Stopping Agressive Dog Behavior

Do you have an aggressive dog? Do you have problems when your dog sees other dogs that they he is always barking and trying to get at the other dog? Well the problem may not just be your dog's problem but instead it may be more of a problem with the way your dog looks at interactions with other dogs.

Even when dogs have been trained and been around a lot of dogs your own dogs tendency will still to be to be an aggressive dog when your dog makes eye contact with other dogs. This is mostly a problem caused by the way in which most dog obedience courses are taught. Remember back when your dog was in a class with other dogs and you had to pull with the leash to keep your dog away from these other dogs. As you probably know, most dogs are naturally curios and when a pup gets together for the first time with a bunch of other dogs he would have been curious. The natural course of action as a new dog owner would have been to pull your dog hard away from the other dogs and now your dog will have learned that being around other dogs is bad and in the case of being close to other dogs it is easier to scare them away by being aggressive than it is to be docile and perhaps find a new friend.

As time has gone on you have probably pulled your dog away from other dogs at the dog park and now you have reinforced the idea that being around other dogs is bad. Well you certainly can teach an old dog new tricks and this trick is to let your dog be friendly again but still be respectful around other dogs.

The strongest emotion that you can instill at this point is to make eye contact with your dog. As you make eye contact your dog will get nervous but as you are making eye contact feed him some treats so that he knows that this is a good situation to be in. Next time you are at a dog park or another place where there are a lot of dogs around you can do the same thing. If the other dog is good then feed your dog treats as a reward for good interaction, if the interaction is bad then feed him no treats. These actions will change the way that your dog looks at other dogs and if here meets a friendly dog he will not be aggressive anymore but will still be wary around another aggressive dog.

Curing your dog from being aggressive is not really hard to do but these actions should definitely help your dog to be friendlier around dogs and this should translate to being better around people too.

Diabetic Dog Food - What is Good and What's Not

As you know, the diagnosis of diabetes means there are going to be some lifestyle changes, the major changes being diet and weight management. This is the same with people and with dogs. If a veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with diabetes, your vet probably has already started advising you on which foods and brands of diabetic dog foods that your pup can eat. Here are some further dos and don'ts, a general rule of thumb, to go by when diabetic dog food is not available per se.

GOOD FOR YOUR DOG


A natural diet of homemade and raw foods. This does not mean table scraps--a natural diet is planned and on purpose. This way you know exactly what your dog is eating. A natural diet doesn't have to be expensive or hard work and there are many Websites with recipes that make it easy.


Low fat meats. Choose high-quality meats with little fat like chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.


A few fresh vegetables and raw fruits. Fresh veggies and fruits in moderation (but never grapes or raisins) are high in nutrients and vitamins, and have natural sugars, which are not bad for diabetics like processed and refined sugars are.


Some grains. Certain grains like oats, brown rice and millet are beneficial for diabetic dogs. Used sparingly, these provide fiber which helps control insulin levels.


Brewer's yeast. This contains a substance known as 'glucose tolerance factor' which helps the body to use blood sugar more efficiently.


Vitamin E. This aids in reducing the requirement for insulin.

BAD FOR YOUR DOG


SUGAR. Do not feed your dog 'people food' or dog food that has sugar in it. Be sure to check that sugar or its other forms (sucrose, fructose, syrup, etc.) is not on the list of ingredients.


Baked goods. Eliminate this from your dog diet, including most dog biscuits.


Most fats. For instance, while turkey and chicken are OK, you should remove any skin and fat before giving it to your dog. Generally, you should not be giving your dog any foods that have been prepared in fats. A touch of fat is healthy and is already found naturally in meat. Other OK fats are quality fish oils.


An all meat diet. Over time, this type of diet is harmful because of mineral and other imbalances. Dogs need balance found in grains and vegetables as well.


Fatty meats. Meats with highly saturated fats like beef, ground beef, and pork should not be given.


