Archive for the 'Animal Stuff' Category

Key Points Checklist Before You Buy Your First Dog

Hold on… Are You buying Your first Pet Dog?

Do you understand the responsiblities You have assume the moment you plan to buy a pup/dog.

A dog can be a great addition to your family as long as you are all in it together. A dog needs lots of attention and training in order to be a joy instead of a pain. Also think of the type of dog you wish to get.

It is important before making any more progress with your plans to be sure that everyone in family and even those people who work in house really want a puppy. In order to manage a puppy successfully, It must be wanted by all the family and they must all feel equal goodwill towards it.

The confident happy dog, which feels that the world is a reliable place where human behaviour is consisten will bring you compliments everywhere.

Here is a CheckList which You should complete before making any plans to bring a pup home.

Have we sufficient Space for a dog indoors and out? Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time during a day. Going to work should be fine as long as you have a crate, but remember your dog had physical needs also.

Can we proivde companionship and interest for the dogs for the greater part of the day, especially when it’s young? Like I said, Dogs should not be left alone.

Do you choose a male or female dog? If you find your male dog is trying to dominate your household and he is unneutered, take him to your veterinarian and have him neutered. This should stop the aggressive behavior also.

Is our garden sufficiently well fenced to keep a dog in?

Where will we take the dog for exercise, Away from motor traffic and where it can be let off the lead easily and regularly

Can we afford to feed a dog properly and pay for regularl vaccinations and boosters to protect it form disease?

Have we budgeted for veterinary Fees in illness and accident or for an insurance plicy to cover those fees and our third party liability if our dog should cause an injury or damage to another person’s property?

Is our family or our environment likely to change in the foreseeable future, making the conditions for having a dog less suitable? Giving a pet as a gift whether it is a new puppy, kitten, ferret, or bunny rabbit is never a good idea.

Can we make plans afor the dog when we go on holiday, Have we budgeted for boarding kennel expenses?

Do all the family really want a dog and are we willing to be responsible owners, not allowing our dog to be nuisance in any way?

Are we happy to accpet the inconveniences associated with dog ownership? Does everyone in your home wish to get a dog? Who will be souly responsible for this new pet?

Have we the time to look after a dog, no and in forseeable future?

Additionally You should remember, If you live in an apartment I would not suggest getting something like a German shepard or a Newfoundland, both breeds are large and demand more room out of your small space.

Before you leave, I suggest you to get a Free Ebook on Train Your Dog with Understanding from http://dog-training.my-infoworld.com/dog-training.pdf . It’s a Free Book, No email to give either. Share this book with Everyone You know.

Dog behavior and Obedience training tips . More articles on Dog Behavior,Dog obedience training

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The Importance of Chew Toys for My Chinchilla and Rodents

Chinchillas, like all rodents, need to chew. It keeps your teeth short and healthy since they don’t stop growing. There is a variety of material, shapes and flavors of things for them to chew on. Switching it up from time to time and giving your pet a variety of chew toys can make it a little more fun for them. I have noticed that through past experiences with rodent pets of both myself and friends, and with my current chinchilla, they enjoy both soft and hard things to chew.

My chinchilla will chew anything. This is important to note if you ever let your own chinchilla or rodent out of his/her cage to have some fun. You have to be careful of the environment they are in. My chinchilla has chewed through two electric wires. She has chewed on numerous furniture, books, and paper. It’s not that I don’t watch her when she’s out, it’s that she’s so fast and just gets to things quicker than I can at times.

When she’s not running through the house for her next quick snack, she is sitting in her cage chewing on a variety of things I try to provide her with. The first, which is probably the staple thing for rodents to chew on as pets, is toilet paper and paper towel rolls. These are great. Not only do you get to put what would usually be trash to good use, they are somewhat soft and easy for the rodent to chew. Sometimes they prefer this over the harder things, though you have to make sure there isn’t a lot of glue on them.

She also loves to chew wood. The constant piece she has is a wooden ledge in her cage, though she doesn’t chew that as much. She likes to jump on it and stuff, but only chews it when she really doesn’t have anything else to chew. It’s a nice thing to have in the cage for moments between her old and new chew toy.

