With a few handy tips, you'll be crate training a puppy in no time at all. Crate training a puppy is considered by most experts to be in the best interest of your new puppy, being the most effective manner of training your puppy. Puppy crate training can be a cinch if you use the following techniques.Although it's possible your puppy may at first try to convince you that crate training is not for him or her, consistency will eventually teach your puppy that the crate is in fact something beneficial to him or her.  Crate training your puppy can become a game between your puppy and you.

Puppy crate training in these few easy to follow steps will soon become a habit that both you and your puppy will enjoy on a daily basis.

When starting out with puppy crate training it is a good idea to place their favorite toy inside the crate.

Next, walk away for a few seconds, and listen carefully if he or she is quiet. Return initially after about 10 seconds, and praise your puppy for doing so well. Have a dog treat available for the extra praise.  Lengthen the period each time you do this, to a few minutes, and eventually for a few hours at a time. Your puppy will soon realize you are going to return. Of course, he or she will expect some praise and maybe a treat if you start puppy crate training your puppy with a treat reward.

When you crate training a puppy in this way your puppy will soon figure out there is a reward for staying in the crate quietly.

After your puppy has gotten used to the routine, you will be able to cut back on, and then cut out, the treats.

Puppy crate training is not difficult, as long as you are consistent. Consistency while crate training a puppy you will reach your puppy much faster than if you put your puppy in the crate only some of the time but leave him/her out of the crate at other times.  Once your puppy realizes you will return every time he/she goes in the crate, he/she will soon go into the crate without you even having to give the command to do so.

Naturally, you should always make sure your puppy has access to water and food while being in his or her crate for the day, or even an hour or two while your puppy is young.

In addition, when you have been away for a couple of hours, or for the day when your puppy gets older, do expect that your puppy will have to use the bathroom immediately after you arrive home.
For more tips on crate training your puppy, you can't go past the excellent dog training resource Sit, Stay, Fetch - it covers every aspect of dog training you'll ever need.

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From the smallest Chihuahua to the largest Presa Canaria, any dog can be dangerous. Size and breed are not the most important factors, although certainly the larger dog is strong enough to do the most damage.Most dog safety pamphlets and other sources of advice tend to spotlight certain breeds as inherently dangerous… most notoriously, the Pit Bull. Many communities have banned them. Some insurance companies have refused to write policies for home owners who harbor any of the dogs on their list of dangerous dog breeds, including "pits," Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and even black Labrador Retrievers in some cases!

But are breed bans the answer? No. It hasn't worked yet, and that's because the underlying problem is not addressed by banning specific breeds labeled as dangerous. It's far more useful to consider lifestyle clues.

Is the dog tied or chained up all the time? Do the owners neglect to spend time with him? Or take him for walks? Have you observed the dog frequently being hit or yelled at? Does he have shelter from weather extremes? Are his food and water bowls always empty? Does he bark incessantly out of boredom? Or worse, has he stopped barking?

Poor living conditions are hard on humans and can lead to bad attitudes that make people grouchy. Similarly, harsh living conditions can create dogs with bad attitudes as well. This alone can lead to the misconception that there are specifically dangerous dog breeds. People who understand that dogs have feelings, too, are immediately better equipped to provide a happier life for the dog. And happy dogs are safer to be around.

Often overlooked is the "baby factor." While small dogs are usually not included on any lists of dangerous dog breeds, and they are far less apt to be left to languish in back yards, what goes on behind closed doors inside the home can lead to creating another kind of dangerous dog - the snarling biter.

Because they are small… and oh, so cute… the tendency is to baby them. They may be carried around all the time or held on someone's lap, with every need constantly attended to… just like a little baby.

This prevents the dog from "growing up" and produces a spoiled brat that will do anything to preserve his special place as dictator in the home. Visitors who want to pet his majesty's gorgeous head will be viewed as a threat and attacked accordingly.

While they probably wouldn't kill an adult, their bites can be dangerous to one's health and well-being.

Because you may not know a dog's history or current living conditions, the usual precautions still apply:

1. Never approach a dog you don't know… whether it's with its owner, tied up, or running loose.

2. Avoid eye contact, as some dogs may feel threatened and will defend themselves.

3. Do not raise your voice; never shout at the dog or scream.

4. Never turn and run away if the dog is loose. It's an invitation to chase.

5. Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or chewing on a bone or toy.

