Properly socializing your puppy is all about exposure.

Dog ownership can sometimes be related to experiences that we have as humans. For instance, when a child is going to the dentist, to school, a zoo, or any other environment for the first time, or meeting someone new, there can be apprehension and discomfort; even fear, as a result of experiencing these new events. However, we do not shelter our children from these events: we encourage them to interact with the world, and we encourage the world to interact with our children. This is known as socialization, and is a vital part of healthy functioning in any social hierarchy- including in the world of dogs.

Numerous studies have shown repeatedly that there is a peak period for socialization in puppies, typically from three to twelve weeks of age. Although socialization is a lifelong necessity, it is during this important time that a majority of the behaviors your dog displays in social situations will be determined. So how do you socialize your puppy? You take them everywhere with you, and you introduce them to as many different sights, sounds, smells, and other creatures that you possibly can.

Even the first few days with a new puppy are about socialization. They will be investigating their new home, getting to know you, and coming to understand their role in your family hierarchy. During this time, and over the next several weeks, slowly expose your puppy to everything in and around your home. Run household machinery like the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, or a generator. Introduce your puppy to your other pets and family members. While experiencing these things, try not to focus on your pup too much. Act as you normally would when around these people or pieces of equipment. Be certain to give lavish praise when the encounter is over and your puppy acted favorably.

Take your puppy for frequent walks, both on a leash and off, depending on the safety of your environment. Brush your puppy on a regular basis, and handle his feet, tail, ears and lips. Expose him to a crate or kennel, and encourage him to sleep or simply relax in it.

Bring your puppy out into the world. Take him for regular car rides, and expose him to the radio, to the beep of a horn, and to the sound of wind rushing in through an open window. Your pup should be exposed to a farm, and be introduced to various farm animals. City parks, walking trails, dog parks and beaches are all great places to expose your dog to a wide variety of stimuli. You should beware, however, to keep your puppy away from strange dogs, or dogs that appear wounded or ill. Remember that your puppy's immune system is still quite young, and that not everyone vaccinates their dogs.

Socialization with your puppy should never be rushed or forced. In addition, you should be mindful that you are rewarding the right behavior, and correcting undesired behavior. Your pup should never be soothed when it is acting unfavorable. Soothing is a form of praise, and therefore there are situations where you can actually be "praising" your dog for being neurotic, fearful or aggressive.

Like humans, dogs go through different psychological phases as they grow older. Their personalities change, and the way they respond to their environment can change. This is why it is important to continue your dog's socialization for its entire life. Besides, that's what your puppy wants anyway- to go with you and experience everything you do!

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to hunt dogs. Visit their site for a large selection of electronic dog collars; including brands such as Tri-tronics, Innotek, SportDOG, and Dogtra.

All dogs need their own space where they can play, exercise and sleep. There are tons of canine shelter that you can purchase for your dog these days. The most common of all is a dog house. But before purchasing one, better read this article to help you decide which doghouse is best applicable for your canine pet.

The first thing you need to consider in buying a dog house is the size and breed of your dog. You should determine how much space your dog really needs. You can choose a shelter that is made of either plastic or wood materials. Plastic dog houses are popular because they can be washed easily and are very durable and portable. Some people choose the wood dog house type because it can be customized and painted in different vibrant colors.

But whatever design you choose, always bear in mind that there should be enough room inside where your pet can sleep, roam around and exercise. The bigger the dog house, the better it is for your pet!

Dog houses, ideally, should be large enough so that your k9 can lie down there comfortably. The design should also give comfort for your k9 in both the extreme cold and hot weather. It must be durable and well built to give your dog the utmost protection and comfort in extreme weather conditions.

Moreover, you must ensure that your pet’s shelter has good insulation. It is a good idea to have a canine house with removable roof because it will give you better access to the house and you can clean it easily.

For outdoor dogs, a sturdy dog house is recommended to protect them from elements and improve their quality of life. If you want to give your dog with the necessary care and protection he deserves, then purchase a dog house now!

Dogs are just like people when it comes to liking something. They have different tastes and feelings towards different things. Certain dogs may like one taste of dog food while another may not even give it a chance. The only way to know what your dog will like for dog treats is to try different ones and go from there.

There are so many different kinds and tastes when it comes to dog treats. The different flavors may not be as agreeing with all dogs. The only way to know if your dog will like a certain dog treat is to give him one and see what the dog's reaction is. If the dog likes this particular dog treat, then he will surely let you know by wagging his tail, and licking his lips.

