Doggy Mentor

Archive for May, 2009

Taking care of a new puppy can be quite a task. Not only must you ensure that your puppy is healthy, but you must teach it how to behave in your household. Luckily, you have natural help, since dogs already tend to be creatures that respond well to working out of habit. The way you can do this is to establish a regular schedule of puppy care and stick to it. The consistency will help you to train your pet faster.

Feeding

When you make your schedule of puppy training, regular feeding is important. Your puppy should be fed twice a day, once at breakfast and once at dinner time. By doing this, you establish a regular pattern of food so the dog doesn't beg for food at other times, and you also teach it to be eating its meal when you're having yours, preventing begging while at the dinner table. Keeping the dog elsewhere while you're having dinner also helps to train you not to give it scraps, which is a bad idea for your puppy.

Making water part of your schedule of puppy care is also important. Rather than simply leave a bowl out for your puppy, give it water at several set times in the day as well as after exercising your puppy. By regulating water as part of your schedule of puppy care, you will be better able to see patterns of when your new dog needs to use the bathroom, which will help in housebreaking.

Housebreaking Your Dog

Regulating water isn’t the only way that adherence to a schedule of dog training will help you to housebreak your dog. Each and every family member should learn when your puppy is to be taken out to use the bathroom and to what spot it should be taken to. By going at regular times and going to the same place, this schedule of puppy care will help teach your puppy to go when it is taken out and not to dawdle as much.

In your schedule of puppy care, keep play and walks for the bathroom separate. If you take the dog out so it can go to the bathroom and instead play with it, you will confuse it. Instead, wait until your puppy is done with its business before taking it inside and playing with it. This will help the puppy to separate bathroom activities from play, as well as give it a sort of positive reinforcement about housebreaking. By properly adhering to this schedule of puppy care, feeding times and bathroom times should go smoother much faster than without a schedule.

Saint Bernard puppy training will take a lot of patience from its new family. Although cute and cuddly with a large tongue and lots of fur, this pup has a very fast growth rate. He will be a bear of a puppy in no time at all. The Saint Bernard’s fast growth is a trait within the Saint Bernard breed. This fast growth rate leads to serious deterioration of the bones if the dog does not get proper food and exercise in his early months and years.

The majority of Saint Bernard dogs are eventually afflicted with hip dysplasia or osteosarcoma. So, it is extremely important in Saint Bernard puppy care, that your puppy get the correct amount of nutrients and the proper exercise.Other than this one specific trait, the care of Saint Bernard puppies is not that unusual to any other breed of puppy.

The Early Weeks

The early weeks of your Saint Bernard puppy care should be limited to enjoyment of master and dog.  Puppies are like infants and are unable to learn in the early weeks. So have plenty of toys for your puppy and lots of playtime with master. Saint Bernard puppies grow so large that they need a lot of socialization throughout their young lives.  The environment and treatment of the puppy in his early years will have a big impact on his personality and social skills later in life. Without socialization in the early years, these dogs can become quite aggressive. Obviously, families do not need a big aggressive dog as a family pet.

A Big Bundle of Energy

Saint Bernard puppies are great big bundles of energy. They need proper nutrition because of their active lifestyle.  Your Saint Bernard dog training should consist of high quality dog food. This food will help keep your puppy happy and healthy.  Your vet or local pet store can recommend the best food for your Saint Bernard puppy care. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old need to be fed three or four times a day.  Puppies that are 3 to 6 months old need to be fed three times a day, and puppies 6 to 12 months old need to be fed twice a day.

After getting on a proper feeding and exercise schedule, it is probably time to begin training. The best way to train your puppy is in a positive and consistent manner. Housebreaking your puppy is a big part of your Saint Bernard puppy care.

Taking him outside often, and especially after he has eaten, will make it an easier experience on both of you. A firm “go” when outside is a good idea. Keep your puppy within sight as much as possible when indoors, and if you don’t catch him within 30 seconds of ‘going’ indoors, do not bother scolding him.

Eventually, your puppy will catch on and your Saint Bernard puppy care will be successful. Remember to enjoy this ‘little’ puppy time, because your little puppy comes from a large-breed category. In no time, your puppy will become the king of your household.

Getting a new puppy?  I’ll bet you are so excited.  I’m not going to break your excitement, but I will tell you that once you get your puppy home he will push your patience further than you thought it could go.  One of the first, and most difficult, tasks is to teach your dog to go outside to potty.  This takes patience and effort on your part.  The biggest question new owners ask all the time is how to potty train a puppy.

