Dog vaccinations, like so many other things in our society, are woefully out of date. A great deal of progress has been made over the years, but the uninformed public doesn't know about it. Unfortunately, many humans become deceived and their dogs become ill. Staying up to date before vaccinating your dog is the greater part of wisdom.
Vaccines and vaccinations should only be given to healthy dogs, because it's been found that vaccines may not be harmless to them. There doesn't seem to be one governing board that makes this decision, so it's up to you to decide if the risks are too high. Cancer, skin problems, allergies, organ disease are some of the results of unneeded vaccines, which should not be administered without a proven need.
We think that some vets are recommending vaccination too frequently. It is thought that only the rabies vaccine needs to be repeated approximately every three years. It's been decided that a Parvo vaccine may last as long as seven years, and for some dogs, a lifetime.
As a pet owner, you are entitled to full disclosure so that you can make an informed decision. Oftentimes, there is no adverse reaction to a dog not receiving a vaccination. The idea of keeping dog's vaccinations is considered a fraud by Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM and she says an annual checkup and blood test is all that is truly required before any kind of vaccination update. Dr. Dodds considers vaccinations as a marketing tool for some vets and are not necessary for the health of your dog.
The USDA doesn't follow up on reported misuse of vaccinations and most vets don't report any adverse reactions to them. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) suggests all adverse reactions should be reported, much as the Federal Drug Administration gathers information about human health.
A titer test can be given to determine the strength of the antibodies of parvovirus or distemper to determine if the previous vaccine was effective. It's thought that a strong titer test result is the indication of a lifetime of immunity for your dog.
The bottom line is this: if the individual recommending vaccination is profiting from the vaccination, exercise your own decision-making ability after you do the research. We place a strong value on vaccinating our English Golden Retriever puppies, and we'd be happy to share our vaccination protocol if you'll contact us.

Dog vaccinations, like so many other things in our society, are woefully out of date and could be unnecessary.

Developing a healthy routine for you and your dog to play together is just as important as any other aspect of training. Playing a game of fetch or having a tug of war can be the most fun activity you could engage in. However, it's important to make sure that your dog respects your relationship while in such an excited state. This can also be a great time to take advantage of training techniques and provide your dog a chance to have fun while you continue to reinforce your position as the leader.
The main idea to focus on is to make sure you have control throughout the play session with your dog. When you use keywords with your dog, like "let's go play", it's okay if they get excited but I would avoid anything over-zealous and getting them too wound up before you head out. The same as when you go for your daily walk, you want to leave the house with your dog paying attention to you and focusing on your commands. A good place to start is by having them sit while they wait for you to get ready. If you have a walk ahead of you rather than going to the backyard, leash your dog and keep them walking nice and easy on the way, correcting any over excited behavior.
Once you're ready to start a game, for example, a game of frisbee, have your dog sit again to start off with them listening well. Let your dog stand up and get ready to let loose! When you play a game like fetch, be sure that your dog brings back the toy and gives it on command. Like any other training, this could take some time and effort but once you get them going it'll be like clockwork. It's okay to use treats to reinforce good behavior in this routine, and after a nice play session too. You want to avoid letting your dog develop unwanted behavior like running away with the toy when you call for them to bring it back. It may be funny or cute at the time but you don't want your dog to ignore you when you're calling them for a good reason, like to keep them out of harm's way. The commands I use for my own dog in a routine game of frisbee are usually "ready", and she'll sit. After I throw, "bring it here", and when she comes back with it "give". I always like to keep her following along, when I can see she's slowing down or needs a rest I tell her " take a rest". It's good to teach a command for taking a break, when a dog's having that much fun they can easily over-exert themselves (always have some water on hand).
Considering a game like tug of war, it's especially important that you keep mental control over the game. It can be a lot of fun to wrestle your dog for a favorite toy, and quite a challenge if you have a large breed, but you have to make sure that your dog doesn't become aggressive over their possessions. You should be able to stop and have your dog give that toy at any time. I've had a few issues with my dog over some particular toys. We have one that she would always want to pull with, even if I wanted to take her out to fetch it. It took a quite a while before I could fully establish that toy as one she has to give me whenever I ask. Remember that playtime is ultimately meant for you and your dog to have some fun together, but you should always be in charge. The minute that your dog claims control over a simple game, they will gain more confidence in challenging your role as the leader. It's up to you to lead your dog through a healthy and happy lifestyle!

