Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Poodle Puppy's Stages of Development

Poodle puppies have various stages of development during their puppyhood. I will discuss three different stages below.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Eight to Twelve Weeks (2 – 3 months) of Age

Poodles, like most puppies have different needs during certain stages of development in their lives. During the first eight to twelve weeks of their lives, Poodle puppies have a great need for their mom and litter family. It is such an important time in the puppy's development because the mom will teach the puppy a great deal during these first weeks. The puppies are usually with their mom for a minimum of eight to ten weeks to ensure proper nourishment and socialization with the family litter.

At eight weeks of age, the Poodle puppies may be somewhat well socialized with each other. The Poodle puppies probably will have met some people other than the breeder. They will begin to develop their individual personalities.

One of your goals may be to have your puppy grow up and mature to be friendly, happy and very well-adjusted for their lifelong emotional well-being. Socialization is so important for your puppy. You will want them to feel comfortable in their new world.

It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment, (which includes people, animals, places and things), in a healthy and positive way throughout their lifetime. You will want your Poodle puppy's socialization experiences to be positive.

A Poodle puppy is usually very eager to explore their new environment. Puppyhood is an important period for your dog's development. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial. The time before the Poodle puppy is 16 weeks old is an important developmental time period when he may be very receptive and influenced by his experiences. Praise and positive reinforcement are so important with socialization and training. Socialization begins on the day your puppy is born and continues for the rest of his life.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Twelve to Sixteen Weeks (3 – 4 months) of Age

Your Poodle puppy may be at the developmental stage where he is very curious about his new environment. It is so important to puppy proof your house. You may want to read my recent blog post about puppy proofing your house.

At this age, your Poodle puppy may be very dependent on you and may want to be right with you the majority of the time. You can help build your puppy's confidence and be a good leader by beginning to teach him a few basic commands, such as sit, stay and come. You will want to incorporate housetraining for your puppy.

Your Poodle puppy may be in a very good developmental stage to hopefully learn things quickly. You can establish a nice emotional bond with your Poodle puppy. He will learn to feel safe, secure and confident in his new home.

The Poodle Puppy's Stage of Development at Sixteen to Twenty-Four Weeks (4 – 6 months) of Age

Your Poodle puppy may be more independent and may want to test you or his environment a little more. You may need some patience and be consistent and keep up your training lessons during this developmental stage. Your Poodle puppy may be slightly more brave with his efforts. It is helpful for you to guide and encourage your puppy along.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Keeping Your Poodle Puppy Safe While Outdoors this Summer

Now that the weather is getting a little warmer and more enjoyable in many locations, your new puppy or adult dog may be more eager to go outside. Puppies are usually very curious and they may have lots of energy. When someone first brings a new puppy home the puppy may want to start checking out many things inside and outside the house. You may be interested in puppy proofing your home to keep your Poodle puppy very safe at all times. You will want to make sure there is nothing within his reach that could harm him indoors or outdoors.

It is very important to make sure the outside of your home is safe. You can consult your veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house. You may wish to read Puppy Proofing Your Home. There are so many great ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful. Hopefully, you can puppy proof your backyard before your puppy goes outside. You will want to be with your Poodle puppy when he is outside, so you can supervise him.

If you have any fencing in your yard, you can check to make sure there are no holes through which your puppy could squeeze through and sneak out of the yard. Check to see if all of the gates are securely closed and that your Poodle puppy would not be able to crawl underneath the gate.

It is also important that your dog gets the proper exercise for his well-being. A responsible dog owner will obey leash laws and not let their dog run loose. You will probably need to get a license, and possibly a name tag for identification for your puppy. It is also important for your dog to be up-to-date with his vaccinations. You may be interested in reading 10 Pet Safety Tips You Should KnowDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com. It is also very important for a good dog owner to keep their dog safe while riding in a car. Car safety for dogs: "Safety tips for securing your dog for car rides" is a helpful article about this subject.

Some plants and trees outside may be toxic to dogs. Many bulb plants can also be poisonous. Some mulch can be toxic to dogs. Again, you can ask the veterinarian for a complete list of plants and trees that are dangerous or toxic to dogs. You may want to read Plants Which Are Potentially Poisonous. You will want to keep your Poodle puppy off of freshly treated lawns.

Keep all gasoline, auto supplies, insecticides, fertilizers for your lawn, oil, or any paint in securely closed containers out of reach from your puppy. Also, keep antifreeze out of reach from your puppy.

Swimming pools or hot tubs should be properly covered or fenced off.

For a safety measure, keep your Poodle puppy away from any barbecue grills during outdoor cooking.

Garbage should be kept in closed containers that have secure lids.

It is so important to keep your Poodle puppy healthy and safe.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Hypoallergenic Puppy Breeds and Their Benefits

By Jeff Van Dalsum

A puppy can bring so much joy to your household. However, if someone in your family has an allergy to your pup, they can't enjoy his company without itching, scratching, and sneezing.

People who are allergic to puppies are sensitive to dander or saliva. Dander is the flakes of skin and scurf that are shed by every dog throughout the course of a day.

Many people believe that some breeds of puppy are less likely to cause a reaction in sensitive people. Poodle puppies seem to have a coat that is more like hair than fur, so it may be less likely to cause a problem. The Labradoodle was bred by crossing Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, to try and produce a larger hypoallergenic dog.

Dander tends to be shed with hair, so a pup with a thick fur coat is more likely to cause reactions in allergic people. If you're looking for a hypoallergenic pup, it may be a good idea to choose a breed with a short thin coat, such as a Greyhound or Whippet.

Hairless pups, such as the Chinese Crested Dog or Mexican Hairless Dog are also considered to be a lower allergy risk than most other breeds.

Keep in mind that there is also lots of variation between individual dogs. Just because your family member can cuddle one dog with no problems, that doesn't mean they'll be fine with all other dogs of that breed.

So as you can see, there really is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic puppy, because all pups shed hair or dander and all dogs produce saliva. However, if you choose your breed carefully, you can reduce the risk of allergic reactions but you're not likely to eliminate them completely.

People with allergies can still enjoy the company of a puppy, but it takes a little work.

Firstly, reduce the amount of hair and dander that drifts through your home. This means vacuuming the house every day, and washing your pup's bedding to remove excess hair and skin scurf. Bathe and brush your pup twice weekly, so he doesn't shed as much hair. Both these tasks should be done by a non- allergic family member. Keep in mind that if you wash your pup with the wrong shampoo, it can dry out his coat. The result is more skin scurf and dander, which can make allergies worse. Choose a mild, soap free shampoo, and consider adding a fatty acid supplement to your pup's diet, to condition his coat from the inside.

There are also medications that can stop your body reacting to an allergen, and these can be helpful in controlling the symptoms of an allergy to pups.

There are so many health benefits to owning a pup such as reducing your stress levels and encouraging you to exercise more. If you choose your pup carefully, and keep your environment free of dog hair, your allergic family member can also enjoy your pup without constantly reaching for a tissue.

Perfect Puppy Care is a website dedicated to helping your raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved puppy. We have taken it as our goal to provide you with all of the information you need to know in order to make living with your puppy a memorable and fun experience. We want to make sure that you understand all of your choices for your puppy and that you will be able to make fully-informed decisions in respect to training, health, dietary, and general puppy care situations. We update our blog daily with new information on puppy care.

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

Adopting a Rescue Dog for a Family Pet

Rescue refers to dogs that have come to rescue groups because of a variety of possible reasons. The dogs may have come from dog pounds, dog shelters or puppy mills. They may have been a stray dog. Possibly, their original owners were no longer able to care for them anymore. There may be several reasons why dog owners may give up dogs of various ages. The important fact is that rescue dogs are in need of new homes with owners that want to care for them and bring them into their family. Some of the reasons why dogs may be in a rescue shelter are the following:

Possibly, the owner could no longer afford the necessary expenses required to maintain a dog, such as routine veterinary check-ups, the cost of dog food, cost of grooming, or any medication that may be needed for the dog.

