How to Start a Dog Training Business - Helpful Tips for Beginners

By Abraham Stein

In the past years dog training business has been experiencing a steady high demand from the increasing population of dog owners who have continued to show an unwavering willingness to invest in the social integration of their dogs. If you are a great dog lover with some extensive knowledge of dogs and you are looking for an avenue to utilize your skills and knowledge then perhaps starting a dog training business might just be the way to go for you. The business of dog training is a lucrative venture that requires low startup capital.

Starting a dog training business is pretty much like starting any other business in some aspects. First and foremost you must have a clear cut vision for your business which will form the foundation of your business plan and you also need to set goals as the driving force towards realization of your vision. Every business owner would naturally be confronted with a myriad of issues that need to be resolved such as:

• You have to decide on the type of business you intend? A corporation, sole proprietorship or a partnership?
• Will you primarily by providing services or products and services?
• Would you need to buy insurance?

The answers that you provide to questions will play a very critical role in the success of your business, therefore you should take your time to research the best answers.

You will also need to create your own business image and this will include having your own brochures, business cards and postcards. One of the brochures should at least contain the various services that you offer and their costs. Make sure that all your image marketing materials such as brochures, business cards, postcards, logos and flyers are all professionally designed and projecting the sort of impression that you want to convey.

Of course you must have a location (an office) from which you will operate and the equipments to aid your business such as computers, and a combination of scanner, printer, copier, fax will be ideal to meet almost all of your communication needs. A phone line along with an answering machine will certainly enhance your professional image.

You must be very professional in your relationship with your clients such as returning their phone calls and emails and doing a follow up with your clients will earn you recommendations and a good reputation from clients and vets.

It will also help to talk to successful owners of dog training business so that you can learn from them the things that worked and avoid the things that do not work.

Learn more simple and effective tips on how to start a dog training business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Stein

The Raw Dog Food Diet - Yes or No?

By Andy Machin

There is a lot of buzz, discussion and difference of opinion around the raw dog food diet and if it is better for the dog than traditional commercially available foods. Each side has pros and cons and of course and ultimately it is the choice of the owner what they feed their dog. Though if you are not familiar with the raw food option, or even if you are but unsure whether or not to make the switch then the following paragraphs may help with your decision.

It is said that the raw food diet is healthier for the dog as it is a natural diet free of chemicals and other enhancements added by commercial dog food manufacturers. It is therefore thought to be a healthier option and more easily digested by the dog. Another theory is that is reduces the risk of food allergies as you know exactly what you are feeding to your dog and can more easily identify any possibly allergy issues and remove the offending item from the dog's diet.

Including carefully selected bones - nothing too brittle that may splinter and break in the dog's mouth or the fragments get swallowed and snarled up in the digestive system - is said to help with dental hygiene by cleaning the dog's teeth as they chew on the bone. This could in turn save on trying to clean your dog's teeth yourself (great fun if you've tried that) and help reduce the cost of dental care.

All the above sounds great of course - healthy, no chemicals, natural, wholesome food and all that - though there are other factors you must take in to account before taking the plunge and altering your dog's diet.

The raw food diet means you have to prepare the food yourself. It's not simply open a can, pop it inn to the feeding bowl and let eating commence. There is prep time for you. For example taking the fresh meat, cutting it, weighing out the right amount, mixing it with vegetables until it is ready to feed to your dog. You must build that time in to your day though if you are keeping track of things and know exactly what your dog needs each day you could prepare a few portions in advance where possible.

This could be helped by carefully sourcing where you buy the fresh meat from - your local butcher perhaps - buy enough to make a few portions and then store it carefully and correctly to keep it fresh or defrost thoroughly if you decide to freeze it. Do be especially careful with fresh meat and ask your butcher for storage and preparation advice. The same applies to any other fresh foods you propose to use as part of your dog's raw food diet. Store and prepare properly before the food starts to turn.

Weight up the pros and cons as you see them depending on your own circumstances and your dog. Do you have the time and commitment to go for it and the financial aspects too as buying fresh, quality meat is not necessarily cheap.

If you do decide to go for it then it might be worth having a chat with your vet first. Also not to make an "all or nothing" switch rather more of a gradual approach to slowly introduce your dog to the new diet. If they take to it, gradually wean them off commercial food by increasing the times you give them raw food options. By taking a gradual approach it should not be too unusual for the dog and you can switch back to normal food if your dog does not take too well to the alternatives.

I hope you found this article useful and helpful. Please click here for additional information and a free report with even more detail of why making the switch away from traditional dog food may benefit your pet. You may also like three free dog health related ebooks. Please click here for your free ebooks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Machin

5 Easy Steps to Remove Skunk Smell From Dog

By Carrie Lockheart

Has your dog run into a skunk? The odor form a skunk is a very unpleasant one and you might be panicking but you can get the foul smell off of your dog. Here's a few tricks to get skunk smell off your dog. You can buy specific products at the store for this but when your dog is already covered in the skunk odor you want to get this off quickly. Here's how to do this at home.

Your First Step

Get to your dog quickly after the animal has been sprayed by the skunk. You want to get the skunk smell out of the coat quickly before it has a chance to dry as it will be difficult to remove once it has dried. Eventually the odor will go away on its own but this could take weeks and it's not a very pleasant thing to be around. If your dog has longer hair, the smell will return when your pet gets wet.

Step Two

You will want to change into old clothes and get set to wash your dog. You'll also want to use a pair of gloves. Make sure you contain your dog, so the animal can't get into your home or you'll have skunk smell everywhere.

