How To Train Your Dog In Just 15 Minutes A Day

I really think that most new dog owners want a nicely trained dog however they fail to train their dog because they feel that it will be too time intensive. That could not be farther from the truth. In fact I teach people that if you will simply work with your dog for only 15 minutes a day you can have a well trained dog that you can be very proud of. 

First of all since you wanted a dog I assume that you have 15 minutes a day that you can spend with him. If you say no then you should do you and your dog a huge favor and find a new home for your pet so he can have a home that will spend time with him. 

Now that we have determined that you have 15 minutes a day let's talk about what you should do during those 15 minutes. You need to train your dog to do all the basic exercises that every good dog should know and they include: 

· Walk on a leash without dragging you down the street 

· Sit on command when you tell it one time 

· Down on command, this is the exercise that makes you the alpha 

· Sit-stay so you can have people come in your home without the dog darting out the door 

· Down-stay so you can leave a room and it is still there when you return 

· The recall so your dog comes when you call it, every time 

The next question is how do you do this training? The best way is to hire a trainer to help guide you through the steps. PLEASE find a trainer that uses motivational methods but doesn't rely on treats to bribe your dog to do the exercises. Instead find a real trainer that will help you train your dog to do these exercises out of mutual trust and respect. Plainly put a dog that needs a treat to do an exercise is not trained. 

Now back to that daily 15 minute training session. You can do some of this training while you go for a daily walk. In fact do not get in the habit of only doing the training at home in the living room. You should be able to do these exercises anywhere with all types of distractions. 

So after the dog is working great in the house then start doing your training on the driveway and then later move to the street. Then start adding more distractions including people and other dogs. This is referred to as proofing your dog. 

If you will simply give your dog 15 minutes of training a day you will be amazed how quickly and easily you can have the best trained dog on the block.

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Good Dog Park Etiquette

Dog parks have become very popular. They offer your pet the opportunity to bond and socialize with other dogs, which is an important step in his training process. But they also open up a whole new set of rules of etiquette that were never addressed by Emily Post.

Degree of Training

Before going to the dog park, your dog should already be trained in the basics, i.e., come, sit, stay. The dog park is an unleashed environment. That means less control by pet owners if their dog gets into a fight with another dog or is irritating the other park visitors.

Your dog should know how to properly respond to your correction and direction. That way if there is a problem, you can count on his responding to your "come," "sit" or "no" command before the problem escalates into a full-fledged fight.

Doggy Body Language and Communication

Dogs have a special way of communicating with each other. In the dog park they need to be allowed to use their communication skills in getting acquainted and establishing parameters with the other dogs. Over-interference by you prevents that natural interaction that is so necessary.

So, unless you see a problem developing, allow the dogs time for sniffing and exploring each other. Sometimes there may even be a growl. If so, let the dogs communicate their wishes with no interference by you.

A growl indicates a warning to the other dog: "Don't go there. This is off limits." Chances are the other dog will get the message and know the ground rules. This is important in establishing their relationship. Only interfere if one or the other is becoming overly aggressive.

Aggressive Behavior

If your dog tends to be overly aggressive with other dogs, the dog park is NOT the place to try to break that habit. You may feel it's simply a matter of more socialization, but it's not fair to the other dogs or owners to expect them to play guinea pig to your aggressive dog. You need to be realistic in assessing your dog's character and, if aggression is a problem, he needs a trainer specializing in that problem.

Health Issues

Your dog should not be at the dog park if he is not up to date in his vaccinations. In addition, if you are aware of other undesirable conditions that are communicable to the other dogs, keep him at home until these are resolved. This includes fleas or scabies (mange) or anything else that can be spread. In addition, your dog should be spayed or neutered before going to the dog park.

One other thing worth mentioning is that dog owners need to understand the various breeds. This will prevent a lot of clashes between owners. What you may think is aggressive behavior may be no more than a natural instinct. For instance, a herding dog herds. He is not being aggressive; he is simply doing what he is born to do: herd. If it is interfering with your dog's enjoyment of the park, have a friendly talk with the owner. Don't assume it's an aggression issue.

