Even Dogs Can Be Taught Proper Etiquette

Let's face it; your dog is a very important member of your family. You want to introduce them to your friends, family, and of course other dogs. Having said that, you expect them to have a little etiquette and manners around other people and pets. However, they cannot do it on their own. Just like raising a child, dogs need to be taught how to act properly in social situations and when at home alone. It's best to start them when they are puppies, because they are the quickest to learn. However, you can teach any dog at any age, but you will just have to be a tad more patient with older dogs.

If you are adopting a puppy, this is the best time to teach them proper manners and socialization. Dogs at this young age are like little sponges and will quickly learn what they are taught. A good rule of thumb is that a person should strive to expose them to a hundred different social situations within the first ninety days of taking puppy home. This way they will be familiar with the different noises, smells and touches. This can mean anything from the washing machine going into the spin cycle, to the doorbell ringing, to a car honking. When they are exposed to this, they will "remember" it, and not be scared when exposed to it in the future. Think of it as climatizing or acclimating your dog. This is a brand new world for them, and they deserve a chance to adjust to it safely with you by their side.

Along with introducing Fido to environmental elements, you should also have them meet several different types of people. This means people with high and low voices, loud and soft voices, and different accents. Let your friends and family hold your puppy and play with them. Your puppy will not only have a great time because he is the center of attention, but it will also give the humans a fun time as well. During this time you can also teach your puppy how to not jump on guests or "kiss" them.

Although puppies are the easiest and fastest dogs to train, adult dogs can be trained to be social as well. It just takes a little more time, patience and consistency. You can get suggestions from your vet or a professional dog trainer if need be. If your dog doesn't fare well the first time around, don't give up on him, because he wants to please you as much as you want him or her to act correctly. Always reward your puppy for his good behavior with a doggie treat, and he will work hard for that food in the training you'll be providing to him.

Even though it might seem like an overwhelming task, socializing your dog is really worth the time and effort. You'll be able to relax much more when guests come to your house, and be able to take them out with you more often. The same rules apply when you train dogs to be around other dogs. Over time, your dog will leave you smiling when your friends and family say how well behaved he is.

Does My Dog Need to Be a Water Dog to Swim in the Ocean or Lake?

Water sports are very popular with families. Whether it is on a water skiing expedition or a leisurely trip in your boat, you need to pay attention to the dog. It is extremely important to keep your dog safe while in the water, and don't wait until the trip to start familiarizing your dog with the water conveyance.

Whatever your mode of travel is, your dog should have a flotation device. These dog specific life jackets could save your dogs life. Some dogs cannot swim. If your dog takes a dive into the water in search of a fish or as an escape, the life jacket could save their life. Hypothermia is another possibility that you need to consider. They serve three purposes; they prevent your dog from drowning, becoming exhausted or hypothermic due to the temperature of the water.

You can find life jackets at most boat shops, major pet stores and online. Be sure you are getting a size that fits snugly and properly to ensure their safety. Your dog may not like the jacket at first, so it is best to acclimate him to the process before you venture out onto the boat. Put the jacket on for a few minutes and repeat for several days. Leave it on a little longer each day and make it a rewarding experience. If you give your dog a verbal, tactile or food reward for behaving until you take it off, he will look forward to the experience in a short time.

It would be wise not to assume that your dog will love being on a boat. Dogs walk on floors and ground, not on a surface that is constantly in motion. Here again it is important to acquaint your dog to the boat. While your boat is on the trailer or at dockside, let them get a turn to get onboard with their life jacket on. Once your dog seems adjusted to the boat, you should start the engine. New noises can startle a dog and set them on a running spree.

Your first trip should be a short one. It will give your dog the opportunity to get used to the travel. There is a possibility that the dog will get seasick, just as humans do.

Dogs are sensitive to heat and sun. It is important to provide them with some shade to get some relief from direct sun exposure. The deck of your boat will get very hot in direct sun. Dogs absorb heat through their feet, so provide them with a padded area to give them some relief.

Have a good supply of drinking water on hand. Dogs can become dehydrated in heat. A sport bottle filled with water is probably the best method to get water in your dog's mouth. You should make every attempt to force water into your dog to prevent dehydration.

Allow your dog a dip in the water to cool. Be sure the life jacket is on before the dog hits the surf or lake. It will be a great relief from the sun and heat and probably a good photo moment.

