Free Dogs

You brought home your first puppy and now you need to train him.  Dog crates are your most useful ally in this process.

Dogs love their dens.  They instinctively know not to soil them because that helps predators find them.  With a proper introduction, the crate will become your dog’s den, and they will do anything they can to avoid soiling it.

Once you get your crate, set it up with a couple of toys, a pad, and perhaps a blanket.  Let your puppy explore the crate and praise him every time he goes in.  At night, the crate should be in your room, so your puppy can smell and hear you as this helps with bonding.  When you can’t be with your puppy, or it is time to sleep, place your puppy in the crate with a treat and praise him.

As soon as you remove the puppy from the crate, be it morning or any other time, take him straight outside.  This will teach the puppy to eliminate as soon as they get out of their crate, and it reduces the number of accidents in your home.  By the way, even with crate training, accidents are inevitable at first.  Never use a crate as punishment if you want your dog to enjoy being in the crate.

Crates are available in a variety of styles, sizes and materials, like a wood dog crate.  Collapsible wire crates are great if you travel a lot.  Some airlines require enclosed plastic crates for flying.  Pick a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand and turn around, but not large enough for them to wander.

Dog crates are the perfect accessory for any dog owner, and make a happy home for your dog too.

Dogs bark for so many reasons.  Some breeds are just more prone to the behavior while others bark because they are nervous.  In either case, dog barking collars can help you eliminate the problem.

If you have a dog that barks excessively, your neighbors are likely to raise a fuss sooner or later.  Controlling the problem involves understanding the motivation behind the barking.  Just like some children, some dogs will bark strictly for attention.  Others bark because they are lonely, and still others because it is a bad habit that developed over time.  Understanding the cause helps you determine the best way to reduce the behavior.

Training
To stop your dog from barking, you need to engage them in proper training.  A dog barking collar isn’t a substitute for active involvement.  Teaching your dog to lie down and relax is a great first step because dogs bark less when lying down.

Next, chose one word to use when your dog barks.  Avoid the word “no” it is often used for so many things there is no need to add confusion.  A word like “quiet” or “enough” works great.  Everyone in the home should use the same word.  Reward your dog with additional attention each time they stop barking on command.  Positive reinforcement is much more effective than yelling.

Expect the process to take time.  No dog, or person for that matter, will give up an effective behavior willingly or easily.  Clearly, there was a reason or benefit to barking when it started so there needs to be an equally large benefit to stop.

When to Add a Collar
The collar can be added early in the training if you have the kind of dog that will do well with the corrections.  Only you can know whether the addition of the bark collar is beneficial to your training.  Remember to use the collar only for reinforcement, not as a substitute for your involvement.

Styles
Collars come in two varieties.  One style provides an electrical shock to the dog if they bark beyond preset parameters.  The other model projects a citronella based spray at the dog’s face.  Both are effective, but the citronella based spray is considered by many to be more humane.  For a particularly aggressive dog, the electric collar may be more effective.

Controversy
Because of negative publicity generated by animal rights activists, the use of electric collars has dropped some.  There are those that believe that any use of electric shocks is inappropriate for animals.  That said, you may want to exercise some discretion before taking your dog to the dog park wearing an electric dog barking collar.  The last thing you want is to have to justify your decision while out with your dog.

Dog barking collars are a perfectly legitimate aid in re-training a dog that just won’t stop barking.  When used in combination with hands on training, they can quickly help you get your pet’s barking under control.  Take a look online for reviews, product specifications and evaluations so you can pick the very best unit for you and your pet.

Check out great brands of bark collars, like PetSafe, Dogtra, and Innotek.

There is no end of doggie products available today, and many of them are truly optional.  It is highly unlikely that your dog really needs that Santa hat with the big pom-pom at the end or yet another UFO shaped squeaky toy, but raised dog bowls are actually quite useful.  Finding such feeders is reasonably easy and makes a real difference in the quality of life with an older pet.

Raised dog bowls come in just about every height you can imagine.  Since the optimal eating height for a dog is six inches below the withers, the appropriate height varies from animal to animal.  If you have multiple dogs, you will need either to get more than one feeding station or get an adjustable one that you move up and down for each dog as you feed them.

