Crucial Steps for Getting Your Dog Ready for the Show

By Brent A McCoy

Many dog owners may consider entering their dogs in a dog show and if this is the case then it's necessary that you have your dog looking their best and able to overcome any challenge they might come across. This gives you greater confidence if you ever choose to enter them in a show as you won't have to worry about the little things that might affect their performance. The result should be a positive experience any time you choose to enter your dog in a show.

The first thing to be mindful of is your dog should be well trained. Obviously this is more important if competing in activities like agility, but as a general rule it is expected your dog will be on their best behavior. This means going through obedience training as a puppy and being well socialized so that they're accustomed to being in different environments and around different people or animals.

Likewise, your dog should be accustomed to the dog crate by going through the crate training process as a puppy. It should be a positive and happy place for them to stay inside, and it should become their place of refuge anywhere they travel. They will likely spend a lot of time in their crate while on the road so it helps a lot if they enjoy being inside.

Your dog should also get used to traveling. If you plan on going to a lot of dog shows, then your dog will probably be in the car a lot and for long periods of time. Get them used to it by going for short trips first before going on longer ones, and always make sure it's a positive experience for them.

Show dogs should look at their absolute best, and a key part of this is getting groomed. This can be done by a professional groomer, or if you want to develop the skills yourself then you can do it as well. Getting washed, cut and dried will make your dog absolutely shine. Be mindful of your local kennel club standards if you do expect to do it yourself.

Take your dog to the show regularly, and they'll get better at it with practice. Not everyone is likely to be a star performer at their first show appearance. Just make sure it remains an enjoyable experience for them each time, and don't force them into anything they don't want to do.

The last thing is remember to accessorize your dog accordingly using things like dog show leads - leads specifically designed for use in the show circuit.

The Benefits of Hiring a Pet Care Professional

By Leslie Fiore

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting services in your own home have many benefits for you and your pets. Let's face it, the economy has us all tightening our belts, but the one expense we refuse to cut back on is the care of our pets. We may be buying cheaper shampoo, but "Princess" is still going to the groomers once a month. That's how it is for us pet parents.

Dog Walking Services:

You are probably asking yourself, "Is hiring someone to walk my dog everyday worth it?" The answer is yes. If you are gone for 10 hours a day, like most of us are... think of how your dog must feel for those 10 hours. Daily scheduled walks benefit the dog in many ways, not the just... "I GOTTA GO!!" potty breaks. Dogs require outside stimulation, exercise and socialization. Without these basic needs, your cute little Pomeranian can turn into Cujo.

Working dogs or "high energy dogs" really benefit from dog walking services. I'm owned by a Siberian Husky, more like a Werewolf than a dog... and if she doesn't get her 1 hour walk everyday... I am looking at a level of destruction that would rival Chernobyl. As long as she has her walkies before I go to work, she is fine. This also helps our training re-enforcement. Huskies pull, that is what they do... dogs that pull while walking make the whole bonding experience less than desirable. Hiring a professional dog walker to work with your dog on pulling issues and basic commands, really helps you! Consistent training that professional dog walkers offer makes YOUR walks with your pet much more enjoyable.

Overweight dogs are highly susceptible to Diabetes. If your veterinarian suggests more exercise and a dietary plan for your dog, a professional pet sitter can greatly contribute to your pets well being through additional exercise as well as helping you track your dogs progress.

Pet Sitting in YOUR home:

Before at home pet sitting became more mainstream, your only choice for pet care while you where away was a family member, Kennels or "Honey, we can't go". You have more options these days, with the expanding pet care services. Choosing a pet sitter that will come to your home daily or overnight is a fantastic option to boarding your pet at a Kennel.

For one, no need to worry about your pet contracting an illness, such as Kennel Cough & Parvovirus. Stress on your pet is also greatly reduced by keeping them in their homes.

They will miss you, they will go through separation anxiety... but having someone come in to care for them will indeed lessen their stress.

"How do I choose a Pet Care Professional?"

My dog is my child... crazy, I know... but she is... and I would not trust her with just anyone. As a Pet Care Professional, I can tell you what I would look for in someone to be entrusted with her care:

Licensed, Bonded and Insured - this lets me know they are serious about their services

Red Cross Certified in Pet First Aid and CPR - life saving credentials

Disaster Preparedness Plan - If they have one in place, and ask me to have one as well, they are very concerned with the safety of my pet.

References

Initial Interviews - Pet Care Professionals take the time to value your needs as well as your pets needs.

Feedback - A Pet Care Professional will provide you with a diary that notes any marked changes with your pet that may be of concern to you.

Safety - are they prepared for all types of situations? Do they carry a first aid kit and aggressive animal deterrents?

Finding someone to care for your pet while you are away is not that difficult. Go with your gut instincts and always remember... if your pet doesn't like them at the first meeting... chances are you will not. Animals are a great judge of character. Let them help you decide.

As always, if you have any questions or comments... please feel free to comment or contact me at walkies.doggies@yahoo.com or visit my website http://www.walkiesdoggies.com

Build A Deep Heart Bond With Your Dog

By E. Blinn

Do you remember how the house smelled on Thanksgiving, as a kid? The oven warmed the whole house. Your pets feel the same way when you cook homemade dog food for them. They remember the smells, the taste, and the sounds of you cooking for them.

Sharing good food with your family builds strong bonds, and happy memories. Sharing homemade pet food with your dog will strengthen your deep heart bond with her too. The next step is how to get your dog to understand that you are sharing your food with her.

