Adopting a Dog - Your Dog's First Vet Visit

Dogs are in shelters for a variety of reasons. Some of them have behavior issues, some just got too big and then others just had the misfortunate of having a first owner who didn't take the time to train them and give them the proper attention that every dog needs.

Your new rescued dog

When you get your new dog from the shelter, you will be doing a service to the dog by saving it's life and you will also be doing a service to the community by helping to get a homeless dog out of the shelter and off the street.

Ideally you would like to get any information there is regarding the dog from the past owner if that information is available. That information will give you some idea of what type of problems they may have experienced with the dog, if any.

The dog's first vet visit

After adopting your new dog, and when visiting the vet for the first time, you should bring all records that pertain to the dog. This information should be updated to include any vaccinations, etc. that the dog received from the shelter.

With a little coaching and encouragement from you and the vet staff this first visit to your vet should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your new pet.

Physical exam

Your vet should do a complete examine to make sure that your new dog is healthy and in good physical condition. The dogs weight, eyes, ears, temperature and skin condition will all be checked. If any vaccinations are due, this is the time to get them. Before you go to visit your vet, you should prepare a list of any questions that you may have.

Advice of vet

Of course you vet will give you any recommendations he has on keeping your dog healthy including the importance of heart worm preventative and as well as diet needs. The dogs diet will change over the years as the age and health condition of your dog changes. Necessary precautions and guidelines should be given to you so that your newly adopted dog will adjust with it's new owners easily.

Make it fun

The important thing to remember with this first vet visit for your new pet is to make sure that the experience is a fun time for the dog. Do everything you can to make the visit stress free.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Adopting-a-Dog---Your-Dogs-First-Vet-Visit&id=8188037

Adopting A Dog - Choosing The Right Dog From A Shelter

Before adopting a dog, you should do some research as well as ask some experts like your vet and dog trainer what type of dog would be best for you and your family. You should also try to get all the information that is available on any particular dog that you are interested in including the dog's age, health history and behavior information from the previous owner.

Adopting from a shelter

In order to get a dog from a shelter, you first need to pay a visit to the shelter and find out what their requirements are for adopting a dog. While you are there take a look and see the over all cleanliness of the shelter and how the staff seems to interact with the dogs that they are caring for. You also want to see if the dogs appear to look healthy and well taken care of.

Before visiting a shelter, you should be well prepared. You should have an open mind about the dogs. You should know the size and breed of the dog that you would like to bring home. If you are a renter make sure that you have permission from your landlord before you adopt a dog.

Pick an appropriate dog

In some cases, a small dog is maybe all that you can handle especially if you are living in an apartment. You should have a budget that will allow you to care for the dog with no problem and be able to handle an emergency vet bill if that happens.

If you have children you must choose a kid-friendly dog that shows no aggression. If you have a family member who is sensitive to dog hair be sure and choose a hypoallergenic dog.

Health history

Before adopting a dog from a shelter, you should go through the dogs health and behavior history if it is available. Hopefully the dog that you choose from the shelter will live up to your expectations. It should be a dog that will work with your lifestyle. If you have a full-time job, will there be someone to look after the needs of the dog during the daytime if needed?

There will be a number of dogs at the shelter to choose from. It is usually very affordable to adopt from a shelter and the fees usually include all the current vaccinations and spay or neutering.. When compared to the price that you will pay for a dog from a breeder, the amount that you will pay the shelter is a real bargain.

Take your time, do your research and pick a dog that will be perfect for you and your family.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Adopting-A-Dog---Choosing-The-Right-Dog-From-A-Shelter&id=8188010

Popular Non Shedding Dog Breeds

Shedding is quite common with various pets including dogs. Shedding in dogs varies with breed and age. If you are allergic, you will probably want to get a dog that sheds very little. You can always go through reviews and information on the internet to research the breeds that shed the least before you make your decision on which breed is best for you. This article will discuss some of those breeds.

What breads?

