How To Crate Train Your Puppy

Writen by Cass Hope

One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy owner faces is housebreaking or as it is sometimes also referred to; potty training or doing business. Although there is no tactic that comes with a 100% guarantee, one of the most successful methods is crate training. Crate training can drastically reduce the amount of stress on the owner and the puppy that often comes with training the new four-legged member of your family.

So what is a crate? It is a cage that is usually made of plastic or wire. Wire ones are collapsible and the puppy has a great view of his surroundings. The plastic crates are lightweight and easy to clean and tend to be the most commonly used. Either can be purchased at a department or pet store. When purchasing a crate you must make sure there is enough room for the puppy to stretch right out and to stand erect. Make sure the crate is not too big though or all your potty training efforts in vain because the puppy will be able to do her business in one end and sleep in the other.

Crates can also be used for a variety of other things than just potty training. It provides the "den" security that can be traced back to their ancestors. It provides a place that is safe and cozy for the puppy. Putting the puppy in the crate when there is company or a lot of activity going on it saves her from all the reprimands from getting in the way. It is great for travelling. When you have to leave the puppy home putting her in her crate will save you from coming home to a disaster. It is also great for your puppy to sleep in through the night without the owner having to worry about her roaming around and possibly injuring herself. Puppies however, should NEVER be left alone in their crate for extended periods of time.

What makes the crate method of potty training so effective is because a puppy will not soil where it sleeps. However if you leave the puppy in the crate for too long it will have to do business and you will set your potty training efforts back to the beginning. The most important things you need to remember about crate training are consistency and routine and lots and lots of rewards. A crate is used differently to potty train then if you have to go out and you are leaving her home alone. When you are leaving your puppy home you have to put the crate in a small area, for example a bathroom and leave the crate door open with newspapers down for the puppy to do her business. Once the puppy is older and has good bladder and bowel control you can leave it in the crate but preferably not longer than 4 hours. However for potty training your puppy should stay in the crate then taken out frequently to the area that she is suppose to do her business. This can be either outside or on newspapers. For a very new puppy take her out to do her business every half-hour then after 8 weeks every hour. When the puppy goes potty where she is suppose to you can reward her with treats and lots of praise and maybe leave her out to play for awhile before putting her back in. If she does not go within around 10 minutes just put her back in her crate and try again later. If you keep a record of when your puppy goes, for instance how long after she eats or naps then you will know when to let her out and she can have more and more time left out to play. The crate will also help puppies learn bladder and bowel control.

A great idea is to either say something like "go potty" or "do your business" when you put her outside or on newspaper then when she hears those words she'll know it is time to go out. Also if you have something for her to scratch or ring or push she will learn as she gets older that that is what she needs to do to let you know that she needs to go out. Puppies want very much to please you so training them, as puppies will make things much easier for you and her as she gets older.

Of course when the puppy is initially introduced into the crate there will be lots of whining. This is not the sort of behavior you want to encourage or reward with attention. When she quiets down then you can take her out for a little playtime but the whining should be ignored. The crate should be kept in an area where she will not be alone and can be part of the family then at night take her into the bedroom with you. Be sure to have a soft blanket and a snuggle toy in the crate with her. I often put a blanket over the crate to give the puppy a very secure feeling. In the beginning you will have to get up a few times during the night to let her out but take a deep breath (or a nap) because this really will not last forever. I have seen puppies sleep through the night at 8 weeks.

Successful crate training requires commitment on the part of you the owner and it definitely is work. However, the reward in the end will make it more than worth the effort.

Cass Hope has been a writer for over 5years. Cass regularly contributes to online and offline publications in a variety of areas. She also teaches classes in basic obedience for puppies. She is currently sponsoring this site: http://www.1st4dog-training.info

(for web reprints please ensure this URL is hyperlinked)

Leptospirosis Deadly Disease Rains Down In The Fall

Writen by Louise Louis

Fall through December is the prime season for leptospirosis, a disease spread by wild and domestic animals. This disease can attack a dog's kidneys, liver or blood vessels with serious and even fatal consequences.

The problem is that this is the rainy season and rains wash the spiral-shaped leptospires into ponds and other bodies of water while the water temperature encourages the bacteria to survive.

Dogs can contact the disease directly from other animals or by contact with soil or water containing the bacteria thanks to contaminated urine or poop, Louise Louis of www.ToyBreeds.com stated.

Getting outdoors with your dog can be a great experience but it exposes your dog to this bacterial disease. "Outdoors" especially includes dog parks which I hate. Many owners do not have their dogs vaccinated and many, many owners are irresponsible about picking up dog poop.

Contacting the disease isn't necessarily fatal. Common symptoms include fever, loss of appetites, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and reddening of the eye area. Some dogs manage to clear the infection through their systems with minimal problems.

