Want to Buy a Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know

 

If you are considering adding a dog to your family, it’s not a decision to take lightly. Finding the right dog to fit your lifestyle is key to the happiness of you and your pet.

 

So you’ve decided you want to get a dog. Maybe you saw the cutest puppies in the window of your local pet store just today, or maybe you have been thinking about it for some time. Either way, adding a dog to your family should be something that is carefully considered. If you impulsively take home that cute little puppy without doing a little research, you may find yourself regretting your decision later. There are many things to think about when you’re picking out your new furry friend. Not all dogs are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Puppy or Adult Dog

While those puppies in your local pet store might be irresistibly cute, taking a puppy home is entirely different than taking home a dog who is a little older. Everyone has heard stories of new dogs chewing up a favorite pair of shoes or relieving itself on an expensive couch. Puppies are much more likely to do these things than older dogs. Of course, it’s never a guarantee that an older dog won’t do those things, but it’s much less likely. Any dog, especially one who is left alone all day or doesn’t get an appropriate amount of exercise, can start chewing at any time. However, puppies are often not house-trained, which requires much more work than a dog that is already trained. New puppies also have much more energy than a dog that is even just one year old. They require lots of attention and care. This might sound as if I’m trying to persuade you that getting a puppy is a terrible idea, but I assure you that is not the case. Raising a puppy can be incredibly rewarding, but the top reason you will find puppies in animal shelters is because new owners are unprepared and have to give them away.

Shelter, Breeder, or Pet Store

Shelters have a bad reputation for having only dogs that are old, mean tempered, or bad. This is because animal shelters will take any dog that is brought to them for whatever reason, and why would someone give up a dog that is a great companion? The truth is that shelters have all kinds of dogs. If someone’s dog has an unexpected litter of puppies, they could give them to a shelter. If someone lost their home in this bad economy or became too old to care for their dog, the shelter would gladly find those dogs a new home, too. Dogs that are found as strays are sometimes runaways that are totally house-trained and really sweet pets. Don’t discount a shelter just because you want a specific type of dog. Shelters are getting new dogs in all the time from all sorts of places.

If you know you want a specific kind of dog, especially if you want the dog as a puppy, a breeder is a great way to go, though purchasing a dog from a breeder will be much more expensive than a shelter. If you have the funds and are set on a certain breed, getting your dog from a breeder is fine. Just be sure you find a reputable one. Good breeders will screen their dogs for health problems and temperament issues.

Many pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills are terrible places to find dogs because they inbreed. They might mate a dog with its sister, for example, and that can create all sorts of health problems for their puppies later in life.

Breeds

The most important research you can do before getting a dog is to look up information about the breed. The type of dog will determine more about its personality than anything else. Terriers, for example, are high-energy and mildly trainable. Beagles are great companions, but howl a lot. Larger dogs are gentle, but sometimes can be lazy. Whatever you do, research the breeds of dogs before you take your pet home. Knowing what you’re getting into is better than finding out after the fact.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/want-to-buy-a-dog-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html

 

Halloween Costumes for Your Pet Dog

Who said Halloween is only about you? Your pets are your family, and it doubles the fun if you take out the time to include your pets in the celebrations too. Buzzle brings to you a few ideas for you to dress up your pet dog, for a sweet Halloween surprise.

 

On Hallowe'en the thing you must do
Is pretend that nothing can frighten you
And if somethin' scares you and you want to run
Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.

It's about time for tricks and treats, and guess who is going to be the new showstopper this year? You heard it right, your family pet is going to greet your neighbors and friends in this ultra-cool, yet scary look of the year.

With the fun that Halloween brings with it, it makes perfect sense to involve your pet in the celebrations. Dressing up pets, especially your dog, in style, is the perfect way to go this Halloween. You can choose to dress your doggy in funny costumes, even opt for the real mean and scary outfits, or simply have a custom-made costume to suit the occasion. Given below are a few ideas that you can choose from and implement, to dress up your innocent little pet.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/halloween-costumes-for-your-pet-dog.html

 

Learning the Language of Canines is a Key for Dog Owners

 

Dogs communicate in ways that are now better understood than ever before. For loving owners, knowing what a dog's actions mean can go a long way in developing a well-adjusted canine companion.

 

hough still not well-understood, canine communication is beginning to become less mysterious to the people charged with studying dog behavior. The result is a wealth of new information for everyone from the casual dog owner to professional dog trainers. Because dogs do seem to communicate with one another in very defined, specific ways, animal behaviorists have gathered information on these patterns, and have some good ideas about what dogs mean when they do certain things. Being familiar with several of the more notable communication methods that dogs use can help a pet owner understand his or her pet much better, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable relationship with one's dog.

The Play Bow
One of the most obvious means of communicating for dogs, the 'play bow' is an indication that your dog wants to play, or thinks that you are ready to play with him. Quite simply, your dog will leave his hind legs upright while placing his front legs flat on the ground. The result is what looks like a 'bow', and is a sure sign that your pup is ready to play.

The Sneeze
It is often misunderstood among dog owners that when a dog sneezes, it is only rarely the result of his nose being irritated or an illness. Rather, a dog will most often sneeze when he is very excited and happy about what is happening. You may have noticed that, while playing, your dog is caught with a minor sneezing fit. This means, simply, that he's happy with you and with life in general.

Tail Wagging
Often misunderstood, tail wagging can mean several things. It is not entirely understood what is meant when a dog is holding his tail high in the air and wagging it, but it is not the friendly gesture that one would presume it to be. Rather, a tail held high and wagging lightly is a gesture that is more pensive, and a potentially aggressive behavior. Dog attacks have actually been observed immediately after a high-held tail.

