It Is Important To Understand That Dogs Bark For Various Reasons

Birds sing; frogs croak; and a dog barks, whines and howls. If you have a dog, you better expect some barking, whining or howling. It is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dog to stop barking altogether. However, you, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier if the barking is under control.

Why Dogs Bark

It is important to understand that dogs bark for various reasons. They do not bark just to annoy you and your neighbors, nor do they bark for spite or revenge. Dogs don't bark just because they can (though it might seem that way at times). Certain dog breeds bark more than others - some types of dogs were actually bred to be barkers. Then again, the Basenji does not bark at all (though the breed can vocalize in other ways). If you listen closely, you will eventually learn your dog's different barks. Understanding the reason why your dog barks is the first step towards controlling the behavior. In general, dogs will most commonly bark for the following reasons:

Warning/Alert: It is natural for a dog to bark when someone is a the door or when strangers pass the house or car. Many will bark if they sense some type of threat, proclaiming "I'm here protecting this place so don't mess with me." The sound of this bark is usually sharp, loud and authoritative. Honing this instinct with training can help protect your home and family.

Anxiety: Anxious barking often seems to be an an act of self-soothing for many dogs. It is often high-pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining. This type of barking is common for dogs with separation anxiety.

Playfulness/Excitement: This type of barking is especially common in puppies and young dogs. Many dogs will bark while playing with people or other dogs. Even the sound of the bark tends to sound upbeat and possibly musical. Some dogs will bark excitedly when they know they are about to go for a walk or car ride.

Attention-seeking: When you hear this bark, you will usually know just what it means. This bark says "Hey! Hey! Look! Here I am!" Other dogs may whine and bark together to get attention, almost like the tone of a whining child.

Boredom: The bark of a bored dog sounds like a dog that barks just to hear her own voice. Though it tends to be annoying, it is also kind of sad. Bored dogs often bark to release excess energy, and sometimes bark out of loneliness. They usually need an activity and perhaps even a companion.

The Safest Way To Stop Dogs Barking: Training

I am a part time dog trainer and i think the best way to get a dog to stop barking is to train it to bark! It seems silly but it is totally effective! if you train the dog to bark on command it will only do it when you ask it to. Alternatively you could figure out what causes the dog to bark e.g. the door bell therefore when the door bell rings train the dog to use it as a cue to do something else like go on its bed so when the door bell rings the dog will go onto its bed instead of barking! simple! :D

I hope people will understand the importance of using positive reinforcement rather than scolding or harming dogs!

Another (Safe) Alternative to Prevent Your Dog From Barking

A dog parent can also try safe ultrasonic bark control. When your dog barks the ultrasonic bark control unit emits a high frequency sound that only your dog can hear. Each dog bark triggers the bark control unit to emit the sound. The dog will stop barking when he/she hears it. Soon the dog will realize that their barking causes the uncomfortable noise and will stop barking. The ultrasonic bark control is not recommended in a house with cats since they are also able to hear the high frequency sound.

There are two types of Safe Ultrasonic Bark Controls: Indoor and Outdoor. The Indoor Bark Control unit sits on any flat surface in your house. The Outdoor Bark Control looks like a Birdhouse and can be placed on any outside tree. The device not only looks great for your outdoor decor but an added benefit is controls not only your dog from barking but also your neighbor's barking dog. The Indoor Bark Control unit can be controlled manually or automatically. Manually means you will press the button when you hear your dog bark. Automatic means the device will emit the sound when it picks up the dog bark.

Basic Idea About Some Of The Common Chihuahua Facts

Chihuahuas are among the most sought-after dogs in the United States and many other countries. They are indeed the smallest dog breed in the world and this is one of the factors behind their popularity. There are various theories regarding the origin and ancestry of Chihuahuas. However, it is commonly believed that these dogs are natives to Mexico. Even the name of the dog is derived from the name of the largest state in Mexico - Chihuahua. According to genetic tests, the present day Chihuahua is believed to have originated in the 1800s. This dog breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Scroll down to know more interesting Chihuahua facts.

Chihuahua Facts and Information

Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and as per the set standards, the weight of an average Chihuahua can range between 1.5 to 3 kilograms. Even though, there are no specific standards for their height, it can be anywhere between six to ten inches. You may also find exceptions, as some Chihuahuas grow taller. You may come across advertisements about different types of Chihuahua puppies like, miniature, teacup, tiny toy, deer-headed, apple-headed, etc. In fact, such breeds are not recognized and such ads are often found to be misleading. These dogs can be long-haired or short-haired and there are many variations in coat color. They have large eyes, big and erect ears and sickle-shaped tails.

