Should I hire a pet sitter

Should I hire a pet sitter

Four Reasons to Hire a Pet Sitter

Author: Ben

If you've never hired a pet sitting service before you might be wondering whether or not you need one if you're not planning to be gone overnight. A pet sitting service can be great to have when you know you'll be gone for a few days or more, but what about if you only want a sitter to come in for an hour? When do you know if you need a pet sitter, and will they be available for smaller jobs? Below are the top four reasons you might need a pet sitter. Rest assured that a sitter will be available for any of these reasons no matter how small you might think it is.

1. It used to be that if you knew you would be gone for a couple weeks or more that you would drop your pet off at a kennel and pick them up on your return. However, now pet owners are beginning to understand that there are some animals that don't like staying at a kennel and can become agitated and sick. A pet sitter can care for your pet in the comfortable setting of a home, which in turn will lessen your pet's anxiety.

2. Even if you only plan to be gone a day or two, anytime you will be away overnight you should have a plan in place for your pet's care. Being left alone for 24 hours or more can cause a lot of unnecessary stress to your pet. Pet sitters can make sure your pet gets their daily exercise, eats their meals at the usual time, and receives any medication they are taking.

3. If you are gone at work all day and need someone to come in specifically to exercise, feed, and pick up any messes your pet makes a pet sitter can make arrangements to come in only during the hours you are gone. Pet sitters will work with your schedule to make sure your pet is always receiving the amount of care needed. 4. A pet sitter can provide more services than a dog walker, but if what you are only looking for a person to come in and walk your dog for an hour? Pet sitters will be happy to do it for you. Whether you are injured and unable to walk them yourself, or you just happen to have a full and busy day, there is no job too small that a pet sitter wouldn't be happy to take over for you when you need them to.

How to Choose the Right Pet Sitter

At QueenCity Pet Sitting, we make it our business to provide quality care for pets and peace of mind for their people. To learn more about how a pet sitter can make your life—and your pet's—better, contact QueenCityPetSitting.com today.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/four-reasons-to-hire-a-pet-sitter-5993889.html

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Raw dog food diet pros and cons

Raw dog food diet pros and cons

Ideas Help Your Dog Adjust To The Raw Food Diet

Author: Gary McKraken

The raw food diet is gaining in popularity with dog owners. As it means the dog eating natural foods rather than the traditional commercially produced foodstuffs it is seen by many as a healthy and natural alternative diet and cheaper too without compromising on quality. But how do you help your best pal make the adjustment? Here are a few things you may find helpful.

Mix things up a bit. Change his feeding routine and start to introduce the raw stuff gradually one meal at a time to help him get used to it. Perhaps after you've helped him work up his appetite say by taking him on a nice long walk so you know he'll be hungry and slipping in a raw food meal after that and build up the frequency of raw food meals so he will gradually get used to them.

This one might be hard especially if you like to give your dog a treat – yes, I know it's hard to resist – though the more treats you give him the less likely he is to be interested in his regular meals because he's gorged on kibble and dog chocolate. Cut back on the treats so he's hungry and ready to eat his main meals. Then he'll be ready for action as you adjust him to his new diet.

And make it interesting for him by making sure you give him some variety. Don't give him to same stuff every day. Keep it all fresh by mixing up what you give him perhaps on some sort of rotational basis. When feeding your dog raw food, variety is key to keeping him interested. If you are feeding him the same kind of food all the time, it won't be a surprise if there comes a time when he's just not that interested in the same old thing.

To make it even more interesting for him and a bit of a game to switch him to his new raw food diet you might try hiding a nice bit of meat inside a toy which is designed for the purpose – a Kong for example. He will then have to work for his tasty morsel and have an incentive to do so whilst getting used to the new food.

Different dogs adjust to new things at different paces so you may need to be patient with him whilst switching him to his new diet. If progress is slow you may need to take a gradual approach yourself by gently and progressively introducing more of the new raw food stuffs while gradually removing his traditional diet so that eventually the raw food diet replaces everything.

