Monday, December 25, 2006

A New Website And New Blog For Happy Dog Happy You!

Dear friend,
A Very Merry Christmas to you and your family and your doggie friends.

I have created a website for this blog, and obviously it is called -

http://HappyDogHappyYou.com

Many readers have commented they like the new website, especially the header graphic, so do feel free to drop by.

I have also created a new blog using Word Press which gives me more flexibility in organising my posts, and obviously, it is at -

http://HappyDogHappyYou.com/blog

Come and pay a visit. :o)

Last but not least, A Very Happy New Year to you and your family and your doggie friends.

Cheers.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Merry Christmas and A Gift For You!

Dear friend,
A Very Merry Christmas To You and Your Family.

You might notice I have not made any post to this blog for the past few weeks, I was actually working on creating a website to better serve you.

Da da...... (drum roll), now it is finally done up.

Please drop by my newly created website "Happy Dog Happy You" at
http://HappyDogHappyYou.com

and the Word Press blog at
http://HappyDogHappyYou.com/blog

Hope you enjoy what I have done for you as my precious reader.

Last but not least, a Very Happy New Year To You.

Cheers.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Tips To Protect Your Dog If You Are Getting A Christmas Tree!

Puppy Training

Hi friend,
How are you doing?

Hey, Christmas is coming, are you getting a Christmas Tree?
If you are, I have the following tips for you as a responsible dog owner.

Dog Safety: 10 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips For Your Dog In Mind

Creating a holiday tree that is both beautiful to look at for you and unattractive to your dog is a special challenge. Here are some suggestions to keep your tree pet-friendly.

1. Tree water at the base of live trees can be harmful if preservative chemicals have been added to prolong the life of the tree. Keep your dog from drinking the water by covering the tree basin with foil or a tree skirt.

2. Place dog-safe ornaments near the bottom of the tree in case your dog decides to use the ornaments as playthings.

3. Tie up loose electrical cords of the lights used to decorate the tree and keep them concealed by attaching them with wire or cord to the trunk of the tree. End-to-end lights eliminate individual cords dangling from the tree that might entice your dog to chew them.

4. If you have lots of tree lights that are not end to end, purchase a power strip in which to plug the lights. Attach the strip to the tree trunk at a level that is higher than the height of your dog. As a result, you will have only one heavy-duty power cord running from the tree to the outlet instead of several flimsy cords from single strings of lights.

5. To prevent your dog from knocking over your holiday tree, anchor it with cord or wire to the ceiling directly above the tree's trunk. Don't attach it with wire to a wall behind the tree because your dog could get caught in the wire if be darts behind the tree.

6. Spray the tower branches of the tree with bitter apple, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, or other unappealing scents.

7. Hang your ornaments with ribbons rather than hooks to keep your dog from accidentally swallowing something that could get lodged in his throat.

8. Do not use tinsel or angel hair on your tree. Angel hair, made of glass fiber, and tinsel, made of metal, can cause internal damage if your dog swallows any.

9. Avoid decorating your tree with strings of berries or other edible ornaments - many are harmful if swallowed. The string on which they are attached can cause damage to your dog's intestines if swallowed, and a dog, eager to get to the "treats," could knock over the tree.

10. If you like, decorate a small, artificial tree for your dog with items he will find appealing, such as doggie biscuits and dog toys. Hide the tree until you are ready for your dog to open his presents.

Ok, that's all for today sharing, go and get a Christmas Tree if you desire but keep your doggie friend's safety in mind.

Merry Christmas to you and your doggie friend in advance.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

How To Prevent From Attacks By Your Very Own Dog?

Puppy Training

Hi friend,
I am not sure about you, but I got bitten by dogs when I was very young, luckily I did not grow up afraid of or hating dogs.

So, today, I would like share some tips on .........



6 Rules You Must Follow To Prevent Dog Attacks

As a general rule, dogs bite because (from the dog's perspective) the person bitten presented a potential threat or was engaging in conduct that the dog found objectionable. Dogs that bite for no apparent reason are most often motivated by their upbringing or training. It is a sad comment in present-day that the pet that was once considered man's best friend is becoming man's enemy. Dog bites are a common problem these days, especially in some countries.

And many of them involve being bitten by the family pet.

To prevent your pooch from biting the hand that feeds him, follow these suggestions:

1. If you are planning to purchase or adopt a dog and you have young children in the house, train the children early how to approach and handle the dog. Dogs that are chased, tormented, or teased in what the kids perceive as fun are the ones that are most likely to attack when they've had enough.

2. Learn to recognize pre-attack body language and stop interacting with your dog immediately, even if you feel that what you are doing is not offensive. Your dog may feel otherwise. Remember, dogs are animals, not people.

3. Don't play aggressive games with your dog. Dogs taught to attack an inanimate object in what is thought to be harmless play will soon transfer what they have learned to living beings.

4. Provide your dog with obedience training when he is young so that he will obey your commands to stop what he is doing in the event he attempts to go after you, another person, or an animal.

5. Unless you really need an attack dog, don't protection-train him. Your dog will scare off potential intruders by barking, so providing him with attack training will be like leaving a loaded gun where anyone can use it.

6. Consider placing a muzzle on your aggressively inclined dog when you are walking him or when he is in other social situations to prevent him from biting someone.



Hey friend, we don't want to be bitten, and with the same understanding, we don't want our dog to attack any innocent people, so be careful with your doggie friends and also, train your dogs.

Ok, till we 'woof' again, love your dog and be a responsible dog owner.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Why Dogs Love Barking At The Postman?

Puppy Training

Hi friend,
How are you 'woofing' around? :o)
I believe you are very fine.

Hey, have you ever wonder why your doggie friends always like to bark at the postman?

Hmm.... lets find out the mistery today.

Why Dogs Love To Bark At The Postman?

Your dog probably doesn't have anything personal against the postman. He's just taking care of his own. In fact, it is safe to say that every dog has a little watchdog in him. It's something that dogs inherit from their ancestors, who had to defend their territories and limited food supplies from trespassers.

To a dog, the great thing about postmen is that they appear to be easy targets. Here's what happens:

The first time a dog heard this stranger coming up the walk, he got alarmed. He probably backed up a little bit at first, but one brave day, he gave a little bark. His owners came running to see what was causing the commotion. The postman, of course, dropped off the mail and left. The combination of praise from his owners and the postman's retreat makes dogs very happy. They just assume that they scared the postman off. From then on, they feel confident that they can protect their homes from these fearsome visitors, so they keep barking.

Postmen, meter readers, United Parcel Service and FedEx couriers, and any other stranger who purposely heads up to the house and then looks as though he's retreating when he gets barked at is going to get the same reception.

Nearly all dogs have an instinctive urge to protect their homes, but that's not the only reason they kick up a fuss when the mail arrives. Part of it is merely anticipation. Dogs are attuned to rituals and routines to such an extent that they'd probably be called obsessive-compulsive if they were people. The mail comes every day at more or less the same time. It doesn't matter whether this event is happily anticipated or thoroughly dreaded.

Dogs probably begin thinking about it when they get up in the morning, and their excitement grows as the time approaches. By the time the postman finally arrives, they're keyed up and ready to rumble. It can get to be the high point of their days. Dogs who spend their days alone get particularly excited because they feel as though they've been left in charge. If they don't bark like crazy and warn off intruders, who will? They figure they're on duty should anyone approach their property.

Ahha.... got it? Isn't it cute? :o)

Ok, that's all for today.
Till we 'woof' again, please take good care of your friends.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

A Dog Care & Breeds Training Site!

