Exercise is essential to keep your dog in tiptop shape. Frequent exercise means that a dog will be more alert and content, will sleep better, have more energy and is more socialised. Dogs are also keen on routine and it is hard to avoid the disappointing look when a walk is not forthcoming. So, establish a routine and consider that a half hour walk twice a day is enough to exercise your pooch, but this will vary depending on the type of dog you have.

If your dog is not fit, start the new program slowly and work up your dog’s fitness level gradually. The loyal dog will never say no which means it’s up to you to monitor the level of exercise your dog is suited to. For overweight dogs, older dogs and puppies, the fitness program should be structured to suit their requirements. Always consult your veterinarian for advice. A puppy is still developing, so too much vigorous exercise can damage bones and joints. Older dogs will require exercise, so gentle walks during the cooler parts of the day are ideal.

Be prepared!
Invest in a small carry bag that can be slung over your shoulder or one which clips onto your belt. This means you can carry plastic bags for picking up poo, a collapsible canvas water bag ideal for longer walks, a whistle or clicker, a few tasty (and healthy) dried treats and a ball or toy that your dog likes to fetch.

A popular exercise routine for many pet owners is to walk their dog on a leash to their local leash-free dog park or beach, or you may have to drive to the location. Some councils are now outfitting parks with dog agility courses which is great way to exercise together and practice training. Contact your local council for a list of leash-free parks in your area.

Jogging
Most dogs are not suited to jogging, but if you have a Kelpie or Border Collie, a good run is one way to give them the level of exercise they need. Fitness should be fun, however, and dogs like to stop and start, sniff the territory and mark their scent. By nature they are not inclined to jog consistently so run in bursts and then walk.

Dog’s paws are susceptible and remember that you are the one wearing shoes. Check the bitumen with your hand and if it is too hot do not exercise your dog along pathways.

Fun Fitness
Dogs like routine, but walking around the block can become tedious. If you are really keen to get fit with your dog you might like to consider two fun dog sports: agility and flyball. Agility is a sequence of obstacles such as hurdles, tunnels and weave poles which the dog learns to negotiate without errors against the clock. The dog that completes the obstacles correctly within the time set will achieve a ‘Clear Round’. The winner is the quickest of these dogs.

Flyball is a sport in which any dog can participate regardless of breed, shape or size. It encompasses chasing, jumping, catching and retrieving - all the things that dogs love to do. Flyball is a relay race between two competing teams. Each team has four dogs. One from each team (racing side by side) must go over four hurdles, trigger a flyball box pedal, catch (retrieve) a ball and then return over all four hurdles to the star/finish line where the next dog eagerly awaits.

Heat exhaustion
Avoid exercising your dog on very hot or humid days. Dogs cool themselves by panting and if panting does not reduce the body temperature the dog will develop heatstroke. Animals suffering from heat exhaustion will pant, lie on their side and be listless and disoriented. If you think your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion it must be cooled promptly. Put the animal in a cool and shady area. Damp it down with tepid water (never ice) and fan the animal. Contact your nearest veterinarian but do not transport the animal in a hot car. Only place it in a vehicle that has air conditioning or is cool and airy. Keep the animal damp with cool air playing over its body during the car trip. If the animal is conscious, offer cool, not cold, drinking water. Do not allow the animal to gulp large amounts of water.

For lots of easy to read articles, full of useful information that is sure to help you out with your pet or pets, go to p-e-t-s.info P-E-T-S.info. While you are there sign up for the p-e-t-s.info PET NEWS email newsletter - it is FREE and packed with handy tips for pet owners.

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Tags: fido

Can a bamboo shack survive a winter storm in the middle of Antarctica? Can you dog live in an igloo in the heart of Sahara Desert? You see, it is equally important to match the climate to what material you want the dog house to be used to build a suitable dog habitat.

Even though the examples we gave above are a little bit extreme, many regions have extreme weather for at least part of the year or have a prolonged season of one particular weather condition. That being the case, the most prevalent weather condition should be the deciding factor for choosing the material for a dog house. An excellent estimation of appropriate building materials for your dog’s house is determined by looking at your home and the other structures in your area. If your dog’s house is made of wood and is heavily insulated, chances are the dog’s house should be too.

Wood Dog House: Wood is the most preferred material for dog houses. It is inexpensive and easy to work with. When it is pressure treated to prevent rotting in areas with high moisture, wood is also rather durable. In addition, wood allows great flexibility in design because it is easily cut and shaped. Wooden dog houses are suitable for most area. In areas with high humidity, a cedar dog house may provide the most suitable wooden habitat for your dog.

