Dog Park Fun!

Your Dog’s Diet In Their Senior Years

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:08 +0000

When Your Treasured Family Dog Is Getting On In Years

He’s realized the more youthful part of his life and is now starting to show the ravages of time as we all do. His diet needs to match the transitions his physique is going through. He may not have the same energy that he once had but he still needs healthy and balanced, nourishing meals that will keep him as healthy and balanced as possible. In addition to available remedies and more frequent vet visits, he’ll need your love and recognition of what his dietary requirements have evolved to.

What Changes Can I Expect?

Between the ages of 5 to 7 years of age, dogs begin to exhibit their age-related changes. In addition to changes in their physical appearance, they also experience immunological, metabolic and body composition changes too. Some changes are inevitable; others can be controlled by adopting alternative dietary agendas. Of course, breed has a lot to do with aging. The larger the breed, the sooner they begin to develop aging issues.

Changes may include:
Arthritis
Dental Problems
Skin and Coat Deterioration
A Lesser Ability to Fight Off Infections
Obesity
Intestinal Problems
Loss of Their Muscle Mass
Fiber and Protein, Yes, Calories and Fat, No

An older dog’s diet should still be well-balanced but with more fiber and less fat and calories. There also should be a generous portion of high quality protein. If your dog’s diet already consists of those element, then you might be able to continue their regular diet but in smaller quantities. Or, you may need to consider a specially formulated diet for senior dogs.

If your dog has kidney problems, you’ll want to keep the protein at about 14% of their diet. If not, you can consider a regular commercially prepared senior dog diet with about 18% proteins. The lower protein diet offers less of a workload making it easier on their weakened kidneys. The lower the fat, the lower the calories so fat levels should around 10% to 12%.

Supplemental Additives To Consider

Older pooches are more likely to develop constipation, thus the requirement for higher fiber. The fiber content should be between 3% and 5%. Aging may affect your dog’s intestinal bacterial growth, which may produce symptoms indicating a gastrointestinal disease. To help combat that, an older dog’s diet should include fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which promotes the healthy growth of beneficial bacteria.

Consult with your vet about increasing your pooch’s Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) intake. It’s an omega-6 fatty acid that helps maintain healthy coat and skin. Normally produced in your dog’s liver, it tends to diminish with aging.

Also, Antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin E help your dog eliminate damaging free radicals that can cause signs of aging and damage body tissues. Older dogs’ diets should include a higher level of those compounds. Antioxidants can help your dog’s immune system, too. Also, Try to include dry dog food in their diet. It will help in the reduction of gum disease and tartar builds up on their teeth.

Once your dog reaches the golden years, it’s super important to maintain a daily routine and be consistent with it. Abrupt changes, stress or variations in their daily routine should be avoided. Periodic vet examinations are very important.

Lastly, it’s important to connect with your pet daily; hugs and attention are good and will go a long way toward helping your best friend maintain a good attitude and be happy.

Visit Our Amazing: www.DogStyleLive.com – The Newest Member Of The DogParkFun.com Family Of Websites. Treat your Dog Like The Human He / She Thinks It Is. Visit www.DogStyleLive.com for some of the most unique and adorable doggie wear and practical “elements” clothing for your best furry friend! We now have hundreds of products for your dog so visit our new website www.DogStyleLive.com and browse through some of the most amazing dog apparel and accessories you will find anywhere – online or offline! Visit: www.DogStyleLive.com

Introducing Our Companion Website: www.DogCareExpert.com - where you will find tons of information about Dog and Puppy Care. Browse through hundreds of pages of useful advice and view our extensive library of Dog and Puppy videos. Be sure to visit our online store where you can find hundreds of unique and practical items for your Dog or Puppy with regular updates. www.DogCareExpert.com

Visit The Latest Edition To The Dogparkfun.Com Family Of Websites: www.trainK9site.com – you can learn all the latest techniques to train your dog. TrainK9site.com features Dog Training videos and articles from experts about any training questions you may have. There are hundreds of pages of useful dog training content available to browse through. Make sure you visit our online retail outlet where you can safely and securely purchase whatever you need for your dog training requirements automatically updated regularly with new items. www.TrainK9Site.com

Why We Love Those Advertisements With Dogs In Them

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:35 +0000

We All Have Our Favorite Dog Advertisement

It is more about the content and not so much about the product. Dogs in ads draw parallels for who we are and send messages about our values, and the characteristics that we human’s posses necessary to successfully meet the challenges life bring our way.

