The importance of getting a dog bed

Investing on a good quality dog bed is one of the more important things a dog owner can do for their dog. A lot of people assume that getting a dog bed is an indulgence or a luxury. A good dog bed is far from that. Your dog needs a warm, supportive bed in just the same way that you do. A quality dog bed can provide security for your dog, as well as other far reaching benefits on their health and wellbeing. There are lots of different types of dog beds available. You can get small dog beds, large dog beds, quilted, water proofed and even fashionable dog beds!

One of the little understood benefits of a dog bed is the security it can provide for your dog. Many dogs suffer from anxiety and stress, especially when their owner is away for extended periods. Having a place that your dog can go to when they feel anxious or maybe when they just want some time-out can benefit your dogs’ emotional wellbeing. When you get your new dog bed, observe where your dog prefers to lie. Most dogs have a special area that they favor more than others. This is where you need to put your dogs’ new bed. This will be 'their spot'.

A good quality dog bed will provide insulation for your dog especially during the night. It will also provide essential support from a hard cold floor. Although dogs will sleep on a floor, it is often uncomfortable for them. This is usually the reason that they sneak onto the furniture the minute you leave the house. Your dog will be glad of a comfy warm bed of its own.

In a lot of dogs, as they get older they will start to suffer from joint pain, arthritis and hip problems. This can occur in much younger dogs too. These ailments are just as painful for your dog as they are for humans. If your dog sleeps on a hard floor, or in an area where cold draughts exist it can compound the problem. An additional problem here is that your dog will probably not be sleeping well, which can lead to other problems such as lethargy and unwillingness to go for walks and exercise. Luckily for your dog, you can get orthopedic dog beds which are specially designed to provide relief for your dog from such symptoms.

Something else you will need to consider when getting a new dog bed is what size bed to get. The rule of thumb here is to measure your dog from head to toe when it is in its natural sleeping position. When you have this measurement you must add about 5 inches. This will be the size of bed you need to get. If you find it difficult to measure your dog sleeping, try measuring with your dog standing. This will give you a slightly longer measurement but will give you a rough idea what size you are looking for.

If you invest in a good quality dog bed that is washable, it may last the life time of your dog. Buying a cheaper bed is a false economy as these will quickly wear out. You can be sure that your dog will appreciate a new bed and with the added benefits discussed in this article, it's well worth the investment.

Going from the pinch collar to the soft-collar

[Adam's replies denoted by '>>' within original question]

Dear Adam:

My pup is a 8 month-old male Labrador.

I have read your "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer." I have also just finished 8 private lessons with a trainer using the pinch collar. My question is: With the pinch collar on the lab works well; put a soft collar he won't work the same; if fact, he won't even go in a down sometimes. So I didn't really teach this dog anything; only that he feared a correction with a "pinch." What's your opinions, and I'm sure you've got them.

First, there should be NO FEAR associated with the pinch collar. I'm assuming that you've misunderstood some of the basic concepts or you just described it peculiarly in your e-mail.

As for your question, here's what you're missing: CONDITIONING YOUR DOG TO THE BEHAVIOR. So far, all you've done is taught your dog to UNDERSTAND the behavior. But you have not turned the behavior into a CONDITIONED RESPONSE. This is why - in my book - I advise you to give the COMMAND-CORRECTION-PRAISE (enforcing the behavior every time you give the command) for the first couple of months. ESPECIALLY if the dog is less than a year old.

DO NOT SWITCH TO THE SOFT COLLAR BEFORE THE DOG IS CONDITIONED. You will be undoing your progress and teaching the dog to be collar smart. (Please review the section in the book about not teaching your dog to be collar smart).

P. S. I thought your book was really good and have toyed with the idea of putting another $100 bucks for the videos. I do though disagree with your opinion on dog parks. I love taking my pup to the dog park and he loves going. Its a great way in the evening to get all the excess energy out and see them collapse for the night. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with socialization, its just plain fun for them.

Karen

Junk food is fun, too. So is unprotected sex. And lawn darts. And small cars made by Koreans. And smoking dope in your mother-in-law's bathtub. And wearing a yarmulke to your neighbor's weekly Klan meeting. And going into a gift shop and asking THEM for your gift. (Alright, so I'm not only a JERK but I'm also a SICK JERK)

That's all for now, folks!

