Do-it-Yourself Dog Grooming

Should you take your dog to a professional dog groomer, or should you groom your dog yourself?
Depending on your dog’s needs, the answer might be to do both. If you take your dog to a professional dog groomer, you can groom him yourself between appointments. And if your dog’s coat doesn’t require the care of a professional dog groomer, you may be able to be his sole groomer.

Benefits of grooming your dog yourself

Your dog benefits physically. Dog grooming distributes skin oils throughout the dog’s coat, removes loose hair and irritants, and keeps hair free of dirt and tangles. While you’re grooming your dog, you can look for any changes to his body and spot possible health concerns, including the presence of fleas.
And, of course, a dog that’s groomed regularly looks healthier and more cared for.
Your dog benefits emotionally. Dogs that have learned not to trust humans or that aren’t accustomed to being handled can overcome their fears with repeated gentle handling. Grooming your dog provides him with regular sessions in which to experience pleasure at the hands of humans.
You and your dog have more bonding time. One-on-one time with your dog is when the greatest bonding occurs. While grooming him, you’ll be able to observe how he reacts to and communicates with you.
You benefit emotionally. Studies have shown that spending time with pets can improve psychological well-being and lower blood pressure, among other benefits.
You save money. Do-it-yourself dog grooming costs only the equipment needed for grooming. If your dog has a high-maintenance coat, however, or if you don’t have the patience or time to groom your dog regularly, it may be better to take your dog to a professional dog groomer.

How to start grooming your dog

The younger you start grooming your dog, the easier it will be for him to become accustomed to being groomed. Be gentle and praise your dog often to make the grooming sessions positive experiences.
If your dog isn’t comfortable with being groomed, grooming sessions should be short at first and increased when the dog has become accustomed to the experience. You may want to groom just one part of his body one day and another part another day.

Dog grooming tools

These are some tools to choose from, depending on your dog’s coat:

Dog brushes

Dog brushes come in plastic or metal and can be soft or hard. Brush types:

• Wire pin brushes (with straight metal pins, sometimes with rubber tips on the bristles) for dogs with short or wooly coats, or for the first brushing
• Slicker brushes (with more and shorter pins than wire pin brushes) for more thorough brushings, mostly for dogs with thicker coats
• Bristle brushes for general brushing

Dog combs

• Curry combs are good at getting out tangles and lots of loose hair.
• Fine-tooth combs are for soft coats.
• Medium-tooth combs can be used on most dogs.
• Wide-tooth combs are suitable for heavy coats.

Dog clippers and blades

 

A wide range of blades is available. Their suggested use is for people who have had professional training in their use.

Dog nail clippers

Dog nail clippers are available in three main types and in different sizes:

• Pliers-style clippers work like pruning shears. They work well with thick nails.
• Guillotine-style clippers have a hole at the top to insert the dog’s nail into and replaceable blades. They may be more difficult to use with larger breeds or dogs with thicker nails.
• Scissors-style nail clippers work like scissors. They’re mainly for cats and birds, but they’re sometimes used on smaller dogs.

If you aren’t sure what type of nail clippers to use on your dog, ask your dog groomer or veterinarian. Use only nail clippers that are sharp.
It’s a good idea to have styptic powder or Kwik-Stop on-hand to stop the bleeding in case you accidentally trim too much.

 

 Dog grooming

Ideally, you’ll be able to groom your dog several times a week. Once a week may be often enough for short-haired dogs
Run a hand along the dog’s body to feel for lumps, injuries, or other changes as you groom. Check the dog’s feet for any sores. Praise your dog to help him feel comfortable with the procedure.
Start grooming at the dog’s head, grooming in the direction of the dog’s hair. Use a comb to remove dead hair and go over the dog’s body, legs, and tail. Be sure to groom behind the ears, at the base of the tail, and on the dog’s chest and flanks. Be especially gentle in areas where the bones protrude. Then, brush the dog with a brush to remove further loose hair.
Matted hair causes discomfort in dogs. You may be able to remove small mats by gently separating the mats into sections with your fingers. Be careful not to pull on the dog’s coat. If you cut off the edge of the mat with scissors (being careful to point the scissors away from the dog), the rest of the mat may be easier to work through. Larger or thicker mats are best left to a professional dog groomer.

Nail clipping

Dog nails should be just long enough to touch the ground when the dog is walking. When they’re longer, it’s time to trim them. Some dogs need their nails trimmed once or twice a month, while other dogs wear down their nails naturally. If the nails are left too long without being trimmed, the quick (the vein inside the nails) may extend further than normal. When the nails are trimmed regularly, however, it will retreat.
Get your dog in a comfortable position on your lap or on the floor. Extend each nail before trimming it, look for the quick inside the nail, and be careful not to trim close to the quick. With darker nails, the quick is more difficult to see, so take extra care. The quick starts where the nail gets darker.
Cut from underneath the nail. When you have the clippers in place and have located the quick, cut hard to get through the nail. Trim just a little bit at a time from the tip of each nail.
Keep the experience a pleasant one for your dog. Do only a few nails at a time if necessary, and praise your dog often. A treat afterwards makes the experience more pleasurable.
You may find it easier to trim your dog’s nails after a long walk or run, when he’s tired and wants to lie down. Or if one person trims the nails while another person distracts the dog with attention, the dog will be focused on the positive attention rather than the nail trimming.
 If you would like to groom your dog yourself I would highly recommend that you check this e book  "How To Groom Your Dog At Home "- ($11.51)


Dog grooming videos click here 



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Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Plaque can build up and cause cavities and gum disease. Poor dental hygiene can lead to bad breath, loss of teeth, weight loss, pain, and digestive problems.  It can also negatively affect all the body’s organs, and has been shown to contribute to heart disease.

Brushing your dog’s teeth doesn’t have to be a huge, stressful, messy production, but it will be if you just grab a hold of your dog and start brushing. You must first condition your dog to all aspects of the experience so it has familiar and positive associations for him.

Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs. Dog toothpaste is made to taste good to dogs, is ok to swallow, and has many different ingredients from people toothpaste, which is not meant to be swallowed and can make your dog sick. Dog toothbrushes are softer and a different shape than people toothbrushes. There are also dental sponges, swabs, and finger brushes you can try which perform the same task as toothbrushes, but some dog owners find them easier to use.

Start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on your finger and letting your dog lick it off. If he licks it off, give him a treat and lots of praise. If he doesn’t, let him sniff at it for a moment and see what he does. If he still doesn’t go for it, place a tiny dab on a dog treat and let your dog eat the treat, then offer him your finger with paste on it again. If your dog still doesn’t lick the paste, you might have to try another flavor. Once you’ve found a flavor your dog likes, offer him a little on your finger every day for a week, and always give him a treat and plenty of praise after he licks it off.