When dogs interact with their human partners and replicate these same characteristics; resiliency, faithfulness, love, intuition, willingness, and courage, it is because they can understand the implicit meaning or idea that is in their human partners’ mind.

Dogs and humans have relied on each other since the primal beginnings of both species. The result is a genetic evolution that allows dogs to understand the implicit meaning of it’s’ behavior. Dogs can and do make choices that benefit both themselves and their human partners.

A dogs’ ability to replicate a good behavior explicitly is a creative act of the inexplicable content of the “idea” that defines that behavior. This is very different from a trick that is a conditioned response triggered by signals and rewards. The dogs’ ability to replicate good behavior is intuitive and creative. It is required to make choices that are the result of the inexplicable meaning behind an expressed behavior.

This remarkable relationship between dogs and humans can only occur when genetics evolve between species in some parallel harmony. Science has referred to similar occurrences in nature when describing the genetically encoded relationship required between plants and insects or animals that rely on each other to be successful and pass on their genetic code to future generations. While we understand through science and reason, nature understands in depth that we are better off as a society partnering with dogs.

Consider some examples of these relationships embedded in many professions important in our culture.

Dogs are allowed to make hospital visits to patients that are family members, children, and others that are in need of comfort because they are healers of the human spirit. Because dogs know how we are feeling they are able to provide that comfort simply by their presence.

Because of a dogs’ discipline, keen sense of scent, and willingness to retrieve while in the field hunting they are a necessary companion to their human counterpart. A dog can focus on the task and assist in making their human partner successful.

With good natured abandon dogs dressed in doll cloths, riding skateboards, chasing balls, or catching Frisbees can serve as playmates to delighted children, as well as, fulfill the amusement we all experience with our buddies and pals.

Dogs faithfully serving to help disabled human partners in need to become more independent are recognized as a “Service” dog. They serve as the sight for a blind partner, or the reach of a hand with it’s’ grasp and the strength of a limb for support for a physically disabled partner. Dogs that serve respond to sounds unheard by their human partner and medical service dogs detect and alert many health issues that require instant medical attention. They assist their human partners in accomplishing daily task and provide independence through service to their human partners with special needs.

A police dog performs heroic acts of duty when they are charged to defend and protect. A police officer that patrols with a canine partner is confident that a police dog has his back.

Search and rescue dogs are employed and charged with targeting the location of victims. Success depends on the time and duration of a rescue. Because the team relies on the dogs’ keen senses it is an essential member of the search and rescue team.

Canine soldiers serve in many branches of the armed forces. Their assignments involve the highest level of grit and risk. A dogs brave military service is recognized as worthy of distinction and decorated (by and like) its’ fellow human troops. They have also been instrumental in helping soldiers with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some number of the dogs returning from our war zones themselves suffers from PTSD.

Like the best in all of us, dogs are resilient. In spite of past sadness, loss, and heartbreak a dog can adopt a new human family, partner, or team and love enough to know and understand implicitly the meaning of explicit behavior and actions.

We are all responsible for our behavior and each other. Dogs are an integral component of the human condition and our partnership is a good explanation for the improvement of our lives and secures the success of our species. Because we rely on our mutual relationship with dogs it becomes evident to our human natures’ desire to not only survive but prosper. We as good companions should be dedicated to good dog health and dog nutrition. Vitahound’s underlying principles are based on nature’s perceptive wisdom that leads us to preserve and protect our canine partners in a responsible system designed to support each other. We have a responsibility to consider the well-being and health of our canine companions at home and our canine partners on the job.