Most dry dog foods. Most dry dog foods are mainly made up of simple carbohydrates--not what a diabetic dog needs. However, dry diabetic dog foods are generally safe, but you still want make sure it is high in protein and vegetables. You still want to be sure to supplement dry food with quality wet food.


Cornmeal. Some nutritionists also advise cornmeal, but sometimes dogs have allergic reactions to wheat and corn.

Just as with people, a dog with diabetes can have a high quality of life with a balanced lifestyle that includes a good diet, medication if necessary and regular exercise.

Teacup Chihuahuas Are Fun to Own

Teacup Chihuahuas are an incredibly small size dog however their physical fitness does not depend on their size at all. In fact, they are quite steady and healthier compared to other small breeds. Teacup Chihuahuas have a very sweet and charming personality, so despite being a good watchdog, they can make great friendships with strangers once they have been properly introduced. However, when the dog sees a stranger in your yard it will incessantly bark very loudly.

Some Teacup Chihuahuas are blessed with long coat, which is more or less similar to human hair. If you are allergic to dog or cat hair, it is quite likely you do not have to face an allergy problem with your Teacup Chihuahua. Regular grooming is compulsory in order to maintain the beautiful hair of the Teacup Chihuahua. It is always better to take the Teacup Chihuahuas to a professional groomer for a regular grooming session.

Exposure to soft daylight and fresh air can keep your Teacup Chihuahuas lively. All Teacup Chihuahuas need a walk in the sunshine and they also need to do regular exercise. However, if you take your Teacup Chihuahuas for a walk, you should pay close attention due to the friendly nature of these dogs. Most commonly, the Teacup Chihuahua loves to greet other dog while they are walking, which is potentially dangerous as there is always a chance for harm by a less friendly dog.

Due to their sweet and friendly nature Teacup Chihuahuas can make friends with other household animals such as other dogs or cats. Even in a strange environment, Teacup Chihuahuas show their friendliness to other bigger dogs without any apparent fear. However, you should be careful because not all dogs are as friendly as your Teacup Chihuahua. Teacup Chihuahuas become very friendly to pet cats, however you should take care in this case as well. The cats may use their claws while playing with your Teacup Chihuahuas, which may hurt the little dog, especially the eye areas.

While you consider buying a Teacup Chihuahua, you must be concerned about three essential needs. These are good nutrition, warmth and affection. Teacup Chihuahuas need to be fed three to four times a day until they become six months old. After that time twice daily will do. You must read the labels when buying the food for your dog so that you can be sure about your dog's nutrition because a balanced nutrition is crucially important. Otherwise, the dog may become overweight and become susceptible to developing crippling bone diseases.

In order to stay fit and healthy, the Teacup Chihuahua needs a warm and quiet place to sleep. Usually, you can see them playing energetically and then all of a sudden they fall asleep. The sleeping hours usually decrease as they age. Another important aspect is of course exercise. In order to retain good health and sound temperament, all Teacup Chihuahuas need regular exercise. Lack of exercise may impose improper behavioral patterns in Teacup Chihuahuas. Affection and a sense of being an integral part of a family makes them happiest. As they can be your best friend they also crave your companionship for life.

Dog Pile - Please Pick It Up

I really do not hope your are eating something, but did you know that you can get a fake dog pile in long or round bits for a joke. My younger son had initiated this research of mine, by asking why I pick up the dog's business, even though he had done it on the grass.

As a slight diversion, I found out that the meaning of pepper - our westie dog -is "An animal full of zip" Believe he has plenty of zip if you are trying to get him into the bath.

To get back to the topic in hand (sorry that was a bad turn of phase), please be responsible and try and clean up after your dog. There are a number of diseases and illnesses that can be caused by contact with dog poo. One is stomach upsets, but the most important is Toxocariasis.

Toxacra can infect young children, if they play in an area, which has been infected by dogs, and they then put their fingers in their mouths. The infection is very serious and can cause eyesight damage or even blindness. Although, the Toxacra infection is very rare, even one case is one too many.

So please help by worming your West highland white terrier (westie) on a regular basis and also disposing of dog poo quickly and safety.

