Top Ten Watch Dog Breeds

Top 10 Watch Dog Breeds
By Kelly Marshall

For hundreds of years, humans have employed dogs to alert us to the presence of danger. Dogs are naturally protective, making them well-suited for the role of alerting their "pack" when something is awry. Guard dogs and watch dogs are not the same. A guard dog not only alerts the family to danger, it is large and powerful enough to intimidate and subdue an intruder. A watch dog will not usually attack; instead, they will alert their owners anytime a stranger approaches.

A dog need not be especially large or aggressive to make a good watch dog. A strong bark is all it takes to alert the family to an approaching stranger. Would-be intruders are often deterred just by hearing the bark. Just about any dog that barks when something out of the ordinary is happening can serve as a watch dog. However, there are some breeds that are renowned for their excellent watch dog abilities.

1. Boston Terrier: One of few truly American breeds, the Boston Terrier is compact, yet muscular. They are protective of their home and family while being gentle and friendly at the same time. Boston Terriers have a strong bark that alerts their owner when a stranger approaches.

2. American Eskimo: The American Eskimo is a small to medium sized dog that descended from the German "Spitz" line. They were bred for hundreds of years as watch dogs. The Eskimo forms a close bond with family and has a strong distrust of strangers. They are excellent at watching over people and property.

3. French Bulldog: The French Bulldog is a natural guardian and devoted companion. They do not have the biggest bark, but they always alert their family to approaching strangers or unusual noises.

4. Chihuahua: The Chihuahua may be small, but they pack a huge bark. As if trying to make up for their small size, they bark vigorously and ensure you are aware when someone is approaching your property.

5. Pekingese: The Pekingese's bark rivals that of the Chihuahua. They are a regal toy breed with an incredibly enthusiastic bark. They enjoy being pampered, but take the job of alerting their family to danger very seriously.

6. Miniature Pinscher: Many people assume that the Miniature Pinscher is a descendant of the Doberman Pinscher. To the contrary, the Miniature Pinscher is the older of the two. They are a cross between terrier and greyhound. The Miniature Pinscher is a very inquisitive breed and will always alert their owner when a stranger is nearby.

7. Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is energetic, friendly and beautiful. While larger than some watch dogs, they won't attack an intruder, but they are excellent at alerting you to potential danger.

8. Standard and Miniature Schnauzer: Both of these German breeds make great watch dogs. They are not only protective, but intelligent and reliable as well.

9. Schipperke: Nicknamed Skips, Schipperke (pronounced "skipper-kee") were bred to be hunters, companions and watchdogs. They excel in all three areas.

10. Norwegian Elkhound: The ancestors of these courageous watch dogs served with the Vikings. They are brave, bold and athletic.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our selection of [http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-beds/]large dog beds online.

GPS Dog Collars-What You Should Know

GPS Dog Collar Tracking - Effective and Affordable
By Adam Websters

Your dear and darling pets love to wander and if given some time they can really manage to vanish from your sight. It is something of great pleasure to them, but it is a source of tension for you. It is not possible on your part to keep track of them each and every moment, but if after sometime when you realize that it is no where around the yard or not even in the rarest nooks of your broad garden, then there is simply no end of your worries I am sure.

So if you can manage something like the above mentioned product then the work of locating down your pet would naturally grow quite simple I am sure. Your dog can be located very easily if a GPS dog collar tracking device is attached on its collar.

It is very effective and at the same time available at a price that would not burn a hole into your pockets. There are many developments that are being achieved in this field, but at the moment there are two types of products are available in the market.

The first one acts via a cell phone. The device works by sending signals to your cell phones. You can also receive alerts through emails and pagers. But the disadvantage of this device or this way of tracking through cell phone is that, the device will not work if you visit an area that has no coverage.

In that case it would be rendered useless. But as such it is very effective, the size is really small and the collar price is not included in the product price. The battery is really effective and once charged it can last really long.

The lithium ion battery usually puts up a good performance and it would also send you a signal when the charge is growing low so that you can have it charged before its runs out of charge completely.