The dog may have deteriorating or chronic health problems, and the veterinary expenses that are needed to properly take care of the dog are too expensive for the owner.

There may have been a change in the household. Maybe the children did not get along with the dog, or possibly there was just a new baby born in the family. There could have been a divorce, a death or major illness in the family. The family may have needed to move, and they were not allowed to have a dog in their new apartment or townhouse due to rules and regulations.

The original owner could have experienced a major change in lifestyle. Their employment and career changes could have involved more traveling away from home, or a major shift change with lots of overtime hours in their work schedule. The family may have realized they just did not have the necessary time required to take good care of a dog.

There could have been medical reasons for the owner to give up their dog. Someone in the family may have developed allergies to the dog, or experienced a chronic health condition and was no longer able to properly care for their dog.

Possibly, the dog had some behavioral problems.

The dog could have some training problems, such as housetraining issues.

It is important to note that a rescue dog may or may not come from an environment where he was mistreated. Any special needs of the rescue dog, such as health related issues should be considered when selecting a new home.

When you are considering adopting a rescue dog, you may want to consider the following:

The age of the puppy or adult dog.

How much prior training did the dog have in their previous home?

Is the dog successfully housetrained?

Has the dog been spayed or neutered?

Does the dog have any pre-existing or ongoing health problems?

Does the dog routinely take any medications prescribed by a veterinarian?

Is the dog on any special diet?

Is the dog up-to-date with his vaccinations?

Does the dog get along well with children and other pets?

Does the dog have any pre-existing behavior problems, such as aggressiveness?

Does the dog have any problems with socialization or separation anxiety?

Does the dog look properly nourished?

Is the dog accustomed to walking with a leash?

Does the dog have a nice temperament?

If you are thinking about adopting a dog from a rescue group, you may need to fill out an application and also be interviewed. The rescue group may need to assess your ability and time to take care of a dog, and provide a safe home.

The wonderful reward of owning a rescue dog may be that the dog will, hopefully, provide lots of unconditional love and great companionship in return for the proper care and love that it will receive!

What Determines Whether A Certain Dog Bed Is Comfortable?

By: Terry Walker

With dog bed business thriving, an individual can't help but think that these dog beds may just be worthy of the buzz, as well as the cash. Designer dog beds can keep their spot as sought-after ornamental and completely functional furniture items. Memory foam dog beds have been invaluable in keeping the good old family dog happy. Once you come to think of it, it truly is understandable that many consumers want to obtain sleep-stuff for his or her best friends.

A dog's anatomy might not be like a human being's, but like ours it too consists of joints plus muscle mass. Unquestionably, arthritis or no arthritis, almost everyone may find it comfortable to rest on a plush bed. Consider how pleasant it would be for your dogs and cats to acquire some semblance of this comfort, as opposed to needing to deal with with a cold and hard floor. The simple truth is, dog beds, with the exemption of most expensive or custom products, are usually low-cost, thus there really isn't any explanation for the dog owner to disregard the comfortableness of a pet, at least when it comes to sleeping hubs. To find out what makes a dog bed comfortable, take a look at the examples below.

Protection

Most dogs are no different than any other living creature. They want to be secure, and feel safe; otherwise, it's not great for its health and well being. One way of ensuring security is by checking on how sturdy the frame of your pet bed is. In case you have a nest-shape, a doughnut-type or a similar bed, then it would not matter. If the bed contains a frame, ensure that the cushioning is adequate and also the frame is solid. Another way to ensure that your dog is comfy would be to study their particular sleeping habits. When they have a tendency to curl when resting, you may need to acquire round, or doughnut style beds. Note that younger dogs tend to be more anxious, and may want a nest-type or possibly a walled bed for added comfort.


Stuffing

What tends to make dog beds genuinely cozy is the materials used for stuffing in addition to being a protective cover. While it's true that it is better to have extra stuffing, well-padded dog beds aren't for every single dog. There aren't any strict recommendations for this. It is advisable to (once again) study the sleeping routines and determine if your pet would prefer a pillowy mattress or a more solid one. Figure out whether or not your dog likes sitting on the sofa, or rest on the hard floor. Smaller dogs usually like luxuriant fabrics and beds they can sink into, given that they are not likely to weigh much and smush the foam or something like that. Then again, large breed dogs want a more solid sleeping area where they could fully stretch.


Nobody really understands what's happening in a dog's brain. Nonetheless, it does not take a rocket scientist to learn what may make an animal, particularly dogs and cats, happy. A clean spot, sufficient food plus a comfy home may do a lot. Add a quality pet bed and you'll have a pet that will feel as relaxed as any dog would've helped its owner feel comfortable.

Author Resource: Confused about where to begin when shopping for a new outdoor dog bed? Turn to the Internet's trusted dog bed resource. Visit our website for the latest information on all styles of dog beds including outdoor dog beds and heated dog beds.

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Sunday, July 18, 2010

A Video of How to Train a Poodle to Heel

Getting A New Pet - 7 Tips

By: Mike Singh

Getting a new pet is a big step. It is not just about owning a soft, cuddling creature but about taking care of another life. This life that you bring into your home needs to be properly cared for. And, it needs to be in the right setting as well. Keeping in mind that you need to take care of your animal, no matter what you do decide to bring home, here are some tips to help to prepare yourself, the animal and your home for your new adventure together.

  1. Realize how much space you really do have. While everyone would like to own a pet, it's not always the right choice. Before you even head to the pet shop, take into account the amount of room your new animal will need and how much room you have. Dogs need room to run and to play. The larger the pet, the more space he or she will need. What size pet works best for your home, then?
  2. Prepare your home then. Just like having a new baby at home, there are things you need to do to prepare your home for your new pet. You'll need to make sure they will not get hurt on anything within your home. Move furniture if necessary to keep them safe.
  3. Prepare a bed or sleeping area for your pet next. A dog often enjoys sleeping on a padded, warm area whereas a cat will want more of a dark area to sleep. The larger the animal, the more room you'll need to make room for.
  4. Set up a place to feed them. The location should be someplace they can get to easily. They should be able to get to their water and food at anytime. It should be in the same place each day and should be continuously cleaned and well taken care of.
  5. Time is also a necessary factor to take into consideration when choosing a pet. Dogs need to be walked. Will you commit a certain amount of time each day to doing this?
  6. Let's not forget about our animal's bathroom needs. Where will your pet go? Who will be responsible for scooping up the cat litter or cleaning the yard as needed? This is a task no one wants to do that is necessary when it comes to properly taking care of your pet.
  7. Lastly, prepare yourself. It is very important for you to be ready for the challenge of taking care of a pet. It is a large job and can be a costly one when you take into consideration your needs for a vet and pet care in general.

Author Resource: Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of pet-related websites. Please check out his pictures of all dog breeds and articles on buying a cat.

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Monday, July 12, 2010

Poodles: Why Do Dogs Bark and How To Help Prevent Excessive Barking

It's only natural, dogs bark to communicate with humans and other animals. It is important for your Poodle to understand when to bark and when to be quiet. Dogs will bark for several different reasons. It's their way of communicating and expressing themselves. Listed below are some common reasons why dogs bark.

To Get Attention: They may start young as puppies with a little crying or whining sound to communicate with their mom and family litter. Puppies or grown dogs may whine when they want something like food, or when they are frustrated or scared, or just when they want some attention. It is common for a new Poodle puppy to whine at night because they may be lonely or scared. Sometimes we may not realize it at first, but we may actually reward the puppy for whining by giving the puppy the attention he wants. It may be helpful not to reward a puppy or grown dog that may be whining just for attention, but when he is quiet and relaxed you may wish to reward him with nice praise or a favorite treat. It is important to remember that teaching your Poodle puppy appropriate behavior from the start is easier than changing undesirable behavior later on.

Socializing the Poodle puppy is very important. You may want to introduce the puppy to situations that may cause anxiety later on. It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment in a healthy and positive way. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.

You can go slow and gradually introduce your Poodle puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house so they become a little familiar to them. Some sounds that may be new to your puppy are the following: doorbell ringing, telephone ringing, sound of the TV, or any music playing, and also the noise from a vacuum cleaner.