At all times be on the alert for any signs that your dog does not like any of the new stuff you are giving to him and if so then don't feed that particular item to him any longer. And of course if at any time you think your dog is showing any health distress then consult with your vet as I'm sure you would anyway.

As well as being a potentially healthier and cheaper diet than traditional commercially produced dog food, the raw dog food diet can also help to reduce dog flatulence as you will be feeding him natural foodstuffs without any chemical additives. This can mean less gas building up in his system. Just something else to ponder as a potential consideration of you are thinking of making the switch with your dog.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/ideas-help-your-dog-adjust-to-the-raw-food-diet-6004108.html

About the Author

I hope you found this short article informative and how the raw dog food diet may be of benefit to your dog. It can also help to reduce dog flatulence. Please visit either link for additional information and free related downloads.

Commercial dog food is so unhealthy for your dog. Check out some awesome natural dog food recipes here
Start The Raw Dog Food Diet and Increase Your Dog's Life Span

Author: James Brown Bete

This knowledge that I have learned and shared to so many people are actually based primarily on hearsay. I referring this knowledge my wonderful and informative e-book that I bought online three months ago. Its been two months of working and patience before I successfully switch my 10 dogs diet to raw one. I have been worried so much about my pets life span and health as well. That is why I did an immediate action. Actually, I already plan of switching since before but I just do not know how to get started. Until I ask help to my number one partner on the internet, Google. And I finally ended up with the particular e-book, Going Rawr! Dog Lover's Compedium.

This has been clear to me now that raw foods is the best diet that our dog's bodies are suited for. It provides dogs will their nutritional requirements in the right proportions, without the need for supplements and vitamins. We can also make sure that good quality food is always available for our dogs and we can lessen the possibility of food contamination, parasites and bacteria when our dog is on a raw food diet.

Commercial Pet Food For Some Who Do not know:

• are almost always fortified with vitamins and minerals
• causes dogs to be prone to ticks and dull coat
• causes dogs to have bad-smelling doggie breath
• makes use of grains as one of the ingredients, even if grains are not safe for dog consumption
• are full of artificial flavorings and colourings to make the food more attractive to dogs, but are not that good for their health
• makes use of meat by-products or meats that have failed to meet the standards for human consumption (i.e. lower quality meats)
• is NOT the best food for our dog, as a lot of the companies claim them to be.

Raw Dog Food Diet:

• is the best diet to keep our dog healthy and free from illness
• it provides nutritional requirements in the right proportions without the need for supplements and vitamins (e.g. unprocessed raw meat, fruits and vegetables)

When Our Dogs Is In Raw Food Diet:

• They have fewer sick days.
• They have faster recovery from illnesses.
• The more energy for activities they enjoy.
• They have an overall healthier, happier pet with a playful disposition.
• We could have savings and less stress from fewer visits to the vet.
• They have less risk of being exposed to canine allergens.
• They have less risk of being exposed to contaminated and tainted food.
• There is no need to buy expensive supplements.
• The more time to enjoy your pet.
• They get naturally clean smelling dog (no dog's breath, no distinctive doggie odor).
• We could have savings on chemical products designed to keep their coats healthy and free from parasites.
• Our dogs gets good quality food - and not just by products.

We love our dogs, so we are only looking for what's best for them. Take your move now and save your dogs.

Raw Dog Food Diet

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/start-the-raw-dog-food-diet-and-increase-your-dogs-life-span-2322158.html

About the Author

I am full time IT student in Mindanao University of Science and Technology. I got an interest in writing for quite some time and I use to write articles in different categories of my interest.

