One of the most admired non-traditional pet care products that pet holders acquire their pets are clothes, which contain pet T-shirts, pet coats, and pet-sweaters which allocate pet owners to boaster their pets when they bring them outside for their exercise. Though, aside from individual capable of afford pets with a certain level of fashion, clothes can be helpful in protecting pets particularly dogs against chilly climate. In current years, a further non-conventional pet care product or action that pet owners provide their pets is a spa treatment that gives pets with grooming, certain treatments similar to aromatherapy, and a complete day of actions that pets could perform together with further pets.

Pet beds are essential to your pet. Pet beds give excellent support for the backs as well as joints of the pets. The beds convey a feeling of warmness and create your pets feel secure. The bed not only gives ease but also support to your pets.

A further example of pet products contains car seats that allocate pet owners to give their pets with a comfortable approach to travel. For dog holders, car seats have turn into trendy because they permit dogs to fix their head out the window while being carefully protected on the seats. Other pet products include pet electronic toys such as invisible fences along with teaching collars. Pet mattresses that are prepared to conform to the body of pets are also popular.

Molly’s Pet Boutique is an Irish owned web-based boutique offering a wide and varied selection of pet clothing and lifestyle accessories. For more information or pet shopping, please visit: http://www.mollys.ie.

About the Author

To pet lovers, pets fetch that extra pleasure into their living. Dogs, cats, fish and other pets account for a great proportion of the pet population, and pet holder nowadays often go shopping for products to keep them glad.

About the Author

About the Author: Lissette Robaina is the owner and writer for AmazingDogsPlace.com, a leading provider of dog supplies for sale. For more information, please visit http://www.amazingdogsplace.com

The obvious question to ask yourself is, what size dog can your home handle? A home with a large yard out in the suburbs can offer enough room for a large dog to run and play.

Do you want a dog that is sturdy, yet cuddly and plays well with children? Are you hoping to get a guard dog for your home or business? Do you want to develop a show dog to enter competitions?

Or do you just want a loyal companion, small enough to be comfortable in an apartment and calm enough to sit with his head on your lap in the evening? These are practical considerations to think about as you search for the right dog breed.

How many humans live in your home? A single person who works long hours needs to choose a dog breed that can manage with lots of alone time indoors - perhaps a dog that enjoys toys and entertains himself.

A family with small children needs a medium to large-size dog that is gentle by nature and patient with children. For small children, a dog is like a toy - they don’t understand it’s a living, breathing being that can get hurt by roughhousing.

Some breeds would not tolerate the antics of small children, but would be great with older children. A dog for older adults needs to be low maintenance, calm and undemanding.

Dogs can also be divided into two important categories - those that shed and those that don’t. Shedding is a huge complaint of dog owners. Dog hair clings to furniture, clothing and guests who sit anywhere in the house. Short haired dogs may look easier but they can shed, too. Shedding can be divided into barely sheds, seasonal only shedding or constant shedding.

Size of the breed is both a height and weight issue. Smaller dogs weigh under 10 pounds, medium dogs weigh 11-25 pounds, large dogs weigh 26-50 pounds and extra large dogs weight 51-80 pounds. Extremely large dogs, like Mastiffs and St. Bernards, can tip the scale at 100-180 pounds.

Can your furniture stand that much dog? In choosing a breed, don’t decide on the dog as it appears a puppy - make your choice based on the size the dog will grow to as an adult. Big dogs are big eaters. If you bring home a Mastiff, you may need a second job just to pay for the dog food and care.

Care requirements are another important consideration. Some dog breeds require more grooming and care than others. Dogs that have fancy trim, like poodles or show dogs may spend more time in the spa than you do.

Even ordinary family dogs may need weekly (or even daily) grooming to keep their coats from tangles and to maintain good physical health. Take time to research the dog breed, size, temperament and grooming requirements before you make a choice. It’s only fair to the dog you choose that you be prepared to care for basic needs, plus provide the love and attention that only you can give.

About the Author

More dog information and training tips are available at Training Dogs For Obedience 123. All the content on the site is free to help you train your dog or puppy!

