Move Over, Doggie Bag

Move Over, Doggie Bag

By: Bob Bassett

-->Pets and pet lovers alike will enjoy a dog gift basket. It's a truly unique gift that lets someone know that you understand how special their dog is to them. Your own furry friend will be delighted with the treats and toys, too. Dog gift baskets come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. Baskets just for pets include treats and toys, and may also include bedding, dishes, or clothes. The treats may be name brand dog treats or in some cases, gourmet dog cookies or homemade treats. If you give your pet gifts during the holidays, this is something you can both enjoy.For a pet and owner, a dog gift basket with something for each is a good choice. If you know someone that positively dotes on their dog, this can be a great Christmas gift or a nice thank-you to your veterinarian for a job well done. Often, pet-themed gift baskets include a mug or other item for the owner, a toy for the dog, and treats for both.Dog gift baskets come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. Small baskets can be had for under $10. Larger baskets, of course, go up in price. Many online retailers offer customized dog gift baskets, as well, including your selection of treats and toys. When selecting a dog gift basket, remember the size of the animal. A tiny poodle or chihuaha would have a hard time with an extra large bone. Likewise a large dog may complete destroy a toy sized appropriately for a small dog.Pets are playing a role of ever-increasing importance in their people's lives. Where once animals were once a necessity and tool, now they are companions and friends to many people. Recognizing that someone's pet is an important part of their life let's someone know how important they are to you. A dog gift basket is a great way to say that.

About the Author: Bob Bassett is the owner of Unique Gift Baskets Online which offers a wide selection of gift baskets for any occasion including baby gift baskets, food gift baskets, wine and corporate gift baskets. http://www.uniquegiftbasketsonline.com/

Dog Training Secrets

Dog Training Secrets

By: Hannah Spencer

-->Every dog and every dog owner has his or her own unique dog training challenges. Each breed of dog has a different temperament as does each individual dog. And dog owners are no different. Despite the differences, there are some basic things in common for training all dogs.No matter why you have a dog, he should at least have some very elementary dog training. No one wants a dog who isn't housebroken, who runs away or into the street, who won't sit, come or stay when you want him to. Both you and your dog will be happier with a little common ground on obedience training.One of the first things to take into account when dog training is that dogs are programmed for a world of leaders and followers. You have to be the leader in your relationship. Signs of a leader are absolute consistency. Know what you want your dog to do and keep that constant from day to day and training session to training session. Don't shout. That is a sign that you have lost control. And keep your dogs attention focused on you during the entire training session.Attention is the second important thing to keep in mind for dog training and one of the hardest to maintain. It has been said that ninety percent of dog training is getting and keeping his attention. Dogs are very much like small children and have short attention spans. Keep training sessions short - 20 minutes is fine, or even a couple of 10 minute sessions. Work with your dog in a quiet environment that is free of distractions. Talk to your dog in a quiet voice. Use his name and explain what you want him to do. He may understand no more than, "Blah blah blah, Toby", but your voice will keep him focused in your direction.Experts have found that positive dog training is more effective that a system of rewards and punishment. A dog who looks forward to training sessions as fun and full of rewards is a dog who will learn faster and better. Reward accomplishments with treats or words of praise or pats. As your dog learns new skills, you can reward him for each step along the way. If he doesn't respond the way you want, rethink what you are asking him to do and how you are asking him to do it. What worked as a dog training method for one dog may not work as well for the next. Your dog may need to review some more basic dog training lessons before going on to new lessons. Rather than punishment, a stern NO, blocking a movement with your hands, or withholding rewards when he doesn't perform, and remaining consistent are the best ways to encourage your dog to exhibit the behavior you want. Remember that it is in his nature (as well as yours) to want to test limits and see how much he can get away with. Consistency in dog training and rewards are what get positive results, not punishments.Dogs are very much like us. They want to follow a leader they respect. And dog training is just like school. They like to do things that are fun and make them feel good, where they get rewards for accomplishing what is asked of them. And they want the same thing their owners want, a happy and safe relationship.

