5 Steps to a Quiet Dog.....

How To Stop Dog Barking In 5 Easy Steps
By Connie Bareford

It is an obvious fact that dogs bark, but how much barking is considered excessive? People have different tolerances towards dog barking and often the dogs owner can build up a tolerance against it, however for the sake of your neighbors you should try to discover why your dog barks. Here's how you could accomplish this in just 5 easy steps.

Step 1
The first and most important step is to discover what is the "Trigger" for your four legged friend to start barking. Once you have discovered the trigger, where possible try to remove it. For example if your dog continually barks at birds feeding on a bird table, either move the table or limit access to the room where your dog can see this. If your dog always barks at something like the postman then where possible distract your dog with other training tips when your postman arrives.

This is important because finding the barking "trigger" is the only real way you will ever stop your dog from barking. In the event you skip or ignore this step, you will struggle ever to control and manage your dog barking problem. You are also allowing your dog to start to take control and become the pack leader.

Step 2
Try to stop your fury friend from getting bored. A bored dog often barks and can even start to do more destructive things like chewing and potentially causing serious amounts of damage. If you have to leave your dog for long times try to get a friend or neighbour to come in and entertain your dog for a while. This step can stop your dog barking purely because of bordem.

Step 3
Consider a dog walker or dog sitter. The reason behind this is to give your dog some attention and possibly some exercise. In addition to that, this will give your dog some companionship.

Step 4
Train alternative behavior at certain times. Using the scenario of the post man in step 1 or perhaps someone ringing your front door bell. You can try to train your dog to pick up a bone or favourite toy during these times. It is not an easy job, but a dog wont bark with something in its mouth.

Step 5
Be A little lenient to your pet. As all canines bark. We knew this when we invited a dog into our lives. In fact a dogs bark can be useful. As their sense of hearing and smell are far superior from humans then they can warn us about all sorts of things.

Finally, if you accept that your dog will always bark and you just try to limit the barking by following some of the tips mentioned you should be able to control your dog barking problem.

More information about How To Stop Dog Barking and other dog obedience topics please visit obediencedogtraining.co.uk

Adjustable Wheels for Injured or Paralyzed Dogs

Adjustable Dog Wheels For Handicapped Dogs
By Charles M Johnson

Now you can provide comfort to your handicapped dog by getting an adjustable wheelchair for a perfect fit. These wheels will certainly improve their movement and will keep them at ease, even as they grow and their health changes.

If your dog is injured or paralyzed, then you can buy Dog Wheels to make their walking a lot easier and more comfortable. Losing the ability to walk is common in dogs that are disabled, injured or elderly. These situations are common but it does not mean the end of a dog's life. If you buy Dog Wheels or a cart that is adjustable, your dog will be able to get the exercise he or she needs to live a happy, healthy life.

Dog Wheels are common to those dogs who suffer injuries or diseases. Some of the most common reasons are disc disease, spinal cord rupture, arthritis, back and front leg amputation, neurological disease, hip dysplacia, ruptured discs, fractured back, leg weakness (chronic), paralysis, etc. So, do not start worrying if any of these mishaps struck your dog, especially if it hampers the overall movement, go to the web and get a dog cart from the a website like handicapped pets to enable him or her to run and play again. The dog carts are of many varieties and they are affordable too.

Dog Wheels are definitely the solution for your physically handicapped dog and it helps to keep it in a better shape. The dog cart also helps you to enjoy playing with your dog both inside and outside of your home.

Dog Wheels of different kinds can be found in the web, but while choosing the right one for your dog, you need to ensure that the wheelchair will adjust to serve the changing needs of your dog. In the past, dog wheelchairs were all custom made; expensive, time consuming, and complicated. Now, the best carts are fully adjustable and can be shipped the same day, then adjusted by the owner, without tools, for a perfect fit. Adjustability is important because you may want to use the dog wheelchair for another pet in the future, sell it, or donate it to a shelter. It is also important that the cart be able to fold flat for east storage, transportation, and shipping.

Adjustable Dog Wheels for providing can grow and change with the health of the dog. Before purchasing one, you need to thoroughly understand how to use it and check with a veterinarian to make sure it is the the right choice. In some of the better carts, there are soft, comfortable harnesses worn by the dog and attached to the cart with easy clips. Older custom carts require you to lift the dog into the saddle. Most manufacturers have online shopping websites which enable the customers to buy online.

Charlie Johnson is a freelance writer for [http://www.HandicappedPets.com/ If you're looking for more information on Dog Wheels to help your loving dog live a more comfortable life be sure to visit us today.

Treating Separation Anxiety in Havanese

Havanese Training - What To Do If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
By Piyush Parikh

Separation anxiety is one of the more common problems that Havanese dog owners face.  After all your dog is extremely loyal and wants to go wherever the owner goes.  We would love to have our Havanese accompany us wherever we go but that is just not feasible especially when we have to go to work or to areas where dogs are not allowed.

Leaving them at home can cause anywhere from slight levels of anxiety to severe behavioral problems that result in barking and destruction of your things at home.  When you come home you may find that your dog has chewed through your favourite pair of shoes or has peed on the carpet because they were anxious when you were not around.  It is sometimes hard to imagine that your cute Havanese turns into a little monster at home, all because they get worried that you left them and won't return.