The following week, put a little paste on your finger and rub it on just one of your dog’s canine teeth. This will get him used to having his mouth messed with, but it will go more smoothly because he already has a week’s worth of positive associations with the flavor of the toothpaste, and receiving treats afterwards. Every day for a week, rub a little toothpaste on one of your dog’s teeth, and then give him a treat and praise.

The next week, put a little toothpaste on the toothbrush you will be using to brush your dog’s teeth, and offer it to him to lick off. This will help him acclimate to the texture of the toothbrush in his mouth. Do not let your dog chew the toothbrush, or he might think it’s a toy. After he licks the paste off the brush, give him a treat and praise. Do this for another week.

Once that week is up, when you and your dog are both in relaxed, agreeable moods, put some toothpaste on the toothbrush, lift your dog’s upper lip, place the brush at a forty five degree angle to his gum line, and brush two or three teeth. Then stop, give your dog a couple of treats and a huge amount of praise. The next day brush two or three different teeth and then give him a treat and tons of praise. Brush a different couple of teeth every day for a week.

The following week, brush five or six teeth every day, followed by treats and praise. Always stop brushing before your dog gets antsy. Stopping after he acts fussy will make him think he can always get you to stop by acting out. Try to always end a brushing session on a good note and with lots of treats and praise. Eventually, you will be able to brush your dog’s whole mouth with no problem at all. He might even look forward to it!



You can also help keep your dog’s teeth clean with dental treats like Greenies, and dental chews, rawhides, and rope toys, all of which are proven to remove plaque from dog’s teeth. Any crunchy dog biscuits will also help to scrape off plaque and encourage better dental health.

For more about dog grooming check the e book  How To Groom Your Dog At Home($11.51)

more>>>>>>>>>

Dog skin problem ?

 
Dogs with skin irritations are hard to miss. They scratch incessantly, have hair loss and often smell bad.
Skin irritations can have any number of causes:
Allergies: Allergies are a big reason for itchy skin. Dogs can be allergic to a particular food, to an airborne substance like pollen or human dander, or to fleabites. Any one of these irritants can cause the skin to become red and itchy. Skin irritated by allergens can develop a secondary bacterial infection as well.
The best way to deal with allergies in dogs is to first find the cause. Your veterinarian can help you with this. Have your dog allergy tested for a variety of substances, or do food tests with your vet’s help if he or she suspects your dog is suffering from a food allergy.
If fleas are the culprits, protect your dog with a monthly topical flea product administered directly on the skin. These products keep fleas from reproducing in the environment and biting your dog. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate product for your particular dog’s needs.



Inhaled allergens are more difficult to control than food and flea irritants because they can be hard to identify. With the help of an allergy test, your veterinarian can discover the exact cause of your dog’s allergies. This will enable the vet to develop allergy shots for your dog to help desensitize him to substances in his environment that are triggering his allergies.
           
Bacterial infections: Dogs suffering from allergies sometimes develop secondary bacterial infections, which cause the skin to be itchy, ulcerated and smelly. Most often caused by the streptococcus bacteria, which enters the skin through the dog’s biting and scratching, these infections must be treated by a veterinarian. Your vet will likely prescribe oral antibiotics for your dog as well as a topical ointment. It’s important to control the allergy that caused the initial scratching as well so the problem doesn’t reoccur. Spraying your dog  after bathing with a mild shampoo will help fight bacterial infections.


Fungal infections: The most common fungal skin infection seen in dogs is ringworm. Caused by either the microsporum and trichophyton organisms, this infection often results in a loss of hair in a circular pattern. A crusty scab may form over the area, and the dog may scratch at it.
Your veterinarian may do a skin culture to determine which organism is causing the problem and prescribe a medicated shampoo, along with a topical ointment.
You may want to consider using a shampoo,  an effective medicated shampoo, that kills both fungus and bacteria associated with common skin problems associated with dogs.
Parasites: Tiny creatures that make their living on the skin can also cause considerable irritation to dogs. Sarcoptic and demodectic mange are two common skin conditions caused by mites. These parasites result in intense itching. With demodectic mange, dogs also experience hair loss, often in a circular pattern similar to ringworm. It’s important to get a diagnosis from your veterinarian to determine whether your dog is suffering from ringworm or demodectic mange because the treatments are very different. Sarcoptic mange is also itchy and causes considerable crusting of the skin.
Tick bites can also prompt itching and irritation, even after the tick is removed. But the most common parasite blamed for skin infections is the flea, since many dogs are allergic to its bite. Fleabites result in itchy hotspots, which are frequently scratched and chewed on by affected dogs.
If your veterinarian suspects mange, he or she will do a skin scraping and view the results under a microscope. The vet may prescribe regular dips to destroy the mites causing the condition. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, you will need to apply a topical antibiotic ointment.
           
Hormone problems: Some dogs with hormone imbalances can develop skin conditions. Over- or under-production of the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and reproductive glands can result in a hormonal imbalance. The result can be hair loss in various parts of the body. Because these conditions can be dangerous if not treated, it’s important to have your dog examined by a vet right away should he begin to experience significant hair loss.

It’s important to remember that if your dog is suffering from a skin irritation, your vet is the best person to diagnose the problem and prescribe treatment. In the meantime, regularly bathing your dog with a quality shampoo that is easy on the skin,  can help keep your dog’s skin happy and healthy.







 I would highly recommend that you check the e book  "Dog Skin Solutions - The Ultimate Guide ($6.02) " for further details about dog skin problems

more>>>>  AT WHAT AGE SHOULD TRAINING START?

                   

Read This if u Adopting a Dog

Congratulations on deciding to adopt a dog! You are embarking on a wonderful and rewarding relationship. Because adopting a new dog comes with a lot of change for both dog and dog parent, we've compiled a checklist to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Questions for All Adopters:

• Do you have any other dogs and how will they react to a new dog?
  
• Is your current residence suited to the dog you're considering?
  
• How will your social life or work obligations affect your ability to care for a dog?
  
• Do you have a plan for your new dog during vacations and/or work travel?
  
• How do the people you live with feel about having a dog in the house?
  
• Are you (or your spouse, partner or roommate) intolerant of hair, dirt and other realities of sharing your home with a dog, such as allergies?
  
• Do you or any of your household/family members have health issues that may be affected by a dog?
  
• What breed of dog is the best fit with your current lifestyle? (You can find information on specific breeds in our Dog Breeders Bible)
  
• Is there tension in the home? Dogs quickly pick up on stress in the home, and it can exacerbate their health and behavior problems.
  
• Is there an adult in the family who has agreed to be ultimately responsible for the dog's care?

Other Considerations:

• What do you expect your dog to contribute to your life? For example, do you want a running and hiking buddy, or is your idea of exercise watching it on TV?
  
• If you are thinking of adopting a young dog, do you have the time and patience to work with the dog through its adolescence, taking house-breaking, chewing and energy-level into account? (Find more information on raising young dogs in our Puppy Guide.)
  
