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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Meet the breeds Part 1

Welcome to the first part of a series called meet the breeds. I recently picked up a magazine that the American Kennel Club put out and aptly called it meet the breeds. I thought that I would share some of the interesting information here. In this issue they have grouped different breeds into seven groups: Sporting Breeds, Hound Breeds, Working Breeds, Terrier Breeds, Toy Breeds, Non-Sporting Breeds, Herding Breeds.

I own a beagle, which falls into the hound breed category. The beagle is considered to be a scenthound. Scenthounds are known for their endurance and perseverance. Scenthounds are known to bark and howl when they pick up a scent. All hounds (whether scenthounds or sighthounds)are mentally and physically designed to find and catch prey and hunt both singly and in packs.

I found this information on the American Kennel Club website:

Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. There are Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles, among others. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You'd best sample this sound before you decide to get a hound of your own to be sure it's your cup of tea.




Take good care of your pets

If you are a pet owner, it's important that you take the responsibility of your pet's care seriously. Most of my life, I have had a pet of one kind or another, usually a cat or a dog. Sometimes I had both at the same time. I can say without reservation that owning a pet is great fun and very rewarding. There are many responsibilities with regard to pet ownership. This includes giving love and affection to your pet, which will be returned to you many times over.Keeping vaccinations current for cats is very important. Other health problems can occur, too. Some examples of health problems for cats would include hairballs, parasites, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, and feline leukemia. As you can see, some of these can be easily prevented while others are much more serious. For example, hairballs occur from your cat's constant grooming. This can be prevented by bathing and brushing your cat regularly. Vomiting and diarrhea can be prevented by carefully monitoring what your cat eats and providing only the best nutrition. Sometimes you veterinarian will recommend supplements. I also think it is not good to give your cat milk because it is not easily digestible and can cause diarrhea. Urinary tract infection and feline leukemia are serious disorders that require the veterinarian to intervene with medication. Many times, feline leukemia is fatal.Like cats, dogs should be kept current on all vaccinations. But there are other health concerns for dogs, too. Parasites can be problematic. This has to be carefully monitored and treated. Other problems for dogs involve the bones. Panosteitis is an inflammatory disease of the bones. It affects younger dogs. It can cause a sudden symptom of lameness. The young dog will suddenly start to limp. This condition occurs particularly in German Shepherds, but all breeds are susceptible to it. Dogs can develop other conditions, such as cancer, constipation, and ear mites. It's always important to ensure your dog has regular checkups.I personally think it is best to keep pets inside and not let them outside unsupervised. There is much less chance for an animal to get ill or hurt if it is kept inside. While outside, your dog or cat could come into contact with another animal that has some sort of disease. Your pet could become infected. I am always afraid my dog or cat will get hurt being outside with all the traffic that is in the neighborhood. I think it is a good idea is to take your pet for a walk. Like us, pets need exercise. This can provide an opportunity for both of you to get out.To summarize, owning a pet it a big responsibility. You have to ensure your pet's health. As I discussed, this involves many factors. But if you do your part and keep your dog or cat healthy, she will provide you with many years of love and affection. You will not regret taking care of your pet.http://www.tritronicsdogcollars.com 8715 Bayberry Pl Louisville, KY 40242 1-877-239-8053Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_H_SolleyArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7245789
Thursday, August 16, 2012

How To Stop A Dog Pulling On The Lead

Get your dog in a sitting position while you are standing still. When you take off to walk take off on your left foot. It is important that you use your left foot each and every time. Your dog will get to learn that when you step off on your left foot that they walk to. You will use your right foot when you want your dog to stay, which is why it is important you don't mix them up or you might end up with a very confused puppy.
 
OK so step off with your left foot and say heel at the same time. When you are walking you want to have your dog focused on you.
When you first start walking your dog they may try to pull you around. You must remember who the pack leader is and make your dog follow you. When a dog tries to pull it can be one of two reasons.
1. Your dog is excited to be out and about. They get overwhelmed by all the new smells and just forget all about you. If your dog gets easily distracted then this process will be hard but you will definitely be able to correct it if you stick to these methods as they have worked time and time again.
2. They do not respect you as their pack leader, and so are not following your commands. I wouldn't expect it to be this one at first, but if you continue seeing problems and I'm talking about after months of training then maybe you have a problem with authority.
There are a few things that you can do to stop a dog pulling on the lead. To start keep your dog on a short leash so as you can stop them before they run too far away.
This is a good method that works but will take some persistence on your part. It simply involves you taking charge over your dog. If you are walking and your dog pulls you in one direction you must simply turn around and walk in the other. If they then pull you in that direction turn around and walk the opposite way. It sounds tedious I know and it might take a while for your dog to catch on but what you are doing is showing that you are in charge and your dog must follow you, not the other way around. This will only work if you stay persistent, if you only do this for 5 minutes and then just give up and let your dog pull you around for the rest of your walk you are only letting your dog think that they are in charge.
Reward your dog when they are walking beside you and tell them what a good dog they are. As I said it may take a while and you may feel silly turning around every few meters but it definitely works so give it a try.
Having a well trained dog and understanding their needs will allow them to fit seemlessly into your life. For a FREE! eBook with loads more information on training dogs visit my website - http://www.simpledogobedience.com/free-offer-1
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Monday, August 13, 2012