If you try to potty train your dog to go to potty outside before it is a month old you may be wasting your time.  It’s easier and better to start potty training your puppy around two months of age.  At this point, the best approach is to work out some kind of routine with your puppy.  Haphazard training rarely works.

Determine how often you think your puppy needs to go out.  Establish a time range like every 30 minutes or every 45 minutes.  Then stick to your schedule to train your puppy.  As they grow older, the time between potty outings can grow farther apart.  It’s also a good idea to take the dog out before a meal so that you are not interrupted for a potty break during your meal.

Establishing a training routine and sticking to it will help you train your puppy more quickly.  It’s hard to accomplish without a schedule.  The sooner you establish a training schedule with your puppy, the better you will feel about your puppy and the more at ease the puppy will become.

If you think working on a routine takes potty training your dog too far, reconsider.  Establishing a routine is a proven way to train your dog and it is pretty simple to establish a regular routine.  Your dog will learn more easily when following a routine.

Sometimes you have to try to determine why your puppy doesn’t want to go outside.  This is difficult, but not the worst problem you will face.  There are other issues like puppy whining and barking.  Take one thing at a time.  Don’t give your puppy sensory overload.  Get him accustomed to pottying outside first.  This will be your most pressing task. Keep up and be persistent. In doing so, you will learn how to house break a puppy.

A dog is a man’s best friend and the most faithful friend who keeps foes at bay. Contemporary lifestyles often impact pet dogs as proper care can sometimes not be taken on. Busy lifestyle and long working hours don’t allow you to take your dogs out for long walks on which it can eliminate. As your dog wants to relieve himself at least three times a day, a dog litter box is a great alternative.

Are you in need of such a thing which will allow your dog use an indoor dog litter boxes?

Your quest is over since you can train your canine to eliminate in a dog litter box. They can be used indoors as well as in a place like your balcony. Dogs of all sizes can be trained to use this system which is convenient for you if you stay in an apartment and there is lack of time.

Potty training a dog using an Astroturf litter box is also a viable option for dogs.Puppies as well as fully grown dogs can be trained to use litter in customised litter boxes. Potty training can be imparted to both pups as well as adult dogs.

A dog litter box is well-situated to use and keeps your dog’s feet clean. It is an easy technique of training a dog or a puppy to use litter boxes.

The Ugo dog litter boxes are customized to withstand a lot of weight and thereby making the aspect of potty training, very easy for your dog. They are trouble free and really easy to use. Dogs and even the small pups are quick learners so it will not take a long time to train your dog to use a litter box.

Purina has a tailor-made dog liter box specially to keep your dog clean from dog litter. Many brands are manufacturing dog potty systems to help your dog to potty train indoors. Domestic dog litter boxes are great for urban families who don’t have adequate time but still are passionate about their pets. Dog litter boxes are easily available and can be used for potty training.

There are few things in life that are cuter than a beagle puppy, with his floppy ears, inquisitive eyes and a tail that always seems to be in motion. Those cute pups can be quite a handful however, so it is important to arm yourself with information about proper beagle puppy training before you bring your new addition home. Fortunately, there are many great resources that can give you the basics of beagle puppy care, from your veterinarian to your local library, and even on the Internet.

Beagles originated somewhere around 200 AD, when they were bred in Great Britain for hunting small animals. They were brought over to the United States shortly after this nation was founded, and the first beagles to set paws in this country came from some of the finest hunting packs in England. These dogs come in a variety of shades and patterns, with black, tan and white being the most common color combination. However, you might also see beagles in shades of grey, red or even blue hues.

Beagle Puppy Care Basics

Beagles are natural born “chasers” so it is important as part of your beagle puppy care to have a fenced back yard that will keep your pup safely confined. When your dog is out of his yard, it is very important for him to be on a leash at all times so he does not take off on you. Beagles are social creatures by nature, so another part of your beagle puppy care will be to play with your pup frequently, and offer plenty of attention and affection. If you train your beagle pup right from the beginning, he will most likely become an excellent family dog that will get along with children and other dogs alike.

Beagles are fairly intelligent dogs, and will house train as easily as most other breeds. The key to successful dog training will mainly lie with you, and will require consistency and patience until your puppy gets the hang of knowing where to potty. Crate training is a good place to start with many dogs, since this tool will give your pup a secure place to sleep at night, as well as the opportunity for you to help him develop gradual bladder control.