• Have you considered your lifestyle carefully and determined whether a younger or older dog would be a better match for you?
  
• Can you train and handle a dog with behavior issues or are you looking for an easy-going friend?
  
• Do you need a dog who will be reliable with children or one you can take with you when you travel?
  
• Do you want a dog who follows you all around the house or would you prefer a less clingy, more independent character?

Size Considerations:

• What size dog can your home accommodate?
  
• Will you have enough room if your dog grows to be bigger than expected?
  
• What size dog would suit the other people who live in or visit your home regularly?
  
• Do you have another dog to consider when choosing the size of your next dog?
  
• How big a dog can you travel comfortably with?

Dog Costs:

• More likely than not, the adopting agency will charge a fee to help defray the cost of taking in unwanted or lost animals. The adoption fee you pay will be a tiny fraction of the money you will spend over the life of your dog.
  
• You may need to pay for your adopted dog to be spayed or neutered before bringing him or her home.
  
• Some expenses are mandatory for all dogs, including:
  • Food
  • Routine veterinary care
  • Licensing according to local regulations
  • Collars, leashes and identification tags
  • Kitty litter and box
  • Basic grooming equipment and supplies.
  
  
• Other expenditures may not be required but are highly recommended:
  • Permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo
  • Training classes
  • Additional grooming supplies or professional grooming (depending on your new dog's needs)
  • A spare collar or leash
  • A bed and toys
  • A crate or carrier
  
  
• Unexpected costs: Accidents and illness can result in costly emergency veterinary care. Recovery tools for finding a missing dog can include posters and rewards.
  
• A dog with special physical or behavioral challenges may require specialized professional support to overcome any obstacles these issues present.
• 
  
•  
•  

 

Time Considerations:

• Dogs need to be fed two to three times a day, more often in the case of puppies, and need a constant supply of fresh water.
  
• A responsible dog parent should spend at least one hour per day giving direct attention to his or her dog. This may include training, exercising, grooming, and playing or, with cats, may just be lap time on the couch. Dogs will need to be taken out to potty several times a day.
  
• A dog with an abundance of energy needs more time to exercise and interactive toys to keep them entertained.
  
• Dogs with long coats need 20 minutes a day of grooming to prevent matting.
  
• Dogs with certain medical conditions may need additional attention, including specifically timed injections in the case of diabetic animals.
  
• Remember that adopted dogs may need additional bonding and reassurance time in the early weeks.

Shopping Checklist:
It may be a good idea to wait until you select your new dog before you begin shopping for supplies. For example, some items, such as food and water bowls or collars and harnesses, depend upon the size of the dog you will be adopting.

Also, be sure to find out which food your dog was eating in the shelter or foster home so that you can provide the same in the beginning, again to ease the transition. After the dog has settled in, talk with your veterinarian about switching to the food of your choice.

Once you've selected your dog, here's a checklist of supplies you may need:
Necessary Items for Dogs:

• Food and water bowls
• Food (canned and/or dry)
• Collar
• Four to six-foot leash
• ID tag with your phone number
• Hard plastic carrier or foldable metal crate
• Dog bed
• Doggy shampoo and conditioner
• Nail clippers
• Canine toothbrush and toothpaste
• Brush or comb (depends on your dog's coat length and type)
• Super-absorbent paper towels
• Sponge and scrub brush
• Non-toxic cleanser
• Enzymatic odor neutralizer
• Plastic poop baggies (biodegradable ones are best) or pooper scooper
• Absorbent house-training pads
• Variety of toys (a ball, rope, chew toy and puzzle toy are good starts)
• Variety of treats (such as small cookies, larger rawhides, etc.)
• First-aid supplies
• Baby gate(s)

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10 Exercises to Do With Your Dog

There's nothing better in life than taking two things we love and combining them. Peanut butter and bananas, for example. Or chocolate and pretzels..
That's what gave us the idea to come up with 10 great exercises we can do with our dog. Because there's almost nothing we love more than our pets and ... okay, if we're being totally honest we don't necessarily love exercise, but we at least appreciate it for what it's worth
Everything that exercise provides us with as people—better health, wellness, energy, agility—it provides our pets as well. And hey, if we give it a shot with our pet, maybe we'll even be more likely to get out there more frequently.
We promise you, try any of these 10 exercises on for size with your pooch (we've included a range of activities good for just about any level of physicality) and you will both feel much better afterwards—especially when you're rewarding yourself with those chocolate-covered pretzels...
1. Destination Walking
Walking the dog is a time-honored tradition of pet-owners, but what we love about this version is the extra fun it provides. Instead of taking Fido for a walk around the 'hood, why not pick out a fun destination to head to, instead? Perhaps that yogurt shop down the road that offers dog treats, or the lake that's a mile away. Try picking a different destination each week that extends your walk a bit. Even if you're walking at a slow pace, the benefits of walking including a stronger heart, lower blood pressure and more energy, among other things.
2. Disc Flying/Frisbee
We've all seen the photos—the amazing, weightless pooch catching a frisbee in mid-air? There's no reason that talented owner-pooch combo can't be you and your dog ... it will just take a little practice. What's even better about this exercise is that you can involve multiple people in the fun. We also love that this specific activity engages a dog's natural instinct to chase and stalk "prey".
3. Swimming
Especially for certain breeds—like Labs, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers and Poodles—swimming comes naturally and would be something they would really enjoy. For humans, swimming is one of the best full-body exercises, working almost every major muscle group. After tackling swimming for a while, both you and your pooch will see an improvement in endurance and a strengthening of the heart and lungs. We also like that you can make this sport as challenging or as easy as you need to.
4. Doga


 If you're a yogi at heart, you might want to consider tackling Doga with your furry best friend. Seriously, it's a real thing...bare with us. Dog yoga, or doga, is a practice that incorporates massage, stretching and relaxation for both pet and pet owner and it's gaining in popularity every day. Doga instructors are encouraged to attend training seminars, and often share techniques amongst themselves as well.
5. Agility Training/Obstacle Courses
We're not saying that you yourself need to run through an obstacle course to partake in agility training with your dog (although you certainly could, if you really wanted to), but dogs are naturals at running through obstacle courses with ladders, hurdles and tunnels, and while you run along next to your furry friend, shouting words of encouragement, you'll be getting your cardio in, as well.
6. Rollerblading
While we wouldn't necessarily suggest roller blading with your dog if you're just learning, with a little practice and training, leashed dogs can actually make great companions for rollerblading excursions. The goal, according to most experts, is to have your dog run next to you without pulling the leash. Be sure to practice this in a distraction-free environment while you're both first learning how to navigate your system or blading together.
7. Cycling
Cycling is a close cousin of rollerblading in terms of safety and training. Again, you shouldn't try cycling with your pet if you're just learning, or if you enjoy cycling at a pace that is well beyond what your dog's normal running pace is. However, if cycling is your exercise of choice, with a little training and practice, your dog can be a great companion for this sport as well. Just be sure to start out slow, and avoid any distractions (crowded parks, little kids) while you're both first getting used to the movements.
8. Squat Tease
Okay, if you can do this one, you've got a stunt artist on your hands! Arguably one of the harder exercises on the list, squat teases can be a great activity for both you and your dog, but it might take a bit of practice before you both catch on (But hey, that's half the fun, right?). Here's how it works. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart while holding Fido's favorite toy. Then squat down, and as you rise, lift the toy above your head while your dog jumps to reach it.  It'll take a while to work out the coordination, but once you guys get this down, trust us, you'll be the next party trick, for sure!
9. Dog Stairs
Taking the stairs are, perhaps, one of our least favorite activities, but also one of the most effective exercises. Plus, running stairs is easy, since it's free, and stairs can be found anywhere at a moment's notice to use. If you plan to take your dog with you, leash him and pick a long staircase, and try varying the way you step to make it more of a challenge. Take two steps at a time or run sideways, etc.
10. Kick the Soccer Ball


