Chinese Shar-Pei dogs

The Chinese Shar-Pei is also known as: Chinese Fighting Dog

Fast Facts

Group classification: Non-Sporting Country of origin: China Date of origin: Antiquity

Weight (M): 50 - 60 lb Height (M): 19 - 20" Life expectancy: 9 - 10 years

Weight (F): 45 - 50 lb Height (F): 18 - 19"

1.General Description of the Chinese Shar-Pei

A unique and intelligent dog that most often is recognized for its wrinkles, the Chinese Shar-Pei initially was developed as an all-purpose Chinese farm dog: a medium sized, square and compact dog, close coupled with a large yet handsome head. The Chinese Shar-Pei has a unique look all their own, wrinkled loose skin — with a short bristled coat — that covers the body and head, small ears, a “hippopotamus” muzzle, and a high set tail. The dog’s wrinkles are more pronounced in a puppy than in an adult. Shar-Pei commonly have two coat types, either “horse,” short; or “brush,” up to an inch long. A third rare coat-type, which is not recognized by the AKC, is the “bear” that is longer than one-inch. The large head has dark, small, sunken, almond-shaped eyes that lend a scowling expression; the extremely small ears lie flat on the skull and are set high and forward; the muzzle sports a large and wide nose, and a blue-black tongue. The coat can be of any solid color, and is absolutely straight and off-standing on the main trunk of the body but generally lies flat on the limbs.

2.Chinese Shar-Pei Temperament

The Chinese Shar-Pei takes itself seriously, and demands that others do likewise. The dog’s ever present scowl is indicative of its attitude toward strangers or anything else it sees as a threat to its family, including other dogs. This is not to say the dog cannot be socialized – quite the contrary, in fact – but its first instinct toward outsiders is definitely suspicion. Once the newcomer has been brought into the fold, however, he will have a proud, loyal and devoted friend. The Shar-Pei’s independent nature can make training a chore, as the dog is unlikely to obey anyone it sees as weak or not in control. Though not a particularly playful breed, the Shar-Pei gets along well with children and other pets. Take care when training your Shar-Pei that it does not become antisocial or too much of an “alpha dog.”

3.Caring for a Chinese Shar-Pei

Training a Shar-Pei requires a firm hand and plenty of patience. Establish dominance over the dog, and do not let it display aggressive behavior in front of strangers, pets or children. Make sure the dog is thoroughly socialized as a puppy with other dogs to avoid problems in adulthood. As a working breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei needs plenty of exercise, and should have an opportunity every day to go on a long walk or play off the leash in a dog-friendly park. The most common health conditions seen in the breed are fever, amyloidosis, canine hip dysplasia and eye entropion; other concerns include patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, allergies and skin fold pyodermas.

Chinese Crested Dogs

Group classification: Toy Country of origin: China Date of origin: 13th century
Weight (M): 5 - 12 lb Height (M): 11 - 13" Life expectancy: 14 - 15 years
Weight (F): 5 - 12 lb Height (F): 11 - 13"

1.General Description of the Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is a delicate, chic and nimble breed that comes in two distinct varieties (often dogs of each variety are part of one litter): the Hairless, which has hair only on its head, feet, and tail and its littermate the Powderpuff which is entirely covered by a double coat. A member of the Toy Group, this slender dog is somewhat longer in length than height, has straight legs, small feet resembling those of a rabbit or hare, and a slender curved tail that is carried gaily. The dog has eyes shaped like almonds, large ears, which stand erect on the Hairless while they may drop on the Powderpuff; the cheeks narrow cleanly into the muzzle combining for an alert, intense expression. The coat can be of any color or combination of colors. The Hairless Chinese Crested features silky-soft hair on the head “the crest,” tail “the plume,” and feet “socks.” Where the body is hairless, the skin is delicate and velvety. Powderpuffs have a double silky-soft coat and long thin guard hairs over a short undercoat of a similar texture. Overall, the coat is straight, of moderate density and length.

2.Chinese Crested Dog Temperament

Affectionate, energetic, and playful the Chinese Crested Dog has the reputation of a devoted family pet. Their hare foot allows them to climb and hold their toys, food, or people; owners often describe the way they “hug” when held. The Crested is usually friendly toward other pets and dogs and sociable with strangers. Although Chinese Crested Dogs crave human companionship, it is very important not to “over-baby” the dog as a puppy. Adult dogs become very attached to their owner and do not adjust well to a new one. Highly intelligent and alert, the Chinese Crested Dog likes to learn and perform tricks; they are exceptionally good with children. They do not bark, but love to climb and dig holes.