You can find a raised feeder that matches your household décor.  The most basic of the feeders are a simple wooden or plastic platform that holds one to three bowls.  Each bowl gets designated for a specific purpose.  The bowls come out easily and can be placed in the dishwasher to ensure cleanliness.

Fancier units are made from metals, wrought iron, and decorative woods.  Some have storage areas beneath the bowls.  Still others have a feature that allows them to be adjusted height wise as your pet grows eliminating the need to purchase several units in the first year.

Honestly, your dog doesn’t care about the style of the feeder, they are just happy not to be eating from the floor any more.  For all but the shortest dogs, the altered posture necessary for eating off the floor is awkward.  You probably won’t need an elevated feeder if you have a Dachshund, but for other breeds, it can make a big difference.

Eating from a height of more than six inches causes a lot of pressure on the wrists and elbows and for large dogs, the problem is compounded.  Older dogs suffering from things like swollen joints, arthritis, and sore muscles, it can be quite painful to have to stoop to eat.  All these problems are alleviated by the purchase of raised dog bowls.

One of the nicest uses for elevated feeding stations is that of placing a bowl outdoors.  If you use a single bowl for water outside and combine it with a dog door and a fence of some type, your dog truly has the freedom to come and go as they please, even when you are at work.

That outdoor bowl is particularly useful if you exercise with your dog and both of you come home tired and thirsty.  Thirsty dogs make a huge mess when drinking; placing the drinking station outside your home will save you a great deal of cleanup.

There really are no down sides to raised dog bowls. It matches wrought iron feeder you bought now matches your kitchen and the new pet gate you bought. Not only do they make life better for your pet, they make things easier for you.  You don’t have to bend as far to feed them either.  Talk about a win/win situation.

How you feed your dog isn’t nearly as important as what you feed your dog.  However, once you and your vet have decided on the ideal food for you dear pet, it is time to put some thought into the kind of dog bowls available.  Odds are your dog won’t care too much where his food appears, but most owners care a great deal.  Here is some information about three of the most popular types of dog bowls.

PLASTIC BOWLS
Durable, sturdy and plain, plastic dog bowls are the most basic feeding bowl available.  This no-nonsense bowl is dishwasher safe and can have one or more compartments.  It can even be purchased with knobs attached to prevent your pup from eating too quickly.  Available in a tip resistant model with a wide base or especially thick sides to reduce damage from biting, this is the cheapest type of bowl you can buy.

Color selection is usually limited in a plastic bowl, and you are going to have to bypass any hope of personalization, but these bowls are a good deal.  Some bowls are even outfitted with a slip proof bottom to keep them in place as your dog eats.  A hard working basic choice, plastic bowls are useable by any dog.

CERAMIC BOWLS
Beautiful and easily customized, ceramic bowls can match any décor you want.  Their high-gloss, glazed finish make them dishwasher safe and pretty.  Of course, being ceramic, they chip and break easily, and chips can harbor bacteria.  Colors and styles are nearly endless, and if you feel so inclined you can go to your local pottery painting place and make a truly unique creation.

One of the most interesting things available with a ceramic bowl is a hood that reduces scattering.  The hood arches over the bowl a few inches and prevents food from being pushed over an open edge.

If you do purchase ceramic bowls make sure you have a mat or piece of carpeting to place beneath them.  This can help prevent chipping and breaking as your dog inadvertently pushes the bowl around when eating.

METAL BOWLS
About as sturdy as they come, a stainless steel bowl can last the lifetime of a dog.  Dishwasher safe, impossible to break and available in a variety of sizes, the metal dog bowl is as useful as it is popular.  Whether you pick stainless steel elevated dog bowls, tip resistant model or something more basic, this is a bowl that is built to withstand time.

If you feed from the preferred elevated feeder, than metal bowls are what you will use.  Available in a single station or multiple station models, elevated feeders are ideal for dogs of all sizes.  The metal bowl slips into the feeding location and can be easily removed when meal time is through.

Dogs like consistency.  Whatever food bowl you choose, you are likely to stick with for the long run.  While it may not seem like a big deal to us to change dog bowls from time to time, it can be stressful for a nervous animal. Just like dog beds, a bowl is a symbol of security and satiety to your dog.  A good pick will last you for years of happy meals.

