Older Dogs Health Care Needs
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Colin_McDonald]Colin McDonald
Caring for an Older Dog
For most people our dogs are like part of our family. We take care of them, and they reward us with unconditional love and loyalty. As our dogs age, we need to be aware of their changing needs. A dog enters his senior years at about the age of seven. This can vary depending on the breed or the size of the dog. Larger dogs typically have a shorter life span than smaller dogs do. As you care for your older dog, you should pay special attention to their nutrition, exercise, mobility, and hygiene.
An older dog's nutritional needs can change due to many factors. Along with a slower metabolism, they are also not as active as they used to be. This can lead to obesity. Their digestion becomes more difficult as there is a natural decrease in enzymes. They are more likely to become dehydrated. There are some things that can be done to help meet an older dog's nutritional needs. Begin by feeding a low calorie dog food twice a day. Wet food can be used to help prevent dehydration. Fresh food such as meat,vegetables and rice is also a great option whenever possible. There are some supplements that can be added to the diet to help as well. Mashed yam is good to promote healthy skin. Grapefruit seed extract helps with digestion, and glucosamine and chondroitin can be given for joints and muscles.
Another change that happens with an older dog is their activity level decreases. They still need exercise, but due to less energy and more aches and pains they do not get as much. Activities should be adjusted so that they are lower impact. Instead of going for a run, take a long walk. Swimming can be good exercise for any dogs with arthritis or mobility issues. Exercise can help prevent stiff joints that make moving around difficult. A dog who has mobility issues may benefit from the use of raised food bowls and thoughtfully placed ramps in the house.
An older dog also needs to have extra care when it comes to their hygiene. Good dental care such as brushing teeth can help avoid gum disease. Dental problems can make chewing food and playing with toys painful. Incontinence can become a problem even if your dog has never had accidents before. Taking them out for more frequent potty trips may help. Using indoor potty pads may be necessary as well. Always try to remember that as your dog gets older they can not help the things that are happening. Kindness and patience are the most important things we can give to make our dogs comfortable and happy as they age.
Colin McDonald writes on behalf of Lintbells - [http://www.lintbells.com/]Dog Health Supplements and oneagency.co - [http://oneagency.co]SEO Agency
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Older-Dogs-Health-Care-Needs&id=6059542] Older Dogs Health Care Needs
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dog Dressage Basics
Dog Dressage Basics
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Grace]Thomas Grace
Every dog needs to know how to deal with its owner. For the harmonious relationship between them, the owner must give some time to the dog and explain some words, what they mean and how he wants the dog to respond to them. This is called the dog training. Words that are used in dressage are called controls.
Each dog is teachable, but it is good to know them, because they are all so different. Some are shy, others like to play, some are aggressive and some are very lazy. All dogs are able to understand a few basic commands to help homeowners to communicate to them.
PRIMARY FOCUS OF DOG TRAINING
Basic commands for a dog: for the controls, we always use the same word. distance, sit, down, wait, stop, leg, voice, get, leave, drop, hop, stop, forward, back, around, over, run...
1. Commands, the dog learns slowly, one by one. When he knows the first command, it starts with the perception of others. First, we teach the dog simple commands sit, paw, lie and wait.
2. Each dog is not for all controls and all games. Dog inherits the instincts of his race. If we expect the same behavior as German Shepherds from a poodle we shall be disappointed. Any breed of dog is great for some jobs, but others it just will not do.
3. Give your puppy time to let you poor. When they learn new commands (sit..) First, he will obey only a fraction of a second. Then, we praise him. The next time he will sit longer. When we teach the animal, between the commands we play with them. Dog during class should have more time for play than for training.
4. When the dog learns some controls, then we add noises and sounds to controls. The dog must always obey. Noises and sounds: a ball, sizzling toy, running around him, throwing around the goodies...
5. Distance between dogs and owners When we teach the dog sitting in front or beside the one he teaches, they should be located no more than a meter away. If he is located more than one meter away, it will draw attention to everything except the controls.
6. Different places. Once the dog learns to sit on command, you must accustom him to sit in both interior and exterior or in the middle of the city. 6.1. different soil substrates The dog sits on various bases on the cement floor, grass, sand, earth, seat, surf, table, bench...
