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Our Pets Deserve the Best
In a world of plummeting stocks, foreclosures, and lay-offs, it’s hard to find something we can count on. Something that can comfort us no matter how bad our day’s been. Cigarettes give us cancer, alcohol can be dangerous, and Twinkies cause diabetes. What, then, can cheer us up better than a Ben Stiller movie and console us better than our old blankie? Our pets, of course!!
A few caresses of a Siamese cat is proven therapy, and what’s funnier than a golden retriever chasing his tail? People are mesmerized by an aquarium: fish gliding and bubbles drifting through the azure water. Pets are an integral part of the modern family. Whether they charge at you when you walk in the door, saunter by nonchalantly, or peer at you from the inside of their cage, they make our homes warmer and more pleasant places to be. They help us build memories that will last a lifetime.
So how should we reward our beacons of hope for all the comfort and joy they provide us with? A lump of generic cat food or a handful of stale kibble just won’t do. Our pets deserve the best products we can buy, for they are members of the family. You wouldn’t dress your children in rags or feed them out of the garbage. Your pets are worthy of the best. We strive to find and deliver only the finest pet products for your pet, at prices we can all live with.
Pets don’t care how much your 401(K) is worth or where you work. They couldn’t care less about gated communities and expensive cars. Like small children, they just want your attention and your time. A cozy dog bed to snuggle up in. A walk through the neighborhood. Perhaps a collar that expresses his artistic side. Reward your pet for all the comfort, joy, and laughter he’s given you as a member of your family – a jokester, a shoulder to cry on, a brother or sister, a friend we can count on.
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My Useful and Easy Advice For Taking Family Pet On Vacation With The Rest Of Family
Many people have a wonderful time traveling with their dogs. While many people may be excited about the chance to travel with their furry friend they may not be ready. The restrictions in various locations can make traveling challenging. Luckily there is a wide array of dog carriers and totes you can chose from to travel safely with our dog.
Many people may be tempted to leave their dog at home when they consider all the things needed to travel with their dog. In many homes the dog is a part of the family and we don’t want to leave them behind. There is a wide selection of dog strollers and carriers for sale these days so you can find the one that suits your needs best.
There are so many different sizes, styles, and shapes that it should be no problem to find exactly what you need. One of the easiest to use type of pet carriers are dog carrier strollers. They look similar to a regular baby stroller but are specifically designed to hold your dog. They are the perfect solution for those pet owners who have small dogs that want to be outdoors but can only walk short distances. They make taking your dog for a walk easy since you can bring him home when he is tired.
A dog carrier backpack is a great option for small dogs. They are worn just as you would a traditional backpack with your dog tucked safe and cozy in the pack. The most commonly used type of dog carrier is the dog travel carrier. If you are planning air travel with your dog you will need one of these carriers. If you are planning to fly make sure you purchase a carrier which the airline approves. Travel dog carriers are typically made from plastic. You want one large enough to allow your dog to lie down comfortably.Tags: Dog carrier, traveling with your dog
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Valuable Suggestions For Buying Dog Crate Pads
Crates are a necessity for most dog owners. They are great for giving your pet a safe place to curl up. They are also good for use during traveling. Dogs in a crate will receive less injuries in a car accident than those without a crate. A dog should never be left alone in a parked car, even if you crack the windows and return quickly. You do not want to force your dog to spend a large amount of time in the crate.
Your dog crate should be a place where your dog can escape and have its own space. Dogs are naturally den animals who appreciate a private space. You can create the private space your dog craves with a dog crate. The dog crate you select will need to be sized so that your dog will be comfortable standing and laying in the crate. Measure your dog before buying a dog crate. Add three inches to both the height and length to get the right size for your carrier.
If you buy a crate for a puppy get a large size and a divider panel to make it smaller for now. It will be easier to house train your puppy if you have a dog crate. Puppies will not soil the area where they sleep if they can avoid it. It can also save your home from the destructive behavior of a lonely puppy while you are out of the house.
A crate pad for your dog can provide the dog with extra comfort while in the crate. A dog crate pad will also help protect your dog from injuring itself while in the crate. Using dog crate pads makes the crate safer and more comfortable. Look for a crate pad which is machine washable and allergy free. The soft padding can create a natural den like atmosphere for your dog and reduce barking while the dog is in the crate.Tags: crate pad, Dog crate pads
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How to Stop Dogs Barking
There are a number reasons for dog barking. A dog will bark to alert you to the approach of an unfamiliar person or to let you know that a burglar has broken into your home. A dog will also bark if he is pain or scared. Dogs also bark to get their owner’s undivided attention or to frighten their owner or other people.
