7 Questions to Ask When Choosing Dog Food for Your Pooch

7 Questions to Ask When Choosing Dog Food for Your Pooch

• By Mayra Alfonso

When it comes to choosing dog food for your dog, it can be a difficult decision. There are so many different dog food brands, flavors, sizes, and shapes of dog food out there that making a choice can be tough. If you are picking out food for your dog, you want to make sure that you get them the best possible food. They should get food that will help keep them healthy, fit, and happy. So, when you are choosing the food for your dog, you'll have to consider dietary needs, the brands available, your own preferences, and perhaps the cost of the food. However, before you make a final decision, the following are several questions to ask.

Question #1 - What Size is Your Dog? - First of all, you are going to need to ask yourself about the size of your dog. Do you have a very large dog, a medium dog, or perhaps a small or toy dog? The size of your dog is definitely going to influence the type of food that you buy. When you go looking for food, look for dog food that is specific to the size of your dog. Small dogs won't be able to get their mouths around the food made for large dogs, and large dogs are going to need something more substantial than food designed for smaller dogs.
Question #2 - Does Your Dog Have Allergies? - You should also ask yourself whether your dog has any allergies when you are choosing dog food as well. If there are certain ingredients that your dog is allergic to, you will have to be cautious when making your choice. Make sure that there are no ingredients contained in the dog food that may cause an allergic reaction with your pooch.
Question #3 - What's Your Dogs Age? - The age of your dog is another important consideration when you are picking out food for your dog. Is your dog an older dog, a young adult dog, or a small puppy? There are different foods available depending on the age of your dog. You can find puppy food for young puppies, adult dog food for adult dogs, and there is senior dog food available for the dogs that are getting older. A dogs needs are different as they age, so you'll need to get the right dog foods for their age.
Question #4 - Are there Any Health Concerns to Consider? - Any health concerns that your dog may have can influence the type of dog food you purchase for your dog as well. Does your dog need some dog supplements in the food to help with health problems like eye problems, hip dysplasia, or even other joint problems? Also, some ingredients may not be easily digested by dogs that have health issues, so keep this in mind as well.

Question #5 - How Active is the Dog - You should also ask yourself about the activity level of your dog too. Is your dog very active or is your dog more on the sedentary side? There are dog foods available that are specifically for dogs that are very active. However, you won't want to give this kind of dog food to a dog that is not as active.
Question #6 - Is There Real Meat in the Food? - Another question to ask is whether or not there is any real meat in the food that you choose. The meat should be in the first couple ingredients, and good meat includes fish, lamb, chicken, and duck. If there is no meat, there should at least be "meal" listed in the first couple ingredients.

Question #7 - Is the Food Made by a Quality Company? - The quality of the company that makes the food is definitely important as well. You want to be sure that the food comes from a company that you can trust and that will provide your dog with the nutritious food that is needed. Take the time to check into the company and their history before you choose food from that company.
So, before you choose any kind of food for your dog, be sure to ask all of these questions. If you are sure to ask each of these questions before you choose the dog food, you'll be sure to get the type of food that your dog enjoys. Also, you'll get food that is quality and healthy for your dog as well.
Dr. Mayra Alfonso, the author of the new ebook "The Nature of Dog Healing, The Definitive Alternative Guide for your Dog" has compiled a very useful resource on dogs, including the challenges they face in health and nutrition. This ebook is an excellent source for all those who want to know the real facts about their dogs' health. Visit Dr. Alfonso's blog at [http://www.CoolDogHallofFame.com] ,to get the latest, fun and valuable information about dogs.

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Top Questions For Dog Adoption & Handling For Families With Children

Top Questions For Dog Adoption & Handling For Families With Children

• By Julie Bjelland

Here is a list of questions from someone who is interested in getting a dog or puppy and they have a 4-month-old baby and a 4-year-old son. It's a good list of questions and answers for anyone with children considering getting a dog. (My answers follow the A:)...
Q: What is the best age dog to get with children (i.e. puppy or older than 1 year)?
A: I think you should get a dog that is older than 2 years old. Any younger than two and you have to deal with a lot of the puppy/adolescent behavior that can be difficult with a baby and very active boy in the house.
Q: Most shelters list what is best for the dog; such as children over 10, how can I find a dog that is best for children under 10?
A: I think you should get a dog that is medium sized or bigger...a small sized dog can be injured easily with your son's age and energy and simply because your son is too young to fully understand what can hurt a dog.
Q: Purebreds vs. mutts, what's better and for whom?
A:Mixed breeds are generally healthier and get the best of both traits. But, breed rescue groups can also be great places to adopt adult dogs because the dogs are living in foster care which are more like real homes; not shelters, so their personalities are really known even better.
Q: Is there any particular breed of dog that is better with children than others? Shelters say it depends on the dog.
A:There are so many differences within the breed as to what a dog can be like so It really does depend on the dog, but shelters and rescue organizations are generally trained to know what each dogs temperament and personality is like that they have available for adoption, so they could meet with you and discuss what dogs they have available. You may think you want a high-energy dog to match your son's energy but I would NOT get a high-energy dog with a baby and a small child. High - energy, young dogs require a lot of exercise-like 3 long fast paced walks up to an hour each and can NEVER skip a walk. High-energy dogs do better with people that plan to do dog agility, dog sports, hiking, running daily, and are always on the go, etc. Playtime, even with your active son will not be enough exercise for a high-energy dog in my opinion. Think about your energy level and typical schedule as the parent and try to match it to that.
Q: For a small yard, what size dog is best? Big dog for a big yard and a small dog for a small yard? Shelters say it is the opposite. Smaller dogs have more energy.
A: In my opinion dogs that do well are the ones that go for daily walks, so the size of your yard doesn't matter that much. Again, I think at least a medium size dog could be good for you guys.
Q: Where can I go for dog training that will include a youngster, so they can learn too? You, perhaps???
A:Your 4 year old son is really too young to be a part of a professional training experience. What I would suggest is that parents first learn dog training and then teach children the VERY basic things like what they'd be allowed to do and what they aren't. For example, make the dog sit before offering a treat. Don't feed the dog at the table. Teach your children some of the family rules for the dog. Plus, when you learn command words you can teach your child, but age appropriate as it is really difficult for him to be consistent enough. The training is going to be done by you, the parent.
Q: What breed of dog can handle being alone for a portion of the day?
A: Most dogs that have been well exercised, tired out, and fed before you leave can be alone for a portion of the day. You may think about keeping them in a crate while you are away, but that will depend on the dog.
Q: Dogs and babies; introducing your dog to your baby.
A:Until you have established yourself as the dog's leader, the dog should not be allowed close to the baby. You as its leader can later introduce the baby but it will be done on-leash and after you've done some training with the dog for a period of time. Otherwise, the dog should not be near the baby in the first few weeks. When you do introduce the dog, they should be first introduced to the smell of the baby through the babies things, then later sit quietly next to the baby in a down stay with you holding the baby. The dog can be allowed to smell the baby's feet and legs but not near the babies face yet. Babies and small children need to be supervised with your dog at all times.
Q: How often should the dog be fed?
A: Twice a day is best for their health. They need to be allowed to relieve themselves after eating as well.
Q: What is the best dog food or what should/shouldn't be in it?
A: If your dog has no health concerns, some of the premium foods with less by-products are good. You can speak with your VET about this after your dog has been examined...they will know more then regarding their fur, skin, etc to recommend a food for you.
Q: What resources are there for finding a good dog-to-family match?
A: A really good shelter or rescue organization should have these resources. They should know their dogs well and be dedicated to matching the dog with the right person. If they are not, then you should not adopt from them. I am also willing to work one-on-one through my site to help people pick the best dog for their family.
Q: When an infant is in the house, can a dog be adopted soon or should there be a waiting period? Should the dog be a puppy or an older dog?
A: Personally, I know I wouldn't have been able to handle having a new dog with a newborn, because it is a lot of responsibility with the exercise, brushing, cleaning up after the dog and the extra supervising. You will not be able to let your children around the dog unsupervised for the first few months until you have established your training with your dog and your son has completely understood what he can and can't do with the dog.
Q: What should you look for when adopting a dog that the shelters may not tell you?
A: If it is a good shelter, they should be really upfront with you. Shelters are careful because they don't want to see the dog returned back to the shelter.
Q: What to do when puppies teeth and bite?
A: Having a puppy is A LOT of work! Teething goes on a long time and when they are small they have very sharp teeth. You have to constantly offer your puppy an alternative to chew on and be good with your timing and technique. I have a lot of this information on my site too in more detail and I am happy to work personally with you through the site as well.
Q: Can an old dog really not learn new tricks????
A: Old dogs CAN learn new tricks. The amazing thing about dogs is that as soon as you teach them something well, they learn it!
Good luck with your search for the right dog for you and your family!
For more information and consultations about picking the right dog for you and your family and for training and behavioral advice visit: webdogtrainer.com
Julie Bjelland Lokhandwala is founder of webDogTrainer, LLC. and has created the interactive Online Dog Training Guide and Consultation http://www.webdogtrainer.com
You can ask Julie any dog question!
"Julie had an immediately calming effect on us as dog owners. She can explain the canine perspective and how we as humans can interact with our dog in a positive way, even when disciplining. Julie was super patient with all of our questions and even fielded our email questions after training ended," said Sina and Ed of Fremont, California.
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What Kind of Dog To Adopt