If you have a dog, you are going to want to take a look at dog fences. It isn’t practical or desirable for you to follow your dog around all the time, nor can you always get them out for a walk when they want to go. Additionally, sometimes the weather just makes the job of taking your dog for their daily constitutional impractical. On top of that you want to make sure that both your dog and your neighbors are safe. Here are some of the most popular types of dog fences.

SOLID FENCING

Ugly but immensely practical, chain link fences are a sure bet when looking to fence in a pet. Especially useful if you plan to create a dog run instead of fencing your entire yard, chain link can be partially buried to keep a digger inside. If you are going to build a dog run within your yard remember that length is more important than overall size. Create a space that permits your dog space to run a bit, even if the structure is narrow over all. As long as your fence is sufficiently high your dog will remain safely within the area. Add a nice shelter, a bowl of water and some toys and your dog will be happy and safe while you are not in attendance.

Wooden slat fences can do much the same thing, but you dog will have access to the whole yard. You are going to spend more time cleaning up your lawn but your dog will have a larger area to roam. Only you can determine if this is your goal. Either of these systems can be access by a dog door if planned correctly. Combining a dog door and a safely enclosed area allows you to give your pet the freedom to come and go as they please.

INVISIBLE FENCES

This style of electric fence uses radio transmitters and receivers to train your dog to remain within a certain area. Unlike solid fencing, radio fences have on visual impact upon your yard. If keeping your landscape unspoiled is important to you, this may be an ideal choice.

A wire is planted beneath the ground and your dog wears a collar that receives the signal the wire transmits. When your dog approaches the wire he gets warned by either a small electric shock or spray of citronella to stop. A series of lessons will teach your dog where the boundaries of the fence are.

The down side of underground pet fences is that they don’t keep others from entering your yard. Additionally, if your dog does make it past the line in a burst of unexpected enthusiasm, there is very little incentive for them to return to the yard and accept additional shocks to do so.

Regardless of what kind of fencing you choose consider your animal’s personality and learning curve. If you have a skittish and nervous dog the electric fence model is not a good choice, nor is it particularly good for dogs that tend to run off.

There are times when your cat needs a bath. Unlike bathing a dog, this is usually not a regular routine. Cats that are not accustomed to being bathed are very fearful of the water, making your job even tougher. With a little gentleness and patience, you can tackle the job and bathe your cat.

You may be wondering why a cat would need a bath in the first place. Cats clean themselves multiple times a day, so a bath may seem pointless. Your cat can go her entire life without needing or receiving a bath. But, there are times when she may need one. If she gets into a substance that should not be licked off (maybe she ran into your garden and was covered in pesticides), then you should bathe her. If your cat gets a flea infestation, then washing her with medicated shampoo is necessary. If your cat participates in shows, then you already know the importance of having her bathed. Sometimes, owners just want to give their cats a bath; and that is perfectly okay. Just don’t overdo it; excessive washing will cause your cat’s skin to dry out and become itchy.

There are items that you need before you even fill the tub. Make sure you get a shampoo that is gentle on your cat’s coat, especially if she has never been bathed before. You may also need a pair of elbow-length gloves, a comb, a small cup or washcloth, a couple of towels, and a helper. To get your cat ready for her bath, give her a nice brushing and get rid of all the extra fur. Tangles in her hair will only worsen once the water is added. It is also a good idea to trim her nails before the bath. If your cat has never had a bath before or dislikes water, then you can be sure her nails will be extended and ready to do some damage.

The best place to wash your cat is in a bathtub. There is more room for you to handle her, and you can climb in if you need to. Do not have your cat in the bathroom while you fill the tub. The loud water noises will frighten her. The tub should be filled a couple of inches with warm water; do not use hot water. There is no reason to fill the tub higher than a couple of inches, because the amount of water will scare your cat even more. Put the gloves on and have your helper bring in the cat (your helper should also be wearing gloves). Speak softly to the cat and do not get angry with her during the bathing process. Slowly lower her into the water, but keep a firm grip; cats can squirm their way out of almost anything. Have your helper hold the cat, while you grab the cup or washcloth. Use the item to wet your cat’s coat, while keeping the water out of her eyes and ears. Proceed with the shampoo, and rinse until all the soap is out of her fur. For her face, you may take a tiny amount of shampoo and rub it over her cheeks and forehead. Carefully rinse these areas. When you are sure that all the soap is gone, wrap her up in a towel and lightly rub her for a few minutes. Once the excess water is soaked up, she can dry herself the rest of the way.

