Greyhounds

Do Greyhounds Make Good Pets?
By Lea Mullins

Greyhounds are devoted, brave, sensitive, intelligent, and often fairly laid-back dogs. They are great for young families with children, and are very obedient. This breed is mostly known for their speed and agility which makes them exceptional racing dogs. Other talents they possess include being good watchdogs, sighting and hunting, so Greyhounds do make a good choice of pet.

They have a lovely even temperament in both show and racing lines but are often undervalued due to their character, as at times they can be rather bashful towards strangers and sometimes their owner. Often they are very sensitive to the tone of voice being used, they have been known to be unresponsive to communication if they sense they are stronger minded, and do not react well negative punishment.

Greyhounds are tall with a long slender build with flexible spines. Their long graceful necks and small folded back ears are a part of their distinct profile. They also have impeccable straight front legs with contoured muscular hind legs. This breed can run at remarkable speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Male and female dogs vary some what in height and weight. While a male might be up to 30 inches and weigh up to 70 pounds their female counterparts are only up to 28 inches in height and can weigh up to 65 pounds.

Their smooth coat is short and their colors vary from brindle, black, white, fawn, gray, fallow and blue or a combination of these colors with a white coat. Due to their short coats they are simple to maintain as long as they combed weekly. They don't need to be shampooed regularly only when necessary as they are fairly clean dogs, good for people who normally have allergies as these dogs don't produce the dander that other breeds do as they have more oil in their skin making them almost shed -free and odorless.

These dogs don't mind urban living environments but still need regular moderate exercises on a daily basis. They are indoor dogs but also enjoy the freedom of outside play. Their dietary requirements aren't strict but it may be best to feed them two to three small portions each day instead of the one main meal. Greyhounds may be susceptible to bloating and have been known to be quite sensitive to insecticides and some medications. Some are allergic to anesthetics. Their skin is fairly sensitive so you may need to be mindful of this as it can tear easily. Check with your veterinarian first, before using certain products on your dog, as some flea treatments may be harmful to your pet.

Like few breeds, Greyhounds aren't prone to hip dysplasia and can normally live up to 10-12 years of age.

Many retire from their racing prime from 18 months to 4 years old and generally adopted to good homes. These former racing dogs make great pets and have been crate trained, so house-training should come easily. The cost of these dogs will vary accordingly to their bloodlines, racing or show statistics.

Lea Mullins, a dog enthusiast, shares tips on housebreaking an Italian Greyhound Dog. Check out www.TrainPetDog.com to learn more about training your Italian Greyhound Dog.

Things to Consider When Deciding on a Large Dog for Family Pet

*** Editor: Remember when choosing a large dog for your family, consider if your family is financially secure enough to take care of a large dog. If you lose your job or encounter financial difficulties and have to move to an apartment most landlords do not allow large dogs. The larger the dog generally the shorter their lifespan. They need more exercise time than smaller dogs. Not trying to stop anyone from getting a large dog but these situations are real and need to be taken into consideration when deciding on getting a larger dog for your pet.

Choosing A Large Dog Breed For Your Family
By Angie Robinson

Some dog lovers prefer small dogs that can be a lap dog, or ones they can carry easily, but others prefer bigger dogs and opt for a large dog breed as their family pet. There are many advantages to a large dog breed, they often have higher energy levels for playtime and there can be less concern over injuries from over-excited children. However a large dog breed may have specific needs that need to be met. With so many different breeds to choose from, the decision as to which one is the most suitable for a family pet can be a difficult one.

If you are set on a large dog breed then the following points may help you with your choice:

Firstly you need to ask.....Who will Care for the Dog?

The primary caretaker of the animal is important, larger dogs require a responsible adult in charge who can control their exuberance and take the time to train the dog properly. Children and older or frailer adults are not the best choice to care for these pets. Give consideration also to the child who promises to care for the dog prior to purchase but who may lose interest in his responsibilities throughout the lifespan of the pet. Therefore it is best to make the addition of your new pet as a family effort, and so each family member is assigned to some aspect of the dogs care. By spreading the responsibility it will help to ensure your large dog breed gets the attention and care he needs and by doing so every family member will get the opportunity to enjoy your new pet equally.

