Can My Dog Be a Therapy Dog?

Many of us appreciate the affection and love we receive from our dogs. They look up at you with those eyes that say "I love you no matter what." We just can't help but adore them and thoroughly enjoy cuddling with them.

It seems almost therapeutic having a dog with you to pet and feel warmth from. You may have even noticed that your anxiety decreases when the dog is with you, and that a certain calm almost comes over you. Studies have shown that this feeling is not merely an emotional attachment to your personal pet, but actually a real source of comfort for those in need.

For example, some studies have found that a dog owner is less likely to have depression than one without a pet. Also that people who have dogs have lower blood pressure. Pet owners over the age of 65 visit their doctor 30 percent less than those with no pet. So these studies are proving what we have always felt in our hearts- pets are therapeutic to our soul.

One reason why we have such results is that animals fulfill the human basic need to touch. Criminals in prison even showed long term changes in their behavior after spending time with dogs. When we touch a loving animal it can rapidly soothe and calm us if we are anxious or stressed.

Many people lose their marriage mates or have their children grow up and leave the house and find themselves lonely. A pet provides great companionship and eases loneliness. They also can motivate one to exercise more, which aids in boosting your mood and helps depression.

Sadly, there are many people in need of this therapy that are not in a position to have their own pet. For instance people in convalescent homes and hospitals. They would benefit by having pets regularly visit them to not only give them this kind of therapy, but also light up their countenance with a smile and some affection.

If you are interested in sharing your loving pet, look into getting your dog training for being a therapy dog. There are several places that your pet can take these classes. The classes provide training for visiting assisted living homes and programs for the mentally disabled children and adults.

No doubt we want others to experience the love and comfort we get from having a pet. Find out today how to help your animal help others. Perhaps your dog would make a terrific therapy dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-My-Dog-Be-a-Therapy-Dog?&id=9056584

How To Know If Your Cat Is Safe With Your Dog

If you'll be bringing a cat home you may want to know if it's okay for a dog to be around. It may be hard to know if either animal will react poorly to this. Here are some tips so you can see if this can be done in the best way possible.

Dogs and cats getting along really depends on how they were trained to get along with other animals. If you haven't had your dog around other animals, then it may not really want to have a cat around at first, but if it's a mild mannered dog there won't be too much of an issue. The best thing to do is get them used to each other slowly. You don't want to just put the cat down and leave them alone as you do something else, they could end up fighting.

When you have a cat at home already and are bringing a dog home, you may want to keep in mind that cats can be very territorial. You'll want to have the cat get used to the smell of the dog, so try to have them keep away from each other because you don't want the cat to get freaked out. Don't let, for instance, the dog go to the cat's food dish and start eating. If the cat feels like it is having its space taken over, it could end in a fight which could injure the animals.

Some dogs and cats get along right away, and this can be great. If you want to see if they can be friendly, just give them time to meet in a large room where the cat or dog can easily escape if they are scared. You need to be around them both when they first meet just in case. Even if the dog is very large, your cat can hurt it or the other way around. Always be wary of this for a few days to a few weeks and if there is any fighting keep them separated for a while.

Now you are clear on what to look out for when you bring a cat home to live with a dog. There are many problems that can happen if you don't do this right. Animals are generally able to get used to each other, so be sure to give it time.

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How to Ensure That a Senior Dog Is As Comfortable As Possible

Elderly dogs, just like elderly people have changing needs. Everyone seems to flip when they see a puppy or a young dog leaping around but an older dog which has been well cared for and loved is equally appealing for a true dog lover.

Although you may not be able to have absolute control over the health of your dog as he gets older, there are a few things which you can do to make sure that he is as comfortable as possible and that all of his needs are well met. It's all about making his life a little bit easier as he gets on in years and making your life together as enjoyable as ever.

Here are a few things you may need to consider.

Exercise - as your dog gets on in years it may be necessary to increase the frequency of his walks, playtime or other exercise while diminishing the intensity of the exercise. Instead of taking him to the park once a week on a Sunday and throwing the ball for hours until he can barely walk take him for a gentle walk every day. Make the walk as short or as long as is comfortable for him. If he finds it difficult to move then speak to your vet, he may be able to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications which can help him.

