Do You Really Need To Insure Your Labrador Retriever?

by: Richard Cussons
Having a Labrador Retriever is fun. Apart from being friendly, this breed is capable of performing a lot of work. They are popular assistance dogs and is widely used by police and other official bodies because of their detection and working abilities. With all those services and help they provide, they deserve to be treated really well.

The moment you decided to take home a new Labrador Retriever, it is expected that you Understand and wholeheartedly accept the responsibilities attached to being a good dog owner. It is your responsibility to provide things like leashes, collars, food bowls and water bowls in addition to nutritionally-balanced food. You also have to make sure that your pet is well taken cared of, is regularly groomed, has plenty of exercise and is free from diseases and other health problems.

But being a good dog owner doesn't end there. You can do more than just providing all those stuff. Have you ever thought of getting a pet insurance for your ever loyal dog? No kidding! Many dogs owners are now getting pet insurance for their dogs.

Inevitable medical emergencies can occur unexpectedly. Lucky if it is just a minor laceration or a mild vomiting. However, some could be so severe that extensive and prolong or even lifetime medication is necessary. Thanks to the advancement of medical science, treating some rare and complicated diseases is now possible. But then the problem is, your pet may not be given proper treatment because of financial constraints. By having pet insurance, you will never have to worry financial issues anymore in addition to having your pet treated even with the most advance and powerful wonders of science.

There are various companies with different plans to suit the needs of your pet. Choose a reputable and reliable company offering excellent policies at low prices. Read and understand the terms and conditions and various coverage schemes. Some plans cover not just regular health care and check ups but also treatment for illnesses and accidents. There are some that covers accidents or both accidents and illnesses. There are also some that covers even x-rays, ultrasounds, operations, physiotherapy, chemotherapy and others. Assess what your dog needs depending on your pet's breed, gender, health, age and general health condition and decide what plan to choose.

Talk to your vet first before closing a deal with the insurance company. Make sure that your vet accepts your insurer and check if there are other vets in your area which will accept the same insurance company in case your vet is not available in an emergency.

My Barking Dog Is Driving Me Crazy

by: Miss Debra Rae

Dogs bark for a number of reasons. It can be out of excitement when playing or to warn that an intruder is on the premises. This barking is perfectly normal and we humans expect it.

But when your dog continually barks, this can cause problems not only for your own household, but often creates tension within your neighborhood. Some cities and towns have noise ordinances and an incessantly barking dog may bring the police or animal control to your door issuing a warning or possibly a ticket. What to do?

First, isolate the cause of the excessive barking. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is my dog lonely and frustrated so they’re seeking attention through their only voice-barking?

2. Is my dog left alone for long periods of time without toys, chews or other ways to keep them occupied?

3. Is my dog a puppy or adolescent (up to 3 years old) and has no other way to expel excess energy?

4. Is my dog a breed that needs a job to be happy (herding or sporting dog)?

If you think one of these is the cause of your dog’s relentless barking, there are options to help deter this unwanted behavior. Here are some suggestions for the lonely or bored dog:

1. Increase the amount and quality of time you spend with your dog by walking them every day for 20-30 minutes. Just a jaunt around the neighborhood often will help dispel some extra energy. It’s also an excellent way to begin or end the human work day.

2. Train your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and play with them for 10-15 minutes in the morning and in the evening. Get up a little earlier to help your dog behave better.

3. Get your dog some busy toys where you can hide treats or freeze peanut butter inside to give them something to do while you’re away. Alternate the toys so your dog thinks they’re getting something new each day.

4. Spend 5-15 minutes petting, brushing or scratching your dog. This is also a great way to discover potential problems like bumps, sores or hot spots.


5. If possible, take your dog to work with you for part of the day. Take toys too.

6. Find a doggie day care and take them for the day. Often one time per week will help with boredom or loneliness.

7. Ask a friend, neighbor or family member to come by and take your dog on a walk, play for 10-15 minutes or just love on them.

8. Hire someone to walk your dog daily or a couple times per day. Often there’s a teenager who would love to walk your dog.

9. For herding or sporting dogs, they need a job or they become destructive & depressed. Get them their good citizen badge and go to hospices, hospitals, or nursing homes. Watch your dog glow and grin while they’re learning their job and when they’re working.

Another reason your dog may be barking is to protect their territory. This is a basic instinct, but when it becomes too aggressive, re-conditioning is required to have a happy neighborhood. Please refrain from punishing your dog for barking. This will only make them fearful and won’t solve the core issue. Train your dog to be “quiet” on command or bark a couple of times and then sit or lay down to quietly protect their territory.

To train your dog, begin by filling a coffee can with pennies or nuts and bolts about ¼ to ½ full. Put some cheese cubes, meat or some other special treat in your pocket (you must make the treat more interesting than the barking). Go outside with your dog and pay attention to them without them knowing you’re watching them.

When your dog barks at a passerby, allow 2 to 3 barks and then shake the can of nuts/bolts/pennies. This new noise serves as a distraction and they’ll stop barking. As soon as they stop barking, say in a very happy voice “good quiet” and give them a treat. Stay outside for a while (some dogs are trained in only 3-4 can shaking/treat giving times and others it takes 20). Repeat this process with every passerby until your dog barks a couple of times and then stops on their own.

NOTE: If the can shaking scares your dog (they jump out of their skin), distract them by throwing a ball or other toy which will also stop the barking. Say “good quiet” and pop that treat into their mouth. Repeat for as long as it takes until they’re the superstar of the neighborhood.

Another training process is to get your stash of special treats and can of pennies/nuts/bolts or a toy (don’t let your dog see any of these) and go outside to where your dog typically stands when they’re barking. Have a friend that your dog doesn’t know walk by your yard starting at a position where your dog isn’t barking yet. Have your friend walk normally closer and closer to your dog’s territory.