If the dog hates this dog treat, chances are he will drop it to the ground, sniff it and walk away all after he gives you a very dissatisfying look. This is how most dogs would react. Some dogs may even bark at you as if to say, "what were you thinking". However, this is the only way that you will ever know if the dog agrees with your choice in treats or not.

If you have more than one dog, you may find that they all like a different treat. If this is the case, then you will have to buy more than one brand of dog treat. When this happens, it may be hard to keep them straight especially if you have a few dogs. The best way to keep the dog treats separate and know which one is for what dog, you will have to put them in separate containers and mark them.

There is crunchy, soft, sweat, and salty dog treats available. There are so many that you will be sure to find a few dog treats that your dog will love.

Keeping the dog treats in airtight containers with lids will keep them safe and secure from the dogs as well. They will not be able to help themselves when they feel like it. Use clear plastic or glass containers and write the dogs name on the outside of the container so that you know what dog treats are for what dog. This will make your life a whole lot easier because you will not be mixing up the treats. That will make your dog just as happy and satisfied as you are.

For more about dog treats and how you can provide the best for your dog, please visit: www.1-dog-treats.info.

A dog barks for various reasons. Barking could be a sign of seeking attention, anxiety, stress or aggression. But whatever the reasons are, a bark collar is a universal solution to solve that behavioral problem. It is a very good option if your dog’s barking has become excessive and annoying to other people.

Contrary to popular beliefs, a bark control collar is not an unsafe electronic equipment but a very effective tool in training your dog if used properly. There are various advantages of using a bark collar. In fact, it is too effective that you can notice an enormous improvement in your k9’s barking within the first week of training.

If your dog has become too violent to the point that he scares you and your neighbors, you should consider purchasing bark collars . This tool can correct the barking problem and can make the people around you feel safer when walking by your canine pet.

Another advantage of having a bark collar placed around your dog’s neck is that your dog will not bark when an unfamiliar person visits your house. It will also not disturb your neighbors during night time.

However, first time users of this type of training collar should be extra careful. The first instance your k9 receives a correction from a bark control collar he may react in a certain way. He may yip or jump slightly. But don't worry for these reactions are just normal.

The first reaction of your dog will always be the most intense. But after a few sessions, his reaction will be minimized and he will consequently refrain from doing some unwanted things such as excessive barking.

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem among dogs which can be solved and prevents with the proper training. In order for your k9 to overcome his anxiety glitch successfully, time and repetition are the key things you need to implement.

There are lots of methods to minimize separation anxiety in dogs and to prevent this frustrated behavior from being out of control when you’re not around.

One method that you can do is making sure your dog is ready whenever you go outside. It is a common mistake of dog owners to pay too much attention to their pet before they leave. You need to prepare your canine friend before you step outside the house but not in an overacting way. Spending a few minutes to play with him will help a lot, instead of kissing your dog goodbye.

Don’t pamper your dog too much. Initiate some measures to prepare your dog for your absence. You can do that by intentionally decreasing interaction with your canine before your departure. Avoiding to say goodbye and ignoring him for a while prior to leaving the house will decrease the level of separation anxiety of your dog. You need to repeat this method again and again until your dog gets used to it.

Another effective method to solve separation anxiety in dogs is the use of pet supplies to distract or entertain them. Dog toys can help a lot in diverting the attention of your dog and allowing for a transition from your presence to his alone time. In the long run, your dog will associate your departure with a playing with a toy instead of making him lonely.

Besides dog toys, you can also use other objects to distract him. As we all know, dogs are very affectionate and they tend to crave human contact at all times. And there are ways to maintain his contact with humans even if you’re not around. Dog trainers say that exposing your dog to radio or television will avoid separation anxiety. Letting your dog watch the TV or listen to the radio is a good way to reduce feelings of loneliness and stress.

Despite their athletic nature, hunting dogs can be overweight dogs and can fall into a sedentary nature if not provided with enough exercise. Without an exercise program, these otherwise fit, energetic breeds can become lazy and inactive.

An estimated 40% of dogs are considered to be overweight or obese. The most common cause of overweight dogs is obvious, their caloric intake is greater than what is burned off in a day. Excess calories turn into fat, and over time this causes the dog to gain weight.

