Steps to Toilet Train Your Dog

by Amy Nutt

The last thing any dog owner wants is a lot of nasty messes to clean up all over the place. If you take the time to toilet train your dog, you’ll not only avoid stepping in an unpleasant surprise as you head to the bathroom at night, you will confine all mess to a specific area. However, it does take some time and patience to teach your dog, particularly if you are starting with an older canine.

How to Toilet Train Your Dog

Your dog instinctively prefers to stay clean. If you watch a puppy that has been tied up or left in a kennel, he will automatically defecate away from where he eats and sleeps. You will be able to use this to your advantage when training your dog to use one particular spot for his or her physical needs.

Step One: Creating a Bathroom Area

It’s a good idea to choose one specific spot where your dog will be eliminating before you even bring the puppy home. The best way to do this is to pick a spot, perhaps in the corner of the yard where your dog will be comfortable defecating. Some dogs prefer to do their business on grass, while others will actively seek out dirt. If you know ahead of time which type of area your dog prefers, this will help you prepare a nice spot.

Step Two: Establish Living Areas

Your dog will instinctively avoid defecating or urinating within living areas, so you’ll need to make sure he understands that the entire house is considered a living area. If you are crate training, you can simply move the crate from room to room, while keeping the dog inside. Otherwise, establish one spot as a sleeping and playing area and then begin to move the dog’s bed and toys from room to room until he has accepted that the house is his home. Be sure to progress slowly so the dog has a chance to get used to each area.

Step Three: Be Regular

Dogs do very well on a schedule and this goes for a feeding schedule, as well. If you are starting with a small puppy, you’ll notice that he needs to eliminate after each feeding. So, once he has eaten, simply take him to the assigned toilet area and let him do his thing. Your dog will catch on very quickly that this is where he should be defecating. Puppy training requires consistancy and patience.

Step Four: Rewards and Consistency

It will take some time to toilet train your dog. Be sure to allow him frequent access to the toilet area and never leave your dog too long in his crate or alone in the house, since this will result in training issues as your dog won’t be able to hold it.

Rewards every time your puppy uses the assigned elimination area will help increase his interest in the toilet training. You don’t necessarily need to use edible treats, simply responding with a fun toy or verbal praise is often more than enough to let your dog know that you are pleased with him.

By staying patient, not getting upset when your dog slips up and being sure to let him know that you are happy when he uses the toilet area, you’ll find that most dogs pick up the idea of house training rather rapidly. Confusion or being shut up indoors can cause delays in the learning process, so be sure to be consistent and calm about the whole thing. Your dog wants to please you and by using his natural instincts, you are encouraging traits that will come naturally to your pet.

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A Great Experience: Adopt A Bichon Frise Rescue Dog

by Mary Stevenson

When you get a Bichon rescue dog expect nothing but love from it. These dogs, well known for their cuddly beauty, make exceptional pets for those who love animals and love to be constantly around them. The Bichon Frise dog is an exceptionally loving dog as it is beautiful and when you get one from a rescue center you should be completely assured that you are making the best choice ever.

Having a Bichon Frise rescue dog is a joy because in most cases this dog is already housebroken and well trained. Besides, its personality will most likely match your needs exactly. When you get a rescue dog into your home keep in mind that it has a history and that is not a pleasant one. Give it time to adjust with you and your family and feel secure yet one more time through your love and the comfort it gets in your home.

There are things you need to expect when you get a Bichon Frise rescue dog home. Sometimes you will find that the dog is completely disoriented and unreachable. Have patience, as this will pass. These dogs suffer a lot from separation anxiety and sure enough they might be missing their owners. You need to be very patient with them and shower them with a lot of love to help them to get back to normal.

A Bichon Frise rescue dog will pine for love, affection and an owner. In the shelter it will feel isolated and lonely which is pretty traumatic for these dogs because they particularly love human companionship and close interaction.