Once your dog starts barking, shake the can/throw the toy/ball to distract them and the barking stops. Immediately say “good quiet” and pop that tasty treat into their mouth. Repeat this process until your dog makes the connection between being quiet when strangers come near their area and being rewarded. Distraction/re-focusing, praise and treats work wonders.

Be patient. Most importantly, be consistent. Use the same command and body language every time. Dogs read cues from their human and when it’s the same, the training works faster and will last longer.

If your dog barks from inside the house when strangers come close, block their ability to see outside. When they do bark from inside, call them to you (distraction), say “good quiet” and give them a treat. Conditioning takes time so be patient.

NOTE: Don’t encourage your dog to bark at things they see or hear. Also, don’t deliberately tease your dog thereby conditioning them to bark. If you’re dog is barking at seemingly nothing, there may be other health related issues that need a Veterinarian’s care.

Another reason your dog is barking may be out of fear. If their ears are laid back and their tail is held low, they’re afraid of something. This could be a loud noise (thunder), construction equipment, people yelling/arguing, the vacuum or fireworks.

You can desensitize your dog to loud noises by purchasing a CD of thunderstorms and play it while doing regular household chores or sitting around reading. The sound combined with the human acting normally tells your dog that this loud, unfamiliar noise is not a threat. You can also block out your dog’s line of sight which may or may not help depending on the sensitivity level of your unique dog.

Your dog may also bark due to separation anxiety displayed most often by barking beginning shortly after you leave (10-45 minutes). Separation anxiety can be seen through behaviors such as anxious activity when you’re preparing to leave, following you from room to room and frantic welcome home greetings. Your dog may also be anxious due to a change in their normal routine such as a move, loss of a family member (human or canine), being left alone for longer than normal or after a stay at a kennel or animal shelter. Please do not punish your dog for being anxious. This is a panic response and punishment will only worsen the problem. To help you and your dog with separation anxiety, search for the article "5 Signs of Canine Separation Anxiety and What To Do."

In regards to bark collars, I do not recommend them because essentially they are a punishment for your dog using their only voice-barking. Bark collars also don’t often work. The citronella collars are triggered by barking but can also go off if in the proximity of other noises unnecessarily spraying your dog. Sound wave collars do not have a high success rate and shock collars are simply cruel..

Keep in mind your dog’s barking is their way of communicating something is going on, please listen to me. Your job, as their human, is to teach them when it’s appropriate to use their voice and when to be quiet. Never, ever punish your dog for barking. Simply re-condition them to speak only when absolutely necessary.

As always, please consult with your Veterinarian or veterinary technician if you have questions or concerns.

Dog Food: Only The Best For Your Dog

by: Brigitte Smith

Dogs make great pets. They are the friendliest animals you will come across. That is why many people choose dogs when they decide to get a pet. However, owning a dog takes a lot of responsibility. A puppy can be compared to a baby. You need to make sure they are getting all of their nutrients.

If you visit a pet shop, you would definitely get confused as there are hundreds of brands of foods for dogs. The dietary requirement of a dog varies as it advances in age. Puppies need different types of foods in comparison to adult dogs. You must have proper dog information if you want to provide your dog with proper nutrition. The food habits of dogs vary from breed to breed. Some dogs need large amounts of food while some need small amounts of food.

To ensure that your dog grows properly, a balanced diet is a must. Certain foods can be very harmful to a dog's health. Amongst many others, fried cashews, fried potatoes, cooked bones, tomatoes, will harm a dogs digestive system and tracts. Contrary to popular belief, corn is not good a dog's health. It is extremely difficult for them to digest.

Which dog food is the best? Processed foods from the store might not have all of the nutrients your dog needs. That is why you should read about dog food online and in magazines. Never let your dog eat grapes, tea, chocolate, raisins, or coffee grounds. You will be happy to find out that you can make healthy dog food at your home.

Boneless lamb (mixed with steamed vegetables) is an excellent food for your dog. Home-made food is much cheaper than processed foods. Never make the mistake of giving your dog those foods which contain artificial preservatives and/or artificial colors. Such foods can ruin the digestive system of your dog and might give rise to a number of diseases.

Sojos is a good bet when you are searching for just the right food for your dog. Solid Gold dog food (http://healthierdogs.com/dog_food/whats-really-in-commercial-dog-food/) is also a good food. Ask you veterinarian what he or she thinks your specific dog needs in the way of nutrients in his food.

6 Things You Should Do When You Have A New Puppy In The Home

by: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Adopting a new puppy can be one of the most exciting things that can happen to a person or a family, but that cute little fur ball can also cause a lot of stress, especially in the first few days of coming to his new home. If you have just adopted a puppy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure that this new addition to your family grows up healthy and happy. Below are 6 things you should do for your newly-arrived puppy:

1. Give your new puppy plenty of love and attention, particularly when he does something "right." Start communicating with your puppy the moment you bring him home. Don't wait for your puppy to make a mistake or do something wrong before starting communicating with him. If you start communicating with your puppy this way, you are essentially training your puppy that you are nice some times and not nice at other times.

2. Puppies love to chew so give your puppy lots of chew toys. You can make chew toys for your puppy or you can buy a few from your local pet shop. This way your puppy learns early one to chew on his toys instead of your shoes!




3. Have comfortable, warm bed for your puppy. If you intend for your puppy to live outside the house, make sure to provide him with weatherproof doghouse. The doghouse should be spacious too. If you decide to let your puppy sleep inside the house, you can use a rectangular wooden box for his bed. You can also check out crates and kennels sold at local pet stores..