Hunting dogs fed a high calorie, protein dense food for athletic dogs are at particular risk for canine obesity, as their exercise level must be kept high in order to “use up” the calories that they are being fed. A dog being fed a high performance diet must adhere to strict exercise regimen, in order to prevent excessive weight gain. Fat dogs out hunting is not a pretty sight!

Veterinarians use a standardized Body Condition Score system to categorize overweight dogs. The scoring system runs from 1-9, with one being extremely thin, and 9 being morbidly obese.

As a general rule, the “ideal” range for the body condition score for dogs is between a 4 and 5.

At a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 4 and 5, the dog should have ribs that can be easily felt under the skin, but not seen. The dogs should have a waist (a narrowing of their width behind the ribcage), as well as an abdomen that is “tucked up” when seen from the side.

Dogs with a BCS of 6 and 7 are too heavy. Their ribs may be just barely felt under the skin.

Instead of a waist, they are “flat” from ribs to hindquarters. Overweight dogs in this category should have their exercise level increased, and caloric intake decreased. With a BCS of 8 or 9 they are considered morbidly obese or are commonly called fat dogs.

Their ribs cannot be felt over the skin, and have areas of fat deposits over their back, base of the tail, chest, neck or legs. Instead of a waist, they have an abdominal bulge and are wider in the abdomen than in the hips.

Their abdomens may appear distended and enlarged, and hang below the level of the ribcage. These dogs should be evaluated by a veterinarian for underlying health problems, as well as begin a weight reduction program under veterinary supervision.

Beware of Diabetes in dogs and other health ailments. Overweight dogs at this level are at risk for a variety of health problems: severe joint, muscle and ligament problems, as well as respiratory and cardiac complications. Diabetes in dogs is also a threat.

It is important to remember that just because your dog was bred for an athletic lifestyle, his energy level and fitness depend on you.

Keep your dog fit, healthy and not overweight. Dogs can then be assured good health and hopefully a long life.

About the Author:
Lizzie Novotny R.N has a researched and informative website about dogs, especially the sporting dog breeds. She raises, trains and shows dogs and horses, and is familiar with all aspects of their care. Find answers to your dog-related questions by visiting her website. So click on http://www.the-hunting-dog.com

Dogs in cartoons are often portrayed as stereotypical bone lovers. But did you know that bones can be very harmful for their health? Bones, when they chew on it, munch and then swallow, can eventually puncture their sensitive digestive organs. As much as possible, you don’t want this to happen to your dog, right?

So what needs some big check mark on harmful dog food types? Make bones as the number one item. This may sound a little too much babying for your K9 fellow but it will be good for him; since dogs are known to be carnivores, meat will always be irresistible for them. Although it doesn’t really take contribute to them having a well balanced diet, it would be enough to clear the meat from bones and skin for turkeys or chicken meat.

Vegetables, known to be healthy and nutritious to our body, have some types that are considered harmful. Onions and garlic are just some examples of harmful dog food. These can be very toxic to their health and bring about some complications in their kidney’s function. So if your dog is already allergic to onions and garlic, don’t force it to eat such. Also, since chocolates were mentioned earlier, would you think that your dog will be happy if you hand it a bar or a piece? One sure thing is that they’ll munch on it. But how chocolates affect dogs are somewhat similar to humans, although dogs don’t get fat unless given in their race. Chocolates slow down a dog’s metabolism and contribute to having heart failures and kidney ailments.

On cases when you have some leftover food, don’t just throw these on your dog’s plate. It may contain some harmful stuff too. If you’re planning to serve leftover food to your dog, make sure that it can be easily digested. Most of the time, what you feed on your pets contribute to the way they behave. Remember how they obediently follow you when you hand them a doggy treat on training them or teaching some simple tricks? That’s one proof for you to consider.

Heartworms among dogs are a very dangerous form of pet infestation that takes up residence in the heart of your canine. It can lead to serious and fatal illnesses such as seizures, lameness, and even loss of sight. Vital internal organs such as lungs, liver and kidneys will also be affected if this disease is not solved immediately. So if you don’t want your pet shorten his life span, better act now to solve and prevent dog heartworms!

The common sign of canine heartworms is when your dog suffers from habitual soft cough. Do not dismiss this cough and take him to the veterinarian for tests. Commonly, radiographs on dogs are done to detect the presence of heart worms in the heart and lungs. This X-ray test can also look into the amount of internal damage caused by heart worms.