Chihuahua behavior mainly depends on genetics and the experiences of his life. Chihuahuas are among those loyal dogs that crave for attention and love. But, they do not get along well with other types of dogs and pets. If a Chihuahua has an ill temperament, then, it will be better to keep him/her away from kids and other pets. Due to their smaller size and other physical features, Chihuahua dogs are prone to some health problems. So, they need regular care and attention for maintaining their health. Now, let us take a look at some more interesting and amazing facts about Chihuahua dogs.

Interesting Chihuahua Facts for Kids

Chihuahuas are ranked the tenth most popular dog in the United States. These dogs are also among the oldest dog breeds in this country. The following is a list of some interesting Chihuahua facts.

• Archaeological evidences suggest that Chihuahua dogs were buried with humans in ancient Mexico and some parts of the United States.
• It is also believed that Chihuahuas were considered sacred by the ancient Mexican people and folklore suggest that these dogs were associated with the worship of deities.
• Another interesting fact about Chihuahuas is that most of them are born with droopy ears that gradually become erect, as they grow.
• Even though, they are considered as the smallest dog breed, the Guinness record for the smallest dog goes to a Yorkshire Terrier and not a Chihuahua.
• As compared to the body size, they have very large brains. In other words, among all dog breeds, Chihuahua dogs have the largest brain, as compared to the body size.
• They have short noses, which make Chihuahuas prone to wheezing and snoring. Even their eyes can develop glaucoma, dryness of the cornea, etc.
• The largest litter of a Chihuahua comprised ten puppies. There were some reports about a Chihuahua adopting a kitten litter.
• The popularity of Chihuahuas is clear from the fact that around 24,930 purebred Chihuahuas were registered in 2003 in the United States only.

Now, you have a basic idea about some of the common Chihuahua facts. If you are interested in raising a Chihuahua, then, find a well-bred one from trusted and responsible breeders.

The Papillon Is A dog That Known For His Intelligence And His Love To Learn Attitude

The Papillon is a dog that came to be in France as his name suggests, when the name Papillon is translated it means "Butterfly." This is a breed of dog that can be traced all the way back to the 14th century, but it was not until the 19th century that they came to the US and finally in 1915 they became a registered breed with the AKC. The early Papillon had only drooping ears but this changed somewhere along the line and erect ears started to appear, the Papillon with ears that stand up is usually the more popular type.

This is a dog that loves to make his humans happy and because of that, they are easy to train, but they do have a lot of energy and a playful personality so you will have to keep up with them! This is a dog full of energy (as I have mentioned) so good work outs or a good work schedule is a must to keep these furry little guys happy! They need a lot of time and dedication from their owner; if the owner is not up to spending a lot of time with his Papillon, then he should not bother to get one.

When training, the owner of the Papillon will have to show that he has confidence in himself and the commands that he is giving or else, the dog will pick up on this and decide that it would be better to do what he wants instead of listening to his owner. That’s why a demonstrated consistency is the best lesson he can learn from his master.They are very intelligent but also bossy and possessive, they do well in obedience training but housetraining can tend to be a problem sometimes.

This is a small dog, so careful consideration must be made before buying one if there are small children in the house as the dog can get hurt very easily. These are dogs that do well with older children and other pets, although sometimes they will try to show bigger dogs who’s boss, so care must be taken with the Papillon. These dogs do well in apartments and in houses as well. You might want to socialize your Papillon at an early age to make sure that the puppy grows up in to a confident and well behaved little dog.

The Papillon is the ultimate picture of elegance, with a dainty body and a big innocent look on his face; this is a dog that is enough to take your breath away! He has a long coat made up of hair that is pure silk to the touch, the color is usually white with tan, black or lemon patches. This breed has fringed ears and a beautiful full tail. This is a breed that can reach a height of up to 12 inches.

When it comes to grooming the Papillon one should not worry, the long silky coat is not prone to matting, just a good brush one to two times a week should be enough to keep his coat in top condition and looking beautiful; maybe a little bit more during the time of year when the dog is shedding. One thing that you will need to pay attention to is to keep the hair around the Papillon’s bottom trimmed (for hygienic purposes). Because of the long hair in the Papillon’s ears, he is prone to infection so care must be taken that they are clean and dry at all times.