One again, apologies if this subject hasn't spoiled your food. Please appreciate the serious issues involved.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

How to Buy Golden Retriever

Buying a golden retriever is a big investment. This canine breed is one of the most loved dogs in the whole world. They are beautiful, people friendly, loves kids, and they are very warm to be with. They love being with families and hates being left alone! They need lots of care and devotion. So, if you have decided to purchase golden retriever, the following tips will help you.

1. Advertisements - Most people advertise in print media or online announcing golden retriever puppies for sale. Contact them and visit first. Don't just book blindly. Some online sites are clearly fraudulent. In an excitement for purchasing a dog, you give away the credit card details that you might have to regret about later. Also, never judge by the pictures published online. Request for complete records and see the pup for yourself.

2. Breeding - Most dog breeders keep record of the puppy's family history spanning some generations. Seeing the lineage, characteristics, and behavior of the parent dogs, one can get a fair idea what type of temperament the pup will have. Remember to purchase retriever locally only. Locally bred puppies can adjust to your home atmosphere very easily than those bought from other states. Otherwise, there are changes of climate unsuitability and infections.

3. Nature - Usually good breeders offering retriever puppies for sale will allow you time to examine the nature of the puppy. Even though they are few weeks old, they should display qualities such as alertness of eyes and ears, temperament, and how friendly they are with people around.

4. Medical Checking - Most professional breeders offer with retriever for sale a complete medical record about its state of health. In fact, you can seek another round of checking from a vet for complete satisfaction.

Only after you are satisfied with the above factors, you should purchase golden retriever.

Are Westhighland Terriers the Right Dogs for You?

You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it is the right size for your yard, home, or lifestyle, but a little more in-depth knowledge is necessary to determine if westies have the personality for you.

Westie terriers are exuberant little dogs, but owners do report that they are usually content to lie at their side throughout the day. However, once they are let outside, westies will want to run and jump and play. Like any dog, they require outside playtime every day. Westies are not dogs that perform well when left alone all day.

Some people describe them as obstinate and naughty. This is a trait of many terrier breeds, but westies dogs usually have it to a lesser degree. They are very independent, but they are also intelligent and easy to train if they handled in a firm, consistent way. Westie terriers are considered easy to housetrain, because of their natural desire to remain clean.

Most are not described as cuddlers. They are not lap dogs. However, they are extremely companionable, and want to be with you no matter what you do. You can take westie dogs just about anywhere that dogs are allowed to go.

They will bark to announce that a stranger is approaching. They make good guard dogs. They can be trained not to bark, or to bark once and then stop. Although they announce strangers, they are also extremely friendly with everybody.

Your westie terriers will get along with your children if they respect the dogs' boundaries. One that has been poked and pulled to the point of irritation will nip or become aggressive. Some authorities on westies do not recommend the dogs for homes with children under six years of age.

West highland white terriers were bred to chase down small prey. If a cat runs away, it will chase it. Westie rescue organizations report that the terrier's inability to tolerate cats can be a problem. Other small pets, such as rodents and birds, are not safe to run loose in a home with a westie terrier. Your westie will usually accept other dogs, although males are less likely to accept another unaltered male of any breed.

All terriers are also bred to dig prey out of the ground. They enjoy digging and will do so if they are allowed to learn the behavior when they are puppies. Older dogs that have already learned the behavior can be trained out of it.

Westie terriers' physical needs are fairly simple. They do not shed much, but require regular brushing, and grooming every six to eight weeks. It is better to let the hard, stiff coat shed dirt and debris naturally, rather than frequent bathing.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Bringing a New Puppy Home Meet Your Dog

Buying a new puppy is an important decision, especially if you already own a dog. It may be a good idea to ask the previous owners or the pet store where you make your purchase how your
puppy interacted with other dogs around him. If he didn't get along or if your other dog has acted aggressively to other dogs, you might have to spend a lot of time with them until they get accustomed to each other.

When the day arrives to introduce your new puppy to your existing dog, you can give both dogs a head start and make them feel more comfortable by making introductions in an unfamiliar place.

