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.

Facts And Features Of American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium breed of domestic Dog that, despite it's name, is actually native to Germany. With European settlers came white versions of the German Spitz but after the First World War, it's name had to be changed to avoid negative feelings towards the country at the time. Until recently the German Spitz and the American Eskimo Dog were recognised as being the same breed, but they have now been registered separately as there are actually subtle differences between the two. Three different types of the American Eskimo Dog are bred today which are the toy, miniature and standard versions. Although they differ in size, they are almost identical in both appearance and temperament.

American Eskimo Dog Physical Characteristics
The American Eskimo Dog is a small and compact domestic breed, with a square body and a wedge-shaped head. They have small, pointed ears that are almost always erect, and a generally black nose with brown eyes. One of the most distinctive features of the American Eskimo Dog is it's beautiful snow-white coat which is quite long in places. The American Eskimo Dog has a thick double coat of fur which consists of a soft, dense under-coat, with longer, coarse hairs forming the outer layer. The American Eskimo Dog's tail is long and curved upwards, and is covered in long, white feathers. They range in size from 23cm to 43cm tall, depending on the breed type (toy, miniature or standard).

American Eskimo Dog Behaviour and Temperament
The American Eskimo is an affectionate and loving breed, having become increasingly popular in households throughout the United States. They are hardy and adaptable Dogs, known to live easily in a variety of houses and apartments. The American Eskimo Dog is highly alert, making it a keen watchdog as they will bark to alert their owner to any approaching stranger. They are known to be good with young children as they are naturally playful by nature and are always eager to please. The American Eskimo Dog is also very intelligent having been used as a watchdog, guard-dog, in narcotics detection and for performing tricks. The American Eskimo Dog thrives on Human companionship but behavioural issues can arise if it does not have a clearly dominant owner.

American Eskimo Dog Breeding
The American Eskimo Dog has actually existed in America for hundreds of years, but it was known as the White German Spitz until it's name was changed after the First World War. They have been bred almost exclusively as companions and sometimes watchdogs, with the three different sizes meaning that any home of any size, can now own one. They do however, need a great deal of attention. along with regular grooming of their silky fur, and like to integrate themselves into the family properly. The American Eskimo Dog has an average of 5 puppies per litter and healthy individuals can get to be more than 15 years old.

American Eskimo Dog Interesting Facts and Features
Despite it's name, the American Eskimo Dog is thought to have absolutely no connection to Eskimo and Inuit Dogs whatsoever. In 1913, they were renamed as the American Eskimo to avoid discrimination towards the breed because of their German origins. It is thought that the most likely reason that they were named as American Eskimos is due to their snowy white coat. The American Eskimo Dog became an increasingly popular breed after having made an appearance in a number of acts at the Barnum and Bailey Circus. A number of tricks could be completed such as dancing to music and interacting with clowns, but it was the fact that one American Eskimo Dog was the first Dog to walk across a tight-rope, that really made a name for the breed.

American Bulldog Interesting Facts And Lifestyle

Although the exact origins of the American Bulldog are still not quite clear, they are most commonly thought to have derived from English Bulldogs that arrived in North America with European colonists. Despite there being a great variety within the breed today, the American Bulldog is thought to be the most typical example of the original English Bulldogs of the 17th and 18 centuries. Bred and kept primarily for hunting and as a guard Dog, the American Bulldog was also used in Bull baiting - a cruel and bloody sport where the American Bulldog would publicly fight and being down a Bull. The American Bulldog is most commonly found across the ranches of the southern states of the USA, where it has been also known as the Southern White, the Country Bulldog and the White Bulldog.

American Bulldog Physical Characteristics
The American Bulldog is a large and powerful breed of Dog belonging to the Mastiff family. They share many of their characteristics with other Mastiff breeds including their small, half-pricked, pendant shaped ears and their square, broad head. The American Bulldog is bigger, faster and more agile than the English Bulldog, and has such powerful hind legs that they are able to jump up to 6ft high. The American Bulldog has short, coarse fur that can be found in a variety of colours, but most notably white and brindle. They are an incredibly muscular and powerful breed having been bred as hunters, guarders and to fight (and win) against Bulls.

