Monthly Archives: July 2009

Which dog breeds are most likely to bite-Find Out Today

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Author: Chris Esher

So you are on the lookout for the perfect pet dog for your family? You definitely want a breed that can be active when you’re up to playing and can be docile if you need peace and quiet. It would also be great if it can take care of itself and will not need looking after. Finally, you want a breed that doesn’t bite.

If you have been asking around which dog breeds are most likely to bite, you are asking the wrong question. All dogs bite. No matter how well they have been trained, there is always the likelihood that they will be compelled or be pushed into aggressiveness and bite. After all, it is just the way dogs are. There are, however, breeds that have a higher tendency to bite than the rest of the breeds. A recent survey of dog owners identified the following as some of the dog breeds that are most likely to bite:

The Dachshund

This cute pet that looks more like a baloney than a dog have been found to have a high propensity to nip at their owners and strangers. Dachshunds are hunting dogs. They have by nature very sharp instincts towards their prey. As such, they may exhibit aggressiveness at the sight of tots running around, making noise, and react to the stimulus by biting.

The Chihuahua

Like the dachshund, Chihuahuas are very cute toy dogs. But many owners complain about pet Chihuahuas who have the habit of nipping at strangers and owners alike. This breed are typically born with a set of characteristics—and biting is one of them. But this behavior can be addressed by proper training.

The Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are a very aggressive breed of dogs. In fact, there have been many reported cases of aggression towards other breeds and other dogs of the same breed. In general, puppies learn about their environment by biting at things and people. You need to take control of this habit by correcting them early on. Otherwise, they will think that biting is an accepted behavior and keep it as adults.

The Australian Cattle Dog

An Australian Cattle Dog that doesn’t bite is rare, especially because they were bred to work as herding dogs, which means they bite for a living. They were bred to use nipping and biting to make the stock toe the line. It is up to you to train them and unlearn this bad habit.

The American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is a favorite family pet. By nature, they have a rather bad temperament, compare to your average canine friend. This is rooted in the indiscriminate breeding of American Cocker Spaniels beginning in the 1940s, when the breed became popular. The worst cases are those that are suffering from genetic seizure conditions also called the rage syndrome. This condition is characterized by a sudden urge to bark violently and bite what is on sight.

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Looking for more information on what is the http://www.dogbreedhub.com most popular dog breed Visit http://www.dogbreedhub.com today to learn everything there is to know!

Giving Love To Your Hypoallergenic Dog

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Author: John Singleson

All dogs need love in order to lead happy, healthy lives. Since most breeds of hypoallergenic dogs are smaller, they will need even more love. There are several ways that you can show your dog that you love them. Spending time together, exercising, giving them healthy, nutritious food, and treating the dog with respect are all ways to show your love. In return, you will have a loyal companion that will respect and protect you, your family, and your home.

Most small breeds need to be around people in order to feel safe. Hypoallergenic breeds enjoy sitting on the couch together, curling up by their owner’s feet, and following you around the house when you are home. Spending time with your dog by playing fetch, sitting on the floor, and talking to your dog are all activities that your dog wants to do with you.

Since some breeds can get into trouble when they are left alone all day, you should keep your dog in one room of your home or you should crate train your dog. Dogs that are left alone may get angry or become anxious and nervous. As a result, they will chew on furniture, walls, clothing, or they will break items and rummage through the trash. Keeping your dog in a small room will help them stay calm.

Walking your dog once or twice a day and letting it outside to play is another way to show the dog love. Exercise is a great way to bond with your dog. Not only will the dog be able to spend time with you, you and the dog will benefit from the exercise. Even if you do not have time to walk the dog everyday, you should still let the dog run around your back yard so it gets the exercise it needs.

Making sure your dog has enough food during the day is the third way that you can show your dog love. There are dog foods for different breeds and stages of life. You should research which dog food is the best by asking the vet, reading about what your dog needs, and by reading the labels on the food. As dogs age, they will need different nutrients to keep their teeth and coat healthy. It is best not to switch dog food brands often because you may upset the dog’s stomach. If you want to introduce a new dog food, do it slowly until the dog gets used to it.

Respecting your hypoallergenic dog’s space will result in the more respect from your dog. Make sure your dog has a clean bed or blanket and they receive enough attention during the day. If your dog is sleeping, then you should not disturb it. This will only make the dog angry. Taking care of a dog also means respecting the dog’s boundaries. Some small breeds will become angry when their space in invaded during times when they do not want to be disturbed. As your dogs grows, you will learn when to socialize with the dog and when leave it alone.