Other dogs, however, can suffer kidney or liver failure if the disease goes untreated. Tufts Veterinary School reports that about one in five dogs die from the disease.

There is a vaccination for leptospirosis although it covers only four strains of the disease. Recently, veterinarians are seeing increasing incidences of the disease as well as new strains of the disease that vaccines don't protect a gainst. It's estimated that more than 200 strains exist worldwide.

Be aware that humans can contact leptospirosis so it is important to protect your dog as well as yourself. In addition to talking to your vet about vaccinating your dog, here are a few tips to prevent disease.

1. Avoid high risk areas such as dog parks.

2. Don't let your dog drink from ponds, lakes and other public water areas. Give him tap water and take containers with you for him when you do on hikes.

3. Clean up your own yard, both of your dog's poop and any leavings from other animals that might wander into your yard. Remember animals includes rodents, raccoons, skunks, moles as well as other domestic animals.

4. Wash your dogs after handling your dog and anything that might have his urine or poop on it.

5. Clean potentially infected surfaces with an antibacterial solution or a homemade mixture of bleach and water.

6. Most important - if you suspect your dog may be sick or infected, get him to a vet as quickly as possible. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and creator of the popular website on small dogs, http://www.ToyBreeds.com

Californian Kingsnake Care Lampropeltis Getula Californiae

Writen by Chris M Jones

Californian kingsnakes are the most commonly seen and bred of the kingsnake family in captivity. They are now available in a number of colour and pattern mutations, and have even been hybridized with many other species. They are a reptile eating species and are voracious feeders, but commonly take rodents in captivity. They are very hardy and can be expected to live for approximately 15 – 20 years, making them an excellent choice for a pet snake.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake's life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult kingsnake a vivarium 120cm Length x 45cm Width x 45cm Height is ample. Contrary to popular belief, and propaganda spread by various campaigners, you can actually have too large of an enclosure for many snakes. The reason for this, is that snakes are very prone to stress, and being in an excessively large enclosure can scare them. Imagine in the wild they are constantly hiding from predators, then, when they feel it's safe in the dark of night, they will venture out to hunt for food. Once they find their food, they will return to the safety of their secure hiding place until the next time around. Many species will not even hunt for food; rather, they will sit and wait for their prey to come along. They may also leave their den for sloughing their skin or finding a mate at certain times of the year. Many individual snakes feel very comfortable in captivity, although this generally comes with age and lots of handling. Snakes like these will often thrive in a larger than usual enclosure.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 'SSSHHH' factors:

1) Safety – Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?
2) Secure – Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?
3) Size – Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?
4) Heating – Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?
5) Humidity – Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?
6) Hygienic – Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

Décor

Décor in your tank serves two purposes. First being extra cover for your snake and second, allowing for a more natural and pleasing appearance. When choosing décor, think about the safety of the snake. Make sure that whatever you decide to use, it is securely fixed and that no rocks, wood or anything heavy can fall and possibly injure, or even kill the snake. You must also make sure that everything used is parasite free. If anything has been picked up from outside, or has originally come from outside, such as cork bark, you should either boil it, or place the item in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes. Freezing works for some parasites, however others have been known to survive months in freezing conditions. Some parasites found in English conditions last winters in minus temperatures, so it is not entirely effective.

Once all your décor is parasite free, it is then safe to place inside your enclosure. As a general rule, if you can put pressure on an item to knock it down, an adult king snake is also capable of doing this. When positioning rocks or heavy objects, make sure they are completely secure. If it is still uneasy, screw them or use superglue to fix them securely. If it is not possible, the rule is simple: Do not place the item in the vivarium!

If you decide to go for a large enclosure, you must provide plenty of cover and hiding areas. A hiding place can be anything from an ice cream tub with a hole cut out to a naturalistic piece of cork bark. There are many brands of fake plants and décor you can use which is both safe for the animal and pleasing to the eye. Cork bark is available from almost any reptile pet shop in the UK, and can be ordered in if they do not have it in stock. This is excellent cover for any reptile and is 100% natural. One thing you must consider when thinking about the size of the vivarium, is the bigger you go, the more hiding areas you must provide. I recommend at least one hiding place per foot in length of the enclosure.

NOTE: Never use sticky tape in an enclosure; this is an accident waiting to happen. Believe me; removing sticky tape from any snake is no easy task!