Step Three

Use about two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and about ¼ cups of baking soda. You also want to add two pints of hydrogen peroxide to a basin. If your dog is large just double this amount. You can sue your outdoor hose to get the dog wet and then work in the shampoo you have created with the ingredients. You may want to use a sponge or other items to help you shampoo the dog. Make sure you do a good job so you get all of the skunk smell out of the dog. The baking soda may fizz a bit but this is normal and not something to be alarmed about. Make sure you avoid the nose and the eyes of your dog while washing.

Step Four

Leave this on your dog for about 5 minutes. You'll have to hold or otherwise restrain your dog from moving around during this time. You will have to use a couple of applications to get out all the skunk smell. Just keep shampooing you don't want the dog to dry off.

Step Five

The mixture will leave the coat of your dog quite stiff so you'll want to use a crème style rinse to restore the dog's coat. You can do this about a week after you have removed the skunk smell from your dog. If you do it right away it's not going to work that well, you have to wait several days before you work on your dog's coat.

See a vet if your dog seems to be having problems after being sprayed with the skunk. You might want to call if you can't get the skunk smell out or see your local pet store for some advice.

Hope those steps above help to de-skunk your dog. You can find more interesting articles from our site http://www.pawfi.com along with modern dog supplies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carrie_Lockheart

Dog Breeding Info - Essential Tips for Successful Dog Breeding

By Abraham Stein

Dog breeding is a serious business and a serious passion for dog breeders; it can be quite challenging, expensive and time consuming. The primary purpose of breeding is not just for having litters but also to improve the breed and there are different reasons why people may venture into it, ranging from a natural desire to have lots of dogs to purely for commercial purposes. Dog breeding is for the knowledgeable and every successful breeder must devote quality time to learn about the dog breed. Attend dog seminars and events, visit your local library, online book shop and watch video of dogs in action in order to become well informed about the breed. This is the first step in preparing yourself as a breeder.

Every dog breeder should know that one of the primary focus is to improve the quality of the breed and this involves taking the time out to evaluate the bad and the good points of their breed before ever making a decision to breed. After recognizing the flaws then get a mate that will help to balance or eliminate those flaws.

All breeders must be aware of the new challenges that are involved when the puppies are born. Usually the dam takes care of her puppies for the first few weeks after giving birth to them but sometimes complications may arise such as orphaned puppies or a bitch without milk. This means that the breeder will have to take up the additional responsibilities that the dam is unable to fulfill while also ensuring that he provides the puppies and the dam with a safe and warm place along with food and water. Besides all these, the financial implications of having a litter of puppies to cater for must be well anticipated ahead of time. From the cost of the health tests undertaken before the breeding and the genetic screening, the cost of feeding when they are weaned and the cost of medical care all adds up to some considerable cost that must be budgeted for.

When it gets to the time when your puppies will have new owner, a responsible breeder must take his time to screen anyone who has shown interest in his puppy to ensure that his puppies will end up in homes where they will be loved and be well catered for. Also the new owners should be well informed of the pros and cons of the breed and any other information that will be helpful to the new owners such as why a dog that will require a lot of care for his coat may not be the best fit for a workaholic.

Get more helpful tips about dog breeding info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Stein

How To Start a Dog Breeding Business From The Comfort of Your Home

By Abraham Stein

Dogs are aptly referred to as man's best friend and there are different reasons why people keep dogs, some keep dogs for companionship, some love to have them as pets while some keep them for security purpose or for breeding. Dog breeding is a profitable business for anyone who is willing to learn what is required of him or her in order to be successful in the business and one of the foremost things to keep in mind is that there is a market for any breed you may want to sell. Be it pet dogs such as Chihuahua, Hoodle Poodle or guard dogs such as Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweiler, etc; these breeds also have a ready market. The other thing to keep in mind is that the dog breeding business is a global market which you could easily market around the world through the internet.

Before you start your dog breeding business you should ask yourself a very pertinent and fundamental question which may ordinarily seem rather obvious but which in reality you will be forced to answer when you set out into the breeding business if you have not consciously asked yourself the question and provided an answer to it, and the question simply is "Do you really want to breed dogs for a living?". The reason for asking the question is because the dog breeding business may prove more challenging in the beginning than you might have envisaged and if you don't have enough love for dogs than the business may never see the light of the day and if you also have an excessive love for dogs then you may find yourself struggling to part ways with your puppies due to the emotional attachment you have with them and this also will prove to be a real problem for the business.

The next thing is to decide on the type of dogs you will like to breed; knowing that dogs serve different roles to man and you possibly cannot satisfy all the different niches that are available within the dog breeding business, for instance you may choose to either breed security dogs or pet dogs.

After you have made a decision on the breed you should now find out the requirements that govern the breeding business in your locality; are there laws, restrictions or rules that prevent you from starting a dog breeding business in your environment and if not, are you permitted to start in your neighborhood. This knowledge will protect you from being sued by your neighbors for breaching the peace.

Learn more about how to start a dog breeding business from the comfort of your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Stein

The Seven Simple R's for Dog Behavioral Integration

By Peter L Banfe

R'S FOR A HAPPY HOME

1. Rules: Dogs thrive on simple understandable social structure and articulated rules. Set up rules for the dog and enforce them. Set these with the family (not on the couch, no rough-housing inside, certain rooms off limit) and enforce them and your dog and you will have a happier dog and family. Example: Feeding at the table is improper. It will motivate salivation and begging. For example, excessive licking and jumping up, surging ahead when walking all can be dominance behaviors.