When looking for a Papillon always take the time to find a good responsible breeder that can ensure the health and the breeding of his animals. Responsible breeders care for their puppies and the homes that they will be going to; try to avoid puppy mills because the dogs are usually raised in cruel conditions with no thought given to their breeding or their long-term health; you might end up with a puppy that will have all kinds of problems in the future, including health problems and mental stability problems. So take care as to whom you buy from.

Wonderful family pets, great companions and friends for the whole family to enjoy and love!

Take You Through Some Of The Distinct Features Of Black Pomeranian

Pomeranian dogs we're aware of, and they are quite a popular choice to make for dog owners. Now what if I told you the possibility of a black Pomeranian for a dog breed? Yes yes, they exist and many people are actually going in for these Pomeranian puppies rather than the other colors. Why? Imagine that black, furry, sleek coat that shines like the darkest night. Wouldn't you want that for yourself? Of course you would. But the thing about black Poms or teacup Pomeranian dogs is that they are not any different than the other Pomeranian dogs. (The smallest of the dogs are referred to as teacup Pomeranians. It is not a separate breed, mind you). In the following article I shall take you through some of the distinct features of this breed of dog and maybe at the end of the article you will want to pick up some of them yourself.

Black Pomeranian: Distinct Features

The black color does not make them any different from the other colored Poms, so when we talk about the characteristics and features of the black Pomeranian dog, it is to be understood that all the Poms will share the same traits.

Basic Structure
Black Pomeranian dogs are of a small stature weighing about 3-4 kg and have a height of about 18-30 cms. Making them a really small breed. They have a fluffy coat that is a little coarse to touch, while the undercoat is soft and comprises short hair. The thickest parts of the coat are near the chest and the neck region. The tail is fluffy as well. The Pom has a very piercing gaze that is set in its almond shaped eyes. The ears are small and erect. These dogs have been known to live for 15 years as well.

Nature
The black Poms are very lively and sprightly dogs that require a lot of activity in their daily lives. They are eager learners and therefore make for great show dogs. Being extremely intelligent they prove to be great companions to their owners. They are known for their loyalty. But be firm with these dogs or they'll be a problem for you later. If not handled with a gentle but firm hand, their behavior will tend to get fussy and unnecessarily demanding. This breed can get a little annoying with strangers - barking and yelping excessively. So there need to be rules set to avoid any dog bites or the like. This breed strives well indoors. It can be kept in an apartment very comfortably. So keeping one as a pet is never a major nuisance.

Grooming
Due to its long and thick coat, the black Pomeranian tends to sweat a lot and therefore the coat will begin to stink. Bathing and grooming has to be taken very, very seriously for this breed. Make sure that you bathe it every 2-3 days to avoid any health problems and illnesses. Make sure that you brush the coat everyday so that no ticks and fleas are formed. Clean its eyes and ears frequently as well. Make sure that you administer good dog care by taking the dog for a walk everyday, this will ensure that the dog remains fit and fine.

To sum it all up then, the black Pom can definitely be a great pet and make for great company for the elderly and in teaching children the importance of pet care. And now that you know something more about the black Pomeranian, I'm sure it has made your decision about going in for one clearer. So what will it be then?

Loyal And Faithful, The Akita Inu Dog Is A Great Companion

The Akita Inu is a dog that many people say come from royalty, meaning that a couple of hundred of years ago, in Japan (the Akita Inu's native home) this dog was bred and kept by royalty, other people say that this is not true.....they claim that the royalty bit came from Japanese pet shop owners trying to sell their product. Well whether that is true or not we will never really know, what we do know is that the Akita Inu was used as a hunting dog in Japan, hunting wild bore actually. The Japanese used male and female pairs because two dogs of the same-sex were to aggressive and liked to tear each other up more than hunting the wild bore.

The Akita Inu has a long and interesting history; another thing that the Japanese used the Akita Inu for was dog fighting, during this time the number of Akitas shot up, but there was one problem, they were interbreeding with other dog breeds. The result was a bunch of animals that looked like mutts... when people realized what was happening and when dog fighting became illegal, breeders started trying to preserve the breed; one way of doing this was to have the Akita Inu breed declared a natural monument in Japan, thus the breed was saved, but not for long.

