PetFinder Articles

Some dogs are so attached to their owners that they can't stand for the owner to be away. When dogs are normally well behaved but become extremely distraught and destructive when separated from their owners, they are exhibiting symptoms of separation anxiety. Dogs are extremely social and emotional animals and are quite prone to this type of anxiety. Almost 15% of all K9 pets experience separation anxiety, which is linked to a dog's pack instinct. Unlike cats, dogs need to be part of a social group, and separation can cause some intense negative emotions. However, there are several things that a responsible and loving owner can do to help lower a pet's anxiety.
It is important to properly diagnose separation anxiety. Pets that suffer from this kind of emotional state only exhibit bad behavior in the absence of the owner. In extreme cases this might even be when the owner is behind a closed door. Anxious dogs will display destructive behavior, house soiling and diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, excessive barking, vomiting, and obsessive licking. When a dog with separation anxiety is in the presence of the owner, it will often follow the owner form room to room and closely shadow the owner's movements.
Understanding why your pet is experiencing anxiety may lend some clues to a solution. If the pet has never had this problem before, consider the changes in your lifestyle that might have occurred simultaneously with the change in behavior. Perhaps a kid left for college or someone took on a new job. Whatever the case, consider how this time away from your pet is affecting its social interaction.
Treating your pet for anxiety is very different from obedience training, and angry emotions must be avoided at all cost. A display of anger will only contribute to the animal's need for attention. This is especially true for separation anxiety because a dog will experience more anxiety if the owner is angry in the limited time they are present. Establishing trust is vital to dissipating anxiety. Dogs need to trust that their owners will come back for them, and there are several ways to work toward this.
One of the most common trust activities is "sit and stay" training. Giving the sit and stay command and rewarding good behavior begins to teach the dog what the owner wants, and dogs desire more than anything to please their owners. You should practice giving the stay command and moving away at different distance and at different variables of time until the dog obeys eagerly. When a dog understands the owner's wishes and desires to comply, he or she will find much more contentment.
Another strategy is to examine your leaving routine. Every time a person leaves the house they send nonverbal cues to their dog that they are leaving. This may involve picking up keys, putting on shoes, or any number of things. A dog experiencing anxiety now associates those cues with their stress, and it is important to change the pattern to dissociate these emotions. Try giving your dog a treat or turning on the radio. This unusual change and attention can help take a dog's mind off of the stress. A healthy dose of exercise is also extremely helpful, giving the dog a desire for rest and relaxation.
Leaving a puzzle toy with a treat inside or a large rawhide bone will help occupy some time while you are away, but it is not a permanent fix. The important thing is to leave for shorter periods of time, begin some trust exercises, and spend quality time to help your pet believe you are coming back. Once a dog trusts in your return, the anxiety will slowly go away. There is no quick and simple solution to separation anxiety. Instead, it is up to a loving owner to exercise patience through communication and positive reinforcement.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. You can find a variety of dogs for sale that would be great for families or personal companionship. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.

Labels: dogs, pet adoption, puppies

There are so many sizes, breeds, and personalities of dogs and picking out the one for you can become overwhelming. Though you will find that almost any dog will make a great best friend, some will be much more appropriate for your particular lifestyle than others. Determining the right dog for you is not only better for you, but is also the recipe for a much happier dog.
Education about various breeds and types of dogs is a great first step to becoming a new puppy or dog owner. All dogs can be divided into two categories: purebreds and mixed breeds. The lineage of a purebred dog is charted to maintain the breed standard (that is why purebreds are often sold with "papers"). By getting a purebred puppy, you will know almost exactly how large the dog will become and what kinds of personality or physical traits it will carry. The future size and behavior of a mixed breed puppy can also be predicted fairly accurately by considering the different breeds it was mixed with, but it is much less exact. Most people have a preference between purebreds or mixed breeds. Those that plan to enter dog shows or simply like a traditional look lean toward purebreds, while others enjoy the uniqueness of mixed breeds. Mixed breed dogs are also virtually free of genetic defects and diseases that are quite abundant in purebreds. Learn about various purebreds and mixed breeds to begin narrowing the search. Something will surely catch your eye.
Now you are almost ready to look at individual dogs or puppies, but before you do, it is important to examine yourself and your own lifestyle. What kind of dog do you think you want and why? Consider your living situation. Do you live in an apartment? If so, you probably should think about a smaller dog as larger breeds typically need more exercise. Assertiveness, friendliness, exercise needs, and child friendliness, are all different qualities in dogs that should be matched to your lifestyle. You should also consider the emotional needs of the dog. How much time can you spend with it? Some dogs become so distraught from being alone that they go to drastic measures to gain attention. Examining your own lifestyle will also help determine weather you are looking for a puppy or not. All puppies must be trained, including potty training. Do you have the time and patience to go through that process? You should have a good feeling of your capacity for owning a pet before even looking at individual animals.
Taking this time to learn about what kinds of dogs are out there, and what type of dog will fit your needs and lifestyle certainly makes the search simpler. By the time you have gone through this process you will most likely narrow your criteria considerably. Remember, there is nothing wrong with continuing the search until you find what fits. This is going to be your live-in friend for the next decade and possibly longer. Take the time to make a smart decision and make life better for you and a dog.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading online pet adoption agency. You can adopt a pet and save a life. Please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.

