You have purchased your Chihuahua puppy and now preparing to bring it home. You want your new family member to feel comfortable in its new home and you want your home to survive this new family member. How should you prepare?
First of all decide which part of your home will be off-limits. It will be better for your new Chihuahua to allow freer reign as he ages rather than to suddenly no longer allow him where he once could go.
Chihuahuas seem to like to perch on high places while surveying its surroundings. A Chihuahua can be severely injured jumping off high places. As a general rule if they can’t jump up to a place by themselves, they shouldn’t jump down from that place. You can make a ramp that leads to favorite lookouts or nesting spots.
You need to prepare for a new Chihuahua puppy just as you need to prepare for a new baby, with some changes of course. Furnish your home with Chihuahua “stuff” as the next step toward making your house his home. Some sources for supplies are large pet stores, dog shows, discount pet catalogs and the internet.
Toys
Fleece-type toys, balls, stuffed animals…..make sure no part of the toy including squeakers or plastic eyes can be pulled out or swallowed.
Chew bones
A chew bone is the equivalent of a teething ring for babies.
Food and water bowls
Avoid plastic, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. The best food dishes are stainless steel and for water, use a water bottle.
Food
Start with the same food the pup is currently eating. If you change his food, do this gradually.
Soft buckle collar
A cat collar may work better for Chihuahua puppies.
Lightweight leash
An adjustable show lead is good for puppies.
Grooming
Soft brush
Clothes
According to your climate, you may need sweaters, coats or fleece t-shirts. Purchase stylish lightweight shirts for warmer climates.
Accessories
Chihuahuas look nice in necklaces pearl or jewels with fancy charms. Experiment with different looks and have fun with the accessories you choose to compliment your Chihuahua’s clothes.
Dog shampoo is essential to have on hand for your new puppy. Use guillotine type nail clippers. A first aid kit is also helpful.
Other Items to have on hand include but are not limited to: baby gates, dog beds, a crate, X-pen or playpen, fenced outdoor area, doggy door, poop scoop (a two-piece rake type is best for grass.)
Identification: A license tag is a good means of ID, but large tags should be avoided. A tag made of a brass plate fit snug to the collar is best. Collars can come off and dogs aren’t always wearing them when they’re lost. Microchips are proving to be very successful for tracing lost dogs. Your vet injects a microchip about the size of a grain of rice just over the dog’s shoulders. There are special readers that pass over the dog to read the owner’s information from the chip.
Nobody plans to lose a dog. Those who plan ahead with proper identification have a better chance of finding a lost dog.
Connie Limon owns Little Guys Dog Clothes Shop. Purchase designer dog clothes and accessories for your Chihuahua at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com
For many people, owning a dog is a pleasurable experience. True dog lovers are familiar with both the benefits and drawbacks of owning a dog and they love their pooches unconditionally, much in the same way a parent loves a child. Although most dog lovers simply enjoy the companionship of their dogs, proud owners will be the first to tell you about the many fringe benefits that come with dog ownership.
If the objective is to find the healthiest puppy possible and by default one bred by a hobby breeder, then you must be willing to jump through a few hoops.
Benefits of Owning a Dog
Dogs are instinctively great security agents. Even small dogs alert their owners to perceived dangers like fire or unwelcome intruders; whereas, larger dogs, in addition to warning of potential threats, can be trained to provide protection on command. Police dogs assist in enforcing security; they are able to smell everything from explosives to drugs and are vital components in many search and rescue operations. Sheep herders use dogs to protect and move flocks. Children, when taught to care correctly for pets and properly supervised, willingly learn lessons of responsibility. Dogs provide many health-related benefits as well. Older people who tend to neglect their own need for exercise will happily walk their dogs. Younger owners frequently enjoy the company of their dogs when jogging, biking or walking. There is a wealth of research on the medical and emotional benefits reaped by both adults and children as a result of visits by therapy dogs and of course, nearly everyone knows of the contributions dogs make to the lives of handicapped individuals. Finally, dogs bring joy and companionship to many owners just by being themselves. Nobody misses you, depends on you or thinks you are simply wonderful without reservation like a dog.
