Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
You can tell if your dog is dehydrated by watching out for a few key things. Learn how to know if your dog is dehydrated with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Your dog is a faithful companion who depends on you to provide the healthiest, happiest life possible. Although it might be tempting to feed your furry friend the same foods you enjoy, it's important to know the dietary needs of your dog. Like humans, dogs need a combination of nutrients to maintain good health. Talk to your veterinarian about your companion's nutritional needs.
While kerosene is not one of the leading causes of poisoning in dogs, the flammable liquid can cause significant illness or lead to death when a canine ingests it in a large enough amount. Because kerosene is one of the lighter fuel grades, it absorbs quickly on skin and in the intestinal tract. Dog owners suspecting this type of poisoning should not ignore this type of incident but rather act quickly to get necessary medical care.
Most of the time, discolored teats appear on a dog that has recently whelped. Puppies can be very industrious when nursing and can scratch the breast tissue. Bacteria from whelping can find its way onto the scratches, infecting them and thereby infecting the milk in the mammary glands. According to Dr. Douglas Brum of Pet Place, “If you are breeding your pet, make sure that the bedding and surroundings are routinely kept clean. If your pet is lactating, observe the teats daily for any signs of redness, pain or abnormal swellings and discharge.” This will decrease the chance of a…
Dogs by nature lead with their noses. Their sense of smell is as much as 1,000 times as strong as that of humans, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension. It's no wonder just about about they know about the world comes through their noses. Sniffing is what they do, so it's not uncommon for one to inhale foreign substances, outdoors or indoors, that can be cause for concern. Some of these substances can cause serious reactions that require immediate medical treatment.
Keeping your dog inside your home with you offers many benefits in terms of your pet's mental and physical health. Indoor dogs tend to be happier, have more interaction with their human families and are less likely to be injured due to accidents or become ill due to exposure to the elements and diseases carried by other animals.
A dog's mouth is typically composed of four types of teeth: incisor, canine, premolar and molar, for a total of 42 teeth. In certain breeds, however, there may be a slight variation in the number of teeth. The front teeth include a total of 12 incisors and four large canine teeth. In a normal scissor bite, the upper incisors overlap the lower incisors, while the lower canines lie comfortably between the upper lateral incisors and upper canines. Incisor and canine teeth are generally present in all dogs regardless of breed because they help carry out a vast array of tasks…
It's a terrible realization when you walk into a room and see your prescription medication bottle on the floor and your dog licking his or her lips. Many human medications will not harm a dog in small doses. However, because a dog's body weight is typically much less than that of a human, a normal human dose of any medication may be an overdose for a dog. If your dog has eaten dexedrine, get immediate veterinary attention.
Teaching a group of fourth graders the seventh commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," may give you pause. The thought of introducing a commandment dealing with sex to 10-year-olds could make sweat break out on your forehead. Teaching this commandment is not as difficult as you think, however. Many children today understand the concept of a broken home all too well. Concentrate on the broken promise and not the physical relationship for kids this age.
Tumblr is different from other blogging host sites because instead of being used for online journaling, its purpose is typically for microblogging. Microblogging is a term used to describe short posts, pictures and links rather than lengthy posts. One way that Tumblr helps users grow their connections and garner followers is through reblogging trains. A reblog train offers credit to an original post while allowing other Tumblrs to post the same material on their blogs.
Many dogs begin jumping as puppies. While better to train them not to jump on anyone or anything as young pups, it is never too late to teach your dog proper manners. Dogs may jump on the cabinets because they smell food or they want to be close to you while you're in the kitchen. This can be a disturbing habit, especially if your dog is scratching at your cabinets and causing damage. With a few training techniques, you can safely and gently curb this bad habit in your dog and bring peace back to your kitchen.
Runners are a tough group. They can withstand everything from scorching weather to rocky trails. Unfortunately, they may also have to cope with the unwanted presence of chasing dogs. Though many dogs may attempt to play with runners, some see runners as prey and attempt to attack. The key to preventing such attacks is to be alert. The key to avoiding injury when an attack happens is to know and remember how to protect yourself.