The dog park can be a lot of fun for pets and owners alike. But this is true only when proper etiquette is observed. If you are dog-friendly and understand the dog park rules of etiquette, you will have a far more enjoyable experience.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Good-Dog-Park-Etiquette&id=8606238

How To Know If Your Dog Has Diabetes

Did you know that pets could get diabetes? An unhealthy diet and a lack of activity could cause your dog to develop diabetes. This condition can be treated and your dog will not develop complications as long as diabetes is diagnosed early. Here are the most common signs of diabetes in dogs.

A dog who cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin produced will end up with high blood sugar levels. This can lead to a sweet-smelling breath. If you notice that your dog's breath has a fruity smell, you should have their blood sugar levels checked.

Other symptoms include weight loss and a change in appetite. If you notice that your dog eats less than usual or skips some meals, your dog might have high blood sugar levels. Weight loss can also occur even though your dog is eating plenty of food.

Thirst and increasing urination are other common signs of diabetes. Keep in mind that several factors influence thirst, especially changes in temperature. However, if your dog seems to drink more than usual for no apparent reason or if you notice an increase in your dog's urination, it is best to take it to the vet.

On the other hand, dehydration can occur for some diabetic dogs. Dehydration can be hard to notice in dogs. If your dog has sunken eyes, does not eat, looks depressed and lethargic and has a dry mouth, it is probably suffering from dehydration. Make sure your dog has always access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Vomiting is another sign of diabetes in dogs. Keep in mind that vomiting is a way for dogs to empty their stomach of materials they cannot digest. Vomiting should not cause you to worry unless your dog vomits frequently and for no apparent reasons. Dehydration can also cause vomiting, which is why you should always check your dog for signs of dehydration after they vomit.

Chronic skin infections are fairly common in diabetic dogs. Skin infections can cause white patches, loss of hair, loss of skin as well as the apparition of red and irritated patches. Skin conditions can be caused by a number of factors but you should have your dog tested for diabetes if skin infections are a chronic problem.

Lethargy is another characteristic of diabetic dogs. Lethargy and weakness are indicators that your dog is sick or in pain. Almost every health condition a dog can develop will cause lethargy. If you notice that your dog is inactive through most of the day, take it to the vet.

These symptoms can be indicators of other health conditions or can be brought on by temporary discomfort or illness. You should not worry if you notice one of these symptoms in your dog. However, you should have your dog tested for diabetes if any of these symptoms becomes a chronic problem or if you notice more than one symptom. Treating diabetes will be a lot easier if your dog is diagnosed with this condition early.

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Is My Dog Really Colorblind?

It used to be generally believed that dogs are colorblind, and for a while this was a widely accepted fact. However, the information was misinterpreted and misunderstood. The truth is that dogs do not see the world only in black, white and gray, they do indeed see color. However, they don't have the ability to see the range of color that humans do.

The light-receptor cells in the retina at the back of a dog's eyes are different in structure, to those of a human. The retina in humans and dogs performs the function of a movie screen. Light is focused and then translated into shapes and colors, which are then, in turn, translated by the brain, into the images that we perceive.

Dogs have a similar set up in light-sensors to those of humans. These are known as cones and rods. The misunderstanding regarding dogs seeing the world in shades of black, white and gray, stems from the fact that dogs have many more rods than we do, and rods are the sensors that respond to shades of black and white. These rods, in dogs, are situated right in the middle of the eye.

Cones, on the other hand, are mainly responsible for visual sharpness and clarity. They detect color, and determine how well we are able to see. Humans have three different types of cones, and they respond best to green, blue and red. This enables people to detect a wide spectrum of hues.

The difference in the eyes of dogs is they are missing the red-responsive cone. So the truth is they are partially color blind, but they are able to see blues, greens, yellowish hues, and shades of brown and gray. The experiments conducted in order to ascertain this information were carried out using different colored toys. Dogs were taught to pick out toys that were a different color to the others. Researchers discovered that the toys that were of the color that the dogs were unable to identify was unrecognizable to them.

The colors that are recognizable by dogs do make sense, when you consider their ancestry. Red and, yellow and orange are not colors that would have been of any importance for primal canines. They will only have needed the blues and greens, along with the shades of black and gray, and of course, white. It is only now, in modern times that dogs have come across the range of colors and hues we have access to, in the brightly colored and varied toys and accessories.

It's interesting to note, if you throw a green ball into grass, it's very possible your dog won't be able to find it, unless, of course it has a strong scent and he uses his nose. Our dogs do rely more on their noses anyway, so that sense is much stronger than their ability to see color.