Barks from Playful Happiness or Happy Excitement: The dog or puppy may be so happy about playing outside or going for a nice walk or ride in a car, or he may be excited because he sees one of his favorite relatives or friends of the family coming over to visit.

Barking when He Hears Other Dogs Bark: Your Poodle may be barking to respond to other dogs he hears barking in the neighborhood.

Warning Bark: The dog may bark if he sees a stranger approaching the house. Dogs often bark at mail carriers, joggers, or people riding bikes on the street by the house.

Bored Barkers: It is important to routinely provide enough appropriate exercise and attention for your dog. Dogs who are bored need something to do besides barking.

Separation Anxiety: You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dogs life. You may now begin to realize that when a Poodle that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him. Your dog may bark, whine, cry or howl when he is experiencing separation anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your Poodle in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

Ideas To Help Prevent Excessive Barking:

1. Try to have the dog get enough routine daily attention.
2. The dog should get adequate appropriate exercise.
3. Try the methods listed above to help separation anxiety.
4. Try not to give positive reinforcement to the dog or puppy when he is only barking or whining just for attention. You can reward the quiet, relaxed behavior instead.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Video of How to Train a Poodle

A Few Tips About Trying to Make the Inside of the Home Puppy Proof for Your Poodle

Puppies are usually very curious and playful and they may have lots of energy. When someone first brings a new Poodle puppy home, the puppy may want to start checking out many things throughout the house because he probably will see lots of interesting items that are all new to him.

I wanted to write about a few tips that I read about regarding the topic of puppy proofing the inside of a house. Consult the veterinarian about all of the specific things that can be done to puppy proof the inside and outside of a house.

There are many ideas to help keep a new puppy healthy and safe and protect him from anything that would be potentially harmful.

I will jot down a few tips that I read about relating to puppy proofing the inside of the home. I read that it may be helpful to try to think about a puppy's eye view of a house.

Plants: Some specific plants inside and outside of the house may be potentially harmful to the puppy. Consult the veterinarian for a complete list of plants that are dangerous to dogs.

Medications can be kept in a very safe area where the puppy definitely does not have access.

Cleaning supplies can be kept in high cabinets where the puppy definitely does not have access or childproof safety latches may be used to safely secure cabinets.

Household wastebaskets may be placed in an area that the puppy cannot access.

Electrical cords: I read that people who are trying to puppy proof their house can unplug, remove or safely cover any electrical cords that would be around the puppy's area. Electrical outlets may also be covered when they are not in use.

Bathroom: Toilet lids can be kept down. Bathroom trash cans may be put up high where the puppy cannot access them.

Any possible drawstrings or cords used for draperies or blinds in the home may be tied up high enough so the puppy cannot access them.

Precaution may be taken regarding a rocking chair or chair recliner. A Poodle puppy could happen to have his tail near that area or even try to crawl under the area. Take proper safety precautions.

Laundry baskets and clothing can be kept off the floor and out of reach from the puppy.

Small objects can be kept out of reach so the puppy does not have access. Some examples of small objects are the following:

Many childrens toys have small peices and parts

Crayons, pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips, tacks, staples

Jewelry, hair barrettes

String, ribbons, yarn

Buttons, sewing needles, pins

Coins

Safe gates made for dogs may be used across stairs and other areas where the puppy isn't allowed.

There are certain human foods that can cause problems for pets. Consult the veterinarian for the specific list of human foods that can cause problems or be potentially harmful to your Poodle puppy.

Good supervision of the puppy is very important!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Does Your Poodle Have The Blues When He is Home Alone or is He Bored?

You may be working hard at your daily office job and your kids are away in school all throughout the day. The house may be too quiet and your Poodle might feel lonely or bored. Your Poodle might even experience a little separation anxiety when you leave the house.

Dogs of all ages can experience separation anxiety when separated from their owner. Young dogs and even older dogs that might have some hearing or sight problems may feel anxious when their owners are away from them. You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dog's life. You may now begin to realize that when a dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your Poodle may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him.

What behavior may your Poodle display if he is experiencing separation anxiety?

The most common behaviors associated with separation anxiety include the following:

Barking, whining, crying or howling

Destructive chewing or digging

Inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation), even if the dog was otherwise successfully house trained

Scratching at doors or windows

Excessive licking of hair, circling the room or pacing

Loss of appetite, depression or inactivity

The dog may have an over attachment to his owner. The dog may get too dependent on their owner.

An example: Your Poodle makes a daily habit of following you from room to room whenever you are at home together. If you are in the kitchen cooking, or folding laundry, or watching television your dog would want to be right with you. When you go out of the house to do a few errands, your dog may always give you a dramatic, overwhelming greeting as soon as you return home.

When you or your kids finally come home from work or school, you may also find that your Poodle has become very clingy, and he never lets you or the kids out of his sight.

What are some other characteristics or factors regarding separation anxiety?

The behavior occurs mostly when your Poodle is left alone in the home and his problem behavior usually starts soon after you leave him in the house.

The behavior may occur whether your dog is left alone for just a little while or long periods of time.

Your dog may display a reaction of depression or anxiety when he realizes that you are getting ready to leave the house. Actions like picking up your car keys or purse, turning off the TV, or putting on your coat can trigger the anxiety behavior.

But it is very important to realize that any destructive type of behavior or house soiling that may possibly occur with separation anxiety are part of a dog's panic reaction. Your dog is not trying to punish you for leaving him home alone.

What are some things that can precipitate separation anxiety in your Poodle?

A dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone for the first time.

A dog that may have suffered a traumatic event in their mind, such as time spent away from home at a veterinary hospital, dog shelter or boarding kennel.

Anxiety may develop if there is a significant change in the family's routine or the death of a family member or other pet.

Some other situations that may precipitate anxiety for your dog are if one of your dog's favorite family members leave the home and go away to college or get married, or if your work schedule changes dramatically, or if the whole family moves to another home or a new town. Dogs are actually creatures of habit and any changes may bring about some anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your Poodle and reassure him.

When you have to leave your dog in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your Poodle you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

You can try to alter your daily habits a little bit. Do you have a set routine time each day before you leave the house to go to work or school? Maybe you jingle your keys, put your purse, briefcase, packed lunch or jacket near the door right before you are ready to leave the house. Your Poodle may pick up on these visual cues and associate them with your leaving the house. It may be a little helpful to try and mix up your normal routine by doing your usual activities in a different order.

It may be a big help to take your dog for a nice walk before you leave. It might give your dog a reason to look forward to your leaving. It will be good exercise for him and a little change of scenery.

Hopefully, with a few of these helpful tips, your Poodle will feel relaxed instead of anxious when you leave the house.

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Importance Of A Well Behaved Dog

By: Amy Nutt

If you have a dog, you have probably been concerned with his or her behavior at some point. This is important if you frequently have company, or if your dog is your constant companion out in public. Even if this isn't the case, it is still important to be sure your dog is well-behaved and will obey you. This also helps you develop a good relationship with your dog.

The first step to having a well behaved dog is to fully understand the dog's behavior. Only then will you be able to learn to communicate effectively with your pet, thereby, building a successful partnership. This is important, especially if you are the sole owner of the dog.

If you are the sole dog owner, you will probably spend a lot of time with your dog. Another step toward having a great relationship with your animal is to make sure he or she receives proper care. This means that you should regularly walk your dog, take a vested interest in his or her health needs, and always make sure you provide love and affection.

If you are having difficulty with your dog's behavior, there are steps you can take to work out a solution that will work for both dog and owner. This can mean consulting your vet for ideas, or enrolling your pet in obedience school. Obedience will teach your dog how to behave in certain situations as well as how to respond to given commands. A trainer can also help break bad habits your dog may have that is affecting his or hers behavior.

You will also be provided with step-by-step obedience exercises that you can practice with your dog at home. This will help to enforce the behaviors learned in class. Not doing so will most likely result in your dog resorting back to past behavior because the new behaviors are not being re-enforced.