You will find when you get the dog home that it is either very happy and bounces all over the place or that it is very circumspect and suspicious of everything that comes in the front of it. You need to treat it with patience and a lot of love. Allow it to move freely even if there are a few accidents in the meantime.

There are many things that you need to do when you bring home a Bichon Frise rescue dog. Among the first things will be to show it its haven or safe place. Have it in a place which is a little secluded, yet not away from your company. It can be at the foot of the bed in a wide and comfortable dog basket, near your favorite armchair or the like. The dog should feel safe and secure there, as well as comfortable.

Give it some time to re-orient itself to the comfort of your home. The dog needs a lot of reassurance and love as they might expect rejection owing to their previous experiences. It had been removed from its home and put in the shelter, so it might fear that this will happen again.

Make all efforts that you get the right dog home from the shelter. Remember, the Bichon Frise rescue dog you are getting home had a home before. If you find it unsuitable and return it to the kennel it will be devastating for the animal. So, try your best to see that the dog you rescued will never find itself in a shelter again. Before you take the dog home take the shelter workers into confidence and identify the dog that suits your home and family best. You will never look back after this experience.

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On The Look Out For Shar Pei Pictures

by Melissa Coleman

Shar Pei pictures are some of the most popular pictures of any breed of dog out there and there are a lot of people that just love pictures of these wrinkly little dogs that always seem like they are smiling. Luckily for fans of Shar Pei pictures there are many sources out there for you to use to find what would seem like an endless supply of pictures of Shar Peis in poses, with props, or just sitting by themselves looking desperately like they need an ironing.

Professional photographers love to take pictures of all breeds of dogs and one of their favorite subjects is the Shar Pei. There are a lot of over sized professional picture books at your local book store dedicated to the Shar Pei and these beautiful larger than life prints will certainly bring you all of the detail you could ever need in your Shar Pei pictures.

You are going to find that most of the really easy and accessible Shar Pei pictures are found on the Internet. The only trick is knowing which sites to look for to find the best pictures. One of the first sites you can try are the many message boards dedicated to discussions about the Shar Pei.

More than likely you will not find a better source for free Shar Pei pictures than the different sites on the Internet. The only trick is figuring out which sites will carry the best pictures and the best variety of pictures. One of the first websites you can try are message boards dedicated to the discussion of Shar Pei owning. There are owners all over the world updating these sites every day so not only is there a huge variety of Shar Pei pictures already on the site but it gets added to all the time which means regular updates and new pictures to look at.

Sometimes individual owners also host their own websites and feature not only updated pictures of their own Shar Pei but also a daily diary outlining the dog’s daily behavior. You can use these sites as educational sites to not only see the Shar Pei in its daily life but also get a good idea of how the Shar Pei acts when it is at home.

Shar Pei breeders can be an excellent source of great Shar Pei pictures and if they host a website then that is even better. The Shar Pei breeder wants their business to be shown in the best light possible so they are going to have a great collection of quality Shar Pei pictures for you to check out.

A breeder always wants the information they give to be complete and make their business look good so not only will you get quality pictures to look at but you will also get pictures of the different breeds of the Shar Pei as well. You can use a breeder website as a place to find great Shar Pei pictures and get some education as well.

Don’t forget you can also go to the local library and check out a lot of books that are dedicated to Shar Pei pictures. You can find Shar Pei pictures just about anywhere but there are a few places you can find them for free, or a small charge, and enjoy them for a long time to come. Just be creative in your search and you should be able to find all of the Shar Pei pictures you want.

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The Pros And Cons Of Raising A Chihuahua Rescue Dog

by Sandra Dean

Taking in a Chihuahua rescue dog and saving it from an abusive situation while at the same time giving it a new home is a wonderful thing. Your little dog may never understand how to show you how much it appreciates what you are doing but if you stay patient then the rewards will come for years and years. You will need the right people to help you out and you will need to know what to expect from your Chihuahua rescue dog so take the time to do some reading and become an informed owner.