Learn more about exercising your dog and how you can keep them as safe as possible as they live and grow with you. Including safety tips and product reviews for every activity you and your dog can enjoy together at SafeForDogs.com, Stop in and get to know my dog and I, Help yourself to read more about what you can do to ensure a healthy life for your dog. Thanks and be safe!

If there is anything that dog's love almost as much as their owners, it has to be playing around and having a lot of fun especially with interactive dog toys. A lot of dogs, even those who seem very stern and serious, or those who are from working breeds, often find it very hard to resist the urge to play especially with their owners and the rest of their family members.
Much like us humans, our pets also want to spend a lot of time trying to relax, and have a good time. They are playful and active, and there is nothing more they could ever want to have during an activity, aside from treats of course, than interactive dog toys.
Dog toys are more than just boredom-busters; they are actually very helpful tools that can be used by the owners to bond with their beloved pets. In fact, there are a lot of benefits that you and your dog can enjoy when you are both playing with the toys, more so when you are actually playing with interactive dog toys.
First of all, these kinds of toys help a lot when it comes to giving your dog the exercise and the level of physical activity that they all need each and every day, this effectively helps your dog stay fit and strong at the same time.
Dog toys often pique the curiosity of our beloved pets, and this allows them to get the stimulation that they need; but more than just its physical benefits, dog toys, specifically interactive dog toys can also stimulate their mental acuity and intelligence.
Another type of interactive dog toys is the distraction and comfort toys. These types of toys can help keep your dogs busy by teasing them and by giving them different kinds of treats at the same time. These types of toys do not require much physical activity, yet they are great mental stimulator since they keep your dog occupied, they are also very easy to use.
Comfort toys on the other hand, are used mostly to help your canines get rid of stress, they help your canine get rid of anxiety, they also help your canine learn new commands at the same time.
But if you do want something a lot more challenging, and something that will help your dog receive a lot of mental stimulation, you might want to get interactive dog toys which are in the form of puzzles and games like the Nina Ottosson dog tornado toy. These kinds of toys are also known as "smart" toys since they generally require a lot of skill and patience on the part of your canine.
There are actually toys which are specifically meant to cater to certain dog breeds, but in general, different dogs can actually enjoy all the ones that I've mentioned above. The interactive dog toys are also highly recommended for destructive dogs and for dogs that are very hard to control, this is because it will help them release pent-up energy and it will also effectively help them shift their focus and attention away from your furniture and belongings.
Amongst my most favorite interactive dog toys for my dog Oz, are the Nina Ottosson toys, especially the dog tornado. This is because the dog tornado is highly challenging and it builds up my dog's problem solving skills. I can simply place a piece of dog food or kibble in one of the toy's compartment and my dog can get his reward by spinning its layers at the proper speed. It truly is a uniquely fun and entertaining toy that both my dog highly enjoys.

A pet enthusiast always wanting the best for my little buddies! For more information on pet supplies, food and reviews visit http://www.naturallydoggy.com

