It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog. Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog breeder may approve of commercially prepared foods as your dog’s sole diet. Many experts, however, tend to prefer a largely natural diet which for dogs is invariably comprised of meat and bones. Raw is preferable to cooked, as some of the minerals are definitely lost in the cooking process.

The reason why the commercially prepared pet food is so often fed to our dogs, is because, apart from the convenience, it can (depending upon the quality) actually contain many of the nutrients which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. The key word here is quality. There are in fact very, very few commercial manufacturers which produce nutrient-rich food. And they’re not the brands you find in your supermarket, or even in most pet stores or vetinarians.

Raw bones with a little dry food as well as occasional rice or pasta, and perhaps the odd quality food scrap from your table, will generally contain most of the nutrients which your dog needs.

All dogs must obtain reasonable nutrition from their food to maintain excellent health and performance. The main nutrients required by your dog are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin or mineral deficiency in dogs fed a commercially manufactured diet today is not widely publicised. But then again, the slosh and dried formulae which are readily available from your vet or the local supermarket are not your dog’s natural diet. If your dog was left to fend for itself in the wild (assuming it could manage to adapt, that is), would choose raw meat. And one of the reasons why meat, and especially bones, are so good, is the chewing action and the teeth cleaning function which the bones perform. Of course, there are also commercially prepared substitutes which can also effectively clean your dog’s teeth and satisfy his/her need to chew.

A lesser known fact is that to feed your dog only meat (with no bones and no cereals or other carbohydrate source) can cause severe deficiencies: your dog is likely to become lethargic, sick, and even death has been known to occur from an all meat diet. But what about dogs in the wild, I hear you ask? Isn’t meat a dog’s natural diet? Isn’t that what you just said, Brigitte? Well, yes and no: in the wild dogs eat the whole of their prey, not simply muscle meat – they thus obtain vegetable matter from the digestive tract of their prey, and calcium from the bones. As well, wild dogs occasionally, but routinely, add to their diet with plants, fruit and berries.

Most dogs relish some raw fruit and vegetables in their diet, so long as that’s what they’re used to. A dog who has been fed commercially prepared dog food all of its life won’t be used to the taste of fresh food, so may well turn up his/her nose if you introduce such healthy food later in life. But persevere – try hand feeding pieces of carrot or apple to begin with. And if your dog is still very young, all the better. Start as you mean to go on and feed him/her some raw fruit and vegetables from time to time. Your dog’s health will benefit!

(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address. Take a look around the site – http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com – while you’re there – you’ll find lots of useful information.

Article source: http://adzines.com/Dogs/Improve-Your-Dogs-Health-With-a-Natural-Diet/12510

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Via: TheDogTrainingSecret.com

Hyperkinesis in dogs is rare. If you have a dog that appears to acting in what is common called a hyper-active way, the chances are it is NOT hyperkinesis. However, learning to understand more about this condition can help dog owners identify the signs and in this article we start out by looking at a case study where drugs were used as a treatment plan for hyperkinesis.

You should always seek veterinary and/or professional dog training advice if you have concerns about your dog’s behavior or any sudden changes in their personality.

Canine Hyperkinesis: A Case Study Of Drug Treatment

The first controlled studies of hyperkinesis in dogs were an outgrowth of a long-term attempt to develop animal models of psychopathology.

Dogs were chosen for these studies for several reasons, primarily because there were many carefully bred animals available. This allowed an evaluation of genetic strains in certain breeds. Also, dogs are the only domestic animal with a variety of emotional responses comparable to those seen in people: they worry about things not essential to their survival.

In studies designed to evaluate responses to stress, some dogs did not respond to Pavlovian conditioning. Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and tranquilizers were all tried, but nothing worked.

Typically such dogs would be eliminated from the study, but because the researchers were interested in the interaction of genetics and psychological environment, they were curious about dogs that appeared unwilling to be studied. Eventually the researcher decided they were dealing with the equivalent of a hyperkinetic children. On that basis, amphetamines were given, and the tentative diagnosis proved correct.

The first model of hyperkinesis in a dog was Jackson, a Cocker-Beagle mix whose usual response to any approach was to snap, snarl, growl or, if possible, bite. Many experienced, gentle dog handlers were bitten, until eventually laboratory personnel refused to approach the dog. Jackson responded the same to other dogs. He viciously attacked any dog without hesitation, even friendly and docile animals. He refused to submit to Pavlovian conditioning, and destroyed laboratory equipment in his rages.

