How to Toilet Train a Dog - The First and Foremost Challenge

Owning a dog is definitely amongst the best things that you could experience. Those cuddly furry friends are amongst the cutest, and most loyal animals in the world, and they are definitely going to bring a tremendous amount of joy in your home. They are going to bond with you and love you forever. However, if you think that you would only have to feed them and play with them, you are definitely not cut for the task.

Dogs require a great deal of care. Sure, once they are well-trained and used to living with you they would require little to no attention and they could take care of themselves, but there is a long way until they become that easy-going. How to toilet train a dog is the first thing that you would need to do, especially if you've gotten your pet when he was just a couple of months old. Be prepared for urine marks and worse all over the home - that's going to go on for quite some time. However, here are a few tips on the subject that are actually going to help you out considerably.

Take Your Puppy Out

You should take the puppy out. You should take it out a lot. Consistency, as well as repetition, is the most important thing that you would need to account for. With this in mind, the more occasions you create to reward the dog for proper behavior, the quicker it's going to get that it needs to do its business outside. Whenever you take it out, and it does its job, have a treat prepared. Encourage him, play with him and as a whole - make sure to reward him. The more you do that, the quicker you will get the desired result.

Avoid Negative Reinforcement

Punishing your puppy when it does its business somewhere in the house isn't going to teach him a single thing apart from that you have to be feared. Just move on - things like this happen, after all, it's an animal. Make sure to take him out more frequently, and things are going to fall into place a lot quicker.

Using appropriate rewards is also important. However, you might want to mix things up. You can give him a treat once, and you can play with him the other time - you know, just to keep things versatile. This is going to provide your pup with the opportunity to understand that he's doing something right and he's going to want to do it more and more.

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What You Need To Know About Dog Walking

If you own a dog, it's recommended that you walk him regularly. According to experts, there are plenty of benefits that come with it. Some of these benefits include:

Benefits of walking him

Bond strengthening: Since you will be alone with him you have quality time together. Experts report that this time is important in forming a deep and trusting relationship with your dog. The time that you spend together with him also plays a vital role in the development of the behavior.

Weight control: Just like humans, dogs are bound to gain plenty of weight when they lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you live in an apartment four-legged friend has little space to exercise; therefore, it gains weight. During the walk, he burns calories thus bringing about weight loss.

Better mental well-being: If you regularly exercise you can bear witness that you feel much better after the exercise. This is because your body releases hormones that improve your mental well-being. This is the same case with your dog. When the dog exercises he feels better about himself thus becoming a better companion.

More exposure: When you walk him you expose him to new people, experiences, and settings. This helps him to learn new things which are crucial for growth.

Decrease loneliness: If you live alone it means that your friend spends most of his time alone. Just like humans, dogs are social beings. When you are walking him you give him company which aids in getting rid of loneliness.

Longer life: Since dogs that exercise are fitter and healthier, they tend to live longer. Since they have longer lives you enjoy the company of your dog for a longer time.

How to walk him

While many people know that they need to walk their dogs, studies show that few dog owners know how to properly do it. To help you out, here are tips on how to properly walk him:

Always keep him on a leash: When he is on a leash you have full control of him and you are the one who dictates the walk-not the dog. The best way of holding the leash is wrapping it around your hand until there is little space between you and him.

Treat him: It's always recommended that you train your dog during the walk. Some of the training that you can expose him to include: walking, sitting and when to pull on the leash. When he behaves the way that you want you should reward him with his favorite treat.

Make the walk comfortable: There is no way that he will enjoy the walk if it's uncomfortable. You should ensure that the leash is made from a comfortable material. Also, ensure that you apply comfortable pressure on him The time that you walk him determines how comfortable the dog will be. For peace of mind avoid walking him at noon as it might be too hot for him.

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5 Obvious Threats for Not Regularly De-Worming Your Pet

Every pet owner experiences their pet suffering from worms at some point of life. Certain infections can be managed but when a healthy pet undergoes something sinister inside them it means trouble. If the proper de-worming procedure is not carried out, then there can be atrocious consequences including:

· Anemia

· Blockage of blood flow in the heart

· Inflammation of arteries

· Intestinal blockages

· In some worse cases even death

Some of the early signs to watch out for pets suffering from worms include:

· Abnormal breathing

· A bloated abdomen in puppies/kitties

· A dull and brittle coat

· Blood in feces

· Coughing

· Diarrhea

· Increased appetite

· Poor growth

· Vomiting

Let us now look at some of the threats that pets can face if they are not de-wormed on a regular basis:

Their Mothers

It is a known fact that approximately 90% of puppies born are already infected with the Toxocara roundworm, as the larvae can pass through the mother to the pups through the placenta. After birth, both puppies and kittens are prone to get infected through the mother's milk as Toxocara larvae can even find its way into mammary ducts. Since the mother is an invariable source of infection, regular worming every two weeks till the weaning process is a must.