I also get her wood blocks that she just loves. They are little, finger length, and usually come in many assorted colors. Some even are flavored. I’m not really sure if she enjoys the flavored ones more or not, but she loves all the wood chew toys. They are her favorite, a treat almost, and she will chew on that contently for a long time. I like to keep one of those, since it’s a harder toy, and a roll, since it’s a softer toy, in her cage at the same time. This gives her variety for when she wants to chew.

Of course, anything in her cage she will chew. She has a green plastic igloo for a house, and that is covered in bite marks. She usually only chews that when she is antsy and wants to get out of the cage. It’s a good sign to let me know she might be feeling too cooped up. I noticed that some, maybe even more, will start to chew these constant items in their cages when they are bored.

They also will chew their cages for the same reason. My chinchilla is no different. She will chew that when she has ran out of a good chew toy and gets bored, or when she wants out of the cage. I can tell because she is most active when I let her out after she has been chewing on the cage.

Animals are smarter than most people give them credit and a wonderful friend to have. We should treat them better by providing variety for their life. We need to not just show them love and affection with hugs and petting, but also show them that we care by providing them with enjoyable items we give them. Take note of what they prefer, what they often chew, and what gets chewed the fastest. Rodents are one of the most affectionate pets surprisingly, always amusing and entertaining, and deserve every little treat and toy they can get.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com which is a site for Pet Forums.

Jake Rose is an artist and an author from Massachusetts.

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Basics Dog Training - Commands

Training Your Dog to “give”

Basics dog training your dog to release whatever he has in
his mouth on your command helps to stop him becoming an aggressive and possessive dog. Nature dictates that whatever he finds is his. This is just normal dog behavior.

This is where you use obedience dog training. Whether it
be his favourite toy or a juicy bone he has to be taught
to drop it when told, with out growling or bearing his
teeth.

To do this is quite simple using your basics dog training
method.

First you need to put his lead on so he can’t run off. Then using a new toy play with him. When he has the toy in his mouth,
in a stern voice say “give” or “drop it” whilst also offering
him his favourite treat. He should drop the toy and take the treat. When he does praise him again and again.

If during the basics dog training he growls when you try
to take the toy from him just jerk the lead and repeat
the command “give” or “drop it”. He will then realise that a growl means a jerk and dropping it gives him a treat and plenty of praise.

Carry on playing with the toy and repeat the process
a number of times over the next few days.
After a few sessions the dog will start to drop it without
hesitation knowing that he will receive his treat.

Each time you practice this basics dog training command method
replace the toy with something more desirable to your dog.
Always using loads and loads of praise when he drops it.
Eventually you will be able to give him a really juicy bone and he will drop it on your command similar to the professional dog training you see on the television.

You need to practice dog care at all times. Some dog bones can harm your dog. When you give him a bone make sure it is a knuckle bone as this will not splinter as he tries to gnaw it.

Be wary of smaller bones, always try to use premium dog food. Never feed him chicken bones as he will easily choke on them. Dogs love to chew,encourage this by giving them premium dog food chews.You can get in various different shapes sizes and flavours.

By using easy basics dog training one step at a time your
dog will soon become a fully trained faithful best friend. Remember your dog wants you to be his leader.
You can achieve this by giving him clear instructions,
a different command word for each situation, and heaps
and heaps of praise when he does right.

Basics Dog Training - Commands.

John Mailer. A dog lover and author of the blogs below. Watch out for many new articles in the coming weeks centered around basics dog training. My new dog site will online soon.
http://basicsdogtraining.blogspot.com
http://housetrainingfordogs.blogspot.com

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Choosing The Right Signature Toys For Your Dog

When choosing the right signature toy for your precious dog, you should consider several factors. Even when selecting dog toys that are made by signature and high-end labels, you should weigh in several things aside from price and manufacturers.

Here are some tips on choosing the right toys for your dog.