The other kind of GPS dog collar tracking makes use of radio waves in order to let you know the position of your lost or wandering dog. The transmission range is a little low in this case but there are no ongoing service charges involved in this. Through a simple hand held receiver the data is transmitted.

The units look a little bulky, there are models that can work up till a range of 5 miles and then there are products that only work for one mile. Rechargeable batteries are provided for the collar and the handheld units.

While buying a GPS dog collar tracking device you must take note of certain things. You should take note of the battery life most importantly, you must note down the range for which it is active, the ongoing service charges or fees. Instead of going for water resistant product just, it is better to go for the water proof ones. You must remember one thing that as soon as you attach something heavy on the collar of your dog you are increasing its risk to get hung up with something.

But fortunately, smaller units are coming up; a little more patience on your side can actually make you land up with the simpler and lighter ones very soon.

Looking For an Affordable GPS Dog Collar Tracking collar? Make sure you check LoveMyPetsGPS.com for important information about the GPS dog collars. GPS Dog Collar systems don't have to cost hundreds of dollars. Learn why our system is recommended by Police K9 forces at LoveMyPetsGPS.com

How to Socialize Your Pup

 *** Editor: This article if full of good common sense advice regarding conditioning your new puppy on how to deal with new people, places and other dogs. Remember though, that it's important to keep in mind that puppies are just like babies in the sense that their immune systems are not as strong as an older dog.

Be careful who you let touch your puppy. Humans have lots of germs and bacteria on their hands and they could transfer that to your pup. I was advised by my holistic vet to be very careful with your puppie's health and exposing them to germs and disease.

Always remember that pups are like babies-they need your constant attention. Spend as much time as you possibly can with your new puppy. Play with him and make him feel at home, happy and loved. Vets will tell you that there are puppies who have died as a result of depression. People who are too busy to own a puppy get one anyway and then virtually ignore it. The puppy gets extremely depressed and dies. What is sadder than that? Prevent this at all costs! Treat your new pup with love and respect and give her great healthy food to eat. Take them with you, play with them-set aside time for your pup so both of you can enjoy each other.

Only let them off the leash when it's safe. A man I know let his pup run around near a very busy street where he worked and the dog ran out in the street and got killed. If you plan to have your dog off the leash train them away from dangerous conditions-not in traffic! Use common sense when training your puppy and you'll have a safe, healthy happy pup who will be a lifelong joy!

How to Socialize Your Puppy
By Linda Betarno

Socializing your new puppy is a fun and entertaining process. You must proceed with caution, however, as these first introductions may affect your puppy's social behavior for some time to come. A puppy who is allowed free reign in a new introduction may be hard to control, whereas one who is bullied by another dog or frightened by tail pulling children may become nervous in future situations.

The first step to socializing your pup is to take him on regular walks where you will have leash control but he can make some friends. A walk around your neighborhood can help your puppy to meet your neighbors, their children and their dogs. Having your puppy on a leash for these introductions will help you to keep him close, while he explores. If at any time you feel like the situation is frightening for your puppy or if your puppy becomes overexcited, head home for a puppy break.

The next introduction place for your puppy is your local park. Avoid letting strange children pet your puppy unless their parents are right beside them. You never know if a child has allergies or even if that child may pull your puppy's tail. You should also know that your little guy may try to bite and play with children as he did with his litter mates. For this reason, you may need to put a muzzle on him if you are at all worried about this activity.

Many parks have a dog park within them. These dog parks are sometimes divided into larger and smaller breed areas. This keeps smaller breeds from getting hurt from playing with the larger dogs. Although your puppy is small, if he or she is of a larger breed, you should socialize in the big dog area. After all, your puppy will be playing with these more energetic dogs when he or she is full grown.

Whether the dog park area is joint for big and small dogs or separate, be sure to keep an eye on your puppy at all times. You will have to clean up after him, and you will also need to make sure he does not eat anything that could cause harm. You may even want to walk the dog area over to be sure there are no lurking dangers.

If you have close family members with children, you should set up a special time for those children to come and meet your puppy. Make sure their parents are present and make sure you always stay with your dog around children. Also, don't let the children feed your puppy as this can cause him to beg and become a nuisance to you and to the children when they visit.

