Choosing a Name for Puppy

What will you call your new companion?  He may be brown with long ears, short, with a coat like a snowball, or tall and muscular.  Choosing a name is a big decision.  It will belong to your puppy for the rest of his life.

As humans, we select names for our children based on heritage and meaning.  You can do this with your puppy, but it is not necessary.  Puppy doesn’t care that “Lily” is a beautiful flower or that “Jack” has English origins.  He just wants to know what you want him to respond to when you call.

One rule of thumb for puppy naming is to keep it simple.  It may be cute and unusual to name a dog “Crouching Tiger”, but it isn’t practical.  If names are too long, puppy won’t remember it and others might not either.  One simple rule to make choosing a name for your puppy easier is to keep it to three or less syllables.

Also, think about what your puppy’s name may sound like to him or her.  If it sounds like a command, he may take off running or jump at the mailman instead of sitting down.  Puppy names that are similar to the commands you give can be confusing to your pup.  If you use these commands:  sit, run, stop, quiet, stay, heel, roll over, and fetch, don’t use puppy names like Fletch, Kit, Sun, Bill, and Cole.

Pets are not people but they do deserve respect as another member of the family.  You are supposed to be welcoming them into your home and your life.  Names like Butt, Loser, Dummy, and Nitwit are demeaning.  They encourage teasing from others who come in contact with your puppy.  Most animals don’t like to be teased, especially dogs.  They can respond by biting or pouncing on the unfortunate teaser.  Not to mention, would you want someone calling you a demeaning name?  Your puppy won’t like it either.

Dog experts recommend short names that end in vowel sounds.  Most commands don’t end in vowel sounds, so puppy won’t get confused when he’s called.  If you own a Dachshund, you can name him “Hero” like a hero sandwich.  These dogs always remind me of a sausage without the bun.  The name is short, easy to remember, and not disrespectful to puppy.

Below is a list of the more popular names for dogs.  Choose a name from this list or come up with your own.

• Max
• Lady
• Lucy
• Princess
• Rusty
• Rocky
• Buster
• Shelby
• Jake
• Ginger
• Sandy
• Sophie
• Sparky
• Buddy
• Missy

Take your time when naming puppy.  Consider his behavior and personality, but above all, treat him with dignity when it comes to naming him.  He’ll thank you for taking the time to consider a good name for many years to come.

Originally posted 2008-12-08 21:09:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The History of Dogs

Canine history is a history of the friendship between us and our pet dog (Canis lupus familiaris). That friendship stems from us needing help with our herding, hunting and safety.

In times of famine it would also have been beneficial for the dogs diet and possible survival.

Early man also used him to supplement his own diet and even may have raised him for ‘camp meat’. Sometimes as a matter of necessity and other times as a delicacy. In some current societies it is still a practice.

It is also fair to conjecture man brought his new subject into the cave as a source of warmth on cold nights and this may very well have led to ‘companionship’ being added to the list of ‘pluses’ garnered from the relationship.

Scientists have argued for many years about the evolution and history of the domestic dog. Most now agree that our four legged pet is a direct descendant of the Grey Wolf.
DNA research conducted by Dr. Robert K. Wayne, canid biologist and molecular geneticist of UCLA indicates that dogs are closer to the Grey Wolf (Canis Lupus) than previously suspected.

In fact, due in large part to Dr. Robert K. Wayne’s genetic research, the authors of the “Mammal Species of the World”
the internationally accepted reference source on mammal species, reclassified the dog in 1993 from Canis Familiaris to Canis Lupus No one knows for sure when this all started.

Canine history has been studied using mitochondrial DNA.
This research tells us that wolves and dogs went different directions about 100,000 years ago. It is not clear if man had a hand in this or not.

What research also tells us is that our total canine population of today is descended from three females in the China area some 15,000 years ago.

Existing science does not give us the luxury today of determining which leg of the research is correct or if they will someday merge. Archeological History does not go back that far.

Research at this point does not tell us what happened to Canis Lupus Familiaris between the parting from the wolves 100,000 years ago and the parentage established from the three bitches 85,000 years later.

There’s a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel which has joint human and dog burials dated to 14,000 years ago. China registers the earliest domestication between 7000-5800 BC.

Danger Cave in Utah exhibits the oldest cases of dog burial in the United States at about 11,000 years. When science brings us more on the subject we will bring it to you.