7. We provide controls one after another in different sequences a sitting, lying, voice, hop, distance b. leg, voice, wait, rest, voice c. distance, sit, hop, sit, wait. 7.1. Train the dog in different situations a walk through the town, before the ATM without a leash, in an elevator...
8. Train the dog to a different time of day: morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night.
9. We practice different positions and different controls in a series from sitting to lying, lying to hop...
10. We practice the dog so that we change position between the controls we are on a chair, lying on the floor, standing on a ladder, hanging from the tree, standing on slides or measures.
11. Practice the dog in a calm voice, whispering and loud, singing..
12. DO NOT practice with the animal when you're not in the mood.
13. Train the dog several times a day for a few minutes, preferably daily. When the dog is used to training, do not make it longer than 20 minutes.
14. Each session with a dog should be fun for the dog as for the owner. Among the controls are always short plays with the dogs.
15. We praise the dog when he is obedient and ignore it when it does not obey. Do not feed the dog during training with treats, as they will aspect them always. The dog is more obedient to the love than to food.
16. We do not punish, not hit or yell at the dog. We work with him friendly.
17. Do not make fun of the dog during training. This offends and humiliates him.
18. During the training we do not caressing the head This means humiliation for a working and obedient dog.
19. Patience. Sometimes the dog does not understand what we want from him. This may anger us. Then, training is stopped and within minutes, we try to say what we want otherwise.
20. The trainer needs to know and imagine what he wants from his dog. If the trainer is not clear what he wants, the dog will not know what is expected of him.
21. The trainer uses the name of a dog in the controls Sit Tarzan, Tarzan distance,.... the dog loves his name and likes to hear it, that is the reason he will act more obedient to the command.
22. Controls order: attention, command, demonstration, praise.
Thomas Grace
Information like this will help you <a target="_new" href="http://cockersspaniel.net/articles/basics-for-dog-dressage">dog dressage basics</A> and also <a target="_new" href="http://cockersspaniel.net">cockers spaniel dog training</A>
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Dressage-Basics&id=6059297] Dog Dressage Basics
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Grace]Thomas Grace
Every dog needs to know how to deal with its owner. For the harmonious relationship between them, the owner must give some time to the dog and explain some words, what they mean and how he wants the dog to respond to them. This is called the dog training. Words that are used in dressage are called controls.
Each dog is teachable, but it is good to know them, because they are all so different. Some are shy, others like to play, some are aggressive and some are very lazy. All dogs are able to understand a few basic commands to help homeowners to communicate to them.
PRIMARY FOCUS OF DOG TRAINING
Basic commands for a dog: for the controls, we always use the same word. distance, sit, down, wait, stop, leg, voice, get, leave, drop, hop, stop, forward, back, around, over, run...
1. Commands, the dog learns slowly, one by one. When he knows the first command, it starts with the perception of others. First, we teach the dog simple commands sit, paw, lie and wait.
2. Each dog is not for all controls and all games. Dog inherits the instincts of his race. If we expect the same behavior as German Shepherds from a poodle we shall be disappointed. Any breed of dog is great for some jobs, but others it just will not do.
3. Give your puppy time to let you poor. When they learn new commands (sit..) First, he will obey only a fraction of a second. Then, we praise him. The next time he will sit longer. When we teach the animal, between the commands we play with them. Dog during class should have more time for play than for training.
4. When the dog learns some controls, then we add noises and sounds to controls. The dog must always obey. Noises and sounds: a ball, sizzling toy, running around him, throwing around the goodies...
5. Distance between dogs and owners When we teach the dog sitting in front or beside the one he teaches, they should be located no more than a meter away. If he is located more than one meter away, it will draw attention to everything except the controls.
6. Different places. Once the dog learns to sit on command, you must accustom him to sit in both interior and exterior or in the middle of the city. 6.1. different soil substrates The dog sits on various bases on the cement floor, grass, sand, earth, seat, surf, table, bench...
7. We provide controls one after another in different sequences a sitting, lying, voice, hop, distance b. leg, voice, wait, rest, voice c. distance, sit, hop, sit, wait. 7.1. Train the dog in different situations a walk through the town, before the ATM without a leash, in an elevator...