A tail that wags more aggressively, however, typically means contentment or happiness, and is generally easy to distinguish from the less obvious, and less benign version. It should be noted that when a dog holds his tail low and wags it aggressively―so much so that his entire butt is wagging back and forth―this is a surefire sign that he's quite pleased.

The Yawn
Sometimes, your dog will yawn when you do, just as yawns are 'contagious' between people, they are between you and your dog as well. Sometimes, a yawn means your dog is tired. However, a dog will also yawn when faced with a situation he does not quite understand, and when he is not entirely certain how he is supposed to act. If you bring your dog into a new situation―including meeting new people, going to a strange place, or meeting other dogs―you may notice him yawning multiple times. This most likely does not mean that your dog is tired, but rather, not entirely comfortable.

The Whale Eye
Unlike the tail wag, which can mean a variety of things and occasionally is a bad sign, the so-called 'whale eye' is never a good thing. This is when you can see the white of your dog's eye clearly. It is typically combined with a 'freeze', where the dog is perfectly still. It is a split second in time when the dog's movement stops entirely, and is said to be more easily 'sensed' or "felt" than actually seen. Anyone who has experienced the freeze/whale eye knows it. But if you see your dog do this, it means that he is terribly displeased, has been pushed to the limit of what he can take, and his next action will probably be aggressive or violent.

Though these are all fairly common things for dogs to do, understanding what each of them means can go a long way to understanding your dog's thoughts and moods, as well as discerning his level of comfort or discomfort in new situations. For new dog owners, this is especially valuable information.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/learning-the-language-of-canines-is-a-key-for-dog-owners.html

 

Fencing Ideas for Dogs

Many times we don't come across enough fencing ideas for dogs to make our choices, but we need them for the security and safety of our pets. Mentioned below are a few such ideas for dog fences, so take a look and find your favorite.

Fences are used to give your pet dogs security and to contain them whenever required. To avoid them running behind cars, chasing guests, and sometimes even begging for food just after having meals, you can use fences. No matter how cute they are, they have to be trained to be disciplined in certain things. Specially when you have big dogs like the Great Dane, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Collies, etc., who can get aggressive, there is a necessity to control them at some point or the other.

Dog Fencing Ideas

Dog kennels do not provide enough walking space after meals, if you are unable to walk them around the neighborhood. Thus, it is always a sensible choice to have an open area which is large enough for them to move freely, which can either be closed or without a roof. If you have one big dog, you can make space for it in your yard by building a wooden fence. However, if you have small dogs which are delicate and need care, they can be kept in an indoor fence inside the house. For this purpose, there are a few ideas given below, which could prove useful.

Wooden Fence

The wooden fences are the most inexpensive options and are easy to maintain. There are many designs of these wooden fences, which can be used indoors as well as outdoors, with or without a roof. If you have a big house, with lots of spare space, a wooden fence which is built with simple vertical wooden planks is all you need. Many a time, when the house is small and cannot accommodate the dog, but there is a big backyard, these fences can have wooden tops as well. You can also make a huge kennel with wood and a bronze fence to give enough walking space for the dog.

Bronze Fence

These are also some of the most commonly used fences when you want to keep your dogs outdoors. The bronze fences come in different shapes and sizes, with or without the tops, and also with feeding bowls attached to them. These are usually used in pet stores, dog adoption homes, training centers, etc. They are very spacious from the inside and are high enough to ensure that the dog cannot jump and escape. These can also be made into electric fences, which have openings at the top or the front. However, you have to be very careful, not to let the dog jump out! The designs can be singular for one dog, or even a duplex and triplex for more dogs.

Chain Fence

Other ideas include chain link kennels, which are usually built for farm dogs and also some other animals. Apart from the wooden ones, these too are cheap, because they are easily available and are quite durable too. These fences are made out of chains of wires and are not easily penetrable, so neither can the dogs escape and nor can outsiders enter. These fences are seen in training centers, dog shelters, and places where a number of dogs are taken care of together. The height of these fences can be altered according to the height of the dogs and also depending on their moving space.

With these fencing ideas for dogs, you can surely provide your pet a secure place to thrive if not in the house. They can be fed, played with and also given enough exercise in these fences, as they are all made keeping the size and habits of a dog in mind.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fencing-ideas-for-dogs.html

Dog Poisoning

Poisoning in dogs is caused by a range of factors such as food, outdoor and indoor plants, chemicals, and pesticides. Here is a look at some of the causes and symptoms of this health problem.

 

As we go through the normal course of the day, we know that we are surrounded with a number of chemicals and toxins. Unfortunately for us, our pet dogs do not really understand the concept of poison. For them, anything that looks interesting needs to be gulped down or swallowed whole. This indiscriminate diet of your naturally curious canine friend can lead to cases of dog poisoning.

Common pet poisons include household products such as bleach and insecticides as well as range of indoor and outdoor plants. Foods, especially those that are spoiled, can lead to the food poisoning. Here is a look at some of the common causes of poisoning and the health problems caused by it.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dog-poisoning.html

 

Mange in Dogs

Has your dog been itching a lot lately? Wondering if it is ticks or fleas or mange? Here's some help...