These are some of the breeds that either do not shed at all or very little. Some of the most common allergens are dog's saliva, urine and of course hair. The dogs that shed the least are known as hypo-allergenic dogs. These particular dogs will be less likely to trigger flare ups. By adopting a dog that doesn't shed or at least sheds very little will allow you to enjoy your new pet.

Yorkie

The Yorkie is the most popular breed in the world. They are small and shedding is very minimal. This is a very high strung dog that can be a yapper and does require grooming.

Poodle

Poodles are available in a variety of sizes from toy to the large standard size. They also come in several colors to choose from. Poodles are very intelligent, and very trainable.

Maltese

The Maltese doesn't shed at all. Even though it is small in stature, this dog is very bold and active. However, my experience is that they make great lap dogs and are very good with children that treat them well.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is a small dog. By nature, it is very playful and gentle as well. They are very popular and they look similar to a Maltese. The Bichon Frise does require a great deal of grooming. It's outgoing nature and the ability to mingle with other pets make it a great dog to have around.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a toy breed dog that is originally from China. This dog requires brushing on a regular basis to maintain it's long silky coat. The non-shedding coat comes in a variety of colors. The dog is playful and it can be raised in small apartments.

Western Highland Terrier

Western Highland terrier is a very affectionate and friendly dog. With deep eyes and pointed ears, you can easily distinguish the dog from other breeds. It has a distinctive white coat. The dog is suitable for apartments. It does need brushing once or twice a week.

Advantages with non-shedding dogs

By choosing a non-shedding dog, it is possible to maintain the dog easily without having to vacuum daily. If someone in you family has an allergy to dogs give one of these breeds a try.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Popular-Non-Shedding-Dog-Breeds&id=8188052

Dog Poo - How to Dispose of It Properly

Dog poo should be handled in an appropriate way so that your dog as well as you will live in hygienic conditions. If you follow this good solid advice, you will be able accomplish the task easily and hygienically.

If you are picking up poo when you are out on a walk the easiest way to do it is with a plastic bag. The bag contents should be flushed into the toilet or it dumped into the trash can when you return from your walk.

How to manage the dog poo in a manageable way?

The plastic bag should be held so that it will look like a glove over your hand. You will then reach down and pick up the poo into the bag. After knotting the bag, or sealing the bag, it should be dumped into the nearest trash. If there is no trash nearby, simply carry it with you until you find a the proper receptacle.

Picking up poo in the yard

Pooper Scooper

If you are going to be picking up large amounts of poo in the back yard then the best way to do it is by using a pooper scooper. I tell my clients that after getting your dog this is the best investment you will make. It make life simple by allowing you to stand as you clean the back yard. You will not have to bend and you will not have to feel the waste material like you do when you use a plastic bag.

Keep in mind that your yard should be cleaned daily or even better yet do it each time your dogs goes out for a potty break. If you will do this you will have a poo free yard that you and your kids can enjoy and without tracking in fecal matter on the bottom of your shoes.

After collecting all the waste for a day simple transfer it to a plastic grocery bag, knot the end of it and stick it in the trash.

You can purchase a scooper at any local pet store. If you don't have a pet store in your area they are also available online.

Waste digester systems

Waste Terminator

Waste Digester

A waste digester system is a new technique that will allow you do dispose of your dogs waste in a totally different way. ways. The digester system works on the same idea as a septic tank. You simply find a suitable place to dig a hole that is 48" deep. Then you install the digester and it's lid. The lid will be above ground level. The waste material is simply placed in the digester. Then you simply add the digester mix and water, and replace the lid.

The poo is simply digested and disappears. Simply choose the method that works best for you.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Poo---How-to-Dispose-of-It-Properly&id=8188055

When To Take Your Dog To The Vet

After you select your family pet the next step is to find a great vet. This will be the person that will help take care of your dog whenever it is sick as well as doing periodic checkups.

Of course your vet will also keep your dog current on all it's vaccinations and perform neutering and spaying at the appropriate time.

Checking for right vet

You want to find your vet now and not wait until there is a serious issue and you don't have anybody to call on. Of course you should take your new puppy or even an adult dog to the vet as soon as you get it to make sure that it is in good health.

