Many people who get a dog do a poor job of researching how much responsibility is involved in owning a pet. This is especially true of people who neglect dog training.

There's a wealth of information about dog training, but experts say that one of the best reasons to train a dog properly is to establish a relationship of mutual trust. Unlike other kinds of pets, dogs are social animals that have been bred through centuries to serve and be close to their human owners. Dogs by their nature are pack animals that look to a leader to know how to behave, and a human who doesn't establish this kind of relationship really fails to take good care of his or her dog.

About three weeks after they're born, puppies entertain into a behavioral period known as socialization. Between three and 12 weeks, the main task of puppies is social play. The investigate, they "play-fight, " and they mimic sexual behaviors. Their subsequent behavior is shaped by the puppies interaction with their mother and littermates.

Unfortunately for dogs, humans for centuries had an attitude that it was necessary to "break a dog's spirit" in order to train them properly. This attitude resulted from humans' sense that they had to dominate their animals in order to control them properly. Thankfully over the last century or so, animal experts have learned much about the natural instincts and behaviors of dogs so that puppy training has advance from this earlier, more cruel attitude.

However, all puppies go through a period of "stranger avoidance" between six and 12 weeks. This is a natural fear that develops as a way to keep puppies safe from predators. During this time puppies exhibit more "startle" reactions to sounds and sudden movements. These reactions keep a pup safe, but they also could interfere with establishing relationships with people. That's why it best not to rush a puppy through these behavioral period. Let it get its bearings first.

Dogs that are petted and cuddle by people frequently during their first eight weeks of life tend to be better suited to living in a household as a family pet. Ideally puppies should be situated in their owners' homes between eight and 10 weeks. By 10 to 12 weeks, puppies can be more fearful or new things and new situations, which can impede their adaptation to their new homes.

If a puppy is properly settled into a home, basic dog training, also known as obedience training, can begin in earnest around 12 weeks, or after a puppy has had all its vaccinations. By this time, a puppy that has been correctly socialized is ready to begin learning how to behave appropriately by following its owner's instructions.

One thing that is never, never, never appropriate in dog training is to strike, hit or physically abuse a dog in any way. Dogs, especially puppies, quickly become devoted to their owners and physical abuse will destroy that relationship. Always train a dog with firmness, but with patience and lots of love.

Dogs can become more loyal, obedient, and affectionate towards their owners through vigorous puppy training. Enroll your canine companion in some dog training Kelowna today!

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Written by Adriana Noton using tags: canine training, Canines, dog lessons, Dog Owners, dog training, dog training school, Dogs, obedience commands, pet owners, pet training

Besides food, water, exercise, and plenty of love and attention, your dog will rely upon you to manage his health. Your pooch is not like a person, even though he occasionally seems so. He is susceptible to a number of ailments, including worms and parasites. If these little bugs are allowed to fester inside your canine's body, they can cause severe health problems.

Below, we'll explain how the issue starts and why parasitic infections are so problematic, especially for puppies. You'll also learn to recognize symptoms that suggest your puppy has a few stowaways inside his body. Lastly, we'll describe how the condition is treated.

How The Infection Begins

Many owners would be surprised to know their puppies are likely to already have parasites and worms when they adopt them. Most pups will experience them at some point during their young lives. The mother is often the root cause.

If a puppy's mother had not been regularly dewormed prior to becoming pregnant, she may have played host for an assortment of different parasites. If that was the case, it's possible that your pup was infected while he was still in her womb. It's also possible that he ingested the bugs while nursing. The parasites can travel along the placenta and find their way onto the mother's mammary glands.

Another potential hazard is dog feces. Canines are routinely exposed to the feces of other dogs. This often happens while visiting parks or during walks. If there are parasite eggs present, your pooch can easily ingest them.

Recognizing The Symptoms

If your dog has developed a parasitic infection, he may begin to lose weight. It's common for canines who are suffering from parasites and worms to lose their appetite and experience diarrhea. If the infection is serious, your dog may start to tire easily and display low energy levels. The quality of his coat might also decline and he'll likely develop a pot belly.

How The Problem Is Resolved

Treating a parasitic infection involves several stages of deworming. The reason is because the medication that is used is only effective on adult parasites. Your puppy may ingest eggs and larvae, but the medication will not be effective on them until they mature. That can take months.

Experts recommend deworming be performed every two weeks for the first two months of your puppy's life. Then, your dog should be dewormed again at three months. If the infestation is serious, plan to deworm him once a month for three additional months. It's also important to clean any area in your home that your pup frequents. Otherwise, he may become infected again after having been dewormed.

