Before deciding whether or not you should get a puppy or young dog, you must realize there are several aspects of dog training behavior to be addressed in order to have a dog you can enjoy and love. Of course house breaking is a major issue, but there is also leash training, bark and bite control, stopping the whining, dealing with urination when the dog becomes excited, and even crate training.

When it comes to house training you need to be able to follow your dog’s cues, take your time, and understand that a dog is learning bladder control just as humans do when potty training. To start house breaking, leave a large area of newspaper in one area of the house. Take the puppy to the papers whenever you notice them sniffing, and if they have an accident, show them and then take them to the paper. Gradually reduce the amount of paper to make the area smaller, and start taking the puppy outside at regular intervals of time to get the puppy used to the idea of going to the door.

For leash training, you’ll want to quickly let the dog know that you are in control of the leash, or the puppy will try to take advantage of the situation. When he or she goes to a place you do not want them to go, make sure to gently pull on the leash and speak the command of your choice. It is important that your dog is leash trained with you in control for outdoor and socialization purposes.

Bark and bite control is essential to the dog and its owner living in harmony. The neighbors would not enjoy a loud dog barking all the time and dogs must learn not to bite everything or everyone they see. Allowing the dog to spend time with other dogs is key in preventing this as the litter mates and pack will show the animal that these behaviors are not the way to act.

When a dog whines, it is perhaps one of the most annoying sounds for a human. Teaching a dog to control this will help for a better, happier, coexistence as the dog ages. It is a problem that needs to be addressed quickly and handled firmly. Trust the dog to be alone and quiet for short periods of time and reward this before leaving him or her alone for any extended period of time. This is because the whining generally is a result of being away from the family.

To stop issues with excitement urination, you’ll want to stop the dog from being overly excited in the first place by continually exposing him or her to things that excite them until they no longer excite them to that point. If you do not and become angry, it will turn into submissive urination, just another issue you’ll have to deal with.

Though some people are against crate training, it does not have to take the negative spin that most people put it under. The crate should be a place the dog enjoys; it should be a home away from home full of things he or she loves and can keep occupied with. It never be a place for punishment.

Having a puppy or any dog that needs behavior training can be very stressful and requires a great deal of commitment and attention. Remember to stay calm and enjoy the puppy rather than to let it bother you. You’ll have a lifelong companion that way.

When a lot of people think of breeding dogs, the first thought that seems to come into everyone’s mind is that of money. There seems to be a lot of money that is being made by dog breeders, especially for those who are into Shih Tzu breeding.

When profit is the bottom line, the Shih Tzu care is often neglected. It is vital to make sure that you are in it for the right reasons, even though the dollar amount you can make is pretty flashy.

If you truly love getting involved with Shih Tzu care and want to help others receive healthy and loved puppies, then you may be on the right path. Sharing your passion and love with others is an excellent reason to get involved with Shih Tzu breeding. When starting out, in order to ease into things, you will want to start out with just one pair of adult Shih Tzu’s in order to be able to place all of your focus and attention on them.

When you finally decide to begin taking steps towards Shih Tzu breeding, it is suggested that you start with parents who are totally healthy and have an excellent temperament. While this is not a promise that their pups will result with the same characteristics, it is worth every effort to help make it happen.

If the adult dogs you intend to breed were just recently brought into your home, you may want to think about keeping them around long enough so that you really get to know them before beginning any breeding.

With the adult dogs, you need to know about the current health of your breeding pair along with any possible health conditions that they suffered in the past. It is extremely important that you begin your breeding with a healthy set of parents in hopes that this will better your chances at getting healthy puppies, although there is never a guarantee. If the adult Shih Tzus in your home are new to your family, consider not breeding them for about a year so you can better evaluate their temperament and health. Before beginning any breeding, make sure your local vet checks them out.

One of the most stressed issues about Shih Tzu breeding is that breeders will not allow the mother dog enough time to recover from her first birthing experience before trying to breed her again. Puppy mills are famous for neglecting their dogs in this manner. Give her the time she needs before trying again and once you have the hang of Shih Tzu care and breeding, you could possibly bring in another female so that the two take turns breeding. This way, you can continue to share the love of Shih Tzu puppies with others but still keep tabs on the mental and physical well being of your dogs.

