The Dog Zone

Dogs are Carnivores Argument

2012-01-31T05:26:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting article by licensed veterinarian Dr. Becker. In this article Dr. Becker voices concern over the idea that dogs are plant eating omnivores like humans are and as such can exist on a vegetarian diet. Ellen DeGeneres is a co-owner of the "Halo" brand and there are reports that she will develop a "vegan" line of dog food.

The Doctor reminds dog owners that a dog's teeth are built for meat eating, they don't have the digestive enzymes in their saliva for processing carbs and starches and their digestive system is designed to hold and break down meat-based proteins.

Read more interesting facts at Mercola.com.

5 Things Hiding in Your Purse That Could Poison Your Pets

2012-01-27T05:41:00.000-08:00

This article is a very important read for any pet owner. These common items a lot of women carry in their purses can be deadly if pets consume them. Many pets will eat virtually anything in front of them so it's important to make sure all potentially poisonous products are not available for your pets.

Check out 5 Pet Poisons Hiding in Your Purse, Backpack or Workbag.

No Words Are Needed

2012-01-26T04:09:00.000-08:00

Dogs Welcoming Home Their Owners from Deployment

2011-12-29T03:29:00.000-08:00

If you're a fan of dogs - you'll have a tear in your eye by the end of this video!

Dressing Up Dogs.......

2011-12-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute video called "Why Dogs Bite." It's a collection of poor doggies dressed up by their owners. Notice the expression on each dog's face-very cute:

How to Treat an Ear Infection in Dogs

2011-12-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

A couple of common symptoms of ear infection is your dog shaking their head. If they keep shaking their head, check out the ear. Sometimes an infected ear will have a bad oder emitting from it and the inside of the ear may look very red as compared to the other ear that has no problem.
Here's general advice on how to treat an ear infection:

Hunter Shot by His Dog

2011-12-03T04:24:00.001-08:00

In Utah a hunter was shot when his dog stepped on his shotgun. The dog later apologized and said, “Sorry, but you did neuter me.” - Conan O'Brien

The Yellow Dog Who Won't Leave His Fallen Master's Side

2011-11-24T04:43:00.001-08:00

Story of a "Yellow Dog" who lives in a small village in china who refuses to leave the graveside of his owner. The 68 year old owner passed away earlier this month and the villagers have tried to lure the dog back to the village but he always returns to the graveside.

Animals have emotions similar to ours. They might not be exactly like our emotions but they have feelings and in some cases very strong deep feelings.

The villagers have started feeding and watering the dog and have planned to build a kennel for the Yellow Dog.

Daniel the Miracle Dog

2011-11-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

Eighteen dogs were euthanized in a Florence Alabama animal shelter on October 3rd 2011. The animal control officer opened up the door to the gas chamber and found a Beagle wagging his tail and waiting for attention. For some reason the Beagle was able to escape the effects of the deadly gas while the other 17 dogs had not.

Word of the "miracle dog" got around quickly and now the dog who refused to die is a celebrity of sorts. He was immediately fostered temporarily by Karen Rudolph of West Tennessee who runs a Schnauzer rescue with her husband Michael.

Rudolph has nicknamed the wonder-dog "Daniel" from the Daniel in the Bible who walked out of the lion's den. She had him checked by a vet and he's not sick so the theory is he didn't breathe in the gas as the other dogs did. His immune system is a little bit compromised but otherwise the 20 pounder has been given a clean bill of health.

Another rescue group from Rockaway New Jersey named "Eleventh Hour Rescue" flew Daniel up to Rockaway and foster parent Jill Pavlik and her husband are taking good care of him until a good home can be found. Daniel fits right in with their other dogs and has a sweet fun-loving personality.

She says in the video below she's going to be very careful who she lets adopt him. Over two hundred people have sent emails wanting to adopt Daniel.

Here's a glimpse of Daniel the Miracle Beagle:

More details about Daniel at ABC News.

Always Include Your Pets in Any Evacuation Plan

2011-10-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

Include your pets in your evacuation and disaster planning

(ARA Content) - All too often when a disaster strikes, our four-legged friends are left to fend for themselves and sometimes end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought-out disaster plan that includes Fido, so you know where to go and what to take.

"Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don't accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept animals," says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. "It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate a disaster area but stayed because they did not want to leave their pets."

With so many different potential disasters, advance planning is the best way for everyone to survive a catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.

Fireman's Fund offers the following tips to protect your pets in the event of a disaster:

1. Have a disaster plan

Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along your evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency.

Talk to your vet, the local humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.

Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.

2. Make a grab-and-go disaster kit for your pets

Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, containing important papers and other key items, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets. It should contain the following:

* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
* Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting your pet.
* A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
* Food and water for at least three days.
* Cat litter and litter box.
* Comfort toys.
* Recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.
* Name and phone number of your veterinarian.

3. If you must evacuate, take your pets

Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.

Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

4. After the disaster

Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.

Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their "new" surroundings. Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.

"Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve stress and help you and your family to focus on safety during and after a disaster," says Munson. "Safety should be your primary consideration."

DIY: How to Trim Your Dog's Nails

2011-10-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

This will be an ongoing DIY series of videos showing owners how to various tasks that every owner needs to do to maintain your dog's appearance and health.

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails

National List of Pet Pantries State by State

2011-09-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

In a down economy where a percentage of Americans don't have jobs and very little money coming in, the ability to feed our pets is becoming more difficult for some pet owners.

Across the country people are bringing their pets to Pet Pantries. Rather than take their pets to pounds and shelters owners want to keep their furry kids with them. They're forced to go to a Pet Pantry and get a bag of food and even medical supplies.

Because of the economy donations are down at these pantries and some pets might go hungry for who knows how long.

Pets are members of our families and for some who live alone their pets are they're only family.

If you're are doing well financially you might consider donating to these Pet Pantries in your area to keep pets with their families.

Here's a list of State by State Pet Food Pantries where you can get free food for dogs and cats:

Pet Food Pantries by State.

Turn Your Dog Into a Science Experiment!

2011-08-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

You can try this at home-might be a good idea to apply the blanky a little more gently than is demonstrated here. The dog is getting roughed up pretty good here. But, the static electricity hairdo is electrifying!

Dog Yoga?

2011-08-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

Yoga instructor Suzette Ackermann holds "Doya" or dog yoga classes. She performs the stretching techniques on dogs in an effort to help dogs "find their inner peace."

The slide show shows dog owners and their pets doing yoga moves with their dogs delicately balanced on their torsos. The dogs, many of whom are of the Toy variety, seem to be tolerating the bending, stretching and balancing as well as they can.

I'm sure they'd rather be running on the beach or curled up on their favorite blanky eating a treat!

View the Dog Yoga Slide Show at Yahoo!

More on Dog Yoga.

List of Medications Dangerous to Dogs

2011-07-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Here's an important list of medications people use that are dangerous and deadly for dogs to ingest:

Check out the list at The Dog Daily.

2011 World's Ugliest Dog-Yoda

2011-06-28T04:49:00.005-07:00

Poor little Chinese-crested Chihuahua named Yoda. Her human found her behind an apartment block and she had been abandoned. Now, Yoda, 14 years old, holds the title of 2011 World's Ugliest Dog. Not quite a rags-to-riches story but I'm sure Yoda is very proud of her achievements.

More at Newsmax.com.

Famous Dogs: Murray From Mad About You

2011-06-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

Popular TV sitcom Mad About You which ran from 1992 to 1999 featured the family dog named "Murray." Stars Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt portrayed the main characters Paul Buchman and Jaime Stemple Buchman.

The character dog "Murray" was played by a dog named "Maui" and was a Border Collie mix who was also a rescue. Born in California, the 58 lb Maui was trained for several years by Betty Linn.

"Maui is very sweet and takes direction well," says Linn, who has trained him for the past four years. "He's completely spoiled by everyone and consequently loves to go to the set when we begin a new show on Mondays."

Linn also said Maui was much smarter than the character Murray he portrayed and did many typical dog tricks such as shaking his head, crawling, sneezing, pretending to urinate, etc.

Maui appeared in a Christmas movie called "Santa's Slay" in 2005 as "Miss Scribbles."

No word on what happened to Maui where he passed away or is in retirement.

Beware Foxtails and Groom Your Dog!