It's worth underscoring that your puppy will likely endure one or more health issues at some point before he reaches adulthood. Plan for it. Make a note of any symptoms that suggest he may have picked up stowaways. And make sure you're taking him to his veterinarian on a regular basis. Treating these types of infections is easy, but your puppy relies on you to get them resolved.

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Written by Brian Westfall using tags: dog, dog health, Dog Owners, dog training, Dogs, Pets, puppies

Owners have grown accustomed to their canines lifting their legs to mark trees and bushes during routine walks. The behavior is motivated by more than a mere need to urinate (and in some cases, defecate). It is a way to communicate territorial ownership. If it is only done outside, few owners would complain. The problem is that many dogs mark inside the home.

Below, we'll explain why dogs mark and the function it serves. We'll also explore why some do it within the home and how owners can effectively curb the behavior.

Part Of A Pack Mentality

As pack animals, canines are naturally driven to protect their territory. When they live together within their pack, their territory represents everything they need in order to perpetuate the clan. Specifically, that includes their mates and pups. Marking serves as a warning to others. It communicates to another animal that it has wandered into claimed territory. In effect, it is trespassing.

There are pheromones within a pooch's urine that are instantly recognizable to other canines. When a trespasser detects those pheromones, there is little question that another dog has marked the area. That said, canines will also use feces, scratches on the ground, and other signs to mark the ground or an object.

You'll occasionally notice your pooch marking territory that you have witnessed another pet marking in the past. This is common. The second dog (in this case, your own) is trying to claim the area of the first. This often becomes an ongoing dispute until one or the other eventually concedes defeat.

Why It Happens Inside The Home

If your pooch is marking areas within your home, his motivation is often triggered by the same instincts that lead him to do it outside: protection of territory. He likely understands his place in the hierarchy under your leadership. However, he may be confused or uncertain regarding his place in the presence of a new baby, other pets, or even guests in your home. That is, his marking is a derivative of claiming his territory.

Treating The Cause And Symptoms

Curbing the behavior may be as simple as spaying or neutering your pooch. If he's intact, there is a 50% chance that neutering will remove his motivation to mark an area - both outside and inside your home. If your canine is neutered and continues to mark, he may be concerned about the presence of unfamiliar dogs nearby. The most effective solution is to simply keep those canines away.

In rare cases, a pooch may mark an area within a home because he has an inflated perspective of his place in the household hierarchy. This behavior is usually accompanied by aggression toward his owner. In these type of circumstances, it is important to enroll the canine into a training program as soon as possible.

Marking is only a problem if your dog does it indoors. Whether due to stress, confusion, or aggression, understanding the behavior holds the key to curbing it.

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categories: Dogs, Dog, Dog Training, Dog Owners, Dog Behavior

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Written by Alex Roseone using tags: dog, dog behavior, Dog Owners, dog training, Dogs, Pets

The meals you provide for your pooch are more important than you might realize. If he does not receive the right vitamins and nutrients, his health and vitality can quickly plummet. Once that happens, his body will become far more susceptible to diseases, viruses, and other problems.

Fortunately, making sure your dog receives the food he needs is simple, especially with the packaged formulas available at most pet supply stores. Even so, many owners remain confused regarding their canine's nutritional needs. In this article, we'll offer simple answers to questions you might have about your pooch's diet.

Question 1 - When Should I Transition My Pup To Adult Food?

If you own a puppy, you'll already know how energetic they are and how quickly they grow. Puppy food is specifically formulated to give puppies the vitamins and nutrients their bodies require for that quick growth. However, it's inappropriate once they reach a certain age. You should transition your pup to adult food once he has reached 90% of his expected full-grown weight. Usually, this happens at nine or ten months, so watch the calendar.

Question 2 - Which Brand Is The Best?

Worry less about the brand you purchase for your canine and more about whether he's receiving the ingredients he needs. There are several popular brands (including Waltham, Iams, and Purina) that are generally considered to be good. However, it's more important to consider the type of protein, fat, and vitamins your pooch requires. And that depends on his age, weight, and overall health. If you're uncertain, ask your dog's veterinarian for suggestions.

Question 3 - How Much Is Enough?

Every breed is unique and even canines within the same breed have different nutritional needs. The volume of food you give to your dog during each meal will depend largely on his life circumstances. Is he a puppy? If you own a female, is she pregnant? Is your pooch energetic, bounding at every chance to go for walks. Or, is he content to sit on the couch all day? And of course, his size and health both play key roles. Again, consult the veterinarian to design a meal plan that is appropriate for your dog.

Question 4 - Does My Dog Really Need Meat?