One of the joys of dog ownership is teaching your pet new tricks. Not only does this help create interaction and bonding between the dog and his owner, but it also keeps the dog entertained and helps develop his intellectual capacities. One of the most entertaining tricks to teach your dog is "peek-a-boo," with the dog holding his paws over his eyes. It takes time for the dog to master this trick, but it helps if he already knows the basic "sit" and "down" commands.
Drawing a person lying down is fairly easy once you get the hang of it. Learn how to draw someone lying down with help from an artist who teaches art to children and adults in this free video clip.
A mixed-breed dog with one Labrador and one heeler parent is likely to be an intelligent pet, because both parents are considered to be from intelligent breeds. Labradors and heelers, or Australian cattle dogs, are highly trainable pets that will be eager to please their owners. One downside of this intelligent dog breed, though, can be boredom; a bored dog can be destructive if left alone for long periods of time. Both dog breeds are receptive to a variety of training methods--use of a clicker, treat rewards or positive reinforcement--and a dog of these two breeds should respond to these…
When dogs whimper or whine, it is considered a form of barking and is the animal's main way of communicating. Yorkshire terriers ("Yorkies") whimper as puppies and transition to whining as they grow into adults. They do this when they are in distress, hurt or lonely and need your attention. Always check to make sure they are okay when they whine. In addition, you can take preventative measures to eliminate or reduce the whimpering.
Dog runs provide a way for your dog to get the exercise it needs in a small, fenced-in portion of your yard. If your dog run has a simple grass or gravel floor, weeds may start to sprout, which look unsightly. Certain weeds can also be toxic to dogs, if the dog ingests the plants, as can some commercially available weed killers. To kill any weeds growing in your dog run, use pet-safe, nontoxic methods to get rid of them.
Runners and joggers navigating through residential areas often encounter excited, barking dogs. Some dogs only bark and then lose interest, but a few of them will run after the exerciser, and the encounter may end in an attack. An attacking dog can seriously injure you and possibly pass on rabies, which is a fatal disease. You should do everything possible to avoid being attacked by a dog.
Having a dog when living in a condo or apartment can be inconvenient, especially if the apartment is above the ground floor. A small potty area can be designed and installed on a balcony, offering the dog a place to go when the owner does not want to, or cannot, take it for a walk. Dogs that are getting older and can no longer climb up and down a flight of stairs will also benefit from having a small place to go potty on the balcony.
Heeler dogs are descended from Australian cattle dogs and belong to the American Kennel Club's Herding Group. These dogs are bred to herd and will instinctively herd livestock, other animals and people. The heeler got his name because his primary method of encouraging livestock to move was to nip at the heels of the flock. Since this behavior is instinctive, training your dog not to nip is a challenging job that requires persistence.
Miniature French Bulldogs, while cute, have garnered the reputation of being smart but stubborn creatures with an aversion to training. It is, however, possible to train the miniature pet, provided you take the time to be consistent, firm and friendly. With some repetition, lots of praise, and a fair amount of patience, you can have a mini French bulldog behaving like a model pet, and maybe even showing off a few tricks too.
Chihuahuas are sensitive, intelligent dogs who are fast learners, but can be stubborn. This breed does not respond well to punishment or negative reinforcement and tends to shut down when it is used. Train your Chihuahua with positive methods. Praise and affection, combined with short training sessions, will result in an eager, happy pet.
When teaching your dog to look when heeling, it's important to build the exercise in steps. When a dog “heels,” its position is up against your leg, moving in concert with you. To do this, the dog needs to concentrate on your body language for commands, and when it heels, it will take commands from your left hand. You can teach the dog to look at your hand for its signals. This is a gradual process, but if you work in short training sessions using repetition, your dog will learn quickly.
Maltipoos are a cross between Maltese and poodle breeds. They were originally bred to be hypoallergenic dogs, since both poodles and Maltese are non-shedding and considered to be good pets for people with allergies. Small in size, these dogs weigh from five to 20 pounds and stand about 12 inches tall. The maltipoo's adult size depends on the lineage of the parent poodle, and whether it was standard size or toy size. Maltipoos are intelligent and lively, and make good family pets.
“With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves,” says ASPCA Animal Trainer Kristen Collins. No matter your dog’s age, if the animal is bored, it can become angry and frustrated and engage in destructive behaviors that disappoint you. However, dogs that receive ample opportunities to exercise their bodies and minds are less likely to wreak havoc around the house.