What Kind of Dog To Adopt

• By Julie Bjelland

Thinking of adopting a dog?
This can be a very exciting time! It can be a very emotional experience to fall in love with a dog and want to take them home. Although there are a lot of factors to consider as to what kind of dog is best for you to adopt. As a dog trainer I've come across a lot of problem behavior in dogs due to owners not being aware of how important it is to meet their dogs needs. The amount of exercise a dog needs is usually one of the most important needs that often do NOT get met properly. If a dogs needs are met, you will have a great companion full of love for you. If you don't meet your dogs needs you will run into problem behavior that can be a nightmare. This article will help you to truly understand what a dogs needs will be so you can pick the right match for a successful life together!
Dogs live 10-15 years or more and adopting a dog is a long-term commitment that you should take very seriously. There is a reason why there are so many homeless dogs and it is usually because the owner and dog were mismatched and not because there is something wrong with the dog. Owners often do not realize how much effort is required to having a pet dog and are not meeting their dogs needs so behavior problems may arise. Millions of dogs are killed in Shelters every year. Bringing a dog into your home is a very big decision that should be carefully weighed out.

It is important to understand what a dog may need and to see if you can offer those things to that dog, every day for the next 10-15 years.
What kind of breed should you get? Should you adopt a puppy or adult dog? Where should you get the dog?
Just like people, dogs have individual personalities. Some dogs are highly energetic, while others are more calm and passive, some dogs are very social, and others not. So if you have your heart set on a particular breed for example, you still need to search within that breed and find the dog that best matches your lifestyle. Also, think about the option of finding a mixed breed with at least one of the breeds you may like.
But before you even consider what breed of dog, you should first examine your life a little to discover what kind of dog would best "match" you. Think of it a little like dating. If you are someone who loves the outdoors and is very athletic, then you'd probably do best dating someone that also enjoyed these same activities. If you are someone who likes to stay home and don't really like to walk very much then you wouldn't want a dog that is considered high energy and needs a lot of extra exercise.

In this sense dogs are like people, they all differ in personality and needs. Some dogs are more high energy and those dogs need to be matched with someone who plans to bring them out a lot; running, hiking, dog sports, long walks, etc. Others may want a mellower dog as a companion, who is content with hanging out with you all day and doesn't require as much exercise as a high-energy dog.

Adopting an adult dog has a lot of benefits over adopting a puppy because you already know what type of personality the dog has and if it matches yours. Plus, puppies require a lot more work with housetraining, chewing and you'll lose sleep at night caring for their needs; while adult dogs have already gone through all those difficult puppy phases. There are a lot of places to find adult dogs needing homes. You can contact your local animal shelter, or search for dog rescue organizations in your area online. There are rescue organizations for purebred dogs as well. Although adopting a mixed breed also has a lot of health benefits because they tend to get the best of their mix of breed genetics without the health problems many purebred dogs suffer from.

How old are the household members in your family?
If you have children under 8 then you will not want to get a puppy under 6 months of age because puppies have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. You also would not want to get a small, toy size dog because these dogs are so small they can be very fragile and sustain injury easily. So with small children you are better off getting an adult dog that is medium to large in size. Dogs over age two can be ideal because they have already gone through the difficult puppy and adolescence stages.
If you have elderly or physically challenged people in the household you would not want to get a large, young, energetic dog that could knock them over and sustain injury.
What needs does a dog have?
I feel it is important to talk about what actually goes into having a dog and its care. Of course it is easy to understand the benefits of having a dog and what they will bring to your life because they are a never-ending source of love without judgment. But, in order to have a good life with your dog you really need to know what you are getting into and what your responsibility is going to be. There would be a lot less dogs going to shelters if everyone understood what it actually takes to raise a dog successfully.

Dogs cannot be left alone outside in the backyard all day without attention and exercise. It simply doesn't work. If you are going to be gone all day for work as many are, you'll need to set aside an hour or so to take care of them both before you leave and after you get home. It is important to understand that you'll need to exercise them BEFORE going to work and also after returning home. If you do not meet your dogs energy needs YOU WILL have behavioral problems such as: excessive barking, uncontrollable jumping on you, separation anxiety, destruction of your property, and possibly aggression among many other possibilities.

• Here is a list of responsibilities you will have as a dog owner:

1. You have to walk them twice a day for about 30-45 minutes each. High-energy dogs will need more, and Senior Dogs may need less. If you work all day, you'll need to wake up about an hour earlier to get the walk in as well as feed them before you go as well as repeat it after you return home.
2. Lots of time with you and the family every day.
3. Feed them twice a day and always have fresh water available.
4. Dog Training. Dogs that are well trained are happier and more bonded with their owners. They also get to spend more time with their owners because they are well behaved.
5. Clean up their poop, both in your yard and on walks.
6. Adult dogs will have to do a Veterinarian exam at least annually, as well as be up-to-date on all their vaccinations. Puppies will require several more trips to the Vet the first year for additional vaccinations as well as spaying/neutering. Contact your local Vet to learn about cost, etc.
7. Puppies require a tremendous more amount of time and money their first year. You'll also have to housetrain them which requires a lot of extra time on your part then an adult dog would.
8. A well-maintained fence at least 6-feet tall if you plan to have them off-leash in the backyard at all.
9. Brush them/bathe them/grooming/nail cutting/ear cleaning.
10. Flea/tick care.
11. Extra expense. There is a lot of expense in having a dog. You need to consider: Veterinarian costs, food, supplies (leash, collar, id tags, bedding), toys, chew bones, flea care, bathing, grooming, travel expenses or dog sitting expenses while you are away, medical care should they become ill, etc.
12. Dog Hair. If you plan to have your dog inside, which is encouraged so that they feel more a part of the family and tend to have less behavioral issues than those left alone outside; you'll have to deal with dog hair. Dog hair has a way of finding itself on everything and will require more cleaning on your part.
13. Arranging for care of your dog while you are away on trips. Dogs cannot be left alone overnight.
14. Oral care for your dog. Veterinarians are recommending teeth brushing and cleanings.

• Extra Things to think about if you have children.

1. Do not expect that the children will take over all the dog-care, no matter how much they say they will. They may be able to assist you, but as the parent, YOU will have the responsibility.
2. Access your energy level. It can be a lot of work keeping up with children and adding a dog means you have one more responsibility.
3. Supervise your young children around the dog at all times. (Children can be unpredictable and do things like pull tails or whiskers and cause the dog to feel threatened.) You should not leave your child with the dog unattended, and you will have to teach them how to be gentle and what areas are off limits to touch.
4. If your children are very young, say under 8, it can be better to adopt an older, medium to larger size dog rather than a puppy, because puppies have sharp milk teeth and claws that can scratch easily. Puppies and small/toy dogs can also be fragile and injured more easily.
5. Also consider your child's friends that may be coming over and you will also have to supervise them around the dog.

• Some things to consider before adopting your dog.

1. Your energy levels vs. the dogs energy needs.
2. How much time will the dog be left alone daily? Do you travel a lot?
3. Do you have enough money to cover the dogs regular expenses as well as extra should they become ill?
4. Do you have the time and money needed to put into training your dog?
5. Do you have other pets at home that the new dog will need to get along with?
6. Do you have small children or physically challenged individuals living at home that you'll need to supervise the dog with?