There are many ways to prevent canine heartworms infestation. It can be prevented by the use of medicines such as ivermectin tablets or liquid ivermectin. Your dog must intake such drugs once a month for better results.There is also a drug called diethylcarbamazine which is given daily.

Such medicines are very effective in killing parasites and heart worms and eliminating larvae of the worms before they reach the heart.

Mosquito control is also one of the best ways to break the transmission cycle of heartworm diseases. Veterinarians advise the implementation of a heart worm prevention program which includes various strategies in guarding your household against the mosquitos. You should keep your dogs away from places infested by mosquitos which carry harmful bacteria and eggs of heartworms.

The application of insect repellents on your dog all especially when he goes outdoor will be of great help to hamper the infestation of canine heartworms.

Bothered by the nasty odors in your carpet caused by stubborn dirt and pee of your dog? Before turning your home into a gigantic dog house, better read these tips on how to eliminate pet odors on carpets.

If you own a dog or puppy, you most probably have observed how your dog’s not-so-good smell can heavily stick to your precious carpets. Since they are made of fabrics, carpets tend to easily pick up foul odors than the any floor surface in your house. Dog odors caused by dirt and pee are very stubborn and cannot easily be removed from the carpet fibers. In most cases, ordinary detergent powder or cleaning agent might be futile and heavy duty vacuuming is not enough.

The best way to fix this problem is to implement strategies to prevent your dog from creating mess in the carpet. As much as possible, don’t let your dog enter in carpeted rooms. If you think that’s impractical, just make sure you keep your dog well-groomed at all times. Bathing your dog frequently will make your dog odor-free. Make sure to use pet bath shampoos to kill the bacteria on your pet’s scalp and fur which causes the unpleasant odors. Remember, an odor-free dog is a clean, healthy dog!

In cleaning carpets, baking soda is the most effective solution. To eliminate dog odors, sprinkle layers of baking soda over the carpet. Let it sit for 2 to 3 hours depending on your preference. You can also leave the baking soda overnight if you want to. After that, you can vacuum it up. Basically, the baking soda will do the job for you. It will absorb all the dirt as well the unnecessary pet smells from the carpet.

If you don’t want the long waiting time in the application of baking soda, renting a steam cleaner is another option. This machine will suck all the bad odors as well as stubborn dirt out of the carpet. You will be amazed at how clean your carpets are if you use steam cleaner.

Does your dog enjoy playing in the backyard? Does he have a habit of jumping over or digging under your fences? Worried that your beloved pet might go away and cause troubles whenever he’s outside? Indoor fence is a great solution to control and confine your dog!

Confining your canine friend with the use of this type of containment fence system will take your worries away. It will prevent your dog from damaging the plants in the garden or ruining your furniture inside and outside your house.

Indoor fence can assist you in controlling your dog within desired premises. Owners with aggressive or stubborn dogs can benefit a lot from this fence. If you don’t want your neighbors complaining about your dog attacking them or their pets, indoor fence is a simple yet effective way to avoid that problem.

Indoor fences are also a lot cheaper than containment fences that are made of woods and bricks. Indoor fence can occupy less space and you can do the installation by yourself. You don’t need to hire professionals or carpenters to do the job for you which saves you money for installation services.

Not only does it contain your dog, it can eventually train him to have discipline and behave properly. Indoor fence is a good way to effectively teach your pet to roam around and play only on restricted yet safe boundaries that you desire for him.

Like other wireless dog fences, an indoor fence is easy to set up. Once you’ve installed this fence, you can ensure the safety of your dog as he is contained only within specific boundaries. Your days of paranoia that your dog might get into trouble will be over if you opt for this type of fence.

Most importantly, this is a humane way to manage your canine pet. You no longer have to install barbed wires that are very dangerous when dogs get jammed on it.

There are a plethora of reasons why every dog owner should groom their dog frequently. Such practice is highly important for it will make your canine pet be in good shape, physically and emotionally.

If your dog is clean and well-groomed all the time, he will be free from germs and bacteria. His fur will be a lot nicer and not be infested by nasty fleas and ticks and, most importantly, you will keep him away from any canine diseases at bay, making him more active.

A clean dog is more well-behaved than the dirty ones. Dogs plague-ridden by fleas, for instance, are always irritable and bad tempered, and tend to show signs of bad dog behaviors such as excessive barking. True enough, the physical state of your dog has a big impact on the way he feels and reacts to people around him.