How much Space will your large dog breed need?

Dogs come with a variety of energy levels, and this must be taken into consideration when deciding on which breed is best for your circumstances and in particular when you are considering a large dog breed.

A dog that becomes bored can look for alternative entertainment which could result in him becoming destructive; this can be a big problem with a large dog breed.

Your pet will need plenty of room to run with daily walks and playtime in order to help him stay healthy and happy. Larger dogs tend to need more space, for example a large garden or yard to play in. But remember the fence will need to be sufficient in substance and height to stop your lovely big dog escaping!

Be careful also with happy waggy tails around the house as objects can be knocked off innocently when your happy or excited dog is in a small room.

If you are absolutely certain that an energetic large breed dog is the right choice for you and your family, just make sure you have the room to accommodate this big, energetic and powerful animal.

Choosing a large dog breed for your family will require a lot of research and planning, however it will be worth it when you have the right choice of dog that fits in well with your family. Take the time to choose the right dog for you, and that pet in turn should return the effort by giving you and your family many years of enjoyment and companionship.

If you want the very best for your dog, and get access to FREE dog walks around the UK, then you need to go to http://sarchie.com You will get instant access on choosing a Large Dog Breed, plus access to FREE downloads, the latest reports, & top reviews.

More Training Needed for Pampered Pooches

Pampered Pooches Need Some Extra Training
By Stewart Wrighter

Many people have pets which have become an integral part of their everyday lives. They are often treated like a child or a valued member of the family and this is what makes it so difficult to leave them behind when we have to travel for some reason or another. There are exceptional facilities which can take them in for extended periods but finding the right one is paramount. Try looking for 'dog boarding' on the internet to see what is available locally.

These places offer so much more than just somewhere to sleep these days. People who have pets which are displaying unsocial behavior also can get trained to correct their habits. This kind of training is also undertaken with the owners too since they will surely have to reinforce the training themselves when they get home with the pet.

Also on offer are socializing skills which many pets miss out on when they live as a sole pet in the home. They often show aggression to others when they are taken to a park or out for a walk and this can surely get everyone into trouble. By putting them in day care, they can be shown how to deal with other pets at the same time and this makes for a more balanced animal in the end.

After having a lot of exercise, and socializing of course, the pet is washed and groomed ready for the owner to pick up at the end of the stay. Nails and hair can be trimmed too and any other form of treatment is available to make sure that the pet is healthy and happy when it gets picked up.

Normal healthy pets have to be admonished now and then if they display unsocial behavior around other people. One bad habit which is remarkably easy to stop is begging at the table when people are eating. Although many people feed the pet while they are eating, this is unacceptable when it starts to steal food or it bothers visitors who come to the home. It is better to show this pet who is the boss is and make it wait until everyone has finished before letting it eat too.

This can only be done if one or both the owners show who the alpha male is. Pooches are pack animals and there will always be one leader. If the pet thinks that he is it, he will display some rather unruly behavior to anyone who is nearby. Even mounting an adult or a child is within its behavior patterns if it thinks that it can get away with it. However, there is no one really who would like this behavior to be seen if they are being completely honest.

So getting the pooch trained while the owner is off on holiday, or something similar, is a great way to take the hard work out of making the pet do as it should. A home away from home is probably the best way to describe these places.

Stewart Wrighter recently learned about dog boarding Snohomish techniques to help keep his dog in great shape. He learned about dog boarding Bellevue in an effort to help hunters learn how to train their dogs effectively.

Encouring Obedience in Your Dog

Tips For Encouraging Obedience in Your Dog
By Philllip Cohen

Owning a well-behaved dog is important for most families, which is why dog obedience training is so popular today. It will allow them to be good around other people and even other dogs. Keep in mind; this is going to be just as important for you as it will be your furry friend. It's a great way to bond with each other as well, and this will be done through basic dog training classes, but will eventually move to more difficult ones.

It's important to remember that no dog will be allowed to go through dog obedience training until he or she has been vaccinated. However, once this has been completed you should enroll them in the basic dog training classes as soon as possible. If you don't, it will be real easy for them to get into several bad habits. The best way to keep your dog learning is by utilizing a rewards system. Taking this route seems to be the fastest way for dogs to learn, especially when comparing it to some sort of punishment.