If you believe you are ready to give a good home to a dog then there are a lot of resources out there to help. www.petfinder.com is a great online resource that you can type in what kind of dog you are looking for it will list the dogs available in your area. If you are looking for a particular breed there are great dog rescue groups that specialize in the breed you want. Just do an online search; typing in the type of breed you want with the words "rescue" behind it and the largest city near you. For example: Labrador Retriever Rescue San Francisco. Your local animal shelter should also be a great resource for you. There are a lot of great adoptable dogs there waiting for a good home. Whatever resource you use to adopt your dog, you should make sure that you provide them with the information that is realistic to your lifestyle and needs. A good shelter or rescue organization knows their dogs well and will be able to match a dog to your needs.
Do not get a dog based on how they look! And, Do Not adopt a dog because you feel sorry for it. You need to adopt a dog based on their personality matching yours. You need to go into the matching process knowing your lifestyle and needs and looking for a dog that will match those needs.
I hope this guide can help you make the right choice for you when deciding to adopt a dog. When a dogs needs are met they can be a truly wonderful companion for many years to come.
Julie Lokhandwala is founder of webDogTrainer, LLC. and has created the interactive Online Dog Training Guide and Consultation http://www.webdogtrainer.com
You can ask Julie any dog question!
"Julie had an immediately calming effect on us as dog owners. She can explain the canine perspective and how we as humans can interact with our dog in a positive way, even when disciplining. Julie was super patient with all of our questions and even fielded our email questions after training ended," said Sina and Ed of Fremont, California.
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Greyhound Dog's Tale of Woe and Tragedy

Greyhound Dog's Tale of Woe and Tragedy

• By Kayyne Nynne

Throughout history the Greyhound has been the darling dog breed of royalty and nobility. From the ancient Egyptians, who often mummified and buried favored dogs with their owners; to the English nobility who enacted a law banning so fine a beast from being owned by mere commoners. Even the Bedouin (who as devout Muslims shun dogs in general for supposedly being unclean) since time immemorial have so revered the Greyhound (or its derivative or ancestor) that not only was contact permitted, they even allowed the consumption of game caught by such dogs.

Fast forward to today and it is hard to believe that this dog breed once held such an esteemed position. Currently over 100,000 Greyhound dogs are destroyed each year worldwide, as a result of the cruel sport of dog racing!
In times long past a messenger carrying both good news and bad always supplied the good news first in order to lessen the effect of the bad news and thereby increase his chances of living to see another day (hence the expression: Don't shoot the messenger!) So borrowing from that tactful approach, this article shall address the Greyhound's glorious past first before covering its dismal present:
This is a dog that stands apart from the other dog breeds not only for the fact that it happens to be the speed champion of the dog world but also because it holds an unparalleled array of records which include:
1. The fastest dog in the world across short distances: the Greyhound dog can attain speeds in excess of 40 mph (64km/h)
2. It has the longest stride of any dog breed whilst it is in full flight. One dog is on record of having covered a distance of 30 feet (9.14m) in a single leap. The Greyhound's sprint is described as a double flight gait which involves the dog at some point having all of its feet off the ground. When a dog is sprinting it propels itself first with its hind legs and then momentarily lands on its front feet before cantilevering off those while reaching forward with its hind feet (at which point for an instant all four feet are off the ground).


This double-flight gait is extremely fast but also very unstable which explains the many injuries that befall racing dogs. The Cheetah which is the fastest mammal on earth has a somewhat similar sprint pattern which also entails the Cheetah's four limbs being fully off the ground at some point. The Greyhound however is no match for the Cheetah which can attain speeds of 70 mph (114 km/h) and maintain that speed for 3.5 miles!
Though the Greyhound cannot match the Cheetah's speed, it obviously is no slow coach either and the reason why this dog breed can attain such speeds (other than its obvious aerodynamic-enhanced morphological structure and muscle mass) is because it packs so much hemoglobin in its blood. Those elevated levels of hemoglobin ensure the transfer of more oxygen to the tissues which also bestows the Greyhound dog's blood with a sludge-like quality (thick blood). If the human heart were to attempt pumping such a thick mixture of blood it would most likely go into failure.


3. This dog breed boasts the longest documented history of any dog breed. Ancient drawings and records place them as a distinctive breed over 6000 years ago.
4. The Greyhound is the most expensive dog breed; it is not unusual for champion racing Greyhounds to command a price tag in excess of $70,000!
5. The Greyhound dog is the one breed that has been most favored by royalty and the aristocracy throughout all of dog history. In fact so much so was this dog breed viewed as the epitome of canine excellence that a law was passed in England in 1014--part of the Forest Laws--which categorically forbade commoners to own such a dog! Those persons other than nobility who were permitted to own a Greyhound, such as Freemen, could only do so, so long as the dog was deliberately maimed if they lived within 10 miles of a royal forest.
Interestingly enough, royal households used to employ select dog-mutilators whose job was to rove around the countryside ensuring that nobody not born of noble birth or titled by the king was in illegal possession of them that was not lamed! However, as the acreage of the great forests dwindled, and with the rising importance of agricultural and domestic livestock food sources, the function of the Greyhound dog declined correspondingly! Even so the Greyhound still remained the favorite dog of the landed gentry especially as the popularity of hare coursing grew. By the 1800s hare coursing had become a favored pastime of the upper classes in England.

• Origins & History

The Greyhound dog is evidently a breed of antiquity stretching back thousands of years. There are several references from many ancient cultures citing the this dog breed throughout history. Although many dog books note them as having originated in Britain this is very unlikely. It would be more accurate to concede that this dog breed in its modern form most closely resembles the dog that was selectively gene-trait refined according to English standards.
Historical data tends to suggest that the Greyhound evolved from early Sighthounds that existed in ancient Egypt. Paintings, decorations, and other artifacts from early Egyptian culture celebrate a dog very similar in appearance to the Greyhound. Indeed several pharaohs are known to have owned Greyhound-looking dogs. Some of the pharaohs included: Cleopatra (yes the seductive femme fatale), Tutankhamen, Queen Hatshepsut, to name but a few. The Greyhound also so happens to be the only dog breed to be mentioned by name in the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31, King James Version). Ancient Greek and Roman mythology is rife with tales describing Greyhound-like dogs.


It is not unreasonable to speculate that the ancient Greeks attained their first specimens (or at least its progenitor) from Egyptian merchants. In Greek mythology their gods were often portrayed with Greyhounds. The Romans in turn probably first stumbled across the these dogs via their interaction with the Greeks. However it is equally possible the Romans got their original hounds from the Celts, seeing as the well-regarded Roman authors, Ovid and Arrian often referred to the Greyhound as a Celt Hound. However, whatever the Greyhound's origins, what is known is that since its earliest affiliation with humans, this dog breed has wowed mankind the world over with its speed and agility, most notably through the sport of coursing. Hare coursing is an old sport practiced since the time of the Romans who probably exported it to Britain when they invaded.


Strangely enough it appears that the Romans were much more sporting than their modern dog-racing counterparts, with respect to the welfare of both the dogs and hares involved in the coursing event, as amply illustrated by the following excerpt written by Roman Flavius Arrianus (Arrian) in 124 AD: "The true sportsman does not take out his dogs to destroy the hares, but for the sake of the course and the contest between the dogs and the hares, and is glad if the hare escapes...whoever courses with greyhounds should neither slip them near the hare, nor more than a brace (two) at a time." Simply put, no more than two dogs were to be used in the chase and they were not to be released too close to the hare!
The Many-Named Dog
Across the breadth of time this dog has been designated almost as many names as the number of years for which the breed has existed (okay...I'll admit that's a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point). In the English language alone, the Greyhound has had at least 50 names. Unsurprisingly there has been considerable debate concerning the meaning of the various names:
1. Grewhound; the "Grew" portion of the word meaning "Greek." A similar but variant school of thought postulates that the "Grew" was actually "Graius" which still means Greek; again these old English names tend to lend credence that the dog breed originated elsewhere other than Britain.
2. Greyhounds are certainly anything but grey so it is highly unlikely that the word ever reflected the breed's color. Some believe that the "grey" in this dog's name was once "grei" which meant beautiful.
3. Great Hound; another school of thought speculates that this hound was once known as the Greathound (the name evidently reflecting the dog's exalted status in gentrified society) but as time progressed the term somehow mutated into "greyhound."
The few examples above are a minuscule sampling of the various names the Greyhound has been called at one time or another during history in some variation of the English language.