On choosing the perfect toys for your dog

Toys for the dogs should be enjoyable and fun. But, at the same time, you should check whether the toys are durable and safe. What if your dog accidentally chokes because it swallowed a part of its toy? Safety of the toys should be of paramount concern.

The safety and durability of a dog toy depends on many factors - such as the size of your dog, its activity level, as well as your and your dog’s personal preference. Ask dog-owning friends or family members for tips. Consult with your vet if needed on what toys should you buy for your dog.

Be careful when choosing the toys

In general, the toys that dogs find most attractive are the ones that could pose the greatest danger. Check with the store staff of the features of toys. Evaluate if some toys could be dangerous to your dog.

Choosing the perfect size of the toys

Do not buy dog toys that are so small that can be easily swallowed or could cause your dog to choke. Do not, on the other hand, pick toys that are way too big and heavy for your dog, as it would not enjoy the toy. Pick a toy that is just perfect for the size of your pet.

Check that any part of the toy cannot fall off or break

Look out for toys that may have parts that are not “dog proof.” Some of the parts a dog could chew or ingest are strings, eyes, ribbons, among others. Avoid such toys.

Dog toys that are squeaky and soft are good for some dogs

Some dogs that are gentler can play well with designer toys that are soft and squeaky. Some, however, like to play rough with the designer toys that they have. Ask your vet for any tips on what kind of designer toys should you buy your dog.

You could also check the store staff or surf through the Internet for additional information on toys.

Designer toys are fun, alright - but you have to also look for other concerns such as the toy’s safety for your dog.

Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it’s Dog Gone Good! www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

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Alarm Clock Kitty, How to Stop Early Morning Meowing

Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow. Meow! Meow!
Meoooooow! The high pitched meowing persists and penetrates through my feather
stuffed shield. Meow! Meow! Meow! My eyes open only with the greatest of efforts.
Grudgingly, I drag myself out of my warm bed and look at the clock; 3:47 am. I
reach over to the night-stand and turn on the light, pain is the result, the light, so
bright, the light is, so, so bright. My wife rolls over on her side and I can see the
annoyed look on her scrunched up little face. “Must…. feed…. demon… cat….” I say
to myself as I trudge to the kitchen to empty a can of cat food into the little yellow
cat dish. The cat has by this time woken up the entire household and I wouldn’t be
surprised if the neighbors were also awake.

Our cat is a loud cat. Unnervingly loud. 747 jet-engine loud. And there was a time
that she woke up every morning before even the sun had the nerve to peek over the
horizon. Our loveable little ball of fur wanted to be fed. While the rest of the
household was fast asleep our sweet little kitty wanted to have some food to suck
down her gullet. This caused quite a bit of frustration for us, especially since this
was not a one time thing. No, this was indeed becoming her morning ritual. Every
morning, our cat would sit in front of our door and meow at the top of her little kitty
lungs the most blood curdling meows I had ever had the displeasure of hearing.
Our initial reaction, after caving in and feeding her several nights/early mornings in
a row, was to put her in the laundry room before my wife and I went to sleep at
night. This, however, was not the best solution in the world, our cuddly little black
mass didn’t seem to like it very much and after a while she wasn’t the warm and
cuddly cat we knew before.

There must to be another solution to this dilemma. Fortunately, there is. What your
cat is, is what has been termed as an “alarm clock kitty”, what that is, is a cat that
wakes up very early (or stays up very late) and begins to meow at approximately the
same time every single, bloody day in expectation of being fed. Unfortunately for
those of us who enjoy sleeping at night this is a natural behavior in cats and while
the problem may not happen to every cat owner it happens to many. So what can
you do? Even though cats have been domesticated animals for thousands of years
now dating back to ancient Egypt, they still have retained most of their wild instincts
and this is a cat’s natural instinct; hunt and feed. Cats are predatory animals, they
hunt, and the cat’s natural time to hunt generally falls between dusk and dawn
because most of the prey they hunt are nocturnal (rats, mice and other rodents).
So, if you can’t or don’t want to let your cat out at night to hunt on her own what
should you do?

