How to introduce a second dog!

by Queenie1

Many people have a dog and want to add another dog to the family pack. If you wish to do this there are some things that you should do to make the transition easier for the two dogs.

1. First read a book on dog breeds to see if the two dogs breeds will get along with each other. The book will tell you the characteristics of the breeds. If the larger dog has a strong prey drive for rabbits, squirrels, etc it may not be a wise choice to get a second small dog. Some animal shelters or city dog pounds have greeting rooms to introduce the two dogs together to see if they will get along before you take your dog home. Your vet may also be able to answer that question for you.

2. One of the best ways to introduce a new smaller dog to your larger dog is to take the two dogs to a neutral territory like a dog park, etc. You'll need two people walking the two dogs together on leashes. Never just place the two dogs together in the one dogs home before introducing them as they need a bit of time.

3. Let the two dogs sniff each other and get to know each other in a neutral territory before you take them home together.

4. After you've introduced the dogs if you have a backyard take the two dogs to the backyard together before bringing them into the home. If the one dog shows some dominance, aggression that is okay but you stay there and don't let it get out of hand.

5. Let the two dogs go inside the house together and inspect the home. Let them off their leashs and watch to see if there is any dog aggression. You could place a dog carrier in the house for the new dog to use as a safe place from the other dog so he can go in and out when he feels comfortable.

6. Make sure each dog has their own bowl, leash, etc so that you don't promote fighting.

One dog will make himself the dominant dog and the other dog will follow but make sure that you are the leader and not the dominant dog.

My Dog is Shedding Horribly!

by Queenie1

Is there something wrong with my dog as in the Fall season he seems to shed so much? When I pet my dog handfuls of fur come into my hands and I find pieces of fur all over my sofa, carpet, bed, clothes, etc which makes my allergies worse. I can't keep my house clean! Is my dog alright or is this shedding fur normal? What can I do?

It is normal for the dogs to shed in the Spring/Fall season. They shed all year round but more at Spring/Fall season. Short haired dogs shed more than long haired dogs also certain breeds shed more. Shedding can also occur from medical problems as internal diseases or skin disease.

Get your pet dog a dog brush and brush his coat often and you will take some of the dead fur out. You can also use a dry rag to rub his fur to get rid of some of the dogs dead fur. Purchase a furniture Polish or Pet Hair Remover product from the store to help remove some pet hair off the wood furniture you can also vacumn the fabric on the sofas and chairs to get the fur off.

Add Omega 3 & Omega 6 fish oil to the dog's food and the good quality food will help stop the dogs shedding. The proper balance of Omega 3's and Omega 6's will give your pet dog a very healthy coat.

Fall shedding season is helping your dog to get rid of his summer fur coat so that his winter fur coat will keep him warm for the cold which is coming. The shedding season will pass quickly!

Terrier Puppy Training - Have Your Puppy Trained Today

By Diana Swanson Diana Swanson
Level: Basic

Author and article writer for training dogs and puppies with a special interest in terriers.


Choosing a new terrier puppy can be an exciting point in an owner's life. While terrier puppies can start out small, some breeds can reach over 80 pounds. Traditionally, terriers were bred and raised to hunt and control small animals such as foxes, rabbits and rats. Larger breeds of terriers were used to hunt badgers. You'll find that your terrier will have a very energetic spirit, a loyal heart and an attitude usually bigger than their size suggests.

Picking Out Your Terrier Puppy

When you're going to pick out a terrier pup, make sure that it's at least 8 weeks old, doesn't display aggressive behaviour and is generally friendly. If you can, have a vet take a quick look to ensure your potential new best friend is in good general health.

Terrier puppy training should begin when you bring your terrier pup to your house, assuming your pup is old enough and has been socialized properly first. If your terrier pup isn't quite ten weeks old or hasn't been acclimated properly with small groups of people or other dogs, you should take some time first to ensure your puppy is used to being around other dogs and people. This will prevent any issues with small dog aggression.

Puppies Training For Terriers

When your terrier puppy is at the right age, I would recommend some basic household training. Certain breeds of terriers such as bull terriers can be especially stubborn when they're young. I recommend that crate training be used and it's really recommended that you're home as much as possible during the house training so you can start establishing pack leader status and correct deviations quickly. While it may seem to take a long time at first to get your terrier puppy properly housebroken, once proper behaviors are established, you will find your terrier puppy will stick to the rules of the house with uncanny loyalty. The time investment up front will be worth it in the end, trust me.