Adam

Dogproblems. com

Key points checklist before you buy your first dog

Hold on... Are You buying Your first Pet Dog?

Do you understand the responsiblities You have assume the moment you plan to buy a pup/dog.

A dog can be a great addition to your family as long as you are all in it together. A dog needs lots of attention and training in order to be a joy instead of a pain. Also think of the type of dog you wish to get.

It is important before making any more progress with your plans to be sure that everyone in family and even those people who work in house really want a puppy. In order to manage a puppy successfully, It must be wanted by all the family and they must all feel equal goodwill towards it.

The confident happy dog, which feels that the world is a reliable place where human behaviour is consisten will bring you compliments everywhere.

Here is a CheckList which You should complete before making any plans to bring a pup home.

Have we sufficient Space for a dog indoors and out? Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time during a day. Going to work should be fine as long as you have a crate, but remember your dog had physical needs also.

Can we proivde companionship and interest for the dogs for the greater part of the day, especially when it's young? Like I said, Dogs should not be left alone.

Do you choose a male or female dog? If you find your male dog is trying to dominate your household and he is unneutered, take him to your veterinarian and have him neutered. This should stop the aggressive behavior also.

Is our garden sufficiently well fenced to keep a dog in?

Where will we take the dog for exercise, Away from motor traffic and where it can be let off the lead easily and regularly

Can we afford to feed a dog properly and pay for regularl vaccinations and boosters to protect it form disease?

Have we budgeted for veterinary Fees in illness and accident or for an insurance plicy to cover those fees and our third party liability if our dog should cause an injury or damage to another person's property?

Is our family or our environment likely to change in the foreseeable future, making the conditions for having a dog less suitable? Giving a pet as a gift whether it is a new puppy, kitten, ferret, or bunny rabbit is never a good idea.

Can we make plans afor the dog when we go on holiday, Have we budgeted for boarding kennel expenses?

Do all the family really want a dog and are we willing to be responsible owners, not allowing our dog to be nuisance in any way?

Are we happy to accpet the inconveniences associated with dog ownership? Does everyone in your home wish to get a dog? Who will be souly responsible for this new pet?

Have we the time to look after a dog, no and in forseeable future?

Additionally You should remember, If you live in an apartment I would not suggest getting something like a German shepard or a Newfoundland, both breeds are large and demand more room out of your small space.

Before you leave, I suggest you to get a Free Ebook on Train Your Dog with Understanding from dog-training. my-infoworld. com/dog-training. pdf . It's a Free Book, No email to give either. Share this book with Everyone You know.

Facts about dog agility

Dog agility trials are becoming more and more popular the world over. They began in England, as so many good things, do, but "agility fever" quickly spread all over the globe. Now there are clubs and events everywhere that there are dogs.

Some clubs include the Kennel Club (in the U. K.), the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Agility Association of Canada (AAC). However, you need not be affiliated with or even live near a club or training facility to enjoy the sport of dog agility

Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they love a challenge. As the aforementioned kennel clubs are well aware, every breed has its own strengths and assets, both physically and intellectually. It's great fun to explore what your dog can do, and even train for competitions!

Even if you train your dog on your own dog agility course, and don't wish to be affiliated with any groups, it's still a good idea to stay in touch with them via phone or e-mail to stay aware of any events that may be happening in your area. Dog owners are a great group of people, and love to share advice and success stories. Dog agility events are also a great way to get outside and meet and greet other great pets.

Agility competition for dogs became popular all over the world in the 1980s, and agility enthusiasts have been looking for top-notch dog training equipment that is better looking and more durable than home-made obstacles, while still being affordable. This high-energy form of competition and fun is something that can bring people and dogs together in a spirit of excellence, and we interact with our customers accordingly.

Some of the dog training obstacles include A-frames, dogwalks, weave poles, mini contact equipment, contact trainer, jumps (single, double, and triple), chutes, barrels, and teeters. Everything you need to set up a competition course should be easily ordered and quickly assembled.

