Dogs Training Series Why Protect Your Dog From Fleas

Flea bite allergy is a common condition that causes the dog to scratch incessantly. --You can get flea collars for your pet, use a flea spray or bathe your dog with flea soap....

Dogs Training Series Why Protect Your Dog From Fleas

You might think that fleas are nothing more than a minor irritant, like mosquitoes, but if you\'ve ever seen a dog with a severe flea infestation, you\'ll think otherwise.

Dogs can develop skin allergies, balding, skin rashes, dermatitis and other conditions including worms if fleas are not controlled. In severe cases, the dog will become restless.

Flea bite allergy is a common condition that causes the dog to scratch incessantly. If the scratching does not provide sufficient relief, the dog will bite at his skin and tear out patches of hair trying to get rid of the itch.

Dogs can become extremely irritated and sensitive to other disturbances, such as a family member attempting to play with the dog or even to pet him. Dogs in distress are likely to bite family members out of frustration.

It\'s important, therefore, to make sure that your dog is clear of fleas. This can be difficult if your dog has the run of the yard or goes on frequent trips to the park or is allowed to run free. Fleas are everywhere and are spread by wild animals. Squirrels are a particularly troublesome source as they tend to carry them from nest to ground on a regular basis.

While it\'s not feasible to eliminate fleas from your yard, it is relatively easy to rid them from inside your house and from your dog.

There are many products available that will do the trick. You can get flea collars for your pet, use a flea spray or bathe your dog with flea soap. Some products that you give your dog orally will protect your dog for up to a year. If you have multiple pets, treat them all so the fleas have nowhere to hide and cannot be transferred to your treated animals.

Of course, treating the dog isn\'t enough. Fleas jump off your dog from time to time and hide in carpets, bedding, and other soft materials. If your dog has his own chair or is allowed on your furniture, the fleas will take refuge there until feeding time. Then, they will seek the closest source of food which includes humans, dogs and other household animals.

To be sure you get rid of as many fleas as possible, take the animal bedding outside and shake it out, then spray it well with a flea repellent. Better yet, wash it if possible. Spray into the carpets and along the baseboards of your rooms, especially those where the dog and any other house pets hang out.

Follow the directions on the flea treatment products for best results. It will likely take several treatments before the fleas are all gone, but they will return. It\'s important to maintain monthly spraying during the warm months when fleas proliferate to ensure the best protection for your animals and your family.

By Alex Rocklane
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Rewarding With Dog Treats

Rewarding With Dog Treats--Giving your dogs rewards that they will love is something that they will always look forward to...It is a good motivation for dogs to behave well and to do well when you give them dog treats as a form of reward....

Rewarding With Dog Treats

Aside from the praises and petting that your pet can get from you when they do something good, you can also reward them with dog treats. It is one of the best ways of showing your care and appreciation to your pet. Some dogs would even do a little trick or something extra ordinary just to please you and get a dog treat, too. Dog treats are considered to be a special kind of food, just like cakes or cookies for human beings. It is a good motivation for dogs to behave well and to do well when you give them dog treats as a form of reward.

Giving your dogs rewards that they will love is something that they will always look forward to. In return, dogs show their appreciation to their owners by wagging their tails every time they get a treat. This goes to show how much your pet loves you, too. There are various kinds of dog treats with all kinds of flavors that you can choose from. Most dog treats are to be found in grocery stores or in pet shops. In some areas, there are gourmet and international dog treats available. The dog treats would differ from your dog’s preferences. There are hard crunchy treats and chewy treats among others.

Apart from the taste, the health benefits from the treats must also be taken into consideration when you pick out a treat for your pet dog. For dogs with special medical condition, you may need to ask for your veterinarian’s recommendation of what dog treats to give your pet. You can use a wide range of different rewards to help increase your dog’s behavior. There are beef jerky, steak, liver or hot dogs. They can be enticing rewards to give your dogs. You can actually look up the internet for easy to make dog treats. As the trainer, you must know what works best for your dogs.


Dogs are generally attention-seeker. They would do any thing to please you especially when you know how to reward them appropriately because they feel better after. Food treats must be kept in a place where dogs do not have an access to it. The container must be airtight so that the food will remain fresh. Some dogs may not like the taste of the treat when it is no longer fresh. So, make sure you get to keep its original taste; otherwise, it will be a food waste. Giving treats can also be partnered with rewarding toys. This is just one of those creative ways in making different approaches to rewarding pets.

It will bring more excitement to your dogs if aside from the treat; he also gets to play with his favorite toy. Bear in mind that one of the main goals of giving treats is to make your dogs healthy and happy. So while you are so overjoyed at throwing treats to your dogs, you must stick to your goal of making your dogs behave well. In short, do not spoil your pet too much. Give him what he deserves when he really deserves it.