Once your female Shih Tzu has produced pups, her care does not end there. She still requires healing time both for her mental and physical health. Puppy mills will often turn right around and try to breed that female right away. This is not safe for her or her future pups. Just as humans need time to recover, so do dogs. Understand that Shih Tzu breeding is an emotional journey and do not be alarmed if you notice your female acting distant or protective of her pups. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is to read as much Shih Tzu information as possible.

It is very likely that your family friend will not be able to resist sleeping on the cozy and cuddly soft nesting dog bed. Pamper her or him with the nesting dog bed so that he can enjoy every minute of luxury that it provides for a furry little buddy. Getting a good night’s sleep is absolutely crucial to the enjoyment of every animal, but deciding which type of nesting dog bed is suitable for your best friend can be a little harder, as there are a tremendous variety of products to choose from.

Although some people have no idea, your animal companion will very likely sleep 12 hours a day or more, which means that you should make every possible effort to provide them with a comfortable sleeping arrangement. As years go by, nesting dog reds have become extraordinarily popular due to their comfort and the enjoyment that animal companions exhibit with the top-of-the-line products. Considering that they are silent, soft and even chew proof, it is not surprising that they are so popular. Some nesting dog beds even feature Cedar inside to repel insects and eliminate unpleasant odors. Very often, owners of animal companions will take the effort to personalize their nesting dog bed with their own name, ensuring that their four-legged friend knows which bed is theirs.

Nesting dog beds are popular for animals and their owners in order to provide extra room to stretch and roll around. With this high level of comfort, your animal will be fast asleep as they cuddle up and enjoy their nesting dog bed experience. Added to the soft inside is the higher level doughnut outside, making a perfect spot for your favorite companion to rest their head.

In addition to those products that feature poly fill and those that are foam filled, there are all manner of fillings that provide high levels of comfort for your animal companion. With this variety of fill products, you can easily find a nesting dog bed that your furry friend will enjoy and spend their time sleeping on. Generally, the type of fill is predicated on personal choice, although some animals have allergies to certain materials and should be thoroughly considered in order to provide the best products for their comfort.

Naturally, with all the different types of nesting dog beds, it isn’t hard at all to find the type that you and your animal companion will enjoy. With so many different types of textures and coverings, your little four-legged friend will be cozy and warm all through the winter even on the coldest nights. With many shapes and colors to choose from, it will be easy for you to find the type of product that suits you and your little buddy the best.

With all of these types of products continuing to gain in popularity, it isn’t hard to imagine that almost everyone is somewhat aware of the amazingly comfortable doughnut shaped beds. The next time you’re in your local department store, take the time to look over the nesting dog beds and see for yourself how soft they are. The high comfort level that your furry friend can enjoy while sleeping the day away is reason enough to appreciate the product for the rest of their lives. Resistance to odors and stains, the nesting dog beds are extraordinarily soft and durable.

Chances are good that you might have noticed how much time your favorite friend spends sleeping already. It’s important to understand that this is normal behavior for your little buddy, as they have no time clock to punch and no set schedule to maintain. Allow them to remain cozy and comfortable by providing them with a nesting dog bed to enjoy. Sleeping the day away has never been so comfortable for your favorite furry friend.

Affordable and highly popular, nesting dog beds are perfect for any family that has a happy four-legged friend who needs a comfortable and cozy spot to sleep. Featuring high levels of comfort, maintaining warmth in the winter and extremely cozy, the nesting dog bed is a perfect investment for anyone who loves their baby and wants to provide the perfect comfort.

When pets spend hours outside sleeping in houses, porches, patios or on the hard ground, you might think they’re just fine and don’t need outdoor dog beds. But if they stay outside most of the time, they need one even more than an inside animal. There are very good reasons why your pooch should have his own outdoor bed.