Individuals who are having issues with their dogs will see a huge improvement after dog obedience training. There are several options available, so make sure you select the classes that you want your dog to complete. Just remember that in the beginning the basic dog training courses will be plenty. If you see that your dog is excelling, then consider placing him or her in another specialized area that is a bit more difficult. Some owners allow their dogs to become special helpers (k-9, rescue dogs, help for the blind, etc.).

If you want your dog to learn the basic commands it will take about 8 weeks. This will ensure simple things like learning to sit, lay, stay, and come. Also keep in mind that they won't learn this overnight. It's going to take some time, so it is important for you to be patient. All you have to do is continue to repeat and train your dog during this process. Over time you will see them doing good things, which is when you should praise, reward, or both. Since dogs want to be accepted, they also seem to do well with a reward system.

In the end you're the one who makes the final call. Just knowing that you can trust your dog in a certain situation can relieve stress, and allow you to enjoy your time wherever it may be. Seeking professional help is always a good idea if you have doubts. So if you're struggling to do this on your own, we recommend considering dog obedience training. It's one of the best ways to keep your animal as loving and obedient as possible.

To learn more, visit dog obedience training.

Phillip Cohen is the owner of http://dogobediencetrainings.org where he provides dog obedience training tips and resources.

How Often Should You Give Your Dog a Bath-And a Warning About Ear Infections!

*** Editor: Make sure when you give your dog a bath that you don't put any water above the neckline. Putting soap on your dog's head and then rinsing it off causes the dirty water to run into the ears. This can cause an ear infection. This is exactly what happened to my dog. Now I just take a moist wash cloth and apply it to her head to clean that area without having to rinse and cause ear infections.

How Often Do I Wash My Dog?
By Russ McKenzie

This is not an easy question because each breed, of course, is different and requires separate consideration. We have raised Dalmatians for over 25 years and have some excellent experience with their needs. Many other "short hair" dogs have similar needs and characteristics. How often do I wash my dog is an important question for every dog owner for many reasons described below.

Early Training
The simplest answer for washing a dog is - teach them early! We have raised most of our Dals from pups. You probably know you wash and groom your dog as frequently as their level of activity demands. Dalmatians are very active so they get a more frequent - as much as weekly - washing. You better believe that requires some training. So the first thing part of the answer to How often do I wash and groom my dog is in the training. The more enjoyable it is for you and your dog - the more agreeable to a necessary frequency you will have.

There are many owners that don't have a reasonable schedule for washing and grooming their dog. We have to remember the obvious, your dog cannot just stay clean on his or her own. They may be capable of cleaning themselves to a certain degree, they still need more help.

So your early schedule should be no more than on a two week cycle until you have established an acceptable routine.

Routine Schedule

We start out with the puppy as soon as weaned. Most of us are families and use the family bath. We have a detachable shower head that hangs down almost to the base of the tub. We put the pup in the center of the tub and let the water "flow" over their feet, legs and then their back. Expect a lot of excitement early on. But be patient. Puppies are generally very active. They are also very trainable when done firmly and with purpose. We simply put our hand on the puppy's back and hold him close the tub.

A few "tussels" and all of our kids have gotten the message. Winston, today actually hops into the tub now! Believe me, when he started he was looking for any way out - fast. It just takes time. So training is the first ingredient.

Maybe you need some motivation to wash and groom your dog every week or every two weeks. It is that two week cycle that we draw the line. So how often do I wash my dog is a critical question. After that, their skin seems to draw dirt and the ever present doggy smell starts to assert itself.

This Routine Will Encourage Good Physical and Mental Health - For You Both!

Washing and grooming your dog encourages health of its skin and coat. Regular brushing and grooming is also important. These two regular regimens encourage new hair, remove the old or loose hair, invigorate blood flow and help encourage muscle development and maintenance.

A dog's skin is an organ just as important as its heart or lungs. That organ needs regular attention and care to ensure it is clear and free of obstructions. It has to be able to throw off toxins and other normal waste in order to maintain a health body circulation. Washing the outside is like the body working on the inside to flush out toxins through the kidneys.