• The Harsh Unforgiving World Of Dog Racing

It truly is hard to imagine how so exalted a dog breed could end up where it is today--slaughtered in the thousands each year. This is all the more shocking when one considers that at some point in Greyhound dog history it was a crime punishable by death to kill one (during the reign of King Canute). However currently each year thousands upon thousands of these hounds are destroyed, a good number before they've even attained the tender age of 2 years!
The reason for this mass slaughter can be defined in 3 words: Greyhound Dog Racing! Every year the dog racing industry breeds several thousand dogs, far more than the number that get to compete. The reason for this over breeding--ambitious hound breeders looking for that elusive but ever so lucrative champion dog racer! The dogs that don't make the cut are typically destroyed or in some cases actually subjected to a fate worse than death!
The dog racing industry certainly pulls no punches with respect to the maltreatment of animals. Since the inception of modern dog racing around the 1920s, the Greyhound (and affiliated industry animals that act as live bait) has suffered unimaginable cruelty; in this industry there is no reprieve or second chance and the vast majority of dogs never get to live anywhere near their expected life expectancy! Instead most dogs are befallen by anyone of the following fates:
1. Killed;
2. Experimented upon as a laboratory animal; the Greyhound's superb physiology makes it a prime lab candidate for cardiovascular research;
3. Shipped abroad to countries such as China where animal cruelty laws are extremely lax (to say the least); and let's not forget that dogs often end up on the dinner table there; and
4. Used as food fodder in commercial dog feed (euthanized pets are commonly recycled as commercial dog chow).
A very small percentage of lucky dogs eventually make the transition from Shelters/Rescue Home, to permanent adoption! One need only conduct a cursory search through online Greyhound Adoption centers to see just how bad the problem really is. And perhaps the most tragic aspect of this tragedy is that this dog breed truly is a sweet-tempered and loving dog that some have described as the "speediest couch potato!"
B Kiwanuka is the webmaster of http://www.dog-breeds-spot.com
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Dog Breeds - Of Hybrids, Mutts And Purebred Dogs

Dog Breeds - Of Hybrids, Mutts And Purebred Dogs

• By Kayyne Nynne

Ever noticed the sniffy hauteur with which purebred dog owners appraise mixed breed dogs? You can almost see them flinch as their condescending eye roves across the form of the objectionable mutt while they grudgingly concede that perhaps their refined canine specimen and that pollutant mutt do indeed belong to the same species! In fact you need only trawl various online dog forums to experience firsthand just how contentious the issue of mutt versus purebred really is. Yet much as purebred dog owners may put down the humble mutt or mixed breed dog the strange thing is:

• Purebred Dogs Are Merely Strain-Refined Mutts!

Doberman Pinscher: The Doberman Pinscher dog breed was the brainchild of door-to-door tax collector Herr Louis Doberman. Whether Herr Doberman developed this dog breed as enforcer or protector has never been truly established but one aspect that is not in contention is the fact that his was an unenviable profession! It is well documented that since biblical times the tax collector has been much reviled; even today the tax collector is the subject of scorn and disgust. If you truly want to belabor the point, the next time you are at a social gathering, casually mention that you work for the IRS and watch the little-witnessed phenomenon of how so many can disappear so quickly!
However back to Herr Doberman and his dangerous profession; tired of being pushed about and quite possibly being set upon by irate tax payers, poor Herr Doberman came up with the novel yet economic solution of developing a dog breed that would be both enforcer and protector! The "ingredients" for his new dog breed included the following: Rottweiler; German Pinscher; Greyhound and the Manchester Terrier. Though some wishful fanciers contend that the German Shepherd dog was also involved in the genetic compilation of the Doberman Pinscher, this is highly unlikely since the development of the German Shepherd occurred a little later than that of the Doberman Pinscher.
The early form of the Doberman Pinscher dog was not the sleek lean machine that epitomizes the breed today, but it was a heavier-boned dog somewhat more similar in appearance to the Rottweiler dog breed. Subsequent tweaks by later breeders eventually resulted with the sleek contemporary dog that defines the modern Doberman Pinscher. The point of note here is that the Doberman Pinscher, a well-known dog breed that is officially recognized by countless of International Kennels such as the AKC, was a crossbreed developed from various other dog breeds before it attained the holy-grail status of purebred!
Verdict: The Doberman Pinscher, like all the other so-called purebred dogs is nothing more than a strain refined mutt. Sniff! What can I say...these pesky mongrels are everywhere, most of them disguising themselves as well-established purebreds!

• Designer/Hybrid Dogs

Though the Labradoodle is widely accredited as the crossbreed dog that set the whole designer-dog movement rolling along at a good clip, the truth of the matter is that other well established crossbreeds already existed. One such crossbreed or so-called designer dog is the Cockerpoo (Cockapoo), a cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. The Cockerpoo has been in existence since the 1960s (in contrast to the Labradoodle which was developed in the 1980s). The Cockerpoo is currently so well established in North America that there is a strong movement to consolidate a breeding standard.
These days "Oodles" or "Poos" (Poodle hybrids) are practically everywhere in North America for the simple reason they translate into mega bucks. Though the Labradoodle (perhaps the best known Poodle derivative) was developed with a utilitarian purpose in mind, most designer dogs have no other function than to propel a burgeoning and lucrative market for these hybrid dogs; as it so happens, backyard breeders very quickly recognized the enormous profits to be had from designer dogs.
To date the designer dog market is flourishing, strong evidence that people are quite willing to shell out mega bucks so as to differentiate themselves from the rest of the crowd. And perhaps you've noticed, nobody refers to these mutts as well...mutts, for the simple reason crossbreeds do not satisfy people's sniff factor! (Sniff Factor defines the human tendency to snobbishness; in earlier times the upper classes were predisposed to strolling about with their noses pointed skywards as an expression of their obvious class superiority (as though reaching for air unpolluted by the masses!) Calling a mongrel a designer dog is certain to guarantee a far better price than if the animal were addressed as a crossbreed.
The unfortunate fallout of this whole designer dog issue, is that there're now many more dogs in shelters and rescues, as well as dogs being euthanized, because of unethical breeders, who without regard to genetics, breed thousands of these dogs every year in a bid to capitalize on the public's ignorance and insatiable appetite for "exclusive" or "limited" dogs.
So how did this designer dog brouhaha really begin?

• Good Intentions Open Pandora's Box

Sometime during the 1980s, Wally Conron, the breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia embarked on a quest to develop a non-allergenic guide dog for a visually impaired client whose husband happened to be allergic to common dog fur. Conron settled on the standard Poodle as the ideal cross with the already established Labradors in use at their center, for the simple fact that the Poodle,s as a highly trainable working dog with tightly curled coat, constituted a the best-fit match.
After two years of trials including 33 successive disappointment runs, Wally Conron hit pay dirt! A cross mating between one of their most prized Labradors and a Poodle specimen resulted in a litter of 3 non-allergenic puppies. Sultan the 1st ever Labradoodle destined for guide-dog greatness was introduced to his new owner amidst great fanfare. The bonding was a great success and Conron was confident that the remaining two puppies would quickly be snapped up; after all, the center at which he worked had a 6-month backlog of requests from people hoping to foster a dog. But he miscalculated; nobody it seemed wanted a dog that was associated with the dirty word crossbreed.
As eight weeks rolled by, the remaining two pups still hadn't found homes and the critical-period window in which they needed to bond with a new owner and thus become successful guide dogs was closing fast. Out of sheer frustration Wally Conron decided to call his new dog breed the Labradoodle and thenceforth stopped referring to them as crossbreeds. That was the eureka moment he had been waiting for (evidence of the sniff factor in play again)!
Within weeks, requests for this new "miracle dog" inundated the center...the rest as the saying goes, was history! Other than the Labradoodle, few designer dogs have been developed for utilitarian purposes and in fact for the most part new breeds are introduced for purely cosmetic purposes. Having said that though, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the fact that some new dog breeds are currently being developed to address the all pervasive problem of genetic disease in the canine; especially in the more popular breeds.
Some other well-established crossbreeds are the Bull Boxer which is a cross between the Boxer and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Bull Boxer is said to be a more affable dog, especially towards other pets, than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and is also reputed to be less inclined to exhibit the immature behaviorisms characteristic of the Boxer. By and large though, the substantial prevalence of the designer-dog set is to be found firmly within the realm of Poodle mixes. Such Poodle mixes usually go by names, which if not exactly flattering, are to say the least, colorful:
1. Doxiepoo (Dachshund Poodle Mix)
2. Papipoo (Papillon Poodle Mix)
3. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever Poodle Mix)
4. Jack-A-Poo (Jack Russell Terrier Poodle Mix)
5. Irish Doodle (Irish Setter Poodle Mix) to name but a few.
Verdict: Sniff! These dogs may go under the guise of designer dog...but let's be honest, they are no more than glorified mutts!

