Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

The Simple, Step-by-step Technique for Leash Training A Dog

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Dogs have probably been pulling on the leash since the first time someone thought it might be a good idea to loop a rope around one. They don’t like being restrained. So when you pull them back they instinctively pull the other way.

In most cases, the dog isn’t being dominant, or trying to make you mad. It’s just that there are so many interesting sights, sounds and smells to explore. He can’t wait to see what’s up ahead, so he pulls to get there faster.

And therein lies the secret to stopping your dog pulling. Start to teach your dog that, until he calms down and stops his pulling, he’s going nowhere. Here’s how;

Laying the Ground Rules

Dogs are creatures of habit so they are very observant when it comes to routines. You’ve probably noticed that, even before you pick up his lead, your dog is already getting himself worked up. I’m sure you’ve wondered how he knows what’s coming.

Most likely you have some pre-walk routine that you’re not even aware of, but that your dog has picked up on.

If you want to improve your dog’s behavior on the walk you should start right here. Don’t put up with any misbehavior. Specifically, don’t allow any boisterous behavior – barking, running, jumping up. Get him to calm down before attaching the lead. If he get’s out of hand, stop, get him to sit, then start over.

At first this can be very frustrating, but you need to be firm and consistent. It gets easier.

When the dog is calm, and you’ve attached the leash, leave the house right away. If the dog gets over-excited again, make him sit, and wait for him to calm, before proceeding.

The dog will likely want to relieve himself as soon as he’s outdoors. Allow him to do so. Once he’s done, control and limit the amount you allow him to sniff around and mark territory. Ideally you do not want to allow this at all for large sections of the walk. Allow him to explore only when you say so.

The Best Way to Stop Your Dog Pulling

If you want to stop your dog pulling, you need to stop pulling back. The way to control this behavior is to teach the dog that pulling has a negative rather than positive result. When he pulls, stop the walk and get him to sit. Only carry on with walking when he has calmed down.

At first, this will be incredibly trying. But dogs are quick learners and he’ll soon make the connection. In a short while he will understand that his walk gets interrupted every time he pulls.

Once he breaks the pulling habit start getting him to walk beside, instead of in front of you. This will also help to curb the inclination to pull, especially if a cat suddenly darts across his path!

It is also a good idea to take some of his favorite treats along while he is in training. Give a treat whenever he is walking calmly beside you and you’ll further re-enforce his good behavior.

To read more about dog training, dog care, dog health and other useful dog info drop in at dogsanddogtraining.com

Heartworm Treatment For Canines Infected By Mature Heartworms

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Immiticide is the single drug that has got approval from FDA with regards to the treatment of heartworm in your dog. Another name for this drug would be Melarsomine. This drug must not be confused with the heartworm preventative medicines administered to pet dogs. It is purely effective to fight adult worms, this doesn’t affect the juvenile larvae that are killed by the preventive medicines also it will have to be administered by your veterinary.

Despite the fact this medication is a prescription drug primarily based on a poison, arsenic, it really is much, much safer compared to earlier remedies with arsenic and unlike past treatment options, will not result in toxicosis (that’s only another way of stating that this doesn’t result in health issues as a consequence of poisoning). Nevertheless, the drug is definitely not approved for any other species than dogs and is definitely not permitted with regards to use in people.

Even though, as mentioned in this article, this drug is a good deal safer as compared with its forerunners, it does have a number of adverse reactions, the most frequent of which is the congestion of blood vessels because of dead worms getting moved around inside the dog’s bloodstream. A blockage of this particular kind is known as a thromboembolus and whenever a few are produced, they’re known as thromboemboli. Owing to where adult heartworms lodge, inside the heart as well as the arterial blood vessels around it, these kinds of thromboemboli are likely to form inside the lungs (pulmonary thromboemboli) since dead worms end up getting transported away from the heart – and can certainly turn out to be deadly.

Various other side effects are generally not so critical and can include pain and swelling where the injection of the drug was administered, general malaise for example a fever and nausea and sleepiness, decrease of appetite as well as a cough. To read more concerning side effects of heartworm treatment in dogs, take a look at this article.

The standard technique of giving the medication for dogs that do not have a really large load of worms is simply by means of only one injection then a second injection after twenty-four hours. In canines where a significant worm burden has been clinically determined, only one injection will be used and then after thirty days an additional single injection followed in twenty-four hours by an additional, as previously mentioned.

Because of the possibility of dead worms becoming transported in to the lungs and causing an embolus, your dog is required to be kept extremely quiet as well as caged. Following the initial few days your dog may possibly be permitted out of the cage and will not be permitted to run or even play for many weeks. When your pet dog has been checked out following medication with Immiticide, Ivermectin (a heartworm preventative drug) will be supplied to destroy juvenile larvae and your dog must continue to be on the heartworm protection plan for the remainder of its life.