Orthopedic Dog Bed

Bedding - spoil your elderly dog with a bed which is as soft and cozy as you can find. You know he's worth it and he would do the same for you.

Dog Sweater

Clothing - just like older humans can find it difficult to maintain body heat, older dogs can too. Check out some of those colorful sweaters at your local pet store, particularly if your dog is of the short-haired variety.

Ramps - can be a great help for any dogs which start to have difficulty getting up and down the steps into the yard or into the car. This can make everyone's life much easier. It's a much better idea than having to help him up and down the back steps every time he needs to take a toilet break and it can be a great help for getting him in and out of the car if he is to accompany you on a journey.

Just these few simple measures really can make a huge difference to the comfort of an elderly dog. A dog's life really can be a good life.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Ensure-That-a-Senior-Dog-Is-As-Comfortable-As-Possible&id=9056617

3 Travel Tips For Dogs - Keeping Your Pet Happy During Your Drive

Traveling long distances can be stressful, and that feeling tends to be multiplied when you are traveling with pets. This is especially true if your pet is anxious about traveling, or hasn't traveled much in the past. The following tips can help you ensure both you and your pets a stress free trip, and minimize the anxiety of traveling with your dogs.

1) Practice Before The Trip

I know, this might sound insane, but helping your dog learn that the car isn't something to be scared of is a good idea. If your pup only gets in the car to go to the vet, then he will surely have a lot of anxiety when ever it's time to get in the car. If you have a long trip planned, start taking your dog other fun places - drive to the dog park instead of walking, or drive him to the pet store to pick out a treat.

Travel Crate

This will help lower his anxiety, helping him realize that the end of a car trip isn't always the Vet! Start off slow, drive around the block and come home a few times, let him sit in his crate in the car with a treat even without it moving. This is a great way to help him acclimate and lower stress levels during the trip.

2) No Crate? No Problem!

Travrl Harness

If you don't have a dog crate, or your pup is used to riding without one, there are devices you can get that can help your puppy stay safe during the trip. Leashes that click into the seat belt holder are a great choice and can help avoid your puppy dashing out before you get around the car, or falling out of the window. They also help your dog stay where they should be, ensuring they don't get underfoot being a danger to yourself and other drivers.

3) Tire them Out Before!

Taking your dog on a long run or walk before leaving is a great idea, and can help him sleep and stay calm during the drive. This is a great option for drives lasting only a few hours and can help the dog travel comfortably and stress free.

If you are planning a trip with your dog, these tips could help you minimize stress, and ensure you reach your destination safely, and with minimal anxiety.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Travel-Tips-For-Dogs---Keeping-Your-Pet-Happy-During-Your-Drive&id=9056569

How To Stop Your Dog From Destroying Your Back Yard

Destructive behavior in dogs is not only frustrating to deal with but can also be a sign that something is wrong with your dog's health or lifestyle. Here are a few of the most common causes of this type of behavior as well as tips on how to stop your dog from destroying your back yard.

Boredom

Boredom is one of the leading causes of destructive behavior in dogs. When dogs don't have enough to keep them occupied, they will find their own way to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, this often means digging holes in your otherwise perfect flowerbed or lawn, clawing at your brand new fence or chewing on your deck railings.

Putting an end to destructive behavior caused by boredom starts with finding ways to keep your dog occupied. Consider investing in a treat dispensing toy. These toys can be filled with bits of dog food or sticky snacks like peanut butter and are a great way to keep your dog busy for long periods of time. Additionally, be sure that your dog is getting plenty of exercise and that he gets lots of love and attention when you are home.

Separation Anxiety

Many dogs become fearful and anxious when left alone. This fear and anxiety often manifests itself as destructive behavior. A dog that suffers from separation anxiety may bark, urinate, defecate, scratch or dig excessively while you are away.

One way of easing separation anxiety is by making the experience of being alone more pleasurable for your dog. For instance, you could give them a special treat every time you leave the house. Treat dispensing toys are an ideal choice since they often keep your dog occupied for long periods of time. Just be sure to only give the treat when you are leaving so they start to associate delicious food with being alone.