Training your cat to stop this behaviour may be fairly easy, but be warned, it
will take a little patience on your part but a good night’s sleep may be the reward.
What you need is a cat toy, preferably a mouse or something similar, a piece of
string and a stick. Attach the cat toy to a string and the string to the stick. While
you are watching your bedtime TV or doing whatever your before bedtime ritual is
take your cat toy and play a hunting game with her. Cats love to chase things
because of their hunting instinct. Play with your cat for about 15 minutes, enough
time to tire your cat out and give her the satisfaction of having hunted. During your
game create as realistic a hunting scenario as you can, make noises like a mouse (or
whatever animal you are emulating) squeaking or scurrying through the brush. Let
your cat catch the toy from time to time so that your cat will feel as if she was
involved in a successful (rather than a frustrating) hunt. Towards the end gradually
slow down the game drawing your little hunt to a close. Your cat will probably be
sufficiently tired by this time. At the end of the game feed your cat something you
know she likes. You don’t need to feed her a full sized meal, but feed her an
amount sufficient enough to satisfy her hunger. A handful of cat treats or a little
piece of left over pork chop may be sufficient. Then go to sleep. In all likelihood
your cat will be satisfied and will not continue her ritual of waking you up every
morning.

You may need to continue your hunting game with your cat for a week or two
before the early morning meowing goes away, and even after it does its a good idea
to play this game with your cat from time to time in order to keep the behavior from
returning and to keep your cat feeling like an accomplished hunter. But if you
follow this routine you should be able to satisfy your cat and get a little shut eye at
the same time.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living
in Germany. His website, ZapGraphix.com, sells fun and humorous pet related merchandise.

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Who is the Gourmet? You or Your Dog?

Thinking of cooking up a storm for your pooch? And that I assume you’re having difficulties in convincing your pooch eating his premium dog food.

There are two issues hereHome-cooked meals verses commercial premium dog food.

Whether or not one is better than the other is a matter of preferenceyou not your dog. And whether or not your dog becomes a demanding “gourmet” is also depending on you; not your dog.

In choosing varied “gourmet” diets for our dogs (diets which are quickly becoming expensive), we fall into an anthropomorphic fallacya tendency where human characteristics for animals.

Dogs and all animals are creatures of habit. A pup raised on an ordinary feed (even he’s strictly on commercially packed food) will grow to like it, sometimes shunning rarer delicacies in favor of “the usual.”

Occasionally, your pooch may clamor for your steak while his own kibbles waits in his bowl, he’ll eventually go for his regular meal if other temptations don’t compete. Variety is not as crucial to him as it may seem to you.

Dogs are not finicky eaters by nature. We inadvertently create this problem by substituting food for love. We think that every time our dog does something cute, we should give him a treat. After a while, our dog wants nothing but treats, especially if they come from our plate or the refrigerator!
If you feed your dog a variety of food in hopes that one will appeal to him, he will demand a greater and greater variety, and you will have created a finicky eater! Choose a high-quality food and stick to it. Do not feed table scraps or give in-between meal snacks to your dog.
Some “gourmet” dog foods (and especially dog “treats”) are designed to appeal more to the human purchaser than the animal consumer. Color-blind canines are indifferent to the pastel hues that beckon the buyer of dog candies. We pay extra for such gimmicks because we consciously or unconsciously equate human tastes and needs with those of our pooches.
What matter most to them is the taste, not the shape, size or colour. Dogs don’t know a clue about calories that gamey treat can add to their waistline. So is up to us to be the sensible one to give treats in moderation. If possible, limit it to training and party times.

Dogs become finicky when they are given too great a variety and by overfeeding. I’m not surprise that at this stage, they may already have weight and health issues to add to their existing dilemma.
If you do change foods, do it gradually by adding a bit of new food each day to the old food. The reason for this is that the digestive flora gets used to one food and a rapid change can cause diarrhea and digestive upsets.
If you choose a high quality food, there is really no need for vitamin supplementation. You will pay more for premium dog food, but you will use less because a small feeding amount has more nutrients and is more thoroughly digested.