World War II came along and the Akita meat was used for food and his fur was used for lining soldier's uniforms; not only the Akita but all dogs except for the German shepherd, the Akitas that were surviving during the war were bred up to German shepherds so that they would not be taken by the army.

By the end of World War II there were very few purebred Akitas left in Japan; the very first Akita to make it to the United States was a dog that had been given to Hellen Keler herself. Although dogs used for breeding did not make it over until later, belonging to servicemen who had taken a fancy to the Akita's royal appearance.

The Akita is a big dog that requires a nice big yard to fulfill his exercise needs, this is a dog that is very animal aggressive because of his background as a hunting dog; if raised from puppyhood with other small animals, he might consider them part of the pack.

However, this dog needs intensive socialization at an early age and because of his guard dog abilities he will consider anybody that he doesn't know an intruder. He is an excellent watchdog, it is even reported that Japanese mothers used to leave their babies home alone with nobody to watch them, except for the family Akita Inu, this is not recommended today though because a dog this size could easily injure a child without meaning to.

Did you know that in Japan, before World War II, a small statue of the Akita Inu was given to families with newborn babies as a sign of blessing and long life, also a small statue of the dog was given to people that were sick and injured as a get well soon charm; very interesting.

The Akita Inu is a big dog that needs to be on a leash whenever outside the yard because of his strong prey drive, never leave this dog alone with strangers because they are guard dogs and they just might consider your friend an intruder.

When looking for an Akita Inu never look for him at puppy mills or backyard breeders because these animals usually do not have any vaccines, no socialization and are usually poorly bred, no regard is given to the breed standard and the potentially aggressive nature of the Akita is usually acute in such animals...however if you look for a puppy from a good responsible breeder you will usually get an animal that has had all vaccinations and has been properly socialized, these dogs are usually bred specifically to reduce the aggressive nature of the animal and to minimize health problems specific to the breed, not to mention the fact that these dogs are bred to conform to the breed standard.

Well, wherever you get your Akita from, raise him well and you will get a lifetime of love and loyalty in return.

Find Out How You Should Be Taking Care Of Siberian Husky Diet

Siberian Huskies, like any other dog, need their nutrition in one wholesome meal, that is given over the course of a day to ensure that he/she grows up in the right way, and lives out a healthy life. A lot of companies say that their food is good for dogs, with many claiming to be the best in their brand of dog food. How much do we know about dog food, to deem it as healthy and beneficial for a dog?

Many people feed their dogs packaged kibbles or canned food, without worrying about the effects, since companies drill into consumers' minds that it is nutritional for their pets. A lot of pets like dogs and cats live much longer than their limited years, because they were fed the right foods. Animals were never fed processed eatables, and neither were we. Now that we have the markets clogged with preservative ridden packaged goods, with many coming up recently with organic eats, it is no wonder why we struggle to stay fit and healthy today. We should take advantage of what is introduced in the market today, as fresh, healthy, and nutritional.

Dogs similarly, cannot eat anything that is given to them just because a dog food company claims to make the healthiest of dog eats. The truth here is that dogs, or any other pet for that matter, have to eat fresh food that we humans eat as well, that are made from scratch and entirely organic without being altered by humans, with very less of its packaged counterpart, served.

Meat is a very essential component in an animal's diet, and it has to be included along with limited amounts of healthy greens and fruit since that is what will make up its entire diet. So to conclude about a dog's diet - you have to feed them food that you would put into your mouth, that are all-natural and healthy to eat, and choosing dog food from a company that is both reliable, and genuine in its claims.

What Should a Siberian Husky Diet Contain?

Canned food, packaged treats and the works, shouldn't be your prime diet concern when it comes to your Siberian Husky. It is shocking to uncover that grains and cereal which are rejected by inspecting companies because they are harmful to humans, make their way into dog food instead. Meat, in the same way when rejected for approval-giving companies, makes its way into dog food where they've either been infected or dead-before-slaughter. How would you feel if someone told you that you were eating meat that was from a diseased carcass and not a healthy animal that was killed before consumption?

The antibiotics and growth hormones used on animals affect not just us humans, but pets too. That's why it is important to make sure that food is organic and tested thoroughly by a company. It is always mentioned on packaged foods that it has been USDA inspected, and if not, then most probably should be used with caution.