American Bulldog Behaviour and Temperament
The American Bulldog is a courageous and fearless breed, known to be incredibly aggressive at times when it feels under threat. They are however friendly and even sociable Dogs, having been known to be kept in a pack that primarily hunts large carnivores, such as Bears. They are also known to be loyal and devoted towards their owner, providing that they assert themselves as the leader of the pack (dominance issues may occur otherwise). Although the American Bulldog is not listed under the UK's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is not uncommon for them to be confused with more aggressive breeds such as Pit Bulls. These Dogs are not related but are indeed banned, so any potential owner of the American Bulldog is encouraged to acquire the adequate paperwork to prove that their Dog is not a dangerous breed.

American Bulldog Breeding
The colour of the America Bulldog's fur, along with very subtle differences in general appearance and temperament, is said to differ between different areas. In regions where the American Bulldog is most popular, the Dogs are said to be able to differ between these places, which suggests that the American Bulldog is most commonly bred with individuals that live close by. After their near extinction in the 1940s, the American Bulldogs found throughout America today, are nearly all thought to have derived from Dogs bred by just two breeders during the mid 1900s. Females give birth to between 6 and 11 puppies per litter and can often live to be more than 15 years old.

American Bulldog Interesting Facts and Features
Despite being a widely distributed and popular breed today, the American Bulldog was on the verge of becoming extinct towards the mid 1900s. On returning from service in the Second World War, John D. Johnson decided to follow in his father's footsteps and resumed the breeding of the American Bulldog in the United States, and ultimately saved this breed from disappearing forever. The American Bulldog was first recognised as an official breed in 1970, when it was registered as the American Pit Bulldog. However, the name of this domestic breed was soon changed to the American Bulldog to avoid confusion with the American Pit Bull Terrier (to which this breed can look quite similar and the two can often be confused).

Dealing With Dog Smell For Clever

There are many ways in which people and dogs are similar, but an area in which dogs are much superior is in their olfactory ability, or their sense of smell.  Dogs can smell 100,000 times better than humans.  In tests, dogs have been able to detect a chemical in a solution diluted to 1 to 2 parts per trillion. The human brain has a large area devoted to vision, while dogs have a large portion dedicated to olfaction, in fact, 40% more of a dog’s brain than a human’s is committed to smell.  The average person has 5 million smell receptors, while the average dog, depending on breed, has 125 to 250 million smell receptors.  The Bloodhound has an incredible 300 million smell receptors!  Dogs can smell things up to 40 feet underground.  Dogs can even smell human fingerprints that are a week old!

 Part of the reason dogs have an excellent sense of smell is the moist leathery surface of the nose determines the direction of air currents.  Also sniffing brings air with scents directly into the nostrils and then onto the moist surfaces inside the nasal cavity which catches the molecules so the dog’s internal receptors can decode them.  It is believed that even long ear flaps can help their sense of smell by stirring up odors close to the ground.

People have taken advantage of this incredible sense of smell and trained dogs to detect certain odors.  One of the more unusual objects that dogs have been trained to find is whale feces.

Whale researchers for years have been stymied by their inability to test whales in the wild.  It was then discovered that whale poop could give them information on diet, genetics, hormone status, level of toxins, etc. But how to find enough whale feces to get significant findings?  Whale feces floats for only about 30 minutes. One research group found only five samples in two weeks by searching on their own.  Then Tucker and Fargo came into their lives.  Tucker is a Labrador mix -breed dog who searches for Orca whale feces in Puget Sound, and Fargo is a Rottweiler who finds right whale poop in the North Atlantic.

With the dogs on board, the research teams have found as many as 12 samples a day.  At first their success rate was less, only because the researchers underestimated the distance at which the dog could detect the odor.  With time the researchers learned that when the dog signaled , they should point the boat in the direction of the dog’s nose and keep going until they found the feces;  this has been as far as 1.2 miles.  As one researcher said,” The lowest-tech method turns out to be the most effective.” Findings from these studies show that the orcas have had a drop in thyroid hormone; the researchers attribute this to a poor food supply.  This could explain why orcas had a 20% decline in population in the last decade in Puget Sound.