4. Keep an eye on your puppy when small children are present. Puppies are practically no match for rambunctious small kids. Puppies can easily get injured and even killed when they are left alone with small children. Small kids generally don't realize that puppies are very fragile animals and that they should be handle with extra care and gentleness.

5. Start your puppy on a regular feeding schedule the first day it arrives in your home. If your puppy is six months old or less, provide him 3 to 4 solid meals each day. During each feeding, give your new puppy all the food he can consume within 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take away any leftovers. It is very important that you provide your puppy plenty of fresh drinking water in between meals.



6. Start training your puppy to go on regular bathroom breaks. Take your puppy to the same bathroom spot at the same times every day, if at all possible. It is recommended that you take your puppy on bathroom breaks after every meal and two to three hours in between his meals, and after he has taken a nap. At night, take your new puppy on late-night bathroom trips. This will train your puppy early on to go to his bathroom spot if he needs to urinate in the middle of night instead of doing it right in his crate.

Dogs Have Separation Anxiety Too

by: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Dogs, like humans, suffer from separation anxiety. Your dog may have experienced it. How do you know if your dog suffers from separation anxiety? There may have been a time (or perhaps right now) when your dog showed destructive behavior and you have actually come home to find the house in disarray -- papers were scattered all over the place, the trash can was knocked over with garbage spilling out, your shoes and clothes were chewed into pieces and shred.

You were bewildered because the destruction couldn't have been done by your sweet dog. After all, he's been with you since he was a small pup and he always had a sweet disposition, always eager to please, and always wanting to be around you.

Another way to find out if your dog has separation anxiety is by asking your neighbor is he or she heard the dog barking excessively. If any of these are true, read on.

Believe it or not, your dog had (or is suffering from) separation anxiety. It is a condition that is actually very common among puppies and dogs. Dogs exhibit this panic disorder when their owners are not around. Dogs with separation anxiety become very afraid of being left alone and this fear manifests itself in destructive behaviors.

You probably already know that dogs are social animals. Starting from birth, dogs become dependent and attached to their mother and other litter. If you acquired your dog when he was still a puppy then he would have transferred this dependence and attachment to you. Thus, when you often leave your dog alone in the house, he would experience separation anxiety.

Your dog may have separation anxiety if you observe the following in your dog:

- destructive behaviors
- excessive barking, crying, whining and howling
- house soiling
- self-mutilation
- constant pacing
- excessive salivation
- scratching or chewing at furniture, doors, walls, windows and other objects
- hyperactivity
- depression

Separation anxiety in dogs can be caused by a number of things. In some dogs, separation anxiety was caused by previous experiences such as loss or abandonment of their previous owners. Separation anxiety may not show right away in many dogs, and the best way to treat it is by training your dog to understand that when you are only gone for a temporary time, sometimes medications might be necessary. If the separation anxiety is too severe and dog training did not help, you will need to consult with your veterinarian.

Here are a few more things that may cause separation anxiety in dogs:

1. A traumatic experience like an injury, alarm going off or a thunderstorm while the dog is alone.

2. A new family member or the loss of one.

3. Premature separation from the mother and other litter.

4. Introduction of a new pet, and spending more time with the new pet.

5. A sudden change in lifestyle, schedule or even environment (e.g., moving to a new place).

6. Physiological and mental changes that happen as dogs get older.

Important Tips On How To Control Dog Aggression

by: Lamar Deane

* There are 2 situations in which aggression between dogs occur.

* 1-When one dog is unfamiliar with another dog.

* 2-Aggression between familiar dogs that live in the same household.

* Dogs may encounter other dogs while their owners are walking them. A dog that is not well-socialized might have dominant body language and stare other dogs straight in the eyes, which is conceived to be a direct challenge. Dog's that are otherwise friendly when not on a leash will more likely bark and lunge at another dog.

* To avoid these confrontations owners should stay alert and keep their dog on a short leash. They should have voice control at all times and not let their dog sniff or come in contact with another dog. To prevent aggression when a dog is on a leash is to train the dog early on he can't visit with every canine he meets. Owners should also teach their dog to sit and wait for permission before approaching another dog. They should also train their dog not to pull on the leash. Behavior and basic obedience training along with voice control can help in preventing aggression and fights.

* Along with keeping their dogs on a leash and with proper training owners can also avoid fights by keeping their dogs from roaming free, neutering them before one year of age, and start socializing their dogs when they are in the puppy stage between 5 and 10 weeks of age.

* There are 4 behavioral clues to look for if a fight is threatening to start:

* 1-A stern, deliberate, and targeted stare.

* 2-Body language; the tail held stiffly up or down; lips pulled tight against the teeth.

* 3-Rigid body movement.

* 4-A dominating posture stance.

* When dogs first meet they tend to establish a social hierarchy and determine whose top dog. They become involved in loud barking and growling. Sometimes the aggression escalates and a fight ensues where one dog latches on to another dog.

* If you intervene don't put your hands or get between them to avoid getting bitten yourself. If another person is there you can take your dog by the tail or hind legs and the other person takes the other dog and both pull back until one of the dogs loosens its grip. You should then move away quickly. This can be risky since dogs will sometimes bite whoever is hanging on to them.

* Fights and aggression that occur between dogs in the same household will be about those resources that are considered most important to dogs. These include territory, possession, food, sleeping-quarters, and favored people.

* Fights often come about over their sleeping territory near their owners, treats, food, owner attention (or greeting the owner upon return).

* Dogs of the same sex occur most often than those of the opposite sex and seems to be most intense between female dogs. Fights can also start between familiar dogs where one is obviously dominant.

* There are some familiar characteristics when it comes to fighting between dogs in the same household.

* A-Adult dogs over 3 years old.

* B-Dogs fight only when the owner is present.

* C-Dogs are of the same sex.

* D-A clash often between dogs is which one will be the dominant dog in the family pack.