6. Never, ever, tease a dog or poke things at him.

7. Never disturb a dog with puppies.

Just remember that a dog on a chain is no guarantee that it's safe. In fact, constant tethering and isolation often cause a dog to become neurotic or excessively territorial, and thus, if anything happens, it will be labeled as a dangerous dog breed. Children have been mauled, and killed, because they attempted to play with the nice doggie tied up next door.

Dogs are pack animals, and being forced into solitary confinement may be the most devastating thing a human can do to them.

If you see a dog being neglected or abused, please report it. The life you save someday may be your own, or a child's, or even a gentle but naive pet in the area. Most dogs will defend their territories, but the so-called dangerous dog breeds are neurotic about it due to thoughtless or misguided treatment.

Article by Dr. R.J. Peters, a retired health professional who established a pet rescue shelter in 2002. Learn why pets need insurance, too, at Every Pet Matters.

Thanks to Dr Peters for his informative and authoritative article.

Prevent dog bites - prevent your dog from biting behavior that could lead to a tragedy.

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Puppy Training Tips

By: Jolanda Leuschner

Are you looking for puppy training tips? If this is the case you arrived at the right place. In this article I will give you several puppy training tips in a very simplistic, and easy to understand way. Puppy training tips are easy to research before you start training your puppy.

Okay, so you just got a new puppy and now it is in need of training. Of course the best thing to do is to start out with puppy potty training. Make this a bonding experience between your puppy and you. First you should know that puppies have the uncontrollable urge for frequent urination. Keeping this in mind it would be recommended to take your puppy for frequent walks around the block. While potty training your puppy, and your puppy urinates, you tell him how great he or she is for what was just done. Reward him or her with a soft voice, and a gentle petting over their back. You could even take a few dog training treats with you and reward with a favorite treat, as well as the soft voice and gentle petting over the back of your puppy.

Puppy training tips are also found in many books. You could find books in your local library on puppy training, at your local bookstore, or on Amazon. There are many different puppy training tips also available online ready for you to read. Adjust some of the tips to fit the needs of your puppy and you.
Another thing to do is to ensure you will have a vet for your puppy. Your puppies health is important after all you are going to want for him or her to become a healthy adult dog. Puppies need regular health check ups, just like we do. Your vet will keep records of when your puppy had his or her last vaccinations and will notify you when it is time to come in for a next health check up.  Always make sure to check with your vet before following anybody's puppy training tips. Your vet will be able to assist you with any questions about your new puppy.
Some pet stores now allow you to take your puppy inside. This would be a great opportunity to purchase some puppy accessories. Puppies love toys and the pet store will have plenty of different choices. Colorful pulling ropes, balls, and beds for comfort the pet store offers everything you will need to accommodate your new puppy.

Obedience training starts early. If you stay actively involved with the changes your puppy is going to undergo while growing up he or she will from the start be obedient. Calm and controlled voices with consistent commands will always keep your puppies attention.

Good luck with your new puppy, and hope these puppy training tips are helpful to you.

Jolanda Leuschner is a proud mother of 3 lovely sons and is the owner and founder of Best Daily Articles She invites writers,webmasters, readers and publishers to come and visit her site any time.

For more puppy training tips, including puppy potty training, puppy obedience training, and much more, click here.

Your puppy will benefit, and so will you!

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Puppy Potty Training

By: Jolanda Leuschner

Is puppy potty training a daunting task? Well rest assure many people feel this way, but it is not all that hard. Puppy potty training can be done in a pleasant way and rewarding to both you and your four legged friend. Here are a few ways to handle your puppy potty training.

When your puppy just ate he, or she, will soon have the urge of needing to "use the bathroom". This is the best time to go for a walk around the block. When your puppy uses the bathroom praise him or her very highly. This can be done simply by using a gentle tone in your voice.

Another way to praise your puppy for becoming potty trained is to take a few small treats in your pocket and give them after your puppy did what he or she was suppose to do. Soon your puppy will be fully understanding that if he or she goes outside to do their business a reward will be given.

Be consistent with puppy potty training your puppy. This will make a huge difference in the future potty habits. Puppy potty training when done in a relaxed way will feel great to your puppy, but is also rewarding towards you as the owner.

Of course if your puppy made a mistake and used your Persian rug instead of going outside he or she will not be rewarded. In this case you would use a firm voice with words. Do make sure to walk him or her even after the mistake was made explaining that this is where you need for him or her to go the next time.