If your cat goes crazy and is impossible to handle when you stick her in the tub, then throw on an old long sleeve shirt and pants and get in with her. Your cat may see the situation as an aggressive one and resort to scratching, so it is important that your body is covered. Do not get angry with your cat for being scared; it isn’t something she does everyday. If you continue to wash your cat, then always take the same precautions. Unlike dogs, cats won’t always adapt to the process.

Bathing a cat can be necessary in some situations. If you decide to bathe your cat, then you need to be prepared before you ever turn on the bath water. Once you have your supplies ready, your cat combed, and her nails trimmed, then you can begin the bath. It is always helpful to have someone else help hold your kitty. Be calm and gentle, and you will both make it through to the end!

This article was posted by a site carrying dog tracking collars, dog ramps, and dog bowls.

All across America people are cutting back on spending wherever they can. Leading financial advisor Suze Orman recently challenged Oprah’s viewers to begin living on half of their income in an attempt to prepare for the worst. As the current economic climate worsens, many families begin looking at their animals as an added expense. As a result, more and more people are bringing their animals to shelters because they simply cannot afford to keep them. In fact, People Magazine recently reported on the rising influx of animals in shelters across America (April 13, 2009). The magazine cited statistics from the Sacramento SPCA Shelter, which saw almost 1000 more pets given up in 2008 than in 2007. So many shelters face overcrowding that the Humane Society of the U.S. has even created the Foreclosure Pets Grant program in an effort to assist such shelters.  If you and your family are looking for ways to decrease your monthly expenses while keeping your family dog as part of the household, read the steps below for a few ideas.

Step 1: Switch to a less expensive food. Dog food is an expense that occurs over and over, month after month. While most books, articles and veterinarians will tell you that a high quality dog food is the most important factor in a dog’s health, it’s not a luxury all families can afford right now. If you feel any guilt about it, consider it a temporary situation and know that in the long run, it won’t have that large an impact on your dog’s overall health. Use a measuring cup when feeding your dog to ensure that you are not overfeeding him, which will help keep his weight (and the grocery bill) down.  Also, investigate the bulk dog food prices at your local club membership stores. The annual membership fee will cost you, but most likely you’ll get your money’s worth in savings.

Step 2: Cancel all grooming appointments. This is an expense that can really add up, even for families who only use grooming services intermittently. For most breeds, it’s not considered a necessity to visit the groomer. If your dog needs a trim or a shave, purchase a kit and do it at home yourself.

Step 3: Do not enlist the service of a pet sitter. While most families have cut down on vacations in this economy, there are some situations that necessitate your family leaving your pet at home. Offer to trade pet sitting services with family, friends and neighbors who also have pets.

Step 4: Trade toys or go back to basics. If your dog is getting bored of his toys, ask your neighbor to trade toy baskets for a week or two. If you don’t have the money to buy toys for your kids, now is not the time to spend money on dog toys. Go out back and find a good old fashioned stick to toss to your pooch.

Step 5: It can’t hurt to ask. If you need to visit the vet, ask for discounts based on your loyalty or willingness to refer their services. Ask your veterinarian for discounts on medication if it’s paid in full or purchased in bulk for months at a time. Look online for cheaper medication options if necessary.  Also, talk to your vet about the frequency of flea medicine administration. Some pets who live in high altitudes or places that experience freezing temperatures can get away with skipping a few flea treatments.

Step 6: Check out community resources. Many communities offer lower priced immunizations in conjunction with pet adoption days, fairs or school district fundraisers.  Call around and look online for services such as these within your community.

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and you’ve exhausted all of your options but are still unable to afford the cost of pet ownership, make every attempt to find a home for your dog before you bring him to a shelter. Perhaps you can even find a temporary living situation for your dog until you’re in a financial situation to take over his care once again. Even though times are tough for American families, it’s times like these that we need the loyalty and companionship of our family dog; do what you can for him and you’ll be rewarded with love and affection for his lifetime.

