Saturday, April 19, 2008

Soft or Hard Dog Food – Which is Best?

Sometimes dog owners are faced with a dilemma regarding what type pf dog food to provide their dogs. Dogs themselves tend to prefer the moist, canned types of food. They are more aromatic and naturally tempting to the dog’s palate than the dry kibble that comes in a bag. A dog’s dental health, however, relies on the dog being able to chew hard and crunchy items and dry kibble foods serve this purpose well. What’s an owner to do?

Some owners make a two pronged approach when selecting dog food for their furry friends. They will mix a portion of dry food with canned, effectively giving their dog the “best of both worlds.” If you are feeding canned food to your dog, you’ll definitely want to supplement it in some way with something that the dog can chew and crunch. Chew toys and dog biscuits or treats can help to serve this purpose.

Remember that a dog’s health depends greatly on the nutritional value of its food. A dog is only as healthy as the food that it eats, in many respects. The food you buy for your dog should meet its nutritional needs as best as possible, whether it is dry or moist. Unfortunately when it comes to dog food you get what you pay for. Store brands and generics tend to be made with cheaper ingredients and lots of fillers. They’ll feed your dog, but they may not be the best choices for it. The more expensive brands like Science Diet and Eukanuba which advertise that they are “specially formulated” really, to a certain extent, are. They will have higher quality ingredients and are better suited to meet your dog’s needs.

Truly, as long as you are providing a good method for your dog to work out its choppers on a regular basis, it doesn’t matter whether you’re using dry food or moist. During regular veterinary checkups your vet will examine the dog’s teeth and will warn you if there’s any issue that needs to be corrected by providing a different type of food or some dietary supplement.

The reason that dogs need to be able to chew on hard materials is twofold. It strengthens their teeth and works out the muscles of their jaw, keeping the teeth strong and the jaws powerful. It also provides a form of dental care. Owners should brush their dogs’ teeth at least twice a week. If this is not possible, however, crunchy foods like kibble and biscuits act as a sort of natural toothbrush for the dog, loosening plaque and tartar and cleaning the teeth.

Choosing the right food for your dog is important, both for the pooch’s nutritional needs and its good dental health. If you prefer to provide your dog the tastier soft, moist foods that come in a can that’s fine, just make sure you’re also providing something for Rover to really sink his teeth into.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Dog Care Information

Read on for some tips that will help you take better care of your dogs…
The importance of a dog in our lives and families can never be under estimated. They are truly a man’s best friend and are loyal to the core. They have been known to save lives, protect our houses from intruders and also help visually challenged people lead an independent life. A survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association showed that out of about 1200 pet owners surveyed in the United States and Canada, about 80% of the owners were female and a whopping 48% of these female owners stated that they relied more on the dogs for affection when than on other members of the family,

The responsibility of well being of a dog lies with us human. We have to ensure that are pets have hygienic habits, are well behaved and remain healthy and clean. Here are some tips that you can use to ensure all of the above.