Off leash dog parks

Off leash dog parks Dogs of all ages need exercise. Nothing can replace a good walk with a human companion, but all dogs really want a chance to run and really stretch their legs. If they can enjoy the camaraderie of other canines at the same time, that's even better. And that's why dog parks are such a great place for your pets. Let's look at some of the good reasons to use your local dog park, as well as a few precautions you should be taking, too. Socialization Galore If you're fortunate enough to have a popular dog park in your community, this can be a great source of socialization for your dog. Dogs need to have as many interactions as possible with other dogs and with humans so they will feel comfortable in lots of different situations. A well-socialized dog is less likely to be anxious, nervous, or aggressive. Because a dog park is full of people and pets, socialization is almost guaranteed. Fun for Dogs of All Types Dogs love to walk and explore their environment, but they may not always like having to be leashed in the process. Even if you have a big fenced in yard where your dog can run safely unleashed, if he or she doesn't have a buddy to chase around the fun may be limited. At the dog park, dogs can do their own thing off-leash. Older dogs might just want to find a shady spot under a tree. Active dogs may want to play as a pack. Some dogs may want to play fetch with their human companions. If you've never seen the pure look of happiness on the face of a dog running off-leash, you need to head to the nearest dog park and see it for yourself. Healthy Exercise Another benefit is the exercise for your dog. Dogs who don't get enough exercise are prone to obesity, arthritis, and other serious health problems. Plus, they are more difficult to live with because all of the pent up energy is going to emerge as destructive, unwanted behavior in your home. While walking your dog is good exercise for both of you, the dog park is going to give your dog a chance to really get a workout and drain that energy. Regular visits to the dog park will make a huge difference in even the feistiest dog. A Few Precautions Dog parks clearly have a lot of benefits, but you do need to take some precautions for your pet's protection and your own. 1. Separate Small and Large Dogs - Most dog parks have separate areas so small dogs can enjoy themselves safely. Large dogs, even the friendly ones, can accidentally injure a small dog. Obey the rules on separation by size, and if your particular park does not offer that option, start campaigning in order to have the city establish it. 2. Look Around - Always keep an eye out for dog fights, which will undoubtedly happen once in a while. If you know the park well, be aware of new dogs coming into the park and their general demeanor. 3. Keep Your Dog Under Vocal Control - Even though the dog park is a place where humans can mingle, too, you don't want to become so distracted in your conversation that you can't pay attention to what your dog is doing. Most dog parks do have rules requiring you to have vocal control over your dog at all times. 4. Keep Your Eyes Open - The dog park will give you a chance to socialize with other dog owners, however, always keep your dog in sight. Be aware of other dogs getting aggressive, or even of what he get's into his mouth. One of the ways to keep the parks pleasant, is for the owners to always pick up after their dogs. Don't be so distracted that you don't see when your dog does its business. 5. Bring Water - Although some dog parks do have the ability to provide water for the dogs through a fountain, most do not. Always bring along water for your dogs because the can easily get overheated when they're playing in the warm sunshine. In the summer, you might find the best times to play are in the morning and in the evening before sunset. 6. Protect Yourself - Getting to know your fellow dog lovers is a great idea but you have to be careful. Just because someone owns a dog that doesn't mean they are a wonderful person. Be careful about how much personal information you reveal about yourself. Do not leave your purse or wallet visible in the car while you are inside the park. Would be thief knows you'll be distracted and will take advantage of the fact. Most importantly, use this play time to bond with your dog. Don't just get there and ignore him or her the rest of the time. Nothing will make your dog happier, than having the chance to play with you. If you want to read more stories and find very useful information about your cats and dogs, please visit me at http://www.yourpetsuniverse.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebeca_Rambal Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2402799

Are Dog Parks a Good Idea?