3.Caring for a Chinese Crested Dog

The Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dog requires more maintenance than the Hairless variety. They should be brushed daily with extra attention to the uniquely textured undercoat to prevent matting. Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs’ skin requires regular care: prevent sunburn by applying sunscreen when outdoors, massage with a moisturizer to keep skin supple, and bathe often to prevent blemishes. This breed sheds very little and is a good choice for those who suffer from allergies. The Chinese Crested is an extremely clean dog and is usually not prone to body odor, ticks, or fleas. They are good apartment dwellers and love to play games. They are very active indoors and require minimal exercise. The Hairless Chinese Crested is sensitive to the cold and should wear some sort of covering when taken outside in the winter months. The Chinese Crested Dog is susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation and glaucoma; the dog may also suffer from deafness, patellar luxation and seizures.

Chihuahua dogs

Group classification: Toy Country of origin: Mexico Date of origin: 16th century
Weight (M): Less than 6 lb Height (M): 6 - 9" Life expectancy: 15 - 18 years
Weight (F): Less than 6 lb Height (F): 6 - 9"

Chihuahua dogs

1.General Description of the Chihuahua dogs

The very smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua dogs is ever vigilant and fleet of foot, with a spunky attitude. Compact with a terrier-like temperament, the Chihuahua has the appearance of a fine-boned but muscular dog that carries his sickle-shaped tail like a flag. The distinctive apple dome head features large eyes, dark or a luminous ruby in color, and large ears that stand erect when the dog is alert and flare out to the sides when at rest. The muzzle is short and pointed with a self-colored nose. Chihuahuas have two coat types, smooth and long. The smooth coat should be soft and close, with a perceptible sheen. Long coats can be flat or wavy, with an undercoat, fringed ears, feathering on the feet and legs, and a tail that looks much like a plume. A Chihuahua's coat can be of any color or patterning. Many Americans recognize the Chihuahua as the Taco Bell Dog from the popular "Yo quiero Taco Bell" advertising campaign.

2.Chihuahua Temperament

Alert with terrier-like qualities, the Chihuahua can be irritable, overconfident or downright nasty when provoked. Nevertheless, this spunky little Toy's intense devotion to its "person" has earned the affection of millions of owners. The Chihuahua is brave and is known to defend itself and its home from large dogs and invaders by barking in protest and threatening mayhem. Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with small children but do well with elderly individuals or couples, or an owner who loves to spoil. The Chihuahua is typically wary of strangers and unknown dogs (except other Chihuahuas), but gets along well with other pets in the house.

3.Caring for a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a long-lived breed with minimal grooming needs. The smooth coat type should be brushed or wiped with a cloth occasionally; the long coat should be brushed daily. A monthly bath is recommended, but take care to keep the ears dry. This breed is an average shedder. Resist the temptation to carry these little dogs everywhere. They are much happier and fitter when walked; use a harness rather than a collar. Chihuahuas dislike the cold and appreciate a sweater on cool days. They are perfect for apartment living. Their “shivering or trembling” is not always a cold or health issue but often happens when the dog is excited or stressed. Do not allow your Chihuahua to jump off high furniture or from your arms as the impact could have serious consequences. For the same reason, do not allow children to play roughly with or to carry a Chihuahua. A rather healthy breed, the Chihuahua may nevertheless suffer from pulmonic stenosis, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia and hydrocephalus. Have your veterinarian perform all appropriate tests.

Ten Biggest Dog Breeds in the World

Akita

The largest breed of Japanese dog is the Akita, also known as the Akita Inu, and the Japanese Akita. Originally created in the 1600s this large breed was known and used for dog fighting and hunting. In the 1930s the dogs were on the verge extinction until a group known as the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Breeds worked together to save the breed.

Today the Akita is well known as a companion or security dog. They have proved to be a dedicated pet, showing a great deal of devotion to their owner. Mild-mannered, cautious, intelligent, and active, the Akita is a sturdy companion whether it’s playing around on a beach, or hiking through the mountains.

The Akita is a stunning breed. The classic look is one of small brown eyes, ears that are petite, always vertical, and triangular in shape, and a large black nose. The breed comes in many colours; in Europe the breed tends to be black or brown, with a black muzzle; or, in the breeds native Japan, orange and white.