8. Train the dog to a different time of day: morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night.
9. We practice different positions and different controls in a series from sitting to lying, lying to hop...
10. We practice the dog so that we change position between the controls we are on a chair, lying on the floor, standing on a ladder, hanging from the tree, standing on slides or measures.
11. Practice the dog in a calm voice, whispering and loud, singing..
12. DO NOT practice with the animal when you're not in the mood.
13. Train the dog several times a day for a few minutes, preferably daily. When the dog is used to training, do not make it longer than 20 minutes.
14. Each session with a dog should be fun for the dog as for the owner. Among the controls are always short plays with the dogs.
15. We praise the dog when he is obedient and ignore it when it does not obey. Do not feed the dog during training with treats, as they will aspect them always. The dog is more obedient to the love than to food.
16. We do not punish, not hit or yell at the dog. We work with him friendly.
17. Do not make fun of the dog during training. This offends and humiliates him.
18. During the training we do not caressing the head This means humiliation for a working and obedient dog.
19. Patience. Sometimes the dog does not understand what we want from him. This may anger us. Then, training is stopped and within minutes, we try to say what we want otherwise.
20. The trainer needs to know and imagine what he wants from his dog. If the trainer is not clear what he wants, the dog will not know what is expected of him.
21. The trainer uses the name of a dog in the controls Sit Tarzan, Tarzan distance,.... the dog loves his name and likes to hear it, that is the reason he will act more obedient to the command.
22. Controls order: attention, command, demonstration, praise.
Thomas Grace
Information like this will help you <a target="_new" href="http://cockersspaniel.net/articles/basics-for-dog-dressage">dog dressage basics</A> and also <a target="_new" href="http://cockersspaniel.net">cockers spaniel dog training</A>
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Dressage-Basics&id=6059297] Dog Dressage Basics
Important Golden Retriever Information and Facts
Important Golden Retriever Information and Facts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_H_Terry]Richard H Terry
After reviewing all the important Golden Retriever information, people seeking the best family and companion dog, often decide on this beautiful dog. They are one of the best with children and they make a great companion for both families and single people. The American Kennel Club states that Golden Retrievers are the second most popular breed registered with them.
Goldens have a history that dates back to the late 1800s, where records indicate that Lord Tweedmouth first developed this highly intelligent and social dog. He wanted to create a dog that had the skills to hunt, track and retrieve downed waterfowl and upland birds. He also wanted a beautiful hunting partner that was pleasing to the eye as well as a delight to watch work. It is believed that he began by crossing a Yellow Coated Retriever with the, now-extinct, Tweed Water Spaniel. The breed has evolved into a dog whose popularity has continually increased over the years. It is believed that the Golden Retriever was introduced in America sometime in the 1890s.
The Golden Retriever has a broad head, a longish, wider snout and penetrating brown eyes. Their ears are floppy and their tails wag continuously. As you would expect, they have a coat that is various shades of golden. It is a double coat with the outer one being feathery and soft. The undercoat allows the Golden to repel water and stay warm in extreme weather conditions. They will shed at various times during the year thus allowing them to be comfortable throughout the year.
While they are content to lie at their owner's feet for hours, this is an extremely active dog and exercise should be an important part of their daily life. They need enough time beyond their potty breaks to play and they should have adequate room to run. Their favorite exercise is running after and retrieving thrown items of almost any description and swimming. Combining these two activities is the best of both worlds for this dog.
While they make great family dogs, their sweet, outgoing personality and their intelligence makes them a great aid dog for the blind, those with physical and mental disabilities, and older people. In addition their keen sense of smell makes them sought after by law enforcement agencies and border guards as a narcotics and contraband dog.
The life expectancy of the average Golden Retriever is around 10 to 14 years. The adult male Golden Retriever has a height of around 24 inches and will weigh from 60 - 75 pounds. The adult female will be between 21 - 23 inches and 50 - 60 pounds. This larger dog can have health problems with the most publicized one being hip dysplasia. The high demand for this breed has led to some unhealthy breeding situations. That is among the main reasons it is so important to find a reputable breeder that has a love for this breed in addition to the money it represents. Other health issues can be cancer and skin allergies. As the dog ages cataracts can also become a problem. However, their possible health problems are no greater when compared to other breeds of this size.