Many veterinarians and breeders will recommend obedience classes as part of your beagle puppy care. These courses will teach you how to train your dog to be an obedient and acceptable member of your family. You can find obedience classes through your veterinarian, breeder or local pet store.

Over the years, pet owners have taken to indulging their companion animals. In this regard, there have been a number of interesting developments when it comes to pets, developments that are designed and intended to allow your pet the ability to enjoy all of the very best. New products and services meant to make your animal companion’s life enjoyable are worth checking out.

A day care center for dogs is one such service for your animal companion. A typical pet owner is part of today’s busy lifestyle. A person may not be able to spend enough time with pets due to a hectic daily program. Pet owners hate the thought of leaving an unaided pet in the house everyday. For resources on oil dog portraits check out this site.

A doggie day care center is similar to a day care center meant for children. Pet owners can choose to pay for the service for their pets based on the number of days or the level of care required. The demand for the services of doggie day care centers has been growing so strongly in some cities that these businesses seem to be opening up all of the time.

Hotels are now accepting dogs along with their guests. Many people prefer to take their pets along with them while traveling. Your pets make a good companion on your business journeys or holiday trips. Traveling with pets on business trips is no longer a hassle because some hotels now make special arrangements for accommodation of such guests. You will find info on painted pet portraits by visiting that site.

You can accommodate your pet at one of the hotels specifically designed for pets. Until recently, the acceptable ‘clients’ at such hotels were dogs, but now there is a growing acceptance of other pet animals. Pet hotels are just like advanced dog kennels, used by owners to keep their pets in the best possible luxury while they are away.

Pet care has gone to a new level with the opening of pet spas. When it comes to animal care and grooming, your pet will find nothing comparable to spending time at the pet spa. From the most excellent grooming to mouthwatering food, your pet will feel pampered to the ultimate level at a pet spa. A big price tag is attached to spa treatments for dogs, so you may well be prepared for spending a large sum. Whether your dog will actually enjoy itself at a pet spa is an issue you must consider before paying up for the doggie spa service.

If you simply want to spend time with your dog, you can go to a dog park where he can enjoy with other dogs rather than sending him to a pet spa. Dog parks are quite common in cities and towns. Recreational experts feel that dog parks will be a common trend worldwide in the five years to come.

When selecting a new puppy for your family, the Basset Hound is one of the best.  Basset Hound puppy training is very easy and this particular breed loves humans. They are extremely friendly and calm and want to become a member of your family.  Basset Hound puppy care is simple because the animal is not inherent to any particular disease and because the puppies are eager to please. Their growth at full maturation is small and can weigh anywhere between 30 and 70 lbs. These dogs are known as the hush puppies of the dog kingdom.

Crates

Since puppies do not begin to think intelligently until they are about 12 weeks old, the early weeks of Basset Hound puppy care are similar to any puppy care. Puppy proof your home before bringing your Basset Hound puppy home. Have a crate prepared for him to sleep in at night. A crate is the best investment you will make for your new puppy.  A crate can be a combined sleeping area; housebreaker and can prevent bad habits.

Select a crate that will be large enough for your puppy when he is full grown. A good idea is to insert a divider in the crate to make it smaller for housebreaking. His toys and a small water bowl can also be placed in the crate. But only leave your puppy in there for short periods of time so he will learn that he will not be confined for long periods of time. His diet should consist of high quality puppy chow. The Basset Hound puppy should be fed several small meals per day. Your vet will help you choose the best puppy chow for your particular puppy.

Housebreaking

Housebreaking is a little more challenging in Basset Hound puppy care than in other puppy breeds. But starting the dog training as soon as they arrive to your home is a good idea.  Basset Hounds, as many other hound breeds, respond better to a food reward. When a food reward is not present, they tend to ‘forget’. But consistency and patience will pay off in your Basset hound puppy care. Take your puppy outside at the same time every day and reward him immediately when he has accomplished his mission. Do not play or talk to your puppy until he has finished.

Remember, if he doesn’t ‘do it’ outside, he will ‘do it’ inside your house. Regular brushing, bathing and nail clipping is essential in your Basset Hound puppy care. Basset Hounds especially need their ears cleaned often. They grow very long ears as they get older and getting them acquainted with ear cleaning early can help a difficult task in the end. Do not bathe your puppy before he is 12 weeks of age unless absolutely necessary. It is too easy for them to get a chill at an earlier age.