It is also important to talk to and listen to your dog. Pay attention to how your dog acts and responds to those behaviors. If they are negative, try to find out what you can do to stop and prevent them. If your dog is doing well, be sure to give him or her, the proper praise that is well-deserved. Praise is just as important for dogs as it is for people and will help to promote continuing good behavior.

Author Resource: Bark Busters is Canada's most successful dog obedience training organization and will come right to your home to help you! http://www.barkbusters.ca/

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Friday, June 4, 2010

Taking Your Dog To Work With You

I recently read a really interesting article about taking your dog to work with you. You may enjoy reading Should You Take Your Dog To Work?: "A dog can bring smiles and joy to a workplace—if the circumstances are right. READ THIS FIRST"

First, you must know your company's dog policy. Some places of employment do not permit dogs on the premises due to different reasons.

You also need to be considerate of your co-workers. Even if your company says it is perfectly fine to bring your dog to the office, that doesn't necessary mean that all of your co-workers definitely agree with that idea. One of your co-workers may happen to be allergic to dogs. That is why it is so important to check with your co-workers and make sure they consent to the dog's visit.

If you have everyone's permission, there are a few things you may want to consider. How your dog responds to your work environment may depend on his own personality and prior training.

Always remember your dog's daily needs. If you take your dog to work with you, remember to bring his dog food and bowl, a water bowl, and some safe and appropriate dog toys. You may also want to bring a portable dog bed or crate. It may be helpful to bring some supplies to clean up after your dog, if necessary. It will be important to your dog to show him some attention throughout the day and schedule enough time to take him out for walks.

It may be a smart idea to just bring your dog in part-time, maybe half-days at first, so you can see how he reacts to your work office environment.

A dog can bring a lot of happiness and smiles to a workplace!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Create A Bond With Your Dog Through Puppy Obedience Training

By: Mark Robert

Just because you love your puppy with all of your heart does not mean you shouldn't get the little fuzzy guy some obedience training.

In fact, if you have a new puppy, you should really look into all of the advantages and disadvantages of the training so you can make an educated decision on whether to enroll your pet or not.

There are a plethora of reasons why obedience training should be considered.

In the first place, there are some people who visit you who may not share the same love for your puppy that you have.

There are some pet owners who feel they have to lock their pet in a room or put them outside when visitors come to their home, but a little bit of obedience training can fix this problem.

This way, you will be able to keep your pet with you, and you will not run into any expected problems while your guests are there.

Secondly, many dogs, and especially puppies, are at to run out the front door and into the street when a new guest arrives. You certainly don't want them to get hit by a car!

You definitely don't want your beloved four-legged friend to be hit by a vehicle! Through obedience training, your dog will figure out where you want him to be and when. This way, you will be able to ensure that he is safe at all times.

This will increase his safety and give you peace of mind.

Many pet owners have rooms that are off-limit to their pets, and these can range from sitting rooms to the kitchen.

The temperament of you dog is an important determining factor for the need of obedience training, because certain breeds have aggressive tendencies that make such training a must.

There are a variety of dog breeds, including German Shepherds and Bulldogs that can greatly benefit from obedience training, and it is important to start them at a young age.

Lastly, many owners find that going through obedience training with their pet helps them maintain a good relationship; spoiling only leads to subordination and domination -- usually by the pet.

Through proper communication and instruction, you will be able to house train your pet and establish boundaries that both of you can respect.

You will find that there are many options for obedience training, and the only thing you will have to do is decide what approach is best for you and your pet.

Author Resource: Looking to find the best advices on dogs obedience training, then visit www.puppyobediencetrainingtips.net/ to find the best information on puppy obedience training.

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

A Cute Video Of Poodles

Tips For Choosing the Right Dog As a Pet

By Kelly Marshall

Dogs happen to be one of the best pets - there's a reason they are called "man's best friend." Of course, if you want a pet of your own, you'll want to make sure that you will get a dog that will fit your personality, living style, and more. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your canine pet.

You may want to consider going with a purebred puppy for your new pet, and there are many different breeds out there that you can choose from. The great thing about choosing a puppy that is pure bred is that you will know how your dog will turn out in the end. You can even research how easy that breed is to train, the grooming the breed needs, and how they behave. This can help you to better choose a pet that will adapt with your lifestyle.

Assuming that you are going to go with a purebred pet dog, you'll definitely want to consider the shedding that you're pet will do. Every dog is going to shed some hair, but some will shed more than others. If you plan to keep your dog in your home and want to avoid having hair everywhere, then choosing a dog breed that does not shed is going to be your best option.

You'll want to consider how easy your dog will be to train as well. If the dog is easy to train, you won't need as much time to train him. Another thing to think about is the grooming that your new pet is going to require. Dogs that have long coats usually require a lot more grooming than short haired dogs.

Ask yourself if you are looking for a pet to hang out with and cuddle with, or do you want an athletic dog that can keep up with you when you go out jogging or you engage in other activities with your dog. There are some breeds of dogs that have a lot of stamina, and if you want to go hiking, jogging, or walking with your dog, choose a breed that has plenty of stamina.

Another important tip to keep in mind when you are trying to choose the right dog as a pet is whether or not you have children. There are some breeds of dogs that are well known for being great with kids, and you'll want to choose one of these dogs if you have young children that will be around your dog on a regular basis. There are a couple dogs that may not be as great with children, and they should be avoided.

Choose the right dog and you'll have a faithful friend and pet for life. However, if you choose a dog that isn't suited to you, chances are that you and the dog will not be happy. Before you get a new dog as a pet, always keep these considerations in mind to ensure you make the right choice.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top source for organic dog treats online.

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

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Make Your Home Welcoming and Safe for Your Puppy

By: Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

Unlike bringing home a newborn child where you have some time to make your home safe, bringing home your new puppy means you need to puppy proof your home right away. Puppies are just like toddlers with lots of energy and ready to get into everything. They have an insatiable curiosity that makes them check out everything including those things that might not be so safe for them. As the puppy's new owner, you must puppy proof your home.

One good step to take towards puppy proofing your home is to look at it from the dog's perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and look around. You might be surprised at what you see down there that could look so tempting to a puppy in his new home. Remember your puppy will want to check out all this new stuff as he has never seen it before and it just might be dangerous to him.

Be very aware of electrical cords that your puppy can access and chew on. Just think of what a puppy chewing on an electrical cord, in use, could lead to. Place the cords where the puppy can't access them. Place them behind furniture or up high where he can't reach. Try laying them under something like a rubber mat.

Stairs can provide as much danger to a puppy as to a toddler. They can have trouble getting up and down them. In their boisterousness, they can even fall down a flight of stairs. Best to just block off the stairway until the puppy has grown and is more capable of navigating them. Stairs might also lead to a place you do not want your puppy to be such as the basement. If you have a door, then you must be sure the door is always closed.

Another step in making your home puppy proof is to be sure there are no hazardous household chemicals where he can get into them. Such are usually stored under the kitchen sink or even the bathroom sink. Can your puppy get ready access to these places? You may even have to go so far as to use those plastic cabinet locks that are used for toddlers.

These are a few steps to take in making your home puppy proof. Keep in mind the level of your home your puppy lives at and what he sees and can get into at that level. Having a puppy proof home can go a long ways to having a happy and healthy relationship with you puppy.

copyright 2005. Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

Author Resource: Visit our Puppy Training website at http://ezpuppytraining.com/ for a free course on "Welcoming Your New Puppy Home and Puppy Training". Find more puppy training and care tips at our website.

Article From Article Directory

Are You Interested in Becoming A Professional Dog Trainer?

A professional dog trainer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs. I recently read there is an increased demand for dog trainers. There are many kinds of professional dog trainers. Dog trainers understand how dogs learn and they may help dog owners correct their pet's specific behavior problems. You may wish to read Why Become a Dog Trainer?: Careers in Dog Training Offer a Variety of Opportunities.