2011-06-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

Here's an article listing the benefits of keeping your poochie well groomed. Not only is your dog better looking after you groom them or even take them to a groomer, but the dog is without a doubt happier.

Dogs with long hair must be combed out everyday. If you don't comb out the long hair it invariable tangles and you have to spend more time untangling the knots. If the tangle or knot grows it gets more twisted and thick causing the knot to pull up against the dog's skin. That pulling sensation is irritating and even painful to a dog. You'll often see a dog licking it's coat/hair where it's hair is knotted or tangled and that's because that area hurts the dog.

Our dog just got her nails cut. Make sure you take your dog to the groomer regularly for a nail-cutting. Overgrown nails start to curl under causing the dog's paw to twist unnaturally which can result in hurting the paw. Make sure you know where the quick is on the nail. If you cut too much of the nail you'll cut the quick and cause bleeding. If your dog has dew claws make sure they're cut back also.

Best not to let water get into your dog's ear, the bacteria in water can cause an infection.

California is infamous for it's "Foxtails" which are tall thin weeds with very pointed ends. These pointy ends invariably end up in a dog's paw, legs, back and even ears during a walk. Always check those areas on your dog when coming back from a walk. Our dog has suffered from ear infections ever since a small point of a Foxtail got stuck in her eardrum. Paw infections are also common. Foxtails are as nasty an enemy as your dog can have in California-always check your dog for them!

Here's the article on grooming your dog at The Seattle Times.

Dog with Two Broken Legs Crawls Back to Family Home!

2011-05-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

A fearless and loyal Terrier-mix named Mason got caught in one of the horrible Alabama tornadoes a few weeks back. His family couldn't find him and thought he had died or run away. But, Mason who had suffered two broken legs survived the tornado and actually crawled back to his home! He was found and brought to a vet who treated his broken legs and will be living with his family again.

Here's the story of Mason the courageous Pup.

Joyful Crying Emotional Dog Greeting Mom Back From Afghanistan!

2011-04-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

Few things are more touching than kids and dogs who are overjoyed by seeing their parent who's been gone and has just returned. This touching video shows a Golden Retriever who is overjoyed at seeing her Mom just back from Afghanistan. Listen to the dog crying over and over with happiness that Mom is back home.

Who Let The Dogs Out?

2011-04-10T02:14:00.000-07:00

Haven't heard anything lately, but I hope by now they've determined who exactly let the dogs out and that they've been punished accordingly. - Weird Al Yankovic

Family Dog Keeps Watch Over 2 Year Old Boy

2011-04-04T03:43:00.000-07:00

Elgin South Carolina Two year old Tyler Jacobson went to go get his juice last Friday and never returned to his family home. His frantic parents called police but they had to call off the search late at night. The next morning Saturday April 3rd, neighbors called the police saying they heard crying from the back of a home across the street from the boy's family home.

The boy was found across the street behind a neighbor's home. Apparently 2 yr old Tyler wandered across the street and the family dog, a Labrador Retriever followed him. When the boy settled down on the ground the dog laid down right next to him and kept him warm all night. It was a chilly 40 degree night and the boy was only wearing a diaper. The next day the police were called when crying and barking was heard by neighbors.

No doubt Divine Intervention in reality saved the boy but the fact that a dog was chosen to help him once again is proof that dog's are man's best friend.

More details at WISTV.

2 Family Dogs Survive the Japanese Tsunami

2011-03-15T04:09:00.000-07:00

Nice article about 2 family dogs who were smart enough to run up to the top level of their family home in Japan. Both dogs survived and are heroes to their family:

The detailed tail-wagging story is at the Wall St. Journal Online.

Funny Dog Quote

2011-02-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I'll pick something up and put it back down, five or six times, just to show my dogs how superior opposable thumbs are. - Guy Endore-Kaiser

Tennis Sportscaster Mary Carillo will Co-host the Westminster

2011-02-09T03:29:00.000-08:00

Veteran former tennis player and current popular tennis announcer Mary Carillo will co-host the most fun and famous Dog Show in the world The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. She will provide commentary based on her love and knowledge of dogs from the perspective of being a Westhighland Terrier owner along side Westminster stalwart David Frey.

Check out the article here at the New York Daily News.