Because depressants were not effective against Jackson’s abnormally hyperactive and vicious behavior, it was suspected that hyperkinesis may have been involved. On this assumption, the dog was given amphetamine orally. Within 2 hours, Jackson’s personality changed to complete docility. He whimpered as if he wanted to be petted. When petting was stopped, he begged for more. He became nonviolent, even submissive, toward the same dog he had attacked earlier. Jackson appeared to be perplexed and unsure of what to do.

When placed in the Pavlovian experimental stand after medication, Jackson responded normally and learned rapidly, indicating that his previous failure was not a result of mental retardation, but rather a secondary effect of his behavior problem. After 6 weeks of drug-facilitated psychosocial therapy, medication could be withdrawn without reappearance of aggression, but hyperkinesis reappeared in low-threat situations. Aggression was apparently trained out by the drug-facilitated social interaction and conditioning experiments, indicating that what is learned under the influence of amphetamines is retained later.

After 2 more months of psycho-social therapy using amphetamines, Jackson’s non-medicated hyperkinesis was also reduced. Because he was between 1 1/2 and 2 years old at the time of the experiments, maturation could have been associated with the cure; however, 6 older hyperkinetic dogs did not outgrow their abnormal behavior patterns.

An Insight In to Hyperkinesis in Dogs

Hyperkinesis is a disorder characterized by excessive activity, extreme restlessness, impulsivity, and a short attention span. In humans, especially children, it is now referred to as ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. Veterinarians continue to use the term hyperkinesis. Hyperkinesis can affect a dog’s ability to learn new behaviors. Dogs so afflicted exhibit inattention, restlessness, and are easily distracted. The syndrome seems to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors.

Most owners are not aware of the disease. The condition is quite rare in dogs, and when diagnosed by a veterinarian, medications, usually stimulants, can be prescribed to ameliorate the effects. Unfortunately, the popular use of the term to describe normal, but overly excited dogs, has clouded the issue for both owners and veterinarians. Dogs with extreme hyperkinesis that cannot have their symptoms improved with drug therapy, are often euthanized.

Truly hyperkinetic dogs exhibit many of the following symptoms:

Cannot be taught anything, even in obedience school
Salivates constantly
Always excited or nervous
Cannot sit still, even for a minute
Never becomes accustomed to everyday situations
Chronically rapid heart rate

The symptoms of hyperkinesis are usually exacerbated in dogs that are stressed by being kept in conditions of close confinement or short-leash tethering. Even with the clear presence of defining symptoms, it is difficult to treat the basic problem because there is often no clear reason, either physical or environmental, to explain the symptoms. Some truly hyperkinetic dogs do not respond to positive reinforcement, and tranquilizing drugs seem to have no positive effect. Truly hyperkinetic dogs can be vicious, and are known to bite owners and other dogs without provocation.

Don’t be worried about your dog if she is simply hyperactive. This can be normal for some breeds, and is typical with new puppies who display enthusiasm for everything. Just a simple hello will have them running in circles. Some dogs are simply energetic and enjoy running, jumping, chewing, pulling, and barking. Their enthusiasm is one of the things that endear them too us.

True hyperkinetic dogs seldom have a rest period. They exhibit abnormal frantic behavior, and continue it until they drop from exhaustion. Because the symptoms are also exhibited in simply overactive dogs, veterinarians will usually require a test trial with stimulants like amphetamines or Ritalin, which is often prescribed for children with ADD.

If your dog is simply overactive, they can be retrained and managed with persistence and obedience training. Vigorous daily exercise will also help the overactive dog to expend energy.

Article source: http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/6640/hyperkinesis-in-dogs-what-is-it-why-should-you-care/

Let’s face it – everything is cute when it’s small and furry. Puppies especially, but keep in mind that even a wolverine is playfully adorable if it’s young enough, so for the sake of all the Fidos out there and your life, make a personal selection that is suited to your lifestyle. And as wonderful as they seem when they’re young, keep in mind that they grow up and mature in more ways than probably most of the humans you know.