Other than ticks and fleas, there is another kind of parasite which causes our pets to itch. These microscopic creatures bury into the pet's skin, and cause extreme discomfort and irritation. Mange is a skin disease caused by these parasites, which affects mostly dogs and cats. It makes the animal itch and lose its fur. Humans are also sometimes infected by these parasites. In dogs, it is caused by four types of mites, which are explained in the following paragraphs.

Walking Dandruff
Walking dandruff is caused by Cheyletiella mites. It is called walking dandruff, as the white flakes or mites can be seen moving. They cause severe itching and scaling of skin. Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious and is contracted through direct contact with the infected pet. Humans too can catch this skin disease, but it is self-eliminating in humans. It usually affects dogs with a poor immune system, and puppies contract it while feeding on their mother.

Demodectic Mange
Demodectic or red mange is caused by demodex mites. These mites are present in all dogs, they contract it from their mothers in the first few days of feeding. Most dogs live in complete harmony with these mites for the most part of their lives. Dogs build immunity against these mites when they are young, but if the dog's defense system is weak, then the mites can cause mange. It affects them in three ways. One is a localized infection, which affects a small area and causes a itchy bald spot. Second, is an infection which spreads over a large area, and the third type just affects the paws.

Sarcoptic Mange
It is caused by Sarcoptes scab mites. These are microscopic creatures. When they mate, the female mite burrows into the skin of the dog and lays her eggs. These eggs hatch and become adult mites within weeks. They usually affect the hairless part of a dog's body, such as the elbows, ears, and abdomen. Commonly known as scabies, this skin disease is highly contagious and can be contracted by humans also.

Otodectes Mange
Otodectes mites are also known as ear mites. They are found in the ears of cats and dogs. These mites are highly contagious and live on the host body their entire life. This is contracted by direct contact with an infected dog. The symptoms include itching, scaling, redness, and the formation of brownish red crusts on the ears.

Treatment
For treating mange, it is best to begin by first isolating the dog with mange to avoid spreading the infection to other pets. If you have more than one dog, then give the other dogs the treatment too. You can try some home remedies like bathing the dog with a mixture of borax and hydrogen peroxide. Remember to change the dog's bedding and collar. Vets do prescribe antifungal and bacterial drugs as a treatment. Over-the-counter mite killers are also very effective. The most common treatment is bathing the dog in lime and sulfur insecticide solutions.

Mange can be highly contagious; the sooner it is treated, the better.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/mange-in-dogs.html

Are Onions Bad for Dogs?

There are many food items which are considered inappropriate for dogs, and onions come in this list. Containing certain compounds that can be toxic for our furry friends, onions should be avoided in any dog's diet. Read this piece to know more about why onions are bad for dogs.

 

Yes, it is a fact that onions are definitely bad for dogs, irrespective of whether they are cooked, raw, or even dehydrated. A common ingredient in our cooking and the food that we eat on a daily basis, onions can actually prove to be lethal for dogs. One of the common mistakes that most dog owners tend to make, is to assume that onions, only in the raw form, are bad for their dogs, but unfortunately, this theory is not at all true.

These toxins can make their way into a dog's system by means of fried onion rings, onion seasonings, tomato sauce, pizzas, salad dressings, burgers, and other processed foods. Even some baby foods contain onions in the powdered form, and when these are consumed in large amounts, it can be extremely deadly for the dog. So why exactly are onions dangerous for dogs? This is because, onions cause toxicosis, or in simple terms, poisoning in dogs.

 

How to Measure Your Dog for a Martingale Collar

Martingale collars are widely used in the US. Due to their nature, it is imperative that a dog be measured for the collar beforehand. Find out how to do that in this Buzzle article.

Did You Know?
Martingale collars are perfectly suited for collar training. They suitably, but firmly, restrict the dog's movement without choking it. Buckle martingales, which have a release clasp at their side, can be used so that there is always an emergency release available.

Every pet dog needs a collar. They are useful for training, security, as well as identification. Martingale collars, which are an upgrade on choke collars, are distinguished by the additional loop behind the collar. The collar is a bit loose at first. If the dog pulls on the collar, the secondary loop constricts, making the collar tighter. With the proper fitting, martingale collars never choke the dog, but tighten and help you control the dog when you need it most. This is most useful with dogs that have slender, similarly wide necks and faces, such as greyhounds.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-measure-your-dog-for-a-martingale-collar.html

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

Making healthy treats for your dog at home is not only easy, but also allows you to ensure that your dog receives the best food without having to deal with the ugly side effects associated with commercial food. Read on to know more about how to make healthy dog treats for your beloved pet.

After the spate of dog food recalls, pet owners have suddenly realized the importance of holistic homemade dog food which is easily the best diet for your dogs. Making the food at home for your beloved pets not only allows you to ensure that you put in all the things that are best for your dog, but also helps avoid the digestive and other dog health problems.

 This is because unlike commercial food which has a whole lot of preservatives and food coloring that might trigger off certain side effects, the homemade healthy dog treats are quite safe for your canine friends. Moreover, the dog treats available in stores are quite expensive and by making it at home you can not only save a few bucks but also ensure that your pet dog gets the best.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/healthy-homemade-dog-treats.html

Dog Diets for Weight Loss

Is your dog gaining weight at an alarming rate? Definitely a reason to worry, as that might put him at the risk of several health problems. How about starting off by switching his daily diet with a proper weight loss diet?

Studies show that about 40% of America's pet population is overweight. A healthy and active pet can lead a pain-free life, but an overweight pet―especially a dog―is more likely to develop diseases like diabetes and arthritis. Being in normal weight range is essential for their health. As in the case of humans, exercise and balanced diet play an important role in the health of dogs.