Author: Joseph Sabol
Now that the weather is getting nice, everyone wants to get outside to play. Its great for both dogs and dog owners to take advantage of outdoor play, for fun and for exercise. You may be fortunate enough to have a nice fenced in yard for your dogs. If you live in a big city, or live in an apartment, you may think the only way to exercise your pooch is by taking walks. That is no longer your only option. In recent years, dog parks have been popping up all over the country. Just as the name suggests, these are fenced -in areas where dogs can be taken off leash and allowed to run around and play, either with their owner or with other dogs. There are private and public dog parks and some may charge a fee to help pay for maintenance. All dog parks should have a posted list of rules. Important rules include, never leaving your dog unattended, always have voice control over your dog, and do not bring your dog's favorite toy from home. He will probably not want to share. Also, never bring a female in heat or close to her heat cycle, to a dog park. I am certain I don't even have to explain this rule. Many provide bags for cleaning up after your dog. This is obviously very important , not just to keep the park clean, but to prevent spreading illness. Some parks have a separate area fenced off for small dogs. If you have a small dog, it will be worth it to find one of these parks. You can imagine the problems that could result from a little dog with a big dog attitude! While dog parks can be a lot of fun for owners and dogs, there can also be problems. Not all dogs are suited for a dog park, and not all owners are aware that their dog isn't suited for a dog park. Your pup should be well socialized to other dogs from a very early age. Even well behaved dogs can get excited and play too aggressively. Something that is important for dog owners to remember is, if you bring 3 or more dogs together, they will naturally become a pack and only one dog can be the boss. If your pooch doesn't know his place in your family's pack, he will not know how to handle being with several other dogs. Even if dogs are used to all the other dogs that come to a park regularly, they may not accept a new dog into their territory. You need to be very vigilant to prevent problems and be prepared to protect your dog from an aggressive dog or dogs. Not every owner has the experience or even the common sense to know what to do if a problem arises. If your pet is the one who is getting too rough or aggressive, immediately leash him and take him out of the park. Some dog owners carry a can of pepper spray in case a fight does break out. Dog parks can be a great place for you and your dog to makes friends. The important thing is to be aware of potential problems and know how to handle any situation that might come up. Whatever you do, get outside and play with your dogs. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/are-dog-parks-a-good-idea-885807.html

About the Author

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.

What is the best type of dog clothing

What is the best type of dog clothing? Dog clothing is more popular than ever before. Dressing your pup in clothes is a cute and fun way to show off his personality but outfits serve a practical purpose, too. They help to protect your dog from the elements by keeping him warmer, dryer and by providing protection from the sun. Whatever your reason for buying your pet clothes, you can get more for your money when you know how to shop smart. Apply some of the same rules you use when shopping for yourself or for your kids when shopping for doggie clothes. This will help you make smart decisions so you'll actually put the items that you buy on your dog instead of in a drawer. Here are a few dog clothing shopping tips that will help you shop smart: · If you don't think she will be comfortable or happy wearing that ruffled dress, then don't buy it just because you think it's its adorable. · Look for outfits that suit his personality. If he sits beside you during sports, a jersey with your team's logo on it would be perfect. · Buy clothing based on where you live. You don't need a thick wool sweater if you live in Texas where the winters are mild. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, you can stock up on raincoats and boots but if not, does she really need three sets of each. · Clothing with buttons and zippers are not good for everyday use. If it's for a special occasion and for a short period during which time you'll be watching him, they're fine. Otherwise, the dog clothes held together by Velcro is a much better buy because they are safer for your pet. · Be sure and buy the right size clothing. Your dog needs clothes that will fit and just like most people, she can lose or gain weight frequently. Therefore, make sure you measure your dog occasionally so you can check the sizes and buy clothing that fit perfectly. · Consider the quality of the clothing before you buy. It's better to pay a little extra for a quality outfit than it is to save a few bucks on poor quality. It'll last much longer and be safer for your pet because it won't rip and tear as easily. · Check out sale items. When you buy on sale, you can often find many quality items for amazing prices. Remember, just because something is on sale doesn't mean that it's a poor quality item. There are many reasons why stores put products on sale including the end of a season. It's a great opportunity for you to buy wonderful quality outfits for your dog at very affordable prices. If your dog doesn't like wearing clothes, don't worry. You can still make your pet stand out without making him or her uncomfortable by using accessories. For example, you can buy bandanas, hair bows, bells or little bowties designed just for dogs of all sizes. You can also accessorize and show off your pet's personality through designer collars, harnesses and leashes. Doggie Clothesline has an extensive assortment of dog clothes for any size dog. . Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7034026

What to know about White German Shepherd Puppy

What to know about White German Shepherd Puppy

White German Shepherd Puppy - Discover Why This Breed Suits You!