A good question to ask if you find yourself aching for a canine companion is whether you want a puppy or an adult. There are plenty of wonderful adult dogs that need a home. This is also an ideal choice if you are past the point or in repulsion of the rigors of potty-training as most adult dogs, barring any separation anxiety or bowel disorders, prefer to do their dirty business outside of the home. The majority have also long since past the tumultuous puppy stage which is equivalent to the human’s terrible two’s only this little one doesn’t understand much, if any, English and won’t wear a diaper.

When it comes to a dog, size does matter – in a big way. Ask yourself how much room you have and no, the park down the street doesn’t count into the equation because you don’t live there and for Fido to actually have a chance to run around in it, you would have to be with him on the other end of the leash. Your home is going to be your dog’s home whether you’re there or not and if you live in an efficiency apartment, two mammals running around in it is going to be a tight fit. A backyard is always more beneficial, but not necessary if you’re around and available enough to get Fido the exercise he needs. Also, make sure that you check your landlord’s pet policy for weight limits too. In most places the size of the dog is proportional to the amount of the pet deposit.

Once you’ve decided whether or not you can handle a big dog or would prefer a smaller one, your next hurdle is sifting through all the breed specifics. It should be said that there are literally thousands of pets, a number of them purebred, waiting for a good home at your local animal shelters for almost no cost, unlike purebreds from breeders that can run you a cost of hundreds, and in extreme cases, thousands of dollars. The pets at the shelter are quality animals that are sometimes actually in a life or death situation. The ASPCA doesn’t just deal with stray dogs, they are involved in the prevention of animal cruelty and you’d be surprised how many litters of puppies they acquire on a daily basis. Check your local pet stores for “adoption days” that are run by local no-kill shelters or other pet placement groups.

Don’t think that just because you have your heart set on a particular breed that a breeder is your only choice either. For every breed, there is usually a rescue organization that would love to find homes for all the pets that have either been found or surrendered because of various reasons. All kinds of information for every breed imaginable as well as a list of registered breeders in your area are available online at www.akc.org .

When going through the breeds, remember that temperament is vital – an example is an elderly couple that adopted a lab puppy and then had to give him away because he was too hyper. Not only was this pretty devastating to them, but to the dog as well. You wouldn’t keep going out with someone who was always yelling at you, and dogs don’t like that either, so think about the things you currently do now – not the things you will do once you get a dog. Everyone has that fantasy of going hiking with their dog on the snowy Alps, but in the real world, you’re better off finding a pet that you don’t have to change your entire life or address for. Do you already enjoy long walks or are you a homebody that gets worn out just walking to the living room? Exercise and not to mention bathroom habits are going to be the two major factors that Fido will need some kind of participation on your part to get done everyday.

When it comes to health, there are some breeds that are prone to more genetic diseases than the average mutt. Don’t let that deter you, just be aware of what the history is of the breeder. A reputable breeder will give you all the information about the genetic line of the mother and father probably before you ask. Both of the parents should be registered with the AKC and should have documentation to prove it, not to mention a veterinarian for a reference.

Be prepared to lay down a pretty penny for your pooch’s regular check ups. Health insurance is available for pets, believe it or not, but most people don’t know about it till they see the pamphlet in the emergency room after something tragic has happened. Yearly check-ups are not usually covered, but these are important for your pet’s health. Dogs are not like humans, if that’s not obvious enough, so they can’t tell you that their back has been hurting or they’ve been experiencing some hearing loss or that their vision has been cloudy lately. They also can’t tell you if they’ve been bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworms or if they’ve contracted tapeworms. If they scratch a lot, then that’s their signal to check for fleas, but that’s about the extent of the amount of translations that they can get across. Luckily we have the angels of the animal health care industry to help us out with all of this – the veterinarians.

Your veterinarian’s office is not just a fun place for puppy shots and to have a room full of people croon over how adorable he is, but for maintaining the health of your pet its entire lifetime. It’s a good idea to have a veterinarian in mind before you adopt their future patient and to be aware of the cost for their services; that way the only surprises will be the ones Fido leaves for you on your floor. Yearly vaccinations, neutering, and spaying services are available at minimal costs through various charitable pet organizations in your area, but they usually don’t have the resources or facilities to care for an injured or sick pet especially in an emergency – and don’t doubt for a minute that there won’t be at least a few of those in your pet’s life.