Expenses Involved in Owning a Dog
Before you purchase a dog, however, it pays to know not only the benefits but the liabilities of dog ownership. Owning a dog can be an expensive proposition. Prospective owners need to consider the cost of feeding, grooming and training. Then there are medical care expenses: vaccinations; heartworm tests and preventive therapy; spaying or neutering; medication to prevent fleas, ticks, and other insect bites; annual check-ups; possible worming or treatment for common infections like gastroenteritis. Dogs need leashes, beds, food and water bowls, harnesses and collars. Some cities and towns require-and charge a fee for-the annual registration of resident dogs.
Fortunately, with careful forethought and a little education on breed types, prospective owners can influence some of these anticipated expenses by selecting a breed that fits their needs. For example, a St. Bernard is more expensive to feed than a Yorkshire terrier and a Poodle is more difficult to groom than a miniature Whippet. Many prospective owners think they are willing to groom their own dogs, until it comes to cutting toenails and cleaning ears or they discover they don’t have the time it takes to do a thorough job. For owners who prefer not to groom their own dogs, paying a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks can become an expensive proposition. Training is another issue for prospective owners to consider. An uncooperative Rottweiler is more difficult for an owner to control and tolerate than an untrained Chihuahua. How willing are you to hire a professional trainer or go to obedience school with your dog should assistance in training be required?
There are other dog expenses that come into play depending on the lifestyles of owners. If you work all day, will you need a dog walker or sitter? Will you need doggy daycare?
What will you do with the dog when you travel? Boarding fees are not inexpensive.
As pointed out, most of the common expenses of dog ownership can be anticipated in advance depending on the breed selected, the prospective owner’s life style and the degree to which the owner is willing to groom, train and exercise the dog himself. But every dog owner will admit to being on the receiving end of some unexpected expenses such as having to replace a pair of shoes chewed by a teething dog or the cost of cleaning a pair of pants soiled by an over-eager greeter. However, these wear and tear expenses are usually not sufficient to break the bank.
The point at which dog ownership can become financially burdensome though is when illness strikes your pet. Trips to the veterinarian can be kept to the minimum if you select a healthy puppy in the first place. But how can prospective owners be expected to know what constitutes a healthy puppy?
Considerations in Selecting a Breeder
There are two primary kinds of breeders: hobby breeders and commercial breeders. Hobby breeders breed for the love of their breed preference, choosing to produce offspring only as necessary to improve particular breed qualities according to a carefully thought out breeding program. Commercial breeders are motivated by their bottom line: money to be made from the sale of puppies to retail stores and in some cases, even directly to the public. Commercial breeders can run the gamut from acceptable and responsible to deplorable in their breeding choices. Here is where the astute puppy buyer needs to select carefully. Commercial breeders have no stake in improving a particular breed; therefore, they may be lax in screening breeding stock for genetic disorders and other diseases to which certain breed types are prone. This lack of concern may translate into the purchase of a puppy that brings with it a plethora of medical bills and the emotional problem of having a sick puppy.
Your bottom line as a prospective dog owner is to secure a puppy that is as healthy as possible. Clearly a hobby breeder is the most likely of the two primary breeder types to offer a puppy with the cleanest bill of health.
How to Find a Responsible Breeder
If the objective is to find the healthiest puppy possible and by default one bred by a hobby breeder, then you must be willing to jump through a few hoops. Do your homework: Investigate the characteristics of the breed in which you are interested. Look for information on size, exercise requirements, general temperament, genetic diseases that may run with the breed, grooming requirements and so forth. Determine if this breed will fit your lifestyle. After you have decided on a particular breed, you are ready to begin looking for a responsible breeder. Here are some suggestions to get you started: The best way to start is by contacting a breed registry. A breed registry is basically a stud (pedigree) book, an official list of the lineage of a particular breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) maintains a multi-breed registry, one for each breed, www.AKC.com. Search for the national breed club and request a list of breeders. There are other breed-specific registries besides those offered by the AKC, but if you are unfamiliar with the source, be diligent in investigating their legitimacy. Local breed clubs are invaluable resources and they can assist you with locating a responsible breeder as well. Search for one on the AKC website. Look online for breed discussion groups. Join in, read postings, ask questions. If you see someone with a dog of the kind you are interested in, talk to them. Ask them where they purchased their dog. Ask if they know other owners who have the same breed. Offer your contact information should the owner have a resource for you. Go to dog shows and other dog events. You can search for these events online under the breed you have selected. Seek out owners and trainers and ask them for the names of reputable breeders. Usually these dog lovers are more than happy to talk about their breed. Call veterinary offices in your area. Go where people with dogs gather-parks, events, animal supply stores, grooming and training facilities-talk to other owners. If you do not have your heart set on a puppy, look for an organization that rescues the breed you prefer or search for one in a shelter. Rescue and shelter dogs are not all problem dogs as is so often thought; rather, they were just unlucky enough to have problem owners.
