Lynn Houghton

Small breed dogs such as miniatures and toys can be a challenge to housetrain due to their small size. One of the reasons they are difficult to train is because they are so small as puppies that it is very hard to determine when they want to “go”, their body position hardly changes. These tiny dogs also have very small bladders in relation to their body size and need to urinate far more frequently than their larger counterparts.

Despite the fact that they only produce very small amounts of urine, these tiny pools leave markers around the house that signal to the puppy that this is where he should urinate. Another problem with these tiny dogs is that they can sneak under the furniture and relieve themselves without the owner even noticing.

There are a few things you can do to increase your chance of success:

1. Try to crate train your pup. Most dogs and puppies like crates as they provide a safe den-like environment for them. The majority of dogs will not soil their sleeping area so keep your pup in his crate and take him out every 10-15 minutes to the area you want him to urinate in. If he doesn’t go, take him back to the dog crate and repeat the process every 5-10 minutes until he goes. When he goes, praise him profusely.

2. Watch your dog closely for any signs that he is uncomfortable such as sniffing, circling and pacing. These are often signs that the dog needs to relive himself. If you catch your dog slinking behind the furniture this could also be a sign that he needs to go, so take him to the designated toilet area immediately.

3. Take your dog to the designated toilet area frequently during the day and avoid talking to playing with him so as not to confuse him. When he relieves himself always make sure you praise him for a job well done.

4. If you’re at home you can attach your puppy to a short leash around your wrist to keep him under your watchful eye while you go about your chores. If he shows signs of needing to go take him to the appropriate spot immediately.

5. Make sure you feed your dog at regular times; most dogs need to relieve themselves 15-20 minutes after eating so be sure to take your pup out after he eats to allow him to relieve himself.

6. Try not to feed your dog table scraps and never change your dog’s food suddenly as you may cause a digestive upset and find yourself having to deal with a dog with diarrhea.

7. If your dog makes a mistake avoid punishing him at all costs, never lose your temper. Punishing a dog for doing what comes naturally will only serve to confuse him and make him fearful of you. Make sure you clean the soiled area with an enzyme based cleaner to remove all traces of odor. Soap and bleach don’t remove odors efficiently and should not be used. Cleaning the soiled area will reduce the chances of the dog using the same spot again.

Don’t leave your pup alone for long periods of time in the first few weeks. House training requires a lot of patience and perseverance and you shouldn’t expect your puppy to be able to hold himself until you get home, that’s unrealistic. A badly house trained dog is the result of an inept owner; it’s never the dog’s fault.

Though there is always some dispute over the origin of dog breeds, it is pretty much held as fact the German Sheppard was bred in the late 1800s to work as a sheep herding dogs. Like all dogs bred to heard, the desired traits were obedience, stamina, intelligence and loyalty. Since then, they have been even more specifically bred for a number of other tasks such as police work and protection.
According to figures gathered by the AKC, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Their ability to adapt to and excel in a number of situations adds to their popularity. The military and police use the dogs as attack dogs, tracking dogs and guard dogs. Disabled people use them as eye dogs and in other aid capacities. Rescue teams almost always have at least one German Sheppard on the team.

Shepherds are a medium size dog rarely reaching taller than about 24 inches at the shoulders. They have a thick coat of hair that varies in color from light grey to black. Tan varieties are also quite common. Their weight can vary from around 60 pounds to over 120 in the larger varieties.

The dogs are strong and have much stamina, but they also have one of the easiest dispositions of any working dogs. That makes them especially suited to work with a variety of different types of people. It also makes them the choice of families since the dogs work well with children.

Even though the dogs are gentle creatures, they need socialization from an early age. All dogs can be aggressive and unpredictable. Proper early training can eliminate the problem in all but the most stubborn of dogs.

German Shepherds are very territorial and loyal to their owners and their homes. They are usually quite calm but can quickly become aggressive when it senses a threat to its environment. This temperament makes them one of the favorite choices of homeowners and families for guard dogs.

Shepherds should be fed a high quality dog food to meet their energy needs. A mixture of moist and dry food works best for most dogs. If the dog’s coat doesn’t seem as shiny as it could be, the problem probably lies in the quality of the food. The dogs should be kept on the skinny side for optimum health.

Regardless of what purpose you have in mind for your dog, the German Shepherd should fit the need nicely. Keep in mind that these are high energy dogs and require extensive exercise. If you are looking for a lap dog perhaps it’s better to choose a less energetic breed.

We’d all like to take our pets along when we go on vacation. Dogs are such a huge source of enjoyment and such great companions. It’s only natural that when we’re out relaxing and having the kind of moments that we’ll remember forever, that we wish we had our pets with us to share in the experience. The sad part is that for the most part, dog owners opt to keep pets at home or in a kennel during vacations, due mostly to logistical concerns.