Plastic Dog House: Plastic dog houses are well known for their lightweight and flexibility for design advantages. They can be easy to move and are easy to clean because it is water-proof. Plastic dog houses also have the advantage of remaining parasite free, even in the American Deep South and in other insect-prone areas. There is one disadvantage though, as these dog houses are not as durable as those made of wood or metal, and can be easily damaged by dogs that chew.

Metal Dog House: No one would really consider building dog houses using only metal, since they are prone to being too hot or too cold depending on the weather situation. It is not uncommon, however, for a dog house to have a metal roof. On the rare occasions that metal is used to build a dog house, the result is a durable and relatively easy to clean construction.

A dog house can be made of almost any material. The best dog house is the house that takes your dog’s comfort, as well as the climate, into consideration. Within these strictures, only your creativity–and your wallet–determines the ideal construction material for you.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of doghabitat.net/ Dog Habitat Home. More useful guide on doghabitat.net/doghouse/ Dog House and doghabitat.net/dogdoor/ Dog Door can be found online at his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if the content and live links are keep intact.

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Tags: fido

People go crazy over their pets. Forget anthropomorphization, many people go for broke and claim their furry friends as children. In some cases, owners have even left some of their estate to beloved cats or dogs. Over the years, Fido made his way from the yard into the house and finally onto the bed. It’s only natural that this humanization of pets has extended into the pet products industry. Today there are a wide range of items available that did not exist for the previous generation. Dog clothes, pet beds (some more luxurious that human beds), pet jewelry and other pet accessories are just some of what one can find to pamper their best friend.

The dog clothing industry is one of the easiest places to spot the humanization trend. Many of the pet styles being made today coincide with what is in fashion for people. There is even a fashion week in New York for pets now. Some dog clothes retain a functional purpose, such as dog coats and sweaters, but even those are made to resemble a human counterpart. Other apparel like dog t-shirts are obviously not necessary, but nevertheless are popular among pet parents. It’s clear to see that this part of the pet products industry isn’t slowing any time soon.

Pet beds, pet jewelry and accessories are all popular products that have become more human-like over the years. Some dog beds are still simple foam, but others have extravagant brass frames and mattresses that I wouldn’t mind using. Jewelry ranges from the inexpensive charm to the pricey diamond necklace. It’s a big deal now for one’s pet to have the same pendant or necklace that the owner does. Some accessories that have made a big splash are dog goggles and arm bands. The arm bands are unique in that it’s a strictly canine fashion trend – undoubtedly the first of many such trends. Just how far has this trend gone and where will it go? Only time will tell, but one this is certain – the huge industry that has risen will ensure it’s here to stay.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of littlepamperedpets.com www.littlepamperedpets.com with littlepamperedpets.com Dog Clothes and Dog Clothing

Visit Elizabeth Austin Wholesale for elizabethaustinwholesale.com Wholesale Dog Clothing and Wholesale Pet Products

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Tags: dog beds, dog clothes, fido

Fun With Fido…

The dog toys are overflowing from the toy basket, yet my three furry kids only want to play if I am involved someway. Now keep in mind, although I love my dogs, I bought these dog toys so that they would kindly leave me alone for awhile.This past Christmas they received more gifts or at least as many as the kids in our neighborhood.

As all good dog owners do, I made sure that I purchased only safe dog toys so that they wouldn’t hurt themselves. Huh, what was I thinking, the only way that they could possibly get hurt, is if “I” accidentally hit them in their noggin with the new king size “Kong” that I bought them for Christmas.The point is, dogs are fun creatures and very social. It’s not that they don’t like their new dog toys, it’s just that they want to include me in on the fun since they consider me part of the pack.

“Yeah” lucky for me, but I don’t think I need a pack. Yet what did I do, I went out and bought them five new “interactive dog toys” which are toys that include me in on the action. After doing this, I started to wonder exactly “who has been trained”? I don’t remember receiving any ribbons myself, but I know that they certainly did and I forget exactly what those ribbons were for.