• The Humble Yet Ubiquitous Mutt

So where does the lowly mutt fit in this picture of brave new doggy world; that is to say, other than bearing the brunt of the purebred aficionado's scorn! Well as I have amply illustrated in the paragraphs above, all dog breeds are essentially mixed breeds even the purebreds. Purebred dogs are so entitled because over several generations they have been specifically bred for selective traits. But therein lies their Achilles' heel or weakness. Due to such selective-trait breeding, purebred dogs have an inherently high prevalence of genetic disease.
A classic example illustrating some of the problems encountered in trait-selective breeding can be found in the history of the Dalmatian. Breeding for the sharply-defined spot trait unintentionally also led to selective breeding for an abnormal uric acid gene (case of gene linkage). The result was that the Dalmatian dog breed was dogged (no pun intended) with hereditary urine stone disease. In an attempt to rectify the problem yet retain the desired spot pattern, the Dalmatian was crossbred with various Pointer breeds (Sniff! Sniff! What did I tell you...all mutts the lot of them!).
Conversely the lack of trait-selective breeding and a diverse gene pool in the mutt makes such dogs so much healthier and more robust than their purebred counterparts! Thus unless you're going to develop your own dog breed, if all you're looking for in a dog is a pet, do yourself, your pocket as well as the millions of dogs on death row a favor and adopt a dog from a shelter! Trust me, they make excellent pets. (Shelters cannot house dogs forever and each year more than 7,000,000 cats and dogs are euthanized!)
Verdict: Hmmm...the lowly mutt. At last! A dog without pretensions!
Dog Breeds

Kayye Nynne is the webmaster of http://www.dog-breeds-spot.com
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Search and Resuce Dog Training, Learning to Save Lives

Search and Resuce Dog Training, Learning to Save Lives

• By Jim Kesel

The unsung hero's of many disasters, search and rescue dogs and their handlers search for the victims be they be lost, injured or deceased. We all are familiar with the pictures of SAR (search and rescue) dogs working the sight of a collapsed building or heading out into the wilderness to do the job only they can do. We as humans find it hard to fathom the dog's ability to sense the tiny molecules that make up smells. It is estimated that some dog's sense of smell is many thousands of times better than any human being. What is even more amazing is that the dog can discriminate between the molecules in the environment to the degree they can tell the direction to the victim or route they have traveled. Well trained search and rescue dogs do all this and more.

SAR or Search and rescue dogs are classified in two categories. Air scent dogs are used to cover large areas and basically search for any person that is located upwind of them. People shed skin cells that both drop to the ground and are carried in the air. These airborne cells are the ones the air scent dogs home in on. The dogs work off leash and are allowed to range downwind of the area that has been selected for search. Air scent dogs do well in areas where the ground has been contaminated with the scent of other people including family members. Clearing the area of all people for a short time will clear the air and allow the dog to work the air to locate the victim. The dog will at first work back and forth across the scent cone produced by the victim until it narrow to the victim's location. Air scenting dogs can also be used to find drowning victims by placing the dog in a boat again downwind. A person that has drowned continues to give off scent in terms of gas molecules and cells that rises to the surface of the water and are carried by the wind. The boat operator watches the dog carefully for an indication of direction. Many good air scent search and rescue dogs will literally point the way with their muzzles. Once the point of origin for the scent molecules is reached the dog will indicate by barking. If the location is passed frequently the dog will move to the back of the boat in an effort to stay within the scent cone. In the same manner air scent dogs are used to find cadavers or even bodies buried in shallow graves. Again this work can only be done by a SAR dog.
Trailing dogs use the scent molecules left on the ground. They are able to discriminate old cells from newer ones thereby allowing them to know what direction the victim has traveled. Trailing dogs need a piece of the victims clothing or some other personal effect to imprint on. Once this is accomplished then the dog will placed on a lead and taken to an area that searchers are relative certain the victim was once located. Once the tracking dog hits the scent trail they quickly begin to follow the trail to the victim. Trailing and tracking search and rescue dogs are best used to find lost victims.


Training a search and rescue dog requires at least a one year commitment. It is normally begun with basic obedience training and at the same time the dog is tested for agility and stamina. This is followed by socialization training to make sure the dog is comfortable with people, strange surrounding and other animals. This is important since during any search and rescue mission there are numerous distractions that can interfere with the performance of the SAR dog. The final stage of training is called the search and indication stage. It begins with the handler placing the search vest and harness on the dog. This tells the dog it is time to go to work. A toy is first thrown and retrieved to get the dog interested. Every time the dog retrieves the toy it is taken away from the dog until it barks which is called an indication. Praise and play follows each successful exercise. Then the toy is hidden and used to play hide and seek with. This makes the dog use its nose to find the hidden toy and once found the toy is taken away until the indication bark is made. Again this is followed by praise and play. The dog loves this play time and does not mind the work. Training is done at least twice a day for approximately 45 minutes. When the training is over the vest is removed to let the dog know that work is over. The next step in training requires the help of another trainer or assistant. The assistant is introduced to the dog and begins playing with it using the hide and seek toy. After the socialization is completed the toy is hidden by the associate and again the dog must use its nose to find the toy. Then the toy and the assistant begin to hide together. After that stage is completed the dog is encouraged to find the assistant when he does not possess the toy. When the dog finds the assistant and a good indication is made then the handler uses the toy to praise and play with the dog. Eventually more people are introduced into the search scenario until the dog readily indicates on anyone. When this stage is reached the search and rescue dog has completed basic training. Continued reinforcement training will be required as long as the dog remains a qualified search and rescue dog.

Just about any breed of dog that stands at least 15 inches at the shoulder and has the proper personality can be trained to be a SAR dog. If the handler and the dog are well bonded then training will be a labor of love for both. Handlers are generally expected to purchase all their gear themselves. This is normally done during the training phases and should not be a burden when spread over a year long period. There are many local and national search dog organizations that we help you in your search and rescue dog training and certification. You and your SAR dog will become one of the most important part of the countries disaster first responder teams. Saving lives and giving comfort to families will be your greatest reward. Training and owning a search and rescue dog will give you a great deal of satisfaction.
James Kesel, MS is the publisher of Career in Dog Training [http://www.dog-training-careers.com] website. Providing information on search and rescue dog training [http://www.dog-training-careers.com/sar.html] and dog training career opportunities.
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How To House Train A Dog - What You Need To Know Before Starting

How To House Train A Dog - What You Need To Know Before Starting

• By Victor Nelson

Learning how to house train a dog is one of the first and most important things any new dog owner should do. You can easily get frustrated when you do not understand the basics of this process.
Even though its impossible to give you all the necessary tips to show you how to house train your dog in this short article, I will try giving you some basic first tips. These tips are very crucial in the process of training a dog.

It's my hope that these tips will make it a bit easier for you in the process of training your dog. Its also very important to properly house train a dog when you consider the fact that general hygiene issues are the number one reason why dogs are surrendered to animal shelters these days.
The amount of work you have to do training your dog can seem overwhelming, but don't panic you can successfully house train any dog. All you need is the patience and knowledge of how to go about doing this. You need to pay attention to your dog and observe its attitude towards certain commands. You will need to persevere and stick with the right training plan. You won't help issues by jumping from one training method to another.

There is no magic solution to training a dog for cleanliness. It takes a little work on your side. You will succeed within a short time with the right information. Don't just give up and feel its tough before you even begin. I presently have 7 wonderful dogs and I house trained all of them successfully within a short period of time. What I basically did was to first acquire the necessary knowledge, then I took the time and had patience to follow it through.

In my experience with all my dogs and helping train other people's dogs, I have found out that one of the first things you need to do to successfully house train your dog is to give it rules and routines. Dogs need this to be able to remain clean around the home. Dogs benefit from having rules and a routine laid out for them. This will also be of benefit to your home in terms of cleanliness around the house. Establish good toilet and hygiene habits in your dog when training them for cleanliness.

For some dog breeds the best age to start house training them is between 8 to 12 weeks. This should not be applied strictly with all dog breeds. You need to get the right training information to find out what applies to your dog breed. Dogs of all ages can still be trained for cleanliness around the house. You dog doesn't have to be a puppy to be trained.

You need to first choose a suitable place outside your house where your dog can relieve himself. When you have found a suitable place, get your dog acquainted to that area. Let your dog spend a lot of time in that area. When your dog has relieved itself, move it away from the area for sometime.
Do this several times and your dog will start understanding that that area outside the home is meant for it relieving itself. Please, don't be harsh on your dog while trying to house train it. It takes time for some dogs to get use to certain new habits or routines. Reward your dog every time it follows your house training directives.

Restrict the movement of your dog to the area you have chosen for it to relieve itself, during periods when you have noticed your dog usually relieves itself. This is where observation comes in on your part. There are other quicker methods of getting your dog house trained which I have tried and continue to utilized in my dog training work.

I have gotten my knowledge from some of the top experts in the animal welfare and dog training industry. You too can learn from these experts to. You can have access to the same excellent information I continue to utilize with great results.