If you think of it that way - it makes perfect sense to wash them as frequently as needed to keep them clean. This is because clean equals healthy. There are a number of soaps at the pet's store. Look for one that is gentle and has a mild scent. If you have more than one dog - be sure to wash them both at the same time. Trust me, I learned early that will make a big difference in their "social interaction".

Washing and grooming your dog will ensure that your dog stays in good mental and physical shape. Dogs, much like people respond very well to personal and frequent attention. The washing and grooming are ideal opportunities to encourage that attachment and improve mental health for the dog and the owner as well.

Washing and grooming also discourages the development of problems that lead to illness, infection and infestations of all descriptions. No need to be graphic here. Just suffice it to say - just like humans a dog will faire much better when regularly washed and groomed than if neglected or left to its own natural devices.

We are constantly concerned with keeping a clean and healthy environment for the whole family - which includes our Winston, Lady and Mia. Winston and Mia we have raised from pups. Lady came as a rescue when she was nearly 8 years old and cast off by her owner. In fact Lady was abandoned in her back yard for days. Fleas and other pests did their worst - so Lady's skin is very sensitive. We know how to be attentive - believe me. This point applies to both your dog and your home.

Gentle Conversation and Soap - Do The Trick

Finally, frequent washing and grooming cuts down on all the bills you can imagine. The vet's costs will fall - we can attest to that fact. Once we got Lady, for example, on a bi-weekly schedule, her health improved markedly. Sure there was a lot we did to improve her health, but we are convinced that the basis for the success started in the tub with our favorite dog soap, warm water and a lot of gentle conversation and encouragement. She "warmed up" to the washing in a few sessions. You can imagine her reaction to humans when she arrived in our home after weeks of maltreatment. It just took a lot of patient encouragement to overcome her fears. Now she takes to the washing much like Winston.

And that leads to the last and most important point. The whole experience of washing every two weeks has created a bond with each of our best friends that has lasted for years. There is no way to describe how much that means to us and we believe to them as well.

There you have it. Training early, routine schedule, gentle conversation and soap and patience. How often do I wash my dog becomes a secondary issue. You do it when it is necessary and the rest of the issues just seem to wash down the drain. But you need to learn as much as you can about your dog's needs.

Hi. My name is Russ McKenzie, we have raised Dalmatians for over 20 years. We have had two litters with a total of 21 Dalmatian puppies. What an experience. These years of work and worry have encouraged us to study and research many dog care issues. We have worked closely with our veterinarians and learned a lot about pet health in general and Dalmatians in particular. We have also learned a lot about ourselves too. If you are interested in learning more of the details we have found a number of great resources. The best of these resources also offer free materials too. Please visit our web site to learn more - you may find the information you are looking for that will be useful in solving your concerns.

How to Groom a Golden Retriever

Grooming Your Healthy Golden Retriever
By Laurence Burrows

We love our dogs, and golden retriever health is important to us. Goldens are wonderful family dogs, dependable service dogs, and talented in competition. However, there is that one great obstacle to golden retriever ownership: hair! So, what are the secrets of grooming? What are the keys to bathing? How do you clean the hair from your house?

How did Gomez and Morticia look after Cousin It? Luckily, grooming your golden retriever should be a lot easier. Goldens have a rich, water-resistant double coat and require regular grooming to keep them healthy. Start grooming your puppy regularly even if his or her young coat doesn't really need it. That way you train your puppy to be calm when handled making grooming easy in the future. Treat the process like a pleasant massage and reward your dog when you are done. Using a bristle brush, brush and comb your golden at least twice a week. Brush more often if your dog's coat is longer or if he or she is shedding. Also use an undercoat rake for the thick undercoat. With practice you can get your grooming done in about 30 minutes.

Mats should also be combed out before they get too big and become painful for your dog. If they can't be combed out, they must be cut out. Slide a comb between the mat and the skin. Then, carefully cut out the matted hair with scissors. Cut out as little hair as possible. If you are worried about injuring your dog with scissors, there are mat breakers that can be mail ordered or purchased. Never shave your golden no matter what the season is. The 2 coats work together to protect your dog's skin from the cold, heat, moisture, and sun. After your golden goes out running in a field, or walks through the woods, is a great time for a grooming session. Remove any thistles and burrs and check for fleas and ticks. The dog park is another hotspot for fleas.