In a way their color blindness is similar to that of some humans. They do see colors, but are not able to identify them.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-My-Dog-Really-Colorblind?&id=8606250

Key Items To Look For When Purchasing A Dog Bed

FurHaven Orthopedic Dog

Pets are often considered part of the family, and should therefore be given the luxuries that each of your family members have. One of the things that dog owners do not consider when purchasing items for their pet is that the dog should have a comfortable place to sleep. There are many different types of dog beds available. So, how do you decide which is appropriate for your furry friend?

The first thing to consider is the size of your dog. Although most dogs sleep curled up in a ball, you do not want to purchase a bed that is too small. Most pet owners say that the easiest way to ensure your dog is comfortable is to measure the dog from his head to his rump. Then, add on six inches to ensure the dog is able to lie comfortably in his bed.

Orthopedic Bed Mattress for Dogs 

If you will be purchasing a dog bed for an inside dog, you will need to consider where the dog bed will be located in your home. There are many colors and textures available to help ensure that your pet's bed coordinates with your room. Additionally, there are numerous styles available, including a pillow shaped dog bed, one that resembles a small couch or one that looks like a bed.

Water-resistant Outdoor Dog Bed

If you will be purchasing a dog bed for an outside dog, there are different things to consider. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you will want to choose a dog bed that provides warmth during the cold weather. Another thing to consider when purchasing a dog bed for an outside dog is whether the bed repels insects. This feature is especially important in areas where fleas and ticks are common.

Many pet owners immediately think they should purchase a soft bed; however, there are drawbacks to soft, fluffy beds. The main drawback to this type of bed is they can get too warm during the summertime. The dog may decide this type of bed is a chew toy, he may mark his territory by urinating on the bed and it may also hold that unmistakable dog smell.

American Kennel Club Cooling Dog Mat

A water or gel bed can help keep your pet cool, can easily be cleaned and can be used indoors or outdoors. However, the dog will need to be trained not to bite on this bed, the dog's toenails must be kept very short and it will need to be placed out of direct sunlight so that it doesn't absorb heat during the summer.

As you can see there are numerous things to consider when purchasing a dog bed. Many pet owners find that they may have to purchase several dog beds before finding one that their pet enjoys. Use the information to help you decide on the bed that is right for your furry friend.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Key-Items-To-Look-For-When-Purchasing-A-Dog-Bed&id=8606253

6 Great Safety Tips For Taking Your Dog Swimming

Swimming can be a lot of fun for dogs. They get to cool down, chase after sticks and balls, and spend time with the family. Although swimming can be a great experience for your dog, you'll want to keep a few water safety tips in mind.

1. The first water safety tip is to start your dog out slowly. Don't just throw your dog into the deep end. If it's your dog's first time swimming, you'll want to give your dog a chance to figure out how to swim before going in the deep water. Start in shallow waters and slowly work towards deeper waters.

2. The second tip is to never leave your dog unattended in water. When your dog is swimming, you should be keeping a constant eye on them. You should also try to remain near your dog in case of emergencies where you need to get to your pup quickly. If your dog becomes exhausted, caught up in a strong current, or caught on something, you'll want to be able to quickly help your dog out of that situation.

3. Another tip is that you should always pay close attention to your dog so you can tell if he's getting tired. Some dogs don't want to admit when they are too tired to continue playing. If your dog is getting slower and is having trouble staying afloat, it may be time to take a break. During your breaks, you should provide a fresh, cool drink for your dog.

4. Next, you should avoid letting your dog drink water from pools or from the ocean. Most home swimming pools use chlorine to maintain a clean pool. Drinking from a swimming pool can make your dog feel sick. Ocean water should also be avoided when your pup is looking for a drink. The salt can make your dog sick.

5. The fifth tip is to take frequent breaks so your dog doesn't exhaust himself. We all know that chasing after a ball can be a lot of fun when you're getting in the water to cool yourself down. Even though your dog is having a great time, it's important to take breaks frequently. Breaks will help to prevent exhaustion and give your dog a chance to take a drink of cool water.

Dog Life Jacket

6. Finally, you should buy a life jacket for your dog in case he becomes exhausted and can't make it back to you. When you're allowing your dog to swim in a lake, river or ocean, a life jacket can be very beneficial. In rivers and lakes, the tides and current can be a bit much for your dog. Swimming can be very tiring for a dog, especially if they are fighting against the tide. If your dog is overwhelmed, a life jacket will help keep your dog above water if he's struggling to do it. This will give you the time you need to make it to your pup to ensure he safely gets back to shore.