Puppies are very good to be potty trained and if you pay close attention you will notice when your puppy becomes more aware of his or her own bladder habits they will warn you. In general they can hold their needs up for a long time but are just like humans when they got to go, they got to go.

Good luck with puppy potty training your puppy and stay consistent.

Jolanda Leuschner is a proud mother of 3 lovely sons and is the owner and founder of Best Daily Articles She invites writers, webmasters, readers and publishers to come and visit her site any time.

For more on how to potty train your puppy, click here.

And train your puppy the right way!

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Designer Dog Beds

- click here for the most stylish designer dog beds available!

 

 

Gone are the days where a dog is just a pet that you keep outside only to be a guard dog.

Today dogs provide companionship for humans more than ever. Some are a big help for the elderly who have no one else at home with them anymore. Some provide eyes for the blind. Some provide love and companionship for children and in so doing help teach the child what responsibly means in caring for another living thing. Many pets are carried to hospitals today to help comfort a very sick or dying human being.

Our growing closer relationship with dogs and other pets has made us want to provide better car for those pets. And one of those provisions is to give them a very comfortable bed on which to sleep.

One of the problems is that dog beds are somewhat unsightly in our nice modern day homes and therefore we still find ourselves banning the dog to the basement or a utility room for the night; where we have hidden away their dog bed from the sight of visitors.

To the rescue comes Designer Dog Beds. This is such a growing industry and dog owners love it. With most dog owners it is a welcome addition to their designer dog collar and designer pet carrier.

Designer Dog Beds come in all different styles in order to fit in with your home décor.

There is a spindle wooden dog bed that looks just like a human bed and it comes in different sizes to fit the size of your dog. It has a specialized coil spring mattress for a more comfortable snooze for your dog. The difference between these beds and human beds are that they are wider than they are long because a dog tends to curl up where human stretch out. This type dog bed can fit right in with your bedroom furniture.

There are even a dog beds designed to look like a Mercedes Benz and a "Furrari". These novelty beds will make a great conversation piece with any of your human visitors. Your pooch makes himself/herself comfortable in the soft interior car seat area. If these cars are too expensive for your taste then you might want to get the one designed like a New York taxi cab.

Then you have the cute puppy cribs designed like a baby crib, which come in both pink and blue. And if your puppy is not that old yet, then maybe you need the puppy bassinet for them.

There are a lot of different designer dog beds to choose from so you should be able to find one that is both comfortable for your precious companion and decorative for the décor of your home. After all they are a part of the family.

The author is a pet owner and loves to find special comforts for her pets. If you are interested in other designer pet items please visit: Designer Dog Collar

 

Designer Dog Beds

- click here for the most stylish designer dog beds available!

 

And if you're interested in Healthy Dog Beds for your dog (which you should be!), you absolutely can't go past Healthy Dog Beds - for more info, click here! You'll find dog beds made from healthy materials, as well as a fabulous Cool Dog Bed - yes, it will actually keep your dog cool while keeping him/her comfortable!

 

 

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Natural Arthritis Care for Your Dog
by: Brigitte Smith

Rimadyl was once hailed as a wonder arthritis treatment for pets when it came on the market in 1997. By the turn of the century, due in large part to the aggressive marketing campaign by Pfizer, the manufacturer of Rimadyl, this drug had been prescribed for 5 million dogs.

And wouldn't you think, therefore, that this drug had been thoroughly tested before being unleashed on no less than 5 million dogs?

Well, you'd be wrong.

According to statistics compiled by the FDA (Food And Drug Administration), in 1997 alone, Rimadyl was implicated in 30 per cent of all veterinary adverse drug reaction reports received!

Side effects reported by dog owners who had been prescribed Rimadyl for their dogs, included gastrointestinal, renal and liver problems, and even death.

Within the first three years of Rimadyl use, 10,000 dog owners had reported an adverse reaction to Rimadyl, and there were at least 1,500 deaths or euthanasias attributed to the drug.

What's more, since it is generally accepted that many adverse reactions to drugs go unreported, the real statistics are likely to have been significantly higher.

How is this possible? How is it possible that a drug that was so widely acclaimed could have such devastating side effects? Why were these significant side effects not ascertained before releasing the drug on the unsuspecting public?

Well, unfortunately, that's the nature of drug companies - they do some testing - often not enough, and then, in effect, test the drug on members of the public who have not consented to being guinea pigs, but are nevertheless treated as such.