Hi,
Good day to you.

I just discovered a site with pretty good info on dog care, check it out.


Title : Dog care, breeds, training and pictures

Description : Educational guide to in-depth knowledge of dog's breeds, their training and care and more.

URL : http://www.dogs-care.com

Cheers.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Toy Dog Owners: You Don't Want This To Happen To You!

Puppy Training

Dear friend,
Small dogs or toy dogs are very cute and adorable, and because they are so lovable, they can be spoilt easily.

Toy Dogs: These Small Guys Need A Little Extra Attention

Toy dogs were bred to be companions. In keeping with their ancestors, they continue to perfect the art of being adorable. Playful and affectionate, Toys love the spotlight, and if the end result of a trick session is more attention, they'll be happy to cooperate.

Anyone who has ever shared their life with a small dog will tell you they're adorable, especially when they're puppies. Spoiling them almost seems to go with the territory. After all, their behavior is so miniaturized that's rarely a problem.

However, living the unstructured life, being doted on night and day, is just as harmful for their psyche. The result? What I call Small Dog Syndrome. Sound familiar?

It's easy to neglect any type of training with toy dogs, but owner beware! Without direction they can become quite tyrannical, ruling the house with constant barking and snapping. To get the most from these little guys, train them to do some useful tricks, endearing them to one and all.

So give them proper training when they are still puppies.

Ok, that's all for today sharing folks.
Till we 'woof' again, have fun.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Here Are The 6 Steps To Removing Dog Urine From The Carpet!

Puppy Training

Dear friend,
Have you experienced that even how well your doggie friends are toilet trained, they still do make mistake or accident, the worst could be they did it on your carpet, leaving the smell and stain behind.

So, ok, not to worry, today I am going to share with you ...............

6 Steps To Removing Dog Urine From The Carpet

If you have older carpeting or don't know the name of the manufacturer, follow these easy steps to remove urine when your pet has an accident.

1. Blot up the urine as quickly as possible with a dry doth or paper towel.

2. Apply a small amount of diluted detergent solution consisting of 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid dishwashing detergent and one quart of water, or use a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and one quart of water.

3. Press the solution into the urine spot and continue to blot up the excess. Do not rub the urine into the carpet.

4. Rinse the spot with clear water or an odor neutralizer and blot dry.

5. Place paper towels or clean, dry cloths over the area and weight them down. Change the paper towels or cloths as soon as they have become saturated with liquid and apply dry ones. Continue this process until the carpet Is dry.

6. After the spot has dried, brush up the piling and vacuum the area. Be sure the spot is completely dry before walking on it.

So don't scream at your doggie friend when accident happens, just follow the 6 steps illustrated above and you could save the carpet.

Ok, till we 'woof' again, be patient and nice to your loyal friends.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Does Your Dog Create Smudges & Streaks On Your Glass Doors?

Puppy Training

Dear doggie lover,
You must have experienced this............

Your Dog Create Smudges & Streaks On Your Glass Doors?

Does your dog enjoy watching the world go by from the glass patio doors? If so, you may have smudges and streaks from his pressing his nose against the glass to get a better view.

Keeping your dog away from doors deprives him of one of the supreme pleasures of an indoor pet, but if you want to keep up with elimination of smudges and streaks, follow some of these 3 suggestions.

1. Compromise with your dog and designate one or two locations as lookout spots. Place objects or plants in the other locations so that your dog cannot access those places.

2. In a spray bottle, mix one part vinegar to three parts water as a glass cleaner and keep it handy. Clean with a lint-free cloth or squeegee dry.

3. To prevent your dog from smudging glass in doors, choose gathered curtains that are held down by a curtain rod at the top and bottom so that he can't get his nose to the glass.

Hey, I have a suggestion, when you doggie peeps out of the window, why not you join her too, and ask someone go out of the house and take a photo of both you and your doggie friend ....... peeping out from the window..... trust me, it is beautiful and cute.

Ok, till we 'woof' again, spend quality and quantity time with your dog, have fun. :o)

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Thursday, October 26, 2006

SitStayFetch Dog Training Program

Puppy Training

Hi friend,
My friend Yung just launched a website http://www.staydogsonline.com/ promoting a Dog Training Program, you definitely like to check it out, don't forget to click on the SItStayFetch graphic to read the testimonial.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Why Dogs Do Not Like Having Their Feet Touched

Puppy Training

Dear friend,
Today, I would like to touch on a very common and interesting doggie behavior...........

Why Dogs Do Not Like Having Their Feet Touched

Dogs have very tough paw pads. The pads consist of tissue that's similar to a callus, which can be as much as 3/4 inch thick. It's as though dogs are walking on thick leather soles. They can walk comfortably on surfaces that would leave people wincing and hopping.

The rest of their feet, however, are a lot more sensitive - so much so that they hate having them touched. It seems to be a universal dislike. Regardless of the breed, most dogs will jerk away when you touch their feet, especially on top or between the toes.

This curious sensitivity wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the fact that dogs periodically need to have their nails trimmed or their toes inspected for stones or burrs. Some dogs will put up with having their feet handled, but others will fight like crazy. It's not uncommon for groomers to charge an extra fee to provide what should be routine claw care.

The bottoms of dogs' feet are designed to withstand rugged use, but the tops are not. The tops of the feet are loaded with nerve endings that fire off warnings when they sense pressure that could presage potential injuries. You can test this for yourself. Touch the bottom of your dog's feet, and he probably won't react. Touch the tops, and he'll pull away or flinch a little. Touch between his toes, and he'll make it clear that he'd really like to be left alone.

Dogs' feet are essential for them to accomplish almost everything they do. They're used in defense, for hunting, for locomotion, and even for communicating - dogs leave visual markers when they scratch the ground. So you can now understand why dogs get a little nervous when things (or people) that they can't control start touching their feet.

Dogs have thick, tough claws, and even routine pedicures can be uncomfortable - or worse. A cut to the quick of the nail is very painful. Dogs have good memories of things that have hurt them. The more they've been nicked by nail clippers, the more determined they'll be to keep their feet out of reach.

Bad memories may be compounded by the fact that some dogs only have their feet touched when they're being worked on. Neither nail trims nor first aid are experiences that dogs remember fondly. They come to believe that any foot contact is bad contact, and so they shy away from it.

Hey friend, so now you understand the reasons of your doggie friends dislike having their feet touched.

Great, till we 'woof' again, have a good time with you loyal doggie friend.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Friday, October 20, 2006

The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Adopting A Mature Dog

Puppy Training

Dear friends,
Quite a number of readers wrote in to ask me should they adopt a mature dog. Well, it is a very personal choice, what I would like to help is to list out ................

The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Adopting A Mature Dog

There are advantages and disadvantages of adopting a mature dog from a private party or a shelter. Please keep the following tips in mind as you approach dog adoption:

5 Advantages

1. The dog usually is already house-trained.
2. The dog's behavior and personality tend to be stable, and not subject to the changes seen in maturing puppies.
3. The dog is not subject to diseases of puppy-hood.
4. The dog's health record and behavioral history usually are available, and problems may be avoided.
5. The dog's cost, if any, is usually lower than that for a puppy.

3 Disadvantages

1. The dog has already "lost" its human family and may tend to be insecure. Therefore, it requires careful behavioral and emotional guidance.
2. The dog may have behavior problems that are not evident until after several weeks in its new home.
3. The new owners will not benefit from the optimum socialization periods of puppy development.

The above are my personal understanding, ultimately should we adopt a mature dog or purchase a young puppy, this is a personal decision based on individual situation.