Review all the Golden Retriever information and you will most likely conclude that this breed is about the most perfect dog for you. Its intelligence and temperament gives it almost an unmatched ability to be a good family dog with children, a reliable hunter, and a great companion for the single or older person. They are easily trained, their social temperament, and their look of royalty gives their owners a real sense of pride. One could do a lot worse than have a Golden Retriever as a loyal and loved member of their family.
Richard Terry is an Golden Retriever expert that has own, trained and cared for Golden Retrievers for over 30 years. HIs newest book"Golden Retriever Bible" teaches Golden Retriever owners absolutely everything they need to know about selecting and caring for these beautiful dogs. For more great information and a free e-mail course about Golden Retrievers, visit [http://www.goldenretrieverdogcenter.com]http://www.goldenretrieverdogcenter.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Important-Golden-Retriever-Information-and-Facts&id=6061984] Important Golden Retriever Information and Facts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_H_Terry]Richard H Terry
After reviewing all the important Golden Retriever information, people seeking the best family and companion dog, often decide on this beautiful dog. They are one of the best with children and they make a great companion for both families and single people. The American Kennel Club states that Golden Retrievers are the second most popular breed registered with them.
Goldens have a history that dates back to the late 1800s, where records indicate that Lord Tweedmouth first developed this highly intelligent and social dog. He wanted to create a dog that had the skills to hunt, track and retrieve downed waterfowl and upland birds. He also wanted a beautiful hunting partner that was pleasing to the eye as well as a delight to watch work. It is believed that he began by crossing a Yellow Coated Retriever with the, now-extinct, Tweed Water Spaniel. The breed has evolved into a dog whose popularity has continually increased over the years. It is believed that the Golden Retriever was introduced in America sometime in the 1890s.
The Golden Retriever has a broad head, a longish, wider snout and penetrating brown eyes. Their ears are floppy and their tails wag continuously. As you would expect, they have a coat that is various shades of golden. It is a double coat with the outer one being feathery and soft. The undercoat allows the Golden to repel water and stay warm in extreme weather conditions. They will shed at various times during the year thus allowing them to be comfortable throughout the year.
While they are content to lie at their owner's feet for hours, this is an extremely active dog and exercise should be an important part of their daily life. They need enough time beyond their potty breaks to play and they should have adequate room to run. Their favorite exercise is running after and retrieving thrown items of almost any description and swimming. Combining these two activities is the best of both worlds for this dog.
While they make great family dogs, their sweet, outgoing personality and their intelligence makes them a great aid dog for the blind, those with physical and mental disabilities, and older people. In addition their keen sense of smell makes them sought after by law enforcement agencies and border guards as a narcotics and contraband dog.
The life expectancy of the average Golden Retriever is around 10 to 14 years. The adult male Golden Retriever has a height of around 24 inches and will weigh from 60 - 75 pounds. The adult female will be between 21 - 23 inches and 50 - 60 pounds. This larger dog can have health problems with the most publicized one being hip dysplasia. The high demand for this breed has led to some unhealthy breeding situations. That is among the main reasons it is so important to find a reputable breeder that has a love for this breed in addition to the money it represents. Other health issues can be cancer and skin allergies. As the dog ages cataracts can also become a problem. However, their possible health problems are no greater when compared to other breeds of this size.
Review all the Golden Retriever information and you will most likely conclude that this breed is about the most perfect dog for you. Its intelligence and temperament gives it almost an unmatched ability to be a good family dog with children, a reliable hunter, and a great companion for the single or older person. They are easily trained, their social temperament, and their look of royalty gives their owners a real sense of pride. One could do a lot worse than have a Golden Retriever as a loyal and loved member of their family.
Richard Terry is an Golden Retriever expert that has own, trained and cared for Golden Retrievers for over 30 years. HIs newest book"Golden Retriever Bible" teaches Golden Retriever owners absolutely everything they need to know about selecting and caring for these beautiful dogs. For more great information and a free e-mail course about Golden Retrievers, visit [http://www.goldenretrieverdogcenter.com]http://www.goldenretrieverdogcenter.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Important-Golden-Retriever-Information-and-Facts&id=6061984] Important Golden Retriever Information and Facts
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