Beware of dog foods that carry labels like by-products, and meat and bone meal, since companies throw in parts like the lungs, intestines, bones and even blood of carcasses. This happens because when the animal is slaughtered for human consumption, there is a large part of the carcass left off, that companies see as going to waste, so they include these in dog and other animal food products. Always look behind at the table of contents/ingredients of your dog food package, to spot any glitches in the list that may come off as suspicious, or dangerous for your pet.

A Siberian Husky requires important elements like linoleic, linolenic and oleic acid, where you need to go easy on carbohydrates, and concentrate more on the aforementioned fatty acids. Foods that work well for a Siberian Husky include:

• Beet pulp
• Lean meat sources
• Horse meat
• Corn
• Beef
• Avocado
• Soy

Preservatives used most commonly in dog or other pet food are BHT and BHA which cause health problems like kidney/liver dysfunction and some forms of cancer. Dogs weren't designed to digest foods rich in fiber (since most dog foods are rich fiber-based meals), because of their digestive tract structure which was made solely for digesting meat more than anything else. Dog food should contain the following key ingredients.

• Meat rich foods with minimal use of vegetables and fruit
• Doggy treats including whole grain eatables given on rare occasions
• Supplements from vets to make sure they get their vital vitamins and minerals in case of the lack of it
• Homemade dog recipes using fresh ingredients from scratch
• Whole milk that is organic in nature, including foods that aren't stuffed with preservatives
• Clean drinking water
• USDA approved dog food

Health Problems from Manufactured Dog Food

A diet that only contains packaged food is of no good to your dog. You have to give manufactured dog food in minimal amounts, and concentrate more on healthy eatables that are freshly made and prepared by hand. The effects your dog can undergo from a badly put-together diet plan are -

• Loose stools
• Dandruff problems
• Foot licking
• Hot spots
• Gas
• Excessive shedding
• Face rubbing
• Itchy troubles

The diet of a Siberian Husky needs to contain foods that are rich and abundant in healthy ingredients. We humans cannot live alone on packaged and canned food, and similarly neither can pets.

The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Protective And Friendly Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is actually an outdoor dog that can adapt to indoors as long as she is given plenty of exercise when it is cool outside. Her heavy coat means that she is comfortable in the cold but suffers in the heat. She has a loving temperament and has been described as stable, faithful, affectionate and intelligent. She is a good watch dog and good with children. Just as a reminder, never leave young children unsupervised with a puppy or dog for any length of time.

The Bernese temperament is a very are affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable and intelligent dog that is native to the mountains of Switzerland. The majority of Bernese are very friendly towards people, and animals including other dogs. The Bernese mountain dog is thought to be easy to train, provided the owner is patient and consistent in training as Bernese tend to need time to think things through. The Bernese mountain dog has a very nature meaning that they often get along well with other pets such as cats, and horses and small children.

The Bernese mountain dog is known not respond well to harsh treatment, however Bernese are very willing and eager to please their master. Bernese love to be encouraged with praise and treats and this gorgeous breed is very sweet and good with children, despite their great size. Overall, they are very stable in temperament, patient, and loving.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are quirky, loving dogs, craving love and affection. They love to lean against people, sit on their feet, or lie down under their legs while people are sitting.

The Bernese mountain dog is part of the Sennenhund family of dogs that include the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, all of which are similar in colour and temperament but vary in size. The Sennenhund dogs were originally used to assist in general farmwork but they are also used as mountain rescue dogs in some areas of the Swiss mountains today.

The Bernese mountain dog is one of the largest breeds of dog, with the average adult Bernese mountain dog growing to between 50 and 70 cm high. The Bernese mountain dog has a very distinctive tri-coloured coat, that is black, white and tan. It is said that the mark of well-bred Bernese is the horse-shoe shaped white marking that straddles its nose.

Bernese mountain dogs have a lower average lifespan when compared to other dog breeds that are a similar size. The average lifespan of a Bernese is approximately 8 years, where the average lifespan of a similar breeds tends to be around 11 years. The main causes of mortality in the Bernese breed are thought to be cancer and bone problems, such as hip-displacement and arthritis.

The Bernese mountain dog needs lots of exercise and loves to spend time outside. Owners should also be aware that due to the long, thick coat of the Bernese, they should be groomed regularly to keep it in good condition.