The Sources of Dog Separation Anxiety

The main driving force behind the anxiety is their inherent nature of being pack animals and separating them from the pack causes them uncertainty and agitation.  They feel a sense of detachment when their master leaves and that gets them disturbed.  In fact, there are certain actions that the owner takes that builds on this anxiety and gets them even more agitated.

For example, if you give them attention before you leave or right after you return and this is done on a consistent basis every day, the pattern you set gets engrained in their routine and their agitation builds day after day.

Reducing Dog Separation Anxiety

What you don't realize is that you actually have more control on their agitation than you may think.  Certain changes in your actions could go a long way in reducing their agitation and thus curbing their anxiety.

Here are some simple ways you can reduce the anxiety:

Mix it up every day: If you have a set number of tasks you do each day before you leave, you may want to change it around a bit.  If you know that your Havanese dog starts to act up when you pick up the car keys, for instance, try using another approach to get your keys the next time.  Put your keys in your pocket well ahead of time before leaving.  Another common trigger is their morning walk just before being left.  If they know you leave them at home right after you walk them, try taking them for a walk well before you plan to leave.

Remain neutral: It is difficult not to give them affection just before you leave.  After all you will be miss them all day too.  However, doing this only escalates their anxiety when you leave them.  The same applies when you return home.  Try not to give them excessive attention before you leave or right after you return.  The most effective way to lower their anxiety is to disassociate your leaving and returning with the amount of attention they receive.  It is recommended that you pretend nothing has changed before you leave or when you return and you do that by ignoring your dog for 10 minutes before and after.  Don't pet them or hug them during those moments even if they make sad noises or have a sad expression.  Remember, you are doing this only to help them reduce their anxiety when you are not at home.

Start with shorter periods:  If you see your dog is getting anxious as soon as you leave, go out for a few minutes and then come back in.  That will change their expectation of how long you will be gone and when you return.  You can slowly increase the time you leave them so it would appear natural to them that you do come back even if you leave.

You Are Not Being Mean

You may think that some of these methods are cruel and it certainly feels that way when dealing with Havanese dogs who get extremely attached to their owner.  What you need to realize is that when you do this you reduce their anxiety which in turn allows them to be calmer and healthier in the long run.

If your dog's anxiety problems carry on for a long time, you should do everything you can to reduce it early and not let it get worse.  The last thing you want to do is come home to find your Havanese dog has done something they shouldn't have and you immediately respond by shouting at them (and that happens because you created that situation in the first place).

You can learn about these and other training secrets at the Havanese Training site.

Piyush Parikh

2010 HavaneseTraining

Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
By Harvey A Parker

There are several causes of aggressive behavior in dogs. Perhaps, because of problems of dominance between you and a dog, or it may be the trigger that has never been properly treated in puppyhood. What are the causes of aggression in your dog and what is the need to address them in the near future? Results of chronic aggression may not only scary, but dangerous, if not properly handled.

The source of aggressive behavior in dogs:

Dog aggression can begin at age of 6 weeks, a critical age when the puppy should be socialized with other dogs, and when they require necessary training to prevent others from pain. Socialization continues until the dog is at the age of 14 weeks and may be extended even further than that.

First, get a puppy out of bed when he is 8 weeks older. Do not use harsh discipline with a puppy, and make sure that the dog is treated with great care at that time. Pressing, shouting or other harsh punishment at early age can lead to the aggressive behavior in dogs over time.

The dog must be properly trained to behave properly among humans and other dogs, when they reach at the age of 14 weeks, to avoid problems for future attacks.

Real aggression may be caused by several factors. Heredity and genetics, of course, are real factors. Some breeds may be more aggressive than others, but it is certainly not a rigid rule. In addition, if dogs are not clean they can be more prone to aggressive tendencies.

Now, the most important factors in the development of aggressive behavior of dogs to their environment are: difficult living conditions, bad masters, not socialization, or fear, or attacked by another dog let the dog to become aggressive over time.

The pain, posture, and other aggressive tendencies, usually are a result of a dog testing for dominance. You must create a field at an early age and keep it in position during puberty to ensure that they could not take control of the households.

Stopping and Controlling Aggressive Behavior in Dogs: If your dog is aggressive at the end of 14 months until puberty is reached, especially after it was amended, should be considered immediately. First, make sure you did as the leader of the pack. Do not reward your dog for aggressive behavior, or in fear (especially in this case).

Train your dog to respond to your commands, control feeding and walking time, and make sure that the dog has a strong leader, at his home. If you put back the dog or allow it to take liberties at home, it will exhibit greater aggression towards others.

If your dog is an aggressive in defense, it can affect people in fear by attacking them. It is because the dogs were not properly socialized. Keep them out of reach of children, and participation in lectures or behaviorists which gradually acclimates the dog in the social environment.

Aggressive behavior in dogs is a big problem that many owners, but you can control, even if your dog's age. If the offense is moving increasingly to violence, should consider hiring a professional to intervene before someone gets hurt, and your dog is responsible.

This information is provided to you by Harvey Parker. If you need more tips to get rid of problems with your puppy/dog, then visit this link:http://www.puppydogexpert.com/

Written by Harvey Parker, Founder: http://www.puppydogexpert.com

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.

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