Your Basset Hound puppy care should be a pleasant one if you follow some of these suggestions. These hush puppies are extremely fun to have in your home. They love kids, adults and strangers. With proper care as a puppy, your Basset Hound will be a happy member of your family very quickly.

I love dogs and I am sure you do to! True to the saying, dogs are mans best friend, the great thing is it works the other way too. The best way to obtain a new friend is to adopt. This gives life to an otherwise bleak future. Before you take the plunge there are a few things that must be considered ahead of time to be sure you are ready for this action. Owning a dog is a BIG responsibility. If you are not able or willing to perform the needed duties of dog ownership, it is best that you reconsider and maybe just get a gold fish. After all, this animal will rely on you for a healthy and happy life. So what is expected of a new dog owner? Read on and find out.

Dogs will vary in size from a few pounds to over 100. This should be your starting place for searching for the right dog for you. If you have small children in your home you need to consider the size of your dog.  A full grown dog that weighs 200 pounds could accidentally knock your child down. Safety is key when it comes to children, thus with a baby in the family you may decide a smaller dog is imperative. If you are looking for a dog that provides protection then a larger dog will certainly be more effective.

To help point you in the right direction a few breeds are explained below:

I can not stress the point enough, owning a dog requires a fair measure of commitment. Like a young son or daughter you can be sure there will be expenses regarding food, medical checkups, and the need for attention that all dogs have. Do you take lots of vacations or 3 day trips. You will need to alter your customary plans as your new family member will need to come along with you or arrangements will need to be made for their care while you are out. One thing you can do is get a dog with characteristics that match your lifestyle. If you like to lounge around and stay at home a less hyper pup would probably be to your liking. If you are a ‘clean freak’ then a long hair dog will not be a good choice for you. If you are the outdoors type then a high energy canine will give you hours of companionship out on the trail.

Read up on habits of certain breeds before making a decision – terriers, for example, are notorious for digging. Some varieties are “yippy”.  Some breeds are protective, while others are overly friendly. Make sure you can deal with the habits of the dog. Of course every responsible owner will start a training regiment. This requires discipline on the part of the owner to keep up the program but will ultimately lead to a happy calm home and not a stressful situation. I highly suggest you consider these dog training products as they have helped me with my dogs. In addition size matters when selecting a dog. Do you have the room for a giant dog, or would you rather have a lap dog? German shepherds, labs, and other dogs require more space. If living in small quarters, a large dog may get underfoot. Small dogs frequently love to jump up on you and cuddle.

Do you have children? Is the breed known for biting? Certain breeds are much more prone to snap at little fingers, while larger dogs can knock toddlers over. This is why it’s important to find the right breed that will fit in your puzzle perfectly. One of the most loveable dogs is the German Shepherd. Besides being guard dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs, they are just plain great pets. A well known trait of the Shepherd is their ability to be trained to a high level. Get some great information on [how to train a German Shepherd here.] Getting your dog from a reputable breeder will help assure that you avoid health problems that may be prevalent in a particular breed. Use the AKC or other breeders’ association to find a good match for a breeder for your puppy.

While there are over 300 different dog breeds you can begin to see what you need to look for in an adoption. Any dog you adopt will need you to care for them. Dogs do have health issues, which require you to take them to the vet. In fact before adoption you must be willing to take care of the expenses a dog can have. Dog sickness problems can cause stressful times that will require your time, money and patience. The sacrifice will be worth the effort. Armed with this knowledge you will be able to make good decisions up front and be prepart to reap the rewards of owning your own dog.

Dogs sleep about 14 hours a day, so buying a comfortable dog bed is important . Gone are the days when you were just basically buying a lump of pillow.  Does your dog like to curl up, or is he or she  more of a sprawler?Deep beds, bolster or high walls will make them feel cozy and warm while the good old-fashioned mattresses, pads or mats give them a generous amount of room. Age, size, durability of the dog bed, and a pets sleeping habits should all be taken into consideration when making a choice. Also there are several different types of beds, and one variety of dog bed may be more suited to your pet than other styles. Your pets rest is important in order for him or her to lead a joyful and active life.

With a puppy, naturally one looks for something the puppy will grow into. Being able to wash the dog bed is also important since puppies are accident-prone. Generally, a small puppy doesn’t require a great deal of cushioning, since his or her weight won’t weight down the pet bed. The bed should also be  trouble-free to get in and out of, so if there is a step into the dog bed, as in the round type, it should be at a low level.