In your search for a responsible breeder, don’t be lulled by fancy advertising in newspapers, on the Internet and in magazines. A great ad does not necessarily translate into a responsible breeder. Because hobby breeders only breed once a year or so, they rarely need to advertise; litters are often spoken for well in advance.
Questions to Ask a Breeder You may have difficulty evaluating the quality of a particular breeder when you finally succeed in locating one, especially if you are new to the experience of owning a purebred puppy. The list below will assist you in eliciting pertinent information from which you can draw your own conclusions. Remember in making your assessment that breeders are people too and few are perfect. Use these questions as a framework to evaluate the breeder based on what you feel is important. For example, if you are looking for a socialized companion puppy, look for a breeder who shares his/her home with the puppy. An armload of trophies and awards does not mean that a breeder cares one whit about socializing puppies before they are sold. DogPlay.com offers a great list of questions to help you gather the information you need. The answer to each question below should be “yes.” If you want more information as to why a particular question is important, visit www.dogplay.com Were the puppies born on the premises? Does the breeder refuse to place puppies before they are seven weeks old? Does the breeder seem pleased that you are asking questions? Does the breeder ask you lots of questions about your lifestyle, family make-up, experience with dogs and other pets, reason for wanting a dog? Does the breeder ask if you plan to breed? Will the breeder be available to offer advice and support for as long as you have the dog? Does the breeder alert you to issues particular to the breed? Is the breeder a member of a breed club? (An organization that shares information on the breed) Are the puppy’s parents (sire and dam) at least two years old? Did both parents undergo genetic testing before being bred? Have the immediate relatives of the puppy’s parents been tested for health issues and if so, does the breeder have a record of the results? Does the breeder voluntarily share the results of all health tests and offer proof? Does the breeder offer a guarantee with respect to genetic health problems, explaining to you in the process that a guarantee is not a promise that the puppy will be problem free, but a promise of what will happen if the puppy does manifest a problem. Do you understand your options should the puppy manifest a genetic health problem? Is the guarantee at least two years long? Does the guarantee allow you to keep the dog? Does the guarantee allow you to choose at least a partial refund instead of another dog? Is the mother dog (dam) a family pet that lives in the house with the family? Have the puppies been introduced to children or to other animals? Will breeder take back the puppy you buy (no matter how old) if you can’t keep it? Does the breeder believe it is important to keep in contact with buyers to follow up on the dog as it matures in order to verify the level of success in producing a healthy dog of correct temperament? Does the breeder consider himself or herself a dedicated hobbyist to the breed? If the breeder advertises, is the focus on important qualities like health and temperament?
Red Flags
In the course of your discussion with the breeder and your assessment of him/her, there are particular issues that should send up a red flag if the answer is yes instead of no. Dogplay.com offers these questions to use as a guide: Does the breeder indicate that the puppies will be arriving from somewhere other than his/her present location? Will the breeder agree to sell a puppy less than 7 weeks old? Does the breeder seem reluctant to answer your questions or is he/she defensive? Does the breeder charge different prices for different dogs? Does the breeder claim that his or her lines are entirely free of genetic health problems? Do you feel as if the breeder is attempting to persuade you to purchase a puppy? Does the breeder run promotions or offer special incentives to encourage a sale? Does the breeder have more than two breeds available? Does the breeder seem more like a business man or woman than a dedicated breed lover? Does the breeder seem knowledgeable with respect to the details of the breed? Does the breeder charge different prices depending upon the sex of the puppy? Does the guarantee require the dog be euthanized in the event of a health problem? Does the health guarantee require that you return the puppy? Is the guarantee limited to a replacement puppy from the same breeder?