2. Repetition: Repeat every day the behavioral rules a number of times. Dogs learn by repetition. A good time is before a meal, or during a walk. It is better to focus on one behavior (sitting) multiple times in a session than a number of behaviors once in a session. Demand perfection and excellence. If she is not sitting completely, she is not obeying. Do it over and over. And after it is correct once, repeat and repeat.

3. Reward: Dogs are best rewarded not with human style affection (kisses and hugs), but with your time and company. It is a privilege to spend time with the Alpha. Of course, you can use food or toys, a praise. But reward must be connected to obedience. Give nothing for nothing. It is so important to distinguish between negative and positive reinforcement. When praising exaggerate profusely. Use higher pitched vocal tone to simulate excitement. Also use body language to convey your satisfaction.

4. Routine: Dogs feel more comfortable with routine. There is then less chance for error. Set times for eating. After the food has been out for 5 minutes, put it away. Walks every day, then quiet time in the house laying down. Walks should be structured learning time. They will learn well during this pleasurable time, and will be free to enjoy themselves within the bounds you set. Remember, if you change the routine be prepared for changes in behavior. Your favorite friend might urinate or defecate when it never has before. You may see aberrant behavior, which is to be expected with a dog that is now insecure.

5. Rigor: Dogs will look for ways to move up the pack order if you let them. If you are ill or incapacitated you need to reset order as they will try to usurp authority. Be firm, rigorous, consistent. One clear correction is worth 1,000 ambiguous ones. This doesn't mean you have to be abusive, just to be firm and send a very clear signal. And don't incrementally increase the level of intensity from small to larger. Start with substantial. If not your dog may just adjust to the level.

6. Regularity: Be consistent. When they do something wrong, consistently correct, the first time they fail. And consistently until they succeed. Use a consistent, unemotional reward/punishment approach. Don't lose your temper

7. Respect: Dogs should always show you respect. Many theorists now believe dogs see us not as pack members but as distinct. We need to make certain that they do not engage in disrespectful behaviors such as jumping up, excessive licking (which is dominance behavior), pulling on the lead, not coming when called, etc.

Dr. Peter L. Banfe
Banffy Haus German Shepherds

Please visit our K9 college and blog at http://www.banffyhaus.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_L_Banfe

How to Become a Dog Trainer - Helpful Tips for Starters

By Abraham Stein

Becoming a dog trainer is without a doubt a lucrative business if you know how to get into the business of dog training and start providing the much needed services for the ever increasing population of dog lovers who are in need of the professional assistance of dog trainers. Because there are no specific institutions or lay-down path that would-be trainers are meant to follow in order to become certified dog trainer therefore the burden of becoming a professional trainer rest squarely on the shoulders of the would-be dog trainer. This means that he will have to find out the steps that will lead him to his dream of becoming a professional trainer.

As a would-be dog trainer you should know that training is essentially a service profession which means that you will be working a lot with the person that own the dog and in actual fact the profession involves training the people who own the dogs as much as providing training for the dogs. For this reason, a good human relation is an essential part of the requirement for the would-be dog trainer because if you fail in your relationship with the dog owners than you can as well kiss the career goodbye.

Those who are employed as dog trainers are essentially self taught, which means that they have attended seminars, convention and workshops, read extensively about dog ethology and probably mentored by other established trainers.

A would-be trainer should at least be knowledgeable in the following area:

• Dog training history from around the late 19^th century till date. Training for other animals in comparison and contrast with dog training.
• Animal learning which includes positive and negative punishment, positive and negative reinforcement, motivation, conditioned reinforcers, desensitization and sensitization. Comparison of human learning to dog learning.
• Dog behavior - genetics of behavior, body language, breed characteristics, ethology and dog development, social development, hormonal influence, social signals.
• How to design his course materials for training, how to motivate dog owners, ability to screen and steer his clients and how to effectively counsel his clients.

To become a successful trainer it is very important to mentor under the leadership of an established trainer regardless of how knowledgeable you may be. Apprenticeship affords you the opportunity to work with experienced trainers and a wide variety of dogs which you will encounter in the course of your career as a trainer. Also by volunteering to work with local and shelter rescue groups you will be able to gain insight into a wide range of dog breeds and personalities. However when deciding on a trainer to mentor you, ensure that he is committed to improving his own education and that he is dedicated to human methods of training.

Learn some more tips on how to become a dog trainer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Stein

Grooming For Dogs - Your Dog's Fur and His Health

By Abraham Stein

Dog grooming is a vital aspect of the general upkeep of your furry friend and any dog owner who has the love of his or her dog at heart will pay better attention to the grooming of his dog. The health of our furry friends is intricately tied to their fur because the state of a dog's coat is indicative of his condition both emotionally and physically. Therefore a dog that lacks regular grooming is far more susceptible to health conditions that a dog which is regularly groomed is less likely to experience.

Dog grooming does not just provide the opportunity to maintain a dog's healthy and shiny coat but it also helps to prevent infections that may be caused as a result of matted hairs and also to ensure that excessive wax in their ears, which could equally cause infections are regularly cleaned out and mouth related diseases due to lack of care are well taken care of through regular cleaning of the teeth. A dog's breed plays a vital part in deciding the frequency of grooming that the dog requires therefore it is important to find out the ideal qualities of your dog's breed so that you can set aside time for regular care of his coat.

Dog fur is essentially made of protein, so a dog with a fragile and dull coat is an indication that he is probably not getting the best of nutrition. Therefore a balanced diet containing amino acid and plenty of protein is very important for replenishing and strengthening the dog's coat.