For your puppy, kneel down in front of her, and get her attention. Curl your hand up and slowly reach over your pups head, she'll lean back, she'll turn his head, and sooner or later she'll sit down to look up at your hand. You can also use her food dish. Praise her every time she sits. Good sit! Repeat it a few times. Even young puppies usually catch on quick. Teach your puppy or your dog to sit and stay before each meal.

Stand where her food dish usually sits on the floor, and ask her to sit. Hold her food dish in both hands in front of you, about chest high. She's probably going to stare at her food dish at first. Stay like that a second, you want her to look up at you, when she does, just say good girl. Don't put the food down yet, still hold it. When she looks back up at you, praise her again. The next time she looks up at you, tell her good girl, tell her to stay, put the food down, have her wait before you tell her OK. Do this every time you feed her. I stay in the kitchen with Max while he eats.

Start as young as possible, and teach her to sit, everywhere, before she eats, and before you open the door to take her for a walk. Ask her to sit, praise her, teach her to stay, spend some time until she waits for your OK to go out. On her walk, teach her to sit before you cross the street. Sit. Stay. Have her wait until you say it's OK to cross. I don't care if your mother-in-law is coming, don't cross the street until she sits and waits for you. Soon she'll look up at you for approval. The sooner you make it clear to your dog or your puppy what you will and won't allow, the happier you'll both be. By being patient, and consistent, your dog will want to earn your praise and approval. It's a win, win. Your goal is to get her to want to do what you ask of her. The best way to do this, is with her food. It takes a few minutes to make a home cooked meal for your dog, you want her to understand it's your food, and you are sharing it with her.

Praise your dog when she comes to you, even if you stood for an hour in the rain. Your dog expects praise when you're smiling and clapping. If she gets scolded, next time instead of coming when you call, she'll head the other way. You might fool her once, but remember, she's taking notes. You will lose her trust if you are not consistent.

Here's some advice to help you get started. Spend some time having her come to you. If you feel more comfortable with treats, start with them, but keep in mind that you'll need to cut back on using them later. Keep a hot dog sliced up in a freezer bag. Start by walking her on a leash at the park, when she starts to sniff and explore, drop the leash. Let her go ahead. Stop and kneel down, if she comes to you, praise her. If not, call her, when she comes, have her sit, give her a treat and praise her. After you get more confident, drop the leash and walk with her. Stop and stand still, see if she turns to you. Give her a second, she will start to look back to see where you are. It takes some time, but each time she does, call her to you, have her sit and reward her. She'll start to come back on her own, check on you, and head off again. Work on this in different places, with different distractions.

Teach your dog what you want her to do. It's that simple.

Teaching a Dog to Lie Down

By Alexander Fitzgerald

Teaching a dog to lie down is a very important command, and will always come in hand. Whether you have company come over, or you just need your dog to relax, having the dog lie down is useful.

This is one of the highly debated types of training in the pet owner community. An owner can use the "treat" approach, which concentrates on the dog modeling the behavior and receiving a treat. The other approach, which is my least favorite, is the "forcing and then rewarding" approach. This concentrates on forcing the dog into the position while saying the command, and then rewarding the treat. It does create a better form from the beginning, but it can cause aggression problems later with some dog breeds. In this article, we will be concentrating on the treat approach.

Here is the simple five step training process for teaching a dog to lie down:

1. Give your dog the "sit" command - at this point I do not give my dog a treat, because he already knows how to obey. However, if your dog is still new in the training process, you may want to reward your dog with a treat now and then later.

2. Put the treat between two fingers and put it in front of your dog so he or she clearly sees it. Do not keep it close to your dog face, or else it may snatch at it.

3. Say "lay down" and slam your hand down on the ground in the same moment. Be sure not to slam it down aggressively, but do use enough force. Most dogs will immediately lie down. If your dog does not sit down immediately, bring the treat slowly away from your dog. At this point, you may want to gently place your other hand on your dog's lower back and apply a little pressure - just do not force.

4. Praise your dog and provide the treat.

5. Repeat as necessary.

Remember, forcing your dog down may immediately get the training done. But, it can cause aggressive behavior. Use your judgment as trainer and owner. If your dog seems to not respond to the training, you may have to take a different approach. Research leadership training to reset your status to "alpha dog" and maybe consider going to an obedience school for some more tips. Most dogs, however, should respond well to this training method.

Alexander Fitzgerald, also known as the "Pack Leader," writes on many topics within dog training. With new blog posts everyday, youarethepackleader.com is the place to go. We offer a free eBook on how to be the Alpha Leader that helps people learn how to be more commanding within the home pack. Visit us for more information on Dog Training.

Why It Is Wise to Use a Pet Stroller in the Winter

By Cecelia Brown

If you live in a part of the country with four seasons, then winter is just around the corner. It is always important for your dog or cat to get as much exercise as possible, but time outside tends to get reduced during the frigid months. The air is drier so you need to make sure your pet has plenty of clean water to drink whenever he wants it. Your pet may want to eat more, but be sure he doesn't pack on the extra pounds this winter.

Taking your pet to the park may require extra attention as the winter months bring snow and ice to the streets. Ice and salt can irritate and abrade paw pads. If you pet does not have booties then his paw pads must be wiped off after a walk. Winter is also a time that antifreeze is found by pets. The sweet smell and taste is enticing, but also deadly. Frostbite, although uncommon, is possible for our furry friends. Their foot pads, nose, ear tips and tail tip are susceptible if overexposed to the freezing temperatures. Using a pet stroller to transport your pet to the vet, the dog park, shopping, or just about anywhere is a fine way to protect your pet from winter hazards.