Author: James Kelly

So you're considering about buying or adopting a White German Shepherd puppy? Well, before you pack your bags and start shopping for the right puppy to take home, you might as well first put research into knowing more about your new family member. After all, what kind of owner would you be if you don't even know a thing about your prospective pet!

For starters, a White German Shepherd puppy is a breed and just like other dogs, taking care of this particular breed has its ups and downs too! In fact, there are several that I've just decided to break them down and make things easier for you. Here it goes:

You would want this breed if...
o You like German Shepherds but would one with a softer personality
o You want a pet that is natural looking and is athletic
o You want a guardian dog but not one that is too hostile
o You want an intelligent dog, easy to train and with a high level of competition

You would not want to this breed if...
o You don't enjoy walks
o You're looking for a couch dog
o You don't enjoy training your dog or providing it with mental stimulation
o You hate destructive behaviour, even to the smallest degree
o You don't want hyperactive dogs
o You don't want to get hair all over the place
o You have health problems
o You don't want to deal with dogs that have socialization problems

Over-all, a White German Shepherd puppy is just like the "brown-coated" one, with minimum changes in behaviour patterns and physical characteristics. And just like any other German Shepherd dogs, the lack of early exposure to socializing with humans and other animals will render your pet hostile towards everybody.

You should remember that while dogs that belong in one breed share common attributes, dogs are like humans too in terms of personality! No one really knows what personality a dog would have until it grows up but you can always mold your dog's personality through proper training.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/white-german-shepherd-puppy-discover-why-this-breed-suits-you-1891622.html

About the Author

There are more to know about the white german shepherd. To view a wealth of information about the white german shepherd puppy, visit my website.

Exercise And Training Tips You Have To Know About Your White German Shepherd Puppies!

Author: James Kelly

White German shepherd puppies have been very helpful to mankind for the last few years as they are the primary breed for protection purposes. From patrolling boarders, to keeping strangers away from an area, and to guarding those within the area, these are the basic purposes of white German shepherd puppies when they have grown older. Therefore, the need to train them is crucial to their well-being. In fact, with proper training, their functions can be fully maximized according to their strength, stamina, skills and abilities.

When training white German shepherd puppies, start at an early age. They can be immersed into trainings at the age of three months. However, this should be done in subtle ways. At the early age, they should only be exposed to simple obstacle courses or activities because their bones are still under development. Minimize jumping stunts as these would lead to bone fractures and sprains. In the next 3-5 months, you can advance to the next level for your training. Your dog has developed their mind and bodies for more complex tasks. You can take your dog for a walk every morning; do some fetching exercises and other activities of the same category.

When your dog reaches the age, a year or a two, you can prepare and train your dog for more and more complicated tasks necessary for a wider field like for military purposes. Many bomb sniffing dogs or detectors and guide for the blind dogs are trained under special activities. The training for these special types of tasks requires a lot of time and effort in order for the dogs to be utilized effectively. White German shepherd puppies belong to the type of dogs who learn very quickly. Dogs with proper training and constant attention to your dog, will surely prepare them for activities and for very important functional purposes.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/exercise-and-training-tips-you-have-to-know-about-your-white-german-shepherd-puppies-1913255.html

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There are more to know about white shepherd puppies. To view a wealth of information about white shepherd puppies, visit my website.