With aging, dogs become less active, and decreased physical activity promotes weight gain. Breeds like labrador retrievers, English bulldogs, beagles, dachshunds, pugs, dalmatians, and cocker spaniels naturally gain weight. It is your duty, as the owner, to control the weight of your pet dog by providing him proper diet and ensuring that he gets enough exercise.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dog-diets-for-weight-loss.html

Are Dental Dog Treats Effective?

 

Apart from being a reward and tasty snack, dog treats are very effective and beneficial for your pet's basic oral hygiene. The following write-up tells you more on these tasty treats and how they work.

Did You Know?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approves dog dental products, like chews, rawhide bones, biscuits, and toys, as they reduce plaque and tartar buildup by approximately 10%.

Has your beloved dog done something good, like obeyed a command, not littered the house, gone out to take care of his business, or has just given you the most innocent look possible? If your answer is in the affirmative for any of the questions, then you may think that your pet deserves a treat. There are many ways to treat your pet, but are treats, like dental dog chews effective in any way? How many treats can you give your dog in a day? These are a few basic questions most dog owners ask their peers, friends, family, and the veterinarian.

Dental dog treats do work and are very effective. They are good for imbibing obedience, and also for keeping dental problems at bay. They serve as a play thing for your dog and also as an in-between snack. There is a huge variety of dog treats available in the market that you can choose from. Vegetarian treats to meat ones, rawhide chews to meat jerky, crunchy, scrumptious biscuits to rubber toys - your dog has a huge variety to choose from, and you can always consult your vet regarding which is the best for your four-legged companion.

Just like how every coin has two sides, giving a treat to your dog has two sides to it too! This Buzzle article elaborates on how effective the treats are and also shows you the flip side of this amazing snack item.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/are-dental-dog-treats-effective.html

Home Remedies for Parvovirus in Dogs

Canine parvoviral enteritis is often termed 'parvo' in veterinary parlance. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at a high risk of contracting this infection, which causes severe intestinal damage. This Buzzle article gives you important tips to help treat your dog at home.

 

Take note:

If your dog seems lethargic and depressed, is vomiting, and/or has diarrhea, it's time to take it to the vet, ASAP. Though parvo isn't necessarily fatal, the resulting dehydration can put your dog's life at risk. Also, parvovirus is highly contagious, which means that if you have other pets, you must quarantine the affected pet immediately.

In a perfect world, we'd all be able to afford the sky-high veterinary bills, and provide our beloved pets with the best of treatment to cure whatever it is that ails them. Unfortunately, real-world economics prevent it from happening, but this doesn't mean that we have to sacrifice the welfare of our pets in the process.

Often, simple home remedies can have the desired impact as compared to expensive medical treatments, and they're also not as harsh. However, remember that home remedies cannot always be relied on, and there is this chance of losing precious time by delaying the necessary treatment. Therefore, always be prudent and keep a close watch on the progress your pet makes while administering home remedies―take your pet to the clinic immediately in case its condition remains the same, or worse, deteriorates.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/home-remedies-for-parvovirus-in-dogs.html

Is Tramadol Safe for Dogs?

 

Tramadol is becoming popular to treat pain, both in humans and pets. But you would ask, is tramadol safe for dogs? This Buzzle article will check out all the aspects of dosage and side effects of tramadol in dogs.

Keep in Mind
Tramadol is not an FDA-approved veterinary drug, but can be used by acquiring a vet's prescription.

Tramadol is an analgesic that is used for pain relief in cases of acute or chronic pain, both in humans and pets. This drug is available by the brand name Ultram in the US, and by the name Ralivia or Dromodol in other countries. Tramadol is unique, in that, it can be administered as an alternative to Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS). It has the same effects as another pain reliever, morphine, but without its strong side effects, and is also non-addictive.

Tramadol can also be used for cats, where the use of NSAIDS may be dangerous. While the drug is safe to administer to pregnant and lactating animals, its long-term side effects have not been well studied. The drug has found use in veterinary medicine only recently, and some vets may not be aware of it.

Tramadol alleviates pain and discomfort by acting on the pain receptors in the brain, rather than at the site of injury, contrary to NSAIDS. More specifically, it is an opioid analgesic that blocks the µ-opioid pain receptors in the brain. It also works by inhibiting the reuptake of adrenalin and serotonin. Unlike other types of pain medications, it is relatively inexpensive, further increasing its popularity, both among vets and pet owners.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/is-tramadol-safe-for-dogs.html

How to Stop Dogs from Fighting

Bar fights, game fights, street fights, all such physical forms of aggression involve humans. What do you do in a dog fight, i.e. a fight between two dogs? Scroll below to learn how to stop and separate two dogs in a dog fight, without getting injured yourself.

 

Picture the following scene: you are walking your dog on a leash in your local park. It is a nice sunny day, other people, children and animals are around. You are just turning around to head home, when out of nowhere, another dog comes out and starts snarling and growling at your pet. Your pet can either snarl back and raise its hackles or stand down and tug on the leash to get away.

 Either way, the canine opponent isn't willing to back down and suddenly lunges at your pet. Soon both dogs are engaged in a no-holds-barred contest of teeth, jaws and paws, each trying to bite the other to death. And what are you doing? You can't call the police for two dogs fighting. Interfere in such a fight and you will walk away with the most scars and injuries. The other dog's owner stands by, equally helpless.