Once the basics are covered, the next step is to build your terrier puppy's surrounding to help establish that you're the clear alpha pack leader. Instruct your terrier puppy not to bite using toys. If your terrier puppy bites you, you can help correct that behavior by letting out a clear whining sound to let him know it hurts. Also, a word about furniture. Don't let your puppy to leap onto the couch and don't let it sleep in the same bed with your. The crate should be used as much as possible in the early stages of your puppy's life. Over time, you'll extend the length of time in which they can stay in there.

When your terrier puppy reaches 3 months of age, it's time to get into obedience training. Try and nail the basics such as getting your terrier to stay, sit, lie down, focus on you, come when called, wait inside doors and not yank on the leash. The emphasis on obedience training should continue until 6 months of age.

Terriers have an especially good knack for picking up motion cues from their owners, though with some breeds of terriers, you'll find that that might not want to follow your lead right away. Be patient, over time, they'll tune will change.

Utilizing Terrier Puppy Training To Protect Them

Since terriers are naturally curious creatures, you'll find that they will want to go out and learn about the new environments they encounter as much as possible. In the terrier's early life, teach them not to chase cars as that behavior is sometimes the first reaction a terrier has when they encounter this new moving object. Also instruct it stop at curbs and to not dash away from you in public settings. Otherwise, they risk hurting themselves by cars crossing the road or by getting lost in a crowd of people. Keep the leash on the terrier while you're out walking it until you can be confident that it'll return to you when called and that it won't venture off too far away from you. Trying to chase a fast terrier can be a very exhausting exercise indeed!

While training a terrier can seem challenging at first, especially to dog owners who've never owned one before, you'll discover that terriers are really a loyal breed. With proper terrier puppy training, they'll start to follow your commands on queue, stay with you when you're out in public without a leash and keep your house free of "surprises". But you have to ensure you set the rules down early and be keen on enforcing them in the critical early years.

All the best in your quest to training your terrier.
Diana Swanson
Founder of http://www.TopTerrier.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_Swanson

Getting a Dog who doesn't chase Cats

by Queenie1

You have cats and you want to get a dog. You wonder how to get a dog who won't chase your cats. Are there certain breeds of dogs who are less interested in cats?

From what I have seen there are dogs raised as puppies with cats who usually get along with the cats in their home but the dog may chase someone else's cat that he's not familiar with. If you have a puppy and he chases the cat your cat will get angry or mad at the puppy and will swipe the puppies nose, hiss or growl at him. From this the puppy will learn not to chase the cat again. You can also train your dog when he's young not to chase the cat.

Certain dog breeds have a higher "prey drive" instinct and will instinctively chase cats. Any cat or animal that runs in front of the dog will kick in your dogs "prey drive" as it is fun for him to chase. I just have to look at my dog's face after chasing a cat and he usually has a smile so they enjoy it.

Some dogs have no interest in cats. If you want a dog that gets along with cats you can look on this website:  Petfinder

Look for a dog that is cat tested by their dog foster parents. The petfinder has information on each dog. They state whether the dog is good with children, young children and with other animals or whether they get along with cats. The dogs are already tested with cats and they are ready for your home.

You will find a nice dog there for your home as well as a pet dog that will accept your cats without chasing them. You also will be saving the life of a dog who needs a good loving home.

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The Basenji Dog Breed

by Queenie1

The Basenji dog breed was used in the past for getting rats, chasing game into nets and then retrieving them but now they are used as companion dogs.

The Basenji is 16"-17" from his shoulders down and weighs 20-28 lbs. They have a small, muscular build with very little fat. The Basenji breed has a short shedding coat with low maintenance which requires occasional brushing. They constantly clean themselves.

The Basenji are a confident, outgoing, stubborn dog. The females go into heat once a year rather than two times a year like other dog breeds. This barkless dog has a vocalization range from chortling to a wail if he doesn't want to do something.

The breed is harder to train as they are resistant. They may nip or bite strangers or children so they are not good for families. The Basenji has lots of character and personality.

Apartment living is okay if the dog is walked daily but they can be very noisy. Basenji's need a strong, patient owner. The dog is not good with other dogs or strangers. When outside keep the dog on a leash as Basenji's can climb fences.

