March 10, 2009

2009's Five Best Dog Toys

Puppies are adorable; it’s a simple fact of life. However, they are not so cute and cuddly when they chew on your magazines, chair legs, shoes, underwear…you name it. Just like human babies, puppies teeth too. However, the primary danger of teething puppies is the destruction of your furniture and personal effects. The solution to this problem is puppy teething toys. Human babies have teething toys, and so do puppies! Here are 5 great choices for teething toys your puppy will love:

1. Puppy Teething Key Rings
Since teething rings are popular for human babies, they are for puppies as well! Doggie teething rings are specifically designed to strengthen the growth and development of your puppy’s jaw, as well as clean your doggie’s teeth and sooth their gums as they chew.

2. Rubber Puppy Kong Chew Toy
Rubber Kong chew toys are an excellent choice for teething puppies. These chew toys are known for their snowman shape and their red-colored rubber. These toys are made with a natural rubber that is known for it’s durability and buoyancy. Some Kong rubber toys come with holes on the ends and are hollow in the middle so you can put peanut butter or your puppy’s favorite tasty treat inside to encourage use and chewing.

3. Nylabone® Puppy Fish™ Flexible Dog Chew Toy
This product is highly recommended by veterinarians for chewing puppies. It is designed with a highly flexible material that encourages doggies to gnaw and chomp on it. What does this product have going for it? It looks cool. This chew toy looks like a fish, and it has an internal skeleton that glows in the dark. It also tastes like bacon, so it gives your puppy an incentive to chew on the toy instead of your shoes or furniture. Similar to other chew toy products, it also aids in the growth and development of your puppy’s jaw as well as cleans their teeth.

4. Freeze Toys
There are many different brand varieties and shapes and sizes of doggie freeze chew toys on the market. These come in either a plastic or rubber medium, with special freeze components inside. You simply place it in your freezer and the contents will become chilled. Once the chew toy is frozen, go ahead and give it to your teething puppy. The cool material of the chew toy is long lasting and it will sooth your puppy’s sore and aching gums to provide pain relief and comfort.

5. Teething Stick
Teething sticks are packs of rubber strips connected together to form a cylinder-like shape. These are and excellent choice for your teething puppy because they help your doggie develop positive teething habits, in addition to cleaning your puppy’s teeth and gums thoroughly.

Because you value the well-being of both your new puppy and your furniture, teething toys are an excellent option for your chewy pet. These products will clean your puppy’s teeth, massage their gums, as well as help them develop good chewing habits. Your dog will thank you for providing them with such wonderful toys to keep them healthy and comfortable!

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Submitted by the Authors at Pet Super Store - an online pet supplies site featuring: dog training collars, shock collars and electric dog fences.

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February 23, 2009

The Training Command Your Dog Can't do Without - "Come"

One training command any dog needs to learn is the command "come". This not only instills recognition of your authority, but it is also meant for your dog's safety and guidance. Numerous dogs are impounded every year for running off away from home and some even get run over by vehicles while crossing the street. It is always advisable to teach this command to your animal when they are puppies. If your pooch is an adult, it may be a little more difficult, but it is still possible.

Either way, you need to reset your patience meter and focus on positive reinforcement during the training of your pet. It is best to get rid of your shouting voice and practice on a soothing tone. At this point, it is easy to assume that your dog probably runs off away from you as soon as you open the door. They think it is a game. Getting mad at your dog or scaring him by yelling at him will only teach your dog that the "come" command is a play-time stopper. To start, get a hold of his favorite treats, his leash and a longer tether (more that 15 ft.).

Step 1: Start in a smaller enclosed area, simply let your dog play there for a while and then after a few minutes when he is a few steps away, call his attention. As he comes to you, give him a treat and a pat on the back gently.

Repeat this a couple times and then go on to the next step. Step 2: In the same area, for a longer period of time, release your pet and allow a bit more distance between you. Call him to you. By this time he should listen to you and instead of just a treat and a pat, shower him with praises, "good boy…" "That's my dog…" After the positive reinforcement, signal that he can go on playing.

Step 3: In the next session, repeat step 2, but this time gently put the leash on his collar and take him for a short walk around the area. Repeat this until he gets used to the idea.

Step 4: Take the long tether and attach it to your dog's leash. By this time, your dog will be only too happy to be led outside by you. Armed with treats, throw some treats a short distance in front of you and then call him back to you. Use the long leash to draw him back and of course follow-up with praise. Slowly ease out the treat giving, and give it to him only after a set of tasks is done. The absence of treats will eventually enable your pet to learn that the praise is the reward.

Always remember that exercise and training must be kept fun and simple. Use a relaxed way of teaching, rigid teaching instills fear and creates motivated reactions. Positive training allows your dog learn the skill and retain it.

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This article brought to you by Pet Super Store, a site featuring gps dog tracking, dog kennels, and aluminum dog crates.

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February 21, 2009

Spend time with your dog while getting exercise

Do you enjoy biking as well as spending time with your companionable pet? Consider taking your dog with you on a bike trail! It’s a great way to spend time with your precious pet, as well as getting exercise and the joy of being outside.

Before you even consider taking your dog with you on the bike trail, you will want to make sure you dog knows to stay away from the front of the bike. This can be easily taught. Simply walk your dog around your neighborhood or a local park with your bike. Walk with your dog, and every time Rover gets in the way of the front of the bike, gently nudge him with the front wheel. Make sure to nudge him gently in the rib cage or on his rump, staying away from squishing his paws or bumping his joints.