Play dates are a great idea for new parents as well as new pet parents. Meet regularly with one or two friends with dogs. These doggy play dates are a great way to develop some one-on-one puppy friendships. This will also give you an opportunity to discuss puppy specifics such as vets, foods, toys an and training methods.

Every puppy and their pet parent can benefit from a great dog training class. Training classes are a good place to meet other new pet parents and their new pups. These classes will also help you to work with your dog on some basic commands including sit, down, and stay. Teaching your puppy these commands in a public environment can help to foster them listening to you even with other commotions happening. It will also allow the dogs in the class to follow the example of one another.

Socializing your puppy is an important part of his development and training. When in doubt about any puppy behavior, ask your vet.

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Keep Your Home Pet Friendly and Clean!

Conquer your canine cleaning challenges for a pet-friendly home


(ARA) - Pet owners understand extra cleaning is part of the deal when bringing a puppy into their homes and lives. Cleaning up after a dog is enough work in itself, so the last thing any owner wants is a pooch that is agitated by the sights and sounds of cleaning. There are several techniques that can help your dog stay calm when you reach for your sponge and Swiffer.



"Your attitude and approach to cleaning up after and around your pet is critical," says Cesar Millan, renowned dog behavior specialist and host of the Emmy-nominated series, Dog Whisperer. "If you are stressed or frustrated when you pick up a cleaning tool, your dog can pick up on this negative energy and associate the cleaning tool with negativity. This can create instability and can result in problematic behaviors."



Millan offers his top tips to create a pet-friendly environment, from combating pet hair to preparing for a new puppy at home:



* If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and recharge for five minutes before starting, and reconsider your cleaning tools. Tools that can do two things at once can make you more relaxed about the process - and dogs pick up on that.



* Cleaning introduces new smells into the environment, and a dog's sense of smell is its strongest sense. If your dog gets tense or upset when you clean, pay attention to the scents you are using. Try cleaning products that are available in a Lavender and Vanilla scent, which can be soothing to your dog.



* Focusing on efficiency and multi-tasking can make cleaning chores easier and more expedient. Supplies that accomplish more than one task can save time and avoid agitation, especially tools that handle all kinds of pet messes. Try the newly redesigned 2-in-1 Swiffer SweeperVac, which tackles all messes, vacuuming pet food and clumps of hair, while trapping crumbs, dirt and dust to get floors thoroughly clean in one quick and easy step.



* When you first bring home a puppy, involve the entire family in the process. Even younger children can participate in the various responsibilities by making sure there is fresh water in the dog's bowl or accompanying a parent on the puppy's walks.



* One important part of the housebreaking process is cleaning up after your dog has an accident. If he's had an accident in an area once, he's more likely to go there again because of the odor. The best cleaning methods eliminate both the mess and the smell.



Find more tips on cleaning up after pets at www.swiffer.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

Hiking With Canines
By Doug Pierce

Spend this summer outdoors with your pup. Whether you explore the local trails near your home or roam national parks, you will benefit from the change of scenery, fresh air and sunshine while your hiking buddy gets plenty of exercise and bonding time with you that will keep her tail wagging long after the sun goes down.

Before setting off on an epic hike, check with your vet that your furry friend is ready. Start by going on short brisk walks around your home at different times of the day to acclimate her.

Once in the forest hiking, be sure to check in with your pup especially if the day turns warm and humid. Make frequent rest stops under the shade of a tree as you offer water and a small treat. If you see she is excessively panting that means to stop until the panting has subsided.

Carry with you your vet's contact info. If you're traveling away from home, consider locating an emergency vet hospital near the trail.

Depending on the duration of your hike, examine your dog's paws to clear away any debris that may have stuck to her pads. Before the sun disappears for the day, carefully check your dog's coat for ticks. Though it may be a long process depending on how think her fur is, it's important to remove ticks immediately. Your vet can recommend flea & tick applications depending on where you'll be hiking.

Common sense applies to dogs too. Consider increasing your dog's feeding portions based on how strenuous the hike is. Avoid hiking between 11 am - 3 pm when the sun's rays are the strongest. Use this time to relax at the campground, run errands at indoor [http://www.wetnoseguide.com/san-francisco/dog-friendly-shops/]dog-friendly malls, or simple give your buddy a much-needed massage.