Environment

Dewormer

Toxocara roundworm eggs pass out in the feces of the infected pets and mature into an infective stage in the environment. If these infected larvae are eaten then they can establish infection in the pet. Even polluted grass, food and water can transmit infection, hence make it a point to pick up the feces. Nursing mothers can get reinfected when they clean up their litter and so the endless cycle continues as the larvae gets shifted through the milk again.

Prey

Pets as active hunters run the risk of infection as prey animals like rabbits and rodents act as a middlemen for different types of roundworm and tapeworm that can be life-threatening for pets.

Fleas

Fleas feed on the eggs and carry the larvae of the most prevalent tapeworm - Dipylidium caninum and if the pet accidentally

Flea & Tick Control

swallows a flea while grooming he will definitely get infected. It is very important to give flea and tick preventative treatment coupled with de-worming treatments for best results.

Food

There are certain tapeworms, like Taenia species lie in the cyst inside the muscle tissue of their middlemen and if the meat is fed raw or under-cooked, they can survive to infect cats and dogs.

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Picking the Perfect Pound Pooch For Dog Training and Companionship

As many dog owners will profess, a rescue dog is one of the most fulfilling canine options. Still, bringing home any dog is a major decision and one that must be carefully considered. Schedules will have to be adjusted and added expenses like food and vet care have to be factored into the household budget. This has the potential to create a lot of fun and companionship but also some level of upheaval. Here are some important tips to keep in mind during the selection process.

Decide On the Best Type of Dog

A visit to a shelter will quickly reveal that dogs come in all shapes, sizes and colors. It will help narrow down the choices if the reasons for getting a dog are brought into focus. Is the hope that the dog will be a lap companion? Will they be going on a lot of hikes and outdoor adventures? Are kids part of the equation? These are all factors that should be thought of before going to a shelter. Just be prepared that all of that can fly out of the window with one look of those adoring puppy dog eyes.

Watch From Afar First

Before approaching a particular kennel, it will help to watch the dogs from afar first. Do they seem relatively calm or are they cowering in a corner? Are they anxiously pacing in the kennel or just watching who goes by? What happens when someone approaches? Do they become aggressive or friendly?

Spot the Friendly Dogs

Dog training is a good tool to help bring a dog under control but it can be difficult to teach friendliness. Attitude is innate in dogs as much as it is in humans. A friendly dog will wag their tail when they see someone approaching. This tail wag should be low and loose as opposed to rigid and up high over their body. A friendly dog will have an open mouth like a grin and squinty eyes. Friendly dogs can and do bark but that bark needs to be more light than guttural.

Approach Slowly

Part of a dog training program has to do with how an owner approaches their dog. If that owner comes home excited and charged up to see the dog, then that dog will model that behavior. A better approach is to come in calm, let the dog work out their initial excitement and then go in for some quality time. That same approach can be taken at the shelter. Approach the kennel and look at the dog directly but don't engage. See how they react. Are they happy or fearful? Are they staring back or growling?

Spend Some Alone Time

It will help if the potential owner and dog can spend time alone in a secluded room. This is the best way to see how the dog will react to a more calm setting. Are they still playful? Do they submit to pets and rubs? Do they settle down?

These are all the kinds of things that will go on during a dog training session with a professional trainer. It is all about assessing the strengths and weakness areas of that pet to make sure they can become the best companion for the home.

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Trimming Your Dogs Nails (Dark & Clear Nails) - Do-It-Yourself Dog Grooming

A video showing how you can 

Trim Your Dogs Nails (Dark & Clear Nails)

5 Ways to Make Your Dog Tolerate Nail Trimming Activity

Starting the nail trimming activity in your doggy is not an easy feat to accomplish. It requires lots of patience and hard work. The nail trimming exercise starts by pinning the doggy on the ground on his side. Wrap the leash around his jaw as a makeshift muzzle. It becomes a very stressful process so the very first thing that you need to do is to start with the process of desensitisation and touch his feet for a few minutes everyday.

