It’s the usual thing every Parent goes through from time to time I guess.

“Daaaad, why can’t we get a dog?”

“Well son it’s like this, they take a lot of caring, they’re a big responsibility, they need feeding (this is starting to sound like a job description for Parenthood in general I know), and they need someone to walk them on cold dark winter nights.” Hit them hard with the triple mantra of “Dog Health, Dog Grooming and Dog Training” I thought, that will do the trick……..

So four weeks later there I was heading with my sister in law to the nearest branch of the Dogs Trust to check out some abandoned puppies from a litter that had been taken in before Christmas and were coming up to eleven weeks old and it was crunch time.

“What sort of dog were you looking for sir and what sort of experience have you had with dogs? We will need to take out references and check out where the dog is going to live, whether it is safe.” Heck, this was starting to sound like a job interview with the local bank not some search for an abandoned pooch.

It would possibly have been easier to pack a suitcase full of cash and hop on the next plane to some third world country and come home with a baby – a contentious view point I know but says more about the shoddy approach to most Intercountry Adoptions but I digress.

Five minutes later there I was walking round the inner courtyard of what sounded like canine hell. There is something deeply tragic about the way we treat our pets in this world (marginally better then we treat our fellow humans I know) and unless we stop treating pets and dogs especially with the same disposable mentality that we use when buying our next cheeseburger it is only going to get worse.

Trying to take a reasoned and rational approach to what can only be best described as a display of truly pathetic (in the truest of senses) wretchedness is extremely difficult. The Dogs Trust is wonderful organisation that copes, alongside numerous others, in a much challenged environment, with a miniscule budget and essentially damaged goods. It is a hard task to manage in a situation whereby the credo of the organisation is “we do not destroy any dogs” means that there is an ever increasing strain on budgets. The upshot of all of this is that you find yourself in a canine equivalent of a used car showroom but without the shiny cars, heating and cheap aftershave to keep you company.

It is a very functional environment whereby the dogs are well cared for, fed, kept warm, safe, dry and medically cared for but the Ritz Carlton it is not. The dogs are kept in pens with wire partitions and once one starts barking the rest join in for what seems to be the fun of it. The inhabitants of this canine community seem to recognise what is going on and pathetically struggle to out muscle, out do, and generally create as much interest in them as possible. Of course there is always the compete opposite, the really damaged ones who seem to have lost all interest in human contact remembering not too fondly the lack of humanity or brutality that led them to be here in the first place.

Interesting choice, I thought, feeling rather guilty at the fact that no matter what choice I made there were going to be at least forty or fifty of these frantic barking creatures that would be left here waiting for a better draw from the “lottery of fate” on another day.

I was very aware of the fact that the main driving force behind this choice was the fact that I had a seven year old son who was probably going to be the dogs main companion over the course of it’s life and therefore it would be an idea to find a dog that got on well with humans (not as easy as you think) and kids especially.

Yes, you got it; we ended up with a puppy, a cross between a Black Labrador and a Border collie (we think). It was one of those tragically funny situations when I looked at the paperwork and there it was in front of me, “Mother – Black Labrador, Father – unknown”. Apparently, the litter had been taken in before Christmas and though the mother was acquired at the same time and therefore known, the “likeliest suspect” for the Father apparently was a working dog at the nearest farm thereby giving rise to the “Border Collie, we think” routine.

As most dog owners will testify, despite feeling as if I had accomplished a great deal, it was only the beginning.

Steve Morgan is a freelance journalist who writes in many subject areas. He is a father to seven year old Sam and the family have recently acquired Elmo, a Black Labrador Border Collie Cross bred. 50 lbs of Fun, Fur and Destruction. Information about the goings on with Elmo can be found at nutsaboutpets.info nutsaboutpets.info and dogtrainingonline.ws dogtrainingonline.ws plus regular Blog updates can be found at dogtraininguk.blogspot.com/ dogtraininguk.blogspot.com/

Related posts

• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Toy and Small Dog Clothes (0)
• The Royal Pug (0)
• The Kinds of Dog Training Collars (0)

Tags: dog grooming, dog training, groom

Now that your dog has mastered all of the necessary commands to be well behaved, it’s time to have some real fun! It’s easier to teach your dog tricks once he’s learned how to respect you and you’ve earned his trust. Those necessary commands help him to do that.