The Atlantic study has not found the reason for the poor reproduction of the right whale since a hunting ban went into effect 70 years ago.  From a low of 100 whales, the population is now only about 300, while 100,000 used to swim those waters.  Research continues as long as the dogs keep finding samples!
Another amazing example of dogs detecting unusual things is the study that showed that dogs can identify people with cancer by smelling the person’s breath or urine. The person’s breath was used to find lung and breast cancer; urine was used to detect bladder or prostate cancer.  The dogs were accurate 99% of the time for lung cancer, and 88% of the time for breast cancer!  This is equal or better than high tech techniques such as scans.  This study was done with only two to three weeks training using pet dogs and the only previous preparation was basic puppy training.

For centuries dogs have helped people with hunting, herding, and protection.  These examples clearly show that dogs are capable of much more.  Only our imaginations may limit what dogs might do in the future.

Learn Something About Dog Illnesses

All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine's health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.

Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.

Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.

The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.
The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog's head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.

Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.

The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.

Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.

There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.

If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.

Effective Tips For Dog Training

For a good and healthy human and dog relationship, dog training is a must, as it is through the process of training that a dog can be taught the mannerisms it requires to have, to move around in society. But what is dog training and how is it useful for the dog? Here are some free dog training tips that give you an answer. Training dogs involves clicker training, marker training, reward training, collar and leash, positive reinforcement, dog whispering,obedience training for dogs , etc. Dogs are not perfect; well no one is, and they keep doing certain things that may not be acceptable, especially when they are moving around with humans, their masters. These behavior include chewing, digging, jumping, begging, biting and barking unnecessarily. So, training dogs not to bite and training dogs not to bark is equally important. Here are some dog training tips for free, they will certainly help you change the behavior of your dog.

Tips for Dog Training
The sole purpose of dog training is to make your dog well-mannered. Following are the tips that must be followed without fail during the training sessions for dogs:

• At the initial stage, do not over burden the dog with many commands as they might become frustrating and confusing for their little brains. Always remember to respect the behavior of your dog and plan your training accordingly. Never give a command for the activity that the dog can avoid.
• You must always praise the dog for his good behavior and performance and reward him immediately so that he can associate the reward and the behavior. Make use of dog treats for this. This acts as a booster for the dog to follow your instructions religiously. This practice should be followed as it helps develop an amicable relation between the dog trainer and the trainee dog.
• During the process of training, never ever punish the dog. Always focus on praising the behavioral change in the pet.
• Penalize the dog for his misbehavior. Keep in mind that penalizing and punishing are two different things. Penalty means forcing the dog to do the thing that he dislikes like leash jerk or ignoring him to make him realize his mistake. These free dog training tips will definitely help you train your dog in the way you want to.

Dog House Training Tips
The house training is a must for a dog to make him used to the outdoors and indoors. Crate training is the basic method of training the dog. The pup must be kept in a crate for a short period in a day. If the pup wants to defecate, take him outdoors. Teach him to defecate either in a yard or in a sandbox, if you do not have a yard. You could even use these puppy potty training tips for that. Some dogs jump at their loved ones in over-excitement. It is all right with small dogs, but large dogs might injure themselves or the person they jump on. So, to get rid of this dog behavior ignore the dog instead of shouting and screaming at it. These tips on house training a puppy might prove useful. For the meal time, create a separate meal area for the dog. Make him understand the right time for meals and make sure you stick to that timing. Always remember, never overfeed the dog. The most enjoyable training is dog leash training for both the trainer as well as the dog, as it ensures a safe and enjoyable stroll with your pet. If you clearly understand how to train a dog, and follow these free dog training tips religiously, you will observe a gradual change in the behavior of your dog, a change for the better.

Dog Potty Training Tips
Now we come to the potty training tips. Potty training dogs requires you to be patient and give your dog some time to learn. This training should be given at the puppy stage itself. For potty training older dogs, you need to understand its nature and behavior. The most important thing to be considered during this training is the 'in' and 'out' timings. Usually, they should be taken out after fifteen to twenty minutes of their meal. Use a potty if you plan to let the dog poop indoors. Again don't punish your dog too hard for pooping at the wrong place; and don't forget to reward him for its little acts of good behavior.

So, these are some of the essential free dog training tips that will help you give the basic training to your dog. So go ahead and make your dog a 'gentleman'. You can even get many free dog training tips online. With the use of dog training tools available today dog training can be made easy. But the most important thing about training a dog is you give it your time and treat it with affection and care. That's my dog training advice to you.