Ok, that's all for this sharing. till we 'woof' again, make a wise decision.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

How To Prevent Your Dog From Neighborhood Urine Marking?

Puppy Training

Dear friends,
The best part of writing this blog is an opportunity to share what I know about dogs with all my readers, especially when they learnt some good tips and left comments on my blog.

So, do let your comments come in. Thanks in advance.

Ok, lets begin today sharing........

Preventing Neighborhood Urine Marking

A commonly accepted myth among dog owners is that dogs, especially males, have a fundamental need to spread their urine widely in order to be emotionally well adjusted. As a result, the dog is often taken off its own property, to dutifully sprinkle up, down, and across the street.

In addition to methodically despoiling the area's greenery, the owner is allowing the dog to extend its protective feelings beyond its natural home and yard. An aggressive dog consequently begins to defend what the ignorant owner has "taught" it to consider its territory.

This is especially true when 2 dogs of the same household involved both suffer the misfortune of having equally ignorant owners. Each dog tries to protect its own extended boundaries. This type of defensive behavior predominates among males, but also has been noted in females.

When the above urination issues occur, one portion of a remedial program becomes rather obvious: the owner must not allow the dog to "brand" the neighborhood territory. Further, in dogs that are fighters, whenever and wherever they go off their property, it is best not to allow any urinating at all unless 5 or 6 hours have passed and the dog genuinely must urinate.

This avoids one of the most common canine rituals preceding aggression: urine marking.

Ok, that's all for today sharing, folks.

Till we 'woof' again, don't let your doggie friends urine mark your neighborhood.


Puppy Training

Monday, October 16, 2006

Do Dogs Have Emotions Part II

Puppy Training

Dear friends,
Had a good weekend? I believe you had. :o)

Ok, lets continue with ...........

Do Dogs Have Emotions?

Your dog probably doesn't have the ability to imagine how you would feel if he were to soil your bed as revenge for leaving him alone all weekend. And he probably wouldn't chew your favorite shoes as revenge for locking him in the bedroom and keeping him from enjoying that piece of chicken you had last night.

The ability to look into another's psyche to imagine one's emotional response to a planned endeavor is what behaviorists call revenge. Revenge requires a "theory of mind" that dogs do not have.

Dogs see the world from their perspective. That's why arranging their daily lives from their point of view works so well. Not only would it seem strange to understand why you won't give him a dog biscuit before dinner because it would spoil his appetite, but it would seem even more strange if he is seen planning something later that evening to make you feel bad in some way for your stinginess.

Yet we often find ourselves believing that this is exactly what our pet must have done when we discover that he's chewed our best shoes. In reality, our pet's behavior is probably caused by a disruption of his routine, an increased arousal or excitement, or a way to relieve discomfort or frustration.

Now that you understand your dog's emotions, you can go about changing them to create a mood that is incompatible with the mood that drives his misbehavior. The concept is called the principle of competing motivations: A dog cannot be angry, fearful, or depressed and happy or exited at the same time!

Hm...... that's all my sharing on Dog's emotions.

Have a wonderful week ahead before we 'woof' again. :o)

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Do Dogs Have Emotions?

Puppy Training

Hi friends,
Good day to you.

I would like to discuss a very interesting topic with you.......

Do Dogs Have Emotions?

Trying to determine if your dog is experiencing anger, love, or any other "human" emotion is difficult. To date, no one has been able to provide convincing scientific evidence that we can distinguish one emotion from another by what our brains or hormones do.

We obviously feel differently when we're in a loving versus an angry mood; however, what our brain does to influence us to feel those very different emotions is less clear.

Nonetheless, we believe that our pets love us, they appear to be embarrassed when we dress them up in silly clothes, and they certainly look like they're feeling guilty after doing something wrong.” But do they know right from wrong, and when they do the wrong thing, do they really feel guilty?

What would it take for us to be convinced that our pet actually experiences a specific emotion?

Is it possible that his appearance, the way he looks in his body language and behavior, leads us to confuse guilt with submissive, defensive behavior? Do we think that he's experiencing guilt from the way he looks or from the situation that seems to call for guilt?

Do we think that our dog actually feels emotions such as guilt, love, shame, hope, pride, relief, regret, or revenge? It's an interesting question, and behaviorists are still working on it. But let's look at it in terms of revenge.

When we think of getting revenge against someone who has "done us wrong," we think of doing something to get back at the person. We decide on the appropriate revenge by imagining how it would make the person feel to have such-and-such happen to him.

If we think it would really make him feel bad, and it would get back at him in an appropriate way, it makes us feel good, even if we just imagine it. We don't actually need to get revenge, we just need to imagine his reaction if he were to get what he deserves.

To be continued tomorrow..... :o)


Puppy Training

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Where Do You Feed Your Dogs?

Puppy Training

Dear friends,
Where do you feed your dogs?

The Best Place To Feed Your Dog

Where you feed your dog has a lot to do with whether he can sneak off and lay a load. If the dog is in a room, left alone with the food, you'll return and find the accident right away. And if the dog is in the crate, there's even less of a chance that an accident will happen.

But if the dog is eating in the kitchen while you are watching TV in the living room, a quick exit and a quick excretion is much more possible and the "sneak exit" can become patterned in. All of this can be avoided if you feed your pet in a small confined room or in the crate.

If you feed your dog in the presence of other people, he is more likely to focus on you and the others in the room and not eat all of the ration right away. This leads to the nibbler syndrome, which is a disaster when you are trying to get him housebroken.

This behavior also increases the chance that the owner will be there to coax the dog into eating, leading to other types of behavioral difficulties. Others might take pity on the dog and share table scraps, teaching him to focus on the family table rather than the food bowl.

Feed your dog alone in a room or in a crate.

Till we 'woof' again, let your dog enjoy the preferably twice-daily meal in peace.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Monday, October 09, 2006

How To Give Your New Puppy As Much Attention Possible?

Puppy Training

Dear friends,
Did you have a fantastic weekend with you doggie friend?

He/she needs quality and quantity time with you just like your children.

How To Give Your New Puppy As Much Attention Possible

Life can be busy. Between full time careers and outside obligations during off-work time, we must remember that our little puppy need as much attention as possible when we are at home with them. You should enjoy short play and training sessions hourly. If you cannot pay full attention to your puppy's every single second, play with your pup in his playpen, where a suitable toilet and toys are available.

Or, for periods of no longer than an hour at a time, confine your puppy to his doggy den, or short-term close confinement area, such as a portable dog crate. Every hour, release your puppy and quickly take him to his doggy toilet. Your puppy's short-term confinement area should include a comfortable bed, and plenty of hollow chew toys (stuffed with dog food).
It is much easier to watch your pup if he is settled down in a single spot.

Either you may move the crate so that your puppy is in the same room as you or you may want to confine your pup to a different room to start preparing him for times when he will be left at home alone. If you do not like the idea of confining your puppy to a dog crate, you may tie the leash to your belt and have the pup settle down at your feet.

Okie, that's my sharing for today, have a great week ahead.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Sunday, October 08, 2006

How Come My Dog Has Stains Under Her Eyes?

Puppy Training

Dear friends,
Good day to you.

Many friends have asked me this question.............

How Come My Dog Has Stains Under Her Eyes?

Some dogs, especially Poodles, Maltese, and toys whose faces are white, sport darkly stained facial hair along the inside corner of their eyes. The stain is caused by tears, which should collect in the tear ducts but instead flow onto the face. There are several reasons the tear ducts may not be draining all of the tears secreted.