 Any animal attack is frightening but when your beloved pet's life hangs in the balance, you want to save it but the question is how? Such aggressive dog behavior can also be a result of your pooch challenging another dog. In case of a canine fight, your first instinct is to run to your pet's aid and pull the other dog off him/her. Tamp down on this instinct and read on to learn the correct way to stop a dog fight.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-stop-dogs-from-fighting.html

Dog Behavior Questions

Many times, dogs behave in ways that their owners cannot understand. This article lists some common behavioral traits in dogs that confuse their owners.

 

 

Dogs are generally easy to understand and can make their feelings known without much trouble. However, sometimes, your dog may behave in a manner that's baffling. It's not necessary that questions about a dog's behavior only arise in case of first time owners. Sometimes, experienced dog owners are also at a loss to explain the reason behind such surprising behavior. When it comes to doubts about health or behavior, a veterinarian can help you best. The following are some typical behavioral traits exhibited by dogs that you may find insightful.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dog-behavior-questions.html

 

Dog Behavior Before Death

Passing away of a pet can be really painful, although pet owners know they will have to face such a situation at some or the other point of time. Here are a few signs to help you recognize that your canine friend is close to death.

 

The aging of a dog is surprisingly similar to humans. As your dog's age advances, he/she slows down, starts having gray hair, and joint problems. Along with this, there is a significant change in a dog's behavior and activity levels. It is difficult to tell whether these behavioral changes are simply due to old age or a sign of impending death. While each dog acts differently before death, there are some unmistakable symptoms that can warn you about your dog's approaching death.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dog-behavior-before-death.html

Surprising Things your Dog can Sense about You

Whenever we think of dogs, the sobriquet 'man's best friend' comes to mind. If you are wondering why dogs are referred to as man's best friend, the points mentioned in the article should satiate at least some of your curiosity. Besides providing the all-important companionship and security, there are many other things that a dog can sense about its master, that will (or should) melt your heart towards these four-legged canines...

 

I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.
Doris Day

The above quote truly justifies the amazing relationship that a human and a dog share. Even though your beloved pooch can't speak or give advice on important matters, it surely does a lot of things that even best friends or close peers can't.

For centuries, people have been turning towards dogs for love, affection, and companionship. And why not? Dogs are unbelievably perceptive, emotional, and wise. Even though their brains are not as sharp as humans, dogs do understand if their masters are feeling weak - emotionally or physically.

Dr. Stanley Coren, author of 'The Intelligence of Dogs', has stated that a dog's mind is equivalent to that of a two-year-old baby. However, they also are socially aware of everything around them. Hence, they are probably the first to notice any change in the behavior of their masters. Let's do some deep-digging with Buzzle to understand the amazing sensibilities of a dog.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/surprising-things-your-dog-can-sense-about-you.html

Personality Traits of a Chihuahua-Yorkie Mix

Small in size but big on fun, the Chihuahua-Yorkie mix is an excellent dog to have around. It has all the desirable characteristics of a small dog, and it is also hypoallergenic! This article provides some facts about the Chorkie dog.

 

 

It's a Barker!
The Chorkie needs to be around people, and should not be left alone for a long time. This dog is naturally prone to barking, and boredom can result in increased noise levels for even the smallest of reasons. However, on a better day, it makes for a good watchdog.

Who doesn't love a small, cute dog which is friendly, loyal, and very loving? Add to that, the fact that it is courageous, sheds very little, and loves to snuggle, and you have for yourself an amazing pet. There is one mix breed that meets these criteria, and that is the Chorkie! A power-packed combination of the Chihuahua and the Yorkie, this little guy makes for a wonderful and fun pet.

Chorkies originated around the 1990s, when the craze for small designer dogs boomed greatly, and after that, there was no turning back for this breed. It has the royal demeanor of a Chihuahua, which walks around with its head held high, despite the fact that it is a miniature little thing. From the Yorkie, it inherits its fluffy cuteness and playful attitude. The following paragraphs provide some information about the Chihuahua-Yorkie mix breed.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/personality-traits-of-a-chihuahua-yorkie-mix.html

What Dogs Want

 

You love your dog and it surely loves you back, yet knowing what is that it likes will help you improve your relationship with it. Read more.

In the past, dogs were generally used for utilitarian purposes and were raised for different tasks and kinds of work. This is the case of shepherd dogs, guard dogs and hunting dogs, who have gained their very special place in the hearts of humans. But today most dogs only serve as pets. So they have pet "jobs". However, dogs cannot be happy just to play this part. They feel like doing more, like being more useful for the ones they love so much. They are hard-workers, as they adore being useful.

Dogs communicate with us through their look, through body language and through their specific sounds. They have a very peculiar behavior and an excellent sense of smell. It is through this sense, and through other senses in general, that dogs can learn new things from us. We humans are, on the other hand, complex and introspective beings. Thus, we can grasp certain concepts, we can read between the lines, understand certain hints. Nonetheless, we can also be quite revengeful, jealous and sometimes even irrational. Dogs cannot bear grudge, they are capable to forgive and forget at all times, anywhere and mostly anything. This is a great quality that we so often lack. But no matter how much we love our pet dog and how much we feel we can communicate with it and relate to it and it to us, let's not forget we are different species, after all. If we fail to understand this basic fact, this may prove harmful both for us and for our poor dog pets.