Types Of Terriers Safe For Small Children

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:46 +0000

Your Children Will Be Playing With Them After All

A lot of children these days have quite the affinity for pet dogs. They would like to play around with them, hold them and generally pet them around. To little ones, these are their first best friends. Yet, it isn’t all the time that the feeling is returned. At times, what would be a kind gesture or show of affection for us can be taken in a different way by our dogs. At worst, this would result in tragic results. Needless to say, any dog can be trained and raised to become your most devoted companion, but you have to understand that not all dog breeds are actually safe for youngsters.

For young kids, it’s best to get a small dog. Terriers are some of the most popular choices for pets among children, and the same rules apply to them. With that in mind, if your kid desires to get a terrier as a pet, presented below are some choices which you may desire to consider:

Jack Russell Terrier – these dogs are thought to be pretty energetic and also quite smart. They are recognized for their small size, and are often inquisitive. They are also quite open and make for sociable pets. Needless to say, these dogs also make for good watchdogs, which guarantee that your household will be safe at all times.

American Staffordshire Terrier – stocky and muscular, they are pretty agile pets to have. This kind of terrier is often classified as the “All American Dog”, which means they are ideal best friends on four legs and also lend good security for you. These are appropriate for just about any age group, even kids.

Boston Terrier – they are identified to be sweet in nature and also rather clever. These terriers are thought to be perfect dogs for families. They will stop at nothing to see to it the owner is happy, and are highly loyal to them as well. Naturally, these dogs love to attract a lot of attention, which would be ideal for children who love playing around with their pets.

These are just some of the best terriers that can be safe for your children. Naturally, there are others out there which you may choose from, and you ought to do some groundwork on them more if you want to expand your horizons further in figuring out which sort of terrier would be suitable for your kid to have as a pet.

Canine Vaccinations

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:00:56 +0000

Always Get Your Dog Vaccinated

Every year you receive the “Reminder” postcard from your veterinarian, your dog needs his annual booster shots. Dog vaccinations are very important for the long term health of your puppy or dog. Vaccinating every year is not only unnecessary, these annual vaccines can actually be harming, and in some cases killing, our dogs. Our pets are over-vaccinated. So are our children, but at least we stop at puberty. Our dogs are vaccinated every year for their entire lives!

The only vaccine required by law is the rabies vaccine. Over-vaccinating can suppress the immune system causing such conditions as arthritis, skin diseases, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, spondylosis, epileptic seizures, loss of motor control and cancer. Changes in behavior are also possible following vaccines.

Have you ever noticed changes in your dog after receiving his vaccinations? Perhaps a fever, swelling, rashes or loss of appetite? These are all indications that your dog may be having an adverse reaction to the vaccines. Imagine what this does to your dog’s health when continued year after year.

Good news! The American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA, has set new guidelines and recommendations for the United States and Canada.

The 3 core vaccines, Parvo, Distemper and Adenovirus are no longer recommended annually. Parvo and Distemper vaccines last a minimum of 5 years. Adenovirus lasts at least 7 years. The Rabies vaccine is recommended once every 3 years.

All the other vaccines your veterinarian administers are not always necessary. They should be given as needed, taking each individual dog and circumstances into consideration. Be aware that some of these vaccines offer protection for a very short time period.

Dr. Ronald Schultz is a professor and chair of pathobiological sciences at the Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schultz has been studying and researching canine vaccines since the 1970s. He is part of a community of canine vaccine experts that have made recommendations that have been adopted and used as guidelines by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Dr. Schultz recommends starting a core vaccination program from 6 – 8 weeks old, no earlier. Re-vaccinations should be administered no less than 4 weeks apart. So, if your puppy’s first core vaccines are administered at 7 weeks, the next re-vaccination would be at 11 weeks old and the 3rd would be at 15 weeks old. 2 weeks after the 3rd re-vaccination, Dr. Schultz tests dogs to confirm immunity. I personally tested my dog for immunity every year as part of my annual veterinary visit. My dogs always tested for sufficient immunity so re-vaccination was never necessary.

For rabies, Dr. Schultz administers the first vaccine after the puppy is 4 months old. The next rabies vaccine is given at 1 year and every 3 years thereafter. Your dog would probably test fine for rabies immunity, but most states require re-vaccination at least every 3 years.