This article was posted by an author from Discount Pet Mall. A site carrying dog car seats, orthopedic dog beds, and pet crates.

It’s an age old problem; how do you get your cat out of your tree? While many people might have the first instinct to call the fire department, that’s actually not a great idea. (Firemen should be reserved for fighting fires!) Plus, if you follow the steps below, you can probably get the cat of the tree yourself.

Step 1: Protect yourself. Chances are that when you are able to get your cat out of the tree, she might be frightened and frantic. If you have an active role in retrieving her, she is likely to scratch you. Put on long sleeves, long pants and gloves before you move on to the other steps.

Step 2: Entice her with food. This is your first line of defense so it might seem obvious. (Her moist food will carry a stronger scent than her dry food.) You can try spreading her food up and down the trunk of the tree and leaving another can at the bottom of the tree. Another option would be to bring out the tuna. Its heavy scent and likability factor might entice her out of the tree.

Step 3: Bring out her litter box. It’s likely that at some point in this adventure, nature is going to come calling. If her litter box (with some of her waste) is available, she might recognize the familiar smell and come out of the tree to answer nature’s call.

Step 4: Spread the seed. Some people have been successful in getting their cat out of their tree by appealing to their natural animal instincts. If birdseed is scattered around the foot of the tree, the birds might come out. If the birds come out to eat, the cat might come down to chase.

Step 5: Take matters into your own hands. Get a long ladder and have a plan. If you get all the way up to your cat, what will you do with her? Take a long handled bag with you up the tree. Put the bag over your shoulder so that you can use two hands on the ladder. Put your cat in the bag so that the two of you can safely get out of the tree.

Step 6: Ask for help. Look in the phone book for companies that will help retrieve your cat. Sometimes roofing companies or tree trimming companies will provide this service for a fee.

This article brought to you by Discount Pet Mall. Discount Pet Mall offers great pet fences, pet gates, and shock collars.

With pet ownership, it seems like there is a number of things you must do just to keep a pet in your home.  When required to license their beloved pooches, many owners ask “why.”  What’s the point in licensing a dog?  Although it may seem like a money-making technique, licensing is important for a dog, the owner, and the rest of the community.  Here’s a few reasons why licensing is important for your pet.

The history of dog licensing has been traced back to the 1700s, so it’s not a new requirement.  Dog licensing was first enacted to protect the livestock of farmers.  Many dogs roamed free, often getting into trouble with sheep.  Farmers needed a way to be reimbursed for their livestock when a dog wreaked havoc on the farm.  Eventually, cities started requiring animal owners to register their dogs.  They had to submit their information, along with information describing their pet, to a local government office.  If a farmer had problems with a dog, he could give a description to the office and be reimbursed for his damages.

Now, dog licensing is a way to protect the animal instead of a way to safeguard livestock.  Instead of merely describing your dog to an animal control office, you must provide certain paperwork.  In return, you receive a dog tag that identifies your pet and you as the owner.  Hence, benefit number one:  your dog carries your contact information.  If he gets lost or picked up by animal control, he is more likely to be returned to you.  You may not even have to go to look for him at the shelter if things are handled appropriately!  The same is true if your dog is injured.  Perhaps he escapes from his pen while you are away at work.  If he gets in a fight with another dog or finds his way into the street, you can feel a little better knowing that he can be helped, and you can be notified of the situation, before you return home.

Licensing also protects your dog and other people.  Areas with known cases of rabies may require that your pet has his rabies vaccination before he is licensed.  If he were to bite someone, then you have proof that your licensed pet is rabies free.  It can help keep your pooch alive and keep someone from having to undergo rabies treatment.

Many areas require that a dog is licensed, but some areas still do not.  You can wager that cities or highly populated areas will require the licensing.  The licensing fees vary according to the area, the breed of dog, and whether or not the dog has been spayed or neutered.  Often, the fee is reduced for fixed dogs.  This is a way for animal agencies to encourage animal control and discourage the number of homeless animals.