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Originally posted 2009-02-16 19:00:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Breed for You

So, you’ve decided that you want a pet.  That pet will be a dog – a puppy to be more exact.  Now it’s time for the bigger decision that needs to be made.  What breed of dog will your puppy be?

The “breed” decision comes with many considerations.  First of all, a potential dog owner needs to think about their own personality as well as the personality of their new best friend.  Puppies and their owners should be compatible.

If you are an active, outgoing person, you’ll want a puppy who is the same way.  Choosing a breed of dog that is, for lack of a better word, lazy or likes to stay in the house would be an incompatible decision.  A few good choices for an active person are breeds like Retrievers or Collies.  These breeds of dog are loyal, like to run, and are friendly around other people.

If your looking for a family friendly puppy, you may not want to start out with a large breed puppy if you have small children.  Large dogs can accidentally injure children and the elderly during play.  If the dog is territorial, like an Akita or a German Shepherd, they may make good guard dogs for your family, but will more than likely not be the best play companions for younger children.

Small breed puppies are more compatible with children and small living spaces.  They remain indoor dogs for the most part and as long as they get lots of love, attention and exercise, these smaller puppies do well.  Choose a breed like Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Beagle, or Pekingese.  They love the attention they get from people and are overall friendly companions.

Many people want a puppy companion, but don’t have the time or don’t want a puppy that will shed a lot.  If you or someone in your house has allergies to pet dander a long haired dog is probably out of the question as well.  The puppy for you will have short or smooth body hair that only sheds on occasion which will leave your home cleaner.  If you want a long-haired breed of puppy, be prepared for vacuuming often, maybe even every day in order to keep the hair under control.  Breeds like Weimaraner, Greyhound, Great Dane, Pug, and Dachshund have coats that are sleek and resist constant shedding and are probably the best choice for someone who wants a short haired breed of dog.

You’ll also want to determine the sex of your new puppy.  While in most breeds, the male is more aggressive, this is not true of all breeds.  Males are thought to be more protective of the home and females as well as children, but both genders can have these characteristics.  The gender of your puppy is a choice that is up to you. 

To get an idea of what breeds of puppy other owners have chosen, here is a list that may come in handy.  Some of the most popular breeds on this list may be one or two that you have considered already, yourself.   

Ten of the most popular dog breeds:

• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Beagle
• Akita Inu
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Brittany Spaniel
• Boxer
• Boston Terrier

The puppy breed you choose is something you should think about awhile before jumping on the cutest breed or the biggest.  Don’t make a hasty decision when it comes to choosing your new best friend.  An incompatible pup could spell disaster for you and the puppy, so choose carefully.

Originally posted 2008-12-08 21:02:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

How to Train a Dog to Fetch

Having a dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are many fun activities you can do with your dog to grow upon the enjoyment that you both have. One of the most popular games to play with a dog is fetch. This simple game of retrieving a ball or some other item can lead to hours of fun. There is one catch to this simple game, you have to train your dog to be able to fetch. Do not worry; this is not as hard as it may seem at first glance. With a little persistence and work on your part, your dog will be playing fetch before you know it.

The Ground Work

Your dog will naturally be drawn to running after a ball that is thrown. This is a natural instinct that you have probably seen many times in your dog. This is one of the most elemental things that your dog needs to be able to do to play fetch. If you have never seen your dog do this, grab a ball and throw it to see if he runs after it. Most dogs will run after the ball, grab it, and then start towards you. The reason that this is not fetching a ball is that they usually stop and start playing with the ball. Once your comfortable with this, you can move onto the training aspect of getting your dog to fetch.

Training

You will need to have two balls to make this training work. It is important that your dog is interested in these balls. There are dogs that will chase any ball that you throw. There are other dogs that are picky in what they chase. Know which group that your dog falls into.

Throw one of the balls and let your dog chase after it. Keep the other ball that you have hidden. It is important that your dog is focused on the ball that you have throw.

As your dog runs toward you, choose a point near you to tell your dog to drop the ball. You will want to give this command in a stern but friendly voice. Make sure that the point that you choose to do this with your dog is close enough to be your dog giving you the ball. Odds are that your dog will not do this on the first try.