Male Akita’s generally weigh between 95-130 pounds, and stand between 26 and 28 inches tall. The females are not too far behind, with an average weight of 70 to 110 pounds, and a height of 24 to 26 inches tall.

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd, is of Turkish descent, and is also known as the Kangal Dog, Karabas, Coban Kopengi, and the Karabash. In the middle ages, the dogs were used to defend sheep from bears, jackals and wolves. They are often found in central Turkey; however, they bear a startling resemblance to the Eastern Turkish Sheepdogs.

To this day the Anatolian Shepherd is still used as a sheep dog, due to their commanding ability to safeguard flocks. The dogs have excellent stamina and agility, and are highly intelligent, observant and alert.

Loyal and natural protectors, Anatolian Shepherd’s are extremely territorial, independent and strong willed creatures. This breed can adjust to life in a family home, however due to its possessive nature, owners must ensure they introduce guests or strangers or it will stop them at the front door.

The usual colours for the breed are fawn, with a black mask, pinto, white and brindle. With muscular limbs, a robust neck the Anatolian commands any room with its powerful presence. The average male stands at an average 29 inches, and weighs around 125 pounds. Females stand at an average of 27 inches, and weigh an average of 100 pounds.

 

The Great Dane

The Great Dane is a well-known breed that has its origins in Germany. Also known as the German Mastiff and Deutsche Dogge, the animal was bred in the middle ages primarily as a war dog or hunting dog. They were often nicknamed the “Apollo” of dogs because of there ability at bringing down large, and powerful animals.

Now-a-days, Great Danes are used as companion dogs because of their loving and gentle nature. A popular breed for those with children, the Great Dane is an elegant, affectionate, friendly and reliable animal that enjoys being around people. Strong and powerful, the breed makes an excellent guard dog, and rarely barks unless they want to alert someone.

Stunning features make this particular breed stand out. The Great Dane generally has deep-set, dark, medium sized eyes, and high-set ears that fold forward. Their snout is usually black, except when they are blue, in which case they can be blue-black or spotted. The Great Dane has a short, dense coat and a long tapering tail.

The breed comes in a variety of colours including brindle, black, harlequin, mantle, blue and fawn. Brindle Danes have a gold base colour with brindle stripes throughout, and usually have a black mask. Black Danes are polished black, while harlequin Danes has a white base with patches of black all over. Mantle Danes have a solid black base coat with white patches and a white muzzle. Blue Danes are polished blue, while fawn Danes have a gold base with a black mask, but the gold tends to be very bright. A typical male weighs around 160 pounds and stands at 32 inches tall. Females weigh on average 120 pounds and stand at 30 inches.

 

Irish Wolfhound

Created in Ireland as a wolf hunting dog in the 1800s, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the worlds tallest dogs. Today the Wolfhound is mostly used as a companion or a guard dog.

Although the size of an Irish Wolfhound is intimidating, the nature of the animal is anything but. They are sweet, kind and loving dogs that are excellent with young children. The Wolfhound is completely loyal to its owners, and great with strangers. The breed is fast growing, so it tends to be very clumsy while it goes through the puppy stage.

The most notable feature of the Irish Wolfhound its height. Standing anywhere between 32 and 24 inches tall in males, and 30 to 32 inches in females, on strong, muscular legs, the Wolfhound commands an awesome presence.

This particular breed has a rough, heavy topcoat that looks quite scruffy. The Wolfhound has a huge head, with a long muzzle, but very small ears. The Wolfhound comes in many colours, but the most common are brindle, black, white, gray, and red.

 

Mastiff

Originally from England, the Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, was bred as a fighting and military dog. Today however, the Mastiff is known as a loving companion and a reliable guard dog.

Easygoing and gentle, the Mastiff is a breed that is very protective of its family. They are often wary in the presence of strangers, but are great with children and love to play games with the family. The Mastiff can be quick to bark if it feels that its family is in danger, so obedience training is required when they are very young to make them comfortable with other animals and people.

The Mastiff has dark eyes that are set wide apart and small, thick ears that also sit wide apart. They have a short, but broad dark muzzle, and have a flat nose. The breed has a short, straight top coat which can vary in colour from fawn, to apricot, and brindle.

The Mastiff is a very large dog. Males often weigh in at upward of 190 pounds, and a height of 32 inches. Females tend to be a lot smaller, weighing around 150 pounds and standing at 27 inches.

