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September 29th, 2008 by KittyKitty

If you wish to get a small but sturdy pet dog, then the Border terrier might be for you. This pet is no delicate lapdog. The Border terrier pet dog can be full of fun for the whole family.

But, before getting a Border terrier pet dog you might want to think about some of the major concerns relating to the breed. This will help you weigh up the pros against the cons and will let you reach a decision that is best for you.

Here are some concerns regarding Border terrier pet dogs:

1) Temperament – when people talk about terriers, they all comment on the same behavior using different words. Some owners say that their dogs are spirited. Some say that their dogs are tenacious. Other owners would prefer to use the word unpredictable. The point is, they all describe the same behavior. A terrier is inherently dynamic in its behavior. It is what makes a terrier, a terrier.

The temperament of the Border terrier pet dog may be quite surprising, if not outright shocking for lots of owners because of its size. For a small dog, a Border terrier definitely packs a lot of energy.

2) Aggression – Border terriers are not really as aggressive as some other breeds. But, its instincts as a terrier will still beseech it to run after anything smaller than it. This means that if you own a cat or even a pet rabbit, you should not have a Border terrier. This means that you cannot trust a Border terrier out of its leash. If it even sees something running, it will take off, leaving you calling helplessly. This, of course, can cause accidents to be sure that your Border terrier pet dog does not get hit by a car, you need to keep that pet on a leash outdoors.

3) Escape – it is recommended by many experts that Border terriers should be kept in a fenced-in yard to let it have some roaming space while making sure that it is safe. But, you should know that these dogs are clever escape artists. Even if a Border terrier pet dog is within a closed in fence, you need to try to keep an eye on it.

4) The noise – Border terrier pet dogs will bark at almost anything that catches their attention. Because of this, you need to properly train them to bark only when needed. You have to also be quick to stop them if they are barking inappropriately.

For this reason, you should not really get a Border terrier if you live with very close neighbors and if you work during the day. An unsupervised Border terrier pet dog is likely to bark all day long. This, unsurprisingly, may lead to complaints from your neighbors.

5) Independent thinking – what many owners love about Border terrier pet dogs is the fact that they can learn very quickly. This is because of their inherent curiosity and toughness. But, the same qualities that make them prize-winners can also make them very stubborn when they want to. You have to be consistent with your commands and show the Border terrier that you mean what you say. In doing so, you will be training the Border terrier properly.

And training begins as soon as you get your dog home. It is never to early to begin house training.
puppy crate train
how to housebreak puppy
Puppy litter training
These articles are packed with advice and tips on the best methods to house train your dog.

September 29th, 2008 by KittyKitty

Consumers are typically paying too much for pet prescriptions and other health needs, especially if they’re buying directly from their veterinarian. The markup on popular drugs like Frontline, Acepromazine and Heartgard is incredible, with prices as much as 50% higher when purchased at a vet’s office.

There is a solution – you can purchase pet medications online, through the mail or over the phone. By purchasing directly from the supplier or pet pharmacies, you can earn major discounts and save a lot of money.

But, how do you do it? What if you need a prescription? For answers to these questions and more, keep reading.

Where do I find wholesale pet prescriptions?

Simply type in pet medications into any search engine and you’ll be overwhelmed with options. Look for sites that sell brand name drugs recommended by your veterinarian and opt for a seller that’s based in the United States and also requires proof of prescription when necessary.

What if I’m buying a drug that needs a prescription?

To buy pet medications that require a prescription, you will need to first obtain a prescription from your veterinarian and then either scan or fax the prescription to them. Many pet pharmacies also allow you to input your veterinarian’s contact information. They will then call your veterinarian directly to confirm the prescription.

If your veterinarian is averse to transferring your prescription to an online or phone provider, remind them that it is your choice and it’s important that you be able to purchase affordable pet medications. Some veterinarians will even match low, online prices, while others simply provide you with the prescription.

How do I know I’m getting quality drugs?

Again, look for sites that sell FDA-approved or EPA-approved, brand name drugs – the same ones that are sold in your veterinarian’s office. Don’t buy from an out-of-country provider that’s not monitored by federal regulations, and stick to providers that are committed to quality pet care.

What if I need the prescription urgently?