It is possible to take most dogs almost anywhere though, if you are determined enough. All it takes is careful planning and some resourcefulness.

Before you do decide to take your dog on that trip, you might want to consider what is best for your dog. Dogs generally don’t have a great time at kennels, they are typically kept cooped up in small spaces for long stretches. The problem is they are usually just as uncomfortable with long road trips. If you plan to travel thousands of miles, and not really remain in any single place for over a day, then your dog may prefer just staying home. If on the other hand, you plan a week long vacation at a beach, a lake or in the woods somewhere, your dog will be better off with you. Of course if your dog is used to long car trips, then by all means take him along.

You will need to take along various accessories such as a carrier, some leashes, muzzles, a dog sweater, etc. It all depends on where you are going. Make sure you have the right equipment for every destination on your itinerary.

Dogs don’t adjust to new environments and situations the way that people do. Yon can’t really tell a dog that you’ll only be gone for a week or two, and your dog will have no way of knowing that your vacation is not a permanent change. Fortunately, although dogs are territorial, they are much more people centric, which is to say they are most comfortable near their masters. Still, it would help your dog a lot if you could provide some familiar things like your dog’s blanket, a toy of his, and even his supper dish.

You should always make allowances for temperature especially if you are moving from a hot to a cold place, if you have a short haired dog, and you are going to the mountains, you may want to take some dogs sweaters, or make provisions for your dog to stay indoors. On the other hand, if you live in Wisconsin and own a malamute, you may want to consider taking your dog for a trim before heading down to sunny Florida.

Dogs need to relieve themselves more often than people, and they also tend to get carsick more easily. Make sure you adjust their food and water intake for the trip. You might want to ask your vet what the optimal amounts are.

There may also be legal problems with taking dogs across state lines and borders, if you plan on driving off-state, or anywhere over 100 miles from home, make sure you have all your dog’s relevant papers, as well as your dog’s medical history, should you suddenly need to take him to a vet. Don’t forget your dog’s medication if he has any.

It isn’t necessarily a monumental undertaking to take your dog on a long vacation with the family. Just make sure that when you do, that it is the best thing for both your family and for your dog. If you plan correctly your vacation with your dog may be your best yet.

We all like to give our dogs treats and toys. After all, they too enjoy fun and games and deserve to have something to call their own. Unfortunately, dog toys can get costly if your dog likes to destroy them. Big dogs are especially hard to keep equipped with toys. Perhaps you decide to just let them go on until the toy is virtually gone. But you must keep in mind that not all toys are designed to be destroyed safely to this point. Many can become dangerous after a while.

Toys such as stuffed animals and plastic toys can become dangerous when the parts begin to fall off. Just because you see the pieces left in the floor around the house doesn’t mean that the dog is not eating them. Just one small piece is all it takes to cause the dog to choke. The stuffing can be toxic and can lead to intestinal blockage if too much of it is consumed. The chemicals used to treat the stuffing to be flame retardant is also very toxic. Think of your dog as a small child. Would you trust your 2 year old to not eat something that could hurt them? If you wouldn’t let your child play with a potentially dangerous toy, don’t let your dog do it.
Toys that have the little squeakers inside are an especially dangerous problem. The dog will do anything to get at the little noisemaker. The device is not safe for the dog to chew on. It can easily break apart into sharp plastic fragments that can lead to at best a hefty vet bill and at worst a dead pet.

One way to avoid this is to buy quality toys that either can’t be destroyed in this way or that are designed to not break down into hazardous pieces. It’s better to give your dog one good, high quality toy that several cheaper ones. Your dog will be just as happy.
All toys, no matter how good or bad, are better if they come along with your attention. That is really what the dog is looking for. A simple rawhide bone will quickly be your dog’s favorite if you make it a point to play with him with it a few minutes each day. Make it a habit to give it a few tosses every time you return home from work.

In summary, it’s best to get rid of damaged dog toys before they become a hazard. Purchasing high quality, safe toys will allow you to avoid this problem altogether. If you let your dog play with these dangerous items, make sure that you carefully supervise the animal. Once the get the toy open and are exposed to the hazards, take it away from them. The dog may be temporarily disappointed, but will quickly get over it and will stay safe. There’s no toy that’s so great that it’s worth risking your dog’s life and health.

Are you a fan of those billiard champions and in yourself you want to be like them? It’s possible for you to reach their level. All you have to do is to practice until you become expert on the game. Billiard is a famous sport worldwide as there are tournaments being organized for this game. This game is also a part of human’s lives that every part of the country you can see pool halls where people who loves this game enjoy playing. But if you don’t like much playing in the public pool halls and you have enough budgets, don’t hesitate to acquire your own billiard table and supplies.

