When do I start to walk my puppy?

When do I start to walk my puppy? Right now she only sits when I try to walk her... We made it around the block one day but that was it! Help?

Now is the time to teach her to follow you. She might not be the easiest dog to walk because she is so small but bring treats and/or a favorite toy and make it fun. 

You will be teaching her to follow and now is the best time to start. After you get the actual walking down and the pup will walk while on a lead, which you can do by walking backwards with food in your hand as she tries to eat it, slowly begin practicing heeling on a lead. Teach her to not pass you (pack leader goes first); she should be following you. 

That will be the foundation of your relationship. Keep it positive and happy. Food always helps. For those slightly older energetic pups that insist on pulling from side to side and smelling everything, keep working at it, do not give up. The time you put into these younger years will be well-rewarded when the dog is older and larger. Be aware of her energy level and what she can handle at this time. Meaning, don't OVER-walk her for miles and miles. Use your best judgment on the amount she can handle, but do walk her daily.

How do I calm my dog when it's time to put on the leash?

How do I calm my dog when it's time to put on the leash? When my dog sees a leash in my hand she starts jumping around and will not let me put on the leash properly. How do I calm her? She is too excited to listen to 'Sit Down.'

Answer:
You have to wait until she gets tired of jumping. Only reward her with the leash when she calms down. The first time you do this it may take a long time. Be prepared to wait patiently, calmly and quietly with the leash in your hand. Dogs only have so much energy and she will eventually stop jumping just because she is tired. When she is calmly waiting reward her by putting on the leash.

Is having a dog heel on the walk really such a big deal?

I have my dog trained to walk loose-leash and he's very, very good about following me and not dragging me along. I prefer this heavily because he gets tangled in our legs, so he walks ahead of us out of necessity. Is this really such a big deal for his sense of superiority?

Answer:
Yes it is. It's a huge deal. In the dog world the leader leads the way. I realize it is inconvenient for the humans, however if we are going to live with dogs and expect them to behave as we wish then we need to understand how to communicate with them. 

Dogs develop behavior issues because we humans send all the wrong signals. A dog needs to be 100% sure the humans are able to take over the role as leader and keep their pack safe. By allowing the dog in front you are telling him that you wish him to be that leader. Read more about how to properly walk a dog so he does not get tangled up in your legs during the walk yet is still heeling on the lead.

Does my dog love me, or does he own me?

Question: Does my dog love me, or does he own me?

I have a question about my aunt's 2-year-old Miniature Pinscher. We bought the dog when she was just a pup, and I have to say she has grown exceptionally fond of me. I believe the reason is that when we brought the dog in, she was terribly scared and nervous, and I was the one who mainly kept her on my lap, patting her and making her feel comfortable. I remember I could feel her shaking like crazy, but after a while she stopped and became very calm. From that moment on, she was totally in love with me; even if she only sees me every 1 or 2 weeks, she's always overjoyed when I get to my aunt's house. Even though she's a lively and adorable pet, she doesn't treat anyone else in the family with the impressive affection she has developed for me. The dog is generally well-behaved, but it's obvious that she doesn't see my aunt as a "leader" and doesn't really follow anything she says. She has never really been trained. 

We don't really have a big problem with that, the dog has a big house and yard, and it's OK if she does what she pleases, the only real issue is that she usually barks a lot and is very aggressive to strangers. Is it possible that the dog actually sees me as her "alpha," even if I see the dog once or twice a week? Even if she is a tad bit stubborn (due to lack of training), she gives a big importance to my reactions: if I scold her for something, she seems to get very sad and depressed, she stops being all lively and playful and goes into another room on her own, laying on the floor until I go back and "make peace." I absolutely don't abuse the dog in any way, and scolding her means only a big voice and a pat on her back. On the other hand when I play with her she's just incredibly happy, and truly doesn't look for that kind of love from anyone else in the family. So I am trying to understand if she sees me as some kind of alpha or if I'm just her "playmate." I'd like to try and give her some proper training, but not being with her often makes it a bit difficult.