Beagle Dog Breeds

by Queenie1

Originally the breed was used to track foxes and rabbits because of their great scent. They were used to hunt in packs.

Beagles are a smaller scent hounds and there are two kinds; the one is 13" from the shoulder down and weighs 18 lbs while the other kind is about 15" from the shoulder down weighing 30 lbs. They are a sturdy, high-energy dog with a short low maintenance coat that sheds.

The Beagles strong scent will distract him so he may ignore you at times. The Beagle will need constant training when you get him. The Beagles nose rules their brains but they are a very smart, intelligent, affectionate dog.

Beagles are not a good dog for apartment living because of their howling and barking. The Beagle is good with children handling him so he makes a good family pet and he is also good with strangers as well as other dogs.

The dog is easily distracted if he smells a scent so he will do better in a fenced in yard and when you walk him it's best to keep him on a leash so it doesn't run away. Daily exercise is important for this active dog. The owner of the Beagle needs to have time to train this curious dog.

Petit Basset Griffon Venda Dog Breed

by Queenie1

In the past the dog was used to track rabbits. The Petit Basset Griffon Venden has a great smell, they are a sturdy dog with a weather-resistent coat.

The PBGV is 13" - 15" from the shoulder down and they weigh 35 - 45 lbs. They have a strong, sturdy, atheletic body. Their outer coat sheds and has a wiry, rough coat while the undercoat is think and short. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen needs an occassional trim and brushing a couple times a week. They have long ears covered with long hair.

They are active, playful, alert, friendly dogs who are very independent. Their great sense of smell can distract them.

The owner should be an active leader for a energetic dog. The PBGV is a good family dog if given lots of exercise and training. They need a fenced in yard but they have been proven to do okay in an apartment as well.

The Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier Dog Breeds

By Queenie1

The Bull Terrier was used in the past as a fighting dog but today it is used as a great little companion.

The Bull Terrier stands 15"-22" from the shoulder down and weighs 40-75 lbs. The miniature Bull Terrier stands 10"-14" from shoulder down and weighs 10-20 lbs. The Bull Terrier has a very stocky, well muscled body of thick, solid muscle. Their eyes are sunken and their foreheads are more domed. The Bull Terrier's coats are short, hard fur and it sheds so the dog will need an occasional brushing.

The Bull Terriers are very affectionate, playful, active dogs with their owners but not good with strangers. They have a high prey drive towards small animals and can become very aggressive.

The Bull Terrier are not a good family dog. They need early, firm training from a firm owner.

The Bull Terriers can live in apartments but they need lots of exercise and training. The regular sized Bull Terrier does better in an home with a fenced in yard.

The Dachshund Breed Dog

by Queenie1

This breed anciently was used to track badgers but was later bred smaller to hunt foxes and rabbits. The Dachshund has an excellent sense of smell and will fight with it's prey if the prey is difficult. There are 2 types of Dachshunds the standard which stands 9" from shoulder down and weighs 12-24 lbs or the miniature stands 5-6" from the shoulder down and weighs less than 12 lbs. Both types of Dachshunds have one of these 3 coats:

The wire haired coat which sheds is a rougher texture that is medium length.

The long haired coat which sheds but the coat is a silky, shiny medium length coat which needs a couple of brushing a week.

The smooth coat which also sheds but is short and shiny and requires little care.

Both Dachshund sizes have long backs with bodies close to the ground.


The Dachshund dog is a spirited, playful dog with great scenting abilities.

The wire hair coated Dachshund is more active and stubborn then the other 2 coated types.

The long hair coated Dachshund is shyer and shy of strangers.

The smooth hair coated Dachshund are friendly, bold and very alert. They feel the cold so you will need to provide them with a sweater on colder days.

Apartment living is okay for this breed dog but he will need daily exercise. They also are good little watchdogs and can bark loudly. The owner of this breed needs to be firm, consistent and patient with the dog. Children are okay with this breed if they aren't rough with them.

Border Terrier Dog Breeds

by Queenie1

The Border Terrier was used in many years ago to hunt foxes and badgers. They have a lot of spunk, stamina and determination.

The Border Terrier stands 9"-11"at the shoulder and weighs 11-15 lbs. They have a compact and sturdy body. The Border Terrier has longer legs so he can run. Their fur is short, coarse and wiry so they shed little.