* An owner might try punishment but typically this only promotes more aggression and creates new problems. Any breed of dogs can get into fights, and it depends more on the dogs training, temperament, and socialization.

*Some fights can start so quickly the owner is caught off guard, but many times you can spot behaviors that signal problems ahead. Keeping a watch out for these signs can keep a fight from starting.

*Of course the best approach is prevention and giving your dog proper training and providing good leadership.

Golden Retrievers

by: David Beart

Originally bred to hunt in 1800s England, the golden retriever has retained much of its natural curiosity and hunting behaviors. The breed has maintained its standing in the top ten most popular dog breeds in the US partly because of the dog’s gentle nature, fierce loyalty and friendly personality. They’re the quintessential family pet due to their patience with children.

The female golden weighs approximately 55-65 pounds, and stands a couple of inches shorter than her male counterpart, who stands about 24 inches at the shoulder, and weighs in at 65-75 pounds. Females tend to have smaller, more delicately-shaped heads than males. They come in a range of colors, from deep coppery auburn to light cream. Their coats also differ in appearance. Field goldens, or hunting goldens, are more likely to be darker and sleeker than show goldens, whose honey-colored coats are thick and fluffy. Goldens have two coats: their top coats are hardy and water-repellent, while their undercoats are thick and dense. These dogs shed most of their undercoat in the spring, and grow it in preparation for the chill of winter. Regular grooming can help control excessive shedding. Their ears are soft and floppy, but they perk up at the sound of, well, almost anything. Their eyes are brown and very expressive.

Their bodies are very well-engineered to excel at agility contests. Thanks to their hunting background, they’re strong and muscled, yet quick and agile. Don’t let their gentle nature fool you. They are also incredibly strong dogs. Seventy pounds of golden on the end of a leash can take down even the strongest person if he’s not prepared.

They need plenty of regular exercise. If it were up to them, they’d walk for hours. Daily walks, romps in the yard and trips to the dog park can help it work off some of that golden energy, which is never in short supply. They rarely get tired of playing fetch. They excel at finding objects hidden in the yard. They also love to swim, and will retrieve from water all day if you let them.

From a temperament standpoint, goldens are extremely agreeable. They’re neither very shy nor extremely aggressive. This tolerant nature makes them a good choice for any home, including those with children. They’re loyal and loving, as well as outgoing and friendly. They thrive on human interaction, and are happiest when they’re around people. They never get tired of belly rubs and head pats. In fact, if the petting stops, many of them will nudge their masters, as if to say, “Don’t stop!”

Though they’re usually the center of attention, they still need training. Their exuberance can be mistaken for misbehavior, and it may be a few minutes before they calm down. Consistency and firmness are important when training a golden. They need to be taught that their master is the leader of the pack. However, they are eager to please, and can learn their role quickly with positive reinforcement tactics. No one is prouder than they when they complete a task successfully. Though they love showing off their tricks, they also love learning new ones. Teaching new tricks is a great way to combat boredom during the training session. Though they’ll fetch all day, they won’t sit still for a training class longer than they have to. The key is to make it fun and make it rewarding, all in short bursts of time throughout the day. Goldens are game players, so if you play with it in order to teach commands or tricks, your dog won’t even know the difference. It’s just happy to have your attention.

This is one reason goldens are one of the most popular breeds of therapy dogs. As much as they love to play, they also love to have a job to do. Besides being fast learners, they’re also very gentle. They can learn verbal commands or hand signals, and once they are on the job, they can be calm and focused. They also make good seeing-eye dogs for this reason.

This breed is not without its health issues. Goldens are prone to hip dysplasia and allergies. This is partly due to irresponsible breeding. Backyard breeders, eager to cash in on the popularity of the golden retriever, breed unhealthy dogs that pass on congenital diseases. Hip dysplasia occurs when the bones of the hip joint don’t develop correctly, and they rub painfully against each other. Sitting still is not something goldens are happy doing, so though these dogs may continue to move around and play, they’re in pain and should be treated.

Treatment consists of pain management, in mild cases, or in more severe cases, surgery. Though complete rehabilitation can take 12 weeks, the dog is up and moving within days. This procedure can so dramatically improve a dog’s life that it’s well worth the work to see your golden get its spark back, and run and play like the puppy that it thinks it is.

These dogs also suffer from skin ailments and allergies. The golden’s thick coat makes it hard to see small skin irritations unless they’re specifically sought out. It’s important to inspect your pet regularly for any sore areas. A vet can run tests to try to identify the source of the irritation, and prescribe treatment, which might include frequent baths with hypoallergenic shampoo, oral medication and/or allergy shots.

Even though this is one of the most popular breeds of dog, thousands of them are relinquished to shelters or rescue organizations every year. Most people would never think they’d find a purebred golden at a shelter, but it’s not uncommon. In fact, the popularity of the breed may be the very reason so many of them are found in shelters. Sometimes people don’t research the breed, and don’t know that goldens need a lot of exercise and a lot of human interaction. They’re also not prepared to train a dog. Unfortunately, when people like this get goldens, more than likely, they end up surrendering them to a shelter or a rescue organization.

Though the average life expectancy of golden retrievers is 11 years, sometimes they forget they’ve gotten older, and maintain their puppy-like playfulness throughout their lives. As they age, they may slow down a bit, so it’s important to adjust their food and treat intake accordingly. It’s nearly impossible to resist their sweet faces as they come looking for a treat, but it’s for their own good. As obesity rates in humans have skyrocketed, so they have in dogs. Thankfully, this is one disease that is completely preventable. If your dog is already obese, it’s 100% treatable. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise will get your golden into fighting shape before too long. It might also prevent the onset of canine diabetes, joint problems and other weight-related issues.