Answer:

It actually sounds like the dog sees herself as alpha over both of you, especially you. If the dog is all over you and overjoyed when you walk in, that is not showing you respect, it is claiming you. Remember, dogs give pack leaders space and space is respect. This would make perfect sense, as when you met the dog she was in a weak state of mind, "terribly scared and nervous." You, at that time, gave the dog affection and the dog saw you as weaker than herself and she became your leader at that moment. When a dog is upset she needs a stronger-minded being to bring her out of it, and if you share affection to a dog at that time the dog will read your energy as weakness. Instead of being her leader, you empowered her to take over. 

This is where the issues all began, from day one, and this is why she gets aggressive towards strangers. She is empowered over humans. This aggression will lead to biting if you do not let the dog know you and all other humans are boss over her. You are actually sending the dog mixed signals. When you scold the dog and the dog walks away with her head down, that is the dog respecting you as alpha. To a dog, putting her ears slightly back as she slinks her head down, giving you space (walking away) is submission and respect. However when you go back to the dog and "make peace" as you call it, you are, in the dog’s eyes, submitting to HER. That is very confusing to a dog. Only humans make peace as you describe. 

Dogs give space and respect. When a dog approaches with her ears perked standing very proud that is alpha behavior. When a dog approaches a human slinked down making herself smaller with her head lowered that is submitting. From what you describe the dog would like you to be alpha because she gives in to you so easily. The dog does not want to be alpha. But if the dog senses weak humans around her, she thinks she NEEDS to be alpha in order to "save her pack." To answer your question, yes, you can be alpha even if you only see her once in a while. I would be consistent, however, and encourage your aunt to be a pack leader as well as you communicating to the dog who is boss. It is very stressful for a dog to think she NEEDS to take care of all of the humans around her, or to be unsure where her place is. This is no way for a dog to live.

A high strung-dog, is it inherited?

 Question: A high strung-dog, is it inherited?

Our 10-month-old Cockapoo is still extremely excitable. She also tries to nibble us at every opportunity, and needs to have company virtually all the time. She whines when she is being ignored. Are these inherited genes, as poodles are very excitable? I heard Cocker Spaniels were also high-strung.

Answer:

Being high-strung is never a breed "trait." It is by no means inherited. What a dog can inherit is a higher energy level, but any dog who does not receive the proper amount of exercise can become anxious and high-strung. When a dog is high-strung and extremely excitable it is a sure sign of a lack of mental and/or physical exercise. The whining is anxiety, from a lack of exercise and/or leadership. 

The more daily exercise you give your dog, where it not only makes her tired, but challenges her mind at the same time, the calmer your dog will be. Please keep in mind, exercise such as tossing a ball or a romp at the dog park is excited exercise and will keep your dog at a higher level of excitement, therefore, less calm. A pack walk is the perfect type of exercise to calm a dog. 

It not only physically tires a dog, but it is a mental challenge as well, because she needs to follow you, which takes concentration. It also reinforces the fact that you are pack leader, leading to respect and a better behaved dog.

regulate the food with the two different dogs

Question:

Self-feeders, are they OK?

I have a 6-year-old Havanese. We just keep his food dish out and fill it up when it gets low, which is once every two or three days. We are now getting a Golden Retriever puppy. Due to the different breeds and sizes they should be eating different types of food. Also the Golden Retriever is supposed to be fed only two or three times a day. How can we regulate the food with the two different dogs?

Answer:

It is not recommended to leave food down for a dog for psychological reasons. Instinct tells a dog the pack leader decides when it is time to eat. Leaving the food down all of the time allows the dog to decide. If humans allow dogs to believe they are pack leader it causes various behavioral issues and sometimes it simply confuses the dog. A confused dog is not a happy dog. When a dog is not 100% clear about the order of the pack it does not feel secure. Therefore if you display leadership with some things and not with others, the dog will never be 100% sure.