 Take to the field with your pooch and have a heart-pounding soccer match. Your dog will love chasing you, and the ball, around the field, and you'll get in tons of cardio while running around. If you're on the lookout for a ball that can take the force of not only your awesome power kick but also Fido's forceful bite, try out the Boomer Ball, a staple in most zoos and circus'.refer these e-book for more A1dog - Training With Heart & Soul.

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4 Games you should play with your Dog

Spending the dog days of summer outdoors is wonderful, for a while. But too much time in the sun makes it easy for your pooch (and you) to get overheated. If you're passing a barking hot day cooling off indoors, but want to make sure your pup gets enough exercise, try these four active, stay-at-home games.

Get him jumping. "Make some jumps by laying broomsticks and mop handles over chairs, covering them with towels, and having your dog jump over them," recommends Dove Cresswell, a dog trainer and author of a forthcoming book on how to play safely with one's dog

.

Another option is to create a mini-agility course in an unfinished basement. You can also encourage him to jump on and off furniture -- assuming he's already got furniture privileges and is big enough to engage in this activity without hurting himself.
Boost his brainpower. A dog doesn't always need physical exertion to get the stimulation he craves -- mental exercise works, too. "Mental exercise is as tiring as physical exercise," says Dove, who lives in Melboune, Australia.  suggests teaching your dog a new trick, doing some refresher obedience exercises, or giving him an interactive toy such as a Kong that's stuffed with treats for your dog to dig out.
Do the freeze dance. "Teach your dog to run, jump and be crazy until you freeze [stand perfectly still in one place]," suggests Dove. "When you freeze the dog has to sit. When you are unfrozen [start moving again], the dog can race around again. This is a good game for teaching impulse control, especially to younger dogs."
Exert some pull. A tug-of-war session can burn off lots of excess canine energy. "I love tug for many dogs, the exception being the overaroused dog who can't learn to play by the rules," says Dove. For mannerly dogs, she suggests using only one toy for tugging, keeping that toy away from the dog unless the owner wants to play, teaching the dog to let go of the toy when asked, stopping the game if the dog's teeth touch skin or clothing, and taking possession of the toy more often than the dog does.




 If ypu would like to train your dog's other problems and receieve trining tips from an expert dog trainer I would highly recommend that you check these e-books and DVD's :-  K9 Dog Training Club ,  Dog Training Tutor,  Dog Training Master Class

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3 Effective means to put an end to your dog’s digging in your garden.

 
Dogs have a natural inclination to dig holes. It is instinctive behaviour, but can be extremely destructive and inappropriate for dogs that spend a great deal of time in your yard.
A digging dog can ruin a great landscaping job, creating both great annoyance and expense for his owner. If your dog is a problem digger, there are three effective means by which to combat this frustrating behaviour. These three guidelines, used in concert, will often eliminate digging behaviour in dogs.
Address your dog’s comfort
First, it is important to realize one of the most common motivations for digging. Dogs often dig holes as a means of personal climate control. On hot days a dog may dig himself a cooling well. His newly dug hole will be a place for him to rest on a surface that is cooler than the rest of the ground.
If your dog’s digging habits seem to be related to heat, it is easy to solve the problem simply by addressing his needs. By providing a cool, shaded location in the yard, your dog may no longer feel a need to dig. Many have found that the use of a kiddie pool or other larger tub containing some water may also be of use in this endeavour. By making the dog’s surroundings "cooler", you can easily eliminate his need to remove chunks of the yard to relax.
Likewise, dogs will sometimes dig to create a warm space during cold weather. By digging a small pit in which they can rest, the dog creates a space removed from brisk winds. Again, it is relatively easy to address the situation. Providing a warm space, such as a well-insulated doghouse can reduce the dog’s need to dig holes throughout your lawn.
By tending to a dog’s comfort, one can reduce a prime motivator of digging behaviour. Keeping a pet adequately cooled during the summer and sufficiently warm in the winter is one of the most simple, yet effective, means of eliminating digging.
Exercise your dog adequately
Dogs will also dig when they are inadequately exercised or are overly confined. A dog with excess energy to burn may turn to digging as a means of release. A dog that feels confined in his yard and yearns to run free will be likewise attracted to the prospect of digging those annoying holes.
This cause for digging can be addressed simply by making sure your dog is adequately exercised. Regular walks play opportunities and other exercise outlets will leave your dog better rested - and less inclined to dig. The value of exercising a dog is immeasurable. It produces a happier, calmer dog who is more receptive to training and who is likely to be considerably healthier than his under-exercised brethren. Thus, exercise should be pursued in all cases with all dogs. However, it brings with it the additional advantage of decreasing a dog’s interest in digging.
Keep your dog entertained
Digging can also be symptomatic of boredom. A dog with little to do may find the instinctive behaviour of digging holes to be a great way to occupy his time. The bored dog is more likely to seek solace in the instinctive act of digging holes than is the appropriately engaged pet.
As such, one can combat digging simply by making sure the dog has sufficient alternative sources of entertainment. As previously mentioned, regular exercise and activity offers hope to reduce your dog’s digging behaviour. Additionally, the presence of attractive and entertaining toys can provide a dog with other ways to spend his time and can reduce the likelihood that he will dig holes.
Dogs that are simply left alone in a yard with little else to do are, not surprisingly, apt to invent their own diversions. As digging is an instinctive activity, it is often latched upon as "something to do" for an otherwise bored dog. By providing more attractive play activities, one can remove this frequent cause of destructive digging behaviour.
There are certainly other reasons why dogs dig and there are certainly problem dogs whose digging behaviour will not immediately cease simply by following the three rules covered here. However, most dogs will curtail their destructive digging if their climate is appropriately managed, they are adequately exercised and they are provided with alternative diversions.
Though instinctive, digging is not necessarily inevitable. By tending to a dog’s needs, one can reduce instances of inappropriate digging.