Billiard supplies include pool table, cue sticks and cue balls and the pool accessories such as the cue racks, cue chalk, triangle, bridge sticks, brush and the felt for the pool table. You can choose between one-piece or two-piece cue sticks. One-piece cue sticks are commonly used in the public pool halls while the two-piece cue sticks are used by players in tournaments. Billiard balls may differ in type, diameter, color and number according to the particular game being played. Nowadays, pool table felts are in wide selection of colors so you can customize your pool table and make the game more exciting. Pool accessories will let you play the game with ease and more exciting.

Maintaining your billiard supplies’ quality is important as these supplies are expensive, it is necessary to keep them organize to avoid any damage and prolong the life of the supplies and to give value to your money and effort. Put the cue sticks and bridge sticks in the cue racks provided so that it won’t break. To avoid any lost for one of the billiard balls, it is best to keep them in the billiard ball case.

As a parent you never stop loving, worrying, taking good care of your children but there will come a time that you need to give them space, space to make their own decisions with your guidance of course, space to think for themselves and physically give them their own space in your home by providing them with their very own bedroom.

Kids learn to be more independent, think for themselves and come to the right decisions when you give them the freedom to do so and a step towards this independence is having their own bedroom. So for the first time that you and your child will go out to fill in their personal space with kid’s bedroom furniture, you must be aware of a few pointers that will make the job easier for the both of you.

One thing you basically need to do is to take your child furniture shopping with you or when doing it online get them to be part of the decision making process. Make them understand of course that what you will get is something that you have both agreed upon, they can make suggestions and if you don’t find any major grievances with their choices then it is alright and you will agree.

Next is to choose something that is not only pretty or cool but durable as well. Explain to your child that they will be using that room and all those bedroom furniture until the time that they go off on their own and so they must choose something that is pretty but will last for several years at least.

When you are on a budget do not purchase all that children’s bedroom furniture pieces you need at just one shopping. You can prioritize and buy from the top of the priority list. This will help you to know the amount of space still available for other pieces as well as not make too much dent in your wallet.

Last of course is to always and I mean always check the safety of the furniture. No sharp edges or desks not sturdy enough and just collapse or get broken after a while. Keeping all of these in mind you’ll be on your way to making shopping with your kid fun and beneficial.

Being green has spread from the fringe of a few hard core environmentalists to mainstream, everyday American life. It seems like everyone has an idea that can help us save the planet or at least save energy. Pet care is no exception. Believe it or not there are things you can do to turn dog ownership into a green endeavor.

Pets actually use more resources than one would think. Just the toys alone that Americans buy for their pets represent a tremendous amount of manufacturing. Factor in the processing of food, chemicals for flea control and simple shampoos and you can see how one little dog can use more than his share of resources.

Homemade Dog Food
To reduce the amount of dog food processing, you could give your dog homemade food. Not only is this cheaper, but it uses less energy to produce and more of the scraps you produce stay out of the landfills.

Dog Feces
Anyone who owns a large dog knows how much waste they can produce in a day. Environmentalists actually recommend that dog waste be disposed of like human waste, by flushing it down the toilet. Special flushable bags are available that are also biodegradable.
Some people who have gardens are actually using the feces as compost. The dog waste mixed with other organic matter creates a fertile mix to apply to gardens.

Eco-Friendly Supplies
It’s fine to buy your pooch some toys and other luxuries, but try to look for the brands that are using sustainable manufacturing. Many toys and dog beds are available that are made from recycled, dye free materials. Also, both for the environment and for your dog, avoid buying anything that has been treated with toxic chemicals.

Flea Control
Dog owners know that fleas are hard to control and kill. But there are ways to control fleas without using highly toxic chemicals. Some of these products will need to be used more frequently, but as long as you are dedicated they will work. Look for products that state they are all natural or that have the “green” label. One of the most popular is made from citrus oil and other plants. Don’t forget to frequently wash your pet’s bedding as part of a flea control strategy. Vacuuming carpets regularly is also important. There are also natural foods you can give him that help repel fleas and ticks. Garlic, brewer’s yeast and B-12 are among the most popular. Herbs like fennel and rosemary can be applied to your dog’s coat to help repel fleas.
Dogs have to live on this planet too. Make sure they are doing their part to keep things as green and clean as possible.

Learning is easy and fun. Fun is learning. Day care center is where children can have both. Most of the time children spend their time here. Outside their home, this is where they developed their learning, discover their talents, and improve their skills. They also get the chance to mingle with other children and make some friends and naturally have fun.

daycare supplies such as learning materials are important things that a daycare center must have. It includes books and some art materials. To capture children’s attention to read or to scan the pages of book, it must be colorful and written in bold letters. They can imagine things out of what they have seen in the book. Children enjoy scanning the books and looking at the pictures and you help them identify the things they have seen. You can also add some flash cards showing numbers, objects, animals and letters. Art materials are also necessary for learning because children like to draw things based on their imagination.