The ducts may be obstructed or too narrow to do their job properly. In some cases, the ducts themselves are properly formed and functional, but the tear flow itself is too excessive. This may be caused by conjunctivitis, allergies, entropion, infection of the Harderian gland, or an infection of the third eyelid.

If you notice a new stain, or a stain that seems to be getting worse, consult your veterinarian; he or she will need to determine the underlying cause of the problem. If an infection is triggering the staining, antibiotics will be prescribed. Surgery may be recommended to remove the third eyelid, increasing the area into which tears can flow.

Home Remedy:

1. Keep the hair clipped close to the face.

2. Mix two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide in twenty teaspoons of lukewarm water. Gently rub some of the solution into the stained hair, taking pains to prevent getting any of it in the eye itself.

3. Carefully rinse with lukewarm water.

Ok, that's all folks.

Till we 'woof' again, have a 'woofy' weekend. :o)

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Is Your Puppy A Thief?

Puppy Training

Dear friend,
A Good Weekend To You.

May I ask you one question......

Is Your Puppy A Thief?

Commonly, a puppy will pick up a shoe off the floor, which provokes us to chase after him and take the forbidden object away. The dog that is frequently isolated or prohibited from exercise will learn how to ask for negative attention. Negative attention is better to the dog than no attention at all, hence his stealing articles to solicit your attention.

Pick your issues carefully when training your dog. When your dog has an object that you must retrieve, do not under any circumstances chase him. He can and will outrun you while learning how to achieve attention from you. Ignore the behavior unless the object is dangerous to your dog's health. In this case, replacing the object he is holding in his mouth usually works.

When replacement does not work, then you may need to use a can with several pennies in it to startle him into dropping. This "throw can" technique needs to be done so that your dog doesn't see you throw it. The can flew out of the sky and landed near him when he picked up the forbidden object.

Employing the commands "drop it" and "leave it" are helpful with this problem. Teaching the dog to play with only his toys is also important. Having a long line attached to his collar in the house while conditioning your dog out of this behavior eliminates the need for you to chase him to get back whatever he has picked up.

So, is your puppy a thief? :o)

Till we 'woof' again, have a wonderful weekend with your doggie friend.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Friday, October 06, 2006

Guardian Angels: A Dog Story Part II

Puppy Training

Dear friend,
Lets continue ...........

Guardian Angels: A Dog Story Part II

The effectiveness of guard dogs cannot be disputed. There are literally thousands of stories of how a dog protected the life or property of its master. Just read this one great example, dating from A.D. 79 and discovered by archaeologists digging through the volcanic ash in the ruins of Pompeii.

During their excavations, the scientists uncovered a dog's body lying across that of a child. The major part of the tale was told by the dog's collar. The dog, whose name was Delta, had saved the life of his owner, the child Severinus, three times.

The first time he had served as a rescue dog, pulling Severinus out of the sea and saving him from drowning.

Later, Delta had fought off four men who were attempting to rob his master.

Then Delta saved Severinus when he was attacked by a wolf when he was in Herculaneum to visit the sacred grove of Diana.

Apparently Delta was again acting as a guard dog when the catastrophe occurred. The heroic dog was trying, once more, to protect his young master by using his own body to shield the boy from the hot ash of the erupting volcano when they were both overcome by the poisonous gases that also spewed forth.

Delta sacrificed everything in a desperate attempt to fulfill the role of guard dog once more.

So, treat your doggie friend well, she is our Best Friend.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Guardian Angels: A Dog Story

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Today, I would like to share A Dog Story.

Guardian Angels: A Dog Story

Dogs have been used as guards throughout recorded history. Ancient Romans often kept some fairly aggressive dogs chained near their doors. (Keeping a dog chained or tethered to a small area tends to increase its aggressiveness markedly.) It should come as no surprise that many Roman homes sported “Beware of the Dog” signs in the form of mosaics showing a chained snarling dog along with the words cave canem, "beware of dog".

In addition to the basic territorial defense response, wolves and other wild canids will also rally to the defense of the pack or to the summons of a pack leader who perceives an intruder as a threat. These are the instincts prized in the so-called attack dogs, guard dogs that will respond spontaneously or on command by pursuing and attacking any person entering their territory or indicated by a handler.

A police dog, for example, is trained to attack under two conditions: when it perceives its master being threatened or upon a learned signal. According to protection dog trainers, natural guard dogs need very little training to trigger the aggressive response; rather, they require training to ensure that they can be called off reliably. In addition, they also require training to direct their aggression to appropriate targets. Thus, while the abilities associated with guarding are part of the dog's instinctive intelligence, controlling the abilities requires some working and obedience intelligence as well.

To be continued ..................... :o)

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Monday, October 02, 2006

3 Great Questions About Dog Food - Question 3

Puppy Training

Dear friends,
Here is the third question of the ...............

3 Great Questions About Dog Food

“I've seen both pet-store foods and grocery-store foods that brag that they are 'all natural' and 'free from added preservatives.' Is this really important or is this just marketing?”

It is mostly marketing, but there is some scientific basis in feeding a food free of preservatives. However, most of these pet-food companies are playing a name game trick on you.

By saying they have "no added preservatives" they are not saying there are no preservatives in the food. They don't add them, but the preservatives have already been added to the raw ingredients before being purchased by the company! Pretty tricky isn't it?

Preservatives are necessary in all pet food. If they didn't have preservatives of some kind, they would spoil on the shelf in a matter of days or even hours. Many so-called "all natural" foods use vitamin E or vitamin C as a preservative.

Ok, that concludes this mini series. Hope you have a better understanding of Dog Food.

Till we 'woof' again, have a good time with you doggie friends.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Sunday, October 01, 2006

3 Great Questions About Dog Food - Question 2

Puppy Training

Dear friend,

Here is the second question of the ......

3 Great Questions About Dog Food

“We feed a grocery-store canned food to our dog. He has bad breath all the time. Do you think it's the food?”

It could be the food, but it could also be dental tartar and gum disease caused by the exclusively soft food diet. Because he doesn't eat any type of dry food, your dog is not getting any rough form of abrasion on his teeth.

The soft food may be accumulating on his teeth and the decaying food particles causing the bad odor. Try mixing a good quality dry food with just a small amount of the canned food and see if he'll eat it just as well. If so, he will be getting good nutrition and the abrasive action of crunching on dry dog food will help the bad-breath problem.

Lets stay tuned to the third question at my next post.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Saturday, September 30, 2006

3 Great Questions About Dog Food - Question 1

Puppy Training

Dear friend,
How are you?

Weekend is near! :o)

Hey, quite a number of you asked me about the Dog Food, I have picked 3 most common questions and answering them here.

3 Great Questions About Dog Food

Question 1

“We can't afford those expensive brands of foods at the pet store, What can we buy at the grocery store that will be Ok for our six-month-old retriever pup?”

Good question! And anyone can understand how the price of the super-premium brands sold at pet stores and veterinary clinics can be out of budget, especially with a big dog. Most dogs that are very young will do well on most any brand. They are healthy and their organs are pretty resilient to nutritional insult in the short term.

It is your dog's long-term health that is of concern. If right now you cannot afford one of the super-premium brands, we suggest one of the grocery store premium brands like Cycle Puppy or Alpo. These brands have all been reformulated and are much improved. They will provide your puppy excellent nutrition as long as he is healthy. As your dog gets older, try switching to a formula for older dogs.

Will post the answer to the second question at my next post, so stay tuned and have a wonderful weekend.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

7 Tips To Help Your Dog To Overcome Anxiety!

Puppy Training

Hi friend,
Is your doggie friend afraid of loud noises like thunder?
Hm.... This is the sign of anxiety.