It's happened several times even more recently, with pharmaceuticals for humans, that are touted as almost a miracle, and then later even withdrawn from the market due to the devastating side effects they are found to cause.

Back to Rimadyl as a supposed wonder cure for arthritis …

You may possibly remember the Rimadyl ads depicting older dogs bouncing around like puppies. Yes, there were some amazing success stories, but at what cost to the dog population generally?

Those bouncing dogs were the lucky ones.

Have you noticed that you no longer see those Rimadyl ads? In fact, you haven't seen them now for some years.
Why? Quite simply, because Pfizer was eventually forced to remove the ads which were found to be misleading, due to the over-abundance of adverse reactions to this drug.

But even though the Rimadyl ads have long since been removed, many vets still prescribe Rimadyl, and often without giving the dog owner ANY information about possible side effects that can arise, and the fact that many dogs have in fact died as a result of using Rimadyl.

Unbelievable, but true.

It also goes under a number of different names, so you may be prescribed a medication for your dog and not know that it is Rimadyl, or identical to or similar to Rimadyl. It happened to me.

When my vet wanted to prescribe a medication for my dog when she had injured herself (thankfully just a minor injury, but it bothered her considerably for a couple of days). I questioned the vet as to exactly what the medication was. The vet was, I thought, very evasive in her answers. She was a locum vet who was perhaps not used to be questioned by me (all the regular vets at our local veterinary hospital are well aware that I'm apt to question them relentlessly if I feel the need), but all vets should be prepared to answer all questions from pet owners.

Because of the evasive answers, I then asked the vet straight out - "Is this Rimadyl?" Answer: "Well,…. it's 'like' Rimadyl." I asked what she meant by that, and she said it was made by the same company and contained "a similar formulation" to Rimadyl.

I said I had no intention of giving my dog Rimadyl, or anything remotely like it whilstever there was any alternative available.

The vet then told me there was no problem with Rimadyl and that she was not aware that any dog had ever died from the drug.

Either the vet was lying (which I don't like to believe), or was unbelievably misinformed in relation to an issue that she should have been aware of. Thankfully I never had to see her again as she was a locum.

Otherwise, I would never have gone back to that veterinary practice.

So are there alternatives to Rimadyl? Alternatives that can provide such a marked improvement without the possible side effects? Or should you just take the risk that your dog won't develop side effects to Rimadyl?

The good news is that Glucosamine, a natural sugar produced by the body and found in some foods, plays an important role in the production, maintenance and repair of cartilage. Supplementation with Glucosamine can therefore provide not only the pain relieving effects of Rimadyl, but also helps maintain existing healthy joint tissue and aid in rebuilding healthy new cartilage.

So why hasn't Rimady been removed from the market altogether? And should it be?

There are certainly some cases where the use of Rimadyl may be warranted - severe cases of arthritis which have been left untreated, or which have not responded to Glucosamine or other treatments.

The results of using Rimadyl can in fact be very worthwhile, particularly when used as a treatment of last resort - rather than being used as the first option for pain and arthritic conditions.

But Rimadyl should never be given to a dog with pre-existing liver disease or kidney problems. Your dog should be tested for these conditions before being prescribed Rimadyl.

Many vets do not do this unless you ask for it specifically.

And many vets do not even advise that there is a natural arthritis treatment for dogs available. Not because it's ineffective, but just because many vets, like doctors, are trained to treat symptoms with drugs.

And we shouldn't be surprised by this phenomenon - the drug companies have huge budgets for pushing the benefits of their medications, both for humans and animals. It doesn't necessarily mean that the drugs are better than the natural alternatives at all.

So ask for Glucosamine, unless your vet can give you a compelling reason why your dog should use Rimadyl. And you don't even need a prescription!

For information on the most powerful Glucosamine formula, and why a liquid Glucosamine is by far superior to powder or tablet forms, check out the natural arthritis supplement for pets - with Glucosamine! - click here.

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Trimming your dog's nails is one of those chores that absolutely have to be done, but we often put off because it's perhaps not something we're comfortable with.

The main reason many dog owners balk at trimming their dog's nails is from a fear that they might hurt their dog in doing so. And it's certainly possible to clip your dog's nails too short and cause injury to your dog - the nail will bleed if you clip it too close to your dog's paw.