Pet strollers are available in many styles. You can find a lightweight, collapsible stroller for frequent trips in and out the car, or a more substantial stroller that you can use for jogging or longer walks on uneven roads. Bicycle trailers for pets are also commonly used to transport pets, especially if you live in a bike-friendly city. Several brands of bike trailers have stroller kits available, so you would have two methods of travel from which to choose. Pet strollers and trailers are created to carry very small pets and some can carry pets up to 165 pounds. The wheeled carriers for large animals have an entry point that is low to the ground, making it easier for the large pet to get into the cabin.

Whether your pet is walking on a leash or riding in a stroller or bicycle trailer, consider an extra layer of warmth for him. A sweater or jacket will help protect him from the wind on the ride. Pet strollers and trailers have mesh windows and many have another layer of protection from wind while still allowing your pet to breathe comfortably. Many pet strollers and bicycle trailers for pets have optional weather covers for purchase. A weather cover protects pets from wind, rain and snow. Getting outside with your pet is a valuable experience no matter what the weather brings. Be sure your travels are safe for your pet.

Cecelia Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in stress management strategies. She has a special interest in pets and pet products. Please visit her website: http://www.PerfectPetStroller.com to find out more about Pet Strollers and Pet Bike Trailers

How Do You Tell Your Child That Their Pet Has to Be Put to Sleep?

By Colleen Mihelich

A couple of years ago I received a sad email from a dear friend who was reaching out to me for advice on how to tell her five year old daughter that the dog she's known her whole 5 years, has to be put down. He's sick and suffering and it is the only humane choice for them to make.

My heart broke for her - for her own loss of the dog she's known and loved for 9 years, and also for the pain and heartache that she knows her daughter will experience in losing her best friend.

Her questions were tough ones - Do I let her say goodbye? How do I tell her? How do I help her to understand?

I went through these same questions with my own children when we lost our dear, big ole Golden Retriever Bobo. It was hard to navigate. It's much easier to help others through these hard times, which is part of my job, but to go through it myself was more difficult and confusing. There are no clear black and white answers. We all have different beliefs about death and the existence of the afterlife. How I handled it may not work for everyone, but this is what I did, and what I shared with my friend.

1) Be honest. Be gentle, but don't sugarcoat or lessen the truth of what is going to happen. My 3 year old couldn't quite yet wrap her little mind around it all, but kids are too smart not to be honest with them.

2) Explain what is wrong with your pet in very simple terms (cancer) and that it is time for him to go. Often times our pets are suffering and we can explain that they won't feel pain and suffering anymore after they're gone.

3) Children are very visual, so it's helpful to help them to create an image in their minds. It seemed to help my children a lot to know that their dog is now in a place where he can run around and play with lots of other animals who have died too.

4) Everyone's spiritual beliefs vary widely, but being a big believer in spirit I was able to tell my children something that has helped them greatly. I told them that Bobo will always be with them in spirit. And he is still a part of their consciousness today. He receives occasional hellos from them and waves toward the sky from the from time to time. They still count him as one of our family members.

5) Allow your children to feel whatever they're feeling. Drawing pictures of their pet and things that they used to do together can be very helpful in the healing process. For older children, writing down their favorite memories or writing a letter to their pet can be immensely helpful.

6) Don't get a new pet too soon. Children need their time to grieve. They may not talk about the loss of their pet a lot, but that doesn't mean that they're not still processing what has happened. Children are very loyal and may feel disloyal to their pet that they've lost if you bring a new pet into the home too soon. It may also suggest that their grief is not important if their pet is so replaceable.

7) It's okay not to have all of the answers for them and it's also okay to admit that.

By providing a safe place for your children to grieve and by listening and being there for them, you are beginning to build a foundation in their hearts and minds for handling the future losses that they will experience in their lives. Death is a part of life, and while we yearn to protect our children from pain and suffering, it is our responsibility to gently teach them about the more difficult realities of life.

Colleen Mihelich
Owner, Peternity... honoring your pet for eternity.
colleen@peternity.com
877-PET-PEACE

Parasites and Your Pets - What Should You Do?

By Dr. Jason Heller, DVM

Parasites! Parasites! Parasites! they are all over the place. A parasite is an organism that inhabits or interacts with another organism, doesn't help the host and most times causes harm.

In veterinary medicine and ultimately in our homes parasites cause significant problems to animal and human health alike. There are parasites on the outside of cats and dogs that can affect both us and them, most commonly, FLEAS!!!

Not far behind, but possibly more dangerous to our pet's health and ours, are TICKS! Ticks spread life threatening diseases to animals and humans alike. One of the most common tick diseases on Long Island is Lyme disease, which causes arthritis-like symptoms and fever most times.

Fleas bite our animals and us and cause anemia or low red blood cells. Little do people realize that the "BLACK PLAGUE" was spread by fleas. EEEWWW!!

Internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms to name a few sometimes can affect people and animals in almost the same way, causing vomiting and diarrhea, upset stomach, or worms coming out of the mouth or the rear.

Sometimes parasites in animals and humans also can cause severe diseases and even death. Young children and seniors are more prone to contracting parasites, due to their compromised immune system. Heartworm disease spread by mosquitoes can severely injure or even cause the death of both cats and dogs!

How To Protect Against Parasites?

Each one of the major parasites that we discussed above such as heartworm, fleas ticks and internal worms can be either prevented and or controlled with proper veterinary preventative intervention. Cats and dogs alike get all the above parasites!

Indoor cats get parasites... heartworm in cats is really causing sickness in our indoor-only cats.

Deworming kittens and puppies with proper veterinary products is most important. Continual parasite control for cats and dogs year round can prevent extreme pain and discomfort in animal and humans alike.