If your pet needs a prescription urgently, then it’s best to purchase the medication directly from your veterinarian rather than waiting a few days for online postal delivery. Many sites offer overnight delivery, but it may not be worth the extra cost.

Compare Prices at Destination RX.Com or Froogle.Com

Try sites like DestinationRX.Com or Google’s Froogle.com to compare the prices of brand-name medications and other products at multiple sites. Just type in the name of your prescription, like Cosequin or Sentinel, and you’ll get back a full list of retailers selling your prescription, along with prices.

September 28th, 2008 by PetGuru

Dog Life Jackets

Many people love their dogs and take them with them everywhere they go. People who enjoy boating and want to take their dog with them should seriously consider purchasing a water life jacket for their dog. If you are like me, your dogs are just as important to you as your children. If you would never consider allowing your child near deep water without a life jacket, then it stands to reason that your dog should be wearing a dog life jacket too.

Dog life jackets look like a waterproof dog coat, and allow your dog all of the freedom of movement that a regular dog coat allows them, so they can swim, or ride your jet ski or partake in whatever water activity you both enjoy. Another advantage to having a dog life jacket is the handle made on the back side which will allow you to pull him out of the water quickly if needed.

A life jacket for your dog could very well save his or her life, and I would recommend that all dogs wear one when at the beach, lake or near deep water. Many dogs become distracted easily and this can create problems if they are on a boat or even a wharf, pier or jetty. They can be distracted by birds, other boats, surfers and any number of things that can cause them to accidently fall off the boat or pier. If he or she is wearing a life jacket you will have the peace of knowing that he will be able to remain afloat until you can rescue him or he can swim back to the boat or shore.

Dogs that love water also love to play in it and can get very excited while playing in or around it. Unfortunately, dogs have been known to drown when playing in water with a toy, ball or stick. They can get too tired without noticing it because they are keenly focused on playing with you or the toy. A tired dog can very easily fall victim to a strong current or a rip tide.

Wearing a dog life jacket will give you the time you may need to rescue your dog from a current or rip tide, or allow him to remain afloat to ride the tide back to shore. You can get a good dog life jacket by searching the internet for such items or you can even order one special from your local pet store if they do not already carry them in stock. Dog life jackets are available in sizes to fit all dogs.

September 28th, 2008 by PetGuru

Dog Crate Training

First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. You can watch your dog from a distance to see how long it takes them to calm down and get used to the crate. Remember this is for training so if he begins to act up you should not let him out. Instead, let him settle down first then let him leave after awhile. Do this exercise for a couple of days until he has learned to enter the crate and leave it on his own.

Many people protest against crate training a dog because, according to them, it is similar to solitary confinement. Still, the benefits to crate training your dog mentioned in this article, and several other benefits that we will not take the time to explore, show this to be a good method for both the owner and their dog.

With appropriate and sufficient training, crate training your puppy or dog will make him see it as his haven instead of an enclosure that makes him feel unsafe and lonely.

This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. For dogs, a den can serve as their home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.

Why You Should Use a Crate

a) For occasions when the dog cannot run around freely, placing them in a crate will be a good choice for controlling their movements.

b) Dogs will begin to feel secure inside the crate and appreciate the safety zone it provides when they are in an unfamiliar place.

c) They would have a place for solace when they wanted to rest or when feeling under stressed where no one could bother them.

d) Some dogs may have some behavior problems that can be helped with proper crate training.

e) Puppies respond well to crate training as a way to teach them potty training skills and what not to chew on or to not bite people.

f) This could also be good for dogs with separation anxiety.

g) Another advantage is that it keeps the dog safe whenever you bring him outside the home.

h) Dogs feel safe and secure inside their own familiar crate.

i) Crates can enhance training by giving your dog a sense of consistency and guidance for routine activities.

Size Does Matter

You will need to choose a crate that allows the dog enough room to stand up and lie down comfortably, without him hitting his head or body against the walls or door all the time. It is also important to know that if you plan on traveling you will want to consider purchasing a slightly larger crate.

If you are using the crate for training only, it should follow the guidelines that was just mentioned, since a larger crate would give him enough room to do unwanted things in the crate.

How to introduce the crate to the dog

The best time to introduce the crate to a dog is when you feel that they are ready for it. After you purchase the right crate for your dog you will need to put it someplace in the home where they will see it often. The first week you should remove the door and just let him explore it at his leisure.