For a really fantastic dog training course to stop dogs barking, see: How to Stop Dogs Barking
Whatever the reason, we all agree that it can be very aggravating and seek ways to stop dogs barking. Some owners of dogs that constantly bark are reported for disturbing the peace. Happily, there are many ways to stop a dog from barking for no particular reason.
The most effective method for stopping your dog from barking is to teach him when it is permissible for him to bark. There are several options but the best technique is the proven reward/reprimand method. This method is both humane and effective.
Some dog owners try to circumvent obedience training with the use of an electronic or bark collar. The dog wears the collar, which is activated when the dog barks. When the bark collar gives off a small electronic shock, the dog is taken by surprise. Once dogs begin to associate pain with their barking, they will stop barking. In my opinion, bark collars are a cruel way of training dogs to stop barking.
Not all dogs realize that the uncomfortable shock is directly related to their barking; electronic collars should not be used for this reason and many others. They get used to the shocks and continue barking. In addition, if the prongs on the collar do not touch the skin of a dog with a thick coat, he will probably not feel the electric shock. In addition, just using an electronic collar to stop dog barking hardly ever works. Normally, the best results are achieved when obedience training is included.
There are some people who believe that electronic bark collars can be discouraging to dogs. For this reason, citronella collars are the choice of some people. When the dog barks, a mist is produced from the Citronella collar. The smell is disliked by most dogs. Once your dog understands that the foul smell is emitted when he barks, he will stop barking to avoid the smell. They are probably just about as successful as electronic collars.
Just a reminder, if you’re looking for a super free site that will help you with your dog behavior problems, take a look at: How to Stop Dogs Barking
The vast majority of vets and dog trainers believe that, although shock collars can be useful, they are no substitute for good dog training. In addition, obedience training does more than simply stop dogs barking. It also helps with other dog behavior issues.
The option of surgery to stop dogs barking is both drastic and barbaric in my opinion. A piece of tissue is removed from the larynx which prevents the dog from barking. Occasionally, a dog’s bark will come back, making the surgery useless. Happily, the majority of vets are against surgery as a way to stop dogs from barking.
In closing, I hope we have managed to convince you that the most effective way to stop dogs barking is with good quality obedience training. If you use a shock collar to stop dogs barking, you will also not be woken up when a burglar enters your home. With the correct obedience training, your dog will protect your family but will also know when it is appropriate to bark.
I hope this article was helpful to you. I also have a review of a great dog training product that you should check out here: Dove Cresswell’s Puppy Training & Dog Training Online
Tags: How to stop dog from barking, How to stop dogs barking, Stop dogs barking, Stop dogs from barking
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A Pet Guide: Choosing The Right Pet Stairs
Decorative pet stairs have become increasingly more popular in the past few years. Pet steps assist small and/or aging pets in reaching places hard from them to jump onto, such as a bed. Many models are now made with soft materials for low impact effect on the pet’s joints and bones. Types of decorative pet steps will be evaluated in this article.
The price of pet steps tends to vary from one extreme to the other, depending upon the material and aesthetic appeal you prefer. Pet steps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including large pet stairs, stairs with storage compartments built-in to the base, and even some which are accented with decorative moldings. There is a set of steps available for every person’s taste, whether you want extreme durability, easy-to-store functionality, or a stylish set of stairs to match your interior decorations.
You can find pet steps that are permanent structures, and others which can fold down to be stored under the bed or stashed away in the closet. If you have a heavier or larger dog, it would probably be best to stick with a more solid set of pet steps, as the collapsible models are often made of polyurethane or another plastic material, which generally impose more strict weight limits.
If you want to buy pet steps for your pet, you may want to take into consideration how many steps you would prefer, and whether or not you have a step height requirement. Perhaps you’re looking for pet steps for bed side assistance. You should know the height of your bed and find a set of pet stairs that accommodate that. Also, if your dog has shorter legs, such as a Dachshund or a Basset Hound, you may want to browse around for steps that are shorter and closer together to ensure that your pet does not struggle with ascending and descending the stairs.
While the choices are vast, there is definitely a set of steps out there that are a perfect suit for your and your pet. If it helps, make a list of your pet step requirements, as mentioned before, height, weight restriction, and material, and keep hunting until you find the right steps for your pet.