A poorly groomed dog will end up as an inviting haven for fleas, ticks and all sorts of parasites that are harmful to the health of your dog, particularly in a dog with dirty and matted hairs. These parasites will cause infections and discomfort for your furry friend, therefore regular brushing and ensuring that the dog's coat stays clean will keep you in personal contact with your furry friend's hair and skin and also ensure that the parasites are kept away.

Patches of baldness and excessive hair loss on your dog's coat could be indicative of a number of problems. Some possible causes of hair loss in man's best friend include:

• Emotional problems such as stress.
• Hormonal problems.
• Tumor.

Different dog breeds shed of hair at different rates but an unusual or extreme hair loss could be indicative of a more serious overall health condition of your dog.

The look and feel of your dog's coat are not the only ways to easily monitor the health of your dog but the fur should always smell fresh at all time. A dog with a foul smelling coat could be a sign of bacterial infection, fungus or fleas and a coat that retains its foul smell even after a wash will require a vet's attention.

Dog grooming is an essential part of the general upkeep of a dog, get more tips about grooming for dogs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Stein

Yes, My Dogs Do Bark On Occasion OR How To Use Technology To Deal With An Annoying Neighbor

By Dan F Gray

I have lived in the same place for over 20 years. I have always had dogs. All my neighbors have dogs. We all got along. Then, about a 1 ½ years ago, we got a new next door neighbor. They seemed okay at first, but shortly after they moved in it started.

First, the lady came over, knocked on the door and was very upset. She is an 'actress', at least according to her. The problem is, when the dogs bark, she can't practice her lines and if she doesn't know her lines, she will disappoint her fans. She even shed a few crocodile tears. Then she went on to suggest that we give our dogs to someone who lives out in the country. After all, that is what she made her son do with his dog.

Next, she started calling the cops. When they would come by, our dogs weren't even outside and they weren't barking. So, they would just turn around and drive away. You see, we never leave our dogs out when we are not home and if we hear them barking, we bring them in. In reality they only bark in response to someone coming up to the house or one of the other neighborhood dogs barking. Eventually, the police told her to stop calling.

One day, I find a notice in my mailbox. It's from Animal Control. It was a warning stating that my dogs are disturbing one of my neighbors. I decided I would give them a call. I tell them about my situation and how I never leave my dogs outside when I'm not home. If I hear them bark, I bring them in. They asked me, "Did you see the date on the notice?" I said, "Yes, it's from a month ago. They said, "That shows you how seriously we take this issue, we have more important problems to deal with. Yes, dogs do bark on occasion, after all that is what dogs do."

So, time passes and we get a couple of more notices. Then one day, we get a letter from animal control. It indicates that they have received several complaints and if we get another complaint within 2 weeks we may have to pay a $2500 fine and have our dogs impounded. To say the least, this was a little upsetting. I immediately call animal control. They tell me exactly how it works. My neighbor must keep a log for two weeks, indicating the time of barking and the duration. After that, they must get three neighbors in close proximity that agree that our dogs are creating a nuisance. If they do all that, then they have to go to court and we each present our sides and the judge makes a decision.

At this point, I decide to take preemptive action. First, I compose a letter giving all the details. Then, I personally take it around and hand deliver to all my neighbors, except the one making the complaints. All of my neighbors were very supportive and several said they will go to court with me, if it ever comes to that. They said my dogs are not and never have been a nuisance. In fact, some didn't even know I had any dogs.

Lastly, I took one additional measure. One that gave me peace of mind. I setup a surveillance system for my backyard with cameras and a microphone. It records all activity, 24/7. It holds up to six weeks of data and after that, I can copy it to a USB hard drive. This allows me to maintain a complete record of all the activity in my backyard for the past 12 weeks.

Now I don't have to worry about false accusations. Now, my dogs can once again go out and enjoy being a dog. By the way, this annoying neighbor also has a dog, and her dog also barks on occasion. But, as she puts it, her little Westy's bark doesn't bother her.

by Dan F. Gray - Computer Expert & Professional K9 Trainer

If you want to know how to setup a surveillance system or are in need of ONLINE SUPPORT for your windows-based PC or server, visit my website - http://www.PCEmergency911.com or send me an email - service@PCEmergency.com

If you are interested in K9 Training for Police, Search & Rescue or Enthusiasts, visit http://www.ampwda.com.

Thanks for reading my article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_F_Gray

Dog Behavior: How to Help Your Dog Cope With Change

By Laurie Yakish

Dogs are like young children in that they often reflect and react to any changes in the home and daily routine. Some dogs can really go with the flow and it takes a major event to throw them off. Other dogs can get stressed out over something as small as a change in the dinner routine. The following is a list of common stressors:

1. Holidays

2. Redecorating or remodeling your home

3. Family members moving in or out (This is a really big deal for our military families)

4. An illness in the family

5. A family member getting a job where they are suddenly gone all day or kids going back to school

Basically anything that causes a significant change in the daily routine, family dynamic or atmosphere in the household can have a negative effect on your dog's behavior. This can result in your dog peeing or pooping in the house or chewing on things that he shouldn't do. Some dogs whine or demand more attention and some dogs become withdrawn and anxious. More insecure dogs may even bite people who don't respect their space at these times.

There are a number of simple steps that you can take to help your dog adjust to these changes with a minimum of stress. First of all, try to maintain your dog's daily routines as normally as possible. Next, provide your dog with an escape. If he is crate trained that will be a lot easier. Set up his crate in an out of the way area where your dog won't be totally isolated but will still be out of the main areas of traffic and noise.