Take Care Your Dog's Healthy

 

Dog health care is an important part of owning a dog. A healthy dog will give us unconditional love and companionship for years in return. headache dogWe hope to inspire you and keep you well educate about your dog’s health through our free newsletter and videos. Whether your dog is young or old, the choices you make will have an impact on your k-9s health and happiness.

Grooming and bath time.Weight gain in some dogs has an effect on their joints, especially large breeds. Hips and knees work much better when not required to bear the extra unnecessary weight. Ask your Veterinarian the guidelines for judging your pet’s ideal weight.

Today your dog is exposed to many to toxic substances. Chemicals and particles from your Grooming and bath time.household cleaners can be licked off by your dog. The purpose of giving your dog a bath is to help remove dirt, grease and unhealthy contaminants from her fur and skin, and let’s not forget fleas and ticks. If nothing else, a flea infestation is one of the best reminders to bathe your dog regularly.

First Aid Cleaning products:

• A card that lists your vet’s number and the number for the nearest twenty-four-hour emergency vet hospital. Your dog’s medical history in case you need to visit an emergency vet.
• Saline eye wash to flush injured eyes.
• Sterile saline to bathe skin wounds.
• Antiseptic skin cleanser e.g. iodine or chlorhexidine scrub.

Dressings:

• Conforming bandage in case of snake bite.
• Gauze pads and cotton balls.
• Adhesive tape to hold swabs in place.
• Self-adhering bandage such as vet wrap to put pressure on bleeding wounds on legs or tail.

Dog Medications:

• Benadryl – an antihistamine – to insect stings. Speak to your vet re dosage, but guideline is 0.5 to 2 mg per pound (1 to 4 mg/kg) given by mouth two to three times daily.
• Antiseptic wound dressing ointment such as iodine for abrasions and wounds.
• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide – if your dog eats something toxic, giving one teaspoon (5ml)per 10 pounds of body weight which will make him vomit it up. Contact poisons information first to see if it can be induce if he’s eaten something caustic.
• Styptic powder or corn starch to stop bleeding.
• Aloe-vera Gel.

Other Items For Your Dog First Aid Kit:

• Bandage scissors.
• Tweezers to remove splinters or other foreign bodies..
• Muzzle – even the gentlest dog may bite if he/she is in pain.
• Blanket to keep your dog warm, or could be used as a stretcher.
• Disposable gloves.
• Flashlight – accidents happen in the dark too.
• Syringes to flush wounds.
• Latex Gloves
• Rectal Thermometer

Essential To Your Dog’s Health

Austin pet grooming, both at home and at our vet clinic, is essential to your pet’s health. Keep your pets looking and feeling their best with grooming care from Dessau Veterinary Clinic. Led by veterinarian Dr. Kellee K. Campbell, our Austin veterinary care team is committed to providing compassionate and loving care for your pets. Our groomer uses a gentle and loving touch to clean and care for your pet. Our cat and dog grooming services include bathing, nail clipping, coat brushing, and hair trimming.

Our Austin animal clinic staff can provide many tips for cat and dog grooming to pet owners. At-home pet grooming, such as brushing your pet’s coat, is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your pet. While cats naturally groom themselves, many long-haired breeds need a little human assistance to manage their coat. Regular brushing will remove stray hairs and reduce the risk of injury from hairballs.

Not every cat or dog wants to be groomed, however, and if your pet becomes stressed, upset or fights back to resist grooming, it’s easier to leave the care up to our pet grooming experts! Our groomer is fully experienced handling pets of all sizes and temperaments, and knows all the tricks for making each animal feel relaxed and comfortable during a pet grooming session.

We recommend routine grooming for all pets, although long-haired cats and dogs that are highly susceptible to matted hair may need more frequent care than their shorter-haired friends. When matted hair occurs, it is easiest to let our professional groomer correct the problem. Our groomer is fully experienced at removing matted hair without causing pain for your pet. In extreme cases, we may even trim away part of the matted hair to avoid hurting your pet. This is just one example of how our professional groomer provides an elevated level of service and care for your pets.

Cat and dog grooming is also an important opportunity to assess the health of your pet. Our professional groomer is specially trained to catch many of the signs of skin problems or other conditions that you may miss. If our groomer notices anything, a veterinarian is available to immediately evaluate your pet’s health and make recommendations for follow-up treatment. We also check for common health problems such as ticks and fleas.