Yes, your doggie friend does feel Anxiety too.

Today I would like to share with you some tips to help your doggie friend to come this problem.

7 Tips On Helping Your Dog To Overcome Anxiety

Four-legged animals are as inclined to experience stress as their two-legged owners. While your dog won't labor over where his next meal will come from, he may wrestle with his own fears and anxieties. Fear may be associated with a particular person or gender, or a specific situation, such as a visit to the veterinarian's office. Dogs may become anxious when their owners are away, when they hear certain noises such as thunder or fireworks, when a new pet enters the house or an animal companion dies.

Eliminating the cause is the first step in preventing your dog's anxiety attacks. If your dog runs under the bed during a thunderstorm, the source of the stress is clear, but sometimes the cause of the stress is more difficult to determine.

To help a nervous pet, try some of these tension-easing tips.:

1. If your dog has a fear of thunder or fireworks, desensitizing your pet is almost impossible. Instead, provide a place in your home away from windows and doors in which he can wait out the storm and keep a radio on to help drown out the sounds of the thunder or fireworks.

2. If your dog experiences anxiety over a new pet addition to the home, introduce the animals gradually.

3. Dogs may experience stress at being left alone. Consider the option of adopting or purchasing a second dog to keep your existing dog company.

4. If your dog seems anxious when you are away even for short periods of time, leave the television or a radio on.

5. If your dog becomes stressed because you are moving to a new home, take him to your new home before you move in, if possible, and allow him to investigate the surroundings. Give your dog some treats or play with him in the new home so he will associate something positive with the experience.

6. If the appearance of a new baby or new spouse in your home is making your dog anxious, try to keep things as normal as possible. Stick to your dog's regular schedule and give him plenty of attention.

7. If your dog grieves due to the loss of an animal companion, give him plenty of love and affection. After some time passes, consider a new animal playmate.

Ok, that's all for today sharing, folks.
Till we 'woof' again, LOVE YOUR DOG.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Monday, September 25, 2006

How Do You Give Pills To A Squirming Puppy?

Puppy Training

Hi friend,
Good day to you
Many people told me that they have great headache when their puppy falls sick.
Why? because they find it a BIG challenge in giving pills to their puppy.

So this is my sharing with you today............

How Do You Give Pills To A Squirming Puppy?

The best way to give any pill is to wrap it in a small piece of meat; most puppies eat meat hungrily, and the pills go down easily. I give my puppy a vitamin-mineral supplement that is in powdered form. It is unfortunately rather insoluble, but she doesn't mind, and eats it up easily with her morning meal. If you start this habit with young puppies, they get accustomed to it.

All puppies should get accustomed from an early age to having their mouths opened without biting. Try opening the mouth and popping in a piece of her favorite food, each time commanding the dog to "Open." You will find that your puppy will quickly learn to open her mouth on command, hoping for her favorite food.

You must never try to open a puppy's mouth with your hand on the bottom jaw.

Always place your hand over the top of the muzzle, with your first finger and thumb in the puppy's mouth where the teeth are absent, just behind the large canine tooth when it comes through. Keep the puppy's head up, and stroke its throat until you see it swallow. Always put the puppy to the sit before attempting any medication. Otherwise it might struggle and choke.

Ok, hope you won't find it a challenge again when giving medicine to your doggie friend in the future.

Till we 'woof' again, have a fantastic week ahead.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Here Are 13 More Ways To Keep Yourself Fur-Free!

Puppy Training

Hi friend,
How is your weekend?
So far so great? I believe so. :o)

Following yesterday sharing, I would like to share more ideas with you tody.

13 Ways To Keep Yourself Fur-Free

Do you arrive at the office looking like you rolled over with your dog? Do your dinner guests politely pick dog hair from their food before eating it? Nothing says "I have a dog" more than hair clinging to our clothing, hair wafting through the air in our homes, or hair burrowing into the butter. Frequent vacuuming is one of the best ways to cut down on hair buildup, but if you don't always have time to drag out the vacuum cleaner, try some of these quick and dirty suggestions for cleaning up the piles of pet hair.

1. To sweep up loose dog hair from hardwood or vinyl floors, use a dampened mop.

2. Wall-to-wall carpeting holds down the hair more than hard-wood or vinyl floors, so adding a carpet to a room may help keep dog hair from wafting through your house.

3. To pick up loose dog hair that is attached to upholstered furniture, wear a dampened rubber glove or use a damp sponge.

4. Use a sticky roller to lift dog hair from fabrics and upholstery. Washable sticky rollers enable you to recycle instead of dispose of the product.

5. Purchase a washable Furniture Magnet Pet Hair Remover to help you wipe off the dog hair from clothing, furniture, or pillows. Place it under your furniture cushions for easy access.

6. To pick up dog hair from your carpet, use a window squeegee.

7. Choose furniture made from smooth fabrics such as leather, faux leather, or other fabric to which loose hair won't stick as readily.

8. Place a washable towel or blanket over your dog's favorite sleeping spot to keep hair from clinging to cushions.

9. Use washable window coverings if your dog likes to watch the world go by from the floor in front of a picture window or patio doors.

10. Draperies made of smooth fabrics won't attract as much hair as heavy textured ones, so if you're in the market for some new window furnishings, purchase ones that are less likely to become filled with your dog's hair.

11. Keep a lint brush near your favorite easy chair. Then, after your dog sits on your lap, you can roll off the hair before you get up.

12. Use a feather duster or device to clean between slats of mini-blinds to remove deposited hair.

13. Change the furnace and air conditioner filters more often during shedding season to prevent blockage.

Ok, that's about all I could think of, do share with me if you have any other ideas.

Till we 'woof' again, have a Beautiful Sunday.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Saturday, September 23, 2006

How To Remove Dog Hair From Your Clothes, Bedding & Drains?

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Not sure whether you find it uncomfortable when your doggie's hair is all over your shirt, pants shirts, bedding and your house, here are some tips on ...............

Removing Dog Hair From Your Clothes, Bedding & Drains

1. Dog Hair On Your Clothes

Keep a roll of masking tape or a sticky roller in your car to remove dog hair after you leave the house. Keep some in your office drawer at work to do the same.

Remove dog hair from your clothing with a dampened rubber glove, sticky roller, or masking tape, or blow it off with a blow-dryer.

2. Dog Hair On Your Bed

When there is dog hair on your bedding, run your bedding through the air-dry or fluff cycle of your dryer to remove hair before putting it in the washing machine.

If some dog hair remains at the bottom of the washing machine after you've done your laundry, remove the hair by running the washer through one rinse cycle.

3. Dog Hair Clogging Drains

If your dog's hair accompanies you into the shower and clogs the drain, or your drains run slowly after giving your dog a bath, keep a plunger handy. Plunge after each use to keep the dog hair from severely clogging your drains.

Purchase a mechanical plunger for those hairy pipes. All types of plungers are available in hardware stores and builders' outlets.

Lastly, be sure to place steel wool in your drain to catch hair.

Ok, that's all for this sharing.

Till we 'woof' again, have a wonderful weekend.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Friday, September 22, 2006

Why Does Your Dog Like To Lay Around On Your Feet? Part 2

Puppy Training

Hi friends,
Sorry, lets continue with my sharing on why our doggie friends like laying around on our feet.

Large dogs are more likely than small breeds to choose a perch. Small dogs can scramble into laps when they want to keep track of their people. Big dogs are too bulky for that kind of cuddling. Sitting on feet gives them similar feelings of closeness and reassurance. Of course, there are plenty of dogs who simply want to be near the people they like. They're not all that desperate for attention or reassurance - they just like the closeness.