And if you should decide on home cooked meals instead, just remember that you should depart from a “complete and balanced” pet diet in favor of a more specialized program. These reasons may include age, disease, or even stress.

A good rule of thumb to apply to your dog’s diet system is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And with this notion, your pooch will soon know you are truly the GourmetThe Boss.

About the Author

Renée Alexandreaa former professional show-dog handler, breeder and volunteer at animal shelters. She has written numerous articles from dog behavioural problems to dog party themes. Get a Free copy of her “21 ways of Budgeting Tips & Thrifty Ideas” ebook at http://www.small-dogs-breed-lovers.com Spend Less and Pamper More.

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Natural Ear Mite Remedies

Ear Cleaning & Ear Mite Treatment

A healthy ear cleaning program should begin with regular
cleaning with cotton balls and cotton swabs. Remember that cats
and dogs have an L shaped ear canal so you will not hurt the ear
drum.

To clean your pet’s ear, you can moisten the ear with green tea
or use an acidic ear cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
There are many natural herbal ear cleaners and wash on the
market.

Place several drops of cleaner in the ears and thoroughly
massage the base of the ear. You can use cotton balls or cotton
swabs to remove all the debris and wax in the ear.

Since the ears are a nice warm environment, it is the perfect
place for ear mites. Ear mites are so small that you can barely
see them, although your pet can definitely feel them.

Ear mites cause itching and scratching which can result in
sores, infections, and even hearing loss. When the body’s
natural defenses are weaker than they should be, the ear mites
can come back even after treatment. Many medications are
effective in ridding your pets of these nasty creatures, but
there are gentle and natural ways to get rid of them and keep
them from coming back.

Green tea is a natural antiseptic that helps remove the debris
left from ear mites. Make sure you let the tea cool first and
then apply to the ear as described above. Do this remedy once a
day for a month.

A classic way to get rid of ear mites is to put 3-5 drops of oil
in the ear canal after thoroughly cleaning your pet’s ears. You
can use mineral oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Avoid tea tree
oil which is dangerous for cats. Oil will smother and starve the
mites.

For extra strength you can soak a few crushed garlic cloves in
the oil overnight. Garlic will help kill the bacteria that can
lead to ear infections. You should do these oil treatments once
a day for at least a month.

There are also several natural over-the-counter remedies that
are effective in treating ear mites.

Once you have rid your pet’s ear of ear mites you need to take
measure to ensure they do not return. Echinacea strengthens the
immune system and makes it harder for the mites to thrive in the
ear. A high quality natural food will also boost the immune
system.

For more information on dog care visit,
http://www.dog-care-central.com

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Keep Your Dog Smiling With Preventative Dog Dental Care

What should pet owners know about dog dental care and periodontal disease?

An important aspect of the good dog dental care is proper dental hygiene. One of the most common ailments treated by veterinarians is periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is progressive. It starts out with the formation of plaque, a sticky bacterial film that forms in the mouth at the gum line. If not removed plaque will harden into tartar above and below the gum line. This build up causes the gums to become red and swollen, a condition known as gingivitis.

If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to advanced gum disease. Red swollen gums will begin to recede as the infection travels down into the root of the tooth and the jawbone. Once the gums have receded the damage is irreversible and the gums will not grow back. This is known as periodontal disease and results in loss of bone and loss of teeth. At this advanced stage the bacteria from the oral infection may now enter the bloodstream. This can lead to more serious problems such as heart, liver and kidney disease. These conditions if left untreated can eventually become life threatening. These problems can also be prevented by implementing a good dog dental care routine.

Why should I routinely inspect my dog’s mouth?

By two or three years of age many pets start to show signs of oral disease. By implementing a home dog dental care routine you can assure that your dog’s mouth stays healthy, clean and pain free. Start by routinely inspecting your dog’s mouth. A healthy mouth will not smell offensive. The teeth will be clean and will not have any yellow or brown spots. The gums will be a healthy pink color and will hug the teeth.

What are the signs of gum disease in dogs?