Certain breeds, normally aggressive breeds, are often charged with higher licensing fees and may have to follow additional rules, such as wearing a muzzle when in public and posting “Beware of dog” signs on the property.  Dogs are not the only animals that have to be licensed; some areas require cat licensing, too.
If you are in the dark about licensing requirements in your area, then contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian.  It’s a good idea to contact them prior to bringing home a pet or shortly after.  You normally only have a certain time period to get your dog licensed.   After that period, you may incur additional fees.

Most areas offer multiple ways to go about licensing, including applying in person, over the Internet, or through standard mail.  Before you apply for the license, make sure your pet has had any and all required vaccinations or procedures; it can save you a few dollars and may save you from an application headache!
Licensing a pet may seem a bit over the top, but it is beneficial in many ways.  The practice started long ago to protect livestock, and now it protects your pet, you, and the community.  To find out if you need to license your pet, contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian.  Ask the organization what your pet needs before he can be licensed.  Remember, licensing is not free, so also ask about any fees associated with the process.  If your pooch ever leaves home, you’ll be glad you got him licensed!

This article was submitted by the authors at pet-super-store visit their site for more on dog fences, petsafe radio fence and designer dog beds.

It’s strange how dogs can experience the same things that humans experience. Due to sickness, disease, bone problems, etc., dogs are often placed on medication or undergo therapy just like their human owners. So, is it crazy to think that dogs may suffer the same mental ailments that we humans suffer? Although it has not been proven, many owners and veterinarians agree with the concept that pets can suffer from depression.

Your pooch gets excited when you come home and embarrassed when he is scolded, why would he not react a similar way to a gloomy situation? Many owners claim that their dogs suffer from depression, and many veterinarians prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms. But, before you medicate your pooch, try to figure out why he is acting the way he is and how you can help him overcome his despair.

There are many reasons why a dog may experience depression. Often, these feelings become intertwined with anxiety; and, although the two are related it can be hard to identify the underlying problem. Anxiety and depression often lead to unwanted behaviors. The main contributor to depression in dogs is change. Anything that is different in your pet’s life can be considered change, an umbrella term. The death of a family member or other household pet can often cause despair. A family member moving into the home or moving away from the home can be another origin of depression. Moving into a new house or moving your pet into a new location in the house can also affect how your pet feels. The list of sources of depression goes on and on; but, most factors are based around change. Think back to when you first noticed your pooch acting strange. Did anything significant happen around that time? Did you bring home a new baby, a new puppy, or another animal? If you cannot remember any significant event, then watch his actions. Does he act strangely around a certain person or during a certain time? Identifying the cause can help you treat the problem.

Depression can often be hard to identify, because it shares symptoms with other health problems. Lack of appetite, lethargy, a change in personality, and a change in sleeping habits can all signal depression, among other things. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, then make an appointment to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will look at your dog’s health history and perform additional tests. The tests will rule out other health problems. If everything else is okay, then ask your vet about the possibility of depression. Your vet can make further recommendations on how to treat the problem and, in extreme circumstances, may prescribe medication.

To treat your pooch’s depression, you will need extra love, care, and time. Try to get his mind off of whatever is bothering him by taking him for a daily run and brushing him often. Grab his favorite toy, and spend lots of time playing with him. Whatever he enjoys doing, try to schedule time in your day to do it. Putting your dog on a schedule will also help him overcome his despair, especially if he’s depressed because of a break in his normal routine. Feed him and exercise with him at the same times everyday.

To prevent future depression, try to ease your pooch into the new, desired program. If you are moving to a new home, then make sure you let your dog spend time getting to know the new area. Bringing home a baby or a new pet should be a slow process. Try to always keep your pooch on his routine when making a major change to his environment.

Pets exhibit all sorts of emotions, so it’s unrealistic to think that they do not experience depression. If your dog’s attitude, personality, or health has suddenly changed, then take a trip to the vet to rule out any health problems. Once medical problems are ruled out, you can start a program to treat your pooch’s sadness. A little extra playtime and attention can work wonders on a depressed pooch. If a big change is coming in the future, then try to get your pup ready by slowly transitioning into the new agenda. Never get angry with your pooch; that will only make him feel worse.

This article brought to you by Discount Pet Mall, offering SportDog Bark Collars and Dogtra Electric Fences