Try these tricks to entertain both of you!

1. Fetch. It’s no fun to play ball with a person or an animal that won’t give the ball back. Teaching your dog how to fetch will make you both wish playtime would never end.

If your dog is a retriever, you’re ahead of the game. Your dog is hard-wired to want to fetch. But other breeds catch on quickly, too. You just have to be more patient and consistent. Train with your dog just a few minutes a day to be the most effective.

To teach your dog to fetch, you need a retrieving training tool called a dumbbell. You can buy it at the pet store. It will be a wooden or plastic tube with flanges on both ends to keep it from falling out of your dog’s mouth. Be sure to buy one that your dog can pick up easily and one that will allow him to close his mouth around the middle, not the flared edges.

You start training a dog to fetch by teaching him to open his mouth. Say “Take it” and offer him a food treat. Once he starts opening his mouth in expectation when he hears you say, “Take it,” slip the dumbbell inside his mouth. Leave the dumbbell there for a second, then praise him and give him a treat. Try this about four times, and then stop. Do this part of the training for a few days until your dog gets used to having the dumbbell in his mouth.

Now, start putting the dumbbell in your dog’s mouth and command, “Hold it.” Gently hold his mouth around the dumbbell for a few seconds. Then say, “Give,” and let him spit the dumbbell out. Be sure to praise him and give him a treat. Do this exercise for a few days until your pet will hold the dumbbell in his mouth.

Next, hold the dumbbell in front of your dog’s mouth and command, “Take it.” Pull his head toward the dumbbell if you have to. Be sure to praise and give him a treat, even if he just moves his head toward the dumbbell. Practice this until he’s used to taking the dumbbell in his mouth. All you have to do now is increase the distance slowly. Continue working on “Hold it,” and “Give.” It might be a good refresher course for “Come,” too. Before too long, your dog will put it all together!

2. Speak. This is usually a simple trick for your dog to learn if he’s vocal already. The trick is to entice him to do it on command and from distances.

First, choose a hand signal - some trainers make a twisting motion with a closed fist; others open and shut their hand using their fingers and thumb. Using your hand signal, command your dog to “speak.” When he barks, reward him and praise him. If your dog doesn’t bark automatically, continue to give the command until he gets frustrated and barks, then quickly reward him. Keep practicing and he’ll soon understand.

3. Shake hands or “Gimme five.” This is perhaps the easiest trick to teach your dog. Give your dog the “Sit” command. While you gently hold his paw with one hand, say “Gimme five” and hand him a treat with your other hand. You shouldn’t have to do this more than a few times for your dog to get the hang of it.

4. Give me a kiss. This is another easy one. Most dogs will kiss you whether you want them to or not! All you have to do is get them to do it on your terms. Command your dog, “Give me a kiss,” and then put your cheek in front of his mouth. When he licks your cheek, praise him and give him a treat.

5. Roll over. Start by giving your dog the “Down” command. Kneel beside him and gently roll him over on his side and command, “Roll over.” Keep rolling him until he’s upright again, and then give him praise and a treat.

A couple of caveats about this trick:

- Don’t keep trying it if it’s obvious your pet doesn’t like being on his back. Some dogs have stronger backs than others, and if you are successful in teaching your dog to roll over, it’s probably a trick you want to retire when he’s middle aged. Most elderly dogs have back and hip pain, and there’s no point in making your pet suffer.

- Be sure to only perform this trick on grass or carpet. Asking your dog to roll over continuously on a hard surface could hurt him.

6. Play dead. This trick produces gales from laughter from school-age boys, so if you have one of those, you might want to get him involved with training the dog on this one. A good time to practice this trick is you’re your dog has just exercised and is ready to rest. There’s a prerequisite, too - your dog must know the “Down” command.

Give your dog the “Down” command and notice what side he’s leaning on. Gently push him on over as you command, “Bang.” As he rolls over, praise him and rub his tummy. Repeat until you don’t have to use pressure to force him to roll to his side. Use the “Stay” command to stay “dead.” Add the hand signal, a pointing forefinger, as you command the “Bang.”

Most Important Is that you have fun with your dog. A happy dog will always be the dog that responds to your every command. Have a fun day with your dog!