While he is in his crate provide your dog with some good project toys, such as a Kong stuffed with kibble and peanut butter. Chew toys and bones are also good distractions. If you can get your dog out for extra walks or games of fetch the extra exercise will do wonders for both of you during times of extra stress. Also, a dog under duress will have to relieve himself more often. So, remember those extra potty walks. This is not the time to punish your dog for mistakes.

The most important thing you can do for your dog is to plan ahead for times of stress and use your intuition to help him through them. No one knows your dog better than you do. Take a deep breath and everyone will come through it just fine.

If you would like more information or help with your dog contact me at http://www.cspringstprdogtraining.com or Lyakish@netzero.net. I provide effective practical solutions for your dog's problem behaviors. Laurie Yakish, TPR Dog Training, Inc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurie_Yakish

Designer Dogs - Mutts or a New Breed?

By Jen Thon

What's the difference? "Breeders" with a superiority complex often use these terms wrongly, without really understanding what they mean. Then, their ignorance spreads like a cancer, via websites and gossip, and you the public end up being misled. The resulting individual dog looks the same, or almost the same, right? The differenceactually isn't in what the resulting puppy/dog looks like. It's in the underlying health of the animal. It's in the practices of the breeder.

Designer Dog~ If I were to go to an online puppy market or the newspaper, and just get the cheapest "purebreds" of different breeds, stick them together and charge amazing prices for the cute offspring... that is a designer dog and nothing more. It may not have health problems, but then it might have big, expensive problems when it's older. Like diabetes, that needs expensive insulin. You might even have to give the dog prozac, or other medications to control messed up behaviors.

Mutt~ Two dogs, purebred or mixed parentage, hook up with or without help... that's a mutt. Unknown parentage, unknown behavior.

New breed~ Both parents are of a "recognized" breed that has bred true (consistent) for generations. Both parents were chosen for health BEFORE considering price, they have both been tested for the one or two most prevalent genetic diseases within their prospective breeds (all "breeds" have problems, don't let the person trying to sell you a dog tell you any different!) The breeder has at least a rudimentary understanding of genetics and has considered the parents carefully for all dominant and recessive traits within the parent's backgrounds, and choses matings carefully based on the probable results. The breeder produces the first generation litter, and if pleasing, retains a puppy for a second generation breeding with another unrelated hybrid of this particular cross. On this second generation, the breeder, if competent, notices an increase of conformity within his/her litter. This second generation is then taken and bred appropriately to either a hybrid or a "purebred" of the original breeds. This continues until 100% uniformity of litters is achieved. It is then a "breed", and can apply for breed status if that is the goal.

All "breeds" started off as hybrids. I don't know if these early pioneers in breed development encountered the snottiness and superiority complex of today's breeders of "purebreds"... especially those that belong to the big commercial registry that claims to care about the "intergrity" of the breeds and the health of the dogs. (nothing could be further from the truth!) Having been a show breeder that developed my own memorable line within only six years, I can attest to the lying, back biting and cheating of these so called 'elite' breeders. Not to mention the 'elite' registry, that when it comes down to it, cares far more for their bottom line and shareholders then the dogs, registering anything with four legs even if it has faked papers or genetic disorders, which happens far more often then you think. Do you suppose when a dog passes away that those 'elite ABC' papers are thrown away in all cases? Especially if that dog was a champion whose puppies are worth a lot of money? I saw so much cheating in this world of "purebreds" it made me sick.

Jennifer Thon was a professional groomer & trainer for three decades before owning a successful show kennel for years. Getting as far from the show world as possible, she currently breeds Cavapoos in Michigan under her kennel name, SMALLTOWN.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_Thon

What Is the Best Dog Food

By Jane Dinunzio

There are virtually hundreds of pet food choices available today, along with many opinions on which is the best dog food on the market.

If you are looking to upgrade and improve your dog's nutritional intake, then look at independent reviewers who are not working for any one company. These reviews will tend to be more honest and fact based.

The more facts the better, giving all the pros and cons. This then gives us a chance to make our own choice based on facts, rather than some advertisers promotions.

After you have found your preferred review, whether it be from an independent reviewers' opinion that you trust, a professional such as your vet, or through a book such as the excellent Food Pets Die For, by Ann Martin, you can then do you own reviews. Do your own side by side comparison with the pros and cons of each food you are considering.

There are basically 3 groups or types of food to look at: Homemade, Commercial, and Raw.

Of course each of these types are then further divided into their own specific sub categories.

ABOUT HOMEMADE:

Do you have the time and patience to make your dog's dinner. This would include following a properly balanced diet, making sure you provide all the essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fruits and veggies every day. It becomes easy over time to get into a routine, and once started this is the healthiest choice. You also have 2 methods for the Homemade Food Diet: Cooked or Raw.

ABOUT RAW:

The Raw food category is also an excellent choice, and can be considered homemade dog food made easy. It comes ready to feed. You will be giving an unprocessed, fresh diet which will improve you dog's health, and ultimately give him a longer life. If you choose this category then you can choose raw frozen, raw freeze dried and raw dehydrated.

You can also find pre-mixes (which contain everything but the protein source, you just need to add your own meat), which in effect is the best alternative to homemade.

ABOUT COMMERCIAL:

Finally, the Commercial dog food category is the most difficult to navigate. There are hundreds of companies from small family owned to large corporations producing pet food in a range of quality from the highest human grade to the lowest corn based food using undesirable ingredients bound together with chemicals. In this category, if this is what you have chosen to feed your dog, you will have to do the most investigating to find a good food. Your choices are basically dry and/or canned dog food.