Dog grooming is a responsibility of every owner that is not that hard to do. Giving your dog a good pet bath once a week is one of them which obviously doesn’t take that much time. It is the easiest and most effective method to make your dogs clean and eliminate the dirt he got from playing outside. In bathing your pet, the use of anti-fleas shampoo and conditioner is recommended to ensure the absolute removal of these pests on your pet’s fur and skin.

Moreover, grooming your dog will definitely give an enormous comfort on him. It is also a great bonding time between you and your dog. Besides bathing him, take time to trim his nails regularly and brush his hair daily. Brushing your dog’s hair on a daily basis is an important part of every pet’s hygiene for it reduces shedding and promotes healthy skin. You can also boost the energy level of your dog by grooming him. Taking him to the salon where he can be pampered by professionals will allow the rejuvination of his senses.

Training your dog to get used to wearing a leash may take some time. They might get irritated the first time you pull and tug them. Here are some techniques that you can follow to leash train your dog with ease.

1. Start Early
It is recommended to start the dog leash training during the puppy days of your dog. Attach a lighweight leash to your puppy’s collar whenever you go outside. As days go by, drop the leash and let the puppy drag it around. If you do this several times, you will observe that your puppy won’t notice the leash attached to his collar anymore.

2. Hold The Leash Properly
The manner on how you hold the leash also matters in dog leash training. You should hold this tool with both hands to control your pet. One is on the loop while the other holds the leash about halfway to your pet’s neck. You can easily maneuver the direction where you dog is heading if you hold him this way.

3. Divert His Attention
At times when your dog gets too defiant whenever he wears the leash, never yell at him. Instead, give him treats to eat or dog toys to play. This is a good trick to divert his attention and maintain control.

4. Reward Your Dog
When it comes to training your dog to walk on a leash, never ever pull your dog for it might irritate him. Just walk with your dog and give him enough freedom as much as possible. But as your dog begins to walk in a different direction, that’s the only time you should make a little tug. Reward your dog everytime he follows you.

5. Good Communication Matters
Dog leash training can only be successful if you command your dog properly. Good communication is also very important. As in other forms of dog training, it is essential that you build a strong bond with your canine pet. If your dog trusts you, he will follow you. But in cases where the dog becomes too defiant, dog leash serves a great purpose to correct your dog’s behaviour.

It is a bit much of a hassle to have your dog tagged along with you wherever you go. It may be your best friend to protect you from evil doers but most places really do not allow dogs in public places. So other than making your dog a jogging companion every morning, it would probably be best to stay that way.

Since most dogs are left at home, chances are, you don’t know what may run on their heads. You don’t want to be surprised that your home transformed from cozy to crazy right? Just like babysitting, your dog may be comfortable with other people like your neighbor or a friend you can call to come over. Instead of leaving them alone, you can ask others a favor of watching them for you while you’re away.

Dogs can be trained and disciplined. Perhaps part of dog training is removing from them the habit of destroying things. Expose your dog in a healthy environment especially while inside the home so that it would have a head start on what and what not to do inside the home.

If you don’t trust your dog that much, you can let the dog stay in dog pens or in his own little wood dog house. This way, it would be protected from those outside and vise versa. Still, having someone to come over and check how your dog is doing will be much advisable.

Wherever in the home you plan to leave your dog; indoor or outdoor, provide a place where it can rest. Just like leaving a kid to play in a pen. Eventually, you’ll find them fast asleep, tried from all the playful work they did to entertain themselves.

Dogs have emotions too. Don’t just leave them behind easily. It would be best to spend some time with them first before you leave them. Upon arriving share some extra time with them again to create that bond. It is in this way that your dog will be obedient to you and expect to have less damage inside your home.

Bathing your cat is probably one of the most challenging tasks you could ever encounter as a pet owner. Most cats are hydrophobic and hate water and bathing them is not that easy. So if you don’t want the fuss of bathing your cat, better read these tips which will help you bathe her with ease.

Training your cat to bathe as early as possible would make the bathing session effortless in the long run. If you start bathing your cat while she’s still a kitten, she will get used to it.

Bathe your cat on a regular basis, atleast once a week. It’s not only hygienic but also a fun way to bond with your cat. Bathing her at an early stage will prevent your cat from getting the fear of getting wet because she will be accustomed to the water.

One of the common mistakes that pet owners commit when cleaning their cats is that they tend to act anxious. Just relax. Being calm when bathing your feline friend will make the job more trouble-free and faster.