For instance, we could say that in the dogs' world there isn't any such thing as democracy. No way Jose. Each dog breed is unique and should be treated as such. Thus, if we train a Golden Retriever as if it were a Jack Russell Terrier, in the end we'll get one piece of very confused and troubled Golden Retriever. Unfortunately, many dog owners ignore their dogs' needs. The most frequent mistake is to try to turn one's dog into a humanized version of it. It's not like in the movies, dogs can't really talk and they don't think and act as us humans do. This wrong attitude from the part of the owners can result in the dog's misunderstanding of its real place within the family, leading it to believe that there is equality among its rights and those of all the other family members. Because of this misunderstanding, such a spoiled dog can be quite undisciplined. After all, it's not even fair to treat a dog as if it were a human being. We humans would definitely hate to be treated as if we were something else than what we actually are.

Therefore, it's very useful for us to appeal to dog empathy as much and as often as possible. It's much easier for us to step into our dog's "shoes" (or paws?) than for them to empathize with us. Dogs are capable of enjoying every moment of their lives. They process the information they receive and act accordingly. They cannot daydream of exotic places for their vacation. After all, they are on permanent vacation. The things that are most frequently on a dog's mind include food, the smell of food (like for instance the smell of barbecue coming from your neighbor's house), another dog's barking.

One thing for us to do would be to start and analyze more carefully what is going on around us, by using our five senses. Thus, we should listen more careful, become more aware of what is happening, and improve our sense of smell and touch. The things we should look for throughout this experiment should include food smells, tactile exploration of objects and taking life as it is at all times.

This process should of course start at an early stage of the dog's development. Thus, one good thing to do is to take your dog as many places as possible when it is merely a puppy. By doing this, the dog becomes more confident, sociable and comfortable with different environment and around different people. Another thing dogs can do is learn new tricks, as they generally love to show off and often put up little performance acts just for the sake of the audience.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-dogs-want.html

What Do I Need to Buy for My New Dog?

If you've never had a dog before and just took the plunge, all the options of things to buy for your new furry friend can be overwhelming. Don't worry; it's not as bad as you think.

You're getting ready to bring your new dog home, and you walk into the nearest pet store to gather up a few necessities before your furry friend joins your family, only to find yourself totally overwhelmed with all the options for bedding, toys, food, and even cleaning products. Don't worry; it has happened to all of us first-time dog owners. The most important thing to remember is to use your common sense and know that, as long as you have the absolute necessities, the rest can wait.

 

Bedding

One of the most important decisions you can make is where your dog is going to sleep. Will you put it in a crate at night and while you are gone? Will you gate off an area of your house and put a doggie bed in there? These decisions will dictate what you need to purchase in terms of bedding. If you are going with a crate, you will need one just big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If it's bigger than that, you could have a problem with the dog using part of the crate as its own personal bathroom. If you're gating off a portion of your house, you'll need to measure the doorways you want to gate and purchase gates to fit. Many dog gates are very similar to baby gates, and there are a lot of gate options out there, so do your research and choose the one that's best for you. You will only need gates or a crate, not both, so plan accordingly.

Toys

Buying toys for your new dog is where it is really easy to go overboard. All the toys are so cute and squeaky and fuzzy, you may just want to take them all home. At first, its best to buy one fluffy toy, one squeaky toy, one tennis ball, and one rubber toy. See what your dog likes to play with first, then go back and buy more similar toys. Dogs are just like babies in that respect: they have a favorite toy and tend to ignore the rest. Watch your dog closely with toys at first, especially those that have stuffing in them. Dogs tend to like to tear toys apart and eat the stuffing, which can make them sick.

Food

There are so many food options out there that it can be daunting to make the right choice. Depending on where you're getting your dog, ask your breeder or shelter what food the dog is used to already, and try to get that brand for them. Suddenly switching foods can cause dogs' stomachs to become upset. If you can't ask anyone, get some dry food first. Dry food is usually best for the dog's digestive system. Make sure you buy a good brand, though, because cheaper, off-name brands contain fillers that could make your dog sick.

Cleaning Products

One of the biggest fears people have about bringing home a new dog is what to do if the dog relieves itself on the carpet or fabric couch. That's why you'll find a huge array of cleaning products for your pet at the local pet store. Your best bet is to choose one cleaning product that eliminates stains and odors from carpets and fabric. Be sure to test it out on an unseen corner of fabric first, though, because it might cause discoloration. Also, make sure the bottle says it's safe to use around pets. Another must-have cleaning product is a container that attaches to your dog's leash that holds plastic bags. These bags are used to pick up after your dog when you're out on walks, and are often scented to mask any unwelcome odors as well as treated with antibacterial agents to help prevent the spread of disease.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-do-i-need-to-buy-for-my-new-dog.html

 

Puppy Shots Schedule

Vaccinating your pet puppies is as important as feeding or training them. We have here a list of vaccines that need to be given, along with the schedule. Keeping your pet pooch healthy and disease-free just got easier!

 

 

A mother passes on a significant amount of antibodies to her litter, when she gives birth to them. These antibodies ensure that the puppies are able to combat most diseases, well on their own. But of course, they may not be enough to safeguard your pet's health throughout his/her lifetime. Therefore, it is necessary to speak to a veterinarian, in order to understand the vaccinations that need to be administered, along with the timeline. Even if a single vaccination scheduled is missed, your puppy could be vulnerable to a number of diseases. As a matter of fact, vaccinations are important for pets, so that they are protected from a number of life-threatening ailments.