If you feel you have the interest and patience to become a dog trainer, you can talk to other professional dog trainers in your local area for more information. There are dog training schools as well as some online dog training courses. A certified dog trainer may decide to start their own dog training business. They may offer dog training classes or work individually with an owner and their dog. You may wish to check out the following:

Another Cute Video of a Toy Poodle

A Video of a Cute Toy Poodle

Dog Obedience Training - Professional Or DIY?

By: Rebecca Prescott

Having a new puppy as an addition to the household can be very exciting. Although it is easy to get caught up with this excitement, it is important as a responsible dog owner to ensure that your dog receives proper socialization and obedience training.

Dog's are not humans, and whilst this statement may seem obvious, it can be suprising how much we unconsciously expect them to behave or learn as we might. No matter how much a part of the family they may seem, they communicate in a different way to humans, and this is why obedience training is so important. The right obedience training can help to make your life easier in terms of relating to your pet, and it can even help keep your dog safe when there are hazard around. A good example of this is being able to make him stop if he escapes the leash and heads for the road during his daily walk.

Getting the right obedience training

There are a number of options available when it comes to obedience training, but do bear in mind that training - particularly for the novice dog owner - may not be easy. Each dog will respond differently to obedience training methods. Some dogs tend to be very responsive to training, whereas others can be stubborn, strong willed, and determined, which can make training difficult. However, you are not alone, as there are plenty of resources and help out there.

For those that intend to undertake obedience training without going to a class, there are a number of resources available, including books, DVDs, and Internet advice. However, it is important to remember that many dogs will assume leadership unless you have the confidence and assertiveness to show him who is the boss. The way you do this is important too - it should be done using positive methods and reinforcement, and not by shouting and screaming at him, as the latter can result in fear and even aggression in your dog.

If you are not confident about taking on obedience training yourself then there is help available. Properly trained and experience trainers can prove the ideal solution for your dog's obedience training needs, and can help to teach your dog the basic commands as well as more advanced obedience training. The older your new dog is, the more difficult the training is likely to be Thus, those with adult dogs, or a new young adult, should consider using a professional trainer.

With professional training you can select from non-residential training, which involves going with your dog and helping with in the training process with the supervision of the professionals, or a residential course. In a residential course, your dog goes to 'boot camp' for a specified time and receives obedience training from the experts. Many owners prefer the former method, as it enables them to get assistance with obedience training whilst still enabling them to form a close bond with their pet. Plus, it helps them learn how to handle their dogs in an environment where good feedback is possible.


Author Resource: For tips on teaching your dog to come, click here. Rebecca writes on dog training and other topics here.

Article From Article Directory

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Monday, May 10, 2010

How to Properly Train a Puppy

By: Andrew Bicknell

There is nothing quite like bringing home a new puppy. The excitement level can be quite high, particularly if children are waiting anxiously. But before you even bring home a new puppy be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons because while puppies make great gifts they are a responsibility that lasts for their entire life. A new puppy can make a lifetime of great memories but they also require a lot of training and work if they are to become a member of your family.

Your puppies breed and temperament will go along ways in determining what sort of training may work best for him. Of course the smarter the breed of puppy the easier it will be to train, but at the same time a smart dog will probably be somewhat resistant to being told what to do at first, at least until it is determined who is dominant in the dog/human relationship.

Training a puppy is something that can take a short amount of time depending on how much time and attention you spend doing it. This does not mean that you need to spend hours a day training your puppy. Just like small children their attention span only lasts so long. Break your training sessions up into a few short sessions throughout the day and your puppy will respond in a positive manner.

When you first start training your puppy you will need to start with basic obedience training, teaching commands such as sit, come, stay, heel and fetch. As they get older and master these simple commands you can start to incorporate more difficult training.

The idea of training a puppy can be somewhat overwhelming for some people but it is really not that hard. Most puppies and the dogs they grow into really want to do nothing but please their owners. By teaching them correctly you will create a bond that will cause them to remember everything you teach them simply because they like to be rewarded.

If you choose not to train a new puppy the consequences may not be to your liking. They will learn that they do not have to listen and will essentially become the master of your house. And puppies can be very destructive. As they teeth they will chew on anything available if they don't know better. If they are taught the difference between right and wrong the damage they can do will be limited.

While you can use any number of training aids to help you train your new puppy sometimes the best approach is to just work with him on a daily basis. The more interaction you have with your four legged friend the better his response to training will be. It is also important to remember that training should be a continuing process, even as your dog gets older and grows bigger. The positives of a well trained puppy and dog are many and will make for a lifelong companion who is happy and healthy.


Author Resource: For more puppy training tips and tricks visit the website Worfdog.com by clicking here.

Article From Article Directory

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Your Poodle’s Personality

I recently read that research studies have concluded that dogs really do have their own individual personalities. Instinct can also influence a dog's personality. Did you ever wonder why Princess the Bichon Frise is so friendly and easy going, and Ashley the Miniature Poodle so smart or little Jack the Papillon so alert and peppy?

One reason may be due to selective breeding. In the past, dogs have been bred to perform certain functions and those instinctive behaviors may still remain in the specific breeds. For example, a beagle can easily follow different scents because of his hunting breed’s natural instinct.

It is important to note that dogs can also pick up on their owner’s individual personality. Dogs that are more relaxed and calm may have relaxed, friendly owners. It is interesting to know that your dog has his own unique personality, as well as the dominant qualities of his particular breed. This information may be helpful when training your dog. You may wish to read Understanding Your Dog’s Personality: "While some scientists have dismissed the idea of distinct pet personalities, recent studies prove what owners have always known—dogs really do have their own individual personalities."

So, in summary each dog has their own individual personality, but specific breeds are known to routinely have certain inherited traits. Poodles are known to have friendly, affectionate, devoted personalities and can make a great companion dog. They can usually keep up with the very active members of the family and enjoy going for walks and outdoor activities. Poodles usually enjoy being social with everyone in the family. But, they are also good with the less active family members too. They can make wonderful lap dogs because they usually love to be around people. Poodles can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature.

Poodles usually do not have much trouble bonding with new owners. Usually, they can adapt to their new environment very well. Poodles may be just as contented living with their owner in an apartment complex in a large city as they would be living with a family out in the country area.

Are You Interested in Becoming A Professional Pet Sitter or a Dog Trainer?

Did you ever happen to think about having a career in which you would be able to work with dogs or other animals? You may need some professional training for certain careers in this field. I will include helpful job descriptions for two career options that would enable you to be working with dogs or other animals in general.

A pet sitter is an interesting animal related career option. Sometimes dog owners may have to leave their home temporarily for a few days or more and they are unable to bring their dog with them, so they may hire a professional pet sitter. They usually look for a reputable pet sitter that is honest, reliable and knowledgeable about dog care in general. The pet owner may carefully prepare a list of the duties and responsibilities that they would like the pet sitter to fulfill while they are away. This is an ideal time for the owner to write down any important information about their pet, such as any medical problems, special requirements (like any necessary medications prescribed by their veterinarian for their pet or special diet).

They should write down their veterinarian's phone number in case of an emergency. They will want to definitely include the phone number and the place where they can be reached. The pet owner will want to talk about what specific food to feed their pet and how often to feed their pet. They may want to explain where they routinely walk their dog and how often their dog needs to be walked. The pet owner will want to know their pet will be cared for in a safe and comfortable manner while they are away.

A professional dog trainer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs. I recently read there is an increased demand for dog trainers. There are many kinds of professional dog trainers. Dog trainers understand how dogs learn and they may help dog owners correct their pet's specific behavior problems. You may wish to read Why Become a Dog Trainer?: Careers in Dog Training Offer a Variety of Opportunities.

If you feel you have the interest and patience to become a dog trainer, you can talk to other professional dog trainers in your local area for more information. There are dog training schools as well as some online dog training courses. A certified dog trainer may decide to start their own dog training business. They may offer dog training classes or work individually with an owner and their dog. You may wish to check out the following:

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Tips For Bringing A New Puppy Or Dog Home

By Matt LeClair

Have you been considering the thought of buying a new puppy or dog but you're just not sure where to start with all of the different things that need to done in order to make the process of buying a dog for sale go smoothly? There are a number of things you can do to help make your experience more pleasurable and worth your while including finding a trustworthy seller, making sure your home is ready for the puppy or dog, and making sure you have the proper supplies that your puppy will need.

