Dog Backpack Tip

A lot of people use back packs to increase the effectiveness of their daily walks.

High-energy dogs, nervous or anxious dogs and other dogs seems to respond to having a “job” (hauling around a backpack with some moderate weight in the packs). Plus, it uses up to three times the energy … a 15-minute walk has the impact of a 45-minuted walk with a backpack weighted appropriately.
But once people get their backpack, they wonder how to weight it appropriately. How much weight is enough? How much is too much? How do you get your dog used to a packpack and how do you gradually increase weight?

• Put the backpack on without anything in the pockets at first. Let your dog get used to it. Go for 2-4 walks with the backpack empty.
• If your dog is ignoring the backpack after 2-4 walks (many dogs even become eager to put it on once they connect the backpack to a walk), begin adding weight a little at a time. Go by the size of your dog. For our Irish Setter, I started with a 12-ounce bottle of water on each side. For a Cocker Spaniel, I would start with an orange or something of similar weight.
• Be sure you have even weight on each side of the backpack.
• Go for 2-4 walks with each weight before adding more. Keep the first walk with the new heavier weight short; don’t try to do a two-mile hike if you’ve just added weight.
• Do not add more than 10% of your dog’s own weight to the backpacks. For a 25-lb dog, don’t add more than two and a half pounds total (a pound and a quarter on each side).
• In the summertime, larger dogs can haul chilled bottles of water. This can help cool the dog.
• Owners of small dogs sometimes use beans to add weight to their dogs’ packs. Beans conform to the dog’s body, making the load comfortable. Plus, you have good control over exactly how much weight you add, and can add more in small increments.

Travelling With Your Dog

If you like to travel to places far and wide, so do your dogs and all pets do. There are several things which has made your life simple, easy and fast these days. For traveling with your pets, several things have been developed to make the travel easy and comfortable so that both enjoy the place, you and your pets too.
To make your travel comfortable all big hotels and resorts are giving entry to the pets which are furry and lovable so that you can enjoy the company of your pets anywhere you go. Traveling with the pets is never a great fun as it is these days. It may give you little stress packing everything for the pet like a baby, but the pet won’t disturb you anymore while you are on a travel for a weekend. Rather it would be a great pass time to have spend some time with your beloved pet.

Even government is allowing pets at some specific gardens and restricted places, but what is to be paid is the cost of the ticket to enter the place. Next, certain care has to be taken while one is traveling with the pet to far and distant places. There are several tourist places which are indeed great to move along with your pets, and there are tourism industries which specifically specify if it is a place for your pets or not.

Several kinds of carriers are available to make the trip comfortable and to stop your pet move astray. These carriers are specially designed to fit your pets into it so that the trip becomes more comfortable and the pet doesn’t disturb you any more.

Several small trips can be taken with pets if one is free every morning or it can be planned in the weekends too. There are insurance companies which provide insurance for the pets too and they can be utilized if the pet gets hurt on the way while one is on the travel. Sea beaches, hill stations and other places are the ones where pets love to play in the open land and enjoy life to the fullest, which is not available these days in the clumsy places we live in. Generally, in the apartment houses, there is no much space for the pets to move and walk, so the open land is what they crave for.

If there is a park nearby, the pets can be taken there but in the hectic lives people don’t have time for the pets, so taking them out with oneself is the way where even they can relax and so do the pets. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but at the same time all rest and no physical exercise for the pets makes them stagnant too.

The place of travel must be chosen with great care and caution as the pets should not be physically harmed in any manner. They need to enjoy life to the fullest without hampering their individual self. So hot water streams, or jungle areas where there would be wild animals to harm the pet should not be chosen while one wants to move to distant places with the pets.

Being Care of Your Dog's Eyes and Ears

The dogs are classified as a subspecies of the wolf. Dogs are valued most as a pet for their intelligence. The most important task for a dog keeper is to take required care of his dog. Two very important sense organs of a dog are eyes and ears, which also requires special care and attention. Present here are few tips to keep your dogs’ eyes and ears healthy. The eyes and ears of dog should be carefully cleaned everyday with a moist cotton balls or moist cloth. The whole procedure should be done gently, caring that the dog is not hurt while wiping. Do not scratch the cornea while wiping.

Severe irritation and discomfort can be caused by ear infections which are very common in dogs. Due to particular structure of their outer ears, dogs are more susceptible to ear infections than any other animals. Ear mites are small parasitic creatures that cause severe itching and inflammation. They can be easily seen with naked eyes and are highly contagious. Wash pet beds or blankets in warm water with soap. Eremites usually live inside the ears; they can also survive in the surrounding fur. It is important to discuss the best and sure treatment with your veterinarian for ear mites. This treatment should be followed up with your veterinarian to make sure that the treatment has completely cleared the eremites.