Tags: cat, dog, Pet Stairs, pet steps, pets
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Positive Non Violent Puppy Training
Here’s a little advice about how to train a puppy. Puppy training doesn’t have to be difficult. It may take a little patience, but dogs are smart and their goal is to make you happy. If you get angry, always remember that and walk away.
There are heaps of books, videos and websites about how to train a puppy. First of all, you need to learn to reward good behavior and not to reward bad behavior. Give the dog lots of attention when he has been good and put him in “time out” when he’s been bad. You can use a crate, or a basket for a smaller dog. Crates are very helpful when housetraining, as well.
Puppy training begins with teaching him his name and a few simple obedience commands. Dogs don’t automatically understand “sit, stay or down”. They won’t learn to respond to their names, if you don’t use it regularly.
Most owners find that a dog will respond best to a short name with one or two syllables. That’s why the names Rover and Fido are popular. To teach your puppy his name, say it when you are petting him, grooming him or feeding him. It is particularly important when you place his food dish on the floor. Say, “Here Rover” or something similar. This will ensure that your puppy has a positive association to hearing his name.
Other than his name, the most important command that you can teach during puppy training is “down”. Down becomes even more useful as the dog grows. If you allow them to jump up on you when they are young, it is more difficult to break the habit when they get older.
Puppies always jump up on you and your guests. So, when you see this behavior, take their paws. Place them on the floor and say “down”. Be consistent and repetitive. Regardless of the behavior you are trying to reinforce or extinguish that is the right way to educate your puppy.
Teaching commands is one of the fundamentals of puppy training. Basically, you show the dog what you want and then you say the command. For example, when teaching “sit”, take a treat and hold it right up to his nose, but not close enough that he can take it. Raise the treat up and above his head, this should put him in the right position to push his bottom towards the floor. Once his bottom gets close to the floor, say “sit”. He will learn to associate the word with the action of planting his butt on the ground.
All other commands are taught in a similar fashion. You see, how to train a puppy isn’t as hard as you thought it was. All it takes is a little know-how, plenty of repetition and of course, some patience.
Tags: behavior, down, how to train a puppy, jumping up, obedience., puppy training, sit
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Can Your Dog Eat Anything and Everything?
Our Australian Shepherd, Mittsy, was pretty much a normal puppy as far as chewing on things goes. She did the shoe thing and the wooden legs on our kitchen chairs. The puppy chewing phase lasted until she was about 15 months old.
Even after the teething phase wore off, she would always find something new to chew on. We were only able to control what she had available to her by using pet gates to limit her access.
There are many things that are considered dangerous to a dog if ingested. At some point or another, Mittsy has pretty much eaten everything on that list, with only minor indigestion.
Apparently chocolate is at the top of the dangerous list. Yet chocolate was always a favorite for Mittsy. She especially loved Easter time and would have her own Easter egg hunt looking for some misplaced chocolate items. It didn’t matter much whether there were wrappers on the chocolates, because they would simply become part of the meal.
Oh yes, she would be ill the next day, but she would shake that off in no time and be back on the hunt soon after. I guess the short lived stomach pains were worth the taste treat.
Mittsy’s next favorite food was lipstick, the redder the better. Mittsy had mostly black fur, except for around her paws and face. Needless to say, it was real easy to spot when she had found a lipstick tube to chew on. Our daughters never seemed to learn, as they would always leave their lipstick somewhere that was easy access for Mittsy.
Have you ever tried to remove red lipstick from a beige carpet. Well in our house it happened so frequently that we became experts at it. The household pet gate never seemed to be enough of a deterent, because our daughters would leave their lipstick all over the house. Easy pickings for Mittsy.
Hold onto your hats folks, because the next Mittsy feast will surprise even you.
Our family was invited to spend a week-end at a friend’s cottage one year, dog included. This cottage was fairly remote and had several acres of bush land around it, so it was a very special outing for all of us. Fortunately for Mittsy there would be other dogs there to play with.
As usual, the weekend was a smashing success with beautiful sunny days, warm water and great company. Unfortunately it came time to start packing up for home. I guess the act of packing was some sort of sign to Mittsy that she had better feed up for the long trip home.
Her first find was the french loaf that we had been saving for that evening’s Italian feast. She managed to eat the whole loaf of bread before anyone caught her. You would think that this would fill her up, but oh no, not Mittsy.