Preventing small dog syndrome

Preventing small dog syndrome

How you can prevent small dog syndrome?

Author: Kristen Anderson

Star Yorkie Kennel is specializing in breeding Teacup Yorkshire terrier, Maltese & Pomeranian puppies.From our family to yours, all puppies are healthy happy and playful. There is no better place to get your new baby from - Guaranteed!

Star Yorkie Kennel CA has admitted that it is extremely easy to spoil a small dog, even to the point of the dog becoming a major nuisance. They have to be put through the same rigors of obedience training as any big dog would. They have to be taught what behaviors are acceptable and which ones are not. Just like with our children, it is easy to overlook bad behavior, and some parent's even reward it. Here are a few tips that you can implement right away.

1. Never allow anyone including yourself to pick the dog up without first signaling the dog that this is about to happen. When a dog is picked up unawares it will react aggressively and when the person puts the dog down it learns that this behavior can be used to stop the humans.
2. Do not allow the dog to walk allover you, the beds, the furniture or your guest. This will elevate the dog to a status that is in appropriate. Also do not give in to its demands for attention, in other words remind it that it is a dog and that you are in charge, not it.

3. Never let your dog snap at people or other dogs without a form of discipline to follow. Do not stroke the dog reassuringly because they will perceive this as praise and this will only reinforce the behavior. Give a stern and quick No! And then put the animal down.

4. Do not hand feed the animal. That is not to say that you cannot give them treats but it will not hurt them to eat their main meals from a doggy dish. Please do not put them in a high chair with a bib or let them otherwise eat in places where humans have their meals.

For the last 6 years the Star Yorkie Kennel has been helping families to acquire the perfect puppy addition to their life.Specializing in teacup / toy size breeds is very challenging because of the delicacy of the puppies and the amount of effort required to grow such a small animal and maintain it in perfect health.With over 500 adoptions we feel we are doing a great job and commit to keep on the good work!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-you-can-prevent-small-dog-syndrome-5875599.html

About the Author

Star Yorkie Kennel CA

Small Dog Syndrome

Author: Matt Covey

Small Dog Syndrome

The infamous "Small Dog Syndrome" comes up often in my line of work. I hear it from veterinarians, rescue groups, and countless clients. Everyone is pretty much in agreement that small dogs have a "Napoleon" complex. People often ask me if it is possible to prevent a small dog from yapping, jumping, peeing in the house, snapping at people etc. My answer is a resounding yes. "Small dog syndrome" doesn't originate in dog genetics, it comes from the owners, not the dog. How is this possible you might ask? I answer this with a series of hypothetical situations.

What would you do if your German Shepherd growled when your neighbor comes over? You would correct him, put him away, call a trainer, or at least become very worried. This is a dominant guarding behavior that needs to be addressed and you would do something. What would you do if your cute little Teacup Yorkie growled at the same neighbor? You would probably ignore him, pick him up, or start to make excuses for him. He's just scared, he thinks he's a big dog, don't worry about him he's all bark no bite. Sound familiar? Ignoring him teaches that the behavior is acceptable, picking him up also shows that you approve and puts him in a more dominant position, and making excuses just convinces you that nothing can be done.

Jumping is a common behavior in dogs and it is one way that they dominate humans. Not every time a dog jumps is dominance but generally the higher a dog is, especially on a humans body, the more dominant they feel. What would you do if your Rottweiler consistently jumps on you? Knee him away? Correct with your hand? Call a trainer? The point is that you would do something. What would you do if your Maltese consistently jumps on you? Pet him each time? Tell everyone "this is how he says hello"? Ignore him? Any of those choices runs the risk that the dog is becoming more dominant with every passing day.