I'm actually fortunate in that I've never had to worry about clipping my dogs' nails. If you have some concrete areas in your backyard or regularly walk your dog on hard surfaces, you may not need to clip your dog's nails either.

But many dogs do need their nails clipped, and following is a useful article on how best to do this for your dog.

Answers To Important Questions About Dog Nail Trimming

Trimming your dog’s nails is not usually considered sharing “quality time” with your beloved pet.

But when done often enough, with the proper technique, and rewards for your dog’s good behavior, it should be one of those regular grooming events that your dog will tolerate if not look forward to. If not done often enough, with proper technique, and reward- training, it can be frightening and even painful for your dog.

In this article are answers to many common dog nail clipping questions as well as tips on proper equipment and technique that will give you the advantage when you approach this simple home dog-grooming necessity.Is dog nail trimming painful to my dog?

Dog nail trimming is not painful if you use a sharp nail trimmer and don’t clip the nails too short. A dull trimmer can put a lot of pressure on your dog's toenail before it actually cuts through the nail. If this happens your dog may feel an uncomfortable pinching sensation. This is because the vein in the toenail is being squeezed. To avoid this always make sure that you're using a sharp pet nail trimmer.What tools do I need to trim my dog’s nails?

You will want to have a sharp clipper designed for dog nail trimming. Dogs come in all sizes so choose a nail trimmer that’s right for the size of your pet’s nails. The most common types of nail trimmers are the guillotine, pliers and scissor styles.

Guillotine style dog nail trimmers require that the dog’s nail be inserted through a hole in the top of the trimmer. As the handles are squeezed together the blade comes down and cuts through the nail. Many people find guillotine style clippers more difficult to use on large breed dogs. Thicker nails can be more difficult to insert into the guide hole in the clipper. These dog nail trimmers have a cutting blade that must be changed frequently to maintain a nice clean cut.

Pliers style dog nail trimmers work similar to pruning shears. The two notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are squeezed together. Some people like this style because they can see exactly where the blade will cut through the nail. If you have a large dog this type of trimmer works great on thick nails.

Just make sure to select a heavy-duty clipper designed to cut through the thick toenails of your large breed dog. Pliers style trimmers are available for small, medium and large dogs. These dog nail trimmers don’t have blades that need to be replaced but they do need to be sharpened when they become dull.

Scissor style dog nail trimmers work just like a pair of scissors. The two scissor-like notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are closed. These clippers are for light duty jobs only. These are not actually dog nail trimmers. They are best used for cats, birds and other small animals. Some people do use them on small dogs. They’re usually labeled as cat/bird claw clippers. The style you choose for your dog nail trimming needs is a matter of personal preference. If the clipper is the correct size it will get the job done. Just remember to keep your nail trimmer sharp so that it makes a fast clean cut. A dull clipper can pinch the nail, which will result in discomfort to your dog.In addition to good quality nail trimmers, it is also recommended to have a pet nail file.

You’ll find that it is much easier to file down any rough edges with a nail file that has been designed for the shape of your dog’s nails.

Next on the list is styptic powder. It’s always a good idea to have it on hand for those occasional mishaps. A nail clipped just a little too short tends to bleed a lot. Applying some styptic powder will help stop the bleeding.

Finally, keep plenty of dog treats on hand to reward good behavior. You can also use dog treats to distract your pet during dog nail trimming. Treats work great to draw a dog's attention away from a bleeding nail.Why do my dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly?

When a dog’s nails become too long they interfere with the dog’s gait and as the nails continue to grow, walking will become awkward and painful. Untrimmed nails can also split resulting in a great deal of pain, bleeding, and a trip to the veterinarian’s office. In severe cases a dog’s nails can curl under and grow into the pad of the dog’s paw causing a very serious and painful infection. These types of ingrown nail problems are most common on the dewclaws.

The dewclaws are the nails located on the inside of the paw. Many breeders have the dewclaws removed shortly after puppies are born, so not all dogs will have dewclaws. If your dog has them remember to include them in your dog nail trimming routine. These nails don’t touch the ground, so they don’t wear down as fast as the others as your dog walks on rough surfaces. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly will easily prevent these problems.

How do I know when my dog’s nails need to be trimmed?When your dog’s nails are beginning to curve is one indication that your dog’s nails need a trim. And if you hear a clicking or tapping sound as your dog walks across a bare floor it’s definitely time for a nail trimming. But it is best not to wait that long – once or twice a month is usually a good rule of thumb for dog nail trimming.