By: Alex de la Cruz
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tips On Bathing Your Puppy

Tips On Bathing Your Puppy**Remember not to bathe your puppy if he is younger than 8 weeks old. Alternatively, dogs that are under 8 weeks can be cleaned using water and puppy wipes....

Tips On Bathing Your Puppy

Most dogs, in the early stages of their life, are afraid of the water or taking a bath. But no matter how hard it is to bathe your puppy, you should still do this to make him clean, healthy and free from pet infestations. During the first few bathing sessions, you’ll definitely find yourself impatient when bathing your puppy. Like training your dog to obey you, bathing your pup also requires a lot of patience and persistence.

It takes time before your little dog gets used to bathing time. You need to establish a good relationship with him before anything else. One of the most effective ways to make your puppy’s bathing session easier and faster is by establishing a playtime zone which is a specific location where your puppy will become familiar to bathing. This is a good strategy for your pup to associate bathing with playing.

During the first week before giving him his very first pet bath, choose an area where you want to wash your dog. It can be anywhere inside or outside your house, in the bathroom or even the backyard. Bear in mind that you need to make a notion to your puppy that that specific zone is his playtime area. Play with him for a few minutes everyday in that area until he gets comfortable in it.

As much as possible, don’t bathe your puppy if he doesn’t want to cooperate. Don’t rush things. Allow your dog to become accustomed with the playtime zone you created for him. Make sure that you put dog toys or treats within the pet bath tub before introducing water to him.


Bathing your puppy should also not take too long. To make the bathing time even faster, brush your puppy’s fur first. Tangled fur holds water which can result to skin irritation. Remember not to bathe your puppy if he is younger than 8 weeks old. Alternatively, dogs that are under 8 weeks can be cleaned using water and puppy wipes.

If your puppy seems too uncooperative, you can do a dry pet bath for him instead. This type of bathing method involves wiping him with a damp cloth and rubbing him with am towel. Waterless bath sprays can also do wonders for your puppy. By doing this, you’ll surely be amazed how clean your puppy will be!

By: rayter
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

How to Take Care of a New Puppy

How to Take Care of a New Puppy--One of the first things to take care of after the puppy is settled into its new home is to make an appointment with your veterinarian...

How to Take Care of a New Puppy

Puppy training actually begins the moment you bring a new puppy into your home. The first week is very important. Everyone in the family needs to be on the same page when it comes to the routine, responsibility and rules that will be set for the newest member of the family. This is also a good time to be thinking about pet insurance, as small puppies have yet to develop a strong immune system or sense of danger, and the new environment could contain many potential hazards, most of which could seem perfectly harmless! Animal Friends Insurance is one provider which can offer you a range of dog insurance plans to suit your needs and budget, including full lifetime cover for your new puppy.

The first few days in your puppy’s new home are extremely important and will be a time of much excitement and joy. However, remember your new puppy has just been taken away from the only place he has ever known and is very vulnerable and impressionable. You have to set up a routine and rules from the start. Puppies are very smart and will learn very quickly.

First you need to set up a special place for the newest member of your home. Puppies need security and a set routine. Set up a small room to be their own special safe place for the next couple of weeks or so. Make sure you paper the entire floor and put down food and water bowls, a bed and scatter plenty of toys around.

Try playing with your puppy quietly and gently. If your pup seems to be tired, leave him alone in his special place and let him sleep. Puppies are like babies, they need lots of sleep. Puppies are so irresistible and most people want to give them whatever they want. If you allow that to happen now when the pup becomes older you will find you may have problems breaking bad habits.

Never hit your puppy. They don’t mean to be bad or misbehave- they are just doing what comes naturally to them. Show the pup what kind of behavior you want and teach him how to play with his toys. Make sure that you show him how happy you are that he is chewing on his toys and not your furniture.

We all know that puppies are chewing machines. That is why it is important to have plenty of chew toys around for them to use. When you see the pup start to chew on your furniture or a shoe, immediately grab one of their toys and get the pup’s attention. When the pup starts to play and chew on its toy make sure to praise them profusely. This shows them that you are happy with what they are doing. This shows them that when they do certain things which make you happy they will receive attention. You want to reward the good behavior and not the bad.

Puppies have to be watched over very closely for the first few days until they figure out what their boundaries are. They have to be shown what is acceptable to be chewed on and what is not. They are just doing what comes naturally and don’t know any better. If you are not available to watch over them make sure they don’t have access to places where they can get into trouble. This is where a baby gate can come in handy if you want the pup to be around the family during the day but out of harm’s way.

Routines are especially important to establish with your puppy. Having a set routine gives your puppy security and helps to keep him calm and not fearful. If you and other family members will be gone during the day or on certain nights you need to get the pup accustomed to being alone. Every time the puppy whines resist the urge to comfort him.