If you are calm enough and not frightened, and most especially, happy with what you’re doing, your cat will experience less anxiety. Remember to loosen up and massage the shampoo gently into your cat’s fur. Rinse it well too. Also make sure that the room is quiet throughout the bathing period. Running water from the faucet while you’re bathing your pet might cause a struggle or distraction so better turn it off.

Another technique is that you bathe your cat as quickly as possible. Prepare the essential things such as shampoo and a large towel beforehand. Always use products that won’t irritate the eyes and fur of your cats.

Adding a non-toxic wetting agent to the water will also help a lot. It is also advised that you use diluted soap instead of ordinary feline soap for faster bathing.

These simple cat bathing tips will only make your life easier but will also make your cat healthier, preventing her cat from getting fleas and ticks and other infestations.

Cats and kittens can also get hiccups like humans do. The sound may be different but the reason why they get them is scientifically the same. Cats like humans have diaphragm muscle too that can suddenly contract and involuntarily react to irritation, resulting to hiccups.

While it is a normal behaviour among cats, a cat owner should also be cautious because not all noises or hiccup-like sounds that your feline pet creates are actually hiccups. Some may be a cause of more serious health problems of your cat.

Here are some important facts you need to know why your cat gets hiccups.

1. It is normal for cats to get hiccups.

2. Cats get hiccups commonly just after eating.

3. Ocassionally, it can happen if your cat didn’t chew her food thoroughly or gulped it too fast.

4. Hiccups can sometimes be a sign that your cat is sick.

5. If the coughing or hiccups persists for a long period of time and she looks distressed, better take your cat to the veterinarian.

6. Hiccups among cats can be attributed to a anatomical problem at the back of your cat’s throat. This can be cured by your vet.

7. Kittens can get hiccups more often than cats.

8. Cats can get hiccups because they are allergic to dusts or grass.

9. It can also be a sign that your cat has something stuck in her throat. Hairball is the common thing that a cat swallows that results to that.

10. The nerves extending from the neck to the chest of your cat may also be irritated that’s why she gets hiccups.

So how can you prevent your cat from getting hiccups? To control or minimize it, next time try to elevate her food dish or cat bowl. Since your cat exerts more effort to get her food, it will make your cat eat it slowly.

Adding a dog to your home can bring a lot of physical and even emotional benefits to you and your family. Dogs are the most faithful and loyal pets you could ever have. Whatever happens, even at times of trouble, whether you’re depressed or in high spirits, your pooch will always be there for you. No wonder why a dog is called as a “man’s bestfriend.”

Dogs are not only domesticated animals but they can also be an important part of a family’s life. Many people consider the task of taking good care of a dog as being the most rewarding hobbies in the world. Who don’t want to have an ever-loyal and sweet companion?

Dogs can bring you joy at times you’re feeling down. In fact, they can be even very sensitive to your feelings. If you’re having a tough time, a dog can feel that emotion and he will surely snuggle his head into your lap.

Scientific studies even reveal that dog owners have lesser risk of heart problems than those who are not. Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure because pets can relieve anxiety or stress.

Another benefits of owning a dog is that they can act as your security guard against burglars. Dogs, especially the big ones, can bark growl and bark loudly, making a thief think twice before entering your premises.

Dogs are also great companions if you want to exercise and if you want to feel safe outdoor. Walking outside is more enjoyable if you are accompanied by your canine friend on a leash. Exercising outside or walking with your dog is an an effective cardio workout that can improve your blood circulation. It will improve both your stamina and the dog agility of your canine pet.

If you are the silent type or someone who just wants to catch the attention of others, dog ownership is an opportunity to meet new friends. Having a dog by your side while walking on the sidewalk or roaming around the park enables you to meet a lot of dog walkers and eventually friends.

Is your pet suffering from flea and tick infestation? Are the shampoos, powder and other expensive flea eliminators recommended by your veterinarian not working? Then, it’s about time that you try these simple recipes that will help you eliminate the undesirable fleas and ticks on your pet’s fur.

With these natural flea and tick eliminator recipes, you will notice how wonderful your dog or cat’s fur will become.

Natural Flea and Tick Eliminator Recipe #1

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
(you can also use 3-4 garlic capsules)
1 heaping T. brewer’s yeast

Instructions:
It’s pretty simple, just mix the ingredients together. The combination of garlic powder and yeasts produces an odor through the pet’s fur and skin which fleas and ticks find offensive. These ingredients will also make your pet’s blood taste awful which discourages ticks, ear mites and other pests.