Besides that, I personally do not know another way to feed two different dogs two different types of food unless you make a scheduled feeding time. Big dog eats in this corner, little dog eats in that corner. Your Havanese may decide not to eat the first couple of meals because he is not used to a schedule, however when a dog gets hungry enough, he will eat.

dog submissive most time but once shows signs of dominance

5. Question:

My dog is very submissive most of the time but once in a while shows signs of dominance. Why is this?

Answer:

Believe it or not, most dogs don't want to be alpha. There are some that were born to be leaders but most will hand the position back to the owners in a heartbeat if they feel secure with the owners being strong-minded enough to handle it. Dogs can flip back and forth between taking the role over and giving it back, especially those who do not really want it. Those dogs that do not have to flip-flop because they are confident their humans can handle the role are much, much happier.

Chihuahua puppy growls at owner

4. Question:

My Chihuahua puppy growls at us. Did we pick the wrong breed? We have a female and she is thirteen weeks old. When I went to pick her up last night to put her in her crate for bedtime, she growled at me and turned her head like she wanted to bite. I have never had a dog this small before and have never encountered one with such a temper. She will growl if you go near her things, too. We love this little one and really want to make this work, but now I'm starting to question if we got the right breed?! Can you help? Thank you!

Answer:

I am not able to tell you if you chose the right breed because I never met you, but I can take a good guess at why the dog is growling. It is very common for small dogs to be treated in a babyish manner with no leadership because they are so small. In the dog world there must be a leader. It's instinct for the dog to have a being that has a strong enough mind to keep their pack safe and secure. The strongest-minded being will run the home. The leader is either going to be the humans or it's going to be the dog.

Why do some dogs snap at people while they are eating?

A dog that snaps is a dog that is communicating to you that he is your leader and he simply wishes that you leave him alone while he eats (leader eats first...it's canine instinct). This is why it is so important to be 100% pack leader at all times, consistently. When someone is not or is wishy-washy about it, the dog becomes either unsure and tests you, or simply is convinced and becomes alpha. A dog communicates by growling, then snapping and biting. It happens because of the humans. It is the responsibility of the humans to understand this and be alpha 100% of the time or you will be tested by your dog. 

Dogs who are not 100% secure with their place are stressed dogs. Since we cannot allow a dog to be pack leader 100% of the time allowing the dog to make all the decisions, the dog becomes stressed and anxiety ridden. Sure, your dog may look happy because he is always excited, however excitement in a canine animal is NOT happy. It is just that, excited. Most dogs in America are not stable, balanced dogs because most people do not understand this. 

The right time to show your dog affection

1. Question When is the right time to show your dog affection?

Answer:

When the dog is submissive and acting calm. He will be holding his head low, with his ears relaxed and slightly back. He might curl into a circle. Basically, he is slinking himself smaller, telling you he does not wish to be boss. You can give your dog all the love and affection you wish at this time.

Do not give your dog affection when he is excited, scared, nervous, anxious, or when he is showing signs of dominance—very perky and proud, looking and asking you for attention. A dog that is asking to be petted is demanding that you do something for him. A demand from a dog is an alpha behavior. Alpha behavior can also be seen when he carries himself proud with a stance that makes him look bigger. His ears will be perked. When dogs carry themselves like this they look beautiful, but in the dog world, this is a dog trying to puff himself out for the role of the leader. Dogs should not be petted or sweet-talked to at this time.

When a dog is showing signs of dominance the dog should receive no affection until you are able to make him realize he is not the boss and he accepts it and begins to act submissive. The more submissive and stable-minded the dog gets, the more love you can give him. Dogs should not get any affection until the dominance is under control. Your affection will reinforce whatever mind frame (in human words, "mood") the dog is in.

Why Do Dogs Like to Lean on Us?