First, before you even purchase the puppy or dog you must research your options to discover which breed of dog will be best for your family. This will depend on a number of factors like children, hobbies, and more. These factors will most likely include your dog so it's important to take them into consideration. Next, you'll want to find a trustworthy seller. There are a number of options for finding someone who has dogs for sale including the classifieds in the local paper, the phone book, or through online websites. Whatever method you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the buyer to make sure you know they are legit and will not pull a fast one on you buy selling you a bad puppy or dog.

Second, you'll want to make sure your home is ready for a new puppy or dog, sort of like child proofing it. Do you have a big back yard? If so, is it fenced in or does it need to be fenced in? This could be a concern if you live in a busy neighborhood or near a busy roadway where there is a lot of traffic. You want to eliminate all safety concerns before bringing your new dog home so that you don't have any trouble after the fact. It would be a good idea to check your home for safety hazards for the dog. Things like loose wiring, exposed household chemicals, or exposed sharp objects all pose a threat to your dog or puppy and should be taken care of before hand.

Finally, you'll need to get some essential supplies for your new puppy or dog before you bring them home in order to make their transition into your living environment more comfortable. You'll want to have supplies like food, a dog cage, dog bed, collar and leash, toys, bowls, and more which will all help to give your dog the care and attention that he or she needs to be happy. Many of these are necessities that you will have to purchase, some are things that are nice to have in order to keep your dog company or give him a little extra curricular activity to encourage being healthy and fit.

If you've been considering bringing home a new dog or puppy and want to make sure the process goes smoothly, just follow these few simple tips and you'll be well on your way to being a successful and happy dog owner.

Search for dogs for sale, dog supplies and more at FarmMedley.com.

Article Source: http://ArticleDirectory.com

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Poodle as a Therapy Dog

Dogs can be trained to provide comfort and affection to certain people in need. A therapy dog may be trained to help people in nursing homes and hospital settings and much more. They may be trained to help disabled people.

Therapy dogs should have a friendly temperament. They are usually gentle in nature, patient and confident. The Poodle may be a good dog for this type of work. The Poodle is known for it's intelligence and pleasant personality. Is your Poodle social? A therapy dog should enjoy interacting with people. Is your Poodle well-mannered and adaptable to new situations? Some things that are important for a trained therapy dog are:

Accepting a friendly stranger: the therapy dog is usually trained to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with it. For example, children in particular, and also adults may enjoy safely petting the trained therapy dogs. Some therapy dogs can actually perform small tricks during their visits.

The therapy dog is often trained by it's handler to sit and stay in place and to come when called. The dog should behave politely around other dogs.

The dog may be tested around medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker, or other medical devices which you might normally see at a medical facility. They may check the dog's reactions to these things during training.

Trained therapy dogs are sometimes used for the following:

To help the disabled.

Trained seeing eye dogs help the semi to permanently blind person.

Some dogs are actually trained to know when a person is going to have a seizure.

Sometimes children with difficulties will relate well to a dog or cat.

Therapy dogs are sometimes used in nursing homes for the elderly.

Poodles can even become excellent "therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, gentle nature.

You may wish to read The Toy Poodle as a Therapy Dog: "Toy Poodles are especially well suited to pet therapy work. DOES YOUR POOCH HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?"

Career Options for People Who Enjoy Working With Animals

Did you ever happen to think about having a career in which you would be able to work with dogs or other animals? You may need some professional training for certain careers in this field. I will include helpful job descriptions for several career options that would enable you to be working with dogs or other animals in general.

The first career professional that comes to my mind is the veterinarian. To become a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) you may need to complete a four-year undergraduate program and then an additional four years of veterinarian training for your career. Veterinarians may diagnose animal health problems and prescribe the proper medications for animals suffering from certain illnesses. They may provide appropriate vaccinations for the animals against diseases, such as distemper and rabies. Veterinarians may also offer some advise to pet owners about behavior and preventive care for the animals. They can usually perform diagnostic tests such as Xrays, blood work, urine tests and much more.

Next, there is the interesting career of the professional veterinary technician or veterinary assistant. These technicians may help with many duties in the veterinarian's office. To qualify as a licensed veterinary technician you may need to complete a two-year or possibly a four-year educational program. You could even search online to check for schools that train people to be veterinary assistants. If you are sincerely interested in pursuing this career, you may wish to ask a reputable veterinarian for some information about becoming a veterinary technician or an assistant. There is also the option of performing clerical work in a veterinarian's office or being a receptionist.

A pet sitter is another animal related career option. Sometimes dog owners may have to leave their home temporarily for a few days or more and they are unable to bring their dog with them, so they may hire a professional pet sitter. They usually look for a reputable pet sitter that is honest, reliable and knowledgeable about dog care in general. The pet owner may carefully prepare a list of the duties and responsibilities that they would like the pet sitter to fulfill while they are away. This is an ideal time for the owner to write down any important information about their pet, such as any medical problems, special requirements (like any necessary medications prescribed by their veterinarian for their pet or special diet). They should write down their veterinarian's phone number in case of an emergency. They will want to definitely include the phone number and the place where they can be reached. The pet owner will want to talk about what specific food to feed their pet and how often to feed their pet. They may want to explain where they routinely walk their dog and how often their dog needs to be walked. The pet owner will want to know their pet will be cared for in a safe and comfortable manner while they are away.

Another option that involves working directly with dogs is a job working in a doggy daycare. Doggy daycare is an available option for dog care if dog owners just need supervised care for a few hours a day, or during certain occasions. Sometimes dogs just need some additional companionship. Doggy daycare should be a safe place, fully supervised by trained staff members. It is a place where dogs can play with other dogs that match their similar temperament.

There may be safe and appropriate dog toys and comfortable dog beds for napping. Most doggy daycares have an outdoor area for exercise. You may wish to read the following article: Doggie Day Care? Really? The staff should be trained to understand and appropriately respond to dog behavior and interactions.

There should be enough humans around to give each dog nice attention and positive reinforcement. Doggy daycare should be secure and safe. All dogs in doggy daycare usually need to meet minimum health requirements. Dogs must have their current vaccinations and be free of infectious diseases. The dogs may be evaluated to make sure their temperament is fine for the daycare environment.

A dog groomer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs and have patience. If you think you may be interested in this line of work, you may wish to visit and talk with a professional dog groomer in your area.

Another job for people who like to work with pets is to work in a pet shop. You could also decide to volunteer or work in an animal shelter.

A professional dog trainer is another career option for people who enjoy working with dogs. I recently read there is an increased demand for dog trainers. There are many kinds of professional dog trainers. Dog trainers understand how dogs learn and they may help dog owners correct their pet's specific behavior problems. You may wish to read Why Become a Dog Trainer?: Careers in Dog Training Offer a Variety of Opportunities.

It must be a fun career to be a dog trainer for celebrities or who happen to be lucky enough to work with dogs that appear in movies. If you feel you have the interest and patience to become a dog trainer, you can talk to other professional dog trainers in your local area for more information. There are dog training schools as well as some online dog training courses. A certified dog trainer may decide to start their own dog training business. They may offer dog training classes or work individually with an owner and their dog. You may wish to check out the following:

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Separation Anxiety and the Poodle

Dogs of all ages can experience separation anxiety when separated from their owner. Young dogs and even older dogs that might have some hearing or sight problems may feel anxious when their owners are away from them. You may need to understand that chances are you are probably the most important thing in your dogs life. You may now begin to realize that when a dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, the dog can experience some anxiety about where their owner might be going. Your Poodle may not understand why he cannot go with you and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him.

What behavior may your dog display if he is experiencing separation anxiety?

The most common behaviors associated with separation anxiety include the following:

Barking, whining, crying or howling

Destructive chewing or digging

Inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation), even if the dog was otherwise successfully house trained

Scratching at doors or windows

Excessive licking of hair, circling the room or pacing

Loss of appetite, depression or inactivity

The dog may have an over attachment to his owner. The dog may get too dependent on their owner.