This might surprise a lot of owners: your canine does not necessarily need to consume meat in order to be healthy. As long as he has a plentiful source of protein, he can remain in great health as a vegetarian. Having said that, you should talk to your veterinarian before taking meat off your pooch's menu. He may have additional insight that is specific to your canine.

Creating a nutritious menu that provides the right blend of protein, fats, vitamins, and nutrients for your dog takes planning and dedication. But, once you establish a routine, you'll find there's rarely a reason to change it.

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Written by Lawrence Reaves using tags: canine health, dog health, Dog Owners, dog training, Dogs, Pets

When left to their own devices, dogs love to engage each other in a bout of playing. To the uninitiated owner who observes the interaction, the behavior can seem cute, odd, and even worrisome if things seem to be getting too rough. The fact is, canines enjoy this type of contact with each other and rarely does the contact get out of hand. In a way, it is a social dance they perform with one another from the time they are puppies through adulthood.

Below, we'll explore why canines play with each other. You'll learn about their motivations and triggers as well as the types of play in which they engage.

Understanding The Motivations

Many types of pack animals play with others within their group when they're young. However, once they reach adulthood, they usually stop. Dogs are different. For some reason, they never lose their juvenile tendencies. Even well into adulthood, assuming they are not prevented by an illness or other health issue, canines will continue playing with one another.

Veterinarians suggest that one of the reasons canines interact in this manner is because they are rehearsing their roles as adults. For example, you might observe puppies wrestling over resources or with each other - behavior that may be necessary later in their lives. You will also see them biting or humping.

Another motivation is a simple desire to engage their mind and body. Your pooch needs mental stimulation and exercise in order to remain happy and healthy. Playing with another dog provides a perfect outlet.

Social Interaction

Just as young people must learn to interact with each other without exceeding acceptable social limits, canines must also learn proper social skills. This type of playing occurs most frequently when they are puppies. They'll jump on one another, chewing and biting playfully. If one of the "players" goes too far (for example, bites too hard), the other will let him know. This is how they learn what is acceptable and what is not.

Sexual Interaction

When dogs play sexually, their interaction usually manifests as mounting. Studies have shown that if a pooch reaches adulthood without having had sufficient mounting experience, his initial attempts at mating can often prove unsuccessful. When there is no play partner present, dogs will mount furniture or even a person's legs. The latter complicates the relationship between an owner and his pooch because the act of mounting is a dominant one.

Being A Predator

Canines are, by nature, predatory pack animals; certain characteristics are imprinted upon their brains. These characteristics manifest during play through chasing balls, sticks, and other objects. You'll often see dogs jumping and pinning things that are moving only to release them before attempting to pin them again. They are sharpening their predatory skills in a playful environment.

Your dog has a playful streak that is nearly impossible to suppress. As an owner, try to provide him with an environment that gives him the opportunity to enjoy himself, build his skills, and interact with playmates.

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Written by Ronald Jamison using tags: Dog Owners, Dog Tips, Dogs, Pets

There are many reasons why you and your family may no longer be able to care for your canine. For example, you might be relocating to an apartment complex that does not allow pets. Your son or daughter may have an allergy that is exacerbated by your pooch. Or, there may be a behaviorial issue for which you're unsuited to resolve.

Though frustrating, millions of owners are forced to find another home for their dogs. Below, we'll provide three tips that will make the search easier while ensuring your canine enjoys a nurturing new environment.

Tip 1 - Start With Local Animal Shelters

In most cases, the shelters that accept pets will toil in order to find good homes for them. They'll interview candidates to determine whether a person is a suitable match given a particular's dog's temperament. This screening process helps to safeguard the safety of the animals in the shelter's care. Sometimes, a facility will also work with a number of rescue organizations that focus on specific breeds. While these organizations may not accept your pooch directly, they will work with shelters.

Tip 2 - Visit The New Home

A potential adopter may seem ideal on paper, but the only way to know for certain is to visit his or her house. You need to physically visit the environment in which you intend to place your dog. There is an underground cottage industry in which people pretend to be loving adopters, but actually sell the animals they "adopt" to dealers. This is the way many canines end up in illegal dogfights. Visit the new home to gain a level of comfort regarding whether it will be suitable for your pooch.

Tip 3 - Take Every Element Into Account

An environment may appear nurturing on the surface, but you'll need to investigate the matter. When you visit your canine's prospective new owners, look around the house. Are there other pets? If so, are they allowed to roam freely or are they chained? Do they appear healthy? Are there young children present and if so, how do they treat their pets?

Also, ask plenty of questions, even to the point of seeming mistrustful. Ask whether they already have a veterinarian to whom they'll take your dog. Ask about their knowledge of canines and their past experience with them. These questions may initially seem "nosy," but the well-being of your pooch is at stake. It's worth seeming wary.