One of my dogs, Max, is a big guy. When we're outside in the dog pen, he likes to come over and sit beside me. However, he doesn't just sit, he leans and if I'm standing up and not paying attention, he knocks me sideways because his lean is more of a flop against my legs. All of my dogs like to lean on me at times, but why do they snuggle up next to our legs or beside us on the couch?

Kelly, the matriarch of my dog family, will either sit beside me on the couch or climb onto my lap and lean against me. Then she lays her head on my arm or chest and melts my heart with her eyes as she gazes into mine. Some of the time, I know she's trying to butter me up for some CANIDAE Tidnips treats, but usually it's because she likes to cuddle whenever she gets the chance. Keikei and Riley are fond of sitting on my feet when I'm standing or sitting, which keeps my feet warm on a cold night.

Cuddling is one reason dogs lean against us, but think about how dogs, especially small dogs, see our world. It can be a pretty intimidating place for some canines. A dog that feels unsure of himself or is shy will press up next to your legs for security. A scared dog may move behind you and seek comfort knowing you are there to protect him. It's his way of saying you make him feel safe.

16 Common Dog Myths

Not sure what to believe when it comes to the health of your dog? Well, look no further! Petplace.com helps to put a muzzle on the myth.

1. Dogs should have a litter before they are spayed.

This is not true. Dogs that have a litter before they are spayed are not better for it in any way. In fact, spayed dogs are at lower risk for breast cancer and uterine infections.

2. Dogs are sick when their noses are warm.

The temperature of a dogs nose does not indicate health or illness or if they have a fever. There is an "old wives tale" that cold wet noses indicate health. And Warm or dry noses indicate a fever or illness. The only accurate method to access a dog's temperature is to take it with a thermometer. Normal dog temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees F.

3. Mutts are always healthier than purebred dogs.

This is not true. Both mutts and purebred dogs can be unhealthy. Both can have diseases, however, mutts generally do not have many of the genetic diseases common in purebred lines.

4. All dogs like to be petted on their heads.

Some dogs do like to be petted on their heads but many do NOT.

Asked about Dogs in Heat

1. What is heat?

Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.

2. What are the symptoms?

Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don't expect bleeding comparable to a human female.

For small dogs, it's usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle. Other than the bleeding, the most noticeable symptom may be 

male dogs hanging around your house.

Dog question for you

When should I withhold food the night of surgery? If your dog or cat is under four months of age, you do not need to withhold food. If your pet is over four months of age, they should not eat any food after 8pm.

Should I apply flea control prior to my pet's surgery?
Fleas are present in Southern California all year round. It is important to use flea control once monthly on all of your pets. We carry both Advantage and Frontline in our clinics (sold by the single dose or with discounts available when purchasing four and six doses). Your pet is exposed to areas with fleas every time it leaves your house. If your pet comes in close contact with animals that have fleas, as it may during its surgery appointment, we recommend that you visit our clinic and purchase flea control. We are happy to apply the flea control at time of purchase in one of our clinics.

Should I take my dog for a walk prior to surgery?
Yes! If you are able to get your dog to urinate and defecate prior to surgery it is very helpful. This will help prevent them from getting dirty because many dogs will go to the bathroom in their kennels, when they get nervous.

Should my cat come in a carrier?
Yes! All cats MUST come in a separate carrier. Even if you have a great, manageable cat, it must be in a secure carrier. Our lobby will be filled with dogs and people that can frighten your cat and could potentially even attack your cat - bringing your cat in a carrier in the safest thing for you, your cat, and our clients. Do not carry your cat in your arms into our clinic, as it could potentially jump out of your grasp when frightened and run away. We cannot release more than one cat in the same carrier. After anesthesia, cats can be dysphoric and can fight with other cats - especially in confined areas; therefore, you must bring a separate carrier for each cat you bring into the clinic.

What should I feed my dog?

Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores that eat some omnivorous foods. Wild dogs eat a variety of food which consists mainly of prey animals. Prey animals are composed of raw meat, raw bones, organs, other tissue and digested vegetable matter. While dogs are carnivores they do consume a small amount of the vegetable matter contained in the stomach and intestines of their prey. Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to eat this type of diet.