Playing fetch allows dogs to enact their natural instincts of pursuing and retrieving prey. Calm energetic dogs and give your pet some healthy exercise by playing a game of fetch. Training your dog to chase balls makes playing fetch less frustrating, as you eliminate behaviors such as refusing to return the ball or disobeying your commands. Start with simple games and teach your dog to respect your authority and retrieve and release the ball, and soon you will have developed a life-long skill you can use together.
Puppies are cute, but come with a lot of problems such as whining when left alone. Puppies whine, cry or even howl when alone because they are lonely, explains Liz Palika, author of “Puppy Love.” Young puppies that have just been weaned have never been alone. Puppies whine in order to bring others to them. Over time, this whining can develop into a life-long habit. The more times a puppy can get through periods of being alone, the more confident it will get.
Training a dog to track involves directing long-ingrained instincts once used by dogs to hunt in packs. Tracking involves combining several kinds of scents to develop a path toward a goal or object. While tracking is easiest to teach when a dog is a puppy, older dogs can still learn this skill with a little extra time and practice.
When you have a large backyard or multiple dogs, a dog run is a larger kennel that encloses your dogs safely while still allowing room for running and playing. As you build your dog run, several design ideas are plausible to build a roof. You may want to cover only part of the dog run to allow for shade, or you may want to cover the dog run completely. However you plan to design the dog run, a simple plastic roofing material finishes your outdoor dog house and provides shelter for your pups.
No matter how good you are at coaching canines, determined Yorkies will rebel against training if they are not instructed the right way. Yorkies, which are also known as Yorkshire Terriers, are earnest and need daily interaction with people and limited exercise, say representatives at the American Kennel Club. Whether you are training puppies or adult canines, teaching Yorkies to lay down is a marvelous way to interact with them and exercise their mind, especially when they are given praise, treats and consistent commands.
Android phones include many features out of the box, but you can download and install apps to unlock even more. The first Android phone surfaced in September 2008, and the operating system has improved steadily since that time. The first release, for example, did not include the ability to take screenshots or make calls over Wi-Fi. Some of the best reasons for owning an Android phone are accessed through third-party apps and firmware updates.
In addition to a love of dogs, dog trainers also need experience in animal obedience and adequate problem-solving skills. With these traits, trainers can teach dogs tricks and obedience for their owners. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for dog trainers are highest in large metropolitan areas, with pay levels varying by location and industry.
"The Dog Island" for the Nintendo Wii is a cutesy light-hearted role-playing game aimed primarily at children. It places you in control of a large-headed virtual puppy and turns you loose on an island filled with pooches who need your help with various things. In addition to helping the pooches with their troubles, you can also fritter your time away in various mini-games -- fishing being one of them. The marlin is a large swordfish you can catch in many locations on the island, but only after you have completed a specific questline.
For many, heading into space is merely a dream, but for astronauts, this seemingly impossible feat can be a reality. Because space travel presents some serious dangers and major challenges, individuals who wish to rocket to the stars must start on their mission by acquiring a vast amount of training that takes 20 months to complete. This training is multifaceted and intended to fully prepare would-be astronauts for the challenges they will certainly face when they venture into space.
Cleaning muddy paw prints can be time-consuming, particularly if your dog runs across light-colored carpeting. Some mud can stain light-colored carpeting. In some regions, the soil is red with a high clay content. This mud can stain fabric and carpeting, particularly if you don't clean it immediately. Preventing muddy paw prints from soiling your floors requires a bit of preparation, but it will save a lot of time since you won't have to mop or scrub and shampoo your carpets every time your dog goes outside during rainy weather.
Dog owners say Labradors tend to have kind natures. They are also good gun dogs. Their soft mouths and good temperaments make them some of the best retrieving dogs. They are easy to train and enjoy pleasing their owners as much as they can. There are some valuable black Labradors, and the best pedigrees can command substantial amounts of money even as puppies. They are a popular breed of dog not only as working dogs but as pets too.
Though dogs are often referred to as "man's best friend," there may be times when a dog's behavior requires the intervention of a specialist. Dog behaviorists are trained to study and evaluate behavior patterns of dogs and develop treatment programs to correct negative traits. Dog owners seeking a behaviorist should ensure that the person they select has earned one of several certification programs available to prospective dog counselors.
