How to Shop for a Doggie Door

Doggie Door Quick Shopping Tips
ByMary Stevenson

Dog owners who are considering a doggie door in their house not only want for their dog some freedom, but some relief from having to walk the dog out every time it wants to. The door-mounted type is by far the most known kind of dog. Factors to consider include the material used for the flaps, the weather-protective sealing (when available), the tunnel extension, the size available (not all dogs fit), the ease of installation, and the mechanism for opening automated doors (if you want extra security). Dog doors also have lock settings the owners can adjust.

Not every homeowner wants their pet doors on the bottom side of one of the house doors. Sometimes, it's a shame to saw through a beautiful door. It might not also be practical to install a patio dog door that faces the wind - bad during windy or storm seasons. It might even be a source of heat loss inside your home. That's why there are wall-mounted doggie door for your convenience.

If you want your pet door installed on the lower part of one of your walls - perhaps near your back or front yard, make sure the area is not near any cabinets or tables - or objects the dog could knock over on its way in or out your house. This is important so that the dog doesn't injure itself.

With a properly mounted doggie door, owners no longer have to get up from what they're doing to attend to their dogs who want to get out of the house. They can do this on their own, play on their own time, and get back in the house when they want to, or when you call them back in.

Having doggie doors actually contribute to having a healthier relationship with your dogs. Not all dog owners have enough time to consistently play with their pets. Your pet would love it if it can roam around your home as it likes. When you keep your dog inside the house for some time, that cabin fever might create problems. Dog that have not undergone some socializing with other dogs may get excited should they see other dogs - this can result if scratched furniture, and knocked over house items.

When you have to go away for some time - due to work, a much-needed vacation, or something else - whoever is left in your house to take care of your dog might not read his behavior the way you can. Your dog might get stressed out. Spare yourself all these worries by getting a dog door.

A [http://www.acedogsupplies.com.au/pet-doors.html]doggie door is easy to mount and can ease your pet's life. Having a [http://www.acedogsupplies.com.au/pet-doors/dog-doors.html]dog door allows your pet the freedom to move around, as it pleases. It also frees you from being on your dog's beck and call whenever it wants to go out of your house.

Fence Digging-Tips to Stop Your Dog

Tips to Keeping Your Dog From Fence Digging
By Jasmine Banks

Have you ever noticed that when your dog has the entire backyard to run around in and play, his favorite activity seems to be digging underneath the fence? Maybe he's interested in the neighbor's cat or is planning a great escape, or possibly...might just be bored in spite of all the space! Dogs naturally love to dig. However, they need to be taught to leave fences alone.

If your dog is digging due to boredom, then take some steps to reduce the boredom. Make sure your dog has plenty of toys, water and food when left outside for more than a half hour. You might even consider providing him with his own digging spot! Use an old kiddie pool, a sand box or some other large container and fill it with dirt or sand. For fun, bury toys in the dirt for him to unearth! Does your dog like peanut butter? You can purchase a plastic ball that is designed to be filled with peanut butter. For most dogs, it takes almost a half hour to lick all the peanut butter out! A good distraction from the fence, huh!

It's also important to take time to exercise your dog before you take off and shortly after you return home. Go for a jog, a walk, or play fetch. Let him work out some of his energy so he'll be more relaxed and might even sleep for awhile after you leave. If you're too busy to walk your dog, then hire a neighbor kid. You'll see a lot of difference with your dog's behavior when he's routinely getting exercise and seeing new sites. Plus, your neighbor will enjoy making some pocket change!

If your dog just can't resist digging by the fence, use a spray that will discourage him. Or plant plants that have an offensive smell along the fence. You might even want to try using chicken wire or mesh. Place it so it's in the ground at least a foot down. Your dog will get frustrated digging near it and will give up before digging more than a foot deep. Not only is there a danger of your dog escaping, he could cause permanent damage to the fencing--not an expense that you'll want to deal with if you can help it.

If you try these tips and your dog is still winning the battle, then you might need to consider leaving your dog on a leash at a length where he can't reach any of the fencing, or keep him inside while you're away from home. If you consider the indoor option, then you need to ease into this change. Otherwise, you'll be trading digging fences for destroying shoes, couches and anything else!

If you are looking for a proven system to train your dog, click http://disobedientdogtraining.com/ Stop Dog Digging. If you're ready for a highly effective method that's different from what everyone else is teaching, click Stop Dog Biting Now. You don't want to miss this!

Small Dog Training-Overcoming Obstacles

Small Dog Training - Obstacles You Need to Know About
By Marshall Crum

Small dogs are special animals. They are usually hyperactive, loving, energetic and can be lots of fun to have around. Almost everyone will pick up a small dog and they usually become lap dogs in a very short time. But each one is unique, and small dog training can be challenging when you are trying to teach your dog to be a well behaved member of your family. Training small dogs is not an easy task and many people think that a small dog is easier to deal with and training is usually left to chance.