Basic dog feeding guide:

• Talk to your veterinarian for advice
• Feed high quality balanced premium commercial food that is appropriate for the life stage and health status of your dog. Check that it complies with the Australian Standard: Manufacturing and Marketing Pet Food AS 5812:2011
• You can offer some natural foods to provide some variety
• Natural foods include fresh human-grade raw meat (e.g. raw lamb), raw meaty bones and vegetables
• Choose human-grade raw meat and raw meaty bones because some pet meat/pet mince/pet rolls/pet meat and bone products can contain preservatives that can be detrimental to the dog's health (e.g. sulphite preservative induced thiamine deficiency which can be fatal). However avoid sausages, sausage meat and cooked manufactured meats as they can contain sulphites.
• Bones must be raw
• Raw meaty bones such as raw lamb ribs (not lamb chops though), raw lamb flaps and raw chicken wings provide several important health benefits including keeping teeth and gums healthy
• Too many raw bones may lead to constipation. Generally 1-2 raw bones may be offered per week with a few days in between each serving
• The bone must be large enough so that the dog cannot fit the whole bone in its mouth or swallow the bone whole
• Never feed cooked bones as these can splinter and cause internal damage or become an intestinal obstruction
• Always supervise dogs when they are eating raw bones
• Dogs ‘like’ bones very much and sometimes become protective. Do take care and discourage young children and others from approaching dogs that are eating.
• Avoid large marrow bones (these have very thick outer rims), T-bones, 'chop' bones e.g. lamb cutlets, large knuckle bones and bones sawn lengthwise (as done by some butchers) as dogs may crack their teeth on these
• Please check with your vet that raw meaty bones are suitable for your particular dog (e.g. some dogs with misshapen jaws or dental disease may find chewing on raw bones difficult)
• Dogs may be offered fish such as tinned sardines in springwater, tinned tuna and tinned salmon as a treat occasionally (care with any fish bones). Please avoid feeding fish constantly
• Dogs may also be offered a small amount of cooked vegetables e.g. pumpkin, carrots etc
• Cooked meat such as boiled chicken or lamb may also be offered but ensure there are no cooked bones; onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present (see below)
• A small amount of cooked plain pasta/rice may be offered but again ensure there are no onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present (see below)
• Provide access to grass (avoid chemically treated grass and toxic plants) - dogs will sometimes eat grass which may provide a source of vegetable matter and micronutrients
• The amount of food required will depend on the dog's size, breed, age and level of exercise, but take care not to overfeed or underfeed. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog, assess your dog's body condition score and provide advice
• Adults dogs should be fed at least twice a day to help avoid bloat which can be fatal. Also, dogs should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, to avoid bloat, particularly deep-chested dogs. 
• Fresh water must be available at all times
• Do not feed the following (note this is not an exhaustive list): onions, garlic, chocolate, coffee or caffeine products, avocado, bread dough, grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants, nuts including macadamia nuts, fruit stones (pits) e.g. mango seeds, apricot stones, avocado stones; fruit seeds, corncobs; green unripe tomatoes, mushrooms; fish constantly, cooked bones; small pieces of raw bone fatty trimmings, Xylitol (sugar substitute found in some products such as some types of sugarfree chewing gum, lollies, baking goods, toothpaste)

The cause dogs cursed in Islam

For sure Dog is Haraam in ISLAM 

this is also mentioned in sahih bukhari 5480 that if any one make a dog pet without th e need of security and / or without the need of hunting then 2 qeeraat (a unit) of beneficence will be deducted from his good deeds. 

for those who just dont know the actualy LAW of nature and why the dog is haraam / not allowed in islam they should try to KNOW the reasons first regardless to say this is because of saliva etc etc , this is actually our lack of knowledge and one should not say like that that this is wrong / funny etc . 

hint for those people : try to know the likes and dislike of the angels and try to read QURAN with meaning. 