About the Author: Hannah Spencer - This is only the beginning for training your dog. Learn more Secrets for Dog Training by visiting: http://www.dog-training-for-you.com/

How to stop the chewing problem

How To Stop The Chewing Problem

By: Amy Howells

-->Many people have begun the task of getting there dog or puppy into a dog training school. There are a lot of aspects that are gone over in dog training classes. Unfortunately, one part of dog training that is not gone over very well in dog training classes is chewing.It is hard to go over a chewing problem in dog training classes because dogs often have nothing to chew on or destroy while in the class! If you are one of those people who are in dog training classes, but you still need help with chewing, please read on.This type of dog training can be for dogs young and old. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies. But older dogs have been know to need this type of dog training because they love to chew things up while their owners are away!To begin this type of dog training, you must first realize that all dogs chew. Dogs need to chew. So when you begin, make sure you have several things that are ok for your dog to chew on. Then begin your dog training by keeping all of your dogs chewing toys in one location.This way, your dog will learn to associate this spot with his or her chew toys. You must do this in order for this type of dog training to work. Try to have the dog toys in a "toy box" for your dog.During this dog training, never spank or hit your dog if you catch it chewing on something it is not allowed to. Instead, for effective dog training, praise your dog and pet it when it chews on what it is supposed to chew on.It has been shown that dogs respond much better to positive praise and positive dog training. If the dog continues to chew on things that it shouldn't, verbally reprimand it. Your tone of voice will be enough punishment and is the only punishment necessary for this kind of dog training.Another method of dog training you can try is to put a taste deterrent on the items your dog shouldn't chew. This Dog Training chew deterrent is called "bitter apple" and it is available at most pet stores.These are the most effective means of dog training that will teach your dog not to chew on inappropriate things. If you follow all of these aspects, your dog training should go more smoothly.Dog training can be a fun and rewarding experience...as long as all of your favorite things aren't chewed up in the process! Keep calm and be patient to achieve good results.

About the Author: Amy Howells is an expert dog trainer who runs a website dedicated to teaching people how to train their dog or puppy in just 21 days. Visit http://www.dog-owner.net/training.htm for more info.

Dog Care: 6 Easy Steps for a Terrific (and safe) Romp in the Woods

Dog Care: 6 Easy Steps for a Terrific (and safe) Romp in the Woods

By: ONeal Hendrix


Leaves are falling and paws are crunching in the parks....
What a beautiful time of the year to get out with your canine companion and enjoy the crisp, cool air, frolic in the falling leaves and take in the visual splendor of nature. A walk in the woods can be an exhilarating experience for you and your dog, especially if youll take a moment for some basic dog care preparations. Minimize surprises and emergencies by following these simple steps.
I dont know about you, but I will drive hours to find a place where the dogs can run free in nature. We all love it and often spend the whole day in the mountains together. Ive developed a list of easy dog care to-dos to ensure we have a great time and arrive and leave together safely.
I recommend the following items for your outdoor adventures:
1. Orange vests for you and your dog
This may sound like overkill, but I recently had an experience with my dogs that scared me. I was out in the woods with my dogs when I heard shots fired not far from me. I couldnt see my dogs and terror ran through me. Immediately I realized we were not prepared for the hunters. Bright colored vests would have helped the hunters know we were not deer, and please dont shoot us. Every year you hear the stories of accidental shootings. Dont be the next casualty -- don your orange vests!
2. Current dog tags on collars
Keeping a collar and current dog tags on your dog helps others get him home if you get separated. One thing I have recently done is change the dog tags to read "I must be lost. Please call Mom. (xxx) xxx-xxxx". This gives all the pertinent information, yet doesnt provide information for an easy abduction. I dont want someone to know my babies' names, which might lead the dogs to believe the stranger is a friend.
3. Foot and body check during and after the outing
I check my dogs paws and body frequently to remove the debris from the fall season -- gum balls, seeds, burrs, rocks, thorns, pine needles, and leaves can add up to irritation or lameness.
4. Fresh water and a bowl
If I can help it, I dont let my dogs drink standing water. I carry fresh water instead. I have had to deal with stomach problems in the past from bacteria in standing water. Carrying your own water is a small thing, but doing it can prevent lots of pain and suffering, a vet bill, and a 10-day supply of antibiotics.
5. Towels
I love towels, lots and lots of towels. To me, dropping dirty towels in the washer is much easier and less smelly than detailing a car or working to get that horrible wet, dirty dog smell out of fabric and carpet in my truck.
6. Whistle -- long range
Lastly, I whistle-trained my dogs. If we do separate, a blow on the whistle has them running to me. Chances are, they dont like not being able to see me and will be happy to have me back in their sights. I highly recommend the ACME whistle that sounds from 2-5 miles. Get it on a lanyard and carry it with you.
These 6 simple steps can make your outdoor trip so much more enjoyable, for you and your dogs. And paying attention to the basics in dog care shows your dog just how much you love her.
Happy hiking!
Article source: ArticleWorld.net Free Articles