Medications and Dog Kennels

2011-01-28T03:40:00.000-08:00

How a Dog May Be Given His/Her Medication at a Kennel or Doggy Day Care Facility
By Travis Huber and Vicki Huber

Many dogs do not like to take their medicine. If you put it in their dog dish with their food they will eat around the pill. If you just give it to them they either will not take it or spit it out. What are you to dog when the dog has to take his medicine? Usually, a dog is given medicine for a medical condition of some type that the medicine will help them get better or improve their condition.

At the dog kennel in Portland we have many different methods of giving medication. This may be one reason that most kennels charge for providing medication to a dog, because it usually is not an easy task. One method is rolling a ball of cheese up and putting the pill in there. Most dogs swallow the pill right away with no trouble. Peanut Butter can also be used for this same trick. Sometimes sticking a pill in a hot dog will also fool your pet and he will eat his pill without knowing it. Another method is to feed your dog some canned food, and to stick the pill in this. A lot of dogs love canned food and will eat it up right away. If you do not like giving your dog canned food just give him a little bit with the pill and usually they eat it up right way.

Those are some of the methods we use at the dog boarding kennel in Portland. We have found that usually one of these methods work to encourage the dog take his pill while they are being boarded or attending doggy day care.

Hi My name is Vicki, I run Fletcher's Boarding Kennels is a Dog Boarding Kennel in Portland, Oregon.

Fletcher's Boarding Kennels has been run by Vicki for 27 years. This business provides a safe place for dog owners to board their dogs or leave their dog for doggy day care in the Portland, Gresham, and Greater Portland and surrounding areas in Oregon.

How to Tell if Pet Products are Safe

2011-01-17T03:11:00.000-08:00

Are your pet products safe? How to know

(ARA) - For dog owners, there are no two ways about it - pets are part of the family. You want your four-legged companion to be as happy and healthy as any other member of your family. Many of the things you buy for your human loved ones - like food, medicine and beauty products - are regulated by agencies that make sure those products are safe. You might assume that there are similar restrictions on pet products, but unfortunately, that's not the case.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that accurate ingredient lists be put on human items like shampoos and soaps. The agency strictly regulates supplements intended for human consumption. Though laws regulate what advertising claims can be made on pet supplies for dogs, the FDA does not regulate shampoos used on pets unless the shampoo is classified as a drug, e.g., anti-dandruff. This means that many manufacturers are misleading the public as to what is in their shampoos. Even when some manufacturers claim drug facts, many forgo the costly product registration process and unfortunately are too low a priority to get noticed by the FDA.

Given the trend toward organic products, some vendors make claims about their products being all natural when they are not - often with impunity. Worse yet is the fact that they might not honestly list the ingredients in the product, which could be harmful for your dog. A short ingredient list is a red flag that you might not be buying an honest product.

"Without a thorough and honest ingredient list, it can be hard to recognize that some pet shampoos are actually products made for humans, just re-labeled," says Lorenzo Borghese, who founded Royal Treatment pet products out of concern for the skin problems his own dog was experiencing. He notes that while that might not sound too bad, human soaps are bad for dogs' skin. "Human skin is acidic, while dogs' is alkaline, and a product intended for human consumption has an improper pH which can cause the skin to burn or become irritated."

Adding to the problem, foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate, often found in human shampoos, strip oils off the skin. Human skin is porous, so it can naturally replenish those oils, but dogs' non-porous skin can't, leaving them with extremely dry skin. That is often a big part of why veterinarians only recommend washing your dog every four to eight weeks.

For those looking for a natural dog shampoo, the problem of incomplete labels is frustrating, and even more so when trying to help a pet with skin and coat problems. Borghese's Royal Treatment line of shampoos and conditioners was formulated with ingredients that are ideal for animals' sensitive skin, all of which are listed on the label. Because the products are sold on television they have to meet rigorous standards and have complete and verified ingredient lists.

The same problematic lack of regulation that affects topical pet care products also makes it difficult for pet owners to know whether pet health supplements are safe and effective.

The low cost of overseas production often means that manufacturers will outsource the work of producing pet supplements. That also means that there is sometimes a lack of oversight and quality control - pet supplements might not contain the ingredients in the amount claimed on the bottle. For pet owners who want to take care of health issues like joint stiffness or a poor coat, it's almost impossible to verify whether the supplement they're giving their pet has the ingredients it claims in the active quantity listed on the label.