Start by introducing your new puppy to your dog in a place other than your home, such as a friend's house or a park that you have never taken your dog to. This will help keep territorial issues out of the way and to keep your dog from feeling threatened. Dogs are territorial and feel that their home is their territory. When another animal crosses their territor, they may feel threatened or become aggressive.
To keep this from happening, let your dog meet his new companion at least twice before bringing him into the home.

Never expect dogs to hit it off right away when introducing your new pup to your dog. Just like people, it may take a little while for your dog to become friendly and trusting of the new puppy. On the other hand, if you have a well-natured dog, you may find him treating the new puppy like it was his own.

Always pay close attention when first introducing your new puppy to your dog. If it seems as though the two are not getting along, or there is growling back and forth, step in the middle and give out treats. Spend extra time with the older dog to show it that the puppy isn't stealing your attention. You don't need jealousy adding to the tension. Continue to intercept between the two until they begin to get along.
This won't take long, as between the two they will decide who's the leader and soon will become friends.

Dogs, just like children need a lot of tender, loving care. When introducing your new puppy to your dog, remember that you are lucky to have both of these additions to your family. Treat them with love and you'll get much more in return.

West Highland White Terriers - A Wonderful Breed Apart

West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs, with dots for coal black eyes and button noses.

Why are West Highland White Terrier puppies sought after by many dog lovers? Because these friendly creatures are well-behaved, loyal and affectionate dogs, who may be pocket sized (average a 10-11 inches tall), but are highly intelligent animals.

You won't have a hard time training these dogs, whether solely as house pets, or for show. Their keen intelligence makes it seem like play. However, they learn better and best to training sessions that are done on a schedule.

Brush their white coats two to three times a week, to keep it shiny and clean. If you do intend to enter them for competition, make sure your pet is regularly trimmed, plucked and stripped of his or her coat.

A West Highland white terrier lives an average of 15+ years, and usually has a litter of two to five puppies.

What is the history behind the West Highland White Terrier breed? This breed originated in Scotland developed in the high mountains of West Scotland, to hunt vermin. They claim a common ancestry to the Scotch Terrier.

References to the existence of the West Highland White Terrier can be seen as early as the 18th century, like one painting done by Sir Edwin Landseer. The piece entitled "The Breakfast Party" clearly features the West Highland Terriers.

Another name of the West Highland White Terrier, is as the Poltalloch terrier. The name refers to the home of Col. E.D. Malkolm, the first breeder of these breed. In 1907, the breed then registered as the Roseneath terrier, little Skye and Cairn. Then in 1909, AKC officially changed the breed's name to what it is known as today, West Highland White Terrier breed.

In the past West Highland White Terriers, were considered to belong to the one breed, with Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Cairn and Scottish Terriers. However, although they share common ancestors, selective breeding resulted in the differences between their coat type and colors.

A surprising fact about this breed is, given that the West Highland White Terrier was originally bred to traipse the steep and rugged mountain sides, Westies are well adjusted to today's living conditions. As long as they are walked several times a day, they are good apartment dwellers.

It's not that hard to see then that the West Highland White Terrier definitely qualifies as one of man's best friends.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Durable Dog Toys

Durable Dog Toys can be hard to find. I realize this every time I walk down the hall and find that one of our lovable canine critters has demolished another toy. This is especially noticeable if it was a stuffed toy. It is even more noticeable if the toy belonged to somebody other than the dogs, say...oh - my granddaughter. Hmmm.

We currently have two testers in our household. We have a large sweetheart of a lab/german shepherd mix and a tenacious, sometimes sneaky Chihuahua. They are wonderful pets and willing participants in our experiments. They are perfectly capable of examining the durability of any and all dog toys on the market.

The toy of all dog toys is still the ball - basic, standard balls for dogs. Tennis balls, rubber balls, rawhide balls, balls on strings, any kind of ball you can think of will be popular with just about any mutt. When you throw it, the ball bounces. This puts a bit of excitement into the game. Uncertainty heightens the expectation.