If your dog does not drop the ball, take out the second ball. Ignore your dog and start playing with it. Act like the ball that you have is the most interesting thing that you have ever played with. This will cause your dog to drop the ball that he brought to you and want the one that you have.

Throw the second ball so that your dog has to run and get it. Place the first ball into your pocket so that your dog does not see it. Repeat the command to drop when your dog comes to you with the second ball. If your dog does not drop, repeat this process over and over again until your dog brings you and drops the ball on your command.

It will take some time for your dog to get comfortable with playing fetch with you. It may even take a few training sessions. In the end, your dog will enjoy playing fetch with you and be happy that you spent so much time with him.

Originally posted 2009-02-01 17:15:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Holistic Health is for Pets Too

The concept of holistic health should hold true for a pet as well as humans. Holistic health revolves around the fact that the body should be viewed as a whole structure and not regarded just as a collection of individual parts. This concept holds true for pets as well as humans. All systems within an organism are connected with one another in some way, and any imbalance may disrupt other body systems before any physical signs your pet may display and therefore be seen.

Viewing the body as an inseparable structure and treating the whole (vs. splitting the body into its individual parts) allows that body, which is fundamentally sound, to return itself to a normal, healthy state.

Holistic pet food, whether or not it states so on the label, selects ingredients (ingredients are “human grade” meats, fruits, vegetables and no unnecessary grains; which essentially means no corn, wheat or soy) that can be used in conjunction with each other.  Together these ingredients produce foods and supplements that promote a healthful whole body whose systems work in harmony and are enhanced to their maximum potential. The result is nutrition necessary for an enhanced state of well-being for your pets.

contibuted by John Mikesell, owner of Love of Dogs Bakery in Carmel, IN.

Originally posted 2008-12-07 05:55:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

How Dog Pets Cure Senior’s Ailments!

Dog pets have for countless eons been heralded: “man’s best friend!” They’re always at the front door to greet their favorite working man or woman when they return from a tedious day’s labor.

They patiently endure hours of solitude in an empty house ever listening for the sounds of their special person’s return. And lo and behold, when that individual arrives, they lavish him, or her, with a welcome rivaling the adoration bestowed upon imperial rulers of ancient Rome.

When the world throws trash, or misery of any kind at us, they stand beside us, ready to faithfully confront whatever the forthcoming peril may be.

We award them with special, personal names. We lovingly call them Prince, Sheba, Fido or any number of appellations. We create complete personalities and natural attitudes around the names we give them.

It usually doesn’t matter what the dog breeds are. We don’t care if they are a small dog that we can carry in a purse, coat pocket or in our arms.

They might even be a large dog that requires education with dog etiquette, and how to conduct itself on a leash.

Medical researchers tell us that the reality they’re dogs actually blurs in our minds.

As time passes, and we interact with them everyday, we attribute to them personalities befitting humans. They become virtual people in our thinking. Mentally we begin to view them as human companions and not animals.

Before you throw up your hands and scream whoa…listen to this little known fact. Science tells us this can be a very therapeutic arrangement. Seniors particularly can benefit immensely in an ongoing partnership with a dog pet.

Let’s think about it for a moment and try to figure out why we put up with a dog pet in the first place.

They plaster hair over all the furniture, and particularly on your favorite dark suit or dress that you wear only on special occasions.

It seems they always want to go outside at extremely inappropriate times. For example, at ten o’clock on a rainy Friday night, Prince scratches at the door to announce he wants, and needs, to go outside.

Why would you want to share your life with a dog pet and put up with its diverse, and sometimes irritating habits?

The answer is simple…we need them in our personal worlds to make our lives more bearable.

Are you a senior parent whose house is now empty of young voices and juvenile excitement? Have your kids moved on to their own universes and no longer intrude on yours as much as you would like them to?

Do you crawl out of bed each morning and wonder how you will fill the hours until the end of the new day? Do you welcome the air conditioning unit turning on and off because it breaks the endless silence of an empty house?

Scientists have reasearched the subject. They have documented the very real symbiotic partnership that develops between humans and their dog pets.

Let’s take them one by one!

1.Research has proved that pet and owner share a mutual need for each other and both profit from the arrangement.

2.A person’s mental and physical health demonstrate a marked improvement once a dog pet comes to live in the household.

3.Seniors’ loneliness dissolves and they exhibit increasing vigor and contentment in a developing owner dog pet relationship.