Overall, this breed has one of the most agreeable dispositions you can find in a dog. Goldens are also gorgeous, friendly, obedient, loyal and loving. The downside, which pales in comparison to their wonderful attributes, is that this is a breed that sheds, needs a lot of exercise, and needs to be around people. If your home can handle the relatively minor considerations, the benefits you’ll reap from loving a golden retriever are immeasurable.

Dog Training: What You Can't Afford To Miss Before Getting Your New Puppy

by: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Few things bring greater pleasure to a family than taking home a young pup. Even so, there are as well, fewer affairs that can cause a more immense headache at times. Choosing what sort of canine to take home may comprise an extremely difficult task.

You could choose on bringing home a big dog suchlike a Labrador retriever, which is highly popular and is well-known to act as an absolute good household dog. Or you could resolve to take home a little, lap dog as a Shih Tzu or an average sized dog similar to a Cocker Spaniel. As you consider what sort of pup to bring home, you want to consider your life-style and your livelihood arrangements. Do you reside in a flat, where small dogs suchlike the Shih Tzu would match fine, or do you require having a large fenced backyard for your large Labrador retriever?

A dog such as a Labrador pup would comprise a great alternative for an individual looking for a dog that may work easily with the household members, experience fewer health problems, and offer a life of companionship. Small dogs, similar like the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso or Chihuahua appear more appropriate for households where they will be allowed indoors and where the owner will be capable to allow for an great amount of interaction and physical contact. These little guys are as well exceedingly lovable, devoting and are outstanding companions, but they're not equally as good, guard dogs as big dogs could be. It is crucial to determine early on about what sort of domestic dog you wish to have. Are you seeking a lap dog, a safeguard dog, a watch dog, a sporting dog, a hunting dog, or a working type dog?

Please think of the fact that your puppy will grow up and mature and will impart you for several years to come, with love, companionship, dedication and a great deal more. Arriving at your dog's pick decision ought to be an intelligent one whenever it suits your life style. Whenever the dog does not fit for your way of living, your dearest companion could become a big headache, and he is not to blame. Therefore, before adopting your new puppy or relocating to a brand-new living space, please be sure that, that it will be fine with your landlord if you rent, and if you own your home make certain that the dog have the space it needs and that he will be safe in the home.

If you want a big dog like a Labrador retriever, do you've the time to dedicate to the dog in order for him to get the proper amount of exercise? Do you have a large backyard where the dog can romp or play games with you? Big dogs, in particularly, necessitate tons of physical exercise or otherwise they'll show behavioral troubles. Labs, for instance, are extremely energetic and active, and are amenable to play catch with a ball or Frisbee for endless periods of time. Whenever they don't get the required physical exercise, they'll become bored and could make a great deal of damage to your home, particularly if the dog remains indoors for a certain amount of time.

The outdoors exercise that a big dog gets is what maintains it in shape. The owner must be ready to to play with it. For a big dog to stay fit and healthy, the owner must be amenable to spend time outdoors with it by playing the dog or taking him for long walks. A Labrador pup, for instance, will have an added up level of vigor and the owner must be gear up for that.

If you choose a small or medium sized dog, are you sure that you are willing to own a dog that might like to be sitting on your lap day in and day out or at a minimum very drawn to you? As a whole, small and medium dogs likewise require physical exercise, though not equally as much as bigger dogs. Will you be able to take your little guy or girl for a regular daily walks? Are you amenable to bring the dog for grooming if you get a long haired dog? Will you possess the time to brush your dog's coating on a daily basis or on a regular basis as a minimum? Will it be okay with you whenever the dog casts off a lot of hair?

These above-named factors and numerous others need to be taken into account prior to acquiring your new fellow. A potential owner must weight down all these dog's traits and decide which the right dog is for his or her, as that will determine the happiness of both the owner and the dog in the long haul.

Before acquiring your brand-new pup you'll like to perform an exhaustive and complete search on the final size of the dog when matured, how much dog grooming and dog training will it require? Will it need professional dog grooming and how often? You would like to know what diseases is the dog inclined to, how does the dog act with other dogs, with cats, with children? These are barely more or less illustrations of matters you must take into account before getting your new puppy.

Tips for Handling a Dog Who's a Whiner!

by: Kristi Carter

Puppies are very similar to babies - when babies are not content, they cry. When puppies are not content, they whine. If they think they are starving, if they are hot or cold or if they are tired they whine. This is the way that they communicate with their mothers, who promptly respond with something to eat, a cuddle or two and security. As the mother responds continuously, the puppy begins to realize that her whines bring help from her mother, so the puppy will continue to whine, knowing that the mother will respond. Adopting a puppy at 8 to 10 weeks will bring her a possible new realization. The whining doesn't necessarily work with her new 'pack,' or that her whining brings her new mother (you) to her aid.

This is why many people will tell you to allow the puppy to sleep by herself. When you respond naturally to her whining with comfort and sympathy, she will learn that she gets attention and love when she whines. Therefore, she will continue to whine. If she is truly upset for some reason, of course you should respond to her whines. She may be truly scared that she has been moved from her familiar location and is with a new family in a new place. Here's the trick. Wait until your puppy is not whining so that you can cuddle, love her and give plenty of attention. This way, your puppy doesn't correlate the whining with the attention she's getting.

When she realizes that the whining isn't getting her anything, she will not do it anymore. You might have a really hard time ignoring her whining and you will want to pick her up and give her some comfort, but doing this could lead to a hard road! Now, it's important to realize that some puppies will not just stop whining. If your puppy is one of those, grab an instant when she's quiet to give her some attention. Even if she only stops whining for a second, that's when you should respond. This way, you are not allowing her to be completely miserable and neglected, but you are not teaching her that whining gets what she wants.