Stroke his legs, touch is feet, scrutinise his toes, tap his nails and hold his foot. Do this on a regular basis for approximately two weeks. Once the desensitisation process gets over, massage the doggy or scratch in his favourite places. Once that has been done and dusted, add the clippers. Let him sniff the clippers and touch his legs and feet with them.

Then tap his nails with the aid of the clippers. You need to do this approximately for a week. Follow each session with a massage. Then start putting the nails of the doggy in the jaw of the clipper. Hold the foot in such a way that you would be ready to cut the nail. Once the desensitisation process gets over, it is action time. Clip a single nail first. The doggy might growl, scream and behave jerky. If he seems upset, scratch his neck or his favourite spot and he will calm down. Cut one nail per day.

Slowly he would understand that you are not trying to hurt him. Let us now look at some of the tips that would make your doggy tolerate nail trimming activity:

Go Slow

Never try to cut all the nails of the dog in one go. Take your time. Clip one nail a day or you can cut the nails on alternate days. Just remember that what might work for a doggy will not work for another one.

Make Him Get Used To The Clippers

Start with small by handling the dog's feet and toes and then get him used to clippers, your grip and the sounds slowly and gradually.

Stay Composed

Your anxiety will make your doggy react so always try to remain calm and composed. This will encourage your pooch to follow your suit. If you need to speak with the furry pal do it in a soft voice. A simple shhhh can sometimes do wonders in calming the doggy.

Cut The Nails Of The Doggy By Making Him Stay In Different Positions

Try to find out the most comfortable position in which your furry pal enjoys his nails being trimmed. It can be while:

· Standing

· Sitting

· Lying down

Hold his feet in front or curled under. This will make you understand the best position that makes your doggy feel cosy while trimming his nails.

Associate Positive Rewards With Nail Cutting Activity

You can give treats and foods to your pooch. But sometimes, a simple petting can go a long way in providing assurance to the furry pal. Touch him because it is a great way to communicate with your tyke. Massaging him or scratching can go a long way in assuring strengthening your bond with the doggy.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Make-Your-Dog-Tolerate-Nail-Trimming-Activity&id=9535252

Some Tips On How To Reduce Joint Pain In Dogs

If you consider yourself a dog lover, you should know some tips on how to ensure your dog is in good health always and does not experience any physical discomfort. And if it does, you should know what to do since dogs do not really know how to express how they are feeling. You, as their human, should be very observant of how they are feeling, how they act and how they respond to certain situations.

One of the things that many dogs may experience is joint pain. Joint pain in dogs are very common especially if your dog is already five years old or more. During this stage, they are very prone to joint pain and other types of sickness. And so, you should be very careful and extra watchful. Usually, it is canine arthritis that causes joint pain in dogs. And it is often caused by the inflammation in the joints. As your dogs age, they also degenerate and they can be very prone to infection. So to help you determine whether or not your dogs are experiencing joint paint, here are a few indicators:

- They will have a slower pace of movement.

- They refuse to climb stairs.

- You will see them limping.

- You will notice swelling around their joints.

- They will have a difficulty in lying or in getting up.

- They frequently lick their joints.

These indicators are very easy to spot. And so, if you have noticed that your dog is showing one or more of these signs, you should know what to do. You should also be aware of the things that should be restricted around the house such as leaving the floor wet or leaving the toys around the floor as these things may only cause accidents. Additionally, know how to reduce joint pain in dogs.

First, check their diet and change it if needed. As you know, there are actually some types of food that aggravate its causes. Most of these foods contain gluten. And so, as much as possible, avoid giving these types of food to your dog. You can ask your vet for certain types of food that can replace what you are currently feeding your dog. Opting for an all-natural hypoallergenic diet is also a very smart option.

Vegetarian Glucosamine for ALL Dogs

Secondly, give your dog a nutritional supplement to help relieve it and sign your dog up for a therapy. There are actually, therapies that are specifically for dogs that experience joint pains. Get information about this in your neighborhood or from your friends who also have pet dogs. Knowing some tips on how to reduce joint pain in dogs is really an advantage for pet lovers.

Glucosamine for Small Dogs

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