At the end of the day, a tired dog is a happy dog and if you follow these guidelines, both of you will return with many memories and ready to sleep soundly.

Doug Pierce makes every effort to explore this country's great National Parks with his dog who happily thinks of places like Yosemite as one giant [http://www.wetnoseguide.com/san-francisco/dog-runs--parks/]dog park.

How to do CPR on a Dog

Vital info on how to do CPR on a dog:

Try Tuna Dog Treats!

How to Make Tuna Dog Treats
by Karen Friesecke

It's fun to make treats for your dog since you get to have fun in the kitchen AND you know exactly what the ingredients are!! Tuna treats are easy to make, use only three ingredients AND baking time is a mere six minutes in the microwave!! Also, you can substitute the tuna for any fish that you want.

Ingredients

You will need;

One egg, a can of tuna in oil and 3/4 of a cup of flour (any kind).

STEP 1 - Preparing The Tuna

Tuna right out of the can will be in pretty big chunks and they need to be minced into smaller pieces with a knife.

STEP 2 - Adding The Egg

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, add it to the tuna and mix well.

STEP 3 - Adding The Flour

Add the flour a little bit at a time. Depending on how oily the tuna is, you might not have to use the entire 3/4 of a cup of flour. What you want is for the batter to have the consistency of mashed potatoes.

STEP 4 - Baking The Treats

Spread the batter evenly into a microwave safe dish. There is no need to oil the dish since the batter already contains oil from the fish.

Total cooking time is 6 minutes. If you want chewier treats, cook the treats for 4 minutes. Microwave on HIGH in 2 minute increments to check on the cooking process, since fires in the microwave aren't fun. When you have gotten the treats cooked the way you want them to be, remove the entire cake with a spatula and transfer to a plate to cool.

STEP 5 - Cutting Up The Treats

Cut the treats into strips and then into cubes. The beauty of baking these treats is that you can make them as big or as small as you want them. If you cut the the treats into small enough pieces, cats can enjoy them, too! Since these treats do have oil in them, it's best to store them in the fridge to prolong shelf life.

Karen Friesecke is the author of Bloggie Stylish a new blog dedicated to recipes and free projects for dogs. Please visit Tuna Dog Treats to see this tutorial, complete with pictures.

How to Choose a Dog Bed

What Are Dog Beds?
By Collin Walker

Picking a good dog bed for your pet is as important for a dog as choosing your own bed is to you, in fact in ways it is even more so. Dogs spend a lot more time sleeping or just lying down than people do, so given that your dog will spend a great deal of time on the bed you pick, it is quite important that you pick a good one. When choosing your dog's bed, you need to consider these questions:

 1. What position does your dog usually prefer, and where in the house does he or she like to sleep?
 2. Does your dog have particular sensitivity to high or low temperatures?
 3. How old is your dog? Does he or she have special needs?
 4. Is your dog shaggy, and does he or she shed a lot as a result?
 5. Do you think your dog will want to chew on the bed?
 6. Is your dog a puppy? Or fully grown?

How you answer these questions should determine your key criteria for picking the perfect bed for your beloved pet.

Unique requirements and lifestyle

There are beds that have more padding, these are ideal for larger breeds, arthritic dogs and dogs that get a lot of exercise. If you live in a place that tends to be cold in the winter, and you own a short haired dog, you might consider a heated bed. On the other hand if you live in a warmer state and you own a Malamute or a Siberian Husky, a cooling bed might be great for the summer months. For shaggy dogs that tend to shed a lot you want the cushion of your bed to be upholstered with a smooth fabric, so that hair can be easily cleaned off.

Maintenance

Your pet will definitely prefer a comfortable bet, but you will probably be more worried about ease of maintenance. Make sure the cover of the bed is easy to clean, preferably something machine washable. If you have a dog that still likes to chew on things, you shouldn't get a very expensive bed just yet, as your dog may just wind up ruining it. Some dogs never quite outgrow chewing on stuff, should that be the case with your dog, get a chew resistant bed.

