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Dog Names Blog October 2007Archived pages from our Dog Names Blog October 2007
Ending Your Dog's Begging...
Begging usually becomes a habit if you feed the dog from the table when he begs. He won't leave the table if he's reinforced for staying with tidbits. Command the dog to "settle" at the table and enforce it. He'll tire of staring up and will soon fall asleep if you don't reward him for begging. If you give the dog a scrap from the table, give it only when he's in a settle position. Some dogs are just born optimistic, and even though they have never received food from the table, they plant themselves at the table, hoping something will fall their way. Dropped food is a good beggar reinforcement, especially if you have a child who likes to make a game of dropping food on purpose. You may choose to train the dog to settle or down-stay in another room or at a distance from the table. The dog must never bite the hand that feeds. To make sure that he doesn't, teach him the command "easy." Offer him a treat by holding the treat in your thumb and index finger keeping your palm toward your body and your knuckles facing the dog. If the dog grabs for the treat, give him a very loud and firm command by saying "Easy". After a few rounds of this practice, he will generally take the food from your hand gently. Here's other helpful training tips that will turn your pup into the perfect gentleman/lady... Permalink -- click for full blog
Favorite Puppy Names, Submit Your Dogs Name
Our Favorite Puppy Names page has gone thru a major redesign. When visiting this page, you'll find it easier to not only submit your own pups name, but also to comment on names submitted by others. Also, by seeing those names submitted by others, it will hopefully help those experiencing the common malady of DNMB (Dog Naming Mental Block). This malady frequently occurs when one is given too many choices of names to select from. So if you're in need of a cure, or just want to submit your own pups name, be sure to visit our new and improved Favorite Puppy Names page. Permalink -- click for full blog
Labrador Retriever Puppy And Dog Breed Information: Black, Yellow
Looking for a Labrador Retriever? Here’s breed information to help you make an informed decision. Do you have kids? This dog is a great choice! Permalink -- click for full blog
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy And Dog Breed Info: Teacup, Toy, Minature
Information about the Yorkshire Terrier such as History, Temperament, and Training. Also find Yorkie names and grooming tips too! Permalink -- click for full blog
Dog Breeding: Getting The Genes Right
Each breed and each bloodline carries with it certain traits, characteristics that are desirable and undesirable. Certain genetic pools may even constitute what are known as "lethal" genes. It takes years of concentrated study and effort, trial and error, to achieve a successful breeding program in any breed and type of dog. Any person who breeds dogs should obtain at the very least a fundamental grasp not only of the study of genetics, but the focus of the breed Standard involved; and importantly, why the Standard is devised as written and the background several generations behind each pair of dogs being united. Even with the most scientific approach, breeding dogs involves a certain amount of luck. Not unlike a spin of the roulette wheel, there is a "numbers game" of percentages in breeding dogs. It helps, therefore, to stack the percentages toward the successful side of each endeavor. Simplified, this equates to breeding the best female you have been able to obtain to the male best physically and genetically. Once you've decided upon a certain breed, and have learned as much about it's characteristics as possible, then it's time to find a good breeder. Here's an article to help you do just that... Permalink -- click for full blog
Dog Travel Tips When Flying The Friendly Skies
The key to successful air travel is planning. Find out precisely what requirements your specific airline adheres to for dogs, and then follow those guidelines precisely. The following must be done ahead of time: 1. Find out what part of the plane your dog will be traveling in, and the type of pet carrier the airline requires you to use. 2. Make reservations for both you and your pet. 3. Ask about health certificates and proof of vaccinations required by the airline; it is better to initiate the inquiry than to discover right before boarding that you lack the necessary papers. 4. Inform your veterinarian that your dog will be flying and ask if a tranquilizer is recommended. Many airlines will allow small dogs enclosed in carriers to travel with passengers. If this is not possible, your dog will travel in the hold used to carry baggage. The dog will be safe there, but may be cold, so be sure to inquire about the temperature of the hold on your flight, and dress your dog accordingly. For summer travel, try to arrange for a nonstop night flight to avoid the risk of heatstroke incurred during a long rest in a baggage holding area. 5. Withhold food six hours before the flight, but feel free to give your dog water. For more helpful articles on the topic of Dog Care, check out this page... Permalink -- click for full blog
Grooming The Older Dog
Proper and effective grooming contributes only indirectly to your dog's general health but becomes a more significant factor with increasing age. As the natural skin oils come to be less effectively produced, the skin can become dry and scaly, causing itchiness and discomfort. Matted or tangled hair-coats likewise cause scratching and, in addition, can hold dirt and debris on the skin from which bacteria can readily enter skin that is already abraded by the scratching and chewing. Bacterial dermatitis is not at all uncommon in older dogs. The daily grooming patterns begun in earlier years should be continued throughout a dog's lifetime. It is my firm belief that all dogs, with the possible exception of some show dogs and those with certain skin diseases, should be combed and brushed every day of their lives with a metal comb and a wire-bristle slicker type brush. Combing should be done first, as its purpose is merely to remove tangles and separate the hairs so the slicker brush does not get caught in them. This is followed by the brush which should be used in firmly applied, long, slow strokes. The object of the brushing is to get the wires down to the skin, which is where the dirt is, to remove that dirt and the dry scales of dead skin. For more information on caring for your older dog, check this out... Permalink -- click for full blog
Dog Breed Types: Know Before You Choose
I once knew someone who really wanted a dog and found a puppy that she really fell in love with and brought it home. Problem was that her home was a small condo, and the cuuuute puppy would later grow into a large dog! If you haven't picked a dog yet, then it's important to research the different breeds that best suit your lifestyle and temperament. If you already have a particular breed, then still make the effort to research the specifics of your breed through dog magazines, breed-specific club magazines and books. The more you know about your breed the more you will know about your dog's needs, quirks, strengths, weaknesses, and in my friends case...it's eventual size. This will make you a better teacher in helping your dog adapt to your living conditions. If you get a Husky, then she will need a lot of exercise. If you are not the type to want to run, bike or skate with your dog, then a Husky may not be for you. Talk to breeders about the dogs they breed. Reputable breeders will give you straight answers that let you know if their dogs are right for you. Don't rely only on people you meet on the street who own a breed of dog that interests you. It's always better to do your research before deciding, and not let the emotions of holding a cuuuute puppy override your common sense and choose the wrong dog. Here's more information on some of the more popular breeds out there to help you make the right choice for you... Permalink -- click for full blog
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