Marilyn Burnham

Author: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’
The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!
For More Information On accelerated-dog-training-health-grooming.com/ Dog Training

Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the decision to sell her business in the mid 90’s. Get a copy of her book: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’ The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!

Related posts

• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Toy and Small Dog Clothes (0)
• The Royal Pug (0)
• The Kinds of Dog Training Collars (0)

Tags: dog grooming, dog training, groom

You can decrease the back stress of leaning or bending down while grooming your dog by using raised bathtubs and grooming tables. An old dinning table that is no longer used or even a piece of plywood which is attached to a sturdy surface can serve well for a makeshift grooming table, however, you should take care to use a non-skid surface for the dog to stand upon. Dogs are more confident when they have a sure footing. You will be able to find rubber backed mats or rubber runners, which is sold by the yard and cut, to size at your local hardware stores.

You should also consider a professional quality dryer such as the Double K Airmax when you need to blow-dry your pet. Dogs with a double coat, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs can take up to six hours to be dried using a human blow dryer that can also cause problems with burning the dog, if not used carefully. The use of a professional quality dryer will cut down on a great deal of drying time. If you find that a human dryer is able to blow dry your pet in a reasonable amount of time, you may want to consider the purchase of a dog dryer which is hand held, such as the Crazy Dog dryer, which offers the ability to minimize or even eliminate the risk of burns to your dog.

You might want to consider the use of a self-serve dog wash, if you determine that it is not possible or infeasible to purchase expensive dog grooming supplies such as raised tubs and professional dog dryers for the use in grooming your own dog. Since you may have a lack of available space, or your dogs personal needs call for infrequent bathing of the animal. A self-serve dog wash normally offers the use of such tools and at a much lower price that paying a professional dog groomer to groom your dog. Although, one of the best features of a self-serve dog wash is that you do not have to clean up the mess.

On occasion, you may have to pluck ear hairs from your pet; you should consult with a professional groomer or your veterinarian for the instructions of doing this properly and safely. Keep in mind that the use of ear powder will aid you in making the process quick and easy by giving you the added gripping power while working on the slipperier hair of a dog’s ears.

You may also want to consider having a professional dog groomer to clean your dog for you if you are not able to find the time to bathe the dog yourself, since to be tolerable, a dog must be clean and healthy.

You can safely add a couple of drops of pine oil or a little Dawn dish soap to your dog’s shampoo to kill adult fleas, however you should take care not to get the solution in the dog’s nose or eyes.

You should take the time to research your dog’s breed and coat type when finding a routine of coat care for your pet, as there may be the need for specific provisions for your particular breed of dog. These requirements will give you the knowledge and ability to care for your pet’s coat while keeping it clean and in its best healthy condition. For instance, to give the proper care to a Komondor, they require an attention especially for separating forming cords on the coat. While grooming the GSD, one favorite tool for frequent use is the shedding rake.

Warnings

Although there are exceptions to be made for differences between many individuals, it is a myth that the pH difference between human skin and the skin of a dog are such a consideration. The pet shampoo industry thrives on this myth. However, you can safely use human shampoo on your dog, although it is imperative to remember that anything you put on your dog’s coat he is likely to ingest, even in small quantities. In addition, it is wise to acknowledge that any product, which is too harsh for your hair, is more than likely to harsh for your pet’s hair as well. Bear in mind that like humans, a dog is just as likely to develop an allergy to shampoo ingredients, so you should keep a good eye on your pet so you may be able to recognize any showing of negative or allergic reactions of either pet or human shampoo.

While bathing your pet, you should do your best not to get shampoo in your dog’s eyes or nose, as this can seriously irritate them. You may also choose to use a baby shampoo while washing your dog’s face and head. The proper way to apply shampoo, is to pour it into your hand, then rub your hands together, then apply to your pets wet hair, rather than pouring straight from the shampoo bottle. Doing so will aid you in the control of shampooing the areas that receive shampoo and the areas that do not. Be especially careful while rinsing your dog, so that soap and suds do not enter your dogs eyes or nose, you can also gently squeeze the dogs ears shut so that water does not enter its ears while you work around those areas. You may want to consider the use of a good quality baby shampoo that is diluted 4 to 1 with warm water, remembering to add water first and the shampoo, as this solution can be used all over your pet while it will rinse away much cleaner than other types of human shampoo. Doing so will bypass the problem of burning your dogs eyes and nose.