Some dogs crave foot contact more than others, and there's not much you can do about it. Keep your leather shoes in the closet and be grateful that your dog wants to be close to you. Dogs who are truly anxious about being abandoned, however, need some extra reassurance.

Try scheduling a little extra cuddle time with your pet. Dogs who know they can depend on getting attention at certain times of the day or in certain places are less likely to demand it the rest of the time. Set aside 5 to 10 minutes each day when your dog can sit on your feet, lick your face, and generally revel in physical contact. She'll come to depend on these regular meetings and look forward to them - and she'll be less desperate for attention because she'll know something good is coming.

Ok, that's all on this topic.

Till we 'woof' again, enjoy your company with your doggie friends.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Why Does Your Dog Like To Lay Around On Your Feet?

Puppy Training

Hi all,
As a dog owner, you should have realised that your doggie friend likes very much to lay around on your feet, so.............

Dogs & Feet - What's The Deal?

Does your dog seem to be happy only when he is literally sleeping or laying around on your feet or your shoes?

There's no getting around the fact that dogs love feet and everything associated with them.
They adore shoes and socks, and most of all, they love the smelly tootsies themselves. In fact, your feet are the part of you that your dog knows best. They're right there on the floor with her; they're full of the smell of you; and lots of times, they're the only part of you that dogs are allowed to sit on.

One reason that dogs like feet so much is the same reason that most people steer clear of them. For such a small body part, feet pack a whole lot of scent. Each foot has about 125,000 sweat glands. That's enough to keep plenty of smells percolating, especially when the feet are encased in socks and shoes. Dogs draw a huge portion of their knowledge of the world from their sense of smell. And feet sure do smell!

Rich aromas aren't the only things about feet that dogs find attractive. They also depend on them as sort of a human tether. There are some dogs who worry that their owners will get up and leave without them noticing. They don't want their people to get very far away, so they sit on them.

Sorry, gonna run now, will continue at my next posting.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

My Life Stories!

Hi all,
Good day to you.

Just like to drop you a short note.

I have started a new blog Lamb of God Gift of Faith sharing my stories about how the Lord has been blessing me all these years.

Even if you are not a Christian, I believe you will enjoy my little stories.

Happy reading.

Cheers.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Why Do Dogs Pant?

Puppy Training

Hi all,
I believe you have a wonderful weekend so far.

Children always ask why do dogs pant, okie, here is a short sharing on this.........

Why Do Dogs Pant?

Unlike horses, dogs do not sweat through the skin; they sweat through the tongue and nose, so that when a dog is panting, he is not necessarily thirsty. He is just sweating. Naturally if exertion makes a dog pant for long, he loses fluid, which he will have to replace by drinking water. Panting does not necessarily mean thirst, but a thirsty dog will pant.

Excessive panting may indicate distress, and dogs should be taken into a shady or cool place or they may get a heatstroke. It is not unknown for dogs to die at shows in hot weather from heatstroke. If a stroke is threatened, immediately put cold compresses to the dog's head or, if the temperature is extremely high, immerse the dog in cold water until the temperature is reduced to about 103°, which is fairly safe for a dog.

Of course the animal must be dried off, or chill may result. If the animal has not lost consciousness, cool drinks are invaluable. Shutting dogs in cars with the windows closed is one cause of heatstroke. Only thoughtless owners would do such a thing.

Okie, that's all for today sharing.

Have a wonderful week ahead.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Sunday, September 17, 2006

It's Not A Good Idea To Give Someone A Puppy As A Surprise Gift!

Puppy Training

Hi all,
I know almost everybody expresses their interest in owning a puppy, but.........

It's Not A Good Idea To Give Someone A Puppy As A Surprise Gift

Despite what you may think, it is never a good idea to give someone a puppy as a surprise gift. Getting a dog is such a personal decision, and a bond needs to be made when an owner picks a puppy. A puppy given as a gift sounds cute, almost irresistible, but it takes the owner out of the decision-making process of picking a puppy.

For example, parents often give a child a puppy as a gift, but after a few weeks, the child grows weary of the responsibility. And who can blame them?

Owning a puppy is hard work. A puppy is not some toy to have around the house. Of course it's a great experience for kids to have a puppy in the house - they can play with the puppy and help work on training. But a puppy should be a gift for the whole household and not just for a child.

Resist the temptation of buying a puppy as a gift for someone. Let the person make the choice of when they want to get a puppy and what kind they wish to have. Conscious choice is the best method in any situation that involves a commitment.

Please remember this especially if you have started scratching your head for a Christmas gift for, It's Not A Good Idea To Give Someone A Puppy As A Surprise Gift.

Till we 'woof' again, have a wonderful weekend.



Puppy Training

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Here Is Another Game Your Dog Will Love: Racing-To-The-Finish!

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Its weekend. Enjoy yourself.

Here is another game you could play with your doggie friends.

Racing-To-The-Finish

What dog doesn't like to race? The hard part is letting him know where the finish line is. Most dogs know their home, and if they realize that a treat awaits, you can teach them that "go home!" means to race home. Start just a few feet from home, say "go home!" and run with your dog to the house. Give him a treat as soon as you get there. Increase your distance from home gradually, and then race your dog back home.

Your dog is probably faster than you are, so once he knows the game, it might be more fun to teach him to stay while you walk a little closer to home for a head start. Then yell "go home!" and take off! This game can only be played where its safe to have your dog off-lead and no roads are near.

Have fun.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Here Is Another Game Your Dog Will Love: Underwater-Scuba-Fetching!

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Good day to you.
As promised, today I am going to share with you another game you can play with your doggie friend.

Here it comes.....................

Games Your Dog Will Love: Underwater-Scuba-Fetching

Not every dog will take to this fun activity of fetching and swimming at the same time, but those that do, love it! You have to start with a dog who loves to retrieve. A love of water helps, too, but that may develop with experience. Although you can use any sinkable item, the best underwater retrievable is a rubber toy available at most pet stores that is made up of three arches. That means the toy rests on two of the arches while the third one is elevated so the dog can easily grasp it. But you can start with dog treats or favorite toys.

You can use a large bowl as your pool at first, but you'll eventually want to graduate to a kiddie pool and then a real pool or lake. Start with the item in just a couple of inches of water. Gradually increase the depth, giving your dog a chance to learn how to exhale while his nose is underwater. Make sure he's confident at one depth before advancing to deeper water. Several milestones must be accomplished: placing the nostrils under water, placing the eyes under water, placing the ears underwater, and finally, diving underwater.

Different dogs will choose different stopping points, but that's is alright - you probably don't need your dog for an underwater recovery mission. Accept that he may not ever be comfortable submerging important parts of his anatomy. You can add other challenges by combining the underwater retrieve with other retrieving games. Can your dog retrieve several items one at a time? Can he retrieve an underwater item based on your directions? Can he combine scent discrimination with underwater retrieving by choosing which container of water holds the item you've scented?

Give it a try!

Ok, that's the game for today, till we 'woof' again, have fun.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Here Is A Game Your Dog Will Love: Retrieving-By-Memory

Puppy Training

Hi all,
How was your weekend?
I believe it was Great, right?

Ok, for the next few days, I shall share some games that you could play with your doggie friends.

Lets' begin the very first game.....