Here is a typical dog food comparison chart that shows best vs. worst. It is amazing at how easy it is to see the vast differences.

Look for dog food comparison sites that show exact ingredients. Here is a List of the 7 Worst Dog Food Brands to illustrate what you do not want to buy.

As with anything we all must become our own advocates for ourselves, family and especially for our pets.

Your dogs life will be extended by many years by learning how to read and interpret dog food labels, or alternately learning the perfect combination of ingredients needed to make your own homemade dog food.
I have written and investigated the best and worst dog food brands for many years after losing a beagle to contaminated dog food in 2005.
My main website @ Recipes 4 Gourmet Dogs has many vet approved homemade recipes, lists showing best vs. worst foods and relevant articles. Remember our dogs are carnivores and need a meat based diet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Dinunzio

Important Guidelines When Giving Doggie Treats To Your Dog

By Sherry R Bray

Doggie treats are used to reward dogs when they do what their owners ask them to do or for their good behavior. However, owners may be reluctant to use these treats as they are used more as a form of bribery than as training tools, and they may negatively affect dogs' behavior instead of improving it. Yes, giving dogs treats to make them do whatever their owners want them to do is bribery in some sense, but this can yield results if done properly. If you want to use treats to reward your dog, there are important guidelines that you should take into consideration.

If you want to make the most out of the doggie treats you give your dog, make sure that you do your training sessions in between meals. This way, he is more motivated because he is not full. In relation to this, make sure that you do not give the treat when he is excited. Let him smell it first and wait. He should know that he will only get it if he behaves in a certain way.

Moreover, make sure that the treats you give your dog are healthy. Sure, you want to give him something that is appetizing and something that he will enjoy, but make sure that they are healthy at the same time. If you are giving him commercial treats, make sure that you check the label for the list of ingredients and where they are manufactured. One good example of a healthy doggie treat is chicken jerky for dogs, which is high in protein and low in fat and appetizing at the same time. Make sure that the product that you buy is made in the USA to be extra sure that it is safe, though. You can also make use of certain fruits and vegetables as healthy treats. However, be careful as not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to eat. Watermelons, cantaloupe, apples, spinach, and green beans are safe. Make sure that you remove the seeds of the apples before giving them to your dog, though. On the other hand, do not give him grapes, avocados, tomatoes, and green and raw potatoes.

To prevent your dog from becoming overweight as a result of giving him treats, make sure that you adjust his diet. You would not want him to consume more calories than he needs. If he gets health problems because you are not very careful in what you are giving him, then that defeats the purpose of rewarding him with doggie treats.

Reward your dog with only the best and healthiest doggie treats, which you can get from Lena's Pet Products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_R_Bray

How to Train a Dog - The Basics of Dog Training

By Abraham Stein

Having a dog comes with several important responsibilities, one of which is providing training for the dog because a well trained dog is easier to live with and to care for and causes less damage in the home. Dog training should not be approached like a chore that ought to be undertaken at specific times of the day rather it should be a natural part of daily relationship that is enjoyed by both the dog owner and his pet and a time to increase the bonding between both parties.

The foundation for successful dog training is the ability to communicate with your pooch and your ability to understand your dog's means of communication through his body language and the noises that he makes. These lovely pets send out a myriad of messages through the sound that they make and their body language and the more you are able to comprehend their messages the better your understanding of them. In so many ways dogs communicate their impulses and emotions through their body language and our ability to understand these messages will enhance our relationship with them and makes training our dogs a lot easier.

Dog training involves behavioral training, obedience training and house training but whichever training you are giving to your furry friend, you may either choose to try to correct the thousands of wrong behaviors that you do not like or you may choose the most effective and easy route of enthusiastically employing the positive reinforcement techniques - a simple technique that involves rewarding your dog for responding positively to the training.

Never use force on your dog in order to correct him either by hitting him or shouting at him rather try not to focus on those things or behaviors that you do not like while you continue to teach him those things that will correct those bad behaviors. If you focus on those negative behaviors of your dog with the intention of getting rid of them, you will inadvertently be promoting them, which means you will get more of them but if you focus your energy on the positive and good behaviors you will like to see in your dog by continually teaching him, then that is what you will get at the end of the day.

Utilize every opportunity to train your dog, for instance if he eliminates outdoors then praise him and if possible reward him with a treat because this is the only way he will know that he has done a good thing and he will like to repeat it. If you find him chewing on a shoe don't yell at him, just take the shoe and replace with a toy and he will get the message over time. Learn to be patient with your furry friend because even human beings take some time to learn new things how much more our dogs.

Learn many more simple but effective tips on how to train a dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Stein

How To Potty Train Your Puppy

By Margaret Scrooby

Just like a toddler, your puppy needs to be potty trained. Bear in mind that your puppy has little control over his bladder and therefore you need to be diligent in your potty training. Puppies need to urinate or defecate anything between 8 to 10 times a day.

Paper-training your puppy is not the best way to go unless you intend to keep it paper-trained or if your puppy has to be left on its own for long periods of time with no access to a garden. You must remember that when paper-training your puppy, you are teaching him that it is okay to do his thing in your home, and this is not what you really desire. This means, if you want your puppy to do his thing outside, you need to teach him right from the start to go outside.

Feed your puppy at the same time every day, this way you will be able to establish what his toilet routine will be and therefore you will know when to take your puppy outside. Feeding him at the same time every day gives your puppy the security of knowing when feeding time is and this builds trust.

