  The proper shots from a doctor will help to avoid serious problems with each puppy.  Lab puppy care should include special attention to the eyes of the puppy.  Labs are often susceptible to eye problems so this is very important. 

Lab puppy care includes a place for exercise because Labs are very frisky and energetic.  These puppies should be able to get enough exercise.  A Lab puppy who gets some attention with a game of fetch will not get into other mischief.  Lab puppy care requires some basic puppy training including staying happily on a leash and sitting when commanded.  All the members of the family should take part in the training of the puppy or the puppy will respond to some members and not others.

Allergies don’t just affect humans, dog allergies are more common than you might think and can severely impact on the health of your dog. Dogs can be allergic to many things including fleas, chemicals, food ingredients, pollutants in the air and even their own fur. Finding out what is causing the allergy is better than simply doling out medication, which may have side effects. However this is easier said than done especially if your dog has more than one allergy.

Here are some dog allergy symptoms to watch for. Coughing, wheezing, a thin patchy coat, runny nose or eyes, lethargy and sneezing. How do we determine what is causing your particular dog’s allergy? And, more importantly, how do we det rid of it?

One of the main causes of allergies in dogs is fleas. However this is simple to eliminate. Simply buy one of the products on the market that eliminates fleas or ask your vet to recommend one. Make sure you apply it regularly as fleas can’t be eliminated by just one application.

Another common allergy in dogs can be found in their food. Dogs can be sensitive to chemicals in their food or to one or more of the ingredients. Some ingredients in dog food cause allergies more frequently than others. Among these are eggs, fish, beef, chicken, corn and wheat. Please note that corn is a serial offender and is often used in cheaper brands of dog food as a filler. Ask your vet what he recommends, or there are also hypoallergenic do foods available.

Your dog may even be allergic to his own fur. This is particularly common for long haired dogs. When your dog cleans himself his swallows a lot of hair and this can make the situation worse. Washing your dog once or twice a month and brushing him daily will go a long way to combat a hair and dander allergy.

Do you use chemical cleaners in your home? Dogs may be quite sensitive to these. Using chemical-free natural cleaners such as soda bicarbonate and lemon juice will improve the health of yourself and your dog and save money too. Another cause of allergens in the home may be mold. This can be tested for and eliminated which will improve the health of your whole family.

A natural way of providing fast relief from dog allergy symptoms such as itchy or flaky skin is to bathe your dog in water that has oatmeal dissolved in it. Natural shampoos containing eucalyptus, tea tree oil or aloe vera can also provide quick, temporary relief.

Mixing some omega 3 fish oil in with your dog’s food can dramatically improve skin conditions in some dogs. Evening primrose oil can have the same effect.

Anti histamines are a rapid answer to most allergies if nothing else works. They may make you dog lethargic during the day, but are a safer option than steroids.

If your dog has allergy symptoms, it means that something in his environment is upsetting him. Discovering the cause can be a challenge, but caring for a hypoallergenic dog is easy once the problem has been identified. If in doubt where to begin, a call to your vet will start you in the right direction.

The Siberian husky was originally bred centuries ago by the Chukchi tribes that lived in the northern area of Asia. The first purpose of the dog was for pulling sleds, and in the early 1900’s these dogs were brought to Alaska to compete in dog-sledding competitions. Many were quick to note the abilities of these rugged dogs, and when they were introduced into the rest of the United States a number of years later, their popularity rose significantly and quickly. Now this breed makes a popular family pet for many, although it is important to understand this dog and the basics of Siberian husky puppy training before bringing one of these animals into your home.

The Temperament of the Siberian Husky

The Siberian husky is a friendly dog, although not overly loyal to his particular master. While he is an intelligent dog, he can also be somewhat willful and stubborn, making dog training as a part of your Siberian husky puppy care a bit challenging at times. However, despite his independent streak, he can also be affectionate and eager to please, which means that with some patience and consistency, this dog can make a great family pet. The breed is generally very good with children, probably since the original breed that lived with the Chukchi tribes was often allowed to sleep inside the home with the children to keep them warm in the frigid winter temperatures of the area.

Preparing for your Siberian Husky

The first step in preparing for your Siberian husky puppy care is to provide a fenced yard for your dog to run in. This breed has a definite tendency to run – and will run away if let loose without the confines of a fence. It is extremely important to remember that if your dog is not within the confines of his yard, he needs to be on a leash at all times. This is for his protection as well as for your peace of mind. This dog is also an energetic and social creature that will need plenty of playtimes with his owner to keep him from getting bored. A bored dog can become a destructive one, so another important part of your Siberian husky puppy care will be to spend time each day playing with your pup.