Dogs are notorious for getting themselves into unimaginable situations. Veterinarians and animal technicians could tell you story after hair-raising story of examples of this. There are the stories of the dogs who eat pantyhose, birth control pills, bed sheets, and about a thousand that will eat those little rubber bouncy balls. Then there are the stories of the escape artists who roam the neighborhood or the ones who just ran for their lives because of fireworks that their owner was just sure they’d get a kick out of. There are the kids who were painting while mom had her back turned and before she could stop them they’d made the black lab a colorful Dalmatian with toxic paint that he got sick from.

The stories will go on and on, each a little weirder than the last, but the point is the same for all of them – pay attention to your dog’s surroundings and train, train, train. I can’t say this enough, training will save your dog’s life, it’s a proven fact, ask any veterinarian or dog owner. There are dog trainers all over the nation that will tell you the same thing – repetition and positive rewarding are key to training your dog. If a car is coming and he’s off the leash for whatever reason, he must know that you mean it when you say “Come!” A dog that jumps all over your company will only be cute if it’s little and very, very polite about it; anything bigger than ten pounds will just be a furry pest.

Think of it this way – you wouldn’t move in with someone who didn’t know where to go to the bathroom and never even turned their head when you called out their name, would you? Training resources are available throughout your community. Some trainers give private lessons, while other stores like PetsMart have group classes. For those who don’t care how much it costs to make a dog learn to sit, there are doggy “boot camps” that the pup can go away to for a couple of weeks to learn basic commands, but for the companion animal, a few basic home lessons usually do the trick.

The point is to think about the things you want in a dog as well as what the dog would need from you and if you’re prepared to provide for him. The fact that you will outlive this pet should be enough motivation to be completely willing to take the time and put forth the effort in ensuring them the best life they could have.

A lifelong animal enthusiast, I’ve worked for veterinarians, dog trainers, as well as volunteering for Friends For Life, a no-kill animal shelter located in Houston,Tx. Appropriately, I married a veterinarian technician and we have two mixed breed dogs and a kitten that seems to keep them in line in a way only a feline can. I would love to say that through my experience with the shelters around town and working at a vet’s office that I’ve made many happy homes, but with every new home we find for a dog or cat, there seems to be another pet that will replace its spot almost immediately and the process never seems to end. Hopefully, through more exposure to these growing problems within the pet population, the public will make wiser decisions when it comes to thier pets.

Article source: http://adzines.com/Dogs/Canine-Selection-A-Guideline-for-Picking-Your-Perfect-Companion/12509

Dogs need order and leadership from their “pack leader,” which means that good canine manners start with you. Bark Busters wants to help the dog owners be the best possible by offering Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership. These tips will help you build a great relationship between you and your dog and help your canine companion live a long, healthy and happy life.

• Get your dog spayed or neutered. Spayed/neutered pets not only live longer and healthier lives, but they also make better companions. The best age to spay/neuter a dog is around five to six months old, at the beginning of puberty. Talk to your vet about the right time for your dog.
• Provide proper identification. Your dog should always wear an I.D. tag with your name, address and phone number. Getting your dog microchipped gives an added layer of protection and increases the chances that he will be returned to you if he is lost or runs away.
• Get training to help you understand your dog. Knowing your dog’s unique temperament and tendencies will help you to better control how he behaves. A well-behaved dog is less likely to upset people and other pets in public places, will be more welcome at gatherings, and will enjoy a better relationship with everyone he meets. Plus, his good manners will reflect positively on you, his responsible owner.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Choose a veterinarian who shares your medical philosophies and beliefs; then follow his/her recommendations for vaccinations, diet, spaying/neutering, annual check-ups, and other care.
• Make time for your dog. Owning a dog is a big responsibility that takes time and discipline. Make time daily to pet, play with, take on walks, or do other activities with your dog that are fun for both of you.
• Provide regular exercise appropriate for your dog’s breed, age, size, and other unique characteristics. Whether it’s a short walk or a rousing game of fetch, exercise is essential to your dog’s physical and behavioral health.
• Provide shelter for your dog. A crate or doghouse is an ideal place for your dog to rest, sleep, and feel safe. The enclosure should be large enough for your dog to sit, stand and turn around comfortably, but small enough to retain his body heat inside the shelter.
• Travel safely. Keep your dog safe in the car by using a crate or by attaching the dog to a seat belt with a harness. Never let your dog ride free in the back of a pickup truck (he could be thrown into traffic) or allow him to hang his head out of the car window (a danger to his eyes).
• Watch for temperature extremes. Never leave your dog in the car if it is extremely hot or cold outside. Your car is like an oven under the blazing sun and a freezer in the bitter cold.

