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