But, I must warn you to be cautious when trying to select information to house train your dog. Not every information out there is good for your type of dog. You need to be careful not to permanently harm your dog with the wrong training methods or techniques. Dogs are precious and must be treated well.
There are many websites, books, training videos and other resources available to help you house train your dog the correct way. This way your dog will not be harmed by the many wrong training methods out there. Some people just buy and buy many different dog training materials, when all they really need is tested and proven information.

To successfully house train a dog you have to make up your mind that this is important enough for you, to get the necessary information you need. If you have not made up your mind to acquire the knowledge or tools you need, then am sorry to say it might be difficult for you to quickly house train your dog. But, if you have made up your mind, then you will quickly have a dog trained for cleanliness at home.
If you can't take the time to do what you need to teach your dog, then there's no point in spending your money getting training materials on how to house train your dog. You need to realize that its wiser to spend your money on good, dog house training material than spending much more money on cleaning your house.
You can successfully house train your dog, all you need is patience and the right information.
Victor Nelson is a Researcher, Educationist, Consultant and Pet Lover. Do you know so many people harm their dogs while trying to house train them. Can you afford to make such a serious mistake with your dog? You need the right information about house training your dog. Visit: http://how-to-house-train-a-dog.blogspot.com/ to find out the top sites, the best dog trainers in the world get their dog training knowledge from. He reveals these websites at his blog site.
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Identifying the Secret Symptoms of Dog Heartworm

Identifying the Secret Symptoms of Dog Heartworm

• By Jeremy Wong

In the United States, the common canine disease dog heartworm was first discovered in 1856. Heartworms in dogs are often found residing in the dog's heart and the major blood vessels.
The heartworms in dogs can seriously prevent a dog's heart from functioning properly. In worst cases, dog heartworms can cause blockage in the blood vessels. Dogs with heartworms tend to lose weight, have chronic coughing, be short of breath, develop chronic heart failure, have problems with their vision and eventually die.

• Early Signs of Dog Heartworm

The signs or symptoms of dog heartworm are not the same for every dog, so the best coming to do is to take your dog to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis. Be aware that most dogs with heartworm problems tend to exhibit visible symptoms of the disease only when it is too late for it to be cured. Thus, when it comes to heartworms in dogs, early detection is important so that treatment for dog heartworms can be administered quickly.
Below are some of the early signs of dog heartworm. If your dog shows any of these dog heartworm symptoms, don't hesitate to take him to your veterinarian.

• Your dog tends to get tired quickly and easily.
• Your dog often has to gasp for breath.
• Your dog starts coughing more often.
• Your dog, if it is a hunting dog, can't keep up with the chases anymore and often falls from exhaustion.
• Your dog develops jaundice, experiences convulsions and have vision problems.
• Your dog becomes emaciated, a serious symptom of dog heartworm that is often followed by death.

• What Dogs Can Become Infected by Dog Heartworms?

Years ago, it was believed that short-haired dogs were more prone to becoming infected by dog heartworms. The long-hair dogs were thought to be resistant to dog heartworms since the worm-carrying mosquitoes had a much more difficult time penetrating through their hair. However, this belief has been disproved. Both long-haired and short-haired dogs can become infected by dog heartworms since mosquitoes attack on a dog's abdominal area. Both long-haired and short-haired dogs tend to have lesser hair in the abdominal area. In addition, the muzzle and ears are other areas where the infection can begin.

• Treatment for Dog Heartworms

If detected early enough, dog heartworm can be treated using chemical therapy. Heartworm treatment is usually administered over a period of time. The heartworms are not killed in one fell swoop as the dead worms would end up being deposited into the lungs and kill the dog. In addition, the chemicals used to kill the heartworms in dogs can also be lethal to dogs. This is why any treatment for dog heartworms that involves the use of chemicals should only be administered by a veterinarian.
Apart from chemical therapy, surgery is also a treatment option for dog heartworm. However, surgery is only done if the veterinarian warrants this need and if it is the only option for curing the dog heartworm infection.
You can also prevent your dog from developing dog heartworms through medication. There are dog pills specifically designed to destroy the heartworms inside your dog's body so that the worms do not grow into full-blown heartworm adults. However, dog heartworm medications will not keep your dog 100% heartworm-free. Your dog can still become infected with dog heartworm during mosquito season so you would still need to keep a close eye on your dog and watch out for the early signs of dog heartworms.
Heartworm medications, however, can cause complications if your dog is already infected with heartworms. Basically, the drugs won't do your dog any good if the heartworm infection is already serious. In this case, your best and only option is to take your dog to a veterinarian who can prescribe the right medications for your dog as well as take some blood tests.

• Preventing Dog Heartworms

Be aware that some mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworms. Keep your dog from being bitten by mosquitoes, particularly if you live in a hotter region with a higher humidity level or if it's mosquito season. Keep your dog's sleeping area clean and screened. You can also use repellent sprays. Talk to your veterinarian and ask him if he can prescribe any preventative medication or heartworm medicine for dogs. If necessary, take your dog for regular blood tests to make sure that he does not have dog heartworm. You need to be especially vigilant as the symptoms of dog heartworms are not easily and quickly visible. It is recommended that you take your dog to the veterinarian for a full check up once a year.
Jeremy C.W is a published author and founder of Pet Success. Visit to http://dognpuppies.com [http://www.dognpuppies.com] learn more about dog diseases [http://www.dognpuppies.com/Dog-Disease/index.html].
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No More Excessive Barking - Teach Your Dog To Stop Barking

No More Excessive Barking - Teach Your Dog To Stop Barking

• By John Snair

A barking dog is often not looked at the same way as a quiet dog. This goes for the dog's owner and their neighbours. Many dogs are given up by their owners each year due to barking. This does not need to be the case. Excessive barking is a problem that can be fixed if you are consistent and diligent with your dog training. In this article I am going to discuss why dogs bark and give you a few tips on how to stop your dog from barking too much, by teaching it when it's OK to bark.

• Dogs Bark Naturally - Why?

There are many reasons why a dog will bark. Here are a few... dogs will bark out of boredom, they will bark as a warning, because of loneliness, from fear, for communication, to get attention, they may find it is fun, etc. Some dog breeds tend to bark more than others...these can be the herding breeds. For example, a Shetland sheepdog is a breed prone to barking. They use barking as one of the tools in their instinctive job of herding. Shelties can be very vocal dogs as well.

• How To Control a Dog's Barking

The best way to control a dog's barking is to NOT allow the barking to become a habit. As soon as your puppy or dog becomes a member of your household, you need to start teaching what behaviours are good and bad, acceptable and not acceptable. Use a command such as' No Bark' or 'Stop' when your dog barks. As soon as it stops or quiets down, praise your dog. To give the commands use a firm voice but avoid yelling. Yelling can sound to a dog like barking and make the situation worse your dog will think it is supposed to bark as well! Show your dog that you really like when it is quiet and not barking. Just shouting NO can sound like a bark and get your dog even more exited and barky!

• Praise Your Dog for Not Barking

Dogs train best by using positive reinforcement. Let your dog know when you are happy with the way it is behaving. As soon as your dog stops barking, you need to reinforce the stopping of barking with a treat and praise. No puppy is born knowing commands. You have to teach your dog that each command has an action and if that action is done, good things will follow. Positive reinforcement is the best training technique! Be careful not to praise unwanted behaviours you do not want by mistake. Patting and stroking a barking dog can give the dog the impression you like what it is doing and it will continue.

• You May Want Your Dog to Warn That People Are At the Door

To achieve this without your dog think that it can bark all of the time, set up training scenarios. Have someone ring the door bell or knock at the door. Call your dog to come to you and have it follow you to the door. Ask excitedly "Who's there?" "Check it out!" or whatever verbal cue you decide to use. Get your dog to bark. Go to the door, have your dog sit and then get it to stop barking. Praise and treat your dog when it stops barking. Teach it that when you get to the door and check out the situation, the barking should stop and it should be quiet. You must be consistent and positive. Practice this situation in several short sessions per day and your dog will eventually learn what you want.

• My Dog Barks A Lot Already

Sometimes you may get a dog that is already mature so you don't have the advantage of training it as a puppy when it is easiest to create good habits and eliminate bad ones. If you are in this situation, you can try several things. First, determine why your dog is barking: Is it lonely, trying to alert you to something, is it experiencing fear, boredom, aggression, etc. Knowing the reason or reasons for the barking is a big part of finding a solution.
If your dog is alerting you to something, teach it that once you have checked out the situation and you have indicated that everything is ok; your dog must stop barking. My dogs have learned that I want them to alert me to things on the property or that could pose a threat. As soon as I have checked it out and indicated everything is ok, my dog does not need to alert me anymore.