Eye shape, retina configuration and dimension of eye vary from breed to breed. Dogs with protruding eyesore less protected than breeds with eyes that are set deeper, and require most care. Excessive tears are seen in some dogs, the affected area should be kept dry. Use moisturizing eye drops for dogs that have dry eyes. Your veterinarian can help in detecting eye disease in the early stages where they can best be treated. Eye infections may become chronic if not treated and can cause permanent damage if neglected.

Hearing and viewing are the strongest senses of a dog and it is good to take care for them. Through a little knowledge and care, you can make your dog a healthy and happy part of your family.

Non-Sporting Dogs Can Make Very Good Pets And Companion Dogs

The Non-Sporting dogs are dogs that todayare used for one main function, that of top-notch companion dogs. These dogs are diverse in backgrounds and original use and they come from all across the globe. Here you will find dogs of all sizes, a great variety of personalities and traits, and with individual inbred skills.
Non-Sporting dogs can make very good pets and companion dogs. Each of the Non-Sporting dog breeds is unique in its appearance and in its coat. You can find small dog breeds like the petite Bichone Frise to large dog breeds such as the Chow Chow or American Eskimo Dog, and everything in between. With the vast difference between them, picking a favorite is based on personal preference.

There are many varieties of Non-Sporting dog breeds, and many of them make wonderful companion dogs. The variety is endless. All dog breeds were originally bred for some type of job like hunting, herding, or guarding. Many of the Non-Sporting dog breeds were originally developed for a job that has now became antiquated, and some were bred as companions or specialty dogs for nobility. Today all the Non-sporting dogs are primarily used as companion dogs.
When picking one of the Non-sporting dogs as a pet, each breed will need to be studied for the merits of its own temperament and behavior. Just like the other traits of this group, there is a wide range here too. They range from good watchdogs, to high energy playful dogs, to mellow dogs that make affectionate lapdogs.
Some of the Non-Sporting dogs will fit well in an apartment while others need more space and a yard. Some are wary of strangers and protective, while others love just about everybody. There are those that get along great with other animals and pets while others may not be trustworthy around other small pets.

All The Different Types Of Dogs

If you have been thinking of buying a new dog or maybe you already have a dog and have been thinking about getting a second one, you will know that there are so many different types of dogs available, that it can be a bit overwhelming. With the many different dog types out there, it can be really difficult deciding which dog breed would suit you, or your family and more importantly if you have children, whether a particular breed would be suitable around children.

The American Kennel Club recognizes several distinct dogs breeds as listed below.
Sporting Dogs
This dog breed is usually very alert and attentive. This makes them well likeable and overall they will have good character and personality. Popular breeds within this group are the Retrievers, Spaniels, Setters, Pointers and many more. Often very active dogs, potential owners should realize that they will need regular exercise.
Hound Dogs
A good proportion of the Hounds share an ancestry involved with hunting, often used by noblemen in times past. Many have an excellent sense of smell whilst others have a keen eye and good stamina. Amongst this group you may find Afghan hounds, Beagles etc. As with the Sporting dogs, these breeds will need plenty have room and exercise.
Working Dogs
This type of dog has been bred specifically to carry out tasks. Whether it's guarding sheep to pulling heavy loads on sleds, mountain rescue to water rescue duty, they were bred to work. Classic examples are the Doberman pinscher, Husky and the Great Dane. Usually intelligent animals that are easy to train and keen to learn. Due to their size, this dog breed may be unsuitable for small homes and young families.
Terriers
Typical examples of this breed are the West Highland Terrier and Airedale Terrier. Terriers have a 'typical' personality of being a very energetic type of dog with a feisty side as well. Bred to hunt and kill small animals such as vermin they need courage and cunning of which they have plenty. Being a small dog, these dogs make good pets that will keep any owner on their toes!
The Toy or Small Dog Breeds
The most popular dog in this group is the Chihuahua. Often popular with celebrities, this diminutive dog is ideal for people who live in small apartments and city areas. Upkeep and care is significantly lower for a larger dog, as are the grooming and exercise needs. Other varieties of dog in this group are the Pomeranian, Bichon Frise etc. Toy dogs often prove to be the perfect companion.
Non - Sporting Types
This breed is often varied and diverse. This group includes the Dalmatian, Chow Chow and Boston terrier. Due to their diversity, it is difficult to group them into a personality, or describe overall character. With varied coats, sizes and function, this group of dogs has something for everyone.
Herding Dogs
This is the newest of the dog breed groups acknowledged by the AKC in 1983. Bred purely to act as animal herding dogs, they possess fantastic adaptation and function. A great example is the Corgi, set low with the ability to control much larger animals whilst keeping out of harms way. Collies are another good example. Very intelligent and keen to learn, whilst faithful and dependant at the same time, they make great companions and are usually good with children.
Miscellaneous Class
This class of dogs includes breeds which have yet to achieve full status within the AKC. When the AKC decides that a dog breed belongs to a certain group, they are moved from the miscellaneous class.
Within each of these classifications of dogs, there are several different varieties. With this much information and choice, it's no wonder people have difficulty deciding which type of dog to get.!
If you have a look around the site, you will find lots of information to help you choose what sorts of dogs there are, and what would be right for you. There are articles describing different dog breeds, all about the American Kennel Club, lots of help and advice for when you have bought your new dog. There are tips on dog training, grooming, caring for you dogs health and lots more.
You may already have a rough idea about the types of dogs that appeal to you. Before you decide though, have a look around the site to see what other dog breeds there are. If you've set your heart on a particular dog breed, have a look through the articles and advice section. There's information about how to choose the right dog breeder, had you considered adopting a dog?