Most traditional veterinarians do not administer single vaccines, your puppy may be receiving vaccines that are not necessary. To ensure that your puppy/dog is receiving only the core vaccines, ask to see the vial.

As always, I suggest that you consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct vaccine program for your individual puppy or dog.

Dog Walking Belts

admin — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:00:26 +0000

How Did We Ever Manage Without Them?

Dogs can be very powerful animals and some breeds, especially sled dogs such as huskies and malamutes, can be very difficult to walk on daily exercise because it is in the dog’s nature to pull and let’s face it, that is what they are bred for.

Controlling them with a conventional lead can prove difficult. The strain on the owner’s wrists, arms and shoulders can cause discomfort and affect posture after a while. Walking more than one dog at a time is also precarious especially if the owner is of slight or slender build.

That is why so many sled dog owners and others prefer to use a dog walking belt instead.

The dog walking belt fits around the waist of the owner when walking their dog and it means that they can use their whole body weight to control the dog or dogs and still have their hands free. This is a huge benefit for many dog owners.

Of course there are many different types available on the market so how do you determine which dog walking belt is right for you?

Well the first thing you should be looking at is what material your dog walking belt has been constructed from. Ideally it should be made from strong webbing with the part that goes around your back made from Cordura, which covers a foam pad for the comfort of the wearer. This should be at least 4 inches wide to give appropriate support for the back. Also the webbing around the belt should be no less than 2 inches wide. A strong clip is also required to close the dog walking belt around the body.

Usually there are two loops leading at the front to connect a locking karabiner which links the lead or leads (in the case of more than one dog) to the belt for total security. An ideal dog walking belt will have a bungee shock absorber to take any strain the dogs may place on it as they pull. This will benefit the dog and the owner.

Jogging with your dog can be great fun and the use of a belt makes the exercise a pleasure.

For the more competitive owner the growing sport of cani-cross might be for you. This is where one runs with a single dog attached to a belt. If you are running competitively then obviously you need your arms totally free to run properly.

There are specialized cani-cross belts available of course but many prefer the use of a dog walking belt with a slightly longer lead attached because it can be used for both activities.

I highly recommend the use of a dog walking belt to anyone, whatever breed they own. Once you have used one you will wonder how you ever managed before.

The Nipping And Biting Menace

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:04 +0000

How To Become The Alpha To Stop Difficult Puppy Behavior

With any kind of canine training, finding out the cause of the behavior can lead to you finding a solution to the behavior. Why is your puppy continually biting and chewing, even after you correct him? There may be several reasons.

It is a puppy’s natural instinct to bite and nip as part of the socialization of his pack. In the wild, young dogs play aggressively with each other as a way to practice catching game, and to determine the hierarchy of their pack. They growl, nip, bark, and bite each other to see who is the strongest, and who will back down. This constant interaction within the litter is the basis for their self-identity as dogs, as well as teaching a healthy adjustment of the pups with other dogs.

Domestic dogs inherited that trait from their wild ancestors, and, once your puppy is in your home and no longer with his birth litter, you and your family become his “pack.” He is trying to find his place in your family exactly how he would do it were he living in the wild.

In addition, if a puppy is separated from the mother and the litter before 8 weeks of age, he won’t have learned the basic rules of canine behavior, and will identify with his human family. Without that social bonding experience, a puppy can grow to be what is called “dog aggressive,” and not recognize his kinship with members of his own species.

A natural nipping and biting instinct may also be a breed characteristic. The herding breeds, those dogs like the Border collie, the Corgi, and the Australian Shepherd, were bred and developed to run behind a herd of sheep or cows and move them according to the farmer’s instructions. By necessity, this meant nipping and biting at the heels and backsides of the much larger animals. This trait often carries over to puppies from these particular breeds and shows when they try to “herd” the children or other animals in their families.