An example: Your Poodle makes a daily habit of following you from room to room whenever you are at home together. My dad used to have a very cute, long haired, male chihuahua and he would follow my dad everywhere that he would go in the house all day long. If my dad was in the kitchen cooking, or folding laundry, or watching television his chihuahua would be right with him. He would constantly be right by my dad's side almost every minute of each day, if possible. When my dad had to go out of the house to do a few errands, his chihuahua would always give him a dramatic, overwhelming greeting as soon as he would return home.

What are some other characteristics or factors regarding separation anxiety?

The behavior occurs mostly when your dog is left alone in the home and his problem behavior usually starts soon after you leave him in the house.

The behavior may occur whether your dog is left alone for just a little while or long periods of time.

Your dog may display a reaction of depression or anxiety when he realizes that you are getting ready to leave the house. Actions like picking up your car keys or purse, turning off the TV, or putting on your coat can trigger the anxiety behavior.

But it is very important to realize that any destructive type of behavior or house soiling that may possibly occur with separation anxiety are part of a dog's panic reaction. Your dog is not trying to punish you for leaving him home alone.

What are some things that can precipitate separation anxiety in your dog?

A dog that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone for the first time.

A dog that may have suffered a traumatic event in their mind, such as time spent away from home at a veterinary hospital, dog shelter or boarding kennel.

Anxiety may develop if there is a significant change in the family's routine or the death of a family member or other pet.

Some other situations that may precipitate anxiety for your dog are if one of your dog's favorite family members leave the home and go away to college or get married, or if your work schedule changes dramatically, or if the whole family moves to another home or a new town. Dogs are actually creatures of habit and any changes may bring about some anxiety.

Some ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety:

Don't be very dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your dog and reassure him.

When you have to leave your Poodle in the house, you can let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.

You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your Poodle you will be coming back home.

Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.

Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Bringing Home an Older Puppy

By Jeff Van Dalsum

Most of the time, when bringing a new puppy into the family, a puppy is selected that is around 8 weeks old. As a result of this stage in his life, he is in the ideal situation to accept a new home. He will also be more open to training and conditioning which will make the bonding process easier and faster.

There are also many cases where a family chooses an older puppy over a younger one. The biggest drawback here is that the ideal training stage for the puppy has already passed. Therefore, bringing home an older puppy requires you to be more flexible and patient with your training routines.

There are many things to look into when you're thinking of getting an older puppy. When compared to younger puppies, the older ones are usually calmer and less energetic. Also, older puppy training might be a little easier since he may have already received some basic training. He might be familiar with children, people, and other pets. However, there is also just as good of a chance that he was not taught any commands or properly socialized which is why it is important to find out his background.

Be very careful with a puppy that has been abused or neglected by his previous owner. These puppies are typically harder to train and to live with as they are more prone to stress, fear, and anxiety towards people. Sometimes, they can even develop aggressive behavior. This isn't to say that all abused or neglected puppies are like this, in fact some are the nicest puppies you will ever meet, but it's important to be aware of the possibility.

Once you've chosen a puppy, make sure to bring the entire family to meet him. This is important because it will allow you to see how the puppy reacts to different people. You'll be able to find out if the puppy dislikes children, women, or other pets. Observe closely and note his overall behavior.

Also take notice to how he reacts to different circumstances. Try dropping your keys on the floor and see his reaction. A normal response would simply be to ignore the noise or to go sniff the keys out of curiosity. If he begins barking, biting, and jumping you may have some problems to deal with down the road.

If you can, ask a staff member to carry the puppy around for a few minutes. See how the puppy reacts to being picked up and carried. If you notice any hints of aggression or fear, you will need to address them through training routines in the future.

Remember, the most important aspect to bringing home an older puppy is knowledge. Ask the staff or breeder as many questions as you can in respect to training, behavior, vaccinations, health, and overall mentality. Also, make sure to investigate the reason why the previous owner left the puppy or why he has not been adopted yet. All of this information can help you better prepare for living with and training your new puppy.

Whatever puppy you decide to bring home, you should know that puppy ownership is like a journey between you, your family, and your puppy. No matter what age you bring that little guy home at, he will be a large part of your life for a long time to come. Older puppy training takes time, patience, and energy but arm yourself with knowledge and dedication and you will set yourself up for success.

Perfect Puppy Care is a website dedicated and developed by puppy care enthusiasts who have taken it as their goal to help you raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved puppy.

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

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Housetraining Your Poodle Puppy

There are some simple steps for housetraining your Poodle puppy. One of the first things you will want to teach your new puppy when you bring him home is housetraining. This is the start of your bond with you and your puppy and it is good to make it a positive, stress free experience for both of you. Housetraining your puppy requires patience, consistency and commitment. You may wish to read Housebreaking Your Dog In Four Simple StepsDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com. It may take a few weeks to successfully housetrain your puppy. Your puppy will learn to get used to a routine schedule for eating, playing, and going outside to eliminate.

To begin the housetraining you may want to take your puppy outside at least every two hours during the day. You may take him outside after every meal or drink, or after he wakes up from a nap. Always remember to take your puppy out when he wakes up in the morning and also after playing, and before going to bed at night.

Choose an area outside and try to take your puppy close to that same spot each time, so he becomes very familiar with it. When you are going through this housetraining process, it is really helpful if you praise and reward your puppy when he eliminates outside. Praise him verbally and you may also want to give him a treat. This is a type of positive reinforcement for your Poodle puppy. He will learn that going to the bathroom outside is what is expected of him. Also, feeding your puppy at the same times each day is helpful to keep a good routine.

During the night, some puppies can sleep for several hours without having to eliminate. Your puppy may wake you up during the night. If that happens you may quietly take him out to eliminate, and then help him get back to his bed.

During the day when you are with your Poodle puppy, you can learn to watch for signs that your puppy needs to eliminate. Some signs may be restlessness, sniffing around, barking, going to the door, or trying to squat. When you see these signs you may quickly take your puppy outside to his bathroom spot. If he eliminates, you can praise him and reward him with a treat. Hopefully some of these housetraining tips are helpful!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Quality Time with Your Poodle

It is important for your dog to trust and respect you and feel secure. A dog should feel that his new home is a safe and dependable place. Dogs enjoy spending time with their families. A dog usually appreciates an owner who will love, lead and protect them.

It is helpful if your Poodle understands the house rules. Here are some examples of some common house rules:

Being polite with people: you may want to teach the dog to sit, instead of jumping up on people when greeting them.

Discourage chewing of furniture and other items: As a new owner you may want to provide safe and appropriate chew toys and routinely spend time with your dog so he is not bored.

You may want to discourage excessive barking for attention.

Good house training habits are also very important for your Poodle.

A dog may be more calm and relaxed when he knows what is expected of him. The following factors are very important when training a dog: attention, consistency, repetition, patience, love, rewards and understanding.

Spending quality time with your dog is very important. Here are a few ideas:

You can enjoy walks together with your Poodle.

You may wish to take your dog on errands with you, if possible.

You may want to let him sit with you while you watch TV or chat with friends on the phone.

You can provide a special place for your dog to sleep, like a nice dog bed.

Maybe you can get into the daily habit of brushing his coat, while he sits nice for you.

Dogs usually respond well to a daily routine schedule. A good schedule may help him stay relaxed and confident.

Hopefully, some of these things may help you develop a nice relationship with your Poodle. Reward your dog when he has done something right. You may want to reward him with lots of positive praise, a favorite treat, or some nice play time.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Finding a Reputable Veterinarian for Your New Puppy or Adult Dog

Maybe you recently adopted a new puppy or an adult dog and you need to find a veterinarian. Or possibly you just moved to a new town because you just got married or you needed to relocate for a new job. Are you looking for a good veterinarian? A new Poodle puppy will probably need a check up soon after coming into your family. It is a good idea to find a veterinarian before you bring your new puppy home. You may wish to read Searching for a veterinarian: The essential checklist: "The essential steps you should take to find the right veterinarian for your dog".