There is nothing more important to a pet than a good vet. You will need to find a vet that can help you understand and get through to your dog because your little dog has been through a lot and will probably have some very special needs for some time to come. A good vet can help you get through the initial stages of getting your new dog used to the fact that it is safe and loved now instead of abused and abandoned.

A local Chihuahua breeder may or may not be willing to be a resource for you in your attempt to raise a Chihuahua rescue dog. Some breeders take it upon themselves to be a source of information for any Chihuahua owner and they do not mind answer questions or offering advice on everything from diet to behavioral issues. Some breeders only deal with their own customers but it never hurts to ask and you may get lucky and find another valuable resource.

Your new dog is going to need a lot of love and a lot of patience from you so be prepared to offer both in a great quantity. The Chihuahua is very proud of itself and when that pride is destroyed by abuse they tend to become very nasty and anti-social. The only thing you can do to combat it is to pay a lot of attention to your dog and show it that everything is going to be all right.

Housebreaking is a difficult thing with well-adjusted Chihuahuas and it can become almost impossible with a Chihuahua rescue dog. You can, and should, try standard housebreaking methods with your Chihuahua but these may fail immediately as your dog may still be confused from its ordeal.

Use shredder paper in the Chihuahua litter box and make sure you keep it clean. Use positive reinforcement when they use the box and make sure you follow all of the other correct litter box procedures as well.

Training and living with your new dog will be very difficult but never punish the dog. A Chihuahua will respond more to positive reinforcement and may become defensive with punishment and start biting.

So just understand that you are going to need a lot of patience and love and never punish your Chihuahua rescue dog because that is something you would not do to a well-adjusted Chihuahua and it will certainly bring negative results with a rescued dog.

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Poodle Personality

by Lisa A Collins

Poodles are very pleasing to the eye and this fact is buttressed even more when you take into account its extreme intelligence and its very endearing nature that makes every aspect of his personality truly work to its advantage. In terms of physique, the Poodle is small though tough and he may either have a corded coat or one that is curly and the colors will vary, though black and white are most common. Also, the corded coated Poodle is very rarely found in America though the three main varieties found in America and also in the rest of the world are the Standard, Toy and Miniature Poodle.

There is a lot to praise as far as the personality of the Poodle goes including his uncanny ability to grasp things easily and quickly, and Poodles are also very energetic and are often clownish because they are able to perform numerous cute tricks that will never fail to please everyone that comes into contact with them. The intelligence of the Poodle is truly remarkable and he is also very adaptable and versatile and has changed considerably from originally being a hunting dog to the great family pet that he is today.

The Poodle does however require being intensively groomed and because unlike other dogs, he won’t shed too much hair, it adds to the impression that the Poodle is not very dog-like at all. However, the thing that strikes you the most about the Poodle personality is his amazing intelligence which is something that the breed has always been famous for. In addition, Poodles are also very versatile and they adapt very well to different situations and environments and can serve many a role that in turn depends on its current situation.

Standard Poodles, however, require a bit more exercising than do the toy and miniature versions and the reason for this is their bigger size. However, Poodles are also quite mellow and do not jump about too much nor do they act too nervous and they have an affinity for people as well as children. Also, you will not face any trouble in training your Poodle though he does not like being caged, and is, in fact quite a free-bird if truth be told.

You can expect to be pleasantly surprised to learn that despite their small size Poodles are really quite strong physically and thus should be kept leashed to prevent any accidents from taking place.

It goes without saying that Poodles are excellent pet dogs that possess a good nature and are also very intelligent dogs that can adapt well to any surroundings. Poodles love human company and so require a lot of attention and love. And once they are showered with love and affection will soon develop a strong bond with their owners that will last throughout their lifetime.

However, the Poodle is also a creature that expects and loves stability as well as requires following a set routine and will not take kindly to changes in his routine or to being exposed to chaotic environments.