Products such as Sentinel, Heartgard, Frontline, Advantix, Vectra 3D, all have a place in the prevention and control of parasites. It is the responsibility of the veterinarian and pet owner to test feces once or twice a year and offer the best preventative protocols available to suit the needs of the cats, dogs, their owners and their environment.

Proper preventative protocols established by your veterinarian for you and your pets are most important. Buying products from the veterinarian is almost as important. Having the faith in the doctor to consult on and ensure the products and knowledge are correct is and should always be the reason to buy proper products from your veterinarian.

Remember, any product purchased from an outside source other than your veterinarian, including online pet stores, large chain stores, pet stores, supermarket, etc. has a potential to be counterfeit or ineffective, or worse yet, painful, dangerous or deadly to you and your pet!

Ask your veterinarian about proper preventative medicines at competitive prices to keep your furry four-legged friends and everyone else in the home healthy!

Dr. Jason Heller is a veterinarian with over 17 years of experience working with cats, dogs, small mammals, birds and reptiles. He is the head veterinarian at the Northport Animal Clinic, a leading veterinary practice in Northport, Long Island, offering 24-hour emergency care for your pets.

The Untrainable Dog Syndrome - Here's My Own Story

By Annelie Becher

The story I am about to tell took place several years ago but hopefully I will never ever forget what I have learned from my experience.

In 1992 one of my dreams came true: I got a Golden Retriever boy puppy from a much admired breeder. The puppy was wonderful - not only pretty but also very intelligent. Apart from that it soon became apparent that he had quite a mind of his own, being both curious and independent minded.

By that time I had already successfully trained several Goldens without any problems whatsoever so I was little prepared for what was to happen with my charming boy.

My then husband had never owned a dog before and when we met I owned a wonderfully trained mature bitch who just knew how to behave and never asked any questions. She simply adored him, fulfilling his every wish.

When I started training my boy my husband took things for granted, expecting the puppy to be just as obedient as our adult female. This meant that he would never reinforce any command he'd given so that the young boy never got the guidance he needed.

This was a very busy time in my life, going to university, writing my thesis, running a dog club and suchlike which meant that I took little notice of how husband and dogs got on together. I just needed time for myself and all the things I had to do...

So the puppy grew up into a boisterous youngster who had never learned how to walk on a lead without pulling your arms out. He also never learned that he needed to do as he was told for any length of time.

Luckily his temperament was very sound, there was not a growl in him. He was loving, fun to be with but absolutely uncontrollable on the lead if and when he had seen something of interest.

I still remember the day when he nearly tore my arm out because he wanted to go for a swim in a pond we were passing. Those of you who own a dog that pulls on a lead know the physical pain I had to endure for several days.

No matter what I did or how I did it changed things for me and my boy because the real problem lay between me and my husband.

We just did not manage to agree on any commands nor did we find a way to work out a consistent training or rehabilitation programme for the poor dog.

The disagreement between us caused the problems we came across with our dog. Today I know that we were lucky because he was such a good natured, loving character who still did his very best to please us no matter what. Had he been a dog with even the slightest tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs or people our behavior might easily have caused a disaster for all of us.

However, there and then, twenty years ago, I blamed my poor dog for being disobedient when in fact we trained him to act the way he did.

I never fail to marvel at the beauty and splendor of every single dog I meet - day in and day out. Each and every dog has his own loveliness about him which I feel we must look for to understand his soul. The soul of a dog is a very close companion to his person's soul and I strife to help that special love relationship grow and grow - every day a little more! By giving information and offering insights as well as animal communication sessions - even when your dog has left his physical body. You can count on me! Visit me, Psychologist M. Annelie Becher on my website at http://www.dogsandhappiness.com

Dog Park Behavior For You and Your Dog

By Kay Ringelstetter

Off leash dog parks are booming in popularity all over the world. A safely fenced area allows dogs and you, their owner, to run, play and unwind. This delightful outing will help you transition and enjoy some companionship with your pet and with others. If you and your pet visit a dog park, it is important to realize that you, like all dog owners, are responsible for assuring that the experience will be enjoyable for everyone. Please consider these 10 brief suggestions in how you can ensure this grand experience for all.

1) Follow all posted rules. This includes cleaning up your canine friend's dog poop and disposing of it in the proper container. Rather than carrying the dog poop bag by hand, it may be helpful to have a dog poop bag holder.

2) Only bring a healthy pet. Don't bring your canine friend if he is suffering from kennel cough, fleas, mange or other health problems.

3) Only bring an immunized pet. Do not bring an unvaccinated puppy.

4) Do not bring a female dog in heat to a dog park. There will be many un-neutered males running loose.

5) Do not bring more dogs than you can handle, even if that number is less than the allowable limit. You must have full control over all of the dogs that you bring to the park.

6) Do not bring children but if you must, supervise them closely. The possibilities for accidents with children are staggering, so please think wisely about your need to bring a child.

7) Do not bring animals other than dogs. This is only good common sense of course.

8) If you must eat, drink or smoke, then dispose of all wrappings and cigarette butts in a proper container. Wrappers or cigarette butts left lying on the ground are tempting treats for dogs.

9) Never discipline any pet other than your own while at the dog park. This could lead to arguments or worse.

10) Be responsible for your dog's behavior. If he can't play nicely, take him home.

Enjoy your visit and this wonderful recreational outlet for you and your canine friend. You both may make some very good friends in your visits to the park. Be a responsible pet owner and follow these simple and basic tips to ensure a good experience for yourself, your pet and others. This will help all enjoy their outing to the dog park.

When at the dog park with your dog, please consider this new dog poop bag holder that will safely carry your loaded dog poop bags and also has pockets for treats, training supplies and more. This dog poop bag holder will attach to your belt-loops or your leash and will conveniently carry your loaded dog poop bags and more.