The Reason For Dog Boots

Have you seen a Chihuahua wearing a pair of dog shoes and thought “what in the world would make anyone buy a pair of dog boots for his dog?” For sure many dog owners buy dog shoes or boots because they look nice or cute. Dog boots or dog shoes have many functional purposes as well. Dog boots not only enhance the life of a dog, but save them from many preventable ailments and injuries.

Dog Boots In The Winter

Dog boots are a very necessary accessory in both summer and winter. During the winter, demands for dog boots have been known to increase geometrically. This is because a dog’s paw can become frostbitten as a result of its prolonged exposure to the snow. Sharp ice on frozen skin or paw is a recipe for injury. The chemicals used to melt the snow or ice is especially cause for concern. Not only is your dog tracking all of these chemicals into your house, they invariably will attempt to clean these irritants off of their paws and thereby ingest these chemicals.

Dog Boots In The Summer

Not only are people buying these boots and their dogs using them during the winter, they are also finding good uses for them during the summer too when it is warmer. For instance, in case your dog is allergic to chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers which are usually applied to the grass in a park, your dog’s paw can be protected from the fertilizer or pesticide by wearing the boots for your dog. The common concern many people have as regards wearing boots during the summer and autumn months is that it can make cause a lot of heat making the dog uncomfortable. This is simply not true as most dogs do not lose heat from the feet. Furthermore, many shoes have a reflective or brightly colored exterior which both reflects the heat and reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the shoes and transferred to the dog’s paws.

Dog Boots Around The House Dog boots are also useful in protecting surfaces that you do not really want dog claws on like wood floors. Ever see what a dog with long nails does to a laminate floor. It really is not a pretty thing. If your dog like to swim, you can use dog boots to prevent the dog from tearing or otherwise damaging the pool liner. When settling for a pair of boots for your dog, be sure to get nothing less than the best. Make sure it is of good fit for the dog. If not, you dog will get rid of it. In this case, you can take the dog to the pet store where his shoes size can be determined. After the dog is through with wearing the shoe, clean the shoe properly and prepare it for the next time the dog will wear it.

About the Author

Hans is the owner of http://www.lucysdoghouse.net and is a life long dog owner. Lucy’s Dog House offers a wide selection of dog shoes, dog collarsand much more to make your dog’s life happier and healthier. A percentage of all sales goes to support Great Dane Rescues.

These behaviors typically surface when a traumatic change (from your dog’s point of view) has occurred such as moving to a new home, the loss or addition of a family member whether it be human or canine, after a vacation when you and your dog have spent a lot of time together, after a stay at a boarding facility or shelter (doggie jail) or if their human is working long hours and is absent for extended periods of time.

Even though it’s not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others do not, it’s clear your dog is having some sort of severe panic response to your absence. Punishing your dog for having a panic response/separation anxiety will only exacerbate an already difficult issue. You need to show your dog through training that being alone is not a threat to their safety.

Please read this information in it’s entirety before making any decisions or beginning any training and/or a de-sensitization process. You must first determine the level of your dog’s panic response before you take any action.

First, don’t get another dog to help your first dog with separation anxiety. This will not solve the problem because the anxiety is related to their human’s absence not loneliness. Don’t crate an anxiety ridden dog. This could worsen their condition. Your dog may also injure themselves attempting to escape the crate. They may howl, urinate and defecate due to their high stress level. Also, simply going to a dog obedience class will not solve the problem of separation anxiety. Training your dog is highly recommended, however it’s not a solution for your dog’s panic response.

Be certain your dog is experiencing separation anxiety by answering the following questions. If four or more answers are yes, re-conditioning is recommended.

1. Your dog detests spending time alone outside, won’t go outside without you.

2. The undesirable behavior/panic response occurs only when they’re left alone (this can be 10 minutes or several hours).