Heating

Kingsnakes require a thermal gradient, meaning they must be allowed to move around the enclosure to find their required temperature. The hot end of the enclosure should be 86-90ºF while the cool end should be approximately 78-80ºF. During the night, the temperature should drop to a more constant overall temperature of 74-78º

In my opinion, the ideal way of heating a kingsnake enclosure is to use a power plate. This is a small thin square plate, about 25mm thick which is screwed into the top of the vivarium. It does not need to be protected, as there is no way a snake can grip onto it. It is almost invisible to the eye as it simply sits on the ceiling of the vivarium. The only brand available in the UK is HabiStat Reptile Radiator; it is 75 Watts and is sufficient for any vivarium up to 4ft long and possibly larger. It produces no light and therefore in a vivarium you will need a form of lighting as well. A power plate should be used in conjunction with a HabiStat Pulse Proportional Thermostat, which will stop the power reaching the power plate as soon as the temperature goes above the setting, and turn back on as soon as it is too cool. This is one of the most accurate thermostats on the market today.

Ceramic heaters, spot bulbs and heat mats are also ways of heating a vivarium. These all have their advantages and disadvantages, but in my opinion, none quite weigh out to be as good as a power plate.

Lighting

Kingsnakes are primarily nocturnal, meaning they venture out in the dark of night. This is when their main predators are sleeping, and their prey is awake. This is not to say though, that they never see the sun, or any form of lighting for that matter. They will often bask in the sun during the day in the wild, so lighting should be offered.

Having artificial light in a vivarium is aesthetically pleasing to the owner, and is a good addition to a snake's enclosure. They will use this as a photo-period, and their regular time clock will generally adjust to the settings on which you have your light set to.

They do not require any form of special lighting, such as a D3 Ultra-Violet light commonly used for diurnal species. An Arcadia Natural Sunlight Fluorescent Lamp is a good form of lighting. This comes in lengths of 12" up to 48" and I suggest you use the largest size able to fit inside your vivarium.

Humidity

Californian Kingsnakes are generally not exposed to a high humidity range in the wild, and in captivity you should not worry about controlling this. A fairly dry environment should be provided, although raising the humidity when the snake is coming up to a slough may aid in shedding it's skin properly.

Feeding

Hatchlings should be offered pinky mice, and as they grow the mice should become larger. An adult kingsnake should be fed on large size mice or small weaner rats. Hatchlings should be fed on a regular basis, every 4-5 days is ideal. Their metabolic rate is very high and as they are growing, they need a lot more food to keep them going. Adult kingsnakes need feeding once every 2 weeks on 2 large mice. The only exception when they should be fed more is bringing them out of hibernation, getting them into condition for breeding and then, fattening up females for egg production. An egg-laying female should be fed more often than normal, once a week on 2 large mice.

By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.
http://www.petclubuk.com

Ragdoll Cats An Unusual Cat Breed

Writen by Ben Harper

The Ragdoll cat breed has an unusual history. According to one story, aliens brought this cat here; a cat that gets its name from the way it goes limp like a Ragdoll when you pick one up.

The Ragdoll cat breed originated in Riverside, California in the 1960s; the breed was founded by an eccentric woman named Ann Baker. The very first Ragdoll cat was a Persian-Birman mix named Josephine. Ragdoll cats come in a variety of colors today, including blue, bicolor, color point, torte, mink, and lynx.

The Ragdoll cat is the largest breed of domestic cat; males can weigh in over twenty pounds when fully mature. Ragdolls are registered by all of the major cat associations and recognized as a purebred cat.

Ragdoll cats are easy going and best known for their characteristic limpness when held. They have medium longhair coats and shed very little for having coats of this length. Ragdolls are very low maintenance cats; they have silky rabbit like fur and do most of their grooming themselves. Because of their size, Ragdoll cats tend to be slightly clumsy; these cats do not typically make good mousers, they are just too laid back to care about mice. Many Ragdoll cats exhibit dog-like behaviors; for example, this breed will run to the door to greet you upon returning home.

Part of what makes this cat so unusual are the stories Ann Baker told about its origins. On one account Ann Baker claimed here new breed of cat was brought here by aliens; another account states the breed was genetically engineered by the government.

Alien or government conspiracy aside, the Ragdoll has quickly become one of the most popular breeds of cat available today.

Ben Harper is a Ragdoll cat enthusiast and founder of the site Ragdoll Cats which was established to promote the Ragdoll cat breed. To learn more about this unusual cat visit: http://www.ragdollcats.info

Dog Fashions Are Hot

Writen by Connie Limon

Making your dog as cute as it can be is a very enjoyable and fun task. Remember how you use to love dress up your dolls as a kid? Dressing your dogs can be just as much, if not more, enjoyable. For you in particular there are dog clothes in just about every style and color you could ever imagine. Give your special pet a closet of his own.

There are cute dog sweaters, dog t-shirts, dog booties, stylish collars and leads. There is the sweetest little hat available for our dogs. Actually dressing your dog is more about you. As long as the clothing is not restrictive to the dog, most dogs don't mind getting dressed up now and then. If your dog is one that loves and craves attention he will especially like getting dressed up.