 

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a well known breed which is also known as the Alpine Mastiff. Native of Switzerland, Bernadine Monks have raised Saint Bernard’s since the 1600s for use as rescue dogs. Today the Saint Bernard is used a companion dog for families.

A loving and kind breed, the Saint Bernard loves children, and with a high level of patience they make perfect companions while they grow up. The dogs are very intelligent and moderately easy to train, however this must be started when the dog is very young. Although not generally territorial, Saint Bernard’s will defend their family when needed.

Saint Bernard’s have huge heads with lots of wrinkles above the eyes and a short, wide muzzle with black lips. The Saint Bernard has muscular and powerful legs and a long straight tail with a slight curve at the end that is strong and heavy.

This particular breed comes in two varieties: short coat and long coat. Short coat’s have smooth, short hair, while long coat’s have rougher, lengthier coats that are often wavy in appearance. Saint Bernard’s often come in white with red, or brindle with white patches. The breed features white markings on the feet, tail, chest, collar, forehead, and nose. Not the tallest of large dogs, the male stands at around 28 inches tall, and weighs around 175 pounds, while the female stands at 36 inches, and weighs around 130 pounds.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff, which is also known as the Do-Khyi, was originally used as a herd and guard dog in its native Tibet. Although often used as a guard dog today, the Tibetan Mastiff is more commonly used as a companion dog.

This breed is a very intelligent and independent dog. Often doing what they want, they can be difficult to train, but respond well if started young. Extremely protective its family and surroundings, you must keep a careful eye on the dog when it meets strangers. Socialisation of this breed is a necessity due to their strong instinct to guard.

The Tibetan Mastiff has medium sized brown eyes, a wide black nose with open nostrils, and v-shaped ears that raise when alert. This breed does have a tendency to drool, due to a slight flew opening.

This breed has a double coat. The outer layer is long and thick, and is generally wavy, while the undercoat is heavy and soft, which protects the dog from cold weather. The Tibetan Mastiff comes in a variety of colours including black, blue, blue-gray, sable, and brindle. Males can weigh anywhere between 170-190 pounds, and stand at 28 inches tall, while females can weigh up to 160 pounds, and stand at 26 inches.


 

Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the Greater Swiss Cattle Dog, was created in the early 1900s in Switzerland, and was originally used as a draft dog for local farmers. Today, the breed is used as a companion dog all over the world.

An energetic and lovable breed, the Swiss Mountain Dog is caring, and protective of its owners. Great with children, the dogs love to be near their owners all the time, but have a tendency to bark if they hear noises or a stranger.

The Swiss Mountain Dog is a short-haired tri-coloured dog. The undercoat comes in various shades of gray or tawny, while the top coat is black with markings of rust and white. The breed often has rust markings on the eyes, cheek and underside of the ears, while white appears on the head, muzzle, chest, and sometimes on all four paws.

The breed typically has almond shaped brown eyes, triangular shaped ears, and a wide flat nose, that is always black. The average male stands at 28 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds, while the average female stands 26 inches and weighs 110 pounds.


 

Kuvasz

Originally bred as a guard dog, the Kuvasz, also known as the Hungarian Kuvasz, is now widely used as a companion as well.

The Kuvasz is very protective and will not hesitate to guard its home. An extremely intelligent and courageous dog, the Kuvasz never truly lets its guard down. Hard working, this breed can work for hours without tiring. A sensitive dog, the Kuvasz takes well to training, and loves to be with its family. If left for long periods, however, the dog may become destructive.

The Kuvasz has almond-shaped brown eyes, and v-shaped ears. Known for their ‘cat-like’ paws, the feet are tiny in proportion to the rest of the dog. The Kuvasz sports a double coat: the top coat is rough and can be wavy or straight, and the undercoat is thin and smooth. The dog is generally white, but can have patches of grey or black.

The Kuvasz is at the smaller end of the large dog category. The males stand anywhere between 28-20 inches tall and weigh 100-115 pounds, while the female stands between 26-28 inches, and can weigh almost 90 pounds.

 

Caucasian Mountain Dog

The Caucasian Mountain Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovtcharka, is the most popular mountain dog in Russia. Its origins as a guard dog for sheep, changed in the 1960s when they were used as a border patrol dog in East Germany. Today the Caucasian Mountain Dog is still used as a guard dog.

The Caucasian Mountain Dog is an independent and courageous breed. It is wary of strangers, and without proper training at a young age can become aggressive, and unmanageable. This dog is not for family’s and should never be left with children.