Grooming

These dogs do tend to shed their lush and beautiful coats, so another part of your Siberian husky puppy care will be frequent brushings. Generally this can be done once or twice a week, especially during the heavy shedding seasons that occur a couple of times each year. Aside from the brushings, your Siberian husky will probably be fairly conscientious about keeping his coat clean on his own, since this breed is almost cat-like in the way they groom themselves. It is rare to have to worry about odors or parasites as part of your Siberian husky puppy care.
A Siberian husky can make a wonderful family pet and a good companion. With the basics of Siberian husky puppy care under your belt, you will be ready to bring your dog home to meet his new family.

In todays news there is so much bad publicity when it comes to dogs, you wonder about how people are raising their animals. Recently though, there was a great story about a brave dog coming to the rescue of another. What kind of dog was it? A German Shepherd dog. Known for their superior traits the GSD is loved as a family dog and guard dog, this story stole the hearts of many who saw it.

The incident Friday the 15th on the NYC expressway was a truly unique example. A German Shepherd was hit by an automobile and lay bleeding and helpless, with cars edging carefully around it. But, just like the “masked man” of the old days, a hero comes weaving its way through all the traffic to stand guard and keep officials at bay. The hero, the son of the injured dog, circled and barked warnings and lunged at those who tried to approach its mother.  After sometime, the officials were able to get to the injured Shepherd  and take it to the Vet for treatment.

This breed of dog possesses a unique instinct that has enabled them to become loyal companions and perform valiant acts of heroism for their owners, many of them treated like members of the family. There are many stories told of Shepherds jumping in water, pulling victims to safety and protecting their owners from attacks from thugs. But the most unique was the one in Argentina where a female saved a newborn child that was abandoned in a field by its 14 yr old mother, took it to its own litter of puppies and kept it warm until discovered by its owner. Another was in Florida where the canine chased a 200 lb bear that invaded their property up a tree.

This story helps us see that many dogs, but especially the GS, when raised in a good atmosphere and with proper German Shepherd training will not only heroic but show concern for those they know. They have an inborn instinct that makes them a reliable and protective animal. They can tell when a threat is at hand and will take action to do something about it. But this dosn’t just happen by accident. Dogs that are cared for properly will likely become a productive member of that family and do much good. Those owners that do not take on their responsiblity by trained German Shepherd] and caring properly for their pets create an animal that gives others a bad name.

David Lee is an expert on pet care. Check out the link for more information on Dog Training information

Leptospirosis

If you work or play outdoors, you and your pet may be at risk of exposure to an old bacterial disease that is getting a lot of new, and news attention recently. First identified in the late 1800’s, Leptospirosis, commonly called “Lepto”, is a bacterial disease. Veterinarians are finding Lepto more commonly because of an increased exposure of our pets to wildlife. It is rarely fatal, but can seriously damage the liver, kidneys, and eyes.

Veterinarians have used vaccines to protect dogs against Lepto for a number of years and these vaccines were successful in decreasing the incidence of the disease caused by the two most common strains of the bacteria that affected dogs. Now two other strains of Lepto have become more prevalent in dogs, so new vaccines to address these new strains have been developed.

With recent public awareness of possible side effects of vaccines in general, these new vaccines have met with mixed emotions from some veterinary practitioners, but most agree that the severity of the problems associated with Leptospirosis infection may outweigh possible vaccine-related risks.

“Should we do it?” asks Dr. Katherine Lunn, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM of the Veterinary Referral Center in Waukesha, Wis. “I think so, as long as we evaluate the potential risks and discuss them with our clients. Like any medical procedure, vaccination has risks and benefits. The client and the veterinarian have to weigh these. If the vaccine were 100% safe, I would recommend vaccinating every patient. Acute kidney failure caused by Leptospirosis is devastating. I would not want my dog to experience it. But if side effects are common, then that’s a different story.”

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease- a disease that affects both animals and people. It is spread by a spirochete bacteria found in the urine of infected rodents, wildlife, and pets. The leptospira organisms enter the body through mucous membranes or through abraded skin. People and animals can become infected from direct exposure to infected urine, but also through contaminated environment, such as water or damp soil. People can even become infected at certain high risks jobs if they handle animals or animal products. The Lepto organism depends upon wet conditions for survival, therefore increased caution is advised during times of increased rainfall or when there is any standing water.

Leptospirosis is on the rise due to increased exposure to wildlife can carry the disease as urban and suburban areas continue to expand and encroach upon wild habitats. People and pets may be exposed to more animals such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes or deer that are infected with Leptospirosis. Livestock owners protect their animals such as pigs, cattle and goats with vaccinations and good husbandry.