Fun-learning materials such as sand and water tables are also important for children in a day care center to help them enjoy and take a break. They can also learn through this toys. It is better to have your toys a bit informative like colorful toys. You can have a miniature of animals-shaped toys to help children identify the different kinds of animals. It can help them if you described that certain animal. Animal-shaped stuff toys will help too.

For a safer and accident-free learning and fun, be sure to have your toys safe for children. It’s better if you choose cloth-covered toys but made of fabric that is hypo-allergenic. Toys made of rubber are quite safe than made of woods or metal, but if you can’t avoid it, just be attentive to children who are playing with those toys. Teaching kids to be responsible while playing can avoid accidents.

Kid’s bedroom furniture has never been better with the innovation of bunk beds. Now bunk beds are not just a space where your kids can sleep but they serve other functions as well. They are so versatile nowadays that if you don’t get one for your kids it will certainly be a great loss for your kids as well as your pocket.

The regular bunk beds not only allows you to house two kids in one room but leaves enough room for both kids to move around. When cramped into one room it can be hard to fit both highly energetic kids not to mention all their things from their clothes, toys, books and other stuff from school and sport items too. As a parent you need to find the best convenient way for them to live in one room yet not feel smothered or cramped. So with bunk beds, your kids get a place to sleep by occupying just one bed area and there are bunk beds that come with storage spaces so they also have a place to store some of their things.

Futon bunks beds on the other hand provide your child with a couch during the day and at night it conveniently turns into a bed for your guest or your child’s friend when they sleep over. The couch can be used by kids as a comfortable place to play their guitar, or a place to curl up and read their books. This is also ideal when you only have one child but expecting one more in the near future. No need to go out and buy another one when the second child arrives.

So many uses and function for just a simple bed. It not only provide your kids with a comfortable sleeping arrangement but it’s additional storage spaces and the extra bed makes it an ideal kids bedroom furniture for any home with children.

We really had no other choice!

If you need to buy and install your own hidden dog fence, you have numerous options.  You can discover all models of electric dog fences in all different places, for instance the stores, online and with manufacturers.  In these difficult economic period, everybody is attempting to conserve money. You can keep a hunk of money by purchasing a system with a local store or online and installing it yourself.

The mechanics of installing an invisible dog fence are easy enough that many people can handle the process in a weekend.  The crucial element–and this can’t be affirmed clearly enough–is taking the time to teach your dog correctly after you have activated the system.

Picking the Right Fence

Do not jump the gun and get the first unit you spot. The first step is getting your yard size.  You can establish your fence in every shape or size you would like.  A number of owners keep their dogs confined to the back yard or a portion of the total area.  The wire you place is where your dog can be restricted, whether it is a circle, square or an abnormal shape.

Each fence will come with everything you need to set up a basic system with one dog, in which additional wire, flags, and collars can be bought to combine to the system.  If you want a second receiver, get it at the same time, that way you improve your odds of getting a well-suited unit.  Make sure that the fence you are getting is correct for your pet.  The receivers send a small shock to your pet if they get too close to the wire, so weight really matters.  A correction that will frustrate a lab is somewhat different from one that will affect a toy poodle.

Setting Up the System

First, find a good place to plug the transmitter in. Such as, the kitchen, the garage, or the basement.  If it is in your garage, you may want to drill a little hole through the wall to let the ends of the transmitting wire to come in the house.  When your wire can contact the ground, you will want to dig a two to three inch channel around the boundary where the pet will be contained.  After you dig your trench, you can start running your the wire around your yard leaving enough wire at the end to touch the transmitter.

Put the wires in the transmitter as directed by the directions and turn on the unit.  To be sure your unit is running appropriately, take the collar and walk the boundary. But, its not suggested that you place your hands on the contact points unless you would like to .  When you are walking the boundary, you will hear the collar beep. If you hear the beep, put a flag every five or six feet.  This will supply a visual aid for your dog when you are teaching him to stay within the boundaries of the fence.

Guidance

Training is the most significant portion of the electric dog fence.  There are many ways to instruct your dog, but here is the most common method.  Put a long leash on your pet, and apply the receiver to your dog, with the prongs covered.  Let your pet to get close enough to the flags but not quite past the flags.  Each instant the warning noise sounds tug them sharply back towards the middle of the area.

After doing this day after day for a week, reveal the prongs and let your pet experience the correction if they pass the flag line.  Once your dog goes back into the fence, praise them with enthusiasm.  After about a week he won’t walk past the flags and you will see the results your were in search of.  You can then begin letting them off the leash while supervised and slowly start removing flags. Pair the invisible dog fence with a dog door and you and your pet will have the freedom you both love.