Working with renowned veterinarian Dr. L. Phillips Brown, Borghese also launched a line of supplements for dogs with the same principles of providing verifiable ingredients that are ideal for pets. "The ingredients in these supplements are standardized," Brown says. "They are made in the United States, and what's on the label is in the product." Batch testing helps to verify that ingredients are present in the correct amounts that are necessary for the supplements to be effective.

Knowing precisely what you're giving your dog is important. It can be difficult to take the guess work out of shopping for pet supplements and care products, but the most important thing to demand is information about the exact ingredients in everything from food to shampoo to supplements. Armed with that knowledge, you can give your pet a healthy, happy life. For more information on pet-safe products, go to www.royalpetclub.com.

136 Homeless Dogs Trained by Inmates Find Homes

2011-01-14T04:24:00.000-08:00

Inmates at the Kentucky based Little Sandy Correctional Complex are helping themselves by helping homeless dogs. The prison has a program where 16 inmates are each given a dog to train and care for. Warden Joseph Meko says morale at the prison is better since the training program began 2 years ago.

Over the two year period 136 dogs have been adopted.

Details at NECN.

Preparing for a New Dog

2011-01-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Making A Temporary New Home For Your New Dog
by Edward Simmons

Cut the sides of the box down so that he can get out easily. Whatever sleeping arrangement you make for the dog, be sure that the bed is warm, easy to get in and out of, and out of drafts. Raise the bed off the floor a bit if drafts are a problem. The first few nights that a puppy spends away from the litter can be traumatic for him, and for you. It helps to tuck a hot water bottle into his bed and to set a ticking clock or a quietly playing radio nearby; these surrogates will take the place of the warmth and sounds of the litter and help him feel less lonely. lf the puppy cries the first few nights, be patient. Don't give in and let him sleep in your bedroom or on your bed; you'd be setting a precedent you may not be happy with later.

After a few nights he'll quiet down and be content in his own bed. The same goes for the older dog a1though in this case you can dispense with the hot water bottle and the clock. During the time you're training or house-breaking your puppy, you can keep him confined in a wire cage, or crate, instead of in a single room. These crates are available at any pet supplier and usually are collapsible when not in use. The best type lets the dog see out on all four sides. Basically, the crate is like a baby's playpen, and it should be big enough for the dog to lie down and turn around, but small enough so that if he eliminates in the crate he will be soiling his own bed. The whole idea is that the puppy will not, or should not, relieve himself where he sleeps. If you choose to use a crate remember two things:

• The cage must be large enough to accommodate the dog so that he can turn around and lie down comfortably.
• The puppy must be kept in the crate at all times when you're not home, and must sleep in the crate at night. lf you want your dog to live outside, you must provide suitable housing to protect him against extremes of heat or cold.

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Dog Stuck in Wall Rescued!

2010-12-29T21:37:00.000-08:00

Rebel, an 8 month old German Shepard discovered he couldn't get his head out of a hole in a wall on December 27th 2010. Rebel got his head stuck and struggled mightily to extricate himself from the wall opening.

Riverside California County Department of Animal Services managed to help Rebel successfully remove his head from the wall.

If it was possible for dogs to be embarrassed I'm sure Rebel would be red-faced over the hole-in-the-wall crisis:

Bringing Home a Rescued Weimaraner-What to do Next?

2010-12-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

Bringing home a Rescued Weimaraner
by Christine G. Bounds

Dogs are given up for a variety of factors, weimaraner growling is among them. If you bring a rescued canine home, you may be dealing with aggression from the animal. This and other issues are often found in rescued most dogs. That is due to the fact that many of them have come from abusive or neglectful places. It is then up to you, the new owner, to make sure that the animal is as comfortable in its brand new environment as it possibly can.

When you choose to get a weimaraner, taking one from the shelter will likely be a good idea. But, there are gonna be particular considerations, mainly if you choose to get the older ones. Of course, abandoned pet shelters will have puppy dogs, but these are virtually guaranteed a home. If you would like to help, get an older weimaraner but know that these will come with some baggage.