The decision to own a dog is not to be taken lightly. Dogs are not disposable items.  They are living, breathing animals with feelings. They are also entirely dependent on their owners for their very existence. Before purchasing a dog to enrich your life, be absolutely certain that you are willing to commit to loving, nurturing and caring for your pet for its full life time. Anything less is insufficient.
Pat Perkins is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a breeder or more pet articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Purebred Puppy: How to Find One
Fancy some nuts wih your beer? Good Dog – banned bud light commercial
The big day is here! You have chosen your puppy. Whether your puppy is coming from a shelter or a breeder, it really doesn’t matter right now. You have a precious young puppy coming to live with you and you need to get your home ready to receive him.
Do you have the thing you will need for your puppy? Do you have a bag of the same food that he has been eating? You don’t want to make any fast changes in his diet even if you don’t like his current food. Coming to your house will be a huge adjustment for your puppy and you want to keep his food the same to avoid any stomach upsets. Your puppy may have diarrhea anyway because of the changes and stress. No need to make things worse by changing food.
Do you have a collar and leash ready to go get your puppy? The collar should be big enough to fit snugly around your puppy’s neck and allow you to fit two fingers between the collar and neck. A leash that is four to six feet long is usually good. Don’t use a retractable leash at this point. They take some skill to use and you will have your hands full trying to watch your puppy and look out for him. Keep him walking close to you so he won’t stray into something he shouldn’t and become frightened. Nylon collars and leashes are fine. Your puppy is still growing so you probably don’t want to invest in expensive leather collars and leashes or fancy embroidered pieces yet.
Do you have bowls or pans for food and water? Ceramic bowls or steel pans are usually best. Avoid plastic bowls. The plastic can contain chemicals that irritate some dogs’ noses and skin.
Do you have a place for your puppy to sleep? There are many wonderful, soft dog beds for cuddling available online and in pet supply stores. These make great places for your puppy to sack out when he’s tired. It’s up to you whether you will allow your puppy to get on furniture or sleep on your bed. That’s an entirely personal decision.
Whether you intend for your puppy to sleep in a crate or not you should purchase a crate for crate training. Crating your puppy is one of the best ways to help in the housetraining process. All dogs should learn crate training since crating is the safest way for dogs to travel in a vehicle. All dogs other than Toy dogs are crated when they fly on airplanes.
Do you have toys for your puppy? Treats? What self-respecting new dog owner hasn’t brought home some goodies so they can spoil their new puppy?
Before you bring your puppy home you should go through your house and pick up anything that you don’t want destroyed: pick up shoes, remote controls, cellphones, cameras, and clothes. Pick up anything that your little pint-sized ball of terror will want to put in his mouth. Because — and this is the truth — your puppy is a mouth full of teeth with legs. The world is new to him and he is trying to explore it by tasting and chewing everything in it. He will eat anything that you leave lying around for the next six months, at least. Puppies make us better housekeepers. If you want to keep something, put it up high where your puppy can’t reach it. If you think it’s high enough, put it up a little higher because he can probably find a way to reach it. You will come home one day and find your little darling staring at you from on top of the dining room table.
You should also look through your house for places where your puppy can get into things that he shouldn’t. Do you have cabinets that don’t close properly? Do you have a closet that doesn’t shut right? Do you have a cat litter box? (Put it up. Your puppy thinks those are dog treats.) Do you have things hidden under your bed? Whatever it is, wherever it is, you need to do something with it before your puppy finds it.
One of the most useful things you can do is to get down low and try looking at your house from your puppy’s eye-view. You may start to see some tempting things that you don’t usually notice. Try thinking like a curious little puppy.
You will inevitably miss some things. Your puppy is going to get into stuff. Just remember how adorable he is when he runs up to you with what’s left of your contact lens case.
David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. Our site covers family related issues from raising children to dog information, relationships to cooking.
Exclusive Gifts For Your Exclusive Puppy On Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Shopping is on. People are busy buying exclusive presents to gift their loved ones on occasion of Valentine’s Day. Well, have you planned something similar for your puppies? They are also like a member of your family and they deserve to be treated like an integral member of family.