Labels: dogs for sale, puppies for sale

A well-trained dog is a happy dog. It may seem ego-driven to some people, but obedience training is as much for the happiness of the dog as it is for people. When a dog is trained, it can be trusted far more around children, on walks, not to jump on guests, and even not to go potty inside. This allows them to move freely though the house around kids or guests, go for more walks, and not be confined to a room or a crate every time the owners leave. Though many new pet owners have trouble spending the time and energy on obedience training, it is exactly what dogs need in order to be fun, low stress additions to the family.
The most important reason for obedience training is for the dog's safety. The use of voice commands can bring your pet to safety in a variety of potentially dangerous situations. Perhaps the collar slips off of your dog while crossing the street or on a busy road. A voice command can bring it back to your side, out of harms way. There are so many emergency situations in which a "recall" command could save a dog's life because the owner has immediate control over its behavior. It is a complex world of fast moving machines and dangerous things that dogs do not understand, and it is the responsibility of owners to look out for them.
The second greatest reason for dog training is bonding. This time will strengthen the relationship between dog and owner, and the levels of understanding, respect, and communication will grow tremendously. The dog will come to respect its owner as the leader and "alpha" the pack, and the owner will learn some of the ways the dog communicates.
When a dog is left without training, the odds are against it. In most cases the dog will misbehave because it does not respect nor understand the owner, causing the owner and others, such as family or neighbors, to be constantly negative around the dog. This is not a good situation for anyone, and some dogs will end up homeless. Without good training, it will be difficult for them to find a new home as an older dog, when there are plenty of puppies for sale. It is statistically proven that puppies, which are socialized and trained from an early age, are much less likely to be youthenized by a pound, rather, those that end up in shelters or rescues are quickly adopted by loving families.
Just like a responsible and loving parent, a good dog owner must teach their dog to behave. It will insure a long and happy life for the dog, and wonderful memories and moments for the owner. If you think you are ready to get a new puppy or older dog, be sure that you are willing to commit a little extra time to give the dog the attention and education it needs.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. You can find a variety of dogs for sale that would be great for families or personal companionship. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.

Labels: dogs for sale, puppies for sale

Americans are noticing the problem of obesity in almost every part of society. Even children are beginning to have severe health issues from obesity. Though it is a good sign that it seems we have plenty of food to go around, the health risks are very real. Weight issues are also a problem for our pets. Dogs in America have it better than any other country, with a huge variety of formulaic dog food on the market and table scraps that could feed small African villages. Obesity is just as problematic for dogs as it is for humans, and for this reason, pet owners should find out if their dog is overweight. If so, then the process of dieting can be begin.
There is a nine point system that most veterinarians adhere to when evaluating the size of a pet, 1 being extremely thin and 9 being tremendously obese. The ideal body condition of a dog is a score of five. In order to determine this measurement, several factors come into play.
The contour of a dog's ribs should be easy to feel with the fingers. Though a small amount of fat should cover the outside of the rib cage, the ribs should be easily distinguished. Ribs that are visible to the eye specify that the animal is too thin, and ribs that cannot be felt through the fat indicate the animal is over-weight. This concept should be used similarly for other areas on the animal's body, such as the base of the tale. Where the tale joins to the body, there should be a slight layer of fat that keeps the bones from protruding but still allows them to be detected by touch. The same goes for several other places such as the shoulders, hips, and spine. All of these inspections should be rated on the 9 point scale and recorded for later calculation. Remember that a score of five is ideal.
The second step of weight evaluation is to observe the size of the pet, first from directly above. By looking down, the contour of a dog's body is easily perceived. There should be a very clear waist area on dogs, or a thinner place in the dog's shape below the ribs, producing an hourglass figure. If the figure is extreme, then the pet should receive a low numeric score, and if the waist is undetectable, or opposite in shape, then a higher score should be noted. A second observation should be taken from the side angle. Dogs have what is known as an abdominal tuck. This is an area behind the rib cage where the abdomen is smaller in diameter than the rib cage. This is the observation that can be quite confusing due to the fact that different breeds naturally have different size abdominal tucks. Greyhounds are an example of a breed that has an unusually large rib cage and an extremely small lower abdomen. It is important to be breed specific when coming up with score for this observation.
Once the measurements have been taken, an average of the numbers recorded will provide a ballpark calculation of the pet's weight evaluation. If the number is over seven, then there is a good chance the animal is at a health risk for obesity. If you believe your dog to be overweight, you should first visit a veterinarian to conclude whether the animal has any other health complications, and if it is safe, a weight reduction plan can begin. A local Vet can also help decide on what sort of diet or exercise program will work best for a particular dog. By keeping a close eye on the size of your pet, you can prevent their weight from becoming out of control and may likely save their life.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.