3. Your dog is overly excited, depressed or frantic while you prepare to leave.

4. Your dog follows you like a shadow from room to room when you’re at home.

5. When you arrive home, your dog is close to hysterical/frenzied when they’re greeting you.

The following method(s) are quite useful for minor cases of separation anxiety. For more acute cases, use these training methods along with the desensitization process presented later in this article.

1. When you arrive home be very calm, cool and collected. Wait 2-5 minutes before you greet and pet your dog. This will be difficult for you at first so be strong. When you do greet your dog, have a very calm monotone voice so as to add to their excitement.

2. When you leave your dog, give them a t-shirt or other piece of clothing that you’ve worn recently (the smellier the better). 3. Train your dog to know you’ll be back with a specific word or pair of words. You must use the exact same word(s) every time you leave to help assure your canine you’re coming back.

To begin training for minor cases of separation anxiety chose the word(s) you’ll be using to let your dog know you’re coming back. Make it simple like “I’ll be back” or “I’m coming home”. Next, do something simple like take out the garbage or get the mail. Before exiting, use your cue words and go out the door. At first, only be gone for very short periods of time. This is to convince your dog that you’re coming back very soon (3-5 minutes). You can also turn on the television, radio or a CD plus give them a chew toy along with the cue words to re-direct/re-focus them on something other than their anxiety.

This type of training may take only 5 times to work or it may take 25 times. Set aside time on a day off to help your dog learn that being along is not a threat to their safety. Be sure to use the same word cues and body language every time. Dogs learn through association and classic conditioning, so if you trained them with a toy, the radio and cue words “I’ll be back,” do that every single time and soon your dog will completely understand the routine thereby eliminating or at least significantly reducing their stress response.

Another way to begin work on your dog’s minor panic response is to train them to sit-stay or down-stay with positive reinforcement (this assumes your dog already knows sit or down). Choose either the sit-stay or down-stay and stick with it. Going back and forth will only confuse your dog about what you want. First, use the command “sit” or “down” (whichever one you’ve chosen). Reward your dog with a treat, belly rub or a gentle pat on the head. Next, use the command “stay” and take one step back. Reward your dog. Next, use your command “sit” or “down” and then “stay”. Take 2 steps back. Reward your dog for staying.

Continue this process until you’ve exited the room (this may take 4 steps or 10 steps). If your dog gets up from their sitting or lying down position, start again from where they faltered. Don’t punish your dog for getting up. Just go back to where there was success and build from there. Your ultimate goal is to be able to get up and go into another room (like the kitchen or bathroom) without your dog having a panic response. Be sure to use the exact same command and body language every time so your dog can make the association. Work with them for 10-15 minute intervals every day or a few times a day. Soon your dog won’t budge when you get up, use your command and leave the room.

For more acute case of separation anxiety, a systematic process is required. This takes time, effort and patience. You’re training your dog to be alright with being alone when they are completely freaked out about being alone. Go slow and celebrate successes.

There are several steps to this de-sensitization process and go as follows:

NOTE: During this process, be acutely aware of your dog’s behavior. If they begin to exhibit the panic response, go back a step and repeat it until your dog is calm. If you try to move through the steps too fast, they will not work and could worsen your dog’s separation anxiety.

* Step 1: Behave as if you’re getting ready to leave by gathering items such as your shoes, keys, coat, brief case, purse. Instead of heading out the door, go sit on the couch or in a chair and put your stuff down like you’re going to read or watch television. Repeat this process until your dog no longer exhibits their panic response. This could take 5 times or 50 times depending on the severity of your dog’s anxiety.

* Step 2: Repeat step 1 except instead of sitting down on the couch or chair, go to the door you normally enter/exit from, open it and then go sit down. Repeat this process until your dog no longer exhibits anxiety.

* Step 3: Repeat step 1 and instead of sitting down, go to the exit/entry door, open it, step outside (leaving the door open), immediately return and then go sit down. Repeat as many times as necessary to squash your dog’s panic response. * Step 4: Repeat step 3 and instead of leaving the door open, close the door for 1-2 seconds then come back in and go sit down. Repeat as many times as needed until your dog is calm.