"Fable II" is an action role-playing game in which players customize the main character to their liking, depending on the choices they make during the game. Players can decide to either side with the forces of evil or good, and their character's physical appearance will change to match. Following along the main character will be his trusted dog sidekick. Players can teach various tricks, such as the bunny hop, to their dog throughout the game. "Fable II" is available only on the Xbox 360.
A dog walking business is one type of small business that is fairly easy for an individual to set up because of the very low overhead (the cost to establish and operate the business). Besides actually walking the dogs, one of the most difficult aspects of running a dog walking business is determining a suitable fee for the service.
If your dog loves to make herself at home on your sofa, there are a number of steps you can take to keep her off your furniture once and for all. You can keep your sofa free of paw prints, bite marks and fur by being observant, exercising a great deal of patience and incorporating the aid of some common household items.
Dogs often run away or hide, under a porch or bed, when they are seriously ill. You may interpret this behavior as though the dog simply knows it is his time to die, but this is not the case. Dogs seek shelter and solitude as a response to pain, and your dog's pain has a cause. The pain may be due to an injury, a congenital condition or a life-threatening illness.
"Nintendogs" is a pet simulation game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console. The game requires you to care for and train different types of virtual dogs. As you train the dogs, they learn new tricks and perform new actions, such as running away and returning with a present for you, that make it possible for you to progress through the game and improve your score. You cannot force the dog to run away, but you can encourage it to run away.
Watching a dog react to a slippery floor can sometimes be amusing, but dogs will often learn to fear slippery floors over time if they struggle with them, and the problem can become a nuisance for pet owners. An inside dog that is afraid of slippery floors will do a great deal to avoid them, which can be difficult for both the dog and the dog owner. There are a number of solutions, however, to help your dog deal with slippery floors.
With the help of an exercise ball or other object to create resistance, you can work out your abdominals, triceps and other muscles while lying down. View a professional demonstration in this free video on personal fitness tips.
Managing a home and family is often not as easy as you would think. The amount of housework that is completed or not completed, and who did what and who didn't, can get confusing and frustrating for the person in charge. So, get organized and come up with a plan to distribute the housework for all of the household members to complete each day and week. With a positive approach and attitude, you will be well on your way to keeping a well-organized and clean home.
Teaching your dog to fetch the TV remote is little different from training him to do any sort of more complex activity. The basic process involves repetition of a desired action, rewarding good performance and failing to reward bad performance. You'll also need to show a lot of patience with your dog and with yourself. The steps you need to take in order to teach your dog how to fetch the TV remote are just a bit different from the process of teaching him to fetch a stick. In this case, you have to teach him how to bring you…
Many pet owners use porch potties to train dogs, especially puppies, to use synthetic grass to eliminate on. Porch potties can be used indoors or outdoors, and are ideal for people who travel with their dogs and for urban-dwelling dog owners who don't have access to greenery. Many pet-product companies make porch potties, but they can be very expensive. To save money, make your own porch potty with just a few simple materials from a home-improvement store.
Human beings like to believe that their dogs are members of their families. We cook for them, buy them toys and clothes and even sleep in the same beds as them. Because we think of them as almost human, we extend our perceived human-canine relationship to relationships between dogs. We know we miss our own siblings if separated from them by any significant distance or length of time, so we want to believe our dogs miss their family members as well. Despite these beliefs, there is some question as to whether our dogs can discern and maintain relationships within their…
Aggression is one way a dog can communicate its feelings and is most likely caused by the animal feeling threatened. Although this behavior is completely natural and necessary for dogs in the wild, it can cause serious problems in the home, especially with children who are less able to read the dog's signals. It is important to recognize aggressive behavior as soon as it begins so you can prevent it from escalating out of control.
A dog quickly becomes part of the family. A puppy's playfulness and an older dog's devotion can easily warm your heart. But a dog is not a human being, and his emotions are typically not in line with his owner's. A dog's interpretation of your actions may be different than what you intend. The problem with holding and hugging a dog is that it leads to a dog's feelings of nervousness and incompetence, instead of love. While humans show affection by hugging and holding, dogs often times see it as a threat.