Another question that I pose is "How important would you rate leash training your dog?" Owners of large dogs (German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pitbulls, Mastiffs, etc.) generally say that leash training is very important to them. Owners of small breeds (Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinchers, etc.) generally don't find proper leash training to be nearly as important for two main reasons. The reasons are typically that it doesn't matter if they pull because they're so small or they don't get walked much because they don't need much exercise. This is a huge issue in pet dogs since most time in new areas tends to be on leash. A proper walk with a dog is a time to establish dominance and control. When a pack of dogs travel, the leader is in front. Teaching a dog to "heel" is the process of teaching him to follow you. If your dog is following you mentally and physically on a walk, he is much less likely to bark or lunge at new people or animals. If your dog is leading you in an excited dominant state, he is much more likely to bark and lunge at new things. After a one hour walk a dog that walked in a submissive state will come home feeling submissive. A dog who spends an hour pulling his owner while feeling dominant and excited will probably return home still feeling dominant. Twenty minutes later when the neighbor dog walks by your front window which of these dogs do you thinking will be barking his head off?

When we allow our dog to live in a very dominant state day after day it is only a matter of time before a new issue crops up. A calm, well socialized, submissive dog will go to the vet and probably be examined without issue. If something scares him or hurts him slightly he will usually ignore it, try to leave the situation, or softly growl to let you know he isn't comfortable with what is happening. A very dominant dog that has been allowed to pull on leash, bark and lunge at people and dogs, and jump on everybody is much more likely to suddenly lash out. He is being bothered and is willing to bite to stop whatever it is he doesn't like.

All of this is meant to show you that small dogs have nothing wrong with them. Small dogs don't know that they're small. They have the same instincts as large dogs. We need to learn as humans that WE are both the cause and the solution to "Small Dog Syndrome." When living with a small dog the best question you can ask yourself on a daily basis is "Would I let my Rottweiler do this?" If the answer is no, then you need to do something.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/small-dog-syndrome-4245829.html

About the Author

Matt Covey is the owner and lead trainer of Suburban K-9. He has helped rehabilitate and train thousands of dogs many of which would have been euthanized. He is frequently called in by veterinarians, humane societies, and even other trainers for help with their more difficult cases. Please check out our website for more articles and training videos. We are located near Chicago in Bartlett, Il. http://Suburban-K9.com

You can also see us on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/SuburbanK9

Long haired dog breeds

Long haired dog breeds

Free Grooming Tips For Long Haired Dogs

Author: Michael Hrynewich

For most dogs with long hair fall brings the second heavy shed of the year. Dogs such as the Belgian Sheepdog with it’s jet black coat can be strikingly beautiful if maintained with the appropriate dog grooming supplies.

You will notice during dog grooming that the coat of longhaired dogs is double, with a soft, dense inner coat and a longer, slightly coarser outer coat. The coat on the Belgian for example, is medium long with noticeable fringes on the legs and tail as well as longer and thicker hair around the neck in the ruff and chest area.

While dog grooming a Belgian take note of any white on the toes of the back feet, which can extend between the pads, any white on the front feet is a serious fault in the show ring. The muzzle can have a slight amount of white or gray coloration. In some areas, the coat may fade to a slightly reddish tinge and this is not a fault if it is due to the environment and not to the actual coloration of the dog.

The Belgian Sheepdog as well as all longhaired breeds of dogs "blows" their coat in the spring and fall. This means that the winter and summer coat is lost in a very heavy shed twice a year. Longhaired dogs actually have two coats; the outer coat is thicker, coarser and designed to provide protection and waterproofing. The inner coat is softer, shorter and denser, adding insulation for the dog.

When shedding the inner, softer coat often becomes matted or tangled with the longer, outer coat resulting in thick, knots of hair that may need clipping to be removed. Daily dog grooming with a quality dematting tool will prevent matts and tangles. Also during the shedding season, a bath with FURminator dog shampoo will loosen the hair and make dog grooming much easier. Remember to use only dog specific dog grooming supplies, as human products will cause skin irritations and other issues.