Dogs need to eliminate their bladder, so if your boat surface isn't appropriate, make plans to hit the shore from time to time.

Caring for Your Outdoor Pet Dog in Winter

For reasons of space limitations, personal preferences and breed disposition, many pet owners will choose to let their pet dogs live outside during the winter season. Well, of course, their pets are allowed inside once the weather gets too harsh as is the case with blizzards. For the most part, however, an outdoors life is the preferred choice for both man and dog.

As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure that your dog is comfortable even in the doghouse. Here are a few tips in this regard.

Shelter

The first need to look after is the dog's shelter, of which the most important requirement is that it should be warm, dry and comfortable. Your pet will then be assured of a safe place within which to escape the frigid snow and wind especially when the doghouse is equipped with a heating mechanism installed by a professional. We recommend staying away from heating lights and heating pads since these require electric cords, which can be chewed on and result to electrocution.

You must also regularly change the beddings in the doghouse lest diseases result from you negligence of such a basic hygiene issue. Take note that the straw can harbor molds that leads to skin and respiratory problems while the dirty blankets also harbor germs.

Food

Naturally, food is the second concern in keeping your pet healthy even when outside in the winter. You must increase its caloric intake as the cold weather demands more from the dog's body in order to keep it warm. Just increase the amount of dog food as well as the supplements preferably with advice from the veterinarian.

Water must also be regularly supplied to your dog on a daily basis. When your dog drinks from the melted or frozen snow and ice, you are exposing it to unnecessary health danger. Even humans will react badly to drinking melted snow once too often.

Hygiene

Even in the dead of winter when socialization opportunities are few and far between, your pet must be groomed for hygienic reasons. Regular grooming maintains a healthy coat, thus, better insulation for your pet.

Long-haired dogs are especially vulnerable to matted coats with debris embedded here and there. You must comb the coat to remove these dirt and debris, which means better insulation. Besides, it simply will not do for your dog to look scruffy.

Veterinary Care

Many dog experts recommend taking your dog to the vet for a physical check-up with the aim of ensuring that it is healthy and, hence, able to withstand wintry conditions. Vaccinations must be updated as many canine diseases become rampant during the winter season.

Plus, dogs are also more vulnerable to diseases during winter for many reasons. You have to carefully monitor almost every symptom of illness lest it becomes worse. We suggest regular checking of the ears, tail and feet since these are the most vulnerable parts of the dog's body during the winter season.

When the weather turns very unpleasant for man and animal, you must lead the dog inside. Hypothermia is a very real concern among dogs and it is not one that you will want your dog to suffer from in the outdoors.

Camping With Your Dog in the Great Outdoors

Taking the family and your dog camping in the great outdoors can be so much fun for all involved. Your dog can have as much fun as you and the rest of the family can. It will be able to romp and play with you like it can't at home because you have to work so much. The fun can be even more when you setup next to a lake you can swim in. If your dog is like mine he loves to swim!

You can take your dog for long walks through the area you have set up camp in. Go explore nature with your dog. Walk the paths through the woods and commune with nature. This will get both of you some exercise which will be good for your health. Your dog will love the attention too.

Another fun activity when camping is swimming if you are by a lake. This way you can let your dog enjoy the water too. Put his lifejacket on so he can swim safely. This keeps something from happening in case he gets tired in the water. Dogs can even be trained to get up on a foam raft so they can float around. My dog just loves doing this when we go to the lake.

At night around the campfire, your dog can lie down near it and warm its body. Also my dog is such a hoot and helps me break small branches up to use on the fire. She grabs the thin pieces of branch in her mouth and then takes her front paws and pushes down on them to break them. Oh how we laugh, it is such fun! She just started it out of the blue one time. Be sure to use only branches that have already fallen though. Most campgrounds permit this but will not permit you to bother living trees.

Another big rule to remember for the safety of your dog is that on dry land he should always be on a leash. Even if you are not in a public campground your dog could take off and chase some wild critter and get hurt in the process. Most public campgrounds will have a rule about the dogs being on leashes and how long they can be.

Make sure when you go camping with your dog that you have all of the flea and tick protection your dog needs. You need put it on the dog prior to going camping if you are using the top-spot applications or using a flea and tick collar, however, if you are using sprays you will need those with you on the campsite to apply probably more than once to protect your dog.