When you go in for your first appointment you need to find out some important information. Ask your vet if he is available if your dog is sick after hours. If not where can you find the nearest and best emergency clinic for those emergencies.

If your clinic has more than one vet will you see the same person each time? That is the only way I will deal with a vet. I want a doctor who gets to know me and my dog rather than switching around.

One question you may want to ask is if they accept in pet insurance plans. For a lot of dog owner pet insurance has been a huge financial help when that emergency happens.

Vet's facilities

One thing I always look at is how well the clinic is equipped. Does it have the necessary equipment to be able to take care of my dog? Is it clean and well organized? What about the staff, are they friendly and well informed. Do you and your dog feel comfortable there?

If not this is not the place for you so go find another clinic.

Vet affinity with the breed

Is your vet comfortable and knowledgeable with your dogs breed? This is important. If you vet seems to be afraid of your dog, you will certainly want to find a vet that is familiar and comfortable with working with that breed.

How to figure out the best vet?

In order to figure out the best vet in your area, you should ask friends and family members. You may get some great suggestions from them and maybe even your local dog trainer.

If you do a little research, you will figure out the vets for you and for your dog.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?When-To-Take-Your-Dog-To-The-Vet&id=8170386

Dog Behaviour Tips - What to Do About Excessive Licking

If your dog annoys you with licking, you should take some steps to eliminate this habit. There are some people who enjoy having their dog lick them. However, the majority of us would prefer if our dog would keep it's tongue to itself. So you need to do some things to correct this annoying behavior.

Tips to prevent the licking

You should use a firm correction 'no' immediately after the dog licks you or any other person. Unless there is a correction, the dog will not understand that this is an unwanted behavior and will simply continue. For some dogs making a loud noise will correct the problem.

Interrupt the licking process

If the dog doesn't respond to your reprimands while licking, you should take other measures. You can start of with something the dog knows, for example a sit-stay exercise for a few minutes.. As soon as the command is obeyed by your dog, you can reward the dog with plenty of verbal praise. This just gives it something else to do.

Support from friends and family members

Not licking you also means not licking anybody else. You should let friends and family members understand that you are training your dog in a serious way to stop the licking. They should not encourage, allow or tolerate the licking either.

The sure fire method

Grannick's Bitter Apple

OK, I saved the best for last. This is a method I have been using with my clients for the last 8 or 9 years. I use a product called Grannicks Bitter Apple. Pay attention to the brand name because there are several different brands that just don't work as well. You can buy Grannicks at just about any pet store.

The key is to keep the bottle on you or with you for the next few days. When the dog comes up and licks your hand, without saying a word simply grab the bottle and spray you hand. Really soak it and then give it back to the dog. The dog says "wow, you don't taste good anymore". Do this for the next couple of days and you will love the results.

This product is great, it doesn't stain and is not harmful to you so you can use it anywhere.

I have never seen a dog that didn't quit the licking before the first bottle of Grannicks is gone.

Good luck...

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Behaviour-Tips---What-to-Do-About-Excessive-Licking&id=8170404

Fun Games to Play With Dogs Indoors

Whether it is snowing or sunshine your dog needs entertainment on a daily basis. You should take the time to give your pet enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep him occupied all day. By including some fun activities, it is possible to keep your dog in good shape both physically and mentally. There are plenty of games that you can play with your dog based on how much time you have available and how much space you have in your house. If outdoor conditions are not perfect for being outside inside games will work.

Hide and seek

The dog's imagination can be well stimulated through the hide and seek game. You can play this game with your dog and you will both enjoy it. In order to get your dog used to this game, you should hide in locations that are easy for your dog to find you in the beginning.

You can guide the dog slowly by calling its name (if needed in the beginning). As soon as the dog reaches your hiding spot, give it hugs and kisses so that it will be excited to play the game again. With hide and seek, you can have endless hours of play and fun.