Also, Poodles love to be taken for rides in a car and will jump at any opportunity to be on the road. He is also very easily trained and is a friendly soul that has a sweet disposition as well.

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Clearquest: Dog Fur Stain Solution.

by Debbie Mallory

Whether you are a show dog breeder or just the proud owner of a fine looking dog, Dr Golds stain remover will keep your dogs eyes looking great.

Diamond Eyes will keep your dog in tip top condition when it comes to avoiding white fur stains.

Vets cite several plausible explanations for over-tearfulness in dogs.

It may be as a reaction to a minor bacterial infection in the tearduct or eye area. When these set in it’s very common for Red Yeast infections to follow which give your dog those brown stains round his eyes.

The old enemy the flea might also play a role in too many tears, as they may irritate the eye area; but family history, blocked tear ducts, mineral-rich water and food intolerances could all be responsible.

Changing your dog’s diet may solve the issue if food is the culprit. A water test can be done just by substituting normal water for filtered water and seeing whether there is an effect.

Obviously sometimes it’s not a big enough deal to warrant thorough investigation, and all you need is something just to do a quick wash and brush up.

If you are the owner of a white dog you will find this familiar territory, and Vitacoat Plus can help.

Although it might be tempting just to reach for the soap, it’s probably not wise. Human soap and dog soap are not interchangeable, plus you have to factor in a need to rinse off the soap.

You can’t just use soap and water on your pet’s face. Firstly some soaps may cause an allergic reaction or get in the eyes, and also you need to be within reach of a faucet to rinse off the face.

That solution could come in the form of Dr Gold tear stain remover, for cat and dog usage. Made for use around the eye area but of course not in the eye itself.

They are a fantastic invention for clearing up debris from round the eye area.

Safe, effective and convenient, they can be used to gently remove dried mucus, discharge and tear stains from the eye area.

You don’t even need water to rinse it off.

They come in packs of 100 and contain Deionized Water UV Sterilized, Cocamido Propyl Betaine, Propyl Paraben, Methyl Paraben and Boric Acid.

Be very careful to not touch your pets eyeball with the wipe as this may irritate.

Another option especially for show dogs is Clearquest.

With a 40 year history, this product has been used to clean off stubborn stains in anticipation for the show ring. Dr Golds stain remover is safe and effective and can be applied by soaking a cotton ball and gently cleaning the fur.

Just swab the stubborn stain with the fluid and rub. Hey presto! Your dog looks a million dollars for a few cents with Dr Golds stain remover!

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Revolution Dog: Heartworm Marvel Pet Med For Cats.

by Cindy Mallory

Mosquitoes are known to transmit the parasite known as the heartworm among its hosts, and Revolution flea control is the most popular combined flea and anti-heartworm medication.

Heartworms in canines are a kind of filaris (a long thin worm), and despite being best known for being found in dogs, heartworms can affect a wide variety of other animals, from cats and ferrets to sea lions and even people.

The worm was named after its habit in the last stage of its reproductive cycle of taking up residence in heart of its host.

If untreated, the animal will find exertion more difficult and may faint under physical strain or undergo extreme breathlessness.

Eventually the animal can die of heart failure or failure of the kidneys, lungs and liver as the parasites also damage these organs.

Treatment is possible, but it is lengthy (18 months or more).

Moreover, it is not pleasant on the animal, as in many cases killing the parasites involves the use of medicines containing arsenic compounds or other strong heart worm drugs. Treatment might even involve surgery.

There are no noticeable symptoms of this infection during most of the infectious period.

A dog heartworm may take 6 to 7 months to move from introduction to the animal’s system via mosquito bite, to its eventual landing in the heart.

Upon adulthood, the females can measure 30cm in length and the males 23cm.

Mating occurs after seven months, and the females will have started producing microfilariae.

Although heart worms used to only affect warm southern climates, they now affect anywhere which is habitable for mosquitoes.