What Is a Puppy Shot Schedule?
A puppy shot schedule is the layout of the vaccines that need to be administered to your dog, along with the designated time for each vaccine. The schedule serves as a reminder to the pet owner, ensuring that the dog gets vaccinated on time. In case this schedule is disrupted, the owner will have to deal with the possibility of the pet contracting diseases. A dog that's not been vaccinated may be vulnerable to one or more of the following diseases -

• Hepatitis
• Distemper, a viral disease affecting brain, lungs and intestine
• Parainfluenza (Infectious bronchitis)
• Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, affecting the urinary tract
• Rabies, a viral disease which can be fatal
• Corona, an intestinal viral disease
• Parvovirus, an intestinal viral disease
• Kennel Cough (Bordetella), a bacterial infection affecting upper respiratory tract

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/puppy-shots-schedule.html

 

Must-have Products for Your Dog

There are a bunch of products that dogs cannot do without. So, if you are bringing home one, take a look at the following Buzzle article for some pointers.

 

 

 

While choosing a collar for your dog, ensure that you take the size and breed of the dog into account, as a wrong collar will prove harmful to your canine in the long run.

 

Think you can just share your old stuff with your dog and all will be well? Wrong. It is extremely important to make sure your dog gets the best possible accessories that are tailor-made for him. It is only going to make him, and consequently, you happier.

It goes without saying that a pet owner always includes food items and a medicine kit, while considering the essential items for his/her pet. Hence, we have enlisted those items that you might fail to notice. The following is a list of all must-have products that you ought to buy for your adorable canine.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/must-have-products-for-your-dog.html

 

Small Dogs - Puppies for Adoption

Adopting small dog puppies has again come into vogue after a time span of about half a century. Adopting puppies can be a very emotional event, as it is the welcoming of a new member into the family.

It is always said that a dog is man's best friend. Indeed, the dog was among the first animals to be domesticated by mankind. The dogs that are found today are mostly classified into different categories according to the work that they do or their size. Some common types and their sub-category breeds are as follows.

• Companion Dogs: Lap Dogs and Poodles
• Guard Dogs: Bulldogs and Molossers
• Hunting Dogs: Retrievers and Setters
• Parish Dogs: Ferals
• Pastoral Dogs: Collies and Welsh Corgis
• Sledge Dogs: Eskimo dogs and Eurohounds

Out of all these breeds, companion dogs are the smallest in size and are prominently used as pets and companions. These dogs are the best small dogs for adoption. They are preferred as companions by many people due to the fact that they are small in size and also have very attractive coats.

German Spitz

The German Spitz, also known as the Deutscher Spitz, is a breed that originated in Germany. The dogs that belong to this breed are miniature in size when they are born and remain very short throughout their lives. This breed has a flowing and soft fur with abundant hair on the tail. If you are living in tropical, sub-tropical, and monsoon regions, then your Spitz requires a haircut during the summer. This breed also needs a cool space to lie down and relax during the summer. The diet is negligible and the dog does not keep on demanding high-calorie food. It is especially fond of places like gardens, which are a bit cooler than the atmospheric temperature. There are many different categories within the German Spitz breed. These categories are usually classified on the basis of the fur color.

Yorkshire Terrier

Among the small dogs, the Yorkshire terrier is the fluffiest and also the one which needs a good amount of care. This breed originated in England in the 17th century and became extremely popular in the mid 20th century. It is one of the favorite lapdogs of the nobility of Europe, and is a companion to many ladies of the high-class society. It has outstanding intelligence and tends to carry itself very well. According to many dog owners, this breed is an excellent expression reader and always seems to understand the master's emotions. The only drawback is the excessive fur that needs a lot of care and frequent baths.

Papillon

The Papillon is a category of spaniel that originated in Spain, Belgium, and France. One of the most noticed features of this dog is its butterfly-like ears and symmetrical face. The name of this breed is in fact derived from this feature. It is found in a variety of shades and fur colors that range from black and white to lemon and sable. This breed possesses a surprising amount of strength and is rather fierce and aggressive. It has displayed extraordinary strengths in small dog competitions.

One must remember that puppies require a lot of care and love. These dogs are never good guard dogs or hunting dogs, but are certainly very lovable and faithful companions.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/small-dogs-puppies-for-adoption.html

Largest Dog in the World

Ever wondered which is the largest dog till date? Is it Kell or Hercules or Zorba? Read on to find out.

ook at the dogs around you; you can see many types of dogs with respect to its size, color and behavior. We see pet lovers of all types; those interested in owning small dogs, for example, the chihuahua; whereas some are interested in bigger dog breeds like a Great Dane or English Mastiff.

World's Largest Dog

Speaking about the largest pet dog in the world, often we get confused about the criteria that should be taken under consideration. Should we call the tallest dog the largest or is it the heaviest dog that should be regarded the largest? The answer depends on how you decide a dog to be the largest. In the Guinness Book of World Records, there are individual categories for each of them.

In 1989, Zorba, an English Mastiff was recorded to be the largest dog in the world with a record-breaking weight of 343 pounds. Unfortunately, it died at the age of eight years and is no longer included in the Guinness book. If Zorba was alive, there is no wonder that he would have been the largest and longest dog ever recorded till date.

The official largest living dog in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records 2001, is Hercules, an English Mastiff. It weighs 282 pounds and has a 38-inch neck. The owner of Hercules is John Flynn from Peabody, Massachusetts. It was nine year old David DeLauri of Lynn, MA, who actually noticed a large Mastiff who looks like Hercules in the Guinness Book. He then pointed out that Hercules is a record breaker. When Flinn contacted the organization, he found that the previous Mastiff was deceased. Later, it was notified that Hercules won the record of the largest dog in the world.