Make sure the dog has their food from home when camping. This will prevent his system from being upset from a change of food. Make sure he has enough water to drink too with being outside and more active than usual too.

Being outside with your dog is a great way to bond with him. Camping is a fun activity to do to accomplish this. It gives you both exercise and the fresh makes you both healthier too.

Cats and Dogs Living Together

It's been a long held myth that cats and dogs can't live together. It's been said that to have a cat and a dog living together is like mixing oil and water. But many pet owners have dispelled this myth. The fact is that when a dog and a cat have been socialized to live together, not only can they get along, but they can even become dear friends, in as much as pets befriend each other.

There are some things to keep in mind when you want to keep a dog and a cat in the same household. First, you need to take the energy of the household into account. What type of environment is your home? Is it full of children and rambunctious activity? Is it a very quiet environment? Are there any senior citizens in the home? 

These will all determine what types of pets that a person would want in the home. Just like with humans, pets have personalities. Having said that, cats tend to be very independent; they just don't require that much attention. Some breeds of cats flat out don't want your attention. If someone tries to pet a cat, some of them are okay with it for a little while, and some of them will hiss and snap at the person touching them. Cats in general want to be social on their terms, and on their time table.

Dogs on the other hand need lots of attention. They crave lot of love. They are very active, and they want to be touched. As such, they will assume that the cat in the home wants to play with them, just like the humans do. Here lies the problem between cats and dogs. They are both loveable, but for different reasons. They naturally have different temperaments. So the human pet owner has to decide what breeds of cats and dogs would fit into their household and with each other.

It would make the most sense to pick out cat and dog breeds that complement each other. For example, you wouldn't want to get a rambunctious dog to live with a very independent and scary type cat. The dog will want to play, and the cat will scratch and hiss at it. On the other hand, kittens can be an issue with a huge, older dog. Older dogs are slow and impatient. Kittens are frisky and all over the place. Plus, the large dog might crush the kittens. So be mindful of size and personalities.

It might take some work to get your dog and cat to live together, but don't believe the myths. Dogs and cats can live together, and they can both be valuable parts of the family.

Types of Small Dog Apparel

There are many different types of small dog apparel available for your pup to sport around. Dressing your pet in clothing is a great way to let her personality shine. You can dress her up to match your own clothing or let her sport around something totally unique that suits her own personal style, it's up to you.

If you haven't looked at some of the clothing accessible today, you may be a little surprised at how many different styles and outfits there are available. These will surely keep your pet in fashion for any special occasion or event.

Here are some of the different types of small dog apparel that you can buy for you pup:

· Formal Wear- There's many occasions in which you can dress your pup in formal wear from weddings to parties. You can buy suits, tuxedos, bridal gowns, shirts, party dresses and more. All of which will ensure your pet is properly dressed for the occasion.

· Sports Apparel- These are a fantastic way to show off your team spirit. A cute dog jersey with your favorite player's number or the team logo is sure to be a hit at your next sports get-together.

· Pajamas- Keep your small dog warm and comfortable during the chilly nights with a cute pair of doggie pajamas.

· College Apparel- From sweaters to cheerleader outfits there are many wonderful designs to choose from that will let your small dog join in and help you support your team. You can also find tees and jerseys to show your support in a more casual way.

· Casual Wear- This describes the apparel used to help keep your pup warn and comfortable. A bright yellow raincoat and hat combined with a matching pair of booties is a necessity when you live in areas where it tends to rain often. A sweater can help keep your pup warm on those cold winter days and t-shirts are available as well. There are many cute, comfortable and outlandish designs in all types of colors and patterns available. This makes it easy to find something to suit your pet's style perfectly.

After choosing the small dog apparel that suits your pup, you can add a few accessories that will give it that special touch. These include hair bows, studded collars or harnesses, bowties and jewelry. Dog apparel is fun, exciting and functional all at the same time. After you begin collecting a few items for your pet, you may find yourself buying small dog apparel for every occasion.

Practical Reasons to Buy Small Dog Clothing

Dressing up small breed dogs is often associated with simply making a fashion statement but there are many practical reasons for buying small dog clothing that may interest you. Dressing your pet does get attention and there are some fun reasons for doing it but as the owner of a small breed dog, you will learn that she has special needs that you don't have to worry about with some of the larger breeds.