When you shampoo your pet, you are cleaning the whole dog and not just parts of it, so if you have a problem with touching certain areas of your dog, you will have to just get over it, as you are doing your pet a great injustice by not washing the dog thoroughly. On the other hand, since the genital area of a dog is more sensitive than that of a human, you should be especially careful not to use medicated shampoos or hot water while cleaning your pet’s genital area.

Do not overdo your pets bathing ritual as bathing to often can cause problems of drying out the skin while eliminating its natural oils. Remember that for some dogs, a weekly bath is fine, but for other dogs, this is not acceptable. However if you do live in a city where there are filthy streets it may be in your pets best interest to be bathed weekly, with a solution of one part shampoo and ten parts water. You may also want to consider the use of waterless shampoos, as they are the ideal for the quick and easy clean up of butt and foot areas. While using a waterless shampoo, you will directly spot spray and then use a damp sponge to sponge off the waterless shampoo. There is also available soap free shampoos that are diluted and therefore less irritating the use of regular shampoos, these come in quite handy when you are concerned for maintaining a healthy coat and skin while bathing your pet frequently. You may find these types of products by doing an online search as well as in many pet supply stores.

You should also bear in mind that it is a natural instinct for many dogs to automatically, pull away their back leg when it is lifted. The animal is not being disobedient, they are following their instincts and no opposing you when they do this, therefore you should not become irritated with your dog while bathing him, and never punish it while bathing. Instead, it is best for you to struggle through this phase of bathing as best you can and then praise your pet when it is being still while having a bath. In addition, if you own a large or medium size dog, you may be able to clip the nails of their hind feet without having to lift their foot.

Since water can easily cause serious problems for your dog’s ears, it is best to avoid getting water in them. However, if water does get into their ears, you can safely use a cotton ball or cotton pad to gently pat the inside of your dogs ears, however under no circumstance should you ever attempt to use Q-tips in your dog’s ears as they can possibly cause damage as well. If you do observe that your pet begins to scratch their ears soon after being bathed, you may want to consider a visit to the vet so they can remove any irritating water.

Moreover, remember, even if it may seem convenient, never, ever use human toothpaste to brush dog’s teeth as the animal may swallow the toothpaste and then get sick. Ask your veterinarian about the use of veterinary toothpaste for the best possible results.

proudpup.com” >ProudPup.com - Great deals on new and used dog supplies and accessories, training equipment, books, doggie health tips and more! Did you know that dogs have a genetic lifespan of 27 years? Find out how you can help your dog live well into it’s teens or 20’s. Download your copy of the Long Life Dog book by clicking this link: proudpup.com” >Proud Pup - Dog Supplies Cheap

Copyright 2007 – Ken Mathie. Editor PMCezine…
You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author’s name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.

Related posts

• Yes, Your Dog Will Be Happier If You Use These Dog Grooming Tips (0)
• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Wholesale Pet Products (0)
• When Is My Dog Too Old For That Haircut? (0)
• What not To Feed Your Puppy (0)

Tags: dog grooming, groom

Taking your dog to a professional groomer can get expensive, especially if you happen to own a high-maintenance pooch. We all know how to bathe a dog, but what about the rest? How do you go about trimming their nails and hair? Products made for humans are unacceptable. All dog breeds need their ears cleaned. Do you know how to do this? With a little training and the proper dog grooming tool you can save money and have a fun experience with your pet.

Which Dog Grooming Tools do I Need?

Before you purchase a litany of equipment take in mind your dog and what he or she needs. The first step is to have a sturdy surface for grooming. If your dog is antsy and scared a muzzle may be a good investment. A muzzle doesn’t hurt a dog in any way, but does protect him or her from biting you or him or herself. Once you’ve found a sturdy surface the following dog grooming tools will help keep your puppy healthy and happy:

The Brush

Every breed needs a good brushing now and then. Long-haired dogs, such as the Maltese and Yorkshire terrier, require daily brushing. A flat brush is best for a long coat. Short haired dogs can benefit from a bristle brush. This will leave their coat shiny and free of loose hair. Before you bathe your dog, brush them out so as to remove all loose hair.

Nail Trimmers

The best time to clip your dog’s nails is directly after the bath. This dog grooming tool allows you keep their nails short and prevent them from bending and breaking in awkward and painful ways. As long as you use clippers expressly for dogs your tool is safe to use.