Bouncing balls are virtually always fetched with joy. Whether they are actually returned to the thrower is another matter. Training is involved. That's another article. What we speak of here are those marvelous round toys that have a chance of holding up past the first spirited game of catch. Check out all kinds, not just the round ones. Footballs, swimming pool balls, balls catapulted with mechanical devices - all are fair game and our dogs slobber happily on all kinds.

The Kong Dog Biscuit Ball is a twist on the standard Kong toy. We like this toy because it is much easier to stuff. You just cram dog biscuits into the openings. It is not all that hard for the dogs to get the biscuits out, but it takes a little time. There is the added benefit of increasing the chew time on the biscuits - they have to chew instead of just swallowing them whole. The ball itself is sturdy and holds up well. The Kong Dog Biscuit Ball is one durable dog toy.

The most interesting of the rope toys that we've investigated is a combo ball/rope toy. Of course, it is brightly colored to make it easy for the owners to find in tall grass. The "arms" that extend from the ball make it fly irregularly when thrown. It has enough weight to carry well without going too far. And it's easy for our big dog to grab in the air and the little one to drag around by a rope. This one's a hit.

There are tons of different dental bones. They last for ages, though their appearance certainly deteriorates significantly before they disappear completely. These are toys that, according to one of the merchant websites, "promote good canine dental hygiene, enhance overall mental fitness, and encourage positive behavior." We pretty much agree with that. Our dogs love the flavor of these bones. Just make sure you have enough for everybody - theft is an ugly outgrowth of good taste.

More important than the toys you choose for your dogs is the relationship that you develop, often through play. As you roughhouse, toss the ball, play tug of war, and hug your dogs, you build a trust that makes him eager to please and confident of your affection. When it comes to durable dog toys, you are the best of them all.

Human Grade Dog Food - A Basic Dog Food Buying Guide For Dog Owners

For concerned pet owners who really want to give their dog completely human grade dog food the option of self-cooking is the best one by far. Yes, cook it yourself and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing the origin of the natural dog food, balancing the necessary nutritional counts for your pet's individual health conditions, hygienic preparation as well as budget friendly choices for a wholesome meal!

For others, such as those dog owners leading a hectic life or those with limited cooking time and culinary skills, there's the convenient choice of human grade dog food, which is an easy to serve, measured and balanced healthy canine food alternative to homemade pet food.

However, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind before buying pet food. As a quick and handy reference, the checklist that follows may be taken as a basic canine food buyer's guide, so take a look below:

Factors To Keep In Mind When Buying Human Grade Dog Food

1. Many commercial canine foods contain meat and bones as a form of protein and calcium. Where they get the meat from is a matter of concern for most commercial dog food buyers as caring pet owners realize the importance of feeding their animal a quality of meat that they as humans would gladly eat themselves.

2. Even though some of the best-advertised and well-known canine food brands are scientifically researched and keep to international standards, there is considerable doubt about the quality of the ingredients.

3. For one, it is not advisable to feed the dog processed or cooked bones, as this could lead to splinters getting lodged in the dog's throat or intestines.

4. Vets advise against feeding the dog cooked bones at home while they agree that giving the dog a raw bone would help the animal develop healthy teeth and derive the required quantity of calcium from it.

5. Another thing to watch out for in commercial canine food is yellow corn. Some dog foods contain ground corn or cornmeal this is very difficult for the dog to digest. Besides ground corn swells in the stomach making the dog feel full while delivering little nutrition to the animal.

6. Watch out for the fat content in the dog food. Some commercial dog foods will display 'animal fat' as the source of fat for the dog. This almost always means that the fat in the pet food comes from restaurant grease and rendered fats, which are very low quality fats and thus, unsuitable for human consumption.

7. Some human grade dog foods contain specified fat sources such as beef tallow. This is a low-grade animal fat but at least they tell us where the fat comes from. Thus, many pet owners find that knowing this comes as close to a human grade dog food that is easily available on a commercial platform opt for buying his type of canine food.