Article source: http://www.barkbusters.com/page.cfm/ID/5/iNewsID/894

In support of Baby Safety Month, Bark Busters helps ensure the safety of your family when brining home a new baby

In support of Baby Safety Month in September, Bark Busters—the world’s largest dog training company—offers tips to help families ensure a smooth transition for their dog when bringing home a new baby. If you are expecting a baby and you have a dog, take time now to prepare your dog for the day you bring home your new child.

“Dogs can feel rejected and become confused or stressed when parents suddenly shift their attention from dog to baby,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “A dog doesn’t understand why a baby is being elevated above the dog in the pack. In trying to regain his pack position, the dog may seek attention through behaviors such as barking at the baby’s cries, jumping up, or chewing on baby’s things.”

The following tips will help reduce bad behavior, ease everyone’s stress, and help keep baby safe.

• Set new rules before baby arrives. For instance, if you decide to keep your dog out of the baby’s room, start this new rule several weeks or months before the baby arrives. Thus, your dog will not associate baby’s arrival with exclusion from the room. Also, begin to introduce an erratic schedule so the dog does not know when he will get walked, fed or played with.
• Prepare your dog for baby’s arrival. Accustom your dog to the new sights and smells he will soon encounter. An easy way to do this is to buy an inexpensive doll that makes baby sounds. Wrap it in a blanket and hold it in your arms as you walk around the house. Apply to the doll the same baby products (powder, shampoo, lotion) that you will use on the baby. After the baby is born, bring home the newborn’s blanket prior to your baby’s arrival home to allow your dog to become accustomed to the scent of the newest member of the family.
• Make introductions on the first day the baby arrives home. Your dog will need to “touch scent” the baby to find out what it is. While another adult controls the dog on a loosely held leash, hold your newborn up high and let your dog sniff the baby’s bottom or feet. If the dog misbehaves or is too exuberant, correct his behavior.
• Allow frequent, supervised visits by your dog. The more the dog and baby are together, the better behaved and less stressed your dog will be. However, neither newborn nor toddler should ever be left unattended in the same room with any dog.
• Teach your dog the difference between his toys and your child’s things.
• If and only if you catch your dog chewing on something unsuitable, interrupt the behavior, then give the dog an acceptable chew toy and praise him lavishly when he takes it in his mouth.
• Dogs can be possessive about their food, toys and space. Although this is normal, it is NOT acceptable for him to growl or snap at you or your child. At the same time, children need to learn to respect their dog as a living creature that is not to be teased or purposefully hurt, and that needs time to himself. If your dog is growling or snapping at your child for any reason, the situation needs IMMEDIATE attention.

Article source: http://www.barkbusters.com/page.cfm/ID/5/iNewsID/884

Your pets are treasured family members and need protection as much as your own family in the event of fire. Sadly, some 500,000 pets are affected by fires each year, and over 40,000 of them die. Most fire victims die from smoke asphyxiation. A fire needs oxygen to burn, so lack of oxygen or inhaling smoke is more often the killer than the fire itself.

Following are some tips to help you know what to do to prevent fires and if a fire breaks out in your home.

Be sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of the home.

• Place detectors near bedrooms and in the kitchen, either on the ceiling or 6–12 inches below the ceiling on the wall, well away from air vents.
• Be sure detectors are in good working order. Mark your calendar to remind yourself to check the batteries regularly (for example, at the start of a new season).
• Another smart home safety measure is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can cause severe illness or death to both people and pets.

Have an emergency exit plan that includes your pets, and practice the plan regularly. Once a fire starts, it spreads rapidly, so everyone should know what to do to escape.