Your nipping and chewing puppy is also probably still teething, and like their human counterparts, the young dog’s gums get inflamed and sore as teeth begin to emerge. All of the puppy’s deciduous – or baby – teeth are in place by 12 weeks of age. After that, they begin to lose those baby teeth as adult teeth push them out and emerge from the gum line. To sooth that inflammation, puppies will chew and bite on anything that relieves the irritation, including your shoes, the furniture, and your hands and feet.

Puppies use their mouths to explore and investigate everything, from their littermates, to your hands and fingers, to their new environment. It’s only natural for a puppy to shift the focus of his attention from his brothers and sisters to you once you get him home, and to try the same kinds of behavior with you. But the mouthing, nipping, and chewing on your fingers and toes can get painful quickly as he grows, and you will need to take measures to stop it before the situation get out of control.

One of the first lessons your puppy needs to learn once you get him home is that you are dominant – you are the pack leader. Through your body language, the way you can gently physically dominate him, and your eye contact, you can show your pup that you are the benevolent alpha figure in the household, and that he can be the follower. It is much easier to start the process with a 10-week-old puppy than it is with an older dog, so you need to start working with him early to get rid of those bad habits.

Becoming the Alpha

You can begin to teach him how to be calm and relaxed when being handled by sitting on the floor with your puppy between your knees or legs. Place one hand on his chest and another hand under his muzzle. If his accepts this restraint calmly, praise him in a soft, kind voice and massage and pet him. If he attempts to squirm or escape, say “No,” in a firm voice, and place him back into position, holding him firmly in place. Resume petting and massaging him once he settles down. Most puppies take only several minutes two to three times a day to come to accept this gentle handling, and will usually get it in the first or second session.

Once your puppy is calm and docile in your lap, move on to manipulating his mouth and ears. Begin by moving his head around in your hands, gently shifting it from side to side until he relaxes. Slip your fingers in his mouth and around the outside of his ears, making sure to be gentle and soothing while doing so. Place one hand under his muzzle and another on top, and gently pry his mouth open. If he resists, go back to the calming exercise and massage him. It won’t take long until you are able to open his mouth and look inside his ears much as the veterinarian will need to with each visit.

Your final step in becoming the alpha in your puppy’s life is a logical extension of the other two exercises, and revolves around being able to examine your puppy’s entire body and move him around safely while he is lying down.

While he is relaxed and sitting in front of you, gently pull his front legs out from under him in the “down” position as you praise him. Move your hands around his back, rump, head, neck and legs until he is totally relaxed. Pull him back into the original relaxation position if he tries to get up. If he doesn’t resist, gently push on one shoulder until he is lying on his side and continue massaging his body and praising him softly. Pay particular attention to his feet and tail, which will accustom him to having his nails clipped and temperature taken.

While he is comfortable and relaxed, roll him over to the other side, continuing to pet and talk to him softly, then roll him back to the original side. Finally, grab both sets of paws in your two hands and slide him around, as if you were moving him on a towel out of the way. Continue working with him using these exercises until he is totally calm whenever you try them.

A puppy that allows this type of gentle physical domination recognizes, trusts, and accepts you as a leader, and will become attentive and responsive when it’s time to learn other things, or unlearn bad habits.

Curing Biting and Nipping

Until your puppy is fully mature – and in some dogs that can take several years – you will need to allow the biting and chewing that comes from being a growing dog, while at the same time discouraging the nipping and biting that have become bad habits.

Chew toys, rubber teething rings, even raw beef femur bones (NO CHICKEN!)make good implements to give your puppy while he’s teething and even beyond. Your pup may not outgrow the chewing instinct for a couple of years, so providing him with something to bite and focus on rather than your furniture is necessary. You may also want to consider crating him while you aren’t home to prevent him finding something to chew on he shouldn’t that could be dangerous or toxic.

Whenever your puppy decides to nibble at your hands or fingers, scruff him by the back of the neck, telling him firmly, “Leave it.” Don’t pull you hand away, and give him time to spit it out of his mouth. Relax the scruff grip slowly and slowly begin massaging him as a means of praise and positive reinforcement.

If this doesn’t work, have a spray bottle or water pistol handy and squirt him in the face with plain water while you say, “Leave it.” Don’t aim for his eyes, but use the water to startle him into dropping your hand. You can also try shaking a metallic soda can filled with coins to get his attention until he stops chewing on your hand.