Bathing your longhaired dog in the heavy shed times of the year in your own bathtub will leave a mess. If you choose to do the bathing yourself, it is best done outside in a dog bath tub. This way all of the hair can be collected and discarded without clogging your drains. Using FURminator dog grooming supplies will keep your house hair free for about four to six weeks. To accomplish this goal you will need to really work up a lather when bathing and then immediately brush your dog when the bath is over.

Always groom the outer coat first using a stiff bristle dog brush or dog combs. After the outer areas, including the fringe on the legs and the longer hair on the ruff is completely knot free, use a dog-grooming rake or pin brush to brush the inner coat. Simply and gently, push the longer outer coat up and groom the inner coat downwards in the direction of hair growth. Using these dog grooming supplies daily, especially during the shedding season will prevent most knots and mats from forming.

Using dog grooming scissors, clip the hair around the feet and between the pads to prevent balls from forming between the toes. These balls of hair and debris can cause severe lameness and infections between the toes. Clipping the long hairs on the ears and plucking or pulling any long hairs, in the outer ear area will help prevent infections in the ear itself.

Lastly, your dog grooming sessions should include a brushing their teeth. This component is something some dog owners forget. Dog are just as susceptible to the same tooth and gum diseases as us humans. Grooming your dog should be fun for all. By using the appropriate dog grooming supplies, you will enjoy a cleaner house and beautiful looking dog with fresh breath ready for those sloppy kisses.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/free-grooming-tips-for-long-haired-dogs-1647450.html

About the Author

Michael, a dog owner for over 25 years, has amassed several dog obedience-training techniques as well as an extensive knowledge of dog health problems. Follow this link to read detailed information about your dog from temperament to health and to shop for dog grooming supplies visit the Pet Supply Store at Remarkable Dogs Where we are dedicated to providing only the very best for your dog.

Dog Care Products For The Long Haired Dog

Author: Gloria Gangi

Regardless of their coat any long haired dog requires special care. Regular brushing is an essential task but there are also other products on the market which focus on long haired dogs, these products have been designed and created especially for dogs with long hair.

Shampoo and Conditioner

There are dog care products such as shampoos and conditioners that have been especially designed to control matting and tangles in long haired dogs. Both the shampoo and conditioner in most cases need to be used. The shampoo removes the grime and dirt from the hair as it acts as a cleanser while the conditioner helps to prevent tangles by smoothing the hair.

Brushes, Combs and Rakes

Some other useful items are for long haired dogs are brushes, combs and rakes they are useful in helping detangling and dematting the coat and they help prevent future tangles in the dogs hair.

Brushing is a necessary part of grooming particularly for long haired breeds. Brushing removes dust, dead skin, loose hairs, grass seeds and tangles. It also assists to shorten the coat moult, which occurs each autumn and spring.

You can find specialized brushed and combs designed to help in sorting out the dogs matted hair and tangles. The brushed have short, sharp bristles that can cover a large matted area. These products are normally used in a dog grooming saloon or by pet owners who enjoy going through the grooming process.

Hair Dryers

You may not think that a dog hair dries is a handy product to have but when regular grooming your dog its actually an essential item to have. Hair driers are a very handy when it comes to dog grooming. They allow the dogs coat to dry quickly avoiding the chance of the fur matting and tangling whilst it is still wet. Wet hair mats and tangles more quickly than dried hair.

Scissors

To remove excess hair around your dog's eyes and ears, good grooming scissors are a necessary item. Some dogs have discharge around the eyes and the fur mats frequently in this area. Using the right dog care products for your long haired dog can ensure that your dog is more comfortable and preventing problems occurring in these areas

The right dog care product will not only help you maintaining your dogs beautiful long hair coat but will also make life easier for you. Ensure that the products are the correct ones for the hair length and size of your dog.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-care-products-for-the-long-haired-dog-426372.html

About the Author

For more information and products to take care of your dog please visit: http://www.dogbeddingandmore.com