5 Most Effective Puppy Training Techniques

Whoever said that a dog is man's best friend was absolutely right. If you have one or even a few of these furry friends at home then you can attest to the fact that they are pretty pleasant to have around; let us face it, in some cases they are better company than human beings!

Now if you have a puppy, it is very important that you train it early on. There are a number of puppy training techniques; the following are a few tips that will help you as you go about the undertaking.

Get the timing right

The good news is that puppies are always more than willing to learn new things more so if you reward them whenever they get something right.

Be this as it may, it is important that you do not over do it. If you want to achieve the best results, make sure that training sessions do not exceed five minutes and preferably they should be before feeding time; the reason for the latter is because it is at this time that they will be more willing to work so that they can get fed. The brief sessions are necessary because puppies do not have a very long attention span.

Do not rush it

Puppies are just like small kids; you need patience to handle them. Do not expect your puppy to learn a certain command or trick the very first time you teach it.

It would be better if you could teach it one or two commands in one session and then only proceed to another set of commands when it has fully internalized the first set. Have this in mind when training your puppy: quality over quantity.

Avoid being harsh

There are times when your puppy will simply refuse to do what you say. Also you may find that it is not learning some commands as first as you would like; when this happens, it is important that you keep cool; do not scold it or even yell at it as this will not do much good.

Positivity will yield better results and therefore reward it whenever it gets something right and soon enough you will find that it responding positively.

Nipping is bad

Nipping is common among all puppies; at one time or another you will find the puppy nipping or chewing on shoes, carpets and other items.

It is important that you discourage this behavior and better yet, everyone in the family should get involved in this particular lesson. The best way of dealing with this is to provide the puppy with something like a rubber ball that it can chew on to its heart's content.

Go to obedience classes

Obedience classes can prove very helpful in forging better communication between you and your puppy. After these classes you will find that when you give your puppy various commands, it will respond more positively.

Dogs are naturally social animals, however they need some guidance so that they can relate well with other dogs and humans. It is your responsibility to provide this guidance from the get go, so go ahead and get started.

You have now been briefed on what to do if you possess a puppy, and you might want to find out more on how to stop puppy biting for good.

To access an article that will let you acquire specific understanding about stopping puppy biting, click on the link.

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What Families With Small Children Should Consider When Selecting a Toy Breed Dog

Some people would say that no family is complete without a pet - and more specifically, a dog. However, not all breeds of dog are the right fit for every family, especially if the family in question includes small children. There are also many people who say that a small dog isn't necessarily a good choice for families with young children, but is by no means always the case. Of course, it's also true that some families simply don't have the space for a larger dog and in this case, toy breeds may be a better fit.

A wisely chosen small dog can be a perfect companion for young children, although there are some important considerations which need to be made before making a decision about what kind of dog to adopt. Different breeds have been selectively bred for different traits and of course (and this is very important!) there are individuals within every breed of dog, whether you're talking about the toy breeds or larger breeds, which don't quite fit in with what you'd expect given their breed.

There are some things that families should know about toy dogs which may make them an especially good (or problematic) choice, depending on the temperament of their children. Toy breeds tend to sleep a bit more than their larger counterparts and require a little less exercise as well. For some families with small children, these may be very desirable traits, while they may make them a little less of a good match for other families.

One thing that you'll have to decide is whether to adopt a puppy or an adult dog. Despite how cute puppies are and how much fun small children may have playing with a puppy, there are some advantages to adopting an adult dog instead. For instance, their personality is already developed, so you'll know what the dog is like before you take them home. Generally speaking, they've also been trained and housebroken already, so accidents, chewing and other undesirable behaviors are far less likely.

One thing about small dogs is that they generally don't act like it. They're just as territorial as larger dogs and don't seem to have a concept of how fragile they can be. They move fast, but they can get underfoot easily - or can be accidentally hurt by overly rambunctious children. That's actually the reason that toy breeds have a reputation as not being a good match for young kids; a small dog may feel threatened more easily by a child's innocent play than a larger dog and instinctively growl or bite in response.