During a grooming session, we will wash and bathe your pet. Because many pets have sensitive skin, we only use natural, hypo-allergenic bathing. We will trim your dog’s nails so they just touch the ground when walking. If your cat has not been declawed, we will also trim your cat’s claws. We can trim your pet’s hair and even provide a little styling, as desired. Our groomer can also clean your dog's ears as needed.

Our state-of-the-art facilities are cleaned and disinfected after each pet. We find that many pets, such as larger dogs, are more comfortable in our spacious grooming facilities than during at-home grooming.

Care For Ear Infection In Dogs

We will start by telling you a story. Once upon a time, an ordinary family, we do not give names, so we will just call them the Smiths, had a playful cute loving dog they raised like their own child. One fine happy day, a little girl was born in the family and so time went by until the little girls turned three. She and the dog were getting along just fine, but, one other doomed day, while the girl was playing with the dog, she pulled his ears, and all of the sudden, the dog turned around and bit her face so hard that they needed thirty stitches to cover her wound. The parents gave the dog to the pounds, without even giving any thought at all about the reasons that might have determined the dog to react in such a violent way, and change his behavior so sudden. The dog was actually suffering from ear infection, very nasty and very painful.

Ear infection started from the exterior pavilion, and because the owners neglected the dog and the infection, it got worse, becoming very painful, and the moment the little girl grabbed his ear the dog reacted instinctively, it was a pain reaction.
Show your dog the same tenderness, love, and affection you show to your own child. You must also become very receptive to a possible infection signs and try to avoid it by seeing the vet on a regular basis. Many things can cause ear infection. If you do not dry your dog’s ears after bathing it, if an excessive wax, accumulation occurs, do not use cotton buds, because you will only push the dirt deeper in the dog’s ear, if you do not notice the ticks, etc, all those reasons can lead to a ear infection. If you notice your dog scratching the ears too much, shaking the head, or holding his head it an unnatural position, or if the ears seem swollen, if you notice blood or too much wax, you should have your dog checked up by a vet. In addition, if your dog starts whipping when you touch its ears that is still a sign of a potential ear infection.
As the infection develops, it goes deeper and deeper into the auditory channel of the dog, and inducing more and more pain to the dog. You might notice the log leans the head on one side or keeps it still. That only happens because any touch or movement, even opening mouth cause a huge amount of pain to the poor animal.
Another sign could be the dog’s dizziness and lack of balance and coordination, as the infection moves in. You can also observe the dog walking in circles or vomiting a lot.
Just like human ear infections, dog ear infections from bacteria can be treated using antibiotics like Azithromycin, Clavamox, or Amoxicillin. However, you need to know what type of ear infection your dog has before throwing medication at the problem. Bacteria is not the only cause of ear infections in dogs - yeast and mites have also been known to cause them. It's always best to have a veterinarian look at your dog's ear before proceeding with a treatment plan.
Dog ear infections are often associated with skin allergies, especially food allergies. Food sensitivity is an expression, which describes general adverse reaction to food. There are two major sensitivity types:
Food allergy or hyperactive sensibility - it appears when organism has a sensitivity determined by an immune reaction to a particular ingredient (allergen) that the food contains.
Food intolerance – when the sensitivity has other causes than the immune causes.
The signs by which you can detect this are usually digestive, skin irritations, and even if they are not dangerous, they still affect the quality of your pet’s life, and therefore, yours too.
The mechanism of the food sensitivity is complex, but in the case of the food allergy, the allergen, which causes it, is always a protein. Once the allergy is there, it can last a whole life, that is why eliminating the ingredient that causes it is the key treatment for the allergy, and this way, your beloved pet will live a great life, and so will you.

Care For Dog's Healthy

If you have a dog then certainly their health and well-being will be a major concern of yours. Keeping your dog healthy is likely to be very difficult if you do not know what to do. You will need some dog health care advice to make sure you do the right things. It will require that you do more than just taking them for a walk or feeding them from the table. It will certainly require some patience on your part. Here is some dog health care advice, to help you provide your dog with the right care.