Overweight Dog - Tips For Dogs in Condos

An overweight dog faces many of the same problems as an overweight human. Chubby canines have a higher risk of developing diabetes, joint problems, infections, certain cancers and a list of other ailments associated with being an overweight dog.

Obviously the best way to deal with this is to not let your furry friend get fat in the first place but if you're reading this then he probably is already a tubbo. This is becoming and increasingly bigger problem because of the number of urban dogs that spend their day inside a townhome or condo where exercise is limited to barking at cars through the window.

But let's start at the beginning. Just how fat is your dog? The first thing you want to do is establish if there is a waist or not. There should be a visible indentation behind the rib cage and before the hips. Secondly check the rib cage itself. If you can't easily feel the ribs, if all you feel is a roll of fat, then your dog is overweight.

If you really want to get serious about this, take a trip to the vet and insure that the condition is not being caused by some physical malady. Ask the vet for ideas as to how much weight the dog needs to lose and how fast he or she should lose it. That can be the tricky part for as a general rule, dogs don't tolerate rapid weight loss very well.

Now that you have a goal, it's time to put a plan together. In order to lose weight in a healthy manner, the pooch is going to need the proper diet and exercise. This can be a problem for urban dogs. Ideally you would feed the dog at set times and then put the bowl up so bowser can't free feed all day long. Dogs, like people, eat when they get bored.

It means that the dog bowl has to be put up before you leave for work and that's may be an adjustment problem for the pooch at first. Obviously dinner is served when you get home, and if you tend to work late or do chores straight from work, that means the dog goes without food for 10 to 12 hours. It won't kill him but it will probably make you feel guilty and you'll want to give him treats.

There's nothing wrong with that so long as you give healthy treats. Carrots and broccoli may not be your favorite but most dogs love them. They are chock full of good vitamins and antioxidants and almost no calories. Give it a shot. These veggies will also save you some bucks compared to commercial dog treats.

And that brings up another area you might want to explore. Making your own dog food not only saves you a ton of money but gives you complete control over just what the dog is eating. Forget the contaminated dog food recalls that come around about once a year, the regular dog food isn't really all that great either. It's not until you get into the premium foods that you are providing your dog with the proper mix of nutrients.

Exercise is the second part of the weight loss program and again it's important not to do more than your dog can. They can't sweat like people so they don't have nearly the capability to cool down and they are easily overheated. Don't put you fat dog on a leash and take him jogging or cycling with you. A brisk walk should do the trick.

Your dog loves you and relies on you to take care of him. Do the right thing for your overweight dog and take the time to slim him down to a healthy size.

Fit and Fab Furry Friends

Dog shops are springing up everywhere - fashion boutiques, salons, gyms, and even photography studios. This is because dog owners are treating their pets more and more like real people and like their own children. Nowadays, it's not just enough to provide the basics for these canine companions. Many women and sometimes even men are becoming caught up in the latest fad of supplying their beloved darlings the lifestyle of a fashion model - getting regularly groomed with the toenails done too, exercising at the dog gym, getting dressed up in stylish outfits with matching accessories, and having a photo shoot as well.

One would be surprised at the immense variety of trendy clothes, shoes, and hair accessories available for these doggies. They can be adorned in sports attire, sleepwear, casual look, and formal get-up. There are even themed clothes such as superhero costumes, garden party gear, and summer garments! On top of these, dog nail polish, dog perfume, and the like have come out too to accentuate the booming dog fashion craze.

At present, there are also those who would like to make sure that their dogs are fit and healthy. Of course these furry animals are not just brought to their vets once in a while and given vitamins, they are also given lots of opportunities to exercise. Walking the dog is simply old-fashioned now. Dog gyms have been established to provide the fitness needs of dogs, as well as give them proper training. There are sessions offered that target needs such as weight loss, strengthening and toning of muscles, flexibility, and overall conditioning of the body.

It seems more and more goods and services once only for humans are coming out for dogs too! These canine creatures are certainly lucky.