One of the first things to take care of after the puppy is settled into its new home is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Make sure to do this right away and to set up the schedule for vaccinations. Vaccinations are very important because puppies are susceptible to many canine diseases. Take out a comprehensive pet insurance policy too, as vet’s bills for unexpected mishaps and illnesses can be very expensive.

If you establish a routine and rules from the start, everyone, including your puppy, will be able to form a bond that will last a lifetime. Puppies grow up very quickly and you will want to be able to enjoy all of the different stages they will go through. When you get frustrated with potty training and the chewing, just remember it will pass and soon you will be over the hardest part of the adjustment period. Like raising a baby, puppies need a lot of love, attention and special care. In return you will get devotion, love and loyalty from the newest four-legged member of your family.

by Karen Corey
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Think Twice! Before You Bring that Puppy Home

Before You Bring that Puppy Home--Having a new puppy in your home is not an easy task. Unfortunately, most people have no idea how much work it takes to raise a dog....

Think Twice! Before You Bring that Puppy Home

A puppy can add so much joy to the household that it is unimaginable. However, it is something that I would recommend only if one has the time, patience and will make, almost, as much of a commitment to raising that puppy as they would to raise their children.

A puppy is a living, breathing and sensitive creature that offers something that most humans cannot. “Unrequited Love.” It is not something that should be brought home with the thought, “If it doesn’t work out we’ll get rid of it.”

Before going out to find that perfect pet.


Before going out to find that perfect pet, sit down, with your children, if they will be involved, and discuss what having a puppy will entail. This is probably the most important thing you should do before making that final decision. Give this “a lot” and I repeat, “a lot” of thought. In fact, if you have never had a dog before, it is even more important for "you" to know what is involved.

Having a new puppy in your home is not an easy task. Unfortunately, most people have no idea how much work it takes to raise a dog. I was one of those, many years ago; I was “totally clueless” and ended up returning my first dog because I was ignorant as to what it entailed.

The next most important part of your job.

The next most important part of your job, before you even start looking, is deciding upon what kind of a dog to get.


How large a dog do you want when it grows to full size? Remember a dog like a Yellow Lab, which can be a great family dog, can grow to 70 to 80 pounds and more. Can you handle a dog that size and do you have the room for him/her to run around?

What kind of dog is best suited to the family with young or infant children? Young children, yes, I know they are your little angels and can do no wrong, can be very hard on a puppy, pulling their ears or tails, hitting the dog, etc.

Think about the temperament of the dog that you will be getting. Some breeds are much more tolerant of children and will put up with a lot of abuse, whereas others do not have the patience to tolerate the kids and could be a little snappy. If you have young children, it behooves you to do your homework.

Where do you go to find your new family member?

Before going anywhere, go online, research what type of dog will fit into your family. Either look into adopting a puppy from an Animal Shelter, or, if you want a specific breed, look into the specific breed rescue organizations. There is a rescue organization for almost all breeds of dogs. This way you will be saving a dogs life.

Do you have the time to house break your puppy?

Once you get your puppy home, what are you going to do with him? Without going into extensive detail about training and raising your puppy, you can write volumes about this, in this article, we will just discuss the basics of house breaking your puppy.

Your puppy will come home with an extensive knowledge of how to do four things without being taught. Peeing, Pooping, Chewing and Eating. Without your knowing how to control things from the very beginning, your little poop factory will be doing it all over the house in addition to trying to chew whatever he can get his teeth into, that includes children’s toys and your expensive furniture too.

House breaking your puppy takes time, and if you don’t do it correctly from the start, all you will do is to prolong the agony. Don’t blame the dog. He is only doing what is natural. He doesn’t know the rules of the house yet, that’s were you come in. You’re the teacher.

If you work, the best thing you can do is take a few days off. That doesn’t mean you can go shopping, that means spending time with your puppy.

Be prepared to take the little guy out every hour or so. This may sound like over kill, but believe me, in the end, the time you put into it now will pay off in the future. When you take your little buddy out don’t take him/her for a walk. Go out your door to a particular spot and just let him sniff around that same spot each time you go out. If he eliminates, praise him by making a big fuss about it. “Good puppy.” Pet him, give him a treat, etc. At that point if you want to take him for a walk you can. If he doesn’t do anything, just go right back in. Don’t go for a walk, give a treat or anything else.

You want to make a big deal about going out to do his business. Once he learns that going out to do his business is a big deal, he will want to go to that spot to eliminate, as opposed to doing it in the house. This doesn’t mean that there won’t be accidents. It means that it will take a lot less time for puppy to learn not to go in the house.

One last thing about taking your puppy out. "Pick up the poop!" If there is anything people can’t stand and don’t have patience for, are inconsiderate pet owners that don’t pick up.

This is only the beginning. Bring home that puppy only if you are willing to make that long term commitment. Oh yes, don’t depend on the kids who promise you that they will take care of the puppy. That lasts about two days, then it falls on your shoulders.

By Expert Author: Alex Armen
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/