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Information on yorkie grooming can be found at the Puppy Grooming site.

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Dogs Can Also Have Hypoallergenic Problems

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Author: John Singleson

Dogs that have allergies show many signs including watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, excessive scratching and biting, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and moodiness. When your dog is suffering from allergies, you may notice one or more of these symptoms. Learning what causes these allergies is the first step toward treating your dog and preventing further attacks.

Many allergies that dogs suffer from are caused by insects such as fleas and ticks, or by parasites. When you bring your dog home from a breeder or from a shelter or pet store, schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as possible. Make sure the dog has all of its shots and that is has been dewormed. This will prevent parasites from causing an allergic reaction in your dog. While you may have to do this more than once during their lifetime, getting rid of the parasites will help your dog’s temperament and keep them healthy.

If you noticed small red bites on your dog or if the dog has been scratching the same area until bald spots appear, then they may have fleas, ticks, or mites. This allergic reaction is caused by insect saliva. If your dog has open wounds, you should wait until the wounds heal before spraying or bathing them with medicine that kills the insects and their eggs. Take your dog to the vet if this is the first occurrence. The vet may be able to prescribe an ingestible pill that will protect them from future infestation. You may also want to keep your dog indoors during flea and tick season.

When your dog vomits more than once a week or has diarrhea for more than one or two days, they may have an allergy to dog food. Switching to another brand or feeding the dog softer food may solve this problem. You should take the dog to the vet anyway so that they can make sure the dog is healthy. Extreme diarrhea will lead to dehydration, so make sure you have plenty of water for your dog to drink.

If your dog’s mood changes suddenly or you notice that they are not as playful as they once were, then you should take the dog to the vet. If the dog has eaten something it shouldn’t or if it is suffering from allergies, it will not want to play as much as it used to. Finding out the cause of their allergy may be difficult because, much like human beings, your dog may be allergic to more than one thing.

Research your dog’s breed to see if there are specific items it could be allergic to and see if they are present in your home. Monitor your dog to see how it behaves and what it is eating. Sometimes eating too much grass can cause an allergy attack. Once you find the causes of the allergy, take the steps necessary to reduce the dog’s exposure what is causing the allergy as much as possible.

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Learn about poodle grooming and shih tzu grooming at the Puppy Grooming site.

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Tips For Training a Labrador Puppy – 3 Ways to Get Faster Results

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Author: Therese Roe

You may be looking for some good tips for training a Labrador puppy, if you the proud owner of one of these bundles of joy into your life. Or perhaps you already own a Labrador. You will be doing yourself and your puppy a favour by teaching him or her the correct way to behave from the start

Do you know how to go about training your new puppy? It’s a great idea to arm yourself with some information before you start, so that you get the absolute maximum benefits out of your training program, and thus fast track your results for a well behaved dog.

What sort of training program will you choose? Who will train the puppy? To train a Labrador puppy will require persistence, patience and perseverance. It doesn’t happen over night, but once your new puppy has learnt the lessons you want him or her to learn, your life together will one of many happy moments.

A few tips for training your new puppy:

1. Be kind and gentle.
Your puppy is a baby, who doesn’t know right from wrong. It’s up to you to show him or her the correct way to behave. Smacking your pup, will only have adverse effects. It will make your puppy rebel. Positive reinforcement is the only method you should engage in. Praise your puppy when he/she does the right thing.

2. Make the lessons short.
Your puppy will have a very short attention span at first, and introducing new things to will tire him/her quickly. Make the lesson no longer than say 5 minutes, 3 or 4 times per day. This is quite enough for your pup to get the hang of the new behavior – especially when you reward him/her with a treat for doing the right thing. Do not give a treat, if you don’t get the correct response.

3. Spend time with your puppy.
You and your family are your puppies new “pack”. Dogs are pack animals and are not happy being left alone. If left alone Labradors can bore easily and become quite destructive. Plenty of chewing toys are a great idea for those first teeth, and as he/she gets older, lots of bones will keep your Lab amused.

As cute as Labrador puppies are they can be disobedient, unresponsive, boisterous and just generally difficult to manage if they are not taught the right ways to behave.

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Do you dream of having an obedient puppy? You know you can have complete control over your Labrador Retriever puppy, and never feel embarrassed by their behavior again. To train your Labrador pup correctly the first time, get your step by step guide and DVD on how to train a Labrador Retriever puppy and put an end to any bad habit your puppy may have right now: Go to http://www.labradorretrievertraining.info.