* Step 5: Repeat step 4 and instead of having the door closed for 1-2 seconds, leave it closed for 10 seconds then come back in a sit down. Repeat until there is no panic response from your dog.

* Step 6: Once your dog can tolerate having a door separating them from you for 10-20 seconds, begin using your training phrase like “I’ll be back” or “I’m coming back” then gather your stuff, go out the door and close it for 1 -2 minutes, come back very calmly and greet your dog quietly. As long as there are no signs of distress, repeat this step while gradually increasing from 1-2 minutes to 3-4, 5-6, etc. Do this up to 10 minutes. Take however long it takes. Speed is not the goal. No panic response is the goal. Go slow.

* Step 7: Once your dog can tolerate 10 minutes of separation without having a panic response, you can now leave for a short period of time - 30 to 60 minutes. Be sure to use the exact same cue(s) you’ve chosen (I’ll be back, I’m coming home, radio on, etc.) when you leave. Once you return, greet your dog calmly and in a monotone voice.

* Step 8: While training, it’s best to combine short periods of separation (30-60 minutes) with very short periods of separation (3- 10 minutes). Be certain you use your command cue(s) every time. Stagger these separation times (1 for 10 minutes and then an hour later leave for 60 minutes). This helps to solidify within your dog that you are coming back every time.

So now your dog is able to tolerate 60-90 minutes of separation without having a panic response. This is a dramatic improvement from where you both started. Typically this means that your dog is able to handle being alone for longer than 90 minutes and often several hours. Every dog is different and some may be able to handle 1 ½ hours but not more than 2 while others handle several hours like a super star. Be patient with your dog and continue the training until they’re comfortable being separated from you. The length of time it takes to de-sensitize your dog is dependent on how acute their anxiety was from the beginning. This will take time so there’s no need to rush. If you try and push your dog into a step they’re not ready to handle they’ll panic so simply back up a step. If you push to hard, all your work has just been blown away and you need to start over.

In some extreme cases, anti-anxiety medication may be needed for the short term. This can be very helpful in taking the edge off of your dog’s panic response so successful training can begin. Prescription canine anti-anxiety medications can be dispensed by your veterinarian and are very inexpensive. There are also many natural anti-anxiety remedies available. Another short term alternative is to leave your dog with a friend, family member, take them to work with you for ½ a day or find a doggie day care.

Whatever you do, make sure it’s the very best for your cuddly canine companion. They live to please their human and showing them how to do this is rewarding beyond words. If you have questions, concerns or think your dog needs anti-anxiety medication, consult with your veterinarian.

About the Author

After working in Veterinary clinics and animal emergency hospitals, Miss Rae began writing about dogs and how they enrich our lives. Visit goodpoopy.com for all your dog’s needs from nutrition to what’s a dog emergency and much, much more.

A pet tolerant hotel makes demands about what you and your pet must and mustn’t do. A pet friendly hotel cheerfully outlines all the services available for their four-legged guests. For years, many hotels in the United States and other countries worldwide have accepted pets. However, this practice hasn’t moved into the custom of truly accommodating pets until the past few years.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 53% of all households in the U.S. have at least one pet. Also, over 46% of those households treat pets as family members. Obviously, you want your pet to feel as welcome as you do. It’s for this reason that you’ll want to search for a pet friendly hotel that provides exceptional services to accommodate your pet and make his/her stay as enjoyable as yours.

Available Services

You can tell a pet friendly hotel by the amenities it offers. Most often, boutique hotels will provide the more exceptional services. For example, pet food, dog-walking services, chew toys and an overall pet friendly attitude are good indications that an establishment will truly welcome your pet. Some more prominent hotels may even have pet ambassadors: live-in pets “employed” by the hotel to welcome furry guests and ensure their stays are everything they might hope for.

You might be delightfully surprised to find many pet friendly hotels also offer bottled water, pet-sitting services, special treats and catered room service menus for pets. Information about local dog-walking parks, veterinarians and other services may also be provided.