As said, there are lots of explanations why dogs are given up. One common explanation is that they could no longer look after the animal. Some weren't ready for the responsibility of having a family pet in the first place. Others could be going through financial concerns and find that they could no longer care for their pets. Dogs may also be abandoned due to the fact that they have some problems that owners cannot cope with. No matter their explanation, pet dogs from the shelter will most likely have some issues with abandonment.

Most of the pet dogs brought from the shelter will have a common mannerism. To start, they might be a bit disinclined to form relationships with humans. But, the moment trust is established, they will begin to form rather sound bonds with their new owners. Some bonds are even likely to induce clinginess.
Take things a lot slower when you first bring home a rescued dog. You shouldn't force the pet dog to like you, mainly when it is anxious or fearful. Let it grow to be a lot more comfortable with you. Soon enough, you will have a loyal and loving family pet in your hands.

When managing weimaraner growling or similar behavior from other pet dog breeds, it its necessary that you understand why the dog is acting that way. Once you have the explanation, it will likely be easier to handle it.

Resources

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Great Tips for Keeping Your Dog at the Right Weight

2010-12-26T23:12:00.000-08:00

Check out this great article on the dangers of dogs overeating or eating the wrong foods. Dogs get diseases just as easily as humans do. It's very important dogs are fed the right food and kept at the right weight for their size. Regular daily exercise is great for poochie also.

Great info for keeping your dog in shape at USA Today.

Walking Your Labrador Retreiver The Right Way

2010-12-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Correct Method Of Walking Your Labrador
By Lea Mullins

Walking your Labrador can be one of the best bonding experiences that you can have with them. You will be amazed at how these dogs can be easily trained to walk obediently with you. Not being able to start early can make the training a little more challenging, and not teaching them at all can be quite dangerous. Here are some handy tips that you can use to make sure that you can properly walk with your Labrador:

• Let him wear a collar. When dogs wear collars for the first time, they normally squirm and whine, evidently wanting to remove it. If you are planning to walk with your Labrador on a leash, it is better for him to get used to it a few days before your planned walk. Anticipate that he is going to try to take it off, so do not try to help him or succumb to it so that he stops wrestling with the collar. Taking it off would mean that squirming and whining would be a great idea to make him have what he wants, and that is not what we are trying to teach him. Once he gets used to having a collar, you can remove it.

• Walk around at home. A Labrador is generally energetic, but before you begin walking outside, it would be best for you to start walking around the house first. It may seem strange to do this while in the house, but what we want to happen is for your Labrador to familiarize himself with the collar and with walking beside you. In this way, you will also be able to see initially what behaviors they are most likely to display once you get outside.

• Don’t move! If he tries to move ahead when walking, stop and do not walk. One of the most common mistakes that Labrador owners do is call them back or give them a treat as a bribe. The best way for him to understand is if you do not do anything and just resume until he is able to follow.

• Walk in the opposite direction. Aside from not moving, you can also try to quickly move the other way if they are not being obedient. This will attract the Labrador’s attention, and understand that whenever he tries to do something else, he is pulled in a different route.

• Bring treats. Labrador puppies may feel uncomfortable when they first start walking, so we want to be able to have some treats to reward them. You know that dogs always love a good treat, so let him know that you have a lot and he will most likely obey your commands. Ideally, dogs should be just by your side. Let him get used to this position by setting the treat just beside your foot.

Try to break it up into shorter sessions so he won’t get bored easily, and make sure that you are able to reward him for his obedience. Teaching dogs the correct way of walking entails a lot of patience from you, but once they are able to pick up, you will surely look forward to your morning walks with your Labrador!

How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight

2010-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Slim down secrets for pets

(ARA) - Humans aren't the only ones fighting the battle of the bulge. The number of overweight dogs and cats in America continues to rise. Nearly half (45 percent) of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese (at least 20 percent above ideal weight), according to a recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

"Many owners don't realize that excess weight puts their pets at greater risk for developing serious health problems, including arthritis and diabetes," says Dr. Grace Long, a veterinarian with Nestle Purina. "While those health conditions can be nutritionally managed, obesity can be reversed."