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Sporting Dogs That Are Hypoallergenic

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Author: John Singleson

Even though many breeds are no longer used just for sporting or hunting, these dogs have become popular favorites among those who need a hypoallergenic dog that has an easy temperament. Sporting dogs are considered intelligent, playful, and obey their owners when given commands. Hypoallergenic sporting dogs include Poodles, Australian Terriers, and Kerry Blue Terriers. Each of these dogs has been used to hunt small and large game and also to hunt for rodents and other pesky animals that carried disease. Now these animals are kept in the home as pets. While still playful and easy going, these dogs are now treated more like friends that as sporting partners.

Each of these breeds has a short coat that is more like human hair because it is soft and thin. Unlike other breeds, these dogs do not shed as often and when they do, it is usually not noticeable. People who want to own a medium sized dog will appreciate any of the breeds mentioned above. Grooming is an essential part of their care as is brushing their coats once or twice a week to prevent matting.

The Poodle comes in a few different varieties that are all hypoallergenic. Poodles have been used a sporting dogs, show dogs, and lap dogs for those who wanted a breed that would sit still on command. The Poodle is a friendly dog that does not make a lot of noise. They are very active and enjoy getting their exercise. People who want are thinking about buying a Poodle should conduct more research to see if this is the dog they truly want. Even though the Poodle can live for many years, they may suffer some health problems as they age.

The Australian Terrier was once used to catch mice and rats, but today it is kept at home because of its pleasant disposition and its long hair that does not shed. You can choose to cut the hair closer to the body if you choose. For those looking for a smaller dog, the Australian Terrier is a good choice. These dogs are considered companion dogs, meaning that they enjoy the company of people.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a relative of the Australian Terrier, but is much larger and has a more pronounced head and chest. Their head is almost square shaped. Their cost is soft and curly. It will not shed and needs to be groomed often to prevent matting. While the dogs are actually gray or black in color, a blue sheen can be found on their coat. This is where they got their name.

Kerry Blue Terriers need daily exercise that can range from long walks to running in the park with other dogs. If you have a backyard, you can let the dog run around and it will tire itself out. People who live in larger homes should consider buying a hypoallergenic dog like this one.

Even though these dogs are no longer used primarily as sporting dogs, this does not mean the dogs prefer to sit around all day long. Exercise is very important for dogs like these because they have been used for generations for sporting parties and long hunts in the woods.

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Information on schnauzer grooming can be found at the Puppy Grooming site.

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Choosing the Right Pet Vitamin For Your Dog

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Author: Joseph Sabol

In recent years, we have learned the importance of a quality, meat based diet for our dogs. We now know that good nutrition, along with exercise and lots of love will allow us to have many quality years with our furry family member. We have learned a lot about what our pets require in their diet to be as healthy as possible. What we feed our dogs is especially important because dogs do not naturally produce the vitamins and minerals they require. Even with the high quality dog foods produced today, much of the nutrient value is lost during the processing.

Although you may be feeding your dog or dogs (I have 3!), a quality food, they will benefit from a vitamin and mineral supplement. Once you decide to boost your dogs health with a pet vitamin, how do you know which one to choose? A quality, all natural pet vitamin is best. Avoid vitamins with chemicals or artificial colors. Some of the ingredients that will benefit your dogs health include glucosamine and chondroitin, for rebuilding cartilage, and Omega fatty acids, which are crucial for a dogs skin and coat.

Another consideration in choosing a vitamin should be based on the individual dog. When you are choosing a pet vitamin, keep in mind the age of your dog, as well as his or her activity level. Next, read the ingredients and know how they will improve or protect your four-legged friends health. A vitamin supplement should provide ingredients to help aid in digestion, metabolism and proper absorption of nutrients. The vitamins should include Vitamin A to eliminate free radicals, which can be cancer causing, and Vitamin C to boost the immune system. A good vitamin will contain many other ingredients, such as herbs and minerals that will target specific health issues. The manufacture should provide a complete list of ingredients and their function in protecting your pets health.

Not everyone feels the need to provide their pet with a vitamin supplement, but the fact is, just as they do for us, vitamins can improve and maintain health. I know I want to do as much as I can to keep my dogs healthy for as long as possible.

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Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.

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All About Small Dogs With Hypoallergenic Fur

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Author: John Singleson

Are you a dog lover? Do you live in an apartment or small home? Do you have allergies? A small dog with hypoallergenic fur might be the answer for you. “Hypo” is a Greek suffix meaning less or below. A hypoallergenic dog might still put out allergens, but at a much lower level. A few dogs that take up less space, making them better for apartment living, are the Silky Terrier, the Havanese, and the Coton de Tulear. These dogs are all considered of the “Toy” size by the America Kennel Club.