These dogs are suited to cold weather, with their densely feathered coat and tail. The breed features deep medium-sized eyes, long straight legs, large paws and a large black nose. The Caucasian Mountain Dog comes in a variety of different colours, the most common being brindle, tan, pied and fawn.

Generally male dogs stand at 30 inches tall and weigh around 150 pounds, while the females stand at around 27 inches and can weigh as much as 120 pounds.
Finally, don't forget about pet insurance for your dog doesn't matter which breed  you decide to buy.

Dog Training Dog Obedience Training Explained

Dog Training Information:

Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog there are a few essential ingredients that ensure a happy long term relationship. The first ingredient is health. A healthy dog is a lot easier to live with. Secondly, you want to make sure you invest in some type of dog training program. Dog training is a lifelong commitment.

It may begin with steps like housebreaking, however as your dog grows your training will too. The third ingredient to a happy relationship with your dog is the equipment. Dogs have special needs and are significantly better behaved when those needs are met. When you have a commitment to building a bond with your dog and are willing to provide these three key ingredients, you and your dog are guaranteed a lifetime of love, obedience, and happiness.

Your Dog’s Health Matters

The first step to a long and happy life with your dog is to make sure your dog or puppy is healthy. This begins first and foremost by choosing the right breed for your family. Some dog breeds suffer from knee and hip problems while others can be aggressive if they’re not trained properly. Some dogs require significant daily exercise while others are content couch potatoes.

A visit to your veterinarian for a checkup is necessary as soon as you bring your new dog home. In addition to checking out your dog’s health, updating vaccinations and having your pet spayed or neutered, you may need to have your veterinarian investigate dog skin problems and check their teeth. Dog dental care is part of raising a happy, healthy and well adjusted dog.

You can find breed and care information online, in your library’s dog care section or in your local pet supply store’s book section. If you’re bringing home an older dog, be sure you’re prepared to accommodate your new dog’s care requirements. Older dogs can have a host of bad habits. Don’t let that deter you from adopting an older dog. With care, patience and special dog training you can become a happy dog owning family. To give your dog the best start in life, make sure you and your family are ready for dog ownership. With the proper attention to care and the health of your dog you can raise a well behaved and respected canine and member of your family.

Supply Proper Dog Gear and Equipment

To be a good dog owner you have to understand what your dog needs and wants. Dogs are natural chewers. They dig, bark, and can be destructive. You can solve all of these problem behaviors with the right attention and training. For example, excessive barking may be a result of boredom or anxiety.

Eliminate the cause of the behavior and you eliminate the behavior.  Provide your dog with the right toys and positive reinforcement when they chew on ‘good things’ and you can correct this behavior.

Finding the cause of the behavior is the first step to proper training and better behavior. Dog trick training may be the ideal solution because your dog may be looking for interaction and structure. And that old saying, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks isn’t true. You can. Female puppies, male puppies and older dogs regardless of the dog breed can learn obedience, tricks, and special behaviors you just need the right program and dog training technique.

Your new four legged family member will require a lot of care. If you’ve purchased a new puppy then that care begins with puppy proofing your home. You’ll need to purchase a crate, a dog bed, dog collars, healthy dog food dog treats and of course you’ll need to educate yourself on dog grooming and perhaps buy dog grooming supplies. All of these can be found at online dog supplies stores.

Successful Dog Ownership Means Choosing the Right Dog Training Program

There are virtually hundreds of options and well proven puppy training techniques to choose from. Some of the best dog training options include home dog training programs, professional dog trainers, obedience puppy training, and of course you can purchase an online dog training program or dog training videos.

Much of your decision will be based on your needs. If you have a young puppy you may want a training program to help you say goodbye to potty training woes. You may also want a puppy behavior training program, crate training, house training, or even leash training. If you have an older dog then you may be more interested in advanced dog training techniques like agility training. Or you may simply want to learn to train to train your dog at home like a professional dog trainer.

What Dog Behavior Do You Want To Tackle First?

The first step to finding the right puppy obedience training or dog training program is to determine your needs and priorities. Then you can look for a program that focuses on behavioral science methods. One that approaches dog training in a successful and positive manner and is built on solid dog training knowledge.

Dogs need to be socialized. It’s not enough to simply train your dog to sit, stay, or walk on a leash. And while advanced dog tricks aren’t necessary you do want your dog to understand what is expected. You want to make sure they’re well behaved around other animals, children and guests in your home. This takes patience and vigilance on your part. While many people still adhere to old school dog training, more cutting edge information has shown that it’s important to build a relationship based on trust.