Persistent bad breath, brownish deposits around the gum line, especially on back teeth, red swollen gums, loose teeth, painful and or bleeding gums are all indicators of oral disease. Although bad breath or “doggy breath” is the most obvious sign of a problem, many pet owners fail to recognize it as an indicator of dental problems until it’s too late. As part of a good dog dental care routine check your dog’s mouth at the slightest sign of a persistent offensive odor. Other indications can be decreased appetite and weight loss, a change in chewing habits, lethargy, and pawing of the mouth or the face.

What should I do if my dog’s mouth shows signs of gum disease?

Dog dental care starts by checking your dog’s mouth regularly. If you see any of these signs call your vet to schedule a dental exam. Your dog may just need a routine cleaning. The cleaning process is performed under general anesthesia. If the condition is minor, it’s not much different than a dental cleaning that you or I would have done. Your dog’s teeth will be scaled to remove tartar above and below the gum line and then they will be polished. Since your dog can’t rinse and spit the mouth area will be flushed to clear it of any loosened debris.

If the condition is more serious your vet may need to administer an antibiotic to clear up any gum infection before cleaning your dog’s teeth. Blood work will usually be taken so that your vet can determine if the infection has spread into the bloodstream. If the disease is in the advanced stages your vet may also need to extract some teeth. Whatever the outcome, your dog is sure to feel a lot better after receiving some much needed dog dental care.

Remember to regularly inspect your pet’s mouth, schedule periodic dental check ups, and perform routine home dental care.

How important is home dog dental care?

Regular cleanings by your vet followed up by a home dental care program can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy and disease free. Even if your dog’s teeth are currently in good condition a preventative home dental care routine is essential to your dog’s health. If not regularly removed, plaque and tartar build up can progress very quickly into full blown periodontal disease.

If you’re new to dog dental care ask your vet to show you how to brush your dog’s teeth. Also find out if there is anything else that your vet would recommend adding to your dog’s preventative home dental care routine.

One recommendation is to entice your dog to chew. Daily chewing exercises will help remove food debris and prevent tartar build up. They’re also great for relieving boredom and separation anxiety. So put your pet to work. Give your dog plenty of fun and yummy real bones, dental dog chew toys, and edible dog chews as part of your home dog dental care routine.

Do I need to brush my dog’s teeth?

The most direct method of preventative dog dental care is brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. Vets usually recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth at least two times a week. If your dog is prone to dental disease you may need to do this more often.

What should I use to brush my dog’s teeth?

If you have a young puppy introducing a tooth brushing routine will probably be much easier then if you have an adult dog. In either case start slow, keep the sessions short, and be very gentle while working in your dog’s mouth. Use lots of praise and reassurance to reinforce good behavior. You will not want to give your dog treats during this task for obvious reasons.

Since a dog will swallow whatever you use never brush your dog’s teeth with “people” toothpaste. This toothpaste is not formulated to be ingested and can upset your dog’s stomach. It’s also designed to foam which is not desirable when brushing a dog’s teeth. So use a pet toothpaste formulated for dog dental care that does not require rinsing.

You will also need a pet toothbrush. There’s a great triple sided pet toothbrush that will get the job done faster than a traditional style toothbrush. Or if you have a small dog you may want to try a pet finger toothbrush. Finger toothbrushes slip right onto your finger and are easily controlled to reach the common trouble spots up near the gum line. Add some specially formulated tartar removing toothpaste and you’re all set. Dog toothpaste is even available in all-natural formulas and yummy flavors like chicken and vanilla.

If this is your dog’s first toothbrush look for a pet dental care kit to get you started. These kits typically include a pet toothbrush, a tube of pet toothpaste and a pet finger toothbrush.

Pet dental wipes are great for use on dogs that resist brushing. These easy-to-use pet teeth cleaning pads help remove food debris and plaque, kill germs and help to control bad breath. If your dog will not allow you to use the toothbrush method try using dental wipes regularly as part of your dog’s home dental care program.

You may also want to try to increase the amount of time your dog spends chewing on real bones, dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews.