Some dogs will not show any interest in the crate so you may want to perk their interest by putting a favorite toy or treat inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This special treat is a signal to your dog that this a special place just for him, and that will create a sense of safety and security all dogs enjoy.

September 28th, 2008 by PetGuru

Dog Training Commands A good command to teach first is to “Come”. Then you can teach your dog to “Heel” upon command.

We are often awed at watching fine bird dogs in movies and in action. We are often in awe at how well and quickly they obey their owner’s commands. Then we think – How could this be possible? Perhaps bird dog training can bring out the best in you dog.

The simple answer is yes, but you have to invest hard.

There are several dog breeds that could be trained into being excellent bird dogs. Training them in obeying commands could be a good starting ground. Dog training professionals acknowledge the fact that dogs need to understand what command is being used in order to make them respond. For this basic voice command training, there are basic words a owner should use to train the dog.

First is for them to learn the “Stay” command.

The most basic command is “Stay”

As the dog follows these commands completely, it is a clear picture on how obedient and respectful he is to his master. Dogs will express obedience to their master by doing whatever they are commanded to do, even if their master walks a great distance before giving the command.

The ’Whoa’ or ’Easy’ command is useful for dogs that are going too far ahead, when the dog is flushing the bird and the owner wants him to stop, or when the dog wants to play with the bird. When this happens it is easier for the owner to come to the dog and reward him for a job well done.

Commanding them to ’Come’

This is a simple command used to train your dog to come to you every time you give it. This command is one of the easiest to use. A good reason to teach them to come, would be that when retrieving something, they bring it back to you when instructed to do so. Also, there are dogs that are a bit stubborn and may decide to go off in different directions. Teaching your dog to ’Come’ will help keep him within the range you need, for them to obey any additional commands.

Teaching them to ’Heel’

If you want your dog to walk by your side, the right command to teach your dog is, ’Heel’.

Another command that is often used after the ’Heel’ command is the one word command ’Ok’ or to ’Go’. By using this command your dog will know they did a good job during the hunt and you are pleased with them.

Whenever the dog performs well, never fail to give him a tap, a treat or a word of praise to acknowledge his performance. Fine dogs are born with the instinct to please their owners. When you begin to reward your dog in this way, let him know he is behaving correctly and that you want him to continue that type of behavior. Over a period of time, he will learn to do the same actions for which he was rewarded and praised.

Bird dog training takes dedication and persistence. This is the reason why there are not many bird dogs around. Always be confident that your dog can become a fine hunter if you do what it takes to make him successful, by showing him patience in teaching him to obey basic commands.

September 28th, 2008 by PetGuru

Do you Know How to Find a Good Priced Dog Training Collar?

Should you invest in supplies to train your dog?

Some people are willing to invest a lot of money and time.

Of course you can purchase the more expensive dog collars if you want to. There are a lot of choices for you. Collars range anywhere from fancy fashion dog collars, studded collars to a wide variety of others. However, for some owners it is never practical to spend so much for an item that could be obtained at a lesser price and also have the basic functions needed.

Dog training could be stressful especially if your dog is highly independent and has a high level of curiosity which tends to cause problem behaviors.

After investing for your dog’s training without satisfactory results, many owners tend to cut down from spending too much on other things that contribute nothing to improving the behavior of the dog. One good example is the dog training collar.

If the dog you are training likes to chew on things you may not want to invest in a nicer, more expensive collar at least until he begins learning to respond well to training. It is important to realize that the behavior of the dog and teaching them to respond to training is the main thing to focus on and not the collar, or any other accessories.

Even though dog collars are instrumental in getting better control and correcting unwanted dog behaviors, expensive collars can quickly effect your budget. To help stay within a manageable budget you don’t have to sacrifice quality because there are a lot of good functional collars that will work well without the high cost.

When shopping for the right collar you should also check its durability and functionality before you even begin to look at the price. It is a common mistake among buyers to use the cost as the basis for assessing the value, rather then basing it on the function and reliability.

Cost is a good margin for getting the right collar, but it should not affect the way one sees the item. You can find remarkable good dog training collars marked at an exceptionally good price. Another thing to be aware of is that just because the price is low, don’t think the quality of the collar is low too.