• A Bored or Lonely Dog Needs to Be Active

Toys, games, training, interaction all go a long way to help a bored or lonely dog. A tired dog is generally a better behaved dog. They are usually in a better state of mind when they are active. Boredom and loneliness can lead to other undesired behaviors as well. Get a variety of toys like Kongs, safe chew toys, Nylabones, etc., that will stimulate your dog's mind and give it something to do. Obedience lessons, a walk or playing fetch will help.
Nuisance behaviours, such as barking, will quite often appear in dogs that are outside all day and alone. The biggest reason is that no one is home to teach the proper behavior. If no one shows your dog what it can and cannot do, the issue will persist.
Play Barking
If your dog barks during play, quiet the type of play down. Get your dog into a relaxed mood and then and start the play activity again. Always keep play under control...be the leader in the activity and include training tasks in the play.
Some dogs are pathological barkers and may not be helped to stop their bad habits without using the help of a behaviourist. Sometimes just having a trainer watch your dog can help give you ideas on how to teach your dog not to bark. Sometimes a 'fresh' pair of eyes can see things that you can't because you are constantly working with your dog and you may not see the issues clearly.

• Training Collars

Many people want a fast and easy way to solve the bad barking behaviors that their dog is doing and may resort to various types of collars that can help to stop barking. If any training aid is used incorrectly, it can frustrate the dog and possibly make a bad situation worse. 'No bark' collars deter the barking through a shock, noise, or spray with a scent dogs do not like. Some dogs will learn to ignore the corrective action of these collars. Others may develop nervous behaviors due to the constant punishment.
The Best Way To Stop Barking Is To Not Let It Develop In The First Place.
Here a few things you can do:
1) Use positive training methods to encourage the dog to stay quiet when told
2) Teach a command that lets the dog know you want him to be quiet like 'No Bark' or 'Enough'.
3) Keep your dog inside when you are not home. Dogs left outside alone all day are more likely to become nuisance barkers.
4) Obedience training for you and your dog.
5) Lots of exercise, proper attention to your dog, mental and physical stimulation. A dog that gets what it requires mentally and physically is less likely to become a problem barker.
6) Teach your dog when it is OK to bark.
7) Do not let your dog get away with barking for hours before you decide to tell it to stop. The dog may be getting set to stop anyhow and he is getting attention from you, increasing the chance of barking if it is doing it for attention. Always stop the bark as soon as it first starts.
8) Do not inadvertently teach the dog that constant barking is good by petting or talking positively while it is barking.
9) Teach your dog from day one what will and will not be allowed. Remember, some breeds are more prone to barking than others, but any dog can be an excessive barker.
10) Try to find the cause of the barking - like neighborhood kids teasing the dog.
Dogs allowed to become nuisance barkers may disturb your whole neighbourhood, which could end up being a bad situation for everyone. You can end up being fined by your community for violating noise ordinances or even having an irate neighbor take the law into his own hands! Do not allow your dog to become a nuisance.
We have over 30 years of dog experience. To see the information and resources we have available for dog owners and to view the 2000+ products we carry for dogs and their dog owners, visit: Dog-e-Direct [http://dog-e-direct.com]
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Why Is Dog Training The Best Thing We Can Do For Our Dogs?

Why Is Dog Training The Best Thing We Can Do For Our Dogs?

• By Chris S

We're always told how important it is to train our dogs, but what exactly is dog training and why is it so important anyway?
The following list explains why it is absolutely vital that we provide proper socialization and training to our canine friends.
Please read these 5 undeniable reasons why we owe it to our dogs to train them:

1. Dog training helps to build and strengthen a healthy and productive relationship with your dog.
   • Dog training opens up the lines of communication between you and your dog. A real form of two way communication is established through positive non violent dog training. You and your dog will learn to interact with each other in a mutually respectful manner, based on co-operation and understanding.
   • A well socialized and trained dog will become a fantastic life-long companion, work mate and friend. An untrained dog can quickly become a burden and an endless source of frustration. Instead of having a lopsided relationship where you are continually yelling at or reprimanding your untrained dog, why not set your dog up to succeed by providing some leadership and clear guidelines for him/her to follow?
   • A trained dog is a well respected and trusted member of society who is welcomed almost anywhere. This has to be a positive thing for your relationship doesn't it?
2. Training prevents many common "dog problems" from ever arising.
   • A whole range of common dog behavior problems can be prevented through some obedience training. Dogs are creatures of habit so why not use this to your advantage by helping your dog to develop good behavior habits from an early age? If you are proactive and set up some simple guidelines and routines for your puppy to follow you may never have to deal with destructive behaviors such as digging, chewing, excessive barking and even separation anxiety.
   • When a so called behavior problem does arise you and your trained dog will be well equipped to work through it. You will be able to clearly communicate to your dog that the behavior is unacceptable. You may even choose to get your dog to perform an alternate behavior in place of the existing problem. An example of this would be if your dog was up surfing your counter tops for food scraps you could get him/her to "go to your spot" instead.
   • The vast majority of "bad dogs" or dogs with behavior problems eventuate because the dog has never been taught any better. A dog does not chew your expensive shoes to get back at you or because he/she is evil. They do it simply because you left the shoe lying around with a bored and stressed dog. Most probably if you provided a tasty chew toy and did some chew toy training then your dog would be more than happy to chew on the toy only.
   • A trained dog is also a pleasure to take for a walk (no pulling!) and trips to your Vet or Dog Groomer are never a problem.
3. Training your dog is a necessary safety measure for you, your dog and everything that comes into contact with your dog.
   • Having your dog under voice control in any situation is a very reassuring position to be in - it may even save your dog's life one day. If your dog is about to bolt out onto a busy road or pick up something dangerous it is great to be able to immediately intervene and change their behavior with an obedience training command such as "no", "come" or "leave it".
   • A properly socialized and trained dog is a much safer proposition around other dogs and animals. Dog training plays a crucial role in educating your dog how to act appropriately around yourself, your children and visitors to your home.
4. A trained dog is confident, secure and comfortable with his/her place in your household.
   • A well trained dog appreciates the guidance, structure and boundaries you provide through training. It's far better than having a nervous, anxious and confused dog who is continually being yelled at for things he/she doesn't even understand. Training relieves much of the frustration and stress that exists between you and your dog.
   • Training sets up proper household etiquette for your dog to follow. It addresses such issues as bolting out the front door, chewing, jumping up on guests and excessive barking.
   • Dog training provides a brilliant release or outlet for all of your dog's pent up energy. This energy has to come out in one way or another so why not channel it into something productive like obedience training?
5. A trained dog's life takes a far different path to that of an untrained dog.
   • Most dogs that end up in animal shelters arrive there because they have at least one behavior problem - many of these problems can be easily controlled through some basic obedience training. Untrained dogs often become a pest and are pushed further and further away from the family. This of course only compounds the existing problems. Behaviors such as jumping up, mouthing and cheeky barking which you considered to be cute in your young puppy suddenly become a real problem as the dog grows up.
   • When we bring a new dog into our lives we are bringing a different species into a world that is completely foreign to them - our human world. We owe it to our dogs to help them fit into our way of life by clearly showing them what is expected of them and what is acceptable behavior - this is what dog training provides.

So there they are, the 5 reasons I believe every dog deserves at least some basic training - for everybody's benefit.
For just a second forget about all of the benefits listed above that obedience training provides. Would you still train your dog even if all of the benefits listed did not apply? I would, because training your dog is one of the real joys of owning a dog, it is great fun. Time spent training your dog is time well spent - for all involved.
Chris Smith is a long time dog owner and trainer. For more specific dog training information and tips please visit Chris's website - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com
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Picking a Puppy - Things to Think About Before Purchasing a Dog

Picking a Puppy - Things to Think About Before Purchasing a Dog

• By Michelle Wrighton

I am a dog lover not a Dog expert, but from a number of years research, reading books, speaking to dog breeders and dog owners I believe that the following will assist you in your selection. I will make NO attempt to suggest suitable breeds, my aim is to help the prospective buyer understand that just because you like the look of a particular breed DOES NOT make it a suitable because there are many variables that need to be considered other than just the appearance of the breed.