Exercise. It is very important that your dog gets an adequate amount of exercise each day. You can do this by taking them with you when you go jogging, playing with them in your backyard, or taking them to the park and let them run about. These kinds of activities will help in keeping your dog fit and healthy.
Observe you dog closely. This is certainly a low-tech dog health care advice. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and note any changes, it may be a sign of a health problem. Remember your dog won’t be able to tell you where it hurts, so be vigilant and pay close attention. You may catch a potentially serious problem early so treatment can be had quickly. So if you see your dog choking, vomiting or trembling it could be a sign of bigger problems, do not ignore it.
Nutritional foods. It is very important for your dog’s health that you give him nutritious foods. There are many companies out there that offer a wide variety of nutritional foods so you have plenty to choose from. Homemade meals are quite good if properly prepared. If you are not sure what you can feed your dog then give them what you eat and make it a balanced and healthy meal. You can also do some research to find some of the meals best suited for your breed of dog.
Dental care. This is a one of those areas of a dog’s health care you will want to pay close attention to. Dogs tend to have the same problems with their teeth as we humans do. Check your dog’s teeth and mouth regularly, and see if there any signs of bad breath and gingivitis if there is seek treatment immediately. Brushing the dog’s teeth is a viable option. Be mindful that dog’s also develop tooth decay, and can start loosing their teeth. If it is not treated quickly, the bacteria responsible can lead to problems such as lungs, heart and kidney damage.
Regular visits to the Veterinarian. In spite of all the things you may be doing right, it is still a good idea to take your dog to see the veterinarian, at least once every three months for a check up. The veterinarian can help you to make better choices, and even may even make some suggestion, as to what else you can do to further improve your dog’s health.

How To Protect Your Puppy Dog From Disease?

Dogs make excellent pets. Pet lovers would usually take care of dog from childhood to adulthood. Puppies, after all, are easier to train, and you can bond more easily with your pet if you start from a young age. Puppies can be prone to all sorts of disease and sickness, though. In some cases, unprotected puppies can be susceptible to serious conditions that can even lead to death.
Here are a few ways you can ensure your puppy stays free from disease.
Choose good parentage. Before choosing a dog, it would be a good idea to consult with your veterinarian on what to do to ensure his health. You can also consult with kennel owners and breeders on the best type of dog for your needs. you can choose small toy dogs, big work dogs, or more friendlier varieties.
Choose puppies from strong and healthy parents. Your puppy should be alert and lively. You can usually determine activity from alert eyes and an active tail. Dogs can be rowdy, and that’s normal. If your puppy is lethargic, then there might be something wrong with him.

Vaccinate your dog. Once you acquire or adopt your puppy, take him to the vet within three days. The veterinarian will examine him for parasites, worms, and will see if he has had his shots (depending on the papers given to you by the kennel or adoption agency). If he hasn’t had his shots yet, the veterinarian will make sure he gets his important immunizations and anti-rabies shots. You will be given a schedule of subsequent shots, such as boosters, so you don’t miss these.
While your puppy finishes his shots and boosters, stay away from other dogs and places that dogs frequent, such as dog parks and dog shows. He can still catch diseases here from which he is not yet vaccinated.
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs can sometimes exhibit territorial behavior if they are not spayed or neutered. Unless you want your dog to breed, you will want to have him spayed or neutered. This is ideally done between six to 12 months of age.

Keep him at bay. When outdoors or in strange places, keep your dog in his leash. Puppies have a knack for exploring, and he might touch, eat or do something dangerous. Take caution when going in the wild, or when taking a picnic. Your puppy can ingest poisonous plants or touch poisonous animals like toads and the like.
Give him lots of exercise and good nutrition. Exercise and nutrition are a big part of a dog’s health. Give him space to roam around in your yard. Give him daily walks. Give him enough food and water.
Schedule your visits to the veterinarian. Your puppy should have an annual exam, so he can undergo cleaning of his teeth, deworming, and his booster shots. Make sure he’s comfortable with your vet, so he doesn’t make a fuss when you go visit.
Groom your puppy. Grooming is also an important part of your dog’s health. Maintain hygiene at all times. Give him regular baths, clip his claws, and brush his hair. This can help you spot parasites like ticks and fleas more easily.

Some Myths About Dog

My dog’s nose is warm and dry. Does that mean he’s sick?
If your dog has a dry nose it means your dog has a dry nose. Maybe he just woke up or something. But a dry nose has nothing to do with a dog’s health. Focus on the unusual to detect signs of a potential problem. Call your vet if you notice swelling, difficult breathing or if your dog has a runny nose for more than a couple of days.
Brushing a dog’s teeth is silly. Give me a break.