Obviously, adopting any dog is something which should be done with careful consideration not only for your family's best interests, but those of the animal as well. Adopting a pet is a serious commitment and you'll need to be sure that you're ready and able to care for your new family member. As long as you know what you're getting into ahead of time and have taught your child how to treat your new dog, they can be a wonderful addition to your family and can help even small children to learn responsibility by helping to care for the dog.

With these words of caution in mind, you'll be ready to confidently select your new canine family member. A well-chosen toy dog will be a part of your family's happy memories for many years to come.

Read about specific recommendations on toy breeds and small children. Check out my favorite pet store, Friendly Paws Pet Supplies, for everything you need for your dog.

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Choosing the Best Canine Companion for Apartment Living: Factors to Consider

With the state of today's economy, buying a house seems like a distant dream to many forcing people to choose renting an apartment over buying a house. Renting an apartment comes with many restrictions and can put a significant damper on our lifestyles, especially for dog lovers. Many apartments are not suitable for most breeds of dogs because of space limitations and restrictions set forth by the landlords of apartments. Here is a guide to follow when choosing which dog will be the best fit for you and small apartment living.

When deciding on which breed of dog would be best for your small apartment, there are many things to consider. Dogs have very different personalities and needs, just like their human companions. Some dogs are very hyper while others are relaxed and laid back. Some breeds need a lot of living space to run around, exercise, and play while other dog breeds are perfectly content living in small spaces. Aside from the needs of each breed of dog, there are other things to consider as well before choosing your perfect apartment canine companion.

When living in such a small area such as an apartment, the size of the dog does matter. Consider the size of your apartment and the type of dog you would like to get. If you have very limited space say, a one bedroom apartment, bringing home a Golden Retriever may not be the best choice. While Golden Retrievers are great companions, they don't fit well with smaller apartments and living spaces.

The energy level of the dog is another thing to consider. If you work a full time job and know you will not be around much during the day, getting a high energy dog may not be the best decision. If you know you aren't available to take your dog out on regular walks and giving him regular exercise and play time then looking into adopting a low energy dog may be your best bet. There's nothing like coming home from a hard day at work and seeing your small apartment torn to shreds because your little four-legged companion needed to release some energy.

Age of the dog also plays a very important role when choosing a dog for your apartment. There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding between bringing home an adult dog that is already house-broken and trained and a puppy that needs a lot of TLC and discipline. Take your needs and the needs of your dog into consideration before deciding on a dog.

Having kids is another important factor to consider when deciding on which dog should join your family. Some dogs do not have the temperament or patience to be around children, especially young children. Some dogs are very patient and can handle the pulling and tugging of their tail or rough house play. Many breeds of dogs aren't that patient with children. Take this into consideration to avoid a possible bite or nip.

While dogs make excellent pets for many people, apartment life may not be the best environment for certain breeds of dogs. When deciding on a canine companion for your apartment living, do your research and take these things into consideration before making a final decision on which dog you want to join your family.

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What Is Parvo In Dogs?

Canine Parvovirus Infection (CPV) is an acute viral disease which can easily be transmitted to susceptible dogs. The virus which causes the infections has a predilection for attacking cells particularly those lining the digestive tract.

Before the vaccine for Parvovirus was discovered, the number of dogs affected and the mortality statistics were at an all-time high. Although many dog owners are making sure that there dogs are protected from this highly contagious disease, there are still places where parvovirus infection threatens the lives of unprotected dogs.

Among the different age groups, mortality is highest among puppies between 6 weeks to 6 months old because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Although they are undergoing vaccination during this time, their body still needs time to produce enough antibodies to mount a strong immune response against the viral infection.

Dogs which are suffering from CPV infection are highly susceptible to secondary bacterial infections which can contribute to its severity.

Disease Transmission

The virus that causes Parvo in dogs is shed in the infected dog's stool in large numbers for weeks following the infection. A dog can acquire the infection via ingestion or contact with infected feces.

Among the different dog breeds, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers, Labrador retrievers, Pit Bulls, and German Shepherds appear to be more prone to getting infected by Canine Parvovirus.

Symptoms of Parvovirus Infection in Dogs

There are two forms of CPV infection which have been documented in dogs-the intestinal form and cardiac form. Between the two, the intestinal form is much more common.