The hard ground is tough on bones and joints, so outdoor dog beds cushion your pet from the rigidity of the ground. Wintertime doesn’t just cool the air, but it makes the ground even colder and harder. Being on the cold ground can make bone and joints ache even more, in addition to keeping the animal feeling cold. Some dog houses aren’t very well insulated so having their own cozy outdoor dog beds can make wintertime much more comfortable and warm.

Outdoor dog beds can make your four-legged friend feel more secure. It gives him a special place all his own that’s more comfortable than a house or any spot of ground, no matter how soft. It’s dry, even if the ground is damp, and covered in his scent more than any of his outside areas, to make him feel more at home.

Outdoor dog beds come in orthopedic styles. Quilting and extra support are perfect for pets who might need the extra help, like those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and other injuries. They stay warmer because they’re off the ground, and the warmth helps their joints, and it also relieves pressure off their joints and supports their frame gently but firmly. Dogs who’ve had surgery can particularly benefit from the added comfort found in these models, especially if the surgery involved bones or joints.

Outdoor dog beds have comfortable stain-resistant exteriors that also resist snagging and tearing. They’re also weatherproof, because the weather can change too quickly to give you time to get it inside. Firm units also have waterproof interiors, while softer outdoor dog beds are water resistant outside, but easily cleaned in a standard washing machine.

In extreme weather, outdoor dog beds can give animals special comfort. Heated ones are perfect for winter to keep your pooch warm. They’re good for houses, garages, porches, patios, and wherever your animal might choose to lie down while outside. And units made especially for the hot summer months are designed to keep your pooch cool and comfortable. They can be soaked in cold water for about a half an hour, then towel dried. The interior stays soft and cool thanks to absorbing the cold water, and provides hours of cool relaxation for your friend no matter how high the temperature rises.

You can even find extra-portable outdoor dog beds, that aren’t just mean to be moved in and out with the animal, but are designed for traveling. Whether for a week, or a day, these designs are the utmost in convenience. Sleeping-bag style outdoor dog beds roll up and go in the washer for easy clean up. Cot styles support your pup off the ground with water-resistant nylon. They don’t offer warmth or cushioning, but rather hammock-style support that’s perfect for the on-the-go pooch. And they’re easily carried and cleaned, for your convenience.

Outdoor dog beds can still feel luxurious for your pet. Some come with microfiber suede coverings that feel wonderful to the touch, but clean up beautifully. You can even find imitation lambswool covers that resist dirt and dampness, while adding extra softness to your pup’s sleeping spot.

To find outdoor dog beds in your pup’s size, measure him while he’s asleep. Then buy a size larger than it seems he’ll need. It’s better to have one a little too big than too small. You want him to have plenty of room to spread out so he doesn’t feel cramped in his special sleeping spot.

The ideas on this subject vary greatly. Some think doggies are doggies and being so should be free to express themselves. If this means they need to dig, so be it. Other believe a dog must be taught there are appropriate places for him to be and digging in their garden is not one of them.

My feeling is really both. While it is a dog’s nature to dig and you want to let them be a dog as much as possible, I think you can have both a beautiful yard and a happy dog. This involves you being ready to train him so that this can happen.

If you are reading this piece, you more than likely are having an issue with a digging dog. Telling you that there are breeds, like Malamutes, Terriers, and Huskies, that are just plain diggers isn’t going to be real helpful. If you are only in the looking stage, this is the kind of information you will want to take into consideration when finding a breed that fits your temperament and lifestyle.

Let’s start with why dogs dig.

1. Not enough exercise. Digging gives them a way to burn off all their energy.

2. Being bored. For dogs who don’t have enough to do, they find digging is just the ticket.

3. World travelers. Some dogs want to see what is on the other side of the fence. So there digging is a means of escape. These dogs are much harder to train no matter how much working out and jobs you give them.

So how do you stop this dog digging behavior?

For sure, you can get them more exercise by walking them or letting them out more often. And if they are bored, buying them their own toys. And then best of all play tug of war with them

You can use something repulsive to a dog. And there really is something that works. Dogs despise digging where they have pooped – even if they occasionally eat their feces. (More on poop eating, visit website below) So make cleaning up after your dog interesting and put the poop in the area where they dig.