Fortunately, help exists for concerned pet owners. Dr. Meredith Rettinger, a veterinarian with Laurel Pet Hospital in West Hollywood, Calif., recently supervised a series of eight overweight pets and their owners as they participated in Project: Pet Slim Down - a 90-day weight loss journey documented online. Project: Pet Slim Down is a nationwide program from Purina Veterinary Diets that unites pet owners and veterinarians in helping pets lose weight.

Dr. Rettinger offers five simple "Slim Down Secrets" to help you - working with your veterinarian - help your pet live a leaner, healthier life.

Secret 1: Have your veterinarian rule out medical reasons for excess weight.

Some conditions can lead to weight gain. Your veterinarian can screen for these and help to manage them before starting a weight loss program.

Secret 2: Don't say "I love you" with food.

Instead, spend quality time with your pet. Take your dog for a walk or play with your cat using a fluffy tail wand.

Secret 3: Increase your pet's activity level.

Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first, so you keep the exercise safe and appropriate for your pet's age and health status.

Secret 4: Make portion control a priority.

Your veterinarian can tell you the exact amount of food to feed your pet each day to achieve a healthy weight, so you don't need to guess. Track intake carefully, and make sure everyone in the household knows not to exceed the daily volume of allowed food.

Secret 5: Treats count, too.

If you are feeding your pet treats, these calories need to be subtracted from the total calories allotted for the day, and they shouldn't exceed 10 percent of that allotment. Consider low-calorie treats, or break treats into smaller pieces for more rewards with the same amount of calories.

For more information on Project: Pet Slim Down, go to projectpetslimdown.com.

Tips to Stop Puppies from Wetting Their Crate

2010-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

*** Editors: Some people don't believe in crating pups or older dogs. Some do believe it's the most effective way to train dogs. This info is for those who use the crate method.

The Secret To Stop Puppies From Peeing In Their Crate
By Lynda Du Cros

Do you want to know the secret to stop your puppy from peeing in his crate? Actually, there's no secret at all. There are basic common sense guidelines you need to follow that will ensure your puppy never pees in his crate again. If you follow these tips, you'll have a happy puppy who never pees in his crate!

Overlooking The Obvious

When it comes to crate training, you may very well be overlooking some very basic things that are preventing you from getting your puppy to stop peeing in crate. Let's take a look at some of the most common reasons your dog is using his crate as his potty:

1) Inconsistent feeding schedule

2) The owner is unaware of the signs the puppy displays when he needs to go potty

3) Separation anxiety

4) Prolonged crate stay

Aside from a consistent feeding schedule, there are definite times when your puppy will have to go potty:

1) After Sleeping

2) Play fighting

3) After a full meal

4) Right before bed time

5) In the middle of the night

Effective Methods To Prevent Peeing in Crate

In order to prevent peeing in crate, buy a crate that's just the right size for your puppy. If the crate is too big, your puppy will use his crate to eat, sleep and poop in it - which totally defeats the purpose of crate training.

The crate should barely allow your puppy to stand and stretch in it. Puppies never poop where they eat or sleep. If your puppy sees that he doesn't have enough space in his crate, he will alert you by barking that he has to go potty. He'll think long and hard before peeing in his crate.

Feed Him On A Consistent Schedule

A regular feeding schedule gives you power over when your dog goes to the bathroom. Puppies, unlike adult dogs, have weak bladders, which gives them less control over when they go potty.

After around 5 minutes from their last meal, puppies tend to have to go potty.

Stop Giving Him Extra Treats

There's no such thing as something for nothing. It will be challenging enough to keep your puppy from peeing in his crate. But if you give him treats frequently, it will make your task impossible. Treats should only be given to your dog as a reward for good behavior.

Don't Leave Your Puppy In His Crate Longer Than 2 Hours

A crate is not a means for the owner to have freedom. While the purpose of the crate is to keep the puppy from hurting himself, it's not a place to keep your puppy indefinitely. Let your puppy out of his crate every 2 hours or so. Leaving your puppy in his crate longer than that will cause him to pee in his crate.

Do you need a comprehensive puppy training schedule to get you started? Visit my Squidoo lens called Stop Puppy Peeing In Crate.

If you want to learn how to house train your dog, I highly recommend The Ultimate House Training Guide.