Dog Care Information

* It is important to identify a veterinary doctor right at the beginning. The visits to the vet can be an expensive affair. So you need to plan and save money if necessary for these visits. Regular checkups are a must as the diseases that are caught in the beginning are treated very easily.
* You will be surprised to know that a dog prefers a boring routine and does not like too many changes everyday. They will be the happiest when they are fed at the same time everyday, sleep at the same spot at night and can expect you back at the same time everyday.
* Like humans, dogs too will remain healthy when they eat healthy food and get a lot of exercise. Give them a lot of space to jump around and run and encourage all types of exercises.
* Keep two water dishes for the dog, one in the house and the other in the garden. The water should be changed everyday. During the winter ensure that the water does not freeze. A heated dog dish will make your task much easier and will also ensure that your dog has plenty of drinking water all the time. During the summer it is very important to ensure that the water does not become too hot else the dog will not be able to maintain its body temperature. Keep the water in the shade at all times.
* To a dog, anything that they can get inside their mouth is meant for chewing. It can be a television remote or your telephone cord. Discourage such behavior strongly. You can get them chewable toys but remember to get them new ones regularly as the older ones lose their charm very quickly.
* Administrating medicinal pills to a dog can be very difficult especially if you are doing it for the first time. The easiest way is to hide the pill in a sandwich or a sausage and feed it to the dog. Alternatively, open the mouth of the dog and place the pill as far as possible. Then close the mouth and stroke the throat and neck area until the dog swallows. Give it a treat to ensure that the pill is swallowed. Pill plungers have also been known to be effective.
* The frequency of bathing a dog depends on how often the dog is in your house and also on the breed of the dog. Pet shampoo is recommended for bathing the dogs. The human shampoos are designed to remove the oil which can be harmful when used on the dogs as the shampoo should remove the dirt and not the essential oils that are required by the dog’s coat. Ensure that the dog treats the bathing as a fun activity else you will be running all over the garden trying to give it a bath.
* Grooming is also an important aspect with dogs. Use a soft brush to groom your dog and brush in the same direction as the hair goes. All the areas of the dog should be brushed especially behind the ears, stomach, tail and the back legs. You can find plenty of articles on the internet that will provide information on how to groom the breed of dog that you have.

By Ranjan Shandilya

Custom Dog Clothing

Custom dog clothing or exclusive pet clothing for dogs of any size are just a click away. You will be amazed at the small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing options you can indulge your pet in!

Custom Dog Clothing
Pet clothing for dogs of any size:

There are many online pet clothing sites that now offer a fabulous line of exclusive hand-made and product line designed ‘designer’ dog clothes for the canines. The custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs can be picked up at sales. The range includes dog shirts, dog designer dresses, pet vests, holiday dog clothes, pet dog robes, dog coats and jackets, dog eyewear and even pet dog Halloween clothing! You can now be a dedicated pet owner and an indulgent one with the patriotic pet clothing also available. Pet clothing for dogs of any size is also available for Valentine’s Day!

There are many online and offline options available to find the right clothing for pets of all sizes, from the tiny teacup to the Great Dane. Interestingly, the dedicated manufacturers of custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs have on display pet clothing items in sizes up to XXL! The selection is very versatile and the designer trendy pet clothing is made to perfection, if the animal’s measurements are made available. The small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing options are available in pet swim wear, puppy attire and even formal wear. All you need to do is click on any of the provided links to find detailed information on the entire pet clothing line for dogs and exclusive dog products and accessories.

Small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing options:

The small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing options are available in excellent quality and reasonably priced ranges and the product line is absolutely adorable! The designer small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing options fit canines from 2-120 lbs and there is nothing you cannot identify online or offline for your pet. However, you need to be sure to check the size on each item, since many outlets stack custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs from different manufacturers, and hence the sizes do vary. The small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing is available in exclusive lounge wear or formal wear and in the case of the small and petite darlings, the stores flaunt perfect apparel to complete the wardrobe.

Small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing designers:

The small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing lines come from top designers in the canine fashion world. They cater specially to the extensive list of suppliers who specialize in tiny dog clothing. Much attention is paid to the need for high end fashion for the small pets. There are a number of small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing designers who create their own sizing scales for their exclusive and individual product lines. The designers ensure that every piece of clothing offered is to measure and they include custom size charts on every item's page online. This is made available to assist buyers in picking the perfect sizes for the canine in question.

Functionality of the custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs:

The dedicated manufacturers of custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs ensure that the product line on offer is not just fashionable, but very functional too. The small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing lines are specially tailored clothing lines displayed on the sites and are designed specifically with the canine of every size in mind. The designers pay special attention to cut and style and provide the small dog clothing and luxury dog clothing lines that are easy to identify with. The indulgent pet owner can now pick custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs that are easy to put on and take off. They ensure that the animal can take part in regular activities without a fuss or any kind of hindrance because of the clothing.