Providing your pup with dog clothing is a great way to accommodate for some of these needs and you can keep him looking stylish all at the same time.

Here are 4 practical reasons to buy clothing for your small breed dog:

1. Some dogs have very short hair and they get cold easily. A small breed dog with little or no fur will shake and be uncomfortable when the temperature drops below a certain level, even when she's indoors. During the winter or if you live in an area that has a cool climate most of the year, small dog clothing can help to keep her warm.

2. Booties and rain gear can help to keep your pet's feet dry and warm when you go for walks and it's chilly outside or when it's raining.

3. There are a number of medical reasons to dress your pet in clothing. For example, if you dog has a cut, a rash, or recently had surgery, covering the area will discourage licking and biting, which will allow the wounds to heal faster.

4. Small dog clothing can protect your pet from the hot rays of the sun during the summer that can cause cancer in pets as well as humans.

Throughout the years, dogs have become more than just a pet. Many consider them a part of the family. Due to this change, dogs have adapted to living indoors and this has made them more susceptible to weather changes. They get cold and need protection from the rain, wind and icy just like humans.

If you've avoided the trend to dress your pet simply because you thought it was only to make a fashion statement, you may want to reconsider that decision. There are many practical reasons to dress up your small dog and in many cases, it can make him a lot happier and more comfortable. However, while searching for the best small dog clothing for your pet, there is no reason to not look at fashion too and get something that suits her personality.

Benefits of a Step in Dog Harness

The step in dog harness is a great alternative to the dog collar and they work great for any size dog, even the small breeds. More and more dog owners are turning to the harness instead of the collar because of all the benefits they offer. A harness works great for small breeds that tend to pull back on the leash or when you're training a dog to walk calmly by your side.

They provide you with more control over the pet without putting unnecessary strain on his body. This is due to the design that wraps around the dog's belly and then a buckle or clasp secures it in place. Designers created the basic design of the harness with the comfort of your pet in mind and the fact that they give you more control makes them even more popular.

Here are some of the benefits associated with the step in dog harness:

· They're easy to put on your pup especially if he is well behaved. Lay the harness flat on the ground, have him step over it and pull the harness up and over his back, then secure.

· There are many styles and colors from which to choose. This makes it easy for you to find something that suits your dog's style and personality perfectly. You can buy matching leashes and walk your dog in style.

· Due to the unique design, your pet will not be able to slip out of the harness so you never have to worry about her getting loose and running off when walking or playing in the park.

· You can use them to train your pet and teach him how to obey your commands when walking without causing any damage to his neck or spine.

· They can help pets recover from certain types of injuries faster by allowing you to support her weight when walking or going up stairs without making the condition worse.

· Harnesses have adjustable straps that will fit the contour of the dog's body.

You can easily attach leashes and leads to a step in dog harness and you can attach the seatbelt to many styles to secure the pet in a vehicle. This keeps them safer and it can ease your mind when taking them on vacations or just for a short drive.

With all of the benefits of a step in dog harness, it's easy to see why so many dog owners are adding them to their collection of dog accessories.

Choose a Soft Dog Harness for Your Small Dog

Small dog breeds are very special and so adorable that you just have to give them the best of everything and that includes a soft dog harness. They're the perfect choice for the small dog because of all the benefits they have to offer and they can even make training your pet easier. There are many colorful designs to choose from that are suited for both boy and girl dogs and you can purchase a matching leash to complete the look.

Small dog breeds may be tiny but they're big on energy. They like to run around and play all day long. Just like larger breeds, they need to go for walks and get exercise even though they can't last quite as long. Since they are so energetic, they often tend to pull back on the leash and when it's hooked to the traditional collar, this can end up hurting your pet.

This is why so many small breed owners are turning to a soft dog harness instead. These have many excellent qualities that will benefit both of you. For example, you'll love the affordable price and she'll love the comfortable fit. They're made from a soft, durable mesh fabric that allows air to flow through so this helps to reduce sweating and the no choke design prevents damage to the neck, throat and spine.

When using a soft dog harness, it's important that you get the right size. You want your pup to be comfortable as you go for walks in the park. You also want to make sure the harness is not restricting him in any way that could be dangerous.