The world's heaviest dog is Kell, again an English Mastiff, from United Kingdom, who weighs 286 pounds at the age of two. Since, his neck measures 32 inches, Kell was recorded as the heaviest dog, but not the largest dog. During an interview, the proud owner, Tom Scott, stated that Kell needs 100 pounds of beef and gallons of goat's milk every week. Another English Mastiff, Moose, from Vernon , New Jersey was in fact the heaviest dog with a whopping weight of 291 pounds. However, he died shortly, which left Kell as the ultimate winner of the world's heaviest dog.

Now, let's talk about the tallest dog in the world. Well! The world's tallest dog is the seven feet tall - Gibson, Harlequin Great Dane. The proud owner of Gibson is Sandy Hall from Grass Valley, California. Gibson is 42.2 inches when standing on all fours. The previous recorded tallest dog was Harvey, with a height of 41.5 inches. Along with the record of the world's tallest dog, Gibson is also a winner of the tallest Great Dane and the tallest therapy dog.

These are some of the interesting extremes of dog sizes. Even though, every dog is not a world record breaker, he/she holds a special record to the owner. No matter, whether a dog is small or big, he is the most courageous and faithful companion for everyone.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/largest-dog-in-the-world.html

The Origin of the Domesticated Dog

Have you ever wondered where did dogs come from? Know about the animal what scientists believe to be the ancestor of dogs.

There are several theories explaining how the domestication process actually took place. Thus, according to certain studies, wolf puppies that are taken at a very early age away from their parents to be raised and tamed by humans, are easily trained and socialized. There is at least one such study. Nonetheless, some other researchers state that in the case of wolf pups that are 21 years old, it's very hard to achieve any socialization or taming, and these attempts are rarely successful.

Many scientists consider that orphaned wolf cubs were adopted by humans, who took care of them together with their human babies, and thus appeared a new type of wolf-like domesticated animals which, in time, will turn into dogs. According to Dr. Raymond Coppinger of Hampshire College (Massachusetts), those types of wolves that were more interactive towards humans passed these traits to their following generation, and thus creating a kind of wolf that could be more easily domesticated by humans.

Coppinger speaks of a special behavior trait that was essential for the wolf's transformation into dog, and this trait was called "flight distance". It referred to the distance kept by an animal towards a human before running away from what they perceived as danger. In this respect, animals that live at a shorter distance from humans are likely to linger and feed even when these humans are present. Dr. Coppinger says that his argument is that tame or domesticated means being able to eat even in the presence of otherwise perceived as threatening humans. This is precisely what wild wolves cannot do. The side effects of domesticity-purposed selection were the selection of related physical features that were actually genetically caused, plus behavior such as barking.

There is a hypothesis according to which wolves got separated into two kinds of populations: the pack of hunters and village-directed kind of scavengers. The following selection steps were not actually defined, but perhaps there was a certain tension between these two groups. From the archeological viewpoint, there isn't certainty about the earliest known domestication until 7,000 BC. According to other evidence, dogs' domestication began in East Asia. There is a certain difficulty in deciphering the bones' structural differences, and because of that the culturally-based domestic dog identification is quite valuable. The first dog found buried together with a human dates back with about 12,000 years ago, in the country of Palestine.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/the-origin-of-the-domesticated-dog.html

Medium-Sized Dogs

Medium-sized dogs are the best when it comes to pets. They aren't too big nor too small. Here is a list of medium-sized dogs that might help you choose that one pet you've always wanted. Read on...

For most of us today, a family is not complete without a pet. The pet is as good a part of the family as we are. Though there are various reasons why people want to adopt a dog, the main reasons are for company and for guarding. Nowadays, dogs really are petted for more reasons than just for company or because the owners are dog lovers. Some people use dogs to provide night security in factories, farm houses and country side homes. Most of the time, these dogs are wild and are trained to only follow directions of their master. They aren't the best choice for an apartment. Generally medium-sized dogs weigh anywhere between 30 to 60 pounds approximately, and live more than large dogs with an average life expectancy of about 8-9 years.

There are some people who buy an expensive dog, only to complement their social status. On the other hand, some people have various types of dogs and breeds just because they are dog lovers and love to have them around. When we talk about pets, we generally look for dogs that aren't too huge for they won't fit in the house and maintenance becomes a problem. On the flip side, a small dog is usually sensitive, and you can't make it go on long walks nor can you play with it the way you want, thinking you might hurt it. Medium-sized dogs are usually the choice here. They are perfect for almost any kind of homes and have great advantages, the most important that it can provide security. Every year some new breeds of dogs are discovered and enlisted with mix breeds and crossbreeds adding to this number.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/medium-sized-dogs.html

Ways to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Lost

Do you always have a fear of losing your pet pooch? Are you constantly on the lookout for ideas to prevent this catastrophe from happening? Well, if the answers to these questions are in the affirmative, then this article, which features some easy, yet effective ways to prevent your dog from getting lost, will surely be of help to you.

 

It can be very stressful, as a pet owner, to come home and find your beloved canine missing. Even more stressful is when you realize, that not only is your canine missing, but you have no reliable means to find it. To avoid such a disaster, there are certain things and responsibilities that you, as a dog owner, should take up.

Being a responsible dog owner does not only mean feeding the dog and taking it to a vet when sick. There are many other responsibilities, like getting the annual vaccination of the dog done, ensuring the canine gets regular exercise, spending some quality time to strengthen the bond between yourself and your pet dog, and keeping yourself updated with all the laws and regulations regarding your pet.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ways-to-prevent-your-dog-from-getting-lost.html