Easy to make, using everyday objects to create some great homemade dog toys
British weather being as delightful as it is - there's often days where you look out of the window at the torrential rain and shudder at the thought of going outside. You drop (what was) Rover's favourite toy in front of him and he looks up at you as if to say, "not this old thing again"?
Rather than constantly purchasing new toys - try some homemade dog toys that will keep their minds occupied. Obviously these toys will depend on how destructive your dog is - if he's a prolific chewer make sure you have a stag antler or kong to chew on for dreary wet days!
There is many reasons why dog toys are important, first and foremost, they are fun! But also, they will encourage your dog not to chew and destroy furniture/shoes/socks/childs favourite teddy bear etc. (As the pictures below demonstrate)
Here are our top ten homemade dog toys for dogs of all ages.
1. Stitching required. If you have an old pair of jeans you were going to toss - here's a great opportunity to make a sturdy dog toy. Cut four identical squares from the cloth (denim is best) and lay them out. You want to stitch them together as a cube, leaving one side "open" to stuff with something crackly (cellophane), something noisy (mashed up old water bottle) or use your imagination! Once you stitched 5 sides of the cube together, turn it inside out so the stitching is on the inside, stuff with the product of your choice and then stitch closed. It is recommended you stitch over your initial stitches 4 or 5 times for extra strength. Commence play!
2. Paper towel/toilet paper tubes with peanut butter smeared inside. In fact anything with peanut butter smeared inside it! Try inserting the tubes into a sock for added complexity.
3. Cottage cheese containers or empty yogurt cups with about an inch of chicken broth frozen at the bottom. This isn't ideal for strong chewers - this would be ideal for puppies or toy/lap dogs
4. Empty cardboard boxes with dog treats inside. Cut holes just big enough for the treats to fall out when they turn the box around or over. Tape it shut with duct tape.
5. Put an empty plastic water bottle inside an old sock - preferably a long ski type sock. When chewed, this makes a crunching sound that most dogs seem to find quite satisfying. You can add more value by inserting kibble type treats inside and the dog has to work to get them out.
6. A giant knot. Take a long piece of fabric and tie a knot in it. Tie another knot around that first knot. Repeat till you rub out of fabric. Ensure the knots are extremely tight (you could also hide a few bits of kibble inside but it's unlikely they would ever get it out) Once you are done, cut off the excess fabric from either end and you have a throwing and chewing ball! In summer you could soak the knot in boullion or chicken stock and freeze which would be a lovely cooling treat.
7. Compact some bubble wrap (without allowing it to pop) and encase it in duct tape. This is a great toy for dogs who are strong chewers and would get through a toilet roll or yoghurt pot within seconds.
8. Old sock stuffed with kibble and knotted. This one does get a little messy - you will have to throw the sock out as the kibble juice will stain the sock forever but this one was extremely popular!
9. Take an old dish towel and cut it in half width wise, then tie it in a knot. This makes a really simple cloth toy with knots to amuse them. An alternative is to take the dish towel (or regular towel) and cut it into strips - braiding instead of tying in knots. You can use dish towel, regular towels or even denim (another use for those old jeans!)
10. Get an old tennis ball and cut it from east to west, about halfway round so when you squeeze it, the ball opens. Place treats that will fall out of the gap when squeezed by your dog. This way he has to learn to squeeze the ball in a certain way to release the treats. A great mental stimulation toy.

we hope you enjoyed this article, if you would like to share your creations, have dog toy idea's of your own or just want to share photo's of your dog come join us on our free forum http://forum.dogzforlife.com
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There are heart problems, depression, dental issues and other problems associated with the health of our lovely companions so follow simple health regime to keep the problems away. Dogs health care is also essential as their health will directly affect your as well as your kid's health. Therefore, learn the right methods of pet care and enjoy healthy mutual relation with the most trusted companion for years.
Pet dental care: People often ignore pet dental care which is very important for the overall growth and health of dogs. Like humans, these pets are also vulnerable to teeth problems like tartar and plaque build up and periodontal diseases and hence, pet dental care is of great importance. The oral hygiene must be given priority from the very first day and remember there is never too early to start a health regime. Pet dental care begins with what your dog eats; always prefer dry foods than moist as moist food lacks in certain vitamins and can also promote the growth of bacteria.
You can provide bones to your dogs to chew as it can naturally help your dog grow stronger teeth and keep the problems at bay. Besides, you can also use special dog brush and tooth-paste to clean the teeth of your pooch. If any of the dental problem persists even after intense care, then consult a veterinarian and follow what you are advised.
In fact, some dog breeds are more prone to dental problem than others and hence, you must know in which category your dog can be placed so that you can enjoy a healthy relationship with your pet for several years to come.
What else is included in dog health care: There are various stages of dog health care which is not only limited till pet dental care. You have to take care of your dog's digestive system and overall fitness. Pets need daily physical exercise in one or other form to keep their digestive system functional and their heart working. Take the pet out for a walk and encourage it to perform activities that can keep them active. Apart from this, pet grooming is essential to keep the pets healthy and active. Take proper care of their eyes, ears, hair coat and other parts of body to avoid major health complications.
There are various annual medicines and vaccination schemes available to keep the pets healthy, happy and active.