Use the spray bottle or soda shaker when your pup goes for your feet or ankles, again saying, “Leave it!” in a firm voice. If you can distract him, then praise and massage him, and redirect his attention to an appropriate toy.

A small dog that continues to try for your ankles or feet after pushing through these distractions can be quickly, yet gently, pushed to the ground and held there in the relaxation position until he calms down. Larger puppies may need to be scruffed or grabbed by the collar, made to relax, then redirected to a better toy.

Provide your puppy with toys and chewy things that are more enticing than fingers, toes, shoes, or lamp cords. Anticipate his behavior before it occurs and use your corrections, making sure to praise your puppy when he listens and behaves.

All of these corrections and positive reinforcements need to be maintained constantly, and be consistent from every member of your family. If you are the only one correcting your puppy, but other family members are letting the bad behavior continue unchecked, your little dog will become confused and anxious.

The job of training your puppy to stop biting and nipping that allows him to become a vital member of your family… belongs to the entire family.

Insights Into Man’s Best Friend

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:00:40 +0000

Learn More About Why Your Pooch Loves You

Dogs respond intuitively to human behaviour. Having been bred alongside humans for thousands of years, many dog breeds are simply wired to work well with humans, giving them the title of “man’s best friend.” But because dogs have this kind of intuition, we expect too much from them. Remember: To a dog, English is a second language. Although a few key words – like the dog’s name – will be picked up over time, you simply can’t let yourself get frustrated because a dog doesn’t respond to you. Dogs are the most wide spread domesticated animals; there is probably no land on our planet where dogs are not present. Wherever you go you will find a barking dog.

They act as a replacement for a gun for protection for many people walking in the wild, especially where there are bears and cougars. They are great company, helper for the blind, best friend to many children, assistant on farms and unconditionally loyal. Dogs and humans may not have the exact same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed as each species age. Dog years and Human years may not be linearly related by the normally accepted seven-year rule, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.

Dogs are extraordinarily attentive and have an uncanny ability to predict what their owners will do, whether getting the dog food or preparing to embark on a walk. Experiments show that dogs can be astute readers of human body language using the direction of our gaze to locate hidden food, a problem that is apparently beyond chimps. Dogs may not be human but just like us they feel pain and stress. When we apply shock corrections, collar corrections, finger jabs, and muzzle slaps, our dogs will feel the pain of those corrections. When we loom over him threateningly, our dogs will feel the stress. Dogs listen best to someone who is calm, but firm in their approach. They use their sense of energy to determine who should be the leader of their pack. The being with the strongest and most stable energy is the one they look to. Whether it be themselves or another being around them. While you can hide your emotions from another human, you cannot hide them from a dog.

Dogs are not wild animals. Most of the breeds that are kept as pets are domesticated, meaning that they were bred to be cared for under human supervision. Dogs have a special chemistry with humans that goes back many thousands of years, and they do not live in the past, or the future, as humans do. They live for the moment. Because of this it is much easier to rehabilitate a dog than it is a human. If you begin treating your dog in a very self-assured manner, giving love to them at the right times, and correcting your dog at the right moments, you can transform your dog into a happy and mentally stable companion. The more stable your dog is, the calmer and submissive he will become and the more you can give them affectionate love. It’s a “win-win” situation. They give us so much, so the least we can do is to help them fulfill their relatively simple needs.

Golden Retriever Puppies

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:48 +0000

What You Need To Know Before Your Golden Retriever Puppy Arrives

Golden Retriever puppies are commonly looked for because of their friendly personality. Besides being well-tempered, these puppies are also extremely intelligent and make amazing hunting dogs. In the mid-eighteen hundreds, a Tweed Water Spaniel (a now extinct dog breed) and a yellow Retriever were bred together to create this dog breed as we know it today.

These two breeds gave the Golden Retriever the ability to be powerful, yet a very gentle creature. Its’ capacity to retrieve game on land as well as in the water is another reason why they have become such a popular dog breed.