We had been out playing around and in the water, and I was sent to find a frisbee that was in the cottage. Unfortunately I found more than just the frisbee. Out the back window of the cottage, my eye caught some movement. There was Mittsy filling herself on the gourmet treasures in the cottage compost heap.
Within half an hour, Mittsy was so sick that she couldn’t even lift her head. It was nearly 90 degrees outside and yet the breath from Mittsy’s mouth was forming steam in the air.
This cottage was in the middle of nowhere, so we would need to travel for four hours to get to the nearest vet. We decided to make a run for it and so said our goodbyes and jumped in the car. My wife drove and I sat with a blanket on my lap and Mittsy laying on the blanket.
I’m sure you think you can imagine what our trip home was like, but I really doubt that you could. Mittsy was sick several times, and each time the smell was overwhelming. In order to keep ourselves and the children from being sick as well, we would have to stop the car, get out and breathe some fresh air, work up some courage to get back into the car, and head out for the next stretch.
When we arrived home everyone was feeling ill, except for Mittsy. Somehow the events of the trip home had been enough for her to gain the upper hand. When the car door opened, Mittsy jumped out and wanted everyone to chase her around the yard.
We kept an eye on her that night and throughout the next day, but other than a slight loss of appetite she seemed quite normal. She wanted lots of fresh water, and we made sure that her bowl was full. If she could speak, I’m sure that she would brag about having a cast iron stomach. It took the rest of us much longer to recuperate.
Tags: dog eats everything, dog food, pet dog
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Protect Your Pets By Using Pet Ramps
Your constant travel companion is your pet. You can go to a lot of places with your pet but he has to have to be ready and equipped for it. Pet ramps for example are an example of the tools that you as the dog owner should not forget. Why is that? It is a great help when it comes to getting out of your SUV to the ground, or from the dock to the boat, or even from your tiled floor to the couch, particularly for your dear Chihuahua or your old faithful Labrador. This is a great way to protect them from injuries.
Veterinarians advise their pet dogs to jump up or down from areas that will too much effort, especially for those that have small size and not too large built. Short-legged and stout pets are more likely to have joint and spine injuries when they are forced to jump on and off elevated areas. It even becomes more dangerous to the heavy-set pets. That’s how a pet ramp becomes a required preventive tool for your pet’s protection.
There are dog ramps that are meant for pets that are home-based. Majority of the pet ramps in the market are fixed and can only be used for specific heights. If your pet goes to many places with you, you better choose the multi-purpose one, which is expandable and can be used for greater heights. Bear in mind that pet ramps are meant for old, arthritic, and pets with injuries.
Those pet ramps that have foam covers or cushioned covers are intended for house pets like cats. Your furry cat likes window watching or curling up in bed with you. A lightweight and portable pet ramp is just what you need which will allow you to move it from one place to another. It would be better to look for one that has a durable cover to prevent scratching your favorite furniture.
Several varieties of pet ramps are made up of plastic or aluminum and some of them are either folding or telescoping. Some of these lightweight ramps can be easily stored and used as half ramps for your pets when they go swimming in the pool. The material these ramps are made up of can withstand a heavy weight of up to 200 lbs. Pet ramps can be life savers when they are used for pet’s access if in any case it falls off the pool.Whatever pet ramp you choose, you have to make sure that both ends are firmly attached to prevent movement and slippage that may cause further injuries for them. Sometimes you may have to press your foot on the ramp for your pet to cross safely. Other times nonskid pads should be used for slippery surfaces such as tiled and vinyl floors.
Now that you know how significant it is to use pet ramps, it would be better to train your pets on how to use them for their own safety while they are still young.
Tags: Car Ramp, Dog Ramp, Dog Seat Cover, Dog Stairs, Dog Steps, Pet Crate, Pet Ramps, Pet Stairs
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Dog Separation Anxiety
Puppy separation anxiety is fear or distress experienced by your puppy when he is left alone. An anxious dog may bark or whine when you leave for work or go to the store. In addition, he may be destructive or have potty accidents. Dogs with a strong bond to their owner are likely to suffer from puppy separation anxiety.
Stopping puppy separation anxiety can commence before you adopt your puppy. You should wait until your puppy is completely weaned away from his mom, which normally occurs by eight weeks of age. Your puppy should have some level of independence from his mother. A dog that is taken away earlier may experience puppy separation anxiety.
For a great guide to solve your dog behavior problems, I recommend that you check out: Puppy Separation Anxiety.