If you let your dog’s nails grow too long then it could take some time to get them back to a healthy length again. Regularly trimming the tips of your dog’s nails is the best approach. Some dogs walk and run on rough surfaces and are able to wear down their nails, but most dogs will need some help. You will get to know how fast your dog’s nails grow if you routinely inspect your pet’s nails.

Even if you don’t actually trim them each time, regular inspection will help assure that your dog’s feet stay healthy. So, make nail inspection and trimming an important part of your dog’s routine grooming.

When should I start trimming my dog’s nails?If you’re starting with a puppy the answer is as soon as you bring your new puppy home. If you have an adult or an older dog the answer is pretty much the same – right now. If you start early it probably will not take too long for your puppy to adjust to a nail trimming routine. Make a habit of handling your puppy’s feet everyday. Nail trimming will be much easier if your puppy doesn’t mind having his feet handled.

Adult dogs, just like people, are usually set in their ways. So if your adult dog initially resists getting his nails trimmed you will most likely need to spend a lot more time getting him used to the procedure. As with a puppy, it’s a good idea to start getting your dog used to having his feet handled before you attempt to clip your dog’s nails. Be very patient and don’t rush into the procedure.

Bring out the clipping tools ahead of time and let your dog become familiar with them. It is important that you remain calm. If you’re nervous, your dog will sense it and associate fear or uncertainty with dog nail trimming. If your dog is nervous use gentle reassurance, but don’t coddle your dog. Let your dog know that you expect him to behave, but don’t push it too far.

If your dog can only manage to tolerate getting one toenail trimmed that’s all right. Just be persistent and try for another nail at another time. And always remember to reward good behavior with your dog's favorite treat. How can I cut my dog’s nails when he doesn’t like his feet touched?

Have patience and start working on getting your dog used to having his feet handled. This must be done gradually, so don’t rush it. Try gently touching one foot while your dog is asleep. If your dog wakes up be very casual about it. Just remove your hand and act as if you didn’t even notice that you were touching his paw. Anytime your dog resists don’t react, just ignore the fact that you were even holding his paw and try again another time. Repeat this process and over time your dog will adjust to having his feet handled and you should even be able to start touching individual toes without an adverse reaction.

Whenever your dog allows you to touch his feet always remember to praise your dog and give him a dog treat. Your dog will begin to associate having his feet handled with a pleasant experience. Bring out the nail clippers when your dog is very comfortable with you handling his feet and you are confident that you have gained your dog’s trust.Will my dog ever adjust to getting her nails trimmed?

Many dogs may never like to get their nails trimmed, but if done regularly over time, dogs can learn to sit through this routine grooming procedure. Other dogs may never sit still. If you can’t get your dog to sit still you may need to recruit the help of another person to hold your dog while you trim her nails. While some dogs can be distracted by dog treats alone, others may also have to be held. You may want to try clipping your dog’s nails after a full day of exercise when your dog is looking to take a long nap. Tired dogs tend to be less resistant.

If you know that your dog tends to bite when stressed out, for safety sake you should muzzle your pet before you begin a dog nail trimming procedure. If the task of trimming your dog’s nails proves to be too much, find a professional dog groomer or veterinarian for this part of your dog’s routine grooming. If you can’t get your dog to cooperate it’s better that your dog doesn’t associate you with this negative experience. If you know that your dog tends to react in an aggressive manner, be sure to let your groomer know what to expect so that the necessary safety precautions can be taken before they begin a dog nail trimming session.What is the quick and what do I need to know about it?

The quick is the living part of a dog’s nail and has blood vessels running throughout. Cutting into the quick during dog nail trimming is painful for your dog and will result in bleeding. If your dog has light colored nails your job will be easier since you will be able to see the quick. It will be impossible to see the quick if your dog’s nails are black or dark in color. If your dog has at least one light colored nail you can usually use that nail as a guide for the others. If dog nail trimming is completely new to you, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to trim your dog’s nails or consult a good dog care book.

Another important fact to note is that the quick grows with the nail. As a dog’s nails grow longer the quick will also lengthen. So if your dog’s nails are over grown you will not be able to clip the nails to the desired length without cutting into the quick. You will need to trim the tips of your dog’s nails often and over time the quick will shorten. To avoid cutting into the quick you’ll want to start by trimming small pieces of the nail until you get the hang of it.