Related E-Books :-    Dr. Dogs Fast, Easy, Fun Behavior Solution
                                   
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Why Homemade Dog Foods are much better?

Commercially available dog food is the primary source of most pet dog’s nourishment. Most pet owners feed this to their dogs since this is the most convenient and less time consuming thing to do.
Your dog’s strength, energy, health and proper growth relies heavily on what he eats. If you are not careful in preparing his meal, your dog might get ill and cause premature death. As a responsible pet owner, it is your job to be careful in what and how you feed your dog. There have been recent reports that some commercially available dog foods caused the untimely deaths of many dogs. Knowing how to make your own dog food from natural ingredients can save you and your dog any worries. Watching what your dog eats can also ensure the good health and safety of your canine friend.
Using commercial dog food is probably the most convenient choice in feeding your dog. But are you 100% certain that it is guaranteed safe for your dog? Are you aware of its contents and how it was made? It is perhaps a little harder and time consuming to make your own dog food but if you really care for your dog you will make time for it. Homemade dog food can give you peace of mind. You know its ingredients and you are sure that it was made properly. Plus, homemade dog food clearly has many health benefits. Claimed health benefits of commercially available dog foods are pretty hard to ascertain.
Here are some bases as to why it is wiser to put together your own homemade dog food:
Homemade dog food can be formulated without using any chemicals and preservatives. It is advantageous to put together your own dog food since in this way you are certain that you do not feed your dog any artificial preservatives or harmful chemicals. The preservatives found in most commercially available dog food are not good to your dog’s wellbeing. There are numerous diseases that can be caused by toxic chemicals found in commercially available dog food. Ailments such as kidney cancer, liver dysfunction, immune system collapse, severe allergic reactions, and behavior problems including heightened aggression can be attributed to chemical food preservatives.
Homemade dog food can be well-rounded and complete with vitamins and nutrients. You can give your dog all the nutrients he needs to be healthy if you make your own well balanced dog food. You can start by providing your pet with an all natural healthy dog food. This usually contains vegetables, rice, meat and other fresh unprocessed ingredients. If mixed properly in the right amounts this will supply him the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed for a healthy mind and body. Feeding your dog with all natural homemade dog food can strengthen his immune system and prevent him from getting ill. The practice of making your own dog food will produce a healthier and more energetic dog. It will also help keep your pet protected from diseases.
Creating your own dog food is cheaper and more cost-effective in the long run. Homemade dog food is much cheaper than commercially available dog food. You can use your savings for the other needs of your dog or your family.
Your dog will definitely love you more. Your dog will absolutely love the meals that you concoct for him. He will also love you more for taking the extra time and effort to make sure that only the best is given to him. Dogs are pretty gracious when showing their appreciation. You will surely be more than appreciated for the dedication and time that you spent to learn how to make homemade dog food. Your dog’s loyalty and friendship will be yours all the time.

 For recepis to use to cook delicoius and nourishible meals for your dog click here

Dog Diet and Exercise

There are many factors that come into play in the mental and physical health of a dog, but perhaps two of the most important are diet and exercise.  Diet and exercise aren’t just important for the high energy performance or working dog.  They are key for the average pet dog as well.
 

Importance of Exercise

Exercise is definitely a very physical activity.  It is what builds up stamina, increases physical resiliency and ability, and builds up muscle tone.  We also know that exercise helps stave off a chubby puppy.



What many people don’t realize is that exercise is also directly related to a dog’s behavior.  When we look at behaviors like hyperactivity, jumping on people, running wild, destructive chewing, digging, running away, excessive barking, etc., these are all annoying behaviors that can often be directly linked to a dog not being exercised enough.

The goal of exercise is for a dog to be happily tired each day.  The amount that is required is different for each individual dog.  The higher energy the dog has as a base level, the more exercise each dog needs to do.

Exercise should be varied for the best results.  The best and easiest way to begin an exercise program is with a general brisk walk, but one can also jog when the dog is an adult dog.  Additionally, be creative! Exercise can include tracking activities, Frisbee work, fetch, herding, agility, treadmill work, and water exercise.

An exercise program becomes even more important for a dog geared towards performance or endurance work.  These dogs not only need to exercise, but they also need to build up stamina in order to be able to perform over a duration of time.  Exercise programs must be slowly increased to build stamina and not over exert the dog.

You must also remember to rotate the type of exercise so as to not accidentally encourage a stress injury in the dog.  A dog also needs to have plenty of warm up time to stretch his muscles prior to heavy exercise to avoid injury plus a cooling down time after heavy exercise.  Loosely, this means that before your dog does competition height jumps in agility he should warm up with practice jump heights and leg stretches.  If you are jogging for two miles with your dog, you should walk the first quarter mile to warm him up and slow to a walk the last half of a mile to cool him down.
 

The Role of Diet

You are what you eat as the popular expression goes, and it is true for our dogs as well.  Diet plays a very important role in our dogs’ lives.  It is what nourishes them, gives them the energy to play and work, and keeps them healthy.

There are so many diets available to give our dogs that it can be confusing what is best.  You should always read an ingredient label when selecting a food to really find out what is in the food.  Ingredients are listed in the order of volume/weight in the food, so it is a good idea to not see grain items or fillers as the first ingredients.  Instead, you want to see a meat protein listed first and ideally have a meat protein listed more than once in the top ten ingredients.

Dogs are not obligate carnivores so don’t actually require an all protein/meat diet.  Grain free foods are the new popular item in the dog food industry.  There is nothing wrong with these foods, but the excess amount of protein is not necessary or fully utilized and could be harmful to an older dog who might have already developed kidney disease.

Foods that have grains in them are not bad foods at all.  The main concern is the level of quality of the grains utilized in producing the food.  Corn is one example of a very cheap ingredient that many lesser quality foods use to bulk up the food.  It is truly used as a filler and has little nutritional value for dogs. 

When reading a dog food label you should always ensure that the food meets all nutritional requirements for dogs for the life stage of your dog.  Foods geared to All Life Stages must meet the requirements of every age of dog.

Many bags also list the caloric content of the food.  If not, a visit to the manufacturer website is a good idea as not all foods are created equal.  You might feed two cups of one brand of kibble to equal one cup of kibble from another brand.  Additionally, caloric content is important because not all dogs need a higher calorie food.  Pet dogs can become fat quickly with too many calories.  On the flip side, a performance or working dog easily uses more calories than the average dog, so a food made for high performance dogs with more calories is a good and necessary thing.

Even when using a kibble for the primary part of your dog’s food, you can also add in freshness for variety for your dog.  Fresh foods have active enzymes in them that are often missing in cooked or processed kibble.  These enzymes are essential for your dog’s health, so fresh vegetables like green beans and carrots add crunch and flavor and lightly boiled fish or chicken add a taste of fresh protein.
 