Obviously, prevention of heartworms is far simpler and more effective than treatment after infection. Revolution dog, a monthly prophylactic medication, contains selamectin, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic.

The medicine Revolution for cats for heartworm is not very expensive, quite easy to use, and effective as well.

Other heartworm preventatives include milbemycin which can be found in Interceptor heartworm treatment and moxidectin which is the effective ingredient in ProHeart.

It is possible to treat for Heartworm and other parasites with the use of a topical application such as Revolution, which not only controls heartworms, but also a effective in flea and parasite control.

Thankfully, heartworm protection is very effective, so there is no need for your pet to be negatively affected. You can consult with your vet and get them to check your pet.

A blood test is the most common diagnostic tool, and medications can prevent and cure the infection if one is discovered.

The amount of the damage in an infected animal can be revealed by an x-ray.

Heartworm pills or injections are a common route to take in curing an infection, however prevention is always much better than trying to cure heartworms. (This holds true with fleas, ticks, and other health conditions, as well.)

Treatment of a heartworm infestation can exceed thousands of dollars, and may not always be effective.

Revolution flea control makes it easy and economical to be health savvy to be proactive as you focus on flea and heartworm prevention together.

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Cosequin Is The Joint Care Answer For Dogs.

by Roberta Foxtree

Cosequin DS is just one of many supplements on the market. If you have heard of it, or bought it, you probably have a dog with joint issues.

It’s time to put Cosequin in the spotlight. We are going to study the details of Cosequin for dogs so that when you are shopping again you will know what you are buying.

Cosequin for dogs is not the name of a drug; it is simply a brand name for a joint support supplement. Cosequin for dogs is another example of a joint support supplement brand. They are very similar products and carry out similar functions.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are the principal ingredients in these supplements. In fact, they are the only ingredients in Cosequin DS. Other joint support formulae like Dasuquin include MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane, an active ingredient Cosequin does not contain.

What’s the big deal about MSM - well it’s quite important for pets with arthritis as it can help control the swelling and pain. So you wouldn’t want to give a supplement without it.

Dasuquin contains MSM and is clearly the ideal choice for pets with arthritis. However if arthritis is not the issue, it might be perfectly adequate for a Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement like Cosequin.

Consequin is a good product for dogs with limited needs; it comes in different strengths and as both chewables and capsules. But if you are looking for a brand which contains MSM, Consequin is not the product for you. Get Dasuquin instead.

If your vet mentions the brand Cosequin when examining your dog and advises you to administer him with it, he is probably only advising you to purchase a good quality joint support product. Any high grade product would be suitable, not only canine Cosequin.

Most supplements are interchangeable, but you should ask your vet exactly what supplements are required so you can choose a product that suits your dog’s needs exactly. It may be that Cosequin isn’t the best product for one dog, but is for another.

MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin are apparent in many products. Nutramax Labs make Cosequin for dogs and Nutramax Cosequin and they pride themselves on being correctly labeled and made from the very best ingredients.

Interestingly enough it has been proven that many brands do not label accurately, so you may be wasting money on an inferior product.

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House Breaking Your Dog

by Jon Martin

Potty Training is the most important parts of training your dog to be a valued member of the family. The best way to potty train a dog is to use the dog’s own instincts for your benefit. Dogs are instinctively clean. So, house training is much easier than you think. Basically, dogs do not want to soil the areas where they sleep and eat. Additionally, dogs are able to develop habits regarding where they would like to urinate and defecate. For example, dogs that do there business on concrete or gravel will prefer to do their deeds on concrete and gravel and not grass or dirt. You can use these instincts to help train your dog.

First, to begin potty training, you must set up a training area. A small confined place, such as a bathroom or garage will suffice. Please though do not confuse this with crate training. Create training is useful for both puppies and small canines. But, many larger dogs find a crate to be too confining.