The only hair on a golden that should be trimmed periodically is on the tail, feet, and inside the ears. For trimming, use grooming shears. Keep the tail hair from getting too long; ideally it should look like a fan. Trim any long hair around the feet and keep the lower feet hair even with the pads. On the inside of the ears, keep the hair thin. On the outside of the ears, keep the hair tidy. Goldens tend to get ear infections if they are not cleaned. Clean the ears at least twice per month. Put a few drops of ear cleansing solution in the ear canals and rub gently. Use a q-tip or cloth to mop up any solution and debris.

Your golden's nails need to be regularly clipped when they get too long. Long nails can be annoying to dog owners, but most importantly they can cause foot problems for your dog. Use dog nail clippers to trim the tip of the nails. Be careful not to clip them too much at a time in order to avoid clipping the quick. Styptic powder can be applied to stop the bleeding if the quick is damaged or cut.

How do you handle shedding? Goldens shed all year round. However, they have two major shedding periods in the spring and fall. The outer coat stays the same all year. It is the undercoat that sheds all of that golden fluff. The undercoat grows thicker in cold weather to keep your dog dry and warm. It falls out in clumps when the weather warms up again. You can reduce the fluff during these times by grooming more often. Using a grooming rake, remove as much of the undercoat as possible. How do you clean your house of all the pet hair? Start with a good vacuum, though it alone may not get rid of all of the hair. On your fabric, use a damp sponge wiping from the back to the front. This should roll up the extra hair. Another option for hair on furniture is to buy netting from a fabric store. On floors, simple sweeping and mopping should do the trick.

Before you bath your golden, brush him or her first to avoid making tangles of hair worse. Use a quality dog shampoo only, since human shampoo will dry out the skin. Do not bath your golden too often or your dog could lose his or her undercoat. You can always brush and wash off your dog with plain water. Regular grooming will build a closer relationship between you and your dog, and will keep your golden healthy and happy!

Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover, and trainer. Look here for more great golden retriever health and training tips. Click here for more great http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com articles.

Siberian Husky Profile

Siberian Husky Personality and Traits
By Jess P Strong

The Siberian Husky is alert, friendly, outgoing, mischievous, cunning, and very intelligent.

He's very affectionate with his family and loved ones. He's also very friendly with strangers. You might think from his wolf-like appearance that he makes a good guard dog. This isn't true. He may scare away an intruder by the way he looks, but he isn't territorial or protective. He's much more likely to make friends with an intruder and give him a kiss then to be aggressive with him.

Siberian Huskies need a lot of exercise each day. You'll need to be able to take him for a jog or a walk each day if you don't have a big, securely fenced back yard.

They also thrive on your love and companionship. If you can't spend at least a few hours each week playing with your Siberian (on top of walking him) then don't get one.

Siberians can be quite destructive. They are an intelligent breed and need to have constant mental stimulation. If they get bored then they will start destroying things! If you leave a bored and lonely Siberian in your home you'll likely return to find that you don't have a home anymore, he will most likely have chewed it apart. Say good bye to your new couch, he'll tear it to shreds! So if you're at work for more then a few hours per day and would have to leave him by himself, then don't get a Siberian. They need someone to be with them and they need something to do! Or else they will find their own way to entertain themselves (their way is by chewing and being destructive).

Siberian Huskies also love to dig holes in the dirt. Any dirt will do. Even your flowerbed or vegetable garden. If you own a Husky you must give him a space where he's allowed to dig and fence off the places where he isn't allowed to dig.

Siberians aren't the fastest learners when it comes to teaching them obedience commands or tricks. They are very independent and prefer to do their own thing then to learn what you want them to learn. However they aren't too difficult to train, and with patience and persistence (and gentle, positive training methods) you can get an obedient dog!

Siberians are excellent at escaping. You'll need at least six-foot high, secure fences, or he'll just go right over the top. He may even try to dig under the fence.

Siberians have an extremely high prey drive. Anything little that scampers past them is fair game! Whether it be a cat, rabbit, hamster, mouse, chicken, and possibly even a small toy dog. Siberians cannot be trusted around small animals! When raised with a cat they generally do well with them. However, even when raised with a cat and having happily lived with it for many years, he may still kill it.