Author is an experienced content writer a big lover of pets. He loves to write articles on pets. He has written and published many articles on Pet Dental Care. In this article she has drawn her attention on Dogs health care - give your pet a healthy pain-free life.

While speaking to a potential client over the phone, she mentioned to me that her third dog had "fallen on their laps" as they had rescued this young pup from a really bad situation. For me there is no need in repeating the details of animal abuse... I know it happens, but repeating them with gory details makes me sick to my stomach and sends me into a Buddhist refrain: It is (life, circumstances) what it is. Truth be said that this mantra is about the only thing that can give me some consolation when I hear the sad state of affairs, especially when it involves the innocent - such as animals. So please excuse me if I stop you on your tracks should you begin to tell me about stories of abuse... la, la, la, I don't want to hear them as I put my hands to my ears, la, la, la, I sing to avoid hearing. I have some theories about why we feel the need to repeat these stories but I will not get into them in this post, instead I want to talk about what hearing about other people's dogs can sometimes do to me - this is regardless if they have been abused or not. As my client is describing the dog, which is a young rowdy pup - oh I love rowdy because I see so much potential! I begin to feel, well... jealous? In truth I begin to covet her pup. I want this pup for me! And this has happened on more than one occasion.
So it brings me to the next line of thought: How many dogs is one too many to share your life with? Notice I did not use the verb "own". How does one know (trainers: this question is specifically directed to you... ) when adding one more dog is really not such a great idea because you already have "x" number of dogs? Or you do not have the time to train and properly care for them? Or the money to take care of all the medical needs that sure enough will arise at some point in the life of the pup? It is, of course, a personal question that merits an individual response; this I get. I am not trying to sound moralistic. Then again, we do need to be aware of what dogs need in order to make their lives not just a bunch of days one followed by another, but truly great. I have some trainer friends (I love you all) that have been collecting dogs. They told me that what happened was that they got dog number "x" as an agility dog and their dog either was not as good as they thought - no one's fault, this happens, or their dog got old, injured etc. So instead of getting rid of their dog, which is completely fantastic, the dog continues to be a part of their family. And, they decide to get another dog in hopes that they can continue with agility, nose work, herding or whatever their passion in dog sports might be. I have other friends who have adopted a dog that they met when volunteering at a shelter.
One particular dog had some "issues" that a trainer friend of mine wanted to address. Big kudos from me to my friend because living and working with dogs that have severe "issues" is no picnic. Now, let's pause for a moment. Can anyone agree on what the right number of pets night be? I think not. Every household is different, pet parents are all different, with different goals, lifestyles and bank accounts. In addition, one might argue, dogs are social beings so having an always-there pal is kind of doggie-heaven for most of them, so bring them on! On a personal note, I am as big a sucker just as anyone of my friends that I'm writing about. I honestly feel warmth in the belly when I see photos of super cute puppies from the local shelter... which one do I want, which one do I want, can't decided... as if selecting a pastry or chocolate at the bakery. My compulsion is not only because pups are super cute (there is a reason for this too you know) but also because as a trainer I see potential - a challenge. I want to see this dog transformed into a very happy and well-behaved companion. Someone I want to spend a lot of time with.
It is kind of crazy isn't it? Now, having [only] two dogs - super cool both of them: Deuce and Rioja, I am coveting a very small dog. Think Chihuahua - a very different kind of dog for me. What is keeping me from adding this small creature to our family are simple practical things that only a Virgo of the worst kind (yes, I am a Virgo... kind of a drag) would consider. Where would he stay when the other two larger dogs are playing outside in the fenced-in-yard that has big enough holes that my (imaginary) Chihuahua could easily fit through? What about this little guy getting injured by a client's dog that has ill manners? Or if I am walking with Rioja (mid-size) and Deuce (a bit more than mid-size) will my small Chihuahua keep up? And how about if we come across coyotes? Besides my tedious ruminations, adding a third/ additional dog to a household unleashes a change in the dynamic already established by the resident dogs. With dogs there is without a doubt also a preference for friends and playmates and a real period of adjusting. Having to share toys, attention, resting places all take a toll on dogs. I guess the point of this "conversation" is not so much, at least at this point in the conversation, if should I get a third dog but experiencing my desire for yet another dog. Thinking about the logistics of everyday living has given me a mirror to my soul. Don't you believe that if we pay attention to our relationship with our animals, they have the capability to mirror back to us? For me at least, (would LOVE to hear what you folks out there experience... ) dogs are a perfect vehicle for reflection. My relationship with dogs (and specifically my dogs) ties me down in obligation but it also liberates me because I experience lots of joy. Our relationships also give me an opportunity to address my fears and aspirations, which in my book, is the hallmark of true friendship.