Owning a dog is a LIFELONG commitment and there are a number of things that you should think about BEFORE you start looking to make sure you choose the breed of dog that is the right one for you. There may be MANY breeds that are not suitable for your lifestyle, and if you put a little thought into the decision you may save yourself a lot of heartache, not to mention the effects that a wrong decision may have on the poor dog. I believe that if more people thought before they bought we would not have anywhere near the number of abandoned dogs that we do. So, ask yourself these questions...
WHY DO YOU WANT A DOG?
You need to think about the reasons that you are considering getting a dog. Do you want a companion only, a lap dog, a friend for the kids or a guard dog? What do you want to do with the dog - show, obedience training, hiking, bring in the cows for milking etc? Not all breeds are suitable for every activity.
HOW MUCH TIME PER WEEK DO YOU HAVE TO DONATE TO A DOG?
Different breeds have different time requirements in regards to exercise, grooming and training, and in a lot of breeds, skimping on time spent on the dog can have disastrous effects, for the dog, for yourself and for your possessions.

HOW BIG IS YOUR YARD AND HOW HIGH ARE YOUR FENCES?
This will determine the size of dog you should be looking at. You need to make sure that your dog is not going to be able to get out of your yard and possibly hit by a car, picked up by the pound/ranger or mauled by another dog. Don't forget that some small breeds of dogs can jump very well. I know of several small Terriers who are able to scale six foot fences, but alternatively, some very large breeds of dogs are not very active and may do well in a small yard.

• DO YOU WANT AN INSIDE OR AN OUTSIDE DOG?

This will determine not only the breed, but also the size of the dog you get. If you want an inside dog, consider the size of your house - will a large breed take up every available inch of space? Is a small but very boisterous dog likely to knock over your priceless China collection? Looks and size can be deceiving, many small breeds are not suitable for apartment living due to their activity level, while some of the larger breeds can be excellent for small houses or apartments.
Other breeds need human companionship and are not suitable for leaving outside all the time, neither are breeds that are not suitable for your environment due to coat length, or suceptability to heat exhaustion.

• DO YOU OR ARE YOU PLANNING TO HAVE CHILDREN?

Some breeds are not recommended for young children particularly, and this is a very important question to consider. The wrong choice could permanently disfigure your child for life and result in your dog being destroyed. Unfortunately, there will always be exceptions in every breed and quite often children are not aware of the implications of fulling a dogs ears or tail, so I feel that no matter how much you may trust your dog, never leave children unsupervised with ANY dog until they are old enough to effectively command the dog - I would suggest until the early teens - depending on the child. I know many people would probably disagree with me on this point, but I personally do not think that it is worth the risk to either child or dog.

• DO YOU HAVE OTHER PETS?

To avoid bloodshed of dearly loved family pets this is a good point to consider when determining which breed of dog is right for you. Some breeds get on very well with other species, but a lot DON'T so ask the breeder before you buy.

• WHAT SORT OF CLIMATE DO YOU LIVE IN?

This is an important consideration for the sake of the dog and really is just common sense. Most breeds that originate in cold climates have very thick coats and will suffer terribly in very hot conditions. Likewise, breeds that have very thin coats, or in the case of some breeds that have very little body hair at all, may be particularly susceptible to the cold - they may also be susceptible to sunburn and skin cancers. If you have a climate controlled house or kennel where the dog will spend most of its time, this may not be such a problem.

• HOW MUCH MONEY ARE YOU PREPARED TO REGULARLY SPEND?

Some breeds have a higher maintenance level for food, veterinary assistance, medical tests, grooming and equipment. Every dog requires food, worming, nail clipping, some level of grooming, vaccinations, hopefully sterilization unless you plan to show or breed, and every dog is at risk of unexpected illness and injury. I am not suggesting that only rich people should have dogs, but if you don't have or are not prepared to spend a great deal of money, then maybe a long haired breed that requires clipping every six weeks and may be susceptible to ear and eye infections because of the long hair, may not be the most suitable breed for you.

• WHAT TEMPERAMENT DO YOU WANT?

As with people, dogs have different temperaments, and although no dog will ever match a breed standard 100%, most characteristics, including temperament tend to appear reliably in pure bred dogs. This includes independence - some breeds are very dependent on human company and affection, while others are very independent.

• HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH DOGS?

Some breeds of dogs are very dominant and are not usually recommended for first time dog owners. This is because unless you are able to establish dominance early in puppy hood you and your dog will forever be at odds with each other (and this is NOT achieved by physical abuse). Being able to establish dominance is dependent on your understanding that dogs are pack animals and have a very strong hierarchy, and it is important to understand 'pack logic' from the dog's point of view. Many interesting books and articles have been written on this topic, and it is a great idea to read a few, regardless of which breed you purchase, as they will help you to understand some of your dogs behaviour.

Once you have thought about the above points and anything else that is relevant to you and your family, you should be able to narrow your choices down by doing a bit of research. Surf through the net looking for individual breed pages and FAQ's, read some books and contact registered Dog Breeders for information.
If you have done all of the above, here are some points when it comes to picking your puppy:
* NEVER BUY ON A WHIM!!!!!!
* NEVER Buy and animal as an unexpected gift or Christmas Present!!!
* DON'T BUY FROM A PET SHOP, PUPPY MILL OR UNREGISTERED BREEDER.
* Telephone the breeders and ask about their breed. Most will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and will advise you of the suitability of their breed to your situation. Don't be afraid to let the breeder know if you do not have a lot of experience with dogs.

* Go and have a look at several different breeds if you are still not sure which one is right for you. This can best be achieved by attending an All Breed dog show. This will help you decide which breed you like, as well as which breeder's dogs you prefer.

* Decide if you want a pet or a show quality pup. This may determine how long you have to wait and how much you will have to pay - show or breeding quality pups usually being fewer in number and more expensive.
* Have a look at the health of the other dog's in the kennel. Are they lively, alert and friendly. (Don't forget, most kennelled dogs will bark at strangers and some breeds will very rarely look friendly, but you can get a general idea - dogs that look down right viscous might not be good parents for a dog that is going to be a family pet).

* Does the kennel look clean and sanitary?
* Do the dogs react happily to the owner/handler or do they cringe away, snap or growl?
* Puppies should be nicely rounded in shape, without being overly fat or skin and bones.
* Most healthy pups will have shiny, alert eyes and healthy looking coats.
* Check that the puppies are not infested with ticks and fleas.

* Ask to see both parents. It is common for breeders to use a stud dog that they do not own, but they may have photos of the dog. Quite often, the bitch will not look in 'show condition' after whelping a litter. The reason for this is that whelping and feeding a litter places huge demands on the bitch, so she may be a little thin (but not skin and bones), and may 'blow' her coat (shed) due to the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy and milk production. She should however, still appear happy, lively, confident, interact well with the owner/breeder and show no signs of illness.

* Ask the breeder if they have any references from people who have bought their puppies in the past.
* Make sure that you see all appropriate paperwork including parents pedigrees, medical certificates for tests such as hip dysplasia if this is relevant to the breed, as well as the puppies pedigree papers and vet certificate confirming worming and vaccinations. Be very sceptical of any breeder who is not willing to show you paperwork - if you are unable to see the papers, the breeder may not actually have them! Many people are not concerned about having 'papers' for their pet, however, you do want to make sure that if you are paying the price for a pure bred dog, then that is what you are getting. Also, if the breed that you are buying are prone to certain medical conditions, you want to make sure that the parents have been 'cleared' by a vet, and the puppies checked (depending on the relevant condition) to ensure that there is the smallest chance possible that the pup you buy will develop the condition.
It is also a good idea to ask to see the membership card for the canine controlling body (Kennel Council) for the state/country that you are in.

REMEMBER: It is ultimately your responsibility to research the breeds you are interested in as well as the individual breeder that you finally purchase from. While it is your right to ask as many questions as possible, it is also the breeders right (and responsibility) to ask you questions as well, so don't be offended if the breeder gives you the third degree!
Finally, if you do not want or cannot afford a pedigree dog from a registered breeder, there are many reputable dog rescue services that you can adopt from rather than obtaining a dog from a pet shop or backyard breeder. You can obtain a dog of any age from a rescue, (pure breed or mixed) and usually the people who run the rescue will be able to give you some information about each dog they have. If you adopt a dog from a rescue, you may well save it from being destroyed, particularly the older or not so 'pretty and cute' dogs which usually don't get adopted quickly. If you would really like to make a difference to a rescue dog, you might also consider giving a dog that has been mistreated and abused a comfortable, loving home for the remainder of its days - you would be amazed at the love and devotion that you will receive in return.
This article was first published by award winning Pet Portrait artist and photographer Michelle Wrighton of http:www.petartist.com.au in 1996 on http://www.dogsites.com.au and may be reproduced with permission as long as this attribution noticed and author links are retained and the article is not altered in anyway.
Michelle Wrighton
Fine Art Pet Portraits, Wildlife Art and Photography
Fine Art Pet Portraits
Art and Photoblog
Dogsites - For All Things Canine
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