Purchasing a Bark Control Collar - The Pros and Cons

By Christopher G. Chase

Getting a dog to stop barking is very stressful for every suburban canine owner - especially if you live in a city where ordinances fine dog owners who do not control their dog's excessive barking. If you live in a metropolitan area like Yreka, CA, expect to pay fines of $50 or more for a first offense and upwards to $500 for continued problem barkers.

That's a big problem.

Let's face it, you're reading this article because its stressful having neighbors complain about your dog. Also, you might be a little angry because government rules control so much of your daily life.

So you search for solutions.

You will find everyone has an opinion on how you get your dog to stop barking. The helpful advice will range from 'dogs are territorial and he's just establishing his dominance and being the guardian protecting your family' to 'you simply need to exercise the dog and the barking will stop' or 'you need to learn clicker training so your dog will listen to you'.

All helpful advice, but you have to work 40 to 60 hours a week, raise your kids and handle the "honey do" list your wife leaves you every morning.

So the Internet search continues and you run across the idea of a bark control collar. Simple, just put the collar on the dog's neck and let technology take care of the problem for you.

"Great, where's the credit card" you say to yourself.

Hang on just a second before you get too excited - you are about to step on a societal issue that will get people barking at you faster than you will ever believe.

Trust me.

Everyone will share their opinions about dog barking collars with a great deal of passion. So before you go shopping for your own bark control collar you should know the pros and cons of what you're getting into.

Dog Bark Collar Pros:

Variety of devices: There are three type of bark controllers (i.e. Ultra Sonic, Citronella and Static). Ultra Sonic bark collars use sound waves to manipulate your dogs behavior. Whenever the dog starts to bark a sound, that is undetectable to the human ear, is emitted from the collar and the dog stops barking. A Citronella bark control collar is designed to emit a spray that causes the dog to stop barking. Finally, Static collars stimulates the dog's voice box with pulses, when the dog feels the vibration it will stop barking.

Targeted training: Bark control collars are not designed for continuous use. It is better to use them for specific behavior changes. For example, if there is a window of time where family members are not home and the dog barks continuously; a dog control collar could be used to control the barking. Simply put the device on before leaving and remove it when returning home.

Safety Features: Higher-end bark collars have features designed to protect dogs of any size. You will find some leash and collars have multiple level settings based on how long the dog barks. Also, most have built-in turn off settings if the dog barks for an extended period of time. Remote controls are also a great feature if you want to set the collar at a distance.

Dog Bark Collar Cons:

The great humane vs. inhumane debate: Pet owners are very passionate people and they love their animals. This is true of dog owners as well. For the most part, we all want what's best for our dogs. So the thought of putting a bark correcting collar raises a lot of concern for some folks. This concern is valid. Some people will abuse the technology and not really care about the safety of their dog. Simply don't be part of this group. If you decide to go this route learn how to use the collar and only use it when appropriate (i.e. specific behavior changes).

Cost: Bark collars range in price points from $25 to over $200. Most quality collars will set you back $50 to $100. Collars with special features like remote control cost around $150. Also, if you choose to go the Citronella bark collar route you will need to replace the spray canisters which cost around $10 per can.

Limited Effectiveness: On some dogs the bark collar works initially and then over a period of time the effectiveness goes away. This happens mostly with the Citronella bark collar, where the dog become accustomed to the spray and continues to bark any way.

By the way I have researched the best dog barking collars for you, whether you have a small or large sport dog, your solution is here at:www.squidoo.com/best-dog-barking-collars

How to Eliminate Separation Anxiety in Dogs

By Tom A Smith

Dogs are creatures of habit. Just like many humans, they do not respond well to abrupt changes in their routine. Dogs also become very attached to their owners. Therefore, being left alone for long periods of time can be very upsetting to them. This can result in undesirable behaviors.

This is called separation anxiety, and it can result in undesirable behaviors. Watching their owners leave can cause distress in some dogs. Here are some things to know about separation anxiety and what you can do to prevent it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of separation anxiety include:

Urinating and defecating - if this is done in the presence of the owner, then it cannot be attributed to separation anxiety. However, when a normally housebroken and potty-trained dog does this when the owners are gone, this is often because of the distress the animal is feeling in his owner's absence. In some cases, they will defecate and then eat the excrement as part of the anxiety.

Barking - Some dogs will bark when they hear cars or other animals. However, when the barking is constant when the owner is gone, then it can be a symptom of anxiety.

Chewing/Destruction - Dogs with separation anxiety get bored in their owners' absence and become destructive. It is not uncommon for them to chew windowsills, furniture, toys, shoes and anything else left unattended. They may try to escape by digging their way out of the house or kennel. Unfortunately, this behavior can lead to broken teeth and damaged paws.

Pacing - When left alone, some dogs may walk back and forth, in a circular motion or along a fixed path.

Causes

Why do some dogs experience separation anxiety, while others don't? There are several factors that can cause it, including the following:

Change in schedule - This is the most common cause of separation anxiety. Dogs learn their owners' schedules and when these change, anxiety can result..

Changes in families - A dog can experience anxiety when it moves to a new home or is taken to a shelter. In some families, the dog may feel a special bond with just one of the family members and will experience anxiety if the person leaves.

Prevention

Dealing with separation anxiety can be frustrating, but it can be prevented by taking action. You can help your dog feel more at ease when you leave the house by associating your departure with something good - such as a tasty treat. You can purchase a treat dispenser to help with this.

Dogs need to stay busy. Therefore, it may be a good idea to exercise your canine before you leave, making him too tired to tear up the house. You can also leave him some chews or a Kong filled with a treat to keep him occupied.