Saying goodbye to your canine can be heartbreaking, especially if you have spent a lot of time with him. The companionship you once enjoyed will be severely missed. That said, by taking the steps above, you can help make certain your dog will be happy and healthy in his new home.

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Written by Tammy Messer using tags: dog care, dog health, Dog Owners, Dog Tips, Pets

There are many reasons why you and your family may no longer be able to care for your canine. For example, you might be relocating to an apartment complex that does not allow pets. Your son or daughter may have an allergy that is exacerbated by your pooch. Or, there may be a behaviorial issue for which you're unsuited to resolve.

Though frustrating, millions of owners are forced to find another home for their dogs. Below, we'll provide three tips that will make the search easier while ensuring your canine enjoys a nurturing new environment.

Tip 1 - Start With Local Animal Shelters

In most cases, the shelters that accept pets will toil in order to find good homes for them. They'll interview candidates to determine whether a person is a suitable match given a particular's dog's temperament. This screening process helps to safeguard the safety of the animals in the shelter's care. Sometimes, a facility will also work with a number of rescue organizations that focus on specific breeds. While these organizations may not accept your pooch directly, they will work with shelters.

Tip 2 - Visit The New Home

A potential adopter may seem ideal on paper, but the only way to know for certain is to visit his or her house. You need to physically visit the environment in which you intend to place your dog. There is an underground cottage industry in which people pretend to be loving adopters, but actually sell the animals they "adopt" to dealers. This is the way many canines end up in illegal dogfights. Visit the new home to gain a level of comfort regarding whether it will be suitable for your pooch.

Tip 3 - Take Every Element Into Account

An environment may appear nurturing on the surface, but you'll need to investigate the matter. When you visit your canine's prospective new owners, look around the house. Are there other pets? If so, are they allowed to roam freely or are they chained? Do they appear healthy? Are there young children present and if so, how do they treat their pets?

Also, ask plenty of questions, even to the point of seeming mistrustful. Ask whether they already have a veterinarian to whom they'll take your dog. Ask about their knowledge of canines and their past experience with them. These questions may initially seem "nosy," but the well-being of your pooch is at stake. It's worth seeming wary.

Saying goodbye to your canine can be heartbreaking, especially if you have spent a lot of time with him. The companionship you once enjoyed will be severely missed. That said, by taking the steps above, you can help make certain your dog will be happy and healthy in his new home.

• Arthritis Treatment For Dogs by Nicky Takasura As your dog ages it is not unusual for him to slow down a little; but only a little. The gradual decline of activity, and interest in activity, are signals that your pet may be experiencing joint pain as a result of arthritis. Joint issues are a......
• Dog Skin Diseases -- Figure out how to Win The War On Health Of Your own Dog's Skin Dog skin diseases can also happen simply because of fungal infections and when this happens it's known as ringworm. It is possible to easily detect ringworm mainly because there are going to be a substantial quantity of hairloss and it will be circular. Dog skin diseases are also quite......
• Proper Veterinary Care For Older Dogs When it comes to the need for medical attention, your pooch is like a human. As a puppy, he needed vaccinations and frequent check-ups. When he became an adult, routine exams were still important, but could be performed less frequently. As he grows older, his need for ongoing veterinary......
• How to Look After Your Pet Dog Dogs are very different from cats. A dog will need a lot more of your attention, but when treated right they will love you as much as you love them. Tip 1 " When you first get your dog, it is a good idea to attach an identification tag......

• Insurance Is For The Birds...and Other Pets Recently, I spent a rather large sum of money taking my dog to the veterinarian on a Sunday evening, only to discover he had an allergy attack which was simply and quickly cured by a dose of Benadryl. Granted we love our dog and seeing him with a swollen snout......
• Late linklings OK, here's my roundup of some of the most interesting stuff I read this week in this little jumble of info we lovingly call The Internets: The always-excellent Zen Habits has Get Off Your Butt, 16 Ways to Get Motivated When You're In A Slump. No reason to pretend you've......
• Like to Make Your Home More Inviting? How You Can Have an Ideal Home Décor Property may be the abode for the very good hearted. For the rest it's basically a house. As well as the difference may be shown definitely by the d?cor used to brighten the house. Some like it rich and dear, while for other people it's just basically excellent house design.......
• Money Saving Tips For College Students With summer winding to a close many families are beginning the annual back-to-school trek with cars loaded down with dorm room goodies and eager college-bound students. College is one of the more exciting phases of young adulthood, but unfortunately it has also become one of the most expensive. Opportunities abound......

Written by Brad Johnson using tags: dog care, dog health, Dog Owners, Dog Tips, Pets