Help, I’ve cut my dog’s nail too short and now my dog is bleeding! What do I do now?

Don’t panic. Your dog is in a little pain but the prognosis is good – your dog will live! You’ve cut into the quick, the blood-filled tissue in your dog’s nail. To stop the bleeding take a pinch of styptic powder and press it against the bleeding toenail. Now give your dog lots of treats. The nail should stop bleeding in about 5-10 minutes.Try not to baby your dog too much. You don’t want to bring a lot of unnecessary attention to the injured nail. You’ll be surprised at how easily your dog will be distracted by the dog treats if you’re not making a big deal out of the bleeding toenail. So just stay calm and upbeat and you may be able to finish your dog nail-trimming task.

If your dog is calm and enjoying the treats it's best to continue trimming. If you didn’t finish with the paw that you were working on you may want to continue on another paw and come back to that one after you have finished the rest. If your dog is too excited you may need to try again at a later time. Don’t be discouraged, even professional dog groomers occasionally cut into the quick.

If my dog’s nails are over grown how can dog nail trimming get them back to a healthy length?You will need to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Start by clipping very small pieces of the nail tip until you can see a dark, round, kind of moist looking disk appear in the middle of the nail. This means you’re approaching the quick and the nail will bleed if you cut it any shorter.

Try trimming this far every week or two and the quick will gradually recede. Over time the length of the nail can be shortened. Cutting into the quick to shorten a dog’s over grown nails could lead to an infection. If your dog’s nails are extremely over grown and this condition is causing health issues consult your veterinarian immediately.

Trimming your dog’s nails is one of the regular home dog grooming tasks that helps to keep your dog healthy and active. As with most dog grooming tasks, rewarding your dog for positive behavior is an important part in your dog’s acceptance of the activity. It’s always best when your dog can associate the attention you lavish on him or her with a positive, happy memory. Learning the tricks to proper dog nail trimming, training your dog with positive feedback, and showing patience and love will make the time you spend together a reward in itself.

- by Teresa James, Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com

So there you have it - a complete guide to trimming your dog's nails.

Of course, if you're still apprehensive, you can always take your dog to the vet or to a dog groomer, who will cut your dog's nails in no time, with very little fuss!

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If you have dogs or other pets, you probably like to do something for them on the holidays when you are celebrating with your family. If you would like to get a holiday gift for your pet, you are in luck. There are some great holiday gift for pet ideas around, that are sure to be hit with your pet. Just remember that if you don’t keep the personality of your pet in mind when you buy, they could be less than thrilled and perhaps even indifferent to what you give them.

If you have to find a holiday gift for pet on short notice, you can never go wrong with treats and bones. Both cats and dogs love to have special treats, and they might value those things above anything else that you can get. You can even get Christmas stockings full of these things, and there may be some toys included as well. Though cats don’t play with toys as much as dogs, they are known to do so when they are presented with the right toy. Find something that looks good, and then get that for your pet.

If you have some more money to spend, and you would like to get something really special when you get your holiday gift for pet, you can get them a dog bed or cat bed of their very own. Dogs may need something very large, depending on breed, but quite often they just want something that is soft. It doesn't necessariy need to look like a bed. You can find some miniature beds that small dogs and cats can use, though you never know if they are going to take to it or not. Even if you consider it a really cute idea, unless the dog bed is actually comfortable, your dog may not agree.

One thing you do have to remember is that when you buy a holiday gift for pet, you can’t expect them to understand that they are getting a gift, or that it is even a day that is different from any other. What you can expect is that they will usually love something new that is meant for them, and some instinctively know when something is for them and for them only.

However, if they walk away from whatever it is with disinterest, don’t take it personally. As long as they have your love, that is all that they really need beyond the necessities. People often buy holiday gifts for their pets to make themselves feel good as much as their pets!

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Are annual vaccinations for your dog really necessary?

You probably receive an annual reminder from your vet that your dog is due for his/her annual checkup and vaccinations. I do.

But annual vaccinations are NOT a necessity. In fact, all current veterinary protocols indicate that annual vaccinations are not required, and can in fact be harmful.

I don't have my dogs vaccinated any more.

For years I believed that vaccinations were essential to my dogs' health. Why else would my vet tell me my dogs needed an annual booster vaccination shot year after year after year?

Why indeed.

I learned the answer to this conundrum when, after careful research, I decided not to expose my dogs to what I believe is unnecessary, and potentially dangerous, toxins, any more.