8 DIY doggie Halloween costumes

Cats loathe costumes but some dogs positively revel in dressing up for Halloween -- strap on a pair of fairy wings and they begin to strut their stuff. Dressing up your dachshund can get pretty pricey, however, without major sewing skills or a big budget. Here, finance expert Andrea Woroch shares a list of easy and frugal ideas to keep your pup happy come Oct. 31.

Octopus
This works best with taller dogs. Stuff pantyhose with a lightweight material, sew eight of them together in a cluster and pin to your dog's harness.
Chippendale dancer
Great for large dogs. Cut the collar and cuffs from a disposable white shirt and secure to your dog's neck and front paws. Create a bow tie out of a strip of black cloth. Encourage donations by tucking a few dollar bills into the collar. This works really well if you have a dog who likes to dance on his hind legs.
Little Red Riding Hood
A good costume for a small dog, this one is also easy on the sewing-impaired. Hit Jo-Ann Fabrics for a yard of red material with some structure to it, like felt or flannel, and a length of red ribbon. Cut the material into a hood and cape shape, then baste the ribbon to the neck of the hood.
Rapper pup
Let your streetwise hound exercise his vocals wearing a hoodie and gold medallions. Make the bling out of Yoplait yogurt lids and pick up a hoodie on the cheap side with a PetSmart coupon from sites like CouponSherpa.com.
Vampire
Those canine teeth will come in handy when your dog takes on the most popular costume of the decade. Simply cut a swath of black silk into a cape shape and attach it to the collar. If you have sewing skills or a glue gun, create a stand-up collar by attaching red silk to a cardboard frame.
Winged fairy
"Teacup"-size pups might be too tiny to handle wings, but a small dog should be able to pull off this low-cost outfit. Read how to create this look with directions from instructables.com.
Rescue dog
This one's a natural for St. Bernards, but even funnier on a smaller dog. Strap an empty beer or pop can to the collar and use a long piece of red felt to create a waistband painted with a white cross. For a humorous twist, larger dogs might be able to handle an empty coffee can instead of the expected brandy barrel.
Pillow camel
From all reports, dachshunds enjoy a bit of dress-up now and then. Turn your wiener dog into a camel by attaching an old sofa pillow in a caramel shade to a center harness. For a lumpier look, wrap a belt around the middle to give them two humps.

How to train your dog

　　You don't have to be the Dog Whisperer or even hire a professional trainer to have a well-trained dog. Dog training can be done on your own. Follow these simple steps on how to train your dog.

1.Start with the basics
While teaching your dog to skateboard sounds like such an awesome idea, you may want to back up a bit. Make a list of things you'd like your dog to be able to do on a daily basis (sit, stay, go potty outside and not on your new comforter, etc.). Then put those in order of importance and work on each accordingly. Once your dog has mastered simple tasks, you can move on to more complex training sessions.
2.Use simple commands
While you may find that "Could you please sit, Fido?" is a very polite request, your dog is likely very confused. Keep your commands short, simple and consistent. Cut the niceties and simply say, "Sit." This is a much easier command for your dog to learn and remember.
3.Use positive reinforcement-based reward system
Yelling -- or worse, hitting -- your dog is not an effective training tool. A positive reinforcement-based rewards training system is much more effective. And, duh, much less cruel. When training your dog, reward him each time he performs the command you've asked of him. You can use a yummy dog treat, a favorite toy or praise. Give the reward immediately after the dog performs the correct command.
4.Switch it up
Instead of repeating the same command over and over and over ad nauseam, switch it up. Work on one command for no more than 15 repetitions, then switch to working on a new or different command. You can come back to the initial command later in your training session.
5.Keep training sessions short
You know how you lose interest 15 minutes into your morning meeting? Your dog is the same way (except he doesn't have to sit through your morning meeting. Lucky!) The point is, dogs' attention spans are short, particularly puppies', and different breeds may take shorter or longer to train, so tailor your training sessions accordingly.
6.Have patience
You have to have patience when training a dog. Remember, he is learning and these things take time. Keep your training sessions consistent and don't give up. But if you are continually met with no progress after each training session, try another method or even another location or time of day. There are many variables that may make that particular setting/time difficult for your dog. If you feel you have exhausted your ability to train your dog, check out some training books or visit your local pet store to see about some group or private training sessions.
7.Make time for play
Don't consider your training session with your dog your only bonding time. Make specific time every day for walks, throwing him the ball or simply giving him a good belly rub. After all, they don't call him man's best friend for nothing.