The owner should spend as much time in the dogs training area as they are able. You need to play with you dog in this area and let the dog eat and sleep in this area. Also, you need to provide the dog with a special bed in the training area. A large towel or a large box will suffice for this purposes. At first the dog may use this area when nature calls. But, once the dog uses his own area they will then be reluctant to soil the area.

When the dog is used to sleeping in the bed the owner can move it around the house and relocate the bed from room to room. When you are not with your dog; the dog should be confined to the training area.

Setting up the potty area is the second party of potty training. The dog must have access to this place every time nature calls. It is also necessary for the owner to accompany the dog each time until he or she get into the habits of eliminating into the toilet area. This will ensure that the dog only uses his established toilet area.

A set feeding schedule makes the house training process a lot easier for both the owner and the dog. Feeding the dog on a regular basis will also create a regular schedule for the dog’s toilet habits. Once you know when your dog is likely to need to eliminate, it will be simple to guide the dog to the established toilet area.

Once the dog has established a toilet area and is using it on a regular basis, it is very important to not confine the dog without access to the toilet area for long periods of time. That is because if the dog is unable to hold it, he or she may be forced to eliminate in the training area. This habit can make house training much more difficult.

After the dog is consistently using his toilet area and not soiling the training area it is then time to expand his training area to the rest of the home. This process should be done slowly. First start with one room and expand to the rest of the house. The area should only be expanded when you are sure of the dog’s capability to control his bladder.

First, expand the dogs training area to a single room. You need to let the dog eat, play and sleep in that room. But, you need to supervise that dog. When it is not possible to supervise the dog place the dog back in the original training area. Then when the dog has accepted the area as an extension of the original training area you can then extend this area.

In order to speed up this process you must be cautious. It is easier to take your time at first than to to retrain a dog that has learned bad habits. You can speed up house training by rewarding the dog each time it goes where it was supposed to go. Also, you should not punish the dog for his mistakes. Punishing, your dog, will confuse your pet and further slow down the house breaking process.

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Information About the Beagle Puppy

by Michelle Adams

There are few things cuter ? and harder to resist - than a new litter of Beagle puppies. With beseeching eyes and ears that are much too big for their bodies, it is no wonder that the Beagle has maintained its popularity for many years. However, like any new pet, you need to know what you are getting into before you bring that adorable bundle of fur home from the breeder.

Like any new pet, Beagle puppies will bring their share of fun to the mix; there is work involved with raising any young animal. While Beagle puppies tend to be friendly and intelligent, the breed can also be stubborn and energetic ? a potentially dangerous combination in a 15-30 pound dog. You will need to be ready to invest time and energy into training as well as caring for your new pet. But when that time is taken, the result can be a family pet that everyone will enjoy.

When you are looking at a litter of Beagle puppies, it may seem close to impossible to choose just one adorable face from the bunch. However, taking the time to select properly will make a world of difference in whether your puppy training motors along at a reasonable pace or meets up with many roadblocks along the way. Once you have chosen the right puppy for your family, the training will begin almost as soon as you put the little fur ball down in the entryway of your home.

Beagle puppies are intelligent creatures, but they can also run on the stubborn side. This can bring a host of challenges to the training process if you are not prepared to meet the Beagle will head-on. First, establish the rules of your household early and consistently.

Your best course of training for this type of dog is to use a few treats when he abides by your rules. Beagle puppies are always ready to enjoy a treat.

The best place to find a healthy, happy Beagle for your family is from a reputable breeder. However, finding yourself face to face with an adorable litter of Beagle puppies may make the selection process seem close to impossible. Some helpful folks might suggest allowing your puppy to select you, but that process usually results in bringing home the boldest of the bunch. Those types of dogs are not always the easiest to train.

Finding the best pup from a litter of Beagle puppies will be the first step in establishing a successful relationship with your dog. Training may come a bit easier, and bonding might be more satisfying as well.

Once you have found the perfect dog for you and your family, get ready for years of fun, enjoyment and companionship together.

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