4.Research reveals that people feel needed by the pet and are forced to develop a schedule for providing for the animal’s welfare.

5.The ownership reliance requirement on the human increased the pet owner’s need to become more enthused and aware of their own personal welfare.

In the final analysis of the report, researchers noted the conclusion that the human owners felt more needed and valuable as individuals because of the dependency of the dog pet.

The report brought out that the senior owners particularly developed an enthusiastic desire to face each day. The dog pet had a fixed schedule for its needs and the owner found it a necessary routine to be followed each day.

If you’re a dog pet owner, sometimes you may feel that they’re just too much trouble, and take up too much of your time.

When that happens, just give Butch an extra doggy treat for supper, and an added ear scratch.

Why? Because it’s very good for your mental and physical health. And if you’re a senior, it just may go a long way in curing your ailments!

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Raymond Angus is a widely published author of articles and books. He writes about how seniors and “baby boomers” prosper in today’s world. To read more by him visit :> http://www.theseniorslife.com

Originally posted 2008-12-03 21:22:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Dog Toys: Do’s & Don’ts

The best dog toy is that which is not harmful to the dog, but affords him hours of fun.  Let’s look at some do’s and don’ts when purchasing a dog toy.

Depending on the breed, some dogs prefer a particular toy over others.  In fact, while it may not be a toy at all, some dogs may become attached to an inanimate object much like a child will hang on to a security blanket.

Generally, however, dogs love toys that squeak.  Doesn’t matter what shape or color it is, as long as it squeaks, it becomes a favorite. 

* Do buy a toy that squeaks and is made of durable rubber.
* Don’t, however, purchase a squeaky toy that can easily be torn.  A dog can easily choke on the squeaker.

Taking your dog to the park is an important part of their exercise regimen.  As such, bringing along the Frisbee or tennis ball will give your dog hours of pleasure.

* Do buy a Frisbee and tennis balls.
* Don’t buy any that are made of hard plastic.

Dogs love to chew on just about anything, especially puppies.  While plastic bones are widely available, dogs prefer bones they can readily chew such as rawhide.

* Do buy dog bones made of vegetable material.
* Don’t give your done a bone made of rawhide as they tend to eat it causing digestive problems.

Dogs particular love toys that have a secret compartment wherein you can place food.

* Do buy a rubber toy called the Kong, a heavy duty toy with a hole in the center.
* Don’t buy cheap toys that are made of plastic or that can be easily chewed.  Dogs can break them and choke on or cut their gums on the pieces.

The truth is, you can easily make a toy out of an old sock.  Make some large knots in it and your dog will be perfectly happy.  But when choosing a dog toy, it is important to read the label to ensure it is perfectly safe, does not contain any lead, and is durable.

The best method would be to purchase a variety of toys and let your dog choose the ones which he prefers.  Whether the toys are stuffed, squeakers, or have hidden compartments; your dog will be the best judge as to what is more to his liking. 

Once you have found the right one – stock up on it.  If you are a pet owner, you know from experience that once a dog is given a toy that squeaks, for example, it will take about five minutes before that toy loses its squeaking capability.  Choose one that is durable and will last longer.

Originally posted 2009-02-01 13:58:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Tips for Traveling with Pets

Nothing is quite as fun as packing up and going on a trip. A change of scenery is something that is important to recharge your battery from time to time. This is true for your pets as well. Pets love to travel and expose new places just like you do.  So consider taking your pet with you. There are a few things that you need to do to make the trip with your pets as comfortable for them as they do with you.

 

Tip One

 

Make sure that you take items that your pet is fond of with you on the trip. There are times when being ripped away from everything that a pet knows can be traumatic for them. If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket that they like to have with them, pack it up and take it along with you on the trip. You can also bring their food and water dishes from home to use when you arrive at your destination.

 

Tip Two

 

Keep small plastic baggies of food and treats with you as you travel with your pet. The main supply of their food for vacation can be kept in the main luggage. Even if you do not think that your pet will need to eat while traveling because it will be a short amount of time before you reach your destination, you still need to have some food on hand in case something happens and your are detained longer on the road then planned. Keep these baggies of food in a couple of different bags that are being carried on the trip. This will help you from misplacing the pet food when you really need it.