Shape

Different dogs have different sleeping preferences; you should take these into consideration when picking beds. Some dogs like to curl up, for such dogs, round beds, donut beds or even nesting beds may be best. If your dog likes to lay out, a rectangular bed, a bumper bed, a couch bed or even a cushioned mat might be ideal. Some dogs like to sleep with a pillow or a stuffed toy, for such dogs, you can add a pillow or a lounger couch with has a raised provision for the dog's head. There are also beds with raised sides or beds specially designed to fit into corners for dogs that prefer sleeping tucked into a corner.

Size

You don't want a bed that is too big for your dog, as it will take up more space than it needs to, worse still would be getting a bed that is too small. As your dog will be uncomfortable and may choose not to use it at all. Measure your dog while he or she is asleep, this should be your guide. Manufacturers give you both an inside measure of the bed and an outside measure, the inside measure is what needs to be big enough for you dog.

For puppies, you definitely want to allow for growth, so buy a bed is a size or two bigger depending on how old your puppy is. Don't invest in an expensive bed for a puppy, as they may outgrow them, and they will also likely chew on the bed. Make sure you pick out a spot for the bed in your home before you actually start shopping around. If you've the budget, and you see that your dog likes sleeping in many different places in your house, you may even want to get many beds.

This article was provided by Collin Walker of Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find the best selection of Dog Beds and [Tri-Tronics Products.

Keep dogs healthy and happy this summer

Keep dogs healthy and happy this summer


(ARA) - When the warm summer months roll around, our dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season.  Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it's time for some fun in the sun.



Before you head out, keep in mind that warm weather and sunny days are fun, but they can also mean you might need to take some extra precautions with your pet. The whole family can rest assured knowing their four-legged best friend is healthy, hydrated and happy by keeping the following tips in mind:



1. Schedule a checkup. Before you go anywhere that requires your dog to interact with other dogs, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Get updates on shots for dangerous communicable diseases like bordetella.



While you're there, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet's overall health. Your veterinarian's office is also a great place to pick up two essential medications for the season - heartworm preventers and flea and tick control.



2. Run free. It's easy for humans and canines alike to slide out of shape during the winter months, and now is the perfect time to work off what you've packed on. Taking your dog on regular walks will help, but even more fun for him is a trip to the dog park. Off-leash areas are a treasure for pets and their owners because dogs can run free and play to their heart's content.  They also get natural lessons in socialization. In fact, 44 percent of dog owners who take their dog to the dog park say their dog is more social with other people and dogs. Plus, it's fun for you, too!



Because pet owners value off-leash areas so much, dog parks across the country are expanding and improving now more than ever. To help support dog parks in local communities, The Nutro Company, a leading manufacturer of natural pet food products, is leading a movement called Room to Run this summer to enhance local dog parks in 30 communities around the country. Pet enthusiasts are invited to join the effort and lend a hand. Whether there's a Room to Run event in your area or not, you can make a difference by going to your local dog park and making small changes to make it more enjoyable for everyone. To find out more about the initiative, go to www.thenutrocompany.com.



3. Be prepared. Dogs aren't much for strolling around the mall. They love to be out running around and often don't want to stop no matter how warm it is or tired they feel. Brush up on the signs and symptoms of health problems like dehydration and heat stroke, as well as basic first aid techniques.



Keep a canine first aid kit in your car. At a minimum, it should include antiseptic spray, water-based antibiotic ointment, bandaging (including sterile gauze and a binder like Vetrap or other elastic bandages), a thermometer, tweezers and single-use cold packs. You should also keep the number and address to your veterinarian and an emergency vet stored in your phone or on a slip of paper in your wallet.



4. Good on the inside. To keep your pet's energy and health at optimal levels for increased summer activity, be sure you feed a high-quality dog food. It's easier than ever to make sure your dog is getting complete, healthy nutrition without fillers. High quality foods can be found at your pet store and come in a variety of options that cater to your pet's size or life stage.



Whether you're going on a weekend camping trip with your four-legged friend or just heading out for a romp at the dog park, a safe summer is the happiest kind of summer there is.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dogs and Car Windows

Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you?  But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.   - Steve Bluestone