Food and Training  

When we talk about training and how treats might factor into a dog’s diet, we do have to take into account calories again.  Some dogs will work for basic kibble and this can be utilized at home.  Most dogs will require more than kibble to train in a new location initially.

This means that you should lower your dog’s kibble amount on a day when you will train with alternate treats by about 10% or so.  If you are worried about giving your dog people food as a treat, try some of the dog foods that are produced that are more treat like.  Several manufacturers make dog food that is all meat and jerky-like or is sausage roll shaped and sliceable.  These are fully nutritional and are dog food but are higher value than kibble for treat usage.  You can use these without feeling guilty, and they are readily available at pet stores and on-line.

Remember, a proper combination of diet and exercise is the fuel your dog uses for his daily life.  It is imperative to provide him with the highest quality food you can afford and combine it with plenty of daily exercise to give him the best health.  


Related E-Books:-   * 25 Food Recipes For Dogs
                               * Going Rawr! A Complete Guide To Putting Your Dog On A Raw Food Diet
                               *  Homemade Dog Food Recipes - Desperate Market
                               * Healthy Food For Dogs: Homemade Recipes.


Related Articles :-  Food Allergies and Food Intolerance
                              Low Fat Dog Food… Good or Bad for Your Pet?
                              

Read this before buying a Dog

 

Getting a new dog is an exciting and rewarding part of anyones life. These days you can find puppies for sale in so many places such as in newspapers, pet stores and online. But how do you go about selecting a new puppy? What points should you consider when buying a new puppy? Below are 5 points that you must consider before buying your new puppy. 1) How big is your yard? - The size of your home and yard will help you determine the size of the dog you should buy. Puppies all look small when young, but even the smallest puppy can grow into a large dog. Be sure to understand what breed you are looking at and learn how big the breed will grow. Be sure to be wary of cross breeds as you may not know what size they will grow to.
2) Can you exercise your dog frequently? - If you exercise regularly and have lots of time on your hands, you can consider a puppy with high energy levels. If you will be at work and not have much time for your dog, consider a breed with less energy.



 3) Long or short hair dog? - A lot of people don't examine the length of their new puppy breeds hair growth. A long haired dog will generally molt a lot of hair which can get everywhere, especially in carpets. Short hair breeds can be easier to manage and molt less hair around your home.
4) Kids or elderly? - If you have young children or the elderly around, you many need to choose a breed with low energy that is good around people. Larger dogs can easily knock young children and the elderly over, so consider this before purchasing your new puppy.
5) Can you secure your dog? - Certain breeds are notorious escape artists, but most dogs need certain provisions to ensure they do not escape from your property. Fences should be a minimum of 6 foot tall around your entire home. You should also be careful that your dog cannot dig under gates and fences to escape. If you buy a breed that is known for escaping or digging, you will need to allow extra provisions around your home.
Consider these 5 tips before looking at your new puppy. So many people think of these things after they have already bought their new dog, but you should consider all the points above before you even go looking for a new puppy.



E-Books :-     Gourmet Dog Treats Recipes Cookbook
                      Healthy Food For Dogs: Homemade Recipes.

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Teaching Your Dog to Play Frisbee

By Honor Bee Hengu

Teaching your dog to play Frisbee is fun and rewarding. It is a great way to spend quality time with your dog and you both get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Some dogs take to Frisbee instantly, and others take some coaxing and time to get the hang of it; but almost any dog can learn to love it!



First, as with any change in your dog’s exercise routine, you should take your dog to the vet and make sure he’s in a healthy enough condition for Frisbee. If you have a puppy, discuss with your vet how old your puppy should be before he can start jumping for the Frisbee. If puppies take part in extreme jumping before their growth plates have closed, it can lead to lifelong problems. Generally around 14 months is a good age.

Once your vet has given you the go-ahead to start training, it is time to find a Frisbee and introduce it to your dog. Choose a Frisbee that is soft and flexible. You don’t want a Frisbee that is too hard because it would be more likely to hurt your dog when he catches it. One way to ensure positive associations with the Frisbee is using it as a food dish for a while. Chances are, once your dog has had a few meals out of the Frisbee, he will be completely comfortable around it.



Next, encourage your puppy to play with you with the Frisbee. Sit on the floor by your dog and tease him with it (not maliciously, of course). If your dog is interested in playing with it, let him and praise him enthusiastically. If he isn’t interested, use your super excited voice and play around with him until you get him in a playful mood. Once you’ve got your dog interested in the Frisbee, roll it on its side across the room. If he chases it, praise him enthusiastically. If he brings it back to you, cook him a steak, but the retrieve is not important at this point in training, so don’t worry if he doesn’t. Keep rolling the Frisbee for your dog as long as he stays interested.



The next step is taking your dog outside, tossing the Frisbee short distances and encouraging him like crazy when he goes after it. Never throw the Frisbee at your dog. In the beginning, stick to low, flat, short trajectories.

Once your dog is going after the Frisbee every time, start encouraging him to bring it back. You can help this along with a long (30 ft or so) training lead. As soon as he gets back to you with the Frisbee, trade him a treat and tons of praise for the Frisbee, then throw it again. You shouldn’t have any problem getting the Frisbee from your dog if you give him a treat, but if he’s being difficult, take it as a sign that you need to work on his “drop it” command. Read our Fast And Esay Dog Training for more information on helpful commands to teach your dog.



 Your dog will naturally begin to jump for the Frisbee, but it’s a good idea to take some time to teach him how to land properly. Your dog should land on all fours so the force of impact is spread across four legs. If your dog is landing on just his back two legs, you can teach him to jump through a hula hoop. This will help him get his hind end up in the air when he jumps so he will land properly.

Don’t leave the Frisbee out when you’re not playing with your dog. It will be much more enticing to him if he only sees it when you’re playing. Also, never let your dog chew on the Frisbee. Nicks and breaks will cause it to fly improperly, and could hurt your dog when he catches it.



Don’t be discouraged if your dog doesn’t start making breathtaking, spectacular catches right away. Some dogs are instantly amazing at Frisbee, others take months and months to really get it right. Just be patient and keep it fun for both of you.

more articles :-  Are You Making These 10 Training Mistakes?

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13 Pet Foods – Ranked From Great to Disastrous…

In this video Dr.Umair Bicker discusses her best-to-worst recommendations for diets for dogs and cats and explains how to improve the quality of the food you feed your own pet.

 

Dr. Umair's Comments:

A subject readers here at HealthyPets and clients at my animal clinic are very interested in is the kind of food they should be feeding their dog or cat for good health.
So by popular demand, today's lesson is a discussion of my recommendations for the best-to-worst diets you can feed your pet.
There are 13 categories on my list, and what you're feeding will fall into one of them.
Now, if the diet you're serving your dog or cat happens to fall into one of the lower quality categories, I don't want you to beat yourself up about it.
As a general rule, people who are feeding their pets a lesser quality diet are doing so either because they can't afford a better food – or they simply don't know what constitutes good nutrition for their pet.
If you discover your furry buddy is eating from the lower half of the list, set a goal to feed a better quality food now that you know the difference, or when you can afford a more nutritious brand.
Again, everyone's pet food of choice can be found in one of these categories. I encourage you to figure out where the diet you're serving right now falls in the list, and then strive for improvement by feeding more nourishing, species-appropriate food.