Dr. Kenneth Harkin, a veterinarian and infectious disease specialist with Kansas State University says “While people may think of Lepto as a disease spread by wildlife, it can come from backyard wildlife, including raccoons- even city dogs can get Lepto.” He cautions that every pet owner needs to be aware that “Lepto is everywhere.”

People and pets can also become exposed to Lepto while camping or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Drinking or swimming in water that is infected with Lepto is the most common exposure, but wet soil can be contaminated as well, so be cautious when digging in damp ground. And don’t let living in a city be your dog’s only protection against a serious disease.

The signs of Leptospirosis can resemble many other diseases and illnesses. The first signs in dogs can be depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, and generalized pain. Affected dogs may also drink water and urinate excessively and have swollen, red, and painful eyes. Because these signs are common to other diseases and non-specific, owners may try to treat their pets at home for such problems as an upset stomach or arthritis. This delays proper diagnosis and treatment for their dog, and alss increases their own exposure to the disease. If caught early, treatment is usually effective and the survival rate is good. However, time is of the essence.

Dr. Harkin warns, “If you let it go for three to five days, or treat it with the wrong medication, it can cause irreversible kidney failure.”

Discuss the risks of Leptospirosis for your dog with your veterinarian. Ask if vaccinating your pet is appropriate. Lepto is extremely rare in cats, but horses can get the disease and there is no vaccine at this time to protect them. Leptospirosis in people can often begin with vague, flu-like symptoms. If you engage in outdoor work or activities, ask your doctor about protecting yourself.

Preventing Leptospirosis
Dogs should be vaccinated on a routine basis against the Leptospira bacteria. Unfortunately, there are many subtypes of the bacteria and vaccination against one subtype will not protect against another. Talk to your veterinarian about the most effective vaccine for the subtypes prevalent in your area.

Avoid drinking or swimming in water that is likely to be contaminated with wild animal urine. Keep your dog from drinking this water as well.

Control the rodent population and clean up areas where mice and rats may have urinated.

Wear protective clothing (rubber boots and gloves) when working with contaminated soil or other material on farms, in sewers, or during rodent control. Wash your hands after handling animals or possible contaminated material.

For more information on dog health and care as well as dog supplies and gifts, visit LuvUrDog.com

Different methods to Stop Dog Aggression

There are many reasons that a dog might become aggressive toward other dogs.Dogs may sometimes get nervous around other dogs.  In other cases the dog is striving to be the dominant dog.Under certain circumstances, the dog might be very aggressive since defending its territory is its priority.  The dog can also be taught to be aggressive by the owner rather than being socialized to the other dogs.Some dogs might also be extremely protective of their masters and become very aggressive.

Tips

One way to stop dog aggression is to ensure that a dog is socialized as a puppy to other animals.Puppies should be allowed to play with other dogs that are more responsible and well behaved.  In this way, they learn the proper dog behavior from the older animals.  The puppy earns that other dogs are okay and that he does not have to fight to defend the territory or protect the owner from the other animals.

Another way to stop dog aggression when a dog starts to become aggressive is to address the issue immediately each time it happens.The dog should not be allowed to get away from this type of dangerous behavior.A head collar or muzzle can be effective while the dog is in training to stop dog aggression, but is not the solution to the problem.

A way to stop dog aggression is through strict training so that the dog is tuned into the instructions of it’s master rather than focusing on the other animal.The dog should be trained to focus on the owner so that his attention is there and the owner can give a different command to the dog, such as ‘down’ or ’sit’ while there is another dog around.  The owner should also teach himself to control his anxious feelings and behavior, as small as it might be, so that the dog does not take a nervous cue from the owner.  This can help to stop dog aggression since the dog always takes its cue from the owner.  Once the dog has been trained to focus, the dog can also be distracted by being trained to look for a treat when there is another dog around.The treat can be thrown to the ground and the dog can be told to find it, thus distracting the dog from other dogs and stop the dog aggression before it starts.

Dogs are man’s best friend. Like children, dogs are to be taken cared for just like people are. It takes a lot of responsibility to take care of your pooch. The proper dog breed care must be applied to your pet so he or she remains to be healthy and free of any diseases. Dogs are loyal to their human owners. It takes a lot of responsibility to take care of your pooch. In return, we must provide them with the appropriate dog breed care essentials.

We should provide them healthy food, water, exercise and veterinary care like vaccinations. Reading books for your dog breed care information and health tips are useful for dog owners who need more education in maintaining a pet. While dogs offer unconditional love to their owners, the owners themselves must show their dogs how much they care for them.

General Day To Day Dog Care Needs

The basic everyday need of a dog is obviously food. High protein foods should be feed to the dog to keep it healthy. Grooming is another part of proper dog care. To relieve fleas and tick you should bath your dog regularly. You can bathe them at least once a week for them not to have that foul smell. Grooming your dog gives you the bonding between owner and pet; and this can also emphasize your authority towards him. Brushing the dog’s fur is relaxing in their part, they enjoy the strokes of the brush on their hair as you do it slowly.