• Affix window decals around your home so rescue workers know there are pets inside. Decals can be obtained from your local Bark Busters trainer, the ASPCA or your local fire department.
• Fire experts report that many dogs perish in fires because they are confined in a crate or room and cannot escape. Be sure your fire plan accounts for crated dogs.
• Keep leashes at hand so you can leash your dog to prevent him from escaping in panic.
• Keep pets on a ground floor of your home to make rescue easier.
• Keep hallways and exits free of clutter to allow you to get out of a burning house more safely.

• Make sure pets always wear current identification. Consider subscribing to a service like 1-800-HELP-4-PETS, whose Pet Protector System will help to reunite you and your pet if he becomes lost (www.Help4Pets.com).
• Research a safe place to take your pets. Ask friends or relatives if they can shelter you and your pets, and check with local pet-boarding facilities, humane societies and animal shelters.
• Assemble a dog disaster kit with dog food and his medications, copies of his health records, your veterinarian’s phone number and list of facilities you can take your pet, recent photo taken of you with your dog, favorite toy or bedding, and extra leash and collar affixed with the pet’s I.D.
• Give a key to a trusted neighbor, and make sure he knows where the dog might be located within the house so he can inform firefighters.
• Ask your local fire department if the fire trucks carry pet oxygen masks. If they don’t, ask neighborhood pet owners to join you in making a donation to buy masks for the fire department.
• Listen to your dog! Canines have a keen sense of smell and can detect smoke long before humans. If your dog is acting strangely, look into the situation promptly and be prepared to gather your family and follow your evacuation plan.
• If you must evacuate and can’t find your dog in the house, leave an outside door open and then call your dog’s name once you get out. He may be able to hear you and escape.
• If your dog was in a smoke-filled building or if you can smell smoke on his fur, take him to your veterinarian. Toxic fumes can be deadly.

Prevent fires from happening by ensuring your dog doesn’t have access to dangerous combustible items.

• Keep electrical wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach. Chewing or biting anything electrical can cause him shock or burns, or could start a fire.
• Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.

These tips are offered as a public service by Bark Busters Home Dog Training and are based on the experience and expertise of its worldwide network of dog behavioral therapists. Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in understanding, correcting and managing dog behavior.

Article source: http://www.barkbusters.com/page.cfm/ID/5/iNewsID/866

Making sure our canine companions mind their manners at home and in public is our responsibility as pet parents. Bark Busters—the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company—offers a simple set of tips for proper dog etiquette. By observing these guidelines, you and your dog will avoid unsafe and unsavory situations.

When you’re with your dog, it is always important to be considerate of everyone around you, whether at home or in public. A well-behaved dog with good manners reflects well on its owner and is evidence of a positive relationship between the two.

The following tips offer basic principles for dog and owner etiquette:

At Home
For the safety and security of your dog, neighbors and passersby, your unsupervised dog should always stay on your property. If your dog is left alone, keep him in a safe location where he can neither do harm nor be harmed.

• Encourage your dog to toilet in designated areas. If he leaves a mess on your neighbor’s lawn, clean it up right away.
• Do not allow your dog to bark uncontrollably at or jump on visitors.
• If your dog is a nuisance barker, keep him indoors when you’re not at home. If he barks when you are at home, learn ways to manage his barking to help you enjoy a quieter home.
• Keep your dog off of tables or countertops where food is prepared or served. Besides the risk of his getting sick from eating foods that are not good for him (such as chocolate), you run the risk of picking up germs his paws may have left behind.

In Public

• Keep your dog under control when outdoors by keeping him on a leash or under voice control. Even if your dog is off leash in an approved area, supervise his whereabouts and behavior at all times.
• Always supervise your dog when around children. If you are unable to watch him, put him in his crate or another safe place away from the children. Children are three times more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog (of any breed); kids under the age of 15 are the most at risk of being bitten.
• Pick up after your dog. Keep clean-up bags with you at all times for doggy messes, no matter where they occur.
• If you have a dog that drools, keep a towel handy to clean up his slobber on people or things.
• When meeting hikers or runners on a trail, step to the side to give them space to get by you.
• Make sure your dog is invited by the host before bringing him to a party, an outdoor gathering or even a picnic.
• Supervise greetings between your dog and another dog or a person:
• Even if your dog is very friendly, do not let him approach every person you meet. Not everyone likes or is comfortable with dogs.
• When meeting a stranger, avoid putting tension on the leash, which may put your dog on alert to be wary. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language, but stay relaxed.
• If a stranger wants to pet your dog, tell him to let your dog approach him, rather than having him approach your dog.
• If your dog seems uncomfortable with greeting another dog or person, never force the meeting. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
• Practicing proper dog etiquette is always appreciated by everyone you and your dog encounter. Not only does it make you and your dog look good, but neighbors and guests will more readily enjoy his company knowing you have your dog under control.