Training your dog

When you are indoors, you should devote some time for training. By going through some training exercises, you can bond with your dog. Having a well trained dog in your home is great and for a large dog it is a must. Work on sit and down stay exercises, these are very import to establish you as the master

Tug of war

Tuffy Ultimate Dog Toy

This is a game that most dogs really enjoy. Keep in mind that during the game the dog should always allow you to win the tug item. Allowing the dog to win can create some aggression with certain dogs and remember that children should never play tug of war with the dog.

Retrieving

Retrieving or fetching is something that most dogs enjoy, of course some more than others. Using a squeaky toy, tennis ball or even a knotted rope throw it down a hall way and have your dog bring it back. Warning, some dogs will do this for hours. Of course there are dog that won't do it at all.

Retrieving is a great way to exercise your dog and build a bond between the two of you at the same time.

I hope this article will help you have fun with your dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Fun-Games-to-Play-With-Dogs-Indoors&id=8170425

Easy Dog Training Tips

This article is loaded with tips on how to begin training your best friend to behave better. You will find a good assortment of ideas that will help the new dog owner become an expert when it comes to dog training.

The easiest way to crate train an adult dog is to make it fun. Put the crate in a room and use the crate to play games by throwing in a toy and allowing your dog to go in and get it. By using this method, the dog learns that the crate is a fun place where good things happen. You can also make a game out of throwing a treat in the crate an allowing the dog to go after it.

Dogs can be a real pain when it comes to jumping up on you or company. I use a simple spray bottle to humanely teach the dog not to jump. A very effective and humane way to eliminate this problem is by using a water bottle. Simply adjust the spray bottle to have a jet like stream. When the dog approaches to jump give the command "no jump" as you spray the dog between the eyes with two sprays from the water bottle. Three or four rounds using this technique will teach the dog that jumping is not allowed.

Sometimes thinking like a dog can help you solve some of the problems that your dog is exhibiting. Dogs are different that humans and they need to be treated using what makes sense to them.

When training your dog the stay command, take small incremental steps. First tell him to sit and then stay. When he has held that position for 15 or 20 seconds, give him a bunch of praise. Repeat the process, praising him after he stays a bit longer with each repetition. Make the sit-stays longer and farther as he gets better. When your dog is doing the sit-stay well then move onto the down-stay using the same simple steps.

As a good dog owner you want to provide plenty of physical stimulation as well as mental stimulation daily. Training sessions keep your dog busy and with physical exercise like walking and playing fetch you will keep your dog active. Remember that a trained dog is a happy dog and an exhausted dog is even happier.

If your dog doesn't like car rides, you can teach him to enjoy it. Simply get your dog used to car rides in small steps. Start by going for a rides around the block. After you have done this a few times you can start to make the rides a little longer. Make each trip longer and in no time your dog will love to take rides in the car.

Hopefully this assortment of tips will give you a head start when it comes to having a well-behaved dog. These tips should help you begin to develop your skills as a dog trainer by having a well-behaved, obedient dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Easy-Dog-Training-Tips&id=8165412

Puppy House Training, The Easy Way, Part 2

Three Places Your Puppy Can Be

House training your pup will be a 4 to 6 week program. During this period there are 3 places where you dog MUST be at ALL times.

1. In the crate

2. On the grass

3. Attached to you

Okay let's talk about each of these, let's start with number 1 in the crate. I tell new puppy owners that their new pet will be in the crate probably more than they would like. However keep in mind that this is a puppy and at eight or nine weeks old it needs lots of sleep and rest.

In the very beginning take your puppy out every hour if possible. Then move to two hours, then three, and then four hours over a period of weeks. How fast can we move from one hour to two hours and so on. That all depends on the dog but if you're having success at one hour go ahead and move to 2 and so on.

Okay let's talk about number 2 on the grass. Dogs develop a preference for where they do their business and we want your dog's preference to be the grass. So the more time your dog can spend on the grass the quicker that will become its preference. Keep in mind that the more accidents your dog has on the carpet, the hardwoods, or the tile that will become its preference. So we're going to do everything we can to keep it from having any accidents in the house..