I received the letter from my vet as usual, advising that my dogs' annual checkup and vaccinations were due.

I made an appointment and arrived ready to do battle. I advised the vet that I had decided not to have my dogs vaccinated any more. She said "Fine."

That's right - after years of leading me to believe that these vaccinations were essential to my dogs' wellbeing, the vet agreed that they were not in fact necessary at all!

She went on to stress the importance of still bringing the dogs in for their annual physical checkup (which was exactly what I was doing, and certainly intended to continue to do).

What do you make of that?

I'm not naturally a cynical person, and I like to believe that there is no less ethical reason that vets continue to insist on annual vaccinations, but there are many who believe that a large proportion of vets continue to insist on something that's not only unnecessary but can actually harm your dog, just so they don't lose out on the (considerable) income they receive from the practise of vaccinating all pets every year.

But even giving vets the benefit of the doubt, there's still, at best, some deception going on here. We're all told that our dogs need annual vaccinations as a ploy to get us in so our dogs can be given a physical. Why not just tell us how important these annual checkups are instead of slowly but surely poisoning our dogs with these vaccines?

I don't have the answer to that, but I can tell you I was speechless when I heard my vet's response.

Some of the protocols I mentioned above do not recommend any vaccinations for dogs beyond 1 year of age! Some recommend vaccinations for adult dogs every 5 years or every 3 years, but these recommendations seem to be based on a "better safe than sorry" approach rather than any hard evidence that dogs need booster vaccinations past the age of 1 year.

So make sure you ask your vet next time a vaccination has been recommended for your dog - it this really necessary? And if you're not satisfied with the answer, consider getting a second opinion from another vet.

Side effects of this appalling over-vaccination which has been going on for years can be significant and severe. See Bailey's Story for an example of just what damage vaccinations can do.

You can clear your dog's system from all toxins by Removing Toxins Naturally - Click Here.

And if you're not quite ready to give annual vaccinations the flick, and/or if you're interested in homeopathic "vaccinations", there are some wonderful ones available:

Parvovirus homeopathic vaccination.

Distemper homeopathic vaccination.

Kennel Cough homeopathic vaccination.

The great thing is that these are natural pet vaccination alternatives. They can't harm your dog, and they can give you peace of mind!

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Law enforcement departments around the world are depending on police dogs more and more to aide in daily activities. In many ways, a police dog is just as effective, or even more, than a human officer. Why? Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and can detect things that a human cannot. Most people think that a police dog is used for finding drugs and bombs, but they have taken on additional roles as the years move forward. Dogs are used to detect accelerants in possible arson cases, track suspects, search and rescue and even crowd control.

Most police dogs are not trained to be aggressive. In fact, if a dog is too aggressive, it will either be rejected or possibly turned into a prison K9. In prisons, the dogs are expected to be aggressive with anyone other than its handlers. A public police dog is bred and trained for its personality and skills.

Purchasing, training and caring for a police dog can cost thousands of dollars per dog. When a police department decides to purchase a police dog, they are getting a dog who has already had excellent training and is ready to start working. Most often, the designated handlers will spend a few weeks with the dogs prior to bringing it on board for the department. A police dog will then live with the handler and his or her family. Once you take into account the cost of upkeep and ongoing training of a police dog, a dog may cost as much as $10,000. But the benefits of having a specially trained police dog on duty for a department makes the purchase more than worthwhile.

Not only are police dogs almost an essential in many daily functions, but it is an excellent way to get more involved with the community. Public demonstrations and activities gets the public interested not only in the police dog but also the department. It gives the officers and the citizens a chance to interact on a more comfortable basis. When citizens feel more comfortable with law enforcement, they are more likely to cooperate and bring forth information should it be necessary.

Police dogs not only chase criminals, they sniff out criminals who have gone into hiding in bushland and the like.  Many are trained to detect the smell of drugs much like the dogs you see in airports, and these police dogs are used in crowds and on the streets.  But police dogs are not only used for catching criminals.

For example, after 9/11, police dogs were taken to New York from all over the country. For days, those police dogs worked endlessly trying to locate anyone who might need rescued, as well as bodies of those who had not survived. Those dogs worked in the same hazardous conditions that volunteers were working in, but because of their size, they were able to get into some areas in which humans were not. Just as there were many heroes among humans during that emotional time, there were many police dogs that turned out to be heroes as well.

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