Doggy Tooth Brush

“What?” you ask. A toothbrush! Yes, a toothbrush. Home dog grooming tools are not complete without the toothbrush. It’s easy for your puppy to get plaque build up, which leads to infection and possible heart failure. Purchasing a toothbrush for dogs will allow you to gently brush off excess plaque and keep their breathe smelling like roses, well, almost.

Cotton Balls

A dog grooming tool that you may actually have already! Cotton balls are great for cleaning your doggie’s ears. Avoid Q-tips or anything pointy. If doggy flinches, its easy to jab a q-tip down too far. Simple wet the cotton ball and wipe the outer area of the ear. Don’t wipe further or you could damage the ear.

Home grooming can be a rewarding experience. You will get a little wet and may smell a bit of dog at the end, but with a set of home dog grooming tools you will save yourself money and learn a little about your pooch!

Michael Louis is a dog lover with a passion for knowledge who enjoys sharing his dog care secrets. Did you fine these dog

Related posts

• Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Dog Breeds Shedding (0)
• Dog Breeders: 5 Tips On How To Choose The Right One (0)
• Yorkshire Terrier Care (0)
• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, dog grooming, groom, yorkshire terrier

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is maintain a consistent and proper dog grooming routine. In addition to keeping your dog clean and smelling good, for both you and your guest’s sake, there are many health concerns that proper grooming address. Your dog’s coat and skin are very important to your dog and oftentimes are an indicator of other health problems that may be lurking. Grooming your dog properly, following correct dog grooming instructions, helps to keep her healthy while also building an important bond between you and your pet.

Basic Dog Grooming Instructions

Since grooming your dog is such an important part of your responsibility as an owner, you should not only have a sound and regular routine, but you should have the proper knowledge, brushes, shampoos, clippers and other necessary equipment. With correct dog grooming instructions, you can help keep you dog healthy and clean.

An important part of dog grooming, even before you begin thinking about baths, is simply brushing your dog’s coat on a regular, preferably daily, basis. Brushing helps remove dirt and pests, untangles knots and spreads the natural oils evenly through the coat. Each dog is different and you should consult your vet or a grooming expert on the proper type of brush to use based on your dog’s breed. You should brush thoroughly, including her stomach, behind her legs and her ears.

In addition to regular brushing, you should also make sure you keep your dog’s nails trimmed–an often overlooked aspect of dog grooming. You will probably want to do this monthly although it will depend on your dog’s habits and activities. Make sure you have proper trimmers made for dogs and do not cut them too short. You’ll want to stop trimming just before you reach the quick and don’t forget to get your dog’s dewclaw. Following these routine dog grooming instructions will help maintain your dogs coat and nails but should also be supplemented with a bath.

Dog Grooming - The Bath

An important part of dog grooming is the bath. Although it is okay to brush your dog daily, you should not bath your dog too often. Overbathing will reduce the vital oils that help keep your dog’s coat healthy and lead to irritation and itching of the skin. Four times a year is a good rule of thumb, but this will vary depending on the breed of your dog and the types of activities you and your pet regularly do. You should consult your vet or a professional groomer if you are unclear of the proper frequency for your dog.

Before you just throw your dog in the bath and start lathering up you should be adequately prepared. Get your shampoo (made for your dog not human shampoo), some brushes or combs, a washcloth, some cottonballs, a towel or two, and any other equipment or products you might need. You might want to use a detachable spray hose for your bath and a rubber mat makes a good idea to prevent slipping and sliding. Large breed dogs will most likely have to use the bathtub with the rubber mat on the bottom, but smaller breeds can use a plastic basin or rubber storage bin.

For the full article on dog grooming, please visit us at largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/large-dog-grooming-techniques/large-dog-grooming-and-supply.html .

largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/large-dog-grooming-techniques/large-dog-grooming-and-supply.html” target=”_blank Dog Grooming Tips and Information on largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/large-dog-grooming/” target=”_blank Dog Grooming Supplies and Techniques, you can visit us at largedogbreedz.com largedogbreedz.com We are the only large dog breed community portal on the net.

Related posts

• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• Toy and Small Dog Clothes (0)
• The Royal Pug (0)
• Terrier Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dog In This Group (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog grooming, groom