As the concept of dressing up our dogs has taken its place in our society websites are popping up all over the internet with fancy names like "Glamour Dog," "Designer Dog Fashions," and Boutiques. These sites offer people and their pet's top canine fashion that can make you feel proud to walk around town with your dog.

Before now it was not uncommon to see a dog in a knit sweater now and then or some other cut piece of clothing. Today there almost as many clothing items for dogs as there are for people. Your dog is definitely going to need some closet space all his own.

What you can expect to find in doggie clothing:

1. Dresses
2. Slacks
3. Raincoats
4. Eyewear
5. Footwear
6. Beach dog clothing
7. Holiday dress up dog clothing
8. Wedding gowns
9. Tuxedos

Most of these high fashion doggie designer outfits come complete with a designer price tag. Prices for dog dresses are anywhere from $29.95 to over $100.00. Some of the dog clothes cost more than a lot of people spend on their own clothes. It is for certain that dog fashions are hot!

If you are in the market for dog clothes that will turn heads and really get attention from passer-bys, designer dog clothes are perfect for you! It can be loads of fun for you as well.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She offers Designer Dog Clothes especially made to fit all toy breed dogs at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Benny Comes Back

Writen by Ruth Bird

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I have ever volunteered to do. First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on each. There are pictures on my dog therapy page.

Benny, my black lab, is about 5 years old now. (I never seem to remember exactly how old he is.) Benny is a wonderful dog (even though he likes to steal my pillows). He loves visiting our friends in the home. Clearly, this is where he loves to be.

Then there is Nikki, my 2 year golden puppy. Nikki is a typical 2 year golden. She is full of life. She keeps me hopping. And, just like Benny, she brings pure gold to our friends. Benny and Nikki are on my dog therapy page.

It has been an extremely busy summer so far. Unfortunately, with work demanding more and more of my time, and with home issues demanding more and more of my time, my volunteering has lapsed this summer. This has created a void in me.

The one thing I have learned about this situation is how much I love the dog therapy visiting programs.

Benny has been a visiting dog for a number of years now. We have always gone to the same home, so we have made many wonderful friends.

Well, after my "sabbatical" I went and took Benny to see our senior friends last Saturday Night. This was an unscheduled visit. I could have cried. They were so very happy to see him again (not me so much). We had a "Benny" party in the lobby.

What a wonderful time my Benny had. Of course! Everyone was petting him, and talking to him. Wow, he was being treated like royalty. A true friend come home.

It was just great to see this joy. We all talked and laughed and joked. Everyone talked about their summer, how they were doing, what was going on in their own world. I felt better then I had for a long time. My new resolve is to go back to my weekly visits. I do not want to miss out on these opportunities anymore.

So, my advice, as always is: If you have the inclination to visit with seniors, if you have a dog that loves to be petted, a dog that loves the human touch, then please go to your local Dog Therapy Group and find out how you can join this wonderful work. It is not difficult to get your dog certified.

The three most well known organizations that offer certification; Delta Society, Therapy Dog International and Therapy Dogs, Inc. There are other therapy organizations and you may find an organization in your area via the internet under dog therapy, pet therapy or animal assisted therapy.

And, for us Canadians, there is, Therapeutic Paws of Canada (my dogs belong to this wonderful group). They offer a volunteer based therapy dog and cat visitation program for senior's facilities such as retirement homes, nursing homes, Alzheimer day away centers, hospitals and where there is a need. The medical establishment has long recognized the significant benefits of a therapy dog and cat program. The petting and stroking of a pet helps to calm the most agitated resident and stimulates wonderful conversations about the pet they once owned. Recovery from surgery is quoted as being accelerated when there is continued contact with a pet. As a result of the many government fiscal cutbacks, the facility's staff is stretched to their limits. The positive impact of our programme on the day-to-day life of each senior throughout our community and beyond cannot be calculated.

There are more links on my personal dog therapy page: http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

My name is Ruth Bird, and I am the owner of 3 dogs, 2 are Registered Therapy Visiting Dogs, my third dog is blind. My passions are health for people and pets and promoting a happy, healthy and wealthy lifestyle. As an owner of 3 healthy, happy dogs, I am very much involved in dog training, nutrition and health. You will find links to many dog related sites on my dog therapy page.

http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

Having To Say Goodbye

Writen by Kadence Buchanan

Loosing a pet is a horrifying experience. Not one word can describe the feeling of loss and grief associated with having to say goodbye forever to your pet. But those who have managed to go through this experience state that there are ways to ease the pain.

- Allow time to pass: In order to accept the inevitable, your mind needs some time to deal with the stress of having to say goodbye to your beloved pet. Whether your pet died from natural or unnatural causes you have to allow some time to pass and heal.