Lately, Immiticide shortages have been in the news, with pets going on the waiting list to get treatment. To get more information about the shortage and heartworm treatment expense 2010, please visit http://heartwormtreatment-fordogs.com today.

Essential Dog Bad Breath Remedies Which Can Help Every Dog Owner

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Not only people get the chance of acquiring bad breath, canines are also vulnerable to it. It is the problem brought about by poor digestive function and bacteria build-up in the mouth area. Dog bad breath remedies are doable and obtainable. You just have to be extremely cautious concerning your dog’s health condition, so it is possible to determine its early cause and find preventive steps on this issue. These are some strategies for you to take into account.

1. Among the most basic dog bad breath remedies is to feed your dog with commercial pet food that are smartly made to rub gums and remove tartar. These crispy pet food tend to prevent the formation of cavities and tartar build-up.

2. Yearly general oral check-up helps determine your dog’s health condition which includes bad breath. Early findings indicates the sooner you get the correct remedies for dog bad breath for your dog.

3. Supply your dog using bones and other chewy food snacks that will aid reduce the formation of tartar and cavities build-up .

4. Use enzyme rich mouth wash and sprays that diffuse plaque as well as reduce the development of microorganisms inside your dog’s mouth area. These oral sprays are conveniently accessible in pet stores and in veterinary clinics.

5. Cleaning your dog’s teeth will make sure of building healthy teeth and gums. Just like people, good hygiene of your dog demands a substantial amount of effort.

Dog bad breath remedies need to be taken into great thought as you or your loved ones devote time with your puppy. Halitosis in your dog ought to not be overlooked nor assumed for it could cause into a more critical predicament whenever it remains. When you found that your dog continuously acquiring an terrible odor, you should take it to your veterinarian to discover about the main culprits and be treated immediately. All things considered, your dog should get the best remedy especially if you consider it a part of your household.

Afghan Hound All About The Breed

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With the looks of a glamor model, and the physique of an athlete, the Afghan is an instantly recognizable dog breed.

These impressive dogs can be as tall as 29 inches at the shoulder and commonly weigh up to 58 pounds. They have an impressive coat that is long, sleek and lustrous. Any color is permitted within the breed standard, although white markings are not allowed.

Another common, characteristic is a black facemask, while some dogs also have a long Manchu-like moustache, called a ‘mandarin’. As the name suggests, the breed originated in Afghanistan where they were used for hunting small game. They were originally introduced to the west in the 19th century, but by the end of the First World War had all but disappeared.

Then in the 1920’s several dogs were brought to Scotland as breeding stock. These dogs caused quite a stir on the dog show circuit and were soon recognized by the major international kennel clubs. Virtually all of the Afghans we see today, descend directly from this group.

Afghans are an ancient breed, and have genetic markers in common with wolves, making them close descendants of the original domesticated dogs.The Afghan temperament is a perfect match for its stylish looks. They are known to be aloof, stand-offish, and have even been described as ‘snobbish’. They are intelligent dogs, but with a stubbornness that makes them a challenge to train.

Some even describe their temperament as cat-like, in their ability to totally disregard you. Put it this way, an Afghan will obey if he sees a good reason to, otherwise he just won’t.

That aside, the Afghan is still an excellent pet that forms close bonds with its immediate human ‘pack’. They just take a while to accept strangers, and will usually ignore someone who hasn’t earned their trust.

Like most other sight hound breeds, the Afghan can be quite lazy. They enjoy nothing more than curling up on the couch for a good nap, and normally see no reason to exert themselves.

Outdoors though, it’s an entirely different story. The hunting instinct kicks in and they will chase anything that moves, small animals in particular.The Afghan may look glamorous, but it is no softie. These are strong healthy dogs who have very few serious health problems. The major health issues relate to the eyes, with cataracts a particular problem.

If you were thinking that the luxuriant coat requires a lot of work, you’d be right. The Afghan is a high maintenance dog that must be brushed daily. In addition you’ll need to to have the hair trimmed regularly in order for it to keep its shape.

Afghans were bred for hunting, but despite this are not really suited to outdoor living. Their impressive coat provides very little protection in a cold climate, and besides that they simply prefer to be sleeping on the couch than under the stars.

Good names for a Afghan Hound can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online dog names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of male dog names to pick from.

What All Dog Owners Must Know Regarding Dog Travel

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A holiday with your dog can be a really fun time for both of you. But it requires foresight and a bit of planning to make it so.