Don’t give into the mind set that pricing equals quality. You do not need to be in the mindset of thinking’s items at the lower end of pricing are of less quality, while those having expensive tags have the best quality. This can indeed be the truth for certain brand names but is not always the case. So be sure to find the best bargains at their best prices.

When advanced technologies are integrated into the collar, they are often retailed at much higher prices. The popular electronic dog collar is a good example. The price of this collar runs anywhere from $100 to $999 depending on the types of features installed in the item. The more advanced technologies used within the dog training collar, will determine how expensive they are.

Dog collars can cost a few hundred dollars and many people find it very impractical to buy items with such outrageous price tags. With a little research you can find the type of collar you want and in the price range your willing to spend.

September 28th, 2008 by PetGuru

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By Jim Nettleton

If you’re as much of a dog lover as I am, you’re well aware that a dog plays a special role in a home. He is part of the family. Just as we train and teach our kids, we should also teach and train our dog. It is a proud feeling to have a dog that is well mannered and obedient. The dog appreciates it too, knowing that he’s pleasing his human friends. It does not come naturally for them to obey. Hence, they need to be shown, through firmness and kindness, but never through physical pain. Never, ever hit or smack a dog as it will only make them more nervous or aggressive, not to mention that it’s cruel. Instead you need to have a lot of patience and perseverance as well.

Whether you decide to train your dog yourself, with the guidance of someone else, or a handbook training course, please remember the most important thing – any type of action has to be done again and again. It is only when it is repeated that he will get the hang of it. Humans aren’t the only species that is forgetful, dogs are too. They need to be reminded often and instructions need to be repeated again and again. But once he is trained, he will hardly need any instruction again. The training will be permanently imbedded. He will be well behaved and will possess a good temperament. Everyone loves a dog that follows its master’s commands and is well behaved. For in depth training information, visit my training site through the link in my resource box below.

Also when you train him, make him understand who is boss. Dogs have a tendency to take over and try to be the boss, if they realize that the owner is not taking the initiative. Training together also brings you both closer together and strengthens your relationship. There are many good schools in case you want to send him elsewhere to be trained. It is this training that could save his or yours. It is when a trained dog knows what to do, that he will salvage a situation. It is also every important to understand his speed of learning and his overall ability to learn, as many dogs possess varying levels of those qualities. And if you want him to be well trained, then understanding his feelings and taking them into consideration is a big part of the package.

Many training regimens are good for the dog in many ways. Fetching, for example, gets your dog much needed exercise. The dog also enjoys it because he recognizes it as play and, therefore, fun. Truth be told, it’s fun for humans, too. And we as a group can also certainly use the exercise.

About the author:

Jim Nettleton is a radio and TV professional and a lifelong dog lover. Visit his training site at: http://www.jaynetinc.com/DogTrainingSecrets.

September 28th, 2008 by PetGuru

Poodles are generally fun-loving dogs that have a pretty reserved temperament, so if you’re looking for an agreeable pet that your family will love, you may want to consider a miniature poodle. Here is some general information about these dogs that will help you to make the right decision, as well as some things you can expect once you bring your pet home.

The Concerns

One of the things you may be concerned about when it comes to your miniature poodle is grooming. Poodle hair tends to be thick and curly, so you’ll need to make sure that your puppy is groomed as often as possible. The standard grooming cut for puppies is relatively short hair all over the body, and you may need to do this about once a month or so to keep your pet looking great. Colors of miniature poodles include brown, cafe-au-lait, white or black varieties will be featured in pet stores across the country, and you can also have your pet grooming professional apply temporary dye to your poodle’s coat for a special occasion; red, apricot, blue, silver, or gray are acceptable colors, and won’t damage your dog’s coat.

Learning about your dog’s temperament is also ideal before you buy your miniature poodle. You may have to socialize your dog as a puppy, since poodles tend to be very reserved when dealing with strangers. Miniature poodles tend to bark a lot as well, which means that will do a good job of alerting you if something goes wrong in the home. In most cases, your dog will like to play with children, but some poodle varieties can be a little high-strung, so try to see the parents or even grandparents of the puppies you are considering before taking them home. Your miniature poodle will also be great at learning tricks in most cases, which means you can entertain family and friends.