Kong Stuffed with Frozen Peanut Butter

You can also ease their anxiety by being calm when you leave and when you arrive home. Instead of talking in an excited voice and getting your dog all riled up, make it seem like your leaving is no big deal.

If neither of these tactics work, you may want to consider enrolling your dog in doggy daycare. This allows them to interact with other dogs and people, preventing the types of situations that often lead to destructive behavior

Getting your dog to stop destroying your back yard starts with understanding what triggers him to act out in the first place..In most cases, when you address issues such as boredom or separation anxiety, the destructive behavior will stop on its own.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Stop-Your-Dog-From-Destroying-Your-Back-Yard&id=9055303

Dangers You Should Be Aware Of When Using A Muzzle Or Choke With Your Dog

When training your dog, it pays to use the right tools in the right way at the right time. Two tools that are often misunderstood and misused are training collars (choke collars) and muzzles. In this article, we will discuss the proper time and place for using these tools along with the hazards inherent in misusing and/or abusing them. Read on to learn more

The first thing you should know about training collars and muzzles is that they are intended to be used with fairly mature dogs. You should never use either of these tools with a puppy under six months of age. It is simply inappropriate, and collar can do permanent damage both physically and emotionally.

Choke Chain

If you are going to use a training collar, you should use it only for training. This type of chain collar is intended to be used during obedience classes and for walks. It should never be left on an unsupervised dog, and it should never be used for tying your dog. This type of collar goes by the nickname, choke collar.

You should not use a training collar if you don't know what you're doing. Get proper instruction from your vet or a dog trainer in correct use of this tool. This type of collar gives you good control over your dog, when used correctly.

Dog Muzzle

A muzzle can be a useful tool for performing necessary procedures. If your dog is insecure, aggressive or frightened, use of a muzzle can help keep everybody safe.

It's good to teach your dog about use of a muzzle during bathing, toenail clipping and other common procedures you perform at home. In this way, you will be able to take the muzzle with you to the vet and apply it appropriately to your dog for inoculations and other procedures. When you train your dog correctly in the use of a muzzle, it will even give your dog a sense of security in frightening situations.

If your community mandates the use of a muzzle for your type of dog, of course you must comply. Be sure to take the muzzle off when your dog is not out in public. Never leave your dog unsupervised with the muzzle in place. A muzzle can cause distress and problems in that it will prevent your dog from being able to eat or drink so make sure you use basket muzzles that allows your dog to pant and drink.

With proper use and common sense, both a training collar and a muzzle can be very useful tools in dog care and training.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dangers-You-Should-Be-Aware-Of-When-Using-A-Muzzle-Or-Choke-With-Your-Dog&id=9055327

What Type Of Collar Should I Use?

If you are planning on getting a new dog, it is important to look at the different collar options on the market. The fact is, different collars serve different purposes. In order to choose the right one, you are going to need to know what you are going to be using it for. In this article, we will be going over some of the different things you should consider looking at to determine which collar you are going to want to use.

Things To Look At:

1. Purpose.

Normal Collar

The first thing that you are going to want to do is determine what the purpose of the collar is going to be. Ideally, you are going to want to know what the purpose of the collar is before you decide which collar to purchase because there are many different collars on the market that serve different purposes. For example, if you are planning on using the collar to simply walk your dog, you might want to check out normal collars. Whereas, if you are going to be using it to train a very large breed how to walk, you are likely going to want to try out a prong collar for better control. As you an see, the usage of the collar is going to determine which collar is right for your dog.

2. Size.

Gentle Leader Dog Collar

As noted previously, the size of your dog is also going to play a large role in determining which type of dog collar you decide to purchase and use. Obviously, the larger the dog, the more control you are going to want to have over your dog. Therefore, you will want to purchase a collar designed to give the walker more control over their dog. The best collars for this would be a prong collar and something like a gentle leader dog collar.

3. Time.

LED Collar

Another thing that you are going to want to do is determine what time you will be walking your dog. Ideally, you are going to want to find a collar that is going to serve your dog the best. This means that if you are planning on walking your dog at nighttime, you are likely going to want to invest in a collar with LED lighting. That way, your dog is going to be able to be easily seen by cars and other types of automobiles.

These are just some of the things to consider when deciding which collar is best for your dog.

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