Appearance

The Golden Retriever is a well-rounded dog that portrays strength and alertness. Although the dog is medium-sized, it has great power and endurance. Their body is muscular and proportionate. These puppies are expected to weigh an average of 60-75 pounds when they reach adulthood.

They have a medium-length coat that is either wavy or straight. Standard Golden Retriever coat colors range from a light to dark gold. Their coat is water resistant (making them ideal water dogs) and has a smooth texture.

Character

As stated before, Golden Retrievers allure people with their lovable personality. They are amiable and do well with most strangers and other animals. When placed in a stressful situation or new environment, most Golden Retrievers can stay calm and maintain their confidence.

Their friendliness and trustworthiness makes them the ideal family dog; they love children and are loyal to the entire family. Having human companionship is what this breed loves the most. Their eagerness to please make them easy to train and house break.

Training

Training these puppies is not difficult to do. In fact, they are ranked 4 out of 79 breeds in the list of dog intelligence. Because of their smarts, they must be challenged mentally as well as physically during training. Improper training may lead to destructive behavior in Golden Retrievers.

This is due to boredom and energy built up inside of them. Consistency is essential to effectively training your dog. Positive reinforcement is one excellent method that will aid in training. This dog breed thrives on a reward based training system. It gives them a sense of satisfaction for pleasing their owner, as well as being rewarded for doing a good job.

Exercise

Golden Retriever puppies should not undergo vigorous exercising routines. This can lead to improper growth of the bones and lead to deformities and other health issues. As an adult, this breed needs to be kept busy and be exercised on a daily basis. They are naturally very active dogs and enjoy; swimming, ball catching, playing Frisbee, and various agility games.

Their endurance makes them ideal hunting dogs used mainly for retrieving game. Failure to provide them with energy-releasing activities can cause the dog to develop behavioral issues such as being destructive. The ones that do not get sufficient exercise are also at an increased risk of being overweight.

Grooming

The Golden Retriever is low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. The one big thing that must be done is brushing to the remove the loose hairs on the coat. They have an undercoat that sheds about twice yearly; during this time it is necessary to perform daily brushing to minimize the shedding. Regular bathing and other routine grooming such as nail trimming and ear cleaning is also necessary.

Health

Golden Retrievers have an approximate life span of 10-12 years. The breed is genetically predisposed to several health issues including; obesity, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Hemophilia, cancer, cataracts, and allergies. Hip dysplasia affects nearly 20% of the dogs of this breed.

It is important to assure that the parents of your puppy have each had OFA radiographs taken and that the results were negative for hip dysplasia. This will reduce the risk of your pup developing the disease later on in their lifetime. Proof of other health records such as vaccinations and deworming should also be provided to increase the chances of getting a healthy Golden Retriever puppy.

Your puppy needs to be examined at least once a year to maintain their health. Proper exercise, grooming, and training are also needed to keep a Golden Retriever healthy. They do best in large environments such as country homes and are not suited for small areas such as apartment living. Golden Retrievers are kept content as long as they have enough space to run around and get adequate attention.

Dress Your Dog for Valentine’s Day

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:23 +0000

WOOF…Happy Valentine’s Day…WOOF!

Valentine’s Day is drawing near and it’s a day of romance and fun for everyone, even your beloved pet. When you dress your dog up for Valentine’s Day, she can be a part of the festivities, too. It’s a great way to bond with your pet and show her how much you really do care. She is always there for you when you need her, right? This is your chance to show your appreciation by including her in your holiday traditions.

Since this is a fun and romantic holiday, have your dog help you give the one you love that special gift from the heart. There are many creative ways you can do this when you use your imagination. For example, you can put an engagement ring in the pocket of your pets outfit or attach it to his collar and send him in to meet the other special person in your life. When your sweetheart sees it, she’s sure to be impressed by your unique delivery style.

Are you throwing a Valentines party for your friends? Imagine how excited the guests will be when your dog greets them all dressed up for the holiday. It will certainly set the mood right from the start to an exciting and fun night. Everyone will be talking about how great your four-legged friend looks in her special attire.