The Silky Terrier was developed through a cross of a Yorkshire Terrier and an Australian Terrier in the late 19th century. Even with these early dates, it was not fully recognized as a breed of its own until 1955 as the Australian Silky Terrier. These dogs have terrier qualities such as enjoying activity and a very sharp alertness. Their hair is long, but the Silky Terriers do not shed. This long hair also is partially where their name is derived from. It has very soft and smooth qualities. The dog does require more than average care for this silky coat to stay in good condition. The terriers can get along with other dogs and children, but will get aggressive when provoked or teased. Proper education should be given to as well as the people around the animal as well as the dogs themselves in how to act around one another.

The Havanese were originally developed by the Spanish from a now extinct breed called the Bichon Tenerife, making them part of the Bichon family of dogs. Grooming isn’t a worry with this breed, even with Havanese that are shown in competition. They are meant to look playful and friendly, much like their temperament. These dogs are great around children, other dogs, and people in general without becoming overly possessive. Their sturdy frame makes them that much better around curious children, unlike most fragile “Toy” sized dogs. Although they love playing and winning, they can be easily calmed when spoken to sternly by their owners. One of the major downsides to owning a Havanese is that they seem to suffer from many ailments such as cataracts and hip dysplasia. These are actually uncommon, unless the dog is adopted from a less than reputable breeder.

A Coton de Tulear is another dog with Spanish roots from the Bichon family. Its actual home is Madagascar, where it is the official dog of the country. This intelligent breed is extremely playful, and when pure bred, is white in color. This white coat, while hypoallergenic, does shed more than that of their Havanese cousin, so it requires brushing once every week or two. The Coton de Tulears love people and enjoy playing with them, going on daily walks, and can even keep up on longer hikes. They get easily attached to their owners and suffer from separation anxiety at times. Overall, these dogs are very healthy, living anywhere from fourteen to eighteen years.

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Find tips about poodle grooming and shih tzu grooming at the Puppy Grooming website.

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Finidn Medium Size Dogs That Are Hypoallergenic

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Author: John Singleson

Do you love dogs, but have allergies? If you have a smaller home, a medium sized hypoallergenic dog might be perfect. Hypoallergenic dogs have a tendency to create less allergic reactions because of an absence of fur or a very low amount compared to most pets. There are a few breeds that fit into the criteria. The Spanish Water Dog, the Bouvier des Flandres, and the Mexican Hairless are all medium sized, hypoallergenic dogs that work great for families and singles alike.

If big, friendly, shaggy dogs are your thing, the Spanish Water Dog is a good fit. They resemble the sheep dog on the Warner Brothers’ Looney Tunes cartoons. The dogs live for playing, swimming and even working. When acclimated correctly, the Spanish Water Dog is a great playmate for children. If you have a pool or live near an ocean or lake, the Spanish Water Dog lives true to its name. They love swimming. As for the work aspect, these dogs have natural herding instincts and are excellent guard dogs. These dogs do require a lot of attention, so be ready for that. They must be exposed to other dogs and/or children between the ages of two to twelve months if they are to fully accept being around them, otherwise they can become aloof or guarded around them.

The Bouvier des Flandres also fits into the hypoallergenic shaggy dog category. This strong built breed is traditionally used for hard work such as cattle and sheep herding, pulling carts, and police or guard dog work. Along with their strong work abilities, they are generally gentle and protective of their adopted families. Even former United States President, Ronald Regan, chose this breed for a pet. Their thicker hair makes them great dogs for outdoor work and play in colder climates. Be ready to take care of the Bouvier des Flandres if one is added to your home. Maintenance on these dogs thick hair (not fur) does require brushing weekly and visits for a trim every six to eight weeks. This dog can be prone to both voluvus and bloat syndromes because of their deep chests. They can also be very strong-willed and intimidating animals when they feel strongly about something, especially when going after cats. Proper discipline is a must when owning a Bouvier.

The Mexican Hairless, also known as the Xoloitzcuintle or Xolo, is an extremely rare breed of dog. They range in weight anywhere from ten to fifty pounds and are almost always completely devoid of hair; they resemble dogs seen in Egyptian Hieroglyphics. Some of the Xolos do sport a very thin coat of hair or have various amounts of hair on their heads or bodies. They have been bred for over 4000 years in Mesoamerica (between central Mexico and Costa Rica). Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Mexican equivalent does recognize this breed. The dogs are hard to find in Mexico and even harder to find in the US because they were considered next to extinct prior to the 1950′s.