The Border Terrier is a very active, athletic dog breed with a strong drive. They are a very affectionate breed and like to please their owners. The Border Terrier needs to socialize properly and they need consistent, patient training. This dog has a high prey drive towards small animals. If you are patient with him he will be a great companion for you.

The Border Terrier will live well in an apartment if you make sure he gets lots of exercise. The Breed is a high-energy, playful dog so his owner needs to very active too. If left alone in the yard for long periods of time he will dig. This dog loves to play with children but watch the young children with him.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed Health Issues, History, Living Conditions, Grooming and Temperament

By scott lipe | Date Submitted: 06/08/10
More Details about shih tzu here.
Summary: The Shih-Tzu is a sturdy small dog, with a height of up to 11 inches and weighing 9-16 pounds. They have a long tail, which is almost as long as their body, and a broad round head that is wide in between their eyes. Their large round eyes are a mediu



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Description: The Shih-Tzu is a sturdy small dog, with a height of up to 11 inches and weighing 9-16 pounds. They have a long tail, which is almost as long as their body, and a broad round head that is wide in between their eyes. Their large round eyes are a medium to dark colour, depending on their colour and shade of coat. Their large ears are pendant shaped, covered with an ample amount of hair, low set and hang down. The tail is low set and, again, has no shortage of hair upon it. The facial hair is also quite prolific with the hair above the eyes often been tied up out of the way, and the hair on the sides of the face hanging down, giving the impression of a large beard or moustache.
History: This breed is very ancient, which has been confirmed by DNA testing. Remains of skeletons having been found, in settlements, which date back some 10,000 years. There are various stories and theories relating to the origins of the Shih-Tzu we see today. However, a lot of these may appear to be just myth or legend. There are, however, pictures that show dogs closely resembling the Shih-Tzu almost exactly and these paintings date back to the 16th century. These dogs originated in, and were very popular in, China. They were a great favourite and became popular with the Royal families of China. Such was their popularity that the Chinese would refuse any form of trade for these puppies. The first breeding pair were imported to England in the 1930s but were not recognized as a breed until 1946. The AKC in 1969 recognized it as a breed.

Temperament: The breed is hardy, happy, lively, and very alert, and can have a character that simply spills over. They are a gentle, friendly dog and easily make friends, but they are very loyal to their master. Training is relatively simple, due to the intelligence of this breed. Training must be conducted in a calm and consistent fashion. Because this breed looks so cute it is hard to reprimand or deny them anything. However, it is very necessary for them to be trained well, to avoid the problem of 'small dog syndrome', so sometimes denying them or informing them have done wrong, in a calm fashion, is necessary. If you do not establish yourself as the superior over the dog, they may become snappy and fretful, and sometimes even biting. They require physical and mental stimulation daily, going out for walks and playtime should adequately take care of this, as long as enough time is spent on the activities. Good firm training will be rewarded, as your dog grows into a trustworthy and sweet companion.

Health issues: As a breed these dogs are generally healthy, with a lifespan of approx.15 years and sometimes more. They are, however, prone to spinal diseases, and stifle problems, caused by the length of their back in comparison to the shortness in their legs. They can be prone also to eye problems, infections of the ear, and premature loss of teeth. Care must be taken with their feeding as these dogs gain weight very easily, overfeeding can be very bad for them.

Grooming: A good daily brush, using a firm bristled brush or comb, is often adequate. The dogs are of a long-haired breed, but some owners like to have their hair trimmed shorter to make it more manageable. However, if you are showing your dog, trimming is probably best carried out at a salon, unless you are skilled and experienced enough to do this yourself. If you are not showing your pet, but have decided to keep the hair long, then the brushing process will take longer, and you may need to trim some of the hair yourself, or you may also take the dog to the salon as a special treat.

Living conditions: As a dog, that is reasonably active indoors they can survive without a yard, and enjoy a good play, which will burn off some of their excess energy. Walking is still very important though, as dogs enjoy going outside to see different things. As long as their exercise requirements are met, the breed is well suited to apartment life.



scottlipe@yahoo.com
Author's URL: http://www.scottspuppypalace.com
Dog and Puppy Training from a lifetime of experience dealing with puppies and dogs.