Before beginning any physical activity, you will want to make sure your dog is in the proper physical condition to embark on a serious cycling outing. If your dog does not run around much outside, or if you don’t usually take your friend with you when you run or cycle, you will want to start off slowly. First, start by simply taking your dog on walks around your neighborhood or a local park. Work up to increased pace and mileage. Once you feel confident in your dog’s physical fitness, go ahead and take them with you on the bike trail. Again, you will want to start off slowly, increasing the length and intensity of your ride. Also, keep in mind that there will be lots of people, and most likely other dogs around, so your dog will need to adjust to all of the sights and sounds.

Remember that special doggie equipment is available for purchasing at pet supply stores. You may to buy a stationary lead for your dog that attaches easily to the center of your bike. If you choose to use a regular leash, you will want to tie it directly underneath the seat on your bike. If you hold the lead in your hand, you are creating an imbalance on your bike and jeopardizing your safety, should your dog get distracted and pull too hard; this could easily cause you to crash. You may also want to buy a water bottle that has an attaching “water bowl” so your dog can easily drink water. Remember, they need hydration as much as you do!

Finally, be watchful for dehydration or heat exhaustion. Because some dogs have thick coats, it is easy for them to become overheated or dehydrated. If either of these issues are ignored or unattended, they may prove to be serious problems. Just keep and eye on your dog, and give them plenty of cool water for hydration, and your pet should be fine.

And remember: have lots of fun being outside and biking with your dog! It’s a great way to bond, exercise, and get some fresh air doing what you love, with the dog you love.

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Submitted by Pet Super Store a site devoted to dogs and their owners. Discover great savings on: pet strollers, elevated dog feeders, and designer dog beds.

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February 17, 2009

Ever wonder what questions you should ask your Vet?

Do you ever go to the vet for a routine check-up for your canine and wonder what questions you should ask? To narrow things down for the sake of simplicity, here are 5 easy and informative questions to ask your vet about your prized pooch:

1. What vaccinations should my animal have?

This is an important question to ask your vet because not every pet is exposed to the same diseases and viruses as other pets. Disease and infection is always a risk to any pet, whether they are restricted to the indoors or outdoors. Your vet will be able to assess your pet’s individual situation and prescribe the right vaccinations so your pet can stay happy and healthy. Also, be sure to ask your vet how often your pet will need their vaccinations, so that you can put it down on your calendar.

2. Do you recommend a flea control program?

There are many flea control program for pets available, some of which include Advantage, K9 Advantix, Program, and Frontline brands. Most vets will have a personal preference, and it is always helpful to listen to a professional opinion. Some brands also may be better suited for your pet than others; if your dog is an outdoor pet, he will need a higher degree of flea protection than that of an indoor dog. Also be sure to ask your vet how often you should apply the flea control.

3. Are there any common diseases and/or condition particular to my dog’s breed that I should be aware of?

Different breeds of dogs are susceptible to different diseases and/or medical conditions. For example, dogs with long limbs are prone to arthritis in their later years. Your vet will be familiar with the diseases and conditions that your pet may be susceptible to. It will be extremely beneficial for you to be aware of these issues and symptoms, so that you may be able to recognize them should they appear.

4. Is there a specific diet or brand of pet food that you recommend for my pet?

There are hundreds of pet food brands and diets available for your canine. Sometimes it may be overwhelming to see all of the pet food variants and brands when making the best choice for your pet. Again, some diets presented in pet food may be better suited for one particular age or breed of your pet than another. Ask your vet what they recommend. Again, it is always helpful to receive advice from a professional.

5. What is the emergency procedure for this clinic in case there should be one?

Each Veterinary clinic has their own procedure for pet emergencies. Make sure you keep the clinic’s contact information in an accessible place, such as your wallet or a piece of paper taped on the inside panel of a cabinet door. It never hurts to keep a pet first aid kit handy as well in case you have difficulty getting in touch with your vet.

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Article brought to you by Pet Super Store, a site featuring dog crates, patio pet doors, and pet gates.

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December 18, 2008

Want a truly unqiue wedding? Make your dog the ring bearer

Weddings are a great opportunity to include your loved ones in the joining of your lives. Your dog is no exception! If man’s best friend can’t be the best man at the wedding, follow these steps to make him your ring bearer.

Step 1: Be realistic about your dog’s abilities. Is this a responsibility he can handle? Has your dog been socialized and does he typically behave appropriately? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Dress him for success! Most ring bearers wear tuxedos and your pup should be no exception. It could take awhile to have a tuxedo custom made for your dog so be sure to start your search early.

Step 3: Make sure you’ve trained your dog to respond to the “sit”, “stay”, and “walk” commands. A successful journey down the aisle depends upon him knowing these commands and being able to respond to them when under the watchful eye of hundreds of wedding guests. 

Step 4: Tie a mock ring to the pillow and tie the pillow to your dog’s collar. When you are just practicing with your pup, you do not want to use the real ring. (Try explaining a digested diamond to your fiancée!) Allow your pup to walk around with the pillow and ring attached to his collar so that he can get used to the feel of it.

Step 5: With the pillow and ring attached, but with no other distractions, practice the sit and stay command. Ideally, you should practice the sit and stay using the same distance as his trek down the aisle.  Someone should stand with your dog during the sit and stay and should deliver the “walk” command. If your dog is excited and runs towards you, the person escorting him should practice with a leash until the dog meets your expectation.

Step 6: After several at home practice sessions, your dog should practice at rehearsal. The aisle should be set up so that the dog experiences the chairs and flowers, etc. Have your friends fill as many seats as possible so your dog can feel what it will be like on the big day. Ask your friends to be patient while your dog practices until it’s perfect!

Step 7: Don’t forget to make a plan for your pup once he reaches the end of the aisle. Will he sit throughout the service or should someone be put in charge of him until the “I Do’s” are over? If your dog performs his duties correctly, he might just steal the show! This article is sponsored by pet super store which is an online pet supplies shop that features orthopedic dog beds and personalized dog bowls.

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