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Learn about poodle grooming and shih tzu grooming at the Puppy Grooming site.

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How to Train a Labrador Retriever – 3 Important Things To Know

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Author: Terri Nowlan

You are going to need to have some idea’s about how to train a Labrador Retriever, before you start your training program. You will need to think about what techniques to use, how long to make your lessons and how many lessons to have daily.

I have trained my very own Labrador Retriever and I will share a few important tips with you. Firstly let me say that you own a very intelligent dog and if you train your Lab correctly from the start, you will have many hours of enjoyment during the whole process.

Tip 1 – Lots of positive reinforcement
Think about it for a moment, when you are learning something new, you are pretty ordinary at it at first, right? So how can you expect your puppy or dog to be any different. You have seen dogs sit, or stay or heel many many times, but your dog has never seen or heard of it ever. Be patient with your Labrador and when he/she does what you want, then give him/her a treat. Never give a treat for a half hearted attempt by your dog, or when your dog just doesn’t do as its told.

Tip 2 – Don’t hit your dog
Dogs respond to body language or the tone of your voice. It’s enough for you to say “No” in a short deep voice for the dog to get the hint. They will also notice your body language isn’t as friendly as usual. Hitting or kicking your dog will just cause the dog to rebel and you will not get the best out of him/her, it could possibly bring out an aggressive side. The best way to discipline dogs is to catch them in the act, and deal with it then, firmly but fairly. This way they can associate the discipline with the act. I realize that dogs can be very trying at times, especially when they have just chewed up your best shoes – again. However, hitting the dog hours after the event, will just confuse him/her.

Tip 3 – Make sure your dog know who’s the boss
This one is a common mistake. Believe me, you are not doing your dog any favors at all by treating them as an equal. Simple things such as making the dog sit, before it is fed. Going through a door first before the dog or not stepping over your dog, if it happens to be in the way, the dog needs to move in order for you to pass through. All of this will send the message to your dog that you are the “Top Dog” and they will not challenge you, knowing that you are the boss.

Keep your lessons short, you will get to know how long before your dog loses concentration, but try about 5 – 10 minute lessons, depending on the age of your dog, 3 – 4 times per day. This is more than enough for you to train your dog.

About the Author:

Do you dream of having an obedient dog? You know you can have complete control over your Labrador Retriever, and never feel embarrassed by their behavior again. To train your Labrador correctly the first time, get your step by step guide and DVD on how to train a Labrador Retriever and put an end to any bad habit your Lab may have right now: Go to http://www.labradorretrievertraining.info.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How to Train a Labrador Retriever – 3 Important Things To Know

Puppy Mills and Health of your Puppy

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Author: Joseph Sabol

There are approximately 3,500 pet stores in this country that sell puppies. They sell nearly 500,000 puppies a year and they can advertise the pups as AKC registered. AKC papers only signify that the puppy comes from 2 pure breed parents. It does not guarantee quality or health.

The majority of these puppies come from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a large, commercial operation that sells large quantities of puppies, often several different pure breeds. The breeding business is usually located on a farm. The majority of puppy mills are located in just seven states, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is known as the “puppy mill capital of the East”.

To these commercial breeders, the dogs they breed are considered livestock, no different from cows or pigs. Often, the breeders are farmers who cannot make if financially on their crops so they supplement their income by breeding dogs. The dogs are often kenneled in barns or other out buildings with no heating or cooling. There can be hundreds of dogs and puppies. The females are bred at their first heat and every cycle thereafter, until they no longer produce pups. Then they are killed because they no longer provide any income. These bitches are sometimes as young as 5 years old.

Because the dogs and puppies in a large commercial breeding business are used only as a form of income, the farmers or breeders don’t bother with veterinary care. The food they are given has practically no nutritional value, which causes many health problems especially in the pregnant females. One of the more horrible abuses inflicted on dogs and puppies is a procedure known as de-barking. This is done by destroying the vocal cords.

Because of the way these puppy mill pups are born and raised, they almost always have health problems. There is a lot of inbreeding, which leads to genetic health issues. These health issues may not even become evident until the puppy is older, if it lives long enough. Even if a puppy survives the physical health issues, the pup is likely to have behavioral problems from lack of socialization.

There are many groups who are constantly fighting to change legislation to protect these animals, or to eliminate large commercial breeding completely. One of the biggest movements is to educate people to stop buying puppies from pet stores because they represent the major buyer of puppy mill puppies. If you want to get involved, or see how you can help, you can find an organization on the internet, or contact the United States Humane Society or your local SPCA.

About the Author:

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.

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