Pay attention to how much he drinks and how long after drinking he needs to urinate. Puppies need to urinate often, so keep an eye on him, you will soon learn the signs of him wanting to urinate, and you will be able to take action. Puppies urinate almost on schedule so you will be able to know when to take your puppy outside. You will notice that it can be an hourly thing or sometimes shorter.

In nature animals do not urinate or defecate near the den, this helps keeps predators away from the den. So, you should encourage this as well. Take your puppy away from the house but bear in mind that it is a puppy so do not go too far away and keep it in the same spot.

You can also get potty training pads for your puppy. These pads have a scent in them that encourages the puppy to urinate on it rather than somewhere you do not want him to urinate.

The best times to take your puppy out for toilet runs are:

1. First thing in the morning.

2. About half an hour after drinking water.

3. About half an hour after eating.

Accidents do happen. If you should catch your puppy in the middle of urinating on your floor or carpet, startle him with a loud clap. Do not frighten him. When startled most dogs stop in midstream, pick him up and quickly take him to the toilet area, he will get the message and finish what he started.

However when the puppy is defecating you have no choice but to let him finish. Clean up and try to anticipate the next time so that you can take him out beforehand. Get to know the signs. When your puppy starts to sniff the ground or walks in circles, they probably need to go.

If your puppy does have an accident, do not shout, hit or rub their nose in it, this does not work towards potty training. It is just cruel and does not get the result you want.

Lastly remember that puppies under the age of 12 weeks do not have control over their bladder and will only be fully potty trained between 8 to 10 months. With this said, if you are diligent and observant potty training will not be so bad and before you know it, it will be over.

Margaret Ann loves animals and does extensive research work on them to give you the reader the best possible facts and content. Her writing style is unique refreshing and different. She has various number one search engine rankings such as yahoo! etc. You can hire her to write articles for you ONLY BY APPOINTMENT, margaretannscrooby@gmail.com She believes that content is still king and no matter what search engine optimization you use you Must Have Good Content.

You can visit her DOG TRAINING BLOG HERE http://howtotrainyourdogtosit.wordpress.com Thank You So Much for reading this article we appreciate YOU the reader VERY MUCH!!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Scrooby

Dog Training - Understanding How Dog Food Influence Behaviour

By Benedict Yossarian

Obedience training puppies is one of the most essential training for your little pets. Thus, a lot of dog owners are always on the lookout for the best guides that will help them be successful in training their puppies to be obedient in any way. Training a puppy usually involves common commands like sit, fetch, and stay. There are actually lots of types of command that you can use in order to train puppies much effectively.
Training puppies can be approached in different ways. If you really want your puppy to learn to be obedient, to socialize, or learn numerous commands, you should try to consider taking your puppy to training classes. And if you are after effective tips in training, the internet can be the best option.

Training classes for puppies are definitely great ways for a puppy to learn how to socialize to other puppies. And if you want your pet to grow friendly and well adjusted to people and other animals, investing in training classes is the most rational decision. But if you want to do the Obedience training puppies yourself, you can always rely on the internet to give you excellent advises, guides, and tips. There are lots of websites that can offer you such information and everything you need to know about obedience training for puppies. And with this information, you will be able to start your obedience training with your puppies.

Tips To Help You Started On Obedience Training

• Be consistent: You should train your pup everyday but try to keep the sessions short. Work with your puppy 3 times each day for try to do it for only three minutes. You wouldn't want to over work the puppy for both you and the puppy can become frustrated.

• Use positive and encouraging training techniques: When you are training your dog with different basic commands, you should always use your pleasant voice, say some encouraging words and praise, followed with some tasty food treats. In this way, the puppy will definitely know that he actually did something that pleases you. One of the best ways of starting your Obedience training puppies is to use positive reinforcements, food treats, and praises. It will keep the level of stress in a low level during the training and it will also strengthen the bond with your pup.

• Use your leadership skills to train your puppy: It is highly critical that you teach your puppy with the use of your excellent leadership skills, teach that that he definitely has to work in order to get the things that he wants. To teach your puppy to sit down will give him the feeling that he is working for a sense of leadership. This will then create a structure as well as expectations that will minimize the puppy's anxiety and stress about the Obedience training puppies

• Make your puppy exercise: Your puppy has a high level of energy, and you should manage this energy effectively and in the most constructive way towards Obedience training puppies and also with structured exercises like walking.

• Have patience: always have patience. It is definitely counter-productive to scream or yell at your puppy. Obedience training puppies takes time and effort.

Wuffitmix is a specialist puppy food company based in Clitheroe Lancashire. We have produced a series of articles on our blog that help you with raising your dog including house training and obedience training as well as nutrition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benedict_Yossarian

House Training Puppies - Surefire Tips to House Train Puppies

By Benedict Yossarian

House training puppies can be a daunting and difficult task, but it is definitely not impossible. Dogs are considered one of the smartest animals and can be trained easily especially if you know how to. If you have a puppy, one of the smartest things to do is to house train him in order to maintain a clean environment inside the house both for you and your pet.

Puppies make vary adorable and lovable pets, but it involves a lot of responsibilities if you have one. Aside from ensuring that your pet is receiving sufficient nutrients, you also have to give him loving home environment for him to grow healthily and happily. Thus, it is important that you perform the essential house training puppies especially in his first months.

The Basics of House Training Puppies

- Potty Training: this is one of the most important house trainings that you should carry out. This is important in order for your puppy where the right place to eliminate is, and this will be very beneficial to your house as well. You don't want your puppy to soil the carpets as well as furniture, thus it is vital that you teach this rule to your puppy the first day you bring him at home. Before your puppy learn his place to eliminate, it is wise not to let him near carpets or sofas. Potty training your puppy takes time and effort, thus you need to be very consistent and patient.

