Saturday, September 10th, 2011 at
7:23 am
The golden retriever is one of the breeds described as kind, friendly and confident but despite that, there are still several things they must know and that can be achieved through golden retriever training. While some people forego training considering this breed’s amazing personality, it’s of utmost importance to conduct it so that the four-legged ones to become reliably well-behaved pets.
Since pets are expected to act well in all places at all times, one of the things they should develop at the earliest possible time is their relationship towards other dogs and other pets in general. As a puppy, they must interact with the mother and other puppies from the litter. It is during this time that they learn how to communicate with one another using body language such as barking, snapping, howling and many others. This also explains why puppies under eight weeks of age don’t need to be taken from the litter for when it happens, they won’t be able to develop their social relationship thus can potentially lead to behavior problems when brought to their new owners.
When they are already exposed to their litter mates and other typical scenario, it won’t be too challenging for them to adapt to the new environment you brought them into. However, being pack animals, it’s very important to show your dog who the pack leader is especially if you have other dogs in the house. Hence it helps to introduce them to each other appropriately to prevent territorial issues and other related issues.
Take the two dogs in neutral territory, in a fenced area if you can. With help from a friend or member of the family, be sure that the dogs are far away from each other and both have their leash attached. If no one displays any sign of aggression or stress at first sight, reward them with praise or sweet-talk. Gradually bring them closer to each other and diligently shower them with rewards, be it treat or praise for each good behavior shown. When one starts displaying any improper behavior, ignore and wait until the dog calmed down. Give reward only if they are showing desirable behavior. Eventually, both will realize that the only way to get your attention, and treats if they are lucky, is to interact with each other without being too rough and aggressive. At home, provide the new pet with his own comfort zone so as not to make the other believe that his territory is at risk thus prevents issues from developing.
When introducing the two pets, be cautious and alert for whatever problem that may come along the way. It also helps to be patient when dealing with this scenario because adjusting to and accepting each others presence is not as easy as clicking the clicker that is helpful in other aspects of golden retriever training.
Thursday, September 1st, 2011 at
12:52 am
With all the different varieties of dog wheelchairs you can purchase today, your handicapped pet is allowed to have a normal life.
Dog wheels, also called dog carts, usually are dog wheelchairs intended for canines who lost their capacity to move around as a result of immobility of the limbs. You can find a lot of reasons for being immobile – canine arthritis, fracture within the leg, diseases hampering movement, an unhealed personal injury, or even deformity by birth. Dog carts give these domestic pets an opportunity to move around without discomfort.
Design for the dog carts must be kept in mind before making up your mind on buying one for your dog. You need to be sure that the dog cart doesn’t make your pet put in needless stress on the shoulder area. This of course, depends on the build and disability of your canine friend. Unlike earlier times, dog wheels today may be altered to suit the needs of your dog.
The most common dog carts are designed to let the animal to use the front legs without restraint while the hind legs are supported by the cart. Just in case your pet’s hind legs are not that sturdy, exceptional styles are also available in which the dog does not have to apply far too much pressure as it continues taking walks using the cart. Some dog wheels also come equipped with pedals that help to exercise the pet’s leg muscles. The sling or harness wheelchair is a kind of harness that is placed on the dog’s legs then connected to the wheels. Saddle support is yet another sort of dog wheelchair where the dog’s legs are put through rings supporting the dog using a saddle or seat.
While buying a couple of dog wheels the very first time, be sure that your dog is most comfortable before you’ll strap them onto your furry friend. You should keep in mind that it takes some time for the dog to get accustomed to this new way of movement. Be sure that no part of the apparatus is hurting your dog. As soon as your dog adjusts to the dog wheels, he will be capable to move around with ease.
You can either acquire dog wheelchairs from various pet shops and even from online stores. You may even buy a tailor-made dogcart for one’s pet dog, contrary to buying a preorder type. No matter what you decide to go together with, make absolutely certain that the size is perfect for one’s pet, to make sure there won’t be any discomfort on the dog’s part.
Dog wheels provide a dual function – mobility for the impaired pets and pleasure for the owners!
Wednesday, August 17th, 2011 at
8:47 pm
Dog health problems are very numerous and they make the object of study for a special area of veterinary medicine given the close relationship between dogs and humans. Infectious diseases are the major threat, and some of these can be kept under control only by regular vaccines. Rabies is the best example here. Over-breeding and the efforts to preserve breed purity have also led to a whole range of genetic anomalies.
Greater health is specific to mixed breeds. Nevertheless, they are not safe from viruses, obesity, diabetes and other nutrition-related ailments. It is interesting to mention the fact that such dog health problems overlap with those of humans, because the diseases affect people and animals alike. Other dangerous diseases are tick-borne and highly dangerous for both dogs and humans. Bacteria also pose great dangers for animals and humans alike, and contamination occurs through food, soil, water and urine.
We’ve just mentioned a few of the potential dog health problems that can have a higher impact on the owner too. It is impossible to tackle with all the issues related to the topic of dog health problems in one article alone. What can be emphasized over and over again is that prevention matters most in all situations. Follow the recommendations below to preserve your dog’s health.
- Perform the vaccinations required from early age, and then continue with periodical medical check ups. You can also ask your veterinarian about several veterinary equipment such as needles and syringes that you can use at home to keep your dog healthy.
- Periodically eliminate parasites: worms, ticks and flees. With a single product you can get rid of all three health risks.
- Regularly wash and groom your dog!
- Pay attention to nutrition. It should match the dog’s age, breed and preferences. Buy organic dog food and don’t offer sweets as treats.
- Keep your dog fit and active.
- Avoid dog exposure to chemicals and hazardous products around the house.
Reading informative materials about the prevention of dog health problems allows you to correct mistakes and improve the living conditions of your pet. Negligence and lack of responsibility towards your pet is a crime and may be punishable by law, depending on the situation. The owner’s attitude also marks the dog’s well being. Love and affection are mutual and they grow together; their absence usually leads to behavior issues on the part of the animal.