Bad Dog!

Bad Dog! is a hilarious hour of television documenting just how far pets can push their owners and still get unconditional love. The series highlights dogs that double as destroyers, hissing cats, cussing parrots, and the most fascinating four-legged escape artists ever caught on tape. Viewers will be treated to candid animal antics you truly have to see to believe. They are some of the baddest pets on the planet and you'll meet their owners who love them just the way they are. We span the globe to crown the Baddest of the Bad on Bad Dog!.

Shih Tzu

　　Shih Tzu​ is a tiny breed of dog with its small size and long hairs. Its name is derived from
the old traditional Chinese language. The name Shih Tzu is pronounced as Sheet-sue is the American language. But the actual pronunciation of the Shih Tzu according to the old traditional language is sure-ds. In Chinese language ds is translated in the meaning of lion. So its actual meaning is Lion Dog. But in America wrong pronunciation of sheet-sue is common. 　　Shih Tzu History:
It belongs to the ancient breeds of the dogs. This breed also has very close relations with the ancient wolves. It shows some genetic similarity also with the wolves. Shih Tzu breed was closed in the Chinese Revolution and therefore it was a drawback for the breed of Shih Tzu. Some dogs were survived throughout this revolution and now you can found many of the dogs of this breed related to these dogs which were survived.
This type of the breed was also imported in the England in 1930 and afterwards its breeds was also started in the England in a club which was named as Shih Tzu Club that’s why these dogs were called Shih Tzu. American Kennel club also registered this breed in the end of 1960’s decade and it was registered in the toy group.
Shih Tzu Appearance:
It is a small breed with the long silky hair. It is not very small but has an average
size but you can include it into middle or tall size. Head is slightly round and little bit wide. Nose is also broad and has wide nostrils. It allows it to breathe with great ease while running and playing. The large round eyes are also looks good on the round face which has wide difference between the eyes. Eyes color is different in different dogs. Most common eye colors are black and blue. 　　It has long hair silky coat on its body which can have several colors. Its hair color can have also different shades. Its ears also hang down just like the hairs on its body. It has good legs which are muscular and make it easy to run fast. Body structure is very good and well boned. Its teeth are also good and enough for biting. Its height can be up to 12 inches and weight can vary between 5 to 7 kg.
Shih Tzu Temperament:
This breed have the alert character and is very talented. It is a good little watch dog which always take care about suspicious persons. It is also very gentle and intelligent and you can make it very good and talented by little training. It can be a good social pet also if you trained it into a professional way you can also get the help of any good breeder which can breed it. But training also depends upon your dog breed, if it belongs to a good breed. Sometimes your pet is not able to attain this training so you should also take care about it.
They are good friends of humans and have very gentle behavior with them. This type of small breed generally have small dog syndrome which allows them to think that they are the leader of the humans. It can also cause some behavior issues with your pet. So you should not allow them to think about this.
Shih Tzu is a nice breed which can be a good watch breed as well. It is also a playful pet as like the other tiny dogs which belongs to the toy group. So you can also enjoy your dog by playing different games. It also can be a walk dog which can be taken easily while going for a morning walk or going for exercise. It can also be kept easily in apartments and in the small houses.
Shih Tzu Health:
This breed don’t have any specific genetic problems but simple health issues which are found common in the dogs can also be found in the Shih Tzu. It can have some respiratory problems. Skin allergy and eyes infection are the common diseases in the long hair dogs.
Shih Tzu Care:
It also needs a little bit more attention and care then the normal dogs as it has long
hair which needs to brushed daily and you should also have to give a bath after the regular intervals of times. This needs exercise to keep itself fit and active. You should also have to take care about its health and feed. Because If you don’t take precautions about these thing it can spoil your pet and cause many other health issues. 　　Shih Tzu Feed:
It doesn’t need any special type of feed. Just normal feed with the good nutrition quality is required for your dog. You should also take care about the plates in which you give food to your dog it should be clean regularly.
Shih Tzu Expenditures:
It can cost you 600$ to 900$. If you are looking for a puppy it can cost you 500$ to 700$ it is the normal price of the puppy. But if you are looking for this breed with special characteristics then it can cost you 1220$ to 1500$. Yearly expenditures can be near about 1000$.
Overall Shih Tzu is a good pet with the gentle behavior and good watching sense. You can also keep it into the apartments and small houses.