Adult Whiners

While most dogs will not continue to whine after half a year of age or so, many of them do continue to whine. If yours does, there are a few different reasons. One of them is that your dog is whining and truly doesn't realize that she's doing it or that she's learned that this is the way to get what she needs or wants. There are a few reasons your dog may whine and some of those include the fact that your dog is in pain or hurting, he or she is feeling a bit lonely, it's potty time or he or she is nervous or scared.

In order to figure out how to respond, you need to figure out why she's whining. There are times when there is a legitimate reason and times when it's simply because she is craving your attention. Here are some of the ways that you can respond depending upon why your dog is whining.

A Whine That Says, "I'm in Pain!"

If your dog begins whining suddenly, or with a sharp yelp and then continues on for a while she may be in pain. There are many different things that might cause pain for puppies, younger dogs and adult dogs. You need to check the obvious things to see if there is a reason she is whining. For instance, checking to see that she's holding any paws up or if she is acting strangely. Then you can check her body for injuries of any kind to see if there is something present which is causing the pain. After that, feel her limbs, especially around the joints to see if you feel any swelling or strange differences in her. Be sure to be very gentle as you don't want to cause more pain. If you simply can't find anything, don't rule out the possibility that your dog may be in pain. A trip to your veterinarian is a good idea.

A Whine That Says, "I'm Bored!"

There is a significant demeanor that you may notice in your dog who is whining because she's bored. She may pace around the room or follow you throughout the house. She will whine to herself and seem miserable! One great tip is to give her some quick exercise. Take her for a run, play a half hour game of fetch or do something else that she loves to do. You may also want to make sure that she starts getting more play time each day - whether you are exercising her or taking her out and about while you run errands. Either way, you will create a solution to her boredom and hopefully stop the whining. Spend more quality time with your pooch, cuddling, loving and showing attention!

A Whine That Says, "I'm Scared."

If your dog is afraid of something, the whining will be different than the other reasons. For instance, she may look in one direction while she's whining. If there is a lot of lighting or thunder during a storm and she looks toward the windows, whining, she is probably frightened. She may also be anxious if there is no direction to her whining. Pause and determine your own mood as dogs often pick up on the stress and tension in their pack leaders. If this is the case, you should never try to punish your dog to make him or her stop whining. In fact, it will most likely make it worse. The key is to tune her out. Sure, it sounds terrible but when you do it, you teach your dog that she is scared or anxious for no reason. Running to comfort her and give her attention will confirm her feeling of fear or anxiety. Rather, ignore her until she stops whining and then give her the attention she needs!

A Whine That Says, "I Need to GO."

This one is an easy one. If your dog is whining because she needs to go to outside, she is obviously potty trained. She really needs to go but knows that the place to do it is not inside the house. She will probably stand by the door, looking at you and then looking back at the door. She may also have the look that owners come to recognize in their dogs after a while. The look says, "I really need to go!" Simply let her out - no big deal!

Lonely Dogs and How to Handle Them

by: Kristi Carter

Dogs belong in packs and when they are domesticated, they still look at their families as their 'packs.' They need to be social and they need attention. The way dogs have been domesticated has created a bit of a problem. Allowing your dog to spend time with other dogs is not satisfactory. They need time with their human friends. Sure, we have lives that are extremely busy, so it can be difficult to give our dogs as much attention as we need. As we rush around like maniacs trying to get important things done, trying to spend time with our dogs can feel like a burden.

When you're feeling like this, spending time with your dog sure can seem like more of a chore than having a relaxing, fun time with your four legged friend. Taking him or her for a walk can feel like a chore among a million chores that you have to accomplish. This definitely lessens the quality of the time you spend with your dog. It shouldn't be this way but sometimes it seems like life has you by the collar!

The way that we live really does affect our dogs. For instance, if we are stressed out all the time, what kind of personal time we have, our general demeanors really have a lot to do with our dogs' temperament. The dogs sometimes take on their human companions' moods and feelings - to the point that if you're depressed or stressed out all the time, your dog can be anxious and depressed as well. Also, if we are busy with certain things, walking the dog or spending time with him can be pushed to the back burner and your dog will truly suffer because of this. There are a few things that you can do to make time for your dog so that he or she is not lonely!

Take your dog with you when you are out doing the normal daily tasks. Whether you have to go pay bills, drive your children here or there or even going out for a drive, take your dog. He or she will love going, even if she has to sit in the car. Getting out of the house and having something different to look at is a great thing for your dog to get a chance to do. If you will have other people in the car, for instance if you will be driving your kids around or picking up friends, this is a great way for your furry friend to socialize. One thing you should be sure of is to never leave your dog for more than a half an hour in the car and you should NEVER leave your dog in the car on a hot day. This could result in fatal injuries due to the heat.

Let your pooch sleep in the bedroom with you at night. He or she doesn't have to sleep on the bed - they can have a cozy spot in the corner. Still, just the time together with you is enough to put him or her at ease. Neither one of you have to do anything but you're spending time together anyway. This is a great thing to do. If you've noticed how dogs lie together when they are puppies, you will understand that dogs have an instinct to be close to the pack during times when they are vulnerable, like sleeping. This helps them to feel secure and safe. So, for an easy way to keep your dog happy and healthy, allow them to sleep in the bedroom with you at night.

Try exploring different areas with your dog. Becoming accustomed to the same old route can also become boring. Although dogs like familiar surroundings, they also appreciate exploring new areas and seeing new things. Taking your dog through the woods or down a new path or even to the beach would be a great idea. You could even take your dog on a hike. The key is for you to enjoy the time you spend together as well because then you will want to do it more often and that will help the relationship between you and your dog!