The miniature poodle generally has a pretty long life span as well, but you’ll need to watch out for certain genetic problems that can arise. Cataracts is common in all poodle varieties, and retinal atrophy could cause blindness, so you’ll need to take your poodle to the vet often for vision and nervous system checkups. Your poodle should also be checked for runny eyes and ear infections often. And, poodle skin tends to be sensitive; allergies and skin rashes can occur when certain types of dog shampoo or dyes are used, and clippers could cause skin conditions in poodles as well. Make sure that your grooming facility uses sanitized and hypo-allergenic materials when grooming your poodle.

For more great information on how to care for your miniature poodle, visit www.petguidelines.com.

September 28th, 2008 by KittyKitty

Poodles are generally fun-loving dogs that have a pretty reserved temperament, so if you’re looking for an agreeable pet that your family will love, you may want to consider a miniature poodle. Here is some general information about these dogs that will help you to make the right decision, as well as some things you can expect once you bring your pet home.

Concerns

One of the things you may be concerned about when it comes to your miniature poodle is grooming. Poodle hair tends to be thick and curly, so you’ll need to make sure that your puppy is groomed as often as possible. The standard grooming cut for puppies is relatively short hair all over the body, and you may need to do this about once a month or so to keep your pet looking great. Colors of miniature poodles include brown, cafe-au-lait, white or black varieties will be featured in pet stores across the country, and you can also have your pet grooming professional apply temporary dye to your poodle’s coat for a special occasion; red, apricot, blue, silver, or gray are acceptable colors, and won’t damage your dog’s coat.

Learning about your dog’s temperament is also ideal before you buy your miniature poodle. You may have to socialize your dog as a puppy, since poodles tend to be very reserved when dealing with strangers. Miniature poodles tend to bark a lot as well, which means that will do a good job of alerting you if something goes wrong in the home. In most cases, your dog will like to play with children, but some poodle varieties can be a little high-strung, so try to see the parents or even grandparents of the puppies you are considering before taking them home. Your miniature poodle will also be great at learning tricks in most cases, which means you can entertain family and friends.

The miniature poodle generally has a pretty long life span as well, but you’ll need to watch out for certain genetic problems that can arise. Cataracts is common in all poodle varieties, and retinal atrophy could cause blindness, so you’ll need to take your poodle to the vet often for vision and nervous system checkups. Your poodle should also be checked for runny eyes and ear infections often. And, poodle skin tends to be sensitive; allergies and skin rashes can occur when certain types of dog shampoo or dyes are used, and clippers could cause skin conditions in poodles as well. Make sure that your grooming facility uses sanitized and hypo-allergenic materials when grooming your poodle.

September 27th, 2008 by PetGuru

It has been known long that some crossbreeds seem to do better than their parents of either breed. It’s a matter of finding which breeds cross best with other breeds. Many of these crossbreeds even go on to become established breeds in their own right. The Golden Labrador Retriever is an example of this, bred from Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Even at an early age, they readily show the best of both the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever.

The Best Dog?

Both Labrador and Golden Retrievers are dogs that really love people and are eager to please. Keep in mind that not all dogs are alike, and improper training will always make a disorderly, fearful dog (regardless of breed), but on the whole, a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy is a born people pleaser. They are fascinated by people and seem to easily bond with them. They also have a lot of strength and high energy levels, which comes in good for service and search and rescue dogs.

Great Dogs For Helping the Blind

The Golden Labrador Retriever are hailed as the best seeing eye dogs by experts that train seeing eye dogs in England. There is an extensive breeding program run in England by Guide Dogs to raise dogs to be seeing eye dogs. A Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy is first tested at about eight weeks of age to see what his personality is like.

Their training never really stops. Many a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy fails the program and is put up for adoption as a pet. To take a Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy and turn out a dependable life-saver costs an average of $70,000 (US). They work until old age or illness forces them to retire, and then they are placed in care homes for the remainder of their lives.

Other Things to Know

Many information websites will tell you that a Golden Labrador will always be yellow, which is not always the case. Every now and then there is a black or chocolate Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy born. You can register your Labrador/Golden Retriever puppy with the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Each day, there is a newborn Golden / Labrador Retriever puppy who makes that first step to being a specially trained service dog. They all can rescue us from ourselves and our selfishness and help give our souls back to ourselves.