- Talk to people: Do not keep everything locked inside. Find the courage to speak about your feelings of loss to friends and relatives, or consider joining a therapy group. People that have gone through this experience and managed to reestablish their life's balance believe in the healing process of expressing your emotions. Do not for one moment feel embarrassed or that you annoy people with your mourning mind-set. It is perfectly normal to converse your sorrow. By talking about them, you will find comfort not only because people may be able to state the words you need to listen, but because you will realize that they are there to listen and support you.

- Have a closure: Some people that have lost their pets believe that it is important for someone to experience some kind of closure. Saying goodbye to those we love is tremendously hard. By scheduling a day to mourn your pet, you will be able to cope with its loss easier. When the sadness you feel is expressed, the healing process begins. Do not get discouraged if others think this is a bad idea. The important thing is to do what you believe is good for you.

- Invest in a hobby: Although you might consider this as a weird idea, experts state that it is crucial for the mourner to find some time to find a new interest. By allocating the excess energy to something that pleases-even temporarily-the person that suffers, instead of turning against oneself, the mourner will discover a new path though which he or she can expedite the healing process. For instance, buy a canvas and some brushes and begin painting. Select a destination you have never visited and travel. If you always wanted to learn a music instrument, this might be the time to begin. In general, do not allow the feelings of guilt and resentment affect your life's choices. Death is part of life; accept it, cherish the moments you shared with your pet and try to move on. It might seem impossible, but your pet would want you to try to be happy again.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Pets, Nursing, and Arts

Cheap Cat Playthings You Can Find Around Your Home

Writen by Jasper Page

Buying toys from your local pet shop can be expensive, and after the money you spend on it, your cat either tears the toy to pieces in a couple of hours or turns its nose up completely!

Why not save your money and entertain your cat with the following things you can find around your own home?

String!

I guarantee all cats love string. As it wiggles along the ground, moving fast and slow, it triggers your cat's hunting mechanism and makes a great plaything.

A great idea is to tie a long piece of string to a stick, so you can drag it along the ground and tease your pet while sitting comfortable in a chair.

Paper!

Other than the sound of pet food, nothing perks my cats ears up like the sound of paper being rolled into a ball. A ball of paper about the size of a ping-pong ball is ideal for your cat to chase around the house. They absolute love it.

Similar thing to use for ball pet toys are rolled up sweet wrappers and small balls of foil.

Rope!

One of the most versatile products you can use to make different cat toys and activities.

It's great to wrap around a post to make your very own cat scratch post and can be pined to pieces of board to make scratch boards that can be mounted on a wall inside or out.

These are just some of the things you can find inside your home to entertain your pet, without having to spend a lot of money in pet shops on toys and pet accessories.

Jasper Page is an Animal lover at heart and helps run http://www.DevonPets.co.uk, a pet site for all the pet owners in Devon and the South-West of England, and the whole world. Vist http://www.DevonPets.co.uk to have a chat.

Get Your Dog Safely Through A Storm

Writen by Suzi Sevcik

Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others get extremely worked up. Count yourself lucky if you a dog that doesn't mind storms and loud noises like fireworks. However, if you have a dog that starts whimpering at the very slightest rumbling of thunder in the distance, here's some tips to help you.

The first sign of trouble is usually restlessness. They may be pacing, panting or whining. If you have an inside dog, they're probably either attached to you, or they're hiding under a bed somewhere.

Not everything is going to work for every dog. The best way is to try a variety of options to see what works best for your dog.

If you normally crate your dog, crating them during a storm is the first thing I'd try. If you have a wire crate, it may help to put a blanket over it to muffle the sounds. Crating gives the dogs a sense of security. However, if you don't normally crate your dog when you're home, then crating them during a storm may make things worse. In order to try this, practice routinely crating your dog when you're home for times like nap time.

The next tip to try is a natural remedy. There are two I've tried personally on my dogs that I would recommend. The first is the Essential Oil – Lavender. Essential Oil is an extract from a plant & all natural. All it takes are a few drops & rub it on my dogs paws & then a drop or two on their skin. It absorbs rapidly & has a calming effect. They may still pant, and be restless, but it seems to take the edge off. Once the storm passes, they sleep soundly.

The other natural remedy I've used is "Rescue Remedy" by Bach Flower Essences. Similar to Lavender, it's a natural product that has a soothing effect on your pet. You can pick Rescue Remedy up at your local Veterinarian's Office.

If you have a pet that destroys things when you're not home & there's a thunderstorm, your safest bet will be a sturdy crate. This will be for their safety as well as the safety of your household items. I've heard stories of dogs that have jumped through glass windows because they were frightened by storms.

Short of tranquilizing your dog, there is no magic pill to help them through a storm. It takes time, love and patience to see what works best for your dog.

Suzi Sevcik is the founder of PetLabels.com & proud dog owner. The experiences she writes about comes from living with 3 Golden Retrievers. You can find more pet articles here: http://PetLabels.com/articles/ or email her at suzi@petlabels.com.