First-Time Dog Owner? 6 Best Things You Can Do For Your Pooch

I found this article and it's worth sharing.  For those that are looking to adopt a dog (or a puppy) read this first:

When you see someone else with a dog, you might think it's pretty easy. But when you bring home your first dog the enormity of your decision becomes very real. But as my mother always says, when you eat an elephant eat one piece at a time. Here are 6 things you can do to make your puppy's transition seamless.
Make the vet your friend. One of the best things you can do is take your dog to a veterinarian. This person should be a good fit for your pooch and you. Trying to pick a vet randomly is probably the least effective way to approach your search.
Word of mouth recommendations from friends, family, and/or co-workers are a much more reliable way to decide. Once the veterinarian knows that they have been recommended by existing clients, it's often a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Have a comfortable space ready. Once you know the exact date of arrival, create the space you want your pet to be able to call its own. If you are adopting a puppy, consider crate training. While this enclosed space may seem limiting to you, it gives a puppy a feeling of security and often helps house training happen easier, and faster.
If you are adopting an older friend, creating a small area with a special blanket, bed, and toys can make the transition to a new home easier.
Establish a schedule. Most pets like a routine. Decide when and where in the house your pet will eat. Decide whether his meals will happen before, after, or with yours. Set dates for giving heartworm medication, and flea and tick preventative. If your pooch needs medications on a regular basis be sure to stay consistent with when and where it is done. Once your pet knows what to expect, it will often remind you if you forget.
Sign up for training. If you are a newbie training will not only be good for your pooch, but for you as well. Your veterinarian and friends with dogs are excellent resources for the best places to go. Socializing your dog is vital if it is to become comfortable around people and other dogs.
Attending these classes will open up a whole new world for you and give you exposure to others who can give you lots of advice and recommendations for services and products that you will need. But best of all, understanding the leadership that your dog needs from you and being able to provide it will be the start of a deep and lasting bond. You'll be amazed.
Provide opportunities to exercise. Depending on your life style you may be able to do this with your dog. Your canine companion will cherish a daily walk, or swim, retrieving the Frisbee or ball. But if your schedule does not allow this, an outside area where your pooch can safely entertain itself by chasing birds, squirrels, or toys that you've bought is essential.
A fence and dog door will give your dog the freedom to come and go as it pleases without you having to do a thing. This also means that you don't have to get home by a certain time each day to avoid accidents (by your pet).
Give of yourself. Dogs that make great pets are social creatures. They want to be a part of your life. And once you let them in, there is no greater friend to have. So spend quality time every day interacting one-on-one with your pet. Train them to sit, or stay and reward them with love and affection. Their eyes will shine, and you will find that they will do anything for you and you for them. I have found that the really tough part about this whole relationship will be to actually become the person they think you are.
Don't let dog smells ruin the way your home smells. Keep the air smelling fresh and clean with the Pet Machine Air Purifier from PurerAir.com at http://purerair.com/austin_air_pet_machine.html
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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Benefits of having pets in the house

I found a great article on the benefits of having a pet. I think that we can all agree that having a pet is great. Here is the article:

There is no denying it, pets are amazing! One can never deny the fact that they are cute and cuddly and not to mention the fact that a lot of people would surely want to have pets - dogs, cats, iguanas or gerbils - in their own home.
There are a couple of reasons for this - and these reasons could or apparently the presence of pets in the house has become beneficial to the pet-owners and probably everyone in the house as well. Let's list down a list of things that have made pets become beneficial in a typical household:
Company
Feeling blue or just plain lonely? You surely would not go through this especially because you have pets in your home. So, if you feel a bit lonely or just plain bummed out by something - you will surely be happy with the company of your pets. You can cuddle them or play with them or probably just let them do whatever they like to do and they will just bring out the happiness which sadness has trampled inside of you.
Security
If you have dog for a pet, then you will be assured that your home is safe and secure. If you go out for work or school or even if you are going to bed and rest for the night - then you can be assured that your dog will surely be able to protect your house or at least call, bark even, you when it feels that your home or your dog itself feels that there is something that is not right or there is just something wrong in the house.
Fun
Playing with your pets is surely fun. If you have a dog, then you can play catch or fetch with them or the plain old jogging - your dog will surely follow and tag along with you too. You will not just have fun but you will surely have a great exercise as well!
What more benefits could you possibly want? These are just a few though, but for sure if you are going to spend some time with your pets - may they be a dog, cat or a bird, then you will surely gain more benefits and discover quite a lot more on your own.
Take care of your pets! Every pet lover is not a stranger to advertisements or advices such as this. It is pretty much obvious anyway, since if a pet owner will not take care of his pet - obviously, the pet or his pets won't take care of him too - in their own ways at least.
There are a lot of things that you can do with your pet as a way of training them. Training them to be potty-trained, making sure that they won't be greedy and not to mention that they won't mess your house or do something which you really would not like.
Having a pet is one of the biggest joys in life, and knowing how to care for your pet is a must. Taking good care of your pet with hanrob ensures it has a happy, healthy life with you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zenrietta_Zurzh


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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Welcome!

Welcome Everyone to the Elegant Dog Boutique blog.  This blog is dedicated to all aspects of dogs.  I will be posting what will I hope to be some interesting articles.  Keep watching for my upcoming posts.