Food Can Either Heal or Harm

As a proactive veterinarian interested in sustaining the natural good health of my pet patients, I always encourage pet owners to evaluate their animal's diet, because food is the foundation upon which good or ill health is built.
It's important to understand that food has the ability to heal or harm your pet, depending on the type and quality of nutrition you provide.
The first factor you should evaluate is the species-appropriateness of what your dog or cat is eating.
A species-appropriate diet contains lots of good quality protein as well as moisture. The protein is necessary because both dogs and cats are carnivores.
High moisture content is required in order to prevent organ dysfunction, including kidney failure. Dogs and cats are designed to eat food that is about 70 percent moisture, which is what a diet of mice and rabbits would provide if your pet hunted his own food.
If you feed your pet dry food only, he's getting only about 12 percent moisture instead of the 70 percent his body demands. This is especially unhealthy for cats, because they don't supplement their moisture intake by drinking large amounts of water like dogs do.
Pets on dry food diets (kibble or pelleted) live in a state of chronic, mild dehydration that over time can cause significant stress to their organs.
Species-appropriate nutrition does not contain much starch, also known as grains or carbohydrates. Corn, wheat, rice and soy are found in most commercial processed pet foods, but your dog or cat has no biological need for them.
I recommend you follow the laws of nature when it comes to your pet's diet, which is to feed everything his body needs and eliminate ingredients that provide no nourishment.
In addition to the species-appropriateness of your pet's diet, it also needs to be balanced. By balanced I mean food that contains all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your dog or cat needs.
This isn't something you can guess at – it should be guaranteed through testing.
Nutritional balance is vitally important because deficiencies will develop much faster in your dog or cat than they will in you. A poorly nourished puppy or kitten can end up with obvious signs of skeletal problems and organ degeneration before she's six months old.
An older animal can develop life-threatening organ degeneration, among many other not-so-obvious symptoms, over a one  to three year period of eating an unbalanced, nutrient-deficient diet.

The List of Best-to-Worst Foods

1. A balanced, raw, homemade diet is the best food you can feed your dog or cat. It will be nutritionally balanced because you're following recipes like those found in the cookbook I co-authored, Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats.
Raw means the food is unadulterated and still contains all the enzymes and nutrients that are typically destroyed during cooking or other types of processing.
Homemade is the best option because you are in complete control of the quality of ingredients in your pet's diet.
I recommend pets get plenty of nutritional variety, and another great thing about serving homemade is you can buy seasonal fruits and veggies on sale, as well as protein sources (meats), and use them in rotation.

2. The next best thing you can feed your pet is a commercially available raw diet. This is a raw food diet that someone else has done the heavy lifting to prepare.
It's important that the diet is balanced, and you should be aware that there are raw food pet diets entering the market that are not yet proven to be nutritionally complete. These foods often say "For supplementation or intermittent feeding" on the label.
You'll know if the raw food you've selected is balanced because it will say it right on the packaging: "This food has been proven to be nutritionally complete or adequate for all life stages."
At the present time, these diets are found only in the freezer section of small/privately owned or upscale pet boutiques – not in the big box pet stores. You can also find a selection online.

3. Cooked, balanced homemade diet. It's the same diet found in number 1, above, except that it's cooked. This means some of the nutrient composition has been diminished through processing.
4. Human-grade canned food. If the label doesn't say the ingredients are human grade, they're not. Pet food made with human-grade ingredients is also a great deal more expensive, so that's another way to tell what you're getting.
This type of diet is the most expensive you can feed your pet. What I tell my clients is, "If you have more money than time, you can purchase human-grade canned food for your dog or cat. But if you have more time than money, I recommend you make a balanced, homemade diet right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost."

5. Human-grade dry food. As I discussed earlier, dry food is not as species-appropriate as a moisture-dense diet. Human grade is very important because the food is approved, in theory, for human consumption, which means it doesn't contain low quality rendered by-products.
6. Super premium canned food which can be found at big box pet supply stores
7. Super premium dry food.
8. Veterinary-recommended canned food. Vet recommended canned foods are purchased at your vet's office or clinic. Typical brands are Science Diet, the Purina veterinary lines, Royal Canin and Waltham.
9. Veterinary-recommended dry food.
10. Grocery store brand canned food.
11. Grocery store brand dry food.
12. Semi-most pouched food.
The reason this type of pet food is so far down the list is because in order for the food to remain "semi-moist," an ingredient called propylene glycol is added. This is a scary preservative that is a second cousin to ethylene glycol, which is antifreeze. And while propylene glycol is approved for use in pet foods, it is unhealthy for dogs and cats. I do not recommend feeding any food that contains this additive.

13. Dead last on the list and the worst thing you can feed your pet is an unbalanced, homemade diet – raw or cooked. I'm seeing an increasing number of misguided pet owners in my practice who think they're doing the right thing by serving their pet, say, a chicken breast and some veggies and calling it a day.
Yes, the food is homemade, but it's nutritionally unbalanced. Pets being fed this way are showing up at my clinic with endocrine abnormalities, skeletal issues and organ degeneration as a result of deficiencies in calcium, trace minerals and omega fatty acids.

From Worst to Best in a Heartbeat

For those of you who now know you're feeding your pet an unbalanced, homemade diet, there's an extremely quick and easy way to soar to the top of the list.
All you need to do is add ingredients to balance out the nutrition in the diet you're already serving your dog or cat. This is a fast, simple fix you can apply to turn an unbalanced homemade diet into a balanced one.
So there you have it – the entire list of my recommendations for best-to-worst pet diets.
If you've discovered your pet's food is on the lower half of the list, set a goal to work your way up the list.
If you're already at the top end of the list, congratulations! You're doing the best thing possible by providing species-appropriate nutrition for the animals in your care
If you would like to learn more about making homemade meals for your pets, my recipe book is available here.       