Pit Bull Terrier Puppy Dog Training Tips

Writen by Tim Amherst

When training your Pit Bull terrier puppy, there are several problems you might encounter. By becoming familiar with these problems and probable solutions, you will be better able to deal with them should they arise.

Some Pit Bull terrier puppies have problems with what is known as submissive urination. If your puppy has a habit of squatting to urinate when you approach him, it is known as submissive urination. This is not an issue related with a training problem, it is caused by your puppy being insecure. The puppy for whatever reason, feels intimated or scared of you. The first inclination is to punish your puppy for this problem, but it will probably only make the situation worse. You have to find a way to make your puppy feel comfortable around you. Giving him treats as you approach him may help, crouching as you come near, anything to get his attention away from you should solve the problem.

Many small puppies will have a hard time learning to control their bladder when they get excited. There is no treatment or training that will solve this, the puppy will outgrow it over time. As the puppy grows and gets older, his bladder muscles will get stronger and this problem should go away. Again, if you punish your Pit Bull puppy for this, you will probably make the problem worse, or cause it to develop into other issues.

One common problem with many puppies, not just Pit Bull puppies, is that they like to chew on everything. Many owners get rid of their puppies because they like to chew up their belongings, furniture, shoes, etc. Providing your puppy with lots of chew toys may help with this. Another fix may be to try to keep anything you consider valuable out of the puppy's reach, much as you would do with children. Most puppies chew and bite because they are having teething pain, and this to often goes away as the puppy gets older.

A good Pit Bull terrier owner will learn to be patient with all of these little problems, and work through them as they arise. Devoting time out of your day to play and bond with your puppy may help or eliminate some of these issues. It is important to always try to stay positive, being negative or punishing your dog does make these problems worse. Time is often the best solution, as you and your new puppy are both adjusting to someone new.

To learn all about Pitbull puppies and training a Pitbull terrier, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

Pet Treat Management Amp The Best Treat You Can Offer

Writen by Moses Chia

Edible Treats

Pets just love food treats, almost like the way most of us who love junk food. But these treats should be offered with discretion.

Many treats have higher sugar or fat content than staple diet food. For example, treat sticks for rodents usually have more processed sugar than the hay, grasses, pellets and vegetables that should actually form the bulk of their diet. Snack treats such as biscuits for dogs and cats often have a higher fat content than regular diet also.

If a pet gets hooked on these treats, partly because of their owners who overly feed them with such treats. The pet may eat less of, or even refuse altogether its staple diet and demand more of the snacks. This is a big health issue problems and will lead to troubles like obesity, diabetes and dental problems.

For your information, even raw vegetables for rodents should be carefully selected. For instance, some rabbits and guinea pigs get addicted to the sweetness of carrot or the juiciness of lettuce and might refuse other type of vegetables, leading to malnourishment or diarrhea.

Treat Management – How Often?

How often is too often? This can largely depend on the species, the individual animal's health, age, activity level, size of the treat and the quality of the staple diet.

As a general guideline, it is safe to say that daily treats are too much, unless each portion is broken into small pieces and given to him once a day. Otherwise, give a regular-size treat once or twice a week at most.

If you are using treats to train your pet, especially dogs. Make sure to break your treats into smaller pieces and not to give excessively such that your dog refuses or fail to finish his daily diet. If this happens, you will know that you have over feed him.

The Best Treat

The best treats you can give to your pets are your time, attention, affection and energy. These treats are more valuable than luxurious housing or 5-star desserts, as time and love will make an animal companion bloom while feeling safe and secure.

This means that animals which need to be walked, such as dogs, should be taken out daily. Most dogs love walks as they sniff out all the exciting scents and exploring new routes. By giving your dog the walk-treat, it's good exercise for you too!

Give attention to your pet by spending time stroking, grooming and talking to him gently. Any animals that have learn to trust its owners will enjoy being patted, tummy-scratched, stroked and brushed. Be sure to look out for any unusual behavior and signs of ill-health, and see a vet if necessary.

Make an effort to keep your pet's living environment clean, stress-free and safe. Wash bedding, clean enclosures and remove dangerous items that may harm your pet.

Treats are still treats and will never ever be able to replace the affection, care and concern that you can offer to your pet. Never is and never will. Make some extra effort to care for your pet today and your pet will appreciate it.

Moses Chia is the webmaster of DogsObedienceTraining.com. He provides more helpful information on dog obedience training, dog training book reviews and dog illness symptoms interpretation that you can learn in the comfort of your home on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Dog Food Even Fidos Gotta Eat

Writen by Allen Shaw

You've brought home your new best friend. You've read all the books. You've purchased all the latest gadgets. He has more toys than you ever had as a child. And you've made the appointment with the vet to get Fido his first set of shots. You're done…right? WRONG! Your new pup still hasn't eaten yet. So what do you feed him? Dry dog food, can dog food or people food…what's the best choice? Well, all have their pros and cons. But some dogs are very finicky. So just know that if he gets used to a certain kind of food, he may never want to switch. So choose carefully.