Dogs should have vitamins too. Vitamin E can cure skin ailments. You can apply vitamin E oil to their skin to cure dry skin and any other skin ailments. You can save some money if you try conventional and natural ways in giving the right dog care. Acidophilus in yogurt is not only good for humans but for dogs as well. Consult with the veterinarian first if you plan on doing this because there are some factors that may harm them.

The Dog Breed Care Supplies

Some breed may require special supplies to maintain their fur or health in general but general dog breed care provisions are classified as functional, basic and pampering. The fundamental dog supplies comprise of dog leashes, grooming kits, sleeping pads, dog house and most especially, food. The practical but functional dog materials consist of doors, fences, and gates. The pampering kit is usually composed of toys, massage oils and treats for your dogs.

One of the most essential basic supplies provided is dog beds. It helps maintain fit and healthy bones. Several pet shops have supplies such as training equipment and aid to make practices much easier for your dog to follow. Some may even include dog collars which are made to punish dogs for inappropriate behavior.

Kennels are also sold in the supplies too; and they come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Choosing a good one would mean picking out something that’s spacious enough for your dogs to easily move about. For better dog care, grooming kits are available in a variety of options too. The products include shampoos, nail clippers, brush, combs, and even conditioners.

For those of you who are working on the best way to housebreak a puppy, barking can be tough. Are you bothered by your dog’s constant barking?  Learning to control your dog’s barking is challenging, regardless of the breed you own.  Different breeds have different reasons for starting to fuss.  If you can determine the reason your dog’s barking is out of control it will help you teach your dog to control the barking and to bark when necessary, not at every little thing they see or hear.

Some dogs just seem to bark far too often without any reason.  That is just the way they are.  While some people can handle the constant barking, others cannot.  However, it is important to keep in mind that dogs use their vocal skills like people.  They bark to communicate with you or other members of their pack.  Never try to stop your dog from barking altogether.  Teach your dog when it is okay to bark and when they must stop barking.  

First, research the type of dog you want before you get a dog.  Knowing the purpose of a dog breed will give you a lot of information about how much the dog may bark.  Don’t choose a dog bred for hunting or for stopping intruders.  

Sometimes, dogs are better at training us than we are at training them.  Don’t jump up and respond to your dogs commands when he or she barks.  If they want to go outside and play, allow them to bark to signal, but do not let them out if they continue to bark.  Teach them to get quiet first.  Don’t respond until the dog is quiet, the dog will learn that to stop barking is a good behavior which brings rewards. Consider this before you buy a citronella dog collar.  

As we said, dogs communicate by barking, so allow them to bark.  When barking continues too long, however, reach out and gently claps the dog’s muzzle shut.  Keep your grasp firm, but gentle.  Do not hurt the dog.  It is likely that she will try to wriggle away from your grasp.  At this point, use your other hand to hold her gently, but firmly by the collar.  

Sometimes pet owners can figure out why their dog is barking and sometimes they cannot.  I thought we would never get our Bischon to stop barking at every little noise, so I had to get outside help.  You may think it’s odd to get help to stop your dog’s barking.  Actually, it isn’t uncommon for dog owners to get help.  I know because my dog no longer barks at every noise, day and night.

Today, more and more pet lovers are aware that training their dog by themselves can have more benefits than ever imagined. The idea of hiring a professional dog trainer is the only effective way to fully train your dog but that was a long time ago. Now, owners can give personal dog training for their pets especially with their dogs. Everybody knows how angelic a dog looks like but in the package is included a little devilish smile and attitude but what else can you do? Dogs are dogs and the only best way to discipline them is to train them in the best possible way and you, the owner, can learn in time how to. Here are some of the best book guides for training your dog the DIY way.

Talking about DIY or do-it-yourself, there is a book guide called DIY Complete Dog Training. This program includes not just a book guide but it also comes with audio clips that will really teach you how to train your dog in a very simple way regardless of what dog breed you have.

Another one is called The Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online Program. According to a Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online review, if you don’t like reading a book then you might like reading and learning something online and this one is your best pick. The most excellent thing about online tutorials is they can be updated from time to time and so, training your dog can be updated, too.

Last but not the least, you can go for videos if you don’t like reading at all. This Instant Dog Training Videos will surely knock you off your feet. Many pet dog owners are actually very familiar with Debbie Jean, the person behind this project. But because there are many who are getting in line to have their dog trained personally by her, she came up with videos. You can read an Instant Dog Training Videos review so you can get a better perspective of what Debbie Jean can offer you and to your dog.