You must be enthusiastic enough about the gifts for your puppies. This Valentine’s Day you can gift several exclusive things to your very exclusive puppy. You can show your love and tender care about your fur baby through attractive gifts and fashion accessories, specially designed as a Valentine’s Gift for your puppies.
Yes, it is true. Online dog boutiques have presented their best Valentine’s Dog Fashion Collection this year for dog lovers. They are offering products from all prominent dog fashion designers at one place. After visiting popular online dog boutiques, anyone would be amazed. The awesome designs of dog fashion costumes, dog beds, dog fashion accessories (dog collars, dog bowls, dog treats, dog carriers, and leashes), and winter gears for doggies are enough to please enthusiastic dog loving people.
It can be a wonderful opportunity for dog owners to buy the most exclusive gifts for their fur babies. It is well known that people love their dog, but presenting something unique to your dog on Valentine’s Day will please your dog and you will also be amazed after looking you dog being happy due to their exclusive gift.
This is a golden chance for dog lovers to illustrate their unique sense of dog fashion. By choosing the best dog costumes, they can make a perfect appearance (along with their dog dressed in a Valentine’s Dog costume) in Valentine’s Day parties. However, this is not the only advantage one can make out from online dog boutiques. If someone is going to propose his girlfriend on this Valentine’s Day they can enhance the impact of their gift (for girlfriend) by complementing it with an exclusive dog Valentine’s gift meant for her lovely puppy.
Nowadays, buying exclusive Valentine’s Gift for exclusive puppies is not that tough. One can easily find an online store dealing with all kinds of dog fashion costumes and accessories. They can buy it online without spending their valuable time in searching for a dog fashion store and selecting a product from endless Valentine’s Gift options.
Posh Puppy Boutique is a renowned name in the world of modern pet boutiques. Posh Puppy Boutique is an authorized dealer of well-known brands such as Christian Audigier, Ed Hardy, Chrome Bones, Bone Digger and many more. For more information please visit: – http://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/
Wonderful that you have found the puppy that you always wanted. With that I would like to begin what I call stage two, “having everything you need to make you and your puppy safe and happy.” I have compiled a list that I would like to share with you.
Leash and a Collar
Finding the right collar for your dog is important. There are many different aspects to consider one manly size. Smaller dogs tend to your body hardness while larger dogs might be better off with a choker. Spend some time researching your particular breed to get the right fit.
Food and Water Bowls
When buying a food and water bowl you might want to buy one that is going to fit your when its an adult. For example, if you have a golden retriver (one of my favorites), make sure to buy a large dish as he is going to be a larger dog. Some other bowls come lifted off the ground, a little fancy in my opinion but it also does the trick especially for dogs with larger ears that hang to the ground.
Puppy Food
So important to buy puppy food and not dog food. Puppy food has more protein and nutrients that they need to grow that will not be found in dog food.
Chew Toys
This is always an interesting topic as there are so many of them out there. I believe in looking at the type of dog you have. If the dog really likes to chew then you might want to look at buying some rawhides, or knuckle bones (my personal favorite for my dobermans). Another toy I would recommend would be the kong. I like it because it allows me to refill it with my dogs favorte treat, peanut butter.
Dog Crate
Such an important aspect of housebreaking your pet. Also helps when you are away from home. Many dogs that are crate trained enjoy spending time in what is their space. Many a times I have left my dogs crate open and my dog would just go in there to relax. Make sure to find one that will accommodate your dog comfortably.
Grooming
Essentially needed for your dogs overal health. Necesary to have shampoo, brush/comb, even conditioner at times to keep your dogs coat looking healthy and shiny.
Name Tag
A good idea to place a name tag on your pet just in case he ever loses his way home.Â
Wonderful that you have found the puppy that you always wanted. With that I would like to begin what I call stage two, “having everything you need to make you and your puppy safe and happy.” I have compiled a list that I would like to share with you.
Leash and a Collar
Finding the right collar for your dog is important. There are many different aspects to consider one manly size. Smaller dogs tend to your body hardness while larger dogs might be better off with a choker. Spend some time researching your particular breed to get the right fit.