Soft harnesses usually come in four sizes, which are as follows:

· X-Small- Chest size 11 to 13 inches

· Small- Chest size 13 to 16 inches

· Medium- Chest size 16 to 19 inches

· Large- Chest size 19 to 21 inches

Measure the chest of your small breed dog and compare the measurement to the sizes above to find the right fit. It's that simple. As your pup grows and gains weight, adjust the harness accordingly.

As a dog owner, you naturally want the best for your pet. She is part of the family and deserves the very best in comfort and style. Choosing a soft dog harness for your small dog will let her show off her sense of fashion while serving a functional purpose at the same time.

Qualities of a Good Small Dog Harness

When searching for a good small dog harness for your pet, there are a few qualities that you need to look for to ensure you're getting the best design for your dog. Small dogs tend to pull at their collars causing discomfort and sometimes neck injuries. One of the best ways for pet owners to avoid these accidental injuries while walking and playing with their dogs is by using a harness instead of a regular collar.

A harness will take the pressure off the neck and place it evenly over the whole body including the shoulders. This will help to protect the fragile part of your pet's body and he will no longer be at risk when he pulls away from you during your walks. You'll have peace of mind and be able to enjoy the time spend together when walking your pet.

When searching for a good small dog harness for your pet, there are three main features to look for that will ensure both of you will be completely satisfied with your purchase.

What to look for when buying a harness for a small dog:

1. Durability- Look for a harness made from good quality material so you can get your money's worth. The better the material and design the longer it will last.

2. Comfort- Look for soft fabrics that won't irritate her skin such as, nylon, suede or a fine mesh because these will provide the most comfort. This will help to ensure your little friend is as comfortable as possible when wearing the harness.

3. Machine Washable- Look for soft fabrics that you can place in the washer and clean. The first time your adorable little pup rolls around in a mud puddle, you'll be glad you did.

A good small dog harness that fits correctly will remove the strain on your pet's neck. Find one that fits him snug but not too tight. A good quality harness will distribute the weight evenly on his shoulders when walking.

Style is also very important when choosing a harness. After all, you want your pup to look fashionable as she parades around the block. Fortunately, you can find harnesses in all types of colors and styles making it easy to find the one that perfectly matches your pet's personality.

When you find the right fit and style for your small breed dog, he will be more comfort and this may even make him obey your commands better during your walks. Look for the things discussed here and you should be able to find a quality small dog harness that will provide years of comfort and style for your pet.

Small Dog Accessories Needed for Traveling

Small dog accessories can make traveling with your pet much easier and safer. There are many places where you can take your pet where he can have a good time too. Take him on a fishing trip, to the beach, to the park, to visit friends or even for a short drive. Before traveling with your pet, it's important to know that he can be injured in the same way as kids if you slam on the brakes or if you're involved in an accident.

For this reason, pets need to be secured in a vehicle to keep them safer and there are several accessories available to accommodate this need. Small dog car seats and baskets will help secure your pet and keep her safer while riding. She won't be flying into the back of the seat if you suddenly hit the brakes or from one side of the car to other when you go around sharp curves.

If your pet doesn't seem comfortable in one of these or refuses to use them, there are other small dog accessories available. Try using a small dog harness instead. Place the harness on your pet as normal and then slip the seatbelt through the opening for the leash. This will strap him in and prevent him from bouncing around while on the road.

Once your pet is secured, you can think about some of the other small dog accessories that can make traveling even more enjoyable. Seat covers are a great investment if you want to protect your car, truck, or van from claw marks or any accidents that your dog may have. It can be hard to control the bathroom urge when traveling especially if your pet is not used to riding in a vehicle. Seat covers come in a variety of sizes and are usually waterproof. It's a great way to keep anything unwanted off your seats and floorboard.

You must carry along the basic supplies such as fresh water and food but don't forget the food and water bowls. You'll also need a leash so you can walk your dog once you reach your destination and when she needs to go for a short walk during the trip. Having your pet on a leash is the law in most places but it's also a great way to protect her from running around in an unfamiliar area where she could be injured.

Now that you have all of the necessities, it's a good idea to add a few things your pet would like to have to make him feel more comfortable. Take along his favorite toy, sweater or blanket to keep your dog happy and feeling secure while riding. This will help him relax and feel more at ease. Using small dog accessories can help to make any trip a lot easier, safer and more fun for everyone.