Availability of the custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs:

The availability of the custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs is unquestionable. There are dedicated Pet Supply Stores online and off line and they even supply in bulk. Online, all you have to do is email the list of items you want, and you receive the quotes immediately. Off line, you can walk around and indulge in the fantasy of dressing up the canine, who is also your best friend, in the exclusive line of custom dog clothing or pet clothing for dogs.

Just Dogs
By Gaynor Borade

Saturday, April 5, 2008

GENERAL HISTORY OF DOGS.

There is no incongruity in the idea that in the very earliest period of man's habitation of this world he made a friend and companion of some sort of aboriginal representative of our modern dog, and that in return for its aid in protecting him from wilder animals, and in guarding his sheep and goats, he gave it a share of his food, a corner in his dwelling, and grew to trust it and care for it. Probably the animal was originally little else than an unusually gentle jackal, or an ailing wolf driven by its companions from the wild marauding pack to seek shelter in alien surroundings. One can well conceive the possibility of the partnership beginning in the circumstance of some helpless whelps being brought home by the early hunters to be tended and reared by the women and children. Dogs introduced into the home as playthings for the children would grow to regard themselves, and be regarded, as members of the family

In nearly all parts of the world traces of an indigenous dog family are found, the only exceptions being the West Indian Islands, Madagascar, the eastern islands of the Malayan Archipelago, New Zealand, and the Polynesian Islands, where there is no sign that any dog, wolf, or fox has existed as a true aboriginal animal. In the ancient Oriental lands, and generally among the early Mongolians, the dog remained savage and neglected for centuries, prowling in packs, gaunt and wolf-like, as it prowls today through the streets and under the walls of every Eastern city. No attempt was made to allure it into human companionship or to improve it into docility. It is not until we come to examine the records of the higher civilisations of Assyria and Egypt that we discover any distinct varieties of canine form.

The dog was not greatly appreciated in Palestine, and in both the Old and New Testaments it is commonly spoken of with scorn and contempt as an "unclean beast." Even the familiar reference to the Sheepdog in the Book of Job "But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock" is not without a suggestion of contempt, and it is significant that the only biblical allusion to the dog as a recognised companion of man occurs in the apocryphal Book of Tobit (v. 16), "So they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them."

The great multitude of different breeds of the dog and the vast differences in their size, points, and general appearance are facts which make it difficult to believe that they could have had a common ancestry. One thinks of the difference between the Mastiff and the Japanese Spaniel, the Deerhound and the fashionable Pomeranian, the St. Bernard and the Miniature Black and Tan Terrier, and is perplexed in contemplating the possibility of their having descended from a common progenitor. Yet the disparity is no greater than that between the Shire horse and the Shetland pony, the Shorthorn and the Kerry cattle, or the Patagonian and the Pygmy; and all dog breeders know how easy it is to produce a variety in type and size by studied selection.

In order properly to understand this question it is necessary first to consider the identity of structure in the wolf and the dog. This identity of structure may best be studied in a comparison of the osseous system, or skeletons, of the two animals, which so closely resemble each other that their transposition would not easily be detected.

The spine of the dog consists of seven vertebrae in the neck, thirteen in the back, seven in the loins, three sacral vertebrae, and twenty to twenty-two in the tail. In both the dog and the wolf there are thirteen pairs of ribs, nine true and four false. Each has forty-two teeth. They both have five front and four hind toes, while outwardly the common wolf has so much the appearance of a large, bare-boned dog, that a popular description of the one would serve for the other.

Nor are their habits different. The wolf's natural voice is a loud howl, but when confined with dogs he will learn to bark. Although he is carnivorous, he will also eat vegetables, and when sickly he will nibble grass. In the chase, a pack of wolves will divide into parties, one following the trail of the quarry, the other endeavouring to intercept its retreat, exercising a considerable amount of strategy, a trait which is exhibited by many of our sporting dogs and terriers when hunting in teams.