Spend time with your dog while you're doing other things. You can multi-task and you won't have to feel guilty that you're not spending time with your dog. For instance, while you are watching television, you can brush and groom your dog. Or, if you're ready for a relaxing nap, allow your pooch to hop up on the couch and snooze along with you (unless of course he or she is a large breed dog - then you might get pushed off onto the floor!) Doing simple things like this can be very enjoyable for your dog and doesn't take much extra effort and no extra time from you!

Encourage the other members of your household to play with your dog and spend time with him or her. If you live alone, you could hire a dog walker a few times a week (someone that you fully trust with your pet) and allow your dog the chance to interact with others and have a good time. If the dog lives in a house with children, this is great because children usually have tons of time and energy. Make sure that your dog understands that he or she is not dominant over the children and that the dog will obey the children's commands before you allow the child to play with the dog alone. Not only will this help keep your dog happy and well-adjusted, but it takes some of the responsibility off of your shoulders as well.

While you still need to spend a good amount of time with your dog, giving him or her attention, making sure that he or she is healthy and happy, you can make your life easier in some ways using the tips and tricks above.

Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression

by: Darrin Donaldson


A dog is an instinctively aggressive creature. In the wild, aggression came in very handy: dogs needed aggression to hunt, to defend themselves from other creatures, and to defend resources such as food, a place to sleep, and a mate. Selective breeding over the centuries has minimized and refined this trait significantly, but there’s just no getting around it: dogs are physically capable of inflicting serious harm (just look at those teeth!) because that’s how they’ve survived and evolved. And Mother Nature is pretty wily – it’s hard to counteract the power of instinct!

But that doesn’t mean that we, as dog lovers and owners, are entirely helpless when it comes to handling our dogs. There’s a lot that we can do to prevent aggression from rearing its ugly head in the first place – and even if prevention hasn’t been possible (for whatever reason), there are still steps that we can take to recognize and deal with it efficiently.







- Different aggression types -

There are several different types of canine aggression. The two most common ones are:

- Aggression towards strangers

- Aggression towards family members

You may be wondering why we’re bothering categorizing this stuff: after all, aggression is aggression, and we want to turf it out NOW, not waste time with the details – right?

Well … not quite. These two different types of aggression stem from very different causes, and require different types of treatment.

- Aggression towards strangers -

What is it?

It’s pretty easy to tell when a dog’s nervy around strange people. He’s jumpy and on the alert: either he can’t sit still and is constantly fidgeting, leaping at the smallest sound, and pacing around barking and whining; or he’s veerrrry still indeed, sitting rock-steady in one place, staring hard at the object of his suspicions (a visitor, the mailman, someone approaching him on the street while he’s tied up outside a store.)

Why does it happen?

There’s one major reason why a dog doesn’t like strange people: he’s never had the chance to get used to them. Remember, your dog relies 100% on you to broaden his horizons for him: without being taken on lots of outings to see the world and realize for himself, through consistent and positive experiences, that the unknown doesn’t necessarily equal bad news for him, how can he realistically be expected to relax in an unfamiliar situation?

What can I do about it?

The process of accustoming your dog to the world and all the strange people (and animals) that it contains is called socialization. This is an incredibly important aspect of your dog’s upbringing: in fact, it’s pretty hard to overemphasize just how important it is. Socializing your dog means exposing him from a young age (generally speaking, as soon as he’s had his vaccinations) to a wide variety of new experiences, new people, and new animals.

How does socialization prevent stranger aggression?

When you socialize your dog, you’re getting him to learn through experience that new sights and sounds are fun, not scary.

It’s not enough to expose an adult dog to a crowd of unfamiliar people and tell him to “Settle down, Roxy, it’s OK” – he has to learn that it’s OK for himself. And he needs to do it from puppyhood for the lesson to sink in.

The more types of people and animals he meets (babies, toddlers, teenagers, old people, men, women, people wearing uniforms, people wearing motorcycle helmets, people carrying umbrellas, etc) in a fun and relaxed context, the more at ease and happy – and safe around strangers - he’ll be in general.

How can I socialize my dog so that he doesn’t develop a fear of strangers?

Socializing your dog is pretty easy to do – it’s more of a general effort than a specific training regimen.

First of all, you should take him to puppy preschool. This is a generic term for a series of easy group-training classes for puppies (often performed at the vet clinic, which has the additional benefit of teaching your dog positive associations with the vet!).

In a puppy preschool class, about ten or so puppy owners get together with a qualified trainer (often there’ll be at least two trainers present – the more there are, the better, since it means you get more one-on-one time with a professional) and start teaching their puppies the basic obedience commands: sit, stay, and so on.

Even though the obedience work is very helpful and is a great way to start your puppy on the road to being a trustworthy adult dog, really the best part of puppy preschool is the play sessions: several times throughout the class, the puppies are encouraged to run around off-leash and play amongst themselves.

This is an ideal environment for them to learn good social skills: there’s a whole bunch of unfamiliar dogs present (which teaches them how to interact with strange dogs), there’s a whole bunch of unfamiliar people present (which teaches them that new faces are nothing to be afraid of), and the environment is safe and controlled (there’s at least one certified trainer present to make sure that things don’t get out of hand).

Socialization doesn’t just stop with puppy preschool, though. It’s an ongoing effort throughout the life of your puppy and dog: he needs to be taken to a whole bunch of new places and environments.

Remember not to overwhelm him: start off slow, and build up his tolerance gradually.

- Aggression towards family members -

There are two common reasons why a dog is aggressive towards members of his own human family:

- He’s trying to defend something he thinks of as his from a perceived threat (you).

This is known as resource guarding, and though it may sound innocuous, there’s actually a lot more going on here than your dog simply trying to keep his kibble to himself.

- He’s not comfortable with the treatment/handling he’s getting from you or other members of the family.