Natural Flea and Tick Eliminator Recipe #2

Ingredients:
1 cup burger meat
1 chopped clove of garlic
1 egg
1 tablespoon heaping T. brewer's yeast

Instructions:
Grill or fry the hamburger meat until browned. Mix the egg, garlic, and brewer’s yeast together then add to the burger meat. Feed it to your dog. For positive result, it is advisable that you do this once a month to minimize and control your pet’s fleas and ticks.

Natural Flea and Tick Eliminator Recipe #3

Ingredients:
Fresh lemon
Water

Instructions:
To make a citrus flea and tick repellant, cut a fresh lemon into quarters and put it in a jug. Then pour boiling water and let it sleep overnight. Put the mixture to a spray bottle.

Housebreaking your dog takes a lot of time and patience so it is advised that you begin to train your pet during his puppy years or as soon as you bring him inside your house. Though it’s a bit frustrating, it is worth the effort! Such training will prevent the many hassles of puppy urinating on the floor or defecating inside your house.

There are various ways to housebreak your pet but whichever method you decide, what is only essential is to understand the behavior of your dog. Dogs, like humans, have habits that every dog owner should comprehend.

Many experts say that puppies should be trained to relieve themselves atleast 6 times per day. Remember that dogs usually evacuate his bowels or dog poop in the morning, after every meal, or 3 hours after each meal. During such times, you can now make a schedule for your pup.

Bear in mind that puppies, unless they are a month old or so, don’t have the ability to control their bowel movement. One good trick to train your puppy is to take him out immediately after each meal.

House breaking your dog is all about timing to create a desirable routine. Repetition is the key here. For instance, you can bring your puppy outside to potty before he sleeps in the evening. Or when you wake up in the morning, bring your pup immediately outside. The first thing that most puppies dog in the morning is to relieve. Bring your pet to the same location each time and stay with him for a few minutes. Do this again and again and your pet will learn the rules and be trained to do this routine. Throughout the course of his training, close supervision is a must. You need to supervise the actions of your young dog at all times.

For more information, watch this video on Puppy Housebreaking Tips. It might be helpful! It has instructions on house breaking your dog.

Cleaning and disposing dog poop is one heck of a challenge that all dog owners face everyday. Who wouldn’t agree? Whether you like it or not, it is among your responsibilities to clean up after your dog. Dog poop contains a lot of harmful bacteria and parasites such as worms, so it is really a must to dispose them properly.

Good thing is, you don’t have to buy expensive dog toilets or doggy loos to dispose the stinky poop of your canine pet. In fact, you can make your own dog poop disposal system by just utilizing recyclable materials that are readily available in the comfort of your own home.

Just follow these simple instructions and you can dispose dog poop at ease:

First is to look for a used container or can, preferably the size of a garbage can, and then drill holes in the side of it and cut out the bottom part as well. You may use any saw or sharp knife to do the cutting.

Afterwards, make a drainage by tossing some stones or rocks in the hole. Take note that you have to position the container in such a way that it is above the soil. Dig a hole that is about 40 inches or more deep. You may bury it in your your garden, backyard or any soiled area.

Once it is positioned properly, place the cover on top. Make sure that the lid is secure enough. Voila! As simple as that, your homemade dog poop disposal system is ready to use!

Remember that when you scoop the poop of your dog, put it in the hole then sprinkle in some septic starter or digesting mix. Pour some water afterwards. This method will reduce the odor and speed up the decaying process.

So how does this thing work? This easy-to-do dog poop disposal system works the same way septic tanks do. What it does is that it dissolves and liquefies the dog poop and drain the liquid into the soil. It is totally safe and will not be harmful to the plants in your garden.

All dogs, be it a sport dog or a toy dog, need time to exercise to become physically active and healthy. Training your dog is, of course, difficult, especially if you don’t have the time to go outdoor and walk with your pet everyday or if you don’t own a fenced-in backyard.

Playing with your dog in the park or taking him for a walk outside poses a lot of problems. If you’re dog isn’t trained to obey you, it would be disastrous. It is in this situation that dog exercise pens become a necessary tool.

There are many reasons why every dog owner should opt for dog exercise pens. One of the primary advantages of this equipment is that it provides a safe space for your dog where he can exercise on a regular basis, allowing him to relieve himself in a secure enclosure.