The tips above will ensure that you and your dog have a great, and safe, swimming experience. Safety should always play a major part in swimming with your dog. Once you get the basics down, your dog will be able to have a great time in the water without the risk of any problems.

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7 Signs and Symptoms That Your Dog Is Having a Stroke

A stroke is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. This fact is no less true when the one having the stroke is a dog. It is difficult enough to recognize the symptoms of stroke in a human however. How much more is this true of a dog?

Before addressing that question, it would be good to look at the causes of stroke in dogs. The high temperatures in the summer months are one major threat. A dog can become dehydrated very quickly, especially if left in a hot car.

If you think you are preventing that by cracking the windows open, you are very wrong. A slightly cracked window is not nearly enough to prevent overheating. Temperatures inside a car are much higher than on the outside. So, if you have a dog who likes to ride in the car, leave it at home during hot weather!

If your dog is overweight, stroke is a greater threat to him also. It's easy to slip him some of your dinner leftovers, but it is not good for him, nor is it doing him a favors in the long run.

Symptoms of Stroke

1. Heavy Panting. This may be difficult to recognize, because dogs tend to pant for numerous reasons; only one of which is to cool off. They pant when they are nervous, when they are in pain, or simply when they want your attention. So panting alone is not a reliable indication of a stroke.

2. Sluggish Behavior. If he seems uncharacteristically sluggish and inactive, a stroke could be a possible cause.

3. Red Gums. Healthy gums are pink, not red. Red gums indicate circulation problems and/or a lack of oxygen.

4. Dryness. Your dog's mouth and gums will feel dry if he is dehydrated. Feel for this, as well as the consistency of his saliva. If it is slimey or mucousy, he is dehydrated.

5. Vomiting or Diarrhea. A condition like stroke is stressful and may upset his stomach. Check also for blood in his stool or in his vomit. He should see a vet immediately if this is the case.

6. Staggering / Unsteady on His Feet. This is unusual and should not be ignored. It may indicate he is dizzy or disoriented. If so, check with a vet immediately.

7. Fever. Your dog will have a temperature higher than the normal 101 degrees Fahrenheit if he is having a stroke. Use a rectal thermometer to take his temperature, or, again, take him to see his veterinarian.

As a stroke preventative, your dog should get regular exercise to discourage weight issues. He should have access to plenty of water, especially in the summer months -- and leave him at home when you run errands.

Of course he needs to take walks also to prevent his becoming overweight. Just wait for the cooler part of the day - early evening or even early morning before things heat up to walk him.

Usually you will see a combination of the above symptoms if a stroke is an issue. If in doubt, always check with a veterinarian.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?7-Signs-and-Symptoms-That-Your-Dog-Is-Having-a-Stroke&id=8606259

Does Your Dog Ever Embarrass You?

Even the happiest of dog owners are occasionally embarrassed by their pets. Dogs don't have the sense of shame that people do, and that can lead to some very frustrating behavior. Whether a dog is jumping on guests or humping legs, these habits can be hard to deal with.

Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to put an end to these mortifying behaviors. There are also a number of easy ways to deal with these social blunders when they do occur. Once you know how to deal with these issues, they won't be a persistent problem.

If you want to stop your dog from jumping on people, it's a good idea to do training exercises on your own time. You can't control how your guests will react to your dog, so it's a good idea to deal with the problem in a controlled environment.

When your dog jumps around you, look straight ahead and avoid the gaze of your dog. Pull your hands and arms up towards your chest. As soon as your dog stops jumping, look at it and begin to pet it. Your dog will realize that jumping won't get them attention and will stop.

The best way to stop a dog from humping people is to figure out why your dog humps people. This behavior is done for a number of reasons. For example, many dogs hump legs when they are anxious. They may also do it to assert dominance or because of a medical problem.

The next time you see your vet, bring up the issue. They'll be able to tell you if your dog is doing this because of an issue that needs to be treated. If the problem is treatable, they can prescribe medication.

When issues do occur, apologize to your guest while telling them how the issue is being addressed. For example, if your dog jumps on them, tell them "I'm sorry for my dog's behavior. We've been working on training exercises to stop that behavior, and we hope to see results soon." The situation will be far less awkward, and your guest will feel assured that you are in control of your dog.