What’s resource guarding?

Resource guarding is pretty common among dogs. The term refers to overly-possessive behavior on behalf of your dog: for instance, snarling at you if you approach him when he’s eating, or giving you “the eye” (a flinty-eyed, direct stare) if you reach your hand out to take a toy away from him.

All dogs can be possessive from time to time – it’s in their natures. Sometimes they’re possessive over things with no conceivable value: inedible trash, balled up pieces of paper or tissue, old socks. More frequently, however, resource-guarding becomes an issue over items with a very real and understandable value: food and toys.

Why does it happen?

It all boils down to the issue of dominance. Let me take a moment to explain this concept: dogs are pack animals. This means that they’re used to a very structured environment: in a dog-pack, each individual animal is ranked in a hierarchy of position and power (or “dominance”) in relation to every other animal. Each animal is aware of the rank of every other animal, which means he knows specifically how to act in any given situation (whether to back down, whether to push the issue, whether to muscle in or not on somebody else’s turf, etc etc).

To your dog, the family environment is no different to the dog-pack environment. Your dog has ranked each member of the family, and has his own perception of where he ranks in that environment as well.

This is where it gets interesting: if your dog perceives himself as higher up on the social totem-pole than other family members, he’s going to get cheeky. If he’s really got an overinflated sense of his own importance, he’ll start to act aggressively.

Why? Because dominance and aggression are the exclusive rights of a superior-ranked animal. No underdog would ever show aggression or act dominantly to a higher-ranked animal (the consequences would be dire, and he knows it!)

Resource guarding is a classic example of dominant behavior: only a higher-ranked dog (a “dominant” dog) would act aggressively in defence of resources.

To put it plainly: if it was clear to your dog that he is not, in fact, the leader of the family, he’d never even dream of trying to prevent you from taking his food or toys – because a lower-ranking dog (him) will always go along with what the higher-ranking dogs (you and your family) say.

So what can I do about it? The best treatment for dominant, aggressive behavior is consistent, frequent obedience work, which will underline your authority over your dog. Just two fifteen-minute sessions a day will make it perfectly clear to your dog that you’re the boss, and that it pays to do what you say.

You can make this fact clear to him by rewarding him (with treats and lavish praise) for obeying a command, and isolating him (putting him in “time-out”, either outside the house or in a room by himself) for misbehaviour.

- If you’re not entirely confident doing this yourself, you may wish to consider enlisting the assistance of a qualified dog-trainer.

- Brush up on your understanding of canine psychology and communication, so that you understand what he’s trying to say – this will help you to nip any dominant behaviors in the bud, and to communicate your own authority more effectively

- Train regularly: keep obedience sessions short and productive (no more than fifteen minutes – maybe two or three of these per day).

Why doesn’t my dog like to be handled?

All dogs have different handling thresholds. Some dogs like lots of cuddles, and are perfectly content to be hugged, kissed, and have arms slung over their shoulders (this is the ultimate “I’m the boss” gesture to a dog, which is why a lot of them won’t tolerate it.) Others – usually the ones not accustomed to a great deal of physical contact from a very young age – aren’t comfortable with too much full-body contact and will get nervy and agitated if someone persists in trying to hug them.

Another common cause of handling-induced aggression is a bad grooming experience: nail-clipping and bathing are the two common culprits.

When you clip a dog’s nails, it’s very easy to “quick” him – that is, cut the blood vessel that runs inside the nail. This is extremely painful to a dog, and is a sure-fire way to cause a long-lasting aversion to those clippers.

Being washed is something that a great many dogs have difficulty dealing with – a lot of owners, when confronted with a wild-eyed, half-washed, upset dog, feel that in order to complete the wash they have to forcibly restrain him. This only adds to the dog’s sense of panic, and reinforces his impression of a wash as something to be avoided at all costs – if necessary, to defend himself from it with a display of teeth and hackles.


Can I “retrain” him to enjoy being handled and groomed?

In a word: yes. It’s a lot easier if you start from a young age – handle your puppy a lot, get him used to being touched and rubbed all over. Young dogs generally enjoy being handled – it’s only older ones who haven’t had a lot of physical contact throughout their lives that sometimes find physical affection difficult to accept.

Practice picking up his paws and touching them with the clipper; practice taking him into the bath (or outside, under the faucet – whatever works for you, but warm water is much more pleasant for a dog than a freezing spray of ice-water!), and augment the process throughout with lots of praise and the occasional small treat.

For an older dog that may already have had several unpleasant handling/grooming experiences, things are a little more difficult. You need to undo the damage already caused by those bad experiences, which you can do by taking things very slowly – with an emphasis on keeping your dog calm.

The instant he starts to show signs of stress, stop immediately and let him relax. Try to make the whole thing into a game: give him lots of praise, pats, and treats.

Take things slowly. Don’t push it too far: if you get nervous, stop.

Dogs show aggression for a reason: they’re warning you to back off, or else! If your dog just can’t seem to accept being groomed, no matter how much practice you put in, it’s best to hand the job over to the professionals.

Your vet will clip his nails for you (make sure you tell him first that he gets aggressive when the clippers come out, so your vet can take the necessary precautions!). As far as washing and brushing goes, the dog-grooming business is a flourishing industry: for a small fee, you can get your dog washed, clipped, brushed, and whatever else you require by experienced professionals (again, make sure you tell them about your dog’s reaction to the experience first!)

For more information on handling aggressive and dominant behaviors, as well as a great deal of detailed information on a host of other common dog behavior problems, check out SitStayFetch.

It’s a complete owner’s guide to owning, rearing, and training your dog, and it deals with all aspects of dog ownership.

To get the inside word on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors like aggression and dominance in your dog, SitStayFetch is well worth a look.