Dog pens can also prevent your pet from roaming around an area which may be dangerous. It can give your dog a safe but restricted area to play and run around. With the use of this equipment, your canine friend will feel safe in a comfortable location that they can call their own.

Typically, a dog pen is very handy and portable. It is very simple to set up and does not require installation tools. This means that you can move it from one place to another easily. Dog pens can also be attached dog crates which are perfect for puppies and senior dogs, most especially if you want to provide your pet a safe and controlled area to play and exercise.

Besides the physical benefits of dogs pens, it also has positive effects on the psychological being of your canine pet. When you dog is around a pen, he will feel safe and not isolated. Since he is only allowed to move in a certain boundary, your dog will develop his sense of obedience, resulting to lesser behavioral problems like excessive barking and chewing.

A dog pen can be a great gift for your dog. So why not buy one for him on his birthday? With the aid of dog pens, your canine pet will have a portable place where he can play and exercise off a dog leash without having to worry about him running away.

Statistics show 60-70% of all American households include at least one dog or cat. That number means that up to 10 % of the population suffers from some sort of allergy due to these animals.

The most common culprit to animal allergies is the cat, but running second is the dog. Because dog allergies are so common, there is plenty of information available to show how to treat and manage an allergic reaction you may have to your pet.

If your reaction is not severe, and you don't have other complications like asthma, you can successfully manage your allergic condition and enjoy symptom-free days.

Identifying a Dog Allergy

If you believe that you or a family member might be allergic to the family pet, remove that person from the environment of the animal for a week or two. Having done this may not be the most effective means of diagnosis, because pet dander can continue to remain around the environment for at least up t o six months after the dog is removed.

If this process is too difficult or you can't do it; ask your doctor to test you for dog allergies. He will take a family history and some blood tests to determine this for you.

Treatment Options

Dog allergies usually come from allergens that are contained within the dander and saliva of the dog. These allergens tend to have the ability to cling to many surfaces. This is the quality that makes it difficult to determine where the allergens are located in the home. Another problem is that pet owners, being attached to their pets, don't want their pets removed.

If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to keep your pet. By not allowing the dog in the bedroom the number of allergens are reduced that would normally be in this area. Secondly, getting rid of the carpet and having bare floors is another positive step in ridding your home of dog allergies.

An air filter with a HEPA filter can also be an effective means of keeping allergens at bay in particular areas of your home. As long as it is ran at least four hours every day, is the recommendation. Dog allergies are common for many people, but they don't have to control your life. With lifestyle changes and treatment options, you can enjoy life once again

Teaching your dog basic execution and obedience requires simple training techniques, a little amount of time and patience. The course familiarization depends on the ability of a dog while the physical responses will depend on the dog’s age. There are several dogs that can be enthusiastically convinced to run through a short and straight tunnel to chase a toy or to go to the pet owner.

In training your dog, it is important that you know your goals. Set your objectives prior buying any obstacle dog training equipment. Basically, an agility course or training helps you as pet owner teach your dog basic obedience and follow your simple commands. It even allows you both, you and your pet to have to great, fun and quality time together.

There are actually several ways to train your dog. Setting up an agility course within your home is one of the natural and exciting ways to impose the obedience you want from your dear pooch friend. Make sure that you are physically and emotionally ready before taking the course with your dog.

Your role as his trainer or handler is very important. This is because as your dog moves, you are also required to make some movement to get along with his excitement and enthusiasm.

You also need to prepare a prize for a job well done by your dog. Make sure that you have something for him upon finishing any obstacle challenge to encourage him more in his training. This is also a one way of convincing him that something great is waiting for him.

Dogs are intelligent animals and they can absolutely finish their training in a small span of time. They can also practically do strategic plans just to know what’s in store for them in the other end of the obstacle. All you need to do is to encourage them more and build the most important element of teaching them, trust.

There are also some cases that dogs become traumatic instead of being enthusiastic in taking the course due to some unwanted problems or events. In case you can’t handle your dog’s fear or trauma, you must see your most trusted veterinarian and see what he has to give you as an advice.

Dog training using the dog agility and obstacle challenges is just like playing around with your pet. You as pet owner must give your instructions in an inviting yet firm voice so that he won’t be afraid to you while enjoying his training. Remember a careful and step by step training process will help you in achieving all your goals.