Food and Water Bowls
When buying a food and water bowl you might want to buy one that is going to fit your when its an adult. For example, if you have a golden retriever (one of my favorites), make sure to buy a large dish as he is going to be a larger dog. Some other bowls come lifted off the ground, a little fancy in my opinion but it also does the trick especially for dogs with larger ears that hang to the ground.
Puppy Food
So important to buy puppy food and not dog food. Puppy food has more protein and nutrients that they need to grow that will not be found in dog food.
Chew Toys
This is always an interesting topic as there are so many of them out there. I believe in looking at the type of dog you have. If the dog really likes to chew then you might want to look at buying some rawhides, or knuckle bones (my personal favorite for my dobermans). Another toy I would recommend would be the kong. I like it because it allows me to refill it with my dogs favorite treat, peanut butter.
Dog Crate
Such an important aspect of housebreaking your pet. Also helps when you are away from home. Many dogs that are crate trained enjoy spending time in what is their space. Many a times I have left my dogs crate open and my dog would just go in there to relax. Make sure to find one that will accommodate your dog comfortably.
Grooming
Essentially needed for your dogs overall health. Necessary to have shampoo, brush/comb, even conditioner at times to keep your dogs coat looking healthy and shiny.
Name Tag
A good idea to place a name tag on your pet just in case he ever loses his way home.
Many people have said that it is in fact “A Dog’s World” and after some research on the Internet, I am beginning to believe it!
My writing assignment was to find some groovy dog accessories and share them with you. I, being the ignorant dog person who I am, made the assumption that it would take a bit of time to find such unique items for the canine social group. Boy was I mistaken. Upon entering cyberspace I was inundated with the most interesting, and at times bizarre, doggie accessories out there. Who comes up with this stuff? Zit cream? I mean really? Who Knew?
I don’t have unlimited space to share with you the zillion dog accessories I discovered, so I have chosen the ones that possibly state the essence of a dog’s personality.
The first accessory I stumbled across brought back memories for me. It is a mood collar for dogs. Made with an embossed leather strap, and adorned with a mood stone that reacts to your pooch’s body heat, this accessory will send you back to the 1970′s. It even comes with a set of instructions that tell you what your pooch is feeling according to color. Red means he is agitated. Dark blue means he is happy. Amber-brown can mean he is nervous and needs to be fed or walked. This is just an example of the many other colors they describe on the list for his moods. The collar may be sold as a novelty, but it sure is groovy!
How about an ecopure spa relaxing bath set for your pooch? I mean after a hard day of chewing your shoes, eating, sleeping, sleeping and chewing some more, I’m sure he could use a nice relaxing spa package. Complete with aromatherapy shampoo, sage aromatherapy spray and a candle, your pet can be pampered and bathed at the same time.
After your doggie’s spa bath and aromatherapy treatment, you wouldn’t want to deprive him of a fluffy terry cloth robe with satin trim would you? The one that I found is made by the American Kennel Club. It is luxurious and is the perfect accessory for your pet.
If your dog isn’t into spa treatments and is aptly named “Killer,” “Moose,” or “Bruiser,” then how about sitting on the couch with dad and having a beer. Yes, you heard me correctly. I said a beer. It is named appropriately Doggy Beer, is manufactured in the USA and is a nutritious alternative to the real stuff. But if man can drink a bottle of suds now and then, man’s best friend can join in the action too. Oh, and if you dog wants to drink his Doggy Beer and eat a hot dog, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs sells all beef pet treats for his hot dog cravings. Throw in a pack of Woofy Pop popcorn that comes in a variety of flavors and he will be set. Now there is no excuse for your pet to whine during the Super Bowl.
If you live near water or have a pool, then this is an accessory for your pet that is not only groovy but a necessity. I found a pet saver life jacket. It slips over your pet’s body and has a strap for you to grab for lifting him out of the water. The colors are bright so you can find your furry friend easily. What a clever way to show your dog you care.
I never realized how much fun it was to have a dog! Just seeing all the groovy accessories for them makes me want to go out and purchase some beer and hot dogs for my friend’s pets. Maybe for my next article I will have to do some investigating on cat’s stuff!
