Having Healthy Pups: A Few Tips On Keeping Your Dog Healthy By David Riewe

The responsibility of a new pet is sometimes overwhelming. One of your new duties as a dog owner is to take care of your pet's health. Here are two pointers for you to follow in taking care of your pet.

- The Veterinarian Is our Friend

Part of your duty as a dog owner is to know when to call for the vet. Don't take a 'wait and see' attitude when it comes to your pet's health. Sometimes, that approach is fine but most often professional help is needed to treat your dog's sickness. Depending on the dog's condition, there are many ways a veterinarian may help.

There are several instances when it is essential that you call your veterinarian:

a) Always call your vet when your dog has been in an accident. If your regular veterinarian is not available, look for the closest emergency vet clinic.

b) Always call your vet when you suspect your dog has eaten something that may be poisonous or something inedible.

c) Call your vet immediately when your pet is in obvious distress. Sudden weight gain or weight loss should be a warning sign for you to take your dog to the vet.

d) If your dog is coughing, vomiting or having seizure, call the vet immediately.

- An Ounce of Prevention Is Better Than A Pound Of Cure

Of course, going to the vet should be the last recourse. Preventing your dog from being hurt or getting sick is your primary responsibility.

Remember, that good food and a lot of exercise equates into a long life for your pet. A balanced diet and a regimen of exercise helps prevent sickness and strengthens your pet. Monitor what your pets eat. Clean your dog's cage regularly to get rid of any disease-causing bacteria. Check your dog's water supply. Make sure it's clean and healthy for your pet.

Keep your dog on a leash. Running in front of a car is not very good for your dog's health and heaven knows where your pet may end up if you just let it wander around.

Give your dog a regular bath. Fleas and ticks can give your dog extreme discomfort and are often carriers of disease.

Of course, keeping your dog in tip-top shape goes beyond these pointers. It's always advisable to ask a veterinarian for additional health tips and as your experience with your pet grows, you'll think up of a couple more rules that are special to your beloved hound. Just remember that when your pet's health is in question, it's always better to be safe!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=22704&ca=Pets

How To Make Your Dog Obey You? By Jack Russell

Most people contend that dogs are created to obey their masters. That is why they are considered the man’s best friend. However, obedience is not an innate quality in dogs. That is why it is important to teach them how to obey commands in order for them to know in what manner they should behave.

In reality, obedience training is created to impose control over dogs. These canine friends should know who the master is and who the follower is.

With all the teachings of science and man’s remarkable brain, the guidelines about obedience training in dogs were created. All of these are inclined to teach the dogs how to obey simple to complex commands and how to behave properly.

However, the concept of training dogs how to obey may vary on styles, equipment being used, or on the principles being implemented. Nevertheless, all of these things are focused on making dogs obey their masters.

The question is: How do trainers or these concepts make the dogs obey their masters? What is the reason that lies beneath the idea considering the fact that dogs are not humans who can logically understand why they have to obey?

What people don’t know is that there are only two keys in order to make their dogs obey them: consistency and compassion.

Consistency is extremely important in every training program. This is because as mentioned earlier, dogs are not logical thinkers. This means that they don’t know and they don’t understand why they have to obey or what does their master want from them. That is why it is important to let them know the things they should do and the things they shouldn’t do.

In this way, people should be consistent on distinguishing the things that should be done and those that are not appreciated.

On the other hand, compassion is needed in teaching dogs to obey because they are not like humans who will immediately understand what is wrong or right. This means that people should be a little more patient when teaching dogs to obey in order for them to gain the dog’s trust.

There are instances wherein trainers get impatient after repeating one command several times. In the end, they tend to hurt the dog. In turn, the dog gets hurt and may no longer trust his trainer.

The bottom line is that, dogs are not humans and they don’t behave like humans. That is why training them to obey needs more time, more patience, and more understanding from people who know better.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=22887&ca=Pets

Dog Supplies Buying Guide By Jack Russell

Just like a baby who needs utmost attention and care, the acquisition of the best supplies for your dog needs some major consideration, too. Here's how you can ensure that your beloved pet gets the best toys, food, and other necessities.

Dog Food and Treats

Your dog's needs should be the emphasis when considering what food or treat to buy him. The proper balance of vitamins and minerals should be given, particularly to growing puppies. Sporting and working dog breeds need to eat something that will sustain their hyperactive lifestyle. Dogs that aren't getting any younger need low-calorie food to avoid weight gain. Don’t scrimp on the budget here no matter how compelling it might be. A healthy dog is reflected by the food he eats.

Dog Leashes and Collars

The size and weight of the dog should be taken into account in choosing the right dog collar. The collar's material needs attention too. Nylon is good for water-loving dogs since it is more durable and light. For a tougher look, leather collars are a lot better since they are more durable and can even be accessorized with spikes.

Dog leashes come in cloth, nylon, retractable, and leather styles.

Dog Toys

The safety of your dog should be the top priority in looking for a dog toy. What fun could be derived from a toy if it will endanger your pet's life, right? A dog toy should be large enough so that it can't be swallowed by your pet. However, it should be small enough for your dog to be able to grip it well.

The durability of the toys will need major consideration too, especially for dogs that are serious chewers. Light chewers can settle for vinyl and latex dog toys.

Training Guides for Your Dog

Dog whistles, dog harnesses and bitter-tasting sprays compose the wide array of dog-training guides that will keep a dog from chewing. If the chewing problem is a lot more serious, one may use a dog bark collar or an electric fence. It is advised that one stays consistent and humane in training his or her dog. Dog training books may also be availed for this endeavor.

Dog Health Items

Tick and flea infestation control medications are available to ensure that your dog's health is secured against these pests. Brands like Advantix, Advantage and Frontline are some of the popular flea and tick drugs in the market.

Your dog's dental health should never be taken for granted either. Dog toothbrushes and toothpastes, and even dog toys are now made available to support the dental health of your pet.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=22883&ca=Pets