To begin with you’ll have to research the requirements for taking a pet to the destinations you’re interesting in visiting. With some countries, like the UK, these make traveling with your dog a virtual impossibility unless you’re on the PETS scheme.

But all countries, even pet-friendly ones, have importation laws you’ll have to comply with.

Then there’s the accommodation issue. If you are planning on staying at a hotel or resort, you’ll want to find a pet-friendly one at your destination and book early.

The good news is that more and more hotels are accepting pets these days.

And then there are the travel arrangements. Traveling with a pet by air or rail can be quite a challenge, so use a specialized pet travel company to make the arrangements for you. This will ensure that you avoid costly, and possibly even tragic mistakes.

If however, you are going to be traveling by car you can make the arrangements yourself, and there are quite a few things you’ll have to take care of.

For starters, you’ll need a way of restraining your dog in the car, either a dog carrier, or a specialized doggy seat belt. This not only makes sense, but is a legal requirement in some countries.

Also remember that dogs dehydrate very easily. Have plenty of fresh water, and his water bowl at hand. And never leave your dog locked in a car in warm weather.

Also, remember to pack leashes, harnesses, collars, toys, dog bed and anything else your dog will need.You will also have to plan where you will overnight on your trip, and check out local accommodation that allows dogs. And while we’re on the subject of breaks, remember to make regular bathroom and leg stretching stops.

And there’s even more to be taken care of. When you are at your holiday destination, ensure that your dog wears an id tag with your local contact details, at all times. For international travel you will have to have your dog micro-chipped, but extra precautions are never a bad thing.

It’s also a good idea to have a photograph of your dog with you, just in case your dog becomes lost.

Find out where the local vet and animal emergency center are. In case of emergency you’ll need this information close at hand.

Obey all local animal regulations and laws. This will normally mean that you have to pick up after your dog, as well as keeping on a leash in public places. It is just good manners to do this anyway, even if the law doesn’t require it.

By now you’re probably wondering if all of this is worth the trouble. Well, ask yourself how much a trouble free, unforgettable trip with your dog is worth. The likely answer is, priceless!

To learn more about dog travel, dog care, dog training tips and other interesting dog information go to dogsanddogtraining.com

Useful Facts About Breeds of Dogs

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When it comes to diversity, no species on earth rivals the dog. Our canine friends come in a vast array of sizes, shapes and colors. Not only that, but they also display vastly different character traits from one breed to another.

Much of this is down to human meddling. For centuries we have bred dogs to meet our needs, so that over time we’ve developed over 600 distinct dog breeds.

However, recent studies suggest that many of the physical changes in dogs may have occurred spontaneously. So as amazing as it is, it seems dogs have actually evolved along the lines they believe we expect of them. Now that’s what I call devotion!

Fascinating stuff, but there’s also a practical purpose to all this.

Let’s say you are interested in buying or adopting a purebred dog. I’m sure you’d want one that is a good fit for your life style. It would be foolish for example to adopt a Husky, if your idea of fun is flopping down in front of the TV with with a bowl of popcorn. Before you know it you’ll have an extremely frustrated dog, most likely with behavioral problems.

By the same token, an active person who gets a Bulldog and expects him to join in the Sunday morning jog is bound to be disappointed.

And it doesn’t stop at activity level either, name any trait you find particularly desirable in a canine companion, and you’ll find a dog breed that meets your requirements. Some breeds are more affectionate, others more independent, some are protective, others timid, some are known to be yappers, others hardly bark at all.

Then there are physical characteristics. You may prefer a larger or a smaller dog. Well, it’s hard to imagine a greater discrepancy than between a Great Dane and a Chihuahua. It’s almost difficult to believe that they belong to the same species!

Another factor you need to take into account is the amount of hair the dog sheds. Some dogs shed enough hair to make another dog, while others hardly shed at all. And if shedding is really an issue there are hairless dogs, like the Xoloitzcuintle.

And what about training? You are going to train your dog aren’t you? Well then you should know that not all dogs are equally easy to train. With some it’s a piece of cake, with others more like talking to a brick wall.

So if trainability is an important factor you’ll want a dog that is a quick learner with an eagerness to please. Dogs that fall into this group include the Poodle, Papillon and Golden Retriever.

The breeds you’ll want to avoid are most of the Hound Group, including Bassets, Beagles, and Bloodhounds. Some breeds, like the Dachshund, are known for being particularly obstinate, while certain toy dogs will ignore you as a matter of principal.

And then there are the so-called designer dogs, as well as mixed breed dogs, which we haven’t even spoken about here.

Fact is, there really is a dog breed to suit just about everybody’s lifestyle. Which is yours?

Visit www.dogsanddogtraining.com to learnmore about types of dogs, dog care, dog training and other interesting dog info.

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