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How to Choose the Right Dog for your Home and Family

It's common for families to go to a shelter and adopt a pup based on their cuteness, especially if children are helping decide. But this decision has a big influence on your family, your home environment, and your future. You may think, "we are just adopting a dog", right? But what if your child has an allergy, or you don't have a fenced in yard, or you want to make travel plans? Your dog can have a big influence on many aspects of life. There are several factors you need to consider when choosing the right dog. You should consider your current living environment and the status of your family, including finances and commitment to the new addition to your family. The following is a checklist of factors you should consider:

1. Rural, Suburban, or Urban living
1. Rural areas give active dogs, such as Whippets, Pomeranians, and Affenpinschers, freedom to play and exercise. Rural areas typically have large grassy fields, hiking or walking trails, and ponds or rivers, which are all great spots to take your dog. If your energetic dog is under-exercised, they may turn their excitement into negative energy and start chewing your couch or going through the garbage.
2. Suburban areas can be suitable for an active dog depending on the activity level and the size of living space. Suburban areas typically have a mix of outdoor living space along with housing and business developments. If the dog breed you are interested in is somewhat active then a small backyard may provide enough space for your dog to burn energy. If the breed you are interested in has a high level of activeness then you may need to consider another dog or find a park where you and your dog can go to play and run.
3. Urban areas, or a city setting, are suitable for dogs with a low level of activeness, such as Yorkies, Papillons, and Shih Tzus. Dog breeds with a high level of activeness may not find this type of living environment suitable if they are not provided with a large area to exude their energy. Many cities have dog-friendly parks, but you must also consider your amount of living space. A large dog in a small studio apartment might lead to cramped quarters.
2. Climate conditions
1. Hot climates are not suitable for dogs with a thick coat, such as Komondors, Kerry Blue Terriers, Bearded Collies, and Malamutes. Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, and Labradors do just fine in warm or hot weather since their coats are not thick and heavy. You may be able to groom your dog's coat to accommodate for high temperatures but your dog was purposely bred to have the type of coat they do. Instead, focus more on choosing the right dog for where you live. *Insert* Check out our article on how to prevent and treat dehydration in dogs.
2. Cold climates are not suitable for dogs with coats that are not made to protect them from harsh weather, such as American Foxhounds, American Water Spaniels, and Chinese Crested Dogs. Yes, these dogs will be able to live in cold climates of course, but you must be sure not to keep them out for too long or they may get frostbite or hypothermia. Great Pyrenees, Chow Chows, and Bernese Mountain Dogs have coats suitable for cold weather. These types of dogs have coats that actually absorb heat, which insulates them and makes them too hot so they love cold weather.
3. Training
1. There are a handful of difficult to moderately difficult dogs to train, such as Sealyham Terriers, Pugs, and Irish Setters. Pomeranians can also be difficult to train, as we realized through our own experience when we got our first dog back in 2006. Ease of training is often overlooked but it is one of the most important factors when considering a dog. If you do not have the time, patience, or will to train your dog, you may regret your decision. You could potentially be faced with a dog urinating in the house, barking at every movement outside, and scratching at your leg under the table during dinner. All of these scenarios can create aggravating and undesirable situations, which could eventually, and unfortunately, lead to neglect. Neglecting your dog, whether you are aware of it or not, actually creates even more issues.
2. There are a handful of dogs that are easy to moderately easy to train, such as Border Collies, Poodles, and Bichon Frises. Border Collies are arguably thought to be the smartest dog in the world. They are known to be able to learn hundreds and hundreds of commands, whereas the average dog is limited to under 100 commands. Border Collies are beautiful, medium-to-large sized dogs and Bichon Frises are adorable, small dogs, so you can take your pick! Also, Poodles come in both miniature and standard sizes, so you have options here too!
4. Grooming
1. Many dogs require a high amount of coat care, like Lhasa Apsos, Pekingeses, and Pulis. If you decide on a breed that requires a high amount of care and you are not committed to grooming, you may end up with an uncomfortable dog that has a knotted coat, sharp nails, stinky odors, and fur in unwanted places of your home. With some dogs, like Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus, it is common to give them "puppy cuts" or "sport cuts", which may require more regular visits to the groomer, but it also allows for a shorter coat that requires less brushing. Regular visits to the groomer will help maintain your dog's shorter cut, just like humans going to the hair salon! Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Boston Terriers require a low level of coat care, but this does not mean they do not shed. It simply means, they require less regular trips to the groomer and less brushing.
5. Allergies
1. Be aware that some breeds can cause members of your family to have allergic reactions. Some people react to dog hair and some react to saliva. You may want to consider a low-shedding dog, like a Scottish Terrier, Westie, or Border Terrier so you don't find hair in unexpected places (like when you are napping on the couch!) that may cause an allergic reaction. Dogs can also have reactions to their surroundings. Tree pollens can cause watery eyes and itchy skin. If you are not prepared for extra veterinarian costs then you may want to avoid breeds that are more disposed to these allergies, including but not limited to Schnauzers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, and Irish Setters.
6. Feeding Requirements and Size
1. When choosing your breed, you may also want to consider the size of the dog which coincides with their feeding requirements. Larger dogs often require larger and more frequent meals throughout the day, which can become costly. Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers require a large amount of feeding. If you are not prepared for these expenses, Cairn Terriers, Brittanys, and Corgis may be more suitable.
7. Sociableness
1. How your dog interacts with other dogs and visitors should be considered. Do you want to tote your dog around wherever you go? Do you have frequent visitors in your home that may be considered a stranger to your dog? Do you have gatherings at your home with a lot of guests? Do you travel a lot? If so, a dog with a high level of sociableness should be considered. Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Saint Bernards are sociable dog breeds. These breeds, and many others, may not cause any ruckus when you welcome guests into your home. They may also not be fearful when you drop them at the dog sitter while you traveling. Dogs with natural temperaments to be protective and fearless may be unsociable, although most of the time these breeds can be trained to be moderately sociable. Chihuahuas, Rottweilers, Basenjis are considered to be unsociable in the canine world.
8. Dogs and Children
1. Having infants or small children in the home adds another factor that should be considered when selecting your dog breed. Breeds that are part of the Toy category are dogs that you may want to avoid because they can be territorial. The last thing you want is for your child to get hurt and have an unfavorable memory of an interaction with your pup. Toy dogs are also known to be "yappers", which may disrupt a sleeping child. Although some large breed dogs may be considered sociable, they must be well trained to make sure the dog is careful around the baby. Bulldogs, Beagles, and Keeshond are great choices when there are young children in the home. They are small to medium sized dogs, they don't make much noise, and they are great around children.
9. Life Expectancy
1. If you and your family become easily attached or are looking for a dog to become a part of the family, you will want to consider the life span of your future dog so you don’t encounter any unexpected or early deaths. Curly-Coated Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Irish Wolfhounds are known to have the shortest life expectancies while Border Terriers, American Eskimos, Clumber Spaniels and Malteses have a long life expectancy. Check out our article on 5 Small Family Dogs
10. Diseases and Sicknesses
1. Dogs can get many diseases and infections which include, viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoal. Large dogs, such as Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers are prone to heart diseases. Small dogs, such as Toy Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers can be prone to gastrointestinal diseases. If your dog gets sick, you must be prepared for any veterinarian costs that may arise. Although there are many pet insurance policies now available, many families don't have them, so your dog's life may be costly, but priceless. Be sure to research before choosing your dog breed to see what kind of sicknesses your dog can get and how to avoid and prevent them.

To find out more information about the dog breed you are interested in, please visit: Dog Breeders Bible

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