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

A Longer Lasting Dog Treat

by Kimberly Case


Dog Treats that Can Save your Sanity Dog treats can be so much more than a quick snack for your pet. They can be used to encourage good behavior and entice your pet's mind and curiosity. If you know the best kinds and the right way to present them, you can help your pet work out frustration and energy as well as help them develop good social practices. A Hidden Surprise Dogs are thinking creatures, even if most people do not recognize them as such. They can learn a great deal and enjoy engaging their minds. Even as they age, it is important to keep them busy and learning. One great way to do so is by using dog treats with "thinking" toys such as a Kong. These are designed with chambers intended to hide treats. When given to your dog, he doesn't immediately have access to the treat. Instead, he must work them out by gnawing and chewing. This has an added bonus of helping to keep your dog's teeth clean. As he chews on the rubbery surface, he can work out any food or debris stuck between teeth. Plus this is a great way to keep him occupied when company visits or when you need some peace and quiet. A Longer Lasting Dog Treat Pet treat manufacturers have began producing lines of longer lasting treats. These are intended to be completely devoured; however it takes your pet a lot longer to work through them. Many well known brands make these unique dog treats, such as the famous Busy Bone. They are usually larger than a regular biscuit and cylindrical in shape. Some feature a harder outer layer with a different flavor at the center. The only downside to this type of dog treat is the cost. For the same price as a bag of treats, you can get one or two longer lasting alternatives. It is recommended to reserve these treats for times when you need your pet distracted rather than for every day rewards. A Food-Influenced Attention Span Dogs are very receptive to food, although you should never only offer edible rewards. This can lead to overfeeding and your pet's expectations that a treat will always be given. Instead, use the treat reward efficiently by only offering it when your dog does exactly as he was supposed to or makes a large step in training. The rest of the time, stick with praise. During the obedience training phase, you might have trouble keeping your pet's attention in certain situations. One temporary fix is to keep a couple treats in your pocket. Let your dog see and smell the treats, but do not allow him or her to become overbearing or muscle their nose in to grab one. Instead, practice a basic sit and stay. Try this when company visits or when there is activity in the house. Your pet will learn to stay near you and remain still and quiet despite outside stimulation. Be patient because this takes time and repetition. Always offer the reward at some point to keep your dog interested. Dog treats are a great way to teach your pet good behavior and keep him or her busy when you need to focus attention elsewhere. With so many brands available, it is easy to find the right size and flavor for your pet. Add a Kong toy or try freezing treats in ice as a new way to present the same treats your four legged friend loves.

Kimberly Case is a popular contributor at http://www.dogtreatstogo.com Click Here to visit our store.
Source:www.isnare.com

How Old is My Dog Really?

by James McMillian

How Old is My Dog Really? Have you ever wondered how old your dog really is? Many people believe that their dogs is seven times his "human age". However, dogs age and mature differently than humans do.The calculations used to compare canine years with human years evolve with research that is more scientific. At one time, it was believed that one year of a canine's life was equivalent to seven years in a human. Later, one year was equal to five years. Neither theory is correct based on many variables and considerations. The common belief that our dog is seven times his age in years does become true, eventually. As dogs become older than three years, they age at seven times their age in years. More about the dog life phases and characteristics: The childhood of a puppy is shorter compared to people. Pups are born with a full set of teeth but permanent teeth begin to appear at around 5 months of age. The pup displays excessive chewing behavior as the new teeth erupt. The young dog requires more food at this time as their bodies grow, develop and to compensate for high energy levels. Males and females are sexually mature at the age of one and are physically mature at the age of 2. The longest living dog is recorded to be 27 years of age while the average dog's life tends to last 12 years. Life expectancy is not the same for all dogs and many factors are considered. Smaller breeds live longer than their larger counterparts. Certain breeds are more prone to health problems like arthritis, tumors, organ and structural defects. Doberman Pinschers are comparable in size to Boxers but outlive them by about 5 years. Lifestyle effects longevity. Working dogs require more physical activity or become depressed and anxiety ridden which contributes to health problems. Dogs that become overweight due to lack of exercise develop health issues. An animal aged 8 or 9 who is expected to have the physical stamina of a dog aged 2 or 3 will experience tissue, bone injuries, and develop arthritis. Over breeding within a family line or breeding an unhealthy animal will result in genetic defects that effect longevity. Animals that are neutered are less likely to develop cancer later in life and rhe risk of cancer decreases the sooner the dog is neutered. This is true regardless of whether the animal is male or female. Proper medical care including vaccinations and treatment for illness or injury affects life expectancy. Whether the animal is properly fed, housed and exercised will all determine longevity. Mature dogs have less food and exercise requirements than an adult dog, as they generally are less rambunctious and calmer. A vet will consider the condition of a dog's teeth and physical structure when determining health age. An animal that appears to be 5 or 6 years old may be older or younger due to their living conditions. The aged dog will have gray or white hair on their faces. They experience vision and hearing loss and the heart and kidneys will start to decline. Physical capability diminishes and temperament may change.