The author of this article is Jeffery Baxter. To visit a site that is jam-packed with all of the dog associated things you can think of, please visit http://www.dogsanimals.com
No humans were harmed in the filming of this commercial….although my 17 year old voice student who shot it was ready to kill me after spending 24 hours with me and my dogs! The 1576 ribbons featured were earned by my 13 year old Australian Shepherd, Rascal (the Blue Merle). He stars along with his up-and-coming superstar ultra-enthusiastic comedic brother, Quazar (“Grasshopper”), who is entered in the 2009 AKC/Eukanuba Championship. Please vote for us! The 2009 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is a two-day event featuring 3000 of the worlds finest canines going head to head in various competitions all in pursuit of the Best In Show championship. Dogs and their handlers will participate in a range of events including the AKC Agility Invitational, AKC National Obedience Invitational and the breed competitions that will lead to the crowning of the champ. Among the family-fun highlights: •DOG SENSORY EXHIBIT For the first time you will be able to see, smell and hear exactly like a dog at this multi-sensory exhibit; •MASSIVE DOG MALL More than 100 products including Swarovski embellished collars, leads and apparel (for dogs and humans); fine designer jewelry (for pets and humans); dog art and collectables; eco-friendly pet collars and accessories; bronze portrait sculptures; handmade dog clothing; and doggie treadmills will be among the items available for purchase at the worlds largest specially constructed dog mall; •MEET THE BREEDS You will be able to interact with more …
Pet accessories are an important part of taking care of your dog. Generally we use accessories to accentuate the beauty of things. When it comes to pet care accessories are used to protect your pet from harmful elements. You can also gain a lot of satisfaction from buying accessories for you pet. There is a wide variety to choose from and you might wonder where to start, particularly if this is your first pet.
Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing accessories for your pet:
1. Food and water bowls:
The most important thing about choosing good bowls is that they are not easily tipped over. You will probably want to check that especially the water bowl is pretty sturdy. It’s vital that your dog has free access to water at all times and one of the ways people are doing this is by buying large water systems for their pets. Much like human watering systems these will keep your dog with fresh water for longer.
2. Dog Collar:
Whether you want a plain or fancy variety – collars are important and will be an item you use daily. This means the comfort and fit are important. Experts recommend a space between the dog’s neck and the collar to be at least 2 fingers wide. A collar should never be too loose or too tight. Make sure you get a good fit and take your dog along when you buying a collar.
3. Dog leash:
It’s not hard to choose a leash – you just want to keep in mind that it needs to be strong enough to hold your dog. Leashes are often sold clearly marked with the breeds the leash is suitable for.
4. Grooming accessories:
Depending on the kind of breed you have the amount of grooming accessories needed will vary.
If you have a dog that will need relatively little grooming, that is with a short coat, then you will need only a basic toolkit.
You will need - dog shampoo - dog clippers - styptic powder - dog toothbrush - dog toothpaste - dog brush or comb
These are the basics. There are many other products you can use to keep your dog clean and fragrant. If you have a more high maintenance dog you will need these plus a wider variety of brushes and combs to care for your pets coat and grooming needs.
5. Dog houses:
If your dog will be sleeping outside then it’s important that they have their own place for shelter. A dog house will keep your dog out of the harsh sunlight or rain or even snow. When choosing a dog house try to choose the right size. The dog should fit snuggly inside with enough space to move around.
6. Dog beds:
If your dog will be spending time inside it’s also a good idea to buy a dog bed. This gives your dog a ‘retreat’ and they will value having their own comfy space where they can go when cold or sleepy. Again just try to choose the right size. Many dog beds are designed for specific breeds so you won’t have a problem finding a bed for your dog.
7. Dog toys and treats:
Most dogs love playing, and just like children, love being spoilt. It is especially important if you are away for long periods of time that your dog has something to play with. It’s best to give them a variety of toys; this will keep them away from your slippers!
Again the most important thing is the size. Treats and toys should be size appropriate. If the toy is too big they won’t be able to play with it and it won’t be fun for anyone.
There is a wide variety of toys for you dog to chew, play and bite. Spend some time choosing some fun toys for your dog.
These are the most important accessories you will need for your dog. There are many more things you could buy your dog but by catering for the items on this list your dog should have everything he needs to be a healthy, happy dog.
The good thing about training a puppy to walk on a leash is that you can prevent any problems before they eventuate. It’s much easier to start leash training early on with a puppy, than to re-train an older dog with established leash behavioral problems.