If this doesn’t work, what next? You’re just going to have to give him a place to dig, and train him to dig there and only there. There are ways to do this, even if you’ve got a very small yard, or the whole thing is just too dear to your heart to let him destroy!

The emotional bond we share with our pets makes us want to do all we can for them. In exchange for all the love they give us, we want to ensure they live long, healthy lives.

Years ago, procedures like MRI’s, specialized therapy, and laser surgery were unheard of for pets. Now, these procedures are increasingly common as veterinary science continues to advance.

Veterinary Care Inflation and the Effect on Your Wallet

Veterinary science has seen remarkable breakthroughs in the past two decades, but just as in the human health sector, costs have risen. Many pet illnesses and diseases are being treated that often went undetected in the past.

While veterinary medical advances extend our pet’s quality of life, the financial impact for pet owners cannot be overlooked.

Recently, our neighbor’s German Shephard “Duke” suffered from hip dysplacia. Duke is now happily on the mend, but not before his owners paid over $2000 in vet bills. Another friend’s cat developed a stubborn kidney infection, requiring extensive diagnostic and follow up treatment. The $1400+ in costs left our friend juggling her finances to pay the vet bills.

What is Pet Insurance, and Does it Make Sense For You?

Pet insurance has been around for decades in Europe, but is relatively uncommon in the United States and Canada. Much like health insurance for us, pet insurance drastically reduces the risk of caring for your pet. Perhaps most importantly, it can eliminate the heart wrenching decision of euthanizing your pet vs. incurring a large financial hardship.

Just like health insurance companies, pet insurance companies differ in what they offer and cover. Some pet insurance policies will only pay for pets below a certain age. Others have numerous deductibles and restrictions, depending on multiple factors.

Anyone considering pet insurance should ask themselves this question: “Will I devote a reasonable amount of time and money to treat and heal my pet?”. If your answer is “yes”, you’re a good candidate for pet insurance. Sadly, many pet owners are forced to choose between finances and their pet’s health. Worse, other pet owners view their pets as disposable, and simply won’t treat the animal if it becomes too ill.

Pet Insurance Specifics

Pet insurance plans cost basically the same for cats and dogs. Most start at $10 per month, with a nominal deductible, usually $50. Senior pets, if insurable, cost somewhat more, typically $25-$35 per month. At this time, we only know of one company that accepts senior pets, normally defined as age 8 and above.

All pet insurance plans offer coverage for accidents and illness, while some offer coverage for routine expenses like annual check ups and flea preventative. Sometimes, pet insurance companies that offer routine care coverage are set up with contracted veterinarians, similar to a PPO or HMO health care arrangement. For policies that cover unplanned illnesses and injuries, you can use the veterinarian of your choice, and these plans may also offer some discount element for routine veterinary services.

The Story Of Two Pets

Another of our neighbors is a pet owner to both a dog and cat. His cat, a 6 year old tabby named Whiskers, incurred a respiratory infection late last year, with veterinary bills totalling almost $1600. Earlier in the year, his 12 year old border collie mix, Diamond, was found to have a small malignant tumor during a routine physical. Fortunately, Diamond was able to be treated and recovered well, but the veterinary bills were large – $1500+.

The veterinarian who treated both Diamond and Whiskers submitted each bill directly to the pet insurance company. Although they were obviously seperate instancest, the total vet bills amounted to roughly $3100. The pet insurance plan covered $2850, the difference being a $50 deductible for Whiskers (adult cat) and a $200 deductible for Diamond (senior dog). Total out-of-pocket costs to treat both pets was a very manageable $250.

Do Your Homework

There are a handful of pet insurers available to you. Do your homework and make sure the policy is right for you and your pet. For example, if you’re comfortable budgeting for routine annual expenses like check ups, shots, and flea preventative, there’s no need to pay a pet insurance company to cover routine expenses. Rather, look for a company that protects you from large, unplanned expenses.

If you determine pet insurance is right for you and your pet, here are some important factors to consider when choosing the right policy for you and your pet:

1. Look for Guaranteed Acceptance, no matter your pet’s age. 2. The ability to use the veterinarian of your choosing. 3. Fixed Premiums/Deductibles: Your premium shouldn’t increase as your pet ages. 4. Unlimited Accident Coverage: Accidents happen, particularly with pets.