Training to prevent separation anxiety can start immediately after bringing your puppy home. First of all, you shouldn’t make a fuss when you leave your puppy alone. Don’t tell your puppy you’re sad to leave him and give him extra hugs and kisses. Initially, puppies should only be left on their own for short periods of time. When you get home, you should act normally and not make a fuss.
A dog that is already showing signs of puppy separation anxiety when he is adopted may be more difficult to train. Rest assured, your efforts will make it worthwhile. Adult dogs that experience separation anxiety were most likely shelter dogs or strays. It is highly probable that they had a rough life before being lucky enough to be adopted into your household. Hang in with them! Frequently, these adult dogs will show greater trust and loyalty.
With appropriate training, about 50 per cent of adult dogs will improve. Even so, you will probably have you to make some changes to your own routine to make them less concerned about being left alone.
By taking a look at your dog’s environment you may be able to understand what is causing your dog’s separation anxiety. Just as with puppies, don’t make a big deal out of it when you leave the house. Start out slowly and leave the older dogs for a short period, then over time progress to longer periods.
Providing distractions for your puppy when you leave is also a good idea. Puppies normally calm down within half an hour to an hour after experiencing separation anxiety. Distractions, such as toys or chewies, will keep him occupied for the entire time you are away. This could help him to get beyond the initial hurdle. Toys filled with goodies like cheese or peanut butter are another option. It will take your dog some time to get to the treat and he will work away at it until he reaches it. This will assist him in forgetting about you and his separation anxiety.
Crate training is another good option. Crates are particularly effective for destructive dogs. They think of the crate as their home so do not destroy it. The crate should only be used as a positive experience for your dog and not for punishment. It is important for a dog to feel safe in his crate. By giving your dog food and treats while he’s in the crate, he will feel positively about the experience. When your dog or puppy has convinced you that he will not destroy your home, leave him for a short while. The crate door should be left open so your dog feels that his sanctuary is still available to him.
You should check with your vet for other ideas on how to stop puppy separation anxiety. You must realize that puppy and dog separation anxiety occurs for a number of reasons.
To find out how to stop puppy separation anxiety, I recommend that you check out Secrets to Dog Training.
Tags: dog separation anxiety, puppies separation anxiety, puppy separation anxiety, separation anxiety in puppy
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Ceasing The Destructive Behavior Of Aggressive Dogs
No one would ever believe that the little innocent puppy that they brought home could turn into a dog that is one bad mistake away from being sent away. Aggressive dogs do not just happen over night. Dogs are not born aggressive or menacing towards people. Dogs that are properly trained and well cared for rarely become aggressive. You should be extra cautious about an adult dog you obtain from someone else and ensure that you put it through a dog obedience training program.
Making sure your dog knows who is the leader and who is the pet is critical in making housebreaking an easy job for you both. Dog and puppy training is imperative for much more than making sure that your dog no longer acts out. You have to make sure that you stop your pet from becoming one of the thousands of aggressive dogs out there. Dog growling and dog biting can lead to very bad situations. These situations can arise without proper dog training.
Problems Experienced from Aggressive Dogs
* Physical injuries to family, friends, or neighbors
* Emotional injuries to young children
* Damaged personal property
* Lawsuits that stem from all of the above situations
* The dog becoming one of the many aggressive dogs that are put to sleep each yearIf you truly love and care for your pet it is time that you step up and make sure that the animal you love so much does not join the ranks of aggressive dogs. Looking for outside help is ideal if you think you can’t control the situation by yourself. With aggressive dogs, it can be wise to find a professional dog trainer who is specially trained in this area.
It’s advisable to do as much reading and research as you can on aggressive dogs. Acquaint yourself with correct techniques to punish your dog other than striking it. Violence will only breed violence so make sure that you are not taking part in the making of aggressive dogs. You may have luck with the books and videos out there but you will have a much better chance at solving the problem, or preventing one from ever happening, by bringing an expert into your home.
Getting More Help
It doesn’t matter if the trainer is free or if you have paid for their services, you must recognize that nothing is more important than understanding that you are responsible for your pet and its behavior. The owners are always the ones that are accountable for the behavior of their aggressive dog, so be sure to avoid the potential legal or moral situations.
If your dog hasn’t exhibited signs of being or becoming one of those aggressive dogs, then there is still time to get it completely under control. It is best to start immediately, especially if your dog has aggressive or rough tendencies.
Tags: aggressive dogs, dog biting, dog chewing, dog growling, dog obedience, dog obedience training, Dog Training, dog training classes