For more information on the Siberian Husky click here.

What To Do if Your Dog Gets Lost

Lost Dogs?
By B Taggart

Many dog owners fear losing their beloved pet, but are unaware of what they should do in the event that their animal does go missing, to improve their chances of bringing them home safe and sound.

The key advice to remember if you pet goes missing is to act quickly. If your dog has wandered off on its own, it likely won't have gone too far, so even asking around your neighbourhood could reveal its whereabouts, especially as your dog may even have become trapped in sheds or under hedges. You don't need to feel embarrassed about calling loudly for your pet, either - if your dog hears your recognisable voice, it could help it find its way home.

If you're fairly certain your dog is not to be found in your local area, it's time to take the campaign wider. Calling local animal rescue shelters is a vital step, as your dog may have been found wandering alone and taken in. You should be aware that some shelters only keep stray animals for a limited time, due to overcrowding and lack of funding, so it's a good idea to check back regularly and see if a dog matching your pet's description has been recovered.

Other calls can be made to local newspapers to place a lost pet ad, and you can print off your own flyers at home or in the local library to spread the word. If you include a colour photo of your dog, rather than just a description, this could also boost your chances of someone spotting the animal and remembering your flyer. Printing or photocopying flyers and placing advertisements may sound like an expensive task, but depending on your dog Insurance policy, you could find that you receive financial help towards these costs.

Pet insurance is not the only consideration you can make as a responsible pet owner; you could also consider having your dog micro-chipped so you'll always know their whereabouts. Many animal wardens and charities will scan for microchips as soon as they recover lost animals, and this will bring up the owner's contact details and address, meaning you could be reunited in less than 24 hours.

In today's tech-savvy world, you can also make use of the internet to track down your missing animal, leaving free posts on dedicated dog owner websites and social networks.

Bob Taggart writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

Dog Shoe Tips

Tips for Buying Dog Shoes for Your Pet Dog
By Nicole Viscuso

Every dog owner is greatly attached to his pet dog and nurtures and protects him as his own child. Dog owners try their level best to keep their dog happy and because they love them so much many people nowadays are buying dog accessories and clothes for their pet dogs. Dog clothing's, accessories, and shoes are now in fashion and most people are excited to buy these items which make their pets look unique and attractive.

Dogs are very loving and playful animals; they are usually hyper and are active throughout the day. Buying your dog different types of clothes, shoes and accessories are now in fashion and they provide some sort of protection from different objects and things and even protect them from harsh weather conditions. So not only items are fashionable but it can be very beneficial for your dog's safety.

There are varieties of clothes available for dogs which can be for many occasions, you can find the one of your choice easily but make sure that those clothes are not very suffocating and your pet is comfortable in it. Clothes are helpful for dogs because it can protect them from severe winter winds and cold and it can protect your pet from getting any scratches and wounds through roaming around different places.

Just like shoes are as important for humans as it protects our feet same it is very beneficial and advantageous for your pet dog. Dogs tend to run around in garden or parks or anywhere he wishes to go, dog shoes are very protective for their paws as they can avoid their paws from broken glass pieces and pins, it can protect them from sharp thorns and other dangerous materials which can cause sever wounds.

Dog shoes are available in different categories and style. You can easily find trendy and stylish shoes to make your pet look attractive and unique, or you can buy them different types of boots which can protect them from winter colds and you can find the ones that your pet can wear and go on a jog or hiking with you easily. Such boots are very thick from their sole as to protect sharp and harmful things to affect their paws. These boots are thick enough and can provide good heat and avoid cold floor while wearing them. In sever winter conditions these boots are very useful as dogs might get sick and fall ill due to such cold conditions.

Dog shoes are not that expensive item and you can purchase them easily. It is up to your budget that how much can you spend on their shoes and there are different price categories in these items. You can find expensive shoes which are of famous pet boutique and you can find the normal cheap ones in the market as well.

Make sure that your pet is comfortable and the shoes that you buy them is of the right size.

Buy Dog Grooming Products and Dog Shoes online at PuppyLaPu.Com.