Having a properly leash trained puppy makes life much simpler and safer for the dogs future. And of course it means that taking your dog for a walk is an enjoyable experience, for both you the owner and also your dog.
How To Train A Puppy To Walk On A Leash
The first step can take place as soon as you get your young puppy home. Just get your pup familiar and comfortable wearing a collar. A simple buckle collar is fine for this purpose. Put the collar on when you feed your puppy or when you are playing with him. Most puppies don’t have a problem with the collar, it may just take a little getting used to. If your puppy is rolling around or trying to scratch the collar off, don’t take it off him at this time. Wait till he has settled down or forgotten about it, then take it off.
The next step is similar to the first, it involves the leash. This time get your dog used to the look and feel of his leash. For young puppies all you need is a light weight, thin leash. You can upgrade to a fancy leather leash when your puppy is properly leash trained if you like. Put the leash on your puppy and just let him check it out and drag it around with him (always under your supervision). Once again your goal is to make your puppy comfortable with the leash and not fear it in any way.
When your puppy is comfortable wearing the collar and dragging the leash around (may take up to a couple of weeks) it is time for you to pick up the other end of the leash. Make these first leash training sessions short, sharp and fun. And always keep in mind that your goal is to communicate to your dog that pulling on the leash is never acceptable. Therefore you must never reward his pulling by giving in to him. Be consistent with your message to him and always praise his good behavior (in this case, walking on a loose leash).
To start with just walk around the house with the leash in hand, and your puppy trotting along side you. Give him plenty of vocal praise, petting and even a few treats. At this early stage puppies love to follow their owners around, you should use this to your advantage. If your puppy pulls on the leash (which he will, don’t expect him to just know this stuff) immediately stop. Don’t yank him back over to you with the leash, just call him over and praise him when he comes. Then set off for more of a stroll and repeat this correction each time your dog pulls on the leash. It must be every time he strains on the leash, you have to teach him that when he pulls, it gets him nowhere. The same correction applies when your puppy sits down while you are walking. Don’t yank him forward to you, just stop and call him toward you.
This leash training method results in your dog not pulling and you not pulling, just a nice loose leash hanging down between you and your dog. It will take a bit of persistence and patience on your part, but it is well and truly worth it.
We’ve had our dog since she was a puppy at 3 months old. She’s now 3 years old and still does not know how to climb up/down steps. I do not think this is normal and have been trying to press the matter of teaching her for awhile, however my mother chimes in that she doesnt need to learn now, she keeps saying this everytime I bring it up. Today I finally had enough, and decided to teach her. We have a pool outside to where there is 4 small steps leading up to it. I decided to take her outside and get her up the steps. The dog was scared (not of the pool mind you) but I kept reassuring her with helpful words and giving her treats for trying. My mom throughout all of this was yelling at me that I was being cruel and that I was abusing an animal. She is insane when it comes to animal abuse, and everytime a commercial shows up about ASPCA asking for donations, she yells at us to change the channel or shut the TV off. She keeps saying i’m being cruel for trying to get the dog to do something she does not want to do. I understand where she is coming from, but the dog is already 3, and its time she learned how to go up the steps. It won’t kill her, and once she learns how i’m sure she’ll realize "well that was not so bad" however my mom will not allow me to teach her. What can i do to get my dog to learn to climb steps, without my mother chiming in i’m being abusive towards the dog?
EDIT: Actually there is a reason to learn to climb steps. The dog can discover new places, get more exercise (She doesnt get that much on some days). It’s like learning to climb up steps as a human
Also, I have tried teaching her to climb up/down stairs going to the basement, which is carpetted, however that is a longer stairwell so i figured the stairs leading up to the pool deck would be a better start.
Yes, I forgot to mention the size of the dog. The dog is Collie, so she isnt huge, but she’s on the medium/bigger size. When near steps I do think she is afraid of slipping because her back legs are not the sturdiest. When I get her near the steps she lays down and wont go anywhere, if you pick her up she’ll freak out. I’ve tried putting treats on the stairs to see if she’ll get them, but she is not very interested. She can go up very very small flights of stairs (like 1-2 steps) but she doesnt climb them, she jumps onto the top step.