Small dog and toy dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles have become very popular with apartment dwellers and the older crowd because they are small and most crave human companionship more than larger breeds.  But, these little guys can be headstrong and mischievous. Their very intelligence can present even more of a training challenge to a non-professional trainer.  Small dog training is just as important as it is for medium or large dogs to turn them into well-behaved members of your family.

The biggest obstacle to training a dog is usually communicating with the animal. Small and toy dog breeds have some common traits that include a high level of intelligence, alertness and awareness of their surroundings, but they have amazingly short attention spans. Another trait small dogs have is an inherent nature to compensate for their small stature by being overly aggressive and suspicious.  Everyone knows someone with an aggressive Chihuahua or a tiny dog that seemed to lose their minds over a situation that a larger dog would just ignore. 

This over reaction to a situation can make training smaller breeds more difficult. Keeping a small dog relaxed and calm is essential to getting him to obey your commands. But as with all dogs, successful small dog training takes patience and persistence.  You have to be firm in your commands and avoid letting the cute little guy get away with unwanted behavior, but once your little guy is trained you will have a loyal friend for life.  Common traits make it possible to study these little guys and find training techniques that work for all of them.

Training is not difficult, it is necessary to be persistent, patient and consistent.  When the puppy behavioral problems are addressed, and corrective training has started, it is very important that everybody involved with the pet dog use the same training techniques and correct the same behaviors to avoid confusing the dog. The real key is consistency, consistency, consistency every day.

There are many ways to get information about training your small dog. All of them use positive reinforcement and reward for good behavior and ignore unwanted behavior to get the best results.  It is important not to yell and scream or hit your dog to avoid making the situation worse for the animal. A frightened animal does not learn very well. Most people can learn how to train their dog on their own, but it is easier if you how professional trainers get wanted results and just copy their techniques.  There are several good books available, but if you can find a trainer that will show you the training techniques as well as tell you it makes it a lot easier to learn how to train your puppy.

When you start to train your dog, getting help from a professional trainer is the first step that can save you a lot of heartburn later on. There are a lot of dog trainers, and I have noticed that each one has slightly different techniques and all claim that theirs is the simplest, fastest, and easiest method. Most professional trainers spend as much time teaching the owner how to communicate with the dog as he does with training the dog.

Since it's so important to get off on the right foot (no pun intended), how do you know which trainer's program to use.  After all, it is your money, and you want to get your money's worth.  The answer is fairly simple, find a nationally recognized trainer who will tell and show you how to train your puppy or dog.

Where you get help with your small dog training techniques and tips can be as important as the training itself. I love my little dogs but I was at a loss until I found a trainer who had puppy training techniques that made sense and worked. I didn't care about being a certified trainer, I just wanted to stop some unwanted dog behaviors. If you want to train your dogs to be more fun to be with http://www.puppytraining.debmar.biz/smalldogtraining.htmlClick Here to get more articles and information about the trainer who helped me correct my small dog's bad habits.

How to Crate Train Your Puppy or Young Dog

Crate Training Your Puppy Or Dog
By Rick Dayle

Just what is Crate Training? A Crate is an enclosed container that is typically used when shipping an animal on an airplane. They are typically made of plastic, and have a vented "window" area on each side and a door hinged to the front. They are fairly lightweight and come in several sizes that can accommodate the smallest to a very large dog. Crate training involves making the crate a regular part of the dog's life. Every year, millions of dog owners choose to train their dogs to sleep in a crate, which makes a number of other training tasks easier.

Selecting the correct size of Crate

When you purchase a crate for your dog, think about how large it will be when full grown. It is important to have a crate that is large enough for the dog to stand up and easily turn around, not just lie down inside of. Unless you plan to buy several crates as the dog grows, start with one big enough for it when it is full grown. This also helps to start with a full size crate because the dog doesn't need to "move" from one crate to another.

The Value of a Crate to a Dog

Don't be concerned about crate training your dog, it is not only safe, but most dogs love their crates. In a wild setting, a dog will find a small safe space to burrow into that can keep them warm and safe. Part of the safety is being in an enclosed space with only one entrance that they can face and defend. In the domestic environment, they don't need to defend their crate, but it very much becomes their own safe space. In essence it becomes their "home" in the larger environment of your home, yard, property or the greater world. Many dogs have difficulties with large spaces and if they don't have some sort of enclosure, they may become nervous, as if they are trying to defend or protect the entire area, not just their home.