Take small steps. Leave your pet alone for an hour, then two hours the next day and slowly increase from there. Going from 0-8 hours alone suddenly can cause distress in any dog.

Avoid overexcitement. When leaving, calmly say goodbye to your dog and give him a pat on the head. Do the same when you get home. Avoid giving your dog attention until he has calmed down.

Avoid scolding or punishing your dog. Tough love does not work well with dogs and instead of reducing the undesired behavior, it can make it worse. Instead, be patient and work with him.

Take your dog with you to work or have someone watch him while you are away if possible.

Crate training may help reduce anxiety in dogs. Some dogs feel safer in their crate, while others will start anting heavily and whining. Assess your dog's behavior while in the crate and see if he feels more relaxed. If not, you may want to try confinement to a separate room or area in the home.

If your dog has moderate to severe separation anxiety, work with a trainer or animal behaviorist who can teach you how to desensitize and counter condition your pet to help reduce his fears.

When it is not separation anxiety

Before settling on a diagnosis of separation anxiety, make sure other conditions are ruled out first. The same behaviors associated with anxiety could be part of a larger medical or behavioral problem. For example, a dog that has never had any problems with the owner leaving but suddenly starts urinating in the house may have a bladder or urinary tract infection. Hormone problems, Cushing's disease, kidney disease, diabetes and bladder stones can also by the culprit. In addition, urinary problems can be attributed to certain medications or simply old age. A vet can perform tests and rule out any medical problems.

In addition, the symptoms of separation anxiety can be caused by behavioral problems. For example, some dogs are submissive around certain people. They may urinate when greeting or playing with their owners. Others, especially males, may urinate in the house because they use their urine to mark certain areas. They are also known to chew up objects while their owners are away simply out of boredom.

Dog Crate Sizes is a complete resources on dogs to include their care with a puppy care guide as well as various other topics such as canine anemia

Luxating Patella: A Common Knee Problem in Dogs

By Sara Schweiger

Most dogs enjoy running and playing outdoors; unfortunately, they are often slowed down by knee problems. A dog's knee is similar to a human's. The most common ligament that gets torn in most dogs is known as cranial cruciate ligament; thus resulting to lameness, pain, and instability of the joint. Generally, these knee problems do not bother most of the dogs. A cry of pain, a short episode of lameness, and in a few minutes or hours, the pooch is back to his old, active self.
The most common knee problem in dogs is known as luxating patella. This knee condition occurs when the structures that make up your dog's knees are misaligned or misshapen. When he is suffering from this condition, he has an out-of-place patella which is a small bone that jumps out of the normal grove when he is moving. In most cases, the patella jumps out of this original tract to the inside of the dog's knee.
Dog Breeds That Are Commonly Affected By Luxating Patella
Some breeds of dog are more severely affected by this knee problem than others. This condition may cause the dog some discomfort and pain. The dogs that have this knee condition on both their hind legs may even alter their posture and the way they walk. For instance, the pooch might drop his hindquarters and hold his rear legs further from his body as he walks. Some even try to walk through their front legs, just like in a circus act. The breeds that are commonly affected by this knee problem are smaller breeds, such as miniature and toy poodles and Pomeranians. Breeds with short legs, such as dachshund and basset hounds are also vulnerable to this knee problem.
What Are The Common Symptoms?
This knee problem is usually observed in pooches less than two years old. Some of the symptoms may range from mild to severe, such as temporary or occasional lameness with a hopping motion. For instance, you may have heard your dog cry out in pain while he is running or playing. Your pooch might hold the leg permanently off the ground. If both of his legs are affected by this problem, the dog may crouch and may appear bow legged. He may also start walking on his forelegs with the hind leg held completely above the ground.
Treatment for Luxating Patella
This condition is usually diagnosed by a veterinarian through a gentle thumb pressure, and the condition will be assigned a grade depending on the severity of the condition.

Grade 1 is the least severe condition wherein the knee cap easily slips back into place on its own.
Grade 2 is when the pooch has less stable knees, but the kneecap can be massaged back into place.
Grade 3 is the condition wherein the problem is more pronounced or when the dog experiences chronic pain and other arthritic changes.
Grade 4 is the condition in which the kneecap is stuck and fixed outside its normal position in the grove of the femur.

Surgery is not always necessary for this knee problem; however, if the condition is severe, a surgery known as "medical luxating patella repair" can be performed.

The writer of this post offers tips and information about one of the common knee problems in dogs. If your dog is suffering from luxating patella, you must immediately seek an animal clinic offering Suwanee veterinary service where a licensed vet can perform a trusted knee surgery for dogs.

Look for a Pet Insurance Policy That Has Pre-Existing Conditions Built-In It

By Khristine T Applegate

It's nice to see your pet running inside the house and playing but what if gets sick? Nobody likes to see their pets looking weak and not having an appetite towards food. If this happened to your pet, you would surely find ways to help it recuperate. The problem is that some sicknesses can be cured by simply taking medications but there are also others which require pet treatments at the vet. Mind you, these treatments can drain your wallet so are you prepared for these expenses?
If not, then you must now figure out what to do in case your pet suffers from an illness that needs to be treated at the vet. One option that you have is to purchase pet care insurance. This can really benefit you and your pet in so many ways. In your part, you can protect your finances and gain peace of mind by insuring your pet. On the other hand, your pet can enjoy several benefits like getting the best medical care and wellness care, protection against deadly illnesses and diseases and most of all it will also be able to live longer with the help of pet care.
But before you proceed in insuring your pet, you must first determine if the pet insurance policy that you've chosen includes pre-existing conditions in its coverage. Why is this so? It's because some pet insurance companies do not cover them. In order to make sure that this item is included in your insurance plan, you have to learn about the various insurance coverages and policies in your company of choice. After that, you can then pick one that has this feature. What are pre-existing conditions anyway? Some examples of these include; congenital problems, injuries and other types of illnesses.
You wouldn't want to be surprised when the day comes that your veterinarian will say that your pet's condition isn't covered in your pet care because it is a result of a pre-existing condition, would you? There are many cases in which this happened so if you don't want this happening to you, have your pet insured at ASPCA. Not only does this company cover pre-existing conditions but its rates are also very low. While most companies do not feature, this company rises above them all. So what are you waiting for? Make it your choice of insurance company too like what most pet owners did!