The major clinical signs associated with the intestinal form of the disease include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, low body temperature, and severe dehydration. When left undiagnosed and untreated during the early phase of the disease, the affected dog will become dehydrated. As the virus attacks the cells of the gastrointestinal tract, the dog becomes weak from lack of fluid and nutrient absorption.

Diagnosis

A dog which is exhibiting signs of the infection should be brought immediately to the veterinarian. Dehydration should immediately be corrected for it can be life-threatening. Aside from the typical clinical signs, your vet may ask you about the dog's history including its vaccination records. Specific biochemical tests, x-rays and ultrasound of the abdomen, and urine analysis may be prescribed. Your dog's stool and vomit will also be examined for the presence of the virus.

Treatment Regimen

The intensive treatment regimen is designed to address and protect the dog from possible secondary bacterial infections.

The continual loss of blood, proteins, electrolytes and body fluids can kill an infected dog thus intravenous infusion of fluids and electrolytes is very important. Medications to stop the vomiting, treat diarrhea, and antibiotics are also part of the line of treatment for CPV infection.

Prevention

The best way to protect your dog against Canine Parvovirus infection is to follow the recommended protocol for vaccination. Puppies should start vaccination at six weeks old, followed by another shot at nine weeks and another at twelve weeks old. While they are still undergoing vaccination, exposure to other dogs should be kept at a minimum to ensure that they do not acquire the disease while their immune system is still busy making antibodies against Canine Parvovirus.

Senior Writer, Daily Wetnose
http://dailywetnose.com/

Ken is a dog lover (proud pet parent of 2 Min Pins) and is Senior Editor at Daily Wetnose. This dog blog is a fun and informative place for dog lovers, owners, breeders and other pet professionals to meet, greet, sniff and celebrate pooches.

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Five Rare Dog Breeds You Never Knew Existed

Everyone has heard of German Shepards and Beagles. What about the Chinook or the Leonberger? There are so many amazing breeds of dogs out there, few of which anyone has ever heard of. It's those breeds of dogs that have been hiding under the rocks that can tend to be some of the best family dogs.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, more commonly known as the Polish Owczarek Nizinny. These dogs are medium sized dogs weighing in at about 35 to 55 pounds. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a non-shedding breed because they don't have fur; instead, they have hair. Even though they are considered a non-shedding breed, they do lose a significant amount of hair per day. These dogs are known to be working dogs and are bred for herding. Because of this, they need a significant amount of exercise and activity in order to be a good family pet. This is the only breed that is recognized by the AKC.

The Chinook is a very rare type of dog bred in New England during the early 20th century specifically for dog sledding. This breed of dog is very large and muscular and was intentionally bred to withstand the harsh northeast winters. The Chinook ranges from 55 to 90 pounds and are pure muscle. They are very hardworking dogs, make great family pets, and are very gentle and patient with children by instinct. While the Chinook breed is not currently part of the AKC Foundation, they are eligible to be included.

The Leonberger is one of the larger of these rare breeds weighing up to 200 pounds or more. Their water resistant coats are thick and medium in length. Don't let this breed's weight fool you; these dogs are very loving and gentle with children of all ages and exercise is not a priority for them. While most large breeds drool excessively, the Leonberger doesn't drool nearly as much. The one downfall of the Leo is that they shed extensively and will need a ton of grooming and care for their coats. This breed is also not recognized by the AKC although the process has started to get the Leo's part of the AKC.

The New Guinea Singing Dog is a relative of the Australian wild dog, the Dingo. This breed is native to New Guinea and has an amazingly unique ability to howl like a wolf. These Singers are able to change the pitch of their howl, something wolves can't do. They look like a fox and are believed to be extinct with captive dogs of this breed being extremely rare to find. Singers display primal behavior and are very intelligent making them hard to keep as domesticated family pets. An ongoing debate has been in the works as to whether or not this breed can even be domesticated.

Last but certainly not least, is the Catahoula Leopard Dog. This breed of dog can be seen on farms all over the United States but many people do not realize the type of dog they are looking at. This breed is also called the Louisiana Catahoula being declared the official dog of Louisiana in 1979. This breed of dog is considered a working dog and their appearances will greatly vary. Many of the Catahoula dogs have patches or spots with few having coats of solid colors. They are very independent dogs and need much activity and training.