How to Crate Train a Dog

In the ideal situation, you start your dog in it's crate when you bring it home as a puppy. In fact, many breeders of purebred dogs have their puppies living in a crate from the time they are born. Of course, in this case, there are still several in the crate, but they are already used to the walls and single entrance before you bring them home. Moving them into their own crate provides a little better transition for these puppies than others that haven't started out in a crate. A puppy has enough to deal with when they are taken from their birth home without added stress.

If you have a dog that is no longer a puppy, and they haven't been crate trained or spent time in a small space like a dog house, they may grow anxious when adjusting to the relatively small space of the crate. This is another reason you should purchase a full-size crate for your dog when you start. A puppy that has not been introduced to a crate by the breeder may also be a bit upset, but will adapt to the crate more quickly than an older dog. When your dog is used to sleeping in a crate, they won't be upset about not sleeping on your bed.

When you first start to crate train your puppy or dog, it is best to keep the crate in a room where people will be. At night, perhaps you can move it to your bedroom for awhile. However, after a month or so when they are accustomed to the crate, you should be able to leave it in one place, even in a separate room or porch with much less people traffic. For now, they will feel more calm and safe being closer to you and your family.

Whenever the puppy is put in the crate, you should make sure there is a clean, comfortable place to sleep, available water and a toy to play with. If the crate seems large when the puppy is small, you can tape a cardboard or plywood partition in place to make it smaller inside. If it is too large, some dogs will make a mess in it. Generally, if the size is right, the dog will not poop or pee in the crate. As long as they can turn around easily, the crate is large enough for now, and certainly not inhumane.

When you first learn to crate train the dog, be firm but don't try to cram the dog inside. A firm but gentle push, followed by closing the door will do fine. As you put the dog into the crate, say "Crate", or "Go Crate" or what key words you want to associate with the crating process. If the dog makes a fuss, don't pull him back out or he may learn that you'll give him attention whenever he does. This makes him the alpha dog, not you, and you'll have more trouble with other training issues. Once the puppy has been inside a while, and quiet for at least 5 minutes, talk to him and praise him for being a quiet puppy. Open the door and let him out. Repeating this a few times will help reinforce the fact he will be getting back out, just not right away.

At first, short periods of time in the crate are better, up to an hour or two at a time. As he becomes more used to it, longer periods of time are more appropriate. Probably the hardest time for you will be if you have a new puppy that hasn't ever seen a crate. After even a short period of time, the dog will go into the crate whenever you tell him to. Because the dog sleeps in the crate it becomes "home" and it is useful not only for sleeping or when you want to contain your dog, it is the place to go whenever the dog wants away from you or your family members. Whenever the dog is not in the crate, leave the door open so they can get in whenever they want. Unless you are trying to contain your dog because of poor behaviour, always let them out whenever you are around. The dog will adapt to living in a crate much better if you do.

After an extended (forced) stay in the crate, like being at work all day or overnight, always let the dog out to go to the bathroom immediately when you let them out of the crate. This will help considerably to keep the crate clean and unsoiled. Normally, a dog will not soil where he sleeps, unless he just cannot control himself. Be fair to your dog and yourself, and build up to longer periods of time in the crate, and always let them out for potty any time you let them back out. You both will appreciate the results.

Crate Training your dog properly will help ensure you have a pet that is calm and never gets loud, destructive or anxious when you leave. A puppy will also adapt to your home much quicker too if crate trained, which will be less stressful for the puppy, you and your family.

To get a FREE report "How to become the Alpha Dog - And stop your dog's behavior problems" and sign up for an email newsletter by Rick Dayle with lots of information about these and other topics about Dog Training, go to: http://www.thesecrettodogtraining.com/subscribe/

Dog Beach Etiquette - Dos and Don'ts
By Kim Salerno

With the dog days of summer upon us, isn't it about time you brought that precious pooch to the beach with you? For most dogs, getting to run around in the sand, dip into the waves, and fetch balls out of the water is the best day ever! Here are some tips to ensure that you and your dog have a fun and safe beach experience.

First Things First

Check with your local beaches before you pack up the dog, since not all beaches allow them. Depending on the time of year, some beaches allow dogs during the off-season, but summer is a different story. Call ahead or visit the beach's website for information. It's also important if you can bring your dog, to find out whether or not they need to be on leash or if they can roam free. Bring a long leash no matter what, but know ahead of time if there will be an area where a leash isn't necessary. If they don't need to have a leash, only let them be without it if you know for an absolute fact that they will respond to your voice commands. Other dogs, people, certain scents, birds, etc, may catch their attention and cause them to tune you out, which could be a recipe for disaster (no one wants a dog fight). Some people on the beach (as well as easily frightened children) will be less dog-friendly than others, so be mindful of who your dog might be approaching to avoid any sort of snafu.