Almudena Ortiz Cue
http://www.chacodogtraining.com

So, you are thinking about getting a puppy, or maybe you have already brought home a cute little bundle of four-legged joy. For a puppy to become and remain a behaviorally well-balanced and thriving adult dog, there are many important aspects to consider, not the least one being that your new charge will have needs. Yes, your dog will have needs, and if those needs are not met, you will find yourself wondering, why is my dog being so bad? But the truth is, your dog isn't bad, he is just mentally and physically bored.
Now, dogs are not people, and they are not little children in fur coats (harm can come from treating them only as such), but they are sentient beings who have needs in much the same way that we humans have needs. Let us consider for a moment what it must be like for a dog whose needs for exercise, structure, and mental stimulation are not met by comparing their life to our own.
Imagine getting up in the morning, going to the restroom, eating breakfast, and then spending your entire day at home. You will be spending this time alone, with no books to read, no internet to surf, no facebook to check, no phone to call friends, no RPM class at the gym, and no Oprah or Ellen in the afternoon. If you are lucky, and I do mean lucky, you might get to walk around the block... but day after day, this is the life you will be living.
What if you have the physical stamina of a Lance Armstrong or a Mia Hamm? How long before you start to go stir crazy? A few months, a few days, or maybe even just a few hours?!
Now imagine that after many lonely hours of inactivity and boredom, you hear a sound at the door. Yea!! A family member has finally arrived home and you are starving for a reprieve from the monotony of your day. You run to the door with exuberance, jumping up into the arms of your loved one and knocking them over. They then yell at you for being so rude. You beg your loved one to take you somewhere, maybe to the park or for a swim at the lake, but they are so exhausted after a long day at work that they just don't have the time or the energy. It's time for them to prepare dinner, help the kids with their homework, sit in front of the t.v. for a few hours, and then go to bed. Tomorrow will be another day, just as dull as today.
I could easily go on, but I am sure by now we all get the point. Dogs are not stuffed animals used for decoration around the house, and yet sometimes we treat them as such. And then we wonder why they behave in ways that do not meet with our expectations. So what is a well-intentioned human to do for their four-legged friend? The answer is mental and physical stimulation! Mental stimulation includes teaching your dog skills in the form of obedience commands or tricks. Mental stimulation also means taking your dog places where they will see new things, smell new things, and touch new things. Yes, variety is one of the spices of life, for us as well as for our dogs! And the better behaved your dog is through training, the more places they are able to go. It's a synergistic process.
Then there is the all- important physical stimulation, also known as exercise. Healthy dogs need rigorous activity daily, and a walk around the neighborhood doesn't count as such. Once your dog is well versed in obedience skills, you can begin a dog sport such as Agility, Flyball, Dock-Diving, or Doggie Disc. For the best of both worlds, combine physical AND mental stimulation. For example, when you play with your dog, also incorporate their commands. A dog that is asked to perform both mentally and physically is a dog that will be far more worn out than a dog that is exercised without any mental stimulation. There is an axiom that holds true; a tired dog is a happy dog, and belongs to a happy owner.

Karen Smalley is co-owner of http://www.doggiedugood.com and has been helping dogs and their people throughout the Atlanta area for over 20 years. She has titled her Border Collie, Casey, to the highest level of Obedience Competition, and she is currently training her two year old Border Collie, Bodhi, in the sport of Flyball.