Your dog training equipment should be durable enough to withstand practice session after practice session with no risk of injury to you or your dog. Equipment should be made out of durable, well-sealed materials that are weatherproof and built to last. Safety and visual appeal are what matter in dog training equipment.

The benefits of reliable equine websites

When you are a horse passionate, horses become more than just a hobby for you! Horse enthusiasts dedicate a lot of time and money to their passion, constantly looking for new ways of exchanging information and tips with other horse lovers, striving to take their passion to another level. If you are a horse enthusiast and you want to quickly extend your knowledge on horses, with a minimal investment of time, effort and money, the Internet is the best place to turn to for help. There are various equine websites on the World Wide Web that offer you the opportunity to interact with other people interested in horses, allowing you to quickly access the information you need in a fun and interesting environment.

Reliable equine websites offer members the chance to chat with other horse owners and lovers in a wide range of horse forums. Horse forums are the best means to quickly receive advice regarding horse breeding, training, care, health, nutrition and other related features. Structured on various topics, horse forums offer members the opportunity to exchange opinions, ideas and thoughts with other horse enthusiasts, and to get in touch with professionals who provide prompt feedback regarding any horse issues. Regardless of your level of experience with horses, you can always learn new things by participating to various discussions in horse forums. If you are a novice, you will be able to quickly assimilate valuable information and tips, thus expanding your overall knowledge on horses. By contrast, if you are an experienced horse breeder you have the opportunity to share your knowledge with other people.

In addition to topic-oriented horse forums, good equine sites also allow members to access a wide range of horse classified ads. Horse classifieds are well-structured in different categories, so can effortlessly find the ads you are interested in. Whether you are interested in selling or adopting a horse, buying or selling horse accessories and equipment, horse classifieds are appropriate for you! To buy a horse, all you have to do is browse through the abundance of horse classifieds and choose the horse you like best! To sell a horse, you only need to post an ad, include a photo and specify your contacts. Once you have posted the horse classified ad, you will soon be contacted by potential buyers. Reliable horse classified ads websites satisfy the needs of both buyers and sellers, ensuring that the performed transactions are conducted quickly and safely.

Whether you want to buy or sell a horse, a professional horse classified ads website can help you in the process. Apart from horse classifieds, most specific websites also account for features such as horse forums, blogs, advertisements and many more! The best part is that most equine websites offer free membership, so you can enjoy all these facilities without ever having to pay! Choose the services of a dedicated, solid equine website and you won’t be disappointed!

Boston terrier the standard and does it matter

To compete with your Boston Terrier you will need to understand the requirements and procedures used for judging. The American Kennel Club releases breed standards for each breed of dog and the Boston Terriers specifications can be found here. You can also check more specialized clubs for the information about required standards for your Boston Terrier. The American Kennel club is currently revising these standards.

If you want your Boston Terrier to take part in dog shows then you will need to understand the standards and how they relate to your dog. If you already own or are thinking about owning a Boston Terrier and would like to compete (or show off your dog) here's a guide to understanding breed specifications.

It's important to note that these are descriptions of ideal Boston Terriers.

Competition ranking systems: Dogs are judged out of a total 100 score. When judging Boston Terriers this score comprises the following elements:

- General Appearance

- Size, Proportion, Substance

- Head - skull shape, characteristics of eyes, ears, muzzle, jaw shape.

- Neck, Topline and Body

- Forequarters

- Gait

- Coat

- Temperament

- Faults in the breed: can lead to instant disqualification

General Appearance

Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs. General appearance needs to be well-balanced; this means all limbs are in proportion. Boston Terriers have a smooth coat which is generally brindle, seal or black. The dog must have even white markings.

The body is short and the limbs are strong. The tail is short.

Size, Proportion, Substance

This refers to your dog’s weight. There are several official weight categories but the dog’s weight cannot exceed 25 pounds.

The Boston Terriers legs should be proportioned to give it its characteristic square appearance. The dog looks sturdy and muscular.

In general the only difference between the male and female is that the bitch generally has more refined features.