German Shepherds are not only beautiful, but they are also intelligent, loyal and easy to find in many countries of the world. Unfortunately, they are not the right breed of dog for everyone. Each year, thousands of German Shepherds (also known as Alsatians) and German Shepherd mixes are abandoned or surrendered to animal shelters. Most of these dogs wind up there through no fault of their own. Many people are not aware of the significant time and money investment needed to care for German Shepherds.

To help find homes for these magnificent animals, many selfless volunteers have turned their homes and hearts over to German Shepherd rescues. These breed specific rescues can be found in several countries and almost every state in America. None of these German Shepherd rescues are under any parent organization, not even the Humane Society of the United States, so finding a suitable one in your area may take a bit of research.

Good German Shelter rescues will work very closely with each dog in their care and take time to get to know the dog’s preferences and quirks. Good German Shepherd rescues will never let you adopt a dog right away. You will have to fill out a lot of paperwork, often give them a letter on your character written by your vet, and answer a lot of questions about your (possibly lack of) German Shepherd information. Be very suspicious of any organization that calls themselves a German Shepherd rescue and that ships dogs to you without asking you any questions. The dogs for sale might be stolen or very sick dogs.

There is no parent German Shepherd breed organization or even a national directory. The American Kennel Club and the Humane Society of the United States are really too busy to help you out. In order to find a good German Shepherd rescue in your local area, you will have to sniff them out yourself. You can also expect to fill out a lot of forms, meet with many different dogs and maybe even get a character reference from a veterinarian before your application for adoption is accepted.

Always contact the German Shepherd rescue before you visit. Don’t drop in unexpected and expect to drive off with a dog. The best German Shepherd rescues will have you fill out a questionnaire and quiz you about your knowledge of German Shepherd information.

You will need to do some traveling to these homes. Be sure to make an appointment, as you are entering somebody’s house. By meeting the dog and the person who is caring for him or her, you get a good idea of what to expect.

Don’t just agree to take a dog right away over the phone or email. That should never happen. You need to meet the potential dog a couple of times before you are allowed to adopt the dog. When you visit the dog, you are also visiting what kind of place the German Shepherd rescue is.

While the adoption process crawls on, be sure to read up on all the German Shepherd information you can find to insure you know what to expect from your new furry friend.

As a puppy and an adult, the Pug is best known for their large and outgoing personality. The Pug also has a unique appearance due to their wrinkled and flat face. Pug puppies are often chosen for their personalities, but you also need to consider other factors before you make the final decision to add a Pug to your household.

Since the Pug is good with children they are an excellent choice for a family pet. Pugs will get along with other animals, but you should carefully consider the other pets and breeds already in your home before adding a Pug, because jealousy is always an issue.

While Pugs are good watchdogs they will bark at anything that gets close to the house so you need to keep this in mind when considering the breed. Because of their small size, Pugs are an excellent option for those living in a small apartment or house. They are playful yet don’t require a lot of space.

Next you want to consider the high level of maintenance required for Pug puppies before making your decision. You won’t have to trim the Pug coat since it stays short, but you will have to brush them regularly and trim their nails since they shed a lot and their nails grow fast. Due to the wrinkles that make them unique you will also have to clean their face more often than other breeds. So you may want to consider another breed if regular grooming is an issue.

The Pug is also an excellent choice for those who want a dog that will be around most of the time. As a human friendly breed the Pug will often attach himself or herself to one person and eventually start following them from room to room. As a result if you ignore them for too long they will start to demand your attention. Because of their strong and outgoing personality this can be annoying at times.

If you are going to add Pug puppies to your household then you need to make sure that you can provide them with a steady and safe indoor environment. Not only does the Pug like to be near other people, but they can also experience a variety of health related issues if they are left outside and have exposure to the heat, cold or the outdoors in general.

The Pug is also highly prone to allergies and colds as result of their wrinkled and flat face. There is also the common problem of excessive weight gain with Pugs so you should carefully monitor their food intake and ensure that they get enough exercise.