When you go to pet store to buy food there are a few things you should look for. First, whatever type of food you decide to feed your dog, know what's in the bag. What does this mean…read the ingredients! The first three ingredients listed on a bag of dog food makes up about 80% of what's actually in the bag. If beef, chicken or liver aren't listed until Ingredient seven or eight, how much beef, chicken or liver do you think your dog is actually ingesting? I'll tell you…not much.

Second, if your dog is still a puppy, you should be looking for a brand that's high in protein. They need that little extra push to get them through their day. And if your dog is one of the larger breeds like German Shepard's or Labradors, you may be feeding him HiPro (the generic name for foods high in protein) until he's about two-years-old. Most of the larger breeds tend to have the energy and personalities of puppies until they enter the terrible twos. And they need a food that can keep up with them.

There are numerous brands to choose from. Purina, Iams, Nutramax and Science Diet are just a few. Most of the brands are comprised of different types of ingredients, depending on how young or old, active or inactive, your dog is. This is so you won't have to change brands as your dog gets older and a bit slower. Remember, some dogs can be quite finicky. And some dogs get so used to a certain kind of food that a sudden change can cause digestive problems. The problems are rarely of the life threatening kind. But until your dog gets used to the new brand, you may deal with a dog that won't eat. Or worse, a dog that will eat, but the food is such a shock to his system that he gets the squirts. And that's no fun for him or you. The more consistent you can stay with your dog's cuisine, the better.

Soft dog foods may be an option for some of the breeds who have…well…a somewhat funny looking face (Pugs, Bulldogs, Pomeranians). Breeds like these tend to have an overbite or an underbite making dry food somewhat of a problem to chew. It's not their fault really, but you should be aware. The same rules apply though. If they are puppies, get something high in protein.

And finally…to feed or not to feed your dog table scraps. A question for the ages. Every dog owner in history has come across those soulful, sad eyes staring at you while eating dinner. It's hard for most of us to hold out for any length of time and eventually we succumb to the whiny, cute little face resting on our leg. But beware, breaking the habit of begging at the table tends to be one of the hardest habits to break in our canine friends. If Fido gets used to getting his way when he begs for your dinner, it may be impossible to get him to go back to his dog bowl. And why would he? Would you go back to eating dry, crunchy food that tastes like cardboard (I know this for a fact, I tried it once to see why my dog wasn't eating) after eating a well-cooked hamburger? Why should he. So be really careful before deciding to feed your dog off the table. You may never get him to go back to regular dog food.

Allen Shaw is a successful author who provides information on dogs, dog food and dog health.

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Maltese Dogs Qualities And Characteristics Of The Maltese

Writen by Corinne Waldon

Man's best friend comes in all shapes and sizes from massive Great Danes to microscopic Teacup Chihuahuas. It pays to be educated about the breed of dog you're considering. Here are some things to take into account about the Maltese.

The Maltese is a member of the toy class, usually weighing between three and 10 pounds. Its most prominent characteristic is its long, flowing white hair with no undercoat. Because the Maltese don't have fur like other breeds, it will lose hair the way humans do instead of shedding like most dogs. Perhaps the most interesting and unique characteristic of the breed is its color-changing nose. The nose can change from coal black to a light brownish color or even pink depending on the amount of sunlight the animal is exposed to. The nose of a female Maltese may change color when she goes onto heat.

Because Maltese don't shed if properly and regularly groomed, they make good pets for people who suffer with allergies.

The breed's temperament lends itself to companionship. The Maltese is happiest when in the company of family and friends being lavished with affection. Like most small breeds, they are energetic and given to sudden bouts of activity, but their small size makes them a good option for apartment dwellers. Maltese are very smart. Their high intellect makes them easy to train and quick at picking up new tricks.

Maltese are generally good natured and playful, but like any pack-oriented animal, they might not do well with small children or strangers. They are very territorial and likely to be protective of the family unit.

Like anything else with hair, a Maltese must be regularly groomed to prevent matting. Some caretakers find a way around the chore by keeping their dogs in what is known as a "puppy cut" or a "teddy bear cut," where the hair is kept short, about a half an inch, all over the body. This style is certainly less fuss and may be more comfortable for the dog, but it's not acceptable for a show dog.

Maltese are relatively healthy dogs, usually unburdened with the afflictions of other pure breeds. However, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy are common in Maltese that do develop problems. Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. White dog shaker syndrome is a sudden onset of tremors, sometimes full seizures, that troubles only white dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy is just what it sounds like. It will eventually result in blindness for which there is no cure.