Never, EVER leave your dog unattended. Even the most well-trained dog can get distracted; pay extra special attention to your surroundings and any potential situations that may cause your dog to wander or run off. Follow ALL of the rules set by the beach. You don't want to be the reason that dogs aren't allowed at that particular beach anymore.

Pro Swimmer or Doggie Swim Vest?

If you want to bring your dog to the beach, you probably have a good idea that your furry friend loves to swim. If this is the first time your dog will be swimming, you may want to read up on his breed just to be sure. For example, shar peis tend to be afraid of water. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, but finding out if swimming is characteristic of the breed will be a good indicator of how enthusiastic (or timid) they might be. When you bring the pup to the water, if he isn't diving right in, take it slow. Don't force your dog to go in. He may feel more comfortable if you head in first and call him. If you're nervous or unsure, purchasing a dog life vest to bring with you would be a safe bet.

Be Wary of Temperature Extremes

Depending on where you are in the country, summer at the beach can bring about two extremes: heat from the sun and a cold, cold ocean. Pay attention to how your dog is acting and responding while he's with you throughout the day, since there could be the potential of either heat stroke or hypothermia (if he's been swimming his little heart out).

Some signs of heat stroke in a dog include:

- Rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea

If you think that your dog has heat stroke while you're at the beach, take the following actions immediately:

- Move the pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over their body to gradually lower their temperature.

- Apply ice packs or cool towels to the pet's head, neck and chest only.
- Allow the pet to drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
- Then take him to the nearest vet.

Some signs of hypothermia in a dog include:

- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Shivering
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fixed and dilated pupils

If you think that your dog has hypothermia while you're at the beach, take the following actions immediately:

- Wrap your dog in towels and blankets that have been warmed by the sun.
- Bring extra fresh water in bottles and leave them out in the sun
- This warm water can be applied to your dog to bring his body temperature back up.
- If your dog has still not stopped shivering and has continued lethargy, bring him to the nearest vet.

As much as we wish, our dogs can't tell us when they're in pain and not feeling good. The above lists are certainly not all-inclusive, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your dog's behavior, get him out of the elements immediately. A few ways to prevent heat stroke is to bring lots of fresh, cool water that they can drink. A spray bottle with cool water that you can spray him down with will also help in temperature regulation. A bonus of having fresh water with you is that you can also clean the sand and salt water from his paws, which can cause irritation and dry out those sensitive pads. Also, since you can't guarantee that you will have access to a shady area, bring an umbrella that he can hang out under. To make sure that hypothermia doesn't strike, bring lots of towels that you can snuggle him in and remove the excess cold salt water. Not only can this warm him up quicker, it also helps in removing the sand and salt water from his fur so he won't be in danger of shaking off on someone else.

The Dos and Don'ts of the Beach

There are hundreds of beaches in the US and Canada that allow dogs, but compared to the number of beaches there are, this is a small percentage. Many beaches allowed dogs at one time, but due to careless owners, had to put a stop to canine patrons. Follow these rules (in addition to the beach's rules), and you'll make sure that you can bring Fido back as many times as he likes.

Dog Beach Don'ts:

- Don't let your dogs go into areas on the beach where they're not allowed. Dunes and grassy areas need to be protected from any sort of environmental damage that a dog might cause.

- Don't let your dog out of your site. Not even once. Paying attention and being proactive will go a long way in protecting you and your dog. The last thing you want is to be sued for a dog fight or by someone that had a run-in with your dog.

- Don't forget to bring the leash, beach towels, umbrella, fresh water, and doggie sunscreen (yes, you can actually get sunscreen specifically made for dogs).

- Don't leave a mess behind! Don't count on the beach supplying waste bags, so bring your own and be diligent about cleaning up. No one wants to find a surprise just laying on the beach or buried in the sand.

Dog Beach Dos:

- Do make sure your dog's vaccinations are current and that he's wearing the proper ID. Keep your vet's number on hand just in case something happens.

- Do check the ocean for jellyfish and stingrays. A sting to your dog will be sure to ruin both his and your experience.

- Do set a time limit for your beach trip. A few hours might be just the right amount of time at the beach, depending on your dog's activity level. At the first sign of your dog tiring, pack it up and get back on the road.

- Do bring toys and balls to throw and find sticks to fetch. This is exactly why you are both there: to HAVE FUN!

Online resources can help you plan your activities, including finding dog-friendly beaches throughout the country. Whether you're going on a trip or a stay-cation, finding a beach where you can bring your dog this summer will be a great bonding experience for your dog and your family. Get out there and soak up that fresh sea air - your pooch will be forever grateful for all the fun!

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the   pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels. Visit her company website at http://www.tripswithpets.com

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.