A Game Your Dog Will Love: Retrieving-By-Memory

Even if they never go hunting, many dogs love to learn the tricks of hunting retrievers. A busy hunting retriever may have to remember where several birds fell and bring back every one. Hunters call this marking, but you don't have to go hunting to enjoy this challenging game.
Warm up with a few throws where your dog can see exactly where the item lands. Then throw the retrieving item so it falls just out of sight, perhaps in tall grass or behind something. Your dog should have no problem finding and retrieving it.

Next, hold him or have him sit and stay until the item has landed before sending him to retrieve it. As he gets better, make him wait slightly longer, up to 30 seconds. Now he is using his memory to find an item he saw land earlier but can't currently see. But can he find two such items? Probably not at first, unless he can cram them both in his mouth. More likely he will run to one and then take it to the other and either trade items or stand there and wonder what to do. You need to show him how to bring them both back to you, one at a time.

If you used the “hallway trick” to teach him to fetch, you have a head start. That's where you sit in the middle of your hallway and throw a toy one way and when he brings it back, you immediately throw another toy the other way. That way he already understands the concept of bringing back something and immediately leaving for something else. But the hallway doesn't work for big dogs; there's just not enough room. Besides, you'll be throwing both items before he brings one back, which makes a big difference.

Still, one concept remains: You need to make it impossible for him to get to the second item without going past you first. One easy way to do this is to stand at the corner of your house (or the outside corner of a fenced yard). Another, and more ambitious way is to divide your backyard almost in half with temporary fencing and stand at one end of the fence.

In either case, you'll throw one item to one side of the corner or fence, and the other item to the other side. Let your dog watch both of them land. Send him first to get the item you threw second; this will make it easier for him. Encourage him to bring it back and, once he's given it to you, turn him to face the other object and send him for it. You may have to run part of the way with him if he seems confused.

As he gets more experienced you can back away from the fence or corner, leaving a gap between it and you. Call him toward you if he forgets and heads directly to the second item without first bringing the first one to you. It may take some practice - nobody said this was easy - but eventually he'll be able to do this in an open field. And that's when it's lots of fun.

Hey, lets go and try out this game with your doggie friend.

Till we 'woof' again, have fun.

Cheers.



Puppy Training

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Why A Dog's Keen Sense Of Smell Can Cause Them To Have Behavioral Problems

Puppy Training

Hi all,
A Very Good Weekend To You.

Just like to have a short sharing with you today......

Why A Dog's Keen Sense Of Smell Can Cause Them To Have Behavioral Problems

The dogs keen sense of smell may be involved in more problems than we realize. The odor of their owners is extremely important to most dogs when they cannot identify them by sight or the sound of their voices. Most dogs, even puppies, seem to strive for a whiff of the breath of people when greeting them, which can account for much of the jumping up that occurs.

Other problems that may have olfactory origins appear to be tied to discrimination difficulties. There have been several cases in which the dog, male or female, has begun to avoid or growl at familiar young girls during their first menstrual cycle. These dogs have responded well when the parents and youngsters "talked jolly," bounced a ball for playtime, etc.

For example, the residual odor of a certain perfumed soap caused one young male dog persistently to mount a family's 2-year-old child. When the soap was changed, the mounting ceased.

Interesting isn't it?

Ok, that's my sharing for today.

Have a Beautiful Sunday.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Friday, September 08, 2006

Here Is A Great Way To Exercise Your Dog If You Live In The City!

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Time flies, it is almost weekend.

Have you planned any program with you doggie friend for this weekend?
Going to the beach or trekking?

Anyway, today I am sharing with you ...........

A Great Way To Exercise Your Dog If You Live In The City

As someone who lives in the city, there are many ways to exercise a dog in your area. Why limit your dog's exercise just with a walk in your neighborhood? There's an attitude among some city dwellers that having a dog in the city isn't fair to the dog. Somehow, there is this myth that dogs are happiest in rural areas where they have plenty of room to roam, or in suburban areas with big backyards.

The city offers many options for exercising your dog. Owners should view the city as a vast playground. Often, it is a matter of using your imagination. One of the best ways to take advantage of your city area is to go running with your dog. When an owner runs with a dog, it is a beautiful thing to watch.

Many breeds of dogs were meant to run. Why not share a runner's high with your dog? Good advice when running with your dog is to run with him on leash and to observe the rules of the street, of course. I know runners don't like to stop at street corners with their dogs while they are running, but I hate to see a dog being taught that he can run across the street without stopping and not given the proper cross command. As a runner, you have to stop at street corners with red lights while running in place, so do the same thing whenever you arrive at any given corner.

It is not advisable to take a young puppy on a run since it will be hard on his hips and his bones are too soft. But when a puppy reaches his ninth month, he should be able to go safely on long runs with you. Check with your vet to find out when your dog is ready to start running with you.

If you run in the park, you don't have to worry about crossing at different streets. But you will have to teach him to stop at strategic areas along the path, such as cross paths, parking lots and other congested areas. Keep a leash on your dog so that it will be a smoother run. There are too many distractions around, and your run will be interrupted if he starts chasing a squirrel or rabbit.

Running teaches your dog to follow you since he will be running at your side. Your dog does not have to be at a perfect heel during a run. What you basically want to share with your dog is a good rhythm. If you are using a harness, he can run in front of you.

Running is also great for developing the musculature structure in dogs. Just take care that you don't run on days that are too hot for your dog. You will also want to inspect his pads after a run since they can take a beating on asphalt.

So, got it?
Lets go for a run this weekend with your doggie friend. Have fun.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Thursday, September 07, 2006

How To Test A Puppy From The Litter (Part 2)

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Good day to you.

Sorry for my absence.

I was busy with my team project.
Hey, like to share a piece of good news with you.
Our website was launched end of Aug, within less than one week, it is now ranked No.1 out of 1.26 million webpages in Google, and No.11 out of 1.1 million webpages in Yahoo.

Hm.... don't you like to pay a visit at www.PilatesEssential.com

Ok, without further ado, lets begin today sharing..........

Learn How To Test A Puppy From The Litter (Part 2)

When deciding on choosing a puppy from the litter, pick one and hold the puppy in three different positions that will make her feel submissive to you and establish you as an authority figure. These are exercises that closely approximate what a mother dog might do to her pup, or what an "alpha" wolf might do to a lesser pack member. They don't hurt, but they do put you temporarily in charge of the puppy's movements, and her reactions will tell you something about her willingness to accept your leadership.

To begin, sit down and pick the puppy (we suggest sitting on the floor just in case she wriggles out of your hands). Hold her in front of your face, being sure to support her completely from beneath the rib cage; don't hold her by the arms or shoulders, or she'll justifiably squeal in protest. Look into her eyes and smile at her. Does she struggle, grumble and whine, or does she hang limply? A dominant puppy will fight to get free, while a submissive one won't offer any resistance at all. (If she fights you, give her a little shake and say "Hey!" or "Ah-ah!" and see whether she calms down or only grows antsier.) A happy medium is a puppy who wriggles a bit at first but then settles down and makes eye contact with you.

Then - provided the puppy is small enough - cradle her on her back in your arms; support her head as if she were a human baby. Look into her eyes and talk pleasantly to her. Again, note whether she kicks and screams, goes limp or something in between.

Finally, place the puppy on the floor and gently roll her onto her side, into "play-dead" position. Use one hand to stroke her head and the other to keep the rest of her body in place; don't pin her to the ground like a wrestler, but do encourage her to stay still and let you pet her. Does she struggle to get up, or does she become a rag doll under your hands? You probably know by now that what you're looking for is something in the middle: a puppy who may thrash around a bit at first but then lies quietly and accepts your authority.