Labels: dog rescue, pet adoption, pet finder

A new dog in the family can be a big change for everyone, especially for the dog. If you have children, the first concern you will have is the safety of your child in the presence of the dog. Of course, a puppy is usually quite harmless, and can be a great solution for a young child. This way the puppy can grow up along side the kids. But what if you are picking out an older dog, or maybe you already have a dog and are having a new baby? Getting your child and pet socialized with each other can be somewhat of a challenge, but with the right safety precautions and understanding, everyone can be happy.
A responsible parent should be very aware of the interaction between your child and pet, especially in an introductory period. Though it may seem like your dog is perfectly amiable, children often bring unexpected things into the equation. Remember that your dog may see the child as a threat, even though it is stronger and faster than your child. Infants are not usually problematic with dogs because their actions are not very extreme. Toddlers however, love to play with animals and often times do no understand that they are scaring or even hurting the dog. The younger the dog is, when it is introduced to children, the better. This helps them to become socialized with children and makes them less likely to see a child as a threat, but your child's interactions with the animal should still be monitored at all times.
By setting a few ground rules for your children to follow, your dog will be much less likely to become threatened or irritated. Children need to know that it is not good to pull on a dog's ears or tail and dogs do not like it when you put fingers in their eye balls. These are just some common sense things that are extremely helpful when trying to socialize your dog with a child. If you do not already have a dog, it is recommended that you wait to get one until your child is old enough to follow instructions like these.
There are many things that can be done if a newborn is coming home. It is good to have a separated play and roaming area in the house for the dog that keeps the infant out of reach. Set up these area a few weeks or a month before the baby comes. Also, you should practice giving the dog some commands while holding something the size of a child in your arms. Once the baby actually does come, the dog will be much more accustomed to the changed environment. It is important to continue giving your dog the same amount of attention as you did before the baby came. Dogs can be very emotional animals, and a drastic shift in the amount of attention they receive can cause a large amount of stress. If you are the kind of person that lavishes constant attention on your animal, try giving it less attention for a few weeks before the baby comes. An infant will definitely take up more of your time, and it is good to teach your dog a little patience before the child arrives.
With the proper supervision, dogs can be perfect companions for children in their developmental years, not to mention a lot of fun. As long as parents are responsible and understanding of the needs of both children and dogs, children can have a wonderful relationship with their dog.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. You can find a variety of dogs for sale that would be great for families or personal companionship. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.

Labels: dogs rescue, pet finder, puppies for sale

Puppies are the source of so much happiness in the world, and bringing one home is an amazing experience for the whole family. Their playful, loving spirit can bring hours of enjoyment, but with all of the joy and fun puppies bring, many people neglect to consider their responsibility for this new little life, and the needs that must be met. Keeping a puppy healthy and raising it to be a positive addition to the household takes a little more time and energy than an older dog, and without the right advice, puppy care can seem impossible. However, with the right information and a little extra effort, anyone can provide a great new home for a puppy.
Newborn puppies are similar to human babies and need special care and protection. It is common for newborns to be stepped on or take tumbles down stairs, and for this reason puppies need to be in a safe place where they cannot hurt themselves. Also, a newborn puppy does not have the ability to regulate its own body temperature very well. Just like an infant, they need to be kept warm. Of course blankets or a nursing mother can do the trick, but electric blankets are also an excellent solution. By placing the electric blanket under one section of its bed, the puppy can move from one side of the bed to the other to stay warm or cool off. Even though a puppy has trouble controlling its own temperature, it knows what it needs. The same care should be taken for a puppy when handling, feeding, and putting to bed as should be taken for any newborn. It is best to allow puppies to stay with the mother until the litter is 8 weeks old. Those first 8 weeks are fragile times for newborns, and after that time, the puppy is no longer dependant on the mother for food.
Before you pick up a new puppy, it is important to have the right supplies. Puppies need a sectioned off place to play, and a soft bed to sleep in. The play area can be made with a variety of things, just so that the puppy cannot get into trouble or find a new shoe to teethe on. The bed should be included in this space so the puppy can nap frequently. A small cardboard box with a pillow inside works great for a puppy bed. Puppies also need attention. The more attention your puppy receives, the more sociable it will become. Besides, that is why you are getting a puppy right? If you are concerned about how it will deal with other animals or with children, schedule regular supervised times for them to be around each other. Over time the puppy will certainly begin to enjoy the other's company.
Potty training is one of the most intense elements of puppy raising, but it must be done. There are so many techniques and strategies that would fill up an article on their own, but the important thing to realize is that it will take time and patience. If you cannot afford the time or do not have the patience, perhaps an older dog would be a better choice. It is also very important to take your puppy to a vet as soon as possible and return regularly to keep it current on all vaccinations. The vet can also recommend a good puppy food for your dog as well as many other helpful hints.
Above all, the most important part of getting a puppy is giving it love. Spend time with it and think about its needs, and a puppy experience will be extremely gratifying.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading dog rescue tool. An excellent online center for pet adoption. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.

Labels: dog rescue, pet adoption