This type of chewing helps remove food debris and prevents tartar build up. If your dog chews enough you may be able to reduce how often you need to manually brush your dog’s teeth.

How do dog’s in the wild keep their teeth clean and healthy?

Dogs in the wild are generally much more active than our domesticated pets because they must hunt for their food. They also spend much more time chewing and gnawing on fresh bones, which helps to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Our domesticated dogs can spend a lot of time sleeping with their mouths closed while passing long period of time alone. It is commonly believed that the lack of fresh air circulating over the teeth and gums can encourage certain types of bacterial growth in the mouth. And since our pet dogs get their daily rations served to them in bowls it isn’t necessary for them to spend much time chewing. Although gnawing on bones is how dogs in the wild keep their teeth free from food debris, bacterial accumulation and tartar buildup, our domesticated friends rarely spend as much time at such pursuits.

Encouraging your dog to chew will make a big difference in the effectiveness of your dog dental care routine. Real bones are nature’s edible dog chews. But if you prefer not to give your dog real bones there are plenty of wonderful dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews that will get the job done.

Will real bones help keep clean my dog’s teeth?

Give your dog some real bones - Nature’s own edible dog chews. Most people don’t provide their dog with quantities of real bones, so as to avoid the mess and unsanitary residue. It’s great if you have an environment in which your dog can indulge in working on a fresh bone. But if not, you can buy some natural sterilized marrowbones. These hollow bones are also available pre-filled with tasty treats like beef, chicken, cheese, and granola.

If you get some unfilled bones you may want to try filling them with your dog’s favorite treats. Try peanut butter, cheese or one of the yummy pre-made fillings available at pet shops and online stores.

If you would rather not give your dog real bones there are many enticing dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews available that will encourage your dog to chew.

Besides real bones what other types of dog chews will help keep my dog’s teeth clean?

Traditional chew toys are still available and are just as popular as ever. But there are also a variety of very good dental chew toys, rope bone chew toys and edible dog chews designed to keep your dog engaged, with the added benefit of cleaning the teeth. These toys will entice your dog into playfully attending to the required dental hygiene. They can also keep your dog entertained and out of mischief during those times when you must leave your dog alone.

Rope Bone Chew Toys -Try a dental rope chew toy for great flossing action. As your dog happily chews on these toys the rope fibers clean between the teeth. Spray on some dog dental care spray or rub on a little flavored pet toothpaste to really enhance the cleaning action of this enticing dental chew toy. Check out a pet dental care spray & rope chew toy kit and get your dog dental care routine going today.

Dental Chew Toys - For long lasting chewing fun, and a great dental workout, get your dog a dental chew toy. Some brands are manufactured with grooves that make these dental toys real winners for cleaning your dog’s teeth. Some dental chew toys can also be stuffed with your dog’s favorite treats for hours of stimulating chewing. And for smaller dogs there are dental chew toys that not only have teeth cleaning grooves but also are combined with a rope chew. Just add some pet toothpaste to the dental grooves and your dogs will eagerly participate in their daily dog dental care routine.

Edible Dog Chews - Are you concerned about giving your dog rawhide chews because they can “ribbon” and cause your dog to choke? Many pet hops and online stores now carry a variety of composite chews. These all natural rawhide dog chews can’t ribbon, are easy to digest and dogs love the baked in flavor. There is even an edible dog chew treat available that contains no animal by-products.

Dogs, like people, have different tastes and preferences. Choose whichever dental dog toy or dog chew treat that will keep your dog happily chewing his or her way to clean and healthy teeth and gums.

And remember that there are many convenient dog dental care products available that will help you to keep your dog’s teeth and gums in great shape between regular visits to the vet and grooming salon. Unattended dental health problems cannot only distress your beloved pet, but can lead to serious conditions and ailments. Many of these problems can be prevented by implementing a regular home dog dental care routine.