By now you should have a pretty fair idea of how bossy or demure this puppy is going to be. If she's at one extreme of the spectrum or the other, she may very well be more of a challenge to train than you want, unless you're very experienced with dogs of her disposition. If she's somewhere in the middle, she'll probably turn out to be a great puppy for you.

Ok, that's all for today sharing, will continue with Part 3 at my next posting.

Before I sign off, remember to drop by www.PilatesEssential.com

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

How To Test A Puppy From The Litter (Part 1)

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Good day to you.

Without further ado, I would like begin today very interesting sharing with you............

Learn How To Test A Puppy From The Litter (Part 1)

Many articles have been written about how to choose a puppy that is right for you, how to determine which kind of dog breed would best suite your lifestyle, and how to welcome your new puppy at home – but very few people discuss how to “test” a puppy from a litter that you are viewing for selection.

First of all, play with the puppy that you are considering bringing home! Sit on the floor so that you're a friendly, non-threatening figure, and talk to her in a sweet voice; let her come to you, climb into your lap, sniff you, get used to your presence. Use a toy or a treat to break the ice, if necessary.

Already you'll be able to tell a few things about her personality. If she runs or slinks away and you can't coax her to you, she's probably going to be a shy and submissive dog who will need lots of patient training and reassurance if she's to have a normal social life. If she's at the other end of the spectrum and trounces you merrily while chewing on your clothes, biting at your hair and barking, she's likely to be a dominant, brassy dog to whom you'll need to lay down the law firmly.

Ideally, either she'll come right to you and play gently, or she'll start off timidly but grow accustomed to you in a minute or so. If she nips or mouths a little bit, don't hold it against her; that's a normal puppy behavior, and she only needs to be taught to keep her teeth to
herself. But if she's obnoxiously overbearing, or if she bites hard, be wary.

If she's worried about you at first, that too may be a completely normal response to this new situation. But if she's so scared that she shakes, growls or hides, she may not be the one for you. You want her to be curious and confident; she should accept your petting, scratching and cheerful talking without biting you or cowering. Watch for a wagging tail and a head held high!

Next, get up and walk across the room, patting your leg or clap-ping your hands encouragingly as you go. If she follows willingly, that's a great sign. If she follows so willingly that she feels the need to bite your ankles or attack your feet, that's another indication of a dominant, demanding disposition. And if she stays put or heads in the other direction, that's a sign of shyness or just plain lack of interest. You want her to be responsive and intrigued, not over-bearing, scared or bored.

Ok, lets stop here and continue at my next posting.

Take care and have fun.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Monday, August 28, 2006

How To Come Up With A Fun Loving Name For Your Dog?

Puppy Training

Hi all,
How was your weekend? I believed it is great. :o)

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Ok, lets begin with today sharing............

How To Come Up With A Fun Loving Name For Your Dog

Naming a dog has to be one of the most delightful parts of getting one. It seems not a year goes by without a new book of dog names being published, including ones that specialize, such as a book on Irish names. We have no fewer than six books of names on our bookshelves, including two that were meant for the parents of human babies, not canine ones.

Do you need to keep anything in mind when naming a dog? Yes. Avoid names that sound like common obedience commands. A friend of mine who had worked in Alaska adopted a beautiful husky mix and wanted to name her Sitka, after a place he'd loved visiting. After I pointed out she'd have a hard time telling the difference between "Sitka" and "sit," he named her “Bella” instead.

Keep names short, one or two syllables, and easy to pronounce. I tend to use "people" names for my own pets, but you don't have to limit yourself. Name books are a good start, but don't forget atlases or special dictionaries such as those for foreign words or a book of baseball, railroad, gardening, or music terms, if your interests lie in any of those directions.

Make your puppy love his name as much as you do by making sure that it has a positive association. Never scream your puppy's name at him or use it in punishment. The late dog trainer Job Michael Evans used to recommend making up a song with your dog's name in it and singing to him. Commercial jingles are wonderful for this, he said, because they're catchy and you can put the pet's name in where the product is mentioned.

"You Are My Sunshine" becomes "You Are My Andy" ("you make me happy/because you're gray") and Benjamin gets regaled with the Monty Python, "Spam" song, with Ben substituted for Spam — "Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, Wonderful Ben ..."

Yes, it's silly. But try it anyway. You'll both smile. If you have a purebred dog, he'll have a registered name, too. You get 28 letters and spaces with the American Kennel Club to come up with a registered name for your pet. If you choose a name someone else has already chosen, the AKC issues it along with a number to distinguish your dog's name from the others, so unless you want your collie to be the AKC's 897,042th "Lassie," use all those spaces to come up with something sure to be unique.

Ok, that's all for today sharing.

Till we 'woof' again, think about a fun and unique name for your puppy if you just gotten one.

Cheers.


Puppy Training

Sunday, August 27, 2006

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Puppy Training

Hi all,
A Very Good Saturday to you.

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Cheers.


Puppy Training

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Why Is My Dog's Personality Important To Consider When Dog Training?

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Good day to you.
I must apologize for being inconsistent in my posting lately. The reason is I and a group of friends are working on a special Internet project. We are going to launch this project within the next 24 hours. I shall reveal more later and definitely you will be the first one to know about it and to claim your freebies we are giving away. So stay tuned.

Ok, lets start today sharing .......

Why Is My Dog's Personality Important To Consider When Dog Training?

When training a dog, it is imperative to determine which combination of personality traits the dog possesses. This is important for a number of reasons. First, it will give you an indication of how your dog will respond to training. Second, it will let you develop and employ the proper attitude and demeanor while carrying out exercises. Third, this knowledge will help you determine what training equipment will enhance your success.

For example, when teaching the dog to lie down and stay (called the "down-stay"), you will get different reactions from dogs with different personalities. A dominant dog will resist this exercise because lying down is a dog's most submissive body posture. A submissive dog will do this exercise much more readily. (This creature spends much of his time on his back in the submissive down position anyway.) The extrovert will want to break the down-stay to greet every person who enters the room. The shy dog may also want to break the down-stay when someone enters the room - to go hide under the end table.

When the dog does break the down-stay, you may be able to correct the pain-sensitive dog physically with only one shake on the scruff of the neck. This will convince him not to break the stay. You may have to repeat this correction several times to convince the pain-insensitive dog that he must not move. If this dog doesn't deem a shake on the scruff of the neck disagreeable, you may have to employ a correction that is perhaps a bite on the muzzle or a jerk-and-release on the training collar.

During obedience training, your dog's personality should also dictate your demeanor and body posture. A firm, even-toned "NHAA" may convince your submissive dog to abort movement and remain in the down-stay. You may be able to deliver this "NHAA" while sitting in your easy chair and still get a good response from the dog. On the other hand, you may have to remain standing, hovering over your dominant dog while growling a harsh, threatening "NHAA" to convince this animal of what you want. Your voice alone may not do the trick and you may have to accompany your "NHAA" with the noise of a shake can.

And lastly, the personality of the dog you are training should determine the training equipment you choose. For example, when teaching controlled walking you may find that an extremely pain sensitive and submissive dog will respond to the exercise in order to avoid jerks on a buckle collar. A dog who is moderately pain sensitive but has tendencies toward being dominant may require the jerk and release of a metal training collar to achieve the same results. A highly pain-insensitive dog may require a pinch collar before he will respond to the controlled walking exercise.

Ok, that's all for today sharing, hope you have gained some knowledge in Puppy/Dog training.

Before I sign off, remember to check this blog within the next 24 hours about my project launch and to claim your freebies.

Till we 'woof' again, have a wonderful weekend.

Cheers.


Puppy Training