- Train your pet to socialize: For your puppy not to be aggressive, you need to teach him to socialize. How can you do this? Bring him out for some walks frequently for this will give him an opportunity to socialize with people and other animals from the neighborhood. Some dogs behave aggressively to neighbors because they don't have the essential training exercises that teach them how to socialize. However, if you think you are having difficulties house training puppies, you should consider seeking professional help from a qualified trainer.

- Train your puppy how not to misbehave while alone: There will be times when your pet will be alone in the house. Thus, it is also essential to do some house train your puppy to behave while alone in your home. Start by confining your puppy in an isolated place, locking your place in a cage is definitely not a good idea. You have to train him in an isolated place that has enough room for moving around. Confine your puppy for a short period of time then slowly extend this to longer hours. You can give him toys in order for him not to get bored. By doing this for some time, your puppy will definitely know how to behave himself while his alone in the house, but make sure that he's already potty trained.

If you bring home a new puppy at home, it is essential that you know the basics on house training puppies. This will prove to be very beneficial in the near future as your puppy grows into a mature dog.

Wuffitmix is a specialist puppy food company based in Clitheroe Lancashire. We have produced a series of articles on our blog that help you with raising your dog including house training and obedience training as well as nutrition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benedict_Yossarian

Training Your Dog 101: Basic Commands

By Benedict Yossarian

Obedience training can be tedious, but with the right tools, techniques, and patience, you and your dog should be able to succeed without any difficulty. These training sessions will also help you two get to know each other. After all dogs, like people, have their own personalities.

There is always the option of taking your dog to a professional trainer, who can be found at local pet stores, or you can find a specialised dog-training centre near your area. However, if you choose to train at home, there are some general rules to follow during your obedience training sessions and when you are not actively training your dog.

Focus on positive reinforcement. This means eliminating the word "no" from your vocabulary when your dog does something bad and do not try to abolish behaviours that just need an outlet. In obedience training, positive reinforcement means that you give your dog praise and rewards when he does something "right". Reinforcing commands will help him remember what kinds of behaviours you find acceptable.

Use a normal tone of voice when giving him a command. Your dog's hearing is unique and astute. If you use a callous tone of voice, he will think that he is "trouble". Use the tone that you would normally use when commanding him to sit on any regular day.

Remember that dogs are social animals. That means regular interactions with you and other dogs as well. Playing with your dog after an obedience training session will allow both of you to bond, which happen to be another form of positive reinforcement. He will want to do good deeds and please you because he sees you as an "alpha" or a leader.

Obedience training also requires a lot of patience. After you've been training for a while, you should try to start get in the habit of only giving a command once. If your dog obeys, then reward him, and if he doesn't, then move on to something else.

There are basic "tricks" and behaviours that every dog should know in order to have a happy, in-home relationship with you and your family; sit, down, stay, come, and heel. When teaching your dog these tricks in obedience training, make sure to use plenty of rewards and praises. Potty training your dog is another important behaviour that needs to be learned and will take more patience than other commands.

During obedience training sessions, say the command and hold the treat in front of his face while helping him (gently) perform the action. Start small (with the commands "sit" and "stay"). Once those two commands are perfected, increase the distance between you and your dog when giving the command. After that is accomplished, you can move on to different tricks and behaviour expectations.

Wuffitmix is a specialist puppy food company based in Clitheroe Lancashire. We have produced a series of articles on our blog that help you with raising your dog including house training and obedience training as well as nutrition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benedict_Yossarian

Obedience Training for Dogs - Practical Tips Everyone Can Use

By Abraham Stein

Dog training can be categorized as either obedience training or behavioral training and all dogs require both types of training in order to produce a well behaved dog. Behavioral training covers those aspects that deals with correcting the bad habits of your dog such as car chasing, jumping, chewing etc. while obedience training is primarily aimed at training the dog to obey specific commands such as sit, stay and come, etc. Training brings out the best in your dog and it also makes it very easy to live with him.

Training your dog will improve the quality of his life and strengthen the bond between the trainer (hopefully the owner) and the dog. There are different approaches that one may take when it comes to training your dog, you may should choose to be firm with your dog in order to send out a very strong signal that you will not accommodate his naughty behaviors or you could decide to take up the role of a pack leader for your dog and get him to learn to follow your lead. Whichever approach you may choose, a fundamental fact that you must not forget is that if you want to influence the behavior of your dog then you must learn to reward his good behavior.

Just like human beings dogs will easily learn from their experience, that is the consequences of their actions for instance if your dog's behavior at any point in time results in a reward then he is more likely to keep to such behavior in order to benefit from the outcome of such behavior but if his behavior produces an unpleasant outcome like being ignored then there is a likelihood he will not be readily willing to reproduce such bad behavior.

Some basic things that will enhance your obedience training for your dog:

• Make sure that each training session should not last more than 10-15 mins for about twice a day because anything longer than this may easily bore your dog.


• Learn to always call your dog by name before giving him a command and maintain eye contact as much as possible during the training.


• Do not allow your negative emotion to show up in the tone of your voice if the training is not going well because your dog could easily grow to associate your frustration with training and this will make your training a lot more difficult.


• Be patient with your dog and don't expect results over night; be consistent in the command words that you use during training for instance don't use the word "STOP" and "STAY" to pass across the same intention. You will simply get your dog confused.

Will you like to train your dog like a professional and see the results of your training? Then get more tips on obedience training for dogs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abraham_Stein