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There are many different ways that you can fence in your dog, with the more traditional method being a wooden or metal fence. Otherwise, you may want to consider the more modern option of an underground or wireless pet fence.

There are many different options and brands that you can choose from, but the one thing that you want to remember is that even though they can successfully keep your dog in your yard or within the designated boundary, the underground or wireless fences can not keep other dogs and animals from entering your yard.

For example, if you have a female dog in heat, you can easily prevent the female from getting out of your yard, but an underground pet fence will not prevent a male from entering your yard and knocking up your female.

So, before you spend the money on an underground or wireless pet fence, you want to make sure that you weigh the pros and cons

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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Dog General Care

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Plastic Surgery for Dogs

July 19th 2008 18:01

Generally, if people don't like something about themselves, they spend the extra money and hire a plastic surgeon to get the breast augmentation, the butt lift, or the tummy tuck. Well, believe it or not people do the same thing with their dogs... Well, kind of...

Dogs can get plastic surgery, but it's not to the extent that people get done. People commonly put their young puppies in surgery to cut off their ears or tail, which is known as hear cropping and tail docking.

My Personal Opinion:

Although you can read my full opinion and the facts that back up my opinion, when you read "Plastic Surgery for Dogs: Dog Ear Crop and Tail Dock," here is the brief break down...

By removing the tail and the majority of your dog's ears, you are removing vital and essential communication skills that you dog needs in order to better communicate with other animals and even you. By removing the tail, leaving a small nub, it can be very hard to distinguish how your dog is feeling. 90% of your dog's communication is through his body, and if you remove the tail and ears you remove at least 75% of the means of communication for your dog.

Also, the surgeries are completely unnecessary for the amount of pain that your dog must deal with, and yes the dog does feel the pain, they just have a higher pain tolerance than a person. Think about it, in the wild sick pack members were often left behind and left out because they had the potential to hold the pack behind. Although, there is no need for this in captivity, dogs still sense some of this, which is why they seldom act sick until they are truly, severly ill.

If you disagree with me and feel that you dog does not feel the pain when he bumps into the wall, hits his head, and yelps, then by all means that's your opinion.

But, anyway... There ARE reasons that tail docking can be beneficial, but that doesn't mean that you should run out and ask your vet to dock your dog's tail. The main reason that is medically a benefit to dock the tail is that some breeds have a taught tail skin, which when the tail hits something hard, it can cause an abrasion. The abrasions can be painful to deal with, and prevented with a tail dock, but this is the only medical reason to get your dog's tail docked.

As for ear cropping, some people claim that by cropping the ear, there is less potential for ear infections. Well, yes this is true, but if you regularly clean your dog's ears and take care of yoru dog, you can preven ear infections a lot easier and cheaper than surgery.

There is no reason, even if you show your dogs in competition to crop or dock the dog, as even the AKC accepts natural dogs in their dog shows. It is no longer mandatory to have your dog 100% to the basic standards.

Plus, in many countries, these surgeries are illegal. I want to say the U.S. is one of the few countries that still allow the surgeries.

Anyway... The link that I posted above will give you tons more information about the basics and procedures and how they are done. Plus you will see pictures of all natural Rottweilers, Boxers, American Staffordshires, and a few others.

My goofy APBT with her stupid ear standing for all to see...

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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Dog General Care, Dog Health

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Dog Grooming Tips

June 11th 2008 14:23

Gromming your dog is very important for the health and well-being of the dog. A well groomed dog not only looks healthier but is healthier. By regularly grooming your dog, you can easily prevent dental disease, fleas and ticks, and so much more.

The first step to grooming your dog is bathing him. You want to choose an all-natural dog shampoo that is free of chemicals that can potentially irritate your dog's skin. By bathing your dog you can remove the unnecessary oils that can cause oily skin; you can also help alleviate dry skin, which can cause dandruff and itching.

Brushing your dog with an appropriate brush and/or comb will help remove tangles, which can grow into matts. Matts and tangles pull at your dogs skin making walking and every day activities uncomfortable. Also, by regularly brushing your dog, you move around the natural oils that build up, which deter fleas from setting grounds.

You also want to keep a pair of electric clippers on hand, even if you have a short coated dog. You can use small clippers for small emergencies. If you dog has a cut, you can shave around the cut so that you can clean it up. Or if your dog has something stuck in his coat, you can shave the area to better assess the situation. But, remember that you should only do small exams while at home, and always contact a vet.