Get the best pet insurance coverage at ASPCA. They have reasonably-priced pet insurance plans and magnificent benefits. To learn more about the company, simply visit their website http://www.getpetinsurancequote.com and grab your free pet insurance quote.

Everything You Need to Know About Boo The Pomeranian

By Ron Ayalon

It looks like the trick to getting 4.6 million fans on Facebook is to have a cute haircut. And to be Pomeranian named Boo.

This little dog has been collecting "likes" since his owner started a Facebook page in 2009 "as a joke." The page information reads "My name is Boo. I am a dog. Life is good." This little Pom has become known in celebrity circles as well as to the average Joe, with Khloe Kardashian posting his picture to her blog, and Ke$ha tweeting about the dog as her "new boyfriend."

Boo's owner remains anonymous, using the name J.H. Lee to talk to the public and the press. She has also kept her location secret, although it is known that she lives in the United States. She told the story of how Boo got his signature look, which is short hair all over, except a bit puffier around the head.

The Pom's hair had become knotted and tangled to the point where his groomer said the best option would be to shave it off. This is not a sign of neglect; in fact, Pomeranians are notorious for having these kinds of issues with their hair.

"The groomer said they wouldn't even be able to get a brush through him," his owner recalled in an interview. "I was really upset when I heard that. But when I picked him up, I found he was actually really cute that way."

She takes pictures of Boo every day to upload to the fan page, which has been categorized as a Public Figure page. Boo is famous for wearing different outfits and accessories, including varying sunglasses, baseball caps, tuxedos, and pumpkin costumes.

He has also been involved in events. For example, for We Day, an initiative of NGO Free the Children that combats child slave labor around the world, Boo was a part of a project where each new like on his Facebook page would mean a $1 donation to the NGO's work.

He has been wrapped up in blankets and towels, photographed lying in drawers, at the Tory Burch store in New York, and a thousand other positions and settings. He even has his own book, Boo: The Life of the World's Cutest Dog.

Boo's career took a turn when he was offered modeling jobs for the online shop Tobi. He also appeared in an Operation Smile fundraising campaign, a charity that provides surgery to repair children's mouths from deformities so that they can smile again.

Rumor has it that the short-haired Pom showed up in a Google ad, and there was a lot of debate about whether the woman in the commercial is his real owner or not. The only evidence that has been seen of J.H. Lee's physical appearance is a shot of her legs in one of the pictures she posted of Boo.

With no shortage of outfits and poses, Boo and his owner seem to have a good thing going for them. Some people get lucky, but it seems like Lee has a full time job keeping her dog's fans satisfied with new information and photos.

Born in 2006, the little Pom is six years old now, and a person can't help but wonder what will happen when he starts to get too old to model. For now, though, the Facebook page continues to get at least a thousand new fans a day, so there is very little to worry about for the canine star and his human owner. The only real question is where will Boo turn up next?

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How to Enjoy the Holidays and Ensure Your Dog Is Taken Care Of

By Ron Ayalon

For a lot of people, having a pet such as a dog means no more family holidays, unless the family dog can come along. Unfortunately, many places especially camping grounds and hotels do not allow dogs. Sneaking a dog into a hotel, which may seem fun at the time, can end up costing a lot in hotel cleaning bills.

Dog boarding kennels traditionally provide accommodation for dogs when their owners have to go away. They usually provide your dog with a small space of their own and may provide daily exercise in a shaded area with full supervision. They may provide separate runs and yards for small dogs as well as an indoor and outdoor facility for dogs to enjoy.

There are boarding kennels that describe themselves as a pet holiday. These kennels will go beyond the standard services providing pets with their favorite meals and treats, pre-recorded messages from their owners, complimentary hydro-baths and even a television so your dog can watch their favorite TV shows while you are away.

If you are worried about your dog, there are boarding kennels that offer extra security. They may assure you that your dog will be walked on a secure lead and by a trained dog handler. Extra security tags attached to their standard collar help to identify the boarding kennel. Five star kennels may offer live feed webcam views of your dog that you can view at any time from any location over the internet.

Boarding kennels will differ in price depending on the services they provide. You may be asked to provide the same food that your dog eats at home for the duration of your dog's stay, lessening the chance of upset tummies adjusting to a new diet. You could also be asked to provide your pet's bedding, leash, bowls, toys and a photo of the family. Most kennel owners will request certification of up-to-date injections, registration and ownership.

Boarding kennels can be a fun and exciting time for your dog while you are away. Especially if your kennel has employees that are experienced and trained dog handlers who are as passionate about dogs as you are.

Another alternative to leaving your dog at a boarding kennel is to have a personal dog caretaker come visit your dog each day in your own family environment. This is an ideal service if you need a person to look after multiple pets; dogs or otherwise.

Leaving your pet in their own environment while you are away reduces their stress and a friendly caretaker will give your pet plenty of attention and exercise. They will take them on walks that they are familiar taking with you and play games, just as they would if you were at home with them.