In keeping with the designer breed trend, Maltese are often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence.

Corinne enjoys writing about dogs and other pets. Find more of her articles at Pets 247, a pet resource website where you can find online pet store resources, pet directories, pet forums, reviews and more.

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Building A Dog Kennel

Writen by Simon Oldmann

Should I get into Dog Kennel Building?

Anyone who owns a dog as a pet will tell you that maintaining one can make a considerable dent in your wallet. The expenses of keeping a dog includes dog food costs and vet bills. Some pet owners find these costs over whelming and as a direct result many dogs end up in animal shelters. Genuine dog lovers often refrain from getting a dog for themselves, simply because the costs of owning one are too high.

However, there are several ways of cutting down on unnecessary costs and to keep your pet happy and healthy at the same time. For example, if you want a kennel for your dog, buying one can turn out to be an expensive affair. Building your own dog kennel cuts this cost half.

Many dog owners share their living space 24x7 with their pets. This can result in a lot of hassles like cleaning up after your dog leaves muddy footprints on your floor or spending precious time vacuuming fur off carpets, sofas and other furniture. For those who like to give their pets their own cozy home, a doghouse or a kennel is the way to go. Now the best part about dog kennels, especially for do-it-yourselfers, is that you can build one your self.

Although, you will still need to bear the costs of building supplies as well as give your own labor input, the biggest advantages here are that costs are a mere fraction of those incurred when purchasing a ready made dog house and that you can customize the kennel to suit your puppy's needs. Most of the kennels available on the market are of a fairly standard size and if you have a particularly large or small dog, this may pose a problem. Building a dog kennel means you will have to make one large enough so that your pet can comfortably turn around, but at the same time not too large, since it helps retain your dogs body heat and allows self-insulation to a degree.

Dog kennel building is a fairly easy task if you have even the tiniest bit of experience in carpentry. When building a custom doghouse, make sure the kennel is raised a few inches off the ground to prevent seepage of moisture into the wood. Also, when shopping for plywood, make sure to purchase exterior grade plywood instead of pressure treated plywood. At the same time, ensure that your dog is not in the habit of chewing wood because the chemicals used to treat exterior grade plywood may be harmful to your pet.

When building dog kennels, keep these three factors in mind. That is, the size of the doghouse, the right type of wood and the height at which the kennel is raised from the ground. Once the basics are in place, you can do what you want in terms of design and building. You may even design the kennel according to your pet's personality, giving it the ultimate designer home.

Simon Oldmann is an avid dog lover, now living in the countryside he setup a dog kennel for his dogs, Simon currently writes tips and advice on Dog Kennels planning, designing setup and buying.

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Tv Dog Trainers Exposed

Writen by Aidan Bindoff

Who could fail to be impressed by the extraordinary results of TV celebrity dog trainers? In minutes they can turn anxious, aggressive, "dominant" mutts into angelic pooches who never set a paw wrong... or can they?

The wonderful thing about television is it's value as an entertainment medium. TV producers (with some very limited exceptions) are not there to disseminate important information, they are there to sell advertising time or subscriptions. And nothing sells like a story of transformation that inspires hope, particularly if that story is about a beloved pet. It's something any pet-lover can relate to. Particularly if you are like the majority of pet owners and struggle with training, obedience and doggy manners.

As a dog trainer I am often amazed at the remarkable success stories I see on TV programs about dog training. In minutes, these gifted individuals can turn a problem dog (or dog owner) around. Sure, I've had a few remarkable success stories myself, but I know they are the exception, not the rule. Big changes to serious problems tend to take more time than TV producers allow for.

The truth is that TV producers will only show the best stories, and even then they won't show you the whole story. What gets left on the cutting room floor? Why do we rarely see follow-up? I know a local TV dog trainer has a string of unsuccessful cases that appeared to be successful on television. Those certainly haven't been followed up and aired!

I also know that it's easy to impress a client by asking their dog to do something very specific in a situation which sets that dog up for success. With a little knowledge and experience I don't tend to make the same mistakes my clients will make, yet even my own dogs are far from perfect. The real world sets us up to make a few mistakes along the way. A 5 minute slot on a highly edited TV program is about as far removed from the real world as possible.

So what can we believe about TV celebrity dog trainers? Everything - with a grain of salt. Watching your favourite dog trainer on television may entertain you, but it's value as an education medium is somewhat limited. Sure, remarkable success stories are possible. Experienced and knowledgeable trainers will get faster results than the general public. But the laws of learning do not change, and it pays to read, discuss and practise them. Getting your information from a multitude of sources would be a wise investment, as would seeking help from a competent 'real live' dog trainer if you have a dog behavior problem you need to solve.

Aidan Bindoff is Editor of Positive Petzine, a free resource for people training their own dogs.

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