Cutting your dog's nails is another important grooming aspect. You don't want to let the nails get overgrown, as it can make walking uncomfortable and even painful. You want to purchase the right pair of nail clippers, whether they're the guillotene style, scissor action, or electric. Yes, you can purchase electric nail clippers; well, they're more or less a rotary dremel tool manufactured for pets. They're a great way to get your dog's nails super short; the heat pushes the quick back so you can use them more often in order to get the nail super short. Otherwise, you may want to purchase the "quick detecting" nail clipers, or just regular nail clippers. It's up to you, but trimming your dog's nails is very important.

And, lastly for now, is brushing your dog's teeth. By purchasing a dog safe, vet approved toothbrush and toothpaste and brushing your dog's teeth daily, you are helping to prevent dental disease.

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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Dog General Care

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Exercise Your Dog

May 31st 2008 16:10

Exercising your dog is very important to keep him well behaved and fit. Dogs that do not get enough exercise can have behavioral concerns such as destructive chewing, as well as a number of other problems. You may see an onset of separation anxiety and hyperactivity. Remember that a tired dog is a well behaved dog. If your dog is busy resting after a long, hard walk, he will be less likely to destroy your home when you're at work, or school.

Also, proper exercise will keep your dog fit, reducing the risk of obesity, which will raise a number of other health concerns. And, a simple way to minimize those extra vet bills is to exercise your dog regularly.

The one misconception is that by letting your dog play with other dogs or play fetch in the backyard for a few minutes, that's going ot be enough and sufficient exercise for your dog. And yes, these games for your dog will be fun and will entertain your dog, but they're efficient forms of exercise.

You need to remember that dogs are the decendants of wolves, which in the wild walk miles and miles a day. Although, dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, they still harbor those inate behaviors. Now, granted you won't need to walk your dog several miles a day, you do need to walk, jog, or run your dog at least once a day, preferrably in the morning before you leave for the day.

If you can't afford spending 30 minutes in the morning to jog your dog around the block, you can invest in a dog treadmill. Don't use a regular, human treadmill as they are unsafe for your dog. You want to purchase a specially manufactured dog treadmill. By hooking your dog up to treadmill, you can get ready for work- shower, clothe, do your hair, eat breakfast, etc. Just make sure that you train your dog how to use the treadmill before you throw him on it for the first time.

Just remember the key to a well-behaved dog is a tired dog. Exercise is the key to a healthy and well- behaved dog, so make sure that you can squeeze in at least one good, long walk. Two is of course better, but you may be able to get away with one, depending on your dog's natural energy level.

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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Dog General Care

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Caring for Puppies

May 23rd 2008 15:10

Puppies are cute and cuddley, but they're a huge responsibility to any person or family. When you decide to bring home a new puppy, you are bringing home years of training, socializing, and care, so make sure that you're ready to raise a puppy to the best of your ability.

Puppies are cute, that's hard to deny, and it's hard to think something so cute is such a responsibility. When you take on a puppy, check out what responsibility your take on...

* Vet visits for routine vaccinations as well as emergencies
* Constant training and socializing
* Daily feeding
* Daily exercise
* Regular grooming, etc.

It may not sound like much, but dog training and socializing is something that you must start on the first day you bring home your new puppy, and it continues every day that the puppy is under your care. Remember that the key to successful dog training is to repeat, practice, and repeat some more. The more you practice and repeat commands, the quicker your dog will learn them. Plus, by practicing, you're dog will become flawless.

I'd say that the most important tip to caring for puppies is that a tired puppy is a well behaved puppy, which is why regular exercise is the key.

I hear more often than I'd like, "Fluffy's tearing up my house. She chews everything, and I can't keep her if she continues this." Well, when asked if they regularly exercise Fluffy, the usual response is, "Yes, she goes outside every day to play." Well, that's not good enough. Dogs are the descendants of wolves, who in the wild walk miles and miles a day. Your domestic dog has some of these traits left from their ancestors, so they need at bare minimum two- 30 minute walks a day.

When you decide to bring home a puppy, love it, and care for it, remember that puppies grow up to be dogs, and it's best to correct any behavioral problems with the puppy is young and small, versus older and large. For example, you want to stop a puppy from jumping when he's small, versus have to fight a 80 pound dog when you come home when he jumps on you.

Anyway, puppies are cute and loving, but remember that's not all they are. They're a big responsibility, too.

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Posted By: Whitney - Category: Dog General Care

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