A further important point of resemblance between the Canis lupus and the Canis familiaris lies in the fact that the period of gestation in both species is sixty-three days. There are from three to nine cubs in a wolf's litter, and these are blind for twenty-one days. They are suckled for two months, but at the end of that time they are able to eat half-digested flesh disgorged for them by their dam or even their sire.

The native dogs of all regions approximate closely in size, coloration, form, and habit to the native wolf of those regions. Of this most important circumstance there are far too many instances to allow of its being looked upon as a mere coincidence. Sir John Richardson, writing in 1829, observed that "the resemblance between the North American wolves and the domestic dog of the Indians is so great that the size and strength of the wolf seems to be the only difference.

It has been suggested that the one incontrovertible argument against the lupine relationship of the dog is the fact that all domestic dogs bark, while all wild Canidae express their feelings only by howls. But the difficulty here is not so great as it seems, since we know that jackals, wild dogs, and wolf pups reared by bitches readily acquire the habit. On the other hand, domestic dogs allowed to run wild forget how to bark, while there are some which have not yet learned so to express themselves.

The presence or absence of the habit of barking cannot, then, be regarded as an argument in deciding the question concerning the origin of the dog. This stumbling block consequently disappears, leaving us in the position of agreeing with Darwin, whose final hypothesis was that "it is highly probable that the domestic dogs of the world have descended from two good species of wolf (C. lupus and C. latrans), and from two or three other doubtful species of wolves namely, the European, Indian, and North African forms; from at least one or two South American canine species; from several races or species of jackal; and perhaps from one or more extinct species"; and that the blood of these, in some cases mingled together, flows in the veins of our domestic breeds.

A Guide to Healthy Dog Food Nutrition

It is very difficult to state a sure opinion regarding the nutrition of dogs. These animals, like humans, are born with some particular sensitivities, preferences and dislikes. It is not right to make a dog eat something that it doesn't like as the obliging attitude towards animals can only harm them instead of helping.

Vets are the most suitable sources of information when it comes to dog food nutrition, as only a specialist knows the right treatment for a variety of races and species of dogs. Hence, dog owners are advised to consult such specialists in order to know what type of food best suits a dog's needs and also take into consideration the likes and dislikes of the dog they are taking care of.

There are several foods that are generally advisable for feeding a dog. These nutritional elements are almost generally known and are usually the subject of the brief presentation that a vet gives to dog owners that come to him for an advice. The general do's and dont's include the recommended and non-recommended aliments for almost all races of dogs. The advisable aliments to be fed to a dog are vegetables, pork, beef, and last but not least, eggs, all of which contain enough proteins to maintain the good health of a mature dog. On the other hand, there are many non-recommended items to be fed, such as fish, as it contains the very small bones that the dog can choke with, chicken bones, animal fat, sweets and anything else that represents a menace for the dog's health.

Also, regarding dog food nutrition, solid dog food is also recommended as it contains numerous consistent and natural ingredients that can help the everyday health of a dog.

When being in the situation of choosing between a nutrition method or another, a dog owner is firstly advised to see a vet before applying that certain method to his dog, as these animals, just like people, have many preferences, voluntary ones or not, regarding the food they are fed with. There are numerous dog food nutrition methods but only some of these are considered as healthy and recommended for owners to apply to their beloved animals.

All in all, before choosing to feed a dog by a certain method, the dog owner is advised to go firstly visit a veterinary so as to be sure that he chooses the right food nutrition for his dog.

Chad is a dog lover who enjoys researching and writing on the subject of dogs and dog food. View his healthy dog food site here: http://dogfoodsecret.com

Dog Health Care

Health is a matter of concern to everyone, and dogs are certainly not an exception. Their health is also very important. A healthy dog is very useful at all times. To have a healthy dog one must have enough patience to take care of its necessities. All the basic necessities, from the puppy stage to the grown up dog stage it has to be attended regularly without fail.