Head

The skull is short and flat on top. There should be no wrinkles. The cheeks are flat and the stop is well defined. Boston Terriers should have an alert _expression; reflecting their high intelligence. The eyes should be wide set and large. Boston Terriers with blue eyes - or any hint of blue in their eyes will be disqualified immediately. The ears should be small and stand upright.

The jaw is square and wide with short teeth. The bite is even.

Neck, Towline and Body

The neck should be slightly arched and carry the head gracefully. The neck of the ideal Boston terrier should display an image of balance.

Topline refers to the shape of the dogs back. The back should be shaped in such a way that it completes the square shape of the body.

The chest should be deep with a good width, ribs etc.

Forequarters

The shoulders should be laid back and should slope. IT is this shape which gives Boston Terriers their stylish movement. The elbows should be straight and not protrude in any way. The dewclaws may be removed.

Gait

This refers to the way in which your dog carries himself. The ideal Boston Terrier is sure-footed and straight gaited. The forelegs and hind legs should move in a straight line with perfect rhythm. Each step should be that of grace and power.

Coat

The coat should be short, smooth and fine in texture. Color must be brindle, seal or black with bright markings. The Boston Terrier must have a white muzzle band, white between the eyes and a white chest.

Temperament

The ideal Boston Terrier is friendly and lively. The dog is known for its high intelligence.

Faults in the breed (grounds for disqualification)

Any traces of blue or blue eyes - eyes must be dark

Dudley nose - This means a loss of pigmentation in the nose and it is pink or flesh colored, however when Boston’s are first born and up to 6 months their nose will be pink. It will change to the color black so don’t let this hinder you from buying a Boston with a pink nose.

Docked tail - This refers to the practice of cutting tails. It is an outdated practice and your dog will be disqualified.

Lack of required markings

Other serious faults

Wry mouth - one side of the mouth is longer than the other.

Any showing of the tongue/teeth when the mouth is closed

Other faults

Blocky or chunky appearance

Overshot bite/undershot bite - much like human 'faults' this just means an over or under bite.

The Boston Terriers make a great family pet. They are highly intelligent, loyal, great with children and very easy going. They are not considered fighters but definitely can hold their own. If you don’t plan to show your Boston then these qualifications don’t mean a thing. Boston Terriers are the perfect all around companion just the way they are.

Adolescent dog snapped at baby

I wrote to you some months ago and never write again, this because I did not have any problem with my dog until now and this is case of keeping the dog or giving her away.

Last week the dog (9 months now), growled to my 2 year old daughter and to my wife too when she tried to correct her after the action. They were watching TV and it looks like my daughter approached her face to the dog, she has done this before without this kind of reaction and last night she pet her on her back and the dog pull her lips up like if she was ready to bite.

She never growls to anyone and she is very friendly and some times very submissive with people and other dogs.

I'm thinking that this is something to do with my daughter's stature, she is a dwarf and I guess the dog looks at her as lower level because she is actually smaller than the dog.

I read the book trying to find something to do but I see you suggest a professional advice.

I don't want to risk the safety of my daughter or wife, if there is something I can try that you suggest I will appreciate.

Thank you

Guillermo Rodriguez

Dear Guillermo:

I would be careful about letting your daughter be around the dog at this age, however... I would not recommend getting rid of the dog if...

1. You recognize that more than likely, based on what you've told me, you don't have a bad dog. What you've seen is very common amongst young dogs. They are reaching adolescents and are testing out their position in the pack. They are experimenting with new behaviors to see what kind of response it will elicit from the rest of the pack. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD ENDANGER YOUR CHILD, but rather that you need to keep a very close eye on the two at all times.

She'll likely do this behavior a couple more times. When it happens, it must be met with a no-nonsense, extremely firm correction. (See page 45 and page 174) You must "psych" her into believing that if she tries to harm you or any other member of the pack again, then you will kill her. Make her never, EVER want to even THINK about trying such a behavior again.

2. Let me repeat, this is a very common behavior amongst young dogs. However, your child's safety comes first. I would not let a young child of this age be in direct contact with a dog, period. Regardless of the dog.

Please let me know if there is something you do not understand.

That's all for now, folks!

Adam