The third Place your dog can be is attached to you. That's just what it sounds like. If you're going to have the dog out of the crate and not on the grass then take its leash and attach it to its collar, then attach it to your belt so that the dog is right next to you.

Most dogs, and there are exceptions to every rule, do not want to do their business in front of you. Usually they want to go around the corner or behind the couch, anywhere that you can't see them doing their business.

By having your puppy attached to you there is much less of a chance that your dog is going to have an accident.

This is really all very simple and I can assure you that if you'll follow these three simple rules even your first week home with the puppy you won't have more than a couple of accidents and those are usually a human's fault.

One last thing I'd like to discuss is how does the puppy learn to let you know when it needs to do its business. It's simple, it rings the bell! What you need is a small bell like a cowbell. Ideally I find that those are much better than a jingle bell because your dog may get a nail stuck in the jingle bell.

Simply hang the bell from the door that you take your dog out to do its business. Have it hanging low enough that when you walk your puppy to the door you can take its paw and hit the bell and immediately open the door. Your puppy will learn that when the bell rings the door automatically opens.

It usually takes a pup 4 to 8 weeks to catch on to the bell trick. The good news is that 85% of dogs learn how to ring the bell.

I hope these tips help you. Give them a try and you'll find that you will have a house trained puppy in no time.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Puppy-House-Training,-The-Easy-Way,-Part-2&id=8165358

Puppy House Training, The Easy Way, Part 1

Now that you brought your new puppy home it's time to house train that little guy. House training your puppy is one of the most important things you can do for you and your dog. Most people aren't aware that the number one reason dogs end up in shelters is because of house training issues.

Quite often a puppy owner will tell me that it's okay we understand if it has accidents, it's just a puppy. And I reply but it is nine months old and your dog should be house trained by now.

However some time between 12 and 24 months old I always get a call from that same client that says we have to either get the dog house trained or my husband says it has to go. It has ruined the carpet, and our home smells like urine.

It would have been so much simpler to do this in the beginning when the puppy first came home. Here are some ideas to help you get that puppy house trained quicker and easier.

Potty Training Methods

Of course like everything else there's more than one way to potty train a puppy. But in this article we are going to talk about the method that I have found with my decades of dog training experience to be the easiest.

Crate Training

The easiest method to house train a puppy is by using a crate. Occasionally I'll have a client who says "oh that seems so cruel to put the puppy in a crate". However that's the farthest thing from the truth.

In fact the crate is the greatest gift you can give your dog. Dogs are den animals and they learn to love their crate as if it were their den. While we are talking about crates let's make sure you choose the right one.

Wire Dog Crate

There are two types of crates available, the wire crate and the plastic crate. I explain to my clients that the wire crate does not give the den feeling. In fact if you were in the wire crate looking out you would feel like you were in a jail.

The plastic crate on the other is more enclosed and has that den

Plastic Dog Crate

feeling that your puppy will be looking for.

Make sure that the crate you purchase for your puppy is large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around and lay down. It shouldn't be so big they can do their business in one part of the crate and lay in another.

We want the crate small enough so that if your dog has an accident mother nature will tell it to hold it next time until you can allow it to go outside.

Another good rule to follow is to make sure there is nothing in the bottom of the crate that will absorb urine etc. (blankets or towels) Again this is so your dog with mother natures help learns to hold it until you take it out.

In Part 2 of this article I am going to give you more information on house training your puppy, The Easy Way!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Puppy-House-Training,-The-Easy-Way,-Part-1&id=8165343

Coping With Cushings Disease in Your Dog

Cushings Disease usually affects middle-aged and older dogs. The symptoms of Cushings are often similar to the signs of old age so many dogs with Cushings may go untreated. Owners who have dogs with these symptoms may assume that their dogs are simply getting old and they may have them put to sleep sooner than is necessary. Cushings Disease is treatable and treatment can add several years to an older dog's life.