Answer:

In Islam dogs are not 'cursed'. That's actually funny. It is only their saliva which is considered unclean. In fact, the saliva of dogs often contains microscopic worms, science has shown. Dogs are also not to be kept inside the house at all times. They should be kept outside (like in a dog house). Other than these two, there is no reason to disdain dogs in Islam. 

Answer: 

A dog is the purest and most loyal of all beasts and must be respected, The Dog guards his master's belongings. while he is sleeping , the dog is awake, The dog loves his master more than itself, it even dies crying for his master when his master dies! 

___ 

Problem solved: unwanted dog

Question

I want to get rid of the family dog now that my kids are moving out, but my wife disagrees

Having had a dog as a boy, I felt it would be good for my kids to experience the joys and responsibilities too. Unfortunately, we left it until they were teenagers and they are now at various stages of moving out. I want to retire while I'm fit enough to travel and enjoy it. But having a dog restricts us in so many ways, and this particular dog shows no sign of needing less play and walks. He demands attention if either of us is around, when I just want to read or do jobs round the house. His bark is harsh, so leaving him to bark is not an option. Dog hairs and mud everywhere put me off improving the house as much as I'd like. Even our plans to move somewhere smaller seem pointless to me when I think of claw marks on polished wood floors etc. I worry that I get irritated and angry from being at the beck and call of what in many ways I know to be an intelligent and lovely animal.

unwanted dog

I have raised my feelings with my wife who finds the dog's ways and habits less irksome than I do, and sees him almost as one of the children. She would feel terrible if we were to move the dog on, but says she could cope if we found him a genuinely loving home.

Microchipping Your Dog or Cat Question

Up to 8 million animals end up in shelters every year. Unfortunately, only 15-20% of dogs and less than 2% of cats are ever reclaimed by their owners. One of the ways to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is having it microchipped. We asked Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City to explain microchipping.

Q: What is microchipping, and can it be done to any animal?

A: A needle is used to place a little chip under the animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. That chip has a unique number on it that can be picked up and read by a scanner.

It can be done to lots of different animals, including horses, dogs, cats, ferrets, and most other mammals.

Q: How long does it take, and does it have to be done by a veterinarian?

FAQs and myths about dog neutering

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and myths about neutering:

This section outlines some of the commonly held myths and misconceptions about neutering surgery and answers some of your commonly asked questions.

 Myth 1 - All desexed dogs gain weight (get fat).

I have previously discussed this topic in other sections of this page: it is a commonly held belief that is, quite simply, not true.

Studies have shown that neutered animals probably require around 25% less calories to maintain a healthy bodyweight than entire male animals of the same bodyweight do. This is because a neutered animal has a lower metabolic rate than an entire animal does. Because of this, what tends to happen is that most owners, unaware of this fact, continue to feed their neutered male dogs the same amount of food calories after the surgery that they did prior to the surgery, with the result that their pets become fat. Consequently, the myth of automatic obesity has become perpetuated through the dog-owning circles and, as a result, many owners simply will not consider desexing their dogs because of the fear of them gaining weight and getting diabetes and so on.

How can I chat with other dog people?

Question: How can I chat with other dog people?

Answer: Sometimes it isn't easy connecting with other dog nuts, and being around people who do not understand your commitment and need to talk "dog" can be frustrating as well as lonely at times. 

Well, come on in! About Dogs has a wonderful online community of dog lovers just like you. Join us on The Dog Park, where many dog lovers and dog experts gather to chat about our favourite species and share knowledge. You can browse the discussions as a Guest, or you can join to become an About Member here, and post any questions you might have. Joining is free and easy. 

Take the time to read the Rules Of The Forum, they are there to help make your welcome go smoothly and easily, and then hop on in! The Dog Park is a wonderful, laid-back community comprised of many dog lovers, and we are happy to include you in our "pack".