About the Author: Article courtesy of: http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/home-dog-grooming.html dedicated to providing quality dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and Free Ezine.
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The Basics of Training Your Dog

Canine training is the same as for all animals, you communicate to your dog what you want him to do; when the dog has performed as desired, you reward him. You immediately repeat the exercise a few times and review it frequently until the dog’s response to the command is practically automatic. But of course it isn’t quite as simple as it sounds.

In the first place, communications with your dog are limited. Sometimes you can demonstrate the action you want him to perform. Sometimes you have to force or work with him. In certain cases, SIT or COME for example, you can give your dog the appropriate command every time you see that he is about to perform these actions anyway, then praise him. Eventually, he will connect the cause and the effect.

When giving commands, be calm, distinct, brief, patient, and perfectly clear in repeating your commands. Above all, be consistent. If your dog just sits there cocking his ears with a lost look, it is obvious you are not getting your message across and that you need to improve your communications system. Start over again trying to clarify your command, while increasing the will power behind it.

One-word commands are best at first. Later on you can use the key word in a sentence, pronouncing it gradually and not as focused. When your dog has grasped your meaning and performed correctly, and has been rewarded, repeat the performance at once in order to fix it in his memory. Three or four times are sufficient for the first lesson because you don’t want to bore him with it.

You should repeat the lessons again the next day, and thereafter at the beginning of each training session until he has mastered it. You will see that your dog really enjoys showing off what he learned to do. Certain conditions are necessary for successful training. Try to schedule the lessons at the same time and in the same place, one that is a secluded as possible and free from distractions such as passing cars, playing children, and other animals.

The learning process from the dog’s point of view, involves listening attentively and watching you as you give a command, realizing that each sound and gesture signifies something he is being asked to do. Once this sequence has been established in his mind, there is no limit to what he can learn.

Please do not attempt to school a tired dog, or an ailing one, or one that has just eaten. The dog will only become frustrated, irritable, and his only memory of your time together will always be an unpleasant one. You’ll achieve the same results if you are nervous, irritable, or in a bad mood. Give him your time, attention, patience, and love.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest designer dog clothes, dog collars, dog strollers and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at www.joncopets.com

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Great Treats for Aggressive Chewers

Does your dog destroy most store bought chews, spending mere minutes gnawing away at the expensive treat you just bought for them? Dog.coms product experts have compiled a list of products they feel will keep your aggressive chewer happy, while saving you money!

Below are a few suggestions:

• Thick N Chewy Rolls - Our product testers loved the thickness of these rolls and they lasted a long time! High in protein and low in fat these also have no knots to break off, making these treats safe, satisfying, as well as long lasting.

• Compressed Rawhide - Does your dog love to just chew and chew and chew? These compressed rawhide bones are just what you need! Made from layers of beef hide formed under extreme pressure to create an extremely dense bone, Compressed Rawhide bones are ideal for very aggressive chewers.

• Plaque Attackers - Super-chewers unite! Toys and treats such as Hercules Bones, Nylabone, Dingos and Chew and Brush Dental Bones feature raised bumps to massage gums and help remove dental plaque from teeth. Made from sturdy plastics, rawhide, or cornstarch, these treats last for hours while freshening your dogs breathe too!

Is your dog an aggressive chewer?

Aggressive chewers come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny little terriers, to large powerful Rotties! What’s most important is to know your dog, choosing the appropriate treats for both their size and temperament.

Treats can prove invaluable in rewarding positive behavior and in reinforcing behavior learned during training. They’re also a fun, inexpensive way to show your dog you love him. When choosing a treat, be sure to consider:

• Intended use - if you plan to use treats during training, smaller treats are a good choice. They’re quickly consumed and provide minimal distraction from training tasks.

• Frequency - if you plan to treat your dog often, consider smaller, lower-calorie treats which will help him stay slim.

• Age & Health - puppies often prefer smaller treats, and seniors with sensitive teeth often prefer soft treats. Dogs with food sensitivities/allergies can benefit from hypoallergenic treats.

• Pooches preferences - treats are available in several different shapes, sizes, and flavors sure to fit your dog’s unique tastes.

Mike Steele

http://www.dog.com/

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