James McMillian is a long time dog lover and pet enthusiast. He currently writes for Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find dog car seats and pet fences .
Source:www.isnare.com

Should dogs be left alone outside for long periods of time?

by Queenie1

You just got a dog and your husband wants the dog to go outside alone. Your husband feels that the dog will get used to being outside but months later when you put the dog outside he continually whines and barks.

Dogs are pack animals so they are meant to be with their owners. If the dog continues to bark when you leave it outside it is feeling bored or neglected and he wants to be inside the house with you so just bring your dog inside.

If your neighbour calls the authorities because of your barking dog you could get into trouble especially if they see no food, water or shelter outside for your pet. It's not good to leave your dog outside more than 1-2 hrs as they could get hurt outside or run off or dig outside of the fence.

I prefer to keep my dog inside with our family. When we adopted our rescue dog we were told not to leave our dog alone more than 8 hrs without someone around him. The dog pound workers felt strongly that dogs need much human contact and shouldn't be alone longer than that as that is neglect but this is a decision that you and your family will need to make.

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.

Dog Wellness while travelling

by Queenie1

Summer's here - family vacations and outings sometimes include our precious pet dogs.

If you feed your dog kibble or canned foods packing food for your dog is easy. Put the dogs dry food in daily portions in a zip lock bag before you leave. If your dog eats canned food buy a small can so you don't have left overs to keep cool. Organize your pet food, treats, dish, etc by putting all his items in a separate plastic bin.

If you cook your own dog's food or give him raw food you will need a refrigerator. Hotels, RVs, or tent trailers have refrigerators for your pets food but if you're tenting you will need a cooler to keep the dogs food cool unless you shop daily. You can preplan your trip by making an itinerary and find the local pet food stores on the web so you know where they are if you plan to buy it daily.

I usually get small water bottles and freeze them before our journey and use them instead of ice cubes to keep the food cool and as drinking water later when they melt. Some parks post signs to let you know if their water has bacteria some don't so ask. It's better for your pet dog to drink water from his regular environment so he doesn't get sick or give him some of the bottled water.

Sometimes while travelling your dog gets stressed and won't eat normally. Pepto Bismol may help or light foods like rice. Some people also give their pet dog a live "active" bacteria culture like plain yogurt to ease their stomachs or a pro biotic pill before they go on their trip but discuss this with your vet before you go.

Take your pet on a few short trips before before you go on your vacation to help prepare the dog for the journey so he will become a better dog traveller.

My Dog's afraid of hardwood floors/laminate flooring!!!

by Queenie1

You just ripped your carpets out and installed beautiful hardwood floors/laminate flooring throughout your home. It was a great idea wasn't it??? You thought it would be great for the whole family but your pet dog shakes and cries.

Why is your dog behaving this way? Maybe your dog hates the noise when his nails click as he walks on the floor. The dog is scared because he feels out of control like "Bambi"on ice while his feet slip and slide across the floor.

A great way to help your dog cope with the new floors is to put some area rugs around that he can run from rug to rug until he gets used to the flooring. Small runners in the halls will help also a bath mat in the bathroom will help him adjust too. In time he will get more confident with himself and the new floor changes in his life.