Home pet carers will look after all the basic things, such as feeding your dog, making sure it has plenty of fresh water and of course, lots of playtime. Some home care services will even go beyond making your dog happy and will bring in your mail, put out your garbage, collect your newspapers, and water your plants.

If using boarding kennels and home pet caretakers make certain your caretakers are experienced pet lovers. Some services provide full background checks on caretakers, will introduce you and your dog to the handler before you go on vacation and if you use the service multiple times, will provide you with same handler each time, so your dog feels happy and at home.

What You Should Know About the Most Common Health Problems of Dogs

By Charles J.C. Campbell

There's no doubt that dogs are the most popular pets to have. They can range from the cute and cuddly to the tough and vicious breeds. No matter what breed or type of dog it is however, you can be sure that they will remain loyal to you.

Now, dogs can communicate with us. As we live with them longer, we learn to interpret their various behavior. If there is one thing that they cannot tell us directly however, that is when they are not feeling well and that means we have to know when to look for the signs when they are sick.

Dogs can get sick and if we want to enjoy their companionship for a long time, then we need to learn what their most common ailments are. To help you out we have made a list here:

Heartworms- Dogs are particularly prone to parasites, especially with the way that they romp around, but there is one particular parasite that can cause more than just a minor inconvenience. These are the so called heartworms which can infect the heart and sometimes the arteries of dogs. Symptoms include excessive coughing and lethargy.

Diarrhea- Dogs are very prone to diarrhea because of their tendency to put anything in their mouth. This is usually accompanied by vomiting and is pretty normal. The problem is that if it happens for a prolonged period then you should take the dog to a vet.

Obesity- It is not only humans who can suffer from obesity but dogs can too. Some breeds of dogs can gain excessive weight if their eating is not controlled so you should be on the lookout for this if your pet is of the breed that can get too heavy.

Kennel Cough- This is a highly infectious form of bronchitis in dogs and it can be acquired through exposure to infected animals. Normally the infection takes place in grooming shops and even animal clinics.

Skin Problems- Dogs are just as prone to skin problems as humans. Allergies and parasites are the most common causes of these health problems. You should pay attention to it immediately if your pet shows signs of excessive itching.

Arthritis- Dogs are just as prone to arthritis as humans and they could have an even worse time because of the fact they might not get medical attention until it is too late. If your dog shows signs of slowing down or of limping then most likely it has this condition.

Cancer- Dogs are also prone to suffer from cancer of all types. The problem is that it is normally not detected until it is too late, when there is nothing that could be done.

These are just some of the more common health issues from which your pet dogs could suffer. It would be a big deal for you to know all about this so you can start helping them the moment that you see signs that there is something wrong with their health. If you love your dogs then you would watch out for their health.

If you are looking for affordable pet insurance for your precious furr family members, then you are in the right place. We offer dog insurance and cat insurance at prices you can afford. Our cheap pet insurance plans provide you the best coverage for your money.

Dogs and the Beach

By Ron Ayalon

The appeal of a beach holds an incredibly diverse nature of things to do with your dog. Finding the beaches around you where you can take your dog and both enjoy the outing makes it all the more worthwhile to do some prior planning. Some dog friendly beaches provide perfect off-lead areas for dogs with bushes to explore, sand to run on, water to swim in and many friends to be made. It is incredibly important that dogs have an opportunity to socialize. Dog friendly beaches provide that opportunity.

Take the time before you drive an hour or so to the beach, to find out if the beach allows dogs or not. Some beaches will have restrictions. There are beaches were no dogs are allowed, or where there are set times in which dogs are allowed to be on the beach. You can either call the local government directly or check online before going.

Some beaches will allow dogs at any time. Others will only allow dogs at specific times of the year. You should also check if your dog can use the beach while off its lead. It does not hurt to take a few minutes to check out these simple facts before you head off and be disappointed when you reach your journey's end.

Do not rely on pubic taps for accessing water. Bring a few large bottles of drinkable water with you in your car. Having water available for your dog is extremely important and do not forget to have a dish that your dog can drink from as well.

Watch for the signs of overheating and dehydration while you are enjoying your time at the beach. An easy way to check for dehydration is to pinch the skin at the back of your dog's neck and watch if it returns to its normal colour. If it does not change back quickly, your dog may be seriously dehydrated. Dry gums are another sign that a dog needs a drink.

Going to the beach is exciting and it can be very overstimulating for a dog, especially if your dog has not been to the beach many times before. There are so many things for a dog to get its snout into at the beach. The sea is exciting to splash in and there is always a good roll and rub in the sand, both wet and dry. People will fascinate your dog and your dog will fascinate people who will want to stop by for a pet, especially young children. There may be flying objects like balls and Frisbees, wildlife such as birds and crabs and passing shadows of clouds that drift across the sand for your dog to chase.

Do not make any of this excitement harder on your dog than it already is. If your dog is new to the beach, choose times of the day when the beach is less busy such as early morning or late afternoon. These times will also benefit your dog's health and help with hydration.

Not everyone at the beach likes dogs. If the beach requires your dog to be on a leash, make sure you take one with you and you keep them on it and out of trouble. Bring bags to clean up after your dog has seen to its business on the beach. Some people will not care how friendly your puppy is if they stand in its business.

If you are going to a doggy friendly beach with an off leash area, you should also pack your dogs favorite ball! Beaches are a great place for dogs to practice basic manners, such as lying down when children come up to pat it or not pulling on the leash when a ball goes flying past. When you dog shows exceptional behavior, reward it with special treats that you planned and packed away in your own beach hamper.