Before deciding if the Pug is a right breed for you and your household you should carefully think over all the pros and cons of having a Pug dog. Making sure you have the right dog can make all the difference between a positive and a negative match. Never choose a breed without doing the proper research first.

A beagle pup is a great thing to get for you and your family as they make great family dogs and can be a lot of fun to raise and watch grow up. But beagle puppies require a lot of patience and beagle puppy care is not as easy as it may seem. Take the time to do some research on how to raise your beagle pup the right way so that it stays healthy and grows into a great family dog. Always keep your vet involved with regular appointments and consultations if something should go wrong.

A beagle pup develops in stages just like any other new born animal and if you expect your three month old beagle pup to be doing things it shouldn’t be able to do until it is ten months old then you are setting yourself and your puppy up to fail. Find out what the correct developmental expectations are for your beagle pup and keep them in mind as you try and train your beagle puppy to be what you want it to be and do the things it will need to do to get through life.

If you are caging your beagle pup to try and housebreak it and the process is not working then there is another way that may do the trick. Set aside a 48-hour period where you and someone else can take the dog out every hour on the hour and take it to the spot where you want it to do its business. Reinforce to the puppy that this outside spot is where to do these things and that the inside is not a good place. If this alternative does not work contact your vet.

Beating the puppy or chasing it around your house in anger rarely solves behavioral problems in beagle pups. If your puppy barks constantly, pointing at it and giving sharp one word commands such as “No” or “Stop” could be very effective. It is important that you dominate your pet through positive reinforcement and not through fear or physical violence.

Teaching your beagle pup good manners at a young age will greatly decrease the chance that any other problems will arise later in life. Teach your puppy the proper way to walk on a leash and they will keep that for the rest of their lives.

It takes patience but you need to make sure that all negative behavioral traits are eliminated when they are still young enough to learn.

A beagle pup is like an empty book waiting to be filled with information. If you wait too long to address behavioral issues then those issues become patterns in adulthood and negative behavioral patterns are much more difficult to stop.

Remember that when they are puppies they are a clean slate than is waiting to be filled, if you wait until they are too old to correctly address their behavioral issues then you will be spending the rest of your beagle’s life constantly trying to back track in its behavioral training.

Owning a small dog really isn’t that much different to owning a large one. Having said that, there will be some things that will need to be changed for it to be a success. Illustrated below are some points you will need to consider for the daily requirements for a tiny breed of dog.

What are you going to feed your dog?

Of course eating is the most obvious daily activity but the average kibble available from the grocery may be over-sized for your dog. You have to ensure that the kibble is convenient to be used by his minute mouth and these are easily procurable among some of the premium brands of dog food. It is also recommended to offer the Lilliputian canines some canned soft foods.

How to contain them:

It is easy for them to run around and go to the toilet outside providing the area is secure isn’t it? However, fencing used to contain a larger dog may have spaces below or in between for the smaller dog to pass through and escape. Another problem is safety from above because it has been known for large birds of prey to swop down and carry of tiny dogs without any problem whatsoever. Hence, get your pet a kennel which is covered on the top for the right protection.

Dog training:

While tiny dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. However tiny your dog may be, the small dog is still a follower of pack behavior where the important thing to remember is that you do not lead the pack, the dog does. Getting them house trained is just as important too even though their mess might not be as great, this is still an important issue that must be dealt with. Dogs are naturally working creatures with many types bred purely for this function so this should also refer to your pet too. Never reward a dog with goodies or a meal till he has perfected your command for doing tricks or even simple jobs like sitting or fetching.

His appearance:

A small dog needs special sprucing and you have to bear this in mind. One such need is frequent manicuring since these tiny animals spend less time on rough surfaces than larger dogs, which usually wears the nails naturally. If the pet is on soft canned diet, make sure that he brushes his teeth at least twice a week. Small dog care is not that different for a large one except you have to be aware of certain needs that will affect a smaller animal. The differences between each dog, may look minor and insignificant, but when you pay extra attention to each one aspect, it can provide the correct answer to a dog’s specific requirements.