The symptoms of Cushings Disease may include the following:

1. Increase water intake

2. Increased urination

3. Urinary accidents

4. Increased appetite

5. The emergence of food guarding problems or begging

6. A bloated appearance

7. The appearance of weight gain

8. The appearance of weight loss

9. A bony look to the head

10. Lethargy

11. Weakness in the hind legs

12. Reluctance to jump up on furniture

13. Extra panting and seeming to be hot

14. Thinning hair on both sides of the body

15. Dry, dull coat

16. Slow regrowth of hair after grooming

17. Wrinkled or dark pigmented skin

18.Increase in infections such as skin infections or urinary infections

19. Occurrence of diabetes, pancreatitis, or seizures

Any of these symptoms may also be associated with other health problems but, taken together, they can indicate Cushings Disease, especially in elderly dogs.

The usual cause of Cushings Disease is the presence of a tiny tumor on the pituitary gland. This tumor produces a chronic excess of cortisol in the blood which, in turn, may cause an imbalance in blood sugar levels, the body's fat metabolism, interfere with skeletal muscles, kidney function, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and even depress the immune system response.

Older dogs are much more likely to get Cushings. The average age of a canine Cushings patient is 10 years old. Spayed and neutered dogs are somewhat more likely to get Cushings. Small dogs are more likely to develop Cushings -- some 75 percent of cases are found in dogs that weigh less than 44 pounds.

There are several tests used to detect Cushings. Once detected, there are several possible treatments for Cushings Disease. They can include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation, and treatment with drugs such as Lysodren.

Left untreated, the prognosis for a patient with Cushings is not very good. These dogs are prone to various infections and various organs may begin to shut down. However, if the disease is treated there is every reason to expect the dog to begin recovering and to live out life to a great old age.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Coping-With-Cushings-Disease-in-Your-Dog&id=8165493

Stop Your Dog From Eating His Own Poop

One of the most disgusting things your dog can do is eating his own poop. This behavior is actually known as coprophagy. I think most owners will agree that there's nothing worse than getting kisses from a dog who just finished eating his own waste.

So the question is how to solve the problem. There are several different methods to use and in this article we are going to discuss some of them.

Why My Dogs Eats His Poop

The first question is why is my dog eating his poop. You might want to make an appointment with your veterinarian and see if he can give you some type of idea as to what's going wrong. Your dog may suffer from some type of nutritional deficiency that can easily be cured with a supplement. Eating poop can be a sign of a deficiency that can be easily detected with a blood test

Another reason is the fact that he may just like the taste. I will give you some ideas how to keep it from tasting so good.

Stop The Habit

If your veterinarian finds that there is no deficiency that can be cured with a supplement you will need to try some other methods.

Pooper Scooper

One of the easiest ways to help cure this horrible habit is to reduce the dog's opportunity to eat his own poop which means when you release your dog in the back yard to do his business you need to follow it and pick up the poop immediately with the pooper scooper.

If your dog usually does his business on a walk simply move him from the area immediately while you bag up his waist.

Deterrents

There are several deterrents on the market that work in varying degrees. What I mean by that is with some dogs these deterrents work really well and with other dogs they don't seem to work it all.

For-Bid

You can purchase a product called Forbid, from your local veterinarian. However it's pretty pricey and can cost you a dollar or more per meal. So a very good economical alternative is Adolph's Meat Tenderizer which cam be purchased at your local grocery store. Simply sprinkle some on each meal.

If the meat tenderizer doesn't work then you might give a try to pineapple. Yes, pineapple that fruit that we love to eat. You can use either fresh pineapple or canned pineapple to accomplish the task. There is no set formula as to how much to use, however I would start with a teaspoon for a small dog and a tablespoon for a large dog. The pineapple tastes great going in, but has a bad taste coming out.

Eliminating this horrible habit will definitely take some tenacity on your part. You are going to need to be present each and every time your dog has a bowel movement.

I hope this article has given you some ideas and hopefully with some persistence your dog will finally loose this disgusting habit.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Stop-Your-Dog-From-Eating-His-Own-Poop&id=8161782