Your dogs behavior can be embarrassing, but those embarrassing problems can be fixed. With a little work, you can teach proper behavior to any dog.

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10 Things To Consider When Travelling With Your Dog

If you're not very well prepared and organized travelling with your dog can be stressful, and even dangerous.

Here are 10 tips for travelling with your dog. If you take the time to consider each of these ahead of the trip, you'll find you will enjoy a much smoother, stress-free journey.

Dog Carrier 

1. Make sure your dog is safely secured in the back of the car. Don't leave him lose. He may be very well behaved when all is well, but if he is suddenly startled, is distracted by a dog on the side-walk or in another car there is a danger he could land on your lap and greatly jeopardize your driving safety.

Another reason for making sure he is secured is, if you do have a collision, you want to make sure that he is not going to be injured by being thrown against the windshield or the back of your head!

Pet First Aid Kit

2. Make sure you are equipped with a pet first aid kit. You hope you won't need it of course, but it's worth taking just in case. Include in it a copy of your dog's medical records.

Auto Dog Mug

3. This one may seem obvious but when in the middle of the commotion that can accompany a departure it can be forgotten. Be sure to take your own dog food and a supply of water with a bowl.

4. Take extra water in case of a breakdown or traffic delays especially in hot weather.

Car Window Ventilation Safe Guard

5. Be sure the windows in the back are open enough to allow fresh air into the car, especially when the weather is hot, but make sure the windows are not too wide open. You really don't want to take the chance of your dog giving into the temptation of jumping out of a moving car!

6. Take a chew, or his favorite toy to give him something to do as well as comfort him on the journey.

Car Seat cover

7. Make sure he has a comfortable place to lie down in the back, a cushion and blanket for example.

8. Stop regularly for toilet breaks and leg-stretching.

9. Give your dog a good, long walk before putting him into the car. Giving him a good physical work out before a journey will make the trip much more comfortable for him since he'll be more likely to relax and even sleep through the trip after expending all of that energy.

Leash

10. Don't forget the leash! It's worth setting a reminder for yourself because leashes are one of those things that seem so obvious to remember, but are actually so easy to forget. In fact it's a good idea to keep a spare leash in the trunk of the car at all times, so that you always have one with you when you travel, and there's no chance of ending up on the road without one.

Allow plenty of time to plan and prepare for your dog's journey as well as your own.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Things-To-Consider-When-Travelling-With-Your-Dog&id=8606337

Backyard Dangers: What Dog Owners Should Be Aware Of

Every pet owner wants to make sure that their yard is a safe place for their pet to play. Unfortunately, there are all kinds of

danger that lurk in backyards. It's important for dog owners to be aware of these so that they can keep their pet protected.

One of the things that can be most dangerous to dogs is mulch. Many kinds of mulch are made from cocoa beans, and cocoa can be toxic to dogs. To make matters worse, dogs will find the scent very appealing. Make sure mulch is out of your dog's reach, or that the mulch you do use is dog safe.

Compost is great for your grass, but it's terrible for pets. It's full of molds, which can be toxic when eaten. It's important to store your compost in a safe place that your pet won't be able to access. Keeping it in a securely lidded container is a good idea.

Many types of plants can also be dangerous to dogs, especially ornamental plants. Lilly of the Valley can make pets feel very ill, and will likely cause them to vomit. Green tomatoes can also make dogs feel sick.

Other common plants you'll want to avoid include amaryllis, aloe vera, carnations, and ivy. Before planting a garden, it's a good idea to research plants and find out whether or not they're toxic. That way, you can allow your pet to roam your garden without fear.

There are also things you won't put in your garden that you'll want to watch out for. For example, many mushrooms are as poisonous to pets as they are to people. To be safe, you should pluck mushrooms the same way you would pull weeds. You don't want to risk your dog eating them.

Another thing you'll want to watch out for is litter. Many people dump trash like candy wrappers in backyards. These can be poisonous to pets, and can also be a cause of intestinal blockages. Clean your yard regularly, and make sure it's well fenced so that people can't easily dump trash there.

With a little work, you can make your backyard a paradise for your pet. All you have to do is research plants and keep your yard safe and clean. Follow this advice and you'll be able to let your pet play in the yard as much as you want.

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