 

Tip Three

 

Keep a clean water supply with you as you travel with your pet. You can keep a couple of bottles of water with you just for this. There are pop up bowls that you can use as a drink container for your pet when you are on the road.

 

Tip Four

 

One of the most important things to do when you are traveling with a pet is to make sure they have identification on them. The identification should clearly state their name, your name, and address. This will be a lifesaver if you should become separated from your pet.

 

Traveling with a pet can be a fun and rewarding experience. Once you have taken one trip with your pet, you are going to want to take him on every trip that you want to go on. Your pet will love exploring all of the new places that these many trips will take him. By following the tips above you can make sure that your trip with your pet can be fun and free of any aggravations that may arise.

Originally posted 2009-02-01 17:05:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Tips to Make Dog Nail Trimming Easier

The one thing dogs are most afraid of and bothered by is nail trimming.  It can be a daunting task for any dog owner.  Here are some tips to make dog nail trimming easier for you and the dog.

A dog’s nails should be trimmed at least once a month.  Before trimming a dog’s nails, it is necessary to have the proper implement.  Check your local pet supply store for more information.

To clip the nails, it is important to just cut the very tip of the nail and not go too far down the nail.  This can cause bleeding and possible infection.

How do you get a dog to sit still for this procedure?  Good question, but there are no easy answers.  First you have to be able to get near the dog’s nails.  The last thing you want to do is just take the nail and cut it.  You have to start slow.  Note, however, that it’s easier with puppies than older dogs since puppies seem to adapt better.

Most experts agree that first you have to get the dog used to your touching his paws.  You may want to try the old standard, “Give me your paw.”  At first you can shake it like a hand shaking another.  Do this for some time until the dog gets used to this command and follow it with a treat.

Once you feel the dog has gained your trust, take out the clippers.  Let your dog sniff them and look at them for some time.  Practice this until the dog doesn’t show any aversion to the clippers.

Finally, the day has arrived.  Begin by asking him to give you his paw, take out the clippers and cut one nail.  Give him a treat and lots of praise.  Check his reaction.  If he reacts badly to it; put the clipper away and try again at another time. 

Okay, it’s been a few days since the first nail was clipped.  Now try again.  This time you may find that the dog is little more receptive.  Remember, he remembers the treat you gave him the first time around, so he may not give you a bad time. 

Begin clipping each nail.  Give him a half a dog treat, just like they do at the Westminster Dog shows.  If you think you can go further, do it.  Don’t hesitate or show that you are a bit nervous.  Before you know it, you will have accomplished the impossible.

Reward yourself with a treat; you deserve it.  Keep in mind; you are not hurting the dog in any way.  In fact you are helping to prevent any pain and problems which can hamper the dog from walking properly.

For those who simply can’t stand the thought of trimming their dog’s nails, you have two choices: you can have the vet do it or you can have the dog groomed.  Either way, they are done by professionals who will not harm the dog in any way.

Think of it this way, have you ever tried to type on a keyboard when your nails were too long?  Difficult, isn’t it?  Well, imagine a dog’s nail getting so long they curl up.  Before that happens, start clipping a dogs nails from the outset and all will be well.

Originally posted 2009-02-01 15:23:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Choosing the Right Crate for Your Dog

By nature, dogs are pack animals that live in dens. They take comfort in having their own secure area. You may have already observed your puppy finding a secure spot under a chair or bed. Offering your dog its own crate meets its instinctive needs and allows you some control in your housebreaking efforts.

Crate Selection

The first thing to do is decide on a crate.  The crate or carrier should be big enough for your puppy to turn around and lay down.  Giving your dog too much space allows it the option of soiling half its crate and still having an unsoiled area to lay down and rest.

Crates are made of a variety of materials. Those made of molded plastic are easy to clean, are draft-free, and have limited visibility. I have always used a wire crate. Wire crates provide a better view if car travel is frequent, but the crate may need to be covered to make it more den-like.

To get you started on your selection, we’ve provided information on current selections on e-bay.

Dog Crates

Crate Cleaning

If the crate is too large for the puppy, use a divider to make the area only large enough that he can stand up and turn around. Some crates even come with a divider so the crate can grow with the puppy. As puppy grows, you can move the divider to one side as you need to.

Our crate had a bottom tray that pulled out and could be cleaned and slid back in with little fuss.

 

Originally posted 2009-02-01 21:34:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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