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Essentials For Your New Puppy

You have made the decision to bring home a bundle of joy in the form of a puppy! Before taking it home you should make sure that you have all of the essentials and accessories you will need to make sure they will be happy in their new home. It will also allow you to start bonding with your new pup straight away, rather than having to start shopping for supplies.

Of course you will need a great supply of puppy food. They need a different type of food than what adult dogs do, as they require a lot more nutrients. Although they seem to need more food, it is more a case of little and often than giving them giant sized meals so make sure to purchase smaller bowls. You will then want to upgrade to larger ones as they grow up. Make sure that you have a water bowl as well and that it is always topped up, try to change it so the water is kept fresh throughout the day and night, with it finally changed just before you go to bed.

A collar is a very wise item to purchase. As animals get older they may not appreciate you trying to put a collar on them, but if they are used to it from a young age they will not even notice they are wearing one. Get a tag made with your details on, contact information such as home address and telephone number, just in case your beloved pet gets lost or runs off. It is a good idea to purchase a leash at the same time as you buy the collar as these are very important and necessary for wearing them out with long walks once they are old enough to leave your house. Make sure they have had the compulsory injections if needed beforehand.

Every puppy needs some toys. There will be times where you may have to leave them in the house for half an hour alone when popping to the shops, and the best way to keep them calm and entertained are specially designed dog toys. Give them their favourite teddy as a treat and they should be kept happy until you return. It is also a fun way for you to interact with your dog and keep them healthy by taking a ball or Frisbee to the park. Make sure that after all that running around they have a comfy bed to come home to for a nice sleep.

Zoe Robinson is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of pets and pet food. The websites recommended by Zoe Robinson have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Take a look at a range of Eukanuba pet food today.

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Florida Man Wrestles Gator to Free His Pup From Jaws of Gator

No matter what age you are, you have head the saying, dogs are man's best friend. But, sometimes it's hard to relate that the bond goes both ways. A Florida man, Steve Gustafson, a 66-year-old grandfather, was trimming the trees around his property when he heard an unfortunate familiar and frightening yelp. He looked for the doggy cry for help and spotted a 7-foot alligator attempting to drag his West Highland Terrier, Bounce, into the nearby pond.

"I just knew that my best friend was going to be dead," he told the Orlando Sentinel during his story, speaking of his beloved pet. "And I took off."

The brave man began yelling at the gator to release Bounce from most certain death. Mr. Gustafson sprinted to the water's edge and leapt onto the back of the writhing reptile.

"... Just like you do some silly belly flop in a pool," he told the source. "The only difference was I landed on top of a gator."

This brave sole wrestled the brute, pushing and twisting the reptile's head to the bottom of the pond. The alligator spun from his grip, but Steve remained cool and collected, keeping a level head. He continued to fight the mighty predator, pushing it closer towards the ponds shore, eventually freeing Bounce from the jaws of his captor. Bounce was free and scampered to safety, Steve following as well, though he sustained a deep bite to his hand.

His wound required a few stitches, medical and vet treatment, but most importantly, both Bounce and his human survived. No doubt, the 9-year-old, 13 pound Terrier is extremely happy that his pet parent would have such love for him, he would battle a gator.

The Orlando Sentinel also spoke with alligator biologist Patrick Delaney, who said that gators are still thriving and hungry as ever at this time of year, largely due to metabolism spikes caused by the temperatures.

Though this is a heartwarming story, pursuing a pet into such a dangerous situation and environment can end far more tragically than what transpired in Florida. When considering predators, prevention as pet safety is a more efficient method. Have cats stay indoors and keep dogs on tethers very close to the house, and only when you're outside to watch them. Every part of the country has wild animals, from coyotes to foxes to alligators, any of which can prove to be potential dangers for even the bravest pets. Know the safety tips and be wary, especially in rural areas.

Isaac Macalister is a frequent contributor for Hartz and has written many articles pertaining to cat and dog needs. Including anything from dog training to summer fun with your dog including tips on Hartz UltraGuard Flea Control.

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