This information is brought to you as a public service by Bark Busters Home Dog Training – the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support.

About Bark Busters
Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, more than 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 240+ franchised offices in 40 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

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Article source: http://www.barkbusters.com/page.cfm/ID/5/iNewsID/811

Buy or Adopt – That is the question.

If you intend to breed or show your dog there is no alternative but to buy your dog from a reputable AKC-REGISTERED breeder.

Should you be in a position where nothing but the best satisfies you, then buying a registered, pedigreed dog is also your best choice.

Another alternative for those wanting to acquire a fine pet is cross bred dogs. They are not for breeding or show but some of the handsomest dogs I have ever seen were mixed breeds.

But, buying a mixed pup is chancy. A cute pup can mature into an ugly adult

For the rest of us ordinary people who have financial constraints, but nevertheless would like to have a pet dog there is a better choice. That is Adoption, which is not only less expensive, it sometimes permits you to have a purebred dog that you ordinarily could not afford. Not only that you generally get a pet that is housebroken and frequently at least partially obedience trained.

Adopting a young dog past puppy hood has a number of advantages, one of which is that you avoid teething problems. A puppy can be very destructive. You also know, when you choose it, what your dog’s appearance will be when mature.

Another advantage to adoption is that arrangements are made or neutering at greatly reduced prices.

I have done both, bought and adopted. I had a show dog that I never showed and had several not too great experiences with breeding.

Over my lifetime I’ve had numerous breeds, Mutts, cross-breeds, German Shepherds, Irish setters, Cairn Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Long Haired Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos and Shi-Tzus and a Bijon Frise. Some were AKC registered, some obviously were not.

Size and Breed are individual choices based on your own taste and your home situation. Often your kids have a strong influence on a decision to buy a pet, which does not always lead to the best conclusion.

I strongly favor Dog Adoption, and that is what this article is all about.

We live in an area that in the summer is highly populated by tourists and people with second homes. Some of these people buy their children puppies and when they leave in the fall they abandon these animals. The animal shelters become so overloaded with these pets that many have to be put to sleep.

Our dog ” Suzy ” is one of those dogs. We had just lost our beloved ” Rina “who we had for sixteen happy years. We advertised for a small dog in a local classified ad magazine and as a result adopted “Suzy ” a purebred Shi-Tzu. ” Rina ” was part Shi-Tzu so we were pleased to get the type dog we wanted.

“Suzy ” was found abandoned, injured and suffering from malnutrition. The shelter nursed her back to health and in February 1999 we adopted her. She was approximately one year old and weighed seven pounds when we took her home. She obviously had been abused and was terrified of people, most especially men. Although she is now six and has had a happy life with us she is still nervous with strangers.

When we first got her she was an ugly duckling because she was so scrawny. In less than six months she blossomed into a gorgeous animal; she had more than doubled her weight. She is by far the best dog we have ever had the pleasure of owning, and we have had some wonderful dogs.

She’s super intelligent, housebroken, has no bad habits. Some of our dogs have been destructive. Unfortunately she hates cars so she doesn’t accompany my wife wherever she goes, which ” Rina ” always did.

Of course “Suzy ” has taken over the house and as we don’t restrict her she goes wherever she wants to. We have to protect our white furniture because she doesn’t know when she’s wet and scruffy.

She’s a fussy eater and is quite bossy so we cook her food specially for her

If you want to own animals these are things you have to contend with and you should consider them before you adopt or buy a pet.

For more information regarding pets and other subjects, visit http://www.caveatemptorus.com

Written by: George W. Cannata, author and publisher of the web site http://www.caveatemptorus.com July 29, 2005. You may copy this article in it’s entirety so long as you include credit to the author and links to my web site.