The Intelligent Way To Eliminate Your Puppy Biting Behaviors

The Intelligent Way To Eliminate Your Puppy Biting Behaviors

By: Jonathan Cheong

Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting time. Introducing the new puppy to the family should be fun for both yourself and your puppy. One of the first challenges, however, to the excitement of the new puppy, is curbing inappropriate puppy behaviors.Preventing biting and mouthingBiting and mouthing is a common activity for many young puppies and dogs. Puppies naturally bite and mouth each other when playing with siblings, and they extend this behavior to their human companions. While other puppies have thick skin, however, humans do not, so it is important to teach your puppy what is appropriate, and what is not, when it comes to using those sharp teeth.The first part of training the puppy is to inhibit the biting reflex. Biting might be cute and harmless with a 5 pound puppy, but it is neither cute nor harmless when that dog has grown to adulthood. Therefore, puppies should be taught to control their bit before they reach the age of four months. Puppies normally learn to inhibit their bite from their mothers and their littermates, but since they are taken away from their mothers so young, many never learn this important lesson. It is therefore up to the humans in the puppy's life to teach this lesson.One great way to inhibit the biting reflex is to allow the puppy to play and socialize with other puppies and socialized older dogs. Puppies love to tumble, roll and play with each other, and when puppies play they bite each other constantly. This is the best way for puppies to learn to control themselves when they bite. If one puppy becomes too rough when playing, the rest of the group will punish him for that inappropriate behavior. Through this type of socialization, the puppy will learn to control his biting reflex.Proper socialization has other benefits as well, including teaching the dog to not be fearful of other dogs, and to work off their excess energy. Puppies that are allowed to play with other puppies learn important socialization skills generally learn to become better members of their human family. Puppies that get less socialization can be more destructive, more hyperactive and exhibit other problem behaviors.In addition, lack of socialization in puppies often causes fearful and aggressive behaviors to develop. Dogs often react aggressively to new situations, especially if they are not properly socialized. In order for a dog to become a member of the community as well as the household, it should be socialized to other people, especially children. Dogs make a distinction between their owners and other people, and between children and adults. It is important, therefore, to introduce the puppy to both children and adults.The best time to socialize a puppy to young children is when it is still very young, generally when it is four months old or younger. One reason for this is that mothers of young children may be understandably reluctant to allow their children to approach large dogs or older puppies. This is especially true with large breed dogs, or with breeds of dogs that have a reputation for aggressive behavior.Using trust to prevent bitingTeaching your puppy to trust and respect you is a very effective way to prevent biting. Gaining the trust and respect of your dog is the basis for all dog training, and for correcting problem behaviors.It is important to never hit or slap the puppy, either during training or any other time. Physical punishment is the surest way to erode the trust and respect that must form the basis of an effective training program. Reprimanding a dog will not stop him from biting it will simply scare and confuse him.Training a puppy not to bite is a vital part of any puppy training program. Biting behaviors that are not corrected will only get worse, and what seemed like harmless behavior in a puppy can quickly escalate to dangerous, destructive behavior in an adult dog.Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com/Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