There are many different kinds of dog beds available  which differ according to  size, design, comfort, and cost.  Just as there are a number of different breeds of dogs.An older dog needs a bed that is easier to get in and out of, and that they can feel more comfortable in.  Bigger dogs need bigger beds, dogs that weigh more need beds that can support their weight.  Dogs with extremely short legs need flat beds so that they can get in their beds without any problems. A standard dog bed looks like a fluffy pillow or cushion but do not have rims or edges. They are obtainable in many shapes, sizes, materials and colors.Shapes typically include square, oval, round and rectangular.A variety of these beds are covered with materials such as microfiber, faux suede, denim, flannel or fleece. They often contain polyester filling and/or foam padding. Some beds are also filled with cedar chips to deter odors and insects. Don’t overlook the stuffing in dog beds before you make your purchase.  Various dogs are allergic to some synthetic materials and can get rashes from being in contact with plastics. If your dog has a history of skin ailments or you are buying a bed for a puppy,  you might want to avoid beds with cedar chips or cedar scent. Several varieties of dog beds have removable covers that can be washed.

Orthopedic dog beds are specially designed for dogs with arthritis or other joint problems such as hip dysplasia, and for senior citizen dogs regardless of their health problems. Expect to pay a little more for an orthopedic dog bed as they are commonly made of higher quality materials than standard dog beds, such as high-density, medical-grade foam that provides more support and comfort. Some beds even include electric heating pads to provide comforting  warmth which helps to relieve joint pain. Waterproof or washable fabrics might be needed for older dogs that are incontinent.

These days, dog lovers can find dog beds at almost any pet store, online or offline.  However, if you want to find a high-class designer dog bed, you may need to head to an exclusive online dog store or a brick-and-mortar pet boutique.

Where does your dog sleep? Sure, that comfy couch or your own bed are an option, buy they are not always ideal. Dogs love human companionship and would sleep in a human bed all the time if they could, but this is not always feasible or practical. Your dog needs a spot to retreat, a place to lay his head, somewhere soft and comfortable to call his own. It is one of your dogs basic needs – A Great Bed!

If your dog is your best friend, you don’t want him to sleep on the cold, hard floor . I truly hope this article encourages you to purchase a soft, comfy bed for your beloved companion.

The dog mange is one of the most common skin problems that can affect a dog. The mange skin problem should be expected and easily treated right away. The dog mange is a dermic illness induced by parasites that dwell on your dog’s skin. The mange in dogs is considered contagious, for both them and you. Not to mention the fact that without any mange cure, this skin problem will make your dog repugnant and less attractive, because his body will be covered by wounds, scabs, blisters, and he will suffer hair loss in those damaged portions.

Treat the mange only after you have the proper knowledge and “tools” for it. Talk to a vet about it as soon as you observer the mange. Discovering the right symptoms shows you the right type of mange and ways to treat it accordingly. Depending on the symptoms and various effects, there are three mange types.

The first type of mange, called chyletiella mange, after the mite that causes it, isn’t a major skin problem. Its ymptoms are easily observed on the skin, since many skin regions will be covered in light dandruff. The dog will scratch and lick himself because the damaged region itches alot.

The second one, named sarcoptic mange, is more noticeable. Unending scratching will make your dog’s coat lose hair and hairless patches will appear. Be careful when caring for your dog in this disease situation, because this type of mange has infectious to people. Pay extra attention to the vet’s advice on how to deal with this type of mange.

The third one, named demodex mange, can be observed especially in young dogs and puppies. The demodex mite is the one causing this type of mange. This type of mange can also be a result of a hereditary system immunity deficiency in some dog breeds. Some dogs may never be affected by this type mange, others will be susceptible to it in a greater deal. The mange causes lesions on the eye mask, muzzle and face areas. These damaged areas will present skin thickening and dry secretions. The veterinarian will most surely prescribe you some antibiotics.

Point blank advice: always seek vet advice. Don’t treat the mange by yourself. The vet will surely prescribe unguents and antibiotics for your dog. Use gloves or any special unguent when cleaning the mange infected dog, so you won’t get it too.

And foremost, don’t treat your dog as a rejected pet, don’t neglect him. The mange that affects your dog isn’t a reason to ignore and stop loving him. Finding a fast dog mange treatment is something really easy nowadays.