Well actually, your dog will have the last laugh when his breath makes your eyes water. Routinely brushing your dog’s teeth not only freshens breath, it also limits the risk of oral disease and gives you a chance to notice anything unusual happening to teeth and gums. Seriously, don’t brush off brushing. It can make your dog more pleasant to be around and help prevent an array of serious health problems down the road. Ask your veterinarian for help getting started.
Frequent baths make dogs smell nice. But can they also cause doggy dandruff?
They sure can. So let’s not cause a dry-skin blizzard. Keep the washings to a minimum and make sure you only use soap that’s made specifically for canines. Human shampoo can irritate a dog’s skin. If you take these steps and still notice flakes when your dog shakes, talk to your veterinarian to make sure you’re providing proper nutrition for a healthy coat.

Do dogs heal themselves by licking their wounds?
Yes, to a certain extent. A small amount of licking can help clean a wound, but excessive licking can actually slow down the healing process. It can even cause further damage to the wound and invite infection. Also consider that licking can turn into a bad habit that’s hard to stop. So if you suspect it’s getting out of hand, focus on re-directing your dog’s tongue to something more tasty.
When dogs scarf down grass like it’s fettuccini Alfredo, does that mean they’re sick?
While several theories about animal grass consumption exist, veterinarians have no proven answers. However, research indicates an amazing possibility: Animals may just like to eat grass. So don’t panic if your dog nibbles at the lawn from time to time. If the nibbling turns into a daily feast, talk to your veterinarian.
If you put garlic on your dog’s food, will it help get rid of its worms?
No way. Forget you ever heard this one. Other than giving your dog the impression you’re a gourmet Italian chef, putting garlic on its food won’t do much. Restrict your garlic to your world-famous spaghetti sauce. Your dog will never miss it.

Which Is The Best Puppy Food For My Pup?

Not all puppies are created equal (in physical size anyway!) and there's a HUGE variation in size between the smallest, and largest dog breeds.
Because of this, and because big dogs and small dogs mature at entirely different rates, your puppy has his own individual nutritional needs.
Most of the best puppy food choices are designed to meet these very specific demands, and are formulated with small, medium, or large sized puppies in mind.

A puppy of a mid-sized breed will have more moderate needs than his extra big or extra small counterparts.
This is what you need to know.....

• Medium sized breeds - A puppy who's going to mature to somewhere between 20 and 50lbs would be considered a 'middle sized' dog breed, and these pups won't have the special needs that extra-small, or extra-large, puppies do. The best puppy food for them will contain an approx. 22 - 25% protein and 8 - 10% fat .
• Small/toy breeds - Small breeds (pretty much any dog that will mature to be under 20lbs) usually have a high metabolic rate, but tiny tummies! This means that they need to eat more often than larger breeds as they can only ingest so much at one sitting.

They need a food with more calories and fat than a large breed pup. A small breed pup needs almost twice as many calories per pound, per day, than a large breed pup of the same age. The best puppy food for small breed puppies should have a minimum of 15% fat.
Tiny breed pups also tend to get dehydrated more quickly, so adding a little premium quality canned puppy food (which has a much higher water content than dry puppy kibble) is a good idea if you have a 'little tyke'!

• Large/giant breeds - These big puppies grow at a phenomenal rate, and they have very special nutritional needs. Too much protein, or too high levels of particular minerals can cause bone/joint problems.

For a large breed puppy the best puppy food will have somewhere around 23 - 25% protein, and between 12 and 15% fat. Calcium should be no more than 1.5%

As well as having individual formulas, the best puppy food choices that have been designed for different sized breeds will have pieces that are the appropriate size too!

The small breed puppy food will have tiny pieces that are easy for these little guys to chew, swallow and digest. The large breed puppy foods have bigger pieces so that your big boy (or girl) won't inhale, or choke on them.
Although deciding which are the best puppy food choices for your little one can take time and effort, it's most definitely worth it!
Making sure your puppy gets a premium puppy food with the the right balance of nutrition for his size/breed, not only keeps him happy and healthy in the short term - but can have a real impact on the quality, and length of his life.
Here's an example of the best puppy food for small, medium, and large-breed puppies... one for each. They're just a few of the many premium puppy foods available