Here is a helpful list of some important things to think about when looking for a new veterinarian.

1.You may wish to contact your local Humane Society or animal shelter and ask if they can give you a list of veterinarians in your area.

2.Talk to other dog owners that happen to live in your neighborhood about their veterinarian. You can ask a friend, a dog groomer or even a pet sitter for a good recommendation.

3.The phone book is a good resource of information. You can easily search for Veterinarians and Animal Hospitals.

4.You can also do a search online for local veterinarians in your area.

5.It is important to check if the veterinarian has a membership in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

6.If you happen to be looking for a specialist, you may want to check if the vet is board certified in the specialty you are interested in for your pet's needs.

Once you have narrowed down your search for a veterinarian, there are some questions to think about at this point.

1. Do you have a flexible schedule that would allow you to go to an office appointment during the morning or afternoon hours of the day? What are the veterinarian's regular office hours? Is the office open on Saturdays or open in the evenings a few days a week? It may be very important to know if there are after-hour emergency services available.

2.Do you mind driving a little distance across town to get to a good veterinarian or would you prefer an office nearby?

3.How many veterinarians are actually in the office practice?

4.Do they routinely offer any boarding services?

5.Does the veterinarian have any areas of specialty in his practice?

6.Are services like x-rays, bloodwork or other diagnostics done in their office?

7.What is their normal procedure for scheduling appointments in advance for your pet?

8.What forms of payment are accepted and do their fees fit your financial budget at this time?

Next, you may want to schedule a visit to meet the office staff and learn about their specific policies. You can check to see if the office is clean and if the receptionists and assistants appear caring and knowledgeable. It may be helpful to know if they offer products like specialty dog food or items that are routinely used for grooming purposes, like specific dog shampoos.

Hopefully, this information will be of some help to you when you are looking for a veterinarian to take the very best care of your Poodle! You many also want to read this informative article: Choosing a Veterinarian : The Humane Society of the United States.

Finding a Good Pet Sitter for Your Poodle

There may come a time for most dog owners when you need to decide exactly what to do if you have to leave your home temporarily for a few days or more and you are unable to bring your dog with you. This situation may happen due to travel requirements for your job, a planned vacation, or it may be due to medical reasons. Maybe you might have to travel out of town to see extended family and you are not able to bring your dog. As a good dog owner, I know you would want to plan for the very best care options for your puppy or adult dog. You may wish to read 6 Steps To Find The Perfect Dog SitterDog Information, Dog Behavior, Dog Diseases - I-Love-Dogs.com.

You may decide to ask your friends who have pets if they know of a very reputable pet sitter. People sometimes ask their dog groomers if they know any names of professional pet sitters. A very good idea may be to check with your veterinarian about what he would recommend for your dog. Possibly your veterinarian can refer you to an excellent boarding facility for your Poodle. But, you may want to talk to him about finding a very reputable pet sitter. You will want to find a pet sitter that you can feel comfortable with and you will want them to be very honest, reliable and knowledgeable about dog care in general.

Before you contact a pet sitter, you may want to carefully prepare a list of the duties and responsibilities that you would like the sitter to fulfill while you are away. This is an ideal time to write down any important information about your pet, such as any medical problems, special requirements (like any necessary medications prescribed by your veterinarian for your dog or special diet). You should write down your veterinarian's phone number in case of an emergency. You will want to definitely include the phone number and the place where you can be reached. You will be able to give the pet sitter your helpful list and discuss these essential things during your first meeting.

Then, if the pet sitter has some questions, he/she will have a good opportunity to ask you in person. You will want to talk about what specific food to feed your dog and how often to feed your dog. You may want to explain where you routinely walk your dog and how often your dog needs to be walked. It may be helpful for your Poodle to have an up-to-date ID tag.

At the appropriate time during your interview meeting you can introduce your dog to the pet sitter and see how well they interact together. The pet sitter may ask you if your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date and how your Poodle behaves when he is out walking around other animals and people.

It can be somewhat stressful for you and your dog, if you are leaving your Poodle for any reason at all. You will probably feel more reassured knowing that you have found a wonderful pet sitter whom you feel that you can trust. You will want to know that your dog will be cared for in a safe and comfortable manner while you are away.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Helping A Poodle Stay Calm and Relaxed When Going to the Veterinarian

The Poodle’s visits to the vet can be calm and pleasant. There are some helpful ideas to make the experience a positive one. Taking your dog to the vet isn’t always the easiest thing to do. A little planning ahead can help to make the trip much easier. You may want to have your dog go to the bathroom before getting into the car to go to the vet's office. (Some offices have a place outside the building where you can take the dog if he needs to go to the bathroom.)

You may wish to bring a favorite dog toy or the dog's favorite blanket for him to have in the car when you are riding to the vet's office. Having something familiar may help to relax him. Many people use a dog leash or dog carrier when they take their dog into the office. It is helpful to give your dog praise for his good behavior while he is in the vet's office.

If you act like you are confident and in control during the visit you will reassure your Poodle that it’s routine and fine and nothing to get worried about. Keeping your Poodle occupied will take some of the attention away from any other pets, owners, receptionists, assistants, or technicians that may be in the office area.

Occasional praise for being a well behaved dog helps to make it a positive experience. In the examining room if you have conversation with the vet or his assistants, the dog will hopefully feel calm and relaxed.

You may decide to stop by with your Poodle and make an informal visit to your vet's office at another time just to say hello or to purchase a dog supply, like dog shampoo, so that your visits can be associated with routine, positive experiences for your dog.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

How to Help Your Poodle Puppy Sleep Through the Night

If you are bringing home a new Poodle puppy or a new adult dog into your family, you may need some patience and planning to come up with a daily routine for your puppy to help him sleep throughout the night, so that you will both feel rested and happy. Every dog needs their own safe and comfortable place to sleep.

This may be a very exciting time if you are bringing home a new puppy or new adult dog into your family! You may have decided already on exactly what dog supplies you want to have on hand, like feeding dishes, appropriate puppy or dog food and treats, collar and leash and maybe a very nice dog bed. You may wish to read Dogs & Dog Beds. Another helpful article to read is the following: Why Every Dog Needs a Bed: "Dog beds provide both physical and emotional comfort. HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE".

You may want to have the puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable corner or section of the room may be nice. Maybe you will choose a nice, safe, cozy dog bed for the Poodle puppy. You probably will want to pick a special sleeping area for the puppy where there is not much noise that would disturb him.

The puppy may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm. Most puppies in a new home environment may feel somewhat anxious and have a difficult time at first trying to quiet themselves down to sleep for the night. A new puppy may whine to get your attention. Everything may seem so new to your puppy in the beginning until he gets a little used to his new home. He may miss his mom and family litter in the beginning.

The Poodle puppy may enjoy having a favorite, safe dog toy or dog blanket with him for a feeling of familiarity and security. Dogs sometimes instinctively circle around their sleeping place where they are going to sleep. If you want the puppy in his bed at a certain time, you can begin a daily routine schedule and try to have him go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. But, if the Poodle puppy leaves his bed, you can nicely put him back in his bed, so he gets the idea and learns to get comfortable in his special sleeping space.

When the puppy gets accustomed to where his bed is, you may tell him to go into his own bed when you want him to go to sleep at night. Dogs like to know what is expected of them. Hopefully, he will soon learn a nice bedtime routine.

So the Poodle puppy can sleep good at night you may want to allow for adequate and appropriate exercise for the puppy throughout the day. You can plan a routine schedule for meal times for the puppy. Dogs usually respond well to a nice schedule. It may be helpful to get into the habit of some calm, quiet time before the actual bedtime. The puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a very soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm the puppy down and relax him at night.

A puppy may need to eliminate in the middle of the night. If the puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine, pace or bark. You can take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him right back to his sleep area to go back to sleep. He should learn to understand that it is time for sleep and not time to play during the night. The Poodle puppy will learn that his owner is a good leader and he will feel loved and protected. Hopefully, with a few helpful ideas you and your puppy will get sufficient sleep every night and be happy!