This is accomplished with clicker training, positive reinforcement and an understanding of dog behavior. You don’t have to be the dog whisperer to have a fantastic relationship with an amazingly well behaved dog. You just have to find the right dog training program and commit to it. Training can be a lifelong process advancing from basic commands and behaviors to more complicated disciplines like agility training, guard dog training or advanced tricks.

Dog Obedience and Behavior is a Lifelong Commitment

As you own your dog your lives will change. Your dog will grow older and their needs will change. It’s important to stay on top of your dog’s health care needs, gradually changing dog training requirements and what makes your dog happy. It’s also important to stay aware of dog training methods and new training techniques as they’re discovered.

Just a decade or two ago people didn’t realize the importance of cruelty free dog training techniques. They strove to be the Alpha by dominating their dog. Since then top professional dog trainers and behaviorists have found that it’s much more effective to work with a dog’s natural drives and instincts. Positive reinforcement is the key to building a lifelong bond of trust and obedience.

How Do You Stay On Top Of New Techniques And Commit To Continuing Dog Training Education?

Find a trusted resource. Check out dog training book reviews. Review dog training videos and obedience programs. Learn what the animal experts have to say.

Becoming a top notch dog owner requires five things:

1. A commitment to keeping your dog healthy and happy.
2. A knowledge of your breed, dog behaviors, and professional obedience and trick training techniques.
3. The desire to not only find the right puppy behavior and/or dog behavior program but also the patience to see it through.
4. A commitment to developing a trust relationship through proper dog training.
5. A lifelong approach to learning from dog professionals about how to care and keep your dog.

Consult the experts, hire a professional trainer, attend an obedience class and learn what it means to have a canine as part of your family. Dogs are wonderful creatures. They make a perfect addition to the lives of many and become valuable family members. Do your part to raise a happy and healthy dog. Find a quality training program, take care of their health, and commit to providing the proper care and equipment.

How To Train A Puppy

The arrival of a new puppy is an exciting time for any household. Your cute and cuddly little fluff ball will immediately command center stage from the whole family. Before long though, it becomes very clear that the new arrival means there's lots for you to do, and even more for him/her to learn. Puppy training must top your list of priorities.

Your young puppy is totally reliant and dependent on you to help him habituate and fit into our human, domesticated world. Your guidance and leadership will determine what path his life takes and what type of dog he will become. During puppyhood you play the lead role and are responsible for shaping the character, temperament and behavior habits that your dog will carry throughout his life. Your puppy's future is in your capable hands... 

How To Train A Puppy - It's Not All Fun And Games!

 

It shocks some new puppy owners when their puppy acts like, well a puppy. The little critter is a pooping machine who chews, barks, digs, cries and much more! But we still love them anyway - we just need to provide them with some direction and boundaries to follow.

If you're anything like me you probably just want to get your puppy off to the best possible start in life, and also set them up to thrive as adult dogs. Early puppy socialization and puppy training are the keys to your success as a dog owner.

Bringing a young pup into our lives is a big responsibility and commitment to fulfill. Our puppies have a long list of requirements and deadlines that must be met for their well-being and longevity. Tasks like puppy house training, crate training, puppy socialization, leash training and basic obedience need to be addressed right from the very start.

How To Train A Puppy - The Positive Non Violent Way

It's important with all dog training but especially with young puppies to use lots of encouragement, praise and rewards (positive reinforcement) in your training. Start your puppy training sessions as soon as your little puppy arrives at your home - it's never too early. Set your puppy up to succeed, concentrate on developing desirable habits in your puppy and preventing undesirable behavior. It's much a better alternative to put your puppy on the right path from the start, rather than trying to correct established problem behaviors later on.

Keep your training sessions short, consistent and always have fun. The key to shaping your puppy's behavior is to start out with very easy commands, continue to build on these successes and apply heaps of repetition. Base your puppy training sessions around trust and mutual respect rather than old school methods based on punishment, avoidance and harsh corrections. In this environment you will find that your puppy loves his training sessions and his confidence will grow with each and every session.

Always remember that you are dealing with a very immature young animal. Be realistic, flexible, patient and always fair during puppy training sessions. Your puppy doesn't just automatically know this stuff! It's all new to him and he is bound to have the odd slip up and mistake along the way. Don't worry about these mistakes, just move on and do your best to prevent them in the future.