You have many options when it comes to choosing an outfit for your pet. There are a number of styles and colors available that will suit your dog perfectly. If you live in a cold climate, you can choose a sweater or hoodie to help keep him warm while dressing up for the big day. If you live in the warmer climate, then a tee shirt or tank is a good option. Your pet won’t get too hot but he can still show off his unique style.

You can choose red, pink or white colors to represent Valentine’s Day or look for outfits with designs that are associated with this holiday such as red hearts, roses and cupid. There are many beautiful dresses available, too with ruffles and other designs that will work perfectly for this day. You can even add a pair of matching satin panties to complete the look.

Dressing your dog up for Valentine’s Day is a great way to make this special day even more fun and exciting and you don’t have to worry about sacrificing his comfort in the process. The doggie clothes designed today are made from comfortable fabrics that won’t irritate his skin. In addition, it’s easy to find a size that will fit, no matter how big or small he is.

Your pet loves you unconditionally and is always there for you when you need her. What better way is there to show how much you appreciate your best friend, than by dressing her up for Valentine’s Day? After all, this is the best day of the year to show love and affection to others, including your pet.

Show Your Dog Some Love This Valentine’s Day

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:00:13 +0000

You Can Have More Than One Sweetheart!

The day dedicated to love is coming up. While Jack may not be the main love of your life, you can still show him that you love him with special Valentine’s Day gifts for dogs. You don’t have to go out and buy him a diamond encrusted collar to make him happy, either. Many of the gifts that Jack is sure to love are very inexpensive.

Deer Antlers

Deer antlers are a wonderful chew toy for Jack, and what dog doesn’t loving to chew? Deer antlers are a safe and healthy chewy for your dog. Don’t worry; no deer were hurt to get the antlers. As a deer matures he sheds his antlers. These excellent raw hide substitutes are a great way to keep Jack busy for a little while so you can enjoy some quiet time for yourself on Valentine’s Day. The bone marrow naturally cleans tartar from Jack’s teeth and they won’t splinter in Jack’s stomach the way cooked bones have the potential to. Additionally, deer antlers don’t have any residue, so you don’t have to worry about stains on your carpet or furniture.

A Tasty Puzzle

Dogs are inquisitive by nature, so giving Jack a puzzle to figure out will keep him happy. No, Jack isn’t going to develop a talent for doing puzzles like you do, but you can make him a puzzle of his own. You need a hollow, rubber chew toy like a Kong. Fill the inside of the chew toy with peanut butter or canned cheese. Jack will love the tasty treat and he will have fun trying to use his tongue to get the stuffing out of the toy. If you want the stuffing to last as long as possible, put it in the refrigerator overnight before presenting it to Jack.

Outside Toys

If Jack is a dog who enjoys spending lots of time outside, give Jack some new outside toys for Valentine’s Day. A new Frisbee, some tennis balls or a throw stick are some great and inexpensive ideas. If you want to give Jack some added fun, choose a toy that vibrates or makes noise. Now, if you decide to give Jack a new outside toy, don’t tease him with it by expecting him to play in the house. Pencil in some time on Valentine’s Day and beyond to take Jack out to enjoy his new toy. If it is cold outside, be sure to get Jack a sweater and some booties for his feet so that he can truly enjoy his time outside. If you don’t think he’ll wear the cold weather ensemble, watch for shivering. It’s not as though he can tell you he’s cold.

Time And Love

Even if you are on a very tight budget, you can still afford to give Jack something he is sure to love if you just give him some of your time. Dogs love attention, so if your budget doesn’t allow you to buy Jack a gift, just grab his leash and take him out for a walk. When you get back from your walk, spend some time rubbing him or grooming him. If Jack likes to take a bath, give him a warm bath in the tub and take some extra time to massage his coat as you go.

Tip

When you are getting Jack’s presents ready for him, don’t wrap them up in paper or use bows on them. These items may cause Jack to choke if he tries to chew them off. Instead, you can place Jack’s present in his food dish before he gets up in the morning. Just imagine how happy he will be to see that he has something new to explore for the day.