One has to note changes in the behavior of a dog. To note the behavioral changes one has to understand the symptoms of changes in a dog. His health should be given priority and one should take care with proper knowledge. Proper medication will ensure proper health of the dog. A regular veterinary doctor should be in contact to attend to the ailments required.

Dogs do show signs of discomfort. They have some symptoms to indicate that they are not healthy. One symptom is choking; the sound and gesture will be obvious. When a dog cries, trembles or has heavy breathing it is a sign of acute pain in the abdomen. If there is a bad odor from the ear, then it is ear infection or ear mites. Such symptoms should be noticed and medications should be done immediately. A dog’s normal temperature is 101 to 102 degree and the heart beat is 100 to 150 beats per minute. A dog’s health is comprised of everything from head to toe. It has to be taken care with intense love and affection.

One cannot tame a dog without proper knowledge. Dogs expect every attention from their masters. So the master should take pain to know about dogs, their habits, diets and possible health disorders. Sensing the difference in its health, one should guess its problem and explain it to the doctor and get the right medications.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .

Housetraining Your Dog Is Not A Behavior Problem

When you read a title that states housetraining is not a behavior problem the first thing you think of is inviting the guy who wrote that statement over your house to show him all the spots on your carpet.

Before you think I'm nuts for making such a bold statement let me explain a few things. Many of the things that dogs do are labeled as behavior problems. Most of the things that our dogs do are not behavior problems.

If you were walking along a path and your dog picked up a stick and started to chew on it most people think it was no big deal. "Hey look, Junior is chewing on a stick". But when Junior comes home and starts to chew on your expensive oak furniture it becomes a problem.

Peeing and pooping is a very normal, natural behavior. Every living creature does it. It becomes a problem when your dog doesn't do it in the right area. So my argument is that housetraining is not a behavior problem it is a location problem.

Your dog just has to be taught the right place to go. You just need to learn how to communicate to your dog where the right area is and where the wrong areas are.

This can be done by keeping a close eye on your dog. You really need to set it up so your dog does not have the opportunity to make a mistake. Using a crate, baby gates to keep your dog with you in the room and keeping a leash on your dog are all ways to help you keep a close eye on your dog.

I know that it sounds like a lot of work but it is well worth it. You need to catch your dog in the act. When you catch your dog making a mistake you can quickly bring her outside. When you bring her outside you need to stay her to communicate that she is now going in the right area.

One other tip is to put your dog on a schedule. In extreme cases I have brought the dog out every hour. This way you are setting your dog up for success and not failure.

Remember - Housetraining is like real estate. It's all location, location, location.

Good luck!

Eric Letendre is the author of The Amazing Dog Training Man.

Jobs That Dogs Do

Dogs are amazing creatures. They are our wonderfully loving and nonjudgmental friends, but they also work. Many dogs have regular jobs, and all of us depend on these working dogs to do those jobs and do them well.

Dogs would likely survive without humans, but humans probably wouldn't fare as well without dogs. Do they get paid? Well, not in cash. What would they do with cash? No, they get paid in love and gratitude which is the only pay that they expect or need. That's cheap labor. Try finding a human being who would rush into a burning building to save life or run around rounding up cows until their tongues hung out for nothing more than a pat on the head, a scratch on the head, and a bowl of kibble.

Dogs do many jobs. They pull sleds, herd farm animals, hunt for game, find clues of crimes, inspect luggage for illegal drugs or food items, and hunt for missing persons. They serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. There are seeing-eye dogs and hearing-ear dogs. Dogs pull wheelchairs, turn lights off and on, pick up dropped items, and even call for help when it is needed. Dogs act as our guards and protectors without even being asked.

There are hundreds of breeds of dogs, and dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but there is one thing that all dogs have in common. Dogs have the ability to love unconditionally. There is another thing that all dogs have in common. All dogs want a job to do. A dog might be a search-and-rescue dog that saves lives every day, or he might just bark at the postman to keep him from stealing your stuff. But ALL dogs want to be employed!

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

=>http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/