Enjoy this fantastic time in your dog's life. His puppyhood is the time where you will lay the foundation for your puppy's life. It's also where you will develop, build and strengthen the special bond you will share with your dog for life.

Stop fleas and stick on dogs

Not so long ago we looked at how to remove a tick from a Dog and it seemed like a more thorough look at the subject of both tick and flea preventions and remedies was in order. Dog fleas and Dog Ticks are two of the most common infestations Dog owners face and learning how to prevent ticks and fleas is something a lot of Dog owners ask.
I will take a comprehensive look at both how to get rid of fleas and ticks on Dogs as well as how to prevent fleas and ticks on Dogs. Once your Dog has ticks or fleas then  frontline medicine or something similar is your best way to treat themThis will be quite a long post (2500 words now I have finished) so for your convenience (and if you wish to skip a section) the post will be broken down in to the following chapters:

• How to prevent ticks and fleas
• Natural flea prevention
• Natural Tick prevention
• How to get rid of ticks and fleas
• How to get rid of ticks naturally
• How to get rid of fleas naturally
• Flea and tick medication
• Frontline flea and tick medication
• How to apply Frontline
• Natural flea and tick medication or Chemicals

Hopefully this will cover the topic very comprehensively and should give all of us a good idea of exactly how to prevent ticks and fleas and how to get rid of ticks and fleas when our Dogs get them. Having done quite a bit of research for this I think some of the different methods will be seen as interesting alternatives to Frontline or similar products. I have certainly become intrigued by some of the interesting ways to kill Dog fleas and Dog ticks.

How To Prevent Ticks

For some Dog owners ticks are a real problem. I am one of them. Learning how to prevent ticks can drastically cut down on the number of Dog ticks you will have to deal with.

For some of us trying to prevent ticks is a bit of a challenge. The best way to prevent ticks without any medication is to stay away from areas that contain ticks. Ticks are most often found in long grass and woods. if walking your Dog in such places the ticks will attach to the Dog and quickly burrow its head in to the dogs skin. How to prevent ticks when you live in such an environment can be extremely difficult without some form of home tick treatment. Without using some form of tick treatment for Dogs, such as frontline medicine, preventing Dog ticks simply comes down to staying away from grassy and damp areas as much as possible.

How To Prevent Fleas

Natural flea prevention, without adding anything to your Dogs skin can be difficult. However one of the best ways to prevent fleas is the use of the vacuum cleaner. For every flea on your Dog there will be many more, in different stages, around the home. It may be time for a spring clean. Natural flea prevention without applying anything to the Dog or the surroundings will come down to keeping an area as flea free as possible by cleaning. Vacuum all areas extremely well and you will go a long way to cutting down on the number of fleas in the area and break the life cycle of the fleas.As with preventing ticks, it is difficult to beat the chemically based frontline medicine.

Natural Flea Prevention

Apart from keeping the surroundings clean there are a few good tips for natural flea prevention. Firstly we should ensure that we bathe the Dogs regularly. A good hot shower can work wonders to prevent the build up of ticks. After bathing a good brush to keep the Dog clean is in order. There are special flea combs that can be purchased to get rid of fleas on the Dog.
Also bear in mind that fleas will not survive in a very hot wash. Gather up all the Dogs bedding and run it through the washing machine on a hot wash. The same goes for anything else in the house that you feel may have been infested with fleas.
Searching around the internet there are quite a few recipes and directions for natural flea prevention. Preventing fleas on your Dog naturally is certainly worth a go. A lot of natural ways to prevent fleas rely on essential oils.
Lavender oils have been cited as quite effective in flea prevention. Add a few drops of lavender oil to 8 oz water and spray over the Dog. Some people have found it effective.
Eucalyptus Oils used in a similar manner can also be employed as a natural flea prevention. Also try a few drops on bedding etc or even some leaves.
Adding a third apple cider vinegar to two thirds water and poring all over the Dog after bathing has worked well for some. Just dry the Dog lightly and the smell will soon disappear.
A lemon, cut up and left in 8 oz of water for a day has seen good results when then sprayed on your Dog. Preventing fleas in Dogs has a lot of these type of solutions and a lot of the different essential oils mixed with water are said to be very effective.