Maybe there is a hidden agenda between the dog trainers and the dogs that we the owners don’t know about. Each day they manage to drag me out for a walk no matter what the weather conditions, lavish me with dog toys that they drooled all over and punish me with a pitiful look that makes me share my food with them. All kidding aside, although this really is part of my daily routine, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For more information on “Interactive Dog Toys” visit old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/interactive-dog-toys.html old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

for information on “Safe Dog Toys” visit old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/safe-dog-toys.html old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

or check out “Dog Water Toys” at old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/dog-water-toys.html old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

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Tags: fido

Having a dog as your companion can be a true joy. However, you don’t want your beloved buddy chewing your new shoes or going to the bathroom in the house. Therefore, you need to create a dog training plan to help your new puppy or dog understand the rules of the house.

What things should you focus on in dog training when you want your dog to understand the expected behaviors and even some fun tricks? Should you take dog training classes or complete dog training all on your own? The answer to these questions is that it depends. Take a look at the following dog training options to determine what type of dog training you want to provide for your canine best friend.

Possible dog training options include: a beginning obedience class that you can take through your local human society, dog supply stores such as PETCO, community recreation departments, and local colleges. These dog training classes can vary in price, time commitment, and personal attention. They are usually affordable and meet once a week at a community park. It is a great way to not only have your dog experience basic dog training, but socialize with other dogs as well.

If you have the financial resources and time you can hire a personal dog trainer. This type of trainer may be necessary if your pooch is having a hard time in basic classes and your dog training efforts aren’t making a difference. Before you invest in a private dog trainer it is important to make an accurate assessment of your dog training methods. Often times a dog that is not following directions is the result of the poor dog training by the dog’s owner.

A private dog trainer might be necessary if you are going to show your dog at dog shows. You can hire a dog trainer/handler or you can become one yourself. If you do, you must know the proper dog training techniques. You don’t want to have Fido jump up on the judges during the competition so he must be trained thoroughly and correctly.

You can also search through dog training books, guides, and various resources. There are products that will help you complete dog training such as special collars and muzzles. You can effectively go through a dog training regime with your canine if you follow these eight dog training tips.

Tip #1: Many people start their dog on the path to dog training success by enrolling them in a basic obedience class. This is a great idea because you will learn how to teach your do basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “heel”.

You can teach these dog training commands by using verbal commands and physical actions. For example, right after you say the word “sit” you gently push your dog’s bottom down onto the ground and put them in the sit position. Immediately say “good” and smile. Give them a tasty treat as well. Basically, you want to do as much as you can to reinforce the action of sitting when you say “sit”.

Tip #2: Dogs act like absorbent sponges when it comes to learning proper behavior and tricks. If you do your job properly then dog training should be a hit. Your dog is ready and eager to learn proper behavior. They want to please you. Therefore, if they aren’t following your instruction it might not be their fault. You might be giving confusing dog training instructions.

Tip #3: Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Positive reinforcement such as acting excited and petting your dog when they do the right behavior help with your dog training efforts. It is a dogâ™s nature to want to be close to you and make you happy. Showing encouragement and praise will help your dog much farther, much faster in their dog training. Make sure to encourage a dog through each dog training accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

Tip #4: Food is a powerful motivator when it comes to dog training. You will be hard pressed to find a dog that passes up food or a tasty treat. Dogs are always hungry and welcome any situation where food is involved.

Tip #5: Dog training should be a gradual process with regards to skill level and learning more complex commands. Give your dog time to understand new commands. They most likely won’t learn it the first day you teach them. You will have to review the commands and proper behaviors often.

Tip #6: Have dog training sessions at various times throughout the day. Your dog needs periodic training to reinforce the proper behaviors. You dog’s attention span can wane, so make sure to keep the training sessions to five to ten minutes long.

Tip #7: When you first start dog training work in environment that is free from distractions so your dog can focus on their behavior. Once your dog understands the basic commands you can try to use the commands in a busier environment.

One thing you may find is that your dog is distracted and seems to have forgotten the commands. Don’t fret. This can happen because dogs tend to be situational learners and your dog just needs to work on the commands in the busier environment.

Tip #8: Too many treats equals an overweight dog. Dog training is a process that involves tasty treats, but too many of these treats can be a bad idea for your dog’s waistline. Use small treats and wean your dog off treats as they understand the different commands. They will then rely on your praise as the positive reinforcement for each behavior.

These eight dog training tips will set you on the road to happy, healthy, obedient pooch.

Visit the dog-breeds-infosite.com” target=”_blank dog products website to research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog health, dog grooming & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.

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Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, dog grooming, dog training, dog training book, fido, groom, heel