Making Smart Choices

MSNBC.com provided several tips for making smart choices while traveling with your pet. Among the best suggestions were:

1. Search for a pet friendly hotel. Hotels that merely allow pets won’t provide the level of service you and your pet deserve.

2. Know the hotel’s pet policies. Are there weight limits? Are medical records required? Understand what is expected of you as the pet owner.

3. Be responsible. Pets can destroy property. Be prepared to take responsibility for any damage your pet does to the hotel.

4. Make arrangements that suit your pet. If your pet loves people and gets lonely easily, then you may want to arrange for pet-walking or -sitting services while you’re out sightseeing. If your pet prefers to be alone, then hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door when you leave. Also, provide instructions for the hotel housekeeping staff in case they need to enter the room during your absence.

5. Train your pet. No one likes to be around an unruly pet. Make sure you can control barking, jumping up and other unsavory behavior before checking into a pet friendly hotel.

In many cases, traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience. You, your children and your pet can have a wonderful break from the everyday routine. Remember to think smart, plan ahead and find a sincerely pet friendly hotel; then, the vacation for your entire family can be a special trip you’ll all remember fondly for years to come.

About the Author

Barbara Wade writes articles for Kimpton Hotels - providers of pet friendly hotels across the country. With a dedication to pet owners and their furry family members, Kimpton Hotels is the right place to stay for sophisticated travelers. Visit http://www.kimptonhotels.com for a listing of hotels. © 2008, All Rights Reserved

If your dog runs away when he knows the meaning of the word come, the next time you go for a walk, carry a rolled magazine. If he does not listen when you call him, throw the magazine at his heels, kneel, call him again and praise him while he is coming to you. The Cat Chaser

The next time you take your dog where there is a cat, carry a small rolled magazine. Put your dog on leash and introduce him to the cat. Hold the rolled magazine and if he lunges forward say “NO!” and quickly lower the magazine between them. If he is off leash and makes a dash for the cat, throw what you are holding at the dog’s heels and tell him firmly “COME!”

The Car Chaser

Break the habit of chasing cars by arming yourself with two or three empty food cans and one or two empty cartons. Hide in the car while someone else drives. When your dog comes running out, and the car has stopped, jump out and chase him by throwing things at him.

The Playful Biter

When a puppy nips in play, biting is apt to become a habit. When your puppy grabs at your arm or at your clothing, cuff him on the nose and tell him “NO!” After you cuff him, pat him. This annoying habit could make your parents dispose of your dog. The Serious Biter

Dogs bite for three reasons: to guard, when they don’t want to do something, and when they are afraid.

Scold the over-protective dog. Make him understand that he must never attack because he feels like guarding.

Muzzle the fear-biter. Force him in a kind way to let strangers handle him. In time he may get over being frightened.

If your dog resents combing or growls when you take his bone away, rap him sharply on the tip of the nose and tell him you will have none of that! Don’t bully him but let him know you are the master.

The Chewer

Confine the dog that chews in a room where he can do little damage. Give him toys and bones made of hard rubber or rawhide, or give him a tennis ball. Wait until you catch him chewing on something he shouldn’t, then startle him! Throw something at the spot and tell him “NO!” Throw the object when he isn’t looking at you.

The Digger

You may not be able to stop your dog completely from digging but you can discourage the habit. The next time you see him uprooting the flower bed or digging holes in the lawn, toss something at the spot and call out “NO!” Do this every time he starts to dig. The Dog That Wets In Spite

If your dog wets to “get even,” have someone hide where the dog can’t see him. Play with another dog or go away and leave him. If out of jealousy or resentfulness he leaves a “spite” puddle, the person hiding can throw something or scold him and catch him in the act. The Thief

Does your dog steal things from your closet? Balance a small pie pan on the inside handle of the slightly open door. Your dog will make the correction himself when the pan falls. The Cave Man Does your dog hide under the chair or the bed and growl when you try to get him out? Ask someone to drive him out by poking at him so he will run to you for protection. When he does, reward him with a pat.

If you apply these principles, you should be able to overcome any of these problems with your dog.

About the Author

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