Natural Tick Prevention

Apart from staying away from areas with ticks, which is not always possible, what other ways are there to naturally prevent ticks on Dogs. Well apart from learning how to remove Dog ticks there are a few natural ways to prevent ticks. Similar to natural flea prevention, lots of essential oils have been cited as being quite effective when it comes natural tick prevention. Oils such as lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus,etc can be added to water and applied to the Dog. How effective these are as a natural Tick prevention I really don’t know but you wish to try them.
It is also important to remember to keep all Dog bedding washed regularly. Young ticks are minuscule and if you allow your Dog to sleep on the bed and you live in an area where ticks are prevalent I would check the bedding if I was you. Sorry!
There seem to be a lot of natural tick prevention solutions on the market, many simply containing the natural oils stated above. I don’t know if they work well but again you may give them a try. Natural tick prevention really comes down to avoidance. They are much tougher to prevent naturally than fleas. I eally have found little to support these treatments. Frontline medicine, or something like advantix, though chemical based, is definitely the most thorough and effective solution.

How To Get Rid Of Ticks And Fleas

We will now take a look at how to get rid of ticks and how to get rid of fleas.
Learning how to prevent ticks and how to prevent fleas really is best attempted to control by avoidance and keeping the house and bedding well cleaned. There really is little else that seems to really work if you want to avoid your Dog getting infestations. Essential oils may help but to be honest I have found little to know actual people who have said these natural remedies completely eradicate ticks and fleas.
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How To Get Rid Of Ticks Naturally

Without resorting to any chemicals such as Frontline there are not many ways to get rid of Dog ticks. You will basically need to know how to remove Dog ticks by using a pair of tweezers. Pulling off the ticks is the best way to remove or get rid of ticks naturally. Forget trying petroleum or a just extinguished match to the tick to remove it. It simply does not work. How to get rid of ticks once they have them is by tick removal or the application of something like frontline tick medication.
To get rid of dog ticks you can try a little apple cider vinegar in their water. Just how effective this will be to get rid of ticks I am rather dubious about. The reality of Dog ticks is this. If you don’t use a chemical the best way to get rid of Dog ticks naturally is to avoid areas where they are are remove the tick from the Dog by pulling it out.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas Naturally

As stated in “how to prevent fleas”, you can get rid of fleas on Dogs using a god Dog shampoo and then brushing thoroughly with a flea comb for Dogs. Try to use a flea comb every day as part of the Dog grooming routine and it will help tremendously.
To use a flea comb you need a god supply of soapy water. Dip the flea comb in the water between each combing. This will kill the fleas in the water and make combing easier. Apart from the flea comb you can again try the natural oils mixed with water and applied to the Dog. However as with how to get rid of ticks naturally I have found little evidence that these will effectively get rid of fleas like the Frontline, Advantix type of remedies do.
To kill Dog fleas without the use of chemical is really down to vacuuming thoroughly, washing any related bedding and the regular use of a flea comb for Dogs.

Flea And Tick Medication

There are a number of flea medications and tick medications that will kill Dog fleas and kill Dog ticks. There are also flea collars and tick collars but these really are not as effective as spot on medications. Flea and tick collars maybe effective on small Dogs but will do little to protect the body of a large Dog.
There are a few bestsellers when it comes to flea and tick medication. Frontline plus may be the best well known but Advantix and X-spot are also very well regarded. I use X-spot as here in Spain it is cheaper and prevents leishmania which can be a killer here. In the UK we always used Frontline medicine and it works extremely well. Frontline flea medication is particularly effective and we have never had a problem with fleas if we applied Frontline regularly. Home flea treatments and home tick treatments should be used in conjunction with a commercial product unless you find one of the natural flea preventions and natural tick preventions really do work.

Frontline Flea And Tick Medication

Although I will talk about Frontline medicine, as it is the most widely used way to kill Dog fleas and kill Dog ticks the same applies to any of the major flea and tick preventions like Advantix and X-Spot. How does Frontline work? Frontline ticks treatment medication works by a process called translocation. Frontline flea and tick treatment gradually works its way in to the oil glands of the Dog and then spreads through the Dogs fur. Frontline medicine normally takes about 24 to 48 hours to kill all Dog ticks and Dog fleas after it is applied.
Discount Frontline is still an issue. These applications are expensive and although they work very effectively cheap Frontline for Dogs would still be nice.

How To Apply Frontline

The same technique applies to all spot on medications. Ensure you do not let your Dog get wet after applying Frontline flea or tick medication. It takes up to two days for them to work effectively so keep the Dog dry for a few days.