Dogs in the Hood

Dogs in the Hood

by Gerald Cormier

With the cold weather here, its time for the warm clothes to come out and the fall /winter fashion lines. Definitely the case with pet fashion as well. Dog coats, sweaters, and even scarves and boots are hot commodities.
If you're looking for the hipper cooler trends in the dog fashion world you can't beat Hip Doggie. They're always a dog fashion leader and this year's fall winter line is no exception. Lots of cool new looks for the coolest canines.
A hot fashion pick for fall this year is the dog hoodie. Hoodies are a great way to stay warm in the winter for you and your little dog. Our Shih Tzu Suzy loves her hoodies in the wintertime . They're soft and comfortable and the hood keeps her ears warm.
Hoodies are a Hip Doggie staple and this year's new fall/winter selections have never been better. There's a great selection of styles, colors and cuteness. Suzy's favorites include the Snow Bunny Sweater, Chuck-T Dog Hoodie, and the Super Soft Love Dog Hoodie.
Lets start with a winter favorite, the Hip Doggie Snow Bunny Sweater. The hooded dog sweater is warm and cuddly enough to keep any little dog warm in winter. Woven textured material and thick fur trim around the sleeves and hood see to that. The knit floral fabric design is gorgeous and the soft white fur trim is made for winter weather.
Our Shih Tzu Suzy loves hers. She digs it out whenever we get snow, unfortunately for her that's not often in Atlanta. She's still barking about our next ski trip. Hip Doggie also offers a brown knit hooded sweater with a bit of a stronger pattern that's perfect for the male dogs out there.
Next up is Hip Doggie's Super Soft Love Hoodie. This dog hoodie is definitely for the cute and cuddly puppies out there. Pink with black strips and a cute as a button love insignia. It's even reversible to black with pink stitch for those days you want something a little different
Then there's the material, soft as cashmere, what more could a little dog want? We try not to ask our little dog that unless we have a lot of time to spend. She definitely loves this hoodie though. Its like a favorite sweatsuit. Perfect for lounging around the house, walking around the block, and playing with her favorite Frisbee.
Last up is Hip Doggie's chic Chuckie T Hoodie. This dog hoodie is for the sporty dogs out there. Great for the fall season the hot orange color is great for those night time walks. A pompom hood add to the cuteness factor and the cool runner insignia gives the jacket a definite hip factor. Not a top for a shy dog I wouldn't think. Fortunately Suzy doesn't have that problem. She's actually asking for matching neon sneakers now, but that's for another article.
Hip Doggie's fall/winter line has lots for the non hoodie lovers also. Items like the Bite me Dog Turtleneck will keep your dog warm without a hood and the cute sophisticated Audrey dog coat is a great fashion pick. So hoodies or not, this fall/winter season "Hip" is definitely the way to go.

About the Author
Gerald Cormier is the owner of The Shih Tzu Store , a pet boutique specializing in small dogs. Stop by and browse our huge dog hoodie and sweater collection and see our entire line from Hip Doggie .

Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race

Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race

By: Ron Richards

Known as the "Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World," the annual Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race annually covers over 1,000 miles between the Yukon and Alaska. Alternating starting and finish lines between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska, this sled dog race is not for the faint of heart! The terrain is some of the most difficult on the planet and the demanding trail constantly keeps sled dogs and their mushers on their toes as potential disasters wait around every turn. This race takes place each February, with the date exact date wavering depending on the weather conditions of the brutal Yukon winter.The trail for the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race is as historic as the sport itself. Originally part of the original Gold Rush trail and the Mail Delivery trails dating back to the turn of the Twentieth Century, the trail is steeped in lore. Most of this trail cuts through untouched wilderness, thought to be some of the last on the entire continent. Lasting approximately two weeks, the mushers enter the race with his or her 14 dog sled team, striving to reach Fairbanks first. The field is diverse and features entries from all over the world, but all the entries have one thing in commonthey came to win!If you find yourself in the great state of Alaska or in the beautiful territory of the Yukon this February, do not miss an opportunity to attend the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Individuals of all ages are sure to enjoy this unique experience and will remember seeing the running dogs, hearing the crunch of snow, and feeling the overall air of excitement for years to come. Whether you send off the competitors in the tiny town of Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon territory or welcome the heroic mushers and sled dogs into lovely downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, there are many opportunities to see this race. Many of the race's checkpoints are accessible by major roadways, allowing visitors from all corners of the globe to experience this race first hand. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at a major dog sled race. This race requires a whole crew of individuals to work diligently while the competitors fly over snow banks. From veterinarians to care for the sled dogs to doctors to care for the mushers to talented chefs to provide all competitorsboth animal and humanwith quality food, it truly takes a village for the event to get off the ground.Make a trip to Alaska to experience the nonstop action and excitement of the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Bring the entire family to cheer on all the competitors and watch as one talented musher and his (or her!) sled dog team crosses into Fairbanks first to be declared victorious!About The Author: A lifelong Alaskan, Ron Richards invites you to come and see Alaska. Consider visiting Alaska to experience unique adventures. A great way to see Alaska is by taking an affordable Alaska Cruise. Visit http://findanalaskacruise.com/.